Hatchery June 2014 Subscription Box

Hatchery "delivers small-batch artisan ingredients and condiments to your doorstep every month." This is my second Hatchery box..as with the first box ,the packaging and presentation were wonderful.  Even the tasting guide is beautiful, including a short story about the founders of each company and recipe suggestions.  Such great thought and care is taken into preparing this box to be sent out. Boxes are $20 a month, but they do run promotions all the time to try your first box for $10.  I actually won this month's box in an online giveaway!  (Thank you "The Simple Moms"!)

This is what I received in my June box:

 EMPIRE MAYONNAISE (Brooklyn, NY)- White Truffle Mayonnaise ..I love anything truffle! It was the first thing I opened, had to dip my finger for a quick taste! LOL.. Very good and going to use some tonight on my homemade tuna patties

SAUCY SISTER (Vista, CA)- Virgin Vanilla Bean Salted Caramel Sauce ...I love that one of the recipe suggestions is for "adult milkshakes"..LOL.. I already know that Barry will be trying this on some ice cream ASAP.. will save same to use on a homemade apple pie for the 4th of July.

BILL'S BEST BBQ (Glenside, PA) - Original BBQ Sauce..Recipe suggestion is for "BBQ Peel N Eat Shrimp" ... which gives me the idea to use it on the shrimp kabobs I am making also for the 4th of July

DIANE'S SWEET HEAT (McKinleyville, CA)-  Mango Habanero Jam... Cannot wait to try this..thinking I will use it on a sandwich, like maybe on a Gruyere grilled cheese! Mmmm

ARETTE (Sunnyvale,CA) - Tea Seed Oil ..Thinking this would be great in some sort of a stir fry ..as also suggested as a recipe idea.

WHOLE SPICE (Napa Valley, CA)- Paella Spice Mix..I immediately smelled this when I opened the box..the smoked paprika is such a wonderful scent. I have never made Paella before, might be the perfect time to try.  I also really  like their recipe suggestion of a "Spanish Frittata with Asparagus and Manchego"..

Overall review of this box:  What's not to LOVE?!..This is a foodies dream box! New companies & brands to try & new recipes to experiment with. I love everything about it!!..

. :)

Graze June 2014 Subscription Box (Box 2)

The Graze subscription box is a portion controlled snack box. You receive 4 snacks in each box for a price of $6 (including shipping!). You can choose to receive the boxes anywhere from once a month to every week ($6 per box). You can cancel at anytime. You can use a fellow Graze members referral code and receive your 1st and 5th box FREE. This was my 2nd box for the month of June. You can go through the Graze snack list and read each description and "trash" the ones you are not interested in trying.  I try to keep all my snacks in the 150 and below calorie range and also watch the sugar grams. If you would like to try a FREE box please feel free to use my referral code/link: https://www.graze.com/us/p/BARRYF3NU   

This is what I received in this box: 

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE -  (Sponge drops, strawberry drops, pistachios & yogurt strawberries) 150 calories, 18g sugar ...this one will go to Barry..I should have "trashed" this one but must have overlooked it. Not anything that appeals to me, and way too much sugar...hopefully he likes it..LOL

HERBY BREAD BASKET - (Basil baguettes, garlic crostini, and oregano rice crackers) 100 calories, 1g sugar ..DELICIOUS! ..Nice mix of flavors and great crunch..

BONNIE WEE OATBAKES - (Wholegrain oatbakes with carmelized onion marmalade) 110 calories, less than 5g sugar... this one intrigues me the most...might add a couple feta crumbles with it for a snack..Can't wait to try it!

JALAPENO FIESTA - (Jalapeno peanuts, salsa almonds, and roasted seeds) 210 calories, 2g sugar ...Oops just a little over my 150 calorie limit... will add some extra crunches, sit ups and maybe a couple burpees to balance it out!  *girl math* ;) 
 
Overall review of this box. Another great box from Graze.  I really like the look of it and the mix of flavors. I prefer my boxes to all be savory..Strawberry Shortcake was my mistake. 

Love With Food June 2014 Subscription Box

What is great about Love with Food is that they will match each box sold and donate a box. One box donated for their small box.. Two boxes donated for their deluxe boxes. I have the smaller box. I love that all of the snacks are within my 100-150 calorie range that I like to be at for my midday snacks. Boxes start at $12 a month but there is almost always a discount going on..Current discount is getting your first box FREE only charge is $2.00 for shipping! Please feel free to use my referral link to take advantage of this wonderful deal...(if for some reason you do not like the box you are under no obligation to keep the subscription and can cancel at anytime).. My personal Love with Food referral link:  http://lovewithfood.com/invite?m=r&ref=GNQ

Included in this box:

YUM EARTH ORGANICS -  Fruit Snack (Pineapple, Raspberry, Mango)... Barry enjoys the gummy style treats more than I do..so these will go right into his lunch bag

SNIKIDDY - Baked Fries (cheddar cheese)...at 130 calories it fit perfectly into my 150 calorie midday snack range... they were good..nice crunch and cheesy flavor

TREE HUGGER GUM - Gum ball ...again something for Barry as I don't chew gum...I'm sure he will enjoy it

THE COOKIE DEPARTMENT - Snap Back (ginger detox cookie)..this one looks intriguing with ginger, blackstrap molasses & cayenne in the ingredient list!

G.H CRETORS - Chicago Mix popped corn (caramel corn & cheddar cheese corn mixed together) .. great mix of salt & sweet..will enjoy this one night with Barry watching a movie

STONERIDGE ORCHARDS- Montmorency Cherries (whole dried tart cherries).. I have seed nut loaf I am going to bake that I think these will be perfect in!

JOLLY OAK - Good for you Granola (almond butter & jelly sandwich).. this was the first thing I tried... had a taste from the package and also mixed some into my yogurt... really liked it.. nice crunch and not overly sweet..

DULCETTO-  Chocolate cookies (pillow shaped cookies with a rich chocolate filling) package is 100 calories, 8g sugar.. so fits nicely into my snack guidelines.. although I do think I may end up sharing them with Barry...LOL

Overall review of this box:  As I say with every Love with Food box..I love that I have never heard of any of these brands before!... and that is what is great about Love with Food getting to discover new companies and flavors. and of course the fact that they make such a big commitment to donating boxes to charity....This was a great box with a nice mix of snacks for me, for Barry and for the two of us to share.. :)

Beauty Box 5 June 2014 Subscription Box

Beauty Box 5 is a monthly beauty subscription box, sending out sample sized beauty products. Boxes are $12 a month (including shipping). Last month I took advantage of a promotion to try a box for free, loved it so much I kept the subscription! They still offer your 1st box FREE with the promo code: FREE614 ...You are under no obligation, and can cancel at any time. What I received in this months box:

NICKA K NEW YORK - (nail color-Lavender) ...loving this color..never heard of the Nicka K brand before

ORGANIX - (Coconut water shampoo & conditioner) ...promises to give hair a silky,healthy shine..anxious to try them

GLAM NATURAL - (Mascara-black)... I don't use a lot of mascara so this will probably end up in the "give away" pile

ESLOR - (Introductory Collection Calming Kit:Soothing Refiner & Cleanser, Replenishing Scrub, Comforting Mask, Soothing Cream)...again not a bran I am familiar with... will have fun having a home spa day and trying out the products.. LOL

VITA BATH - (Body wash- Dreamy Pink Frosting)... not sure I want to smell like a cupcake all day..LOL  ..mostly because then it will make me crave cupcakes more than anything! ;)

Overall review of the box: another great box from BB5! So glad I kept the subscription. Love trying the new brands. Again to try your first box FREE use the promo
code FREE614

Birchbox June 2014 Subscription Box

Birchbox features sample sizes of different hair, beauty, makeup & fragrance products.. They have boxes for both women & men.. Boxes are $10 a month, including shipping.. In this month's box I received: 


COOLA - (Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face)...can always use the extra sun protection in the summer months..

GILCHRIST & SOAMES- (London collection body lotion)...I like the nice mild smell..and that it didn't feel oily at all...liking it a lot

JOIE - (Folle de Joie Eau de Parfum).. wonderful light summery scent.. I am sometimes overly sensitive to smells..haven't sneezed yet!  LOL

NUMBER 4 HAIR -  (Hydrating Shampoo & bonus Hydrating Conditioner) ...have never heard of this brand...it's for dry brittle hair, which I don't have..so will probably be giving these samples away..

VASANTI COSMETICS - (Brighten U! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator) ...it says that it "mimics the effects of microdermabrasion"..and is enriched with papaya & aloe.. and for all skin types.. Can't wait to try it!

Overall review of this box: a great mix of face, skin & hair products. Love getting to know brands I have never heard of before.  I love that for $10 a month I am able to sample the products before making a larger purchase. If you would like to try Birchbox you can use my referral link: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/d5n61

Graze June 2014 Subscription Box (Box 1)

The Graze subscription box is a portion controlled snack box. You receive 4 snacks in each box for a price of $6 (including shipping!). You can choose to receive the boxes anywhere from once a month to every week ($6 per box). You can cancel at anytime. You can use a fellow Graze members referral code and receive your 1st and 5th box FREE. This was my 1st box with Graze so it was absolutely FREE. You can go through the Graze snack list and read each description and "trash" the ones you are not interested in trying.  I try to keep all my snacks in the 150 and below calorie range and also watch the sugar grams. If you would like to try a FREE box please feel free to use my referral code/link: https://www.graze.com/us/p/BARRYF3NU   

This is what I received in my first box: 

WHOLEGRAIN BANANA CARAMEL DIPPERS -  (Banana shortbread w/caramel sauce) 150 calories, 9g sugar ...this one will more than likely go to Barry..he has the sweet tooth in the house...but may have to have a small taste ;)

CRACKING BLACK PEPPER CASHEWS - (Black pepper cashews, roasted cashews, & redskin peanuts) 200 calories, 2g sugar ..another one for Barry's lunch bag

SPICY CORN TACO - (Spicy chili peanuts, roasted corn, & edamame beans) 160 calories, less than 1g sugar... tried this first..as a midday snack..10 more calories than I like to have for a snack but will do some extra jumping jacks...haha  it was worth it, nice seasonings & a great crunch...

CINNAMON PRETZEL - (Poppyseed pretzels and cinnamon honey almonds) 130 calories, 6g sugar ...LOVE anything cinnamon! Saving this for myself to enjoy when I need a sweet fix.. :)

Overall review of my 1st Graze box. LOVED it...not only because it was FREE (thank you Graze & thank you Casey for your code!) but it was also a great mix of things that Barry and I both enjoy.

Nibblr June 2014 Subscription Box

The Nibblr subscription box is a portion controlled snack box. You receive 4 snacks per box and can choose from their list of mixes which ones you are most interested in. Example if you hate coconut, you go through their list of snacks and click on "not interested" for all the coconut mixes.. Boxes are $5.99 each, that includes shipping!.  If anyone is interested in trying a FREE box you can use my friend code of 3842 to sign up. I chose to keep all my snacks under 150 calorie range and to keep the sugar grams low. This is my 3rd month of receiving Nibblr.  Love having snacks portioned out and ready to go..

This box included: 

MANGIA BENE (150 calories, 3g sugar) - Sun dried tomato peanut cracker, garlic herb cashews, and parmesan bread pieces snack mix ... Opened this one first for a midday snack. Really enjoyed the mix of flavors.

ALE HOUSE BLEND (120 calories, 1g sugar) - Brazilian steakhouse peanut crackers, corn nuts and mini pretzels snack mix... This also made a great midday snack..would have liked more of the Brazilian flavoring but it was pretty good.

TOKYO HEATWAVE (110 calories, 2g sugar) - Wasabi peas, peanut crackers and sesame sticks snack mix.. Haven't tried yet but I already know I will love it. I have had another Nibblr mix with their wasabi peas so I know to eat them one at a time instead of in a handful. Will clean out your sinuses immediately..LOL

STUCK ON FLAX (150 calories, 18g sugar) - Flax sea salt pretzel pearls ....I have had the pretzel pearls in other Nibblr mixes and like them. Obviously though I did not check the sugar on a package of just the pretzel pearls...it's a lot higher than where I like to be. I will just split the pack in half and toss them into some plain yogurt for an added sweetness & crunch.


Overall review of this box: loved it. I prefer savory/salty snacks so except for the Stuck on Flax it was a perfect box.... Again try the FREE box with my code 3842...

Craft Vapery May 2014 Subscription Box

Craft Vapery offers people "a unique and personal way to discover, learn about, and shop the best vaping products on the market."

This box was for my husband Barry.  He is a smoker and trying hard to quit..vaping has helped him cut back a lot. He chose to just try the two bottle box  for ($24.99) to see how they compared to what he gets at the Vape Shop .. They also offer boxes with 3, 4, 5, and 6 bottles with prices from $33 to $58. Packaging is really nice and even came with a personalized card welcoming him. It also came with a pack of personalized M&M's (they may want to re-think sending those during the summer..see the half melted clump..LOL) ... He chose to only get bottles from the "tobacco" category but they have over 15 categories to choose from including coffee, breakfast cereals, pastries, fruit..etc) 

This is what he received.

MIDAS RY4 - RY4 is a flavor he already gets at the shop..this one had more of a honey tone to it that he's not too sure about...he gave it just an "ok"..

DRACO TOBACCO BLEND -  this one he really likes and said he would like to continue getting this one from Craft Vapery as there isn't anything comparable at the shop..

Overall review of the box..it was  a hit and a miss for him. He did enjoy the Draco blend more than what he had been using. So he was glad he gave the box a try and will be ordering more of the Draco. 

Julep Maven "Summer Brights" Box

Julep is a monthly beauty box. They recently ran a promotion welcoming new members with the offer of a FREE"Summer Brights" box , only paying $2.99 for shipping (regular price $24.99 monthly).. I could not pass up that deal! I received my box today, here is what was inside:

3 Julep Nail Colors:
Phoebe -Boho Glam (teal)
Saaya-Bombshell (peach)
Paulette - Boho Glam (lavender)   ...love all the colors!

Julep Kajal Eye Glider Crayon (two sided) Brown Shimmer/Carbon Black ... can never have too many eye liners..especially when they are double sided...love!

Julep Lip Gloss (Awestruck)...it's a little light for me on it's own, so will be mixing it with a darker shade

Julep Nail Sponges (2 pack)... can always use these for makeup or even for inking paper products!  LOL

Overall review of the box: LOVED it...sometimes FREE promotional boxes are just blah and you know exactly why it was free...This one truly delivered and I loved every item..