India: Try the World #7

I was very excited to discover the India box.

This box included tea, dosa mix, curry spice mix, baked chickpeas, basmati rice

France-Try the World #8

Ooo la la!

This month's box featured products from France.

I think the coolest thing in the box was a package of crepes. They must been relatively fresh because they came with a little sticker that advised to eat them first.I ate banana nutella crepes and fruit and whipped cream crepes with chocolate sauce.

In the France box, I also received chestnut cream (recipe ideas anyone?), tea, cookies, herb crackers, fig jam, whole grain , salt, whole grain mustard and a spice mix.

I've tried the crackers with goat cheese and they are delicious. The salt was sprinkled over the caramel sauce filling off the macarons we made last weekend.

The crackers look marvelously dainty-almost like super thin Milanos before they are sandwiched.

Try the World Box #6: Peru

December's box was Peru. How cool.

Inside this box, I received:

I am very excited to try the quinoa avocado salad recipe that came in the box. It looks delicous and i was suprised to hear my husband say he'd try it. He's an avacoado fan (is there anyone who isn't?) but I didn't think he'd be up for trying the quinoa.

I did sneak a handful of the cocoa nibs and blueberry mix and it is very bitter! I can see why Try the World recommends mixing it into granola ...it definitely needs some sweet!

I'm also excited to try the yellow pepper paste. I think my husband will probably like it.

6 boxes...I'm one box away from being halfway through my subscription (my first month was a 2 for one promo) and I can honestly say I'm very pleased with the subscription service and the product quality. I love having new and interesting foods delivered right to my door.

Click on over to see what this month's promo deal is.

Stitchfix # 4: Love at Last

I'd heard it said many times...it takes awhile.

I'd read that line on a few blog reviews of Stitchfix, but I thought, surely not with me, I've set up a Pinterest board, left detailed notes, surely they will "nail" my style right off the bat.

But I was wrong. My first fix was semi-me. I kept one thing each from my second and third fix, and hated almost everything they sent. But Stichfix is a customer service oriented company and they emailed me asking for a chance to make it right. They waived my styling fee and let me chat via email with my stylist. She sent me a list of questions which I answered. I also went through and updated my Pinterest board.

And my stylist nailed it! (Disclaimer: my husband took these photos during the commercial break of a game so please excuse the quality. I'm not sure what was going on with the lighing? Maybe the TV?)

A super cute dress:

A lovely lace skirt in my favorite color: and a comfy yet classic cardigan:

 (Sadie's not sure what's going on.)

A beautiful blue top that was very similar to one I own (pic to terrible to share!)and a totally adorable striped tee:

(I really don't know what was going on here. The stripes were not diaganol and there is a cute pocket that you can't see. Next time, I'm inviting my professional photograper sister over! And of course, my dog is still confused.)

I kept the dress, skirt and cardigan. I sent back the tank top because it was too similar to a piece I already own. I also sent back the t-shirt because I didn't feel it was worth the price. I'd pick up a piece like that for $15 on clearance, not spend around $40.

I love Stitchfix because I can never quite make up my mind and the narrow it down to pieces  that stand a pretty good chance of fitting and being my style. I am super excited that they offer exchanges now because I really loved the first pair of jeans they sent me but they were a little big.

If you'd like to give Stitchfix a try, click here to get started!

* The links in this post are affiliate links and I will receive a Stitchfix credit if you make a purchase. However, the opinions are 100% mine and 100% honest. You can check out my other subscription box posts and reviews.

Try the Wolrld #5: Michelin Holiday Box

I love that Try the World does a holiday box. They are putting together a "love" themed box for Valentine's day too!

The following items were in my holiday box:

(Not pictured: a box of British tea)

I am in LOVE with the gingersnap cookies and will probably be purchasing them again. I'm not a huge maple fan, but I did like the maple short bread cookies.

I tried the Taiwanese pineapple cakes. While the packaging was adorable, I found the cakes to be too sweet. I experienced this overly sweet taste a lot in Korea as well. I wonder if it is an "Asian" thing for desserts to be more sugary than flavorful?

I'm not a toffee lover but this toffee was the best I'd had, good enough to at least make me a toffee eater! :)

I can't wait to make cookies with the date spread and try out the french spice cake mix.

If you're interested in Try the World, now's the perfect time because they are partnering again with Michelin for a Valentine's day box.

I've always gotten AT LEAST$39 in product valu with a good mix of items. If you want to give it a whirl, sign up HERE.

Try the World #4: Morroco

My mom went to Morroco when she was in high school and told me stories and showed me her photographs  from her trip when I was a child. Because of this, I've always been curious about Moroccan culture so I was delighted when I realized that my fourth Try the World box was based on Morocco!

This box contained:

1. Moroccan Green Tea ($11-13 on other sites) IT SMELLS DIVINE.
2. Orange Blossom Water (averages $7 on other shopping sites)
3. Anise Cookies ($5-6 on other sites)
4. Couscous (I couldn't find the precooked, but another site sells a box of this size Dari brand couscous for $16.95)
5. Couscous Sauce
6. Paprika Crackers
7. Harissa (averages $7 on other shopping sites)
8. Kefta Rub Spice Blend

I haven't made anything out of this box although I am planning on using the spice mix, harissa, couscous and couscous sauce to make a pot of couscous with. 

Do you have any ideas for the orange blossom water?

Also, if you'd like to give this service a try, use this link for two free boxes with the purchase of a subscription.

Try the World Box 3: Italy

My 3rd Try the World box came last week!

For those new to Try the World, it's a subscription service where each month you receive a box with 7-8 products from that month's featured country. Boxes cost $39 a month. You can read about my other Try the World boxes here.

This month's featured country was Italy. I was so excited when I made this discovery as I love to eat Italian food but don't cook it very often because...nerves!

Here's what came in this month's box:

From left to right: truffle zest (retails at $12.90), balsamic vinegar, hazelnut cream (retails at $10.50) and pesto (retails at $8.90) 

From left to right/back to front: pappardelle (retails at $8.00), coffee, amaretti (retails at $6.90), and mushroom risotto (retails around $13.00)

I didn't search prices on all of items and we already hit over $40 in value. I have gotten more than my money's worth with every box. Also, I love that Try the World sends items I may not think to try on my own.

This is my 3rd box and each box has had a healthy mix of ready to cook items (risotto), pantry staples (vinegar) and treats (amaretti).

Out of this book, I think I will make:

• Pesto pappardelle (pesto and pasta)
• Risotto (risotta and truffle zest)
• Tiramisu (with the coffee)
• Hazelnut Zabaglione (hazelnut cream)

If you'd like to give Try the World a whirl, you can sign up HERE. I will get $15 store credit for anyone who signs up with that link.

Any questions? Or recipe ideas?

Try Around The World Box 2: Sweden!

As, I mentioned in last month's post I signed up for Try the World on a promotional deal. I received a free box with purchase (take advantage of that deal HERE). My first box, was from Brazil.

My free box was the Sweden box. It contains a card explaining the Swedish traditions of fikka and smorgasbord. Fikka is basically a tea break. Smorgasbord, a more well know term, means having a variety of foods out. The card broke down the best ways to use the included ingredients as either fikka or smorgasbord.

In my Sweden box, I received:

A box of oatmeal chocolate sandwich cookies (they included a recipe for a cookie milkshake I can'r t wait to try!), flat bread crisps and a box of licorice 

A good sized bottle of elderflower syrup-a $13-$18 value!!(Any good baking recipes, anyone?)

Nordic fudge (yum!), Lingonberry jam-a $10-$12 value (also yum) and sweet and hot honey mustard

Not pictured: a bag of coffee

Again, I think Try the World hit it out out of the park on this one. I received 8 different items in different food categories (treats, ingredients and condiments). I wish the fudge bag was a little bigger but overall I think the value was definitely there! I am excited to see what my September box holds.

If you'd like to take advantage of the same free box with purchase promotion, use THIS LINK.

For other Try the World reviews, click HERE.

For other subscription box reviews, click HERE.

ATM Favorite Thing: Try the World

After eyeing the subscription service Try the World for quite some time, I finally decided to take the plunge on a promotional deal for a free box with purchase.

So, I paid the monthly subscription fee of $39 and anxiously waited for the mail.

A little over a week after my purchase my two Try the World boxes arrived.

(These boxes are quite sturdy and could easily be re-purposed as gift boxes or to hold craft supplies)

After opening the boxes, I was so happy to have purchased a subscription.

I received eight items in each box. Here's what came in my Brazil box:

Churraso spice rub, Churrasco bbq sauce and  Jabuticaba jam

I tend to collect jams to use in fillings. I'm also excited about cooking some meat flavored with the Churrasco spices. 

Brazil nut cookies, Brazil nut spread and Pao de Quito mix

I can't wait to make the cheese bread for my husband's Brazilian coworker. 

Guava paste

Cupcake filling anyone?

Not pictured: A box of Brazilian coffee

All of the items were actually from Brazil, not Americanized versions. I looked up the price of the guava paste on Amazon. I couldn't find the the same brand but packages this size ranged from $8-$10. Overall, I think this subscription is a really good value and I am excited to see what I will receive next. If you'd like to try the world yourself, use THIS LINK and you'll get the same promotion I did-a free box!

Stitchfix! What were you thinking?!

In June, I decided to order a second Stitchfix box. I rated my first box as an 8/10. If I'd had a coupon referral or a few things fit just a little better I would have kept all of the items.

My second box? I gave it a 3/10. It had two items in it that I actually liked and one of them I'd requested. I kept the dress I requested but the shorts that I thought were cute were too big and too pricey.

I feel like Stitchfix pulled a bait and switch. My first box was great, but the box where I had a referral coupon to spend was pretty terrible. I'd really wanted a second box filled with summer styles and colors. I went in financially prepared to buy the whole box- I had the buy all 5 items discount, plus a coupon and was so excited. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way.

Here's what they sent:

These shoes were over $100! I'm not a fan of snakeskin, or the bendy flats- there's just not enough support. Also, my stylist mentioned something else she send would pair well with a kitten heel but sent me these.

I'm not a pink fan, but I didn't check the "avoid" box for this color because I do wear it sometimes. However, this shirt hung so awkwardly on me. 

I like these shorts. In fact, I used to have a similar pair but they were too big and if I remember correctly over or around $50.

I checked avoid purple and to me this dress looks pink, purple and blue. It was insanely comfortable but not very flattering. Also, I thought the print made it look like pajamas.

I kept this dress and I love it. But, I requested it so I already knew that I would like the print and cut, it was just a matter of fit and price.  My heads cut out in this picture because it had just finished storming and my head was soaked from the rain!

Orange You Glad I'm Bringing You A New ATM Favorite?!

The name of this subscription service reminds me of that old knock knock joke that ends with the punch line "Orange you glad I didn't say banana?".

I can't tell you how many times I subjected my parents and grandparents to that particular joke.

Regardless of your stance to that age old joke, if you like sweets as much as I do, I think you'll like this! Side note: I'm writing about this product because I've tried it and loved it. I paid full price for my product and I just want you to know how much fun it was!

OrangeGlad is basically a sweets delivery system. You can purchase a one time box or a reoccurring subscription. I signed up for the one time deal and would like to purchase a subscription but they are currently limited to monthly and since I'm trying to lose weight that is far too often for me. I'd love an every other month delivery option. Anyway, you sign up and they send you a box of curated sweets. Each box is a surprise!

Here's what I received and what I thought about each item:

Everything arrived packed in a cute box. They also sent a little booklet giving extra information on each product.

I haven't tried this but I think this is the most exciting item in the box. I love that all of the ingredients in this bar are organic and fair trade. This bar contains no soy which is HUGE  in my book as most chocolate contains soy lecithin these days. 

I received three truffle piglets, each in a different flavor. They were tasty but I was disappointed by the fact that they contained soy lecithin.

I love lemon so I'm excited to try these too. They were made in the same town my grandparents live in which gives them bonus points. The packaging is beautiful and will probably be saved but I was bummed when I read that they use butter flavoring and not real butter. I also wish they didn't use the enriched flour and used whole wheat instead.

The bag of caramels was extra buttery which is how I typically like my caramel. Also, the pieces are huge. I couldn't figure out why they use caramel coloring. Doesn't caramel already have caramel coloring?! Leave it out please!

The Clairesquares bar made for a delicious breakfast on the go and contained minimal ingredients! I would love to try this product in other flavors. The flavor I tried was raspberry and oats. I loved it and I'm not a raspberry girl by any means. I passed the wrapped onto a friend who is also trying to live a cleaner lifestyle.

I am definitely going to try another box in a month or two! If you want, check out their site here.

Stitchfix Shopping Trip

Y'all, when I was in South Korea I drooled all over my screen as I read review after review of Stitchfix, so I saved up my money for when I came back to the States and could splurge.

We moved into our apartment in January and I scheduled my fix to arrive at the end of February. It turned out to be perfect timing because I accepted a new job that I will start next week and need to dress business casual for.

Stitchfix is basically a remote personal styling service. You fill out their style profile which allows you to share your likes, dislikes and wants. You can also link up your style Pinterest board.  (Here's mine.) Then, they send you a box of 5 clothing items that they think you will like. You pay a $20 fee upfront, but if you make a purchase, you receive the $20 as a discount. If you don't make a purchase, they keep the $20 for the service. You keep and pay only for what you want and return the rest in a prepaid envelope. You can then leave feedback on what you liked and didn't like and why. From there, you can decide to schedule another box. You can schedule boxes or "fixes" as they call them anytime or on a set schedule.

I chose to forgo the reoccurring box but I do plan on scheduling another fix around June or July for some summer items. I really enjoyed shopping and checking out my clothes in my own mirror and with the opinions of my sister and husband, both of whom would not normally be in the mall dressing room with me!

Now, let's check out the clothes!

They came nicely wrapped in a cute box. Also included was a note from my stylist and a style card showing you different ways to style each piece.

I hated this top but I tried it on anyway. The print isn't bad but the colors are baby blue, black and light pink. I felt like I was impersonating cotton candy. Also, something with the cut was off. I returned this.

This navy shirt and black and white skirt both came in the box. I fell in love with shirt at first sight. It is easy to dress up or down. I was skeptical about the length of the skirt as it almost hit on my knee and I like skirts to hit just above the knee.  But, I thought it paired really well with the top I knew I was keeping so I kept both.

I wanted to love this cardigan. I like the chevron pattern and the cut of the cardigan itself but I'm not a pink girl. I tried to convince myself to keep it but I couldn't see spending money on a piece I didn't love, so I returned it.

They also sent a pair of jeans that I loved and I thought looked very flattering on me but they did that weird back gap thing and were a tad too long, so I'd have to have them hemmed and taken in. They were listed at $88 and for that price I wanted them to fit a little better.

My total was a little over $80. If I would have keep everything, my total would have been $214 because if you purchase all of the items you get a 25% discount!


What do you think? Should I have kept the jeans and cardigan?


PS: If you decide to schedule a fix, please use my referral code. Stitchfix gives you a shopping credit for each referral! If you're not sure about ordering, still create an account because they do run promotions. For example, I was able to take advantage of a free styling fee credit. This meant that I paid nothing upfront AND received the $20 discount.

goodies

Every month I gleefully await for the arrival of a very special box.

And then the day comes when it arrives on my doorstep....

 

My goodies subscription box!

 

I pay $7 per month for this box of deliciousness to be delivered to my door. Every month I get 5-7 "samples" of snacks. This is a high point here, as the "samples" are often times full product sizes. This is why I unsubscribed to the snack box I previously subscribed too. The service I previously used cost $10 a month and included 5-7 mini bites.

 

I am almost always pleased with the contents of my box. I love to discover new tastes.

 

Inside June's box was:

 

 

1. gimME cheddar cheese flavored seaweed snacks (seaweed was a BIG good in S. Korea)

2. Lay's Stax...Adobadas flavor

3. Smooch--a fruit puree/mashup type snack that you suck out. (liked the snack but not a fan of the sucking apparatus)

4. Highland Shortbread cookies. Two cookies in a pouch. Perfect size. Perfect texture. Perfect taste

5. A pouch of Pringles Stix..cheddar flavor

6. A shot size of Dream Water, a supplement that claims to help you sleep. While all of the products were welcomed, I was quite unhappy to discover a "supplement" in my snack box. It is going directly into the trash.

 

Overall, the box is well worth the money. I'm delighted each month. Other boxes have included, hot fudge, organic ketchup, olive oil, a tote bag, guacamole, candy, tea, cookies, brownie brittle (my ultimate favorite) baking mixes, chip clips, beanitos, granola bars and a whole assortment of other foods.

 

Also, you earn points as you review the products in your boxes. I've just earned enough points to score a free month!

 

What subscription boxes do you use? Have you tried goodies?

 

PS: While I do subscribe to goodies, I received a free box in exchange for a review of the product