Love, Lydia - Notes from a geeky, plus sized artist.: subscription boxes
Showing posts with label subscription boxes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label subscription boxes. Show all posts

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Let's Try: Japan Funbox

Hi Friends!


I can't believe how busy this month has been or how fast it's been flying by.  I've been trying to get caught up on life and feel like the news has just been so negative.  Maybe not all of it....but it's overwhelming to think about too much, so I haven't been online as much because of it.

Japan Funbox




However I do have this bright spot to share with you via a video post.  I was contacted by a representative from the Japan Funbox and asked if I'd like to try their mini box and share it with my audience.  If you've caught any of my other snack box reviews you probably know Japanese snack foods are some of my favorites.  One of the most unique things about this box is that it's packed and shipped straight from Japan!  I found the snacks to be a little fresher because of this and it felt really special to be getting mail from Japan too.  While Japan Funbox sent me a free box to review all opinions in the review are my own.


To find out more about the Japan Funbox click my affiliate link here.  And be sure to tall me what you think in the comments or let me know if there's another interesting subscription you'd like to see me try for you all.

Thanks for reading.  See you all again soon!


Friday, April 22, 2016

My First Video Roundup!

Hi folks!


I love all you readers and I've missed you all over the past few weeks.  I've been working away on a bunch of different projects, but haven't been writing as much here as I've processed it all.  Plus, you may not have noticed yet, but I started making videos in the past couple months, though I don't post all of them here.  I started because while interacting with a lot of great YouTubers in the Geeks & Beauties Group they got me curious enough to try it out back around Christmas!  You can find my channel here, I would love it if you stopped by to take a look at what I've been making and subscribe if you're interested.

Since then I've found that it's the perfect place to share my unboxings when I get various monthly subscription boxes.  I felt like some of you wonderful people might not have been as interested in seeing all the snacks, beauty products, and other crazy boxes.  I love trying new things and exploring what great options are out there.  And I bet some of you are also interested in seeing what's available in subscription boxes too.

I got started trying boxes because I never really wore a lot of makeup, and until recently I hardly even owned any!  But the artist in me loves to experiment with colors and play with the new tools.  I love learning how to use the beauty basics so I can feel a little more confident if I want to create a particular look.  Boxes have been a great choice to find new products because I get curated items chosen for me sent to me door that I might not know to try otherwise.

I've branched out to try snack boxes for healthier options and to have fun trying out some foreign treats I might no otherwise try.  I've also been testing boxes that have interest based items like the Bookish box.  Because sometimes the novelty of it all is just so much fun.

With all that in mind I'm going to be doing roundup posts about once a month to collect all the videos where you can easily see them if you prefer to just follow my blog and not go to YouTube.  And it'll keep the videos to a minimum if videos aren't your thing.  Without further ado, here are the February videos you might have missed:



February Video Roundup


Birchbox


In this video I'm unboxing the February Birchbox, The Lip Sync Kit (6 lip products!), plus 4 more bonus lip colors! There's lip balm, lipstick, lipgloss, sheer, shiny, and matte. Talk about a haul!

For more information on Birchbox click here - https://www.birchbox.com/invite/2vtm9


Julep Maven Box


Unboxing this February 2016 Julep Maven box.  I have an It Girl profile so I get all nail polishes and today, I get 3 in this box.

If you want to find out more about Julep click here - http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=327859&m=49325&u=1184057  ◊Please note this is an affiliate link.  On the good side you can get your first box free!

If you'd like to find out more about manipulating colors in what you wear my blog post about it can be found here.


Ipsy Glam Bag


The "Pretty In Pink" February Ipsy bag has some pretty great selections.  Come take a peek with me!

If you'd like to find out more about Ipsy's $10 a month subscription click here - https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=1pict


Japan Crate


Let's open up this box of Japanese snacks and see what's inside.  Learn how to open ramune soda, which uses a glass marble as a seal on the bottle!

You can find out more about Japan Crate here - http://www.JapanCrate.com


Bookish Box


I'm so excited that Appraising Pages sent me one of their great Bookish Boxes to review!  It was given to me for free, but all opinions expressed in this video are my own.  Let's see what's inside this February box!

For more information on how to get a Bookish Box subscription click here - https://thebookishboxx.cratejoy.com/refer/Lydia-TTINQNUW
 and use code WELCOME to save $3.50.


Glossybox


Isn't February's Glossybox the cutest?  Take a peek at what I got and tell me what you think.  I do want to note that the Teez lipstick does NOT last the 8 hours they claim, it was easily rubbed off as soon as I started eating, though maybe it lasts better in combination with some type of primer they make.

To find out more and get your own subscription to Glossybox click here - https://www.glossybox.com/referal?CI=MTUwNjM0


Love With Food Box


This is my first Love With Food box, let's open it up together!  Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments too.

For more information on subscribing as well as 50% off your first box click here - http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=701546&U=1184057&M=53869&urllink= (Love With Food is an Affiliate to Love, Lydia, which means shopping with them through my link will support me!)


Doki Doki Crate


This Miyazaki themed box is my first and last Doki Doki Crate.  Watch to find out why!  Since filming this they have made efforts to change their boxes, but I just didn't think it was a good fit for me.

For more information on Doki Doki Crate visit http://www.japancrate.com


Bestowed Box


I open my third Bestowed box for this February unboxing.  Inside are great healthy goods to give you creative new ideas for meals and snacking.

To find out more about Bestowed Box click here -
http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=649575&u=1184057&m=43962&urllink=&afftrack= ◊Affiliate link!  And get 10% off your Bestowed subscription with coupon code LOVEHEALTHY.


Love Goodly


Love Goodly is an every other month box of women's lifestyle items from makeup and accessories, to snacks and home goods.  Each box gives a portion of its proceeds to charity, a different one each month!

To find out more about Love Goodly click here - http://www.LoveGoodly.com/?refMemberID=-831081382125750200



I know February is a while back, but I wanted to start with it because there were too many videos I wanted to share.  March will be up pretty soon, I'm tying to get caught up with publishing everything, but April is in the works too.  So hold on tight!

Please let me know what you thought of this post format.  Do you like the videos from each month put together like this?  Would you rather have individual posts that include videos?  Tell me in the comments so I can give you more of what you like!  I'll see you all again very soon for a new fashion post!


Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Unboxing Ipsy's January Bag

Hello everyone,

Another day, another video here.  Soon I'll have all the January ones up, and then I'll...get to do the February ones.  haha  However we'll have some non-beauty content for tomorrow's post!  I swear I'm not trying to overload you all.

January's Ipsy Bag



Ipsy is one of the best bargain subscriptions out there at only $10 a month.  You can find out more and sign up here - https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=1pict.

Thanks for reading, and if you haven't already, please subscribe to my YouTube channel if you're enjoying my videos.


Tuesday, February 9, 2016

January's Enchanted Beauty Box!

Hi friends,

It's been a while, but I have a lot of new things to share with you this week.  First up we've got this unboxing video:

January Enchanted Beauty Box - Frozen!



If you'd like to find out more or subscribe just go to http://www.enchantedbeautybox.com/.  Use code GEEK for 25% off!


Thanks for reading!  I'll have another new post very soon.


Wednesday, January 20, 2016

My First Bestowed Box!

Hello folks,

For Christmas I received a subscription to the Bestowed Box, a subscription box full of healthy goodies to make meals and try as snacks.  Below is my review of the December box!


December Bestowed Box



What do you all think?  I just got my January box a couple days ago, so I'll be reviewing that one soon too!  If you'd like more information on the Bestowed Box click here◊ (with my affiliate link) and if you want to try it out get 10% off your subscription with code LOVEHEALTHY.

And if you haven't had a chance yet please take a peek at my unboxing of the Enchanted Beauty Box, a brand new Disney themed (starting with Star Wars) beauty box.  And enter to win a box of your own in my giveaway!

I'll see you all again soon, and no, I've not forgotten about publishing my winter capsule wardrobe.  It's on the way, I've just been taking care of myself more lately, so writing at a more healthy pace instead of last minute speed runs is working better.


Tuesday, November 10, 2015

October Beauty and Swap Unboxings!

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Hi folks,

So today I've got a big October unboxing post because I just got behind and haven't gotten around to posting what I got last month yet.  Unboxings are the term a lot of bloggers and YouTubers use for giving folks a peek at what they get inside a subscription box they like.  I subscribe to a couple myself and love trying new boxes in a lot of categories.  Since I know it's not everyone's thing I'll be condensing the beauty centered boxes into one post from now on.  Which is rather nice because it's easier to compare them that way.  So let's get started!

October Birchbox



When I first opened this I was a little disappointed in it and expected to like my Glossybox a lot better since they were making a big deal about their Parisian themed boxes.  I ended up liking the Birchbox better overall than the Glossybox once I really looked at what was inside each box.  I think part of what made me feel less enthused about this one was the size of everything.  The bottles just seemed smaller than usual.  Overall it was an okay box for October, but not the best I've had from them.  If you'd like to try out Birchbox please follow my link here to find out more.

I got:

Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask - I almost never use this kind of product, it gets a no

Well People Mascara - I like mascara and this one is all natural, it gets a yes

Dr Jart + Ceramidin - more skin treatment type stuff and even the description is kind of vague as to what it's supposed to do, no

Exo All Natural Nail Polish Remover - I always have my nails done, yes (I tested it yesterday and it feels more oily and doesn't absorb into skin or dry up as easily while you're using it.  One wipe was just barely enough to take of my Tardis blue nail polish left from Halloween.  I think it's better for lighter colors.  It takes a little getting used to the difference in feel, but I'd consider using this in the future since normally it comes from a bottle like most nail polish removers.

amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo - Sometimes these dry shampoos help my super oily second day hair, though I've yet to find one I love I'm happy to try this one, yes
--------------------------------------------

October Glossybox




This box has beautiful artistic designs on every side of its surface and I'd been seeing its excellence touted everywhere between emails and Instagram.  I was pretty excited about it, and at first I thought it might live up to the hype.  But it too had a couple things I just wasn't interested in.  I think a lot of people loved this box though.  It's great for people who like a balanced variety of products, which can be tougher for me to find pleasing.  If you'd like to find out more just go here to visit Glossybox's site.


And here's a second shot of the products that had a bit of packaging obscuring what they really look like.


I got:

De Bruyere Paris Red lipgloss - I love lip products and this is a pretty good color, yes

Lollipops nail polish - I love nail polish, but I hardly ever wear red and as such have plenty of it already, no

Phyto Phytokeratine Repairing Thermal Protectant (hair) spray - I thought this was another skin product until I went to look at the survey regarding how I liked my items.  It was there I found out it was a hair spray.  I don't use hair spray much, but I'm up for trying it, so tentatively, yes

Sabe Masson Le Soft Perfume - I don't like most perfumes, though the title for this scent excited me until I smelled it since it's Artist.  Unfortunately it was way too strong for me, and smells very spicy/musky, no

Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep moisturizer - I never use anything like this so, no
--------------------------------------------


Sweater Weather Swap


I'm part of a fabulous group called Geeks & Beauties (Join here!) that allows bloggers and YouTubers to network and encourage each other as they learn and grow in what they do.  One of the more fun things we get to do is hold swaps.  This swap was fall themed and had us pair off and send a partner a box of goodies that includes some of your favorites!  This is my box, sent to me by Cassandra Morgan.  She's a fantastic Youtuber who immediately welcomed me to the group when I joined back in September.

She sent:

Iced Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes from Tastykake - these things are great and I don't think I could have found them easily here in the south!

A set of 3 Whish Body Butters - As soon as it starts getting cooler my hand and feet get dry, so this is perfect for me!   The scents that came in this pack are Pomegranate, Lavender, and Coconut, all of which I really enjoy!

The next logical item Socks! - And not just any socks the two pairs have moisturizer in them.  There's the zebra print pair, plus a black pair too.  My feet are the first part of me to get cold, so these will be excellent for keeping me toasty.

Pocky - If you've never tried it Pocky is a wonderful Japanese snack that consisted of a cracker stick dipped in some kind of flavoring.  These are chocolate ones, which is the most common.  There are so many great kinds to try though, I think my all time favorite was a seasonal one with chocolate dipped in cocoa powder.

Speaking of Cocoa that was the last item in my box, Land O Lakes Mint Cocoa - I've never tried this flavor before, but I'm excited to curl up with a nice warm cup before bed some night this week.

I didn't bother rating these because it should be pretty obvious that they would all be yeses.  Yeses....what a strange form of the word.

If you're curious what I sent to Cassandra stay tuned and I'll post a link here soon!

Thanks for reading.  If there's a box you think I should try let me know in the comments.  I'd love to try some new ones!

Love,
Lydia

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Store Directories and Giveaway Winner

Hello folks,

Giveaway Winner

Thanks so much for participating in my Julep giveaway!  Rachel M. is our winner, and her prize will be sent out in the next 48 hours.  I'm sure there will be another giveaway in future, sign up for updates via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Bloglovin (links to all on the right toolbar) to hear about them first!


And if you're still interested in trying out Julep's nail and makeup products you can get a free introductory box.

Metallics Welcome Box Offer

Store Directory

I know I've had a list of places you can find ethical plus sized clothing, and I've loved putting it together.  And for a while I've been working on compiling a new list of places I currently shop, for both clothes and other items, so if you're looking for new places to try you'll have a list at your fingertips.  Hopefully it'll also be a place you can come if you'd like to work on holiday shopping or finding your style.  If you want geeky shirts in plus sizes it's also got a good variety, as does my next list.

I'll also have a list of places I'd like to try with an area where you can suggest places you think I'd like.  There are several great shops with geeky designs that have plus sized options available that I'm itching to try.

Between these lists you'll be able to find all my different affiliates, so if you want to support my blog as you shop you'll find it as easy as possible.  I'll be updating all the lists regularly, so if you've visited before you may find new treasures the next time you look.  You'll find the lists in the top bar as well as in this post:

Ethical Plus Size Fashion 

Places I Shop

Stores I Want To Try

I'm sorry I don't have more of a real post today, but I've had an awful cold and can't concentrate nearly as well as usual.  This was much was a struggle honestly, but I can't wait to see you all Wednesday!

Love,
Lydia


Saturday, October 24, 2015

October Outfits & Julep Unboxing

Hi friends,

I'm excited to share my latest Julep subscription box with you all, plus some recent outfits.

Julep

Julep is my favorite subscription box and nail polish brand.  They also make some great makeup, though in this box I just ordered nail items.  The beauty of this box is you can either choose between 6 curated boxes and upgrades or pay $5 more to create your own boxes.  To me it's worth it to create my own boxes.  You typically get 3 items, and then can get additional add on items, with a free item if you've added on 3.  It comes out to about $5 per item if you go for the box with add ons.  You can also skip you box as often as you need to, which is great if you want the fun of a box on a budget.  Julep typically comes out with 8-12 new nail colors each month, so there's always something fresh.  And I find most polishes last 5 days without chipping, and 7-8 if you use their base and top coat.  So here's my October box:


It had several other colors I'd ordered for the giveaway, plus a little bag of candy corn.  It came with this instructional card.  It makes me wish I'd ordered one of the eyeshadows!  Maybe next time I get a box I will, though I'm skipping November's.



These colors are wonderful, and I've done some tests to give you all an idea of just what they look like.  I realized after the fact that I'd ended up with some fantastic Halloween themed shades!  From the top down there's Darby - huntsman green with microglitter shimmer, Jocelyn (new)- a cranberry shimmer with holographic microglitter, Nicola (new)- a transparent peach glitter that glows in the dark (works great!), Sherri (new)- a bright purple stardust finish (stardust finish is slightly more matte with lots of texture, and no need for a top coat), and Arielle, a smoked fig (dark muted purple) cream.


I tested the colors on a paper towel and also the mini plastic bag so you could see what concentrations look like and what the finish looks like as well.  On my nail you see Arielle, which I used as the darkest shade in an ombre look pictured further down.


I also tried adding a stripe of Nicola over all the colors,  it doesn't change their colors much at all, though it makes the stardust finish more shiny.


Here's a peek at that ombre look too:


I used Arielle as the darkest shade, then Nedra, Alexa, Elisa, and Joanna.

You can get a FREE welcome box with the brand new Metallic colors and eyeliner seen below by clicking the on the image and using the code MADLOVE.

Metallics Welcome Box Offer
And if that's not enough you can also get in an entry to my giveaway for these lovely colors and holographic decals seen below by midnight tonight!

Lydia, Lee, Florence, and Sandi!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now for the Outfits!


Top - Forever 21, Necklace - Phoebe Marie via Etsy, Bag - available here at Amazon◊, Jeans - Torrid, Flats - Torrid

Dress - LuLaRoe, Necklace - Marsha Elliott Designs via The Blue Ridge Parkway Craft Center, Leggings - Target, Boots - Trendsetter/Hushpuppies

This outfit is a deviation from my capsule wardrobe, but I was so excited about the new dress from LuLaRoe that I had to post it!  I've recently been introduced to LuLaRoe through my friend Nicole, they're pretty much all American made clothing that's super comfy.  Their collection ranges from casual to business casual in mostly soft cotton materials.  Their designs stay consistent from season to season, but the fabric patterns change regularly and are made in small quantities.  I got this dress plus a top, which will be in my winter capsule wardrobe.


Thanks all this time, but I'll see you all next week!

Love,
Lydia

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Japan Crate Unboxing

Hello folks,

Today I'm sharing my unboxing of a new subscription box I'm trying called Japan Crate!  Bryan and I figured we'd try one month and see how we liked it.  They send out a mini, original, or premium sized box of Japanese snack to your door each month.  Ready for the delicious results?

Japan Crate


 Step one, receive box
 
Inside treats are tightly packed!

There's also a booklet with information on Japanese culture, a manga (not going to spoil the storyline by putting it in here, but it's really cute!), and guide to the contents of the box.


Here are all the snacks, so you can get an idea of what's in the premium box.  It's a ton!  Bryan and I would share an item or two each night and we rushed it a little because I was so excited about writing it and finished in about a week.  If you're single or not sharing it might last a lot longer!




There was also another cute item in its own little ball, an adorable "Food Dog Gashapon"  This little Boston Terrier looks like he's stuck inside some French toast!  And the example pup in the guide was a Jack Russell inside a sandwich. 

On to the Snacks!



Chocolate Mini Pancakes - This item was included in all three boxes, mini through premium.  Apparently Japanese people like a red bean version of filling, but I'm happy with the chocolate myself!  The pancakes were a bit spongy and the filling almost like the jelly balls you can sometimes get to go in bubble tea.  I feel like these are their version of our gummy burgers and other novelties in some ways.  Now for our ratings:

Bryan ***1/2
Lydia ****


Rum Raisin Soft Candy - Again this was an item included in all three box sizes.  These candies were creamy and surprisingly good in flavor.  They reminded us a little of Mentos when it came to the texture.  We really liked them, and want to try more.
Bryan ****1/2
Lydia ****


Grape Gummy Ribbon - These were included in the original and premium crates.  Inside the bag are the individually wrapped candies that can be pulled apart, though we didn't bother trying.  They have a less gummy feel, and kind of felt like gum, but instead of staying solid as you chewed it broke down some, so you won't mistake it for gum.  I really liked the grape flavor, but found the texture a little weird.
Bryan ***1/2
Lydia ***1/2


Poifull Soda Beans - These were in the original and premium crates.  They're jelly beans in Japanese soda flavors including cola, ramune, lemon squash, and cider.  The flavors were pretty good and even had a bit of fizz to them.
Bryan ***1/2
Lydia ***1/2


Chitto Soda DIY - This little kit allowed you to make your own ramune soda flavored mochi.  It was included in the original and premium boxes.  In the end you get a creation that's a cross between gummy candy and jello, which Bryan was less a fan of because he doesn't care for jello much.  It was fun to make, though at first I was a little nervous that I might mess it up.  I really liked the main pink part, but the blue glaze applied at the end was just ok.  I loved the flavor though!  There a couple more pictures below, with the finished version in the second shot.
Bryan **1/2
Lydia ****


Sour Fruit Gummies - These gummies were only in the premium box.  The flavor of these was good, but pretty typical, grape, peach, apple and orange.  I thought they were a little too chewy, but Bryan really enjoyed them.  They weren't very sour, just a little.
Bryan ***
Lydia **


Rich Cheese Scones - These are pretty much Cheetos, but with a sweeter creamy taste.  They came in the original and premium size boxes.  I thought they were good, and Bryan is less a fan of Cheetos overall, but liked the flavor so our ratings were:
Bryan ***
Lydia ***1/2


Gyutan Umaibo Stick - We got three of these corn sticks in our box, and they came in all the box sizes.  They're cow tongue flavored, which Bryan immediately thought was gross.  I was more openminded about them because I has some delicious cow tongue tacos while in Mexico a couple years ago because my friend Michael told me had tongue normally back in Australia where he was from and I'd like it.  I did, but this version not so much.  Bryan and I both thought they were overly spiced and Funyun like.  The smell seemed really strong to me, and it tended to linger.
Bryan *
Lydia *


Tohato Caramel Corn - These snacks were in all three box sizes.  They also had a texture like Cheetos, but a good caramel popcorn like flavor that was free of hulls.  They were supposed to be a peanut version, but there were only 5 actual nuts in our bag.  I enjoyed the flavor and so did Bryan, though again the texture was less to his liking.
Bryan ***
Lydia ****


Bireley's Orange  - Only the premium box includes a beverage, and this orange drink is what I got.  Bireley's was originally an American brand but took off when brought to Japan, and that's now the only place you can find it!  I really enjoyed this, it had a true orange juice flavor, but was less acidic and a little less intense.  It's not carbonated at all.  Bryan is less a fan of orange juice, hence his rating.
Bryan ***
Lydia ***1/2


Mysterious Soda Balls - This was another premium only item.  They felt like Skittles in terms of texture, but came in soda flavors - cola, pink lemonade, cider, grape, melon, lemon squash, and Calpis.  (Calpis is a milky, uncarbonated beverage that has a touch os acidic tang, a little like yogurt)  I thought some of the flavors were good and didn't like others as well.  My favorites with the Calpis, melon, pink lemonade, and lemon squash.
Bryan ***
Lydia ****


Vitamin C Lemon Drops - At first I thought I might like these, Bryan had figured he probably wouldn't because he's not very fond of citrus flavors.  However, I noted on the label that there's no actual sugar in them, just aspartame, which I tend to be sensitive to.  When we tried them they had a touch of menthol like buzz, but I found the aspartame overwhelming.  Bryan said he might have liked them in another flavor.
Bryan **
Lydia *

Overall I was really happy with this box, and would like to keep getting it.  Though we're on a tight budget right now, so it might be cut for a little while.  Hope you liked this review, and if you know of a subscription box you think I'd like or you'd like to see me review let me know in the comments below!

Love,
Lydia