Julep March Selections and why they're ehhh OK

These last couple of months, I've been all about pastels on my nails. This isn't a typical occurrence since I have always gravitated toward deep, dark colors and glitters but I don't know why but I've grown tired of them. So, I loved the neons in January's Julep box and went absolutely crazy on February's box but wasn't awed by the March selection. Why?

Well, as I said, I've been into pastels these past couple of months and that means that I've been buying lots of like colors. I bought Julep's 'Renee' and 'Blake' and Butter London's 'Fiver' (I'm still waiting for that to be delivered). So, when I saw that 'it girl' selection I was worried that I already had the colors included. Despite this, I still just had to have them. I know I don't have a great coral and how do I know if 'Shenae' is a 'Fiver' dupe? I guess I'll have to find out the hard way when I get them.

That's right, I couldn't help it!!!

As you might note, I was able to at least skip the add-ons. I didn't love any of the other colors enough to add them and 'Lucky' was yet another glitter that looks cute in the bottle but will probably be terrible to apply and then take off. So, I didn't add anything. I decided to just go for the basic box. Considering the fact that I've been adding stuff like crazy every month, I feel a teensy bit better for being able to stop myself from going overboard!!

I hope that these ship out soon (they billed me yesterday!) and I'm super looking forward to creating a pastel rainbow nail sort of look as soon as I get them. Springtime is coming and for once, I'm down for it!

Birchbox February Review aka Tears in Mah Eyes!

Well, it's the 28th of February. I know everyone is getting ready for their March Birchbox already but I, the poor denizen of the west coast, just got mine. I was super excited about this box. My page showed hair spray and chocolate and a full size lip gloss!!!! How lucky was I? I didn't deserve this level of awesomeness, did I?

It turns out I didn't and I didn't get THAT box at all. Instead, ye (or me?) of too much faith, I got a box that made me literally squeak with anger. This box was the opposite on the awesomeness spectrum and it made me SAD.

First World Problems? YES

On to the reviewing:

Skin&Co Bagnodoccia Body Gel: 

Why? Why? Why? It's soap, SOAP!!! Look, I like soap as much as the next hygienic gal but soap is one of the most depressing items to get in a sub box. Why? Because it's fucking SOAP!!!!! 0/10

Dr. Lipp  Original Nipple Balm for Lips:

The name is a huge turnoff. Look, my lips aren't udders and the name is gnarly as hell. Plus, the sample is incredibly tiny. Not enough to even figure out if the benefits can overcome the horrible name. -1/10

Twistband (tm) Headband Collection:

I always appreciate a headband and love twistband. The dullish pink color of said headband isn't fantastic but I will definitely be using this often. 8/10

Color Club Fiesta Collection Nail Color in Wild Cactus: 

I know that green is the it color according to pantone (for this year at least) but I got a polish last month and the month before. I sub to nail polish box already and don't really need a zillion more samples in colors that I may or may not like (mostly not like). Fortunately, this green is cute. 6/10

Ghirardelli Milk & Caramel Chocolate Squares: 

It's chocolate!!! A small square that leaves you wanting more but it's CHOCOLATE. It doesn't really add value to the box but it does add yummies to my belly. 10/10

Overall: 

I love chocolate and headbands but soap and nipple (ewwwww) balm are not my style. With my (not real math, as in I'm not actually averaging the scores) math, I'll give this box a 6/10. There are a couple of huge no-no's, 1 ugh but I can tolerate it, and 2 cool but could be betters. Hopefully, next month I'll actually know what I'm getting. If it's nail polish or soap, I'll explode into a fury of makeup related crazies ;)

SAD PANDAS DON'T WRITE!

I've been away for a while due to sad panda syndrome (aka just being depressed) so I've let my reviews go skippididoo.

I have a couple of boxes to review:

Birchbox (I'm SOOO disappointed because I didn't get what was shown on my page), Glossybox(people frickin' hate this month but I'm cool with it though that might have something to do with the fact that I got the box for free and wasn't subject to the dreaded snail mask), Starlooks (I won a box!!!! thank you soo much makeuptalk!!!!!), the Influenster sweetheart box I had lost (and was thankfully found a couple of days later) and the Julep March selection which I felt was a bit lackluster and not as exciting as I hoped (no add-ons so that's a success but I STILL couldn't bear to skip the month!).

So, to say I'm behind on box reviews is an understatement. Plus, I never posted my very large sephora hauls (at this point doing a screen cap of my purchase history would be easier than trying to explain EVERY item included) but I'm back and ready to review (and whine and whoop and enjoy and bitch and on and on).

Ahhhhhh Julep!!!!/ Dresses!!!!!

Tomorrow is the 20th and for Julep subscribers know that it is the BEST day of the month. Why? It's when you get to pick and choose (or skip) what you want for the March sub cycle. I'm very much hoping I don't find something I really want because omg how many subs do I have but I do know that tomorrow is the introduction of 'Modern Beauty' (no polish, only products) and I just know there'll be something to stop me from skipping the month ;D

Tomorrow, I'll post my review on the selections and whether I just HAD to get more stuff as well as my Sephora haul (triple points on your ENTIRE order if you buy any fragrance) where I earned 457 points in addition to my measly 401 I had left over after wasting most of my points on three 500 point sets (the most recent was the Buxom set which I have to admit, I love!). I love the whole VIB thing and I'm itching to buy more stuff but I need to control myself. Especially after just dropping a lot of money for a dress to wear for my cousin's wedding. Plus, it's a dress I have to have altered so I can make it even prettier!! Weddings are super expensive for everyone involved, I swear. Inspirations:

J.Crew Heidi Gown in Silk Chiffon, $365

Butter London Spring Nail Colors

Since, I always (seriously, always) wear black, this time I'm wearing color and even bright nails. That's right!!! The queen of serious and classic neutrals who wishes she could wear a YSL tux to the wedding is going to conform and do brights. I'm excited because it's a departure. The shocked faces should be fun. I think I'll take a camera ;D

Revelry House? Who and What are they?

There seems to be a rumor on the streets (of the internet obvs) that there is a new lifestyle/party website (oh and subscription box) waiting in the wings to blow us all away. Is it true?

Well, here are the limited deets (aka as much as I could glean from limited sources):

Revelry House

So, I initially heard about this because RH was part of the Bauble Bar pop-up event this month. I wondered, who are these peeps? Name sounds cool but who?

As of now, RH only has a page with confetti and an RSVP link to add your email to the list for the "grand opening". Initially, there was only a mention of the website but now, it's very clear that there is a box involved.  When you RSVP, you fill out a quiz about which parties/holidays you're most into and a couple of other questions. I'm definitely expecting something very interesting and here's why:

The founders are Lo Bosworth (of unfortunately reality show fame) and a partner. This initially disheartened me very much until I realized the following: a spoiled rich girl should have a faint idea about what cute stuff is, right? She should have a pretty good idea of what other girls around her age want. That's why I'm actually looking forward to this box.

For now, I'm visualizing something like birchbox's LE lifestyle box (with a price tag to match since at $49, this box wasn't cheap) and I'm a little bit jealous of one of the founders (ugh, you're wealthy and jumping into a rapidly growing sector and I knew this two years ago but I'm poor!!!) but that probably won't deter me from spending cash to see what they came up with.

The most we know about Revelry House.... right now.

Boxes that might be up for Review Soon

I have been absent for a while if only because I was trawling the pixelated jungle of the internet whilst trying not to get depressed with the bullshit pyramid schemes and crap that exists on said internet to find the few cool things in the world.

Now, I've already got a crapload of subs and don't want to add too many more but these are definitely on the maybe box:

Ditsies

Monthly underwear subs sound so unappealing for some reason but when you actually go on the website and see the selection, you can see that it's definitely something I'd be interested in.

$12/month, skippable, 10% donated to a women's charity.

Only qualm? Sizes.

Currently they only offer S-L but it would be so much more awesome if they'd expand to maybe XS-XL (give all the skinny and big girls the ability to get in on it!!!)

Overall, I'm down and I will definitely be subbing this month.

Wantable

Don't yet know much about this sub but it seems very interesting. Apparently, there are jewelry and makeup options. I have to do some real research because I only know the bare bones basic stuff.

Monthly/varied prices?

I'm going to look at this one more closely. It might be worth a look.

Beauty Bar Sample Society

This sub I actually used to have but cancelled because I'm trying to keep costs down and they charge me tax (in CA) but honestly, I miss it so much! I'm definitely getting back on the horse next month.

Monthly/$16 (inc tax)

It seems that I'm destined to need a lot of cash next month. Any ideas, universe? 

My Cotton Bunny February Box Review

Drumroll Please..........


Finally, YES FINALLY! My MY COTTON BUNNY BOX review is here!

I got the box yesterday but I wanted and needed enough time to really enjoy it and think about the products. As I've mentioned before, I'm already a bit biased in my love for MCB and so, I decided to keep cool and let clear heads prevail while reviewing said box. But yeah, it's better than le parcel so they can suck it!

Let us start with the box itself:

Yes, my desk is mess, it's a juvenile success...

A look inside the box as it is opened:

What secrets lie inside? 

Now, to the good part, the review of every item included!

To start with, the February box has a "Tealight Bundle" theme and the items are well curated in order to fit the bill. The essential part of the box is included (I didn't make any specific requests regarding that so these are standard. Each girl can pick her own selection of menstrual products) and the extra treats are divided into the following categories: 1. Treats, 2. Gifts, and 3. Bonus.

There's a cool little card explaining the month's theme and describing the items included (use as caption)

Made extra large so you can attempt to read it.

Inside the box

Now, to the good stuff:

Tampons!

U by Kotex Click Tampons Regular 18ct

Ok, so as I mentioned I didn't make any specific requests but these are a great thing to have. No qualms on this. Not the sort of thing you think about until you need it. Total disclosure and tmi: I keep one in my purse at all times in case of an "emergency". 8/10

I literally could find no way to exhibit it right but trust me, it's pretty.  

Black Crochet Headband

 This is possibly my favorite thing in the box. It is soooo pretty when you put it on but the pics I took do it no justice. This is one of the many times I wish I owned a mannequin head. It would so be worth it's cost in uses. As I said, the pics suck at Fox News level suckitude level (that's orange alert suckiness) and do not show just how pretty this thing is. It has almost a turban feel and a flower that makes it look even cuter. I'm a huge headwear fiend (ahem... Blair Waldorf = Fashion Spirit Animal) and this makes a lovely addition to my collection. 10/10

Bone Meal and Earwig Honey? 

Small Bag of Sweethearts Conversation Hearts

The little hearts we all know and love. To look at. Seeing as it's February, the addition of a valentine's treat is pretty much standard with sub boxes and this one is no exception. They're really cute but I'm glad the bag is small. They're not particularly edible or a priority for me so I'll definitely keep them as decoration and they'll get stolen by my sugar addicted dad or brother. 6/10 because chocolate is always the right choice. Always.

A tea... party? 

Chocolate Mint Truffle Tea (1 bag)

This 'Mighty Leaf Tea' brand tea bag is, as the name implies, chocolate mint truffle flavored. As I've repeatedly mentioned, I love chocolate!!! However, I don't love tea (womp womp womp) so I'm not elated but chocolate tea sounds like a treat. Enough so that I'll definitely drink it and I can't say that about all of the other teas I've gotten in different boxes. However, I have to say: enough with the tea!!!! Why does everyone send tea?? I don't know if everyone drinks tea in the US like they do in the UK (seriously, it's almost as if they think you're an asshole if you don't) but I'm not a huge tea drinker. I suspect many subs send tea because it's probably a low cost way to add something to the box. Maybe so, but do it every so year or so, not every month because thanks to many boxes, there will be no dearth of tea in my home for a very long time. 7/10

Crystals of good smells

Hawaiian Fragrance Crystals Fragrance Crystals baggie

That's not a typo, the name of the company is Hawaiian Fragrance Crystals and it's pretty clear from that what we're gonna get. It's a small baggie (fits in the inside your palm) but the smell is STRONG. Mine smell like peach maybe and I like them. Considering my room currently smells of dogs and cat (seriously. 2 dogs and 1 kitten that love to sleep in here), this little bag with a very strong scent is a great treat. However, I can see how someone who doesn't like the specific smell might completely hate it. It really does depend on your olfactory tastes (lolll that just sounds wrong), I think olfactory preferences is more accurate. 9/10

Light my....fire?

Floating Tea Candle (1)

A tiny candle that on first inspection looked at lot like those you can get at ikea for like $5 for a 20 piece set. However, it smells good (like strawberry maybe?) and can purportedly float. It's a cute addition but not a huge treat. 7/10


So, those are the items included in February's box. In addition, I got a great letter from the CEO which of course made me feel awesome. A last look:

Personally addressed to me!

Recommend Sub: Yes, with reservations*

Link: My Cotton Bunny

Frequency/Price: $13.75/Monthly (I assume this is implied considering the nature of said sub haha)

Special Notes/Perks: According to the insert card, those who review the monthly box on subscriptionboxes.com/my-cotton-bunny and let MCB know through their facebook page, get a special treat in their box the following month. This month's responders received an amazon gift card (damn, I wish I had that!)


*I'm guessing there's a certain type of girl that will enjoy these boxes more and who might have to be interested in this type of thing before subbing. It's definitely the one to go with if you go.

Disclosure: This box was given to me by MCB but I do NOT engage in false advertising or pandering. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and only mine and are in no way influenced by MCB.