BarkBox March 2015 Review

BarkBox is one of the original dog subscription boxes. They typically send 5 items and I find lately its usually 2 toys, 2 large treats and a small treat. But past months we have received a few gadgets as well. You can select your dog size when you subscribe, although I find the largest category being 50 pounds and up sometimes sends things too small for my dogs, but, Barney is 120 pounds and Betty is around 80 pounds right now so they are not the typical sized dogs. I also wish they had an option for multiple dogs. They send about 1 "one time use" treat a month and its a pain to have to try and split it into 2 treats so no one is left out.

The Cost: $29.00/Monthly or $24.00/month on a 3 month plan $21.00/month on a 6 month plan or $19.00/month on a yearly plan plus $5.00 Shipping to Canada

We highly recommend getting a multiple month plan with the dollar exchange and shipping costs the value is not so much there if you are paying $34.00 US.

Barkbox comes in a simple brown box and I have yet to figure out their shipping logic as it seems to arrive at a different time of the month every month.

First look

Usually the boxes have some sort of clever theme to them but this month I'm not getting anything off the bat. Here is what is inside.

Every month comes with an info card, all items can be re-ordered from the Bark Shop.

Hyper Pet Dura-Squeaks $16.00

This super durable, non-toxic toy brings fetch everywhere. Pawfect for gnawing indoors, throwing at the park, and floating in the river.

Floating in the River? Haha that will not be happening as the rivers here are CRAZY and would likely wash away my dogs and the toy. But this is likely our favorite item in the box! It is extremely well made, the dogs love it and the squeaker noise has not drove me crazy yet. Thankfully, usually the squeakers are the first to go, but this one is still alive for now. This is also a great sized toy for my jumbo pups!

 Nature's Bits Salmon Recipe 6oz (170g) $8.00

Simply scrumptious salmon taste! Made with fish, fruit, and vegetable ingrediants sourced 100% in the USA.

These are a great sized soft treat, they do smell "fishy" which means the dogs gobbled them up. To be fair Betty will eat anything and I mean ANYTHING. Barney on the other hand can be a tad fussy. I really like that these treats are wheat free as we try to keep the furkids on a gluten free diet.

 

 Pet Qwerks Popcorn Plush Toy $10.00

Why pass the popcorn when you can toss, squeak, and chomp this adorable plush?

This is the one item I was definitely not impressed with. It is a plush toy and has a squeaker and crinkle paper inside. Just as I assumed would happen after 10 minutes of play it was destroyed. My dogs destroy most "plush" toys so I was not surprised it didn't last, I was however quite disturbed that all of the red lines on it leaked ink everywhere. I'm aware my dogs may drool more than other dogs but never should the coloring from a toy run right off the toy! Needless to say this ended up in the garbage.

Etta Says! Bison Chew 7 Inch Treat $3.00

This protein-packed, American-made bison chew is easily digestible! Absolutely no artificial fillers, coloring, or preservatives.

Etta Says! is a great brand and everything but I have received these chew sticks countless times from dog boxes. I believe I got one last month too. I usually break them in half and the dogs have them devoured in about 2 minutes. This month I just put in in the treat cupboard and will wait for another one to magically appear in a box so I can give them each a whole one at the same time. This is not something we would purchase on our own. For the $6.00 it costs to buy one for each dog, it just is not worth it for the 2 minutes of chewing they get out of it. There are much better chew treats and bones in this price range.

Yeti Corp Golden Nugget Treats 3oz $8.00

Made from Nepali yak and cows milk, salt, and lime juice. Puff them in the microwave and serve popcorn (after cooling), or boil for 10-15 minutes in water then chop into bits as a food topper.

Okay, these are just cool! They are hard little cubes and puff up to about 3 times their size in the microwave. I failed miserably making the first one and burnt it but the second attempt turned out great! They are still quite crunchy once cooked and both dogs really seemed to enjoy them.

Final Verdict: Overall, this isn't our favorite BarkBox but 3 of the products were a hit! I like BarkBox because it send a lot of product that are only available in the USA and its kind of neat to check out items we cannot get in Canada! The value wasn't bad this month at $45.00 BUT if I don't count the popcorn toy that only lived for about 5 minutes total we only got a $35.00 value for our family. I know that is not really fair to do but even if the popcorn toy didn't get ripped open I still would have had to throw it out because of the red ink. Here is a picture of Betty right before she destroyed the popcorn plush!

Ipsy March 2015 Review

Ipsy was one of my very first subscriptions. They send 4-5 deluxe sample and full sized beauty products a month in a lovely makeup bag. There is a beauty profile you fill out when you sign up and they customize your bag based on your preferences. I have received lots of awesome products from Ipsy and its definitely a great starter subscription!

The Cost: $10.00/month + $4.95 Shipping (US Dollars)

Ipsy always comes in a lovely makeup bag! This month the bag is floral on one side and a pretty solid blue on the other.

 

First Look. Looks good! I am always excited to see lipstick.

NYX Cosmetics Butter Lipstick in Little Suzie FULL SIZE $6.00

Pamper your lips with a hydrating kiss of smooth Butter Lipstick in 22 luxurious shades. The delicate texture of satin fused with the high color saturation creates an even finish on lips that’s long-wearing and beautiful.

This is a nice formula and I could not be more pleased with the color I received. My only complaint is that the tube itself feels super cheap but for a $6.00 lipstick I can let it slide.

 

 

 Big Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Creme Oil Sample 1.0 fl oz $5.00

Soy Renewal Crème Oil is a blow dry crème that speeds up drying time while protecting hair against mechanical damage from heat styling & harmful UV rays from the sun. Its lightweight formula softens, moisturizes and conditions the hair creating shine, luminosity and the appearance of healthy hair.

This sounds right up my alley! I'm currently still obsessed with my Tony and Guy leave in conditioner from Glossybox but will be out of it soon and will try this next! This is a decent size sample that would work well for my travel bag as well.

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil FULL SIZE $18.00

This fresh and pretty neutral pencil will brighten and visibly lift your eyes when lightly applied on the brow bone, dark circles, blemishes and red spots. In addition, this multi-purpose pencil can be used to brighten and “open” the eye area by applying to the water line and inner corners of the eye. Applying a thin, blended line down the center of the nose creates the illusion of a thinner nose. Perfect for highlighting a beautiful smile by eliminating dark shadows and preventing lipstick spread by applying to the Cupid 's bow and along the lip line. So many uses in just one perfect pencil! Formulated for LIGHT toned skin.

When I first saw this, my first thought was great another highlighter I'll never use. But its growing on me as an eye pencil!

dr. brandt pores no more anti-aging mattifying lotion Sample .25 oz $9.00

 “An apple a day keeps the lines away.” This oil-free, lightweight lotion is formulated with apple stem cells to help delay the natural signs of aging by maintaining the longevity and activity of stem cells in the skin. Simultaneously, retinol stimulates new cell turnover and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Brandt’s multi-tasking formula provides the best of both worlds, delivering anti-aging and pore minimizing/mattifying benefits. 

Ipsy says this is a 0.26oz sample but the bottle says 0.25oz so I'm going to go with that. I have heard awesome things about this brand am excited to try this!

Marsk Mineral Eyeshadow in Lucky Penny 0.4 oz FULL SIZE $22.50

MARSK Mineral Eyeshadows (1.2g) are 100% natural, mineral based loose powder that are strictly cruelty free (not tested on animals) and available in a range of striking shades that offer endless colour possibilities for a professional makeup effect. Featuring a creamy texture, these highly pigmented powders are easily blendable and offer you the ability to create depth and intensity around the eye..

Best for last? I LOVE the color I received and have used a tiny bit of this everyday since I got it. It has a super pretty shimmer and I love the copper color. The formula is great and it stays exactly where I put it. Not sure if I would pay $22.50 for a single eyeshadow but receiving it from Ipsy is a total win.

 Final Verdict: Well hello March Ipsy, this month was a total win for me! For the first time in a while I will use every product I received. The value is fantastic at $54.50. Value has been a big factor lately with our Canadian dollar dropping, the cost of many US boxes is 20% more.

I received 3 full sized products and 2 generous samples! I should also add that Ipsy has an awesome points system. Points are earned by reviewing your products online and referring friends and can be used to buy products in the points store.

Ipsy was on my chopping block but after this great month, I'm going to stick around.

 

Bath Time Box Spoiler #2

Bath Time Box is a Canadian based subscription box that sends 5 natural bath and body items.

Designed and curated with the Bath lover in mind, each Bath Time Box contains 5 full and deluxe sample sized bath products carefully chosen to take your bath time to the next level.  Each box is carefully chosen with a focus on Natural and Handcrafted products.
Delivered to you monthly, each box will hold an assortment of luxurious milk baths, scintillating bubble baths, invigorating scrubs, nourishing lotions and so much more. 

Cost: $29.00/Month (less on 3,6 and 12 month subscriptions)

Use coupon code MARCH20 to save 20% off your first box, OR use code THREEFORFREE to receive our FREE All Natural Lip Lovers Gift Set. Each set includes an extra large 2 oz Strawberry Lip Lovers Lip Scrub and a .25 ounce Lip Balm in assorted flavors (chocolate, strawberry, cherry, and peppermint).

Spoiler #2

Every subscriber will receive Moon Rocks in their March boxes! Hmmm These are not posted on Bath Time Store yet but look interesting!

I have really been looking forward to this box lately as I am out of products from my February box!

Birchbox February 2015 Review and Rant

Birchbox Canada is one of the original beauty subscription boxes. December 2014 they started shipping to Canada. I was really excited to sign up because the US Birchbox looks awesome. Unlike most US boxes that ship to Canada Birchbox sends different items to Canadians. I have had an extremely rocky road with Birchbox Canada and I'm going to be completely honest with my experience. I've had lots of disappointment.

The cost is $10.00 plus $4.95 shipping and you can save on yearly subscriptions.

Birchbox sends 5 sample (or full sized) beauty products a month.

Yes it is well into March and I am just getting my February box. Better then my January box because I never received a January box despite being charged for it. I had received December 2014 no problem and was happy with my box. Not blown away by any means but it was an alright box. On January 31st I had yet to receive a tracking number for my January box. My credit card had been charged but my online account showed no payments. I emailed customer support and got a fast response apologizing and stating my box had never shipped. I was given 100 Birchbox points (worth $10.00 in the Birchbox store) and told my box would be shipped out that day. They are just starting out, no problem stuff happens. After still not receiving a tracking number a week later I emailed again asking for it. I was told it had not shipped yet and that they would make sure it would be shipped right away. A week later after not receiving a tracking number I emailed it again. This time I was told unfortunately it does not look like I have a box coming for January. I was given 100 Birchbox points again for the *trouble*.  I was never offered a refund for the month or given a real explanation as to why this happened. Again I'm thinking stuff happens and at least I have a $20.00 credit in the Birchbox store. February came and went and I never received a tracking number AGAIN despite my card being charged. Now I'm starting to get upset. Even more upset when I read on another blog a girl saying the same happened to her for the January box but she was given a free month for the trouble as well as points. I emailed in to customer support with my concerns and was told my box should ship right away. A few days later, with the month of February now gone and after stewing on it for a while I emailed support again. This time I demanded a tracking number or for them to cancel my account and refund me for the now $30.00 I have paid for basically nothing. Two days later I received a tracking number, 100 more Birchbox points and an apology saying that they would give me April (at this point I had already paid for March) for free. I FINALLY received my February box last Thursday. 

I have many subscriptions and have never had such trouble receiving what I had paid for. Again with my brutal honesty I can't help but say the actual products themselves have been underwhelming. I also learned that they do not actually ship from Canada. Boxes are shipped from Ohio and any purchase made in the Birchbox store is subject to International Handling fees as well as shipping. I used my points to order a full size Benefit POREfessional and was charged about $13.00 in fees.

Okay, my rant is over, on to my February 2015 Birchbox.

The box is super cute this month. I like getting cute boxes as I use them for storage and gifts. 

Here is what is inside.

theBalm cosmetics Cindy-Lou Manizer Sample 0.02oz (Full size is $26.00) 

 This shimmery, soft pink highlighter perks up your features with a natural-looking glow.

As cute as the teeny tiny packaging is, I'm just not a fan of highlighters. I will likely try it as an eyeshadow so I'm not completely disappointed with this item.

clariSEA Instant Glow Exfoliant Sample 1oz (Full size is $20.00)

All natural scrub that deep-cleans, brightens, and tones using sea salt and rose powder.

Now this I am happy with! Its basically a dry exfoliant that can be mixed with either water or your regular cleanser. Its good stuff that I have sampled before thanks to Ipsy and I can definitely get several uses from this sample.

 

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain in Heartthrob Sample 2.25g (Full size is $23.00)

A long-wearing stain from the NYC-based designer that gives unbeatable moisture and shine.

This has to be the smallest lip product ever! I'm a huge fan of lip stains so was excited to give it a try! It definitely goes on smooth, has a nice texture and the color works for me. I'm not sure I would call it a stain as it seems alot more like a gloss and was definitely not long wearing. After about 30 minutes it dried up and left my lips looking and feeling yucky!

 

 Mereadesso All-in-One Moisturizer Sample 0.4oz (Full size is $120.00)

This one-step formula is an antiaging day/night cream, serum, eye cream, toner, and primer.

Okay, on paper this sounds like amazing stuff if we are done choking on the retail price. It is a foil sample but it has basically a lid on the back that makes it a useable foil sample at least. My expectations were really high for this "miracle" cream. There I go, making expectations again, I should know better! I found that using it just as a cream it left my face feeling almost sticky, it really was not a pleasant feeling at all. It smells half decent and is a light pea green color however I just cannot get over how yucky it made my face feel. I gave it a second chance as a primer and it was not as bad with product over top of it. 

Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo Sample 1 oz (Full size is $32.00)

Vitamin-rich botanicals gently purify hair while restoring lost moisture and shine.

Wait a minute, I must of missed something here as my online account says I should have gotten a full-size Noir long-wear black eyeliner, that was the one thing I was truly excited to get. I double checked my account twice and yup still has the eyeliner listed as what I should have received.

Shampoo is off to a really bad start to say the least. A shampoo with no conditioner? Okay, now I am even more confused. Trying to be open minded I tried it. Its concentrated and low lather leaving me feeling like I needed more product and it made my hair feel almost greasy. I can't review this product on my account because it is not listed as one of the samples I received. I'm not even going to bother with customer support over it. 

Summery of February box and my Birchbox future: Someone once told me that if you make high expectations you will only achieve bigger disappointment. Maybe it is because I am used to getting more from other subscriptions in the same price range, maybe I'm picky, maybe I have a real sour taste in my mouth over January and late shipping February. Customer service always got back to me and was polite and tried to help. But being told several times that your box is shipping right away to have it never come makes me loose faith. I was extremely underwhelmed with February. I do not feel as what I received was worth the $14.95 (including shipping) BUT I hate to be so negative. I have already received a tracking number for March and they promised all subscribers a Beauty Blender in the March box. I was told April would be free for me and I did receive enough points to order a full-sized product (I hope it actually comes, now I think about it, I'm not sure I got a tracking number for it) Its great that more companies are starting to ship to Canada and I really hope that my next two months of Birchbox wow me into wanting to keep the subscription, but lets just say I`m going to try really hard not to have any expectations.

welliBOX March 2015 Review

welliBOX is a new Canadian Subscription box that sends 6-12 supplement samples and full size products monthly. They have several options including a box for women, a box for men, a box for athletes and a box for those over 50 years of age.

The Cost is $10.00/Month plus $4.95 Shipping in Canadian Dollars.

Save on 3, 6 and 12 month plans.

Last month I was excited to receive 3 full size bottles of vitamins but disappointed to find they all expired in a month or two not giving time to actually use all of them. I was tempted to cancel but decided to stick around for another month and am glad I did!

First Look

I did not receive an info card last month and was happy to see this month came with lots of information on what was included and some other useful information!

Hemp Hearts

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts 15g x2 value: $2.00?

I cant find this size on Manitoba Harvest's website so I'm guessing on the price. Basically these are raw hemp seeds. They are super high in fiber, omegas and protein and taste almost like a soft sunflower seed. 

These are not bad! I will have to try them on a salad for a bit of extra texture. I like how they included a coupon as well.

Garden of Life Raw Protein

Garden of Life Raw Protein in MangoLicious 24g $3.00?

This single serve pouch is Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Organic and GMO Free.

I'm not a big fan of protein shakes so this will be passed on! It does look like good stuff though, you can check out Garden of Life's website here.

Orange Naturals D3 Drops

Orange Naturals D3 Drops 15ml Value $12.99

These are great! Each bottle contains 250 doses so this should last a long time! 

I'm always trying to get more Vitamin D into my diet/vitamin routine. D3 Drops help in development and maintenance of bones and teeth. Each drop contains 1000IU of vitamin D3. The expiry date is November 2017. You can check out their website here.

CanPrev Magnesium Bisglycinate

CanPrev Magnesium BisGlycinate 200mg 90 Vegetable Capsules Value $28.99

Pure, clean and the best available, in a glycinate form, and easy to swallow vegetable capsule. Magnesium has beenshown in research to be essential to the heath of bones, teeth and muscles, including the heart muscle.

Another vitamin to add to my routine and likely my husbands as well. These expire May 2017.

Biocore Food Science Burlap Bag

Biocore Food Burlap Bag Value $2.00??

I'm assuming this is a promo item as I cannot find it on Biocore's website. 

It smells and sheds just like Burlap.... I have many nicer fabric totes and will be passing this along.

Final Verdict: I'm glad I stuck around! welliBOX is definitely improving! I am very happy to see that the products I received this month do not expire for well over a year. I received 2 full size supplements and 3 samples and a Burlap Bag. I think welliBOX is a great value and great for anyone wanting to add some health and vitamin supplements to their lifestyle. I may see if I can subscribe every 2 months instead of 1 because I can see my vitamin cupboard overflowing quickly. I look forward to seeing what welliBOX has to offer in the months to come!

Bath Time Box Spoiler!!

Bath Time Box is a Canadian based subscription box that sends 5 natural bath and body items.

Designed and curated with the Bath lover in mind, each Bath Time Box contains 5 full and deluxe sample sized bath products carefully chosen to take your bath time to the next level.  Each box is carefully chosen with a focus on Natural and Handcrafted products.
Delivered to you monthly, each box will hold an assortment of luxurious milk baths, scintillating bubble baths, invigorating scrubs, nourishing lotions and so much more. 

Cost: $29.00/Month (less on 3,6 and 12 month subscriptions)

Use coupon code MARCH20 to save 20% off your first box, OR use code THREEFORFREE to receive our FREE All Natural Lip Lovers Gift Set. Each set includes an extra large 2 oz Strawberry Lip Lovers Lip Scrub and a .25 ounce Lip Balm in assorted flavors (chocolate, strawberry, cherry, and peppermint).

Spoiler #1
Every subscriber will receive an all natural Bamboo Charcoal and Cocoa Butter soap!

I LOVE charcoal soap and am excited to try this one! If you haven't tried Bath Time Box yet, check them out here. I love baths and this subscription box is definitely a new favorite.

Paws and Play Cookie of the Month

 Paws and Play is our favorite pet subscription service. They offer the most customization and choices and often release limited edition boxes. They have something for every budget. This is our review of their new Cookie of the Month Subscription!

Monthly gourmet cookie club for dogs, your cookie will always ship on the 1st of each month.

    Cost for Cookie of the Month Club $4.95/Month

Free Lifetime Shipping for Cookie of the Month Club with code: YUMMY

We actually won a subscription to cookie of the month club on a facebook contest!

Cookie of the month club came in a simple envelope with bubble wrap around the cookie.

We Received a "Lucky Dog" Cookie from Woofables Bakery! Its an all natural cookie with 

yogurt icing and it was simply adorable!  
The only thing I would change about this subscription, is it would be nice if there was an 
option to add an extra cookie! Although this cookie was super easy to break in half and
Barney and Betty absolutely loved it, I'm thinking future cookies may not be as easy to share.

Final Verdict: I love the idea of this! With free shipping, the value is completely there. 
These fancy cookies retail for 5-8 dollars and its a lovely surprise in the mail. 
Barney and Betty both LOVE the mailman. Cookie of the Month club is a great treat to 
tide them over until their bigger Paws and Play subscription arrives!