Try the World Review - Paris Box

My Try the World Paris box arrived, and even though I saw exactly what is included in the box from the website, I cannot wait to have a Parisian breakfast while watching a French film on a lazy Sunday. Try the World is a subscription box that sends out food and culture from a different city every two months for $45 per box.

The box itself is very sturdy and cute. I will definitely be able to reuse this for something else once I use up all the items. 

My first impression after opening the box was alright. I was happy to see all the food items, but I was hoping more from the recommendations for culture and restaurants in France, and I was hoping the playlist would contain a CD of music, rather than just a list of songs I can find at their website. Possibly something to use after the food is gone. 

In each box, you receive a postcard, which is already stamped, a list of movies, restaurants to check out while you are there, a list of music, a list of places to visit while you are traveling, and cards describing each food item. An extra item was a card with a printed poem.

First out of the box were a set of hot chocolate powder packets by Les Confitures a L'ancienne. This hot chocolate won NASFT Outstanding Beverage Award in 2002, so I am sure it will be delicious. This drink contains undertones of fruitiness and vanilla bourbon. I can't wait to use them up, and this cold winter is perfect for the occasion. 

Secondly, the box contains two Chabert & Fuillot nougats. This company was founded in 1848 and the taste has definitely been refined through time. These are perfect for a snack to take with you on a trip, or to eat while taking a break at work.

The Clement Faugier chestnut spread is a more artisan Nutella, and definitely more delicious. The spread works perfectly on yogurt, toast, croissant, or brioche. I will be savoring this for a long time. 

Unfortunately, I received two of the same jams instead of one of each. On the plus side, I don't care much for blueberry flavors, but I'm sure it would have been delicious. These Alain Milliat jams were created from the finest fresh fruit.

This Le Saunier De Camargue Fleur de Sel (Flower of Salt) is a canister full of the most artisanal unrefined finishing salt. I plan on savoring this highly prized salt by sprinkling it on lightly flavored vegetables, meat, or chocolate. I am sure this container will last me a long time. 

This five pack of teas by Palais Des Thes are again both refined and artisan. With five different flavors, this pack gives enough examples to find your new favorite tea. I will definitely enjoy these teas with some toast covered in either the jams or the chestnut spread. 

Last but not least, this cute container full of salted caramels by Madame Goudig are by far my favorite. Each of these caramels are easy to savor because of their meltable creaminess and salty yet sweet flavors. Plus the container can be reused as a memory from your Paris box.

Overall, I am happy with my Try the World Paris box. It is a little pricy for quantity of items, but the quality is definitely there. Plus, each box allows you to take a mini vacation without the price of a plane ticket and hotel. The fact that they are delivered every other month definitely helps out with the splurge of $45 per box. I cannot wait for my Tokyo box to arrive in two months. 

If you want to try a Try the World subscription of your own, just use this link www.trytheworld.com. 

Birchbox February 2014 Review - Step and Repeat

My February Birchbox just arrived, and I couldn't be more excited. Birchbox is a monthly beauty box delivered to your home filled with beauty samples that fit your profile. 

This month's Birchbox has the theme Step and Repeat. It is perfect for award season, which includes the Oscars, which is right around the corner.

Also, this month, Birchbox teamed up with US Weekly. If you started your subscription this month, you also received a free 3-month subscription to US Weekly. If you missed out, don't worry. Birchbox is often giving away freebies with new subscriptions, including magazine subscriptions.

Even though the outside box was cutely decorated, the inside Birchbox stayed straight to form. 

After opening the Birchbox, the theme was reveled. I am a complete movie buff, and love award shows, so this box was right up my alley. 

Once opened, I see that my Birchbox is completely full. I prefer the full size items, even though there're usually not many per box, but this was a good sign.

Once going through the items, I sorted them out so they are easier to see.

First up is a hair accessory, The Half-Up, by Sarah Potempa. I was happy to see this, as I've considered buying one in the past. It is mainly for putting only half of your hair in a bun, but because my hair is so thin, I will definitely be able to use it to put all my hair in a bun. I like how it goes with the theme for an up do for a dressy night out, but you can also use it for every day use. The Half-Up goes for $9 and can be purchased at Birchbox at this linkwww.birchbox.com/shop/sarah-potempa-half-up. It also comes in Black and Brunette.

Second item in my Birchbox was a set of teas. This was the Lifestyle Extra, which comes in every box. I thought both of the teas were delicious, but I would rather have another beauty item. Even though, it was a nice addition. You can purchase a pack of twenty of either flavor and many other flavors to choose from at www.birchbox.com/shop/harney-sons-wrapped-tea-sachets for $9.60.

Next up is a small sample of OPI Sheer Tints in I Can Teal You Like Me. I was a little disappointed with this item because nail-polish was one item I didn't check off as an item I'd like in my beauty profile. I rarely use nail-polish, and blue isn't my favorite shade. Even though, I did put it on, and I like the shine. Also, I am a big fan of the OPI brand. You can purchase the full size nail polish at www.birchbox.com/shop/opi-sheer-tints-color-tinted-top-coat for $9.

This perfume sample by Joan Vass is named L'eau de Opale. It is a floral and musky scent with notes of orange and cinnamon. It is perfect for the winter months. I really like this scent and will definitely use up the sample. I like how the sample is a spray and not just a bottle you rub or tab. The full size item is $75 and can be purchased at this link
www.birchbox.com/shop/joan-vass-1-7-oz-l-eau-de-opale.

Lastly, my Birchbox contained a sample sized bath milk by Mox Botanicals. This bath milk made my skin feel silky smooth. The only downside, it didn't have a scent. Even though, I love the ingrediants and will definitely have to purchase some more. There are also a few different ingredient mixtures to choose from. You can purchase your own 2-pack for $12.00 at www.birchbox.com/shop/mox-botanicals-bath-milk.

I really enjoyed my Birchbox this month. I love the theme, and I found some items that I really like and may continue to purchase. I estimated the total of my box to be around $19.71 which is almost double what I paid. Plus, I received a free 3-month subscription to US Weekly.

If you would like to purchase your own Birchbox subscription, just use this link https://www.birchbox.com/invite/47w74.

Barkbox February 2014 (Just Right) Review + $5 Coupon

The February Barkbox arrived, and I am just as excited to see that is has arrived as my Welsh Terrior, Wesley. This is our first Bark Box, and I couldn't find any spoilers online, so I am completely in the dark. 

The Barkbox's contents are in the same box as it is shipped, which is nice to see that they save on material. 

The packaging is really cute. It was fun to read all the little cartoons.

The box has a Valentines theme, with everything we need for a Doggie Date Night. I'm happy with how full the box was, and everything fit perfectly with with the theme of love and spending time together.    

First item from the box is a Stoggie dog toy. I love this toy. Not only is it super cute, but it is a nice quality. It is great for throwing and retrieving, or something for your pup to just chew on. I especially like it when my dog carries it around in his mouth like his is actually smoking it. You can get your own at loopiestoys.com for $8.98. When this one gets torn up, I will definitely have to get him another.

Next up is a large bag of dog treat biscuits. These are from Superior Farms, which focuses on healthy snacks for your dog. The main ingredient for these heart-shaped treats is Lamb, and my dog loves them. They also have a helpful training tip on the back of the bag, that we have been working on with every treat. You can purchase your own bag at superiorfarmspet.com for $9.99.

These Cheese Please treats are perfect for movie night. While they look like popcorn, they are actually completely made out of cheese. Also, they are safe for humans to eat. I am going to pass on that, though. As a smaller treat, they are ideal for training. Also, you can crumble them up in your dog's bowl and spice up his regular food. These treats can be found at www.completenaturalnutrition.com for 5.99.

Barkworthies bully sticks are one of my dog's favorites. He always has to roll around on it, and savor it when I give him one. You can get them at barkworthies.com at $3.99 for one. They also are available in larger amounts. 

One of my favorite items in the box are Your Dog's Diner Mutt Meatballs. This ingredient pack is for mixing with lean ground beef to make a batch of meatballs for your dog's pleasure. These are also completely organic. I have yet to make them, but I know my dog will love me for them. There are a few different packs for different meals at yourdogsdiner.com. The Mutt Meatballs pack costs $7.99. 

I am really happy with my first Barkbox, and my dog would say the same thing if he could talk. The bark box is $19 each for 16 months, $24 for 3 months, and $29 for 1 month. The total worth of contents in this month's Barkbox is $36.94, which is almost double what I paid! Also, 10% of each box's proceeds go to dogs in need. 

If you want one of your own, use my link https://barkbox.com/r/W1DC6MZ1SG to receive $5 off your first box with any subscription length. 

Also, if you are feeling generous, you can donate a box to a shelter pup in need. It is such a nice way to give a little love to an abandoned dog. Just use this link https://www.barkbox.com/a-good-cause.