November 2014 BarkBox & BarkShop Coupon

Here is last of the November pet boxes. It is currently the only one I receive from outside of Canada which results in a slightly longer delivery window. Never fear though, it arrived safe and sound. BarkBox is based in the US and offers a full suite of shopping with the addition of BarkShop, Bark boxes are customized to the dog's size (4 different ones)

The nifty service that BarkBox offers is if there are items in the box that you wish to reorder you merely have to text the reorder code (listed on the card with the shipment) to BarkBox and they will send it. Cripes that's easy!

I ordered 3 different boxes for November (and there will be 5 for December from 4 different companies). My intention is to keep a steady stream of excellent toys and treats for "The Goo", all extras will be donated to local shelters. Being that she is my first dog I admit to spoiling her... tremendously.

Goo is an approximately 4 year old American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff), a breed that is often referred to as a member of the Pit Bull family. She was adopted from a local rescue and I don't know the circumstances of how she appeared in rescue but I am sure happy she's part of my family. If you are considering adding a pet to your family, I strongly believe that an adoptable is a wonderful way to go.

Well enough of my ramble, let's move on to the main show.

Yeah, she pretty much couldn't wait. She never, ever hops up on the table until gift boxes started arriving at the house.

Inside the box was an information card with the details on the items.

The first item is Benebone Nylon Chew

Made with real bacon and made for a serious chewer it retails for approximately $12. It's in the Goo's toy box and she hasn't tried it yet but she is curious and takes a few licks every so often.

Item 2 is Superior Farms Bully Stick. I almost didn't get a picture of that because, well, she LOVES food!

Yep, it was gone in a flash. It retails for $4.

The third item is the Heartland Weasand Strips. Made from 100% cow gullet... wait, what? I am not going to think about it too much.  Regardless - it was a fantastic treat and retails for $3.

Turduken treats from Feelgood Treat Company were up next. Again, another hit! Retails for $6.

Zukes Clean Apple Crisp Dental Bone  - well I am saving that for her Christmas sock. Retailing for $3 it is grain free and made from carrot, berry and apple.

Finally is a BarkBox branded Flexi Dog Bowl. Safe for the freezer, dishwasher and oven safe.  Made with food grade silicone it retails for $6.

Great for travel!

This box contains 6 items and costs $29/month or if you want longer duration subscriptions then the prices per month would be less (to $19/month for a years subscription).

They send out the boxes on the 15th of the month and we received Goo's on the 28th.

I believe this box to be an excellent value and am excited to see what is in the December box (perhaps some Christmas themed items).

With the new BarkShop they are offering a discount code to get $10 off your first order. Use WelcomeToBarkShop at the checkout. They will also donate $5 towards rescuing a dog when you use this coupon.

Here are my BarkBox reviews.

Woof and Cheers,
Lori

November 2014 PawPak Box + Coupon Code

Sooooo... On we go with the Pet Box subscriptions.

This box is from PawPak which is a Canadian company based in Woodstock Ontario. From their website:

The products change each month, but usually include 5-7 amazing items designed to make life with your doggy a little easier! 

The subscription costs $34.95/month shipping included. Look below for a coupon code if you are interested in a subscription for yourself.

First off, I'm going to say how difficult it is to photograph items when your AmStaff wants it ALL! So apologies for the "not great" quality photos.

There was a glitch in their shipping notification so I couldn't tell if it was sent, but a quick chat with staff and I was assured it was on its way.  Excellent customer service on this item. I subsequently received an email to confirm.

At first, "the Goo" was not that interested (there was kibble being tossed around) but once I cracked the box...

And then everything went to pot....

Inside was the info card listing the items and the corresponding companies. All listed as located in Canada and the US.

First up we have Good Dog Chicken Pot Pie treats from Sojos in Minnesota. Contains oat flour, rolled oats, potato, chicken, celery, carrots, canola oil and eggs.

Goo Approved wouldn't you say?

Then we have the Remington Plush Goose from Coastal Pet Products in Ohio.

She took it right away and settled in on the couch.  From the construction I believe it will last longer than other plush toys as it has a canvas like belly which looks sturdy.  It also squeaks. Goo Approved.

The Pizzle Stick Ribbon from Hero Dog Treats in Ontario was slightly revolting looking but man alive - it was snatched and crunched in mere minutes.

Hero Dog Treats donates a portion of the proceeds to the Canadian Service Dog Foundation. I think that is pretty wonderful

Goo Approved.

Then a piece of flannel which I made into a stylish kerchief for her.

Last up is the Earth Rated Poop Bag Dispenser and 2 rolls of bags (lavender scented - thank heavens). This is what Goo uses (many many times a week) so a dispenser and extra bags are WELCOME.

MA APPROVED.

They also sent a lovely thank you card to us for signing up.  Very welcoming touch.

It is a fabulous box.  Everything in it is excellent quality and a good selection of treats, toys and needed general products.

I have signed up for a 3 month subscription and if the paks stay this level of quality, I'll be a long term customer. It is more than worth the cost of the package.

If you want to sign up and try for yourself, please sign up at pawpak.ca and use code Bronx11 for $5 off your first pack.

Here are my PawPak Reviews.

Woof and Cheers!

November 2014 Paws & Play To Go Box + Coupon Codes

Well, if you ever want an AmStaff to wiggle her bum in happiness, just send her mail. Seriously. JUST. SEND. MAIL. Oh, with some food and toys please. I have subscribed to a couple of boxes and Paws & Play is the first monthly one. Located in Canada, they offer monthly boxes for all sizes of dogs, and a mixed membership one. They also offer one-off boxes for holidays, etc. Really - a lot of choice.

Each months' box has a theme, November is A Walk to the Parade.

We subscribe to the Large Breed Dog Membership Box and this is our first one. The To Go option costs $14.95 and the Premium box is $29.95, You can also order the Premium box to come quarterly.

Here is what Paws & Play has to say about the "To Go" Box:

To Go Box: This entry level box will include: 3-4 of our most popular items including a few samples, one full sized treat or one premium toy.

Stop readin' & let's start eatin'

The box had a card enclosed that lists the item, the vendor & the approximate MRSP. AS you can see there are 2 food items, 1 toy, 1 general dog item and a couple of samples.

Hurry

HURRY

Sweet Saviour HURRY!!!

I have to tell you that photographing ANYTHING involving "the Goo" is a challenge but this takes the cake. So I am apologizing now for the quality of photos.

First up is Bosco & Roxy's 3D Penguin Snow Globe. and are decorated peanut butter biscuits.They list the  ingredients on their website (link).  Goo Approved

The Silver Spur Free Range pig ear was individually wrapped and honestly lasted 90 seconds. Goo Approved.

Bags on Board poop bags are a really cute theme. We use another brand and have stockpiled a bunch so I will add to the donation box that goes to a local pet shelter. A total win though - no mistake.

Multipet Squeaker Mat - A plush toy that squeaks. I have never given Goo a toy like this and was surprised how gentle she was. Although she chewed on the ear, she did not tear it up in aggression.
I took it away once she put a hole in the ear, I'll mend it and give it back to her periodically.  She's a chewer though so I don't see this toy living to a ripe old age.

The following items are the Bonus Samples.

 Wild Calling Whitefish recipe kibble. High protein is always good. Contains zero grain, gluten, chicken, egg or yeast culture.

Etta Says single Beef Liver and Duck Meat. Goo Approved.

She was HAPPY!

If she's happy, then the box is a win.

There are 2 Promo Codes available until December 31, 2014:
Use Code: slobber15 for 15% off any order of a theme box (of which they have a couple of ones for Christmas).
Use Code: welcome10 for 10% off your entire purchase at Paws & Play.

One coupon per customer, some restrictions apply.

Here are my other Paws & Play reviews.

Woof and Cheers!

November 2014 Beauty Box 5

This will be my final Beauty Box 5 review for the time being. I have been a subscriber since May 2013 but decided to cancel my membership. There are a couple of reasons 1) I want to try different subscriptions and there is only so much $ to go around, and 2) The products haven't been very inspiring of late.

I subscribed under the quarterly membership which cost $33.77 CDN ($30US).

Onto the November Box.

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash in a 1.8fl oz sample bottle. I've used Dove body wash many times. It leaves my skin clean and soft - my flesh is lumpy so I can't attest to the smooth claim. Travel size is convenient but this may go in my donate bag. Retailing for $6.50/22oz this sample is worth about $0.53.

Refillable travel bottle from Afterfeather. I travel, there are rules so these sized bottles are always needed. Cost of 2-2fl oz bottles is $8.95 so the one I received is worth $4.48.

Laura Ashley is a brand I know and I do like body butter. The scent is not quite for me so I will be popping this in my giving away bag.  A set of 6 costs $20 so this sample = $3.33

*Note - When I opened the cap to smell, the foil sanitary cover was not sealed.  That's not acceptable at all!

Floss Picks. Seriously - I love them - while I think they aren't what I had hoped for, I will be using them. 75 costs about $5.60 so 4=$0.30

Hask is not a brand I am familiar with but I love oil for my hair. This one is Macadamia oil. Apply a small amount to your hair ends to let the shine come through (or something like that). Costs about $2.49 for 5/8 fl oz.

Total value = $11.13 - My Cost = $11.26

Was this month a good one? Of the 5 products I will likely gift 1, keep 3 & toss 1 because of suspect packaging. This wasn't a stellar month.

I'll keep an eye on the offerings and maybe I will rejoin at some point - but heck, there is a LOT of competition.

Cheers,
Lori

November 2014 TopBox

I have only resubscribed to TopBox a couple of months ago and honestly have not been disappointed.

This month TopBox added a teaser that if Benefit Cosmetics received 17K followers on Instagram, they would include a product in the November package.

TopBox costs $12/month, shipping included and they offer multiple month subscription in 3,6 and 12 month increments. There are typically 4 beauty samples in each package. 

And, here we go! There is always a detailed information card in the package listing the items, how to use them, the cost and where to purchase.

I LOVE mascara and have heard lots of good feedback about Eyeko.  Black Magic is reputed to be the ultimate mascara that combined creates drama, volume and curl. It has a squeeze tube which is cool. Full size product is 0.29oz and costs $29 CDN and the sample received is 0.13oz. So about $13?

Close up of wand compliments of sephora.ca

Elizabeth Arden is a very well known name in beauty products. This is the Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum. I don't know what that means... Honestly. 

It's a lightweight liquid serum with micro-caplets??  Looks pretty.

Moisture barrier "reinforcer", evens skin tone, retexturize and reduces the appearance of the 1st signs of aging. I don't know - I'm a big skeptic when it comes to claims but if it feels nice, I'm in. 30ml costs $72 and can be purchased at The Bay. The size I received was 5ml. About $12.

UniqOne is totally new. Never ever heard of this brand before but it is a Revlon Professional line. The All in One Hair Treatment is applied to damp hair which reportedly provides smooth, silky, shiny tresses. If you add it to dry hair, it refreshes the style.

Costs $19.95 for a 150ml bottle.The sample is 9ml - $1.20. Check out uniq-one.com to see which salon nearish you carries the product. PS. Not Atlantic Canada.

Last item in the Benefit Cosmetics item (as mentioned above). Stay Flawless 15-hour primer in stick form.

PRO-long primer acts like a magnet to lock on your foundation... Well, I've used primers for years it they are never magnetized. I'm not sure how much difference it will make, but I am willing to try it!  Costs $38 for 0.54oz stick. My sample is 0.04oz. Worth about $2.82

Total value is $29.02. More importantly, will I use everything? Likely yes. The highlight? Mascara. Less spectacular? The hair product.

Cheers,

Lori

Here are my other TopBox Reviews.