reviews « ((little fat notebook))

Posts Tagged ‘reviews’

Power Supply Week of Jan 19 review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions，Tags: boxes, eating, food, lunches, pictures, reviews, subscriptions, work

19 February 2015

I’m still trying to get newer dishes so I can get a good understanding of which dishes work for me. There were some hits and misses as it goes, and I’m slowing learning their menus so I make selections suited to me.

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 apple, potato, turkey sausage frittata with side salad paleo lunch meal in box

I’m not sure why I decided to try another frittata, given that I find them to be too dense.

power supply apple, potato, turkey sausage frittata with side salad paleo lunch meal open

This one was decent, but still not something I’d want again. The sauce helps and the salad was too light with little flavor.

power supply boeuf bourguignon mixitarian dinner meal in box

I can’t pronounce this for the life of me, but I know I like this sort of thing.

power supply boeuf bourguignon mixitarian dinner meal open

I found it to be delicious! The portion was nowhere near enough and I could have eaten buckets more.

Apparently I got this before, but I didn’t quite remember so I ended up getting it again. It was alright and I might get it again, but it’s not the top of my list.

power supply bok choy, carrot, mushroom & tofu stir-fry vegetarian lunch meal in box

When I see bok choy, I am always intrigued.

power supply bok choy, carrot, mushroom & tofu stir-fry vegetarian lunch meal open

It seems like the vegetarian dishes are actually more to my taste. I loved the flavor here and it was a good portion.

Julep Cupid’s Mystery Clutch Box review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions，Tags: bags, boxes, clutches, eye liners, julep, lip glosses, nail polishes, pictures, products, reviews, subscriptions

17 February 2015

It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten a box from Julep. Then came this email, which totally intrigued me, so I went for it. I should have checked for deals first though! I’d forgotten that there’s almost always a code to get something free with purchase and I see a bunch of others got something extra. For example, right now they’re offering a free clutch and Oscar polish with $25 purchase. Oh well, hopefully it’s a lesson learned.

Julep mystery boxes are just under $25 per box and come with a mix of polish colors and beauty products. These are one-time orders and do not require a subscription.

julep cupid's mystery clutch box contents including black glitter clutch, gel eye glider in navy smoke, lip gloss in posh, and polish in logan, joanne, fifi, yuki, and valentina

The colors they chose fit really well and made a nice theme.

julep black sequined clutch with gold zipper and wrist strap

sequined clutch
It all started with this. I adore clutches, so I had to get this box. It’s more crinkly than I’d prefer (cheaper plastic lining?), but cute.

set of julep polishes in logan, joanne, fifi, yuki, and valentina

Polish colors in Logan, Joanne, Fifi, Yuki, and Valentina.

I already have Logan, so that’s going up for trade. I’m not entirely sure about Fifi, but it might be a nice one to use under glitters and for nail art. The others I love! Joanne is on my nails now and a perfect backdrop to both Yuki and Valentina, which I have on varying nails. The glitter polishes are rather liquidy and not super dense, so it definitely took a lot of effort to get enough glitter bits on my nails. They’re so fun once you get the desired look though!

Gel Eye Glider in Navy Smoke & Lip Gloss in Posh
I’m definitely trading the eye glider – it’s just not my thing. The lip gloss looks great though! Love the shade of that.

I definitely like the value of the box and the selection of items overall, even if I wouldn’t use them all. I sure wish they’d picked a better polish color (and one not so obviously from years ago). I certainly would have loved to win one of the prizes this time!! Oh well, here’s to next time.

Estimated value: $106+ (clutch $?, Nail Color @ $14 each: $70, Gel Eye Glider $16, Lip Gloss $20) or $98.80+ at Maven prices (20% off)

Join as a Julep Maven to get polishes sent to you monthly! Use code FREEBOX or FREEMAVEN to get the first box free (you pay shipping).

[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!]

Yogi Surprise February 2015 review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions，Tags: bars, boxes, facial wipes, food, granola, headbands, health, lotions, pictures, products, reviews, skincare, snacks, soaps, subscriptions, yoga, yogi surprise

13 February 2015

Alright, after a first box that I liked, I was really looking forward to the next one. It’s another one with a variety of items that I’m glad I get to try! I guess I’m really into the yoga lifestyle.

Yogi Surprise is just under $36 per box (with code for 20% off your subscription – use my referral links from this post) and comes with yoga gear, skincare, food, and other lifestyle products. Boxes are sent monthly with no option to skip. They offer a referral program that earns you free boxes.

kaia naturals juicy bamboo facial cleansing cloths – What timing! I just bought a pack of these after months of waiting for a deal at a price I was ok with. I’d only used them a couple of days when this box arrived and I just had to laugh at that. I’m very pleased with receiving another one and I’ll certainly be using these once my first pack is gone.

Emma’s Organics sprouted granola – I’m not much into granola, but this chunky kind looks perfect with some Greek yogurt. I’ve been eating a lot healthier lately, so this will fit into my new habits quite nicely. My backup plan is to have Panda and my coworkers help me with it.

Keen-Wah Energy & Glow bars – Fascinating! I certainly enjoy quinoa so I’m excited to try these. I’ve seen them at the store before, so if I like them I’d get more. This is a nice change from the other bars out there. I want to save them for when I need a boost, so I haven’t tried them just yet.

organic yoga headband – This is fun! I put it on right away and it was wonderfully warming around my ears. The color is perfect and can certainly see myself using these for working out. I’m just not sure if the narrow part is supposed to go by my neck or forehead… does it matter?

Native Touch Rooting Bear Rub – If I didn’t already have some lotions I’m using for the winter, I’d dig into this right away. I like their plant-based philosophy and I’m excited to try it when my current body butter and oil run low.

sibu beauty sea buckthorn face and body bar – This is one of my favorite soaps EVER. It’s been two years since I first heard of them, through a Yuzen box. I used up my first bar like it was the only way to be clean, then saved my other one as I tried other samples in my stash. Now that I have this, I quickly opened the one I’d had sitting so I can enjoy it in the shower again. The scent is amazing, it foams just right, and I feel so clean but not stripped of my skin’s oils.

Kishu charcoal to go – You know, I saw these back at Green Conference 2012 and had it on my wishlist. I’m so happy to have one to try now! It’s definitely not what we’re used to when we think of water filter (having the filter sitting right in the water rather than the water flowing past it), but I love the idea. It’s a fun conversation piece too, if anyone asks why I have charcoal in my drink.

I’m so impressed with Yogi Surprise and this box is my favorite yet. I didn’t realize how well this lifestyle aligned with my personal preferences and values!

Homegrown Collective January 2015 review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions，Tags: boxes, conditioners, green, home, homegrown collective, lifestyle, natural, pictures, projects, reviews, shampoos, subscriptions

11 February 2015

Again and again, they continue to impress me with their projects and timeliness. I was just telling Panda how I needed some conditioner. Traditional hair care seems to be causing some of my hairline breakouts, so I’ve been avoiding them and now I have the perfect, natural solution.

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, DIY dry shampoo & conditioner: This totally reminds me of my Klorane dry shampoo, which I still use. I’m surprised how simple it is – you can basically just use the maize starch and you’d be good to go. I absolutely love the little shaker they included, which is totally adorable. I’ve already done this project and have it sitting ready for whenever my current dry shampoo runs out! I’m not sure where the conditioner plays into this part, so I think it was just supposed to be dry shampoo.

Project #2, DIY coconut conditioner: I saw video about using coconut oil to help grow your hair stronger and longer, but I never got around to buying some. Now that I have this, I just need to make some extra time one day to apply it and let the oil absorb into my hair. I’m not great at these types of things that you just leave on, but maybe I can also get a mask out of the way at the same time to get more for my time.

Project #3, DIY rosemary shampoo: I can already imagine my softer hair. The winter has done a number on my hair and sometimes it feels like straw, so I’m looking forward to improving the condition of my locks. It’s amazing that this shampoo is full of great ingredients and would be safe enough to eat. Now that’s good for the body.

Project #4, DIY hair care: I’ve read about the benefits of baking soda and vinegar, but again, just never tried it. I want to wean myself off my usual hair routine and incorporate these simple remedies though. It just takes of bit of patience with these and they aren’t nearly as fun since they don’t have the foaming action I like so much.

I can’t wait to put these to good use. My hair hasn’t felt very healthy for awhile, so I’m hoping these can really improve its condition. I will miss lathering shampoos, but I’d rather have awesome hair.

Subscribe to the Homegrown Collective and can your very own box to live a more natural lifestyle!

Power Supply Week of Jan 12 review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions，Tags: boxes, food, lunches, meals, pictures, reviews, subscriptions

07 February 2015

Here’s the first set of meals I got upon returning from the break. I tried a mix of new and old dishes for the first time, now that I’m starting to get familiar with some of the options.

power supply mushroom and beef bolognese over spaghetti squash mixitarian/paleo dinner meal in box

I like beef bolognese and I was curious about the spaghetti squash, so I got this dish.

power supply mushroom and beef bolognese over spaghetti squash mixitarian/paleo dinner meal open

I like the flavors, though I would have liked either more food or spaghetti squash that was thicker so it’d feel more hearty.

power supply chicken enchilada with cauliflower rice paleo dinner meal in box

You know, they say dishes are spicy but I never feel they are.

power supply chicken enchilada with cauliflower rice paleo dinner meal open

I quite liked the wraps they used and the sauce gave it good flavor. The cauliflower rice was a lot more ground up than I would have preferred.

I feel like this time around the portion size was a little better, though I could still go for more! I like this and will probably get it again.

power supply thai chicken curry with jicama, carrots, and green beans mixitarian/paleo dinner meal in box

I’ve found I gravitate towards dishes with rice, zuchinni, or carrots.

power supply thai chicken curry with jicama, carrots, and green beans mixitarian/paleo dinner meal open

This was a decent meal. I could have gone with a bit more curry and thinner slices of jicama and carrot.

I ended up sharing this with Panda because I decided I didn’t want to eat it anymore. I still would consider it again, but maybe not the next time I see it.

Petit Vour January 2015 review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions，Tags: amusing, blushes, boxes, conditioners, cremes, eye shadows, lotions, petit vour, pictures, products, reviews, subscriptions

05 February 2015

I wonder if the whole curation by a guest will be a continuing theme – this time they partnered up with some model to choose these items.

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!).

100% Pure French Lavender Hand Buttercream – I’m keeping this at my bedside for any lotioning needs. It’s a great creamy lotion with a soothing lavender scent. I love to have something like this around for the winter months.

EVOLVh SmartStart Leave-In Conditioner – This smells lovely and a spray or two is all it takes to make it easy to brush through my wet hair. I also like to spray a little on the brush before taming down dry hair that might be getting a bit staticy. It works wonders!

Modern Minerals en pointe shimmer eye shadow – Well, I don’t need eye shadow and I don’t like pink stuff so this will definitely go up for trade. It’s cool that they made a shade just for PV but we got an eye shadow from this brand already so I would have liked to see something new.

rawskinceuticals rose creme cheek color – Erm, this creme is strange to me. I never use blush and this looks like it would be way obvious. I feel like it’d be easy to overdo it with this. I might try it though, if I don’t end up trading it, just because I’m curious.

Well, again it was two items I love and two that I don’t think I’ll use. While the value is probably there, I sure hope there are more products to my liking coming soon. What do you think about these products?

[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!]

Power Supply Week of Dec 22 review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions，Tags: boxes, eating, food, lunches, meals, pictures, reviews, subscriptions, work

01 February 2015

The week we went off to the holidays, it was a short one so they only did a delivery that Monday. The Thursday that week was already Christmas so there was no second delivery and it became a 3-meal week, which worked out since we left Wednesday anyway.

power supply tagine chicken salad with peppercorn dressing mixitarian/paleo lunch meal in box

I have no idea what tagine means, yet somehow I decided to try this dish because of the name.

power supply tagine chicken salad with peppercorn dressing mixitarian/paleo lunch meal open

The salad was decent, but I’ve found I’m not much into their style of salads. I’d rather have more veggies and stronger dressing.

power supply roast beef brisket on gluten free almond bread with apple sauerkraut mixitarian lunch meal in box

This intrigued me because of the sauerkraut.

power supply roast beef brisket on gluten free almond bread with apple sauerkraut mixitarian lunch meal open

I think I got a poor cut of meat – it was all tendon-y or something. I cut out quite a bit because it was difficult to chew. If they had softer meat, I might try this again.

power supply cuban pulled pork with mexican spiced carrots and parsnips mixitarian dinner meal in box

I’m always willing to try pulled meat, since it’s likely to be more of the texture I like.

power supply cuban pulled pork with mexican spiced carrots and parsnips mixitarian dinner meal open

I liked the meat, but the veggies were a bit too crunchy after awhile. Not too much flavor either.

Treatsie January 2015 review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions，Tags: biscotti, boxes, caramels, chocolates, food, pictures, products, reviews, snacks, subscriptions, treats, treatsie

29 January 2015

It’s quite the chocolate-fest to kick off the year. The nice thing about cold weather is you don’t have to worry about things melting. Frozen candy is far better than melted.

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!

Dallas Caramel Company Armadillos: These are amazing. I love the solid dark chocolate crunch against the soft crunch of the almonds and the chewiness of the caramel. So delicious in so many ways! I think it’d be fun to add a little marshmallow to the mix here for even more awesomeness.

Dallas Caramel Company Caramel Assortment: Great caramels! Their assortment baggie is so adorable and the flavors are wonderful. I like that I got to try so many flavors! I liked the apple pie, chocolate, and sea salt most, but they were all good.

Biscuit Gourmet Biscotti in Chocolate The Muse: Am I imagining the hint of coffee? Maybe these are so dark chocolate that I think I taste that. I certainly would enjoy them more with a lighter flavor. I think pairing this with some milk would be perfect.

Buddha Chocolate Almond Butter Cup: When I tried this, I thought it had a bit of a taste I am not super fond of. Now that I see it has almond, that might be it. I am not much into peanut butter cups or almond stuff, so this was ok for me. I did love the chocolate part though.

The Dallas Caramel Co products totally blew me away and I’ll be looking for more. I’ll eat everything that came regardless and I’m happy to have these treats to try. What products do you want to get your hands on? To get Treatsie, sign up with my link and get your first box free!

Escape Monthly January: Portland Box review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions，Tags: bar soaps, bath salts, boxes, candles, guide books, lip balms, pictures, popcorn, products, reviews, subscriptions, travel, travel guides

25 January 2015

It’s Portland time! I got the Oregon box over a year ago and I like that they didn’t have much overlap with that one. It’s great to see some brands that are new to me and different variations for the brands I am familiar with.

Escape Monthly is just under $40 per box (with code for 20% off your subscription – see end of post) and comes with a variety of food, home, skincare items themed around a city/region. Each box comes with a guide for that area. Boxes are sent monthly with no option to skip. They offer a referral commission program.

(click to enlarge and read full messaging)

I’m liking the curation of this box! It’s a good mix of food, body care, and home stuff. I’m pretty excited about most of these items.

Here’s what came in the box:

Masala Pop Saffron Rose Popcorn with Sea Salt – Ooo, this looks luxurious. After learning about how prized saffron is, anything with it sounds cool. This is my second time seeing this brand – I enjoyed the Chai Masala flavor from the India box, but it stuck together after I opened it and didn’t eat it quickly enough so I’m saving this for when I can finish it in one sitting.

Moon Handbooks guide to Portland – You know, Panda and I were planning on going to the Pacific Northwest last year and didn’t make it, so now I have have some guide books to peruse when we finally do get around to that trip. Portland will certainly be on that list! I also have friends who moved there in the past few years, so maybe we can explore together.

Keep Portland Weird! soy candle – Soy candles are awesome. This one has a nice charity component and the candle is a lovely lemongrass type scent. I wonder if it’s the only mix they offer? Well, I’m happy to have a clean-burning candle to use in the future.

Portland Bee Balm in Oregon Mint – Previously I got this bonus item in the original unscented variety; since then they’ve changed up their packaging! The tube is encased in a cool wood sheet that looks awesome. I like that we get to try a different scent/flavor for this one and it’s fantastic that they are supporting beekeepers. Bees are a crucial part of our ecosystem, after all.

Molly Muriel Butter Up shea butter bar soap – The info sheet talks about a different scented soap from what I got. I’m a fan of this one, so I’m happy! I can’t wait to use this – it looks like it’s going to feel great on my skin. This will be perfect for the winter. We got the Volcanic Bliss bar in a previous box, which I just love.

Rose City Pepperheads Berry Trio – Whoa, spicy and sweet jelly things? I have no clue what to do with these. I see they can be for dipping or cooking, so I’ll have to do some research and try them out a few ways. Luckily, their site includes some recipes and suggestions for how to enjoy them.

Valentina’s Home-Brewed Magickal Mineral Bath Salts in Habit Breaker – Oh, bath salts, how I adore thee… I was most excited about this product! It’s whimsical and slightly wacky, yet a totally wonderful thing. They gave a very generous size and the scent seeping through is sweet and beautiful. I look forward to relaxing in a bath with some of this. 🙂

Well, last month I was hoping for a candle, skincare product, or something else non-food. Guess what we got this time? All of the above! So yes, I am pretty happy. What’s your favorite from this Portland Escape Monthly box? If you want to sign up, try one of these codes (not sure which ones are still active): NASHVILLE or MYESCAPE for 20% off the lifetime of your subscription or GIFTESCAPE for 25% off.

Just when I thought I was going to stop getting Escape Monthly, they announce for next month a city that is completely new to me and surprisingly compelling for keeping my subscription just one more month. I guess I’ll choose between a facial or massage each month until I decide to cancel this (at which point I’ll treat myself to both monthly!). This time they didn’t show the next month’s city on the back, but their Facebook page has indicated it will be Nashville. I know very little about that part of the country, so I’m excited!

Love With Food Taste the Season January 2015 review

laelene Posted in reviews, subscriptions，Tags: boxes, food, love with food, pictures, reviews, snacks, subscriptions

21 January 2015

Alright, this should be my last box from them. The six-month subscription is finally over and I won’t have to worry about accumulating snacks that I feel guilty about. All in all this box just didn’t suit my needs, but I think it’d be great for kids and folks who are less picky eaters.

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.

(click to enlarge and read messaging)

I haven’t gotten around to trying any of these yet and I don’t want to open them since I need more snacks at work. I’ve had the Somersaults before and I think I remember liking the salty pepper taste over their chocolate and other sweeter options. At first I thought I received the Stash Breakfast in Paris tea in my Escape Monthly box as well, but turns out that was the Christmas in Paris. This one sounds good – lavender, bergamot, and vanilla flavors instead of chocolate and peppermint. I saw the Big Slice kettle cooked apples and other flavors at Target and they’ve been on my “to try” list so I’m happy to get that! I sure hope it tastes good.

I think the Wai Lana Cassava Pops will be nice and light with that crunch of airiness, so I’ll have those the next time I want a salty treat. I’m hesitant with the Babalu In-Shell Almonds. I’m not a fan of nuts, but I did have some tasty chocolate-covered almonds at work, so who knows. I might just love’em. Ooo and then there are the chocolate treats! A Luna Mini bar with chocolate and coconut. I quite like coconut bits. Then more cacao nibs to add to my current stash with Britt chocolates cacao nibs. What a fun little package too. It reminds me of those frozen popsicle things. And finally, the piece of Alter Eco Velvet Truffle will be a wonderful treat when I want a bite of something special.

So based on the impressions I have of these items, I’m quite happy! We’ll see if they live up to my expectations or completely surprise me. Which items do you like best from this box?

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((little fat notebook))

Posts Tagged ‘reviews’

Power Supply Week of Jan 19 review

Apple, Potato, Turkey Sausage Frittata w/ Side Salad

Boeuf Bourguignon

Jerk Chicken w/ Garlic Spinach, Brown Rice & Coconut Sauce (reorder – see the original review)

Bok Choy, Carrot, Mushroom & Tofu Stir-fry (SPICY)

Spring Turkey Salad w/ Green Beans & Dried Cherries (reorder – see the original review)

Julep Cupid’s Mystery Clutch Box review

Yogi Surprise February 2015 review

Homegrown Collective January 2015 review

Power Supply Week of Jan 12 review

Mushroom & Beef Bolognese over Spaghetti Squash

Chicken Enchilada w/ Cauliflower Rice (SPICY)

Turkey Pot Pie (reorder – see the original review)

Thai Chicken Curry w/ Jicama, Carrots & Green Beans

Blackened Mahi Mahi w/ Herbed Mashed Sweet Potatoes & Sautéed Kale (reorder – see the original review)

Petit Vour January 2015 review

Power Supply Week of Dec 22 review

Tagine Chicken Salad w/ Peppercorn Dressing

Roast Beef Brisket on Gluten Free Almond Bread w/ Apple Sauerkraut

Cuban Pulled Pork w/ Mexican Spiced Carrots & Parsnips

Treatsie January 2015 review

Escape Monthly January: Portland Box review

Love With Food Taste the Season January 2015 review

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