When I noticed the bright orange box sitting on my doorstep, I knew it was my BuluBox! I recently signed up for a 3-month subscription so I could test it out at an affordable price and I’ve been pretty happy … Continue reading
So my Taste Trunk arrived a few days ago, and of course I picked the Sweet Trunk again! With my variety of health-conscious boxes, I knew I shouldn’t pick the Health Trunk, plus I’m not a BBQ-er… perhaps next month if I continue, I’ll switch up to the Gourmet one!
As usual, I love their packaging. The first look is the gold stamped logo on the simple white box, and then you open the package up to see black and white printed images that take you back in time. With the color scheme: black, white, burgundy, and newsprint, they have won me over in that category.
And so, I eagerly began to unwrap it, carefully taking the info cards out of the newsprint paper bag, and shufflling through the tissue paper…
Like last month, Taste Trunk included some interesting information cards on the products! They wrote a bit about where the product comes from, the companies histories, etc.
First up is the Iveta All Natural Cupcake Mix in Chocolate Coconut. I love to bake, and so I was pretty excited to get this in my package rather than a pre-baked, pre-packaged cake or something along those lines. It came with instructions as to what to add to the cupcake batter, how to make the frosting, etc. While I may sub some of the ingredients for healthier options, I know I will have fun making these.
Next up, I got these crazy gummy/jelly candies. Made by Cheri’s Desert Harvest. In flavors like “Prickly Pear Cactus Candy” and “Margarita Morsels” I was intrigued and curious as to how they would taste. The consistancy is inbetween a gummy and jelly candy, and it’s pretty sweet I have to say. While they may be too sugary sweet to purchase (personally), I would recommend them to anyone who likes sour patch kids, gumdrops, etc.
In terms of baked goods, I recieved The Cookie Department Peanut Butter Choc Chip Protein Cookie! It’s like they read my mind and knew I wanted a protein-based one! I have been making protein pancakes so much lately, and so this is great because it fills your craving for sweets while also giving you the protein you need.
CC Made Salted Caramel Sauce just sounds heavenly. Last month I recieved CC Made Caramel Pistachio Popcorn, so I had a good feeling about this. I didn’t realize it was a ‘salted’ caramel until I realized the name Sel Gris Caramel Sauce. Yum- I know I love Salted Caramel Hot Chocolates, Caramel Macchiato and various other treats, so I will definitely put this to good use. I can just imagine the caramel thumbprint cookies already…
Finally, we have a familiar food: Nunes Farms almond caramels and chocolate caramels were wrapped up in one of the newsprint brown paper bags. I did enjoy getting the regular caramels last month, and so I had no doubt the chocolate ones would be good as well. However, I’m not a big fan of repeats.
I was really happy with everything I got… except:
I wish I had received the Pacific Beach Toffee Peanut Butter that was included in their Health Trunk… and in my opinion should have been in the sweet one! I love nut butters- peanut, almond, cashew, chocolate peanut- and of course cookie butter!
Additionally, while I was happy to receive some of the Nunes Farms chocolate caramels, I did in fact get about a dozen caramels with almonds last month. Luckily I enjoy them, however I think they need to increase their variety and reduce chances of duplications.
I think I may switch up my trunk for next month in order to avoid duplicates… perhaps to the Gourmet Box? Anyone prefer one over another?
With a cost of $29.00 a month + shipping, this is a pretty good box for the total foodie; You definitely have to love sweets to get this trunk (just like how the BBQ trunk is perfect for a GrillMaster!) If you decide to sign up, use TASTE25 for 25% off your first box, and please be amazing and write my name “Mackenzie Degen” in the special instructions area.
xo, Kenzie
PlatinumBox really have stepped up their service and quality over the past few months, and now I’m motivated to share my product review with you all. This month, I was super excited to get my August FitBox by PlatinumBox, as last months had such a great variety of pre-workouts, recovery formulas, etc. And so, this little square white box with the PlatinumBox logo arrived a few days ago and I eagerly tore into it.
All of the samples were nicely laid out within the box, and so, just for better pictures/reference I arranged them so you could see all of them! The only thing that was missing this month was an info/hello card. Previously, I’ve gotten little white cards with a note from Robbie, and think it would be great for them to keep that up, whether it includes info on the samples, new updates and events, or a simple hello.
Now, the good stuff. First off, I saw this NOW trail bar in Cranberry, Peanut & Almond. At first I thought it was a basic granola bar, but after taking a better look at it, I really liked the little things like how it is loaded with chia seeds, a source of omega-3, and full of fiber!
This next sample is Myogenix Hyper Shock Rage, a pre-workout supplement that is supposed to pump you full of energy and strength to push through an intense workout.
Next up is one of my favorite brands MUSCLE PHARM! Seriously.. if they’re reading this, I’d die to test and review their products. Them and Quest Bars. Done deal. Anyway, this product is called MuscleGel, is a quick fix for when you need protein intake! It’s perfect for on-the-go and has good reviews in terms of the taste (I was questioning the taste of a protein gel), plus it contains 22 grams of protein! I’m intrigued by it and can’t wait to test it out.
Another yummy bar! I really enjoyed my Zing bar in Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip flavor. I warmed it up a little in the microwave and broke it into pieces, and mixed it into a honey greek yogurt for a high protein snack one night! While it is fairly high/average in calories for a protein bar, it has 10g protein and 4 g fiber which is a good thing! I would definitely recommend it to anyone craving a cookie or peanut butter bar, and am going to be looking into the different flavors.
Here’s another pre-workout formula called PreWrek, the ultimate pre-workout matrix. This pre-workout formula in green apple flavor is supposed to give you energy and focus, increase pump and strength, and make for an overall better workout. I’ve never heard of this brand/product before so I will definitely be testing it out to see.
Cellucor is another great, well-known brand. This product is called NO3, a nitric oxide pump amplifier that is supposed to give you extra strength at the gym and increase blood flow for a ‘better pump’.
Here is everything! What I thought was pretty interesting was that this month was half protein, half pre-workout. I do enjoy a variety, and am happy to see the healthy trail bar vs. the chocolate protein bar, but definitely think I would trade in a nitric oxide pump for a recovery formula. I am interested to try the MusclePharm Muscle Gel, the Pre Wrek, and well… all the items in the box and so I give this month a thumbs up.
If you’re interested in the FitBox by PlatinumBox, you can sign up here for $14 per month, and on your first sign up you get a $20 coupon towards their online supplement store.
NEW: They now have a new, pumped up box called the FitBox Premium which includes a trial sized supplement, upto 7-8 samples, discount cards, and workout program promos! You can sign up for $24.99! It kinda reminds me of how JackedPack has different offers, and they’re trying to match/beat their price which will be interesting to see the outcome.
Happy workouts!
xo, Kenzie
What’s on my Mind:
Okay, so it’s mid August and… wait, what? It’s the middle of August!? Sorry, but where exactly did the Summer go? There was a 2 week heat wave and then endless amounts of gloom and rain. I’m sad to say that I’ve been to the beach (besides vacation) about once this summer. That’s when you know childhood/college/happiness is over and you’re a real working adult now.
What’s on my Subscription List:
I’m SO excited for some of the new boxes I’ve signed up for. I received a few boxes last week I still have to post up, and yet I keep thinking about the next ones that are coming. So, on my new subscription list for August, I’m adding Conscious Box! There is currently a Conscious Box Discount going on where if you simply use coupon code FREEBOX, you get your first box free… just pay for the cost of shipping ($7)
Teaser/Spoiler Alert: Apparently Philip B. Maui Wowie Beach Spray (a beachy, texturizing salt water spray) will be one of the items in this month’s Blush Mystery Box! They just revealed it, giving you more of a reason to sign up. At $22 per bottle, this almost pays for the $25 box! I cannot wait.
Additionally on my mind is… I have a LOT of products. I mean, way before I even got into attending beauty events or buying subscription boxes, I was a bit of a beauty/hair/skincare junkie. I’ve even gone to lengths now to organize my products: I have a shelf for sunscreen and selftanner, facial and bodycare, and then hair! My shelves are seriously overrun with Aussie, Garnier and Sublime Bronze products, yet that doesn’t stop me from getting more. Want to know my favorite products? Feel free to ask, and I’ll be posting every now and then with “Love List,” products I’m currently craving.
What did I do this Weekend?
Many fun, relaxing things! I cuddled and played with Bella!
I got Save The Dates for my brother’s wedding in April!
I ate deliciously amazing Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato! (cheat meal, oops)
And best of all, I saved a lil bird! This here is Carlos, or as Kevin decided to name him “Carlos Danger” (if anyone gets the reference… yeah, wasn’t my choice of names). But anyway, we went on a walk/jog at the track and on the way out, we decided to go a different route back to K’s house, and we all of a sudden saw this poor little injured bird lying in the ground. He couldn’t walk or fly, and then we noticed his eye was all beat up, like he flew into something or got attacked by a cat. And so, we found a shoebox, cut holes and created a little home for him with food and water, and Sunday we dropped him off a 1/2 hour away at a Bird Rescue and Rehab center. The woman told us he had his tail ripped off and definitely looked like he had been attacked. Fingers crossed for a healthy recovery for little Carlos!
xo, Kenzie
So, this great new subscription box has been released containing a combination of healthy snacks, natural bath and beauty products and other unique items to keep you ‘dreaming on Cloud9‘. These items are supposed to keep you feeling joyous, relaxed, and happy, thus called the Cloud 9 Sample Box!
And so, begins the unpacking! This cute little orange box arrived via priority mail in perfect condition. Once I popped it open, I saw a cute little note stuck to the inside of the lid with stickers.
Then, on top of everything was an info card with the details on all the products included in the box and their website links/some discount codes.
So first up, we have a jar of Lisa Ann Skincare Coconut Lime Body Butter. I immediately unscrewed the top and smelled it, and felt as though I was sipping on a tropical drink in the bahamas. It has a nice texture: not too thick or sticky, but goes on easy and keeps your skin feeling smooth. I believe this is a full-sized product (or at least big enough for me to consider that) which is definitely a perk.
Now, onto the oils!
I recieved 3 sample packets of oil in this months box: 1 Kelapo Coconut Oil, which I have already used while making some awesome protein pancakes. Surprisingly, Kelapo must either be a popular brand or a new brand trying to get its name out there, because it also arrived in my August BuluBox Weight Loss Box (review up soon!).
I also got 2 packets of California Olive Oil, which is a great extra virgin oil that can be used for cooking, making salad dressing, or, as a smoother for dried/ripped cuticles.
Now, some snacks:
This is a brand I’ve never heard of before- Jaxn’s Twice Baked Potato Sticks. In my mind, I suddently think of those greasy potato sticks I used to eat when I was a kid, either coming in individual packs or a big round tin. However, these are apparently supposed to be healthier and better for you, weighing in at 160 calories per serving, 19g carbs, super low sugar. I personally can’t see myself going out and purchasing bags of them, but definitely will enjoy this sample bag!
Next to the sticks is a packet of CharCrust Orginal Hickory Grilled spice rub. I’m not much of a griller myself, however I could imagine either rubbing some chicken breast with this and baking it in the over, or passing it over to my Dad to try out.
Finally, we have some sweets:
There was a bright blue bag of Geraldine’s Bodacious Key Lime Cookies, which are all-natural tangy-sweet cookies. I actually recieved a similar style cookie in my Juniper Box a few months ago, and thought they were great! You usually expect a chocolate chip or peanut butter cookie, so this was a new refreshing twist (and also went with the theme of the key lime coconut body butter!)
I recieved a few creamed honey sticks! These three sticks were wrapped up together with a ribbon and came in the flavors cinnamon and lemon. I’ve never had creamed honey before (I’ve had honey sticks, however, which can be seen in my past Juniper and Taste Trunk boxes) and so I was excited to get these. I think I’ll test out the cinnamon flavor with a chai tea, and lemon with a green tea… or perhaps use them in one of my next baking adventures.
In general, I was pretty happy with my first Cloud9 Box. I was happy to find out that it was not ‘just a food box’ and not ‘just a bath and body box’ but combined the best of all worlds to keep you feeling happy and relaxed. I like how they had somewhat of a theme going on with the Key Lime Cookies, Lime Coconut Body Butter and Coconut Oil, and which that they kept up with that, perhaps adding in some powdered margarita drink mix, or macadamia lemon balls, etc. It could have been called their “August Tropical Vacation Escape” box or something clever!
Would I recommend the Cloud9 Box? Definitely. It seems like they try to cater to many crowds, as they tried to pick some items that were comforting and some that were healthier options. How much does it cost? The box costs only $15 plus $5.95 for shipping and handling. In general, I would nix the BBQ seasoning and instead throw in a lip balm, or to stick with the food-theme, a pink himalyan sea salt sample packet. However, I was very happy with all of the other items: I’ve already used the coconut oil, brought the honey sticks to work today and know I’ll be using that body butter when my hands get dry!
xo, Kenzie
*I recieved this complimentary box for reviewing purposes*
So, if any of you saw my June Juniper Review, you will know how happy I was with this subscription box service. Not only is Juniper customizable to your needs and your timing per month, but Lynn is super funny. I love reading the cards she includes in the box each month.
And so when she graciously offered me a deal, I could not turn it down. Not only do I never have to go out and buy tampons again, but I get all these awesome snacks and teas too!
So the theme this month was “Keep it Fun, Mix it Up,” and as you can see from the info card it looked like Lynn was having an awesome bright, colorful party! You can quickly see all the included items, from teas and honey sticks to nuts and cookies.
When I flipped the card over to Lynn’s Letter, I laughed when I read about the Catwalking Class, wishing I had been able to do something like that! It only got better as she continued to talk about the class, and how her ‘opponent’ was invading her space and she was not having it at all. Talk about a cat (walk) fight!
As usual everything was perfectly wrapped and arranged, this month with green-blue tissue paper, and the usual cute see-thru bag holding all the goodies.
Okay now onto the snacks. This month, I received a pack of Donsuemor Chocolate Madeline cookies, these soft yummy chocolate cookies to fit that sweet craving. Next to them is a pack of 479 Degrees Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn. Not only were these delicious, but they were only 100 calories… can I get a hell yeah!? Then, for that salty fix, was a packet of Nunes Farms roasted salted pistachios. I love pistachios, and I’ve had other Nunes Farms products in last months Taste Trunk.
Next up were the yummy teas for the month. All three were from the brand Numi and were GREEN TEAS! My favorite. There was Moroccan Mint, a caffeine free refreshing blend, Toasted Rice, an interesting nutty, savory tea with caffeine, and Simply Green, a basic decaf green tea. And as usual, they came with 3 assorted honey sticks!
Now onto the ‘personal items’… I got my packets of Midol as usual/requested, and then my special, pampering item: a Golden Earth Aromatherapy Body Wash! My last box had an olive oil complexion soap, and so I like that she had another ‘body/pampering’ item like this.
Of course, I got my usual monthly supply of tampons. You get to choose your preference with brands, size, etc. which is awesome. Wait, this box is a time of the month box? I got too distracted by all the food….
Here’s a picture of all the goodies I got in addition to my tampons. You can see the variety of sweet and salty, and how she always maintains a similar set of items (3 teas, 3 honey sticks, etc) but always changes the brands, the flavors, etc.
I’m very happy with this mixture, as it combines sweet, salty and savory! Plus green tea is my fave.
Sign up for Juniper now! For $28 per month, you get a full supply of tampons, midol or pads if needed, teas, honey, a variety of snacks, plus a personal body care item! I have a feeling you won’t regret it… otherwise I wouldn’t be getting two more months of it!
xo, Kenzie
So I have been really intruiged by BeautySage lately, however a lot of their products tend to be on the pricey side. Then, I found out about the Editor’s Sampler Box! This specially curated box of August must-haves is only … Continue reading
Stylish in Suburbia 
