When I got a notification for a monthly subscription box on Living Social, I obviously had to jump on it. I've been looking for some new ones to add to my usual Ipsy and Birchbox, but most of them are more than I want to spend.
Bulu Box is supposed to be all about living healthy. There are two options: the regular and the working out. I chose the working out, and this is what I got on month #1.
The packaging is pretty boring, but I guess that's not what counts. Here are the goodies:
-card describing everything
-a quick summer workout routine
-container of "Rescue Patilles" that are supposed to destress you. $7 value
-two trials of "burnblend" which is supposed to up my metabolism $2.50 value
-"movit" gummies that are supposed to energize. $1 value
-upset stomach powder $.75 value
-"KoPax" energy booster $1.25 value
TOTAL VALUE: $12.50
It's a $10/box subscription, so technically I got my money's worth, but I really don't know if any of these things are going to do as they claim. So far I've tried the pastilles and gummies and..... I didn't notice much.
When I'm doing these boxes I hope for more than just trials of things that a lot of times you can order directly from the companies. One full-sized item isn't cutting it for this one, but here's to hoping for the best next month!
I took a quiz on Influenster at the beginning of the summer to see if I'd be a good fit for a box, and they knew exactly which one to send me! I'm so obsessed with everything they sent in the "Vow VoxBox."
This wedding season is my craziest yet, as I've mentioned, and I'm traveling to see four couples tie the knot. They sent me the essentials!
Pure Silk shaving cream: I've never been one to use shaving cream. I typically use an Intuition razor, so I don't need it, but those are becoming more and more expensive, so I have switched... but still never thought about getting shaving cream. This stuff is the bomb. I tried it on only one leg at first, and definitely got more moisture on the leg and a closer shave. Bonus: it smells fantastic.
ecotools Pure complexion facial sponge: I've been trying to get my acne under control lately, so I was pumped to try this. I don't think it helped my face any, but I used it on my body for exfoliation and it was great for that. Also made my shave even smoother on my legs because of the exfoliation first.
Olay degenerist luminous perfecting cream: I'm still using Clean & Clear moisturizer because I'm a teenager at heart [which is probably having something to do with the acne...] but this stuff makes me feel like a whole new woman. It doesn't agree with my psoriasis patches and pretty much rolls right off of those areas, and it also doesn't love being combined with my BB cream, but it's great for days I go bare faced.
Tide to go stain remover: Does this need an explanation? I'm a messy girl who doesn't like washing her cheap clothes. Of course this is a godsend.
Sally Hansen Salon nail polish: Something blue! While the shade is very different than anything I have ever worn, it's definitely pretty, and this brand is great. Definitely an exciting item to get.
They're all full size, and they're all free as long as I talk about them.... so I'm even more happy with Influenster right now. I don't always go out and buy the free things I receive once I run out, but I'll be stocking up on 60% of this stuff for a long time.
Late last year I found this amazing wine ice cream and I was all "ooohh, break me off a piece of that!" until I realized it's only available in select states.
Well, thanks to some amazing friends who came to visit from New York, I finally got to try the amazeballs invention that is Mercer's wine ice cream. [Thanks to some dry ice, which created a really eery scene in my sink.]
Turns out, Nugget really likes it. I think cats really do take after their parents. [I have one slut and one alcoholic, so you do the math.] Anyway, I just figured I'd sneak a picture of him in here. Now onto the review.
First of all, they're all so freakin' creamy and smooth, it's easily one of my favorite ice cream textures ever of all time before I even taste it. When it comes to flavor, these are my favorites, in order [without any fancy wine tasting descriptions cuz I know nothing about that]:
Chocolate Cabernet: You'd think it'd be a no brainer that anything chocolate wins. Well, yes, it's winning... but I really don't like Cabernet. The chocolate definitely masks it for the most part, with just a slight after-taste of the wine. It also has delicious chocolate chip shreddings.
Red Raspberry Chardonnay: This one was a no brainer. I love fruity ice cream, I love Chardonnay, and this is delightful. The flavor is strong from both ends, but not too strong.
Port: I've never had this kind of wine, but considering the ice cream is purple and I normally fear purple things, I thought I'd hate it. It's definitely different, and not many people who have tried it liked it, but I do.
Riesling: It has no added flavor, and it doesn't need it. It tastes like a creamy Riesling, and that's not a bad thing. It's refreshing and tastes like you're drinking.
Peach White Zinfandel: I thought I'd love this one, but I just don't. I'm not sure if it's a weird White Zin flavor or that the peach throws me off, but this one will probably be a pretty full container for a while.
Pretty obvious which ones I've taken several extra bites from, huh? You might also be able to tell that the chocolate one is not nearly as creamy as the rest. Unfortunately, that's true.. but it's still damn good.
See? He loves it. Maybe I'll just give him the leftovers.
My overall reaction: GET THIS. If you're having a girl's night or even just a night in alone, this is your perfect companion. If you don't live in New York, Texas, New Hampshire, Tennessee, or Vermont, you need to get some good friends who do, and make them visit you.
To be honest, I'm a little nervous to share this secret with you because I don't want my options to go down or out of stock! BUT, I've pretty much made a vow to share my life with you and help you out, so that's what I shall do.
For the past couple months, you may have seen bluelans.com in my What Ya Wearin Wednesday or fashion posts. It's a website that ships straight from China, FOR FREE! Sure, that's cool, but what you also need to know is that everything is super cheap!
I ordered two shipments of jewelry and other things from BlueLans and DressLink, totaling at $31, including any shipping costs! Everything you see here [and two more pairs of earrings] are included in that total!
The two scarves are from DressLink, the clutch from BlueLans. I'm obsessed with the yellow scarf. The clutch might get a little makeover. [but the inside has so many card pockets- LOVE!]
Studs from BlueLans. I got two of the Amurrica ones for a friend. The black bows will become a fave!
All of these are from DressLink. The bracelet on the far left actually fits my wrist which I'm shocked about because I have XL wrists. That necklace is going to be so fun to work with! It's pretty exquisite/fancier than I normally get, but with a plain shirt I think it'll be gorgeous!
You've seen the owl necklace before, and I got the anchor necklace to match earrings I got from BlueLans a couple months back. Those purple earrings are pretty big, but I'm pumped about them. I also got them in black [not pictured].
How great and different are all of those things?! The most expensive item was the big gold necklace, for $3!
Because I'm always honest with you, I will tell you the cons:
You're ordering from China. Things are going to be made very cheap. If you know how to fix little things like loose chains/reconnect them, you're good to go.
Shipping takes a while, up to 45 days. If you're getting these things for a vacation, plan accordingly.
If you're ordering clothes- beware. I got lingerie for $5 and a shirt for $10 in another order. The shirt lasted for a day before it shrank to half it's size in the wash [without a dry]. The lingerie actually isn't terrible, it's just super simple and required a minor sewing fix at the seam when I pulled it out of the packaging. I'm interested in trying a dress or a jacket, but we'll see...
Some of the metal smells a little weird. I don't know how to explain it besides it's cheap metal. I had to get used to wearing the owl necklace.
Those are really the only complaints I have, and they're minor considering what I'm paying for a whole jewelry makeover.
If you have or will be ordering anything from the sites, let me know and keep me updated! I'm excited to discover more! Also, if you know of any similar sites, please share with all of us in the comments!
TweetLast night I celebrated Valentine's Day with America's Valentine: Justin Bieber. I went and saw "Never Say Never."
Before I completely lose you, please give this review a minute of your time. Yes, I'm going to tell you to see this movie that is now one of my favorites ever, but even if you "hate" the Biebs, I have valid reasons.
When Justin first came onto the scene, it was ingrained into my head by fellow radio people that he was cocky, a terrible interview, and a waste of time. I too hated the Biebs and refused to get the fever. Eventually, yes, he began to grow on me, but even before the movie, I was iffy. I didn't know if I believed he'd be around for a while, and I definitely thought he was probably a little too swaggerific for his own good.
"Never Say Never" is a documentary about a kid who had huge dreams, and with confidence, YouTube, a supportive mom, and a little luck- he made them come true... beyond what he or the world ever thought was possible.
If you like inspirational stories... If you like extremely well done documentaries... If you like watching people make other people happy... If you appreciate true, raw talent... You will absolutely love this movie, no matter how much you love or "hate" Justin Bieber.
Four years ago this was his first YouTube video:
Now he's one of the most famous people in the world, and it's not because he's not talented. In fact, he's probably one of the most talented people in the pop music industry right now.
He was TWO YEARS OLD when he started drumming, playing the guitar and singing. TWO!!! Now he sings, drums, plays guitar, plays piano, dances, and raps... at a well above average skill level, even for adults. You can't even begin to try and tell me he's not talented or doesn't deserve the life he does.
Check out this drumming video from 3 years ago:
Most importantly what I learned from this movie: Justin Bieber won't be going anywhere any time soon not only because of his talent, but because of his attitude and the people surrounding him. They proved that he's had this confidence his whole life, it's not "cocky," and he has a fantastic team that will not let him become the next teen-failure. He lives a teen life and has a naturally born talent... Not something Miley can say. [Sidenote: Big Daddy Kev has an awesome point about the two on stage together.]
The movie takes you through tons of home videos from his whole life, and focuses on the 10 days before his incredible Madison Square Garden show that sold out in 22 minutes and brought a plethora of celebs to not only join him on stage, but see the show.
I don't want to give everything away, even though I want to tell you everything. This movie should be added to the "you-have-to-see-this" list. It should be taught in schools. If nothing else, everyone who has ever had a dream or heard the word "Bieber," should see this documentary at some point. It will open your eyes to a whole new world of things, even beyond the Bieber Fever.
It made me laugh [at the girls constantly crying because of him], cry [they showed his dad see a show for the first time] and shake my head for the entire movie. The things that have happened to him in such a short amount of time are incredible. Inspirational. and yes, make me a little jealous, but if I'm going to hate someone- I better have a reason besides jealousy.
Oh yea, the 3D thing helped too.
love, elizabethany
PS: I'm totally wearing white and purple today because THAT'S how much I loved this movie.
