Resolutions Cravebox Review, plus, Giveaway?

Oh. My. Gosh,  you guys- I FINALLY won a web contest!  I have entered these things for years, off an on, and I NEVER win anything!  Even if I'm told I "won" something, it's a crappy coupon, or it never actually arrives!

I entered a contest on my fellow blogger Leigh's site,Whimsical Adventures of a Magical Mom.  Go on, head over there and check it out.  I'll wait.
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Back now?  Great.  Leigh was offered the chance to give away a Resolutions Cravebox, and I was the lucky winner!  Leigh was awesome getting in touch with me, and could probably hear me whoo who'ing all the way at her home in NC!  

The awesome thing about becoming a beauty junkie is learning about all the awesome monthly delivery services out there, and not just for makeup!  I had never heard about Cravebox (and lots of other boxes!)before I read Leigh's blog; and I am so excited to receive it and give this subscription service a test run before I fork over some of my husband's hard earned dollars to do so. 

Here's my thoughts on the awesome Resolutions Cravebox; so named after what we all make in January, and most of us break before February (or give up for Lent!!) :)

It looks like it's ready to pop!

I cracked open the box, and then peered inside.

Seriously packed box!

This box is seriously crammed full of goodies!  

The letter talks about what Cravebox is, and how to get one, and has an encouraging message about keeping your resolutions.

I love the letter, explaining how the products inside will help you keep your New Year's resolutions to get healthy.  It would be nice if the letter goes over the products in the box, though, maybe they will do this in the future!

Wholly Guacamole coupon for a free product; go HERE for product info, coupons, and more

A chip clip and a coupon for a free Wholly Guacamole product?! SCORE!  My hubby and the kids LIVE on this stuff, so I will definitely be putting this coupon to good use!  We have guac at least once a week here (everyone but me loves it), and Wholly Guacamole is, in my opinion, THE best brand out there.  Plus, who DOESN'T need another chip clip- am I right?! I am loving this box already! 

My hubby requested the Spicy guacamole :)

I went to my market to pick up the free items in my box, and my hubby called me, to ask me to get Spicy guac instead of the "original" that I usually pick up.  My oldest saw the Spicy in the fridge, and had a meltdown!  I assured her that I also purchased the original, and all was well in our world again. 
A 14 oz packet of the guac retails for $4.99 at my local grocery market (coupon will not exceed $6.50); so as this is a coupon for a FREE product, I will count this at part of the value of my box.  Retail value: $4.99


GRADE: 5/5

Celestial Seasonings Metabo Balance wellness tea; available HERE; coupon code CSWELLNESS will earn you 10% off your order until 12/31/13

I used to be a tea drinker, and every now and then I fall back into the old habit of brewing myself a cup of tea, instead of the coffee that my husband prefers. I'm very familiar with Celestial Seasonings, but I've new to the Metabo Balance tea.  Tea that will help control my metabolism?!  Works for me!  My local grocery does carry this brand, but a box is priced at $5.49 for a box of 20 bags; at the CS website, a box of 20 bags is 3.49.  Even if I take that .75 off coupon to my store on triple coupon day, the 3.49, then 10% off is a WAY better deal. Retail value of this product comes to $0.17 (I don't count the coupons unless they are for FREE product!), based on the website price.
GRADE: 4/5 (not sure if it made me want to eat less; it was a crazy day here!)

CocoaVia Daily Cocoa Extract Suppliment variety sample pack; available HERE

  I love to try new things, and I've never heard of the brand, CocoaVia before.  This is a 4 pack of samples of cocoa supplements, with flavoring.  The chocolate flavors are designed to be added to milk, coffee, etc; while the berry flavored ones work well in water or yogurt. This 4 pack contained sweetened dark chocolate, unsweetened dark chocolate, summer citrus, and cran-raspberry.  Each packet contains 250mg of cocoa flavanols; which are said to support healthy blood circulation.  We drink a LOT of flavored water here, so I was very curious to see what we thought of this brand.  I tried the sweetened dark chocolate in my coffee this morning, and had an epic fail on my behalf.  By the time I made it to the coffee pot, there was only about 1/2 a cup left, that was luke warm (my husband leaves for work around 6:30 am each morning; I get up around 7:30, when my youngest wakes up).  I added the powder to my sad little cup, and stirred it in.  First impression was that it was way to strong and had a major after taste.  I added a good bit of milk to my coffee (my home made way of making it a mochacino), and it was much better.  It tasted very much like hot chocolate powder.  I tried the cran-raspberry and added it to water; and I THINK I didn't add enough water.  I took a big gulp, and then topped my glass off again.  It was MUCH better.  Given the name has "cocoa" in it, I did expect a hint of chocolate taste, and was pleasantly surprised that there was none.  I much prefer the fruit flavors to the chocolate flavors, and this surprised me; but then again, I AM Only Average.  The chocolate packets have a weight of .27 oz; and the fruit flavors have a weight of .24 oz.  A box of these (30) retails for $39.95, but is currently on sale for $34.95.  You can also purchase a set of 2-15 packet boxes, in either the chocolate varieties or the fruit varieties, for the same price.  There is a coupon code on my packaging; however it has expired.  My sample packets (4) have a retail value of $4.68.
GRADE: 4/5 (not sure if this is a supplement I really NEED- after I try it for 4 days, if I feel better I will reconsider)

Perfectly Simple Cranberry Almond bar; go HERE for a product locator

Another brand I'm not too familiar with is Perfectly Simple.  My oldest daughter LOVES snack bars, and she was excited to try this one.  The cranberry almond flavor was, in her opinion, absolutely fantastic; that is, once you get over the appearance of the bar.  The bar is kind of a dark reddish brown, with bits of nuts here and there.  I think you probably can figure out what my first impression of what it looked like is..but I will tell you, the flavor absolutely made up for that!  I will absolutely pick these up for her at the market, if she asked me to.  The bar is 1.58 oz; and a 12 pack retails for $16.62 at Amazon; they aren't carried at my regular market.  I received a coupon for $1 off a 5 pack along with the bar (and I don't count this towards the value).  This sample has a retail value of $1.39. 
GRADE: 4/5

Coupon for a FREE Smart Ones by Weight Watchers product; go HERE for a product locator

I love me some coupons, I'll be perfectly honest.  Free product coupons are the holy grail for any couponer!  I don't think I have ever tried the Smart Ones brand before, but I am at least familiar with the name.  These products retail $2.79-4.19 in my area, depending on the product (pizza, ice cream sundaes (!), pasta, breakfast foods, microwave meals, etc).  

Smart Ones Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundae (4 pack): yummy!

 I picked up the 4 pack of the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundaes at my market, and we gave it a test run!  Oh. My. Gosh, y'all.  These were SO good.  For a "diet" food, these did NOT taste diet!  There is a bit of graham cracker crumb on the bottom, then ice cream, then chocolate syrup, and then cookie dough bits.  So freakin' awesome.  Best thing in this box, by far- my kids gobbled them up like they were going out of style, and I only got one!  My product retailed at $3.89 (coupon has a maximum value of $4)
GRADE:5/5 (absolute sinful perfection!)

Sun-Rype Fruit Source Bars in Mango Strawberry and Just Fruit & Grains bar in summer berry; go HERE for a store locator

We received 4 of the SunRype snack bars. 3 of them are Fruit Source plus Veggie bars, in the flavor Mango Strawberry; and the last one was the Just fruit & grains bar in the flavor Summer Berry.  My kids both tried the fruit source plus veggie bars, and they didn't care for them.  The bars have a pleasant smell, but the texture is a bit unexpected.  They kind of look like thick fruit roll ups, only more fruitier.  The bars are kind of soft, and kind of chewy.  I tried the fruit source plus veggie bar, and I thought it was just ok.  The fruit & grains bar was very similar, but had an unusual aftertaste to me. The grains gave the bars more of a "crunch" to them, and I personally didn't care for the texture.   I'm glad I got to try these- I liked the fruit source bars, but now I know to stay away from the fruit & grains bars; plus if I buy these, the kids will leave them alone and I will have a snack that no one will bother.  Score!  The FruitSource bars have a weight of 1.3 oz; and are available at Amazon, $50.31 for 48 bars (making 1 bar $1.04).  The Just Fruit & Grains bars weigh 1.5 oz, and are for sale at Amazon, $37.06 for 40 bars (making 1 bar $0.93). These 4 samples have a retail value of $4.05.

GRADE: 3/5

A&W Ten and 7Up Ten soda cans, go HERE for a product locator

Hello, I'm Only Average Mom, and I'm a soda junkie.  There, I said it.  I've always loved the fizzy drink, and love to try new ones.  I prefer to drink diet soda, and have for years.  My grandma put it best; if you want the soda, why do you want all the extra calories?  Just drink the diet!  I've drank diet soda for so many years, that regular soda tastes entirely too sweet to me, so I was excited to try these 10 calorie drinks out!  A&W brings back childhood memories of root beer floats at the A&W restaurant, drank out of glass mugs.  When we popped open this can, this is what I imagined.  Sadly, fantasy and reality did not mesh in this case.  The root beer had a "diet" aftertaste, but less than regular diet soda, according to my husband.  I think that some sodas need the full calories, and root beer is one of them.  My youngest and I popped open the 7Up 10; and although it was better, it lost its fizziness quickly and had an after taste.  I think I'll stick with my Diet Dr. Pepper; although the company gets an A for effort!  Each can is 12 fl oz, and retail at my local grocery market for $6.29/12 pack.  This makes each can $0.52 in value, and this sample set valued at $1.04.
GRADE: 2.5/5

Mary Kay Timewise repair volu-firm eye renewal cream, available HERE

I recently had the opportunity to try out lots of Mary Kay products, and enjoyed the majority of them.  I was very excited to see the MK Timewise repair volu-firm eye renewal in my package, a full size product!  I took the lid off to put a bit of product on my hand and was astonished to see the applicator tip!  It's metal and large; with the purpose to massage the cream into your skin. According to MK's webiste, this product:

• Targets deep lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
• Targets undereye bags, puffiness and dark circles.
• Targets crepiness and dry skin.
• Increases skin moisture for 12 hours.
• Features a unique liquid crystal delivery system that helps enhance effectiveness.
• Contains the benefits of the Volu-Firm™ Complex.

Obviously, the results and effects listed here are things that I can't test in just a couple days, to see if they are true or not.  I will try this product for a week or so, and check back and let you know what I think!  Fair warning though: I have hooded eyes, so I'm not sure how I can test it for "sagging skin" (plus, I'm in my early 30's, people; these really aren't major issues for me!)  The product is pleasant to apply, and it is white.  The applicator looks a bit crazy at first, but it gives the eyes a very pleasant cooling feel.  Very nice.  I will say, though, after trying this product out for three days, it seriously works!  My fine lines under and around my eyes are smaller, my dark circles are less prominent, and my lids are less crepey (and eyeliner glides on SO easy now!).  I'm not sure my budget will allow me to repurchase this item, but it will definitely be on my wish list!  This product is FULL SIZE; with a weight of .5 oz, and retails for $40 (holy crow!).
GRADE: 4.5/5

Pantene Pro-V Silky Moisture Whip, available HERE

Pantene is a brand that I've used off and on, since high school.  I've never heard of the Moisture Whip line, though, and I was so excited to test it.  My hair is very dry, very curly, and very thin.  This isn't the best combination for anyone, so I am always on the lookout for a product that is designed to make my crazy hair less dry, more wavy and less kinky curly, and thicker. The first thing I noticed, is that the product comes out of the bottle really fast- I had a handfull of mousse with just a quick push of the button!  I applied this to my hair, and used no other product (so I can be sure the results I am seeing are from the moisture whip, and not something else!), and my hair did not become stiff, as you kind of expect from mousse; and my hair felt a bit more hydrated throughout the day.  I didn't experience any styling benefits, but in the product's defense, it doesn't advertise any.  The Moisture Whip is a deluxe size sample, at 26g (0.9 oz); the full size is priced at $5.97 (5.29 oz or 150g).  This makes my sample valued at $1.03
GRADE:4/5 (I still think of 80's hair when I think of mousse!)

Awesome box!  We loved trying everything!!

And that's it for my very first Cravebox review!  I am debating whether or not to sign up for Cravebox; it's a different type of subscription service.  What happens is, Cravebox announces a theme, and if you think you would like to try it, you enter your name in a raffle. If you are chosen in the raffle to receive the box, then you pay for it.  Boxes are priced from $12-16.  The Cravebox Resolutions box is a $15 box.  Again, I am NOT a Cravebox member, and only got to try this out thanks the the awesome Leigh over at Whimsical Adventures of a Magical Mom.  If you would like to learn more about Cravebox, you can go HERE.

Even though only a couple of things really WOW'ed me, I am so happy to try this service out.  I love how the boxes come packed with crinkle paper- we will definitely repurpose this in a craft, or in a birthday party bag (this is the year of the lava lamp; for anyone who is considering inviting my oldest to your child's party- everyone is getting a lava or glitter lamp.  Easy peasy- Five Below!).

The total retail value of this box is $61.24 (based on current pricing available in my area as best I could find)- which, is absolutely FANTASTIC for the $15 price; IF the items inside are ones you are already looking for.  I enjoyed trying this out, and am so happy to have won this box- I'm not sure I would have spent the money on it, as it isn't REALLY for our particular lifestyle, but I've been educated on some products to get, and some to steer clear for.  That's what these boxes are all about!

Well, thank you SO much Leigh, for giving this Only Average mom a chance to try something new; and inspiring me to work on having my OWN giveaway! That's right, I'm spreading the love- Leigh used rafflecopter to pick me as a winner, and I want to pick one too!  In the coming weeks (it's still Girl Scout cookie season, dude.  Plus, St. Patty's, hubby's birthday (Pi Day), Easter; and I have to be sure to have my little ducks in a row for all this stuff!) or possibly coming days, I'll be posting a contest to win a Profusion palette, very similar to the ones I reviewed in January, and ONE Average person will be it's new proud owner- so be sure to share the love you have of my Average world, and look for my contest post very soon!  Stay Average, y'all!

Disclaimer: I received these products as result of a contest I entered, and they were not sent to me by the vendor, but by a fellow blogger.  I was neither asked nor required to review the products, and all opinions listed are true and are my own (or my family's).