Thursday 30 July 2015

Butterfly Soap Party Box - June 2015

Kia Ora!

I recently discovered a bath and soap box from Australia, Butterfly Party Soap. I promptly ordered a 3-month subscription, and then was devastated to find out the business will be closing its doors. For now at least, as the owner is in the middle of some major life changes. I'm going to unbox the 3 subscriptions I bought, and cross my fingers that she is able to start up again soon (as the first box was awesome, and the products are quality!).

I paid $70 AUD for three months, and shipping was $5 per box to New Zealand. This was charged separately, but it was great that there was the flexibility to ship overseas on request. I think there are a couple of boxes, as well as individual products, still available for purchase, until the end of August.


The box arrived in a cardboard box, filled with purple 'worms'. I had to dig a bit for some of the products, but I liked that it was a bit like a treasure hunt. The design of the packaging is really neat, and I love the logo.


Body Butter - Coconut Dream

Yum! This smells divine, and so coconut-ty. There is probably 15g of product there, which isn't much. If you use it as a hand cream it would last for a wee while, but for my legs it's maybe two uses. Which is better than some other subscriptions!


Foamy Coffee Scrub - Mint Mocha

This looked a little like a poo or a mud pie, but it smells lovely. It's a whipped formula, and smells like mint and coffee. I've been loving scrubs recently, so I'm really happy to be able to try this one out. I haven't tried a creamy scrub as yet (or foamy as the label says) so it will be something different to try out.


Aroma Beads - Pineapple Twist

These are the most pineapple-y smelling things ever! I love the strength of the scent, and it's such a great idea. I think I might put this in one of my drawers to make the clothes smell good, or in the car since that gets a bit whiffy sometimes. I love this product, as I've never seen anything else like it in a subscription box.


Massage Oil - Vitality

I'm not a huge massage oil fan. I love massages, but it's hard to do to yourself, and my SO isn't always the most amenable. I have used Lush Massage Bars in the past, and loved them, so this will be something a bit different to try. The oil doesn't appear to smell like anything in particular, but that's ok. I'll report back on this one.


Butterfly Party Soap - Spiced Pumpkin Pie

The description on the website for this one is: A pumpkin pie with clove, cinnamon and nutmeg rounded out with creamy butter and vanilla.
I totally agree with this description, and the soap smells (and looks) good enough to eat. I've been sniffing away at it for days now. I don't use bar soap myself, but my SO does, so this is being added to his back-ups. It's a great idea to include in the box though as I'm now tempted to buy a whole bunch of the soap for Christmas presents. 


Triple Butter Lotion Stick

This is a bit of an odd-ball product for me. I've never used a lotion in a stick form, and I thought this was a lip balm to start with. I tried it out on my hands (as I'm not sure how else to use it), and it's a bit greasy, but leaves them soft and hydrated ultimately. I think this might need a bit of getting used to, but it's always nice to step outside the comfort zone.

Overall, I really like this box. There is a mix of some different products in there, but most of them are useful. I do like that they are decent sized samples, although it is a little bit pricey for a sample box. I can't complain too much though as I know all of the products are handmade, and the curation is great.

One thing that did really impress me about this box is that you can choose between a box for if you have a bath, and a box which takes into account those of us who don't have baths. I love that this is an option as I hate getting products I can't use. Brilliant. So there's my first Butterfly Soap Party Box. I love it, and am really excited to use all of the products.

Until next time ...

Monday 27 July 2015

Madame Ladybug - One off box

Kia Ora!

I've been trying out some of the period subscription boxes from the US, and Madame Ladybug is one I've been drooling over for quite awhile. When I figured out that they ship internationally, I grabbed one. I bought a Snack Box, which comes without the feminine hygeine products (as I've said before I don't really use them). This cost $12 USD with shipping coming to a whopping $25USD. This is a huge shipping charge, but I've bought one box to see what the products are like.


Makeup Foundation Sponge 

This looks like a fake beauty blender type sponge thing. I don't wear foundation generally and barely function with brush applications, so this is way over my head. I'll pass this on to a friend, or keep it for a future giveaway. It's a neat thing to have in the box though. 


Tea tree and Citrus Triple Butter Cleansing Soap

This doesn't have a brand on it, or tell you whether this is a body soap or face cleansing soap. I'll use this as a soap for hand washing since it doesn't specify, and my skincare routine is rather complex. It's a neat size, and smells quite nice too. I'm reasonably happy to have this. 


The Daily Bather Chocolate Lavender Tub Tea

I don't usually get excited over bath products as I don't have a bath. But ... I'm house-sitting for the next few weeks and there's a bath there! I know I'll enjoy the chance to have a bath and try this out. I think the combination of chocolate and lavender is interesting, and I can't wait to see how it works out in scenting the bathroom!


Purplee Naturals Pumpkin Spice Organic Handmade Soap

This is from an Etsy shop, which is pretty neat. Etsy is usually attached to huge shipping fees to New Zealand (from American sellers at least) so I don't shop their often. I have heard about the obsession in American with the flavour/scent of pumpkin spice, but have never had the opportunity to see exactly what it is. Now I've got this, in a tiny soap! I'm excited to use this, although not for awhile as I have a ton of soaps to get through.


Cheetos Flamin' Hot Crunchy

These are apparently made with real cheese. Interesting. I've never tried a cheeto before, it feels like such an American thing to eat.

Annie's Homegrown Organic Cheddar Bunnies

These look really interesting, little bunny crackers. Cheese flavoured again. I wonder if they are anything like Cheds or Cheese and Bacon Shapes


Keebler Fudge Stripes Cookies Minis Original

Oooh yum, cookies! These look really yum. Admittedly, I've heard about the obsession with high fructose corn syrup in America, so I had to check all of the ingredients lists for it, and it's in these cookies. My Mum went to Vegas last year and basically stopped eating anything except fresh fruit and veges, as she thought all the food was too sweet. Half the reason I'm interested in these American treats is to see how sweet they are, compared to New Zealand snacks. And now that I've talked far too much about that, let's move on.


pop tarts mini crisps - frosted strawberry

Firstly, learn how to capitalise words (so speaks the English major). Secondly, pop tarts are not things I eat normally so these will make for a nice treat. I can see myself needing to ration these treats out over the next few weeks, as I'm attempting (and mostly failing) to eat a bit more healthily. 


Nestle Skinny Cow Blissful Truffle Candy Bar

Ohhhh, truffle candy bar. It's been really hard not to rip into this one. I've had to actually hide it from myself (which isn't the best way to do things) until the photos were taken. It was very close to having a picture of a wrapper for this one. Now that I've given myself official permission to eat it ... it was DELICIOUS! Where do I get more? Yum, the chocolate and truffle was fantastic. I want more!

Fruit Roll-ups mini rolls - Screaming Strawberry Tattoos

I haven't had a fruit roll-up since I was in primary school. I think this is a Halloween one from the vampire on the side, and it might have tattoos in it? I'll have to find out, and put a picture up on my Facebook page if I use it!


Prune in Dark Chocolate

This was one of the most delicious things I've had in ages. I had forgotten how nice prunes are, and this was juicy and sweet, despite coming from a packet. The chocolate was dark and complemented the prune well. I would happily buy lots of these as sneaky snacks at work.

Fiber One - Assorted fruit

I don't really know what this is, gummy lollies with added fibre? I can't say much as I haven't tried it yet, but I'm sure they will be yum.



Various tea samples

I'm really looking forward to trying all of these (except perhaps the Green Tea as I'm not a huge fan - but a friend is so those will be heading her way). The Stash one is the one I'm most excited about, especially as I've tried a ginger tea from T2 before and loved it. Happy squeals of excitement about new tea to try!
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I can't give this box a value as I have no clue what any of these things are worth. However, when including the shipping, this box is very expensive, and not really worth it to be honest. It's awesome to try out some snacks from the States, but when I'm paying around $50 NZD for a box, I can't justify that sort of expense. However for those who aren't affected by the crazy shipping, it's probably not a bad deal!

Overall this is a decent box from Madame Ladybug, but because New Zealand accrues such huge shipping costs, probably not the best choice for Kiwis. I'm looking into Australian boxes at the moment, and welcome any suggestions or requests.

Until next time ...

Wednesday 8 July 2015

Bonjour Jolie - June 2015

Kia Ora!

I've really been enjoying getting the Bonjour Jolie box, as it has a great mix of lollies and treats (most of which I've never seen or eaten before), a thoughtful gift, and some lovely luxury items.

Bonjour Jolie is a period subscription service, with lots of options for feminine hygeine products, allowing you to choose between pads, tampons, and disposable menstrual cups depending on personal preference. You can mix and match, and change your choices month to month as well. This is $16USD. There is also an option simply to receive the pampering products, and I've opted for this option. This option is $10USD per month + shipping. Shipping to New Zealand is $14.50, which is a bit expensive but I think it's worth it.


It's summertime in America, so for me the seasons are a bit out of whack. It doesn't really matter though, as you don't need a particular season to eat lollies in!


The card with websites for those who become enamoured with a particular product.


Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Bite Size Cookies

Oooh, these look really yummy! Perfect for a picnic - in 6 months when it isn't freezing cold and/or pouring with rain. Or I can cuddle up in a duvet with a good movie and munch on these. Great!


Calla Lily Necklace - Ellie's Button

I really love the necklace! It's the perfect mix of delicate and awesome. The chain is the length I usually wear, and I feel like it may have been specially chosen for me! I adore this necklace, and wore it to work the day I got it. I've had a look at the etsy shop it came from, and there are some really great looking pieces there too. I might have to go on a bit of a shopping spree. I'm also impressed at the thought that's gone into the inclusion of this particular necklace, as not only is it a summer flower, but the pearl is the birthstone of June.

RRP: $18USD


Beekman 1802 Fresh Air Lotion and Shower Gel

Look at how fancy these little bottles look! The lotion sinks in really fast, and leaves my skin smelling really delicious! I couldn't stop smelling my hand, and must have looked a bit like a crazy person! The one problem I have with these bottles is the lid. The part you open is too tiny to open easily, and I ended up having to use a knife to lever it open. Other than that, I'm really excited by these!

RRP: $2USD each
Sample size.


Some Advil and Cleansing Cloths. These are always handy to have around, and I love being able to try American medicine (even though it's basically ibuprofen with a sugar coating).


Long Boys Coconut x5

Chewy caramel and coconut? Sounds delicious, and I'm keen to try these out! I love the packaging, with the very tall boy! Looks a bit old-fashioned, but old-fashioned lollies (or candy for any Americans reading this) are the best. These are really chewy (once they've thawed since it's currently freezing here) and have a bit of a strange texture, but the caramel and coconut work well together!

RRP: $1USD


Twizzlers - Watermelon flavour x2

I've always wondered what a Twizzler was, as it sounds so fancy in all those American teen novels (cough, Nancy Drew, Babysitter's Club, Sweet Valley High, cough). Now I see that it is simply red liquorice, and I love liquorice. Watermelon flavour sounds yum, and very summery. This isn't on the card, so I'm going to assume it's a bonus product!


BB Bats Taffy Lollipops - Chocolate x2, Banana x1

I've also never tried taffy, and it's another American lolly that gets talked about a lot. I thought it was a salty sweet treat, a bit like caramel. Turns out it comes in different flavours, which is neat. I will admit I thought it was Bobo Bats to start with, as the baseballs could be taking the place of an 'o', but now I see it's just all about the baseball.

RRP: $1.50USD


Jolly Racher Hard Candy - Watermelon, Apple, Cherry

Yummm. My mouth is watering writing this post, as it's lunchtime and I'm at work. These treats are all at home - huge oversight on my part - so I can't eat them now. Tonight there will be gorging, as these ones look delicious.

RRP: $0.50USD


True Fruit Drink packets

These appear to make flavoured water, a bit like Raro I assume. This is a very good product for summer, so I'll have to save them for Spring/Summer. I'm more interested in hot tea right now, to help warm up my insides, but I love that these are a bit different.

RRP: $1USD


True Lime Cold Pressed and Crystallized Lime

These are something right out of left field (see look at me appealing to Americans with a baseball cliche - at least I think it's baseball). I don't know quite what to do with these, but I'll try one out by adding it to some water, or maybe sprinkling over a meal that would complement the lime flavour. Yum!

RRP: $1USD


Boston Fruit Slices

These are so cute! I love jubes/gummy lollies so I'm probably most excited about these. We have lemon and orange wedges here in New Zealand, but not like this. Yum!

RRP: $1USD


Brach's Ice Cream Nougat - Banana and Strawberry flavour

I feel like a bit of a dork, but it took until I was editing this post to see that the shapes in the middle of each lolly are ice-creams. Yum! What a neat way to package things, and to stand out from the crowd.

RRP: $0.75USD
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Total value of the box: $27.75USD (plus a few bonus goodies).

I officially love this whole box. The food is all really interesting, and things I've never tried before (or by a brand I've never even heard of). I do love that Bonjour Jolie includes the links to websites on the card, so you don't have to do in-depth searches just to find more of a lolly you fall in love with. The pampering items smell wonderful, and I can imagine them making a tough day bearable. And the necklace is honestly so perfect for me that I don't know if I'll be able to love any other piece of jewellery for awhile.

It is expensive for a box of lollies as I paid about $24.50NZD (generally about $35USD) for the box, including shipping, but I'm pretty happy with it. For me it's worth it to try treats out from the other side of the world.

What do you think about the box?

Until next time ...

Monday 6 July 2015

Lust Have It - June 2015

Kia Ora!

I haven't been subscribed to Lust Have It in quite awhile, but their May box way pretty epic! It was almost all full-size items, arrived on time, and the quality of products included seemed higher than other recent boxes. Lust Have It were having a lot of problems for several months earlier this year, but I think they skipped a month (April?) and got themselves back on track. It's nice to see that the company listened to the views of their subscribers, and has changed in order to better accommodate their consumers wants and needs.


The monthly boxes were coming in pink makeup bag type things, but I prefer this large cardboard folded box instead. I can reuse this for gifts if I want, or simply recycle it. I also love the sticker on it that states the theme. I'm excited so far!


The card with the important information.


The Cosmetic Kitchen Peppermint Foot Mask

Sorry about the badly focused photo ... I just got a new camera and am still learning about some of the settings. I promise the photo quality will get better!

I'm actually really excited to see this. I normally ignore my feet, mostly because they are supremely ticklish, but a foot mask sounds kind of neat. There is a recipe on how to make it in the label, and this brand looks really luxurious. I'm excited to try this out.

There's also a discount code for The Cosmetic Kitchen for 20% off. The code is LUSTMINTY.

RRP: $24.95
Full size.


The Cosmetic Kitchen Wake Up Body Scrub

I've been getting into scrubs lately, and I can't wait to try this one out. It says to use dry (presumably pre-shower) so I think I'll give that a go this week! I love the clean feeling after using a scrub, and I can't wait to get rid of all the dead skin and other crap from my body! The packet looks potentially awkward, but I'll report back in a future empties post about that.

RRP: $29.95
Full size.


Nak Thermal Shield

Well, I don't use any heated tools on my hair so this product is a fail for me. My hair is already dead straight, and won't hold a heat curl. It will happily curl if I rag or plait it when it's wet though. Oh well, can't expect an entire box to be amazing. I'll give this to someone else who does use a straightner all the time, so it won't go to waste.

RRP: $25.95
Full size.


Teez Trend Cosmetics Eve's Ready to Wear Lipstick - Classy Caramel

This was the spoiler product for this box, with three colours to choose from. I like darker browns so I thought the Caramel would be perfect for me. It's a lot redder than I expected, but I'll still try it out. I've used Teez lipsticks before, and love the formula. This is a great product to get in the box. 

RRP: $32
Full size. 


Chapstick Hydration Lock

This is the cheapest product in the box, and it's still pretty great. Lip balms tend to come with every subscription box, but this is a bit different. I've never seen a double-ended lip balm. This one has one end for hydration, and the other to lock the moisture in. Sounds interesting. I'm happy to try it out, as lip balms are great to have around in winter! It applies smoothly, at both ends, and smells a bit like vanilla. My lips feel really smooth wearing it (although I've only had it on for three minutes).

RRP: $4.99
Full size.

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Total value of the box: $117.84. Wow, that's a heck of a value for a $20AUD box.

I'm impressed with Lust Have It this month. They have significantly upped their game, and every item was full size. I'm really excited by 4/5 of the products in the box, and I can't wait to try most of those out. Fingers crossed they can keep up the good work!

What do you think about this box?

Until next time ...

Sunday 5 July 2015

Empties - June 2015

Kia Ora!

My Empties post is a wee bit late this month, possibly because I'm in denial about how far through the year we are (and I had a bit of an unintentional break from blogging last week). I truly can't believe it's already July, it seems like Christmas was only a short time ago and it's coming around again rather quickly. Anyways, enough of my rambling, and on to the products.


As always, the tea must come first. I was drinking the Dilmah and Bell at work (as the teabags supplied are terrible). I like these smaller packs, as I have enough for a month or 6 weeks depending on how much tea I drink.

The Stash Vanilla Honeybush tea was delicious, with the perfect amount of vanilla and honey flavouring coming through. I really enjoyed it, and was upset I don't have any more to try. If you see this brand, get some!

Tea with Alice is always a great brew, but I particularly enjoyed the Dragon Chai tea. It was chai tea leaves, soaked in honey. That was a brilliant combination. The tea leaves were sticky and damp (which I queried when I got the tea, but it is supposed to be that way), and the tea was phenomenal when I made up a cup. The honey was a subtle flavour, but it added a sweetness that complimented the spices in the chai. Yum! I am probably going to order a full size of this one as it is the yummiest, and most unique, tea I've tried from Tea with Alice.


Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence

This is the holiest of holy grails for me. I know that lots of people don't like Benton because they don't use chemical preservatives in their products, but I've never had a problem myself. I order this in from Korea (and it's about $25 for 2 bottles if you get the right sale). I love that it makes my skin vibrant and glowing, as well as doing a great job at evening out skintone. I wouldn't go without it at all!

Repurchase: I always have a backup on hand.


Comvita MediHoney Natural Moisturising Lotion

I'm throwing this one away since it smelled terrible. I think it did an average job of moisturisation, but the smell was so bad I had to have a shower to wash it off after I'd applied it. Yuck!

Repurchase: No way!

Mor Orange Blossom

I really liked this one. It had a great citrus/orange scent, and the lotion was lovely. It sunk into my skin really well, and didn't leave a sticky residue. I'd repurchase this, depending on how much it costs.

Repurchase: Yes.

Urban Skincarer Co. Repair + Body Balm

I think this was from a Lust Have It or Violet Box from last year, and I decided it had to be used. I enjoyed using it, and will be picking some up when I'm in Australia later in the year. It sunk in perfectly, almost immediately, and the scent was lovely. It was unique, and I can't find the right description, but I really liked it. I think coriander was a part of it? I liked it a lot.

Repurchase: Yes.


The Body Shop Banana Shampoo

I wasn't too keen on this, and think it is a complete crock for the price (something like $16). It did leave my hair clean, and soft, but it also left it completely stripped. It was to the point where conditioner was a necessity as my hair was so deprived after using the shampoo. It also left my hair greasy at the roots, which meant that re-washing was needed quicker than normal. I won't be buying this again as it certainly isn't worth the price, and there are better products for much less cost.

Repurchase: No.


Tosowoong 10 Hours Professional Treatment Protein Repair System

Some of you may remember that I bought 10 of these tubes in a mega haul a few months ago ... and I'm still loving this hair treatment. It takes 10 hours to work, so it's best to pop on before bed and then your hair looks great the next day! I love that it leaves my hair shiny, soft and healthy-looking. It's basically a wonderful product (and relatively cheap if you buy in bulk).

Repurchase: Yes, when I run out of my stockpile.


Fortune Cookie Soap Lip Balm - Kiss

This came in my Fortune Cookie Soap Summer Box, and was a wonderful wee lip balm to work through. I've never finished a lip balm before, so working through a baby version made me quite proud! It had a strong watermelon scent and made my lips soft and hydrated. I am looking forward to a lip balm being in the next box, and would recommend this lip balm if you live somewhere that shipping isn't ridiculous.

Repurchase: No, but purely because shipping will cost my soul.


Innisfree Soybean Firming Neck Cream

I've never used a neck cream before, and really enjoyed using this one. This was a sample that came with an innisfree order, and I was surprised at how long the sample lasted. I think it had about a weeks worth of product in it. I also love the resealable top, which makes a foil sample into a useful product rather than one of those awkward and messy packets that sits on the side of the sink and languishes.

Repurchase: No, but only because my routine is complicated enough.

Innisfree Capsule Recipe Pack - Volcanic Mud Mask

I was reading someone else's blog, and they had a review of this wee capsule pack, and I realised it was the mask I had been drooling over for the last year. It had been sitting in my skincare storage drawers, and I hadn't used it as I wasn't entirely sure what it was. Turns out, it's a 3-use sample of the famous Innisfree mask, and I'm really happy to discover it! It's a wonderful mask, that sucks the gross rubbish out of my face and leaves it smooth, soft, and clean. It does wonders for clogged pores!

Repurchase: No, only because I already have a full-size!

Well there we go folks. Despite it being late, and my unintentional break from the blog I have done my empties for June. I love the cathartic feeling of collecting up a month's worth of empty products and writing about them before throwing them all away at once. It's such a great feeling, and something to aim for. I think I feel more encouraged to use up products because of this, which can't be a bad thing!

Until next time ...