Birchbox May 2014 Review - Freewheeling

This is the first time that I didn't watch the sneak peak video before receiving my Birchbox, so this month will be a complete surprise. This Birchbox features Kate Spade's new brand, Saturday. I love that Birchbox offers special deals and freebies along with their great samples.

My Birchbox's have been getting better and better, so I hope that it will continue with my May box!

The theme for May is Freewheeling. It is all about not following the rules and just doing things on a whim. May's Birchbox will help you take a playful approach on beauty, fashion, and your planner. Don't write it in pen!

This Birchbox is loaded! Literally packed to the brim. I feel like the longer I am with Birchbox, and the more I rate the samples they send me, the more they know me and what I like!

Caldrea Body Wash

$18.00 - 11.5 oz    

This seriously smells so good, and stays with you long after your shower. I avoid putting on any other scents after using this, because I don't want to mask it. Oh, and it works great as a body wash. Perfect for the days that you want a little luxury in your day. 

Caldrea Body Lotion

$22.00 - 8 oz      

I'm not head over heels about this lotion like I am about the body wash. This smells good, but it wasn't my favorite, and the lotion wasn't as thick as I like. Because it wasn't my favorite, I probably won't be purchasing the full size, but I did enjoy the sample. 

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm - Pixi Pink

$8.00 - 4 oz

Such a great lip color!! I have to have moisture in anything I put on my lips, so this product is perfect for me. Also, this lip color is so cute. It is perfect for spring and for freewheeling with a new, yet cool color. I'm going to get this in every color.

CoTZ Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40

$20.00 - 1.5 oz    

The concept of this SPF is great! This CoTZ sunscreen is light and non greasy, which is perfect for your face, but also acts like a foundation. It's the perfect way to not go all natural without baring it all. This will be coming with me to every pool party this summer. 

Nexxus Color Assure Pre-Wash Primer

$17.99 - 3.3 oz     

I couldn't really see if this pre-wash primer helped lock in my hair color, because it wasn't a very large sample. My color tends not to last very long, so I hope that this does work.

Nexxus Color Assure Vibrancy Retention Shampoo

$11.99 - 13.5 oz    

I'm not a huge fan of this shampoo. I don't like how it didn't really sud up, and I felt like it didn't clean as well as the other shampoo's that I use. Again, the sample wasn't big enough  to see if it worked, but I don't think it is worth it either way. 

Nexxus Color Assure Vibrancy Retention Conditioner

$14.99 - 13.5 oz     

This conditioner smelled great and did leave my hair conditioned, but I feel like I couldn't rinse it completely out of my hair. My hair is normally soft and weightless, and this trio left my hair a little greasy. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with fine or thin hair. 

Greenleaf Candle Co. - First Blush

$17.00 - 9.5 oz      

I am obsessed with candles, so it was exciting to see one as my Lifestyle Extra. This candle literally smells like spring, which is something that many other candle brands can not master. I want to sample all of their candles!

Besides the Nexxus samples, I absolutely love everything in this box! Birchbox seems to get to know me more and more over the months. Also, this box was worth more than I spent at approximately $16.30.

Birchbox costs only $10 a month, but it also allows you to earn points by referring friends and by reviewing the products. If you would like to start your own subscription to Birchbox, just click here.

Barkbox April 2014 Just Right Review + $5 Coupon Code

April's BarkBox has arrived and right in time. My puppy is fresh out of treats, and all of his new toys are in shreds. BarkBox always seems to know when we need a refresh.

This box is the largest I have received yet, so I'm hoping this is a good sign. 

Besides the fun toys, and the wholesome treats, each of the BarkBox's have a fun and different theme. This month's theme is all about getting outside and enjoying nature. Every treat and toy in this box will compliment a fresh city walk, sitting by the fire, or chasing critters.  

Loopies Alien Specter Dog Toy

$12.99

Loopies Alien dog toy is so durable and brightly orange that it can be easily brought on a hike through the woods. Plus, with his tennis ball head and long lets, he can be used as throw or tug toy. Unfortunately, my dog got through this toy pretty quickly, as he does with every toy. 

Riley's Organics Peanut Butter & Molasses Large Bone Treats

$3.50

My puppy goes crazy over these biscuit bone treats. These bring in the taste of nature with molasses and peanut butter. I love how these can be broken up into littler pieces for tricks or kept whole for treat when he's being very good puppy. Plus, these treats are so natural, I can see the ingredients.   

Complete Natural Nutrition Off-Leash Smokey Beef Dog Treats

$5.99

My puppy loves these treats, and so do I. They are small and chewable, so they are the perfect treat to teach you dog a new trick. My dog will do any trick for this smokey beef recipe. Plus, these treats are so small, they can easily be transported out to the park. 

Mr. Barksmith's Cool Treats Carrot Cake Smoothie

$7.99 - 6-pack        $1.33

I'm saving this one for the first hot day of the year. Because I live in the north, this may not happen until June. I have to say, I am excited to try this Cool Treats. You just stick this pack in the freezer, tear pack the peel, and let your dog enjoy a frozen smoothies made with wheat and fruit.

Barkworthies Standard 12" Bully Stick

$6.30

This isn't the first time my puppy got a Barkworhies in his box, and I hope its not the last. These bully sticks are made out of 100% beef, unlike most rawhides, but last just as long. My dog eats most things in no time flat, but this is a treat that he can enjoy.

This assortment isn't my favorite BarkBox yet, but it sure is close. I love how BarkBox offers toys that can't just be found in the store, and both practical and fun treats. Once again I am excited to see what else BarkBox has to offer. 

My dog, on the other hand, loves every BarkBox no matter what. It is so fun to treat your dog with new items in the mail every month, and it feels like a treat for me too. I will definitely be subscribing to BarkBox for a long time. And my puppy always says thank you with licks. 

If you would like to try BarkBox for yourself, just click here. You will also get $5 off your first box with any subscription length. Barkbox costs $29 a month, but it can be as low as $18 a month with a year subscription. Plus, it offers a different box for your different size dogs. That way each box will be specifically curated for your dog. 

Conscious Box March 2014 Review - Regular + Free Box Coupon Code

My Conscious Box has arrived! Conscious Box is a subscription box that contains both full size and sample size items that will help live a more healthy and environmentally conscious lifestyle. I love sampling these items, because I get to try new ways to change before I purchase.

The theme for this box is Good Luck. The themes tend to go with the monthly holiday, and don't really carry through with the items, but there is always a specially curated themed box that you can win additionally every month. I haven't won yet, but I'm guessing the chances are slim. 

Along with the each box is a pamphlet that explains each item, how to use them, and why they chose them. 

Halfpops Aged White Cheddar

$1.46

These Halfpops are so good. They have the perfect amount of crunchy kernel, mixed with the the perfect amount of salty cheese covering. I like how these ingredients are all natural, and this snack really hits the spot. Perfect exchange for your everyday bag of chips. 

Sneakz Organic Chocolate Milkshake

$1.75

I'm not a big fan of chocolate flavoring, nor do I have any kids, so this items was really not for me. When I do have kids, though, I will remember this product and how it hides a serving of real vegetables in a tasty chocolate shake. Perfect for the picky kid. 

Florax DS Diarrhea Relief

$5.08

I have yet to use these, because I have yet to need them, but I will be storing them under the bathroom sink whenever nature calls for them. Plus, I love using medicines that aren't full of chemicals. I am always looking for natural remedies, and these will come in handy.

Via Nature - Hydrating & Sensitive Care Skin Lotion 

$8.99 - Full Size Each      

I've received two other lotion samples of this brand in a previous box, which I didn't really appreciate, but at least they were for different purposes. I am not too excited to receive foil samples, but these do work well. Plus, they are full of antioxidants.

Kramp Krusher

$29.88 - Full Size         

I am a little disappointed that these were delivered smashed  and melted together, but they do work. I ate one right before going on a run, and I felt my muscles breath. No cramping at all. Again, its a natural remedy instead of intaking chemicals. 

Mighty Leaf Tea - Chamomile Citrus, Organic African Nectar, & Organic Mint Melange

$9.95 - Full Size         

I seriously receive tea in every single box, and while I always drink it, I don't really enjoy it in my boxes, because I see it as a filler. I do like that these teas are organic, and the flavors are different than anything I've ever tried before. 

Dr. Hauschka Aufbaumaske Firming Mask

$52.92 - Full Size      

I love this firming mask! Too bad the full size is so expensive. It is made with rose water, mango butter, and jojoba oil. And, it left my skin well balanced and bright.

Pangea Organics Eye Cream

$60.00 - Full Size      

My under eyes are really dark and quite noticeable, so I loved this eye cream in my box. I just wish that it was more than a sample, especially because I didn't notice a big difference after the sample was used up. Also, I love the Pangea Organics brand. It is always all natural and the products always feel luxurious. 

Pangea Organics Lip Balm

$12.00

This is by far my favorite item in the box. This lip balm makes my lips stay moisturized forever, and it smells great. I will be purchasing this once it's gone, but thankfully this full size item is larger than the average chapstick. Plus, it is all natural!

This conscious box was one of my favorites. They do a great job of including a variety of food, beauty, and lifestyle products. Plus, there are a few new discovered items from this box that I will be replacing and incorporating in my new healthy lifestyle.  

If you would like to try conscious box for yourself, just click here. Conscious box comes in two different sizes, sample size for $9.95 or full size for $19.95. This box was worth an estimated $32.04 which is more than what I paid. Use the code FREENOW for your first box free. Just pay shipping and handling. 

Birchbox April 2014 Review - Rainy Days

My April Birchbox is here, and like always, I can't wait to see what they have picked out for me inside. It always comes in a cute outer packaging with the regular box inside. This way the box stays nice and undamaged. 

Like I thought, the box inside is the regular brown box. I've collected quite a few of these, and I've got a craft project in mind for them.

The theme for this month is Rainy Days. It contains all things to keep you busy during those gloomy, rainy days. These samples are perfect for treating yourself and playing with new makeup looks with all the time from the cancelled outdoor plans.  

The box once again is quite full. I love seeing this, especially because the Birchbox samples can be kind of small. Recently, they have been the opposite. Yea!

Sumita Color Intense Pencil

$11.00 - .06 oz     

This eyeliner pencil goes on smooth, and really lasts forever. Besides that, I don't really care for the pencil. I much prefer eyeliners that twist up instead of pencils that I have to sharpen down. I will definitely be using up this sample, though.

Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy Body Wash

$15.00 - 8 oz     

This body wash smells so great and left my skin feeling so soft and smooth. Plus, I love how this item goes along with the luxurious theme. This is the perfect item to use while you are pampering yourself during these long and rainy weekends. 

Fekkai Salon Technician Color Care Shampoo

$25.00 - 8 oz     

I love the smell of this shampoo. It stayed with my hair all day, and I got whiffs of the smell every time I moved. The shampoo itself didn't make my hair feel or look any differently, so I won't be purchasing, but I will be using this sample whenever I want to treat myself. 

KIND Healthy Grain Bars

$11.88 - 15-pack      

I really don't enjoy food in my Birchbox (I want more beauty samples!), but this KIND bar was yummy, and it gave me a surplus of energy. I also like all the natural ingredients. I may be picking up a box at the store for a great snack to throw in the purse. 

Harvey Prince Hello

$55.00 - 50 ml   

I loved, loved, loved this perfume. It is my new favorite scent! It has a nice soft citrusy scent  with touches of floral. Every time I smell it, I think of spring. But instead of using this on a rainy day, I will be using it for a Sunday stroll, a weekend bike ride, or brunch with my girls. 

Along with all of the rainy day items, each Birchbox comes with a Bright Idea For a Rainy Day. I received #33, "Dust off your board game collection. If you're handing solo, there's always solitaire. If you want to see the full list of 52 ideas, just click here. 

This month's Birchbox was great, but it wasn't my favorite. I did love the theme and the some of the samples were my absolute favorite, but it contained a lot of shower products, which aren't as fun to sample. 

I estimate this box to be worth $14.52, which is more than the $10 it cost. If you would like to try Birchbox for yourself just click here. 

Ipsy April 2014 Review - Beauty Rocks

My Ipsy makeup subscription bag is here! Whenever I see this pink pack in my mailbox, I can't wait to open it up and see the theme of the month and what goodies lie inside. 

The theme for this month is Beauty Rocks! I love this makeup bag. How cute is the record player. I am always happy to receive a bag that isn't super girly. Also, I am sure that this bag will be loaded with makeup perfect for music festivals and rock concerts.  

This makeup bag is packed full, and I like what I see! These dark and dramatic colors are just what I expected.

Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm in Acid Pink

$19.00

This is my favorite item in the bag. The nifty packaging holds the cutest tinted lip balm and the brush to put it on. I love the intense yet sweet color, plus it keeps my lips nicely moisturized. It also stays forever, unlike most tinted moisturizing lip color. I will definitely be buying this in every color they offer.

Kiss Looks So Natural Lash in Pretty

$3.99

I've never used fake eyelashes before, so I am excited to try these out. I am going to be waiting for a special occasion before. I have so many weddings this summer, so I will definitely be using them then. I like that these go along with the theme, because big lashes are the perfect accessory for a big concert.

Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil in Black Velvet

$20.00 - Full Size             

This eyeliner goes on so smooth, and makes such a dramatic effect. Plus, it lasted for an entire workday. I will be wearing this to go see Lady GaGa this summer and out dancing with my girls. Plus, this sample size will last forever. 

City Color White Gold & Highlight Mousse

$3.99

I thought this item was a little cheap, but I was surprised at how much I liked it. This little pack appeared to be holding a powder shimmer, but instead it is a mousse, which not only stays longer, but looks better. I'm not a big fan of the white, but because of the theme, I am all about it, and I will definitely be wearing a white eye along with my new black eyeliner to a rock event this summer.

Benefit Lollitint in Candy-Orchard

$30.00 - Full Size                  

This is my least favorite item in this month's makeup bag. I'm not in love with the color, and it doesn't blend well on your cheeks or show up on your lips. Plus, it dried out my lips, which I can not stand. I like the bold look idea, but this was a total miss. 

Overall, I loved this Ipsy makeup bag and mostly all of its contents. The theme was super fun, and it is perfect timing for all of the music festivals and concerts I have planned to attend. Plus, I think Ipsy has found more high quality items than usual, and I always enjoy getting full size items. 

This makeup bag's contents are estimated at $47.69, and that doesn't even include the bag itself. That is way more than the $10 it costs. If you want to try Ipsy for yourself just click here!