Wanting A Wantable

Do you know what a Wantable is? It's a cool box, monthly, like many others I've received.  None for free. So they can get pretty costly.  I did a 3-4 month gig on many of them and got bored of posting them.  I've cancelled all but one.  Now I dabble in one here and there, just to get a taste :)

Wantable was different, you get to pick your category like most, but this one was different due to price.  A whopping $36 a month! (That's if you do a 3-month purchase. It will cost you $40 for an individual order.) I ordered it thinking I was going to get these awesome high-end items for my monthly splurge.  Although I did get some cool things, it didn't live up to my expectations. So, we live and learn.  I'm sharing the items received with you, here.

Love the scarf, can't have too many of them on the chilly East Coast. The sunglasses are cute, but they are straight and flat. Not very attractive on me, or comfortable. The necklace is cute, different. Have you seen my jewelry collection?  Click here, and check out questions #4. Like I need another necklace.

My step-beauty wears the Aviator sunglasses well.  With added bling, they look nice & fashionable!

These are all the items in these photos that I received in three boxes of Wantables.  Although they are cute and fun, I didn't find them worth $36 per month. The prices listed on the invoice, are more than what 'I thought' the item are worth. Don't mean to be a downer, but we girls get excited about this stuff.

Why is that?  Is it the 'real mail' aspect of it?  Getting something new each month?

I'm quickly getting over it.  I'm sure I've mentioned that I kept the Ipsy Monthly.  I did start a food box. Let's see how that works out.

What's in your box?  

IPSY x2!

After you are finished checking out my Ipsy, be sure to go to the bottom of this post for 

The October Daily!

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My September Ipsy is here. 

As I've mentioned, this is one box I've kept, while canceling subscriptions to all the others. 

Let's get to it! 

Aside from the NYX eye shadow making one big mess throughout the bag, which I had to toss, everything else was fine.  (Had I known it could be repaired with alcohol, I would have done that. I forget where I saw that posted.  If it's you, please, shout it out!)

Cailyn lip was too bold for me, but it will look lovely on my sister.

It's So BIG mascara.  I'm using it only for the name :)

Jesse's Girl a waterproof, calligraphy type eyeliner.  Loving it!

Oceane make up remover pen. This is perfect for my oopsies on the eyes!

J. cats Beauty very matte, very nude color. Not for me.

Annnnd, because I waited so long to post that one, October is here as well!

Love of beauty is taste.  The creation of beauty is art. 

That's what the bag says.  I love it.  

The contents:

Nourish Organic Coconut & Argan Body Lotion Yum!  Feels silky.  Smells delicious! 

Sytle Sexy Hair Spray Clay Isn't that what we all want?  If it keeps my fly-aways in tact, I'm in. 

Zoya in Mason Like a sparkly purple/grape.  Loving it for Halloween also!

OFRA Lipgloss Plumper/Sultry Oh yeah baby.  Plump and Sultry says it all.  I have to say, my lips have become extremely dry the past two weeks.  Never have they been this bad.  They actually feel as if I have tape on them.  Strange feeling along with the dryness.  Not attractive.  

OLEHenriken truth serum collagen booster Uh, the truth is you have wrinkles.  (I do, most likely you don't) I use a powerful Vitamin C (that I will be sharing next week), so I'll try this and see how it compares.  

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TOPIC: What are my goals and dreams for the future? I can share my dream home, dream workplace, or even my bucket list before I turn 25! 

:)  That's cute.  Ha. Before I turn 25.  I wonder when this was written up.  Oh, wait, I keep forgetting that most of my blogettes are youngin's.  Ahh, silly me. Well, now that I'm twice that...I'll share what I want in my retirement. :) Don't laugh.

My goals:

- To have 3 early-retirement homes that I can go to every 4-months, the perfect weather all year-round.
- To have a bucket list by January, 2014.  (I'll have 31 days until the end of that month :) remember who I am...the PROCRASTINATOR Can that be worn as an costume for Halloween?
- To have some grand-babies before my time is up. Well, I guess I personally can't work at that goal. Let's move that to My Dreams.
- To be content and happy, most of the remaining days of my life.

There you have it.  You are welcome to put my 50-something & fabulous goals to use, when you are 50-something & fabulous!  

The last Glossy!

As I've mentioned, I've ended my subscriptions to all my monthly boxes, except IPSY. Well, other than new boxes I've learned of that I'm excited to try.  Just once.  No, really, once.

So, this is my last Glossy Box.  I must say, it was a decent one, a nice farewell.

Let's get to it!

Love the tribute to the Fall
Color, Color!

BCBG Max Azaria - Perfume! Do you remember how I feel about perfume? This smells good with a quick whiff, but, not sure I will be able to handle it.  *sigh*

Be A Bombshell - Eyeliner Pen in Onyx. Huge plus for this! Us gals can always use a cool liner. It's like a perma marker.   I like how it glides right now, dries quick, and seems to have a long stay.

Emite Makeup - How did Glossy know I was up for a new eye lash curler?  Only because I wanted a cooler looking one.  This one is black and I like it, with 3-extra red cushions.  It's curved to fit all angles.

Nioxin - Diamax Treatment for fuller looking hair.  How chic for the Fall!  I love high hair, and I can't wait to try this.

Oceane - Makeup Remover Pen, wow! How perfect is this?  When we get a little mascara or liner or shadow, even lipstick, in places we wish it didn't go, this is the magic stick. They say it's not drying.  Carry it with you all day and night.  Awesome.

There you have it! My last Glossy, on a good note, a happy departure. 

Thank you Glossy for pampering me with real mail, and stuff to play with! 

Would you consider these a good box for a final farewell? 

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Yo, Yo! Day #3 of The October Daily! 

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Topic: Share a high school memory that you will never forget.

Ha! 

That's all I have to say about that.  

I'm old, not many high school memories still hang out here :)  

Well, okay I do remember the friends I had.  Luckily, I get to see them live their lives and watch their children grow through social media avenues.  As good and bad and indifferent as all social medias can be, I still consider us all lucky.  We have a choice to use the different portals, and we can make the best of them.  

I am lucky enough to keep close with a couple very special high school friends. It is nice to be able to communicate at any moment with texting and emails.  These friends I visit with every year, sometimes a couple times in a year.  Even though we have miles between us, the friendship is very close. 

And that, I will never forget. 

 

Do you have a high school memory you won't ever forget? 

Happy Thursday,

Birch Box and Beauty Box 5 // Blog Temper

Sad to say I've finally cancelled my subscriptions to Julep, Glossy Box, Beauty Box 5, and Birch Box.  Phew! Like I've said in past posts of my box wars, I'm full with all these boxes!  FINALLY.  I actually feel relieved that I've cancelled.

I have kept Ipsy, they've got my vote.  For now.  Also, I've flirted with Wantable. Only because I saw it on a blog somewhere and thought it would be cool.  It's an embarrassing monthly subscription cost, please don't look!  I'll be posting that package, soon.

So, these are two of my last hurrah's!

BeautyBox5

Celebration Shimmer Powder This is nice for a touch of shimmer on your shoulders.  I wouldn't necessarily use it on my face.  I don't like putting too many foreign products on my face.  But you can get 50% off of this in a kit on bellapierre.com by using code beautybox5 before 10/15/13.

Lip Drench This is very moisturizing, and my lips are dry now!  Just the least bit tease of cooler, dry air and I'm loading the moisture on my lips, pronto! bodydrench.com

Fly Ties MY MOST FAVORITE IN THE BOX! Who can't use some hair ties? I love this because there is no tangled mess like some of the rubbery-plasticy ones can be.  Bonus, they're pretty. Go to finefeatherheads.com to get 20% site wide, before 12/15/13 with code BB20.

Instant Skin Tightener & Line Filler This type of product doesn't usually sit well on my dry skin, no matter what they try to sell me.  So, I passed this on to my lil'sis.  You can get a 30% discount on this product also, by using code BOX5 before 10/15/13 at, skiinshop.com

Makeup Remover Pads w/Argan Oil Just add water.  Ahhhh. The package says I don't have to rinse after using, but I always do.  I have to end with my cleanser and products, or I feel out of sorts. :)  These are alcohol free and claim to contain vitamin E, leaving you silky smooth.  $6.99 for 50/count. everybeautybrand.com


BIRCH BOX

Sugarbomb Extra Plush Lip Gloss This is yummy on my lips.  I like it very much! Not sticky.

All-In-One Moisturizer Mereadesso, an antiaging and day/night cream, serum, eye cream, toner, and primer.  Wow.  That's a lot in one product.  I'm still trying to see how many applications I can get out of this, to see if it has any benefit.

Nail Lacquer - Fox Hunt Ruffian brand.  This is a vibrant orange, perfect for this Fall weather and Halloween!  Love the packaging on this also.

Blueberries Cleansing Facial Towelettes I'd like to complain about all the towelettes these boxes give.  Sooooooo mannnnyyyyyyy!  I just don't like to use them.  I don't feel clean.  Maybe if I went camping a lot, they'd come in handy.

Grapefruit CC Cream Yes To, the beauty extra.  I'm pleased with this product.  Not sure if I'm going to purchase a full size, but, I haven't with any sample as yet.  So this may be my first, and the shining star of all my boxes.  Thanks for the extra beauty, Birch Box.

Thanks for the memories samples, boxes!  

Are you saying goodbye to any boxes? 
Can you recommend any worthy boxes, maybe healthy? 


Blogtemper. September blog challenge. So I'm joining in on this series late in the game, but it's okay!  I wish I had noticed it from the beginning because it seems like so much fun.  There are topics for each day of the month for you to write about, and you can either make it your post for the day, or add it to your regular post.  Choice is yours!  Below you can read the rules, and click on the button for more info.  Enjoy!
Today's topic, for Friday September 27, 2013: An anonymous letter to your Facebook friends. Be as snarky as you'd like. (but don't include people's real names.) 
I've toned down a bit on Facebook since I've started blogging.  That's a good thing!  It becomes a habit and I think a bad habit at that.  I originally joined to be in touch with a friend from Australia. Although, as soon as you sign up, BAM!, you are out there and everyone and their brother want to 'be your friend'.  I like catching up as much as the next person, but sometimes there is a bit too much information.  I may be one of these people, at one FB post or another, but, I learned.  Many don't. 
- I can't stand all the political banter.  There just gets to be too much and it gets so personal.  You look ridiculous and I am thinking about blocking your comments.  - Mean people.  If you don't like what someone has to say, just ignore it and move on.  Why give the attention to yourself to show you are an a**hole?  - Posting a subject, random, and hundreds of people comment.  I'm guilty of liking something and having everyone say the same dang comment!  I go back and 'unlike". Sorry.
- FB causes attitudes people wouldn't dare have in person. - I have to say I like FB for the media in which it helps people find lost pets, or announce lost items/people/pets.   (Wish I was here for yesterday's topic: Go to a coffee shop, order your fav drink and sit and write what makes you happy, what makes you sad.  Bummer.

Here are the rules:

1. There really aren't any rules. If you miss a day, you can make it up or skip it. The blog police will not come knocking.

2. I will be including a linkup option at the bottom of my post each day, so you are welcome to leave your links here for others to peruse, as well. 

3. You can still post other things every day, too. I plan to do normal outfit posts, life posts, around-Austin posts, and sponsor posts just like usual.

4. I'd seriously love you if you also include the "Blogtember" button (below) either on your sidebar or at the end of your posts, but again, the blog police will not come knocking. My main goal here is to get us all back to the basics of blogging, not to gain a million new readers (though I wouldn't mind that). 

5. Here are the topics. You can be as creative and awesome or as boring and bland as you like with these. Take 'em and run with it. Use creative post titles. Interpret each "prompt" however you like. There's no wrong way to do it. Have fun.

Beauty Box 5

Happy Hump Day!  

I know! Today is usually my Wednesday Wish List day, but I'm behind in my posts.
Soooooo....here ya' go!

My Beauty Box 5 arrived the other day, and I'm here to tell you all about it!  Check it out.  

Be a Bombshell** Eyeshadow, although it looks a bit lavender in the photo, it is a light blue.  It's a full size too!  Although, I stopped wearing that stuff in 10th grade (or was it 11th?).  It wouldn't look good on me now, so I'm pushing it on to a gal I know it will look good on. Hahaha, you should see the picture when I did wear it.  Too bad I'm too lazy to go find it, but I'd probably have a lot of comments.  Maybe that's what it takes ;)

Swissco Nail File, Who doesn't need a nail file?  With bling, for that matter.  Loving this accessory.  

Bask Heavenly Silk Daily Skin Lotion, I actually liked this product.  It didn't smell too bad (I say that because I'm so allergy prone to perfume), but it felt nice, and silky.  Another nice thing about it, is it's not heavy.  Perfect for the warm weather.  It claims to have anti-aging and firming benefits, packed with vitamins.  I'm a bit past that point, haha, but maybe you youngin's can use it as a preventative lotion :) 

Nubar Nail Lacquers, Cruelty free, vegan nail polish!  Right up my alley.  I can't wait to use it in the late Fall.  However, I can wait for Fall, and winter.  Ugh.

H2O Plus Aquafirm & Micro Collagen Moisterizer, I'm always afraid to use new stuff on my face.  My skin is so loyal to my current products.  I haven't tried it yet, but I will give it a try.  I suppose I should be doing a post with results of all the products I've tried.  Glad I thought of that! 

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**Just to let you know, the Be A Bombshell Cosmetics is offering a 30% discount off their products, sitewide!  Use code BEAUTY30 before 9/15/13.

There you go peeps.  My latest in the box wars! 

Any products you are loving from a monthly subscription box? Share it! 

Hope your hump goes well today,

Ipsy and Beauty Box 5

Ciao Bella!!  I received my 3rd Ipsy box.  I have to say I'm pleased, not crazy about the matte lip color stick, but it was a decent month.  Since it is my 3rd, and I kinda' said I'd make a decision after the 3rd of each box, I'll need to compare this to all the other 3rd's that come in.  

Getting to it:

Pop Beauty, Pouty Pop Crayon  Very matte and bright pink for me.  I put some gloss over it and it looked much better, but I'll give it away.   

Nailtini Nail color in Mai Tai.  I put this on 2-days ago and it has stayed on pretty well.  I do like the nice bright summery color.  

Sexy Hair Soy Renewal beach spray.  Conditioning and texturizing.  I did try this and I was pleased with the results.  I'm not sure it is all that conditioning, but it did what I wanted my curly hair to do on a hot humid day.  

Coola This is a mineral face, rose tinted moisturizer.  I haven't tried it, probably won't. Only because I'm loyal to my usual brand.  If I used all the things I've received in samples, I'd probably break out is a million gazillion pimples.  

BH Cosmetics California Collection eyeshadow samples.  Although the colors of purple and goldish brown and yellow look bright, they go on very soft.  I've used them as a muted liner.  Works well.  

On Wednesday I received my 2nd, Beauty Box 5!  

I must say there is a nice box of goodies here.  Especially...

Be A Bombshell lip gloss! Loving it.  The name is kiss off.  So, guess what I get to tell peeps that are annoying me...yup, uh-huh.  I'll get away with it too :)

Every Beauty foot smoother. I know this seems like, "oh wow, gee, that's nice", BUT, my feet are pretty darn nice.  I'll admit it.  Hey, when dozens of people tell you "you have pretty feet" throughout your life, you stand proud!  I take care of my feet, never walk barefoot, can't even handle it in the house.  They're soft and pretty. Don't hate. I'll admit I wouldn't pay the retail of $8.99 for this, when I can get one just as good in the $1 store. Yes, there are some things I'll go to the less expensive stores to purchase.  Why not?  

Jean Pierre Cosmetics nail polish remover wipes.  Eh.  I mean really, we paint our nails with a base coat of clear (sometimes), then 2-3 coats of color, then (if you're like me) a quick-dry top coat of clear.  I hardly think one-wipe will remove all of that 'with one wipe'. Although maybe 10 will do. 

La Fresh Travel lite antibacterial wipes.  I'll take several dozen of these.  Can't go wrong carrying these travel-friendly wipes with you. Send me more, please! 

Airelle Age defying facial serum.  Ok.  I'm an esthetician, and I've seen the front and back of this arena. I am very skeptical about products, even the ones I use regularly, to be honest.  Any product I've used, I've seen none to minor results.  I always think with these samples of serums, they've put the powerful stuff in these little samples.  When you buy the larger retail size, they take out all that good stuff and by then you psychologically think its working.  Ha!  For all the layers of skin we have, "oh, don't get me going!"  Watch for the selling words, "encourage new cell growth", "reverse the signs of aging" (doubt that honey).  Hey, I'll be fair and try it.  I will definitely come back with my remarks on this one.  Some day, I'll even share my skincare knowledge with you.  Oh happy days!  

That's my Friday send off!  Enjoy your weekend.  I'm out enjoying mine as you read this post!  Stop back Monday for the Blog Stalking Sundays post!  

Cheers, XOX

Birch Box #2

I know it seems as if I've received dozens of boxes, but I've only received a total of 9.  Since May.  Not too crazy, right?  Of each box I do receive, I haven't hit the 3rd one yet.  I figure if I haven't loved at least 2 out of the 3, I end the subscription. After all, I do want to like the products, and they want me to buy the full size.  Right now I'm just promoting them, without any compensation.  Although, that would be nice :)

Other blogs I've read that post their boxes, seem to like the products.  Believe me, I want to love them all as well, but that's not going to happen.  Everyone is different.

Let me move on here without too much more blibber-blabber.

BIRCH BOX #2

Benta Berry  A moisturizing facial cream.  The problem here, is anything with a fragrance, kills me.  Being a skincare-snob, I'm always reading the products and want a "less ingredients is more" attitude.  'No fragrance' is a must.  The moisturizer went on nice, had a mild smell - but then it became stronger.  I couldn't wear this all day if I tried.

Birch Box Bobby Pin Really cute white and (my favorite) green design. Definitely using these fun pins.  Girl Meets Pearl Benefit brand product, skin highlighter.  It has too much sparkle for the face for me, so I would use it on my shoulders for an evening out.   Nourishing Body Cream 100% Pure brand.  I haven't opened this yet.  There was too much perfume smell on me already, so I had to wash that off and then forgot about trying the cream.  Although, it sound delicious.  I'm thinking it could be a good product with the 100% vegetarian and natural.  Super Comb Prep & Protect Number 4 brand, for the face.  (Never heard of it) It's free of sulfates, yay! I can always use a leave-in conditioner.  Especially small enough to fit into my purse, and spritz whenever.  I have such curly long hair, with the triple-H factor  (humidity hating hair), I'll be as happy as a baby in a swaddle, if this helps!   Would you try any of these products, or do you use any of them already? 

Happy Friday my blogging peeps xo

Birch Box!

I received my first BIRCH BOX!! 

It was very exciting, and I couldn't wait to open it. 

Here are the contents: 

Isaac Mizrahi Fabulous fragrance

COOLA Classic Sunscreen 

Color Club Professional Nail Lacquer 

Tweezerman Matchbox Itty Bitty Files

Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in Scarlet

As you can see, my Glossy Kiss came opened and messy.  My excitement dissipated when I saw that.  Bummer.  If I didn't use it, I could have given it away.  It is a bright stain for me to put on my lips, I can't be that bold.  Although I will try it on my cheeks.  Some of these stains work very well on cheeks.  

So I painted my nails real quick yesterday so I could post, for you to see.  

Excuse the messy look, I didn't get a chance to clean up before taking the photo.  

The polish was creamy and went on well.  

Two coats and I had a nice solid look, no streaks.  

I actually like the color for a hot summer day.  

It looked nice while at our 12th graders graduation yesterday!

My personal thoughts:

- I can always use a nail file, and having enough for each handbag we change often is a plus!

- The Broad Spectrum SPF 30 worked great at the 2-hour outdoor & sunny, graduation.

- I am sensitive to perfumes, and this one became strong for me in little time.  I won't be using this.

- The Glossy Kiss was creamy and light enough for my cheeks. If I dot lightly and use a sheer moisturized gloss over top, it works for me as well. 

What do you think of the contents of this Birch Box?  

Would you be happy with these items as your first box?

Julep Box

Are you a Maven?  

I know I am.  Do you know how I know? I received Julep #2!  Well, actually it is #1 since I did get the first box complimentary.  Anyway, nothing makes an everyday girl happier, then when she's receiving girlie goodies in the mail. I love the theme, Sail into Summer...it just makes you want to go sit on the beach by the water, with your umbrella and just read a good book, taking little cat naps. Remember that feeling?  (Well, if it ever stops raining, maybe we can!)

First showing when I opened the box, is the DD Creme.  Dynamic Do-all makeup.  

I'm not a big foundation fan, but when its a 'do-all', I'll keep an open mind.  

Love the nautical color wrapping around the surprise nail colors!

There they are, my pretty box colors...a sea foam green, Diana & a sun shine yellow, Lexie. 

My full tube of DD Do-All Creme, plus a small tester sample of DD Concealer.

An extra treat in the box was taffy!  If I can remember the flavors before they were eaten...

chocolate, mint, aaaannnnnd....I don't know :)

Here is a sample of the Diana sea foam polish.  

I love the color.  So fresh with the feel of summer. 

I attempted the yellow, but felt I need a bit of a tan to sport that one!

Now that you know the contents, here are my Pros and Cons on each item:

PROS

Full size bottle of the DD Do-all Creme - loved the feel, not heavy on my skin

Two full size nail polish in fresh feeling summer colors

A sample of the DD Concealer to try with the DD Creme, good coverage - I like it

Yummy tasty treat for the reward of opening the box :)

CONS

Again, the nail polish is thick and makes for a tougher polish time

The polish stains the nail (I like to be able to throw on clear at anytime)

Quick note:  I did like the concealer.  I dabbed a bit on my finger and dabbed it on my face, in the areas I thought I needed it.  Then I put dots of the DD Creme all around the usual spots and smoothed it on my skin.  With a little blush, I was off to dinner with a friend. I'll try it a few more times to consider buying the products.  

So there you have it!  My first official Julep box, proving once again...I'm a Maven!

Are you a Maven?  What favorite colors will you be sporting for the summer? 

First post ~ First box!

I am so excited!  Because today is my first official post, on my new blog site! And thank you so very much for stopping by. To think I was nervous about being myself, just an everyday girl!  Well, not today.

Not only is this my first blog post, but also I received a second 'mystery box'! If you are not familiar with these, they are boxes filled with girlie samples (or full sized) fun stuff.  I call it a mystery box because you never know what they will ship to you next, or what they might have you pick from.  There are several different 'boxes' out there to purchase one-time, monthly or even quarterly; but I just couldn't decide, so I picked 3! Or was it 4? I'm sure I'll narrow it down at some point, maybe.
(Doubt it :)

First up, Julep - I'm a Maven!

Julep - my free 'thanks for signing up' box

It's all in the packaging, right?  That's what I say.  The pink and black is right up my alley.  It said my style is Boho Glam, a dynamic free spirit with a creative eye. I thought about that (uhm, no), I think I'm the "Classic With A Twist! An iconic beauty with a timeless aesthetic". Hey, if I can change who I am with a click of a mouse, I'm going for it. I wasn't disappointed with my contents, however, I gave the nail polish to my sister (who is all about nails, and I do have colors similar to these).  

CONTENTS: 2 nail polishes, nail file, glycolic hand scrub, sample polish remover pad (all Julep)

PROS: 

I recieved my first box!

Love the hand scrub

Nail polish dries fairly quick

CONS:

Too dark for me for summer

Polish is too thick, makes for sloppy polishing for shorter nails

Polish stained my nails (I'm a nail polish snob, I like color or clear at any moment. This wasn't ideal.)

Next up, Ipsy!

My first Ipsy box

Packaging...AWESOME!  I was loving this bright'n shiny pink mailing envelope.  Pretty snail-mail makes me happy. (I gotta' have some of those.) I definitely got more for my money with this box.  The shimmery pale pink polish, I'm usually shy with shimmer, but it's good for a gloomy rainy day. 

CONTENTS: Zoya pink Gie Gie nail polish, Sheer Pixie lipstick, Yaby concealer sample, Anastasia clear brow gel, Pacifica roll-on perfume, a cute colorful cosmetic (or anything) bag

PROS: 

A lot for a little

Lipstick is sheer and moisturizing, with a hint of coral 

Nice colorful glam bag

CONS:

I'll see how the perfume plays with my allergies, but that's my con (so far, so good)

Polish needs several coats if you want no see-thru nails/lines

This was fun! I hope you enjoyed my first blog post.  I know I did.  Please check back often!

Do you receive any 'mystery boxes'? 

Would you pay $10 a month? $20 a month, or more, for a 'mystery box'?