Scotland: Nov. 2017 Lit Cube

by Wendy Purdy

The November Lit Cube takes us to the land of bagpipes, tartans and my favorite Starfleet engineer. it looks as though this box may be kicking off a "world travel" series, so if you've considered a subscription, now might be a fun time to join. December's theme will be "Passport to Paris."

Travel to the land of tartans and bagpipes in this month's Lit Cube! I apologize in advance for my almost certain botched pronunciation while reading the book description.

Holiday Stress Prep with Willie Wags

by Wendy Purdy

The October Willie Wags subscription box offers items to help you relax before the hectic pace of the holidays kicks into high gear. To read more in-depth information about the items in the box, you can read the "Wicked" newsletter produced by the company.

The October Willie Wags subscription box aimed to provide items to help you relax a little before the bustle of the holiday season. Almost everything in the box was something I will use and enjoy.

Stitch Fix Time

by Wendy Purdy

As many of you know, I hate shopping...but I love Stitch Fix! I don't need new clothes often enough to sign up for the service on a monthly basis, so I just use the "on demand" option. Since this is my fourth shipment, my wardrobe is steadily growing with these stylish items. As usual, I will post the pieces from most to least favorite. However, the ranking decision was quite difficult this time, as I believe this was my favorite shipment so far.

1. Alex Colored Skinny Jean from Lakeview Denim: Red jeans, y'all!! I've never owned a pair of red jeans in my life. I love these...and they fit perfectly. I still don't know how Stitch Fix manages to send the perfect sizes for the pants.

2. Betty Chambray Shirt from Liverpool: How can you go wrong with a denim shirt? This shirt came in handy during the recent World Series.  I don't own any Astros clothing, but I possess some great Texas jewelry. Of course, this shirt allowed me to flaunt that in style.

3. Shiba Swing Knit Top from Papermoon: This quickly topped the list as favorite sleeveless shirt in my closet. The lightweight material made it the perfect choice during a recent heat wave. Also, I appreciate the wide shoulder straps.

4. Sarkise Button Detail Blouse from Collective Concepts: Match this with the red jeans, and I sport an instant patriotic outfit. When I add my white sneakers with the silver stars, it definitely gives that Independence Day feeling.

5. Dawson Bar Neck Knit Top from Nine Britton: Another great top I can pair with the red jeans. It can serve for more casual events...or add a bit of fancy "bling" for a dressier night on the town.

Autumn 2017 Beekman 1802 Beauty Box

by Wendy Purdy

My quarterly Beekman 1802 beauty subscription box arrived recently. It contained one of my favorite types of beauty products, as well as some items from the company's new line.

My quarterly Beekman 1802 beauty subscription box arrived a few days ago. The scents and colors included just scream "autumn." Be sure and stay tuned to the end of the video for some bloopers. Good thing I'm not an engineer!!

Halloween Time! - Oct. 2017 Lit Cube

by Wendy Purdy

Wow! I realize I missed posting about both the August and September Lit Cubes. Both featured fantastic themes. August contained Alice in Wonderland related items, while September brought a fall theme. Of course, October's box ushers us into the Halloween spirit by celebrating one of my favorite "spooky" moves.

Quiz time!! Watch the video to discover the theme of this month's Lit Cube. Of course, it does relate to Halloween. Lots of fun and useful items in this month's box.

Superhero/Supervillain: July 2017 LitCube

by Wendy Purdy

The timeless battle between good and evil....superhero vs. supervillain...brings a movie blockbuster/comic book vibe to the July LitCube. I used the candle already and greatly enjoyed the scent. The included coffee cup, albeit a little scary, reminded me to lighten up and have a little fun this week.

Are you a hero? Or a villain? Both sides were represented in the July Lit Cube. By the way...I was actually able to drink coffee out of my new mug, but it probably won't go into frequent rotation. I'll save it for when I really need a good wake-up jolt.

Over the Rainbow: May 2017 Out of the Box Sampler

by Wendy Purdy

The Land of Oz has never smelled so good. With wax melts, soaps, lotions and other fragrant items, the May Out of the Box Sampler provides plenty of olfactory stimulation for scarecrows, tin men, lions and people!! This month's box also included a pair of lovely earrings that would serve as the height of fashion in Emerald City.

The May box included a multitude of colors and items, with the greatest selection in the "bath/beauty" section. This particular box is usually heavy on these items and wax melts/candles, but generally also includes at least one food item and some miscellaneous things as well.

You've Got Mail - April 2017 Lit Cube

by Wendy Purdy

My favorite subscription box, Lit Cube, reached back to the 1990s for the theme of the April box....back to the days of modems and dial-up internet. Back to when Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan actually interacted with each other for the whole movie, but still didn't discover "true love" until the very end. The included book updates the "You've Got Mail" tale, which was, of course, an update of "Shop Around the Corner." Movies, social networks and finding love...always updating!!

Electronic communication plays such a large role in our lives now that it's hard to remember that 20 years ago it was still somewhat of a novelty and could serve as the central plot point of a movie. The April Lit Cube reaches back to the romantic comedy "You've Got Mail" for its inspiration.

To "Dye" For - April 2017 Out of the Box Sampler

by Wendy Purdy

The April Out of the Box Sampler contained so many pretty, fragrant and cute items that it would be hard to choose a favorite. At least Holly had a chance to reconnect with an old boyfriend. HAHA!! I will say I used the jelly soap already and found it a little strange...but I bet kids might think it's neat.

This box was chock full of springy "goodness." So many treats and colors abound to tempt the senses. I really enjoy sampling all of these little goodies from handmade producers. Plus, this video features an appearance from Holly's old boyfriend. HAHA!!

You CAN Do It!! - March 2017 Super Gains Pack

by Wendy Purdy

A surprise met my eyes when I opened my March Super Gains Pack. It contained 15 vials of a nutritional supplement called CH Alpha. This marked the first time I received such a large supply of an item in this box. I thought it was a great idea, because this longer supply would really give me a chance to see if the product offered a benefit to me. I'm really eager to try this particular item, as it is supposed to help with joint help, and I have a bum knee. Anyway, the box contained a few other interesting items as well.

This month's edition of the Super Gains Pack contained an unusual selection of items...specifically...half a month's supply of a particular supplement. The other nutrition items and the cute tank top rounded out the March box.

Who Could Ever Learn to Love a Beast?

by Wendy Purdy

HIp! Hip! Hooray! Time to take a peek at my favorite subscription box: LitCube. The March box featured items related to that tale as old as time....Beauty and the Beast. In the video I mentioned we had not seen the new movie yet. We've seen it since this was filmed, and the whole family enjoyed it. Scroll below the video for a quick review of a couple of box items.

Wow! The last couple of busy weeks pushed me behind on my subscription box postings. However, I definitely wanted to upload this video of the March Lit Cube. In addition to the fantastic box items, the video also includes a shout-out to my awesome niece, KD!!

Belle's Library Candle: This candle burned for several hours and I really enjoyed the scent.

Chocolate-Covered Oreo: Yes, I managed to eat this myself. It was a chocolate-covered Oreo...what else can you say but, yum!!

Coffee Mug: I used my mug for tea, as it is a regular-size mug and not the giant size that I tend to save for coffee.

Calling all Ravenclaws!!

by Wendy Purdy

The March Wizarding World Box by Loot Crate allows subscribers to show off their Hogwarts House pride!! Of course, since the grown-ups in this house pledge allegiance to Ravenclaw, we chose to receive items specific to that house. The box included some more generic items as well.

The March Loot Crate Wizarding World Box inspired Wendy to practice her infomercial hosting abilities. This unique box offered subscribers the chance to choose their Hogwarts House, which influenced a couple of items in the box.

Emerald City - Out of the Box Sampler/March 2017

by Wendy Purdy

What is my favorite color? GREEN!! What did the March Out of the Box Sampler feature? GREEN STUFF!! Green is the color of spring and Kermit the Frog and, of course, the Emerald City. With over 20 items included in this box, I'll be enjoying candles, wax melts and bath and body products in my favorite hue for quite some time.

Spring has sprung from the March Out of the Box Sampler. Of course, this includes St. Patrick's day and all things green. Over 20 items emerged from this box...including snacks, candles, wax melts, soaps, bath items, lip balms and crafty goodies.

Super Gains Pack for February 2017

by Wendy Purdy

This month's Super Gains Pack featured a number of flavors that I really enjoy. Both of the protein bars look tasty, and I know I will enjoy the package of beef jerky. The tank top brought a chuckle, while the jump rope will certainly present a challenge.

Wendy describes the nutrition and exercise items that arrived in her February Super Gaines Pack. Also, she warns her family members to "back off" when it comes to the beef jerky.

Sweet on You Valentine - Out of the Box Sampler/Feb. 2017

by Wendy Purdy

I recently subscribed to the "Out of the Box Sampler." This box normally takes orders on a month-to-month basis, but I was able to take advantage of a four-month subscription plan. My first box arrived just in time for Valentine's Day and included lots of items for that celebration. With over 20 items enclosed, I will have fun trying out these handmade goodies for quite some time.

Wendy opens her first-ever Out of the Box Sampler. Full of handmade items, this box contains candles, wax melts, bath treats, lip balms, food, etc. Be sure and stay tuned to the end to hear a fantastic "Papa joke."

Super Gains Pack

by Wendy Purdy

I recently received my first-ever Super Gains Pack. This monthly subscription box contains various nutrition items, supplements, gear and clothing to help folks with their training routines. I've subscribed to a similar box in the past: WOD Box. I enjoyed that box, but I wanted to try one that was slightly larger and contained a few more items. I tried a couple of the box items already and look forward to sampling the others in the near future.

Wendy investigates the items in her newest subscription box. Although we might not all possess the capability to be the fittest person in the world...or even the room...we can work to achieve some goals. The items in this box aim to help folks work toward those goals.

Mother of Dragons Lit Cube - January 2017

by Wendy Purdy

After a long hiatus for the holiday season and personal illness....PurdyCool is finally back in 2017. We hope to continue offering some fun unboxing videos as well as pictures and comments from interesting finds in our everyday lives. My first unboxing video of the year just happens to be for my favorite subscription box: LitCube. This month's fantasy theme, "Mother of Dragons," brought an intriguing book with a twist on an old, personal favorite of mine.

The January LitCube features items with a "Game of Thrones" vibe...as well as a fantasy book that borrows from one of the most beloved books in English literature.

Sorting Hat Lit Cube - November 2016

by Wendy Purdy

Several of our subscription boxes this month featured items from J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World. I'm sure the release of the new "Fantastic Beasts" movie prompted this emphasis. My November Lit Cube included Hogwarts house-specific items. Of course, as a loyal Ravenclaw, I hoped to receive items from this house. Alas...it was not meant to be. You can check the video below to see which of the other three houses' stuff arrived in my box.

Lit Cube visits the Wizarding World this month with a Hogwarts house-specific box. The Lit Cube folks sent the boxes randomly, and of course, we received the one house to which no one in our family claims loyalty. That's just the luck of the draw, I guess.

Pumpkin Spice Galore - Oct. 2016 Sudz and Scrubz

by Wendy Purdy

When the clock strikes October, pumpkin spice comes out to play! Pumpkin spice flavors and scents abound, and the Sudz and Scrubz Shower box for this month joined the fun. Two of the four items in the box featured the pumpkin spice scent. The other two also invoked the autumn spirit with cinnamon and clove.

The October Sudz and Scrubz shower box featured scents of fall: pumpkin spice, cinnamon and clove. It could cause a person to confuse the bathroom with a bakery!!

Cookies and Shakes - Oct. 2016 WOD Box

by Wendy Purdy

After a brief YouTube hiatus, the PurdyCool channel returns with my review of the October WOD Box. I appreciate the mixture of software (nutrition samples) and hardware (clothes/kitchen gadgets) items included in this box each month. I used the Man Sports shaker for the first time today, and that interesting insert did indeed work as advertised.

PurdyCool returns with a new unboxing video. We decided to take a new approach with our unboxing videos. For a little while, we will unpack and sample some of the items off camera and then give a little review as we go through the contents. The October WOD box receives this treatment first.