February 2018 Little Life Box Review

We are entering the third month of 2018, and I’m proud to say that I’m still following the healthy habits that I planned to adopt at the beginning of the year. One of my goals is to replace unhealthy, processed snacks with more natural, healthier options. This is not always easy during the busy work week when it’s hard to find time time to go to the grocery store or prepare snacks in advance, but luckily there's a subscription that can help: Little Life Box.

February 2016 Teen Yoga Box Review

When I was twelve, I was told that I would experience the best years of my life in high school. While I met some great people and learned more about myself, it was definitely a stressful time filled with unexpected challenges and changes.

I learned along the way that taking a few moments do something relaxing and enjoyable can help make the teen years a bit easier. That’s where TeenYogaBOX comes in. It’s a nice monthly treat for teens that reminds them to take time for and be more thoughtful towards themselves. Boxes include 3-5 carefully selected, hand-made items and activities to help teens find their authentic self by reducing stress, building self-esteem, and encouraging positive self-worth and a sense of control over their lives.

Each TeenYogaBOX has a monthly theme. February’s box* focuses on self-love and believing that you are a valuable and worthy person.

February 2015 Little Life Box Review

In my search for healthy snacks, I came across Little Life Box, a monthly subscription service that ships up to a dozen healthy alternative samples to its members each month. Items include snacks, cosmetics, supplements, vitamins, and more. When signing up, you can choose to receive the original box or the vegan box. Products can also be purchased individually in the Little Life Shop. 

This Canadian subscription service starts at $19.95 per month + $3.75 per box for shipping. I signed up for a one month trial for $22.95 and chose the original box. 

I received a variety of items in the skincare, health, and food categories. I like that not everyone receives the same box each month and that the product information is listed on the company’s website so that it’s easy to access. 

The packaging of this month’s box is very cute with red and white polka dot tissue paper and an adorable penguin postcard. 

The first three items are my favourite since I signed up for the box mainly for the snacks. 

1. Camino Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Bar | $4.29 - This chocolate bar is certified organic, fair trade certified, kosher, and gluten free. This bar is one of the first items that I ate from the box. It was very creamy and contained lots of delicious hazelnut pieces. I really enjoyed the fact that it did not taste overly sweet or sugary. I would love to try other chocolate bar flavours from this company, especially the dark chocolate version. 

2. GoGo Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies | $6.49 for a 198g box - GoGo Quinoa products are gluten-free, organic, and vegan. I ate these cookies right away as well. They were very crunchy and delicious. I loved the little chocolate chips and the rich flavour. I will be purchasing more of these in the future. 

3. Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts | $2.99 for 56g (sample contains 15g) - Hemp Hearts contain plant-based protein, fibre, and omegas. I haven’t tried these yet but plan to sprinkle them on cereal or yogurt. 

4. Tasty Bite Channa Masala | $7.98 for 6 packages - This one minute dish features slow-simmered chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This product is very convenient for those of us who don’t have a lot of time to prepare healthy meals. I’m looking forward to trying it with some basmati rice.

5. Pure Organic White Royal Quinoa - This quinoa is from Bolivia and is GMO free, certified organic, and gluten free. I love quinoa and enjoy making a range of different dishes with it. I will get a lot of use out of this product. 

6. GoGo Quinoa Instant Soup | $4.99 for 2 packages - This gluten free soup is a good source of protein and calcium. I love soup and eat it almost daily, so I was very excited to try this product. Sadly, I was very disappointed after trying it. It was very bland and tasteless. I attempted to finish the whole bowl but just couldn’t stand the taste. I think it would benefit from more flavourful spices and a pinch of salt.  

7. Symbiotics Colostrum Plus Chewables | $24.99 for 120 capsules (sample contains two) - This gluten free pineapple flavoured dietary supplement supports healthy immune response and normal GI tract health. While I think this product sounds like a good concept, I probably won’t try it as I cannot determine if I will enjoy a supplement by trying only two capsules. I already have a probiotic supplement that I enjoy. 

8. Naturade Total Soy Meal Replacement | $17.88 for 12 packages - This lactose and gluten free non-GMO soy product can help reduce cholesterol. While it sounds like a beneficial product, I will not be trying it as I am not a fan of soy. 

9. Neolia Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner | $7.99 per 400 ml bottle (samples contain 10 ml each) - These products which are designed for normal hair in need of hydration, protection, and softness, are made with 100% organic extra virgin olive oil, aloe vera and moringa. I’m going to do a bit of research before trying these as the ingredients may weigh down my fine hair. 

10. Goddess Garden Organics Natural Sunscreen | $19.99 for 6 oz (sample contains 1 oz) - This natural sunscreen is 100% biodegradable and contains aloe vera and sunflower oil. It provides 40 minutes of water resistance and broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 protection. I wear sunscreen daily, so I will definitely use this product as long as it’s not too sticky. 

11. Natracare Cleansing Make-up Removal Wipes | $9.29 for 20 wipes - These wipes contain natural ingredients, such as organic essential oils of almond, apricot, and chamomile. I will save these for travelling. 

12. Wood’s Body Goods Choco Latte Lip Balm | $4.50 - This lip balm is paraben and gluten free. I’m not a huge fan of coffee scents, so I may pass this on to someone who is. However, I would consider trying some of their other flavours in the future. White Chocolate and French Vanilla sound delicious!

Overall, I’m happy that I purchased this box to try. I discovered a few new favourite products like the chocolate bar and the quinoa cookies. I also enjoyed the variety of the box items and the large amount of items that were sent this month. At this time, I’m not sure if I will purchase a subscription or if I will just buy a few individual products off the site that interest me. If I do sign up, I will likely go with a three month subscription in case I decide that this box is not for me after receiving a few more. 

What are your thoughts on Little Life Box?

 

July SeasonsBox

This month’s SeasonsBox post will be a bit different than the others. Normally I’m able to provide informative details about the products based on the information printed on the card sent with the box. For some reason though, my July box was missing its card and the July information was no longer on seasonsbox.com by the time that my box arrived. So, I filmed an unboxing video that includes my first impressions on the products and general thoughts based on the information printed on the packaging.

Overall, I was impressed with this box and look forward to the August box. What did you receive from SeasonsBox this month?

April SeasonsBox

I realize that is post is about three months late, but there was some shipping confusion with my April SeasonsBox so I did not receive it until June.
Despite its late arrival, I’m very excited to have the opportunity to review the April SeasonsBox.  Unlike the other “deluxe sample” boxes, SeasonsBox sends 3-5 luxurious full sized seasonal must-have products each moth.
Each month’s box is completely different and includes environmentally conscious products for your home, body, and spirit. It’s called a SeasonsBox because each box is tailored to one season or a seasonal holiday. Last month I reviewed the May Box which was Mother’s Day themed and featured eco-friendly and stylish indulgences to celebrate motherhood and make every woman feel pampered.
This month’s box is Spring themed and features healthy and natural products that help empower women in poverty.
The first item is a beautiful Connected in Hope Shiromeda Spring Scarf.  Each scarf is hand-loomed by a member of the Former Women Fuel Wood Carriers Association in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the profits from each scarf are devoted to empowering women and strengthening families. I received the scarf in the Columbia Blue shade. Each scarf retails for $32.

The next item, Crawford Street Skin Care Lemon Deodorant Cream, is all natural (ingredients include lemon, grapefruit, orange, and cloves) and is it deodorizing, antibacterial, and antifungal. It is free of aluminum and parabens and it won’t stain clothing. This jar retails for $12.

The third item is the Ecotools Foam Applicator. This product is environmentally conscious as it is crafted with recycled aluminum ferrule and a bamboo handle. This applicator retails for $5.99.

Let’s end on a sweet note with these honey drops from Honibe. The honey in these drops is 100% natural and comes from Prince Edward Island. Perfect for anyone on the go! This 12 pack of drops retails for $5.99.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the April 2013 SeasonsBox. The scarf is a wonderful year-round accessory for a great cause.  I’m especially excited to try the deodorant and the makeup brush and honey drops are a nice touch. All of this month’s products are full sized which makes this subscription service more than worth the price. I did a rough calculation of the value of this month’s items, and the products combined retail for close to $56.
Subscription rates begin at $29.95 which seems like a lot but, as you can see from the April items, you get what you pay for. I can’t wait to see what SeasonsBox has in store for June!
Did you receive a SeasonsBox this month? What are your thoughts on it?

May SeasonsBox

Today, I’m very excited to have the opportunity to review the May SeasonsBox.  Unlike the other “deluxe sample” boxes, SeasonsBox sends 3-5 luxurious full sized seasonal must-have products each moth.
Each month’s box is completely different and includes environmentally conscious products for your home, body, and spirit. It’s called a SeasonsBox because each box is tailored to one season or a seasonal holiday. Last month I reviewed the March Box which was St. Patrick’s Day themed and featured eco-friendly and green products, plus practical spring must-haves, to refresh and rejuvenate your home, body, and spirit.
This month’s box is Mother’s Day themed and features eco-friendly and stylish indulgences to celebrate motherhood and make every woman feel pampered.
The first item is a  natural eyeshadow from Gourmet Body Treats. I was very excited to see this item upon opening the box because my previous SeasonsBoxes did not include makeup. These loose powder shadows are 100% vegan and handmade. I received the shade Island which is a shimmery nude colour. This full size jar of shadow retails for $18.99.

Next is another beauty product! This time it’s a natural nail polish from Priti NYC in a pretty shade from the company’s Spring 2013 Sherbert collection. The shade is called Remember Me Rose but it has more peachy-orange tones than pink. This polish is non-toxic and eco-friendly. I received a full size bottle that retails for $13.50.

The third item in this month’s box is a natural body wash from Deep Steep. This lavender and chamomile scented product contains certified essential oils, shea and cocoa butters, vitamins E and B5, and organic plant extracts. Best of all, it’s 100% natural and cruelty free. The full sized tube retails for $9.95.

The last item, a natural rose bath bomb from ZEN-ful, is the perfect product to help you unwind after a long spring day. These bath bombs, retailing for $5.50 each, are completely natural and contain rose essential oils.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the May 2013 SeasonsBox. The eyeshadow and nail polish were a nice treat and what girl doesn’t love a luxurious body wash and a soothing bath bomb? All of this month’s products are full sized which makes this subscription service more than worth the price. I did a rough calculation of the value of this month’s items, and the products combined retail for close to $48.
Subscription rates begin at $29.95 which seems like a lot but, as you can see from the May items, you get what you pay for. I can’t wait to see what SeasonsBox has in store for June!
Did you receive a SeasonsBox this month? What are your thoughts on it?

March SeasonsBox

Today, I’m very excited to have the opportunity to review the March SeasonsBox.  Unlike the other “deluxe sample” boxes, SeasonsBox sends 3-5 luxurious full sized seasonal must-have products each moth.

Each month’s box is completely different and includes environmentally conscious products for your home, body, and spirit. It’s called a SeasonsBox because each box is tailored to one season or a seasonal holiday. Last month I reviewed the February Box which was Valentine’s Day themed and featured healthy and eco-conscious products designed to nourish your body, invigorate your taste buds, and relax your mind.

This month’s box is St. Patrick’s Day themed (can you tell from the bright green bow and grassy box filling?) and features eco-friendly and green products, plus practical spring must-haves, to refresh and rejuvenate your home, body, and spirit.

The first item is an Ecoverse Compact Umbrella from ShedRainfrom. This umbrella is green (crafted from recycled materials and has a natural bamboo handle), storm-sturdy, eco-friendly, and compact enough to fit in your bag. Not to mention, this item alone pays for the entire box as it retails for $32 USD.  

The next item is an Organic Gourmet Tea from Octavia. I received green tea, which is perfect for St. Patty’s day with its green tint and rich flavour. This tea is 100% natural and certified organic, free of artificial ingredients and chemicals, and made from real tealeaves. I’ve been enjoying this tea in the mornings with a teaspoon of honey.

Now something to invigorate the senses: Natural Incense Cones from Vance Kitira. Not only does this product smell delicious, it comes in a mint green colour and is packaged nicely enough to function as a decorative item in your home. These cones are natural and come in a rosewood box. They smell refreshing and beachy!

The last item is satisfyingly scent-sational as well. This bar of Dublin Mint Irish Soap from All Things Herbal is natural and handcrafted using the cold process method for producing highest quality soaps. The invigorating scent is created by a blend of spearmint, peppermint, and rosemary. Perfect for an early morning shower!

Overall, I continue to be impressed by SeasonsBox. The full sized products are all items that I will use and love, which makes this subscription service more than worth the price. I did a rough calculation of the value of this month’s items, and the products combined retail at over $60—that’s double the price of the box!

Subscription rates begin at $29.95 which seems like a lot but, as you can see from the March items, you get what you pay for. I can’t wait to see what SeasonsBox has in store for April!

Did you receive a SeasonsBox this month? What are your thoughts on it?

February SeasonsBox

Today, I’m very excited to have the opportunity to review the February SeasonsBox.  Unlike the other “deluxe sample” boxes, SeasonsBox sends 3-5 luxurious full sized seasonal must-have products each moth.
Each month’s box is completely different and includes environmentally conscious products for your home, body, and spirit. It’s called a SeasonsBox because each box is tailored to one season or a seasonal holiday. Last month I reviewed the January Box which featured products from Thailand and the United States that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort to banish the winter blues.
This month’s box is Valentine’s Day themed (can you tell from the pretty pink box filling?) and features healthy and eco-conscious products designed to nourish your body, invigorate your taste buds, and relax your mind. The items are to help us honour and love ourselves around this time of year. 
The first item is a box of bamboo cleansing cloths from Kaia Naturals. These cloths are perfect for sensitive skin. They cleanse, tone, and remove makeup with with vitamins, organic honey, sunflower and citrus oils. They are 100% biodegradable as well as sulfate, paraben, alcohol and synthetic fragrance free.

The next items is something that I will get a lot of use out of as I love products that exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating promotes cell turnover and makes the skin look more youthful, so I try to exfoliate the skin on my body at least three times per week. This Bambu Earth Sugar Cookie Body Glow is definitely a product that I want to be using on a weekly basis. It has a delicious scent that I like to describe as vanilla cherry almond. It contains natural ingredients such as mineral rich dead sea salt and coconut oil, and it’s free of synthetic fragrances.

The next item, Dream Organics Rose Water, is also meant to beautify the skin. Each rose water is crafted from the distillation of premium organic Bulgarian rose petals, infused with a rare organic rose essential oil. I’ve been spritzing this on each morning before I apply my moisturizer. It has a light floral scent that is very pleasant and calming. It helps control any redness that I have on my skin around this time of year.

The last item is perfect for a February sweet tooth. Galerie Au Chocolat Bars uses real Belgium chocolates. The chocolate is crafted from natural and certified fair trade ingredients. The flavour that I received is Maple Crunch. It’s truly delicious and a decadent alternative to the standard Valentine’s Day candy that I have been snacking on throughout the month. 


Overall, I continue to be impressed by SeasonsBox. The full sized products are all items that I will use and love, which makes this subscription service more than worth the price.
Subscription rates begin at $29.95 which seems like a lot but, as you can see from the February items, you get what you pay for. I can’t wait to see what SeasonsBox has in store for March!
Did you receive a SeasonsBox this month? What are your thoughts on it?

January SeasonsBox (Unboxing & Review)

Today, I’m very excited to have the opportunity to tell you about a new subscription box. Unlike the other “deluxe sample” boxes, SeasonsBox sends 3-5 luxurious full sized seasonal must-have products.
Each month’s box is completely different and includes environmentally conscious products for your home, body, and spirit. It’s called a SeasonsBox because each box is tailored to one season or a seasonal holiday (I can’t wait to see if they have something in store for Valentine’s Day!).
The January box features products from Thailand and the United States that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort to banish the winter blues. Everything came in a cardboard box that was thoughtfully wrapped with a chocolate brown ribbon.
The first item is this comfy cozy hand-woven scarf from Kitira Boutique . Not only is this scarf a winter fashion accessory, it’s also made of 100% cotton and hand dyed with natural products. Also, as you will see in the photo of the scarf below and the photos that follow, each individual item is carefully wrapped with environmentally friendly materials.

The next item came at a perfect time as I have been very interested in home decor for the past few months. This hand-poured Bamboo Bliss cathedral candle from Vance Kitira smells delicious and has a classy look that will warm up any home. 

My skin gets very dry in the winter so I was very happy to receive this jar of Whispering Willow Whipped Shea Butter. This product is hand crafted from organic, raw and unrefined shea, and contains vitamins and fatty acids that naturally heal dry skin, burns, sores, and scars. My favourite part is the scent—it smells like a peppermint candy cane!

Next is an item that made the entire box smell like a delicious tea shop. Unearth Malee Thai Herbal Steam Bath Tea is made from certified organic herbs that can be used to alleviate headaches, sinus congestion, stress, muscle tension, and skin conditions. You can even plant the envelope since it is laced with flower seeds.

The last item, Perfumessence Organic “Breathe” Shower Bath Bomb, is a bonus that was sent in January boxes. It relieves winter congestion with 100% organic ingredients like eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary. Bonus products are sent each month.


Overall, I am incredibly impressed with the January SeasonsBox. I have no negative comments and I love the concept of a monthly box that delivers a variety of products.
Subscription rates begin at $29.95 which seems like a lot but, as you can see from the January items, you get what you pay for. My guess is that the scarf alone is valued at over $30 so I think that this month’s box pays for itself.
Did you receive a SeasonsBox this month? What are your thoughts on it?