monthly boxes

Weekly Therapy: 40 + 1

- Mel

the week:
I’ve experienced all kinds of weather in Iowa, but this week’s crazy severe storms and tornado warnings had me legit freaking out. I don’t ever want to be in my car during a 70-mph wind storm ever again! I saw a trampoline in a tree, so I’m pretty sure that’s like Iowa Bingo right there.

four seasons of weather in iowa

All that said, what was 94 and humid at the beginning of the week is now 45 degrees and depressingly gloomy.
-_-

weekend:
It’s a weekend of brunches! After my Saturday morning run, our group is having brunch at Louie’s Wine Dive to celebrate our race reason. On Sunday, the hubs and I are going to see “Curious Incident…” at Des Moines Performing Arts Center and having brunch beforehand at Bubba | Southern Comfort (I need those buckwheat waffles).

seven things, seven days:
1. A coworker gave me two heirloom tomato plants. I’m so excited to take care of these guys and tend to fruit! I miss our little urban plot that we had in Pittsburgh, and want to make a plan to have a small vegetable garden in place by next year.
2. Did you see the FitSpi shorts that will be in next month’s Runner Crate? Got me to subscribe. [affiliate link] 3. I found the cats have been taking turns napping on my workout bag that I leave on the bench in our garage entry. One of them is snoring over there right at this moment. ?
4. That Demi Lovato collection at Fabletics is ?.
5. Lucky Charms is hosting a contest to win a MARSHMALLOW ONLY box of cereal. Gimme.
6. A story too close to the skin for me: Vitamin D deficiency vs. Skin cancer {via HealthLine}
7. I no longer feel guilt over wasting time (though I am also much, much better at managing my time) {via Quartz}

Stitch Fix: continuing my obsession with monthly subscription boxes

- Mel

This post contains affiliate links.

Fall is usually when I revamp my closet (my favorite season, at that), or at least notice how much I haven’t worn in the last year. And I truly hate shopping — online stylist services is where it’s at. I used Cake Style last year, and received a few boxes, to which I definitely found (and purchased) some great pieces. But overall, the entirety of the box was too rich for my budget (especially with all of these house projects… woof). But I still really liked the service and having a stylist at the ready for special events.

Enter: Stitch Fix

Thanks to an awesome referral from twitter for the heads-up on this company. With Stitch Fix I can pick my own budget comfort level. After filling out a style profile (I wish there was a place for measurements, however; probably the only thing “missing” from the questionnaire) and social media accounts, like Pinterest and Instagram, your personal stylist uses this background info to curate your Fix. The boxes only come when you say you need one. Each delivery costs $20, but that is applied to any purchase you make from the box. Anything you don’t want, you return in the prepaid envelope within three days.

stitch fix subscription box

I received my first box this week, which included five pieces that were stylish-but-classic enough for any 30-something — and one that even pushed me out of my closet comfort zone: an edgy light gray blazer (LOVE the striped lining!), off-white denim, cute vintage-inspired lace tank, a navy polka dot blouse and a mint-hued dress (this last piece is something completely different for me, but still in my color wheel).

My stylist Ishara did very, very well (thank you!). I’m going to have so much fun incorporating these pieces into my wardrobe — and watch for pictures after my special blogger getaway next weekend.

Total cost*: $262.50
30-something Approved!

*If you buy everything from your Fix, they give you a 25% discount, which makes it hard to resist buying the entire box –especially when the bill without one item would be practically the same. It’s almost like getting an item for free.

Disclaimer: Post includes affiliate links. See my disclosure page for more info.

Love with Food: now with more purpose

- Mel

The Thanksgiving Box (aka: Fall Favorites) from Love with Food was curated by Amy Roloff of TLC’s “Little People, Big World.” As always, it’s such an exciting box of goodies to receive on a monthly basis.

Each box received, a meal is donated to a hungry child via food banks across America. For November and December, Love with Food is doubling its donations to help support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in the hardest hit areas of New Jersey and New York.

This month’s box included:
Truffle Piglet from Hagensborg Chocolates
Inka Corn from Inka Crops
Chocolate Chunk Cookies from Skeeter Snacks
Mango Pear Pineapple from Fruit.o
Mini Crunch from Mrs. May’s (LOVE!!!)
Turkey Bak Kiva Jerky from Little Red Dot Kitchen (um, boyfriend ate this immediately)
Original Mulling Spices Blend from Aspen Mulling Co.
Pumpkin Spice Tea from Stash Tea Company

Check out last month’s box here.

Disclaimer: this post includes referral links, to which I earn “cash back” for all new subscriptions. I donate these funds back to Love with Food to help the organization feed more hungry children.

LoveWithFood: continuing your love of monthly subscription boxes

- Mel

Group Therapy Time: Let’s talk a little about these monthly subscription boxes.
I. Am. Addicted.

Monthly beauty boxes.
Samplers of nail polishes.
A personal stylist who ships me a package of designer clothes so I can “shop” at home.
A box full of healthy, organic snacks from small, independent companies.
A box full of snacks that contributes to a GOOD CAUSE.

That last one? Let’s welcome to the group: Love With Food. I mean, who doesn’t love food, right?!

Love With Food - Discover Great Food for a Great Cause

Every month, Love With Food subscribers receive a curated box of unique tasty bites based on seasonal themes. For your $12/month (or $120/year) membership, you get to sample different products each month, earn points by leaving feedback on your shipped products and enjoy exclusive discounts to full-sized products featured in your monthly box. Points can be used to buy products for FREE, and there’s a wonderful online community to discover great recipes and connect with other food enthusiasts.

My box this month included these samples:
Organic tea from Pu-erh Tea
Honey straws from Nature’s Kick
Cranberry Orange cookies from Natasha’s Health Nut Cookies
Mountain Mambo Mix from Enjoy Life Foods
Cheddar Cheese Baked Fries from Snikiddy
Applesauce from GoGo Squeez
Acai Sesame Strips from Mrs. May’s Naturals

Even better? Love With Food helps more than 16 million children in the U.S. who are at risk of hunger. For every box sold, the organization donates a meal to various food banks, such as the Feeding America Network and Share Our Strength – No Kid Hungry.

Snack time feels good, doesn’t it?

Disclosure: Affiliate link used throughout post. Subscribers receive monetary compensation for referrals, to which I donate back to Love With Food for them to continue the Good Work.