March Bulu Box review

This months box had a lot more samples than the two previous boxes I've gotten.

The ad included had a scratch off for a discount towards ordering from Bulu.
The first thing I tried was Bean Fields Bean and Rice Chips. I got the ranch flavor.

They are a vegan snack, corn free, gluten free, all natural and a great source for fiber and protein. They have an interesting texture. Really love the flavoring. It's not overbearing. These chips are high in protein and fiber with less fat than leading brands. The beans used are farmed here in the United States. No sugar, gluten, dairy, peanuts, seeds  or corn. So whether you are a vegan or have peanut allergies, they make a great snack.
There is something called E-Hydrate packs that are supposed to provide natural energy. I tried using the orange flavor one but it just fizzed right out the bottle as it made contact with the water.

So the second try, I had to pour it slowly while letting it settle in between pours. It's made here in the US. On top of providing energy, it adds minerals and vitamins to your diet. They also donate 5% of their profits to benefit veterans and their families through IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America). I liked the lemon lime flavor. It does have a strong sweet taste though and feels slightly carbonated.

Then I started using these capsules that were included. Vivioptal capsules are a multivitamin and multi mineral supplement.  The good thing is, they are gluten free. The bad thing is, they have a bad smell at first with an aftertaste. 

There were a few other things in the box that I don't have a personal interest in. Not everything in every box is for everyone. But they do have some great things to try out before you buy.  

Free Reese's chocolate!

In case you missed this, there is a promo going for free Reese's chocolates. You can use their Facebook link here or their non-Facebook link. Put in your start up for what chocolates are your favorites and then fill out the information to get a coupon for a free product. 

Japan Crate subscription box review

Two things I have a passion for; all things Japanese and satisfying my sweet tooth. How better to accommodate both than with a subscription to Japan Crate?!

It is a monthly subscription box that will send you a smorgasbord of Japanese imported candies and treats to entice your taste buds as well as indulge your curiosity. I can barely contain my excitement and have been sad to see the goodies dwindling. I had a really difficult time picking what to try first.

First my kids and I dove into the Fujiya Milky Candy.

Its a semi hard candy, sorta like taffy. You have to suck on it before you begin chewing.

But it does have a milky flavor to it which is similar to sweetened condensed milk.

Then I split the Fujita Country Ma'am Vanilla.

It's a light cookie with a jelly filling and chocolate chips.

There was a parasol candy that was chocolate.

The top half tasted of strawberry. That was definitely a favorite! It's called Chocolate Umbrella.

They come in either milk or strawberry flavor.

Giant Caplico Panda is a non-frozen ice cream cone!

There's a wafer biscuit cone stuffed with chocolate cream and then topped with a layer of whipped cookies and cream foam.

The whipped chocolate and airy cream is light on your tongue!

Goes great with the wafer cone.

Look a la mode Chocolates is a pack of chocolate with 4 flavors; banana, almond, strawberry, and caramel.

The filling flavors are rich are and strong within the chocolate. Strawberry was definitely my favorite.

Fits Nightlife peach flavored gum was pretty good.

I like how they have the magnetic strips to keep the flap locked when closed.

I also love peach flavoring. So win-win. Just wish the flavor lasted longer.

My bonus item was a chocolate Super Mario Pop.

Who doesn't love Mario in detailed chocolate form?

I think the Kabaya Panda Cookie DIY kit was my favorite part of this box.

They were so much fun to make and tasty.

I saved the mold from this to make chocolate pandas with baking chocolate. Then I can embellish other things I make, like my brownies and cupcakes. You could even make them look like Mickey Mouse as that's what some people confuse them for. 

C. C. Lemon drink is like a refreshing,   light lemon soda. It's slightly carbonated. It's supposed to have 35 lemons worth of vitamin C without the super sour taste.

Glico Maccha Collon candy was like wafers with a sugary center.

Each item has a label in English that gives basic information. Nutrition and ingredients as well as where it's distributed from. There's also a list that tells you the name and a short description of each item included. Things that need instructions, don't have English versions. Personally, I like to figure it out with the pictures. It's just more fun to experiment!
This one I didn't try... Only because I read the description and saw squid on the list. 

This has been my favorite subscription box yet! Having a sweet tooth and loving all things with Japanese culture have made this an awesome experience!

Spring cleaning? Not my favorite chore....

Its that time of year when cleaning out the clutter is necessary. We were preparing for a move but it seems that wasn't happening just yet. As I packed, I came across things that we never use, don't need anymore, or just don't want. I took a bag filled with old movies to Hastings first. While they didn't take everything, it cleared out a chunk of space and gave me a hefty bit of store credit so I can get the things I actually want. Those movies were ones that we had but either never watched or didn't even know why we had them. I also have some books that I tried cashing in, but was told I'd get .75 for each. While browsing posts by the Krazy Coupon Lady, I came across one she had for de-cluttering the home. She had a link for a website you can sell your books on and see how much you'd get for each one. Sadly, I'd get the same price as if I sold them at Hastings or Half Price Books. I'm thinking I'll list them on Listia or eBay instead.

Listia is a credit-based trading site. No money is exchanged for the items themselves, though you can have buyers pay the shipping. You instead get credits that can only be used on the website to "bid and buy". It's auction styled like eBay.

As for clothing, I have a large amount of boys and girls clothing that my kids have outgrown. I've just been tossing them into bags and piling them up. I tried Craigslist. Didn't get any hits off that. I tried posting to a local swap page on Facebook without much luck either. My last resort will be ThredUp. You just order a prepaid postage bag and when you get it, stuff it with clothes to send back. You can look up what types or brands are accepted. Whatever they don't buy, they will donate to a local charity.

I have to do some other organizing around here. Since my husbands Lego hobby is taking over more and more of the small apartment we currently share, I'm packing away my own stuff to make room and see how much I have so I'll know what kind of truck to rent when I move the kids and I out next year. I found some cool tips to help make extra space from the Krazy Coupon Lady. Here's a post on getting organized.

So here's to making room and maybe making money to boot! Let's get rid of the clutter and make more space for the things we enjoy. 

February's Bulu Box review

My February Bulu Box arrived. Forgive my delay at finishing the review, but I wasn't all that thrilled this time. This one contained; 28 heart healthy tips, trubrain THINK DRINK, MET-Rx PRIME peanut butter banana bar, 2 packs of VITA PERK, Sant kickstarter, and a Balance Bare bar. 

Since February was National Health Month, we should be taking time to increase our healthy living activities. Heart disease runs strong, so I like having this guide with tips that I can easily hang on the fridge and glance over often. On the back, they included a few coupons as well. Though don't think February is the only month to be heart conscious!

The MET-Rx Prime bar has 20g of protein, 12g of fiber and only 210 calories.

It's great for your metabolism. They are free of artificial sweeteners, colors and flavors. They are also gluten-free with 300mg of Omega-3's from flaxseed. I am happy that they are free of artificial growth hormones. This makes it safer to give my kids some when they want a bite. It's recommended that you eat one with 8 ounces of water for best results. It's thick and chewy.

You can taste the hint of banana amidst the peanut butter. You're definitely going to need to drink water with it. Not too bad overall. 

Balance bare bar was delicious. It was chewy and crunchy all at once with well defined fruit mixed in. It's a nutritional energy bar. Non-gmo, soy free, gluten free and even dairy free.

It makes a good source of fiber in your diet while helping you feel a little full in between meals. 

TruBRAIN think drink tasted like a super sweet fruit punch.

Like Koolaid on sweet steroids. It had a tangy kick to it. It's supposed to help you "access your brains full potential". I had to look it up as there was no information on the sample I'd received. 

"Why did we reinvent energy drinks?

Our team of UCLA trained neuroscientists set out to solve the problem that energy drinks do not genuine focus.

• Crafted with the perfect amounts of active nootropics
• Loaded with amino acids to fuel the thinking process
• Flavored with all natural ingredients like blue agave and monk fruit
• Provides direct support for concentration and focus
• Validated with the latest wearable technology"

I don't drink coffee, so I'll be sending the Vita Perk packs home with my dad to try in his coffee. They are packets that add vitamins and minerals to your coffee. I will try the Sant Kickstarter. Its a dried super fruit that you infuse in water. 

You can check out Bulu Box subscriptions here. They are good for those who want to try unusual but healthy things to get life into better habits. 

Making Minion cupcakes

I really love baking. So much so, that I have to seriously start working out again. When I do bake, I try to bring and share at work. Really good way to make sure I'm not stuck eating it all myself. Today, we had cupcake wars.

Sadly, I'm the only one who brought in anything and won by default. Not cool! But getting a gift card was cool... I made these adorable Minion cupcakes along with multi flavored icing-topped cupcakes. 

What you need: 

Cupcakes, make any kind you like

Twinkies, each one makes 2 minions

Smarties candy or premade sugar eyes

Black detailing icing

Blue icing: you can use blue confetti icing and skip the confetti or buy white icing and blue food coloring

Ice the tops of your cupcakes. Then follow the video instructions below to make your minions. 

Teaching my husband to drive....

I can't believe how stressed out I got in less than 5 minutes of being the passenger while my husband was driving for the first time. He's so excited. But so not good behind the wheel. 

http://youtu.be/Tx4nGo24G8U