PopSugar - February 2013

 I feel like PopSugar is trying to recapture the glory of their September box and I can't say I blame them.  It sure was a good one.  And while I did pay full price for this one (well, $30) it's still a good value.

Must Have Fashion: Brokedown Wrap

I've thought about getting a wrap because sometimes I just don't feel like wearing a robe while I'm getting ready in the morning. This particular spa wrap from Brokedown Clothing normally retails for $84 which blows my mind but we all have our monetary priorities.  I still love and wear the Brokedown scarf we were sent in September but this I have yet to use.  It is, indeed, soft but it is also very, very short.  And I was having photography issues so you may not be able to tell that the color is powder pink, but it is.  PopSugar also included a 30% off discount code for BrokedownClothing.com so I checked it out.  Some super cute t-shirts, but overpriced for me. 

Must Have Fashion: Hanky Pankys

You may not have seen London, and you may not have seen France, but you have now seen my underpants.  Here we have an original rise thong from Hanky Panky.  What's so special about these?  They supposedly avoid panty lines (a pet peeve of mine) and are incredibly comfortable. This was a rather challenging week personally and professionally so I completely forgot about these new undies and have yet to try them.  Shows you how excited I am about the Hanky Panky.  Also included was a discount code for 15% off and a free bottle of Zoya in the exclusive Hanky Panky color.   

Must Have Food: Sweethearts Conversation Hearts and Mariebelle New York's Tresor Box

I don't like candy hearts.  I took them to work so I could get my colleagues hopped up on sugar.
The cacao nibs from MarieBelle chocolate, on the other hand, are mine.  ALL MINE! They are little drops of dark chocolate that are a perfect bite of sweet.  Yum!

Must Have Beauty: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

Revlon used to be a drugstore favorite for those of us who buy Cruelty Free.  Unfortunately, they started selling in China and were removed from PETAs approved list despite their long-held public stance against animal testing.  This means I haven't paid much attention to their products since last summer when the bad news became public (and that's not easy for me because I looooove Olivia Wilde, one of their spokesmodels) but people seem to rave about the lippies in the Just Bitten line.  I did try their Just Bitten lipstain when it first came out but didn't find it lasted as long as I wanted.  Here is the balm form that is supposed to provide moisture as well as color.  I don't really find it provides either.  This shade is honey and it is pretty but fades quickly both in appearance and softness on the lips.  The crayon-like applicator makes it easy to put on so I might just keep this on my desk at work for touch-ups.

Must Have Entertainment: Safe Haven book and song download

I used to read a lot but ever since I finished grad school, I've struggled to pick up a book.  Quite frankly, I can barely make it through a magazine unless it's got plenty of pictures.  But even if I was more of a reader, this is not my genre of choice.  I'm not into romance-drama-trauma, and I'm definitely not into Josh Duhamel or Julianne Hough so this is going to a friend who will enjoy it much more than me.  I didn't like the song either.

Must Have Home: Connoisseurs Quick Jewelry Cleanser

I really don't wear or own much jewelry.  My hubby has spoiled me with 3 beautiful rings and a necklace that I wear almost every day so they do start to lose their shine after a while.  While not very exciting, this is most definitely a useful item.

I wouldn't say that PopSugar hit it out of the park this month, but I'm happy with it.  This is the last box in my 3 month sub so I need to decide if I'm going to renew or now.  Right now I'm thinking not because I'm not in love with what I've received - it's all just been sort of OK.  Given that this is at the higher end of the price spectrum, I may take my dollars elsewhere and try something new.

UPDATE: January broken watch scandal

January's Must Have Box contained Remix watches. I received a light blue one that was not working so I emailed PopSugar about it.  I received a prompt and apologetic reply stating they'd send another as soon as they had them back in stock.  I was very surprised to get this set of 3 bands along with the watch as my replacement.  I do wear a lot of red and black but I still don't know if this is the right style for me.  I am impressed that they sent this full set so quickly, though.

Someone thought the candy was meant for her.

LuLu photo bomb