Babbabox Review and Giveaway!

 

 I’m always looking for ways to incorporate fun into learning for my 3 year old. So when I learned about Babbabox, I knew I had to try it.  What is it, you ask? 

“A subscription box delivered monthly with ALL the physical materials plus know-how content to really engage with your kids. Each month features a new theme-based box filled with activities, knowledge, and experiences that encompass all the ways kids love to learn!”

 The theme of the box that my son and myself received is “Gratitude.” There are so many activities included in this box and Babbabox really does include EVERTHING you will need to do and create all the activities. You will not need to go out and purchase anything. In every Babbabox there are items to help children: Create, Explore, Story Tell, and Connect.  In our Babbabox we received.

Create: 3 Gratitude Projects

• Serving Tray Activity which includes: Serving Tray, Green Acrylic Paint, Paint Brush, and Paint Cup w/lid.

•  Personalized Trivot/Hotpad which includes: Corkboard, & 4 Sticker Sheets

• Thank You Cards which includes: 2 Fun Shaped Cards, 2 Pre-Stamped Envelopes, 2 Sheets of Foam Stickers, Sheet of Eye Stickers, 2 Tree of Thanks Card Craft Kits, 2 Sheets of Glue Dots, 2 Sheets of Ways to Say Thank in for a Game of “Memory”, My Gratitude Thank You Tree Sheet, 2 Plain Envelopes, and 12 Mini Markers in Assorted Colors.

Explore: With a Gratitude Journal

• Blank Journal

• Disposable Camera

Story Tell: By “Giving Thanks” to Nature’s Gifts

• Giving Thanks By Jonathan London

Connect: Enjoy Gratitude-Themed Digital Content

•   Design ‘Thank You’ cookies with the “Cookie Doodle” App and share/email them to friends and family.

For Mom/Dad: 2 Satchels of Tea and a Tea Infuser “to share in a moment of Gratitude with someone special”

 I first took our Babbabox aside to take pictures for this blog post. Then I sat my son down and let him open the box. I really wish that I would have recorded his reaction to opening the Babbabox because his excitement over everything in the box was awesome and extremely infectious. The first thing he wanted to do was pull out the camera and take pictures. At 3 his ability to get anything in frame is lacking but with a little help he was able to figure it out.  Then it was on to Creating our Serving Tray. What child doesn’t get excited about painting something, especially when it includes getting to paint their hands? We had such a great time! TOGETHER!

 We haven’t gotten to the other activities but I know my son is going to love them.  I really appreciate that not only is he learning but the activities are really thought out and engaging. He may not realize that he is learning but he is. That being said I’m not sure how much he is learning about “Gratitude” from the activities but I know that they are made to improve cognitive skills. He will definitely learn something about Giving Thanks from the book that was included.  I like that all the Create items are going to make really great keepsakes.

 There are a few options when subscribing. You can subscribe monthly which is $29.99 a month, Annually which is $299.99(2 Free Boxes), And Babbabox is currently offering The Summer Survival Pack which is $89.97 for the first 3 months and $29.99 after that. With everything that is included in your Babbabox every month you are definitely getting your money’s worth, and your child has something special to look forward to every month. 

 Interested in giving your child the Babbabox? Babbabox has given Kristy’s Place readers a 20% Off Discount Code for all BabbaCo Products! Use code: KRP20OFF. Order here.

Enter to win a Babbabox! 

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SodaStream Review

 

 As much as I hate to admit it, we are big soda drinkers in this house. Spending way more then I’dlike on soda every month. Like a lot of people I’ve seen the commercials for Sodastreamand wondered if the Sodastream really made soda at home that tasted like its manufactured counterparts. This past week I was lucky enough to get to sample Sodastream and several of their flavor mixes.

                                     

 “Making carbonated water and soft drinks is simple! Turn tap water into sparkling water in under 30 seconds, with no clean-up. Enjoy the freshness and convenience of homemade soda and protect the environment at the same time. No heavy bottles to carry, store at home or throw away. Fizz to your taste and add the flavor of your choice to make your favorite drink. Simple to clean and reuse. With a variety of colors and silhouettes, you'll be sure to find a soda maker to match with any décor”.

 We were sent the JetBlack/Silver Fountain Soda Starter Kit. Which retails for $99.95, the fountain soda kit includes: Fountain Jet Home Soda Maker, 1 60 liter Carbonator, 1 Carbonating Bottle, 3 Soda Mix flavors (your choice) - each bottle makes 12 liters of soda, Sodamix Variety 6 pack.  

We received a variety of the flavors and types of carbonated beverages that the Sodastream has to offer. The first that we tried out were from their Regular Flavor Selection. In this category there are every soda flavor you can think of, Root Beer, Lemon Lime, Fountain Mist, Cream Soda, Cola, and so many others. I have to say that I’m not crazy about these because they are sweetened with Splenda rather than High Fructose Corn Syrup. Which is great because it makes them a little better for your health, but I am sensitive to Sucralose (Splenda). Artificial Sweeteners give me the worst headaches.  

 All is not lost though; Sodastream has a Sparkling Naturals Selection. Sparkling Naturals contain no artificial flavors, no artificial colors and no artificial sweeteners.  Sweetened with Cane Sugar. Yes, while the flavor selection for Sparkling Naturals isn’t as large as the Regular Selection it has all my personal favorite flavors, like Root Beer, and Lemon Lime. More flavors coming in this month (June 2012). They are delicious!

We also tried the Energy Drink which tastes exactly like Red Bull.  Another that we really enjoyed was the Sparkling MyWater Essences, which was a great way to entice my son to drink more water on hot days.  We are really enjoying our Sodastream and will be purchasing more liters as we all enjoy different flavors.

 Prices for Regular and Natural flavor mixes range from $4.99 to $6.99.  MyWater Essence for Sparkling Water is $9.99 for a 3 pack of flavor essences. Sodastream can be purchased on the Sodastream website as well as many stores such as Bed, Bath and Beyond, Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, and Kohl’s. If you and your family are soda drinkers I highly recommend the Sodastream it makes delicious soda right at home and it is so much cheaper than buying from the grocery store at about 25 Cents a liter.

Scentsy June Scent and Warmer of the Month!

 It's that time again! Time to announce Scentsy's June Scent and Warmer of the Month.  This month's Warmer is perfect for Father's Day it is the Angler Warmer $35.00 but 10% Off for the month of June and priced at $31.50.

 June's Scent of the Month is Lotus Cove:
Dive into a crystalline pool of cool water tucked into a secluded
cove. Lotus Cove is a splash of sea air, earthy lavender, and water
flowers anchored by rustic driftwood.
Enjoy this month’s fragrance at a 10% discount

To Purchase the Scent and/or Warmer of the Month, please head to my personal Scentsy Website: valleywickless.scentsy.us

Ask me how to earn product credit and half priced items!
EARN EXTRA LIMITED EDITION SCENTSY ITEMs WHEN YOU HOST A PARTY IN JUNE! 

Monthly Beauty Subscriptions Take Note! Glossybox US is Here! May 2012

 For over a year I have watched girls in the UK receive their monthly shipments of Glossybox.  All the while longing that they shipped to the States. There was always really great and true Deluxe Size Samples in their boxes.  I have been searching for a box like them for quite a while.  Mine, as well as many other beauty junkies all over the US had our Glossybox prayers answered last month when subscriptions opened up for Glossybox US! I was so excited; I literally stalked their Facebook page waiting for their website to open up. Being a beauty subscription service junkie I know that they will post that the subscriptions are open on Facebook long before I ever receive a notice in an email.  On May 10^th, 2012 it happened…They posted on Facebook that we could finally sign up. I was lucky enough to catch it and sign up, and boy am I glad I did because this is the best box I have ever gotten!

 At $21 a month Glossybox is pricier than other services, but it is money well spent.  

GLOSSYBOX May Edition – Beauty Around the World

At GLOSSYBOX, we promised you a world of beauty; and this month, we deliver it. From classic English Roses to the refreshing fields of Provence, France, you will discover beauty in all its universal delights. Immerse yourself in the culture of Italy where even the most utilitarian items can be considered a work of art, or the spirit of South Korea, where tradition and high-technology collide. But of course, it is always the home-grown beauties that continue to fascinate and inspire. So venture forward, explore, discover and enjoy your journey.

Bon voyage,
Your GLOSSYBOX Team

• AMOREPACIFIC - Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel  $100 / 1.7 oz A mineral rich, oil- free, hydrating gel, which encourages skin's optimal hydration levels for a clearer, and radiantly smooth complexion. Unique, water-free formulation utilizes Stabilized Bamboo Sap in lieu of distilled water for improved skin vitality. Infused with brightening botanicals such as Ginger Root and stress fighting minerals such as Magnesium to leave the complexion refreshingly hydrated with a vibrant, clear and matte appearance. Sample in box has Approx Value of $15.88

• BURBERRY BEAUTY - Lip Mist Natural Sheer Lipstick Copper No.202 $30.00 / 0.12 oz The lightweight, creamy texture and gelled structure of Burberry Beauty Lip Mist allows for effortless control and glide. High-shine oils deliver a sheer and dewy effect, while shine-filming polymers provide a natural look. Moisture-rich emollients improve hydration of the lips, while Wild Rose provides regenerating and restructuring properties. Sample in box has approx value of $7.00

• MARVIS - WHITENING MINT TOOTHPASTE $7.50 / 1.29 oz Imported from Florence, Italy, Marvis is a superior dental brand that has been loved in Italy for generations. Marvis Whitening, with a sharp taste of cool mint for a pleasant and lasting freshness, carries out a whitening activity on your teeth for a more beautiful and splendid smile. The whitening formula protects your teeth, helps prevent tooth decay, tartar and plaque. Meanwhile innovative notes offer you a long-lasting pleasurable taste sensation and fresh breath all day long. This distinctive, display-worthy tube will most likely be the best looking accessory in your bathroom.  Sample in Box has an approx value of $7.14 (it is very close to being full size)

• PHYTO - Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Mask for Dry Hair $38 / 6.7 oz  $8.00 / 0.5 oz A staple at top salons, this aromatic formula, enriched with jojoba oil, instantly moisturizes, softens, and detangles without weighing your hair down. A unique concentration of angelica root extract (75%) and essential oil of sweet orange imparts brilliance and vitality. Your hair regains silkiness, elasticity and manageability. Sample in box has approx value of $9.64

• ZOYA - Summer 2012 – Beach and Surf Collection in Color Shelby $8.00 / 0.5 oz The Zoya BEACH & SURF collection was designed and inspired by resort runways and tropical get-a-ways. Dive into the creamy shades of the Zoya Beach collection or the shimmering sea foils of the Zoya Surf Collection. This new splash of color, designed by the Zoya’s color experts, is kissed by sea and sand translating beautifully onto the nail in the famous, full-coverage, long-wearing and glossy Zoya formula. As always, each and every Zoya color is made for women so we name them after women. Sample in box has a value of $8.00

Approx Value of all items in the May Glossybox is $47.66!

Aside from a horrendously long shipping time, which as a new company glitches are to be expected. I have absolutely no gripes about my 1^st Glossybox. I love, love, love my Glossybox and I cannot wait until I receive my June Glossybox. I’m not sure if the subscriptions for Glossybox are currently open but signing up to be on the waiting list is well worth it. 

 You can find Glossybox on their website here: www.glossybox.com. Or keep in touch with all the latest happenings with Glossybox on their Facebook page.

Beautybox5 May 2012 Review

 Beautybox5 is the latest in my quest to try every beauty sampling service I can get my greedy little hands on.  I think personally that not all the boxes are going to please everyone. They all have something different to offer and you have to give several a try to find the right fit.

  

Beautybox5 is still a new company. In June Beautybox5 will be 6 months old. As with all new companies there were some hiccups that have been worked out and their boxes only seem to be improving.  Beautybox5 is $12 a month, $30 Quarterly ($6 Savings) or $100 Yearly ($44 Savings).

“Beauty Box 5 is a glamorous package delivered monthly to your door with 4 - 5 samples of your favorite beauty brands. From makeup and fragrances to skin care and hair care, BB5 has you covered!”

            So what did I get in my May Beautybox5?

• Evie Evan Firm and Repair Throat Crème Mini $25 Value! Firm your throat, jawline, and décolletage all while reducing puffiness. The Firm & Repair Throat Crème is a treatment perfect for sagging contours and aging skin.

• Tree Hut Shea Butter in Hawaiian Kukui Deluxe Sample Approx. $2.28 Value (smells so good) Luxuriate in the infusion of organic shea butter, cocoa butter, and safflower seed oil. This extra thick body butter seals in moisture, giving you rejuvenated skin with a healthy sheen. Natural Hawaiian Kukui nut oil repairs cracked skin and provides deep moisturization.

• It’s a 10 Miracle Hair Mask Sample Approx. $1.56 Value The Miracle Hair Mask from It's a 10 turns your locks up to 11! This high-performance mask gives you detangling, frizz reduction, vibrant color, and amazing body all in one. Just work through cleansed hair for one to three minutes and then rinse - in no time, you'll see more manageable, shinier, softer hair.

•  It’s 10 Miracle Styling Serum Sample Approx. $1.47 Value No matter your style, get a flawless finish every time with It's a 10's Miracle Styling Serum. Whether your goal is bouncy curls or flowing straight locks, this serum is the solution for you. It protects hair from heat styling and environmental damage with naturally-derived ingredients like argania spinosa kernel oil (a hair-softening antioxidant), noni fruit oil (which improves elasticity while repairing damage to the hair shaft) and castor oil copolymer (moisturizes and provides deep conditioning).

• Comodynes Self Tanning Towellete Sample Approx $1.75 Value Practice safe sun and get a natural healthy looking tan with Comodynes Self Tanning Towelettes. For best results, exfoliate the day before application to remove dead skin cells to ensure an even luxurious glow.

• 3 Merlot Moonlight Radiance Samples Value unknown Apply nightly to face, neck and chest area after washing and toning skin. You don't have to reserve this little jewel strictly for night. Felicity's Tip: When you're feeling a little dry or your skin is a little less than luster-ful just mix a little of the Moonlight Radiance Night Cream with your favorite toner (for a thinner texture) and apply to the areas where you need a little love

                          Total Approx Value: $36.06

I love it when a subscription service gives you what you paid for and then some. Which is definitely what Beautybox5 has done with their May box. I’m very happy with the items I received and love that these are all brands that I have never used, which is the whole purpose of a sampling service right? One thing I would have liked to see is some makeup in the box.  BeautyBox5 seems to have delivered on exactly what their website says they provide, “4 - 5 samples of your favorite beauty brands. From makeup and fragrances to skin care and hair care”.  I like this; it’s refreshing from a monthly beauty sampling service. 

To sign up to receive Beautybox5 head here: www.beautybox5.com. Stay up to date on their latest giveaways and product sneak peeks on their Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/BeautyBox5.
UPDATE: Beautybox5 is currently having issues with their Paypal, and are working to repair this issue. If you are trying to sign up, you may have to try again at another time. 
 
* I was sent a sample of Beautybox5 for review purposes. I was not paid for this review. All opinions are my own and 100% Honest. For more information see my Disclosure Policy*

Wittlebee Review

  

In my obsessive search for the newest monthly beauty subscription boxes, I came across one for children on Youtube. It’s called Wittlebee and it is a monthly subscription of clothing for infants and small children sized Newborn to 5T.  I knew I had to try it. I’ve never seen a service catered to children and I generally spend about $30-$40 in odds and ins of clothing for my son every month so this is perfect.  Here is what Wittlebee say’s about their service:

“Wittlebee is a monthly membership service that automatically ships you a box full of your kid's clothing essentials. Our service is meant to supplement your existing clothes supply and ensure you're always well stocked with the basics (onesies, t-shirts, leggings, socks and more).  As your child grows so do the sizes of clothes you receive each month. Every box contains clothes worth over $100 in retail value.”

        So how does it work?

• Select your child’s gender, name and age
• Select clothing size
• Fill out your style profile, choosing between: Princess, Diva, Hipster, Sporty, Geek Girl, Preppy, Casual and Mix and Match.
• Select up to two graphics that best fits your child’s style
• Choose up to 3 favorite colors
• What articles of clothing your child most needs right now (shirts, long sleeve, shorts, pants, onesies)  
• Type of climate you currently need clothes for.
• You have the option to consult with a stylist over the phone or through email. Or you can add your own notes.  
•   Pay $39.99
•  Wait for your shipment!

I chose the casual style, with stripes and cars as our graphics and I couldn’t be happier with the items we received. My son loved the clothes he got so much that he wanted to wear his new clothes right away. Of course he had to wait for them to be washed. All the clothes were brands that I recognized and would consider name brand. We got American Apparel, Carter’s, Kenneth Cole, ESprit, Hanna Barbera, K. Kauf-Man, and Paul Frank. I looked up the value of each item and our box had an approximate value of $102.99! Great value for only $39.99, you get more than double what you paid for the box. I’m loving Wittlebee.  

 If you’re not happy with anything you received Wittlebee will do their best to replace it with something that is more your style. Superb customer service!

Want to sign up for Wittlebee? Head here: Wittlebee.com receive a $10 Discount when you use my link.  To learn about giveaways and other Wittlebee happenings “Like” Wittlebee's Facebook Page. 

Currently Wittlebee is having a giveaway on their blog. The prize is a Blooming Bath and a Wittlebee Box! Check it out and enter here: blog.wittlebee.com

* I was sent a sample of Wittlebee for review purposes. I was not paid for this review. All opinions are 100% honest and my own. This blog post contains affiliate links*  

Lady Anti Monkey Butt Review

 Whelp, it's that time of year again.. Summertime. It's hot, sticky and for the most part uncomfortable. Well, at least for me that is what summer is. I have never been a fan of heat. Moving to the California Valley just cemented that. Being in a bathing suit and sweating is the worst especially when you’re not stick thin and well your thighs start to rub together.  Lady Anti Monkey Butt really helps with that, as well as soothing any irritation. I have known about Baby Anti Monkey Butt for some time now. As a Mother I have seen their diaper rash cream around. I wasn’t aware until recently that there is an Anti Monkey Butt for every member of the family.  

“As the mercury rises, be prepared to protect your lady nooks and crannies from sweat, irritation and friction with Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder®.  Sprinkle between and under breasts, on your inner thighs or rear end to stay dry and comfy during the hot weather and while you’re working out. Lightly scented and satiny smooth, Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder boasts the dynamic duo of calamine and cornstarch, something that that no other body powder can claim!  These unique ingredients are specially formulated to quickly absorb sweat and relieve friction…even itching…and provide cooling effective relief to all your body parts that are prone to rubbing. Plus, Lady Anti Monkey Butt helps to prevent other ladylike issues—like keeping stockings from sticking! 

  

Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder can be purchased at Walmart, Ace Hardware,True Value,Drugstore.com andwww.antimonkeybutt.com for just around $5.95.

Since May is all about ladies in our lives, we’re going to celebrate our approaching 80,000 Facebook fan milestone by giving 1,000 random fans a sample of Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder! LIKE the Anti Monkey Butt Powder Facebook page for details: www.facebook.com/antimonkeybutt.  We’ll launch the sign-up form when we hit 80,000 fans!

And, Anti Monkey Butt isn’t just for ladies, either! Mama, Papa, and baby can stay comfortable, and fight their own irritation and friction from work and play, with original Anti Monkey Butt Powder and Baby Anti Monkey Butt Diaper Rash Powder and Cream. Learn more about the complete line of Anti Monkey Butt products, including where to buy, at www.antimonkeybutt.com.We have a monkey for everyBUTTy!”

This product is great. I found that it really did help with uncomfortable rubbing and helped to soothe the irritation that developed before I was able to put on some Lady Anti Monkey Butt.  I also turned my brother on to the regular Anti Monkey Butt powder. He works outdoors all summer and his uniform is canvas material. For the past three years he has gotten a nasty rash all over his legs every summer when it starts to get hot.  I went out and purchase the Original for him and he has noticed a huge difference and the rash is starting to go away.  So if you suffer from chafing, or rashes from sweating in the heat, I would recommend checking out Anti Monkey Butt. Remember there is one for every member of your family.

 *I was sent a sample of this product for review purposes. All Opinions are my own and 100% Honest. I was not paid for this review*