Ipsy (MyGlam) March 2013 Review

Hey, gorgeous!  I just received my March Ipsy bag in the mail, and I seriously canNOT wait to share it with you all!  Do you have your bag handy, ready to open with me?  Let's go over the products together, shall we?

Just in case you are new to Only Average Mom, Ipsy is a mail order subscription service, that is $10 a month; shipping included.  Ipsy sends you a makeup bag, filled with 4-5 deluxe samples or full sized items for you to try; along with coupon codes in case you love what you get and want more!  If you would like to sign up for Ipsy (currently a wait list- sorry!), go HERE.  Go ahead, I'll wait.
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Back now?  Good.

Doesn't look very full...but good things come in small packages.  Right???!!

When my gorgeous pink packet came in the mail, I was seriously happy; and could NOT wait to get inside to open it up!
 

I spy a printed bag with...rope?  Maybe?

The first thing I notice inside is the awesome print bag- so awesome!

LOVING the bag!!!

I absolutely LOVE the bag this month- it is absolutely SUPER CUTE, and my favorite so far!  I totally plan to use this as my purse makeup bag, even if it means I need a bigger purse!  If you have read my blog for any length of time (and if you don't, hi and welcome!), you know that I live in a coastal town and that the beach, bay and ocean are a very large part of my life.  This bag is just so...ME; I absolutely love it!!  The material is silkier than I thought it would be, it feels like nylon, and it is lined in white (sorry, no pic!).  The bag is white and navy; the white has a hint of a blueish tinge to it.

I adore the hand-drawn feel to the card this month.  LOVE it :)

The insert card is always a fun part for me too; it lists all the awesome discounts that are offered as a perk of my Ipsy membership.  Plus, it announces the theme of this month: The Great Escape.  Very appropriate for me right now: with everything going on, I NEED a Great Escape!  

Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist, 1 fl oz, $3.26 retail value (available at Juice Beauty; coupon code GLAM20 will get you 20% off any purchase of $30 or more, expires 4/10/13) Full size is 6.75 oz, $22

The first item in my bag is the Juice Beauty Hydrating Spray.  I currently use Clinique toning lotion after I wash my face, and although I am happy with it, it's great to change things up and try something new!  This product is a deluxe sample, and claims to "Tone and hydrate with this refreshing blend of rosehip, ylang ylang, resveratrol grapeseed oil and antioxidant-rich organic juices for a fresh, radiant complexion", and is designed for all skin types. For a 1 oz sample, it really looks like a lot, and that it would last a long time.  I gave this a spritz to test the scent, and was a bit overwhelmed.  You all know (if you are regular readers) that i am very sensitive to anything with fragrance, and while this did not exactly trigger an full on allergy attack for me, it came very close.The scent of the spray is a bit...overpowering for me, and I caught a whiff of gardenias (maybe?). I will say, it DID smell...very organic.  I'm not exactly sure how to describe the scent, but I DO know that I don't want to smell like this all day- not to mention that it could send me to a tizzy if it combines with anything else remotely floral. I'm glad to receive an organic product, though, don't get me wrong!  I am passing this on to a friend who loves floral scents.
GRADE:3/5 (nice product, points for being organic, but the scent was really bad for me!)

Yaby eye shadow pans (no weight listed, full size?) retail value $3.15 each (available through Yaby Cosmetics, discout code ipsyglam20130325 will get you 25% off of any order, expires 4/15/13)

I love that these shadow pans already have a sticker on the bottom with their color name and number.  Saves the trouble later if we want to reorder!

The item I was very excited to see in my bag were these beauties: Yaby eye shadow singles.  Again, I'm living under a rock because I have NEVER heard of Yaby.  I don't have a Sephora, and we only JUST got an Ulta store an hour away.  Country living is both a blessing and a curse, people.  Before I ramble on again, Yaby Cosmetics sells refillable palettes (like the GlamRX below; well; sort of), and sells their products already depotted.  They are striving to be enviromentally responsible by NOT using a huge amount of packaging that will just be thrown away; and use pans that will stick to any magnetic palette (not just their own!).  I give this company an big "thumbs up" for being responsible! Ok, enough about Yaby the company- let's talk about the product!

Seashell swatch.  It's hard to see, but that's more because of the color than the pigmentation, I think.

Swatch of Azalea Petal.  I had to work really really hard to get this swatch, even with a good brush.

I received these shadows in the shades and the first thing I noticed is that the pinky (azalea petal) color was really hard to swatch.  I rubbed and rubbed my finger on it, but could only get a faint pink color.  I tried a brush and loaded it like crazy, and finally was able to get a swatch.  The cream color (seashell) wasn't as hard to swatch, but it wasn't pigmented like my UD shadows, either. I tried a few different brushes, hoping that the lack of pigment was user error.  I eventually found a shadow brush that picked up the azalea petal well, and was able to apply it.  Since a good primer can fix any shadow product, I'll be sure to use UDPP to make sure that the pigment stays up!  The pans are pretty small (about the same size as the Coastal Scents from last month, give or take), so I'm not 100% sure that these are full size or not. I really like the colors I received (but would have LOVED the teal.  You listening, Ipsy? or anyone who got it and hates it? I'll take it!!).  The neutral colors I received work well with my skin tone, and I'm glad for that!  One thing I WILL mention, though: Yaby is a Canadian company, and shipping to the US is a bit high.  Ok, astronomical.  $11.80 for 1-3 weeks with no tracking for ONE shadow pan.  No, I'm not kidding.  Order with care!
GRADE:3.5/5 (magnetic, yes.  pigmented, not so much.)

LA Fresh travel-lite Makeup Remover Wipes (8 ct.), $1.99 retail value (available at LA Fresh Group, coupon code IPSY13 will get you 30% off any beauty wipes, expires 5/31/13)

I'm funny about makeup removers.  Serisouly, though, did you expect any less? I'm really an all-natural girl- I use olive oil.  Really.  That's it.  That being said, I'm excited to have received the LA Fresh Makeup Remover Wipes!  This is a full size sample; but the travel-sized one, with 8 wipes. The package was smaller than I thought it would be; but then, I am very used to baby wipes.  I love how this size will fit well in my purse, or carry on (if I were actually going somewhere for spring break; we are not).  The wipes have a baby-fresh smell to them, but are NOT all natural.  Seriously, these wipes have FIVE different types of paraben in them; not good (google it, if you dare!).  I gave them a try anyway, despite having not the greatest ingredient list.  My first reaction was that the wipes don't seem to be overly large (about the size of my hand or so), but it turns out that any larger would just go to waste.  The wipes did a nice job of removing most of my makeup, with the exception of my eyeliner.  Because I get a lot of eyeliner transfer to my upper lids if I skimp on quality liner, I am really careful to only use products that have awesome staying power; so the wipes might not be able to fight the awesomeness that is Be A Bombshell eyeliner, without some work.  The other thing I noticed is that my skin had a kind of film on it after using the wipe.  I don't ever use makeup wipes, so can anyone tell me- is it supposed to do that?
GRADE: 3/5 (worked pretty well, but I don't like the feeling after use, and parabens? Boo.)

GlamRX Freestyle Palette, retail value $5 (my best guess), Ipsy Exclusive (palettes with product inside available through Glam Rx, discount code IPSY will get you 20% off a touch-up palette; expires 4/15/13) Full size palette with product is $16.50.

Gift card is shown for size reference.  It was NOT in my bag (my kids would die- their fave store!)

Gift card on top of the palette for size reference. This card is the same size as any credit card.

Palette open, the whole recessed bottom is magnetic.

 I saved the item I was most looking forward to for last: the GlamRX Freestyle Mini Palette.  This cute palm sized palette has a mirror on the lid, and a magnetic shelf to add your own depotted pans of product; like eye shadows.  I don't own anything like this, although there are several great ones on the market, and I seriously couldn't wait to try it out!

Palette with products inside it (Clinique blush, Clinique eye shadow duo, shadows on the right are Coastal Scents for the top three, and Yaby for the bottom two)

The only catch with this palette is, the pans must be made of a magnetic metal, or they won't stick.  The Coastal Scents shadow quad I received last month is aluminum, so it's a no-go; so I put a magnet sticker on the bottom.  I love that this one palette can hold anything I choose to put into it- it would be great to put a few favorites in one place to take with me on the go.  GlamRx sells palettes similar to this one, only with a second level in them.  The upper level holds powder, eyeliner, lip gloss and concealer, and the bottom layer is a magnet for your own pans, and holds brushes.  As far as I can tell, this palette, the "Touch Up Palette", is the only item GlamRx sells, and it retails for $16.50.  This makes it very hard to calculate the retail value of this Freestyle palette.  I am going to call the retail value on this as $5- I figure the Touch Up has 4 pans of product plus brushes, and I would pay $5 for a magnet palette.  If anyone actually KNOWS what the value is, please let me know and I will adjust.  I depotted the pans in the palette picture above- for the first time ever- and would be happy to write a short tutorial on how I did it, if you would like me to help walk you through it.  Just ask!

GRADE4/5 (it's reeeealy tiny!) 

March 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag!

This month was a great, solid bag from Ipsy.  I've heard some grousing about how there is only 4 items in the bag (if you count the eye shadows as one), but the last few bags have had 5 (Ipsy promises 4-5 items monthly), so I think they have spoiled us!  On the whole, I'm happy with this month's bag- there are a few items that are new to me, and honestly, is there such a thing as "too much eyeshadow"?  The best part of Ipsy is trying out things that you never thought to buy.  Sure, there are some misses (there are bound to be!), but for only $10, it's totally worth it!  What, you don't subscribe to Ipsy?  What are you waiting for?  Head on over and get on their wait list (first come, first serve, sorry!) so that you can enjoy getting a perfect pink packet each month, and unbox with me!  I am sure you will love it as much as this Only Average Mom!

Here is the financial breakdown:
Money Spent- $10, shipping included
Retail Value- $16.55, not including the bag.  If you want to include the bag in the price, I'd say, add about $3 or so.

Although the value of the bag is MORE than what I spent, this bag isn't as great as the previous ones have been, value-wise, for Ipsy.  I love what I got, so I'm not disappointed, but I do feel that maybe there could have been more in the bag as we subscribers are used to a better value.  Mixed feelings, here.  Happy with the stuff, but wanting a better deal.  I'm certainly not giving up my spot for a waitlister anytime soon, but hoping for a higher value box this year.  This month's winner is definitely Beauty Army (sorry, Ipsy!).  My BA Box is scheduled to be here this week too, so Stay Tuned for the awesomeness I'm expecting in it!

Have you gotten your glam bag yet?  Happy with it?  Upset?  Agree with me, or disagree, I would LOVE to hear from you! 

Disclaimer:  The products listed above were purchased by me, with my own money.  I was not asked nor required to write this review, and the thoughts above are my own.  The links are NOT affiliate links, and go directly to the company's websites.  I was not compensated in any way for writing this review.

Monday Maddness: Girl Scout Sunday Edition

Hello my lovelies!

As this weekend was the penumtimate weekend for cookie sales, and Girl Scout Sunday was yesterday, I am sure you understand if today's post is more about Scouts than anything else.  Sorry, my non-scouting fans, but it's my blog and I'll write what I want :)

Without further ado, here's this week's Monday Maddness: my random thoughts about my week/weekend, and all the things I've learned- the good, the bad, and the ugly.

If my cookie mom and I plan a booth, while watching the weather, and the day is predicted to be clear, the weather will still be horrible the day of the booth.  Especially if we check out the weather the DAY BEFORE.

If we have a booth on a Friday, and don't plan one for Saturday (due to a different event), the weather will be terrible on Friday, and beautiful on Saturday.  It's just the way it is.

Don't plan a cookie booth if you have to bake stuff for a bake sale the same day.  Something will fail.

Sick husbands are no fun.  When they are sick of being sick, they will find mess or clutter in the house (not really a hard job here, but still) and complain about it, until you stop what you are doing and fix the clutter.  True story.

Winning contests online is AWESOME!!  Stalking the tracking numbers will only lead to disappointment, until your package magically appears in the mailbox.

If you cookie booth in the cold, it can really go either way.  Good booth: people feel SORRY for you that you and your kids are stuck out in the cold.  Bad booth: it's so nasty out that no one wants to stand at the booth long enough to give you money for boxes.  

Spaghetti dinner fundraisers are awesome!  But, they are better if the people who are supposed to go with you actually show up.  

It's not actually that hard to find 19 people who would eat a carry-out spaghetti dinner plate without any real notice.  Sometimes cancellations (or no call no shows) can help make the difference to a family or two (or in our case, five!).

Girl Scout Sunday is the most fun you will ever have in church, without actively sinning.  No, seriously, the girls will get it all together and it will turn out to be the best day ever.

If your Scouts are going to be saying anything remotely sentimental at GS Sunday, make sure there are tissues in sanctuary.  

Just because you practice something several times, doesn't mean that it will work out the way you practice it on the event day.  Go with the flow- it might turn into something even better!

Scouts is always more fun with  more girls (and grown ups!!).  Invite a friend who has a Scout in another troop.  It will make the day even more special, and very meaningful to the other family.

Edible Arrangements are absolutely the BEST way to end a Scout Sunday event.  So pretty, clean, and everyone LOVES them.

Be extra thankful for the "fellowship coordinator" at your church- she does more work than you know (just like a Scout leader!).  THANK YOU MS. VIRGINIA!!!!

Be extra flexible- there will always be no shows, no matter what.  It's a fact of Scouting life.  Get used to it, and if you had to pay money for their spot, send them a bill.  No sense in wasting the girl's troop money!

Be kind, bold and courageous.  Be the person you want your kids to remember you as.  They won't remember you yelling and screaming, but they WILL remember how you worked to make a difference and make things better for them.

Well, folks, that's all I have for today!  My Ipsy bag and a contest prize arrived today, so look for those posts soon!  Until them, Stay Average, and smile!!

*I wanted to include a photo of Scout Sunday here, but in the interest of keeping the anonymity of my girls in tact, decided not to.  You're welcome, other parents :)

Urban Decay Haul- February 2013

Hey, y'all, I just got my Urban Decay fix, and I wanted to share it with you all!

In my December UD order, I received a coupon (with a super cute UD sticker that I fully intend to put on my March Ipsy GlamRX freestyle palette) for $5 of my UD purchase, expiring on 2.28.13.  I held onto this beauty of a deal, and placed me order the last week of February, so that I didn't let that deal go to waste!  I tried to stack the coupon with the Friends and Family sale, but it was a no-go.  Besides, money was tight that week, so it is better that I let that deal pass.

I only ordered 2 items this time; I want to slowly build my Urban Decay collection as the items I want go on sale or clearance.  I am SO COMPLETELY in LOVE with Urban Decay, that this is the ONLY way I can make my pocket book (and subsequently, my husband!) happy, and still get my UD style on.  If you have NEVER tried Urban Decay's products, let me stop right here and tell you- just do it.  Everything that they sell is top of the line, and absolutely worth every single penny.  I just love a bargain, so I shop the clearance section, and so far, being a UD cheep-skate has not steered me wrong!

Urban Decay has 2 palettes on clearance that I don't yet have, and I will tell you right now, it was a very tough decision.  The Ammo palette and the Mariposa Palette are currently on sale for $19 each, and each is a solid palette, with 10 shadow pans, with an awesome color selection.

After much debate, review reading, and swatch studying, I chose the Mariposa palette.  

Gorgeous packaging; but just a tad hard to open!

I just LOVE the gorgeous tin that houses the palette!  I collect tin (yes, I'm aware I'm a big geek and a little strange), plus it came with a mini UD good karma brush; whereas the Ammo palette includes sponge tip applicators (I HATE those things).  

Such a gorgeous palette!

One thing that I will say, is that the Mariposa palette does not include a mirror, and while I thought this wouldn't bother me, it turns out that it does.

Love the box- I'm a butterfly person :)

The box the palette comes in is adorable as well- I think I will put it on my dresser and put random jewelry items in it, perhaps it will keep Little Miss Sticky Fingers out of my stuff (not very likely, but a girl can dream, right?!).  

This picture is pretty true to life; gorgeous colors!

The colors in this palette are absolutely vibrant, and in my opinion, these are ALL wins- there is not a single pan that I don't think I will use- and this is rare in a palette for me.  UD shadows are silky smooth, highly pigmented, last all day, and for the most part, have very little fallout.  Beware, though- once you use UD shadows, it will be VERY hard to switch back to brands of lesser quality!  I have a very small assortment of MAC shadows, and in my opinion, compared to UD, they don't hold a candle.  Of course, I AM Only Average, and probably picked shadows that aren't as great as other ones out there; and please believe me, I am NOT hating on MAC (love you, MAC!).  I am only saying that for me, and my Only Average body chemistry, Urban Decay is the best out there.

These swatches were photographed in the light of my kitchen window (it's too cold to go outside!).

This palette has some awesome neutrals, as well as some beautiful colors for that POP we all love.  This is more of a autumn/winter palette, as far as colors go; but my Deluxe palette I bought after Christmas is more of a spring/summer palette; so it all works out for me.  That's not to say that there aren't some awesome colors in the Mariposa; but they seem a bit more "cold season", as opposed to the "warm season" feel I get from the Deluxe.  Rockstar is a beautiful aubergine shimmer (and an early favorite).  Gunmetal is a gorgeous dark metallic gray with some sparkle.  Skimp is the perfect highlight color, at least for me and my mega-pale self.  Infamous is THE ultimate fushia, just right for a romantic look, and another early favorite for me.  Wreckage is a pretty taupe color, and perfect for a flawless neutral eye.  Haight is absolute perfection, and the reason (at least color-wise) that I chose THIS palette, a gorgeous mermaid blue (love love LOVE!!!).  Money is a gorgeous greenish-grey color (aptly names) that seems like it flashes gold- hello, St. Patrick's day!  Mushroom isn't brown as the name suggests (at least to me), but is a pretty gray- smoky eye city!  Spotlight is a hard color to describe; UD says it's "light mocha with gold glitter"; I would describe it as "almost pink", for lack of a better vocabulary (more neutral eye choices!).  Last but not least is Limelight- a gorgeous bronzey gold shade, with sparkles, and another win for neutral eye.

This brush might be tiny, but it packs a BIG punch!

The included brush (that I was SO excited about!) is really tiny.  Given the palette is about the side of my hand, I'm not sure why I was surprised by the size of the brush.  I guess I thought it had magical Harry Potter powers and would grow when I took it out.  Other than being surprised by its size, I really loved it!  The brush did a great job picking up and applying pigment, was soft on my skin, and the bristles had the right firmness.  Plus, it's vegan, and who doesn't love cruelty free items?!

Other than the lack of a mirror, this is, in my opinion a perfect palette, and as I am partial to butterflies, I am seriously loving the embossed packaging (but not so much the closure!).  Each of the 10 pans is 0.8g e (0.03 us oz) in weight; smaller than my Deluxe palette; but then again, there are 10 shades in Mariposa, vs. 9 in Deluxe.
This palette is available HERE; and is currently on sale for $19.
GRADE: 5/5

I only ordered one more thing (this time!); a deluxe eye shadow pan.  I LOVE my Deluxe palette; and have worn down one shadow color ALMOST to the pan.  When I saw that the Deluxe shadow pans were on sale for $6 (!), I just couldn't help myself- I would never forgive myself if I ran out of this shade, and as it is discontinued (at least in this deluxe formula), couldn't reorder.  The rest of the shadows in my Deluxe palette are still very full (another awesome thing about UD- I have used this palette at least 5 times a week since I received it in early January), with the exception of this one.  Any guesses as to which one I'm talking about?  It's not what I would have expected...I'll give you a hint...

I love the packaging of these shadows- each one is unique!

If you guessed, Fishnet, then pat yourself on the back, because you are right!  I LOVE the packaging on the deluxe shadows; each has a picture that is personalized to the shade.  I think this makes it easier to identify them in my makeup bag, instead of just a sticker on the bottom.  Plus, not needing to have a clear lid has room for my next favorite thing about these shadows:

Great size pan, and LOVE that there is a mirror!

There is a little mirror in the top!  First, I just want to say; they can put a mirror in these little shadows, but not in the Mariposa palette: WTH? Aside from that, I think it's an awesome idea to have a mirror in the little shadow boxes.  One thing that I DON'T like about the packaging, is that the clear top of the package can pop off very easily, especially if you try to open the shadow without pushing the little button.  So far, I've not BROKEN broken one, but I have a feeling that it WILL happen one day.

Swatch of Fishnet- in one light it's purple, the another one, a purple.  LOVE IT!

Fishnet is my favorite UD shadow color to date (but I have a feeling that Haight will be a close second), and this absolutely surprised me.  I'm really a blue/green person, and figured that I would fall in love with Peace or Graffiti; and while I do use these colors frequently in the center of my lids, I find myself reaching for Fishnet almost daily, at least as a base color for me to build others onto and around.  Fishnet is such a fun name (like all UD shadows- I LOVE IT!!); and the color is fun to match.  This mega-awesome shadow is a duo-tone iridescent purple, and flashes pink.  I think I love it so much because it's never exactly the same color when you change angles; and therefore never boring.  I have very blue eyes, so purple is a "safe" choice for me when adding color- blues and greens, while my favorites, draw attention AWAY from my eyes, and to the shadow; while purple shadows have the opposite effect.

These single pans are have a fill weight of 2.5g e, or 0.09 US oz. If you want to try Fishnet, or any other single UD Deluxe shadows, they are are available HERE, on clearance for $6 each.  I will definitely be purchasing more of these; my next choice will be Honey (the ultimate in gold shadows).
GRADE: 5/5

Urban Decay is all about the "wow" factor, and they always include a sample in every order.  The sample I received is a repeat for me, but if I have to repeat "any" UD product, I would choose this one: Urban Decay Primer Potion.  

Urban Decay Primer Potion Foil Pack sample

Although it is a foil pack sample, and not a "deluxe" sample, I will take free UDPP is any form I can get! Primer Potion goes on smooth, and dries clear, and seriously makes ANY shadow last forever- UD shadows last nearly 24 hours (at least on me!) if I use it with them!  Because I have hooded eyes, eyeliner transfer is a GIVEN if I wear cheap liner, and my shadow is ALWAYS creasing- but NOT with UDPP!  If I ever get around to hosting my giveaway, I MIGHT include this foil pack UDPP sample with it; provided my kids don't get to it first (I've had to HIDE the palette to keep them out!!)!  UD also offers primer that does NOT dry clear, and their 3 color options are absolutely gorgeous- be sure to check them out!
Primer Potion is available HERE; and a full size tube is priced at $20 for a 11 ml tube or $9 for the travel size 3.7 ml bottle (and it's super cute!).  The value of my little sample is undetermined; there is no weight indicated on the package.
GRADE: 5/5 (higher if I could!)

February 2013 Urban Decay Haul

So there it is, y'all, my little UD haul; the last for me for a while, I'm afraid- unless I find an awesome coupon code sometime soon! I hope you all enjoyed my point of view, and if you know of a product that you are considering, but want an Only Average opinion on it, let me know, and I will do what I can to review it for you!  Until next time, all you lovely ones; stay Average!


Disclaimer:  The items listed above were paid for by my own money.  I am not being compensated or required to review any of these items, and the opinions listed are my own true feelings.  I have not been compensated, and the links shown are NOT referral links.

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).