I have not received any additional boxes, nor have I gotten any real communication from this company.  I would not recommend this box at this time. 

Ellada Lane is a new subscription box about all things Greek!  I am so excited about this box as I have been a lover Greece for as long as I remember and have been fortunate to spend two summers working and traveling in Greece.

#elladalane

Well it took a little while for this subscription box to arrive but let me tell you that it is well  worth it! I am overseas at the moment and different countries have different customs regulations.  As it turns out Ukraine requires you to pay the customs fee at a bank before the package will leave the entry city.  Guess the customs people over here do not trust that the fee will be paid upon delivery or even mailed to a local location.  Well after figuring that out I was already back in the US...  So when I finally got this box and it had obviously been opened and rifled through and all of the customs paperwork and invoices were removed...  I am assuming that this is not an issue for the boxes arriving in the US.  I get things shipped to the US from overseas a lot and I have never had an issue.  Oh, the joys of living in Eastern Europe...

Hopping Through Life

moving on


Upon opening the box though, I was so happy that everything had arrived intact and undamaged.  As this is the inaugural box the company decided to ship the parcel in a decorative wooden trunk!  It is something new and fantastic that I have not seen in another box.  It is the style of decorative item that you may find at a World Market or Kirklands type shop.  It is very thin wood but perfect as a display piece.  It is currently holding my old seasonal decorations for my home.  It's about 15"x9"x6" in size.

There is a full sized magazine that let me discover more about the locations and details of each of the items.  The magazine also lists fun short articles and secrets about the islands as well as local recipes to try out.  This is the most comprehensive informational I have ever received from a subscription box.  Yes there were some grammatical mistakes, but I am a writing & literature teacher so I immediately hone in on errors, however they are not distracting and most people will never notice them.  I enjoyed reading through this magazine as I uncovered each item.

My first finds were two items from the company Fish & Olive from the island of Naxos.  I have not visited that island so it was fun to see artisans that I have not yet come across.  I received a lovely mortar & pestle set and a citrus reamer.  Both items are carved out of olive wood and are both useful as well as being beautiful for display.  The magazine discusses the items as well as how to care for the wood pieces so that I can make sure to keep these beautiful for a lifetime.

Ellada Lane Krinaki Jewelry

The next packages I received were this beautiful Krinaki bracelet and soft aqua blue silk scarf.  The bracelet is gold over sterling silver and delicate while having nice structure.  I would show it on, but am still puffy from international travel.  I think this will be a summer staple when going out.  The silk scarf is delicate and just simply beautiful.  The type of scarf you take for a wedding wrap or evening outing knowing you will be constantly complimented.  Honestly it is the type of scarf I am drawn to but rarely ever pull the trigger on after seeing the price tag.


In the package I also received a lovely gold swirled bookmark with designs.  I am not sure exactly where it comes from, but I will enjoy it as I love to read actual paper books as well as on my Kindle.

The next set of items came from Atlantis Books.  If you are a traveler you know how difficult it is to find a good English section in a foreign country that is not only the same three popular authors...  Well this bookstore is something special and a must visit for anyone on Santorini.  This tiny bookstore has a wide selection of foreign and rare books in English as well as about a dozen other languages.  It is amazing how much can be crammed into that little store.  There is also a lovely balcony overlooking the caldera that you can read and relax to your hearts content.  The bookstore doesn't carry multiple copies of books and I seriously doubted a subscription box would toss in a 1st edition of Alice in Wonderland so I was curious what would be enclosed.  The box included a couple postcards and a hand drawn map of the island.  Perfect for both memories and ideas.

The last item I pulled from the Ellada Lane box was this heavy lavender honey box.  I mean I got a wooden box with a large jar of The Family Beez organic wildflower honey!  The wooden box is a miniature  example of the honeybee boxes that farmers use to cultivate the honeycombs.  I saw pickup trucks transporting full sized boxes when I was in Crete this fall.  I will probably reuse this cute box for office supply storage.  I love being able to store things in things so I am basically in heaven with this 1st box.
The honey is over a pound of sweet wildflower honey.  The company sells two types of honey and the other is Thyme honey.  I am glad I got this type as I have a good amount of thyme honey from my recent fall travels.

Overall I am very happy with this box.  Each item is unique and useful.  This is not simply a box of souvenirs and trinkets mass produced for the tourists and export.  I hope that the high standards remain for future boxes!  This is the priciest subscription box I have ever purchased, at around $160 bi-monthly, but I love getting lovely home decor and I wanted to treat myself.  Plus they ship Everywhere!

to find out more about this subscription box visit www.elladalane.com or on their facebook page


I have had several interactions with Stavros the 'voice' behind Ellada Lane.  He has been courteous and usually prompt with my answers.  Ellada Lane ships around the world and I did not have to pay any additional fee for shipping to Ukraine.

Ellada Lane

Visit Ellada Lane and find out more!

Target Beauty Box Giveaway! #TuneofJune Giveaway Hop

Winner picks two boxes as prize!

As part of the Hopping to the Tune of June giveaway hop I am giving away not one but TWO Target beauty boxes and you have the chance to win your choice of the following boxes:  

Target Spring Beauty Box 2015 #hoppinglife

BOX A:  Spring Target Beauty Box worth $38 includes a Maybelline lipstick/gloss(really nice and pigmented) Full Size L'Oreal makeup setter spray, Neutrogena HydroBoost sample, Shea Moisture shampoo, and TRESemme hairspray.

Target Beauty Box for Her Summer 2015  #hoppinglife

BOX B:  Summer Target beauty Box worth $40  This box includes a pink shade of Sinful Colors nail polish, Frederic Fekkai solar hair mist, a FULL size Oil of Olay eye defense, Revlon lipstick, & Cutex individually wrapped nail polish remover pads.  

BOX C:  Men's Summer Target Beauty Box worth $20 This box includes a Gillette Fusion razor, Axe hair products, Dove+Man Care shampoo, and a Tongue scraper.

I have had fun receiving these beauty boxes from Target because it is nice to know exactly(with some color variations) what you are getting in your beauty box and you can choose if it is something worth it for you.

I have opened up these boxes just for the giveaway to show you what you can choose as there are some color variations.

Please come back every day for more entries and Good Luck!

Target Beauty Box Giveaway Hopping to the Tune of June Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Hopping to the Tune of June Giveaway Hop, brought to you by The Hopping Bloggers & Up All Night Blogging! Hosted by Mama Smith’s Review Blog & Women And Their Pretties Co-Hosted by Momma Jez Bargain Bin, Reviews by Clo, I Love Family Travel, Dorky's Deals, Chelsea's Mommy Experiencing New Things Loving Life, The Mixing Bowl, & Joyful Gifts by Julie Each blogger participating in this hop has a giveaway with a prize value of at least $15 – and some are much more than that! Be sure to scroll down the whole list and visit them all – there is no limit to how many prizes you can win! Good Luck and Have Fun!

Target Subscription Boxes

Summer 2015 Target beauty Box for Her  #hoppinglife

I have been very happy with the Target boxes that have arrived in my mailbox.  Target has boxes that are a bit different than normal subscription boxes.  They do not have a set subscription and shipping dates and you can not just sign up and continue to receive.  You purchase as they become available.  And, boy do they sell out fast!

Target Nature Box Winter 2014

One of my favorite things about these boxes is that you know what you are going to get when you purchase them.  there are a couple color variations and some specific products may vary from a brand, like a hair mist instead of a dry shampoo by the same brand, but basically what you see in the picture is what you will get.  You dont have to worry about getting a pile of foil packet shampoos and perfumes(not that there is necessarily anything wrong with this) For the most part these products are either big travel sizes or full size products.  The boxes come quickly and you get a card with information about each product.  You even get a $3 coupon to Target to use on cosmetics, hair, or skincare!

The boxes become available quarterly for the Ladies boxes and a couple times for the men's box.  there was even a women's nature box last winter which was amazing!

The cost ranges from $5-10 per box and the value has been pretty great.  These are some of the boxes that I have received in the past.

The best way to find out when they release a new box is to subscribe to the Target Style Facebook page.
The target.com link is Here or you can search Target Beauty Box on their website.

Summer Target Beauty Box for Him 2015 #hoppinglife

Spring Target beauty Box for Her 2015 #hoppinglife

Well thank you for reading and have a great day!

Subscription Boxes & Samplers That You Can Buy on Amazon!

Fun h2O Sample Box

I have really enjoyed gifting and receiving subscription boxes and sampler treat boxes.  They provide instant excitement when they arrive and I have discovered so many new beauty, food, and home items that I would never have tried if not for subscription boxes.  But I always feel a bit apprehensive about starting a new subscription box.  I worry about submitting my credit card info for something that I may or may not enjoy.  I would have the fear that I would forget to cancel a subscription and after the first month or two get charged a large amount and be stuck with it.  I also don't like to have to call to cancel a sub box because of the fear of having to be asked questions of why I want to quit after a promo.  I also may like to give a subscription for 1-3 months to a friend or family member, but I just don't want to go above my gift budget.




Well worry no more.   Once again Amazon.com comes to the rescue!  Amazon sells a selection of beauty subscription boxes as well as nice sample assortment boxes.  I stumbled upon the Sample Society box.  This is the Allure/BeautyBar subscription box.  You can find past boxes as well as some of their super assortments.  I then decided to so some searching and found that there is quite a selection available to order.  From beauty to food to men's boxes.  I even found that there are some short term(a week or two) local sales like the one for BuluBox!  Think Groupon style sales.  I found the best results on the Amazon search bar when I entered the following search terms:  Sample Box, Beauty Box, and Snack Box.

BuluBox

Sample society often has several of past month's boxes as well as some big assortments of 10-18 samples for sale on Amazon.  Great products too!  I purchased two boxes on Amazon and have loved them both!

Well I hope this post has helped and as always thank you for reading and have a great day!  

*This post contains affiliate links where I will receive a small percentage of any sale places from these links.  The links will not change your costs at all.*

PopSugar Must Have Subscription March Review

I have my PopSugar March box here for review.

Overall I am very happy with this month's box.  It is well rounded and has items that I have not received in boxes before so I am happy about that.  I also liked that these items are products that I would not necessarily think to purchase so it has been fun trying out these different treats.  Well I will just get started with the box.

the first thing I pulled out was an oil diffuser set by The Archivist in Cucumber Lemon.  Now I have not used diffusers myself.  I generally go old school with my signature candle scents.  But Mr Man likes to use diffusers.  I guess he has a fear of house fire or something.  Well I pulled the jar and reeds out of the packaging and *wow*  the scent is strong.  Not cloying but it definitely needs to be in a larger area.  The cucumber is much more pronounced than the lemon and I like it for a spring to summer scent.  Very happy with this item.  I did have to take the reeds out after accidentally leaving this bottle in a closed bedroom for an afternoon.  Also the lid can be recapped so you can put the scent on pause if you wish.     greenmarketpurveying.com($20)

Next up is the Micromagic Microdermabrasion tube by Bliss beauty($48) I am happy to see a full size microderm product for my face.  I like Bliss products and have been happy with this pumice scrub.  It has a very mild slightly minty scent.  Not overly gritty and you can massage with as much pressure as you choose.  Of course this is a once a week product and if you think it is too harsh for your face feel free to use it on your body, elbows, and/or feet instead.  

I also got the Wet Brush in a travel size($4.95)  This brush is supposed to be great for brushing out your wet hair because the bristles are super flexible so that it does not pull and snap your hair when it is more delicate.  It an be used wet or dry.  I am still on the fence about this brush.  Yes after a few uses I have gotten used to the super softness of the bristles.  And yes, I know that I should not use a regular brush on my freshly showered super long/bleached hair.  And yes, this brush does the job of detangling.  But I have always used a regular paddle brush and have not had any issues with bad breakage in the last couple years.  Maybe I should try the full sized brush before dismissing this Wet Brush.  I have the Amazon link(affiliate codes) to it at the bottom of this post.  

Also as an added bonus we got 2 samples by Benefit cosmetics.  The Roller Lash Mascara & Porefessional makeup primer.  The mascara is supposed to be curling, but I can guarantee that it will give me panda eyes within 2 hours.  I can only use a couple mascaras.  Maybe I will try it with a sealer.  I am happy to see the primer.  I just need to remember to use this before putting on foundation to help my makeup set and stay.  

The next couple of items fit in with their travel theme(like the travel sized Wet brush).  

There is a fun pad of checklists of What to Pack Pad by Knock Knock($7)  A fun pack(maybe 50 sheets) of a basic checklist of what to pack when going away for a trip so you don't forget any essentials.  I like that this pad is pretty up to date and also has blanks so you can write down your own personalized needs too.  I am pretty awesome at packing so I may gift this to a friend.  

In the vein of travel bags is a Pink Pina Zip Pouch by Samudra($40!)  Insert expletive of choice at that price; I know I did.  This is a fun and useable 12"x 9" zip pouch ideal for travel and can hold all your toiletries or great for tossing in a beach bag so loose items stay together.  But it is a oversized pink zip pouch with pineapples on it.  I think $12 would be a more than generous price for this.  Apparently it is exclusive to this PopSugar box.  Whatevs.

There is was also one more item in the box.  Halfpops in Mesquite BBQ($1.69).  Now Mesquite is not what I generally gravitate towards, but these halfpops were darn tasty.  Think Corn Nuts for hipsters.  

Well I hope you enjoyed this review.  You can subscribe HERE  by entering (affiliate link) and take $5 off your first box by entering the code:  MUSTHAVE5 or simply look at the website at www.musthave.popsugar.com.

FabFitFun Hippity Hoppity Giveaway Hop

#FabFitFunPrize

I'm so excited about this giveaway!  Not just because my blog is called Hopping Through Life for a Hippity Hoppity Hop, or that it is during wonderful warming spring weather. I am excited because I am able to share some of my great treats from my FabFitFun subscription boxes.  Read my review of the box this prize came from here

FabFitFun Giveaway Prize

I have a couple great items that I want to giveaway to a reader.  The first items are a Zumba max workout DVD and a $25 gift card to Zumba.com.  I actually got 2 of these boxes so I have an extra Zumba set to share.  Zumba is super fun and will get your heart rate up.  This DVD workout will work for Zumba converts and those just trying it out for the first time.  I know that the first time I tried Zumba I wished I had access to the style of moves before going.  This DVD will set you up for success!  I am also including a $25 giftcard for the zumba.com shop.  The card includes free shipping, though I have heard that some people have had issues getting that to work, and expires on 6/30/2015.   Total of this Zumbapalloza is $55.




The second prize in the bundle is a set of Your Choice of color sets of yourMinerals eyeshadow duo by Swedish Beauty.  You will get a pot of the white Swedish Winter shade and your choice of Lavender Dream or Brown Hypnotic.  These are loose powder sets and they look great in the pictures I have seen.  I am just not coordinated enough to use loose eyeshadow.  My klutziness is your gain!  A $44 value.

So there you see a $99 prize pack.  I will throw in a couple little extras too.


FabFitFun Hippity Hoppity Giveaway Hop

Thank you for reading and have a great day!



Welcome to the Hippity Hoppity Giveaway Hop, brought to you by The Hopping Bloggers & Up All Night Blogging! Hosted by Mama Smith’s Review Blog & Women And Their Pretties

Co-Hosted by: Melanie Meditates, EasterBabe's Theory, Muscles & Mascara Blog, Cia Says, So Simply Stephanie, Marilyn's Treats, Our Refuge and Strength, & Life of a Southern Mom Each blogger participating in this hop has a giveaway with a prize value of at least $15 – and some are much more than that! Be sure to scroll down the whole list and visit them all – there is no limit to how many prizes you can win! There will also be a twitter party on April 14th to go along with this hop with even more chances to win. RSVP for that by clicking here. Good Luck and Have Fun! DISCLOSURE: Mama Smith’s Review Blog and Women and Their Pretties are not responsible for any of the prize fulfillment. Each blogger is responsible for providing their sponsor with their winner’s contact information.

FabFitFun Spring 2015 Review

Have you entered my FabFitFun giveaway in the Hippity Hoppity Giveaway Hop?

 ENTER HERE!

I'm back with a new FabFitFun box.  This is the spring box that I just got this week.  FabFitFun is a subscription box that is filled with full sized products around the theme of Fab(beauty), Fit(fitness), and Fun(home & treats).  These boxes ship seasonally and are $49.99 each quarter.  I have the links and a coupon code at the bottom of this review.  The total of the box is at least $200 and seems to be usually over $300!  Crazy amount of value so even if you don't like some of the products you should find things that are of value and useful.

Let's start with the Fab beauty products:

Derma Collagen Booster & Restoration Serum by Palmetto($48):  This serum is supposed to increase collagen in your skin and slow down the aging process.  This has a light scent.  I have not tried it as I have already a few serums I am working through.  But I am looking forward to using this one as well.  Even if you are younger, you should be taking care of your skin with moisturizers and serums.  Old you will thank current you later.  

Nail BB Cream & nail polish by ORLY($15 & $8.50):  I have not seen a BB cream for nails before.  I immediately put it on.  This is supposed to smooth, moisturize, and brighten.  I am happy as I can grow nails like nobody's business, but as soon as I put on nail polish they get dry and can split.  I hope that this BB cream can help me out.  The polish is in 'Cake Pop'  a bit light for me.  I will probably trade this away but I do like ORLY colors in general.  

Eyeshadow brush duo by OFRA($45.90)  These 2 brushes are very nice.  The larger one I will use for concealer as it is firmer like my foundation brush.  The smaller brush I am using for shadows.  These professional brushes are 

Onto the Fit products

3 DVD set of Intense Body Blast by Merrithew($36):  These DVDs Give you workouts in STOTT Pilates using HIIT( High Intensity Interval Training).  These DVDs offer full mat workouts.  I'm happy to have these in my library.  

Merrithew giftcard($25):  This giftcard can be used at merrithew.com for their products.  Keep in mind most of the stuff is pricier, but if you are in the market for new equipment then this card will help.  

And now finishing out with the Fun!

Light scarf by Jules Smith($42):  I received the watercolor print.  I was not sure about this until I saw it in person.  It is a bit smaller and thinner than most scarves around these days.  I am happy when I saw it up close.  I like that this scarf will be able to pair with a lot of my casual clothing and the colors are less 80's dated in person.  I am happy and can even use this as an accessory scarf with my hair or with a bag.

World Cities Coasters set by the Rifle Paper Co.($16):  Yeah!  I have been looking for a set of coasters for Mr Man.  These are paperboard, which I actually like.  They are absorbent and will not harm my glasses or table.  Exactly what I want a coaster to do.  Some may not like that the coasters are not long lasting, but if you want, you can ModgePoge them to keep them longer.  But you will lose the absorbancy.  Until I find the perfect coasters for him; these are fantastic.  

Basil Seed Pod by Miracle grow($1.49):  This is why I love FabFitFun.  The variety of boxed items.  Perfect for spring and you can download an app to try to keep it alive.

Metallic Flash Tattoos by Yasi($36!):   Yes, the tattoos are nice, but there is NO WAY they are more than $7 for one sheet of tattoos.  I seem to be saturated in flash tattoos and have been looking at non-skin  ways to use these up.  

But wait, there's more!

Carmel Puffed Corn snacks by Cosmos Creations.  I remember eating them & liking them.  Also a couple gift cards.  Vow to be Chic $125 card for dress rental.  this is a bridesmaid rental website where you have to rent one and basically get one free.  Good if you have a wedding coming up or a weekend where you need a couple dresses.  Also a $40 off a subscription to HelloFresh meal/menu packages.  

So a total of over $250 again without the giftcards(and the tattoos).  Pretty great in my eyes.  You can order a subscription here:   http://vip.fff.me/b392v  (affiliate code, I get credit)and use cupon code:  NEW5 for $5 off your first box.  Or you can just go to www.fabfitfun.com and find out more yourself.  

Thank you for reading and have a great day!  

FabFitFun Winter 2014 Review

Have you entered my FabFitFun giveaway in the Hippity Hoppity Giveaway Hop?

  ENTER HERE!

FabFitFun

I have a newish(to me) Subscription box that I want to show you all about.  This box is FabFitFun and it is a box that likes to bring you goodies that are not just Fab(beauty), but also Fit(fitness) & Fun(home & treats)!  It seems to me to try to have a bigger item that focuses on fitness of some sort.  I started with the Winter 2014 box that I received during the holidays.  The box is sent out seasonally and cost $49.99 each quarter.  They send out at least $200 in products plus several gift card/coupons/trials to put that total usually over 300.  I like that this box is always packed with different items so even if you think one or two items are not to your liking you still can find a lot of fun and value from the rest of the stuff.                     

FabFitFun Winter 2014

Lets just start with the Fab: 

Tibetan Goji Berry Anti Aging Eye Gel by Passport to Beauty($88):   This eye gel is light and works great for AM & PM use.  I like that it has no real scent and it absorbs quickly.  Mr Man took it and loves it.  He told me he is almost out and wants more.  

Green Apple Peel by Juice Beauty($39):  A nice facial peel for sensitive skin.  It is a lot looser than I expected.  This goes on easily and smooth and there is very little tingle.  It is also easy to rinse off which I can't say for most facial peels.  

Hand Cream with Evening Primrose by Lather($18)  This has also been taken by Mr Man.  He loves this hand creme.  He has pretty severe eczema on his fingers and this cream is heavy, but it absorbs well and is not at all greasy.  A full jar should last him a few months and I am willing to replace this one. Oh, and almost no scent.

Eyeshadow Duo by yourMinerals($44)  A pair of eyeshadow powder pots.  These are lovely colors but I am just not coordinated so I will be giving a set of these away.  

Moving onto the Fit:   ZUMBA!

Zumba Max DVD($30):  A full 60 minute workout for Zumba followers and newbies alike.  This is a great way to learn the moves in the comfort of your home.  

Zumba giftcard($25):  A giftcard to get you looking as great as you feel while working out at zumba.com.  This giftcard also comes with free shipping so you don't get shorted there.  

Onto the fun:  So Much Fun

Half United Necklace towards Fighting Hunger($34) This necklace gives off a look similar to dogtags.  There is a medallion with 'Half United Fighting Hunger' stamped on it along with a charm made of stacked shell casings.  I like that it is long and very casual.  I realize that not everyone is comfortable wearing bullet casings as jewelry, but for every piece of jewelry there is money donated that provides 7 meals to the hungry.  I can get behind that.  

COCO Body Candle by Daniel Stone($30)  I received the Pomegranate scented candle.  These are soy wax candles and burn very clean.  A lovely light scent.  You can also use the melted wax as hand cream.  Pretty cool.  

But wait, there's more!

Included are also some little sponsored treats in the box.  A sample of Justin's Almond Butter, An Organic Valley vanilla shake, and a Special K bar.

A gift subscription to saltedtv.com for 3 months of access to gourmet chefs' videos & a $30 giftcard to Fashion Project.  Fashion Project is a clothing & accessory second hand shop where higher end brands can be purchased and a portion of each sale goes to a specific charity.  I used my giftcard and got a clutch purse by Monsac.  excited for it to arrive in a  couple days.

Well thank you for reading till the end.  The total of non-giftcards is over $275!  I like how well rounded this box was.  You can subscribe for yourself at  http://vip.fff.me/b392v (contains affiliate code or www.fabfitfun.com without) take off $5 off of your first box with the code:  NEW5

PopSugar Must Have February Review

I received my February PopSugar Must Have box and really enjoyed opening and investigating my box.  The February sweet love theme was prevalent throughout.  This was definitely a feminine box that had things to appeal to all age groups.  PopSugar is a monthly subscription box that has products for beauty, skin care, home, sometimes fitness, and always a tasty treat.

Going through the box I really had fun getting into the theme of sweet sweet love.

• The first item I pulled out was packaged in a box and bubble wrap, it was the US Apothecary Rose Water Bubble Bath($30).  The bottle is very feminine and soft with a nice light rosewater scent.  For me it is more of a gifting item or a decorating in the guest bathroom type of item.  A nice product but I would rather not use it or else it loses a lot of its visual appeal as a decor item.  I could always use it and then refull the bottle  But that just won't happen.  Perfect housewarming or welcoming gift for a more errr  mature female.  
• The second item I got was a super cute Bamboo Heart Cutting Board & Cheese Knife by ACME Party Box Co.($32)  The cutting board comes in a burlap sack for, again, gifting.  I really like this cute cheese board.  Not really a cutting board due to the size but great to bring along for picnics.  I think the price is a bit high for a bamboo board but it is nice.
•   The food item this month was a Ravishing Rocky Road chocolate bar by Chuao($6).  The main thing you may notice is that there is no photo of my bar.  Well...it just did not make it that long.  Now I was not blown away by this chocolate bar.  The salted caramelized almonds were nice, and the marshmallows were moist.  But the flavor didn't blow me away.  I would have prefered the almonds to be halved so as not to have to have a lot of voids in the bar.  I doubt if I will purchase another bar.  But that did not keep me from eating it in two sittings.  Two sittings for a chocolate bar; that's self-control, right?  
• There was a petite Mini Arrow Pendant Necklace by BaubleBar($32).  My color is the silver one.  It is a lovely tiny arrow with sparkle accents on a dainty chain.  I like that it is not something that I would normally wear but with a cute top I can wear this with everyday clothes or a bit dressy.  

• The next item I got I am really happy with.  It is the Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush($26).  My color is True Love.  It is definitely a long wear blush.  Oh, and it can go on Strong!  I made a bit of a mistake and put it on with the same heavy hand that I do with my normal blush.  Oops.  Well the second time around I was able to get a lovely color on my cheeks that keeps the color and is able to blend.  I also make sure to set my foundation before putting on this blush. 
• My lip item was the 100% Natural Balm by Bigs & Rouge in Lemon Berry($8).  I like that this balm is soft and not sticky.   I put some on and then took a nap.  I have a bit of a cold so my nose has been stuffy.  Well when I woke up my lips were not dry and tight like normally when I have a cold.  That seals it as a plus for me.  This balm does have a pink tint so you probably want to make sure you don't slather it all over.  It does have a fairly loose lid so I will not keep this one in my purse once it heats up.  
• The last think in my pretty pink PopSugar box was a Sally Beauty FingerPaints Nail Color in Brushstroke Blush($5.50).  A soft non-sparkly pink.  I thought the color looked perfect with two coats were able to last as much as any of my other good polishes.  

Well I hope you enjoyed this review.  You can subscribe HERE  by entering (affiliate link) and take $5 off your first box by entering the code:  MUSTHAVE5 or simply look at the website at www.musthave.popsugar.com.

PopSugar Luck of the Irish Giveaway!

Hi I have been having so much fun with subscription boxes lately that I have gone a little overboard and now have more fun than I can handle.  So I am doing a giveaway of some of my booty!  I am giving away a prize pack of a couple of items from the last few PopSugar Must Have monthly boxes.

The first item is from December and is the Sparkle Pop Sydney gold plated necklace.  I loved this box so much I got it twice!  Okay, maybe I got the second as a gift with another purchase.  But still this is a necklace that I have gotten nothing but compliments.  Read my review here.

The second item in my giveaway is the Jack + Lucy Pom Pom Hat!  A super soft grey color with a faux rabbit fur pom-pom.  No bunnies were harmed in the making of this hat! Super cute and can be worn slouchy or folded.  Read more about this hat here.

The last PopSugar Must Have item is the Fingerpaints Nail Color by Sally Beauty.  I actually have been using this nail polish and will get the winner a new one.  I like how soft the color looks but is still long lasting.  Read more about this great polish here.

I will also throw in some fun little extras but the three gifts total more than $79!

Luck of the Irish PopSugar Gifts Giveaway

Add caption

Welcome to the Luck of the Irish Giveaway Hop, brought to you by The Hopping Bloggers & Up All Night Blogging!

Hosted by Mama Smith’s Review Blog & Women And Their Pretties

Co-Hosted by

DownshiftingPRO, Melanie Meditates, Feeling Fit, Bit by Bit, Enza's Bargains, Golden State Mom , Deb Knows Best, Barbie's Beauty Bits, & Ninas Bargain Beauty

Each blogger participating in this hop has a giveaway with a prize value of at least $15 – and some are much more than that! Be sure to scroll down the whole list and visit them all – there is no limit to how many prizes you can win! Good Luck and Have Fun!   DISCLOSURE: Mama Smith’s Review Blog and Women and Their Pretties are not responsible for any of the prize fulfillment. Each blogger is responsible for providing their sponsor with their winner’s contact information.
#LuckoftheIrish

PopSugar Must Have January 2015 Review

I received my second PopSugar Must have Box and I am still happy with this subscription.  PopSugar has items for beauty, skin care, beauty, sometimes fitness, and always some sort of tasty treat.  The January box was well in the full theme of winter.  I like when a whole box seems joined together and flows so you can envision using all  the items in a month.

• The first item I looked at is a full tub of Ultra Repair Cream by First Aid Beauty($28).  I am amazed by how moisturizing and repairing this cream is.  I see that it can be used for the face as well as everywhere else.  I have been using this cream on my hands and elbows.  the cream is non-greasy and long lasting.  I like that I have (with other treatments) seen a reduction in cracked cuticles; a problem I have in cold dry weather.
• The next item is the Keep Cup($26).  Basically a travel cup but nothing like a travel cup!  This reusable cup was designed by baristas in Australia and they really took the time to create something that is really functional while fashionable.  The cup is tempered glass and 12 oz.  A removable rubber cuff that is pretty tightly on.  An awesome lid that is tight fitting with a great ergonomic drinking spout.  The more I read and use this cup the more I love it.  It is slosh proof and fits in car holders.  The Keep Cup has markers for 8 oz. and the full 12oz so baristas can make drinks accordingly.  This is a new staple for on the go.
• My next item is the eye gel pads by ToGoSpa($12.50).  I love eye gel pads!  I have used eye pads for years and like the cooling/soothing feeling on my delicate under eye area.  This comes with 3 pairs.  A great addition for cold dry weather.  I like to keep mine in the fridge so I get additional cooling effects.  I found these pads to be pretty slippery so it is better recline on your back to keep these from sliding down your face.  Just read, light a candle, and let it go.  Also the foil was a real pain to peel back so open the package before you do anything that would make your hands a bit slick, like using hand cream.
• Okay you have pampered yourself so now you need to calm by heating up with some hot yoga of a good workout.  The sQua Hand Towel by Manduka($16) is there to help you keep your poses from slipping due to sweaty hands.  A real problem for me.  I like this for vinyasa yoga so I can keep my hands in place.  
• It's cold out so you had better cover your head when going outside.  the Pom Pom hat by Jack + Lucy is just what you need.  It is soft and slouchy with a imitation fur pom pom.  I have a ton of hats after living close to North Korea for 3 winters so I will probably put this in a giveaway.  be on the lookout! 
• So now you are feeling great and these Skin Jewel Tattoos($18) will let you think about the warm weather that is right around the corner.  You get two sheets of fun designs of metallic temporary tattoos.  These temporary tattoos are perfect for a little highlight at the beach or music festival. 
• Finally you have the chance to refuel with a full bag of Nature Valley Protein Granola($3.68).  This tasty Peanut butter & dark chocolate is great for snacking and you get 10 grams of protein in every serving.  Enough to really feel like the nutrition is there.  Plus it is super tasty.  

Well I hope you enjoyed this review.  You can subscribe HERE  by entering (affiliate link) and take $5 off your first box by entering the code:  MUSTHAVE5 or simply look at the website at www.musthave.popsugar.com.

#Giveaway

 I will most likely purchase the Ultra repair cream again and probably a Keep Cup for Mr. Man.  

Thank you for reading and have a great day!