Pop Sugar Must Have July 2015 Subscription Box Review

As soon as you thought I was gone for good…nope, nope, nope! I’m back! I plan to stick around this time too, now that I’ve got my life all in order (sorta). My game plan is to post three times a week, but we will see how that goes (please hold me to it!).

Keeping up with my train of Pop Sugar posts, here’s this month’s box and what was inside! This month was all about beach days, easy travel, summer heat, fourth of July, and stripes.

Henri Bendel Signature Stripe Canvas Dopp Kit- $28

I love this little bag so much. I’ve always loved the color combination of blue and brown, and this little bag is really cute, and expandable. If you know anything about me, you know I’m overly organized and compartmentalize my purses…always having a little makeup bag inside to store all of my randomness. This one is now in my bucket bag, and couldn’t be more perfect! *This item also came with a code for 20% off on their website.

Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50- $28

For some reason, this stuff smells minty to me, but I really think it’s just me. That’s definitely not a bad thing though! I used this for the first time yesterday, and actually think it works really well! It’s a great makeup setting spray, and it has awesome UV protection. It even mentions on the box to reapply every 2 hours when out in direct sunlight to maximize protection. It leaves a matte finish and says it’s helps eliminate oil and shine, and I will give them a 10 out of 10 for that one…because lately, I’ve been using my little oil blotting sheets like no one’s business…and this stuff really did eliminate all the excess shine I get, saving me a few of those sheets.

Sorial Card Case- $28

I’ve always found these little card cases to be so cute, but I never use them, partially because I have about 15 cards (most of them being rewards cards) in my wallet. I never just carry 3 or 4 cards on me, and have never found a reason to use the little ones like this on top of my regular wallet. Maybe I can use it in the future for business cards, but for now, it will probably hang out in my closet with all of my other less loved wallets. *This item also came with a code for $25 dollars towards your next purchase on their website.

PopDental Portable Toothbrush- $19.99

This was actually a bit different than things I expect to see in Pop Sugar Must Have boxes. I like that I now have a toothbrush I can dedicate to travel (although I don’t travel that much), rather than scrambling to find a toothbrush travel carrier for the one I’m currently using at the time. This one also comes with a replacement head.

Yes To Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes- $5.99

This is one of those items that I would never buy in the store when I see it, because I want to try it out first, so I’m glad I got this in this month’s box. I typically use Neutrogena’s makeup remover wipes, but I was excited to see these, because I’ve seen them in Target before, but didn’t want to spend the $6 dollars to try them out, in the off chance that they clashed with my skin. I like the smell of them, and they seem to be doing well with my skin, but I really need to give it a week or two to make sure. Either way, I liked seeing these in this month’s box.

The Good Bean Fruit & No-Nut Bar, Chocolate Berry!- $1.99

I’ve had chocolate chick peas from this brand before and liked them as a snack, so I’m excited to try this out. One of my co-workers gets this box too, and told me she already ate hers and that it was delicious, so I’m gonna save this for when I need a really yummy snack (which will probably be when I’m hangry)!

Hallmark Signature Greeting Cards- $14.97+

This was this month’s special extra in the box, and I really love them.   I’m not sure if everyone who received this box got the same 3 cards, or if it was a variety, but I received one for a birthday, one with a pineapple on it which was blank inside, and another more generic card. They all require extra postage if you mail them, because they are the more fancy card options, but I’ll probably just give them out to people I’d see in person. I actually really like the pineapple one, so I might just frame it and hang it on my wall in the kitchen.

Overall Thoughts of the July Box:

There was no wow factor in this box, but that’s a-ok for me. I really loved the Henri Bendel dopp kit, and it fits perfectly in all of my purses, so I know I’ll be using it for quite some time. I also really like the Supergoop! setting mist, and I think it will be a good substitute for my current Urban Decay version. With the exception of the card case, everything in this box will get used for me. And now with fall around the corner, I can’t wait to see what August has in store!

Value of the Box: $126.94 (not including the coupon/discount codes included with some items)

Want a box of your own each month? Click here to sign up!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

Pop Sugar Must Have June 2015 Subscription Box Review

First off, I would like to apologize for being completely MIA last week and the first half of this week. Lately, I’ve been having a lot of those days where I’m really motivated to do a lot of things, but get too stressed out about everything going on in my life currently, that I just shut down. I’m in the process of trying to make a lot of changes in my life, so please bear with me if I disappear from here for a while. I promise I’ll be back at some point, so if for the next month or so, my posts aren’t as evenly laid out, please understand!

Moving right along…you came here to see what I got in my Pop Sugar Must Have box! This month was all about soft skin, papaya, outdoor fun, coconut, being sun-kissed, and yoga.

Quay Australia Mandate Sunglasses- $45

Not that I need another pair of sunglasses…but I do like these. I really like the matte black frames and that they slightly resemble Ray Ban Wayfarers. I think these were a good choice for sunglasses because they probably work on a lot of different faces.

Judy Blume’s In the Unlikely Event- $27.95

As sad as it is, I don’t really read. I’m not much of a book person, but this could be something to entertain myself with during stormy hot days during the summer, or a book to bring to the pool with me. Hopefully, whenever I do start reading it, it pulls me in quick, because if I don’t get hooked after the first two chapters, I have a really hard time wanting to keep reading.

Pacifica Enlighten Eye Brightening Shadow Palette- $14

I have a few Pacifica products already and I really like them all, so I’m sure I’ll like this one too. I like the neutral colors and that they are infused with coconut.

Yogitoes Peacock hBand- $4

If you do yoga, and you received this box, you probably loved this. I, however, don’t really do anything where I would use this…so I think it may just be something that sits on my dresser for a while. But maybe this is the push to get me into yoga…I guess we will find out!

Spongelle Boxed Flowers-Fleur en Boite- $16

I wasn’t exactly sure what this was at first, but once I figured out that it’s like a sponge filled with soap that exfoliates and cleans and can be used multiple times, and smells so delicious, I was sold! I think this is perfect for summer when you are constantly shaving, because it remind you to exfoliate. Hands down, this was my favorite item in the box…and it came with a 30% off coupon code for their website. I’ll also say, I’d never heard of this brand before, but I was in Anthropologie the other day, and they sell things from this brand.

SNAP Infusion Supercandy- $4

As you can see, I already ate a bag of these and they were delicious. They are infused with healthy vitamins and minerals, so you don’t even feel that guilty when you have a sweet tooth and you reach for these. I really like the packaging too, not that that makes much of a difference.

Sweet & Spark $30 Gift Card

I haven’t completely checked this site out yet, but I’m excited too. They find vintage jewelry and sell it through their site, and there is no minimum purchase or expiration date to use this gift card. I will say that I’ll be bummed if everything is expensive, because then it seems as if this special extra is a waste.

Overall Thoughts of the June Box:

I wasn’t in love with this box like I have been in previous months, but I don’t dislike it either. The only thing I’ll really get use out of is the Spongelle buffer, the candy, the eyeshadow, and maybe the gift card. Either way, I’m excited for July’s box!

Value of the Box: $140.95

Want a box of your own? Click here to sign up.

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

Pop Sugar Must Have May 2015 Subscription Box Review

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems a bit crazy that it’s already May. I feel like it wasn’t too long ago that we were longing for spring, and now we’re almost half way through it! Without hesitation, here’s what I got in my Pop Sugar Box this month.

Sisters of Los Angeles Surf Sand Love Beach Towel- $40

While most people might not be terribly excited about a towel, I am! Surprisingly, being from the beach, it’s a shame to say, I don’t actually have a beach towel! I don’t know how I’ve managed, but I realized that was the case when I saw this one. So now I have the perfect thing to take with me to the pool during all these hot days we’re having. I’m not a fan of yellow, but I actually like this one, and having it means I don’t have to go buy myself a towel for the summer.

Middle Kingdom Mini Plum Vase in Coral Red- $20 

I actually really love this. I’m really into flower vases lately, and this one will go perfectly on my little café table!

Kitsch Tri’d & True Y-Shaped Necklace- $32

This necklace was packaged so beautifully. It came in a jewelry box with it’s brand on the front, and packaged on a cute card that resembled a post card. I don’t wear silver necklaces often, but I’m definitely not opposed to them. I think it was a good thing for them to add this silver piece into the box, since so many people do prefer silver to gold (I’m not one of those people). Unfortunately, my necklace had a small knot in the top of the chain…it’s not the end of the world, but I know it’s there, so I won’t wear it until I get it out. And right now, I’m too lazy to get it out, so it might be a while before I put this to use.

Sage & Row Bare Shave Cream- $17 

I’ve never heard of this brand before, but I’m excited to try something different when it comes to shaving creams. I usually stick with the typical drug store brands for shaving cream, mostly because I never think to look for anything else when it comes to shaving. This one smells like aloe and lavender and reminds me of a beachy scent. I haven’t tested it out yet, but I hope it’s awesome, since it is so expensive for a small 3.5oz tube!

Batiste Dry Shampoo- $4

I already love Batiste dry shampoo and I have the original scent in my bathroom right now. I haven’t tried this cherry flavor before, but when I used it the other day when I first got this box, I really liked the way it smelled. This will definitely come in handy for me when I travel

Hammond’s Candies McCraw’s Flat Taffy- $1 

I haven’t tried this taffy before, but I’ve always heard great things about Hammonds candy. I also love saltwater taffy, as referenced in this post. According to the back of this package, I received the “rainbow” flavor. Not sure what that’s supposed to taste like, but I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

Overall Thoughts on the May Box:

I like this box. I’m not in love with it, and nothing in it really wow-ed me, but I’ll definitely put the majority of it to use. I do feel as if they needed to add a discount card or some sort of promotion to one of the brands to really make the box feel complete.

Value of the Box: $114.00

In terms of their inspiration for this month, I think they really touched on each of the topics they listed, however, I can see people getting slightly upset that it mentions Mother’s Day if they received their box after Mother’s Day (I received mine the Thursday after Mother’s Day). I’m definitely still excited to see what June has in store, even though they already have a spoiler out for Quay sunglasses.  I’m hoping to see some sea salt spray for my hair, and more food!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

Pop Sugar Must Have April 2015 Subscription Box Review

Happy Monday! I’ll just start off by saying, I’m not sure if Pop Sugar really stepped up their shipping game, or if the place I just moved to causes my box to get here a lot faster than it usually does. Either way, I’m not complaining! I came home after a Target run, to my box on my new doorstep, and was so excited, because it’s still not even halfway through the month yet! Usually my box doesn’t get to me until around the 20^th.

This month the inspiration behind the box was spring showers, farmers market, outdoor fun, fresh produce, and simplicity. Diving right into what was in the box…

 Dabney Lee Dottie Umbrella- $20

I’ve never heard of this brand before, but the quality of this umbrella is very good. I really like that this umbrella auto opens and closes, because I was scarred as a child while trying to close an umbrella, and getting my finger stuck in it. Also, the only umbrella I currently have is the big clear one, which isn’t convenient for throwing in my purse or for travel.

One Love Organics Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum- $39

I’ve never heard of this brand before either (please let me know if I’ve been living under a rock!), and I did have to actually read the outside of the box to know what this was. It’s a serum that you mist on your skin after you shower or bathe, and it’s supposed to seal in moisture. I’m excited to try it out, although I let my boyfriend smell it, and he wasn’t too excited about the scent. I think it smells good though!

Produce Candles Rhubarb Spring Candle- $20

I LOVE the smell of this candle. And I also love the packaging…it’s just so darn cute. The lid on the little mason jar says “fresh” and is a little vent, so even when the lid is closed, you can still slightly smell the candle! When I saw spoilers for this scent, I wasn’t too excited…I mean, who gets excited about rhubarb?! But now that I have it in my hands, it’s my favorite item in the box. Also, it came with a discount code to use to get 35% off of anything on their website! I’ll most likely be using that, because now I want candles all over my house that smell like crops!

Flip & Tumble 24-7 Bag- $12

Most people wouldn’t get terribly excited about a reusable bag, but I actually really love this one. I’ve had a few in the past that are very difficult to fold back up, and eventually gave up on them, but this one is so easy to roll back into it’s stretchy home! I can definitely see myself taking this with me on small grocery trips, or to the farmers market in the near future. This also came with a discount code for 20% off on their site as well.

Potting Shed Creations Garden-in-a-Bag Basil- $10

If only I could have just opened the bag and pulled out fresh basil. I was actually really excited for this when I saw the spoilers, but now I’m just a bit overwhelmed by the instructions. Ok guys, they are not hard instructions at all…I’m just not a green thumb in the slightest (even though I really wish I was). I’ll eventually try this out, but for right now, it’s going to stay in the bag.

Mott50 $25 Gift Card- $25

This gift card is only for women’s apparel and accessories and you do have to pay for shipping on whatever it is that you order. This brand carries clothing and accessories that have 50 UV protection. I went on their website and looked at some of their items, and most things range above $58. I don’t think I’ll end up using this gift card, so if you want my code to use it for yourself, please comment below or send me an email!

Overall Thoughts on the April Box:

My first reaction to this box was just ‘meh’ when I saw the spoilers for it online. But then when I actually got the box and really looked at all the items, I realized they are all things I will actually use. You can always use an extra umbrella, and this one also doubles as a great gift if you don’t want to keep it for yourself. The body serum is something I’m really excited to try, I can never have enough candles (especially in cute reusable containers), and the reusable bag will really come in handy, even if you just keep it in your car for last minute shopping trips. Even if you don’t use the garden-in-a-bag (which I definitely will at some point), it’s a great gift for anyone that loves to cook.

I will say that I can see why some people wouldn’t be overly thrilled with this box though. There wasn’t anything in this month’s box that was a big wow factor item. But sometimes those items are things people don’t want/like, so it’s good to have boxes like these some months.

Value of the Box: $126 (including the Mott50 gift card)

The one thing I think this box was missing was a food item. Even if it was a small bag of dried fruit, or something along those lines, it would have really felt like the box was complete. Without the gift card added in, they just made it over the $100 mark they promise in all of their boxes.

Did you get the April box? What did you think about it? Let me know in the comments below! And if you want to start receiving boxes at your own doorstep, click here to sign up!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

Pop Sugar Must Have March 2015 Subscription Box Review

First of all, I would like to apologize for my absence for essentially an entire week. I didn’t intend to take a small hiatus from updating you all on all things Lynda, however, I got pretty sick during my work week, and was sleeping every moment I wasn’t at work. But, I’m [almost] all better now, so I thought I’d go ahead and share what came in the mail this week! 

My Pop Sugar box was delivered sometime on Tuesday, and I found it when I got home after work. This month’s box was inspired by renewal, citrus, spring break, fresh, and traveling. Jumping right into what was in the box, the first thing I saw when I opened my box was this:

Greenmarket Purveying Co. The Archivist Lemon + Cucumber Reed Diffuser Kit – $20

I’ll just go ahead and say it: I love diffusers, but I never want to pay the price tag to have a pretty one. I received a reed diffuser a while ago in another Pop Sugar box by Barr & Co. and I still use the reeds and bottle, just with a different oil added to it. I’ve loved it since I received it, so I really do love this item. It smells very refreshing, and I’m already trying to think of which room I want to place it in once we move.

Samudra Pink Piña Zip Pouch – $40

This pouch was very hard to photograph, and it actually looks really cool in person because the pineapples are so neon, they look like they are glowing. I’ll definitely be able to put this to use, especially for traveling to carry my toiletries, since my boyfriend uses the other pouch I got from yet another previous Pop Sugar box. I’m not sure if I would have paid $40 dollars for this pouch, but it will still get used.

Bliss Micromagic Microdermabrasion Treatment – $48

I am pretty excited to try this stuff out. I’ve never used any Bliss products before, but have been looking into them recently, so it’s great that I can try one of their products out before committing.

Knock Knock What to Pack Pad – $7

I am a list maker for sure, and I really think this idea is great, but I don’t think I will actually use this. I’m already so organized, that I don’t think I would need this to prepare for packing. I can definitely see other people getting use out of this though, so I may re-gift it to someone I know that travels frequently.

Wet Brush The Squirt – $4.99

I received the original Wet Brush in a (you guessed it) previous Pop Sugar box, and I use it all the time. This will be a great brush to throw in my bag for those days I can’t stop running my fingers through my hair (resulting in many removed hair knots from the back of my head), or also in my travel bag when I do go out of town.

Halfpops Halfpopped Popcorn in Chipotle Barbecue – $1.69

Pop Sugar sure does send a lot of popcorn. I’m not complaining though. It’s my boyfriend’s favorite snack, so if I don’t like it, I know he’ll eat it. I haven’t tried this brand yet, but if I love it, I’ll have to hunt it down like I did with the G.H. Cretor’s popcorn.

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara and POREfessional – $~8

I’m actually excited that they included a sample of Benefit’s newest mascara, so that way I can test it before I decide to purchase a full size. I love trying new mascaras, but because my eyes are so sensitive, I can’t use all brands, so having a sample is definitely beneficial for me.

Overall Thoughts of the March Box: 

I wasn’t overly impressed with this month’s box. I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed with a Pop Sugar box, but this one I just wasn’t over the hills in love with. It felt like a repeat of previous boxes all added in one. If you aren’t a long time subscriber to them, that might not be the case, but I have previously received similar items to everything in the box, so nothing really felt special this month. However, I will probably end up using everything with the exception of the What to Pack pad.

Value of the Box: $129.68

If you want to receive Pop Sugar Must Have boxes at your door each month, just click here! I was in no way compensated or asked to post my views about this box.  All opinions are my own.

Thanks for reading,

Lynda

Pop Sugar Must Have February 2015 Subscription Box Review

I got home from work last night, and look what was waiting for me! My February box, just in time for Valentine’s Day. I know you’re curious, so here’s what I got inside of my box. 

Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in True Love – $26

I’ve never tried Tarte’s blushes before, but I’ve heard great reviews. And since I only have 3 other blush options currently, this one will be easily integrated into my makeup routine…and it’s different than my go-to Nars blush.

U.S. Apothecary Rose Water Bubble Bath – $30

I currently don’t have any bubble bath products at my house right now, so this was something exciting to get. I don’t take baths too often, but sometimes they are needed after a stressful day, and this scent is perfect to help you relax.

ACME Party Box Company Bamboo Heart Cutting Board & Cheese Knife – $32

I actually don’t have a wooden cutting board yet…or a cheese knife, so this is a great addition to my kitchen. And if I didn’t think I’d be using this (which I definitely will be), it comes in a burlap pouch which would make it easy for gifting.

BaubleBar Mini Arrow Pendant Necklace – $32

 I saw spoilers for this before I received mine and was really hoping for the gold (which I got!) instead of silver. This is hands down my favorite item in the box. It’s so delicate, and is going to become one of my everyday jewelry pieces.

Figs & Rouge 100% Natural Balm in Lemon Berry – $8

I’ve never heard of this brand before, but the scent smells nice. I’m not really a fan of the containers for lip products that you have to touch to get the product from the container to your lips, but it’s still something I can give a try.

Chuao Chocolatier Ravishing Rocky Road Bar – $6

I must not be up on my brands lately, because I haven’t heard of this chocolate brand either…and it seems like everyone was really excited for this. I am always excited for chocolate though, and can’t wait to eat this later today during my dinner break at work!

Sally Beauty FingerPaints Nail Color in Pink Imagination – $5.50

I will say I am happy with the color I received because I don’t have anything very similar to it. This baby pink has some shimmer to it as well, and if I don’t end up using it, it will be a great add-on to someone’s gift in the future.

 Overall Thoughts of the February Box:

I don’t think I’ve ever really been disappointed with any of the boxes I’ve received from Pop Sugar. This one will definitely get some use. The only thing I can see myself not really using is the lip balm, but that’s mainly because I have to use my finger to put it on my lips. Everything else will get use, and were all things I don’t think will just sit somewhere around my house. And I already know that chocolate is going to be gone by the end of the night!

Value of the Box: $139.50

Just a reminder, all opinions are my own, and I do pay to receive this box each month. If you want to get one for yourself, just click here!

Thanks for reading,

Lynda

Pop Sugar Must Have January 2015 Subscription Box Review

I received this box on Wednesday, so I’m sorry that I’m just getting around to posting it, but I will say, I have already used 4 of the items from the box. Well, technically 3 items, but I’ll explain that down below! 

The first box that I received from Pop Sugar was in February of 2013, and I will say that throughout the past 2 years, they have done some changes, and one of the changes I really like, is the updated cards they include in the boxes detailing what you’re getting. The piece they include each month about “What inspired us for [insert month here]?” is something I really like…I’m sure most people just overlook that and jump right to what’s in the box, but I thought I’d point it out anyways. :p

Moving along!

Here’s what I received in my box this month.

Jack + Lucy Pom Pom Hat- $32

I will say that I was not overly excited about this item, because I already have a beanie that I wear all the time, so I wasn’t really in need of another one. But I put this one on, and I actually really liked it! Which is why I wore it the day after I got it, because it was surprisingly cute on my small head, even though it’s slouchy and has a pom pom on the end. Hopefully, this holds up over time…last January’s box included some tech gloves from the same brand, and mine started falling apart after maybe 2 weeks of use. (I’m not sure if that was a fluke, or if it happened to a lot of the gloves.)

KeepCup Brew 12-Ounce Reusable Coffee Cup- $26

When I saw spoilers for this box, this was the item I was most excited about. I love travel mugs. It’s a glass mug with a silicone sleeve on it and a spill proof lid. The box also states that it’s barista standard, which is awesome, especially if you already prefer using your own cup vs. the standard paper cups. (I used to be a barista, so really, what they are trying to say, is that this cup fits underneath espresso machines so espresso can be brewed straight into the cup, as opposed to the usual taller, non-see-through, ceramic or plastic reusuable tumbler options.) This is definitely my favorite item in the box, and one of the items I’ve already put to use.

This item also came with a 15% off coupon code for their website.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream- $28

Talk about perfect timing. If you can recall, I love this stuff. I highlighted this brand (including their Ultra Repair Cream) in my September Favorites, and I’m almost out of my current supply of this stuff, so it really just worked out that I received this just before I had to go out and buy more. I really do love this brand, and I’m happy they included it in a box! (This is the 4^th product I’ve used since I got the box on Wednesday, it just literally wasn’t from this container. I’ll be saving this one for when my current one actually runs out.)

Manduka eQua Hand Towel- $16

This is my least favorite thing in the box, however, I’m sure a lot of people are really excited about it. I’m sure I’ll find a way to put it to use though, because it is bigger than I thought it would be. I may even be able to use it as a hair towel!

ToGoSpa EYES- $12.50

I’ve never used anything under my eyes besides cream, so I’m interested to see how these things work for me. They are supposed to reduce puffiness and get rid of unwanted dark circles, and since I am now in my mid-twenties, maybe these things will be a good add-on to my skin routine every now and then. Or maybe my skin will hate them and I’ll never use them again. Either way, I would have never considered trying anything like this if it weren’t for them being in this box.

Skin Jewel Tattoos- $18

I think a lot of subscribers weren’t excited about these, but I’m actually really happy I got them! I’ve seen them be on trend since last summer, and was always eager to try them, but I never wanted to pay the price for them, so I always opted out. I do wonder why they were included in January’s box though, because they definitely seem like something that is more on trend during warmer weather. (They were sponsored by the show Empire, so that really might be the only reason why.)

General Mills Nature Valley Protein Granola- $3.68

I actually really like snacking on granola, and you can’t go wrong with peanut butter and dark chocolate. I also really like that this one is full of protein, because there are some mornings that my breakfast doesn’t contain enough, and I find myself hungry just an hour after eating. I think it’s nice that Pop Sugar sometimes includes items you can find in your local grocery store. That means you get to try them without buying them in the store, and if you like it, than at least you know where to get more!

Overall Thoughts of the January Box:

Overall, I liked this box. I wasn’t over the top in love with it, but it also didn’t have a big ticket item in it. I’m still swooning over the December box, so it’s probably hard to judge this box fairly. I am definitely looking forward to what February’s box has in store, and am really hoping for some sort of candy! 🙂

Value of Box: $136.18

And just so ya know…I am in no way affiliated with Pop Sugar and was not asked to review this box for any sort of compensation, etc.. This review was posted by me simply because I wanted to. If you wish to subscribe to Pop Sugar as well, click here!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

Clean Off Your Desk Day

Happy Monday!  And also, Happy National Clean Off Your Desk Day!  I’m usually not all about the silly names, celebrations, and recognitions given to random days of the year, but I took this one seriously.  January 12th is known (or not-so-known) as Clean Off Your Desk Day, and since I didn’t work today, that’s exactly what I decided to do, and it was much needed!  

 

 

 

Hopefully this inspires you to clean off your desks too, so you can fully prepare yourself for an awesome 2015.  Now I just need some fresh flowers to complete my newly cleaned desk!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

New Year’s Favorites

The holidays are finally over, and everyone is getting back into the swing of things, and taking down the last of their decorations before the workweek starts back up. Lucky for me, my vacation starts on Monday, since I didn’t really have one over the holidays. Here are a few of my favorite things from the past two weeks that got me through working during the holidays.

The Apothecary’s Kitchen Peppermint Bark

This is the best peppermint bark I’ve ever had. I think what makes it so awesome is how thin it is, which isn’t usual for peppermint bark. It’s also local, which makes me love it even more. And peppermint bark can totally live into January.

Monogram Mug from Anthropologie

 I got this as a Christmas present from a co-worker, and it’s been my go-to mug for the last week. It holds just the right amount of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc. and looks adorable on my desk.

 Spun Scarf by Subtle Luxury from the December Pop Sugar box

I really have loved this scarf since I got it. It’s a perfect weight to pair with heavier sweaters, and it went wonderfully with all my festive outfits over the holidays.

Stabilo Pens

 My collection of Stabilo pens really came in handy when I was preparing myself for the New Year, organizing my planner, and writing out my schedule for January. I also used these bad boys to write out all of my Christmas cards. I’ve been carrying them around in my purse, so I can always write things colorfully.

Have a great week!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

 

Pop Sugar Must Have December 2014 Subscription Box Review

I apologize in advance…I got a bit ranty in this post. Sowwy.

This box was so much lighter this month than it was last month. Probably because this one didn’t contain a book! I really think they have worked out all of those kinks that were caused by their website redesign. This month, I received my tracking information before my box arrived, and it also arrived in the middle of the month, and not towards the end like it has been the past 2 months. This is even more exciting because if I wish to gift any of these items (which I’m not sure I’ll even want to), I can, because they arrived on the 16^th!

Moving right along, here’s what’s in the box!

Williams-Sonoma Cupcake Mix in Vanilla Bean- $14.95

Sometimes I walk into Williams-Sonoma and stare at all the fancy kitchen supplies wishing I lived in a nice house without roommates, just so I could have the things they sell. Occasionally, I’ll buy something from their baking section, such as sprinkles, or cookie cutters. I’m really excited this mix came in the box, because I’ve always wanted to try it, I just didn’t want to spend $15 dollars on it! I’m thinking I’ll make New Year’s Eve cupcakes with a champagne butter cream frosting to go on top of these.

SPUN by Subtle Luxury- $62

 

 

The next thing I pulled out of the box was a scarf! I don’t think I’ve ever received a scarf from PopSugar that I didn’t like, and this one didn’t let me down either. It’s a gray-taupe color…not that that’s a color, but it’s definitely a neutral, with gold speckles all over it. The edges are unfinished, which I love on scarves, and it’s a very soft, thin, muslin type material. This might be my new favorite scarf that isn’t plaid! I will say though, that it is 100% polyester, which isn’t completely a problem, but I do notice that sometimes my hair gets statically charged when I wear polyester…so hopefully this scarf doesn’t cause that. Fingers crossed.

Smashbox Be Legendary Long-Wear Lip Lacquer- $24

 

 

I was actually looking at these the other day in Sephora because I was looking for a new lipgloss. This one is in the color “Bordeaux” and the box states that it is long wear, non-drying color. I’m excited to use this because I don’t have a color like it yet! Oh, and it is full size.

I did decide to try it on (just for you guys) and it’s definitely not like a normal lipgloss. It doesn’t feel nearly as sticky, and the consistency of the product is much thicker than any lipgloss I’m used to. It actually seems to resemble a creamy lipstick, which I’m even more excited about now!

Sparklepop Sydney Necklace- $42

 

I’ll just go ahead and say it. Every piece of jewelry I have received from PopSugar (with the exception of one item), I have absolutely loved. Also, I get complimented on them all the time when I wear them. (If you notice the circle necklace I’m wearing in the above photo… that was from PopSugar and I wear it 6 out of 7 days a week.) This one I’ll be wearing all the time as well. I love layering my necklaces, and this one, I’ll definitely be getting some use out of!

Knot & Bow Parcel Tags- $4

 

We actually sold these last year at my job, and I thought they were the cutest little things. These are going to be great for labeling my gifts to friends for Christmas, and it just so happens to match some of my Christmas cards perfectly! And I even already have some twine to go with them from this company already!

Canvas Dauville Platinum Bowl- $29

 

 

 

I am in love with all things house/home related, and I have been dying to buy more decorative things. And then this bowl comes, which will be another perfect catchall bowl for me to have. I’ve never heard of this brand before (maybe I should have by now…sorry guys), but now I’m really going to be checking them out. Now I just need to figure out what to store in this cute little guy…(btw, this most delicious Peppermint Bark was not in the box, just so ya know.)

 Overall Thoughts of the December Box:

I am over the top in love with this box. I’ve gotta say, this is hands down my favorite box to date. I love and will most definitely be keeping and using everything I received, so job well done Pop Sugar! The Smashbox product is something I’ve already thrown into my purse, I’ll be using the cupcake mix and parcel tags before the month is over, and the necklace and scarf will definitely be integrated into my wardrobe for the upcoming weeks. And I just can’t get over how cute this bowl is. Maybe I’ll use it as a candy dish…who knows, but it’s so stinkin’ cute!

Value of Box: $175.95

If you wish to receive these boxes like me, just click here to sign up!

Thanks for reading,

Lynda