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Thursday, April 27, 2017

April Beauty Box 5 Review

Temperatures are finally reaching the 80s here and the extra sunshine means time for tans! Sunless tans, that is. The April Beauty Box 5 features great gold products to keep you shimmering for the upcoming summer!

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Beauty Box 5 costs $12 per month for $35+ in products. Shipping is free to the U.S. and $3 to Canada. Each month you'll receive deluxe samples and often full-sized products ranging from skincare to hair care to color cosmetics, and more.

New subscribers will receive a free full-sized Marsk eyeshadow in their first box!


Gold is my favorite color when it comes to cosmetics. Gold eyeshadow, gold bronzer, I just love the way it looks with my skin tone. Naturally I was very happy that April's theme was "You're Golden!"

This month's box featured four full-sized products. Beauty Box 5 always does a good job of sending quite a few full-sized items each month. Here's what was inside:
  • Be a Bombshell Blush ($6.00, full-sized) - Assorted colors were sent and I received Cougar, which is a great brown shimmer. I'm probably going to use it as a bronzer instead of a blush because it's very similar to the one I currently use and that one is almost gone.
  • Did Hair Gold Bobby Pins ($8.50, full-sized) - I have black hair so these gold bobby pins will stand out great as a simple accessory. 
  • Beauty Box 5 Highlight Fan Brush ($12.00, full-sized) - I've never had a fan brush before so I honestly had to look up how to use it. It's a great way to add a dash of highlighter or a soft layer of blush or powder foundation.
  • Jean Pierre Vitamin-C Sheet Mask ($2.60 for one mask) - This mask has vitamin C to lighten dark spots and for anti-aging. I don't use sheet masks because I can never sit still for long enough (usually they say to leave it on for 15-20 minutes), but I'll give this to a friend who will.
  • Sweep Rose Gold Lash Curler ($15.99) - There have been a few Sweep products in recent boxes and I've really enjoyed them. This curler is nice and sturdy and I love the rose gold color! It grabs my lashes and gives a nice dramatic curl.
Be a Bombshell Blush in Cougar
Bottom Line: The April "You're Gold" Beauty Box 5 gets an A+ from me! The total approximate retail value was $45.09. I couldn't find a listing for the fan brush, Did Hair bobby pins, or Sweep curler but regardless I think this box had a great assortment of items; I especially love the Sweep curler and Be a Bombshell Blush!

Sunday, April 23, 2017

April BOOM!Box and Nexus Nail Wraps Review

When I was introduced to the BOOM!Box and Nexus Nail Wraps subscriptions from Espionage Cosmetics I couldn't wait to see what they were all about. They send makeup, accessories, and nail wraps for fellow Nerd Misfits from all different fandoms!

*Disclaimer: These boxes were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


BOOM!Box is a quarterly subscription featuring nerd makeup, manicures (two designs, one of which is a subscriber exclusive!), and specially curated theme-specific goodies. The box will have items from Espionage Cosmetics and other geeky vendors. Here are the pricing options:
  • One Box: $30 per box, charged once every four months
  • Two Boxes: $50 prepay, charged once every eight months
  • Four Boxes: $90 prepay, charged once every 12 months
Shipping is extra; when I input my address in New York it added $6.25 for shipping.


The box is neatly packaged with BOOM!Box tissue paper surrounding all of the items.


The April theme is Retro Gaming and the box had eight individual items and three stickers. I think the items are all well-curated and fit the theme perfectly! I was so excited to open up the box because I consider myself a nerd for sure and was curious to see what would be included. I'm more of a comic book nerd and less into gaming, but I still thought everything was a lot of fun!

  • 8-Bit Hearts Nail Wraps - These nail wraps will restore your HP and make your heart smile, according to the info card. The design is really cute and they're also glow in the dark! I also like the "We find your lack of nail art disturbing" (Star Wars reference) on the bottom of the packaging.
  • Power Up Nail Wraps - These are multicolored with a gloss finish. I think the designs are bright and eye-catching! This is also the first time BOOM!Box has sent out two designs for subscribers.
  • Art Print by Fox Smith - I LOVE this print! Fox used Japanese art elements to create a print featuring classic retro characters. I have to admit I'm not quite sure what they are from (other than the turtle with wings, I think that's Mario Brothers?), but the print is high quality and perfect for framing.
  • Floppy Disk Notebook - This is so creative; the notebook is made from old floppy disks with lots of blank pages inside. I like having portable notebooks like this to write quick notes at the office or to put my grocery list on.
  • Console, Pixel, and 1Up - Console is the blue pressed powder and Pixel is the pink, while 1Up is the shimmery green loose powder. The pressed powders are brand new and exclusive to Boom!Box. All three are very highly pigmented and great for cosplay, or everyday wear if you like bold looks!

Three look tutorials were also included from Nerd Makeup Ambassador The Pryncess! I can't wait to try these.

  • Golden Relic Necklace - Okay, I know that this one is from Zelda! This necklace is a BOOM!Box exclusive from GeekStar Costuming. The chain is shorter than necklaces I usually wear but I like the simple design.

Espionage Cosmetics also offers the Nexus Nail Wraps subscription option, which sends two nerd-themed nail wraps every month. Here are the pricing options:
  • Monthly: $15 per month
  • Three Months: $36 every three months
  • Six Months: $66 every six months
  • 12 Months: $120 every 12 months
There's also a one-time purchase option that contains 2-4 wraps for $25. The designs are a surprise, but you can get theme hints at this page.


I love nail wraps. They're easy to use and they last longer than regular nail polish. The wraps from Espionage Cosmetics are perfect for me because I love nerdy designs! They have tons of designs to choose from featuring different fandoms, licensed designs, and science themes.

  • Nevermore Wraps - I love these wraps so much! I like anything with birds on it so I would enjoy these regardless, but I like them even more because they're inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven.
  • Flight of the Moonfallen Wraps - I am not sure what fandom these are from, if anyone knows please comment and tell me! Regardless, I really like the design because green is my favorite color and the patterns are really interesting. I tried looking up the name to learn more about these but couldn't find much in the way of what fandom they're from.
Bottom Line: I'm very impressed by the BOOM!Box and Nexus wraps subscriptions from Espionage Cosmetics! I think they're great for fellow nerd girls because they have an excellent variety of high-quality items from all different fandoms.

Saturday, April 22, 2017

April Valor Blocks Review

Valor Blocks is the newest addition to the Nerd Block family and it features officially licensed items from the U.S. military. The U.S. Army Valor Block is currently the only option available, but they have ones for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force coming soon.

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Each month you'll receive four to six collectibles plus an exclusive t-shirt, all of which are officially licensed by the U.S. Army. Boxes are $34 per month with $6 shipping to the continental U.S. and military bases worldwide. Active duty military and veterans receive a 10% discount.


April's Valor Block featured four items and the exclusive t-shirt. The t-shirt I received is different than the one pictured on the info card, so I'm not sure if this is the same shirt everyone will receive or not.


  • U.S. Army Est 1775 T-Shirt: The shirt on the info card is black with a gray design and text that says "United States Army Est 1775," but as you can see I received a black t-shirt with a snake that says "This We'll Defend." I like the design regardless, but again I want to point out that you may receive a different shirt in your box. When you subscribe you'll be able to choose your t-shirt size and whether you want a loose or tighter fit.
  • U.S. Army Pint Glass: This is my favorite item in the box. It's a really nice glass cup with a bald eagle design. It was packaged inside of another cardboard box within the Valor Blocks box so it was nice and secure for shipping.
  • Eagle Crest Challenge Coin: Last month's box listed this as a spoiler item for April and I was very curious to see the design. Traditionally, challenge coins were carried by military personnel to present when challenged to prove membership within a unit or regiment, etc. This coin has a beautiful design and is a great collectible item, and I love that it's exclusive to Valor Blocks!
  • U.S. Army Coasters: This has four soft coasters inside with a digital camo pattern and the U.S. Army log on them with a rubbery grip bottom.
  • U.S. Army Bottle Opener: This is a great little portable bottle opener. It has the U.S. Army logo on it and can easily be slipped into your pocket.
Bottom Line: Valor Blocks is a great subscription for members of the military and their friends, family, and supporters. I can imagine this would be a great morale booster as a care package for active duty personnel. This is only the second box ever and I'm excited to see what Valor Blocks will continue to send!

Friday, April 21, 2017

March Sticker Swaps Review and 50% Off Coupon

Sorry for the lateness on this review, but it's a good one! Sticker Swaps is a really fun subscription service for sticker collectors of all ages, and their March package had more featured stickers than ever!

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Sticker Swaps sends an envelope of high quality stickers from around the world for only $9 per month. Shipping is free to anywhere in the world and they ship from the United Kingdom.

Each month you'll receive a minimum of 10 stickers, but Sticker Swaps often sends extras that get sent to them. If you're an artist you can also get in touch with them to get your stickers featured in a shipment!


There's no info card included with the stickers, but there was a URL listed on the package label that leads to a page with information about all the artists and their respective stickers (check it out here). Sticker Swaps got rid of the random stickers for March and only sent bigger stickers from featured artists. There were 10 total. The featured artists were Cocorino, Karina Rehrbehn, Nolart, Emma Brett, Steve Hind, and Kvachi. I really like the kawaii style ones from Cocorino (the orange, burger, and Stay Puft Marshmallow Man) and the sushi ones from Kvachi! All of the designs are fun and bright this month, though, and are great for swapping or plastering on whatever surfaces you desire.
Bottom Line: I think Sticker Swaps is a ton of fun. I always liked stickers as a kid and it's fun to get a pack of them as an adult, too! I like to put these on my electronics, like my laptop and iPad, for a little extra flair. The random sticker selections were fun in past envelopes, but I like that they're focusing on sending bigger stickers only going forward.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Reverie Farms Soaps Review and Coupon

There are a few things in life that I don't necessarily need but that I love to purchase when I want to pamper myself: soft blankets, candles, and handmade bar soaps! I am a total sucker for soaps and Reverie Farms creates simple, quality bars in a variety of lovely scents.

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Reverie Farms is a local family farm in Argyle, Texas that offers natural organic soaps, laundry soaps, farm fresh eggs, Nigerian Dwarf goats, and Anatolian Shepherd dogs! I received their Peppermint Natural Foaming Hand Soap and Walk in the Forest bar soap to try.

The Peppermint Natural Foaming Hand Soap ($6.25 for 8 oz) is biodegradable, vegan friendly, and made with organic oils of sunflower and/or safflower and coconut, vegetable glycerin, rosemary extract, and essential oils. It's formulated for sensitive skin and is 100% cruelty-free. The Foaming Hand Soap is available in five different scents (lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood) and an unscented option. The bottle says to shake before using, which I did and found that it dispensed more foam that way. Overall, though, one pump dispenses more than enough soap with or without shaking the bottle before using it every time. I liked that it left my hands feeling clean without being too dry the way some soaps do. I also love the peppermint scent -- it's nice and bright but not overpowering.


I'm also loving the Walk in the Forest ($6.00 for 4 oz) bar soap! Anything with the words forest, trees, nature, or woods is going to catch my attention because I love those types of scents. This soap smells of pine trees with fresh, sweet juniper berries -- it's perfect! I honestly can't stop smelling it. It is everything I want in a woodsy soap.

The soap itself is made without any artificial substances like synthetic fragrance, dyes, or preservatives. It's scented with essential oils only and colored with organic herbs and plant extracts. The soap base is made from 100% certified organic oils with no parabens. The soaps are all 4 oz and are gluten-free and cruelty-free.
Bottom Line: I think Reverie Farms soaps are so lovely! I absolutely love the Peppermint Foaming Hand Soap and the Walk in the Forest bar soap. Both smell wonderful and work really well. I can't wait to try some of their other scents!

Monday, April 17, 2017

May Cate and Chloe VIP Review and Exclusive Coupon

Last month I tried my first Cate and Chloe VIP box and I loved all of the jewelry they sent (read that review here)! Their theme for May is Unconditional Love; read on to see what I got and get an exclusive coupon for 35% off your first box.

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Cate and Chloe VIP is a jewelry subscription that sends hand-picked pieces based on a style profile that you fill out when you sign up, plus an extra VIP perk item. The VIP perks are different each month and can be anything from beauty products to other accessories, and more!

They have three different box options:
  • The Starter Package - $19.99 per month for one piece
  • Double the Fun - $29.99 per month for two pieces
  • Full VIP Status - $39.99 per month for three pieces
Each option includes the VIP perk and comes with free shipping on all U.S. orders. You can also exchange anything you don't love for free.


This is a review for the Full VIP Status box. One thing I really like about Cate and Chloe is that everything is beautifully packaged. The tissue paper is a different design each month and is always really pretty. I save it to use for future gifts. Each piece also comes in a sturdy gift box or drawstring bag so nothing gets tangled.


  • Ava "Free" Aztec Drop Earrings ($59) - It looks like these earrings are currently only available as part of a set, so I'm glad I got them in the box on their own. I really love the black and gold design. They're the perfect size and I will definitely wear these out and about this summer!
  • Harper "Majestic" Leather Choker - I couldn't find this in the Cate and Chloe shop so I'm not sure how much it retails for. I know chokers are really trendy right now but I feel like they're more appropriate for teens and younger girls. It's not really my style but I will gift it to someone who will wear it more than I would.
  • Aubrey "Fair" Gold Stacked Jewel Ring ($49) - This is a statement ring for sure! It has earthy jewel tones that I really like, but it's big. This isn't something I could wear every day but it's great for a night out.
  • L'ange Hair Replenish Detangling Conditioning Spray ($17 for 4.5 fl oz) - I'm glad this was the VIP Perk this month because I will put it to good use. It's made with pro-vitamin B5, aloe, chamomile, and wheat amino acids to detangle and condition hair. It also has UV protectant to help keep color treated hair from fading.
Bottom Line: I loved the VIP Perk and the Aztec earrings that I got this month. The choker was a bit of a miss, but I'll be able to gift it to my younger cousin and I'm sure she'll love it. The ring is a lot of fun and way outside of my comfort zone, but I'm glad I received it because it forces me to try something new!

Sunday, April 16, 2017

March Chroma.Club Review and Coupon

I love coloring and I'm glad that adult coloring has become so popular. It's such a nice way to relax and practice mindfulness. If you're a fan as well, you should definitely check out Chroma.Club!

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Each month you'll receive a full-sized coloring book with a variety of illustrations from indie artists, along with information about each artist on the other side of the design. There are 11+ illustrations in each book. Here are the pricing options:
  • Monthly: $8 per month
  • Three Month Prepay: $21 every three months (save $3)
  • Six Month Prepay: $39 every six months (save $9)

What I like most about Chroma.Club is that it's an inexpensive way to get lots of new pictures to color. There are lots of adult coloring books out there, but I've found that some of them can get a little pricey. These are a nice surprise each month with plenty of different designs to color.


Naturally my favorite illustration this month is this cat! There isn't much of a theme when it comes to the books, so you'll get all different types of illustrations. I also like that they include information about each artist on the back of the pictures because it's interesting to learn their inspirations for their designs. As you can see, the pictures are printed on one side of the book only so you can tear them out for framing or otherwise if you want.
Bottom Line: Chroma.Club is a must-have subscription for adult coloring fans! The illustrations are high quality and from indie artists, which are always great to support.

Friday, April 14, 2017

April Daily Goodie Box Review

Daily Goodie Box is a fairly new service that sends boxes full of all types of products completely free! They're not a monthly subscription and signing up doesn't guarantee that you'll receive a box, but there are ways to increase your chances that I'll explain if you read on.

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Like I said, Daily Goodie Box is 100% free -- no shipping, no hidden fees, no catch. Boxes are sent out based on availability, but they definitely do send out boxes to lots of people so it can't hurt to create an account to see if you get chosen! If you interact with them on their Facebook page (link at the end of this post) it might increase your chances too, since I've seen them comment and give boxes to people on there.


When you sign up at Daily Goodie Box you'll fill out a survey to give them information about yourself. This is the information they use to match you with boxes, as I'm sure they operate the same as similar services and pick people based on the demographics the companies in the boxes are looking to reach.

After you get a box, log back in to leave reviews of the products inside. You only have to give a few sentences about your experience with the product and whether or not you liked it. The more products you review, the better your chances of getting a future box!


This box was loaded with stuff. When it arrived I immediately noticed that it was pretty heavy so I was excited to see what was inside!

  • DudeProducts Quick DUDE Shower Wipes - As the name implies, these are cleansing cloths for the guy (or gal) on the go. They're thick and larger than a standard makeup remover face wipe and have a light, clean scent. I used these on my face only because I had run out of makeup remover cloths and they took everything off easily and didn't leave my skin feeling dry. These would definitely come in handy in a pinch post-workout.
  • Bakery on Main Bunches of Crunches - Bakery on Main creates gluten-free snacks that are really delicious. This was a dark chocolate and sea salt flavored mix superfood grains. I really liked the flavor and think it would go great on top of yogurt.
  • EBOOST Strawberry Kiwi Energy Powder - I've had EBOOST before and I've always enjoyed it. This flavor is new to me and I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds good. It has green coffee bean, green tea leaf, essential vitamins and minerals, electrolytes, and more to keep you feeling your best.
  • Adamia Therapeutic Lotion - This was my favorite item in the box because I always have dry, cracked skin on my hands. This has macadamia oil and an exclusive Promega-7 blend of clinically-proven moisturizers to calm painful dry skin. It also has macadamia oil, which mimics skin's natural oils for faster absorption without greasy residue. I really like this and think it works very well.
  • Goddess Garden Everyday Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 - The sun is finally back out here in Western NY, and hopefully it's here to stay! This is made with plant-based ingredients and provides broad spectrum sun protection. It's also certified organic.
  • Peanut Butter & Co Mighty Nut Powdered Peanut Butter - I had no idea powdered peanut butter was a thing until I saw this! I received the vanilla flavor and I think I'll add it into a protein shake after my next workout.
  • Slurpee Cotton Candy in Cherry - Who doesn't love cotton candy? This was a lot of fun to eat and I liked the cherry flavor a lot, which usually isn't a flavor that I enjoy.
  • #MPWR Skincare Zip, Zap, Gone! Spot Treatment Stick - I had been looking for a product like this so it arrived at the perfect time. This is a certified organic spot treatment for acne that's made with all-natural ingredients. In comes in a rollerball applicator that's easy to apply right to problem areas. I had two lovely pimples on my face when I got this box so I used this immediately. It didn't cure my acne right away, but I swear it did dry it up and make it go away faster than it normally would have.
  • Detox Water in Lychee and White Grape - This drink is non-GMO, USDA organic, gluten-free, and vegan. It contains 350 mg of ACTIValoe gel flakes, electrolytes, and vitamins to help support immune function, healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and improve skin elasticity. The flavor was great and with only 15 calories I could definitely see myself purchasing more of these in the future.
Bottom Line: This was an exceptional box, especially considering it was free! I liked the variety of products represented and found some new favorites. I highly recommend signing up for Daily Goodie Box!

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

April Degustabox Review and Coupon

Degustabox is my favorite food subscription! They always send a box packed with fun snacks and pantry items and I've found some great new favorites through them. This month they had a really good variety of things to try.

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links.


Degustabox costs $19.99 a month for at least 10 full-sized products. Shipping is free within the U.S. They also have a U.K. box, but this is a review of the U.S. version. You can also earn points for reviewing the products and/or referring friends and once you have 100 points you can trade them in for a free box!


This month Degustabox is doing a split campaign so you may not receive all of the same items as I did. Since I am a blog review partner Degustabox sent me all of the variations so that readers could see all of the possible choices. One of the items is a box of K-cup teas, but since everyone does not have a Keurig you may receive Zenify, Steady Energy, or Cafe Bustelo instant coffee.
  • Wild Planet Organic Roasted Chicken Breast ($4.99) - This is an USDA certified organic free-range chicken breast roasted right in the can without added fillers or water. Normally chicken from a can is not something I would buy, but I like that this is USDA organic and has no fillers. I'm going to use it to make buffalo chicken wing dip.
  • Felix Lingonberries with Spiced Apple and Cinnamon - This is not on the info card so I'm not sure if you'll receive this in your box or not. I didn't receive the Steady Energy so I'm thinking this may be a replacement item? Either way, I'm glad I got it because it sounds absolutely delicious!
  • Nando's PERi PERi Sauce in Garlic ($5.99) - I've gotten Nando's PERi PERi sauces before from Degustabox but they've always been different flavors. This time it's the garlic sauce and I can't wait to try it because the other varieties have been fantastic and I love garlic.
  • Bush's Garbanzo Beans ($1.00) - This may seem like a pretty random item, even for a box full of different foods like this one, but it's to go with the hummus mix in the photo below. I'm glad they included this so you'll have everything you need to make the hummus.
  • Zenify Stress Relief ($2.00) - I love supplement drinks like this because I'm always looking for something to help me chill out. This had a nice peach flavor that wasn't too sweet. It's infused with stress-relieving antioxidants equivalent to 15 cups of green tea but without any caffeine.
  • Mutti Double Concentrated Tomato Paste ($.299) - I love making homemade sauce so this will be put to good use. It's preferable for recipes that require long cook times but can also be used to add a dash of flavor to quick ones, too.
  • Cafe Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee ($1.29) - I haven't had an instant coffee in the past that I liked but I had high hopes for this because I really like Cafe Bustelo's coffees. This didn't disappoint! It tasted really good for instant and has a nice bold flavor.
  • Bush's Hummus Made Easy in Classic ($2.29) - This has simple ingredients of tahini, olive oil, and spices that's meant to be blended into a can of Bush's garbanzo beans. Sounds delicious!
  • Wilton Candy Melts in Salted Caramel ($1.99) - I love salted caramel so much! This is a neat little pouch filled with chips that you microwave then drizzle over whatever you want. I'm saving it to use on ice cream.
  • Skinnygirl Peach Bellini Green Tea K-Cups ($4.99) - This green tea is infused with ripe juicy peach flavor and is sweetened with stevia. It has all natural ingredients and zero calories. I think it'll taste great as an iced tea.
  • Better Oats Steel Cut Instant Oatmeal with Flax Seeds ($3.99) - This has premium oats that are thick cut to preserve texture. I'm not a huge fan of oatmeal, no matter how many times I've tried to like it, so I think I'll pass this off to a friend.
  • PR Bar in Yogurt Berry ($2.07) - Protein bars are another thing I've never liked until I tried this one. Normally they have that really grainy texture that I just can't get past, and while this one had that to a small degree, the flavor was actually really good!
  • Chiridos ($1.49 each) - When I saw the flavor names--Spicy Mole, Baja Ranchero, and Salsa Verde--I couldn't want to tear into these! Then I realized they're made with cricket flour and I got a lot more hesitant. I know crickets are common in Mexican cuisine and there's a restaurant nearby that serves them, but I just can't get past the thought of eating a bug, even if it's ground up into a flour! I might give these to my brother and not tell him what they're made of and see what he says!
  • Lovely Candy Co. Chewy Original Caramels ($2.49) - I'm so glad there were two caramel items in this box because I love caramel. These were so smooth and soft and had delicious flavor. I wish there were more in the bag (there were about five, I think)!
Bottom Line: The April Degustabox was a lot of fun! There were a ton of snacks that I know I love and a few that were new but also delicious, and some that were definitely unique. This box always has great variety and April's selections didn't disappoint!
  • Visit Degustabox to subscribe
    • Use the link above to get your first box for 50% off, only $9.99!
  • Connect with them on Facebook and Instagram

Saturday, April 8, 2017

April BookCase.Club Review and Coupon

I think BookCase.Club is the best subscription out there for book lovers! The price can't be beat and they have tons of themes to choose from.

*Disclaimer: These boxes were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


BookCase.Club costs only $9.99 per month for two brand new, hand-picked books from one of eight themes. Here are the options:
  • Thrill Seeker - mystery/thriller
  • Strange Worlds - sci-fi/fantasy
  • Teenage Dreams - young adult novels
  • Read To Me - four children's picture books
  • Blind Date - paranormal romance
  • Booking for Love - romance
  • Quarterly Cook Books - two cook books every three months
  • Quarterly Military History - two military history books every three months

The Strange Worlds case featured Beyond Redemption by Michael R. Fletcher and Zero World by Jason M. Hough. I received Beyond Redemption in the October 2016 case and this is the first time I've received a repeat book. Below are the synopses of each title from Amazon.

Beyond Redemption by Michael R. Fletcher:
Faith shapes the landscape, defines the laws of physics, and makes a mockery of truth. Common knowledge isn't an axiom, it's a force of nature. What the masses believe is. But insanity is a weapon, conviction a shield. Delusions give birth to foul new gods.

Violent and dark, the world is filled with the Geisteskranken--men and women whose delusions manifest, twisting reality. High Priest Konig seeks to create order from chaos. He defines the beliefs of his followers, leading their faith to one end: a young boy, Morgen, must Ascend to become a god. A god they can control.

But there are many who would see this would-be-god in their thrall, including the High Priest's own Doppels, and a Slaver no one can resist. Three reprobates--The Greatest Swordsman in the World, a murderous Kleptic, and possibly the only sane man left--have their own nefarious plans for the young god.

As these forces converge on the boy, there's one more obstacle: time is running out. When one's delusions become more powerful, they become harder to control. The fate of the Geisteskranken is to inevitably find oneself in the Afterdeath. The question, then, is: Who will rule there?
Zero World by Jason Hough:
Technologically enhanced superspy Peter Caswell has been dispatched on a top-secret assignment unlike any he’s ever faced. A spaceship that vanished years ago has been found, along with the bodies of its murdered crew—save one. Peter’s mission is to find the missing crew member, who fled through what appears to be a tear in the fabric of space. Beyond this mysterious doorway lies an even more confounding reality: a world that seems to be Earth’s twin.

Peter discovers that this mirrored world is indeed different from his home, and far more dangerous. Cut off from all support, and with only days to complete his operation, Peter must track his quarry alone on an alien world. But he’s unprepared for what awaits on the planet’s surface, where his skills will be put to the ultimate test—and everything he knows about the universe will be challenged in ways he never could have imagined.


I believe this is the quarterly Military History case. I've never received this case before but given the selections, I think that is the theme they fit the best. I love history, especially military history, so I was really excited to receive this case!

Independence Lost by Kathleen Duval:
Over the last decade, award-winning historian Kathleen DuVal has revitalized the study of early America’s marginalized voices. Now, in Independence Lost, she recounts an untold story as rich and significant as that of the Founding Fathers: the history of the Revolutionary Era as experienced by slaves, American Indians, women, and British loyalists living on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Independence Lost reveals that individual motives counted as much as the ideals of liberty and freedom the Founders espoused: Independence had a personal as well as national meaning, and the choices made by people living outside the colonies were of critical importance to the war’s outcome. DuVal introduces us to the Mobile slave Petit Jean, who organized militias to fight the British at sea; the Chickasaw diplomat Payamataha, who worked to keep his people out of war; New Orleans merchant Oliver Pollock and his wife, Margaret O’Brien Pollock, who risked their own wealth to organize funds and garner Spanish support for the American Revolution; the half-Scottish-Creek leader Alexander McGillivray, who fought to protect indigenous interests from European imperial encroachment; the Cajun refugee Amand Broussard, who spent a lifetime in conflict with the British; and Scottish loyalists James and Isabella Bruce, whose work on behalf of the British Empire placed them in grave danger. Their lives illuminate the fateful events that took place along the Gulf of Mexico and, in the process, changed the history of North America itself.
Washington's Spies by Alexander Rose:
Based on remarkable new research, acclaimed historian Alexander Rose brings to life the true story of the spy ring that helped America win the Revolutionary War. For the first time, Rose takes us beyond the battlefront and deep into the shadowy underworld of double agents and triple crosses, covert operations and code breaking, and unmasks the courageous, flawed men who inhabited this wilderness of mirrors—including the spymaster at the heart of it all.
Bottom Line: I was kind of bummed to receive a repeat book in the Strange Worlds case, but both titles in the Military History case sound absolutely fascinating. I still love BookCase.Club and highly recommend giving them a try if you're an avid reader!

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

April Harrison Blake Apparel Review and $15 Off Coupon

Harrison Blake Apparel is a monthly men's apparel subscription that sends coordinated accessories to keep any guy looking sharp with little effort. Their April collection is my favorite one yet!

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Harrison Blake Apparel costs $25 per month for one necktie and four matching accessories. They also have a bowtie subscription that costs $16 per month for two self-tie bowties, Shipping is free to the U.S.

I love the colors and the patterns in the April set. Blue and red are so crisp and I like the style of the tie a lot, too. I especially love the accessories in this set as well!


  • Harrison Blake Striped Necktie ($30) - This month's tie is perfect for the office and is a standard microfiber blend. I like the white and blue stripe pattern a lot.
  • Harrison Blake Gold Collar Stays ($15) - I had no idea what these were until I read the info card. They're to be placed inside of a shirt's collar to ensure that the collar lies flat against the collarbone for a more polished look.
  • Harrison Blake Air Freshener (bonus item) - This air freshener has a nice clean scent and a fun car design on the front. I can't use air fresheners like this because they give me a headache (too much scent in an enclosed space) but I'll pass it along to my brother to put in his new truck.
  • Harrison Blake White Rosette Lapel Pin ($15) - This is a beautiful little pin that reminds me of the lapels the barricade boys wear in Les Mis (granted, with less color). It's well made and a nice accent for a put-together look.
  • Harrison Blake Cotton Pocket Square ($20) - This month's pocket square has a simple, attractive design. The polka dots would be a nice accent against a solid suit.
  • Harrison Blake Aviator Sunglasses ($30) - I love aviators and I was so happy to see these in the package! I love the dark lenses. I have a pair of Ray-Ban aviators and honestly these are just as well-made and feel even sturdier,
Bottom Line: I love the April Harrison Blake Apparel set! The colors and designs are perfect and the aviators are well-made and will look good on everyone. Harrison Blake Apparel is such a great value for some really wonderful accessories!
  • Visit Harrison Blake Apparel to subscribe
    • Use coupon code SEASON for $15 off your first set
  • Connect with them on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube

Monday, April 3, 2017

Taste and Curiosity France Review and Coupon

When I think of France I think of delicious baguettes, macarons, and other sweet baked goods (carbs, carbs, carbs!), so I was super excited to open up the Taste and Curiosity France box to see lots of sweet goodies inside!

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.


Taste and Curiosity is a monthly food and snack box that sends treats from all over the world. They currently have an Asia set and a Europe set, and you can purchase each box individually if you'd like, too. Here are the pricing options:
  • Monthly: $18 per month
  • Three Months: $51 every three months ($17 per box)
  • Six months: $96 every six months ($16 per box)
Shipping is free but they currently only ship within the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii.


I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Taste and Curiosity boxes I've tried (read all my reviews here) and the France box was no different! They always do a wonderful job of sending treats that I can't wait to devour. They also include a magnet with an inspirational quotation in each box to remind people to pursue their dreams!


The France box had six treats total and two of them were from one of my favorite brands, Michel et Augustin. The box was mostly sweet snacks, but I'm certainly not complaining about that!
  • Nougat de Montelimar - This is a soft nougat bar with a mix of honey and almond. I haven't tried it yet but I love nougat inside of candy bars so I'm sure I'll enjoy this as well.
  • Michel et Augustin Cookie Squares in Milk Chocolate and Melty Caramel - I first tried Michel et Augustin while I was in a Starbucks in New York City. My brother and I stopped in for a treat and I grabbed the lemon squares and they were fantastic. The Milk Chocolate and Melty Caramel cookies are even better! I wish there were more than just four in a package. They had a shortbread base with chocolate covering a caramel topping. I really could eat about a thousand of these!
  • Michel et Augustin Rectangle Crackers - I didn't know Michel et Augustin made savory snacks, too, so I was really excited to try these. They were just as delicious as the cookies! They're little mini crackers with green olive and rosemary flavors. I love dipping fresh bread in rosemary and olive oil and these tasted just like that.
  • St. Michel Madeleine - I had heard of Madeleines before but I had never tried one. To be honest, I thought they looked a little bland, but I was so wrong. This soft and moist sponge cake was so rich and delicious! The brand has been famous in France since 1905.
  • Carambar - These candies are traditional chewy caramels that are hard at first but soften as you chew them. They became famous for the corny jokes on the insides of the wrappers. I haven't tried them yet but I love caramels and I will no doubt love these, too.
  • St. Michel Sables - I normally don't like coconut, but these crispy coconut biscuits were light and had just enough flavor. They tasted great with my morning coffee.
  • Magnet - This month's magnet says "In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different," a quotation from Coco Chanel. She's certainly a great choice to represent the France box.
Bottom Line: I loved every single treat in the Taste and Curiosity France box! I wish I had more of everything. I'm definitely going to look into buying more Michel et Augustin and madeleines!