Introduction to the Moustache Coffee Club

Through another blog (and I'm sorry but I do not remember which one) I stumbled across the Moustache Coffee Club. The nice thing is that they will send you a 2oz sample of coffee beans to try before you sign up for the subscription service.

Any direct (or near as) quotes from their site will be in italics.

Here are their options for subscriptions (basically the difference is the frequency).

Duet - 1 - 12oz bag of beans sent to you weekly
Solo Artist - 1 - 12oz bag of beans sent to you bi-weekly
Lip Syncer - 1 - 12oz bag of beans sent to you every 4 weeks

Each of these options cost $19 shipping included.

You can easily skip a shipment or 2 if you need to. Just log in to your account and follow the steps - easy peasy.

They ship single-origin coffee beans only and work with roasters in the Los Angeles area.

Single-origin coffee is coffee from a small geographical area, usually a particular farm or small group of farms. It is significant because the characteristics of the region, the soil, the altitude and the aspect (what wine lovers call terroir) all heavily influence the final flavor of the beans.
Because the coffee all comes from a small area and usually one single farmer, the quality of the coffee can be controlled to a much higher degree.

Here is the coffee I received.

 It is Konga Natural from Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia. The roaster was Portola Coffee Lab. As you can see the label has information about taste notes, when it was roasted, what process, what altitude (? - I don't understand but I am somewhat of a neanderthal when it comes to refined palate stuff).

What I do know is that the aroma and taste of the coffee is wonderful. I used the burr grinder and used it for my (gasp) refillable K-Cup in the office. I expect if it can taste good there it can taste good anywhere! And it is... good.

So I signed up for the Lip Syncer program. That's enough for me right now.  I am quite excited to see what else they have in store for me!

If you are interested in subscribing, please do me a big favour and use my link, you'll get $5 off. Much appreciated.

Cheers,
Lori

March 2015 Bowzer Box + Discount Code

This is the third box of our 3 month Bowzer Box subscription. They are a Canadian pet box subscription company. Each month they have a different theme and this month's theme is Bunny Hunt!

Here are some details from the Bowzer Box website:

What is Bowzer Box?
Bowzer Box is a subscription service that delivers a box of doggy goodies every month. You sign up for a 1-, 3-, or 6-month subscription and will receive 5-6 items such as dog treats, toys, and accessories right at your door.  Bowzer Box includes a variety of handpicked items including full size toys and treats (wheat free), samples, and coupons from various brands that we, and our pooches, love. We look for only the best quality, tried and true products, and we aim to take the guesswork out of providing for your pup. Every box is unique and each one we will try to highlight a Canadian product. We promise to try our best not to repeat the same treat or toy.

All the treats we include are made in either Canada, USA or if we found something extra special from a top quality company in an awesome country.  Toys are sourced mainly from Canada and the USA as well, although sometimes if a toy from another country proves itself with our pups we’ll include it too.

End quote....

Yes, 'The Goo' is spoiled.

No, I don't care if it's too much.

Yes, she's worth every nickle.

Back to Bowzer Box.  It costs $29.95/month plus $4.50 shipping if you go month to month, there is a discount if you subscribe to multiple month packages (3 or 6 months).  Clink on my link below to get a 10% discount on your first subscription.

Is this for ME???

The Multipet Daniel Boone Hat is priced between $9-$14. The Goo is very happy to receive toys. But Ma is more choosy as she ends up repairing them A LOT!

I decided that instead of giving this to The Goo I would give it to a local dog shelter. They love to receive toys and send them home with adopting families.

Treaty bites from the Amelia Biscuit Company are always a big hit. Priced at $10.99 these treats are all natural.

I tried one of these with the Goo and she wasn't very enthusiastic about it. I am giving these to the shelter as well.

Zukes is a favoured treat supplier in our home. This month we received a Z-Bone which costs around $3-4 each.

This is probably the only item from Zukes that she does not enjoy. That's OK - Off it goes to the doggy shelter.

A new brand and product is a Pet Skin Creme from Melissa's Aloe. It appears that their main business is products for people with this new product for pets. This one is specifically for paws. Retails for $5.99.

It's been a harsh winter here. I welcome this creme.

The last item is a roll of Poop Bags from One for Pets.  They degrade naturally when exposed to the earth's elements and the soils micro-organisms. Cost for 1 roll is $1.

Wait, we got a sample item too! We'll definitely try this.

I think this is a good value box for some dogs even though for the Goo she will only use the creme and the sample item. The challenge with any subscription box is that it is subject to the taste of the pet. Not every dog likes every item.  That's ok - you just have to be prepared for that.

We've decided to cancel our subscription at this time. Not because it isn't a quality service, we just don't think it meets the Goo's needs. Your dog may be very happy and that is why I like to look at the reviews to see if my dog would like the offerings.


Interested in subscribing? (You will get 10% off your first subscription - yes this is an affiliate link)

Here are my other Bowzer Box reviews.

Woof and Cheers,
The Goo & Lori

Spring 2015 Luxe Box by Loose Button

I've recently decided to sign up again for the Luxe Box. In that time they have switched from a monthly subscription to a quarterly subscription. 

Cost is:  $26/quarterly, shipping included

You receive 7-8 trial-sized products.

I look at the different size descriptions as follows:

Sample size: Good for 1-2 applications
Trial size: Good for at minimum 10 applications
Full size: Good for a lot more applications than trial

NOTE: Taking pictures late night is hard.

Anything in italics is directly from the website.
Products arrive in a lovely satin bag within a box within a box.

ou do not receive a detailed description card but are instead directed to a website for more details.

So let us move on to the items in the sack!

First up is the Double Ended Blending Brush. Apply foundation to the face, starting from the centre out, using the foundation brush. Use the blending sponge to blend the foundation in for an even, streak-free finish.

Retail price is $15 and is a Loose Button branded product.

Next is Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. It rapidly exfoliates both the skin's surface and inside the pore, reshaping the pore lining and unclogging pores. It creates radiant, even-toned skin while reducing redness. Apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Lightly soak a cotton pad and apply over the entire face, including the eye area (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 25 or greater.

Retail price for full size (4oz) is $26. My 1oz size would be about $6.50 (although the website says $9 on special - reg is $14).

The third item is EYEKO Brow Gel. Remove excess product from brush and apply in short upward strokes using the tip of the brush to shape and style brows for long-lasting hold. Applys (sp) wet but dries to a natural finish. Note Loose Button: Correct plural is Applies.

The full size retails for $24. The size is received (4ml) is worth $15.

Next is Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Extract (available at Shoppers). To use: Shake well, then turn the cap to the right to reveal the opening. Hold the bottle in a vertical position at a distance of 4 inches and press down to spray the powder over the hair. Distribute evenly. Leave on for 2 minutes. Brush thoroughly, taking the time needed to remove all traces of powder.

The 50ml sample is worth $6.10.

Next up is a very interesting item. It is a Missha Collagen Caviar Cotton Sheet Mask. I love skin care mask. A pure cotton sheet mask with caviar for healthy, revitalized skin. It contains caviar extract, marine collagen and pure gold to help detoxify and moisturize the skin. Open the pouch and unfold the sheet. Gently place on the face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and remove from skin. Gently pat leftover essence until fully absorbed.

A full size mask (which is what I received) is $3.

The Hydro Cool Firming Face Gels for Smile Lines are from SKYN Iceland. Turn back the clock by visibly filling in forehead furrows and smile lines for up to 24 hours, with this intensive weekly treatment that delivers instant wrinkle erasing results--without a needle in sight. After cleansing, remove backing and apply gel side to outer corners of the mouth area and/or forehead for ten minutes. After treatment, gently peel away patch. 

 Costs $35 for 4 smile patches and 4 forehead patches. I received 1 package for smile.

Next item is a nail polish from Crabtree & Evelyn in the colour Petal Pink.  I've taken pictures with and without flash.

Retail price for this full size is $6.

The final item is Buxom Show Me Some Skin weightless foundation. A featherweight foundation that combines the benefits of BB and foundation with light to medium coverage. 

I received a sample package with 4 different shades. The retail cost of a full 1.5fl oz is $41.

My overall impression is that this box was well put together. It is a mix of skin care, makeup, hair and nail products. While I always have skeptical feelings about some of the claims of beauty products I am always game to try them.

What do I feel about this box? I did receive 8 trial (or larger items) - Of the 8 items I will use 7 (Dry shampoo is not my thing) so I think it was all a-ok. The satin bag is adorable.

Want to subscribe?

Here are my other LuxeBox reviews.

Cheers!

Lori

 

March 2015 Paws & Play Standard Large Breed Dog Box + Discount Code

Paws and Play is a Canada-based pet subscription box program. They offer subscription boxes based on dog size, offer boxes for cats or a subscription for a mixed pet household. There are one-off themed special boxes too.

Here are a couple of the newer offerings:

Fresh Matters Special Edition Dog Gift Box (featuring a delicious assortment of grain free & organic farm to table fresh treats and cookies! Your dog will also enjoy a special surprise farm themed toy)

Cookie of the Month Club (receive one surprise gourmet artisan cookie or chew (MSRP $4.95- $6.95), sourced from Canadian & U.S doggie bakeries! Your cookie will be delivered along with special club offers and extra special savings certificates exclusively for Cookie Club members!)

BYOB for Cats and for Dogs - You can Build Your Own Paws & Play Subscription Box! (I am going to write more on this below - it will be in bold print)

My doggy is an AmStaff (pitty). She's a 55lb rescue dog and the best entertainment EVER!

Paws & Play ship membership boxes on the date you are billed, rather than on the 15th of each month.

For example: if your membership payment is completed on December 28th, your membership box will be processed to be shipped on the same day (December 28th) as your payment goes through."

I really like this option as most subscription boxes ship mid month so for our household there is a number of packages coming at once. I like the idea of staggered boxes arriving. My subscription renews on the 3rd so this means a box will arrive around the 8th or so.

I am going to speak to my subscription called the Standard Large Breed Dog but it is no longer available on the website. This happened to my To Go subscription too. Cancelled without warning. My current subscription is $19.95 and the new offering (Premium) is $34.95 (monthly or quarterly).

I emailed Paws & Play about my questions/concerns and got a really great response. However, the dilemma is whether I continue to review a box that is not available to new subscribers. Perhaps there is still value as you would get a sense of the value/quality of products they source.

They have guaranteed that I will never have my current subscription cancelled unless by me. Grandfathered in I guess.

What I will do is take what I received this month, plug it into the BYOB and compare as best I can.

What is in the Standard Large Dog Subscription Box?

From the Paws & Play Website:
Standard Box: This entry level box will include 3-4 of our most popular items, and is guaranteed to include at least one full sized treat and one premium toy!

They also have a premium monthly subscription and offer the premium box option quarterly.

Cost for the standard box is $19.95 plus shipping. The premium box is $29.95.

They offer free same day shipping to Canada and the US on all orders over $29.95.

Whew - enough info for now. Let's get to the March Box.

First up is Chomper Retro Tire Toss. Retails for about $12.95.

Look at my teef!

She like it right away and has not destroyed it yet! Huzzah!!!

Next item is Waggers Peanut Butter Tid Bits. It retails for about $7.95.  Was it a hit? You be the judge.

Amelia Salmon Paws is a salmon flavoured cookie. Cost is approximately $1.95. These cookies are hit or miss with the Goo. Good thing is, I usually gift them to a local animal shelter and they LOVE them!

Finally is a item for Ma. The latest copy of Modern Dog Magazine. I like to read these when unwinding at night.

Also included is a sample of PetKind Tripe Dry Green Tripe and Bison Formula. A 6lb bag will cost about $21.99.

So let's revisit the standard box...

From the Paws & Play Website:
Standard Box: This entry level box will include 3-4 of our most popular items, and is guaranteed to include at least one full sized treat and one premium toy!

3-4 items? Check
1 full sized treat? Check
1 premium toy? Check
Various samples? Check

I think this box is an excellent value. Well worth the $19.95 CDN cost.

Let me now take similar-like options and do BYOB for a large dog.

1 premium toy - $22.95 
1 standard bag of treats - $5.95
1 cookie - $3.95
Various samples - $0 

Grand total -  $32.85

Now the BYOB can be had with less expensive options but I was attempting like for like. What it highlights for me is how good the $19.95 value is - I don't mind surprises.

BUT if you are someone who wishes to customize the box to the teeth and price is not a huge factor, the BYOB is for you.  

Looking to subscribe? Get 50% off your first subscription with the code furball. They ship to Canada and the US. 

Here are my other Paws & Play reviews.

Tell 'em I sent ya!

Woof & Cheers,
The Goo and Lori

March 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag

I've been a subscriber of Ipsy Glam bag since June 2014 and on the whole I have had pretty good Ipsy experiences. It costs $10/month plus $4.95 shipping to Canada.

Created by Michelle Phan and headed with a group of (You Tube) well known beauty vloggers (aka stylists), their branded glam bags are typically filled with items from well known companies and sometimes emerging beauty suppliers.

Essentially you take a beauty quiz and they send items that best fit the results (within a larger group of items for that month). For instance - I don't use nail polish and I rarely get any. I prefer creams, etc and I believe I have received some type of cream/mask or similar each bag I've received.

Let's move on to this month...

This month's theme is Floral Fantasy. I love that they send a different little bag containing all of the items.

NYX Butter Lipstick

First is NYX Butter Lipsticks. The colour I received is Hunk.

When you look at the bullet colour it seems very intense. However when applied it gives a lovely violet colour - not near so vivid as the lipstick suggests.  Cost on the NYX Cosmetics website $6. You can purchase NYX at some local Lawton's Drug stores.

pur-lisse pur gentle soy milk cleanser and makeup remover

Next is pur-lisse pur gentle soy milk cleanser and makeup remover. It's a blend of Soy Milk, Soy Proteins, Whole Oat and White Tea.

I've used a couple of sunscreen products from this line previously (in fact I took it on my hike across Spain last fall). Very lovely. I have high hopes for this cleanser. A 5.8oz bottle costs $36. My sample was 1oz. Value of $6.20

Dr. Brandt Skincare pores no more anti-aging mattifying lotion

Dr. Brandt Skincare pores no more anti-aging mattifying lotion. 

From the website:

• Fast absorbing, oil-free, anti-aging lotion with apple stem cells
• 2013 Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner “Best Facial Moisturizer For Oily Skin"

I have used the pore refiner primer before with good results. It was on par with other primers. I am in the anti-aging zone and although I take it with a grain of salt I am willing to try it. Priced at $60 for 1.7oz my 0.26 oz sample would be about $9.20.

Boo-Boo Cover-Up

Next is a totally new brand to me. Boo-Boo Cover-Up. I received the Medium Shade. I've been trying it since Friday. The shade is pretty much on and it does pretty good as a concealer. Contains aloe, chamomile, green tea, tea tree oil and vitamin E. While it is meant for covering zits and spots, I used it under my eyes.

 A 10ml tube costs about $20. My 4ml would be about $8. I like this product. I hope I can get it in Canada.

Illuminating Face Highlighter by VINTAGE

 

The last item is also from a new to me brand - VINTAGE by Jessica Liebeskind. The

Illuminating Face Highlighter in Crystal Pink. Directions from the site:

"sweep the Illuminating Face Highlighter on the apples of your cheeks and cheekbones after blush has been applied. For an added glow, dust lightly over freshly hydrated skin on the forehead, nose and chin."

Without flash

With flash

It has a fair bit of glitter. It would not be part of my every day makeup routine but definitely for splashy nights out! Full size is approximately $26. I believe it is a full size but I could be incorrect. 

I will use every item in this bag. That's a stellar result!

Ipsy is consistently a good quality beauty subscription bag.

Looking to subscribe?

Here are my Ipsy reviews.

Cheers!

Lori

March 2015 TopBox featuring Philosophy

TopBox has consistently been an excellent beauty subscription box. They typically have great products, their shipping is super fast and they are a Canadian based company.

What I particularly like about TopBox is that they send you an email approximately 3 weeks before your box ships with some options to set your wish list. Typically it is 4 or 5 groups of one, two or items in a collection. If none of the options appeal to you, you can opt to get the regular box.

TopBox costs $12/month, shipping included (but plus tax - $13.80 grand total) and they offer multiple month subscription in 3, 6 and 12 month increments. There are usually 4 beauty samples in each package. Sometimes with the special package there can be fewer items but still within a generous value point.

This month my TopBox selection was philosophy beauty and skin care. I have used philosophy products on the whole and as you will see. There are 3 items in this month's box. All these items are sample-sized. 

First up is miracle worker miraculous anti-aging lactic acid cleanser & mask.
From the philosophy website - Benefits include:

• gently exfoliates with lactic acid
• helps brighten, even skin tone, and buffer the look of fine lines and wrinkles
• multitasks as a weekly brightening mask when left on the skin for 3-5 minutes

I've never used it before and am pretty excited about trying it. Lactic acid is one of the most used AHA's out there. It's a derivative of soured milk and we all know how Cleopatra loved her milk as a beauty product.  An 8oz (236ml) bottle costs $35 on the philosophy website. The card insert says $25 so I don't know. My sample is 30ml so about $5.

 

Next item is Miracle Worker Retinoid Eye Repair Cream. 

From the philosophy website - Benefits include:

• exclusive high-performance retinoid (hpr) delivers all of the benefits of retinoid with less potential for irritation
• proven to dramatically improve the look of wrinkles and discoloration
• peptides help reduce the look of under-eye bags and dark circles for a brighter, more ageless appearance

 

I'm 42 years old and the fine lines are appearing around my eyes. Couple that with dark circles and I'm prime to use this stuff. Priced at $68 (from the site) or $79 at Sephora Canada for .5fl oz. My sample is .07fl oz so about $11.

 

The final item is purity made simple 3 in 1 cleanser for face and eyes.

From the philosphy website - Benefits include:

• deep cleans pores and eliminates makeup build-up
• natural oil extracts help condition skin
• fragrance-free formula

 

I've used this product a number of times, via gift packs from Sephora or in subscription boxes. I really like it. It is effective for waterproof makeup and doesn't leave my face tight like some cleansers have a tendency to do. Price is $11 for 3oz (from the site) or $13 on Sephora Canada. My sample is 1 oz. Approximately $4.

I am really quite happy with this month's subscription. Value is about $20 which is more than I paid. I really don't care as there are 2 items that I have never used before.

Another winning month from TopBox.

Here are my other TopBox Reviews.

Cheers, 

Lori

Treatsbox Subscription Box + Discount Code

I want to start the review by thanking Treatsbox for sending me a complimentary regular box in February (received in March) to try. Much appreciated.

Treatsbox is a Canadian monthly candy subscription box service based out of Winnipeg.

From the Treatsbox website: 

"Treatsbox.com is a Canadian monthly candy subscription box service that ships treats every month straight to your door! We select the most delectable treats from well-known suppliers. Our boxes are never the same so each month will be a sweet surprise. We have many subscriptions available, as well as exciting gift options for that special someone."

They have 2 subscription box sizes, Regular ($30) and Epic ($50). If you commit to longer subscription duration then there is a reduction in the monthly cost. Shipping is free in Canada and an additional $10 to ship to the United States.

I was doing research in the fall on new subscription boxes and stumbled upon Treatsbox and ordered one as a gift for someone as a Christmas present. The box was not really what I expected - some of the candy is still hanging around (well more than 1/2 of it). Heavy on loose candy and light on interesting brands and flavours.
 
Here are the contents of the box I received yesterday.

 Let's have a closer look. First up is Candy Crush Colour Bombs and a package of Turtles. The maker of the Candy Crush candies is the HFB Company. Retails for about $20 for 12 boxes so about $1.70 a box. The taste is not stellar, in fact cocoa powder is the 5th to last ingredient after a bunch of artificial stuff.  Movin' on....

The package of Turtles will run you about $1.50. Turtles are a pretty solid candy.

Next up is this group of candy. Sponge Bob Squarepants Candy Puzzle (Price unknown), Raging Bull Bubble Gum ($2.25), Slush Puppy Spray Candy ($1.40), Super Mario Galaxy 2 Yo-Yo Giga-Bites ($1.30) and a Wom Pop & Ball ($0.50).

The next collection is a package of gum, a couple of lollipops and some loose candy.

The final group of  items is seasonally themed.

Christmas season themed... The chocolates were powdery and I tried a taste anyway. Low quality chocolate.

Here's is what made me laugh, the box I gifted to someone for Christmas is the exact. same. box I received in March.

Should I moan about a free bunch of candy? Geez I don't want to. I valued this box at about $11 before the loose candy and gum (let's tack on another $7 for that) so at $30 for a monthly subscription - I just don't know what to think.

I have seen other month's offerings from this company and some were excellent, great combos. This one seems to have come up short.

If you are interested in subscribing use the code buddybox and get 15% off.

Cheers,
Lori