September 2017 MunchPak Review

I received a free MunchPak to review, but all opinions are my own.
When I first started blogging, I shared that I had purchased a MunchPak subscription for Chris as a Christmas present in 2013 when MunchPak first started. We loved trying out new and popular snacks from around the world every month, so when Julian from MunchPak offered to send us one to review, I was eager to see what MunchPaks are like these days! Plus, my pregnant self can never say no to snacks! Here is what was in our MunchPak:

Tayto Salt & Vinegar Chips from Ireland: These are from a family-owned company from Northern Ireland. I usually like salt and vinegar chips, so I’m eager to try these out!

Kiwi Carbonated Soft Drink from Japan: This is more of a product for Chris because he likes unique soda flavors, but he is excited to try it!

Zoozle Musss from Poland: These are cola-flavored candy with a fizzy filling! I like cola-flavored gummies, so these will also be fun to try!

Caramel Heaven Wafer with Caramel Filling from Poland: These remind me a bit of stroopwafels from The Netherlands, though they are quite a bit thicker.

Chillz Spicy Potato Sticks from Pakistan: I love potato sticks, so these won’t last long in our house!

Fini Sour Tornadoes with Sour Filling from Spain: This is the only product I’m not sure I’m willing to try, but I know lots of people who would be interested!

Original Goralki Nugatowe from Poland: Wow, we got a lot of products from Poland in this box. These are chocolate-coated crispy wafers with nougat cream filling, which sound super tasty!

Nutella B-Ready from Poland: This is Nutella inside a wafer, so basically it’s a taste of heaven.

Blazpberry Red & Blue Raspberry Candy Belts from The Netherlands: These look like your standard sour belts, which are always fun!

Gerrit’s Sour Blockheads from the United States: These look like Sour Patch Kids!

Draze Marynarz from Poland: These are a tasty cream-flavored hard candy.

Hill Biscuits Custard Creams from England: I love having tea with biscuits, so I’m definitely excited about these!

My box came with 12 total snacks to try, and I thought it had a great variety of snacks and countries. I thought it was interesting that quite a few of the snacks came from Poland, but they all look delicious, so I don’t mind. All of the boxes are random, so if you purchased a box in September, you wouldn’t necessarily get what I got! You can also customize the box based on your preferences for an additional fee. The price of the MunchPak varies depending on how many snacks you want (you can pick 5+, 10+, and 20+) and how often you want to receive the snacks.

If you are interested in trying it out, you can use my code SIBERIANAMERICAN for $3 off any time within the next year. To get the $3 off automatically applied to your order, go to https://munchpak.com/siberianamerican.

Have you ever tried out a snack subscription box?

April 2017 PopSugar Must Have Box Review

It’s time for another PopSugar review! I was excited because I liked this box a lot better than the March box. The variety of items was great, and I will use (or give away) everything. Here’s what I got this month:

Note: This post contains referral links. If you decide to purchase a PopSugar box, I would love it if you used my link.
Makers Kit Crystal Sand Art Terrarium ($32):
I was surprised by how much I liked this little kit! I haven’t put it together yet since we’re moving so soon, but I can’t wait to put it together in our new place!

MORNING CULTURE Dipped Bamboo Cutting Board ($22):
I love this cutting board! The color is so pretty, and even though I have a lot of cutting boards, this one can also be used as a serving tray with a hole for dips.

The Cottage Greenhouse Carrot & Neroli Rich & Repair Body Wash ($22):
I love the design of this bottle! This is a light body wash with a really subtle smell, so I like it. Once my current bottle runs out, I will use this one.

Tonic Australia Lavender Sachets ($15):
These are so cute, and I love the print, but I just can’t handle the smell. I can’t handle strong smells, and this smell is super strong. The good news is I have several friends who would love these, so they won’t go to waste!

Cocolab Cocofloss ($8):
Floss isn’t super exciting, but I do think it’s interesting that this one is made with coconut oil. I’m sure it’s nicer than the floss I usually buy.

Nourish Holy Habanero Roasted Corn ($2):
Chris and I both don’t like spicy things, so I might pass this on to my brother-in-law.

Special Extra: Sensodyne Pro Namel Strong & Bright Enamel Toothpaste ($6):
It feels a little weird to get both toothpaste and floss in a PopSugar box, but this is a special extra, so it doesn’t add to the value of the box. Plus, I’ll definitely use it, so it’s not a big deal.

The total value of this PopSugar box is $101. It’s definitely not the highest value box they have had, but it was an interesting mix of items. I’m already excited to see what is in the May box!

If you are interested in a PopSugar subscription, PopSugar is currently offering $5 of your first box with the code “MUSTHAVE5.”

What do you think of the April PopSugar box? What is your favorite item? SaveSave

March 2017 PopSugar Must Have Box Review

Happy Monday, friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Today, I thought I would stop by to share the contents of my March PopSugar box. Honestly, this is one of my least favorite boxes I have received since I starting getting PopSugar. Still, the items I did like cost more than the value of the box, so I’m fine with it. I’m just hoping I’m a little more in love with the April box!

Note: This post contains referral links. If you decide to purchase a PopSugar box, I would love it if you used my link.

Stephanie Johnson Camera Crossbody Bag ($45): This is the first item I think is pretty “meh.” I’m picky about my bags, and I don’t really want a clear one where people can see what’s inside. I also just don’t like the red color. I’ll just give this away to a friend who will appreciate it.

Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener in Stella ($24): 
I love this eye brightener. It’s definitely my favorite product in the box. It’s a great formula, and the color provides a beautiful, subtle shimmer.

Kate Spade New York Photo Album ($20): 
This is an adorable photo album, but the likelihood of me using it is somewhere close to 0. Chris and I have been talking about how much we need to print off some photos for years, but have we done it? Nope.

SunnyLife Eco Lunch Box in Watermelon ($18): 
I think this lunch box is adorable, but I just won’t use it. I think I’ll save it in case we ever have a little girl (or to pass on to a friend who has one!).

Smashmallows in Cinnamon Churro ($4): 
I always give my food to Chris, so that he can have a treat too! He hasn’t tried these yet, but he is super excited about them.

Special Extra: $25 Velvet Eyewear Card:
I’m not going to include this in the value of the box since the cheapest sunglasses are $45, and most of them are almost $200.

I came up with a total of $111 for this box. It’s definitely not the most high-value box PopSugar has had, and the items weren’t my favorite, but the eye brightener and marshmallows made it worth it for me!

If you are interested in a PopSugar subscription, PopSugar is currently offering $5 of your first box with the code “MUSTHAVE5.”

What do you think of the March PopSugar box? What is your favorite item?

February 2017 PopSugar Must Have Box Review

I was so excited to receive my February PopSugar box, so I knew I wanted to share it with y’all as soon as possible. The February box is a great example of why I love PopSugar so much. It’s has several items higher than the value of the box and is full of products I know I will use.

Note: This post contains referral links. If you decide to purchase a PopSugar box, I would love it if you used my link.

Tribe Alive Foldover Clutch—Atitlán Brocade ($98):
I would never pay $98 for this reversible clutch, but I really like getting it in this box! Each bag is handwoven, and I really like that Tribe Alive partners with artisans around the world to employ impoverished women at fair-trade wages and give them access to safe jobs. The inside of this clutch says it’s made with love from India.

Kris Nations Jewelry Love Script Necklace ($48, though the website says $58):
Usually, I prefer silver jewelry, but this dainty gold necklace is so cute! I know I will get a lot of use out of it. For those that don’t know, I wear a heart necklace every day that Chris gave me for our first married Valentine’s Day, so these type of necklaces are my cup of tea! Also, the packaging is adorable.

Juara Skincare Candlenut Body Crème ($35):
My skin always gets super dry in the winter, so I am always eager to try new body crème. This crème is thick, but it absorbs really quickly and is super moisturizing.

Battington Lashes Monroe 3D Silk Lashes and Eyelash Glue ($28):
I have never tried fake lashes, but I think I have to try these! I love the length and how these look. You can use them up to 25 times, and I like that they also included an eyelash glue.

Chuao Chocolatier Cinnamon Cereal Smooch Chocolate Bar ($6):
We have had Chuao before and really liked it. This flavor has Chris written all over it, so I passed it on to him!

Special Extra: Revlon Super Lustrous™ Love Is on Lipstick ($7.99):
Revlon claims this red looks great on everyone, and I have to agree! It’s such a pretty shade and perfect for a Valentine’s (or Galentines!) date.

The total for this box is about $223, which I think is amazing! I think it was a perfect box for this time of year, and I will use everything in it (except maybe the lashes).

If you are interested in a PopSugar subscription, PopSugar is currently offering $5 of your first box with the code “MUSTHAVE5.”

What do you think of the February PopSugar box? What is your favorite item?

January 2017 PopSugar Must Have Box Review

Hey, friends. I meant to show up here yesterday, but this weekend was a tough one with spending time with my best friend and going to her mom’s memorial. Thank you for all of your kind words on her passing.

Today, I wanted to share the contents of my PopSugar box. This was one of those months with a high value item I loved, which made everything else feel like extra. Overall, it was a nice combination of fun and useful items.

Note: This post contains referral links. If you decide to purchase a PopSugar box, I would love it if you used my link.

GOLDFADEN MD Fresh A Peel Multi Acid Resurfacing Peel ($85): 
I have heard so many good things about the GOLDFADEN MD brand, but at $85, I could never justify the price. I am so excited to try this peel. My favorite part of it is it only takes one to three minutes to work.

Manduka eQua Mat Towel in Playa ($38): 
I don’t do yoga, so I didn’t even know you need a towel for your yoga mat. I definitely think I can repurpose it, though, because it’s so soft!

May Designs Desk Calendar and Notecard ($25): 
I was so excited when I saw this item in the box! All of the designs are adorable, and I love that you can flip the card over and cut on the dotted line to turn each page into a notecard. Items like these are why I love PopSugar so much.

Daily Concepts Your Hair Wrap Towel ($18): 
I’ve never really used a special hair wrap towel, but this one says it helps eliminate frizz, so I am willing to give it a try.

Dean & Deluca Peppermint Loose Leaf Tea ($10.75): 
I love tea, but I don’t like peppermint tea. I’ll probably pass this on to my mom.

Sourcebooks Inc Instant Happy Notes ($8.99): 
This little book includes 101 sticky notes you can tear off to brighten someone’s day! I can’t wait to use these.

Special Extra: Glade No 3 Coconut and Beach Woods Candle ($4.99): 
This item is a special extra, which means it doesn’t count towards the value of the box. I am sensitive to a lot of strong smells, and I really hated this one. That said, it doesn’t bother me that this was in the box since it doesn’t contribute to its value. I’ll definitely pass it on to a friend who will enjoy it!

The total value of this PopSugar box was about $186. That’s a huge value for a box that only cost me $20 during the Black Friday sale.

If you are interested in a PopSugar subscription, PopSugar is currently offering $5 of your first box with the code “MUSTHAVE5.”

What was your favorite item in my January 2017 PopSugar box? 

December 2016 PopSugar Must Have Box Review

Recently, I have gotten several emails asking me if I am planning on doing more PopSugar reviews in the future. The truth is the May 2016 PopSugar box was my last box before this one. As much as I love PopSugar, I didn’t want to mess with it while we were moving and I was waiting for surgery. I ended up getting a new subscription on Black Friday. They were selling PopSugar for $20 a box, and I couldn’t say no to that! The December boxes have always been one of my favorites of the year (here is 2015 and 2014 for reference), so I was a little bummed this one wasn’t as festive as previous years. Still, it had some great items, so I’m excited to share it with y’all!

Note: This post contains referral links. If you decide to purchase a PopSugar box, I would love it if you used my link.

Odeme Catchall and Ring Dish Set ($67): 
I really love this set. It’s made out of porcelain and has a beautiful minimalist look.

Bauble Bar Snowfall Pendant ($28): 
This is a PopSugar exclusive item, which is always fun, but I don’t love it. It’s just not my style.

Winky Lux Lip Pill in Bunny ($14): 
I love cranberry lipstick for the holidays, and it’s even better that it’s matte! This is a gorgeous color with a beautiful pigment and is surprisingly moisturizing for a matte lipstick.

Dessange Top Coat Serum ($12): 
Apparently, this serum adds shine to your hair. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s not a bad product to get.

Mane Message Date Night Bobby Pins ($10): 
I can’t remember the last time I’ve used bobby pins, but these are so cute and sparkly!

Sisters’ Gourmet Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix ($7): 
I was just thinking I needed to pick up ingredients for cookies, so this is perfect! Chris and I always love the food in PopSugar boxes, so we’re excited about this mix.

The total value of this box is $138. I didn’t love all the items, but the catchall and ring dish set makes it more than worth it for me.

If you are interested in a PopSugar subscription, PopSugar is currently offering $5 of your first box with the code “MUSTHAVE5.”

What was your favorite item in my December 2016 PopSugar box? 

April 2016 PopSugar Must Have Box Review (+ Coupon)

My April 2016 PopSugar box was delivered later than usual this month, but it came at a time when I needed a treat. I thought this month was a great combination of useful and fun items.

Note: This post contains referral links. If you decide to purchase a PopSugar box, I would love it if you used my link.

Farmacy Sleep Tight Firming Night Balm ($48)
I love when PopSugar sends all-natural products, and this night balm looks great. I am picky about smells, and I thought the smell was nice and not too strong. Also, the packaging was really nice.

Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat by Chrissy Teigen ($14.99)
I had already received a copy of Cravings from Blogging for Books, but I am not complaining about getting another one because I think it would make a great gift. My full review of Cravings is here, but I will say if you haven’t picked up a copy yet, do it!

Royal Apothic Field Poppy Conservatories Hand Crème ($24)
I know some people hate getting lotion in subscription boxes, but I don’t mind as long as it’s interesting. I thought this lotion smelled great, and I loved the packaging. Also, the package comes with a tool to get as much lotion out of the package as possible, which I thought was a great addition.

Noon Design Shop Lemons Flour Sack Tea Towel ($18)
I love the fun lemon pattern on this tea towel! I haven’t used it yet, but apparently, it absorbs like a paper towel and is designed to get better with every use. I love that it’s super soft.

Canvas Home Tinware Salt & Pepper Shakers ($12)
This was the only item in the box I didn’t love, but I didn’t mind getting it because I think it would work as a nice add-on to a housewarming gift.

Next by Nature Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans ($4)
I’ve mentioned before that I give Chris all of my PopSugar food items, so that he can also get a treat, but we might have to share these. These beans are all-natural and look super good!

Bloom That $20 Gift Card ($20)
I don’t usually mention much about the special extras in PopSugar boxes, but I thought this one was perfect as it came in time for Mother’s Day. The cheapest bouquets for my area are $48, so with a $20, I could get one for $28. Not a bad deal!

The April PopSugar box felt like it had more of a theme than usual with three kitchen items and two skin care items, but I really liked most of what I received. If you are interested in a PopSugar subscription, PopSugar is currently offering $5 off your first box with the code “REFER5.”

What do you think of the April PopSugar Box? What's your favorite item?

March 2016 PopSugar Must Have Box Review (+ Giveaway)

After such an amazing February box, I was eager to see how the March box would compare. Although I liked the February box better, I think the March box has some great items that I will definitely use.

Note: This post contains referral links. If you decide to purchase a PopSugar box, I would love it if you used my link.

Nanette Nanette Lepore Classic Rose Gold Watch ($55): 
This watch made the whole box worth it for me right away. It’s a PopSugar exclusive made by Nanette Lepore to celebrate the launch of Nanette Nanette Lepore, a new watch collection that will appear on Bloomingdales.com this month. I love all things rose gold, and this watch is no exception. The design is gorgeous, and the beige vegan leather has an elegant appearance that almost looks pink. Plus, the watch has enough holes for sizing to fit my tiny wrist!

Pixi by Petra Book of Beauty Minimal Makeup ($24): 
I own a bunch of eye shadow palettes, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t want more. I love that this palette also includes two highlighters and two blushes. The eye shadow has a great pigment, and I love the neutral colors.

Govino Go-Anywhere Carafe and Water Glass Set ($14.95): 
I thought this decanter would work well for water on my bedside table or to use at a picnic.

Miss Ivy Pearl Five Tassel Necklace ($38): 
This is the first time I haven’t liked a necklace from PopSugar. I like the color, but it’s just not my style.

Hello Extra Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste ($4.49): 
Toothpaste is a little boring to receive in a subscription box, but I do like the Hello brand, and it will definitely get used!

Goodie Girl Cookies in Toffee Chaos ($5): 
I have mentioned in the past that I always give my PopSugar snacks to Chris, and he is super excited about these.

Overall, I thought this was a solid box. I loved the watch so much that everything else was icing on the cake!

If you are interested in a PopSugar subscription, PopSugar is currently offering $5 of your first box with the code “REFER5.”

What do you think of the March 2016 PopSugar box? What is your favorite item?

---

I've gotten together with seven other bloggers to give you the opportunity to win a lovely bundle of prizes! We're giving away a Caribou Coffee "Adventure" mug, a beautiful altered journal (of the winner's choosing) from the December Caravan Etsy shop, and a lovely English Teas & Cakes cookbook!

 

These prizes are the perfect stepping stone from cozier winter months into the refreshing spring season! It's always fun to throw a tea party or try out a new dessert recipe, and you can never go wrong with another beautiful mug. Also, a December Caravan journal is the perfect product to jumpstart your journaling as we transition into spring!

 

 You can enter the giveaway below. In the meantime, stop by these lovely ladies' blogs and say hi!

 

Hannah from Just Bee // Rebecca from Caravan Sonnet (+ December Caravan on Etsy) // Nelle from simply love // Olya from The Siberian American // Crystal from Dreams, etc. // Justine from Charm City Ciemny's Kendra from Open Spaces // Christie from Sparkles of Sunshine // Susannah from Simple Moments Stick

a Rafflecopter giveaway

February 2016 PopSugar Must Have Box Review

After a somewhat disappointing January box, I was eager to see if I liked the February box. PopSugar completely redeemed itself because the February 2016 PopSugar Must Have Box might just be my favorite box ever (It’s hard to beat the December 2014 box, though).

Note: This post contains referral links. If you decide to purchase a PopSugar box, I would love it if you used my link.

Beauty Counter Nourishing Cleansing Balm ($50):
This balm comes with a muslin cloth and a small spatula. My skin is super dry in the winter, and this left it feeling moisturized and super soft. I love discovering products like this balm!

Tilo Heart Print Scarf ($125):
I don’t think this scarf is worth $125, but I love it in this box! It’s super soft, I love the gray color, and the hearts are super cute.

JewelryStorm Endless Arrow Ring ($28):
I don’t wear a lot of fashion rings because I have a wedding ring on each hand (Russians wear wedding rings on their right hand), but I love this one! The ring is adjustable and looks great stacked.

Fringe Studio Hello Beautiful Tray ($14): 
How gorgeous is this tray? I love the message and that the entire backside is metallic gold. I think I’m going to buy a few of these for friends.

Victoria’s Secret Coconut Milk Hydrating Body Lotion ($18): 
This is the only thing in the box I don’t love but only because I am picky about smells and don’t like the smell of coconut. I’m sure I could pass it on to a friend, though.

Foodstirs Heart Cookie Mix ($12.95): 
I love to bake, so I was really excited to see this in the box. It came with a heart cookie cutter and a recipe for Valentine’s Day sugar cookies.

Special Extra: Victoria’s Secret $20 Reward Card: 
This works like a gift card, so I will have to stop by Victoria’s Secret soon.

Special Extra: Victoria’s Secret Sports Socks ($5): 
These have an extra cushioned sole and arch support, and I think socks are a great extra.

The total value of this box was over $250, which is huge!

If you are interested in a PopSugar subscription, PopSugar is currently offering $5 of your first box with the code “REFER5.”

What do you think of the February 2016 PopSugar box? What is your favorite item?

January 2016 PopSugar Must Have Box Review

This is the first time in a long time where I’m bummed about most of the contents of my PopSugar box. I ended up loving just one of the items and thought the rest of the items in the January box were just OK.

Note: This post contains referral links. If you decide to purchase a PopSugar box, I would love it if you used my link.

Blue Sky Day Designer Weekly Planner ($16):
If this planner was in the November or December 2015 box, I would have been ecstatic. It’s in my favorite color, and I love that it has a “to-do” section for every day with boxes to check when I am finished. My problem is that I already have two planners (a blog planner and a life planner), and I can barely keep up with writing in those. I might have to switch to this one though because of the color and to-do section.

Not Soap, Radio Bath and Shower Gel Gift Set ($22): I
t’s hard for me to get excited about a shower gel set because it’s something people constantly give as gifts. I do like the names and smells of this set though.

Liquid Freud (coconut milk mango + vanilla)
When life gives you one too many lemons (lemon + sugar)
To sleep full of sweet dreams (lavender + clementine)
Bathing with sharks (beach + sky blue water)
Awash in a field of four-leaf clover (green & white tea + clover)

Patchology FlashMasque Trio ($20): 
This trio features a hydrating masque, exfoliating masque, and an illuminating masque. My problem with it is that I never get around to using facial masks. I have about a million from Birchbox, Ipsy, and gifts, so I don’t really need anymore.

Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up by Marie Kondo ($18.99 retail): 
Honestly, I don’t see myself reading a 200-page book about organizing. I think it’s hilarious PopSugar included this book since I don’t think the author would approve of getting subscription boxes.

Pehr Designs Pebble Speck Bin ($40): 
This is by far my favorite item in the box. It covers the cost of the whole box, is really adorable, and is something I wouldn’t have purchased for myself. It’s also large and sturdy, which is a big win in my book.

Project 7 Summer Snow Sugar Free Gum ($2):
This is a total Christopher item, so I am going to give it to him.

Special Extra: ChapStick Total Hydration 100% Natural Soothing Vanilla ($2.99): 
I believe you can never have too much chapstick, so I liked this extra.

What do you think of the items? Am I being too harsh on this box?

December 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box

Today, I wanted to share my December PopSugar box. I had to skip sharing the November box because one of the items was missing, and by the time I received the item, it was Thanksgiving. The PopSugar December boxes are usually my favorite of the year (here is last year’s version), so I was looking forward to getting the box and sharing it with y’all.

Note: This post contains referral links. If you decide to purchase a PopSugar box, I would love it if you used my link.

LUV AJ The Rose Gold Ombre Bracelet ($65): I knew I would love this box as soon as I saw this bracelet. I usually prefer silver jewelry, but gold is fun to wear during the holiday season. This item was designed exclusively for PopSugar and has gold, rose gold, and silver plating. I am always nervous about receiving bracelets in the mail because my wrists are tiny, but this one had enough hooks to work for me.

Stowaway Crème Lipstick Trio ($30): I have never heard of the Stowaway brand, but these lipsticks are so cute! The colors in the trio are cranberry, muted plum, and raspberry. They are super pigmented and go on smoothly. The size is perfect for me to put in my purse.

Swing Design Nova Blue Mist Jewelry Box ($36): This item was also made exclusively for PopSugar. Honestly, I have way too many jewelry boxes and prefer them to have compartments, but I am so obsessed with that gorgeous blue color.

Nima Oberoi Lunares Geo Stopper ($24): This wine stopper is another item designed exclusively for PopSugar. I love the look of this wine stopper and was just recently thinking I needed more wine stoppers, so this was perfect for this box.

My Cup of Cake Classic Belgian Chocolate ($6): This mix makes a soufflé in under three minutes with just water and vegetable oil. Christopher was excited to see this in the box, and we will be trying it soon.

Meri Meri Silver Stars on White Glitter Tape ($4): I thought this was washi tape, but it’s not. It has a backing that you remove to reveal the sticky part. It’s super pretty, and I will get a lot of use out of it.

Special Extra: Tiny Prints Gift Tag Stickers: I love these stickers because they can be used throughout the year. They were designed by Lisa Sugar, PopSugar’s editor-in-chief. The package also includes a coupon foe $20 off an order at Tiny Prints.

This box is a great example of the reason I get PopSugar: lots of fun gifts that I will use and a high value of $165.

What do you think of the December 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box? What is your favorite item?

Cooking with Spice and Everything Nice: November RawSpiceBar Subscription

This post is sponsored by RawSpiceBar, but all opinions are my own.
I love cooking, but I have a hard time picking what to make. My husband isn’t picky, and Pinterest just makes it harder to decide. Enter RawSpiceBar, a game-changer subscription service that sends 3-4 freshly ground spices from one country or region, complete with three recipes to try.

My box featured three spices from Ethiopia: Berbere, Ethiopian Mitmita, and Pumpkin Pie Spice. Each spice comes with a description and usage suggestions. The packets are .4 oz., enough to create three dishes for 4-6 people.

Berbere:
This is arguably the most famous spice blend of Ethiopian cuisine with a smoky and spicy flavor. It contains dried chiles, sweet paprika, coriander, ginger, cardamom, fenugreek, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and black peppercorns.

Ethiopian Mitmita:
This spice is described as crazy hot and as a great replacement for hot sauce. It contains African birds eye chili peppers, dried red chiles, cardamom, black peppercorns, and garlic.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: 
This spice is different from traditional pumpkin spice blends, featuring cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, mace, star anise, and spices.

The recipes featured this month were Key Wat (spicy Ethiopian stewed beef), Berbere roasted carrots, fennel, and mint, and pumpkin spice Dabo Kolo (Ethiopian pumpkin spice ricotta doughnuts).

Honestly, when I found out the November RawSpiceBar spices were Ethiopian, I was nervous. I love trying spices and food from around the world, but spicy food and I don’t mix. I tried a tiny bit of the Berbere and Ethiopian Mitmita and instantly knew I wouldn’t be able to handle even a little of the spice in a dish. That being said, I loved the pumpkin pie spice in my coffee (and I usually don’t like pumpkin flavor) and can’t wait to try making the ricotta doughnuts.

The verdict:
At only $6 a month, RawSpiceBar is a great way for me to broaden my cooking horizons. Each spice blend is unique and gives me the opportunity to experiment in the kitchen at a low cost. Even though I couldn’t handle the spiciness of two of the Ethiopian spices, I looked through previous months and know I would have loved the Memphis, Baltimore, Japanese, and Jamaican spices. I love that their blog features additional recipe suggestions each month. This would be a great Christmas gift for foodie friends who want to try new flavors in the kitchen.

Start your own cooking adventure here.

October 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box

I have decided that going forward I won’t share all of my PopSugar boxes, but this was the most random PopSugar box I have ever received, so I thought it would be fun to share the contents.

Note: This post contains referral links. If you decide to purchase a PopSugar box, I would love it if you used my link.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on them, I get a tiny commission.

Honest Sea Salt + Sugar Body Scrub ($17): I love the Honest Company, and this body scrub smells great and moisturizes well.

Richer Poorer Hope Slipper Socks ($15): I love slipper socks, and not only are these pink, purchasing them supports Right Action for Women.

Savvy Sleepers 100% Satin Pillow Case (Standard Size) ($36): This goes down as one of the strangest items I have received from a PopSugar box, but a new pillowcase never hurts. According to the package, satin pillowcases can prevent hair damage and nightly face wrinkles. They feel really soft and even have a secret pocket for jewelry or love notes (lol).

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling ($25 retail, $15 on Amazon): I didn’t read Mindy Kaling’s last book (I’m not big on memoirs), but I love that this book is about her journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life. I think that’s something most people can relate to, and I will probably read it the next time there is a memoir category in a reading challenge.

Easy, Tiger Brown Paper Liquor Bag Set ($8): I love the idea of using these cute wine bags for housewarming gifts.

Belgian Boys Stroopwafels ($1.50): Chris and I always open my PopSugar boxes together because I give him the food items. He was so excited about the stroopwafels. We loved stroopwafels when we studied abroad in The Netherlands (and even brought back as many as our suitcases could hold), so we love that we can get them in the United States now.

Special Extras:

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product ($9): This was just a sample, but I loved it. I’ve tried many leave-in products, but I don’t think my hair has ever felt this soft.

Danielle Stevens Jewelry Monogram Gift Card ($40): I never use these gift cards because usually the products are so much higher than the gift card. That was the case with this one, and I didn’t really see anything I wanted.

What do you think of the October 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box? What is your favorite item?

August 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box

The August 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box is the reason I love getting PopSugar boxes. I kept getting more and more excited as I pulled each item out of the box and ended up loving everything. Here is what I received this month:

American Colors Clothing Plaid Scarf ($79): I am always so excited when there is a scarf in my PopSugar boxes. I love the colors and patterns of this scarf (the back side is a gingham pattern) and can’t wait to wear it once it cools down! Do I think it is worth $79? No way. It’s definitely worth a spot in my PopSugar box, though! PS-I couldn’t find the exact scarf on the company’s website, so I picked the one that looked the most like it.

Royal Apothic Tea Balm Firming Eye Treatment ($36): I tried a sample of this eye treatment through one of my beauty boxes and loved it. I’m so glad PopSugar gave me a full-size version.

Shortstacks Birthday Cake Pancake and Waffle Mix ($7.99): Chris was beyond excited when he saw the mix in the box. He loves anything that’s birthday cake flavor. I can’t wait to make it together.

Toot Sweet Pink Stripe Large Napkin ($5.95): These napkins are so cute! I am going to use them at my next dinner party.

Happy Jackson Yay Lunch! Lunch Box ($10): This lunch box is so adorable. I am thinking of using it as an organization box since I don’t need a lunch box right now.

Pastel Best Day Ever Mug ($12): Like most people in the blogging world, I love mugs. This one is cute and is a great reminder to try to make every day the best day ever.

My Yoga Works Three-Month Trial ($45): I love that you don’t have to put in credit card information to redeem this trial. The videos look great, and I am looking forward to getting started on them.

Folgers Iced Cafe Caramel Macchiato Flavored Coffee Drink Concentrate ($4.99): I got sent four samples of the Folgers Iced Café Drink, but they accidently sent me two original lattes instead of a caramel macchiato. Chris loves these and uses them at the hospital, so he is eager to try the caramel macchiato flavor.

I came up with a total of $200.93 for this box. I seriously loved every item and wish I had another box to give as a gift!

What do you think of the August 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box? What is your favorite item in the box? 

July 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box

Hey, friends! I’m slowly recovering from our week and weekend of celebrations and decided to give myself Monday off from blogging. We have been able to go on so many fun Chicago adventures lately, and I am so excited to share them with y’all. Today, I wanted to share my latest PopSugar box. The items were more useful than fun this time, but I still thought it was a good haul.

Henri Bendel Signature Stripe Canvas Dopp Kit ($28): I have a bunch of makeup travel bags, but this one is so cute! I’m a sucker for anything with stripes.

Sorial Card Case ($28): I have never used a card case before, but I think this one is cute. It would work well with the Sorial wallet on a chain I received in November.

Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 ($28): I love the Urban Decay Setting Spray, so I am excited to see how this one compares. I’m not in love with the rosemary scent, but I love that it’s SPF 50.

POP Silver Portable Sonic Toothbrush ($20): I love that this electric toothbrush is the perfect size for traveling!

Yes to Blueberries Cleansing Facial Towelettes ($5.99): Extra cleansing wipes never hurt! I love using cleansing wipes to remove my makeup.

Hallmark Signature Cards: I received three beautiful cards from Hallmark. They are seriously so gorgeous, and I can’t wait to use them.

The Good Bean Fruit and No Nut Bar ($1.99): I love getting bars in my PopSugar boxes because they are great snacks for Chris at the hospital.

I came up with a total of $126.94 for this box. I liked that it was full of practical items that I will use often!

What do you think of the July 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box? What is your favorite item in the box? 

June 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box

I have mentioned before that I love PopSugar because it gives me a fun variety of gifts every month, and this month I decided I like it enough to cancel all of my other subscriptions (I did keep Ipsy). I honestly have so much more makeup than I can use at this point, so the other beauty subscriptions items just felt like they were taking up space. Here are the goodies I received in the June 2015 box:

Quay Australia Mandate Sunglasses ($45): I love that the frames of these sunglasses are matte black, but I think they look goofy on me. I will still be rocking them at the beach this summer, though!

Spongelle Boxed Flowers Body Wash Infused Buffer in Papaya Yuzu ($16): I love everything about this buffer. It is easy to use—you just place it under water and squeeze the sponge to absorb the water. It exfoliates well, and the smell is fantastic!

In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume  ($27.95): I like when PopSugar sends books, and this one looks great. It will definitely be added to my (long) summer reading list!

Pacifica Eye Brightening Shadow Palette ($14): Honestly, I have tried Pacifica eye shadows before, and I have always thought they weren’t very pigmented. Hopefully this palette proves me wrong.

Yogitoes Peacock Headband ($4): I don’t wear headbands, but since this was a low value item in this box, I didn’t mind it being in there.

Snap Infusion Super Candy ($4): I love gummy candy, so I was excited to see this in the box! They are infused with B vitamins, antioxidants, and electrolytes, and I think they taste great.

$30 Gift Card to Sweet & Spark: This shop sells fun vintage jewelry, so I will definitely look around and see if anything catches my eye. 

All together I came up with a total of $110.95 (without the gift card) for this box. This wasn’t my favorite box, but I am still excited about several of the items.

What do you think of the June 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box? What is your favorite item in the box?

May 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box

My PopSugar box came in the mail this week, and I couldn’t wait to share it with y’all. I think this month’s box was a fun mixture of items I will use this summer. Here’s what was inside:

Kitsch Tri’d & True Y-Shaped Necklace ($32): I think this necklace would look great with a low-cut dress. It’s a fun style, and I can’t wait to try it out.

Middle Kingdom Mini Plum Vase in Coral Red ($20): How adorable is this vase? I don’t have any mini vases, so I loved getting this in the box. I can’t wait to use it as a pop of color in our new loft.

Sisters of Los Angeles Surf Sand Love Beach Towel ($40): You can’t go wrong with a beach towel. I love the yellow color, and it is super soft. It is probably my favorite item in the box.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Cherry ($4): I love trying out different dry shampoos, and I really like this one so far. My hair looks great, and the cherry smell is a nice touch.

Sage & Row Bare Shave Cream ($17): I love that this product is aloe-based, and the smell is light.

Hammond’s Candies McCraw’s Flat Taffy ($1): Honestly, I am not a huge fan of taffy, so this was a Chris item. He enjoyed it, though!

I came up with a total of $114 for this box. I thought the May PopSugar box was another great combination of both fun and practical items.

What do you think of the May 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box? What is your favorite item in the box?

April 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box

Hey friends! I am currently in Chicago looking for a place to live, so I thought today would be a good day for a PopSugar Must Have Box review. I love when PopSugar boxes are a mixture of practical items and fun items, so this box was another winner for me.

One Love Organics Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum ($39): I have heard good things about the One Love brand, so I was excited to try this serum. I am particular about scent, and I loved that this has a nice, subtle smell. I also love that it is not heavy and absorbs into my skin quickly.

Dabney Lee Umbrella ($20): How could I not love a polka-dotted umbrella? Not only is it adorable, but it looks durable. I’ve been needing a new umbrella, so this was perfect for me!

Produce Candles Rhubarb Spring Candle ($20): I honestly wasn’t sure I would like a rhubarb-scented candle, but it actually smells amazing! Also, I can’t get over the cute packaging. It’s almost too adorable to burn. Produce Candles are made out of natural soy wax and burn for approximately 50-70 hours.

Potting Shed Creations, Ltd. Garden-in-a-bag Basil ($10): This is the only item in the box that I won’t use, but my mom is excited to try it. I honestly just have no desire to garden, even from a bag.

Flip + Tumble Reusable Bag ($12): I love that this bag folds easily into a tiny ball that I can stick in my purse. It will be great if I need to make a quick trip to the grocery store!

Special Extra: Mott 50 $25 Gift Card

I came up with a total of $101 for this box (excluding the gift card since it was an extra). I really liked the variety of items this month, though I am sad it doesn’t have a food item to try. Chris and I like to share PopSugar snacks, so it was a bummer it didn’t have one.

What do you think of the April 2015 PopSugar Must Have Box? What is your favorite item in the box?