Bride Box and Updates

First of all I know I am waaaay behind my Bride Box and Birchbox "reviews". This is the November Bride Box I received, and I believe this is my last one from my 6 month subscription.
I really like the idea of Bride Box and loved their first 3... after that I felt like the quality of the boxes had gone down hill. They are more about advertising (which I understand you need to do) than filling the boxes with fun stuff for the bride or the big day. As I am partially sad I will not be receiving it anymore, I am kind on glad I wont be faced with any more disappointing boxes. I still get my Ipsy bag every month and those have been great!!

Here is the November Bride Box:

My last box

First quick look of contents

 

This is one of the nice surprised from this month. I am not "sweating for the wedding" but I plan on wearing this while vegging on the couch with some potato chips. It also has an adorable pink bow in the back.

I have no idea what this is, what it's suppose to be, what I am suppose to do with it.
Bride box no longer gives out the info cards they once did and I can not find this on the website (I will have to stalk one of my favorite blogs and see if she has an explanation for this)

By the way: It's basically an ornament filled with beads and tinsel and little "diamond" thingy. A 5 year old could have made this.

Blood orange scented candle. I love the candle and the smell, they are passing it off as a favor for guest. Not sure how I feel about that. It's nice but not overwhelmingly great.

(Gray bag): The gift bags you give your guest as they check into the hotel, cute bag, but that's all it is, there is NOTHING inside. Like at least pack it like you would a guest bag. (FYI: We have decided not to do welcome bags, sorry to disappoint any one)

The second item is a sample of skin care product stuff. Eh.

 

 

The only thing that was "WOW great!" was the tank top. Also as we move closer to the wedding, I am realizing I have A LOT of my components already taken care of, so I find a lot of the bride box items unless. Like I said, I loved my first 3 boxes, they were great, and there were little things in each of the others I loved.

All opinions are my own.

 

Updates:

 

 

We have officially booked our officiant. Josh and I sat down with him this morning. He is great, very warm and welcoming. Its also very soothing to have someone to take all the stress and pressure off of me, but still preform the ceremony the way we want it, individualized.

 

Josh has also pulled off the most rocking rehearsal dinner ever!!!! I'm so excited. Referring again to the previous post, I apologize to out of town family, but we just can not have that big of a rehearsal, so it is being kept to the bridal party, parents, and grandparents.
Thank you for your understanding.

 

We are sitting down with Josh's dad in a few weeks to make a final decision on wedding invitation and get those printed.

 

Things are moving along very quickly, but I cannot wait until wedding day to finally be Josh's Mrs.

September BirchBox Man

Josh's Birchbox came in. I love how we get it the first week of the month. I also love their information cards and they always have a theme.

 

Info card side 1

This month's theme was travel ready and essentials.

Info card side 2

 

 

VitaMan $19 (full size $28)

Face and Body Cleanser

Hanz de Fuko $17.50 full size

Medium hold oil absorbing styler for second day hair

Luxe City Guide- LA $9.99

Pocket city guide, info on where to stay, eat, and play

I wish they had a bigger selection of maps. For the US they have, LA, MIA, NY, & Chicago. No granted I want to go back to Chicago, I wish they had one with our honeymoon locations: Seattle, Vancouver, or Alaska. I like their small size though, and packed full of info.

Men in Cities $40

Leather passport case

When I saw thing box was about traveling, I was really hoping there was a phone case in here, but this passport case is pretty cool, and since we will be needing them for our honeymoon, he can present it with style.

Ernest Supplies $25- full size

 Cooling Shave cream

The packaging cracks me up, because it reminds me of the little applesauce food packets for kids.

 

Also included was a $10 year subscription card to Men's Health. We will probably get this as well, since he is trying to keep in better shape, and this may give him more ideas and better motivation.

 

Josh perspective: I haven't had the time to try out these little things but out of them all, I like the second day quicksand and the leather passport case. I do with we could have a selection of the maps and preferably a wider selection. I'll keep you updated on the other stuff once I try them out.

 

 

August Bride Box

I received my August Bride Box a week ago. I am a little behind on my blog post.
Also Saturday was my 27th birthday! It was an amazing birthday weekend and couldn't have asked  for anything better! Friday night Josh took me Bonefish Grill for dinner. Saturday mom made me empanadas and I have my friends come over for dinner also. After dinner we went out to a hookah bar. Sunday morning we went back to Bonefish for brunch, with endless mimosas! YUM! Then the big finale of the weekend was a Backstreet Boys reunion concert. I felt like I was 12 all over again! I squealed and sang along with almost every song and I had a goofy, blissful smile on the entire time! :)

So back to the Bride Box. I got my shipping confirmation in my email almost 2 weeks ago, but it took a while for the box to actually get on the move, but it final arrived!

The info card. The theme this month was "Beautify You"

 

Sample size tinted moisturizer

Apothederm Anti-aging skin care

I guess I can start an anti-aging regiment at any time, why not before my big day

Tucker Hill- Bubble bath

These look so nice and relaxing. I can't wait to get into the bath tub with some wine or champagne

Zosimos Botanicals- natural beauty

The left is a small (sample size) lip gloss, its a great small size to store almost anywhere. I'm not sure about the color in the tube, it looks a little dark, but I haven't tried it on yet. The left is an eye shadow color is purple, but I especially love the lose power eye shadows that's always what I find myself using the most.

Willow Tree Minerals- finishing veil powder

I am excited to use this. Its a finishing powder to put on top of your makeup when you are finished to help minimize pores & shine.

Noell Desiree earrings

I love these. Although I don't often wear dangles, these seem like a lot of fun and they are a pale yellow. Now I already have my earrings picked out for my wedding. I may be wearing these for the bridal shower and rehearsal

 

 

Also included in the box was a $15 gift certificate for Hearts. I browsed their site quickly, but I'm sure I can find something to spend my certificate on.

 

Was this my favorite box? No, but I still love the concept of The Bride Box and I'm excited what the next 3 months hold!! :)

 

In other news: Josh and I are looking at houses. We aren't forcing anything and don't have a specific time line to do this one, so we can relax during this process. If we find the perfect house during this time then so be it.

I do have wedding news and updates but those will come in the monthly update in a few days :)

August BirchBox for Man

Josh's August Birchbox came in, which for starters was super quick!!!
This month's theme was "Serve it Up" How to cook in stlye and be more confident with it.

Info card side 1

Info card side 2

Mt. Sapola: Full Size $8 

A preservative-free soap powered by a natural antiseptic lemongrass

 

 

English Laundry- Arrogant: Full Size $52-64

A strong masculine aroma with notes of sandalwood, cedar, and sheer musk

 

This smells fantastic!! Aside from the (high) price on the full size we may still consider buying it. It is a sheer manly smell, but not a gross manly smell. It is manly and subtle, and not floral at all!

Plant: Full Size $40

Essential oils that nourish and brighten skin

Josh tried this and said it smells very spicy, like Indian spices. He said it felt good too

 Raw Material: Full Size $5-9

Mini face stick. Mess-proof UVA/UVB protection that soothes skin with aloe and coconut oil

Rub against skin before exposure to sun, wind, cold...etc

 

Roosevelt Supply

Canvas Apron- $28

 

This is totally awesome and totally manly to cook in. It doesn't have those cutesy sayings or phrases on it which makes its great and a man would actually WANT to wear it. This is also from the same company that made the leather wallet from the previous box. Josh has been trying to help out with some of the cooking lately, and this will be great for him to wear while making dinner. Not to mention it's kind of sexy ;-) It reminds me of the old aprons that blacksmiths would wear while working. This was worth the $20 box subscription charge.

 

 

Josh's Perspective:

I didn't know Katie had got another box fort me. Luckily, since I've been wanting to help around with the cooking more, this box helps with little tips and a kick ass apron. The one thing that did surprise me was how good the English Laundry cologne smelled. It smelled like, well, me. The other stuff I hadn't gotten around to really try yet because I've never had to use a face stick or the face oil just because I think my face is oily enough.

Also, from the previous box, I did try some of the energizing face scrub. That will perk up your mornings for you. I've also tried the shampoo that's supposed to thicken your thinning hair. I'm guessing I need a full size to see the effects of it, haha.

Subscription Boxes

Ok so there is this whole new world out there of subscription boxes. They have one for EVERYTHING!

Here is a review of the 3 I received for July:

BirchBox Man: is a $20 a month subscriptions for men. They usually have samples of men skin care products and some fun things in there for them as well. Since I was receiving the Bride Box, I figured I'd get one for Josh to enjoy. I received this box on Saturday July 13

The box. It was a very nice, no frills box. July's box was inspired by the show on USA Suits

 

 

The information card. I like how it tells you what each product is and how to use it

 

The flip side of the information card give you info on the show Suits and what you can expect from the products inside and what best situations to use them in.

 

Contents:

Billy Jealousy (Adrenaline junkie energizing facial scrub) & Toweldry (Thickening shampoo) both sample sizes. Josh has yet to try either one, but the facial scrub smells amazing! Facial full size $24 & Shampoo full size $16

 

Balla Power (sample size) full size $15

A premium talcum powder to sprinkle everywhere and anywhere on the body to curb perspiration and order

Wukin Stiffs $20

2.5 inch power stays. I am very excited about these, they are wedding worthy. I typically hate the rental shirts they give you when renting the suit or tux, so I am getting him a new bright white, slim fitted button down shirt and these will be perfect for keeping the points picture perfect.

 

Roosevelt supply card case $25

Slim leather hold forbuisness cards, credit cards, and cash. I think this is great and very suave. I change my giant purse into a smaller wristlet when we go out, why shouldn't guys? This would be great for a date night or night out, without having the bigger bulk of the full wallet. All they need is an ID, card, and cash.

 

 

Would I continue this box? I like that the collar stiffs and the wallet are double the cost of the box, so it paid for itself. Yes, probably. I think its nice to get the dude in on the action and from what I've seen in previous boxes, they get really super spoiled!

 

Josh's perspective: Lately I've been watching this one with her bride boxes and I thought to myself, Hey, how come I don't have one? Well, a couple of days later, she hands me a small box, and I realize, she DID get me a box. I was both surprised and pleased. I really liked the magnetic collar stiffs just because it's gadgety cool and the card case because its slim and the smell of leather is always good. the other stuff is all hygienic and hair thickening shampoo which I'm going to try soon.

 

 

Ipsy: is a $10 a month subscription for women beauty prodects. I chose them over birchbox for woman because you get a little more variety and typically full size/travel size items. I have been stalking this bag's tracking for weeks and it finally arrived. I have also been trying to avoid spoilers via facebook or instagram.

 

Ipsy comes in a bag that stores everything. However this may not be my favorite color or bag (I've seen past ones that are ADORABLE) It will be a great bag to put all my beauty contents into from my purse

Second view out of the bag

Coola

This is a sample size of mineral sunscreen and tinted moustirizer (and its organic). I don't typically use things like this, but if its given to me I will give it a try. I cant find the exact one, but full size is about $42

Pop

Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush. Looks like you can get a 6 pack kit at Ulta for $25. I would not have picked this color off the shelf, but with the orange/coral lip color working it way around Hollywood its not obnoxious on.

BHcosmetics California Collection

I browsed their site very quickly and they are not overly priced. Again not colors I would pick off the shelf, but I do need to get out of my black rut, and the purple looks like a nice alternative.

 

Benefit tinted lip & cheek stain

I am a SUCKER for lip stains, I have tried a bunch of brands and types. This really excited me. I have the benefit brand foundation power and LOVE it. They are pricey full size for the lip & cheek tint is $30.  

Big Sexy Hair: Weather Proof

I don't usually use a lot on my hair, but this may come in handy with FL weather's and all. This appears to be travel size. Full size $18.95 at Ulta





 

 

I really like this ipsy bag, and will continue with my subscription.

 

 

Bride Box: this is my second bride box, I signed up for the 6-month subscription so I should be receiving it up until September. I was in LOVE with my first box from them and was super excited to get this month. They ship from West Palm area, so I literally get mine the next day. I get it before they even send out the email with the tracking info. :) I got to get a sneak peek at this box as soon as it was delivered, but didn't get to dig through it until I got home. I was SO EXCITED to start digging in it! First look was awesome, and didn't disappoint!

 

The box. I love the sticker and the plain white box!

 

Inside first look with the info card. The theme was "Last fling before the ring". A bachelorette inspired box! YAY!

 

The information card

 

The second look. See that green bubble wrap? Its the best for last!!!

Custom Printed Eyewear

These are kind of cool. They would make a great photo booth prop (which my friend is doing for her wedding) and to wear and take pictures for the bachelorette party. $14

Dare to Do It Cards

I flipped through a few of these when I opened the package and they seem like fun! They go from extreme to mildy inappropriate. They are available at the Bride Box shop, but are not up there yet.

The Crafty Vixen

Again this is something fun for photo booths or to wear at the bachelorette party. However I wish it said something other than "team bride", maybe something more like "bride to be" or "future Mrs." They have a lot of options on the site and customizable ones. $16

Plastic shot glass

I cant really write much more that that. It is coupled with the deck of card to be available on the Bride Box shop.

Sticker Ship wine glass

This is AWESOME! One can never have too many wine glasses. The site does so much more than wine glasses, I am going to have to browse it more in depth. $12-16

 

 

I am even more excited for my August Bride Box! They keep getting better and better! They are definably worth the $30 (because I had a coupon) a month

 

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