Goodies Co: October 2013 Review

This month’s Tasters Box from Goodies Co. was probably one of my favorites! There were just so many yummy treats inside and I was immediately impressed with the quantity and variety!

The Goodies Co. Taster’s Box is all about finding new snacks to enjoy. If you’re tired of eating the same thing, but don’t want to splurge on buying something new you’re scared you won’t like, this subscription is right up your alley. The flat $7/month rate includes taxes and shipping and each box features 5-8 hand-picked snacks to expand your palate.

In this month’s box I received:

• Nueva Cocoa | Latte Coffee Thins
• Enjoy Life | Chocolate Sunbutter
• Caffe D’Vita | Spiced Tea Latte
• Guylian | Original Praline Chocolate
• Happy Family | Greek Yogurt
  
• Special K Nourish | Hot Cereal
• At The Table Together | Easy Make Pizza Dough
• Orion Choco Pie | Fluffy Biscuit
  

Nueva Cocoa | Latte Coffee Thins
Sample Value: $0.83 (2 pieces)
Full Size Cost: $4.99 (12 pieces)
Buy  at coffeethins.com

So, I hate to start things off on a bad note (especially since overall, I really liked this box), but I was really not in to these little Latte Coffee Thins. Maybe it’s because my brain couldn’t convince itself that these things are not meant to be chocolate! I kept hoping they were, but the definitely were not! While they are supposed to have that same silky texture, I found them to be dry and chalky. I only tried a bite, since I’m trying to watch my caffeine and each square packs as much as a real cup of joe. 

Enjoy Life | Chocolate Sunbutter
Sample Value: $1.06 (1 bar)
Full Size Cost: $5.29 (5 bars)
Buy at shop.enjoylifefoods.com

Now this guy was super tasty and very chocolaty! I didn’t expect it to be quite so sweet, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it! Not only is this bar delicious, it’s also gluten and nut free! It’s made completely from chocolate (go figure!) and sunflower seed butter. It’s 100% natural and free from the top 8 allergens!

Caffe D’Vita | Spiced Tea Latte
Sample Value: $2.08 (1 pouch)
Full Size Cost: $24.95 (12 pouches)
Buy at secure.caffedvita.com

Now, when I do want some caffeine, I’ve been really into Chai Tea Lattes lately, so this was right up my ally! The pouch says you can make it hot, cold or blended! I wish they had included three pouches so I could have tried it each way! But, this time I opted for it hot and enjoyed it immensely! I never thought of buying Chai Tea to make at home… may need to add that to my next shopping list! 

Guylian | Original Praline Chocolate
Full Size Value: $1.09
Buy at guylianbelgianchocolate.com

These guys were everything I wanted those Latte Coffee Thins to be! Well, hello… they’re truffles, so I guess they should be! Anyway, these things were INCREDIBLE. Super tasty and delicious and each luxurious truffle is crafted from silky smooth Belgian chocolates made from 100% pure cocoa butter. What’s there to complain about there?

Happy Family | Greek Yogurt
Sample Value: $2.00 (estimate)
Buy at Walmart (in stores only)

Okay, so when I saw this, I wasn’t entirely sure it was not baby food. After checking with some very knowledgeable moms at work, they assured me that as an adult, I could also enjoy this treat. So I popped it open and gave it a go. I have to say I haven’t tried greek yogurt in this way before, and I was a little unnerved by the fact that it didn’t have to be refrigerated. I did end up cooling it before I actually ate it, and while the texture was grainier than other yogurt, I still found it pretty enjoyable. I had no problem eating the whole thing, and I felt pretty good knowing that it was made with all organic ingredients and no sugar. Plus, all that calcium and Vitamin D is good for you too! 

Special K Nourish | Hot Cereal
Sample Size Value: $1.39 (1 serving)
Full Size Cost: $2.78 (2 servings)
Buy at amazon.com

What’s the difference between hot cereal and oatmeal? I have no clue. Really, I couldn’t tell the difference when I tried this guy out. This multi-grain blend hot cereal is pretty new from Special K, and while I was fine with this Cranberry and Almond variety, I probably wouldn’t pick it again. I much prefer Special K’s traditional cereals. I just found this option to be kind of bland and lacking in flavor. 

At The Table Together | Easy Make Pizza Dough
Full Size Value: $6.00
Buy at amazon.com

Can’t say I have whipped up a pizza yet, but I like making my own dough, so I am sure to try out this variety! It went right into my cupboard! It’s supposed to mix together in 5 minutes, rise in 2 hours and bake in 20 minutes. I guess that’s pretty easy for a homemade pizza dough! 

Orion Choco Pie | Fluffy Biscuit
Sample Size Value: $0.08 (1)
Full Size Value: $0.99 (12)
Buy at amazon.com

Now this treat just seems shady to me. I couldn’t find hardly any information on it, and I think they may be made overseas. It just seems like something really strange and unusual for Goodies Co. to include. It wasn’t listed on their website either, which makes me think its addition was an afterthought and the decision to include it was kind of haphazard.

The Verdict
Cost: $7.00/month
Value: $14.53

Even though I got some items I wasn’t 100% happy with after trying, I am still very happy with this months box. There was just a ton of stuff to try and trying new products is my favorite part of Goodies Co.’s Tasters Box! So, to me… even if I didn’t like everything, the box still did it’s job!

Did you get this month’s Taster’s Box? Did you get any items you didn’t expect? Would love to hear your thoughts below!

Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.

Goodies Co.: August 2013 Review

I’m really loving my Goodies Co. box every month. It’s become one of the subscription box staples in our house that I’m always looking forward to.

It works like this, for $7.00 a month Goodies Co. will send you a bunch of snacks to try out. Then you can go to their website, review the products and buy what you like. For me, my favorite part is the variety. They’ve never really sent me anything I didn’t like or wasn’t curious about trying. And for $7.00/month, it always seems worth it!

So, what did I get this month?

• Ojo Nectar | Mango Blackcurrant
• Pronto Coffee | Cafe Blues
• Tangy Zangy Twisties | Wild Fruit
• EatSmart Naturals | Veggie Chips
• Hidden Valley | Ranch Sunflower Seeds
• Poplets | Sea Salt & Butter

Ojo Nectar | Mango Blackcurrant
Sample Value: $2.25 (1, 8oz bottle)
Full Size Cost: $8.99 (4, 8oz bottles)
Buy at Ojo Nectar

I’m always thankful that Goodies Co. includes something to wash down all these treats. And, the Ojo Nectar is pretty tasty! The flavor is pretty impactful, but flavorful. It’s got some pretty neat health benefits too. It’s designed to help protect and preserve vision health. With all-natural juices, vitamins, antioxidants and omega-3s, esta muy bien para sus ojos tambien (it’s very good for your eyes too!)

Pronto Coffee | Cafe Blues
Sample Value: $1.00 (1)
Full Size Cost: $5.99 (6)
Buy at Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen 

Now, I’ve seen the little instant coffee mixers from Starbucks, but I’ve never seen this liquid version before! I enjoyed this guy as an iced coffee with my favorite creamer, and I gotta say… It’s not bad! I mean, it’s instant coffee, but I think serving it chilled definitely helped it out. Fun fact: this guy is made with 100% Arabica beans with no sugar added!

Tangy Zangy Twisties | Wild Fruit
Sample Value: $0.50 (1 Retail)
Full Size Cost: $9.00 (36 Wholesale)
Buy at Stuff Shop

I was ready for something sweet when I opened up August’s box, so this was the first thing I tried. And, I love sour gummies of any kind! These guys are tart, chewy and come in pretty rainbow colors. I would definitely buy/try these guys again. Super tasty! I just wish the sample size was bigger! I immediately was ready for more!

EatSmart Naturals | Veggie Chips
Sample Value: $1.11 (1)
Full Size Cost: $39.95 (Pack of 36)
Buy at Amazon

I’ve snacked on these before, so they weren’t new to me. But, I’m a big fan and was happy to find a salty, semi-healthy snack. These guys are made out of spinach, tomato and potato with natural ingredients, no preservatives or additives and with 40% less sodium than your regular potato chips. Definitely can sit down with a bag of these and feel a little less guilty. Writing about these today caused me to text the hubby and ask him to pick some up while at the store…

Hidden Valley | Ranch Sunflower Seeds
Sample Value: $0.36 (1, 20g)
Full Size Cost: $32.28 (12, 151.7g)
Buy at Walmart

Now, I’m not a huge fan of sunflower seeds, but the hubby loves ranch dressing, so I passed them off on him. Has anyone else had these before? I just make a mess when I try to eat sunflower seeds, so I gave up a long time ago!

Poplets | Sea Salt & Butter
Sample Value: $0.52
Full Size Cost: $6.24 (6 pack)
Buy at Goodies Co.

Now these guys are cute, aren’t they? I have tried similar products before, but not this brand. While it’s not my favorite, I don’t mind an extra crunchy snack every once and awhile. They’re basically half-popped popcorn kernels with a healthy dose of butter and sea salt.

The Verdict
Total Cost: $7.00/month
Total Value: $5.74

When it comes to value, Goodies Co. never really stacks up dollar for dollar. But, here’s the thing. I never feel that way. Everything in the box always feels like it’s worth my money. And after having gone through so many different types of boxes, I appreciate that! Because, sometimes you can get an insane value, but still be underwhelmed with the product. This is one that even though it doesn’t work out to $7.00 exactly, I don’t care. I still got a variety of products that I liked and was happy to try.

Have you tried Goodies Co. yet? Would love to hear what some other folks have to say about it.

Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.

Conscious Box: August 2013 Review

Hello, and welcome to our third installment of Conscious Box reviews, August 2013! Conscious Box is probably one of the best eco-friendly subscription box services out there, and they even offer gluten-free and vegan options. Each month, they try to introduce you to green choices for every day products. In the past, I’ve received food, cleaning supplies, paper and even cutlery!

This month… I was a little disappointed. I feel like I got a collection of dietary supplements and items I’d already tried before. And that’s definitely a let down.

In this month’s box I found:

• Stash Tea Organic | Very Berry Herbal Tea
• A.Vogel | Herbamare Original
• Slumberland Snacks | Sleep Squares
• Sneakz Organic | Yummy Veggie Nutrition Milkshake
• Clif Bar | Sierra Trail Mix Energy Bar
• Happy Tot | Super Toddler Bars
• MRM | Veggie Protein
• Barbara’s Organic | Snackimal Cereal
• Amazing Grass | Green Superfood
• Nordic Naturals | Omega-3 Jellies
• Allimax | 100% Allicin Capsules
• MRM | Relax-All or Digest-All

Stash Tea Organic | Very Berry Herbal Tea
Sample Value: $0.22
Full Size Cost: $21.99 (100 count)
Buy at Amazon

Alright, to start things off we have this herbal tea from Stash Tea Organic. This isn’t a new item for me… I actually got it in my Conscious box last month, which is a huge disappointment. I just don’t understand sending the same item two months in a row. It seemed like an after thought, and I wasn’t impressed.

A.Vogel | Herbamare Original
Sample Value: $0.09
Full Size Cost: $17.49 (500 g)
Buy at Amazon

Now this is a pretty neat concept… organic spices? Aren’t most spices organic? Okay, yes I know they aren’t. I’ve been to more than one Wildtree party to know better! Anyway… this guy features a combination of sea salt and 12 other organic herbs and vegetables, like chives, garlic, basil, rosemary, and thyme. I haven’t tried this out yet, but it sure sounds tasty! Probably would be great in a soup.

Slumberland Snacks | Sleep Squares
Sample Value: $1.67
Full Size Cost: $24.98 (30 count)
Buy at Amazon

My hubby has trouble sleeping so I passed these off to him. I’m impressed there’s an eco-friendly option out there for something like this, so I definitely appreciated the information!

Sneakz Organic | Yummy Veggie Nutrition Milkshake
Sample Value: $1.67
Full Size Cost: $19.99 (12 count)
Buy at Amazon

I got these guys in my June 2013 Conscious Box, and I was not impressed. I’m going to have to pawn this off to an unsuspecting child somewhere because I really don’t find these things tasty at all.

Clif Bar | Sierra Trail Mix Energy Bar
Sample Value: $1.08
Full Size Cost: $12.98 (12 count)
Buy at Amazon

Now, I love me some Clif bars! In finding this item in this month’s box, I learned my hubby had actually never tried one before. So, I did some sharing and let him take it to work. He was super pleased and I am glad I got him to try something new!

Happy Tot | Super Toddler Bars
Sample Value: $1.68
Full Size Cost: $4.20 (5 count)
Buy at Amazon

These guys came with me to work and they made a great little afternoon snack. They may be made for toddlers, but I found them to be light and yummy for grownups too!

These snack bars are gluten-free, organic and made from whole grains. And, there’s a ton of good stuff packed inside like organic sunbutter and the super grain salba.

MRM | Veggie Protein
Sample Value: $0.33
Full Size Cost: $15.23 (20.1 oz)
Buy at Amazon

Yep, probably not going to use this. These things are just not my cup of tea. I mean, maybe when I am feeling ambitious I’ll whip this up, but these kind of supplements aren’t appealing to me. If it’s something you’re into… MRM’s Veggie Protein Supplement is 100% all natural, gluten-free and vegan. It’ll give you seven grams of protein for only 40 calories, which could be appealing.

Barbara’s Organic | Snackimal Cereal
Sample Value: $0.44
Full Size Cost: $3.74 (9 oz)
Buy at Amazon

Now, I LOVED LOVED LOVED this cereal! It was the first thing I dug into after opening the box and I immediately wished I had more! It’s not too sweet and had a wonderful hint of vanilla.

Amazing Grass | Green Superfood
Sample Value: $1.04
Full Size Cost: $35.87 (17 oz)
Buy at Amazon

This is another one of those supplement mixes that I would have to feel pretty ambitious to try. I’m sorry guys, I’m just not into these things! If it’s up your alley and are dying to know more… Conscious Box says:

Get all your fruits and veggies in at once with this energizing and alkalizing gluten-free, vegan, and raw superfood blend. Simply add to your beverage of choice for enhanced energy levels, immune function and a wholesome dose of vitamins. Yum!

Nordic Naturals | Omega-3 Jellies
Sample Value: $1.11
Full Size Cost: $21.21 (36 count)
Buy at Amazon

Okay, so these little guys or just cute and seem like a great way to get kids to get some essential omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. These yummy tutti frutti jellies help support healthy brain, eye and immune system function, and they’re just the right size for kids!

Allimax | 100% Allicin Capsules
Sample Value: $1.60
Full Size Cost: $23.97 (30 count)
Buy at Amazon

I don’t know if it’s the packaging or what, but these capsules kind of freak me out. I don’t know, they just seem intimidating. I mean, they’re made from the amino acid alliin that’s  found in garlic, so they can’t be that bad right? Anyway, these guys are all about fighting bacterial, fungal and viral infections.

MRM | Digest-All
Sample Value: $0.14
Full Size Cost: $13.95 (100 count)
Buy at Amazon

Another dietary supplement! YAY! Do you sense the sarcasm in my voice? Two types of MRM supplements went out, and I got the Digest-All, which, you guessed it, is supposed to help you take a poo. They also sent out Relax-All which is supposed to help calm you down… I probably could use the latter more.

The Verdict
Cost: $19.99
Value: $11.07

Okay, so it’s probably pretty obvious I’m not too pleased with this month’s box. I was uber disappointed with the variety and the value! $11.07 for a $19.99/month box? What a let down! I don’t know, there’s just something left to be wanted when you get a box with so many similar products and products you’ve already tried. The cereal was a definite win, but other than that… I can’t say there was anything else I really loved personally.

I’ll probably be taking a step back from Conscious Box. I gave it a good run to try it out, but I think I’ve had my fill for a while.

Did you get this month’s Conscious Box? Am I crazy person? Did you love it? Let me know below!

Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this review are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.

Goodies Co.: July 2013 Review

I’ve got a new one for you today folks! I was on the wait list for a while for the Goodies Co. Taster’s Box, and let me tell you… there was no disappointment involved AT ALL! For only $7.00 a month you’ll receive some cool new snacks and drinks hand-picked by the Goodies Co. team.

Right off the bat, I was super impressed with the packaging. This box is just super high quality and it’s packed delicately with everything nice and secure inside.

So, what all did we get?

• Gimbal’s | Cherry Lovers
• Crunch Masters | Multi-Seed Crackers
• The Better Chip | Jalapeño and Sea Salt Chips
• Cosmos Creations | Cinnamon Crunch
• Fruit Water | Orange Mango

Gimbal’s | Cherry Lovers
Sample Value: $0.68
Full Size Cost: $2.24

I love me some cherry treats! This one is pretty cool because there are nine different cherry flavors inside this pack of delicious gummies. There’s Cherry Cola, Black Cherry and even Chocolate Cherry! I really liked these guys and they’re even made with real cherry juice!

Crunch Masters | Multi-Seed Crackers
Sample Value: $0.25
Full Size Cost: $2.24

Alright, so now we got something a little more savory. These guys were super tasty and would have been great with a cheese spread. I used them as an afternoon snack at work and they made a great little treat!

The Better Chip | Jalapeño and Sea Salt Chips
Sample Value: $0.70
Full Size Cost: $4.48

These chips from The Better Chip certainly spiced things up a bit! I couldn’t eat a whole bag of these, they were sooo spicy! But, the number of ways I thought about using them were endless! Not only would they be great at a party next to some guacamole or sweet salsa, but they’d also be great crunched on top of a cheesy casserole!

Cosmos Creations | Cinnamon Crunch
Sample Value: $0.70
Full Size Cost: $2.49

Who doesn’t like cinnamon? Cosmos Creations has a really nice sweet snack blend here, and it’s even all natural! So, you feel a little less guilty as you indulge in every bite!

Fruit Water | Orange Mango
Approximate Full Size Cost: $2.00

Okay, so I’m all about sparkling water. I’m a huge La Croix fan! So, when I saw this Orange Mango Fruit Water I was intrigued! As were my coworkers when I brought it to a meeting! Everyone wanted to know what it was all about! Well, it’s a new product from Coca Cola (naturally) and it’s got no calories and a ton of flavor and bubbles! Their website says it’s available in stores, but I haven’t seen it anywhere yet.

The Verdict
Cost: $7.00/month
Value: $4.33

Okay, so the value doesn’t really match up, but for $7.00, I really felt like it was worth it. The packaging was stellar and the products were super cool. I think what I liked the most about the Goodies Co. Taster’s Box is the variety! We got sweet, savory, spicy, sour and refreshing flavors all involved here.

I think my favorite item in the box was the Gimbal’s | Cherry Lovers. And, I really can’t pick a bad item. Because, I really enjoyed trying everything. This box definitely gets two thumbs up from this dorky lady! But… I can’t say what the hubby thought about it, because… I didn’t share! 🙂

Have you tried the Goodies Co. Taster’s Box? I’m anxious to see what’s up for the next one!

Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this post are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.

Misto Box: July 2013 Review

I know I’m a little late on the Misto Box review, but I really wanted to enjoy and try all these uber delicious coffees before sharing with all of you!!

We’re big coffee drinkers in our house. So, when I heard Misto Box  wanted to send me a box to try out and review… I was SO excited! My hubby used to be one of those really cute college coffee shop guys that would hook me up with a free cup of joe to flirt. So, when we moved into our first place together, his old boss sent us a coffee grinder as a house-warming gift. Pretty appropriate right? Needless to say, a monthly subscription of gourmet coffee beans is right up our alley!

Misto has two monthly subscription box options. The $15.00/month box brings you four 1.7 ounce bags of whole bean coffee and the $30.00/month box delivers four 3.4 ounce bags of whole bean coffee to your door step. There are some good deals when you start things off. The first box of the 1.7 ounce set is only $5.00 and the first box of the 3.4 ounce set is $10.00. So, definitely worth it to try!

So, what did I get? Four 1.7 ounce bags of the following whole bean coffees:

• Water Avenue | El Salvador Finca Las Delicias 
• OQ Coffee | Ethiopia Gelana Abaya 
• Cartel Coffee | Guatemala Atitlan
• Verve Coffee Roasters | Panama Elida Estate

Water Avenue | El Salvador Finca Las Delicias
Sample Value: $2.41
Full Size Cost: $17.00 (12 oz)
Buy at Misto Box

There’s a ton of flavor in these little coffee beans! There’s a lot of fruit notes and sweet chocolate rounds, and I found that the coffee just tasted like candy! But, not too much in away that it was off-putting. Not at all! I always put flavored creamer in my coffee and it made a really awesome decadent combo.

A little bit about Water Avenue… This coffee is one of their exclusives. It has also been processed naturally and says this refined coffee’s ripe red berries and tropical fruit “dance on the tip of the palette.” And, I gotta say… this girl can’t complain!

OQ Coffee | Ethiopia Gelana Abaya
Sample Value: $2.27
Full Size Cost: $16.00 (12 oz)
Buy at Misto Box

OQ Coffee is a New Jersey roasting company and they’ve sent us this Ethiopian brew all the way from Gelana Abaya.

And… I gotta say, this is probably one of the best natural coffees I’ve ever had. Since it’s dry processed, it’s packed full of truly floral and intensely sweet aroma. Take a sip and you’re hit with blueberry, plum and even a little mango!

Cartel Coffee | Guatemala Atitlan
Sample Value: $2.27
Full Size Cost: $16.00 (12 oz)
Buy at Misto Box

I was really impressed with this coffee’s full flavor! I could really taste the milk chocolate and caramel, and I could definitely tell there was some fruity sweet influence involved. It comes to us from Santiago, Atitlan, and coffee is a pretty big crop there. They’re also pretty focused on organic production. And, while they’re not necessarily certified organic, they’re at least working on it!

Verve Coffee Roasters | Panama Elida Estate
Sample Value: $2.98
Full Size Cost: $21.00 (12 oz)
Buy at Misto Box

Hello mango! Seriously, mango coffee. There’s so many juicy sweet flavors in this coffee, you wouldn’t believe it! It was interesting on its own and in combination with my creamer. I’m super curious to buy different creamers, and  see what kind of other flavor combinations I can explore.

Verve Coffee Roasters is all about paying attention. They’re committed to authentic cups of coffee full of quality. Apparently… there’s some coffee magic going on Boquete. During the harvest season, the weather there makes this area one of the most intense and magnified microclimates for coffee-making. Pretty cool huh?

The Verdict
Cost: $15.00
Value: $9.93

While the overall value of Misto Box did quite match up with the cost, I definitely think it’s worth it! Just the opportunity to try all these different types of coffees was super fun!

I do wish there was a little bit more variety, because I felt like everything had fruit sweet notes, but I don’t know if every month Misto focuses on a different type of flavor. Certainly not something that would stop me from trying it again, but just a thought! I’d also like to see some decaf options. I love drinking coffee in the evening, but don’t always need the caffeinated boost then.

I loved loved loved Misto’s packaging and how each bag of beans came in their own resealable bag. That allowed me to bounce around flavors, enjoy and compare.

I think this is a great treat for coffee lovers and makes a great gift for the holidays. I have so many ideas for this year!

What do you think of Misto Box? Have you tried it before? Would love to hear from some fellow coffee drinkers out there!

Disclosure: This product was received in exchange for a review. All views in this post are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links.Complete Disclosure Policy.

Orange Glad: NEW July 2013 Review

Let me tell you, I was glad when I saw that happy orange smile on my doorstep last week! We were heading out of town, so I barely had time to look inside before we hit the road. When we got back from our trip, it was the perfect treat to dive into!

Orange Glad is a new food subscription box service that launched it’s very first box this month, and boy was it tasty! This company first got my attention for many reasons. First, I thought their website was super cute! And, I just loved Orange Glad’s friendly concept. I mean, of course a box of baked goods and confections will put a smile on your face! For $15.00/month (plus shipping and handling), you can get a box of exceptional desserts from nationwide shops. In it for the long haul? Orange Glad also offers 3 and 6 month packages.

Right off the bat, I was impressed with how heavy the box was. You gotta get excited about a heavy box! (That’s what she said?) Well, it turns out there was an included cooling pack for the items that no one wanted to melt. And, with as hot as it’s been, it was definitely appreciated! Browsing the items, I was immediately pleased with the quantity and variety and couldn’t wait to dig in.

So, what did I get in my July Orange Glad box?

• Alice’s Stick Cookies | Stick Cookies (Los Altos, CA)
• Fat Witch Brownie | Brownie (New York, NY)
• The Secret Chocolatier | Chocolate Barks (Charlotte, NC)
• Sweet Lydia’s | S’more Bite (Lowell, MA)
• Yummés | Complete Peanutbutterness (West Carrollton, OH)
• Twenty Pixels | Hand Made Button Pack 

Alice’s Stick Cookies | Natural Vanilla Stick Cookies (Los Altos, CA)
Sample Value: $4.98
Full Size Purchase Price: $9.95
Buy at Alice’s Stick Cookies

This was one of the first things I tried in the box. They are shaped like biscotti’s but far more moist and soft. I cozied up with a cup of coffee and enjoyed one of these and let me tell you, I think that was the magical combination. They aren’t overly sweet, but are a perfect complement to coffee or tea, which is exactly how Orange Glad recommends enjoying them! They’re rich and buttery and feature a hint of toffee flavor that just melts in your mouth!

What I like about Orange Glad’s informational card is that they not only tell you about the products, they also give you info on the shops. If they hadn’t, I would have never known this sweet treat won the Prize for Best Cookie of 2004 & 2006 at the Fancy Food Show in NYC.

I was also pleased with the sample size. I initially thought it was a full size sample, but these guys are also available in larger packages. I’m tempted to say this was my favorite item in the box, but then why would you keep reading? 😉

Fat Witch Brownie | Brownie (New York, NY)
Full Size Purchase Price: $2.95
Buy at Fat Witch Bakery

I love this Fat Witch concept. I imagine this sultry and salty old lady sitting over a cauldron of chocolate whipping up delectable treats. I enjoyed this guy as my solution for the afternoon sweet-craving over two days. I didn’t quite read the informational card in time, but boy I wish I had! Orange Glad recommends eating this guy within two days and heating it up in the microwave. I wish I had done both these things, because I feel it would have improved the experience! Not that I didn’t like the brownie, I just didn’t think there was anything special about it.

But, let me tell you who does think these things rock. OPRAH! This treat was actually featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things, the Food Network and the Today Show! So, yeah… I feel like I missed out by not eating it in the recommended time frame!

The Secret Chocolatier | Chocolate Barks (Charlotte, NC)
Full Size Purchase Price: $6.50
Buy at The Secret Chocolatier

Num num num… I love chocolate bark. And, I loved this treat! I got White Chocolate Macadamia Nut and some kind of toffee one. I couldn’t find it on their website, but I like them just the same! When I started out this post, I thought maybe this was my favorite item. But, I’m actually thinking it really was those Stick Cookies… Gosh, I can’t stop thinking about them!

Anyway! The Secret Chocolatier definitely knows what they’re doing! After starting their business at a local farmer’s market, they’re now keeping up with demand with a storefront in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Sweet Lydia’s | S’more Bite (Lowell, MA)
Full Size Purchase Price: $4.75
But at Sweet Lydia’s

This was the first thing I tried in the box. Largely because of their easy-to-snack size. These guys feature gourmet vanilla marshmallow, graham crackers and milk chocolate. Biting into one of these, it’s hard not to be intrigued by the light and fluffy flavor and their unexpected take on the s’more. The only thing that’s missing is the melted chocolate and sticky fingers.

Today Sweet Lydia is big on wedding favors. They customize these things and sell them in minipacks. Definitely a cute idea for an outdoor wedding, or any kind of wedding really. 

Yummés | Complete Peanutbutterness (West Carrollton, OH)
Full Size Purchase Price: $5.00
Buy at Yummés

All I gotta say about Yummés is YUM! This treat was seriously rich and indulgent. I loved it! Even though it was recommended to eat this guy within 2 days… and I was a week late… I still loved every bite of this! Brace yourselves peanut butter lovers. It’s  peanut butter butter cream in between creamy peanut butter cookies that have been dipped in chocolate. HELLO!

Yummés is located in Carrollton, OH and as a Ohio native… I looked them up on the map. Sadly, it’s not on my route home (they’re more near Canton), but if they were… I totally would stop by because I can only image what other treats they whip up!

Twenty Pixels | Hand Made Button Pack
Estimated Purchase Price: $1.00
Explore Twenty Pixels

These were a cute little extra. Not really sure what I will use them for.. but, I’m sure I’ll find someone to gift them to!

Either way, they’re support cute and I like what Twenty Pixels has going on on their website. I think they have that same lighthearted vibe Orange Glad is all about. So, their partnership seems like a really good fit!

The Verdict
Cost: $21.95 ($15 per month + $6.95 S&H per box)
Value: $25.18

Overall, I think Orange Glad has everything it needs to succeed in the subscription box industry. While I haven’t tried many sweet subscription boxes, I think of them, this is my favorite. I was very pleased with the value and quality of the products!

In addition to the treats, I really liked the informational card and web site. It’s just so easy to navigate and learn about the products inside. Which as a blogger, I appreciate immensely!

Would I recommend this to everyone I know? Absolutely! What a great gift! Whether it’s one box or a subscription, I just think this would be a great way to send someone you love a smile.

Orange you glad I tried this box? Did you try it out this month too? What did you think?

Want to get in on the August box? Through July, you can save 10% on your Orange Glad order with coupon code JUSTLOUISE6.

Disclosure: This product was received in exchange for a review. All views in this review
are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a
review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post
may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.

The New Subscription Box Influx

Let me tell you, as a lady who is still semi-new to this subscription box world, I’m a little overwhelmed by all the new subscription boxes. It seriously feels like there is a new one coming out every day, and I hardly know how to keep up. So, I’ve been thinking about putting together a post with a list of all the new ones. And, here it is! A run down of all the new ones I’ve come across and the links you need to enjoy them!

• Ankle Swagger
  
  Cost: $30-36.00/quarter
  What’s Inside: three subscription packages offer 3 pairs of socks each quarter
  

• Bourbon & Boots Box
  
  Cost: $42.00/month
  What’s Inside: southern goods deemed worthy and hand-selected by the Bourbon & Boots staff based on the season. 

• Cooper & Kid Cooper Kit
  
  Cost: $65.00/kit
  What’s Inside: multiple curated products and activities designed to enrich your quality time with your children (and have a good time while doing it)

• Cult Cosmetics Blackbox Nail Club
  
  Cost: $19.99 ($5.00 shipping)
  What’s Inside: at least three seasonal nail polishes and a professional nail tool
• e.l.f. Beauty Bundle
  
  Cost: $19.95/month ($6.95 shipping)
  What’s Inside: an amazing selection of e.l.f’s best products, all in their favorite neutral colors designed to look beautiful on every skin tone

• Escape Monthly
  
  Cost: $49.95/month
  What’s Inside: destination-inspired monthly delivery of luxury products to help you relax, renew and escape, inspired by luxurious spas, tropical getaways, cultures of the world and more
  Coupon Code: YOURESCAPE—worth 20% off for life (First 500 members)

• Happy Dog Box
  
  Cost: $29.95/month
  What’s Inside: at least 3 packages of gourmet dog treats

• A Kitchen Box
  
  Cost: $89.00/3 months
  What’s Inside: something to see, taste, learn and try. A Kitchen Box will equip you with information and connection to all things kitchen while exciting your senses and reminding you of the joy in trying something new.

• Makana Box
  
  Cost: $30.00/month
  What’s Inside: quality, unique, gifts that are truly locally made to share our Aloha and a little bit of the Hawaiian islands

• Monthly Mani Box from Scratch
  
  Cost: $25.00 (first box), $30.00 (monthly) +$8.00 shipping
  What’s Inside: 4+ unique manicures including tools & accents needed and a surprise gift curated by the month’s Featured Artist
  
  
• Munchit
  
  Cost: $3.58/box (weekly)
  What’s inside: one snack mix, one all-natural treat, some all-natural gum and one tea bag in your box based on your tastes.

• My Big Day Box
  
  Cost: $18.00/month
  What’s Inside:  clutch/evening bag filled with 4-6 beauty samples for brides

• Supplet
  
  Cost: $39.99/month
  What’s Inside: a collection of curated goodies that complement one of the most important times in a woman’s life, pregnancy 

• Taste Trunk
  
  Cost: $29.00/month
  What’s Inside: from gourmet food to household lifestyle, discover your new favorite brands from around the world

• The Vegan Box
  
  Cost: $29.95/month (5.00 shipping)
  What’s Inside: the best cruelty free/vegan products, handpicked from businesses that care for earthlings

• Your Bijoux Box
  
  Cost: $35.00/month
  What’s Inside: 2-3 pieces of hand curated jewelry delivered to your door
  Coupon Code: JUSTLOUISE1— free bubble bracelet
  
  

• Zockster
  
  Cost: $5.00/month ($2.00 shipping)
  What’s Inside: 3 pairs of socks made from eco-friendly bamboo

Plated: July 2013 Review (Part 2)

 

Hello! And, welcome to Part 2 of my July Plated review! If you missed my review of the Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken with Homemade Tortilla Chips and Pico de Gallo, be sure to check it out here.

Plated is a gourmet food delivery service that brings all the ingredients you need to make exceptional dishes in the comfort of your home. Memberships are available for $10 a month and plates cost up to $15.00 per person. Interested in getting a meal for two free? Leave a message below or email me at justlouiseplease@gmail.com, and I’ll hook you up!

First up today… Red White and Bleu Burgers with Baked Parsley Potato Chips. I had some help with this one! My dear hubby fired up the grill while I worked on the caramelized onions and potato chips. I love red onion! And, I can’t believe I never thought about making them like this! All you have to do is add some balsamic vinegar and sugar and cook the hell out of them. YUM! Combine that with the bleu cheese, and I was hooked! I didn’t put any other condiments on them, because the burgers had enough flavor on their own.

I had some trouble with the potato chips. I wish they told you how to get them off the pan… luckily, my hubby had some experience with this and told we how to use the spatula to get them off. They were super tasty!

You only see one plate in the photo because the hubby couldn’t wait for me to take a picture to start eating his! Also… he passed on the bleu cheese and the onions, so his just kind of  became a burger!

Plated’s recipe for Spicy Skillet Fried Chicken with Cabbage-Fennel Slaw and Corn on the Cob kind of changed my world and it’s all because of one thing: buttermilk. Why have I not used buttermilk to make fried chicken every day of my life?! More on that in a minute…

While cooking, I kind of had a lemon problem. The cole slaw tasted too lemony. My hubby suggested adding more mayo, and I told him to go for it and add it. Little did I know… we only had Miracle Whip. And once it was added, there was no going back. And, let me tell you. That tangy zip was not a good combination with the cole slaw… so, we ended up tossing it out. Luckily, I had some mashed potatoes I could whip up to go with it instead.

Now, on to that buttermilk! It created the most crispy, delicious fried chicken skin I could have ever imagined! When the hubby heard fried chicken was on the menu, he suggested we use the deep frier. Now, I’ve never used the deep frier, so I turned it over to him. After we plated it up, and dug in… we realized the chicken wasn’t done. Bah! But, the skin was so good! We put it under the broiler in hopes of keeping it crispy and also cooking it through, unfortunately… I got so distracted by the deliciousness of the corn, I forgot about the chicken and burnt it! AH! I’m going to have to make this again, because I know it would have been amazing. The corn on the cob was so good because of the basil butter. Seriously delicious, and I never would have thought to make that before.

As always, Plated did an incredible job providing me with pre-measured, fresh ingredients. Timing of the meal was simple and it got us to try out new flavors and cooking techniques we hadn’t used before.

Have you tried Plated yet? What do you think? Ready to give it a go for yourself? Leave me a message below or email me at justlouiseplease@gmail.com and I’ll hook you up with a FREE dinner for two!

Treatsie: June 2013 Review

I know I’m a little late on the Treatsie review, but I wanted to wait to share it with you all until I could give a full report! You know I’m not a girl who is about to leave out the details!

Treatsie is a monthly subscription box service that delivers high-quality, artisan candy to your doorstep. Treatsie prides itself on sharing with its subscribers candies they’d normally never discover. Treatsie also offers subscribers the opportunity to purchase the candies they sample each month through their website.

You can enjoy Treatsie with a $15/month subscription. One-time shipments and pre-pay subscriptions are also available for personal use or as gifts.

First, let’s talk packaging. Opening up the box, I thought it was super cute. I love the delicate logo and the care that was put into shipping the box. Pink gift paper and an enclosed card provided information on how to tell all your friends about Treatsie.

I signed up for a one-time gift to myself to try it out. The June 2013 Treatsie box included:

• Askinosie Chocolates | Itty Bars™
• Liddabit Sweets | Barley, Tea & Honey Lollipop
• Liddabit Sweets | Fig & Ricotta Caramel
• Liddabit Sweets | Dark Chocolate Caramel
• Lambrecht Gourmet | Southern Pecan Toffee

Askinosie Chocolates | Itty Bars™

Askinosie Chocolates | Dark Chocolate Itty Bars™
Sample Value: $3.40
Full-Size Cost: $127.50 (150 packs)
Buy at Askinosie Chocolates

Askinosie Chocolates Itty Bars™ are available in a variety of flavors and made from global cocoa beans. This month boxes featured bars from San Jose Del Tambo, Ecuador, Cortés, Honduras, Tenende, Tanzania and Davao, Philipines.

Now, I respond more favorably to milk chocolate over dark chocolate, but hey… chocolate is chocolate! When I started tasting these, I didn’t realize there were different flavors. I just thought it was all dark chocolate. Maybe my taste buds aren’t as sophisticated as one would hope. Either way, I could definitely tell the chocolates are high quality. They are very rich! And while it’s not my cup of tea, people who love dark chocolate will probably go bananas over these things.

I looked at the full-size availability of these and Askinosie sells these guys inside jars with up to 150 individual pieces. Now, that’s a lot of chocolate. But, I won’t lie… I thought about buying one to put on my desk at work. But, that’s a lot of money to provide everyone who constant sweetness availability.

Liddabit Sweets | Barley, Tea & Honey Lollipop

Liddabit Sweets | Barley, Tea & Honey Lollipop
Sample Value: $1.25
Full-Size Cost: $5.00 (4 pack)
Buy at Liddabit Sweets

Liddabit Sweets is a small candy company in Brooklyn, New York. They specialize is making handmade candy bars, caramels, lollipops and more. Everything they do, whether its measuring, cooking, wrapping or packaging, is done by a real-live person. And, they’ve got several treats in this month’s box.

I’m not big on hard candy, suckers, lollipops, whatever. They’re just not my kind of treat. But, I am intrigued by a barley, tea and honey lollipop. Liddabit also says it’s good for soothing a scratchy throat. I think I might save it for that!

Liddabit Sweets | Fig &
Ricotta Caramel

Liddabit Sweets | Fig & Ricotta Caramel
Sample Value: $2.33
Full-Size Cost: $7.00 (One Dozen)
Buy at Liddabit Sweets

These guys feature bits of dried fig, ricotta and a little balsamic vinegar. Liddabit recommends adding them to a cheese plate or enjoying them with a sip of port. Both of these sound extremely fancy. I just popped them in my mouth. [That’s what she said.] I was pleasantly surprised that I actually liked these. The chunks of fig kind of freaked me out. And, the texture is kind of weird. But overall, the flavor is really enjoyable.

Liddabit Sweets | Dark
Chocolate Caramel

Liddabit Sweets | Dark Chocolate Caramel
Sample Value: $2.33
Full-Size Cost: $7.00 (One Dozen)
Buy at Liddabit Sweets

Again with the dark chocolate! I probably would have enjoyed these more had they been milk chocolate, but these were still really sweet and delicious. I should mention that both these and the Fig & Ricotta Caramels had a truly incredible texture. Smooth and chewy at the same time. Not too sweet, just extremely pleasant. Maybe it has something to do with the Taza Chocolate. These guys feature organic, direct-trade ingredients from Somerville, MA.

Lambrecht | Gourmet Southern
Pecan Toffee

Lambrecht Gourmet | Southern Pecan Toffee
Full-Size Value: $6.50
Buy at Lambrecht

Now, this is my kind of sweet treat! I love love love toffee and dug into these right away! Lambrecht Gourmet makes this Southern Pecan Toffee with slow-roasted pecan halves and pure butter toffee. Each piece is topped with a dark milk chocolate. Not sure what the dark element means, but they say there’s a caramel, nut and earthy flavor. I don’t know if I would say I experienced all that, but I liked it just the same!

The only down side I experienced was the hard candy portion got really stuck in my teeth. It kind of made it harder to enjoy, but I liked it just the same!

The Verdict
Cost: $15.00 (free shipping)
Value: $15.81

Overall, I definitely feel like I got a good value. If I had gone down the street to our local chocolatier, I would have probably spent the same amount on similar products. In terms of variety, I wish the box wasn’t so dark chocolate heavy. But, that’s my personal preference. I would have also liked to have seen some sour treats. Everything tasted very rich and indulgent. Which hey, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But, if I’m out to try something new, I wouldn’t mind a little more variety.

Would I give it as a gift? Definitely. I think this would be GREAT for mother’s day! Or, as a little “thinking of you” type gift. I’m going to have so many great ideas for Christmas this year!

Have you tried Treatsie? Are you happy with the products and variety you received? I would love to hear what everyone else thinks!

Disclosure: This product was not received in exchange for a review. All views in this review
are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a
review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post
may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.

Plated: July 2013 Review (Part 1)

I’m in my second week as a Plated kitchen master and I gotta say I’m super excited to cook this week’s menu! You can read all about how Plated works in my introduction post and read what I thought about previous boxes (June 2013 Part 1, June 2013 Part 2).

Last time I ordered Plated, I had a hard time planning my meals for the week and my chicken and some produce went bad. So, this time, I made sure not to buy as much food at the store, and instead use these ingredients earlier in the week. I also put all the meat I wasn’t immediately using in the freezer. Just in case something happened and I wasn’t going to be able to use it when I originally planned.

This week I’ll be cooking:

• Red White and Bleu Burger with Baked Parsley Potato Chips
• Spicy Skillet Fried Chicken with Cabbage-Fennel Slaw and Corn on the Cob
• Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken with Homemade Tortilla Chips and Pico de Gallo

I started with the Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken with Homemade Tortilla Chips and Pico de Gallo. Anything with the words spicy, garlic and lime in the description is a must try in my book. When I unloaded the ingredients they really looked great! I was happy to see a smaller onion included. Last time I made a salsa from Plated, they said to use the whole onion, but it was huge! This time I was actually able to use the entire thing, which I was definitely happy about. I had heard problems before about people only receiving one chicken breast, when they were supposed to get two. But, I didn’t have any problems on the ingredient front this time around! They really did include everything. There were even little butter packets!

I’m always amazed at how Plated makes cooking their meals so easy. The timing of everything worked out perfectly, and I was really excited to make homemade tortilla chips. I have some corn tortillas in the cabinet, so I know I’ll be repeating that recipe really soon.

The flavor of everything was seriously delicious. The chicken was killer. And my hubby and I both really liked it. The tortilla chips came out great and I loved the pico. Both were easy to make, and I’ll definitely be saving all three recipes.

The only real downside is that I felt like there was something lacking from the meal. While there’s technically three components, it really only felt like two. I wish there was one more element included in the meal. And, we could have definitely used some more tortilla chips. I ended up baking a few more from the corn tortillas I had in the house. But, when all the flavors and everything tastes so great, it’s hard to complain about something like that!

What do you think? Have you tried Plated yet? If you want to try it and receive two plates free, leave a message below or send me an email at justlouiseplease@gmail.com and I’ll hook you up!

Disclosure: This product was received as part of the Midwest Beta Test. All views in this post are the opinion of the author. Just Louise Please will not accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain referral links. Complete Disclosure Policy.