Taste Guru November 2013 + Giveaway!

The Box: Taste Guru
Price: $49.98
What's in it? Gluten-free full-sized items from all around the world! Altogether, Taste Guru offers you the best gluten-free foods for about 20% off retail price.
Coupon: 2FREE to get each of your first two boxes for just $12.00 each! You will not be billed again until the third month.

I received one box and have one to giveaway! Scroll to the bottom and enter the giveaway for this exact box :)

All the goodies tightly wrapped and secured. This box this month was marked as "fragile"!

The cards with recipes, coupon codes and information.

Olivia's Stuffing- $5.69

Gluten-free and wheat free these crutons are sure to be a hit with whatever you make out of them. Whether it be original stuffing or throw them on some salad. These came to me in the flavor Rosemary & Sage.

Viviana Italian Blend Penne- $6.99

Viviana brand Italian Blend Penne comes in three flavors, it is colorful(the picture did not do it justice)and also gluten-free. This penne is also vegan! I can't wait to use these for a seafood pasta or something soon.

i heart keenwah- $4.99

i heart keenwah comes in many different flavors, cranberry cashew is the one I received, they also come in almond(yum!),chocolate sea salt(yum-er!), and ginger peanut. You can get 12 packs of these(even mixed cases) for $59.88. You can also order these by the single bag for a little more of the cost on Amazon. I am not too big into Quinoa even by itself but David will surely eat some of these sometimes.

RW Garcia Dippers & Enjoy life Plentils- $4.57

RW Garcia Dippers come in tons of flavors and are a great little snack, Dave ate these right up at work for a snack and said they were super delicious. He was expecting them to taste weird because they were mango curry but he said they were just the right amount of sweet and spicy(mainly spicy). These Enjoy life plentils I got came in margherita pizza. Both Gluten-Free of course and came with coupons as well!

Surprisingly Vegan Waffle Mix(Original)-$8.50

Surprisingly Vegan makes gluten-free waffle mixes! All you do is add water! These are also non-GMO which is great. I do not have a waffle maker but I am sure they will make good pancakes. They also came with a coupon to buy them on Amazon for a $1.00 off!

Total Box Value: $30.74!

If you want to get your hands on this box enter this giveaway! I am giving away one ENTIRE November Taste Guru Box! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bestowed October 2013 Box(NON-GMO Month) + Half Off Code

I know it is kind of late for this October box review but I got this box late at the end of October. But, better late than never!

The Box: Bestowed

Price:

Coupon Code: HELLOTEN103 should get you 50% off your order right now if you act fast. There is no referral program either. Just simple and to the point. Click, order a box. Get box. Love box. Email to cancel or pause. Boxes arrive on the 15th of the month.

Contact Information: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bstowed

          Phone: (866) 976-2797

                Email: contact@bestowed.com

Contents: FULL-SIZED healthy snacks and beverages! All products selected by nutritionist Heather Bauer. You can rely on her and her team of diet experts to curate a box of at least five amazing and healthy snacks each month.

My Box- October 2013

First Glance + Nutrition Booklet

the Good bean crunchy roasted CHICKPEAS in Smoky Chili & Lime- $6.60

These have as much protein as almond and are 100% good for you! I am not too big on this flavor and I also tend to steer clear of hard foods like this. I broke one of my teeth on a corn nut in high school and have been terrified of these foods ever since. Nevertheless, I sucked on one a bit and they seemed like a good snack for those who have strong teeth :)

Way Better Snacks Black Bean Tortilla Chips- $3.49

These are Kosher, Vegan, Non-Gmo and Gluten-Free! I had these the other day and they were really good! Light, crispy and tasted like black bean hummus! So delicious! Sprouted black beans are known to reduce blood cholesterol and has a good serving of healthy omega-3's too.

Love Crunch Granola- $4.95

These contain a large amount of whole grains, a little protein and are super healthy for you. I topped some of D's morning yogurt with this and he absolutely LOVED it! This flavor (chocolate macaroon, I think) was a good sweet treat on top of his plain greek yogurt. I had a tiny bite and I must agree, it is pretty darn yummy.

Hemp Pro 70(2) & Ultima Replenisher- $0.82

The Hemp Pro samples are a protein powder you can choose to bake with or mix in with you yogurt or just add to water to get a quick fix of protein for the day. This Ultima drink mix has zero sugar and comes in several flavors. I absolutely HATE grape flavor so this will be given away since D does not use drink mixes unless they are supplements.

UNREAL Peanut Butter Cups- $1.77

I have bought these from our local grocery store before and they are just as good, if not better, than any other peanut butter cup! They are so tasty! I could eat 100 of these, but I won't.... maybe. No preservative, no GMO's, no corn syrups, low sugar and gluten-free. LOVE. THESE.

gnuFoods Fiber Love in Cinnamon Raisin- $1.62 

I love fiber and granola bars. This went into our healthy snack bin in our pantry, which I make sure to keep stocked full of healthy, tasty snack bar options for on-the-go quick snacking needs. These come in several delicious flavors, although this one is not a huge hit with me, there are tons of sweeter and savory type flavors that gnuFoods sells.

Enjoy Life Seed & Fruit Mix in Beach Bash- $1.25

These are vegan, non-gmo, nut free AND gluten-free. You really can't ask for better than that, huh?! This was/is a great snack pack for a great hike or post-workout. It has sense nutrients and is low in calories too. It also have a little bit of protein and good healthy fats. 

October Bestowed Box Value: $20.50

Final Thoughts:
I really love Bestowed box but this box was just not one of my favorites. I love the idea of this box but I am not a gluten-free person, nor is anyone in our household. I did however love the full size granola and the peanut butter cups by UNREAL. Overall the box value came out to just a dollar over what I paid for it and that is a bit disappointing since I received many full-size samples. I usually like to see my box values extremely exceed what I pay for them. November will be my last month with Bestowed for now and that review should be up within a day or two! 

*Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this review in any way and all thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Birchbox November 2013 Review

The Box: Birchbox
Price: $10.00/month & $110.00 for an entire year. (A ten dollar savings)
Inside the Box: 4-5 beauty samples with over 40+ different box arrangements each month to ensure you aren't just getting what lil' missy got next door.

First Glance at my November 2013 Birchbox. Theme: More Good

This month, Birchbox is donating a portion of their shop proceeds to "No Kid Hungry". This organization is working to end childhood hunger, so go on! Shop away with your favorite products in their shop this month and know you're doing even MORE GOOD with your money. :)

Mox Botanicals Bath Milk: $6.00 (2-Pack=$12.00)

I am super excited to have gotten this in my box. I absolutely LOVE bath milk, bombs, soaps, bubble bath, etc. You name it, if it does something to my bath water or skin, I love it. I am not a regular "jasmine" scent fan, but their site carries many other flavors too, including Oatmeal... Vanilla... (mmmm!). The directions on my information card say to steep this in a full tub of warm bathwater or empty it into the tub before soaking. 

Chuao Chocopod- a mini chocolate bar- $1.24 (Box of 8=$9.95)

Well, what can I say? I love chocolate like any other normal person.. I keep a stash of sweets above the stove for when a huge craving comes along and I always have a good stock thanks to all my boxes always sending me a lil' sumthin' sumthin'. I can't feel too guilty about this one either because it is small and not jam-packed with tons of calories either. This item in my box was considered my "Lifestyle Extra" this month and was the fifth element if you will. The website for Chuao Chocolatier is exquisite! They have so many items and so many gift sets as well, as well as tons of holiday gifting ideas! This would be a great gift for someone you know who has just GOT to have a little piece of delicious chocolate during their day but wants to keep it discreet. This one comes in a pack of eight assorted mini chocolate bars to hide in your desk or iPad case, you know, just in case. 

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara- $10.76 (Full size $24.00)

Designed for "after hours seduction", UH OH! I love mascara, always love seeing mascara in my boxes. YAY! This mascara claims to curl and create voluminous lashes for  supreme lash perfection that is also water-resistant and thickens lashes. The ingredients include shea butters and keratin for an ultra softening technique that allows for an easy removal, which is always good. I hate spending all night scrubbing my face trying to get my thick waterproof mascaras off. I do not have thick lashes, so sadly I have to use a LOT of coats to get nice, full looking lashes. I love curved brushes, which this has, so this is definitely a new favorite. 

Beauty Protector Shampoo & Conditioner- $5.50 (Full size $21.95/each 8oz.)

I love new shampoos and conditioners. This stuff smells like classic vanilla-y... creamy... luxurious hair care. All you need a dime sized, worked in and lathered to damp or wet hair and BOOM, soft, great smelling hair. This is a new line from a best-selling hair care line, it is sulfate-free and claims to add shine and volume. 

November Birchbox Total Value: $23.50

Final Verdict:
As always, Birchbox does not disappoint and is always well over a ten dollar value. Classic and simple beauty items that I look forward to discovering each month. Birchbox is shipped via UPS then intercepted by your postal service for final delivery usually before mid-month. I suggest this box to any and all subscription box subscribers. Thanks Birchbox for another great month! Use my link here to sign up for their December box, I am sure this holiday box will not be short of anything but amazing. Don't forget Birchbox also has a male subscription for just $20 for that special man in your life.

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I was in no way compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.*

Splendies Shipment #2 - Underwear Subscription + Coupon Code

The Little Surprise: Splendies! 3 panties in your selected size, picked for you and sent to your doorstep.
Prices: $8.00 with the code: SPLENDIES and $12.00 for all following months.
Options: No-Thong Option($2.00 extra) Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large. Always FREE SHIPPING. ($7.00 for those residing in Canada, sorry eh!)
Customer Service: Always friendly and prompt when emailing and conversing. 

My 3 panties. Size Large. Splendies ships via USPS.

Red Lace Cheekies- Absolutely loved these!

Purple/Lace- Did not fit my big rump too well.

Have not worn these yet because I dislike pink.

I was overall not too happy with this package this time, but $8.00 for just the red panties is only about half the cost of what I pay for ONE pair at Victoria's Secret. I have paused my subscription since receiving this package and may resume it some time in the future but for now I am happy with what I have. Their customer service was nice enough to refund me without me even asking, which I really appreciated. :) I will be looking into other intimate/panty subscriptions to see what else is out there.

RocksBox Set #2 November 2013 Jewelry Subscription Box + $10 Coupon Code!

The Box: RocksBox

Price: $19.00/month ($10 to use when you sign up through my link here)

What Is RocksBox?: RocksBox sends you curated jewelry based on what your personal style quiz reveals about your jewelry style. They get to know you and your rate/review the jewelry you receive in each box. You get 20% off the retail price of all the jewelry they send you as well!

I recently got my second RocksBox, via USPS, shortly after returning my first box which you can see here. RocksBox has fast shipping to you and fast prepaid mailing packages to send your box back. You simply choose what to keep or keep nothing at all. Any damaged jewelry you are also not responsible for, just shoot them an email and they will take care of any problems fast and efficiently. 

The Beautiful Wrapping :)

Urban Gem Pillow Party Bracelet- Retail: $56 (Membership Price: $44.80)

*This bracelet was really nice but just felt too cheap and was kind of restricting on my wrist, hmm, I guess I have fat wrists...*

Isharya Purple Frost Louvre Resin Ring- Retail: $48.00 (Membership Price: $38.40)

*I liked this ring but it was just TOO chunky*

Angel Court Devotion Necklace in 24kt Gold Plate- Retail Price:
$78.00 (Membership Price: $62.40)
*I LOVED this necklace but could not justify the price to keep it* It was definitely made of quality material and seemed very sturdy. I wish I could have kept this but I keep holding out for the perfect pieces.

Detail on the Angel Court Necklace.

Total retail box value: $182.00 and if I kept them all I would have only paid $145.60 :)

I loved this set more than my first one for sure, but sadly sent all of these back and crossed my fingers for a really awesome third set... and boy am I glad I waited. Look for my third RocksBox review shortly! I finally kept something :) Don't forget to sign up and get some really nice jewelry through my link here to get your $10.00!

Free $25 on diapers and Amazon Mom Trial+ Free Prime with Amazon Student!

Do you want $25.00 off some diapers with Amazon Mom?! OF COURSE YOU DO! Take advantage this November and sign up for the trial and get these free offers and deals.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY AMAZON MOM!

-New Members who use my link to sign up for the trial will get $25.00 off you first diaper purchase.
 -20% off your purchase of diapers, wipes and other family necessities.
- You also get free 2 day shipping!  :D SO STOCK UP MOMMAS!

I ALSO Love Love Love my Amazon Student Prime!
-You ALWAYS get free two day shipping and the trial is completely FREE for 6 months with your school edu. email address confirmation.
-After the initial six months you only pay half price for each year, which usually comes out to about $43-ish dollars for my entire year! I save SO much money being a mom and student that uses amazon!
Join Amazon Student Now with this link and get started saving hundreds!

Reagan's 2nd Halloween!

Let's recap... These first photos are of when Reagan was just about two weeks old! Some friends came over and we all carved pumpkins. I can't believe he was this tiny little guy. Look at him! 

We tried to pose him with our pumpkins to celebrate!

I had to get him this even though it was too small :) Look how tired and angelic he looks.

Taking a nap.... Ahhh.

Now we have this kid below! Taking photo of him is the single most difficult thing ever. All he wants is to touch and grab your cool gadgets. God forbid you do not let him have it(which leaves no time for anything but  a blurry photo) or he takes about five steps back giving you this terrible scared yet angry look like "YOU TOOK MY BIRTH RIGHTS AWAY MOTHER!", *PLOMPS* onto the floor and whines...

Before a meltdown over the camera...

Mid-Meltdown Sideways Style

"All I wanted was your phone mom, jeez"

"I also planned on chewing on it too, cool?"

Yup, just give him your phone and he won't notice you're taking picture anymore...

He says "This is mine now, right?"

"Yup, it's mine. ALL MINE"

"I'm going to call my people"

I was able to get some of him outside distracted by the (rotted) pumpkins we had carved two-three days beforehand.

Quickly, I had to remove him from the scene because there were so many gnats and fruit flies around the pumpkins. We also got some time to go to the pumpkin patch on Dave's day off over in Clear Lake.

Dave claims holding this pose was the hardest thing he has ever done, ha!

My little buddies :)

It wasn't hard holding him to do this at all, I don't what he was complaining about :p

Our Halloween Family Photo 2013

Hope everyone had a great Halloween. Reagan got tons of loot from pictures his dad sent me of him on Halloween. He was dressed as Superman and it was so adorable. He was gnawin' away at those candy wrappers. Keeping my fingers crossed we can keep him off of the candy for a couple more years! My sweet baby boy is 25 pounds and 31 inches tall this month and he never seems to slow down.