Dollar Shave Club July 2014 Subscription Box

Dollar Shave Club "sends high quality razors to your door for a few bucks a month". Prices are $1, $6 or $9 a month (including shipping) depending on the razor you choose:

The $1 a month option is "The Humble Twin" it is a 2 blade razor ("A great basic shaver, for guys who dig simplicity and precision") you get 5 cartridges per month

The $6 option is a "The 4x" aka "The Lovers Blade" it is a  4 blade razor, ("The last razor you’ll ever need - a gentle shave in a single stroke") & ("You will love this razor - and your girlfriend can use it too") you get 4 cartridges per month

The  $9 option is "The Executive"  it is a 6 blade razor ("The final frontier - it’s like a personal assistant for your face") you get 4 cartridges per month

The first time we ordered was last month (June) and we chose the $9 option "The Executive" for Barry. He loves this razor, every time he shaves he makes a comment on how nice it is. So I decided that I needed to try it for myself. I very easily switched our plan to the $6 option "The Lovers Blade".  I was very excited when my package arrived, I had been holding off on shaving my legs for a couple of days in anticipation of the razor..LOL  I have sensitive skin so I always use a goat milk soap when I shave. I have to say that I was really impressed. Normally the goat milk soap makes my legs very soft after a shave but they were even softer this time!  Love that! The hair on my legs grows so quickly that I sadly can start to feel stubble the next day, 2 days later and they are still smooth! I'm very impressed.

 If anyone is interested in trying them feel free to use my referral link.  I will also receive a $5 credit if anyone uses it . Once you sign up you will be given a referral code as well that you can share with friends and be able to also get credit if they sign up with it  :)  My referral link:   http://www.dollarshaveclub.com/kimmjonesfurlotte

Overall review of the box..LOVE DSC!

Tique Box July 2014 Subscription Box "Backyard BBQ"

Tique Box is a monthly subscription box that is "filled with Portland's best hand-crafted local treasures."  Boxes are $34 a month (including shipping).  There is a promotion to receive $5 off the August box with the code $5OFFAUG

Portland has always been a city that I have wanted to travel to. When I first heard of Tique Box I immediately liked their Facebook page. A couple of months ago on the Tique Box Facebook page they ran a contest to help come up with the theme for the July box. The winner would receive a FREE box. I submitted a couple of ideas.  My theme of "Backyard BBQ" was chosen as the winning theme! So I was very excited when I was notified that "my" box was on it's way. :)

This is what is inside the box:

Fatdog Inc - (Sweet & Spicy with a Horseradish & Jalapeno bite Handcrafted Mustard!) ... I am a mustard fanatic. I have at least 10 different kinds of mustard in my frig at all times. Right now there is British, Creole, several Dijon's, Course Ground,  Honey Mustard, Yellow of course...and now Fatdog! This was the first thing I opened out of the box. I had no pretzels so had to go straight in with my finger..LOL  Loved it! You get the sweetness first and then the horseradish just takes over. Thinking of all the wonderful things I can use this for...pretzels, veggie dogs, sandwiches..even thinking it will make a nice side dipper to some homemade baked coconut shrimp.

ZenShine -  (Coco Lime Balm) ...I love lip balms. This one has such a nice pleasant lime scent to it that you can almost imagine yourself laying on a beach somewhere. Went on very smooth and leaves the lips feeling very soft.

Wooly Beast Design - (Locavore Shea Butter Soap) ..I have sensitive skin and usually use a goat milk soap. So I am excited to try this as I have never used anything with shea butter before.

YoshiniG Creative - (Butterfly print Note Card) ..This is a very simple but beautiful butterfly card.  I'm sure that whoever I choose to send it to, it will put a smile on their face when they open it.

Saucy Beast -(Smoked Habanero N Mango Sauce).. First bite you think it's kinda sweet and not too bad..then the habanero flavor punches your tongue! LOL  I already know I will be using this on some BBQ shrimp kabobs for myself! Whenever I make homemade wings for Barry he always says "they could be hotter"..We will see if he still says that when I mix in some Saucy Beast!  LOL *evil grin*

Vance Family Soy Candles -(Portland Rose scent) ...This is a lovely candle, love the little tin that it comes in. Candles are made with pure essential oils & organic flavor oils. The label is made with recycled paper. However, I will be giving this away as I am very sensitive to floral smells. Had it been a coconut, lemon, or vanilla scent instead I would have kept it for sure.

Overall review of the box: So much fun getting to discover parts of Portland without leaving my couch. Of course I still want to visit the city, but this is such a fun way of getting to learn more about the people there. I know Barry was hoping with the BBQ theme there would be more sauces, rubs & BBQ tools..LOL  but I liked the mix of products.  If you want to get a taste of Portland delivered to your house, don't forget to use the $5OFFAUG code for the August Tique Box!

Graze July 2014 (Box 4) Subscription Box

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.  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: 

BROOKLYN BITES -  (Poppyseed pretzels, cheese cashews & roasted pumpkin seeds) 160 calories, less than 1g sugar ...this looks really good..sometimes I get such a craving for pretzels. This will be a perfect snack to fight that crunch craving!  :)

POMODORO RUSTICHELLA - (Cheese croutons, tomato baguettes & tomato and herb almonds) 120 calories, 1g sugar ....Sometimes my Graze box comes after I have already had my daily midday snack.. So excited that today it didn't and this was the one I had to open immediately!  Loved it and was very sad when I was done..LOL If I had a big bag of it I would have gotten more.  Which is another reason why I love having these pre-portioned snacks!
 
BROWNIE FLAPJACK - (Rustic rolled oat flapjack with brownie pieces) 250 calories,  15g sugar...Clearly this is way over the calorie & sugar gram range I like to be in. My plan is to make it into a two serving snack though, instead making it 125 calories & 7.5g sugar each serving. :) So I will get 1 1/2 flapjacks per serving and will pair it with some fresh berries to make it a 150 calorie snack :)  *girl math*!

TOMATO & BASIL PIZZA - (Basil crunchini, cheese cashews & mini tomato breadsticks) 120 calories, less than 1g sugar ... I already know I love the cheese cashews & tomato breadsticks.. So I am sure this will quickly become another favorite.

Overall review of this box: I always love getting my Graze boxes for the month. So easy to throw them in my purse when I am on the go. I normally prefer my boxes to be all savory snacks, but when they sweet craving comes I will be be reaching for my 1 1/2 flapjacks!  :) I was also so happy to receive another flag design box for me to recycle and re-use. Love them and hope that Graze will do that for every holiday. 

Dottie Box (Mini) July 2014 Subscription Box

Dottie Box is "a monthly subscription service devoted to handmade gifts and independent artists." The have their regular Dottie Box ($20 + shipping) and also the Dottie Box Mini ($10 + shipping).

I signed up for the Mini box this month and this is what I received:

BROOKLYN LOVE DESIGNS (ETSY) - Key Fob... I truly needed this in my life. I am constantly losing my keys in my own purse. It drives Barry crazy when I have to empty out my ENTIRE purse to find them!  LOL  It has a very Summery floral design on it and I love it and put it on my keys immediately!

HONEYRUN FARM (ETSY) - Beeswax Candles..I will admit that the whole reason I got this box was for the beehive shaped candles. You know I have a huge obsession with the "Scripps National Spelling Bee" every year, and knew these would be so cute next year on a spelling bee themed table scape! Dottie Box was only sending one of the candles in each mini box..but they made an offer for anyone new signing up to get a bonus candle in their box. I of course signed up immediately and was so happy to see I had gotten both candle designs. There was a small imperfection on one of my candles. I contacted Dottie Box and their wonderful customer service handled it very quickly sending out a replacement.

Overall review of the box: I LOVED my first Dottie Box!  I look forward to getting to know other artisans in future boxes.

Beauty Box 5 July 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)...You are under no obligation, and can cancel at any time.. It's a great box that offers wonderful samples of affordable easy to find products if you want to invest in the full sizes... What I received in this months box:

REVLON  - (Bold Lacquer Mascara- Blackest Black) ...I don't use mascara but I'm sure I won't have any problem finding a new home for this

HASK - (Argan Oil from Morocco- Intense Deep Cleaning Hair Treatment) ...I have actually been reading a lot lately about how good Argan Oil is for your hair. Excited to try this!

BODY DRENCH - (Candy Licious Lips Lip Balm- Red Licorice)... I have been a Soft Lips user for years and love it.  I have to admit that I am loving this lip balm and have had it on ever since I opened the box!

ANNA NATURALS - (Glowing Mama Walnut Face & Body Scrub)...love that this is a vegan product. The smell is amazing, very lemony & fresh. Can't wait to use it!

STARLOOKS - (Obsidian Kohl Eye Pencil)... I always get excited when I see a new eye liner in my box! This is a brand I haven't ever used before. Another product I am excited to try

Overall review of the box: Another great box from BB5!  Love trying the new brands. Even if all they had sent me was the lip balm I would have been happy!  BB5 is a great box, give it a try!

Graze July 2014 (Box 3) Subscription Box

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.  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: 

OVEN ROASTED SALT & VINEGAR NUT SELECTION -  (Salt & vinegar almonds and peanuts) 220 calories, 2g sugar ...this one will go right into Barry's lunch bag.  He loves anything salt & vinegar so I am sure he will love these!

BOSTON BAGUETTES WITH A BBQ RELISH - (BBQ relish with tomato bread sticks) 80 calories, 5g sugar ....hoping it tastes as good as it sounds!
 
THE CHEESE BOARD - (Cheese cashews, salsa corn sticks and herb crackers) 140 calories,  1g sugar... had to open this one and try 1 of each piece!..DELICIOUS and will have the rest for my midday snack tomorrow!

BANANAS FOSTER - (Banana, fudge, honey almond slivers, and pumpkin seeds) 150 calories, 14g sugar ... A bit more sugar than I like...but I knew it would be one I could share with Barry.. and I'm sure it will go down like this..he gets the fudge and almond slivers and I get the banana & pumpkin seeds..LOL

Overall review of this box. Another great box from Graze with a nice mix of snacks for both Barry and I.  Also have to say I love the USA flag box it came in this month, and will be recycling it to use next 4th of July... 

Nibblr July 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 choose to keep all my snacks under 150 calorie range and to keep the sugar grams low.  Love having snacks portioned out and ready to go..

This box included: 

CHEESY CROSTINI (80 calories, 0g sugar) - Cheddar & Asiago Cheese Crisps....they look so good cannot wait to try them..!

TIRAMISU (150 calories, 11g sugar) - Chocolate Cookies, Coffee Toffee Britle, Shortbread Cookies and Almond Slivers snack mix... Yes this is a bit more sugar grams then I like my snacks to be at.... It was the sound of the "coffee toffee brittle" that suckered me into keeping it on my want list. LOL  Will have to eat it with Barry and share some of those sugar grams.. ;)

THE FULL MONTERREY (90 calories, 0g sugar) - All Cheese Reduced Fat Monterrey Jack Crisps.. this was the first one I tried. I used them as floaters in a bowl of homemade black bean soup. So good.. I also added some pickled jalapenos to my soup. I have to say the bites of the cheese crisps mixed with the spicy jalapenos ...delicious!  Perhaps Nibblr will make a "Spicy Jalapeno Full Monterrey" soon!  *hint hint* :)
 
HERBY CHICKS (130 calories, 3g sugar) - Garlic Lemon & Herb Chickpeas... Roasted chickpeas have long been one of my all time favorite snacks... I always like to try different seasonings on them.  Excited to try these and if I love them like I think they will...to then experiment in duplicating the flavor myself.

Overall review of this box: Two cheesy snacks in one box, gotta love that!  LOL... Always love it when my Nibblr box arrives!
... Again try the FREE box with my code 3842...

My Bakers Box July 2014 Subscription Box

My Bakers Box is a box for anyone that loves to bake & decorate. "Each month you will receive a special box full of unique baking supplies, recipes, ideas and so much more" ..I had been wanting to try this box, so when they ran a deal of buy one box get one free I couldn't pass it up. (Deal extended through July 9th). Boxes are $25 a month (including shipping). The theme for the July box is a Summer Bee Collection box. If you know me, you know I have an obsession with "The Spelling Bee" every year, so I was absolutely thrilled with this box!

This is what was included in the box:

PUSH UP POPS  (4 pcs)... you can fill these with brownies, candies, mini cupcakes and more...Thinking I will try them soon with some angel food cake & strawberries..

SUGAR BEE DEC-ONS ...(12 pcs)... these are absolutely adorable.. hard to see in the picture because I am leaving them packaged as is to use them next year!

BEEHIVE & BEE COOKIE CUTTERS (1 of each)...both are very cute.. made in the USA.. and seem very durable...can't wait to use them!

PUFFY BUMBLE BEE PICS (12 pcs) ...again I am using the word adorable! perfect for cupcakes.. love them

ASSORTED BAKING CUPS ...these came in three colors..black, yellow, and a black& white design.. perfect for bee or even sunflower themed cupcakes. I didn't want to pull them all apart but it appears that there are about 10 of each color

BLACK JIMMIES... had to double check what these were as they just looked like "sprinkles" to me..LOL  and that's what they are... I guess some places in the US call them "Jimmies"..not sure why.. LOL.. again great to have to use on yellow cakes or cupcakes for either a bee or sunflower theme..

Overall review of this box: LOVED IT! I am already planning out my Spelling Bee table in my head for next year, using everything from this box! I also have to add that their customer service is excellent. I hope that everyone who loves to bake will give them a try! :)

Dollar Shave Club June 2014 Subscription Box

Dollar Shave Club "sends high quality razors to your door for a few bucks a month". Prices are $1, $6 or $9 a month (including shipping) depending on the razor you choose:

The $1 a month option is "The Humble Twin" it is a 2 blade razor ("A great basic shaver, for guys who dig simplicity and precision") you get 5 cartridges per month

The $6 option is a "The 4x" aka "The Lovers Blade" it is a  4 blade razor, ("The last razor you’ll ever need - a gentle shave in a single stroke") & ("You will love this razor - and your girlfriend can use it too") you get 4 cartridges per month

The  $9 option is "The Executive"  it is a 6 blade razor ("The final frontier - it’s like a personal assistant for your face") you get 4 cartridges per month

This was our first time trying them. I had a friend sign up and I used her referral link..she received a $5 credit. If anyone is interested in trying it if you use my referral link I will also receive a $5 credit also :)   http://www.dollarshaveclub.com/kimmjonesfurlotte

For this first box I chose "The Executive" for Barry ($9 option). In the box you get the 4 cartridges, handle, & they even sent a sample of their shave butter.  Barry was EXTREMELY impressed with the razor. Just like so many others who have left feedback for Dollar Shave Club he said he got "the best shave he has ever given himself". I get very excited each month when my subscription boxes arrive no matter what's in them.. Barry doesn't get as easily impressed with them. With this box he actually got excited about his razor..LOL  Still hasn't tried the shave butter, but I'm sure he will love it too.

Overall review of the box.. Extremely impressed at the quality of the razors. Now I want to try them too for myself!  :)