Winter Favorites Cravebox

 My Winter Favorites Cravebox came yesterday and I couldn't wait to dive right in. I had read the spoilers so I was really excited!!!

 

First look at the box.  The outside is a bright turquoise and so pretty and the inside always looks so well put together. I love when the boxes are full and this one was full.

All the goodies!!!  This one was a little different in that it had three colored envelopes in it and each envelope and some free coupons. I love coupons so these will be put to good use.

Here is what all was in there:

• Heinz chili sauce - I've never heard of this was but came with a recipe and it sounds good.  
• Mary Kay Lip gloss - I love lip gloss and this is a great purse size and a pretty red color.  I will be using this over the holidays.
• Campbells Butternut Squash soup - M doesn't like soups (I know he's crazy) but I can see me eating this with a grilled cheese sandwich when its really cold outside. Ok that sounds delicious maybe today ;)
• Belvita - It says it is a breakfast biscuit.  I have never heard of this so something new to try out. It also came with a BOGO coupon if we like them.
• Vitabath - People have been raving on this and I've never tried it. These packs will be great to take on trips since I can just throw them out when I'm done and free up that little bit of space for more goodies that I've purchased.
• Coupon for Free Pillsbury Rolled Pie Crust - we love these and I use them for chicken pot pie.  M will be excited to know that he will be having a pot pie soon.
• Coupon for Free Pillsbury Cookie Dough - This one has N written all over it. He is the cookie hound in my house.
• Coupon for Free Nancys frozen appetizer or dessert - I've never tried these but they sound great.
• Coupon for free International Delights creamer and half gallon of iced coffee - I'm not a big user of this but I know people who will love these coupons.  These were supposed to be in another box but they were delayed so added to this one. Since I got the other box too I'm glad I did get the extra coupons.

Overall this is the best box I've gotten in awhile. I've actually liked the last couple I got Thanksgiving and Cooking light they just weren't all that exciting to me.  This one was WOW when I opened the box.

For those that aren't in the know Cravebox is a little different then the other subscription boxes I get.  Here you signup for a raffle and if you win then you get the box and they charge you the fee. The prices range but are usually in the $11-$14 range.  You will know the theme but not the contents until the boxes start arriving.  They have a couple good boxes listed as coming up so I can't wait to see if I can get one of those too.

Jenny

POPSugar Must Have December 2012 Box

I admit I looked at the spoilers but my POPSugar Must Have box came today.  I had to dig right in and take a look.  Overall I think its a good box. Nothing compared to Septembers but better then the last couple of months.  For those that don't know POPSugar Must Have is a subscription box that will come every month for $35.  There is a wait list right now so if you are interested go ahead and sign up so they can let you know when the next one is available.  I think they are on February right now but I'm not sure.

 First look - I love opening my box an seeing how nice and neat it looks.

 The box was pretty inside too.

 Must Have Food - Tea Forte - a really cute sample of teas. They are in little cone holders.  With the colder weather coming I can't wait to try these out.

 Must Have Beauty - Jaboneria Marianella Soaps - I haven't use bar soap in forever but I'm up for giving this a try.

Must Have Fashion - Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit - This has me just smiling and smiling. Since I've recently moved into a big girl purse ;) I have room for this now and I can't wait to be able to use it.  Mine is a yellow share very similar to Summer Starfruit from the Stampin' Up incolors.  It is one of my favorite colors so I was tickled pink to get this one.

 Must Have Food - Bogdon's Peppermint Poles - These look really yummy and I'm sure they will be pulled out with all the holiday activities.

 Must Have Tech - GoSwype - A cute little towel that removes dirt, oil, grime, fingerprints, an up to 98% of germs and bacteria. If you've seen my boys Ipad you will know that this is desperately needed at my house.

Must Have Home - Bodum Bistro Mugs - I've actually seen and read about these and can't wait to try them. They will be good with the included tea or my addiction to my Hot Apple Cider out of my Keurig.









So what did you think this month?  Good/Bad/Other?  I'm pretty happy and when I have time I'm going to dig on in.  If you're interested don't forget to check POPSugar Must Have out and get on the list.

Jenny

disclaimer: Yes there are affiliate links in the post above. You click and order through them and I get credits.

Wittlebee Mystery Bags

My two mystery bags from Wittlebee.  They had some flash sales the last couple of weeks and for $10 plus $2.95 shipping you got 5 items in a bag.  I love a good grab bag so I grabbed two different bags in two of their three sales.

Here are my selections and except for getting the same outfit twice I'm really happy.  N will have some really cute items for summer next year.  We knew going in that alot of items were off season so that wasn't a concern for me.  And I'm able to pass the duplicate item on to a friend for her son next summer.

No got the following items:

• 2 Kenneth Cole Reactions swimsuits with coordinating tops
• 2 Carters outfit sets
• a Calvin Klein long sleeve t-shirt
• Gioberti plaid shorts

Pretty great for a total of $25.90 for it all.  I hope they do this again and I'm able to get one. They went really fast.  For those interested in the regular Wittlebee program they are currently making some changes to the program so if you go through my link you will be placed on a waitlist and they will let you know when you are in.  You will then get 6 items a month for $39.99 and when you sign up you pick a profile of types and looks of items that you might like.  A stylist will then select the items and mail them to you.  You can also cancel or pause at anytime.  So far I've gotten a box for each of my sons and for those that know me know we don't really need anymore clothes at my house but I plan to keep getting a box every couple of months.  Another reason to go through my link is I get credit for you and you get $10 off your first order. :)

Happy shopping,

Jenny

disclaimer:  As stated above this is my affiliate link and I will get credit if you sign up through me.

Sodacan Snowflakes

Making a couple gifts for this holiday season and my friend over at 3 monkeys throwing around some paper made some of these and I thought they were great and had to try them myself.  Not many supplies are required and the hardest part was cutting out the soda cans.  I made mine with three layers of cans but you can play around and see what you like and what works for you.

 Start with a can.  It can be any can that you like and any colors.  Just rinse it and let it dry and you are set to go.

 Cut off the top and bottom and down the side so that it will lay flat to go through the big shot.

 M and N got in on the fun an helped run things through the Big Shot.  Isn't the Big Shot the most fun ever?

 Here are some of the snowflakes all lined up waiting to be placed together.

Here is one of the finished products.  I placed a brad in the middle to hold the layers together and then ran some silver cord through the top for the hanger.  A couple of rhinestones on the tips and its very pretty.  This picture isn't great but I do love them.














Hope you enjoy!!!

Jenny

disclaimer:  I am still a Stampin' Up demo so if you order products through me I do get commission.  However all comments and opinions are my own as always.

Cookie Time!!!

Yesterday N and I decided to make Gingerbread cookies.  I didn't have any Christmas Cookie cutters except a large gingerbread man so we used what we had and made Mickey Mouse, cars, planes and trains. :)

I'm no baker but they did come out pretty good if I may say so myself.

Jenny

Christmas Card Outtakes

Today is N's Christmas Program at his school and it is always hysterical.  I'm hoping now that he's in the 4yr old class that maybe we get some of the singing. We shall see. ;)  I thought I would share some of the outtakes of my Christmas Card photo session.  We did these ourselves out side.  I will share my card once I actually get them in the mail. ;)

Enjoy!!!

Jenny

BirchBox December 2012 Review

Well I checked my tracking this morning for my Birchbox and it said that it wouldn't be here until tomorrow but it surprised me and came today. I really had high hopes for this one since I really liked last months box but it just wasn't to be.  This is probably my least favorite box from them so far. :(  I understand that not everyone can be great but I have so many of the same products this month its going to be hard to actually try them.

The box looked really cute when it got here.

I had Box #3 for those that want to know.  Here is what I got:

• Kerastase leave-in cream which says its to help repair chemical processed and the effects of heat styling your hair. It also says its for dry to very dry hair. None of these are my hair so I probably will no be trying these and will pass them along.  This is probably the farthest off from my profile that I've had. Oh and they did send two packets but with the length and thickness of my hair I'm not sure that there is enough of it there.
• Juice Beauty CC Cream - I will admit I haven't tried any of the CC creams yet. I've gotten a couple in the different boxes recently so I should give them a try.  Hmm maybe I should start a try it Tuesday blog series and try something for a week.  Would you like to see that?
• Thymes body lotion again I'm not a huge lotion person so this will probably be passed along.  It is a decent sample size so it would fit nicely in a purse or diaper bag to take with you.
• Modelco shine ultra lip gloss.  This is the only thing in here that I kindof like right off.  I got the berry pink color and since I love lip gloss I will give this a good shot.
• My extra item this month was another lotion from Thymes. It's a one use sample foil package in the Lotus Santal.
• Also included was a coupon for $50 off at rent the runway but I don't count these coupons since you have to buy something to use them.

So if you look at my box this month I got 2 lotions and 2 different types of creams.  Nothing that I loved but I know that not all boxes are winners and I have really liked my last couple of boxes. Other boxes looked great this month and I'm hoping some of my friends get one of those. :)  If you want to join in for the fun and surprise check out Birchbox and get a box a month for $10. They also have a points system where you can review the products and get points towards discounts on full size items. I just cashed in alot of my points on some holiday presents. :)

So let me know do you subscribe to Birchbox  which box did you get and did you love it this month?

Jenny

disclaimer: You guessed it that is my affiliate link above and I get points for you joining through me.  All opinions are my own as you can kindof see this month ;)

Ipsy December 2012 Bag Review

I was very excited to get home and find the hot pink envelope in my mailbox.  I love Ipsy and can't wait to get my bag every month.  For those that don't know Ipsy is a monthly subscription box that includes a cute bag with 5 beauty samples in it each month for $10.  So far I've gotten all decent size samples and have used or tried most of the items.  Here we go for this months goodies.

This months bag.  Its a metallic pewter color and a great shape.  A little more square then other bags so it has a nice base to it.

Some great items to try.

• Urban Decay glide on eye pencil. I'm pretty sure the color is Zero and who can't use another eye pencil. Love this and it appears to  be smooth.  I plan to try this soon.
• NYX Ultra Pearl Mania eyeshadow in LP11 baby pink pearl.  I haven't opened this yet but I'll give it a try. I don't wear alot of eyeshadow but with the holidays I'll have more occasions to dress up a bit.
• be a bombshell lip gloss in Hot Mess.  I'm really loving this brand since it was a sample in a bag a couple months ago.  This is the first lip gloss I have from them and I can't wait to try this. Its a little redder then I normally wear but being winter I think I can get away with it.
• Mai Couture Highlighter Papier.  Truthfully I have no idea how this really works. I'm going to have to check it out and see about it. I have an idea that you can carry it for a touch up later in the day so if that's it then its a great idea.
• Mirabella primer for face and eyes.  Another product that sounds great so I can't wait to try. I've never used this brand so a new one for me.

Over all another great month.  Ipsy is quickly  becoming my favorite beauty bag each month.  The items are a great sample size and the colors have all been good for me.

Jenny

POP Up Pantry November 2012

Wow in my September POPSugar Must Have box there was a coupon for a company called POP-UP Pantry. I had never heard of them but I knew I wanted to try it out. Basically its a food delivery service and you get an appetizer, an entree and a dessert for two.  Being that it was my first order I got to select just one meal but after your first order you have to choose at least two.  My order came the other week and tonight was the night to try it out.

The box.  Compares to most of the subscription boxes this was huge.

Opening the box and you can see the items and the ice bag.  When you place your order you tell them which delivery day you want.  So you know when the food is coming and you can get it moved to your freezer.

The food once I took it out of the box.

 And here is the entree and the appetizer.  I selected the stuffed peppers and it came with a mixed green tart as the appetizer.

and blueberry tart for dessert.













The result: It was ok.  I followed the instructions provided and then still had to keep the food in the oven a little longer to make it really hot for me.  Also they had sauce for the peppers that you cook with them and I wish they would have had some for the side. I ended up warming some of my sauce for the meat.  The pepper was very thick with meat.  Overall probably not something I will do often but since it came in my box  it was good for a try.

Has anyone else tried POPup Pantry? or another food delivery company that I should look into.   The September POPSugar Must Have box rocked and this was only one of the great goodies.

Jenny

disclaimer:  That is my POPSugar affiliate link. You sign up under me and I get credit. Right now they have a waitlist to get in and the next open box is February so if you are interested put your name on the list.

My son the Thug

My son is a nut.  His Nana had given him a dunkin donuts gift card and when we went this is the pose I got from him.  The papers are from Simple Stories and make creating pages so easy.  I also borrowed my friends Kiwi Lane templates for the bottom curves and they are super fun to play around with.

Jenny

Naturebox Dec 2012

Yeah my Naturebox came today.  Thanksgiving weekend they had a special where you could get the box for $1 so I had to jump in and try it. I will admit I'm not the most adventurous when it comes to dried fruits and nuts so I thought this would be a good way to try some out and see what I may like.

 Opening the box it was pretty full and of course and the inserted info card.  This card didn't have a description of all the included items but it did have lots of info on it and a recipe on the back.

Now for the goodies:

• Big Island Pineapple - includes pineapple. yeap that's it just one ingredient. :)
• Organic Mighty Mix - includes raisins, sunflower seeds, date pieces, peanuts, apricots, pumpkin seeds, raw almonds, dried apples, and walnuts
• Harvest Fruit Granola - includes oats, apricots, cranberries, pears, pecans, currants, coconut and some oils and stuff
• Honey Nut Medley - includes peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, cane juice and honey
• Maui Onion Crunch - includes almonds, onions, garlic, and seasonings

Everything looks really good and I'm going to try them all.  Like I said I'm a little leery of the healthy stuff but I'm up for the challenge.  If you want to try it out for yourself you can get 25% off your first box if you click my link through facebook.  They are upgrading their ordering system and there will be more options for January.  Or send me a message and I will send you a personal email with a signup link. 

Jenny

disclaimer:  If you use my link then you will get 25% off and I will get credit for your order. Thanks in advance.

Great-Grandma Love

Here is another page from my retreat and it is also well out of my comfort zone. I'm normally more of a less stuff kindof scrapper.  I add my pictures and they tell the story so I add little extras.  This paper however was already busy and I couldn't resist just blinging it up some. This is C and his great grandmother.  I looked out her front door one day when we were there and I had to take the picture.  I'm a sucker for from behind pics.

Enjoy and happy crafting!!!

Jenny

Scrappy Page

Did I tell you all that I went to a scrapbooking retreat in November?  My girlfriend from 3 Monkeys Throwing around some paper and I went to the mountains for 3 nights and 4 days of non-stop scrapping fun. We had a blast and I got so much done.  I also tried to venture out of my comfort zone a little bit and this is one of those pages.  The last morning when I got downstairs we had all these scraps that we were going to throw away and I decided to make a page out of them.  I love the way it turned out.

So tell me have you ever made a page out of your scraps?

Jenny

Playing around with My Digital Studio

At the beginning of October Stampin' Up had some free downloads for their digital scrapbooking program My Digital Studio (MDS) for Digital Scrapbooking week.  I of course downloaded them and tried to use them but I hadn't upgraded my MDS to the newest version and they just weren't working well at all.  With the special this week MDS was 50% off so I finally upgraded mine and decided tonight was the night to take a look.  I started with one of the free templates that I downloaded and added a little to it and changed the colors so that it worked with my pictures.  So what do you think?

Speaking of MDS.  Stampin' Up currently has another free download.  If you are interested you can check it out on my site. :)  Here is what it looks like.  I need to find just the right picture for this tag.

Now I'm off to watch Supernatural. :)

Happy crafting,

Jenny

disclaimer:  I am still a Stampin' Up demo so if you click and order through my link I get the goodies.  Thanks.

Goodies Nov 2012 Box

I was very excited to get into the Goodies box.  I signed up for the list and got my invite so November was my first box. Goodies is a subscription box that sends you a box of food items each month for only $7. WOW  being my first one all I can say is yes it is a great deal.

Now onto the picture goodness.:)

 As with my other boxes this one came with an information sheet.

 But this sent a special gift this month of a market tote. It is a really nice one and I can't wait to take it to the store with me.

 

Well this picture looked better on my camera.  Sorry about the glare.

• Oogies Gourmet Popcorn in White Cheddar. I'm not a huge fan of these popcorn type things but I will give this a try.
• Bobbysue's Nuts this is a great togo size
• Bigelow Tea Eggnogg'n thank goodness there is only one bag of this since it really sounds disgusting. LOL.  I'm going to see if I can pass it along to someone who must be more adventurous then me. ;)
• American Vintage Wine Bisquits.  The info card says they are handmade. Not really sure why they needed to be since they are a cracker but I have some leftover dips from Thanksgiving so I should pull them out and give them a try.
• TheLazyBaker Brown Sugar Pecan Shortbread mix. Now this is really intriguing to me and I can't wait to get my bake on and make these.  Not a huge pecan fan but I will try them and probably make them when I need to take a little something somewhere.
• Flourless Bliss Pumpkin Souffle mix. This is a little ready to go container and I love it. Since its getting cooler this week I'm sure to try it out one night.
• Lotus Bakeries Smooth Biscoff spread.  There is only a small togo container of this and the infor says its good on toast and fruit slices so when I'm having my crackers this week I might grab this out with some fruit too. 

So even though everything isn't exactly what I would eat I do love getting new things to try and hopefully finding a couple keepers and for only $7 a month its a great deal.

 

Happy eating,

Jenny

Wittlebee November 2012

After taking a month or so off I ordered another Wittlebee box. This time I got it for C and let me tell you I am so excited. The box is great and one of the outfits will be his Christmas outfit. I'm trying to find a matching one for N now in a 4T if anyone has one. :)

 I love getting these boxes in the mail.

 First look and already I'm loving it.

 A 2 piece Carters outfit.  Its short sleeved and long pants which is actually ok since here in NC we have many fall/winter days that this is what he can wear.  Its also a little big so maybe we can get spring out of it too.

 Wittlebee brand grey knit pants.  A nice neutral color that should go with lots of shirts.

 And now onto his Christmas outfit.  I love this 3 piece outfit from Calvin Klein. It has black pants with a long sleeve deep red/cranberry shirt and a sweater.  Love Love Love this.

Now for the info.  For those that don't know Wittlebee is a clothing subscription box.  When you sign up you fill out a profile with your child's information and favorite colors,patterns, needs etc and for $38.99 a month they will send you a box of 6 items for you.  If you use my link you will get $10 off your first box.  That is a great deal!!!

Happy Thanksgiving,
Jenny

disclaimer:  There is my affiliate link above. In addition to the discount you will get on your first order I will also get credit for you too.