Inspire Me Package of Pretties review, August 2014

Name: Inspire Me Package of Pretties
Details: A monthly package of handmade goodies from the Etsy shop Earth Cookie Creations
Price: $36 for a three-month subscription


Earth Cookie Creations is an Etsy shop that sells adorably vintage-looking banners, packaging, party items, and the like. The shop also offers a subscription service called Inspire Me Package of Pretties that, for $12 a month (subscriptions are available in three-month increments), sends each recipient a package full of handmade items to inspire his or her creativity. Earth Cookie Creations was kind enough to send me a complimentary shipment, which I received late last week. Let's take a look.

Milo is my official postal inspector. He approved of the package, so I was able to proceed with opening it.

1. Gold arrow from Little Ruby Sunshine. A very cute start to the package. The arrow is more gold than what shows up in this photo. So far, I'm using it to point at my husband and cats at random moments, but I'm sure it'll make a really cute decor item, too.

2. Flower clip. Another cute item! I love the delicate, colorful fabric. The flower's back side features a clip, like so:

This makes it perfect for use as either a hair clip or a brooch.

3. Gift card holder from Maxeenland. I don't give away many gift cards, but the next time I buy a gift of prepaid coffee for someone, I know where I'll be stowing the card!

4. Embroidery hoop decoration. I oohhhed and aahhhed over each item that I pulled out of my Package of Pretties, and this hoop was no exception. It'll look perfect in my sewing room, which is where I'm planning to hang it.

5. Bobby pin from Bluebird Cottage Designs. This is an adorable pin, though way too small to handle my hair, so I'll be giving it to one of my nieces.

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I loved each and every item that I received in August's Package of Pretties! I especially loved the price. For $12, a person receives an amazing array of handcrafted goodies each month. To try out the Inspire Me Package of Pretties for yourself, head here: Inspire Me Package of Pretties subscription link

Stitch Fix review, July 2014

Name: Stitch Fix
Details: For $20 a month, Stitch Fix will send you a bag of five fashion items--tops, bottoms, jewelry, accessories--and let you decide which ones you want to keep. You can take the $20 you already spent and apply it toward the cost of your purchase.


Let's plunge right in and take a look at the items that I received in my latest Stitch Fix shipment.

1. Leigh drape-back tank from 41Hawthorn (retail value: $44)
2. Lucilla mixed-stripe maxi skirt from Kensie (retail value: $58)
3. Sylvia front-zip crossbody tote from Urban Expressions (retail value: $68)

I'll start by stating that, while I didn't not like any of the items that I received in my Stitch Fix, I decided that most of them weren't thrilling enough for me to keep. For example, there was nothing wrong with the salmon-colored tank top from 41Hawthorn, but I already have a tank that's almost exactly the same color and style as this one. (I actually received the older tank in a previous Stitch Fix.) I also liked the skirt, but I decided that I didn't have enough tops with which I could pair it to justify its purchase. Finally, the tote was cute, but I have so many bags already that I don't need another one. I returned everything that you see in this photo.

4. Bessie crochet overlay striped tank from Mystree (retail value: $58). I loved this top, and I ended up buying it. The combination of horizontal stripes and a lace overlay could have looked busy and confusing, but somehow it works. 

5. Jane abstract mini chevron-print belted dress from Skies are Blue (retail value: $58). I liked the style of this dress, as well as the print, but I wasn't a big fan of the color. The white-and-salmon combo didn't look terrible on me, but also didn't really flatter my coloring either. In looking at this photo, I realize that I should have notched the belt a little tighter than I did while wearing it here, but you get the general idea.

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Ultimately, this Stitch Fix shipment wasn't a home run, but it wasn't a bust. Like I said previously, I didn't hate anything that I received, and I think that my stylist did a good job of selecting pieces that she thought I'd like. Still, four of the five items just didn't click for me. Oh well, on to August! 

If you're interested in trying out Stitch Fix for yourself, use my referral link to head over to the website for more details: Stitch Fix subscription link 

Golden Tote picks, August 2014

Name: Golden Tote
Details: Monthly clothing subscription service that offers two levels: $49 for two or three articles of clothing (you pick one of the pieces, the others are a surprise), or $149 for six or seven articles of clothing (you pick two of the pieces, the others are a surprise). Shipping costs $7.95. 


Can you believe that I forgot about ordering my August Golden Tote until 12:10 p.m. EST? I was busy blogging and didn't realize that 10 minutes had passed since GT Time until I looked up from my screen and glanced over at my computer's clock. Slightly aghast, I hightailed it over to the Golden Tote website and, miraculously, was able to snag the two items that I wanted. I chose:

The Dreamy Daze Blouse

The Fringed Kimono in black

Several other items tempted me, but I'm glad that I went with these guys.

Did everyone else get their first choices of Golden Tote picks? Share, share, share the details! And if you're new to Golden Tote and want to help me earn free clothes, head over to the website using my referral link: Golden Tote subscription link

MissionCute review, July 2014

Name: MissionCute
Details: Support a different charity every month while receiving a box that comes with at least two items made by artisans and small businesses.
Price: $29


For its July box, MissionCute donated 50 percent of its net proceeds to LoveGrows, a organization consisting of churches, businesses, families, and individuals that have pooled their resources to help orphans in Uganda.

1. "You Are Beautiful" sticker from Shawna Armstrong (retail value: $3). This sticker is gorgeous! I love the colors, the design, the message...everything about it is amazing. I can't wait to find a spot for it in my house.

2. "Love" necklace (retail value: $22). This is a MissionCute exclusive, and another amazing item! Is it repetitive for me to say that I love it? Well, I do. I love the "Love" necklace.

3. Canvas tote bag from Who Doesn't Want That (retail value: $6). I live about 80 miles from the nearest lake of any size (Lake Michigan, in case anyone's wondering), but I do love nautical-themed things, so I'm all about this tote.

4. "Bee Happy" card from By Samantha! (retail value: $10). MissionCute rounded out its July shipment with another win! This is a cute card, and I can't help but be happy when I look at it.

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Once again, I loved, loved, loved every item in my MissionCute shipment. I also love, love, love the fact that my purchase of this box helps people in need!

To try MissionCute for yourself, head here: MissionCute subscription link

GlobeIn review, July 2014

Name: GlobeIn Box
Details: Offers unique artisan crafts from all over the world, delivered to your door once a month.
Price: $29.99


Here's what I received in my July GlobeIn Box, which arrived in the mail last week and featured items handmade by Peruvian artisans.

The big reveal. Loved the presentation, but didn't love the packing material, which stuck to everything that I pulled out of the box and largely ended up on the floor.

Information cards about the artisans whose work was featured in this month's GlobeIn Box.

And on to the goods:

1. Coin purse made by the Pallay Awaq Weaving Association of Totora. This was the first item that I found in the box, and I love it! It's made from thick, organically dyed wool, and once I finish dusting all the packing material off it, I'll be sure to use it!

2. Bookmark made by Berta Flores from Lima. I love to read, and I'm always running short of bookmarks, so I can definitely use this! It's made from a traditional fabric called Manta.

3. Bracelet made by the Munay Urpi Weaving Association of Huaran. Another cute item! I love the color. This will be a fun bracelet to wear during the (sadly all too few) remaining days of summer.

4. Incan instrument made by Vincente Rayo Quispe from Cuzco. This is too cool. I tried playing it for my cats (all the while hoping that I was the first person who had put my lips on it), and they weren't too impressed by my skills. However, I played the flute for 10 years in my younger days, so I'm excited to at least attempt some sort of rudimentary mastery of this thing.

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I loved my GlobeIn Box this month! This is the third shipment that I've gotten from the company, and I've been happy with all the items that I've received. GlobeIn provides a good variety of products in each of its monthly boxes, and I've enjoyed the opportunity to learn about different traditional crafting techniques. I always look forward to receiving the box, and to me, that's the mark of a good subscription service.

To try out GlobeIn for yourself, visit the website using my referral link: GlobeIn subscription link

Neatography review, July 2014

Name: Neatography
Details: Receive a hand-addressed package of paper goods in your mailbox either monthly or quarterly.
Price: $17 for a "card and stamp" subscription, $27 for a "paper goods" subscription


Neatography was kind enough to send me a free shipment of its stationery subscription service, which is available in monthly or quarterly installments. I was thrilled from the get-go when I saw the envelope that arrived in my mailbox. I couldn't wait to see what was inside.

I found a package full of summer-themed goodies, as well as (1.) a Pilot Petit1 mini fountain pen (retail value: $3.80) that I can use to complete my correspondence in style.

2. Bumblebee letterpress coasters from Ruff House Art (retail value: $10). These were the first items that I pulled out of the package, and I absolutely love them! I'm not a fan of bees when they're hovering around my face or my can of pop, but I appreciate the fact that they provide us with delicious honey, so I'll happily use these coasters on my coffee table.

3. "Lost Without You" card from 1canoe2 (retail value: $4.50).
4. Paddles postcard from Sideshow Press (retail value: $3.25).
I'm a big fan of both these cards. Looking at them makes me think of vacation, and camping, and outdoorsy outings, and all other kinds of summertime fun.

5. "The Moon Book" from Girl of All Work (retail value: $6.25). I'm not one to use blank books very often, but I do like this one. Instead of thoughts, I'll probably fill it with notes and schedules, and other things that will help me stay organized.

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I was over the moon (pun intended) about the shipment that I received from Neatography. Each item brought summery thoughts to my mind (which is good, considering that the theme was, after all, "summer"), and all the products were of high quality. I don't use enough stationery to merit a monthly subscription, but I can easily see myself buying quarterly shipments of Neatography's paper goods.

To check out Neatography for yourself, head here: Neatography subscription link

Seven Layer Designs Stationery Subscription review, July 2014

Name: Seven Layer Designs Stationery Subscription
Details: Receive a random assortment of stationery featured in the Seven Layer Designs Etsy shop.
Price: $38 for three months, $70 for six months, $100 for nine months


Seven Layer Designs is an Etsy shop that sells gorgeous paper goods. It also offers a subscription service in three-, six-, and nine-month lengths. The company was kind enough to send me a sample shipment for review. Here's what I received.

I was excited to open the envelope and see all the bright colors peeking out of the pile of goodies that awaited me!

First up was a set of gift tags. I love the designs, and can certainly use these to "punch up" my presents!

Next are two cards that are sweet in their simplicity. I love the color green, and I love botanical motifs, so I'm a big fan of these guys.

Here are the other two cards that I received, both of which I love! I have a set of Russian matryoshka dolls, so I'm all about the card on the top, and I think that the color scheme and design of the card on the bottom are beautiful. Can't wait to send these out!

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Though I received this shipment for free, if I had purchased it as part of a three-month subscription, it would have cost $12.67, which I think is an amazing value for what I received. If you're interested in checking out this subscription for yourself, head here: Seven Layer Designs Stationery Subscription link