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Thursday, June 29, 2017

June Beauty Box 5 Review

Adventure Awaits with June's Beauty Box 5! That's the theme for the month, and the box is once again full of fun beauty products.

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


Beauty Box 5 sends deluxe samples and full-sized products for $12 per month. Shipping is free to the U.S. and $3 to Canada. They send a good assortment of items, from hair care to skincare and color cosmetics, and more!


The June box featured four full-sized products. Here's what was inside:

  • Coastal Scents Revealed 3 Palette - I love the Revealed 3 palette! I have a full-sized version of it but this one is perfect for on-the-go. It has four shimmery neutral shades for a complete eye look.
  • Prestige Cosmetics My Biggest Lashes Mascara ($7.50, full-sized) - I needed a new mascara and this one is perfect. It adds volume and thickness to my lashes without being clumpy.
  • Did Hair Jeweled Hair Tie Set ($7.50, full-sized) - These cute little hair ties have a jewel accent and keep your hair tied back without leaving creases.
  • Laritzy Lip Pencil in Bare ($18.00, full-sized) - This long-lasting lip pencil is in a pink/nude shade with creamy, pigmented color payoff. I don't usually use lipliner but this could probably even be applied all over lips for subtle color.
  • Jesse's Girl Liquid Eyeliner ($6.99) - This eyeliner has a calligraphy-style brush for precision. The shade I got is bright blue and will be fun to play around with for summer looks.
Bottom Line: This month's box had a total approximate retail value of $39.99, not including the Coastal Scents eyeshadow quad. I love the mascara and hair ties, too. Overall this was another fun box from Beauty Box 5!

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

June Yogi Surprise Review

In a perfect world I would take more time for myself and devote it to yoga. I really enjoy relaxing and connecting to myself with a yoga practice, and Yogi Surprise has inspired me to commit more time to practicing!

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


Yogi Surprise is a monthly subscription with two options: the Lifestyle Box features 6-8 full-sized yoga lifestyle items with a vegetarian and GMO-free snack, and the Jewelry Box features two handmade pieces and one organic treat. This is a review for the Lifestyle Box, which costs $44.95 per month for $70+ guaranteed retail value. Shipping is free to the U.S., $15 to Canada and Mexico, and $25 to all other international countries.


The core value behind Yogi Surprise is "We Are One." Their goal is feed their subscribers' passion from the products selected to the services rendered, and all of their vendors and products reflect this value as well. Most items are sourced from small, independent companies and curated to appeal to yoga enthusiasts of all levels.

They also have monthly retreat giveaways to places like El Sabanero Eco Lodge in Costa Rica. All subscribers can enter to win the monthly retreat by posting a photo of their box with the hashtag #yogisurprise on social media. The retreat for June is in Tulum, Mexico.

I was very excited to receive my first Yogi Surprise box. I wasn't quite sure what would be inside, but I've seen reviews from other blogs and I've always been impressed by the quality of items Yogi Surprise sends.


June's theme was Summer Solstice and the box featured six items. The products aim to help balance your chakras, tranquilize the senses, and encourage a grounded attitude and cultivation of gratitude, peace, and love. Here's what was inside:
  • The Chakra Bible by Patricia Mercier ($14.99) - I love this book! It's full of information about the seven chakras and how to balance your energies. I've been interested in the chakras for a while but didn't know a ton about them or how they work, so this book will be a very interesting read (see more photos below).
  • Adora Therapy Mood Boost Chakra Roll On ($12.00) - This Tranquility oil works to open the crown chakra to connect with your higher self. It has a lovely, soothing scent of lavender with organic ingredients like jojoba oil and flower essences.
  • High Mowing Seeds Herb Gift Box ($15.00) - I love to cook and this kit contains all of the essential kitchen herbs: dill, parsley, basil, cilantro, and thyme. I have to get some little planters for these!
  • Foods Alive Flax Crackers in Italian Zest ($7.00) - These crackers are high in fiber and flavored with a delicious blend of Italian herbs. I loved the kick of flavor but the flax seed left a little bit of a waxy texture feel. These still taste pretty good though and I'll enjoy snacking on them instead of chips or something more unhealthy.
  • Mavi Bandz No-Slip Yogi Headband ($14.99) - I fully appreciate that this head band truly is no slip! It has beautiful colors that are perfect for summer and an adjustable elastic backing to fit anyone. This did a great job of holding my hair in place; I have short hair and I hate when flyaways get in my face.
  • MAI Intentions 3 Pack ($10.50) - These are so cute and such a great idea! They are motivational affirmation tags that you can affix to your yoga mat (or any surface of your choosing) with velcro.


A close-up of some of the pages in The Chakra Bible.


The Adora Therapy Tranquility oil.


Mavi Bandz headband and MAI Intentions tags.


Bottom Line: The June Yogi Surprise Lifestyle Box had a total retail value of $74.48. Initially I thought that the monthly price on this box was kind of high, but now after seeing all of the high value, high quality, full-sized items they put in these boxes it's well worth the price! I was very impressed by the June box and will put all of the items to good use.

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Mishka Mail Giveaway!

Back in March I reviewed Mishka Mail, an adorable stationery subscription from Graceful Avenue (read that review here). Naira, the founder of Graceful Avenue, has graciously offered another great giveaway package for one of my readers to win!


Mishka Mail is a monthly stationery subscription from Graceful Avenue. They're based in Australia and send cute and colorful cards, tags, and more for $26 AUD to Australian addresses and $30 AUD for international customers ($22.90 USD). I love the adorable mishka (little bear in Russian) designs and colorful creations!


This giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will receive the July Mishka Mail package, valued at over $40 AUD! The theme is Gratitude and customers can subscribe by the 10th of July. You can also shop all past kits until July 31st.

Here's everything in the package:
  • 2 greeting cards
  • 1 wall print
  • 4 stikers
  • 2 postcards
  • 4 gift tags
  • 2 mini cards
  • 1 magnet



Starting in August, the Mishka Mail shop will also feature a new concept called Cute Parcels. Customers will be able to purchase the same stationery in smaller quantities for a cheaper price point than the Mishka Mail kits, so be sure to check out the Mishka Mail site for that!

This sweepstakes is open worldwide to persons aged 18+. Mishka Mail will be shipping the prize directly to the winner. Please see the Rafflecopter form for full terms and conditions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, June 26, 2017

Emma & Chloé Sweet Summer Sale Day 1: First Box Free

Now through Friday, June 30th Emma & Chloé is running a Sweet Summer Sale with different deals every day!

*Disclaimer: Post contains affiliate links.


Sorry for posting today's deal a little late, but for Monday the 26th you can get your first box FREE with a 3 month subscription! The 3 month plan is normally $105 but with this offer you'll receive three months for only $70.
  • Use coupon code FREEBOX3 to claim this offer!

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Hask Chia Seed Volumizing Dry Shampoo Review

Dry shampoo is my best friend, especially in the summer months. I'm a little lazy when it comes to hair care sometimes, plus it's better to not wash your hair every day. Unfortunately, my hair is pretty oily so I have to do something with it daily--luckily the Hask Chia Seed Volumizing Dry Shampoo refreshes my hair perfectly!

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


I've used shampoos, conditioners, and hair oils from Hask in the past and I have always enjoyed their quality and efficacy. The Chia Seed dry shampoo is equally as wonderful! All of the Hask dry shampoos are free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, and artificial colors and are available at Ulta Beauty.

The Chia Seed dry shampoo works to volumize hair with long-lasting oil absorption. It's infused with a lovely floral tea scent that I love. I kept smelling it throughout the day after spraying it in my hair and it was so light and refreshing! It contains chia seed and ultra fine rice starch that quickly soaks up oil, sweat, and odor while leaving hair bouncy and clean.

Aside from the scent, what I like best about this dry shampoo is that it quickly soaked up excess oil without leaving my hair weighed down. I have thick hair that gets oily pretty fast, so I need something that will clean up my hair. Other dry shampoos I've tried have left my hair feeling sticky and weighed down at the roots, but this one left my hair feeling smooth and clean. It also has a pretty strong spray out of the bottle so just a few quick spritzes at the roots were all I needed.
Bottom Line: The Hask Chia Seed Volumizing Dry Shampoo is a great value and works wonders on my hair! I think it's a great way to refresh second-day hair of all types.

Saturday, June 24, 2017

June Sports Crate Shipping Update

Sports Crate just sent out this email with an explanation as to why the June Crates have not shipped yet.


While I appreciate the communication, I think that they waited too long to tell us this. I saw many other subscribers trying to contact them on social media and by email and only getting vague responses, or not getting a response at all (the latter is what happened to me).

I have to assume that they knew about this delay prior to today, so in my opinion they should have emailed us as soon as they knew. I also did not receive a tracking number for my May box, but according to their website those are sent out. So I'm very curious to see if I get tracking for June, and I hope that Sports Crate provides more prompt communication in the future if there are any delays or issues.

Friday, June 23, 2017

June Emma & Chloé Review and $10 Off Coupon

I have varied tastes when it comes to jewelry but simple, dainty pieces have always been my most favorite. Emma and Chloé features handmade jewelry from France that is perfectly suited to my style!

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


Emma & Chloé sends handmade jewelry from up-and-coming French designers for $35 per month. The subscription began in the Fashion Week streets of Paris while their team was hunting for cutting-edge work that was unique, chic, and embodied French style. They aim to bring unique French sensibility and beautiful works of Parisian designers to the U.S.

All of the pieces featured in the Emma & Chloé boxes are valued up to $200. They're handmade with brass and plated with gold or dip-coated in a silver bath and feature semi-precious stones. They work with small, independent artisans to bring the latest trends from Paris! You'll also receive a 20% discount off of the entire online shop as a subscriber.

When you subscribe you'll fill out a quick profile where you can choose gold, silver, or both as a preference and whether or not you have pierced ears.


I love the Emma & Chloé packaging! The box (first photo in this post) is sleek and black and opens like a book. Inside is the jewelry, obviously, but each month also comes with a gazette mini-magazine and a certificate of authenticity for each piece.



I really liked looking through the gazette; I think it's a unique touch to the subscription and definitely adds value. Inside there's an interview with the month's designer, along with other fun things like fashion and design stories.


This month's piece could not be more perfect for me. It is the Sunhorn Necklace ($86 retail) from Vadine Sister of Vadi. I received the 18 karat gold version, but those who noted silver preferences in their profile probably received the silver version.

I love the horn, but I just really like how much the whole thing looks together. It's a longer necklace, which is a style I prefer because I like to wear necklaces like this to spice up a solid color shirt or dress. It hangs beautifully and is dainty but also very eye-catching.
Bottom Line: I love the Sunhorn Necklace in this month's Emma & Chloé box! It's so perfect for me and is absolutely beautiful. You can tell that it's well-made. I think the overall presentation of the box is wonderful and that Emma & Chloé is a great subscription for jewelry lovers!

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

July PostBox By Postmark'd Studio Review

Postmark'd Studio is a stationery and gift boutique that has just launched their subscription service, PostBox. They kindly sent me their inaugural box to share with you and I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

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


Postmark'd Studio was founded in January of 2017 and they launched their website just recently on June 1. Their mission is to revive letter writing to support meaningful human connection. In today's digital age, it seems like more and more people are circling back to "snail mail" and handwritten communication and I personally love it! It's important to reach out with a card or letter every once in a while.


The PostBox subscription costs $25 per month with $5.95 shipping ($30.95 total). Each shipment will contain four handcrafted artisanal cards, one postcard, postage stamps, and an "artsy doodad" such as a pen, pencil, or knick knack. Each box is curated around a theme and will allow you to creatively show your loved ones you care.

There are discounts for longer subscription lengths (these prices include the $5.95 shipping):
  • Three months at $85.35 prepay
  • Six months at $163.20 prepay
  • 12 months at $240 prepay
There is also a reward for 12 month subscribers, you'll receive free shipping and a free 13th box. The 13th box ships upon payment of the 12 month subscription.

As you can see from the photo above, the PostBox packaging is excellent. Everything was shipped in a thick envelope and the contents were between two pieces of cardboard for extra protection.


I normally take photos of the packaging for any subscription I receive, but I really wanted to showcase how thoughtful and well-done the PostBox presentation is! I almost didn't want to untie everything because it was so neat and pretty.


There were two extra inserts, one is the light blue card with Postmark'd Studio logo on it. This is a postcard itself with space for writing and addresses on the opposite side. The other card had letter writing tips and instructions on how to draw a fun whale doodle and information about the cards inside on the other side.


As promised, the package included four beautiful handmade cards and one postcard. The extra knick knack item was a pen, and the postage stamps were neatly packaged inside a separate little envelope.

I love these cards! Obviously the theme is whales and it couldn't be more appropriate for me. I'm sure the beautiful artwork will be appealing to everyone, but I especially like these cards because I was obsessed with marine biology when I was younger. I think the postcard (top left) is a Humpback Whale, the black whale below it is a Right Whale, and the red and blue card features a Blue Whale. Here's more info about each card:
  • Have a Whale of a Time (postcard) - This is from Noteworthy Paper & Press, located in Missoula, Montana, which is a team made up of Taylor Valliant and Amy Dolan. Both women are passionate about paper and letterpress and create splendid stationery for all.
  • Whale Hello! (far right) - This card is by August & Oak, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The husband and wife team of Haley and Adam use their original illustrations and turn them into delightful cards.
  • Herman the Whale (top) - This card is by Reyn Paper Company in Atlanta, Georgia. They've made it their mission to create unforgettable greeting cards and paper gifts.
  • Whale, Whale, Whale What do we have here? (bottom) - This card was created by Kelly Shields, a letterpress artist and educator from Cincinnati, Ohio. She combines computer designs with the old-fashioned printing process to create beautiful cards. This design was designed by her daughter.
  • Whale, Congrats! (far left) - MAN vs. GEORGE DESIGN, a company located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, created this card. Their designs are a wash of color and vivid graphics that create a perfect harmony of image and text.

Last up is the assortment of stamps. There were four in the package with varying designs. I love getting stamps like this because I usually just buy the basic ones that are available at the post office, so getting fun designs adds even more flair to your letters.
Bottom Line: I am in love with PostBox! I think this box is very well curated and features absolutely beautiful cards and stationery. The inaugural shipment was perfect for me and I adored all of the whale designs. I think PostBox from Postmark'd Studio is an excellent subscription for anyone who loves stationery and handmade cards!

Monday, June 19, 2017

New Subscription Alert: Hasbro Gaming Crate!

Hasbro has launched the first-ever gaming subscription, Hasbro Gaming Crate! Subscriptions are now open for this service that will deliver exclusive games right to your door.


Hasbro Gaming Crate has two themed crates that will deliver exclusive games every three months:
  • The Party Crate: Games geared towards college students, young adults, and parents looking to enjoy "adults only" game nights. New games include Judgmental, Box of Rocks, and Speak Out: Joe Santagato Edition.
  • The Family Crate: Offers games designed to be played and enjoyed by kids and adults. New family games will include Mask of the Pharoah, Leo Goes to the Barber, and Tricky Wishes.
Starting today, June 19th, you can sign up at the Hasbro Gaming Crate website. You'll receive one crate every three months for $49.99 plus shipping per crate. The first crates will ship in early fall and you can cancel at any time. This service is currently only open to U.S. subscribers.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Emma & Chloe Flash Sale: 50% Off!

Emma & Chloe has extended their Summer Sale flash sale until Tuesday, June 20th!

*Disclaimer: Post contains affiliate links.


Emma & Chloe sends designer jewelry from France's up-and-coming artists for $35 per month. Now through the 10th, you can get 50% off your first month or 50% off anything in the Previous Boxes Collection.
  • Use coupon code HALFOFF for 50% off your first month
  • Use coupon code GET50 for 50% off anything in the Previous Boxes Collection

Saturday, June 17, 2017

June Valor Blocks Review (All Branches)

Valor Blocks recently launched boxes for all four branches of the U.S. military (previously it was only available for the Army) and I have all of them to share with you today.

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


Now active military, veterans, and their friends and family can receive a box for each branch of the U.S. military: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Boxes are $34 per month with $6 shipping to the continental U.S. and U.S. military bases worldwide. All active duty and veterans receive a 10% discount.

Each month you'll receive 4-6 officially licensed collectibles and an exclusive t-shirt. You can choose your t-shirt size when you first subscribe.


The Marine Corps t-shirt features the USMC Eagle, Globe, and Anchor logo with "Boot Camp" text. It's all black with white lettering and I like the basic style.


The box also contained a Travel Tumbler with straw (both were individually wrapped in plastic and the straw was sealed, but its still recommended that you rinse it all in warm soapy water before using), a Patch, and Self-Adhesive Medallion. The patch is embroidered with a heat-seal that can be ironed onto almost any fabric. The Medallion has an embossed enamel and metal design with a strong sticky back for attaching onto any surface.


All of the boxes also contained a two pack of Headrest Covers for your car with the logo of the branch you subscribe to. These are a universal slip-on design made from a soft, silky fabric.



When I was in high school I considered applying to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Even though I ended up going a different route, the Navy still holds a special significance for me. I also participated in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps program as a teen which was a great way to orient myself to the military.

Anyway, the t-shirt features the Navy logo with text reading "Land of the Free Because of the Brave" in white on a navy blue background. I like the big bold text and design.



The Navy box accessories were a little underwhelming to me. Inside was a Magnet, Keychain, and Self-Adhesive Medallion. I feel like the magnet and keychain could easily be picked up at any recruiting station for free. More on the accessories overall later in this post.



The Air Force t-shirt is navy blue with a silhouette of an F-22 Raptor jet and USAF text. Back when I was considering joining the Navy I was huge into naval aviation but I find the USAF interesting as well.



All of the accessories for the boxes were fairly similar, and the Air Force box featured a Keychain, Air Freshener, and Self-Adhesive Medallion with the USAF logo. The air freshener pairs well with the seat covers. Again, the keychain is kind of boring to me.



The Army t-shirt was the same t-shirt in my May box, except it's white with dark blue design instead of black with a white design (see last month's review here). I guess it's kind of different, but not really. I would have liked to see a different design in this month's shirt.



The Army accessories also featured the Self-Adhesive Medallion, Keychain, and Air Freshener. The medallion and keychain have the Army star logo and the air freshener has the traditional eagle logo.

I have to say that the June Valor Blocks were a little disappointing to me. The past Army boxes had some really interesting items but all of the boxes fell flat to me this month. As I said before, I felt like some of the accessories could easily be found at a recruiting station or other event where they're given away for free. The t-shirts are nice as well, but the Army box featured a semi-repeat design and the other three were fairy simplistic. The headrest covers are also nice and probably the best quality accessory this month.
Bottom Line: Overall, none of the June Valor Blocks boxes were very interesting to me. I hope that the next boxes feature items with a bit more intrigue and value, but I do wonder how much variety they really have with officially licensed military memorabilia. For the price, I feel like perhaps the June boxes were lacking in value.

Friday, June 16, 2017

June BookCase.Club Review and Coupon

BookCase.Club has become my favorite book subscription and one of my favorite boxes overall! I'm always anxious to see what books will arrive each month.

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


BookCase.Club sends two books for only $9.99 per month. They have a bunch of different genres to choose from, including BookCase.Kids! Here are the other box 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

My two favorite cases are the Thrill Seekers and Strange Worlds cases. I've gotten some really great books from both cases. What I like most is that I'm pretty indecisive when it comes to choosing what to read next, so BookCase.Club makes it easy and I know they'll send something good.

The Strange Worlds case featured Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho and Departure by A. G. Riddle. I received Departure in my February case, so this is unfortunately a repeat. 


From Amazon:
The Royal Society of Unnatural Philosophers maintains the magic within His Majesty’s lands. But lately, the once proper institute has fallen into disgrace, naming an altogether unsuitable gentleman as their Sorcerer Royal and allowing England’s stores of magic to bleed dry. At least they haven’t stooped so low as to allow women to practice what is obviously a man’s profession…

At his wit’s end, Zacharias Wythe, Sorcerer Royal of the Unnatural Philosophers, ventures to the border of Fairyland to discover why England’s magical stocks are drying up, an adventure that brings him in contact with Prunella Gentlewoman, a woman with immense power and an unfathomable gift, and sets him on a path which will alter the nature of sorcery in all of Britain—and the world at large…


From Amazon:

En route to London from New York, Flight 305 suddenly loses power and crash-lands in the English countryside, plunging a group of strangers into a mysterious adventure that will have repercussions for all of humankind.

Struggling to stay alive, the survivors soon realize that the world they’ve crashed in is very different from the one they left. But where are they? Why are they here? And how will they get back home?

Five passengers seem to hold clues about what’s really going on: writer Harper Lane, venture capitalist Nick Stone, German genetic researcher Sabrina Schröder, computer scientist Yul Tan, and Grayson Shaw, the son of a billionaire philanthropist.

As more facts about the crash emerge, it becomes clear that some in this group know more than they’re letting on—answers that will lead Harper and Nick to uncover a far-reaching conspiracy involving their own lives. As they begin to piece together the truth, they discover they have the power to change the future and the past—to save our world . . . or end it.


The Thrill Seekers case is definitely my favorite! I have gotten so many great books in this case, and this month's selections are equally as wonderful. I feel like thrillers are especially fun to read in the summer at the beach, or anywhere really.

The two books are The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith and The Silent Wife by A. S. A. Harrison. I was especially excited to receive The Silkworm, as it was on my list of books to read. Robert Galbraith is a pen name of J. K. Rowling's and since I love Harry Potter I have high hopes for this novel.


From Amazon:
When novelist Owen Quine goes missing, his wife calls in private detective Cormoran Strike. At first, Mrs. Quine just thinks her husband has gone off by himself for a few days--as he has done before--and she wants Strike to find him and bring him home.

But as Strike investigates, it becomes clear that there is more to Quine's disappearance than his wife realizes. The novelist has just completed a manuscript featuring poisonous pen-portraits of almost everyone he knows. If the novel were to be published, it would ruin lives--meaning that there are a lot of people who might want him silenced.

When Quine is found brutally murdered under bizarre circumstances, it becomes a race against time to understand the motivation of a ruthless killer, a killer unlike any Strike has encountered before...


From Amazon:
Jodi and Todd are at a bad place in their marriage. Much is at stake, including the affluent life they lead in their beautiful waterfront condo in Chicago, as she, the killer, and he, the victim, rush haplessly toward the main event. He is a committed cheater. She lives and breathes denial. He exists in dual worlds. She likes to settle scores. He decides to play for keeps. She has nothing left to lose. Told in alternating voices, The Silent Wife is about a marriage in the throes of dissolution, a couple headed for catastrophe, concessions that can’t be made, and promises that won’t be kept. Expertly plotted and reminiscent of Gone Girl and These Things Hidden, The Silent Wife ensnares the reader from page one and does not let go.

Bottom Line: Although the Strange Worlds case had a repeat book for me, I still think BookCase.Club sent a great offering of books. Sorcerer to the Crown sounds like a fantasy book I'll easily get lost in, and both books in the Thrill Seekers case are right up my alley!