Back in LA I saw signs for a Hello Kitty exhibit at the Japanese American Museum in Little Tokyo. I have some cousins in town who we know love this sort of thing, so we went on a field trip to check it out!
Did you know Hello Kitty has a twin?!
Look closely at the clothes!
Erm, creepy?
People actually wore those things? o.O
She’s quite versatile, fitting just about any culture.
You know, I feel like a lot of the boxes put out some of my favorite stuff in the winter. Still, I’m not going to re-subscribe to this when my pre-paid months are over. I like having snacks, but there are always so many bags of things I haven’t eaten that I need to regulate more.
Love With Food is $12 per box (or as discounted as $120 for an entire year, with an option in between) and comes with 8 or more snack products. Boxes are sent monthly with no option to skip. They offer a referral program that earns you points towards products or boxes.
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I ended up bringing a bunch of these on my trip and leaving some for my friends to try. The Oogies Kettle Corn is in my backup stash for when I need a snack on the go. I like kettle corn every now and then, but it’s not the type of thing I crave. Now the Hannahmax Cookie Chips – oh those are fantastic and the very sort of thing I can eat a whole bag of without realizing it. They’re totally addicting and provide an awesome sweetness with some crunch. Both the Liddabit Sweets Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels and the Honey Acres Dark Chocolate Honey Mints were nice chocolate treats for a bite-size boost of sugar. I was very curious about the Next by Nature Dark Chocolate Coconut snacks, which are kind of like eating a crisp Almond Joy (without the almond). Or wait, there’s a dark chocolate version without the almond isn’t there? I don’t know the name of that, but imagine if that bar was more like a chip. It’s a nice snack to have around if you like coconut flavor!
I decided not to keep the Nocciolata Hazelnut Spread because I already have an entire jar that I haven’t even used yet. The Olympos Pitted Green Olives are not to my taste (no olives are) so I’ll find them a happy home. And since I don’t like anything coffee, the Bali’s Best Coffee Candy shall be shared with someone else who likes those types of things.
Another decent box that I mostly enjoyed. I love having options when I need to be traveling, whether on a plane or in a car. What items do you like from this month?
[This post contains affiliate links. Signing up through them helps support my subscription and I’d be ever so grateful. 🙂 All opinions are my own and I received no compensation for this review. I just purchased this box at the special offer price and wanted to share what I got!]
Ah, another blossoming partnership! This time it’s with Vegan Beauty Review and it offers a nice sampling of products.
Petit Vour is $15 per box (or as much as $30 for international subscribers) and comes with vegan beauty, skincare, and other personal care products. Boxes are sent monthly with no option to skip. They offer a referral program that earns you points towards free boxes (email contact@petitvour.com to say I referred you if you sign up!).
Blissoma Evening Calming Creme in Peace – This smells somewhat herbal and has a thick creamy texture. I’m not sure why it needs a dropper, since it’s not drippy at all, but I’m good with that. I like the formula and it’s a soothing cream that seems good for inflammation.
meow meow tweet deodorant cream in Lavender – This reminds me a lot of the first solid deodorant I received (also from Petit Vour), which was a lavender sage scent. I definitely think this smells clean and is great for using as deodorant. I’ll wait to open this while I use up the other one. I’ve been curious about this brand, so I’m excited to try their stuff.
Everyday Minerals Matte Blush in All Smiles – I’d be interested in this if I used blush, but I don’t, so I’m going to put this up for trade. I do like the idea of the powder and the shade looks nice.
Trust Fund Beauty Nail Lacquer in Do You Know Who My Father Is? – Alas, another pink nail polish. I’m just not much into that color, so I’ll put this up for trade as well. Too bad, since I love trying new polish brands!
I’m so-so on this box, since two of the items I won’t use. I’m definitely happy with the value and diversity of products though! What are your thoughts on this box?
[This post mentions a referral program. Signing up and emailing contact@petitvour.com to say I referred you helps support my subscription and I’d be ever so grateful. 🙂 All opinions are my own and I received no compensation for this review. I just purchased this box and wanted to share what I got!]
This weekend I discovered the toilet having issues, so we embarked on a home improvement journey. I’ve never taken apart a toilet quite so much before, so it was definitely a learning experience.
It all started when I heard trickling in the toilet. The tube wouldn’t stop sending water down the overflow.
We turned off the water and drained the tank to unscrew the contraption.
Turns out the float wasn’t triggering the stop of the flow of water to the tube.
After removing the entire piece with the float, we examined it to see if we could fix it.
The white bar inside the cap is what triggers the flow of water to start and (eventually) stop. It wasn’t returning to the fully “off” position though.
Once we found we couldn’t get to the broken part to fix it, we brought out the new one from the store.
With the float replaced, all was good again!
You know you’re an old-timer when you start to see familiar projects showing up! I’m sure I would have been more excited if I didn’t already try two of these projects already, but these are great nonetheless. I think it’s all very seasonal and appropriate.
The Homegrown Collective GREENBOX is $39 per box + $9 shipping (or as discounted as $429 for an entire year, with options in between) and comes with fun and easy projects to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Boxes are sent monthly with no option to skip. They offer a referral program you can apply to join.
Project #1, essential oil immune boost: When I first saw this, I thought it was the tincture project from last year, but it looks more like the oregano oil one with a twist. I thought it was something you drop on your tongue for a boost, but then I wasn’t sure if it was meant to be inhaled more. Now that I compare it to the oregano oil though, I’m pretty confident you can ingest it as well as use it for a topical solution, since both oregano and peppermint are safe to eat. This is perfect timing what with compromised immune systems all around me at work.
Project #2, evergreen oil lamp: I made this very lamp last year and brought it to our new condo for a housewarming item the first time we visited after it was complete. 🙂 It’s very easy to put together and can burn crazy large flames if you don’t trim the wick down a lot. I like it more for the look and don’t really feel like tainting the wick with a burn. After a few months, the plants inside went brown – I’m not sure if that was due to the heat from the flame or if they’d do that anyway. I’ll have to leave this one around without burning it for comparison.
Project #3, cacao wonder cups: One of the very first projects I ever conquered! This one came in the August 2013 box that was my first and they were fabulous. The chocolate chips are a little different this time around, but no doubt just a tasty. I’ll have to make this for my coworkers sometime. They’d love it! What a nice winter treat.
This was the first time I was a little disappointed with the box, just because it included repeats. Still, the projects in and of themselves are wonderful and I’m happy to do them again.
If you want sweet projects like these, subscribe to the Homegrown Collective now! Why wait? Get an awesome start to 2015.
[This post contains affiliate links. Signing up through them helps support my subscription and I’d be ever so grateful. 🙂 All opinions are my own and I received no compensation for this review. I just purchased this box and wanted to share what I got!]
This was a great box that covered the essential face and nail care needs. I’ll be keeping all the items and I even started using some already.
Beauty Box 5 is $12 per box (or as discounted as $99 for an entire year, with an option in between) and comes with 5 cosmetic products. Boxes are sent monthly with no option to skip. You also have the option of buying it as a gift your box to a friend. They offer a referral program that earns you points towards products or boxes.
Body Drench Lip Drench lip balm in Pomegranate: I just love the scent of this. It’s a bit tart and is sort of like a sweeter cherry. It’s super hydrating and a great lip balm to have in these cold months. My lips stay soft for hours it feels fantastic. While I enjoy the candy one we got awhile back, I’m liking this one even more.
Absolute! Nail Polish Remover Pads in Peach: These little pads are so small and thin, but they pack a punch. They’re great at getting nail polish off AND making my nails feel nourished afterwards. I’m a huge fan already. They sort of remind me La Fresh’s acetone-free nail polish wipes, which are pretty amazing. I just wish they were a little larger in diameter so it was easier to grab on and wipe.
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Moisturizer: I like this brand, so I’m happy to get this moisturizer to try. I don’t want to open it just yet so I use some of the other ones I have, but for future travel I’d throw this in my bag to use on my trip.
Nanacoco nail polish in Sapphire: They must really like this brand, since they’ve included their polish before. I wasn’t sure if I needed another glitter, but then I gave it a try layering it over that polish from the previous box and I love the winter wonderland feel it gives me. So perfect for winter. The varied glitter sizes and colors offer extra dimension to spruce up any nail!
Lucky Brand Lucky Number 6 fragrance: Well, every now and then I might want to have a perfume handy, so I’ll keep this. I also happen to like the packaging, which reminds me of cherry blossoms. The scent itself is very warm and floral. Generally something more mature for a gala or something.
The “merry & bright” theme is month is all about more practical items to take care of yourself. I’m all about that! This will set us off on a great start for healthy skin, hair, and teeth. Which items do you want from this box?
[This post contains affiliate links. Signing up through them helps support my subscription and I’d be ever so grateful. 🙂 All opinions are my own and I received no compensation for this review. I just purchased this box and wanted to share what I got!]
The December Treatsie box totally has holiday flair! I am absolutely loving it and it’s finally starting to feel like Christmas is near.
Treatsie is $15 per box + $4.95 shipping and comes with artisan candy from 3-4 brands (I am grandfathered in for $15 for 2-3 brands and fewer items). That means about 6 or 7 different flavors of treats (or 4 or 5 for me). Boxes are sent monthly with no option to skip. They offer a referral link program to earn store credit. Use my referral link to get your first box FREE!
Ticket Chocolate Peppermint Hot Chocolate on a Stick: This is so perfect! I thoroughly enjoyed the hot chocolate on a sticks from last winter, so I jumped at the chance to buy some from Target last week. Now I have another delicious one to enjoy and I can’t wait.
Newfangled Confections Frittle: Whoa, this is something made with peanuts that I actually really enjoy. It reminds me of those flaky, crunchy peanut candies. Totally addicting. I like how they flake, but then they sort of bind in your mouth if you give it more pressure, so it becomes more chewy like hard candy.
Serendipity Confections Gingerbread caramels: These are huge! The gingerbread taste comes in a few chews in. It tastes slightly different from caramels I’m used to – definitely a unique set of ingredients for them. It’s not my preferred taste, but these are still really good and I couldn’t stop eating until the entire piece was gone.
Grey Ghost Bakery Cranberry Orange cookies: This is a wonderful bakery with a great flavor for the season. I do prefer their lemon sugar ones, but those are just heavenly and can’t be compared. These are more tangy and have a little bit of a bite from the cranberries. I think drinking hot chocolate with these would be a perfect complement. Nom!
Alright, this is a box that I will completely devour. I’m excited to try more products and see what I might want to order from their shop. I won an Instagram contest awhile back so I have some store credit to use, yippee! Which items caught your eye in this box? To get Treatsie, sign up with my link and get your first box free!
[This post contains affiliate links. Signing up through them helps support my subscription and I’d be ever so grateful. 🙂 All opinions are my own and I received no compensation for this review. I just purchased this box and wanted to share what I got!]
Yesterday our company had our holiday party celebration at a laser tag place! I think it was my first time, but then I have this faint memory of darkness, glowing lights, and being downright awful at the game. I don’t know if that was just a dream from my childhood or an actual memory. Either way, I was very new to this experience and had a lot to learn. We booked the whole place for over 4 hours and it was quite the night of fun and exercise!
Arriving at the holiday party after the Secret Santa at the office.
We signed waivers, gathered in the break room, then moved on to the briefing room before putting on our packs.
I’d show you those pictures, but some of my coworkers might not want to appear on my blog. 😛 Just imagine a break room painted with some sort of alien landscape with observation domes. There are a bunch of long tables and chairs there for people to sit (in our case, eat and drink). Across the way are doors leading to the briefing room, which is mostly kept darkened. There are other things painted on to these walls and it sort of looks like the background in the next picture. Three sides of the room have wooden benches lining them, one row in front, one row in back much like bleachers. Along the forth wall are the rules, a sample gem (glowing thing on the wall that can give you power-ups but also tag you), and a blown up example of what the display screen on the gun look like.
They walk you through the basics and then let us choose how we wanted to play each time. The first time it was two teams against each other. The second time we went crazy with four. The third time we toned it down to three and the forth time we had team captains split us into two teams (I’m pretty sure I was the worst player on my team then, but we still won!). And finally they went a fifth time with free for all. I really wanted zombies and didn’t want to get demolished in the free for all, so I sat out and got to stand by the entrance to watch everyone else battle it out. The same 6 or 7 people kept running around and around the area closest to me. Seems like many people had zones they preferred, so some sort of pattern.
Got my pack 14 on and ready to rumble!
The display on our laser guns let us know all sorts of stats that thoroughly confused me. Half the time I couldn’t tell if someone got hit or hit me.
In we went! It wasn’t until later that I realized there was a gem right at the beginning.
A few rounds in, I suddenly noticed the sign for our party!
After each game, we’d convene outside to check out how everyone did.
They even handed out score cards! I was pretty consistently one of the last (usually third to last).
Alright, tonight’s the first night we saw Smokey go into her new box of her own volition. Pretty exciting stuff, I have to say. Panda did have to cut the hole larger after the original hole turned out to require Smokey to squeeze in and out of. Now she can easily step in and out of the box comfortably. 🙂
At our office, we started ordering Power Supply for our meals. My company helps subsidize the cost and it’s a whole lot easier than going out trying to figure out what to buy! I’ve enjoyed not feeling limited to the restaurants within walking distance and not even having to step outside into the cold. Ok, so here’s how it works: you can choose 3, 5, 6, or 10 meals per week. If you go with the 3- or 6-meal plans, they are delivered for pickup on Mondays. If you go with the 5- or 10-meal plans, the first 3/6 are delivered on Monday and then the remaining 2/4 are delivered on Thursday.
There are three sizes: boost (small for snacking or sides), standard (for most normal people’s portions), and XL (for those massive eaters who can’t get enough). There are three breakdowns: mixitarian (meats, veggies, some grains and legumes), paleo (“cave man” food – meats, veggies, fruits, nuts), and vegetarian (well you know, vegetables only). And then there’s the option of lunch and/or dinners: lunches are meals that are easier/faster to eat, sort of like grab-and-go, while dinners are meals that are slower and generally require silverware to complete the task. Portion sizes do not vary between the meal types, so you can freely swap between any of them on a given week (though you can’t get meals slated for Thursday delivery on Monday delivery). Pork and fish are only available on Thursday deliveries, so you’d have to get the 5 or 10 meal plan for those.
Does that all make sense? Basically they’ve made it veeeery flexible to get what you want. It’s easy to “mod your meal” as they say. 🙂
Power Supply is around $9.50-$15.50 per meal (when you sign up for a recurring plan – single orders are 5% more) and offers a variety of ready-made meal types, all gluten- and dairy-free. Boxes are sent once or twice weekly (depending on your plan) and you have total control over customization of which meals you get. You can easily switch between plans or choose to skip some weeks. They offer a referral program that earns free meals for referrer and referree.
Power Supply delivers to fridges at gyms and offices like this.
First day ever receiving their meals and the fridge is packed!
The very first one I go for is the Turkey Pot Pie.
I loved it! I wish there was more though… but it did fill me up for a good 5-6 hours.
Somehow at least 7 of us in the office all decided to 1. get this meal and then 2. eat this meal on Tuesday!
The beef was fantastic and I liked dipping it in the sauce. The squash was not as soft as I would have liked and the pana cotta was an odd sort of chocolate pudding (good enough to eat the whole container though).
I wasn’t too sure about this so I put off eating it earlier in the week, but I liked it.
Surprisingly, I ate the broccoli completely. The only thing I didn’t eat was the peppers.
Thursday came with a fresh delivery and my fish dish!!
The blackened mahi mahi was the reason I went for the 5 meal plan. I also happen to like kale and sweet potatoes! The fish was very black peppery, which I love.
And then came the pork dish, which a sweetness that the rice helped balance out. This dish was ok and I totally forgot a picture when I removed the lid.
