Loot Crate October 2012 - Just in time for Halloween!

Hey guys so since I really haven't done anything today, I thought I'd share something cool with you guys! Well, some of you will think its cool and some of you will think its weird/creepy/scary/nerdy. But that's okay! I know there are some of you who will LOVE this. Okay so here it goes. I signed up for Loot Crate in September. Loot Crate is a subscription box service for gamers and it costs $13.37 a month plus $6 shipping... so $19.37 in total. This month's box was Halloween themed and.... get ready... that meant ZOMBIES!! Everybody say YAYYYY! Here are some pics!

#officialmember

Look what I found in my mailbox!














I'm an official member of Loot Crate! I love this little touch, making every subscribers a "card carrying member" :)

First opened!

First opened Loot Crate! As you can see, at first glance October's box appears to be Halloween themed, which of course is very fitting. The top left of the card says:

October Crate: Outbreak
It's the season to celebrate the undead, under appreciated, and often neglected, tormented souls of the underworld!

This crate will arrive just a week before one of our most hallowed holidays. To celebrate three of the most notorious creatures of the underwold: zombies, vampires, and demons, we've created the Outbreak box... We've provided you with all the tools and sustenance for the impending war with the underwold. Enjoy.

Diablo T-shirt, men's medium

Now I've never played Diablo, or any of its sequels, but I know a little bit about it and its premise has always interested me. It sounds like a very fun game to play. Maybe one day I'll try it out, but I don't have any time to play video games right now because of school :( This is a t-shirt in a men's medium by Jinx.

Loot Crate did a great job of emailing members asking for their sizes. They could've just sent out a Large to everyone and not bothered but it really showed me that Loot Crate is aware of and cares about every single one of it's customers. And this t-shirt is bad ass.

Here is a closer view of some of the items that came in the box. From left to right:  Energy Love Potion, "Zombie Repellent" button, Zombie Hunger Dog Tag by Loot Crate Labs that reads "Zombie Hunter Response Team Outbreak OPS Unit 1337-MC-Z Status: Looter", "I [gun] Zombies" button, and glow in the dark Vampire Fangs  by Vampire Incorporated. The Love Potion energy drink is really interesting because while it does contain caffeine for, obviously, energy, it also contains Horny Goat Weed, which is a known aphrodesiac. Kinda cool... maybe I'll find out if it works soon ;) hehe

Sorry about the condition of the wood service that these objects are on. It is my night stand and its pretty old. Those white spots are knicks and scratches, not dirt or dust. Although none of you probably would've noticed if I hadn't said anything just now.........

Zombie Jerky and Zombie Pea Brains by Harcos Labs!

The Zombie Jerky is artificially colored to look green although you can't really see it in the picture. I won't lie, it kind of weirds me out. Especially since the jerky pieces are also sliced into really thing, small strips. I'll try and get past the color and try it out and let you guys know how it tastes.

The Zombie Pea Brains are wasabi peas and yeah... that's about it. Very awesome name.

I hope you enjoyed this review of the October 2012 Loot Crate! I know for me its always something fun, whimsical, and sometimes kind of crazy to open. It is a little pricey so if you don't like gaming or want a more utilitarian box, then this would not be for you. BUT if you enjoy gaming and are kind of nerdy (like me!) then this could be a fun option for you! Its also a great gift for someone who loves gaming. If you'd like to sign up, click here: Sign Up for Loot Crate

Influenster's Makeover

Hey guys! As you may or may not know, I am a member of of Influenster, a social media of sorts where you can share your opinion and thoughts on different lifestyle products and aspects. In return for your input, Influenster will reward you by sending you boxes filled with products to try out and then come back and review.

Recently, Influenster underwent a "makeover" which ultimately changed the way in which people obtain said "rewards". Overall, Influenster has become more exclusive, requiring invitations from current members, whereas before you could just go to the site and sign yourself up. I assume this means that Influenster has become so well-known that they can afford to do this. This doesn't necessarily effect me, since I was originally signed up, so I'm unsure how this will effect membership. However, in my experience with other sites that require invites to join, I have found that it isn't difficult to find a friend who is willing to hook you up. There is also a "score" you can achieve and I think the highest number you can achieve is 100. This score essentially dictates your "influence" among your friends, social media, and, I guess, Influenster itself.

Another of my general impressions involves the user-friendliness of the new site. In my opinion, I think it has become quite a bit harder to navigate. Not that you CAN'T figure it out, but it requires a lot more investigation to understand what you're doing, and what is required of you. In fact, I'm still not completely sure what it is that I have to do in order to either qualify for a box, or earn points, or whatever. I'm also unclear what writing reviews will do and the products they have you writing reviews  are pretty random.

Influenster has also instated a sort of "top 5" program, which means you can invite your "most influential friends" and this will improve your Influenster score which, in turn, improves your chances for becoming a person who will test out products. They have made this aspect a little "highly charged" since they caution "make sure you only invited your most INFLUENTIAL friends, because you only get 5 spots. period." Honestly, this disclaimer makes me REALLY nervous lol. I thought Influenster was supposed to be fun. This just takes me back to the stressful days of MySpace when it was of the greatest social importance who was in your top friends. Not fun.

Ultimately, my impression is not a bad one, but I do think it has become harder to qualify for boxes as well as place a stake in the Influenster community. There is definitely more competitive awareness amongst members and its made it a more stressful atmosphere than it was before. One very good change has been the look of the site - Its very good looking and much more professional. As I use it more, my opinion will most likely evolve.

If you would like to join Influenster, click here: http://www.influenster.com/

My Review of Nike Washington Redskins Women's Team Dedication Tri-blend T-Shirt

Originally submitted at NFL

Make this your go-to top for casual, spirited style. The Nike® women's Team Dedication tri-blend t-shirt features a comfy, relaxed boyfriend cut with a wide scoop neck. Designed in team colors, the chest displays a screenprinted graphic celebrating your NFL® squad.

Nike Washington Redskins Women's Team Dedication Tri-blend T-Shirt

Great fit but long

By Caroline from Montgomery County, MD on 10/10/2012

 

4out of 5

Sizing: Feels too large

Pros: Stylish, Quality Construction, Shows Off Team Pride

Best Uses: Watching The Game on TV, Around Town, At The Game, Anytime

Describe Yourself: Sports Enthusiast, Die Hard Sports Fan, Stylish

This is a great shirt, nice quality and very cute but MAKE SURE you order at LEAST one size smaller. Otherwise, you will be swimming in it. I am normally a size large (5'3, size 12) but I ordered a medium based on previous reviews and its perfect, if not slightly big. It will be long, so if you're not into the tunic look, this may not be for you. But for me, it elongates my waist and covers my backside, even when sitting down. This shirt has a very cute design and its perfect for wearing at home during the game, at a game, or just around town on any day.

(legalese)

September 2012 Popsugar Must Have Box.... Super Amazing!

OH MY GOODNESS. If you are not subscribed to Popsugar, you need to go do it RIGHT THE FUCK NOW! "Amazing" is a vasttttt understatement for this month's box. Its just.... out of this world. As I went through the box I could stop going "oh my god... oh my GOD... OH MY GOD!" Everything was just so great. I'm not even sure how they did this for $35. I will never ever get rid of this box. This is by far my favorite investment in sub boxes to date. 

This box includes (seriously, get ready):

Brokedown Scarf

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower"Book

2 Tickets to see "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" movie

Rifle Paper Co.'s Lined Notepad

Benefit Cabana Glama combination set

Becky's Blissful Bakery Caramels

Pop-Up Pantry Dinners

Yes To Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Towelettes

Kitsch Hair Ties

Tracie Martyn Skin Care Line $25 Gift Certificate

Food Should Taste Good Sweet Potato Chips

Must Have Pouch

This box was not only jammed packed, but it was jammed pack with GREAT stuff. The scarf is SUPER soft and comes in Silver Marble, a gorgeous stone gray color. It retails for $84! The scarf also comes with a 50% off coupon to use with your next online order. I was just telling my boyfriend yesterday how I really wanted to try out the "Yes to..." brand and lo and behold, there they are in this month's (really last month's) Popsugar! I'm also a face cleansing/make up removing towelette junkie so these are perfect for me. I am so so excited to read the Perks of Being a Wallflower. The book has been around for a while and its been on my reading list for years but I just don't really have the time to read for pleasure, so book purchases are never high on my priority list, even though I love to read (kinda sad). And UH let's not forget that it comes with TWO FREE MOVIE TICKETS! Thats $22 bucks right there. Going to the movies is insanely overpriced these days so I think that's a really great deal. This box also came with a little make up kit. It comes with Hoola bronzer, a little mini brush, Some Kind-a Gorgeous in medium, Posietint, and Peach Fizz, Bronze Buzz, and Cocoa Pizzazz eyeshadows, and a double ended applicator. These are all mini versions of the products but its a good sit kit. The same kit costs $19 at Sephora.

I really can't say enough good things about this box. To say I'm impressed, simply would not be enough. It really puts subscription box quality into perspective and it makes you wonder, what the hell are they doing over there at Birchbox? Granted, their box is only $10. But, having said that, I think Popsugar's quality relative to their price is astonishing, and if they can send me all of this for $35, then Birchbox can do a little bit better with $10. But this post isn't meant to be a rant about Birchbox, its to immensely PRAISE the great job that Popsugar is doing! I hope they keep this up and if the past is any indication of the future, their boxes will only get better and better. I know I haven't been posting any reviews recently and that's because I am SWAMPED with schoolwork. But I had to make time to let you guys know about Popsugar because it is THAT good.

Here is a link to sign up: Popsugar Must Have subscription sign up

Popsugar's MustHave Box Is A Must Have!

This month is Popsugar's second box/bag. This month it came in a box. And it. is. AMAZING. No seriously you guys. Last month was good. But this month was super awesome. I'm only going to post pictures and an item list for right now because I'm really tired and I want to take a nap but I'll be back to write more awesome things and maybe answer some questions you guys have about the items, (if you have any that is).

Sorry I have to post links because the picture uploader thingy isn't working right now.

Waiting at my door when I got home!
my kittens love when I have packages delivered. That's Nathaniel to the right and Mowgli is to the left but I don't think you can see him.

First Opened

Did a little more unwrapping....

Such an amazing box this month!

This box includes:

4 Govino "Go Anywhere" Wine Glasses (that's the big red box)

Alora Diffuser 

Baggu Bag

Tatcha Japanese Beauty Papers (blotting papers)

Pop Physique "Original Butt" DVD

Sprout Exfoliator & Cleanser (all-natural and sustainably sourced)

Pretzel Chips in Original

Bear Naked Granola

Postagram Prints 10 free prints

Benziger Family Winery Coupon for 15% off 

The Postagram "10 free prints" is for an app that, as I understand it, uses your "Instagramed" pictures and turns them into postcards that you can send your friends and family. This would be a really cute idea for those who've gone on vacation, honeymoon, study abroad, or even maybe Christmas, and you want to reach out to those you love. I think that's what it is anyways, I'll have to download the app and investigate more but if you want find out for yourself, the app is called "Postagram" and can be downloaded onto your smart phone (unless you have a Blackberry because Blackberry hates apps, convenience, and anything having to do with the modern era of cellphones. Sorry, mini rant over.)

Unfortunately, I won't be able to use the Benziger Family Winery coupon because the great state of Maryland (in this case, I use the term "great" very loosely) does not allow alcohol to shipped/delivered/transported over state lines. If you get this subscription service and are inclined to use this coupon, I would check with your state laws before making an order.

Sort of tying in with the wine theme, one of the first things to catch my eye as I was opening the box was big, bright red box. And then this happened: OMFGADFIADJASDLF THE SWEET, DIVINE POPSUGAR ANGELS SENT FROM ABOVE BY THE LORD HIMSELF HAVE SENT ME WINE GLASSES. After my aneurysm, I inspected further and discovered that these glasses are stemless and are not, in fact, made of glass. I don't think they're made of plastic (but then again, I didn't look very hard). They aren't flimsy and you can tell that if you dropped them, they wouldn't break. They also have a small indentation where your thumb is supposed to go. Apparently this is "to ensure that you won't drop your wine while mingling." but if you're droppin' your wine all over the place then girl, maybe you've had enough wine and mingling.

These are my first impressions and I'll probably add more pictures and thoughts later. 

QVC New Beauty Test Tube

Hey everyone! The QVC New Beauty Test Tube is finally available! For those who don't know, this version of the NBTT is not always available for purchase, so its important that you snatch it up while they have it because it may go quickly! Just to clarify, there are two different New Beauty Test Tubes on the market. One is the standard test tube that can be obtained by going to this website: http://testtube.newbeauty.com and it typically contains a wide array of different products from different companies and is available, pretty much, at all times. The other is offered by QVC intermittently throughout the year and contains only brands that QVC offers. But don't let that sway you, QVC offers some very prestigious and high quality brands.While I have never received the QVC version before, I have heard that the products are geared more towards the cosmetics end of the spectrum, while the standard test tube is geared more towards the skin care and anti-aging end. I am definitely signing up for mine today to see how it compares to the regular NBTT! Let me know if there are any other questions you have about this sub and I will do my best to answer your questions!

P.S. There are two different options when you go to buy. There is a single shipment option and an auto-delivery option. If you want to receive the QVC Test Tube automatically every 3 months then make sure you are signing up for the auto-delivery. If you only want to receive one tube, one time then make sure you are signing up for the one time shipment option.

Click here to order: QVC New Beauty Test Tube

Act fast, this may not be around for long and who knows when it will be offered again!

Can your lipstick predict your personality?

This post will be short and sweet! Its been a little while since I last wrote and its been a little while since I've received a subscription box in the mail. I still have to post my August Birchbox... or maybe I won't.... I don't know, I'll have to think about it. If you really want to see it, let me know! ANYWAYS, I wanted to post something that I saw on Tarte's facebook page that I thought was really cute. I don't know if its entirely accurate, but its kinda fun :) Enjoy!

What Does Your Lipstick Say About You?

August 2012 Conscious Box

August's Conscious Box arrived today! Its a good one as far as I can tell, although it does have a lot of items geared towards kids (keeping with the theme of back-to-school I suppose).

This box includes:
Berry Plus Laundry Soap, 2 loads (2.0 ml each)

I Love Chicken Poop Lip Junk (0.15 oz/4.2 g)

Crispy Green Crispy Mangoes 100% Freeze-Dried Mangoes (0.36 oz/10g)

Crunchmaster Multi-grain Crackers Sea Salt (0.5 oz/14g)

St. Claire's Organics Watermelon Tarts (.56 oz/16g)

Honest Tea Honest Kids drink pouch in Super Fruit Punch (6.75 fl.oz./200 ml)

Natural Vitality Kids Calm Multi in Fruity Splash Flavor (1 fl. oz./29 ml)

thinkThin Fruit & Nut Crunch Bar in Chocolate Dipped Mixed Nuts (1.41 oz/40g)

thinkThin Fruit & Nut Crunch Minibar in Blueberry & Mixed Nuts

Weleda Pomegranate Firming Serum (full size) (1.0 fl. oz./30 ml)

4 Wexy Bags Eco-friendly Snack Bags

There is usually a bonus product if you comment on Conscious Box's facebook page, and I have always received it except for this month. All it says in the description is "Go Raw" so I'm not 100% sure what it is, except for that its a food product.

This month's box was definitely very interesting! As always, there was a TON of stuff but a few things stood out in my mind. I have gotten so much tea over the course of my subscription box journey, but I have never received tea in a "Caprisun" style pouch. I think that is so cool and a great way to have something nice to drink on hand! On a different note, I was a little put off by the name of the Chicken Poop "lip junk" and thought "there is NO way I am putting this stuff on or near my mouth area." but no worries! The tube definitively proclaims "Made With No Poop". I am very excited about the Weleda Pomegranate Firming Serum. It's a full-size product and a $45 value! I think it would fit in nicely with my daily beauty routine. Not to mention I am obsessed with anything pomegranate.

Well that's it for me, hopefully I will get some other stuff up in the next couple of days. I still have some things to show you guys that I received while I was on vacation last week. I've just been slightly lazy :)

Enjoy!

100% Vegan Conscious Box

Hey guys! Some exciting news for all of you who lead a vegan lifestyle. Conscious Box has launched their all new, all vegan box. The first box will be shipped out on Sept. 7th and will be $19.95. Subscriptions are open RIGHT NOW and are going fast, so click here and reserve yours today!

Popsugar Must Have Bag July 2012

Okay guys, I am SUPER excited about this new monthly service! Its called the Popsugar Must Have bag. Its a little bit different than other monthly sub services because they don't send you samples... they send you FULL SIZE PRODUCTS. Now the catch: it's on the pricey side in terms of subscription services - $35/month with free shipping. At first glance you may be thinking "No way am I paying that much Caroline, you crazy girl!" But rest assured, I promise you it's worth it.

This box includes:

2 RGB Nail polishes in Minty (mint green) and Doll (pale, neutral pink)

2 KIND Nuts & Spices Granola bars in Madagascar Vanilla Almond and Cashew & Ginger Spice

2 Ilia lip stains in Bang Bang and In My Room

Body Drench Body Lotion in Pomegranate Crush

Body Drench Body Scrub in Raspberry Gelee

All of this came in a very nice (big) tote bag (pictured above). 

This is my first bag and (I believe) the first bag they have ever sent out. I gotta say, I'm impressed. I may take the time to find out the value of the products, just so I can let you guys know if its really worth it, but I suspect it is. Again, this may not be for everyone but if you are someone who doesn't really enjoy getting sample size products and find yourself disappointed each month because you did not receive a full size product, then this subscription service is definitely for you. 

If you'd like to find out more or would like to sign up to receive the Must Have Bag each month, visit this link: Popsugar Must Have Bag

ETA: A couple pictures

From Left to Right: RGB Nail Polishes in Minty and Doll, Ilia Lip Stains in Bang Bang and In My Room 

Swatches of the Ilia lip stains: Bang Bang (top) and In My Room (bottom)

*Disclaimer: I am not compensated in any way for my opinion or review of these products and all thoughts expressed are my own. I pay for everything with my own money unless otherwise noted.

August 2012 Sample Society

My August Sample Society came today! 

As a preface, Sample Society is a beauty subscription box service that offers beauty samples from luxury brands. Every month you will receive 5 samples as well as a $15 gift code and a small booklet with product descriptions. This service is $15 and is delivered monthly.

This box includes:

Phyto Phytonectar Treatment Oil (0.33 fl. oz./ 10 ml)

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Private Dancer (.50 fl. oz./ 15 ml)

Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara (0.1 oz/ 3 g)

Elemental Herbology Skin Care Facial Detox Purifying Facial Mask (0.5 fl. oz./ 15 ml)

Arcona Cranberry Toner ( 1 oz./ 30 ml)

Malin + Goets Vitamin E Face Moisturizer (.04 fl. oz./ 1.2 g)

This box also came with (as always) a $15 gift code to use on any $50 purchase when any product from the brands in this month's box is included in your order. Which is a pretty good deal if I just HAVE to have something I sample.

Unfortunately, this company does not offer price values for the full-size items, so its hard for me to give the overall value of this box (although one could argue that the $15 gift code pays for box, should you choose to use it). If its something that people really want to see, then I will look into researching the item prices myself.

I am very pleased with this box, as I have been with the other boxes I have received from Sample Society in the past (I may post those at a later time, so that you can have a point of reference). The sample sizes are generous, although I wouldn't say they are the largest I've seen. However, I would rather have small samples of products I care about than big samples of products I will never use or have no interest in. And in that respect, this box delivers. Throughout my subscription box journey, I have found that I am more interested in cosmetic and beauty items rather than household or lifestyle items. After 3 boxes, Sample Society has yet to disappoint me the way other subscriptions services have -__-. More on that at a later date.

Again, if I have missed any aspect that you would like to know more about, leave me a comment and I will answer your questions to best of my ability! Thanks and I hope this was enjoyable for all of you!

*Disclaimer: I am not compensated in any way for my opinion or review of these products and all thoughts expressed are my own. I pay for everything with my own money unless otherwise noted.

First post!

Welcome to my blog internet people! It's not what I would call perfect and I'm still learning but hopefully I'll get better as I go. I am using this blog as a catalog of my monthly box subscriptions and beauty hauls. And... that's pretty much it :)

For reference, here are the monthly box services I am subscribed to:

• Birchbox
• Glossybox 
• Sample Society with Allure
• New Beauty Test Tube (quarterly)
• Good & Lovely
• Eco Emi
• Julep Maven
• Conscious Box
• Love With Food
• Goodebox
• Popsugar Must Have Bag

If you have any questions or tips feel free to leave a comment.

Enjoy!