Popsugar: November 2015 & a Holiday Box Spoiler!

Since I only just received the shipping notice for my December Popsugar box, I’m right on time with my review of their November one. It’s always fun to see what shows up in these boxes around the holidays so let’s jump right in.

Deepa Gurnani Katie Crystal Headband (Suggested Retail: $56.00)
Description: “This Katie Crystal headband will make any outfit feel more festive. Handcrafted in India , the crystal detailing and elegant scallop design will be your statement piece all season.”
Verdict: Love!
I actually wear headbands regularly and own something similar from Forever 21, that I get tons of compliments on. This one is much more spendy and I’m excited to have it in my collection, although I’m now obsessed with the Deepa Gurnani site so that may be a problem for my wallet. I appreciate that Popsugar included a hair accessory that works for all different lengths and styles. As a tip – for ladies with longer hair, try wearing it with your hair down and some of it pulled in front of the band, rather than the headband pushing all your hair back. The former can look Bohemian chic, the latter can go a bit too schoolgirl.

Tarte Cosmetics Beauty & the Box Eye Shadow (Suggested Retail: $22.00)
Description: ”Your beauty palette for Fall has arrived in a perfectly packaged eye shadow box. Blend these four dreamy colors together for a creamy matte look with just the right amount of shimmer.”
Verdict: Gift
Unfortunately these shades look way too warm for my complexion. I do have someone on my Xmas list who I think has the right coloring for these so I’ll add it to her gift. For some strange reason I couldn’t find this particular set on the Tarte site, so I’m not sure if it was an exclusive or some kind of limited run.

West Emory Bingo Set
(Suggested Retail: $20.00)
Description: ” Your game night just got a lot chicer with this bingo set from West Emory. The design studio fave this classic game a modern update that you’ll want to showcase long after you play.”
Verdict: Gift
I like games but I’m not a huge Bingo person. This item did spark a great idea for a Christmas gift so it will definitely find a good home.

Capri Blue Mercury Jewel Box in Rain
(Suggested Retail: $18.95)
Description: “Doubling as a candle and a jewelry holder, this mercury jewel box smells and looks divine. Once the candle burns out, reuse the handblown recycled glass box to hold all your keepsakes.”
Verdict: Hit/Gift!
The scent on this candle is light and fresh, just like the name implies. I think it’s lovely, although the lid is a bit flimsy. I’m torn between keeping it for myself and adding it my giant candle hoard, or giving it as a Christmas gift. There’s one person in particular on my list that I think will really like it. Damn these holidays when I can’t keep all the pretties to myself!

Gramr Gratitude Co. Exclusive Thanksgiving Postcard Pack (Suggested Retail: $10.00)
Description: “These beautiful postcards will inspire you to share your thank yous with someone you love. Whether it’s family member or a dear friend, a handwritten letter on one of these press-printed postcards will surely brighten their day.”
Verdict: Like
I often send cards so I always enjoy getting new stationary. You also don’t often see Thanksgiving cards so this is a nice set to have on hand. I used one as a gift tag on baked goods and thought they worked nicely in that capacity as well.


Terrapin Ridge Farms Pecan Honey Mustard (Suggested Retail: $5.84)
Description: “When you combine the rich flavors of pecans and the sweet tang of honey mustard, the results are addictive. Delicious as a dip or marinade, it’s the perfect pairing for holiday meals and appetizers.”
Verdict: Love!
I adore honey mustard and this one sounds amazing. I really appreciate when we get condiments and cooking items instead of just snacks. They last longer and I feel like I can do a lot with more them. I can’t wait to try this with some oven baked chicken fingers.

Special Extras

Inkdot Gift Card

Description: “Make your memories last forever with Inkdot, a service that turns your digital phots into prints, coasters, IPhone cases, and more. With the holidays in full swing, enjoy this $20 gift card to find the perfect personalized gift.”
Verdict: Another Giftcard
Since it’s just a “special extra” the gift card is fine, but I’d rather have something tangible to try. That being said, this item gave me another great idea for a Christmas gift and I ended up ordering from Inkdot. Unfortunately the giftcard didn’t quite seem to work, but they had a 35% off coupon code that ended up saving me more money anyway. I’m not sure if the gift card had an issue because of the promotion or if it just was expired.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!

I paid $42.75 for this box and excluding the gift card, I received an estimated retail value of $132.79. I thought this box had a nice holiday theme and I liked that so many of the items would make nice gifts. One of the reasons I love sub boxes is they give a great variety of products at a reasonable cost that I can often translate into nice gifts for friends and family. For $42.75, I got 3 gifts and some items for myself. I call that a win.

What did you think of the November box? Would you have kept everything for yourself or given some away as gifts?

SPOILER ALERT!
Popsugar released a spoiler for their 2015 Holiday LE Box for her:

It costs $100 and looks like it’s still available for purchase.
I couldn’t resist trying one out so be sure to come back for reviews on what’s inside!

THE BACKSTORY

Popsugar is a women’s lifestyle subscription that delivers a monthly box of fun, full-size products hand-selected by Popsugar editors.

In addition to Popsugar’s monthly must have boxes, they have some seasonal special edition boxes that contain uber luxe items.  The price tag on these boxes is higher, but the products you receive are high end.

Popsugar Pricing:
Monthly – $39.95
3 Months – $109.85
6 Months – $214.70
12 Months – $404.40

Coupon Codes:  REFER5 = $5 off site wide
POPSUGAR10 = $10 off a 3 month subscription

Author: Writer Preziosi

Once upon a time, long, long ago, Lisa attended Syracuse University where she studied singing in a giant castle surrounded by ice and snow. After she earned her music degree, she headed to the island of Manhattan, down to the West Village, to a place called the New School. There, she earned another degree in the great art of writing stories for children. She currently works on that same island trying to help real people, while making up stories about imaginary ones. Her first book, “The Ice Maiden’s Tale,” a fairy tale adventure, was released on May 30, 2017 and is up for sale on Amazon. View all posts by Writer Preziosi