Little Life Box – October 2017

On January 11, 2018March 3, 2018 By jackiblosblackisIn ReviewLeave a comment

Octobers box has been in for a little bit now (besides I get it later than everyone else, got to love living up north). I paid $26.15 CAD for Octobers box and still a price I have been more than happy to pay. Lets see if this box was worth it though.

So, I love the fall colours this box had. Plus, the cards are always so pretty. Not as many big items this month but there are a lot of items so Yay!

FYI: the pictures are kind of horrible I could not find a spot where I was not getting a shadow.

Who says save the best for last. We are going to do them first! On the left there is ‘Green Tea Primer’ by Evio Beauty. Cruelty Free stamp (PETA), Paraben free, and vegan. Excited about the vegan aspect and of course that they say they are cruelty free. I will not be opening this until I finish with my current primer though. Oh and it is made in Canada!

On the right we have a lavender mud bath mix by Black Oxygen. Pretty sure I can use this right now. I wish I had done this earlier as I had a bath the other night.

*Update – I have tried the mud mix. Not sure if it is really for me though.

*Update: I have been using the primer. Since I only use a setting/finishing powder I do not think I can make a proper review of the staying power. The formula was much thinner than I am use to. I had no reaction to it which is always good. I also did not hate it either. I plan on trying a couple different brands but this one currently sits at the top of my list.

Two whey protein mixes. One in vanilla and one in strawberry, sweetened with stevia. Not thrilled but always happy to be able to try things out.

I have three sample packs of the ‘Organic’ Jelly Bellys. Have not tried them yet but I have mixed feeling about organic label. I mean they are still jellybeans and not healthy for you. This will not make me feel less guilty about eat them. On the right is strawberries and cream flavoured fruit and nut nibbles by Nakd. I want to say I have tried the brand before but no promises there. I am excited about these ones as the ingredients list is very small. Dates, cashews, raisins, rice flour, and natural flavouring. That is it!

*Update: Not a fan of the jellybeans. However I am not big on any jellybean.

*Update: Tried the nibbles, totally did not like them. I feel like it was more the flavour I could not stand. I would completely be open to trying a different flavour.

Toothpaste samples by Auromere. These are being put in the bin of travel products. We are currently using a vegan, Canadian toothpaste. Which, I happen to love and I will have to check with Mister on how he feels about it.

*Update – I tried the licorice flavour and I love it. I will buy it if I come across it but since it is not Canadian I will not specifically go looking for it.

Always enjoy this brand and while I cannot use these right now I am hanging on to them. They do not expire till 2019, lets just hope I remember to update when I am able to use them.

These I do not think I am comfortable using. They sound kind of interesting though. Pink Ice Energy Crystals. Raspberry and Mint flavoured. Suppose to be a dietary supplement. I would suggest doing some reading on these if you are interested in them. I am really on the fence about how I feel.

I have had this brand and the fact that they have chocolate cookies are a little exciting. Just not healthy for you. Awesome to be able to try this junk food with out actually having to buy more than you should!

On the left we have Handfuel marcona almonds with sea salt and freshly squeezed lemon. Mister seen these and told me I should be eating them right at this moment ha-ha. I keep stuff like this at the office but these sound much more refreshing or at least lighter. On the right are Laiki black rice crackers. They are vegan and kosher with a very limited ingredients list. Not holding my breath that I will like them but maybe I will be pleasantly surprised.

*Update: The almonds are not anything fancy but I enjoy the simplicity of them. The size of the packaging is also perfect to throw in the diaper bag.

Besides a couple items I would say this box is worth what I paid. Cannot wait to see what November brings!

Little Life Box – August 2017

On August 12, 2017October 20, 2017 By jackiblosblackisIn ReviewLeave a comment

I have re-subscribed! I really did miss this box out of everything I have tried in the past. I realize I got this a little late compared to others but none the less lets get on with the review.

This is for the original box (there is a vegan option and one day I will review that one too). The box cost $23 + $5 shipping (CAD) on a monthly subscription. I also just learned that they are now shipping to the USA. It is a healthy lifestyle subscription box that features a lot of Canadian companies. This is a big deal for myself as I try to be aware when shopping where my item(s) are being made or where the company is located. This allows me to discover and try new things before purchasing the full product or the full line of flavours and such.

I seen this beauty as soon as I opened the box up. I do love flamingos and I think the postcard is gorgeous. It will be finding a place in our home.

Right off the bat there is a variety of items. They have really covered their bases with this box.

Here we have SISU U-Cubes, two samples of each. Calcium and D3 children’s chews and Multivitamin Gummies.

*Update: These are being disposed of by the pharmacy as we do not have much use for them.

Powdered Peanut butter *no sugar added by PB&Me. I am a huge fan of this idea and to top it off this sample is no sugar added. For me I do not see a need to sweeten peanut butter. So excited and can see this being a future purchase.

We have an Urban Spa bath mitt in the middle. Honestly my skin is to sensitive for most of their products. However I am making a very nice self pampering gift basket. On the left is a stress roll-on by Puressentiel. It does seem to have quite a strong lavender sent to it. Despite that I am going to give it a fair shot (lord knows I could use help de-stressing). On the right we have Arthro Action by Reeliv5. It is a topical spray that relieves muscle pain and inflammation. This item in particular I am not able to use right now and won’t be able to for a while. However I have lucked out and it does not expire till December 2019.

Chocolate flavoured plant based protein powder by Profit Pro. Now protein powder is not really my thing but I will add it into a smoothie. We also have fruit punch flavoured powdered sports beverage by Pro Circuit Endurance. It will be interesting to try.

On the left is a raspberry flavoured fig bar by Natures Bakery. I have seen these at the store and have never picked one up for some reason. I enjoy fig bars and need to be adding things like this to my day anyways. Great reminder! On the right, pumpkin spice flavoured coconut chips by Hungry Buddha. Not a pumpkin fan so hopefully this does not ruin the first experience of coconut chips.

*Update: Fig bar was fantastic and I will be buying some to have in the pantry to snack on when running out the door.

*Update: I have not tried the coconut chips yet but Mr. did and he is not a fan.

A sample pack of stink bombs by Nature Clean. It is suppose to be an odour remover for laundry. This is not something that is really needed but I will do some research and maybe use it on the dog blankets. I think that will be the only way of finding out if it actually works. I have never tried this cleaning brand I might give them a shot. I do love how the small info paper at the bottom says ‘Made by really nice Canadians!’.

*Update: Gave this a shot with the dog towels and blankets. It worked and they seem clean but I regularly clean the dog item so not sure how well it de-stinks items.

Last item and I am psyched for it. Protein Pancake Mix by flapJacked in the cinnamon apple flavour. I do want to add a little more protein into my diet and this would be perfect. As long as we like it that is. I really do have my fingers crossed for this product.

There were a few information cards. Unfortunately Puressentiel’s brochure is in French and I can only understand a few words. Not a big deal to check out their information online but the brochure is a waste of paper in this case. Other than that I am quite happy with this months box and while not everything will create future purchases from these companies. I have a chance to try them and I would not have otherwise.

As I go through the products I do plan on updating the post.

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Review: Edible Antiques – Heirloom Seeds

On June 15, 2016June 14, 2016 By jackiblosblackisIn Gardening, Review, vegetablesLeave a comment

When I started my gardening series I said I wanted to do a current review of Edible Antiques. I approached Stacey about this because I just really want to share her company. Now this was not the first time I purchased seeds from her but the last time was in 2014 which does not work for a review. So let’s get started.

This is a small business with superior customer service. I also want to say that it is a Canadian company but on her page it does say she will ship internationally (with some restrictions).

First when you go to website it is extremely easy to navigate (just go check it out for yourself). Now I have read everything on the site but I am here to talk about the purchase, process and product. Once you click on ‘shop’ you are brought to the products page. Very simple and everything is in their appropriate groupings. Very simple to find the type of vegetable seeds you are looking for. The pictures are a joy to look at too ha-ha. Checking out is simple; all three major credit cards and Paypal are accepted. Offering a secure check out.

The items I ordered were sent out 2 business days after I placed the order. Back in 2014 Stacey had emailed to let me know when my items were shipped. However this time I emailed her first. So, I cannot say if she still does this. If you do have any questions or concerns she is quick to get back to you. I have been really slow about replying though. Every time I plan to do it I get distracted by something else (I am sorry!). Everything on her end has been good. We did have a hiccup though, as mentioned earlier Edible Antiques is a small business, a one woman show if you will. So, a couple of the seed packets I ordered were out of stock. I was promptly notified and refunded. Again amazing customer service.

I received the seeds on June 6th I believe. Sometimes Canada Post is on par with delivery times.

Is this packaging just the most gorgeous thing you have every seen. Very personal touch to them along with the packaging being made out recycled cotton and agricultural byproduct. This means that you can put it right in your compost if you do not want to keep them (I probably will).

From beginning to end I loved purchasing from here and I plan to again next year. Please go check her out, I’ve had nothing but good experiences so far!

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