5 things I loved about...May!

So, I'd like to point out that it's been a month since I started blogging again. I will admit that I have had my doubts about doing this again...but like anything in life, you just gotta try.


Now, lets being! I wanted to think back on all the things that made me smile this past month which I think makes you appreciate the little things. This month I loved:

5. Mother's Day: I think we all saw that this year I BANKED with my Mother's Day gifts. Not only that, I was spoiled to the point of no return by my children and especially my husband.

I love his attention to detail, hahaha

4. Ipsy, Citrus Lane, Bluum and Stork Stack: This was also the first month I introduced myself into subscription boxes (what have I done???). I love seeing my name on a box, it's like Christmas came early! I felt the little kid inside of me just jump up for joy EVERY time I saw a new box. I especially loved Ipsy, more because it was JUST for me and seeing the teases for next month...oh boy.

3. Season Finale of SVU: OK, so this didn't exactly make me smile. BUT, knowing that it was renewed for yet another season is reason enough to put a big grin on my face.

2. Readers and fellow bloggers!: It's exciting to see people posting comments or receiving emails from people that have read my blog and receiving responses from my comments on other people's blogs. It's such a great feeling, I have no complaints. :)

1. Last but not least, my kids and the hubby <3: How could they not make me smile? I know that I've had my ups and downs with Edward like any married couple. But I love him more than the day I met him and it makes me smile that he feels the same. And my kids? How can anyone say no to those faces?

They are my reason for everything and what motivates me in the morning. I know that I'd rather sleep in and sometimes they drive me up the wall...but my heart knows only my love for them and it's what keeps me smiling. Plus, they are an unpredictable bunch. Keeps things interesting.

What were your favorite things about May? Do share if you like!

bluum May 2013 Review "Solid!" (5 month old)

This is my first bluum box! It's so exciting to see a new box just waiting for me, it's like Christmas! So, since I got my Stork Stack and Citrus Lane already, this was the last one to get here this month.

The box

Apparently, the boxes used to be much smaller...

First View

Ok, I cheated. More like bluum made me cheat. After you get your box delivered, they send you an email with all the details of the goodies you get in your box that month. I was surprised when I saw so many things!

There's themes to your box every month depending on your child's age. E is turning 5 months next week, so this month's box was "Solid". Here is the introductory card regarding baby's first solid foods.

Inside, I found a magazine "Chicago Parent", a 20% off coupon for Angel Dear and another little card about another product (it was accidentally thrown away...)

B Kids Sandfish Rattle ($12.00):

As I mentioned before, anything that's a toy for E is plus in my book. I can't wait to have her try it out! It has all sorts of ridges and different surfaces that I'm sure will keep E entertained for some time.

Icky Bib-Girl ($6.99):

I have no problem washing E's bibs after she finishes eating. But, this is not a bad idea to have. It helps when I'm on the go and the bib she has is already filthy.

mOmma spoon ($4.99):

Now that E has started eating solid food, having another spoon is a great thing. I don't remember how many times I found myself without a spoon because I accidentally left it at my mom's house or my mother-in-law left it behind, etc. It has a soft tip so that's great for her gums (she's been pretty sensitive since her gums have been bugging her) and it has a round bottom shape that's easy for her to hold. (She likes holding her own spoon...)

Nuturme Plump Peas (Dried Baby Food) Pouch ($10.00):

I have seen this before in different reviews and I am still like wth? I have never used powder-like baby food before. It's just like rice cereal where you add breastmilk or formula to it. One pouch is equal to a 2.5 oz jar. Once I start giving her veggies, I might consider this for her to try. Regardless, I'm taking out her little blender I can finally use (baby shower gift).

Angel Dear Monster Blanket Green ($13.00):

When I read "blanket" I expected blanket size. But it's more like a cuddle blanket, it's small (13"x 13", I believe) but it's soft (cashmere soft, yum) and it has the little monster head. I'm not too fond of the monster head but E is really enjoying it! Reminds me of one that JD used to have but it was Mickey Mouse and it was blue. He still has it, heh. He used to really love that thing...

Bobo Buddy Pacifier Holder ($11.00):

E kinda started using pacifiers. And I really mean kinda. She puts it in her mouth but she spits right out after a while. Even though I don't see myself really needing this, for those mommas who do have babies with pacifiers. This looks like a good method of finding where the hell the paci fell this time.

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer ($5.00):

I am really well aware of this brand since my days at Bath and Body Works. I currently use a cuticle moisturizer that I oh so very much love. The color is subtle enough for an everyday use, perfect for those quick moments when I'm out the door in a rush.

The box came out to a value of $62.98 which is awesome! For only $24.95/mo, it's worth it. Here's my referral link to try out a box.

And now that I got all my boxes, I'm weighing out the pros and cons of each box and which one is truly worthwhile. Oooo the suspense!

~Mel

Citrus Lane May 2013 Review (42 month old)

May 2013 box

 This box was significantly bigger than the one for E. I was like Oh gosh, maybe they have more things in here??? Alas, it wasn't the case...but still I couldn't wait what was in store for JD.

Green Toys Pizza Parlor ($27.99):

Here's my baby enjoying his new toy

 New toys for JD? That's always a win. Sure, he loves his cars and robot toys and whatnot. But there's something about these kind of toys that kids absolutely love. After a while, he was even pretending that he has his own pizza parlor! Yummy pizza!

Barefoot Book We All Go Traveling By, Paperback with CD ($9.99):

I don't think I have ever gotten a book that comes with a CD for JD. But, I'm willing to try it out. JD loves books, I love to keep adding to his collection of books so he can enjoy.

Happy Munchies Veggie and Fruit Crisps ($3.99):

I have THE pickiest little eater. I know that it's an age thing but it's frustrating when he won't try anything new. I like finding sneaky ways to put healthy food in his diet. This can also be a solution. I haven't had him try it out yet but much more sooner than later. (Edit: The crisps were a success! They are actually pretty good.)

Moravian Lemon Cookies 1 oz ($1.99):

Who doesn't love cookies? Unless you are not from this planet, then you love cookies. Any type. Doesn't have to be chocolate chip. America just loves a good cookie. Can't wait to have this with some vanilla ice cream :9

The box is totaled up to a $43.96 value which is a plus. I probably liked E's box WAY more (personal taste) but this works for JD and always getting a little something for me isn't all too bad. ;)

Wanna try it out? Click here for $10 off your first box.

- Mel

Citrus Lane May 2013 Review (5 month old)

May 2013 Box

I did not really think too much about this box, nor did I even bother to look too much into what other people got in their boxes this month, didn't wanna ruin a good surprise. (Last month I was stalker-mode so I would have an idea of what I would possibly get.)

First Look

It was neatly packaged which is always nice. First thing you see is a introductory card which included a Happy Mother's Day message for us moms :)

My First Green Toys First Keys ($7.99):

I love being able to get E some new toys. Because let's face it...if I were to keep ALL of JD's old toys...I would have a madhouse. And Edward will not allow such a thing to happen. So, this was a plus in my book.
I'm not much of a "green" person (in the sense that I buy everything organic, etc. I do recycle though and reuse a lot of things) but it was nice to know that this was made of recycled milk jugs. People are doing their part and that's always a good thing.

Dapplebaby Travel size Baby bottle and Dish Liquid ($1.99):

I had never heard of this brand until now. Apparently they sell their stuff in Babies R Us but pfft, like if I ever look for dish liquid or detergent there...<.< The first thing I did, was run to the kitchen to try it out. (I had left a bottle out that I forgot to clean, don't judge me!) And it left it squeaky clean and it didn't leave the powerful smell of liquid soap. :) I may have to buy more...they sell a refill pack so I'll just refill the little travel size one. ^.^

Barefoot Books Bear Takes a Trip ($6.99):

E loves to hear her big brother "read" his books. Although this one in particular since it has to do with being aware with time, may not interest her as much as it would interest JD. [Wonderful part of having two kids...lol]

The Mommy Hook ($9.99):

This box read my mind. I was looking to buy one of these thingys since on E's stroller, there's space but not as much space at the bottom of the stroller as I would like...or JD's for that matter. So this was perfect! I keep it in E's diaper bag just in case I might need it.

Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water ($12.49):

Neither of my kids (knock on wood for E) have suffered from colic. Maybe it's the breastfeeding (E, not JD...he stopped on his own when he was 9 months) but they haven't had that problem. It's a good thing to have anyway for those just in case moments and I like to be prepared.

I totaled the entire box to $39.45 which is not bad considering its $25/mo. I have to say I liked this box much better than the one for JD. Which makes me think that maybe they have better things for babies under 1?

If you wanna try it out, here's my referral link and get $10 off your first box :)
I also got a toddler box this month, check it out!

- Mel

Ipsy May 2013 "Spring Fling" Review

This is my very first Ipsy bag and I was super excited to see what I would get in my bag! (OK, I cheated. I saw what I would "get" but there were a few things that were a surprise...)

This is the pink packaging it comes in. Very chic.

First View

So when you open this bad boy up, you see the bag (Edward saw the bag and he was like "ANOTHER LITTLE MAKEUP BAG????", yes. Another one.) 

I like the color and I like how it's not too big and it's not too small, the other two that I have are super long and look like a pencil case -.- and plain black.

Zoya Nail Polish ($8.00):

I'm not a big fan of anything pink. But this pink is actually really nice, it has a nice shimmer to it. It's super light on my nails that it looks like I could pull it off if I don't wanna wear something too loud or out there.
Oh and did I mention, I LOVE nail polish! I have a HUGE collection at home of all sorts of colors...so the fact that I got nail polish in my bag is a BIG PLUS.

Yaby Concealer Refill ($5.06):

First reaction: HOLY SH*T, that's tiny! Probably no bigger than a nickel. I'm not much of a beauty buff, nor do I really wear concealer...but damn, that's tiny. lol This was probably the ONLY thing I did not really enjoy in my bag since I could not see why I would use it...I was blessed with good skin :)

Pacifica Roll-on Perfume Tahitian Gardenia ($12.00):

I used to work at a Bath and Body Works (I was a faithful employee for 3 years...no really. I have a vast collection of my favorite scents. I used to always come home with a BBW bag with new scents or just to stock up). They had this scent named Gardenia. Very soft smell, not overpowering like lets say, Japanese Cherry Blossom. So, when I saw the name, I knew what to expect and so happy that I didn't get the other one. It's not crazy musky but it's the right amount of musk and soft on those with super smelling abilities.

Mirabella Lipstick "Posy" ($22.00):

I recently got into wearing lipstick when I go out (that's an if and when...). The only lipstick I really have is from Sephora and it's red (apparently I pull off red since I am white as heck). Now I have 2! I put it on, and it's not the really RED color like the Sephora one I have, but it's a good combo of pink and red.

Anastasia Mini Clear Brow Gel ($22.00):

I have never used brow gel before and I can't wait to try it out! I was blessed with good skin but my eyebrows need work. -.- I got my dad's weird eyebrows...so this is probably a sign. Maintain them!

So, the bag was valued at $69.06 which is a steal! I absolutely LOVED my first bag and I can't wait to get my next bag! (Yes, I decided this is the one I will keep subscribing to because it's totally worth it!) I am always looking to get new beauty products to replace the ones that have already met their shelf life...D:
If you wanna subscribe to your first Ipsy bag, click here. For only $10, I think you should at least try it once!

- Mel