My Latest ULTA Haul- It's all about the HAIR!

I love to shop.  I am sure by now that this is NO secret, and I KNOW that I'm not alone!  If you didn't love to shop too, you probably wouldn't be reading this right now.  Am I right?

Ulta is currently having an awesome sale on their brand of makeup, and on hair care supplies.  Plus, I had a $3.50 off of a $10 purchase coupon.  I had a very strict budget for this shopping trip, and I'm pretty happy with what I purchased, spent and saved.  Are you ready to see my Hair Haul?

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Hair Cream, 4 fl oz (full size), $5.99 (buy 1 get 1 50% off), I paid $4.01 after my discounts.

I live at the beach, and love beach waves.  My hair is very thin and unpredictable, so I like to use things like rough paste to add volume and texture, so I thought that I would give this a try.  It smells really good, but has a weird texture to the cream.  

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Textruizing Sea Salt Spray, 8 fl oz (full size), $5.99 (buy 1 get 1 50% off), I paid $4.01 after my discounts.

Beach waves are the bomb, and since I absolutely LOVE the way my hair feels after I've been swimming in the ocean, I thought that this is the spray for me.  Plus, I was hoping to get the Healthy Sexy Hair version of this spray, but alas, that was not in the cards for me.  I love the idea that I can have beach hair all year long, and even if I don't brave the ocean's briny depths.  

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat leave in conditioner, 1.7 fl oz (travel size), $6 on sale for $3, I paid $2.67 each after my discount (I bought two).

Ipsy turned me on to Healthy Sexy Hair, and I was excited to see the sale on the travel size products at Ulta.  Between my daughters and me, we go through a lot of leave-in conditioners and detanglers each month, so I picked up two of these...one to use and one as a backup for when I forget where I put the first one.  I love using soy in my hair, as it leaves it soft and silky, and feeling healthy.  I tried this on tiny love's unruly locks and I had no issues brushing her hair at all.  LOVE it!!

Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray, 1.5 oz (travel size), $6 on sale for $3, I paid $2.67 after my discount.

I received this in an Ipsy bag a while back, and I liked it ok.  This size hair spray is perfect for my tween to put in her back pack to take to middle school with her, for a quick touch up.  It's the perfect purse or pack size!

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse, 1.6 oz (travel size), $6 on sale for $3, I paid $2.67 after my discount.

This is another new product for me, but as my hair is super thin, I thought for $3 it was worth giving a try.  

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Mellow Conditioning & Taming foam, 6.7 oz (full size), $16.95, on sale $4.99, except it rang up for $6.99 (just noticed that).  I paid $6.22 after my discount.

I saw this foam on a clearance rack, and just had to buy it.  The price tag on it was very attractive, although it rang up higher than what the sticker said.  Side rant- I HATE that!!!  Ok, over it.  I love mousse to pump up my volume, so I was interested to see how this worked to tame and condition.

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal with Argan Oil, .34 fl oz (sample size), Gift with purchase (Buy $20 or more select hair care brands, receive this as your free gift).

I've tried this before (thanks again, Ipsy!), and loved it- I was happy to receive this as a free sample!  Soy Renewal makes my hair soft and silky and tames my frizz.  I use it on my tiny love, and it makes her hair gorgeous too!  LOVE it!!

Ulta Large Eye Shadow Brush (#1), on sale for $2.  I paid $1.78 after my discounts.

You all know that I can't go to Ulta without buying SOME makeup!  The main point of this trip was to get hair care items, but I could NOT pass up the awesome sale that Ulta has on their brand right now!  I am a brush junkie from way back, and thought I would try out Ulta's eyeshadow brush for $2.  It has soft but firm bristles, and kind of remind me of Urban Decay's brushes.  I'm very happy with this one- it does a great job and feels nice on my skin.

Ulta Precision Liquid Eye Liner in Plum, 0.015 oz (full size), on sale for $2.  I paid $1.78 after my discounts.

I recently lent my purple eyeliner pen to a friend (for some face art lining, NOT on her eyes...eww), and she lost it.  Insert sad face here.  I loved that liner and it was my ONLY purple eyeliner, so when I saw that Ulta's liquid liners were on sale, I HAD to pick one up in purple!  It's a pretty plum color:

Swatch of Ulta's Precision Liquid Eye Liner in Plum

...but darker than what I really wanted to have. It's a pretty deep purple shade, and I will get some use out of it, but for me, I prefer brighter shades, as I feel they set of my very blue eyes.  I will say that the liner has awesome staying power, but it takes a moment to dry.

And that, my friends, is everything on my receipt. 

Not too shabby, if I do say so myself!  But to sweeten the deal, I asked about samples at the checkout (my excuse is always my really sensitive skin), and I was offered TWO deluxe samples (along with my husband's daughter in law, "Shalene")!  

Cargo water resistant blush in IBIZA, .14 oz (deluxe sample); full size is .31 oz and retails for $26.00- this sample has a retail value of $11.74.

I dropped my Ulta shopping bag in the driveway, on my way to the door.  It just slipped from my fingers. Everything survived the fall, except for this blush.  So, I worked my magic, busted out my rubbing alcohol and fixed it.  Let me know if you want a tutorial on how I did this!  Ah, but I digress.  I love the texture of this blush- and it really is water resistant!  This is the perfect blend to wear at the beach or pool.  I rinsed my hand with a swatch on it, and the water just beaded up and ran off.  Awesome!

Swatch of Ibiza waterproof blush by Cargo

This is such a pretty, shimmery hot pink.  What an awesome sample, and I received this just because I asked about it!

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair CC Cream in natural glow, .17 fl oz (deluxe sample); full size is 1.7 oz and retails for $39.00.  This sample has a retail value of $3.90

Juice Beauty makes certified organic makeup and skincare items, and I personally love that!  When I saw this packet in the sample drawer, I said, Oooh- what's the Juice Beauty sample?  I opened it up and this 12 in 1 CC cream smells SO good- a nice, fruity scent and not at all floral.  I put some on my face and it went on silky and soft.  I can't say if I've had any results yet, but I will let you know if I do!

Swatch of Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair CC Cream in natural glow

My Ulta Hair Haul

That sums up my latest Ulta Haul- and I even took a picture of my receipt to show you the final prices of everything:

My receipt (minus my bonus points numbers!)

That just about wraps up my purchase for Ulta this time!  As you can see, my budget was $30, and I OVERSPENT...by $0.18.  I'm very happy with my purchase, I have to say!

Tell me, have you been to Ulta lately?  What do you think of their latest sale?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Disclaimer: I purchased these items with my own money my husband's money, and any gifts with purchase were because I met the purchase requirements to receive them.  I was neither requested nor required to review these items, and all links in this post are NOT referral links, except the Ipsy ones.  I totally want a free gift for referring friends.  Sorry!

Ipsy (MyGlam) July 2013 Review

I am so excited to share with you, my July Ipsy bag arrived early!  I can't wait to share with you all all the awesome things I received this month!!

The envelope.

I won't even lie- seeing the pretty pink envelope in my mailbox is my favorite mail moment each month.  Even if I peek in my glam room, I still love ripping into my pink packet to see if what Ipsy sent is what I was actually supposed to receive!

July first peek

The first peek into the pink envelope is awesome- I love the suspension! 

July Insert Card: Beach Beauty

This month's theme is Beach Beauty.  As I live at the beach, I have to say, that this theme is right up my alley!  Hot summer nights, sitting in the sun, walks on the boardwalk, and cruising down coastal highway with music blaring...this is MY idea of an awesome time, and beach beauty.  The mermaid on the card is cute too!

The promotions

I love how Ipsy includes the promotions on the card, it's a great way to see at a glance what awesome deals we can get!

July Ipsy bag

I love the bag this month- it definitely says beach to me.  I can put my cell phone, ipod, camera, and whatnot in this, and they will stay dry!  Plus, it's pink, too- what a bonus! It's been fun finding new uses for my bags each month, but I will say, I have found a purpose for each and every one of them.

This month, Ipsy included FIVE awesome items.  Four of them were the same (with minor variations), and the last item was based on the IpsyMatch profile.  I'll begin with the items that everyone received.

Pouty Pop Crayon from Pop Beauty in Coral Crush, 0.1 oz (full size), retail value $4.17; available HERE as a set of six; retail for the set is $25.  Discount code POPLUVSIPSY will get you 20% off your purchase, until 8/6/13, US only, one time only use.  

I love lippies, and this Pouty Pop Crayon is a cute addition to my collection!  I love that it is a twist-up crayon, and not a "sharpen me" crayon.  I always feel like I'm wasting product when I sharpen them! This crayon goes on smoothly, and is super pigmented.  

Swatch of Coral Crush

I have a couple tubes of coral lipstick, but none in this shade.  On me, this has a pinkish coral hue.  I like this shade okay, but I like some of the other shades in this collection better.  Ipsy sent these out in this shade, Coral Crush, as well as Fuchsia Flirt, and Rose Romance.  Out of these three, the Coral Crush is my personal favorite.  My only regret on this crayon is it's staying power- if you rock these crayons, be sure to take them with you for touch ups.
GRADE: 4/5 (great design, poor staying power)

BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow 3 pan Sampler, no weight indicated, Retail value $1.50 (approx); available HERE in eyeshadow and blush palettes retailing at $9.95 (includes 4 blushes and 16 shadows). Discount code IPSY will get you 10% off the California Collection, until 8/31/13.

I love eyeshadow palettes, and have tried BH's eyeshadows before.  The new California collection palettes are adorable, and a great price!  This sample palette is super cute, and even has a magnetic closure.  The California Collection sampler palette contains three (I'm assuming full size) shades, one from each of the palettes: Hollywood (shimmery deep purple), San Francisco (shimmery taupe), and Mailbu (metallic gold).

Swatches of the California Collection Sampler Palette from BH Cosmetics

Hollywood swatched kind of light for me, unfortunatiely, but San Francisco and Malibu swatched very nicely pigmented.  I love these colors, and have been rocking this look for a couple days.  I use the purple on my lids and outer corner, the taupe in my crease, and use the gold as an accent.
GRADE: 4/5 (cute palette, not happy with the pigmentation)

Coola Face SPF 20 Mineral Sunscreen Unscented Moisturizer, .23 fl oz (deluxe sample), retail value $4.87.  Full size is available HERE, $36.00 for 1.7 fl oz. Discount code IPSY will earn you 30% off any purchase, until 7/31/13, US and Canada residents only.

I have fair skin that burns easily, so sunscreen is a must for me.  Coola is a new brand for me, and I was happy to see the unscented and untinted version of this product in my bag.  My tube was sealed when it arrived, but it felt squishy and lightly filled.  I'm not sure if they used larger tubes than necessary or mine was a one-off, but I was sad to see that my tube wasn't full.  I tried this out on the beach today, and it felt great on my face, and I didn't burn.  I love that this is organic and cruelty free!  Ipsy also sent out samples of Coola's Rose Essence Tinted Moisturizer, so that may have been in your bag, instead of this untinted, unscented version.
GRADE: 4/5 (tube wasn't very full but works well)

Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray, 1.4 oz (deluxe sample), retail value $7.80.  Full size available HERE, $18.95 for 3.4 oz. Discount code 108723 will earn you $5 off of a purchase of $25 or more of Sexy Hair products, until 8/15/13, one time use only.

This was another item in my bag that was an "either/or".  I would have loved to try the Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Conditioning & Texturizing Spray that some members received, but as I live on the east coast (translation: humidity season), humidity-resistant hair products are something that I should really have more of.  I gave this hair spray a try and it did a pretty good job of holding my beachy waves in place, even in this high humidity area.  I don't use a lot of hair spray on the regular, but when I do, I think that this is what I will turn to!
GRADE: 4/5

Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub, 1 oz (deluxe sample size), retail value $16.25.  Full size available HERE; $32.50 for 2 oz.  Discount code IPSY0713 will earn you 20% off of any purchase, until 9/31/13, US residents only.

I've tried out microdermabrasion before, and I loved how it made my skin feel.  Although this isn't the item I would have selected to complete my Ipsy bag, if given the choice, I do know that this is a highly coveted item, and a great one to add to my collection.  Microdermabrasion can improve the appearance of your skin, leaving it fresh and younger looking.  This scrub is cruelty free, paraben free, and 100% vegan, and is made with sea salt and volcanic sand.  Because I have sensitive skin, I have to be careful with products like this, and not use too much pressure, but I love this sample, and want more!
GRADE: 5/5

Ipsy sent out several different items to subscribers as the fifth item in the bags. The other items sent out were a deluxe sample of Benefit's Benetint (2.5mL, retail value $8; available HERE; discount code GLAMBAG gets you a free Hello Gorgeous Trio with any purchase of $35 or more,  until 8/15/13), full size of Demeter's Salt Air Perfume Oil Roll On (.29 fl oz, retail value $10.00; available HERE; discount code IPSYDFL20 earns you 20% off your purchase, until 8/31/13), and a full size Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Mai Tai (.5 fl oz, retail value $13; available HERE; discount code hot4ipsy gets you 30% off of any purchase, until 8/15/13, continental US only).

Because I had some referrals this past month, I was surprised to see that I had an extra in my July glam bag!

Nicole by OPI, Selena Gomez collection nail lacquer, in the shade Pretty in Plum, 15 mL (full size), available HERE.  Retail value is $6.67.

My tween is a serious Selena Gomez fan, and she was super excited to see this nail polish in my bag, as an extra!  I have to admit, the cute shaped bottle (my husband says it resembles a golf club), and the pretty purple (almost Raven's purple!) made me smile too!

Swatch of Pretty in Plum from Nicole by OPI

OPI polishes usually last a good while for me, but this formula was just ok: my daughter painted her nails in the morning, and by early afternoon she had chipping.  That being said, she had used only one coat, no base and no top coat.  I tried this out, and had chipping the following morning- after painting them at night.
GRADE: 4/5 (great color, nice extra, chipping)

Well, that about sums it up for my July Glam Bag!

My July 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag

It's time for my financial recap, where I review the out of pocket cost, versus the retail value of the items inside.  Are you ready?  I'll include the retail value of the products I DIDN'T receive, too, just in case you are looking to see what the value of your bag is, and received different items than mine.

POP Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon, full size: $4.17
BH Cosmetics California Collection eyeshadow, deluxe sample: $1.50 (approx.)
Coola Mineral Sunscreen and Moisturizer, deluxe sample, both varieties: $4.87
Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof spray, deluxe sample: $7.80
Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray, deluxe sample: $6.84
Derma E Microdermabrasion scrub, deluxe sample: $16.25
Benefit Benetin, deluxe sample: $8
Demeter's Salt Air Perfume Oil Roll On, full size: $10.00
Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Mai Tai, full size: $13
Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer in Pretty in Plum, full size: $6.67

Total retail value of *MY* bag: $41.26
Total spent out of pocket: $10.00, shipping included
This month, my bag has one of the highest value, and I am really happy with it! Even if my bag was one of the lower values this month, I would still be really happy because I received items that I really liked and will use.

So, tell me- what was in YOUR glam bag this month?  Did you like what you received?  Leave a comment, and let me know!

Until next time, my friends, stay average!  Oh- and if you haven't already, enter the contest on my blog to win a THREE month sub to a NEW subscription box!

 

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product I paid for with my own money my husband's money.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts on the products listed above.  The referral link in this post is one where I would receive credit for a referral, and be compensated with free product for referring 2 people. Here is a link that just goes to Ipsy, without my referral code. Links to vendor's sites are not referral or compensated links.  I strive for honesty :)

Beauty Army June 2013 Review

As crazy as this summer has been, I am getting some seriously awesome things in the mail!  I can't wait to share them all with you!

My Beauty Army box for June 2013 just arrived, and it is just chock full of exciting things!

What's Beauty Army?  Beauty Army is an awesome beauty box program that is $12 a month.  This is the ONLY subscription service that allows you to CHOOSE your samples, so you never end up with something that you don't want to try.  Beauty Army also has the option to skip a month without cancelling, or to have one of their stylists choose the items for you.  You can choose up to SIX items each month.  If you are interested, here is a LINK to their site, and if you use this link, I receive credit towards receiving a free box (and then you can refer people, too!).

Ok, enough about this awesome service- let's get on to the good stuff!

Beautiful packaging!

Every box that I have received from Beauty Army has been a pretty pink box.  I am using four of them to sort my badges for Scouts; and any more after that I will have my husband turn into a storage center.  Reduce, reuse, recycle- that's the way to do it!

The insert card.

Each month, Beauty Army includes an insert card, with beauty tips and hints that are relevant to the current season.  I love getting these cards, plus- who doesn't love to be called gorgeous?

Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Shampoo, 1 oz deluze sample size; retail value $2.25. Available HERE, 1 8 oz bottle for $22, or on BA's website HERE, 2 8 oz bottles for $36.

The first item in my box is a repeat for me, but a great product all the same.  I was excited to see this in my selection window- this non-foaming shampoo did a great job cleansing my hair and helping to repair the damage that I have done to it!  Seriously, Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 shampoo is the best!  The shampoo leaves my hair feeling silky and soft, and combing it out afterwards is a cinch! I just can't justify spending the $36 for a two pack, not when I can get samples now and then and use it as a supplemental product. 
GRADE: 5/5

GG Gatsby Raise Volume Shampoo; .5 fl oz sample, retail value $0.59.  Available HERE, or at BA's store, $9.99 for 8.4 oz.

I received TWO shampoo samples this month, and I selected this one just because I didn't see anything else in my selection window that I wanted to try (death to all foil packs!).  This cute little sample is another non-lather shampoo, that says that it will increase the volume of my hair.  I have super thin and crazy curly hair, so I am always on the lookout for something to help tame and volumize my locks.  It is hard to tell if you like a product from a foil pack, one time use sample, but it is easy to tell if you hate it.  I gave this a try, and was really surprised.  After just one wash, my hair was MUCH less frizzy, and although I didn't notice extra volume, I DID notice an BIG improvement in my hair!
GRADE: 4/5

Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment, 0.1 fl oz foil packet; retail value $4.00. Available HERE, or from BA's store; $19.99 for 0.5 fl oz.

I say it all the time- I hate foil packets.  This sample was another selection made just to try something new, and because of my Mini Kittour jar from last month, I can get more than one use out of this one.  Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment is to be used twice daily to help combat the fine lines around the eye area.  Because of my very hooded eyes, firming and lifting the skin around my eyes is a concern- my hooded eyes will only become more hooded as I age.  I tried this treatment out, and the first thing I noticed was the smell- VERY floral.  I have major fragrance allergies, so I definitely won't repurchase this, but it does feel very good on my skin.  This little foil pack lasts quite a while- you only need a dab.  All you need is a little container to put the leftover in!
GRADE: 3/5 (feels good, triggers my allergies)

Addiction NV Gel Liner Pot in Starstruck (silver), full size, retail value $16.00.  Available HERE (currently offering 70% off everything on their site, making this liner $4.80; use coupon code NV70).

I love me some gel eyeliner, let me tell you!  I was excited to receive the Addiction NV gel liner in Chaos last month, but was disappointed in how it went on my eyes as a liner.  I use it now as an eye shadow.  When this popped up in my selection window again (no matter how hard I tried, I could NOT get purple to pop up!), I thought I would give it a try again, and maybe it's just the Chaos shade that didn't work well for me.  

Swatch of Starstruck (indoors with flash- it's seriously bucketing out!)

This beautiful silver/grey shade is super creamy.  I tried this on, and I like this one a LOT better than the blue one I received last month.  It doesn't seem to be quite as creamy, and glides on really well, and has some serious staying power!  I love me some gel liner!

Let me add that this company MAY be going out of business- I went to find their site today and had a farewell message posted on the home page, but I could still get into the store.  Shop at your own risk!
GRADE:4/5

Mini Kittour 30mL Travel Bottle in clear, retail value $3. Sets of 2 (one PET and one HDPE plastic) are available from BA's site for $6.

I seriously loved the little Mini Kittour container that I received last month, and I was excited to receive this one too- I love to have ways to save samples for multiple uses, and cute ways to travel (if I actually ever go anywhere!).  I plan to put my GG Gatsby shampoo in this, to hopefully squeeze a second application out of the packet.  What a great idea- to have little sample sized jars, to save the excess from a foil packet!
GRADE:4/5 (nice to have but the smaller pots are more handy IMHO

Colorsmash Hair Shadow in Je Ne Sai Quoi (bright pink), 0.03 oz sample size, retail value $4.09.  Available HERE, or on BA's website, $15 for .11 oz.

I have a tween-aged daughter.  This probably isn't news to you.  When I told her that one of my samples this month was pink hair chalk, she screamed and jumped up and down.  That's tween-language for good, by the way.  Colorsmash Hair Shadow is easy to apply- just smash on, spray with hair spray to seal it, and go.  Ready to shed your color?  Simply wash your hair!  The sample is a decent size, too, although the weight doesn't sound like it.  It's a decent sized pan of shadow, about the size of a MAC or Ulta shadow, but not as full.

Swatch of Je Ne Sai Quoi Side note- do you know how hard it is to take a picture of your own hair?  I don't care that it's sideways, the pink looks cool, although it is more hot pink than this picture shows. (flash- it's seriously bucketing out so no sunlight!)

My hair is pretty dark, so I was curious as to whether or not the hair chalk would even show up, but I should not have worried.  This is seriously cool stuff, and my favorite item in this month's box!  I have to see if I can find a more inexpensive alternative to the hair shadow, though- If I find one, do you want to see a tutorial?  Let me know!  Just one little suggestion, though- wear gloves when applying, because this stuff got ALL over my hands, but it DID wash off with soap and water.
GRADE: 5/5

My Beauty Army June 2013 Box

And finally, here is my June 2013 Beauty Army box collection.  I think I got some neat things this month, what do you think?

Here is this month's financial breakdown, but remember- an item only has value if you love it, or found out that you hate it- something that you would never use, and never wanted has NO value at all in my opinion!

Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Shampoo: $2.25
GG Gatsby Raise Volume Shampoo: $0.59
Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment: $4.00
Addiction NV Gel Liner Pot$ 16.00 (or $4.80 if you include the current sale)
Mini Kittour bottle: $3.00
Colorsmash Hair Shadow: $4.09
Total Retail Value: $18.73, if you cound the sale price, $29.93 if you don't.
Total Out of Pocket: $12.00, shipping included.
Not the best valued box, but still more than I paid, and I received some really cool stuff that I really like.  I'm a satisfied customer (but Ipsy is still my favorite!)

I hope you enjoyed this review of my Beauty Army box, and feel free to check them out if you like what you see!  Tell me- what did YOU receive this month?

Until next time, my lovelies- stay Only Average!

PS- Have you heard of Hand-Picked Words?  Enter HERE to win a 3 month FREE subscription!

 

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion, on a product that I paid for our of my own pockets.  I have not been compensated for this opinion in any way, and it is my honest thoughts and review on the products listed above.  The referral link in this post is one where I would receive credit for a referral, and be compensated with free product for referring 3 people.  Here is a link that just goes to Beauty Army, without my referral code.  Links to vendor's sites are not referral or compensated links.  I strive for honesty :)

Handpicked Words Review and GIVEAWAY! (updated 7/22 with coupon code)

Summertime is an INSANE time here at my household.  Between the end of school, Vacation Bible School (running one and carpooling to several others), beach days, barbecues, and simply having both kids home; it's a non-stop rush here!

A couple weeks ago, I was contacted by the lovely Dani from Hand Picked Words.  Dani has started a NEW monthly subscription box, and she asked me to review it, and has sponsored a giveaway for one of my lucky Only Average readers!

Hand Picked Words is a different kind of subscription, a book-lovers box; it's a collection of e-books that arrive monthly via e-mail.  It contains FOUR books and TWO short pieces, all new and published by Hand Picked Words, which is also a small indie press.  While they currently only offer a "general" box, the company will be branching out with genre specific boxes in the near future- you can pre-order a Romance box, a Sci-Fi box, or a Foodie book box; and once they become available you will be on the list to receive the very first one!  The subscription is just $15 a month, and currently offers a free sample box called Slightly Spooky Stories (you don't even need to enter a credit card!).  In addition to their monthly story collection box, Hand Picked Words also offers a weekly mini-cookbook subscription, where you get a new mini-cookbook each week!  While cooking is SO not my thing, I do think that this is a great idea, and totally worth the $15 a month!

Hand Picked Words also offers a love-it guarantee- if you hate a collection so much that you just didn't enjoy any of it, all you need to do is e-mail them and they will refund your monthly charge.  You can also skip a month or cancel  at any time, just by sending their customer service department an e-mail.

I have always been an avid reader, and I think this sub is an awesome idea!  Instead of heading over to my local library, I can read these e-books on my tablet, ipod touch, Kindle, or laptop- anywhere I like.  I am always looking for something new to read; something different- and this sub provides exactly that.  I am SO grateful that Dani contacted me and turned me on to this awesome monthly subscription!

If you want to try this one on your own, Dani will be giving me a discount code for your first box- stay tuned for the code as I will post it here very soon.





Alright, enough gushing about Hand Picked Words- On to my review of the books (and I'll try really hard to keep it spoiler free!)!!

Photo is from my e-mail of the ebooks, from Hand Picked Words

The first book I chose to read is the one I thought I would enjoy the least: Butter Yourself Up by Danica Stone.  Before I began reading this, my thoughts were, "How can I read a cookbook?" I shouldn't have worried, though- this isn't a cookbook in it's own right- it's a book about meal planning, reducing your meal budget, and contained a ton of food facts that I (yes, non-cooking me!) found interesting and vital.  It's totally changed my outlook on food- especially the guide towards the end of the book that goes over what organic foods you SHOULD but, and what ones it's ok to pass on.  A surprising and interesting read.

Photo is from my e-mail of the ebooks, from Hand Picked Words

This is the longest book that I received, but still a manageable size: The Danny, by Brand Gamblin. I absolutely love Sci-Fi, and this book did not disappoint!  The story follows Danny, while he floats from world to world, trying to find his way to his home world.  During his search, he observes, first hand, different realities; including a zombie apocalypse, medieval times, aliens, and time travel, among others.  Each short story is filled with twists and turns, and is tied together as Danny tries to find his home.  I absolutely loved the combination of different Sci-Fi themes, and will look for this author again in the future.

Photo is from my e-mail of the ebooks, from Hand Picked Words

Ruben's Luck, by Avery Milleu, is an awesome short story, about how a person's perspective can change their luck.  I loved all of the twists and turns in this story, and was sad when it was over.  One thing is for sure- if I ever run across any warm nickels, I'm going to hang on to them with the hopes of a change in my luck!

Photo is from my e-mail of the ebooks, from Hand Picked Words

Three Bus Worthy, penned by Melissa Firman, is a beautiful tale about making sure the people you keep in your life are the ones that count.  The tale begins with her grandmother taking three buses each day to visit her husband in a rehabilitation home.  The impact of that level of dedication changed her outlook, and has definitely has changed mine.  The story is beautifully written and I absolutely loved it.

Photo is from my e-mail of the ebooks, from Hand Picked Words

Another gem in the treasure chest I found in my email is And to Calm the Waves of Mismapping, an excerpt from the memoir of Jennifer Derilo; that she is still writing.  This beautiful piece details one woman's battle for her life against Cancer, paired with the story of a Philippine Scout in the 57th Infantry during World War II.  This short piece was touching, heartfelt, and left me wanting much more.

Photo is from my e-mail of the ebooks, from Hand Picked Words

The final story in my box is a poem, Until Mount Etna Speaks, written by David Rounds.  I've never been much for poetry, but I enjoyed the cadence of this poem, that surrounds the volcano that is Mount Etna, and David's visit there.  The story is beautifully written, and possibly changed my mind about poetry.  Okay, SOME poetry.

My box also included an extra, a 1000 Words feature.  This feature was a photo, with a short description of the image, written and photographed by Mike Harvey.  I don't want to spoil it for anyone who doesn't subscribe, but I will say that it was a wonderful word picture.


UPDATED: Entering code AVERAGEMOM at checkout, and you will receive $15 off your purchase, which will get you one month FREE!!!
I will say, if you are looking for some great, new reads, then this box is definitely one you should try out; especially since they have a free sample available to try out!  I was also offered the change to give away a THREE MONTH subscription, courtesy of Hand Picked Words- so one lucky ready will have the chance to try it out for three months, absolutely free!

Rules for this giveaway:
1. I run all giveaways through Rafflecopter.  It's fair; and very user friendly.  You must enter through Rafflecopter- I can't enter for you through any other means.
2.  I will notify the winner via e-mail and post their first name and last initial on my facebook page.  The winner has THREE business days to respond, or I will select another winner.  I'm sorry I have to say this, but I want to get prizes out to the winners as fast as possible.  
3.  This giveaway is open to anyone over the age of 18 and is internationally available.  
4.  I will be checking all entries to be sure that they are valid- if you enter and say you "follow on Twitter", I need to make sure that you actually DO follow, or I will have to delete the entry.  Sorry, y'all- rules are rules!
5.  The lucky winner will receive a three month subscription to Hand Picked Words, a collection of e-books.  Please be sure to have a way to read the e-books!
I THINK that's about it for the rules, hopefully I've covered everything, but if you do have a question, please let me know- I'd be happy to help you!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, my Only Average Friends...



Disclaimer: I received this subscription box complimentary from Hand Picked Words for reviewing and testing purposes.  This has in NO way affected my thoughts and review of this subscription service- this is an honest review of the products listed.  No amount of freebies or compensation could EVER influence me to give a review that was NOT my true and honest opinion!