Liebster Award!

I have seen buttons for the Liebster Award around other blogs, but I never knew what it was for.  I just assumed that it was (obviously) an award given to bloggers for great content.  Little did I know that it's actually even better than that -- it's passed along from blogger to blogger as a way of making connections and recognizing other blogs you enjoy!

I was nominated by Brandi over at That Saucey Mama, thank you Brandi!  She has a really fun blog with lots of great beauty reviews, be sure to check her out.

Here are some more details on how the Liebster Award works:

• You must link back to the person who nominated you.
• You must answer the 11 questions given by the person who nominated you.
• You pick 11 nominees to answer your questions.
• You cannot nominate the person who nominated you. (This keeps the wheel in motion.)
• You must let the nominees know that they've been nominated by you. (How else will they know, duh?!)

And here are Brandi's questions for her nominees:

1. What made you want to start a blog?
   I was an English major in college and I've always enjoyed writing, so blogging gave me an outlet to do so after graduation.  I decided to start a product review blog because I love buying new things, and the first place I turn to before trying out a product (especially makeup) is the blogosphere.  I figured I could share my insight about certain things and hopefully it would help someone else out there make a decision on whether or not to purchase a product.
2. If you were given a shopping spree, in what store would you choose to use it?
   Probably either Sephora or Michael Kors.  Can I pick both?
3. Do you wear makeup everyday, or just on special occasions?
   I wear makeup most days, but usually not on the weekends or if I'm not going anywhere.
4. Who is your favorite band/singer/musician?
   This is a tough question for me because I like a lot of different musicians, but I don't have one single favorite band or singer.  I appreciate songwriters, people who play their own instruments, and people who truly sing from the heart.  I'll most likely give a listen to anyone who falls into one or more of those categories (some favorites are Guster and Carbon Leaf).
5. What is the one thing, no matter how crap your day was, that can make you smile?
   My pets!  I have a Siamese mix named Bing (The Bing Thing) and a rabbit named Gus.  They both have very distinct personalities and I love playing with, and even just observing them.
6. Are you a tech junkie, or just a tech user?
   I don't think I would qualify as a tech junkie, but I am a tech user.  Maybe the best term would be "tech appreciator."  I love my laptop, iPad, and iPhone, but I don't have to have them.  I also rarely buy new technology when it first comes out.
7. If you were a lip product, what product and color would you be? (lipstick, gloss, balm...)
   I would be Badger Balm Lip Balm.  Not only is it my favorite lip product, but it's like me because it's not too flashy and it gets the job done (with great efficacy).
8. What is your favorite type of blog post to read/write?
   I love to both read and write reviews of subscription boxes.  I can't afford to subscribe to as many as I'd like to try, so it's really fun to see what comes in each box every month from other bloggers.
9. What is your go to type of outfit?
   Honestly, if I could live in sweatpants and a t-shirt I would!  But when I need to look presentable, I like pairing a button-up with jeans (or dress pants for work).  It's a simple look but it always looks great and can be dressed up in a lot of different ways with accessories.
10. Do you have a favorite meal to cook?
    I like to cook Chicken Milanese because it's easy and delicious, but I don't know if it's my favorite thing to cook.  I don't really have a favorite thing to cook because I don't love cooking.
11. Are you a glass half full, or glass half empty person?
    Everyone hates my answer to this question, but I'm really just a "the glass is there" person, I don't care whether it's half full or half empty, because every situation is different and sometimes I'm feeling optimistic, and other times I'll feel more pessimistic.

And here are the blogs I nominate, and my questions for them!  If you're on this list, don't feel obligated to play along, but definitely feel free to if it tickles your fancy.

Rebecca at Soap Deli News

Jo at The Little Dandy

Lucy at supergolden bakes

Chung-Ah at Damn Delicious

MJ and Tim at The Adventures of MJ and Hungry Man

KW at Must Have Boxes

Lisa at Girl Meets Box

Lauren at Subscription [Box] Lovers Anonymous

Erin at Subscription Box Mom

Karen at Unpack the Box!

Liz at My Subscription Addiction

1. What has been your favorite blog post to write?
2. Where is your dream vacation destination?
3. Do you have any pets?
4. If you could star in any film, which would it be?
5. How would you spend your perfect day off?
6. What's the best bit of advice you've ever been given?
7. Do you have any quirky habits that you don't mind sharing?
8. If you could go back in time, would you?  Which era would you choose?
9. What is your favorite book?
10. What's your favorite form of artistic expression?
11. When was the last time you had a great meal?

Midnight Velvet Laser Cut Handbag Review and Giveaway!

I reviewed the Padlock Handbag from Midnight Velvet back in July of last year, so when they put out a call for bloggers to work with them for their spring campaign I jumped at the chance!  Midnight Velvet offers a wide range of stylish products, from home decor to clothing, and even mineral makeup!

Midnight Velvet was even kind enough to offer a $50 gift card to one of my readers...more details on that at the end of the review.

I chose to review the Laser Cut Bag, and it is absolutely gorgeous.  It features a rose-gold layer underneath a pattern of floral cutouts, which I think makes it perfect for transitioning from winter to spring.  The black pattern is chic enough for work or play, and the rose-gold backing is just enough shine to match any occasion.  I carried this to work today and received a bunch of compliments on it; people were really impressed by how interesting and classy the design was!

The bag's interior features a zip pocket and two slip pockets.  It also has an outer zip pocket, so there are tons of places to fit your phone, lip gloss, or any other items you need easy access to.  This bag is the perfect size for me -- it measures 12.5" length by 6 3/4" width, and a height of 8.5".  The barrel shape is also convenient for carrying all of my items because it's structured enough to stand upright on its own.  The strap drop is about three inches, but it also comes with a removable shoulder strap so you can easily carry it over your shoulder.

• Visit Midnight Velvet's website to browse their full line of products
• Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, and their BeautyBlog

Bottom Line: I would pair this purse with a little black dress for a night out, or a button up and black pants for work.  The quality is excellent and the price is very reasonable.  The Laser Cut Bag from Midnight Velvet is beautiful and would look great on anyone's arm!

To enter to win a $50 gift certificate to Midnight Velvet, please enter using the Rafflecopter form below.  This sweepstakes is open to U.S. residents aged 18+.  It begins today, 26 February 2014 and ends on 6 March 2014 at 12 AM EST.  Please read the full Terms at the bottom of the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Midnight Velvet.  I received no monetary compensation.

March Escape Monthly Destination & Coupon Code

Escape Monthly has announced Ireland as their March destination!  The box costs $49.95 a month and delivers a different "vacation in a box" each month with high quality lifestyle products.

Here's a sneak peek of what the box will include, directly from the Escape Monthly website:

Authentic, Imported Foods right from Ireland: What would an Escape to Ireland be if it didn’t have the finest gourmet delicacies and treats the country had to offer? We’ve tasted dozens of different small, artisan-crafted foods, from the finest cheeses to the most delicately baked soda bread, and what we’ve found will woo your palate!

A Piece of Ireland, For You: Our hope is to give you something from Ireland that will long outlast any other item. Something that you can cultivate, cherish, and enjoy for as long as possible. What we’ve found is some very unique cultural icons, and we can’t wait to hear what you think.

The Finest in Irish Relaxation and Pampering: Using local ingredients and crafted in small batches, some of the most luxurious bath and body products in Ireland are produced using the same artisan techniques used for hundreds of years. What we’ve found will leave you feeling relaxing, reinvigorated, and renewed! - See more at: Escape Monthly

I'm fascinated by Ireland and Irish culture, so I think I will definitely be checking this box out!  Use code IRISHESCAPE for 20% off for the life of your subscription.  If you sign up today you'll also receive a special bonus item!  But hurry, there are only a limited number of boxes available -- click here to sign up!

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.  Post contains affiliate links.

February Birchbox Review

This month Birchbox teamed up with Us Weekly to curate boxes that were all about the glitz and glamour of awards season!  I read a few reviews from bloggers who received the same box as me who were not happy with it, but I actually felt that this was one of my best Birchboxes yet.

• Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Pallette - This was my "beauty extra" for the month, meaning that it didn't take the place of a true sample.  I think this was the product I saw the most dissatisfaction with because it's just eyeshadow on paper, but I thought it was a cool extra.  I don't buy Smashbox products because they aren't an entirely cruelty-free brand, but I did think the neutrals in this palette were really pretty.
• COOLA Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face - This came at the perfect time for me, because I'm actually on vacation in Orlando, Florida right now and I needed a good facial sunscreen!  I've gotten COOLA products before from other subscription boxes and they're great quality.  This mineral sunscreen is made from eco-friendly ingredients, which is always a plus for me.  As far as tint goes, I found it to be pretty much not tinted as far as my skin went, but it applied really smoothly and felt really light on my face.  I don't really need for my sunscreen to be tinted, so I wasn't disappointed that it didn't provide any coverage as far as skin imperfections went.
• Beauty Protector Protect & Oil - I've heard Birchbox staffers say on multiple occasions that Beauty Protector is one of their most popular brands, and after receiving two products from them so far I can see why!  My favorite thing about the brand is the scent of their products--it's a warm vanilla base (I think) that just simply smells amazing!  I applied this oil on damp hair before blow drying and I definitely noticed that my hair felt softer after using it.
• Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish in Kitten Heels - Some subscribers had received Ruby Wing polishes in their January boxes and I was bummed that I didn't get one in mine because I've been really interested in trying them, so I was so excited to get one in this month's box!  I was really curious to see how well the color changing aspect worked, and to be honest I didn't notice much of a change in color at all (but that very well could be because I live in Western NY and we've had more snow than sun this winter, and it's supposed to change color in the sunlight).  Even still, I was impressed by the formula of the polish and would definitely recommend it regardless of the color changing aspect.
• Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Mascara - I already have a ton of both full- and sample-sized mascaras, so I passed this one off to a friend.  I haven't asked her if she's used it yet, but I'm sure it works well because Smashbox usually gets good reviews.

Birchbox also ran two contests this month, one for a box full of Valentine's Day-themed loot, and one for a special "Party In a Box" that could only be acquired  by winning one, and I actually won both!  I guess February was a really lucky month for me, so be on the lookout for reviews of both of those boxes soon!

Bottom Line: This month's box was another great one for me.  I haven't had one box yet since I resubscribed that I didn't enjoy.  My favorite product this month was definitely the Beauty Protector Protect & Oil, with the Ruby Wing polish coming in at a close second.

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.  Post contains affiliate links.

February Bestowed Review

Bestowed is a favorite subscription service of mine; each month they send a box packed with healthy snacks and treats.  I have been able to review quite a few of their boxes and I've been thoroughly impressed with each one.  February's box continued the trend of impressive quality!

Bestowed costs $19 a month or $209 for an entire year.  The products in each box are selected by author and nutritionist Heather Bauer, and they include an informational booklet that goes into detail about why each product was chosen, and it even contains recipes and creative ideas on how to use the foods.

• R.W. Garcia MixtBag Yellow & Blue Corn Tortilla Chips - I noticed these chips first when I opened the box because I've had them before and I love them!  They're really hearty and have a great crunch.  My mom had just returned from a business trip to Arizona when I got this box, and she brought me back a jar of chipotle salsa that tasted wonderful with these chips.
• Wholly Granolly Clusters - Two flavors were included, Double Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Pretzel.  I ate the Double Chocolate Chip right away and they tasted like bunches of cocoa crunch--very good!  I haven't tried the Peanut Butter Pretzel yet but I bet they're great, too.
• Bakery On Main Carrot Cake Instant Oatmeal - I am not a fan of carrot cake so I'll be giving this to a friend to enjoy, but I've had other Bakery On Main products before and they are great quality.  I bet this will taste delicious.

• Santa Barbara Bar in Coconut Almond - I'm actually on vacation right now and I packed this in my carry-on bag to eat as a snack.  I haven't eaten it yet, but I most likely will tomorrow for a quick afternoon snack.  It's gluten-, soy-, and GMO-free.
• Herbal Philosophy Feel Beautiful Tea - I love tea, especially loose-leaf teas.  I haven't tried this one yet, either, but I'm looking forward to relaxing with a cup of it.  Bestowed also suggested to try using this as a facial steam and toner, which I will probably try as well because I love using toners on my oily skin.
• Unreal Candy The Smooth One - Candy!  I've had Unreal products before and they're very good.  I haven't tried this particular candy bar, but it has chocolate, caramel, and nougat so I already know I'll love it.  I also brought one of these with me on my trip to try.

Bottom Line: If you're looking for a fun food subscription that won't hurt your budget or your waistline, I think Bestowed is the perfect fit!  They have always sent foods that taste great, so you don't have to sacrifice flavor for healthy with these products.  Use coupon code HELLOYUM11 (expires 3/15) to get your first box for only $10 (normally $19)!

*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Bestowed.  I received no monetary compensation.  Post contains affiliate links.

Nutra-Lift® Glycolic NonSoap Cleanser Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I've been using the Nutra-Lift® Glycolic NonSoap Cleanser for about two weeks and I love how gentle it is on my sensitive skin.  It's a water-soluble gel cleanser containing 10% glycolic acid (AHA), rose hips, grapefruit seed, chamomile, and calendula.  It gently removes makeup and cleanses the skin while helping to dissolve cellular residue and unclog pores, resulting in smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin.

I was interested in reviewing this cleanser because it promises to reduce pore size and even skin tone.  Pore size is not so much an issue for me, but uneven skin tone definitely is.  I would have preferred to use this product for at least a month before writing this review, but due to time constraints I decided to see what it could do for me after two weeks.

So far I've been pleased with the results; my skin feels smooth and clear after using it.  It's great for oily skin, which I have, but it's also gentle enough for the sensitive aspects of my skin as well.  It has a light, herbal scent and can be worked into a light lather during use.  Even though it's a gel formula, the cleanser doesn't leave my skin feeling too dry or tight after use.  The percentage of glycolic acid is just enough to exfoliate, but not so much that my sensitive skin is left with adverse affects.

Bottom Line: I'm very pleased with the Nutra-Lift® Glycolic NonSoap Cleanser!  I love that they are a cruelty-free company that uses natural and organic ingredients.  I recommend this cleanser to anyone who has troublesome skin; it works extremely well and is also gentle for sensitive skin.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

February Stunner of the Month Review

Stunner of the Month is a fun subscription that sends you a pair of fashion sunglasses for only $9 a month!  They even ship internationally.  As I'm sure many of you know, a quality pair of sunglasses will cost you way more than $9 at the mall, so why not get them shipped directly to your house for such a low price?

I was very interested to see what kind of "Stunners" I would receive in this shipment that Stunner of the Month sent me for review because I've seen all kinds of different designs both on their website and on other bloggers' reviews.  I usually wearing pretty standard and basic clothes in my every day life, but I love to spice things up with fun accessories, so I knew that no matter what these sunglasses would definitely fit the bill!

Everything came nicely wrapped, and the glasses themselves were inside the white drawstring bag.  I was only expecting a pair of glasses, so I was pleasantly surprised by all of the extras that were included!  You can see the slap bracelet in the photo above and part of the two items that were taped to the top flap of the box, but there was even more included inside of the bag.

Here's the full spread of extras I received, as well as the glasses themselves up at the top.  All in all, the package included the slap bracelet, a bunch of stickers, a bottle opener, a button, and an eyeglass screwdriver.  I was actually most thankful for the screwdriver because I'm a wearer of regular glasses as well and I was in need of one.

I love the glasses I got!  They're perfect for me.  A small card was included that states that the design is called "The Kitten Plays," and that they're from the Wildlife collection and Mezzanine level.  I'm not sure what the Mezzanine level means (and I couldn't find more information about it on their website), but the Wildlife collection part speaks for itself.  I'm a crazy cat lady all the way, so these really couldn't be more perfect!  Furthermore, they have a UV protection factor of 400 and the frames are made of plastic or a plastic material.

• Visit StunneroftheMonth.com to learn more
• Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter

Bottom Line: I think Stunner of the Month is a ton of fun!  Anyone who appreciates unique sunglasses will surely be pleased with this subscription.  The cost is really affordable, and you can even pause your account so if you only want to receive a pair every few months or so you can easily do that.

*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Stunner of the Month.  I received no monetary compensation.

Starbucks Giveaway!

We’re giving away a week of Starbucks to one lucky reader! The winner will receive a $35 Starbucks gift card - enough to treat yourself to seven days of caffeine goodness. Will you be the lucky winner?

GIVEAWAY

Prize: $35 Starbucks Gift Card

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter - all entries are optional. Giveaway ends February 14th at 11:59 PM EST and is open worldwide.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join an awesome group of bloggers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ZENMED Skincare Review

I recently started seeing and hearing a lot of buzz about ZENMED, and rightfully so.  I just so happened to apply to review some of their products at the same time that they were about to reach out to me!  I'm so glad that I was able to try their cruelty-free skincare, because in just a short period of time it has really helped my dry, flaky skin.

I'm blessed (sarcasm!) with the unique combination of having oily skin that is also incredibly sensitive.  Normally strong, gel cleansers are recommended for oily skin, but I find that these dry my skin out too much, leaving it red and flaky.  It's often a struggle for me to find a cleanser that is effective but also gentle enough for my skin, so I was incredibly happy with the results that the Gentle Cleansing Cream brought forth!  I also suffer from seasonal eczema, and it always is worse in the winter time.  This cleanser worked wonders in combating my redness, eczema, and overall dry skin problems.  The cleanser is soap-free and has the texture of a lotion.  It's a naturally-based, pure vegetable formulation that moisturizes and cleanses for even the most sensitive of skin types.  I've been using this for three weeks and I can report that in that short period of time my red and dry patches have drastically reduced.  I love this cleanser and I will definitely be purchasing more when I run out!

I also tried the Oil-Free Day Lotion and AVT Cream.  The Oil-Free Day Lotion is, as the name suggests, a daily moisturizer for "sensitive and troubled skin types."  It naturally balances oil levels to reduce shine, which was something I definitely needed.  My favorite thing about this lotion was its texture--it was incredibly smooth and glided easily onto the skin, and also absorbed quickly.

The AVT Cream is "a nourishing emulsion of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins A, B5, C, E, and anti-aging peptide Matrixyl."  It also contains argan, jojoba, and borage oils.  This cream is especially for dry, damaged, and mature skin and it works to repair these symptoms with its mixture of antioxidants.  It's also great for people with rosacea.  The texture was similar to the Oil-Free Day Lotion, but just a bit creamier.  Both are paraben-free and vegetarian, as well.

• Visit the ZENMED website to browse their full line of products
• Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest

Bottom Line: I am so glad that I had the opportunity to try these ZENMED products because they were all highly effective in healing my dry winter skin.  I also appreciated that they're a Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free company.  I'll definitely be using these products year-round and recommending them to everyone I know!

*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by ZENMED.  I received no monetary compensation.

January Little Black Bag Review

 I actually purchased this Little Black Bag at the tail end of December, but since I received the items in January I'm calling it a January bag (not that any of this really matters, anyway).  This bag only cost me $25.90 with shipping, so I was pretty happy with what I got for that price.

I ended up with five items total, but two were beauty bonuses (but still full-sized products).  I had been wanting a new, practical crossbody, so the handbag was a perfect fit.  I also love scarves, and the pattern on this one was really pretty so I was happy with that, too.  I wasn't jumping for joy about any of the items, but for only $26 I couldn't complain.  I do wish trading was the way it used to be because I definitely could have gotten more items in the past, but oh well.

I love this Tri Color Infinity Scarf by The Accessory Collective.  It's really soft and the colors are just beautiful.  I got quite a few compliments on it when I first wore it out.  There was a similar one also on LBB at the time that had blues and browns in it, I think, but I liked the mauve/white/gray combo a lot better.

The Danielle Nicole Adeline Crossbody is the perfect size for me.  I like the practicality of crossbodies, but I also don't like ones that are too tiny, so I picked this one because I wanted to still be able to fit my wallet and a few other items into it.  I also liked that the top zipped shut--the flap does open up to expose a pocket underneath, but the main compartment is accessible through the top.

If these Robert Rose Oval Stone Drop Earrings look familiar, it's because I shipped the silver pair in the my December bag.  I would have preferred to get something different, but again, trading was moving really slowly and no one wanted to trade me anything for them.  I also got the NYX extras in the two colors I wanted the most, so that was good.  The lip balm is in the shade "Shukran" and the eyeshadow is "Suede."  I don't care for the cream eyeshadow because it dries too quickly and feels like glue once it's dried, but I like the lip balm.

Bottom Line: If this bag hadn't been so cheap overall I probably wouldn't have been so happy with it, but I'm pleased with the scarf and the handbag so it was worth it to me.  The earrings will get good use as well.  The beauty extras are just that, extras.  Basically this wasn't the best LBB, but not the worst, either.

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.

Celestial Seasonings VoxBox Review

It's been a while since I last participated in an Influenster campaign, so I was excited to be chosen for the Celestial Seasonings VoxBox!  I love tea and Celestial Seasonings is one of my favorite brands, so this was a perfect fit for me.

This VoxBox was titled "The Art of Green Tea" and it contained two different teas to sample.  I was already familiar with the regular Sleepytime tea (it's one of my favorites!), but I had never tried the green tea version.  The Honey Lemon Ginseng flavor was also new to me.  This polar vortex winter has been no joke, so a nice hot cup of tea has become a regular part of my day even moreso than before.

I thought that the packaging was great; Celestial Seasonings always does a good job of having beautiful artwork to accompany their delicious teas.  The Sleepytime tea was decaf, so (as the name suggests), I drank it before bed.  The flavor was similar to the original variety, but the addition of the green tea was subtle and very enjoyable.  The Honey Lemon Ginseng tea, made with white and green teas, was as smooth as the packaging promises.  I drank this one during the day, since it was not decaf.  As you can see from the packaging, both teas contained natural antioxidants as well.

The photo above shows the ingredient lists for both teas.  Both were gluten-free, and I loved that both contained minimal ingredients and natural flavors.  Each packet contained two tea bags, which I was glad to see because I just assumed they both only contained one.  For those who haven't tried Celestial Seasonings before, their tea bags do not come with a string attached, but I've never seen this as a negative.  As instructed, I placed the bag in my mug first and then poured the water over it.  The bag ends up floating to the top of the cup, so it can easily be removed with a spoon (or even just your fingers).

Bottom Line: I have nothing bad to say about this VoxBox!  As I've already said, Celestial Seasonings is one of my favorite tea brands, so I was glad to try two new teas of theirs.  I definitely recommend these teas, and all other Celestial Seasonings varieties, as the perfect cold weather drink!

*Disclaimer: I received these samples through the Influenster program.  I received no monetary compensation for this review.

January Escape Monthly Review

Escape Monthly had been on my on my "subscriptions to try" list for a long time, and I finally decided to purchase a box this past month.  The January destination was Colorado, and I figured there would be some great products featured.

Escape Monthly proved me right!  I was very happy with the selection of items in January's box.  But before I get further into the review, here is a quick rundown on the service: each month, Escape Monthly delivers a "Vacation in a Box" that features a different destination from anywhere in the world.  Past boxes have included Hawaii, Napa, and Italy.  The cost is $49.95 a month, but if you visit their website you can get 20% off for the life of your subscription.

Since Escape Monthly is a lifestyle box, they'll include a variety of different types of items.  This one contained a lot of food, but I love snacks so this wasn't a problem for me.

• Jackson's Honest Potato Chips in Sea Salt ($2.99) - These chips are fried in coconut oil and I could definitely taste the difference.  I thought these were delicious and had a great crunch.
• Chocolove Orange Peel Chocolate Bar ($2.99) - I've seen this brand in my grocery before but never tried it until I received it in this box.  At first I was apprehensive about the orange peel pieces, but they were very small and basically just gave the bar a nice crunch to it.  It tasted really great.
• Bobo's Oat Bars in Gluten-Free Peach ($3.95) - This was my favorite item in the box; it was absolutely delicious!  I never would have guessed that it was gluten-free if it hadn't said so on the label, because it had a lovely texture and taste that I would have assumed came from bread (if that makes sense).  I am definitely going to purchase more of these bars in the future.
• White Girl Salsa in Medium Tomatillo ($7.99) - When I picked up my box it felt really heavy, and it was because of this full-sized jar.  I'm all about salsas and this one has a great flavor.  It's made with tomatillos and has a hint of spice.

• Bluecorn Naturals Beeswax Candle in Tranquility ($4.99) - I love candles so I was happy to have one in this box.  This one is made with beeswax, scented with honey and pollen, and has a lovely scent.  The main notes are lemongrass, cinnamon, and rosemary.
• Colorado Aromatics Mountain Mist Lotion in Lavender ($5.20) - This lotion was formulated by a biochemist and contains local herbal ingredients, including green tea extract and rosemary.  I have a few other lavender-scented lotions and I love using them at night because lavender is a lovely aromatherapy scent to aid in falling asleep.
• Not The Same Rocky Mountain Mud Bath in Stress Relief Blend ($7.25) - I'm going to hang onto this item for future use because my current bath tub is not conducive to taking long, relaxing baths (it just isn't big enough).  The blend works to relax muscles, improve circulation, and smooth the skin.
• Moon Colorado Handbook ($19.99) - Each Escape Monthly comes with a book from Moon Handbooks for the monthly destination, which I think is really cool.  I enjoyed paging through this, and since Colorado (specifically Denver) is on my list of desired travel destinations I think this will definitely come in handy when I do end up going
• Pikes Peak Rocks Geode ($1.99) - When I opened my box I noticed a find dust over all of the items and I thought, "what the heck?"  Then I saw this rock and realized it was the culprit.  At first I thought it was a pumice stone, but it turns out it's a geode (when you crack them in half, they contain beautiful crystalline structures).  I haven't opened mine yet, but I definitely thought it was a fun bonus item.  I just wish Escape Monthly had packaged it in a small bag or wrapped it somehow so that the dust didn't get over everything else.

Bottom Line: I used a blogger coupon to purchase this box for half price, which I thought was a great deal.  Although I loved this box, I can't say I would pay $49.95 for future shipments, which is why I cancelled my subscription after this box.  I wish there was an option to make a one-time purchase for boxes that I thought sounded interesting, because 12 months of Escape Monthly boxes at full-price is just not something I can afford at this time.

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.

See more photos of my box after the "read more."