Platinum Box July 2013

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Hi all! So while I do often post on beauty and fashion, I am really into health and fitness! I believe that eating clean, eating small meals more often and working out (cardio AND weights) a few times a week, helps not only to center you but increase your health and happiness. And so I’ve been ordering from JackedPack for a few months, and then came across the FitBox by PlatinumBox. I had recieved a box from them in May/June, but was not happy at all with the contents, until I learned that it was switching ownership and so it really wasn’t at the level that it should be. So, when Robbie of PlatinumBox responded to my many requests and sent me a July box, I thought I would give them a chance for a real review.

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On top of everything was a letter from Robbie and Vinny promising to include more items, more variety, etc and also encourage customers to check out their new website.

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Here is the little while box with all of the items that were included. I am really happy at the variety: some pre-workouts, some post-workout recovery formulas, some thermogenics and ‘general health’ samples. Some of them are brands I already know (either have heard of or use) and some are new to me, which is always good.

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The blue packet “G Fuel” is a Blue Ice-flavored energy supplement that is comprised of Taurine and L-Tyrosine to give you an immediate increase in Energy, Focus, and Endurance, along with antioxidants and caffeine.

The red packet PTF is a pre-workout that is different from your other standard workout supplements as it is low calorie, no sugar, no crash/jitters and packed with B-Vitamins and antioxidants.

These two samples are made by Gamma Labs. G Fuel is more of an energy drink alternative (that you can use while working out too) while PTF is actually a pre-workout with Creatine and other Amino Acids.

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MRI NO2 RipCuts is an orange-flavored  ‘cellular fat burn’ product that is supposed to accelerate fat burn, support lean mass development, deliver energy and focus without causing a “crash” and ignite the metabolism. You can use it daily (or just workout days), and it’s supposed to give you an extra boost when working out.

Xtend Intra-Workout Catalyst by Scivation (in Grape Escape) is a BCAA-stocked intra-workout supplement that is meant to build muscle, burn fat, and help with recovery as well. Calories, carb and sugar-free, this is a good go-to if you want to gain muscle and lose weight, however I would definitely try one of the other 8 flavors over the grape!

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PowerBar Gel is a vanilla-flavored carb and electrolyte gel that is supposed to give you more energy. Instead of taking a shake or eating a powerbar, you just need this little packet. I’m not a huge fan of ‘gels’ but am willing to give it a chance. I actually just got some similar products in my KonaKase and BuluBox so I can really evaluate the company.

I’ve actually tried a few different Acai products and so I was excited for the Healthy ToGo brand Natural Acai Energy. Acai is a superfruit and so this energy booster drink mix is full of antioxidants.

I use these Emergen-C like they’re water if I’m feeling a cold coming on or just need a perk up. Full of Vitamin C, D and Calcium, they’re supposed to help with balancing out your body and giving you the vitamins you need to stay healthy.

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It seems as though this was a good box, full of different samples of energy boosters, pre-workouts and thermogenics. I hope next month changes up the brands and includes a protein powder and/or another type of recovery product. With 7 samples for the price of $14, I think it’s a pretty good box for workout junkies or those who want to try new products.  It’s about the same price as JackedPack so I’ll be comparing the two to see which one I should continue to subscribe to!

If you’re interested in FitBox by PlatinumBox, you can check out their website at: http://www.myplatinumbox.com/

xo, Kenzie

What’s On My… July 26th

It’s time for another “What’s on my…” round-up with my favorite foods, outfits and more!

What’s on my plate:

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Salad!!! I have been loving salad all week from homemade ceasar salad with chicken to mixed greens, berries, goat cheese and walnuts, to tuna salad with tons of crunchy veggies mixed in! I always have some combination of greens, protein and veggies: if you eat just lettuce and carrots, you’ll be miserable! This delicious one was from yesterday: mixed greens, all topped with egg, turkey bacon, avocado, red pepper, cherry tomatos, strawberries and raspberry vinaigrette, mmmm!  I always like having a healthy lunch because it not only keeps me feeling light, but also gives me the fuel to get through the rest of the work day! I usually have it with a side of: fruit, veggies and hummus, trail mix or some variation. And why ruin a good lunch with soda or calorie-stocked juice? I opt for either water, fresh brewed green or fruit teas, or light versions of drinks so that I don’t end up consuming 100-200 calories just from a drink!

What’s on my body:

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Oh hey! This was my awesome outfit from yesterday. I apologize for my mess of a room, but it’s the only full-length mirror I could work with. Anyway, some days I am just super lazy and throw on whatever I can find for work. However, every once in a while when I’m feeling motivated or fashionable, I put together a great combo like this one! Top from Akira Chicago, Bottom from Forever 21, Necklace from Forever 21, Sandals (which you can’t really see, sorry!) from Urban Outfitters. Awesome sock bun by me.

What’s on my Recent Buys:

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I am a chunky-necklace fiend. And I will never apologize or feel bad about it! I hate dainty little necklaces UNLESS they are either real-jewel gifts (like Kevin’s diamond heart-necklace I got for my birthday last year) or a long daingly chain with a charm/brooch/bottle on the end of it. Basically, statement pieces are my thing. So anyway, I had purchased a chunky white choker necklace in a slight flowery-shape a few months back, but unfortunately it just wasn’t made very well and I kept having to krazyglue parts back together, and it just finally broke this week for good. So, luckily I was at the mall the other day and saw this gem (HAH-GET IT!) at Forever21 and it was the last one in white! I had a tough time deciding between light pastel pink and white, but this one was the winner! Can’t wait to wear it and I’m sure you’ll all see pictures of it soon.

What’s on my Shopping List:

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So I went to Trader Joes this week expecting to pick up about 6 items… and left with like 60! Once I enter that store, I just can’t stop buying! I absolutely love everything they have from their organic 19 cent bananas to their array of healthy chips and frozen snacks. While you can only see a few of the items in this picture, here’s a list of my favorite things I picked up: Speculoos Cookie Butter, Chocolate Cat Cookies, Vanilla Unsweetened Almond Milk, Black Bean Soup, Red Curry Sauce, Honey Goat Cheese, Whole Wheat Pizza Dough, PB&J Chocolate Bar, Zico Chocolate Coconut Water, Green Juice and sooo much more!

Stay tuned for more subscription box reviews, giveaways and more! It’s going to be a busy weekend/next week.

xo, Kenzie

Taste Trunk ~ Sweet Trunk ~ July 2013

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I love sweets. Chocolates. Sour Gummies. You name it… but of course, I’m also really into my health and working out so this was a bold move on my part. What am I talking about, you ask? TASTE TRUNK! Taste Trunk comes in 4 different options: Gourmet, Sweet, Health and BBQ, each which have mostly full-size and some sample size items. Each box, regardless of your choice, costs $29 per month + shipping (OH HEY- I HAVE A DISCOUNT CODE AT THE END OF MY POST), which is a heftier price tag than many other boxes, but has some high-quality and unique products. I was tempted originally to get the Gourmet Box but am happy I went with the Sweet Trunk! Now you’ll see why…

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I just love their packaging! The box was so simple, a white cardboard box, but then you see this unique stamped label in gold for Taste Trunk.

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And it got better. Once I opened up the box, I saw tons of black tissue paper, these super-cute newspaper style brown bags and burgundy ribbon tying it all together.

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And just a quick close-up! I reaaally loved the newspaper brown bags and the whole color scheme.

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Here’s the first look at the entire case! You can tell that it is stock-full of items, some delicate and so they’re wrapped up in bubble wrap.

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And we’ll start with the Caramels from Nunes Farms. These guys are so good- a chewy caramel with nuts that just melts in your mouth. Oh, and there had to be at least a dozen of them in there.

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I am a tea freak and so I was obviously beyond excited to see all these honey sticks! Made by Glorybee Foods, these honey sticks came in an array of flavors, with at least 10 sticks aka 10 cups worth of tea! The only downside is I’m not sure which flavor is which, so I guess it will be a fun surprise.

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Next up, from down unda (one of my favorite places <3) is the Kookaburra Liquorice! I was intrigued by this and have yet to try it, but I’m guessing it will be similar to twizzlers but in a green apple flavor. I was so happy it was not traditional black licorice flavor as I despise that, but instead it’s a unique fruity one!

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Made in Brooklyn, NY (not too far from me!) are these two Jams from The Jam Stand. The big/full-size jar is You’re my Boy, Blue-berry Bourbon Jam. Kindof a play on words, if anyones seen Old School, I’m thinking that might be the reference. But blueberries + bourbon sounds like a good combo and you can totally see how fresh it is! I’m really excited to try this out/it looks like it may be my favorite item from the box!

The little guy is Drunken Monkey Jam which sounds interesting- like a banana caramel jam. I’ll probably be trying this out on a toasted english muffin, however banana is not really my flavor, so fingers crossed!

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Mmmm… raspberry fudge. I’m sold. Sorry, did you want more details? Okay so this delicious little jar is made by East Shore Foods and will be used on all my breakfasts and desserts for the next week.

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Next is this cute long tube of caramel/toffee popcorn made by CC Made. I love the packaging because it’s just different from the norm, and is bold and attention grabbing. Oh and it tastes good too!

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And finally we have biscotti! I absolutely love biscotti, and even though I normally prefer mine chocolate-dipped, these Apricot & Pecan ones by Bari are awesome and will be dipped into my coffee at work this week!

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So here’s the whole round-up! All in all, I was pretty pleased with my Sweet Trunk by Taste Trunk. The only item I’m not sure I’ll really use is the Banana Jam.

Additionally, I like how they include postcards with each items telling the customer about the company, the product and even some recipes and tips for how to use the product. There was even a discount for a cute-looking bed and breakfast style place should you ever venture over to the West Coast. I have to say though, I wish either a coffee or a tea was included so that I could combine the honey sticks or biscotti with something else sweet.

Oh, and I have a feeling I’ll be working extra hard at this gym this week.

Interested in Taste Trunk? You can sign up here: http://www.tastetrunk.com/ and I would love if you included my name Mackenzie Degen (or blog name StylishinSuburbia.com) in the extra comments box when you’re signing up, as it works as a referral system and lets me continue to recieve boxes and review them for you! EVEN BETTER, you can now get 25% off your first box by using my code: Degen25

Now, to decide if I should get the Sweet Trunk again or switch it up.. hmm….

xo, Kenzie

BuluBox 50% Off!

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Interested in BuluBox but don’t want to pay full price? Now is your chance! Until the end of July (July 30th, to be exact) you can buy a deal at Plum District

 Plus, shipping is free! Woohoo

Sign up here after you purchase the deal!

xo, Kenzie

The Fantasy Box ~ July 2013

Well, I’m just going to start off this post by saying this is a totally new type of box to me… and I was so excited to get it! However, seeing as The Fantasy Box does provide an array of ‘toys’ … Continue reading

Ambition Box ~ July 2013

Ambition Box is a new box that I have added to my collection. While it has been around for a bit, I’ve noticed a spike in popularity lately as they’ve produced some great boxes, full of high-quality products. Ambition Box is a little … Continue reading

Beauty Army ~ July 2013

I’ve actually been a subscriber to BeautyArmy for at least 4 months now, however they give you an option to skip a month if you don’t like the options they offer.. which is why you haven’t seen any posts until … Continue reading