There’s No Crying in Baseball

I’ve tried to start writing this post countless times over the past few months. I’ve struggled with where to start, but I think the best way is with a heartfelt apology for my disappearance.  If it had been a planned hiatus I would have done a much better job of keeping you updated, but I’ve just been lost under the avalanche of life and struggling to dig myself out.  In any case, I am so sorry for my unexplained absence and I have greatly missed writing to you all.

Starting a new life is like cleaning out that closet full of junk.  You had it all crammed in there, and now it’s all over your floor, and you’ve got broken things and new things, and you’ve got to dig through it, toss stuff, and find a better way to pack in what you need.  I’m still working on the latter.

This blog started as a hobby to justify my unhealthy obsession with subscription boxes, and I honestly never expected anyone would want to read it.  But a lot of you did, and companies wanted me to write about them and I was so humbled by it all and very grateful.

I’ve thought about whether I could continue this blog with my limited time, and realized that I can’t do it the same way I’ve done it before.  But that doesn’t mean I can’t do it at all.  So rather than quitting, I’m working to adapt and I’m hoping you’ll stick around for it. Enough teary revelations because

And this metaphor is actually literal, because I’m one of 10 featured authors at the Author Celebration  on August 7th at Somerset Patriots’ TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ.  It’s part of the Central NJ paper’s summer reading program, and I’ll be there to discuss “The Ice Maiden’s Tale”.
If any of you are in the mythical Central NJ hood please come by.

Since I’ve been gone, tons has gone down in the sub box world.  Popsugar went from monthly to quarterly, Stitchfix added on plus sizes and I’ve been trying out some new things (hello FabFitFun)!  I’m hoping to jump back into the box posts soon with some more streamlined reviews.

I’ve also done a ton of work on my 1976 timewarp house – if you can name it, I’ve painted it.  So there should be before and afters headed your way.

I hope you’ve been doing well all this time and I can’t wait to catch up with you soon.

Top 16 Sub Box Items of 2016

Since I finally wrapped up my 2016 posts, it’s time for me to pick my favorite 16 items from all of my 2016 Sub boxes.  With so many different boxes and cool items, it was hard to narrow it down.  They are simply in chronological order.

JANUARY
Popsugar Must Have: January 2016
Planner
Blue Sky Day Designer Weekly Planner (Suggested Retail: $15.99 (now reduced))
I loved this planner and was so bummed that I couldn’t find the exact same one for 2017.  They need to keep making it!

MARCH
Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Spring 2016

Earbuds 2 Ear Buds
LSTN Sound Co. Wembley Earbuds (Retail: $99.00)
These are adorable and so comfortable.  I wore them so much they kind of started falling apart.  But even though they look a bit worse for the wear, they still sound great!

Julep Maven: March 2016 – The Lighten Up Collection
Trudy

Trudy: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
I love this color so much, that I’m painting my kitchen cabinets a similar shade.

Popsugar: March 2016
On Wrist

Nanette Lepore Classic Rose Gold Watch (Suggested Retail: $55.00)
Loved the color combination of pale strap, rose gold and white lock face. It’s elegant and chic.

APRIL
Popsugar: April 2016

Cookbook
Chrissy Teigen’s Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat  (Suggested Retail: $17.99)
I love to cook and this book had some amazing recipes.

MAY
Orglamix Glam Box: May 2016
Necklace & Oil

Aromatherapy Diffuser Necklace
(Estimated Retail: $26.00)
A cool way to wear perfume + a scent I could wear without getting a headache?
It was like a miracle.

JUNE
Orglamix Glam Box: June 2016
Perfume

Perfume Palette – Fresh picked fruit (Estimated Retail: $21.00)
Solid perfumes don’t get nearly enough play.  They are great to keep in your bag and this one had 3 different scents that were all delicious and fun to layer.

JULY
Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Summer 2016
Turban

DreamDry The Dream Turban (Retail: $30.00)
I use this almost every day.  They need to start making them in white.

SEPTEMBER
cheek-tint
Orglamix Glam Box: September 2016 Moroccan Hammam
Moroccan Rose mineral lip + cheek tint (Estimated Retail: $18.00)
This shade was so lovely with just the right amount of shimmer, that I found myself reaching for it over and over again.

OCTOBER
Popsugar: Fall Limited Edition Box
headphones

Caeden Linea No1 Faceted Ceramic & Rose Gold Headphones (Suggested Retail: $149.99)
These headphones are gorgeous and super comfortable.

Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Fall 2016
bracelet on-wrist
The Eye-Catcher: Rachel Zoe Tassel Bracelet: (Estimated Retail: $95.00)
This bracelet is great for layering or dressing up or down.  I found myself reaching for this all during the week as it paired perfectly with all my work outfits.

Popsugar: October Must Have Box
mug
Morning Culture Rise & Shine Diner Mug (Suggested Retail: $16.00)
I love diner style mugs and grabbed another of these at a huge discount during a Popsugar boutique sale.

Julep Maven: October 2016: Dark & Stormy Nights!
desiree-swatch

Desiree
(Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
This lets you turn any polish into one with some holo sparkle!

NOVEMBER
bracelet-wrist bracelet-front
Kendra Scott Elaina Rose Gold Bracelet in White Pearl
(Suggested Retail: $50)
I love the design on this – gorgeous rose gold + a versatile white stone and a unique clasp.  A winner.

runner
Pehr Chambray Runner Wine
(Suggested Retail: $44.00)
I love home items and this is going to look perfect in my new house.

DECEMBER
Popsugar: December 2016 Must Have Box
catchalls
Odeme Catchall & Ring Dish
(Suggested Retail: $67)
Love the versatility of design here.  You can use this in so many ways.

OVERALL
Most Consistent:
Orglamix Glam Box.
They always had something surprising and stuck really well the box theme and what I feel their subscriber is expecting.
Best Value: Rachel Zoe Box of Style.
$100 is steep but the quality of items and their value is usually 4 times that.  They include luxury brands and a lot of exclusive items.
My 2016 Favorite: Popsugar Must Have
I really love the lifestyle items that Popsugar offers.  You get your beauty fix, plus great home finds and cute surprises.
It’s also important to note that Popsugar’s customer service has greatly improved and they’ve started offering their long-time customers more promotions.

What was your favorite sub box item or sub box of 2016?

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