FANCYBOX April 2013 Review

The Fancy is a monthly subscription box based on what others have "fancy'd" that month.  It takes the most popular products (within reason) and delivers them to your doorstep.  You can choose your categories. This month I chose Men, Gadgets, and Home. The price is pretty steep at around $45. The monthly price is $39 and then they tack on shipping.  This is the second box that I have gotten from them and I was pretty pleased. 
Click HERE to sign up!

This box was for my husband who despises skulls so this 100% silk scarf was a total loss for him.  I listed it on eBay, we will see.  There's no value associated with this item, so I call it $9.95.  It doesn't list a brand (common for thefancy to do).  I received a scarf from them last time that wasn't branded either. 

Out of order, but these are the product cards that came this month.  They usually send stickers also, but someone didn't include them or the LED light on the bottom left.  I emailed thefancy and they sent me a $10 credit for this mistake.

This Bento lunch box is seriously cool.  It retails at $22.  My husband often packs his lunch for work and I like that the colors are manly. 

Since hubs works for a gadget company, he definitely doesn't need this. Its valued at $7 and seems like a good inclusion, but just not for us!

My husband's favorite item! This is a really neat glass with an NYC map etched on it.  He loves his evening drinks so this is perfect! Retails at $19.95.  Somewhere it said we were getting a pair of glasses this month and there was only the one, so thefancy sent us a coupon for half off this item if we purchase from their store.  Its not really that great of a deal because you're still paying half and then you have to pay shipping.  No thanks!  The total retail for this month is $69.  This includes the $10 credit for my missing item. Overall I'm happy since I only paid $25 for this box after a coupon code.  Use code 20off14 to receive $20 off your first box!

BLUUM Lil' Artiste April 2013 Review

 Bluum is a monthly subscription service for babies/toddlers to age 3.  They send lots of goodies based on the theme of your child's developmental stage. This month is "Lil' Artiste".  The cost is $24.95/month and so far has not disappointed.  They had a little difficulty getting the boxes out on time, but aside from a very lengthy trip from NY to CA, my April box is finally here.  Instead of each month being a certain theme for everyone, they assign you a theme based on age.  Last month was "fine dining".  This really seems to help their boxes cater more directly to the child.  Click HERE to sign up and automatically get 15 bonus points! If you use the link above you automatically get 15 points to put toward a future Bluum Box!

First look, I can tell that the box is packed!

Max and Lulu by Crocodile Creek Plush toy.  $9.99 on their website.  This item was on sale, marked down from $19.95 so I count the actual price for my value. This is a super cute/well made stuffed animal, though I'm not sure how it follows the theme for the month.  

Alex toys Scribble pad and Carson Dellosa stickers.  Pad $2.56 and stickers $1.79.  The stickers look a little Hokey, but I'm sure I'll use them at some point. 

Happy Baby Snacks.  These are good to have around as toddlers can usually always use snacks, however, my son can't eat any of these, but I'll try to offer them just in case. So, I guess that does save me money, but I will most likely have to throw these out.  $4 each.

Alex Jr., tots first crayons and a 15% off coupon.  $6.54

Kandoo hand sanitizer $2.50.  They also sent a 50% off first order from Fabkids.  Unfortunately this is worthless to me as I have a boy and the ONLY have girl clothes at this point. 

 

So, the box LOOKS full, but when you add it all up, its most definitely not worth the money this month.  I'm pretty darn disappointed.  I dislike it when boxes send vouchers that you have to spend more money to get an item, but I dislike it even more when you can't even use the voucher because they don't carry anything in your gender.  Not a very smart move in my opinion since after my three months are up, I'm thinking about whether or not I continue.  Hmmm.  The box was valued at $31.38 this month.  I really don't think that's a very good value for a subscription box that charges you $25.  I'm sure this box was perfect for someone, just not us :-)

WITTLEBEE April 2013 Review

This was my first month with Wittlebee and I used a code for $15 off my first month.  They send out 6 items based on your style profile and sizes.  They pick three and you pick three to make sure that there's something you definitely like in the box.  Click HERE to sign up!  Use code madness to save 50% off your first box.

I chose Brights as my colors (I bet you couldn't tell!).  This box is for size 18-24 months.  I was excited when my showroom opened up for me to choose my 3 items, but there were only 4 things in it and I wasn't thrilled about any of them.  Boo!  I was crossing my fingers that I actually liked what they included since I didn't like the show room stuff. 

Two threadless tees.  I thought they were cute (I picked the one on the right), however on the showroom, the shirt was like a regular t-shirt, not a baby shirt, so that's strike one.  Strike 2 is the material is AWFUL!!! it has tags cut out of it and the material feels like it was made in a sweatshop in some remote village.  VERY VERY disappointed in these two items. I would put value at $5 each, but I know they consider these shirts $19.99 a piece.  I would never ever buy these.  They are like the super cheap and thin onesie material.  Gross!

These two were my pick, so I like them.  This is sold as a set usually so my price is for both items $33.15

This was the only other item in my box and it is definitely NOT short sleeved like I requested and definitely NOT brights.  However, I like the material and this is probably my favorite thing.  Violet and Moss is a nice cozy brand so I was sort of happy with this.  $50.  I couldn't find the exact item. 

Overall, not very pleased, but it wasn't a full priced box, so I'm not going to complain, but I will not be renewing for this service.  Not as thrilled as others are, but maybe I just had a bad experience. 

SPICY SUBSCRIPTIONS DELUXE April 2013 Review

***This is a PG review of an adult subscription box.  The content is not lewd, but the products are for adult purposes.***

This is my first Spicy box and I have been looking forward to this box all month!  Its an adult themed box and comes in two different levels.  Premium is $24.95/month and the Deluxe is $34.95/month.

Click here to join! Please enter seductive1815 for 5% off!! 

Okay, if you've read my previous reviews on this box, you'll know that I've had issues with them not seeming to be up to value.  But, this month, was finally good enough for me to give a positive review.  :-) The packaging this month was not as nice and the card insert was printed on cheap paper as opposed to the glossy card stock they usually use.  Maybe they're trying to cut corners to make more money, who knows, but this all felt kind of cheap to me, especially considering the types of products.  You want your "personal" items to seem good quality and classy. 

These are the samples that came with this month's box.  Lots of lubricant.  But, at least they're flavored!

Finally a Deluxe item.  I was seriously getting peeved that they weren't sending anything "toy" like.  It was all cheap crap that looked like it was made in a sweat shop with lots of lead and chemicals. I found this on Spencer's for $9.99.

Okay, we get it.  You have some kind of a deal with DONA and we get something new from them in EVERY SINGLE BOX.  I'm sure there are other great products out there we could be trying, but these guys have saturated your boxes.  The massage oil was $9 on amazon. and the bath treatment was $9 as well. 

MORE DONA.  This was $15 on amazon and I could use a good scrub so I'll be more likely to use this.

Overall, I'm more pleased than last two months, but still not worth a continuing subscription. Too much of the same type of product and not enough "flirty" items.  I can go to any grocery store and pick up a scrub, I want items that I can't always just go out and buy. 

THE HAPPY TRUNK April 2013 Review

 The Happy Trunk is a monthly craft box sent directly to your child.  They have boxes for kids up to age 12, so that's a nice touch.  My 9 year old usually gets left out of the subscription box world.  Not anymore!  He loves crafts and science so this is right up his alley.  The big kid box only includes two activities since they are more involved.  The boxes are $19.95/month.  I signed up through a plum district special so I received half off a 3 month subscription.  Click HERE to sign up! 

There are only two activities for the older group since they are usually more involved.  This month looks promising with one science project and one craft.  The Craft is Metal tooling art and the science project is collecting solar energy.  I haven't really dug all the way through, but I was really pleased last month and I'm sure this month won't disappoint either!

LOVE WITH FOOD April 2013 Review

Love With Food is a monthly subscription box that sends you unique and new food samples each month.  The cost is $10 with $2 shipping for a total of $12/month.  Also, for every box they send, they donate a meal to a person in need.  I love this philanthropic twist!  Click here to join!  Use code FUNNYFACECRAN (Not 100% that this still works, but I think so) to get your first box FREE! ($2 shipping).

I wasn't sure about this month's box as its "Weird, Wild, & Wonderful Foods" Curated by Andrew Zimmern.  Hmm, my taste buds aren't very adventurous, so I don't know what I'll be eating aside from the Caramels, but here goes!

This is a rub for pork that I'm sure we will use!  The entire box smelled like this when I opened it, it was an interesting yet savory aroma :-)

Sea salt Cocomels.  Yes, Please!  I love sweets, so this is right up my alley.  They are buttery and delicious.  

Smoky Chili and Lime Chick peas.  Not sure about this one, but hubby might like it. 

Lemon Olives, again, not my choice of snack, but I'm going to try this too.  I just hope I make it out alive.  

This is a fun twist on popcorn.  I'm not sure what sorghum grain is, but it has butter on the label, so it can't be all that bad. 

These are little nuggets of sunflower seeds and toasted grains.  I'm intrigued!

This buffalo dip, has my husbands name written all over it.  I'm not much for spicy.  

I somehow made out with two boxes this month, of all the months to get two of, oh well.  Customer service was fantastic and credited me the $12 charge, so next month will probably be fantastic and I'll wish I had two :-)  I was thinking the weird and wild would involve some type of edible bug, but there weren't any legs to be found in this month's box.  I'm a teeny tiny bit disappointed in that! 

CITRUS LANE April 2013 review

Citrus Lane is a baby-toddler subscription service that sends out 4-6 baby friendly items each month.  The boxes start at $25/month with shipping included.  Click here to sign up and receive $10 off your first order!  The items are curated based on your child's age.  They anticipate what will be coming up next to make sure that you have what you need!  They used to do Theme's, but starting this month, they are not doing them anymore. This box is based on my son's age, 18 months. Use the link on this page for $10 off to use on a future box and enter code FIRSTBOX to receive half off your first box!

Another great looking Box!  Citrus Lane never disappoints.  Well, sometimes I'm a little less thrilled than others, but this month was great!  

Innobaby carton holder.  I loved this item when I first got it 6 months ago.  I can't remember if I got it from CL or Stork Stack, but I've had it and love it. It is expandable to fit a full milk carton and can also be used for the horizon milk containers, except when used with these it can be squeezed to make a mess.  Kind of defeats the purpose, but its still cute and has the handles so hopefully they won't be squeezing.  $5.99 on Amazon.

Oogaa silicon placemat.  This is really cute, but unfortunately my LO will not keep a placemat down.  He thinks its to be thrown or peeled off and then thrown.  $8.38 on amazon.

Honest CO soap/body wash.  I looked on facebook and saw that they were including honest co.  I was really hoping that it was the wash because other boxes have already included a ton of their stuff and I don't need any more samples of it.  This is a full sized bottle and I was happy to see it! $9.95 on Honest co website. 

Plum baby mish mash and coupon.  The mish mash is what we keep getting at this age and unfortunately my LO won't eat any of it. All food items are lost on him because he can't eat it.  boo, but maybe I'll eat it.  :-)  $1.48.

Melissa and Doug paint with water.  $6 on amazon.  This is cute and I'll see what he thinks, but he's not much for this stuff yet, so I might just put it away for a while.  He doesn't really like any of the Weecantoo items that we got a ton of in the past.  (I'm getting BLUUM little artist box and will probably have more in there as well).

Overall, I liked this box.  I kind of like that they aren't doing themes anymore so its more of a surprise.  It suits us and as usual, I'm happy.  The value of the box was about $35 bucks so not really a great value IMO, but I'll take it. 

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE April 2013

POPSUGAR Must Have is a monthly subscription service that sends out at least $100 in items for $35/month with shipping included.  The idea is to send a must have for fashion, fitness, home, beauty and food.  Although not all of these categories are included every month.  This is my third box with them and I absolutely love them. Click HERE to join! Enter code SAVE5PSMH to save $5!

This month's box was packed! At first glance, I can tell that it was definitely worth the $35 this month!

Popsugar branded Green Garmento Bag.  This is really a versatile laundry bag.  From hanging clothes, to a duffel bag, its perfect. The only problem is that I would be more inclined to use this for Hubby's items, but he won't rock a pink POPSUGAR logo.  :-)  Retail: $9.98 on Amazon.(without logo)

Kai Perfume Oil.  This was the big ticket item this month, but the scent of Gardenia gives me an instant headache.  This went straight to my eBay pile :-)  Retail: $42 on Amazon.

Shashi Bracelet.  Many different colors were given out.  Turquoise, Pewter, Black, and this one is all brown.  I like the Brown/gold combo so I'm sure I will wear this.  I really wish I had gotten Turquoise, but this would've been my 2nd choice.  Retail: $28 on Amazon.

 

Tatcha evening face blotters.  I will definitely use this item during the summer!  Retail $15 on Amazon.

Alter Eco Dark Chocolate/Quinoa Bar.  This was a surprisingly good combo.  The Quinoa added a crunchiness that I love in my chocolate.  Yum!  The coupon for more chocolate is always a bonus.  Retail: $3.50 on Amazon.

Total Retail:  $98.48.  Wow! Another great box from Popsugar!  I absolutely love them and haven't ever been really disappointed.  I can use/regift/sell everything I have gotten from them.  Looking forward to their Summer Special Edition box in Mid-May!