Stitch Fix #3

by Wendy Purdy

I decided to treat myself to another Stitch Fix. I really enjoy this "Here are some clothes. Wear them." concept. I know some people enjoy spending hours and hours out at the shops, looking through racks....but that's just not my thing. So far, I've really enjoyed the clothes from my Stitch Fix stylist. So far, everything suits my style, and I honestly don't know how they find pants that fit me better than any I've ever purchased for myself at the store. You can also send a note to the stylist when you schedule a fix, which helps with the selection process. For example, for this fix, I told her I didn't need any heavy sweaters or layering pieces, as we're still experiencing highs in the 80s here quite often.

I will post my items in order from favorite to least favorite...though really the final three are a toss-up. All will be great for layering if Southern California ever decides to join the autumn team.

Denna Skinny Jean by Kut From The Kloth

All three pants I've received from Stitch Fix were from this brand. I guess when I told them how perfectly the first set fit, I suppose they figured, "Why mess with a good thing?" These jeans are great...a little more dressy than the first pair they sent, so that will provide some nice variety.

Sutherlin Contrast Print Knit Top by Le Lis

This lightweight top pairs nicely with the jeans. Even though the sleeves are long, the material is really light, so I imagine I could still wear this on even slightly warmer days. It would even work well when you know you're headed for one of those places that turns the air conditioner to "meat locker."

Wyona Embellished Neckline Blouse by 19 Cooper

Just as they say you can't go wrong with a little black dress, I bet you can't go wrong with this little black blouse. I believe this will pair well with every jacket/sweater I own in my closet. I might also need to drag out the one blingy pair of earrings I own.

Montgomery Cross Front Knit Top by 41Hawthorn

This blouse seemed a little odd when I pulled it out of the package and on the hangar. However, once I tried it on, all the "wrap" stuff fell into place and it looks very cute. I like this geometric design as I have nothing else like it in my closet.

Clearwater Mixed Material Blouse by 41Hawthorn

This blouse includes many unusual details: the tie at the back of the neck, the unusual neckline and the "drape-y" hemline. As an added bonus, it's my favorite color. I can't wait to take all of these new wardrobe pieces for a spin.

I'd Rather Be a Mermaid - August 2016 LitCube

by Wendy Purdy

The good folks at LitCube delved into the depths of the ocean in the August box with books and items related to that siren of the sea: the mermaid. I appreciated the inclusion of two books and a couple of downloads as well. Of course, I always enjoy receiving useful items, and the water bottle and beach towel were especially appreciated.

I've already finished reading the "Monstrous Beauty" book by Elizabeth Fama. I would personally classify this offering as adult fare due to the situations depicted and some of the language used. I enjoyed the mystery in the book and the author's use of the flashback technique to help us solve it along with the main character. Fama also developed an interesting "culture" for the mermaids. In one of life's ironies, the story takes place in Plymouth, Mass., where the main character works as a historical interpreter at Plymouth Plantation. My older daughter, Taylor, and I were reading the book "The Landing of the Pilgrims" by James Daugherty as part of her history studies at the same time I was reading this mermaid book.

Nutrition and Hydration - August 2016 WOD Box

by Wendy Purdy

The August WOD (Workout of the Day) Box contained several nutritional items, as well as a nice tank top and a handy tool for dispensing powders and supplements.

Of course, I've already consumed the food and beverage items. The HoneyStinger waffle ranked as my favorite, but the others were tasty as well. I haven't used the DoseLocker yet, but I just received a "pitcher-sized" drink powder in another box...so I think I will put that in the DoseLocker to divide it into individual portions.

"Hair" to Help - Aug. 2016 Birchbox

by Wendy Purdy

My final box from my year-long Birchbox subscription contained seven items, including three related to the month's hair care theme. From the photos and comments posted on the Birchbox Facebook page, I was lucky to receive my bronzer/highlighter duo intact. Unfortunately, the shampoo packet included in my box busted and leaked on everything. Because of the recent change to the Birchbox points system, I decided not to renew my subscription. I may subscribe to another beauty product box in the future when I finish using some of the items from this subscription. My August box:

*Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Shampoo & Creme Rinse/SheaMoisture

*Protect & Oil/Beauty Protector

*Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Patina/stila

*Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Face and Body/Avene

*Hydra-C 24H Energizing Hydrating Gel/Marcelle

*The Day Dream Palette/Manna Kadar Cosmetics

Off to Neverland - July 2016 Lit Cube

by Wendy Purdy

"An Awfully Big Adventure"....so says the card in my July Lit Cube. The theme? Neverland, of course!! Since I collect "Wendys" from the Neverland stories, I definitely enjoyed this box. I added a few new items to my collection, and I liked the book. Good job, Lit Cube!!

Cool Off - July 2016 WOD Box

by Wendy Purdy

My WOD Box monthly subscription continues to pay off with items to help with fitness and nutrition. The July box delivered some much-needed items for staying cool while working out. With the warm weather and no air conditioning in the house, these will really come in handy for my early morning basement treadmill/Daily Burn workouts.

Roaring '20s - June 2016 LitCube

by Wendy Purdy

Time to head back to the age of flappers, speak-easies and the Charleston. Wow...it's hard to believe it's almost been a century since this era!! I think the funniest item in the LitCube was a "Sugar Daddy" candy. Of course, I'm eager to read the mystery novel.

Hello World - July 2016 Birchbox

by Wendy Purdy

The July Birchbox "is about the things that get you up and at 'em." I believe all the boxes this month included a mascara sample. Due to recent changes in the Birchbox points system, this will probably be my next-to-last box from them for some time. I may try a different box or use up some of the items I've received before I subscribe again.

Wendy's July Birchbox

My Birchbox included these items:

*Eau de Parfum - Bianca by TOCCA

*Blush and Bronzer Duo by Cargo (Birchbox Exclusive)

*Xtension Plus Curl Mascara by Marcelle

*PoreDermabrasion by dr. brandt

*MINU Shampoo and Conditioner by Davines

Rise and Shine - Birchbox

by Wendy Purdy

I recently purchased a couple of items from the Birchbox on-line store, and as a bonus, received a free "Rise and Shine" curated box. Each month, Birchbox gives you the choice between your regular box and the curated box. This "Rise and Shine" box is the curated box for July...I will still receive my regular box as well.

This box included the following products:

*No Frizz Nourishing Styling Creme by Living proof (with bonus No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner)

*Sunshine Oil by Milk Makeup

*It's So Big Volumizing Mascara by Elizabeth Mott

*PoreDermabrasion by dr. brandt

*Smoothing and Relaxing Patches with Soothing Cornflower by Klorane

Birchbox recently made some major changes to its points system. Because of this change, I decided not to renew my yearly subscription when it ends. However, I still have two boxes yet to come, and will definitely share them here.

WOD Box and Blooper Time

by Wendy Purdy

I recently subscribed to the WOD Box...a monthly box designed to help people supplement their fitness routines with a selection of fun products each month. The June box featured several nutritional and inspirational items. Also, we experienced our first big blooper during filming, so stay tuned for the bonus blooper scene.

Road Trip - June 2016 My Texas Market Box

by Wendy Purdy

Time for a road trip!! The June My Texas Market Box included items to make those long road trips a little more tolerable. Of course, a few snacks appeared, but some other interesting items were also featured.

All the snacks were tasty, but my favorite was the Everything Bar from Sinfull Bakery. Also, a couple of weeks after my box arrived, I received a bonus package from My Texas Market:

Texas Travel Guide, Wildflower Guide and Events Calendar

I obviously won't get much benefit from the Events Calendar, as it only covers this year's summer months, but I look forward to using the other two items when we visit and finally retire.

Everyday Magic - June 2016 Birchbox

by Wendy Purdy

The June Birchbox features products designed to "turn us from sleepy-eyed zombies into perfectly polished superheroes." I'm not sure any amount of potion, lotion, powder or goop could accomplish that for me, but I'll take all the help I can get!! Birchbox sent the following items to give me a little assist:

June 2016 Birchbox

*TWISTER Curl Primer by R+Co

*Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator - Gilded Honey by Laura Geller New York

*One & Done Shadow Stick - Heavy Petal by LOC

*The Healthy Sunscreen Sport Luxe Face & Body Cream SPF 30 by Lavanila

*Thermal Spring Water by Avene

Through the Looking Glass - May 2016 Lit Cube

by Wendy Purdy

"We're all mad here...." could definitely serve as a theme for the PurdyCool household. So, the May 2016 Lit Cube featuring fantastic items from Wonderland brought a great deal of joy to our house....especially to our biggest Alice fan, Holly.

Outside Party: May 2016 Birchbox

by Wendy Purdy

The May Birchbox featured a sunscreen as well as other products to help prepare for increased outdoor activity during the warm weather months. I also experienced a first with this Birchbox: a missing product!! Uh-Oh!! I contacted the company and they shipped a replacement of the missing item. I haven't received it yet, so I will proceed with the photo from my original shipment.

My May Birchbox items included...

*Daily Reviving Concentrate by Kiehl's

*Bio Correct Multi-Action Concealer - Light by W3ll People

*Everyday SPF 50 with Cellular Response Technology by Supergoop!

*Perk Up Dry Shampoo by amika

The item missing from my box was the Skinny Liquid Eyeliner by Eyeko.

As always, I will try to post a review video for the products in the near future. It may be a little later than usual due to my wait for the eyeliner.

Backyard Barbecue: My Texas Market May 2016

by Wendy Purdy

Yee-haw!! Barbecue time!! The April My Texas Market box was full of delights to help with one of my favorite Texas food groups. We filmed an unboxing video, but technical difficulties prevented its use. So, I will just share some photos and tell a little about the products I received. I've already had a chance to enjoy four out of the six so far.

• Smoke on the Barbie Rub from Spaulding's Specialty Spices

This amazing dry rub includes organic thyme, basil, onion, garlic, smoked paprika and a smoked sea salt blend. As soon as I opened the lid and took a whiff, I headed into the kitchen and pulled some steaks out of the freezer. Stephen applied the rub and grilled them to perfection, and they were delicious. I also used this on pork chops later, with the same delectable result.

• Hickory Smoke Bag from Larry's Bag of Smoke

We haven't tried this item yet. We are waiting until we have time to use it with a larger portion of food. The information card says it is reusable, but we want to make sure the first round utilizes its full potential. It does smell wonderful, though.

• Bug Repellent from Benjamin Soap Co.

Here's one product I'm actually glad I don't really need to use right at the moment. Due to our climate here in Southern California, we don't really experience much trouble with mosquitoes. Since "El Nino" turned out to be "El Busto" in this area, I don't anticipate many problems in the near future. However, I will throw this in the van or our travel bag so we will have it handy when the need arises.

• Texas Triple Threat Mustard by Stellar Gourmet Foods

To be honest, mustard is not my "go to" condiment. I only use it on hot dogs if I can't grab some Miracle Whip and pickle relish. However, since the ingredient list for this mustard includes habanero chiles, tequila, honey and Texas red grapefruit, I was willing to give it a try. So far, I've used it on a sandwich and with a corn dog. For mustard, it's pretty decent. I will probably continue to use it until it disappears, and then revert to my old tried-and-true ways.

• Peach Paradise Tea from White Cloud World Teas

The information card said this tea can be served hot or iced. Since the theme is barbecue, I decided to cold-brew a pitcher in the refrigerator. The result was a nice, fruity tea with a little tang. I must confess that I did enjoy it just a tad bit more with a little agave sweetener added.

• Mason Jar Brookie from Kellie's Baking Co.

Now we come to the empty mystery jar. Why in the world did she include an empty jar in the photo? Here's the simple reason: The contents of that jar were in my tummy before I realized the video was unusable. The card said the Brookie should be eaten immediately, so I complied forthwith. They really didn't have to twist my arm after reading this description: "The Brookie is made with a dark chocolate and coffee brownie baked with a buttery chocolate chip cookie then layered with marshmallows, drizzled with caramel and chocolate, sprinkled with cookie crumbs and kissed with a touch of pink sea salt. Really...I'm surprised I made it through the video before busting into it.

April Birchbox Review

by Wendy Purdy

I finally managed to review the products in my April Birchbox. This month featured a nice assortment of cosmetics, hair and beauty products.

Anniversary of the Dragon: April 2016 Lit Cube

My April Lit Cube featured dragons, dragons and more dragons!! Since my daughters both like dragons, I will need to hide some of these items so they will stay in my possession. HA! I will say thanks once again to my awesome husband, Stephen, who ordered a subscription to this box as a Christmas present. I really enjoy it and look forward to receiving it each month.

Spring Stitch Fix

Last fall, I ordered my first Stitch Fix box. Stitch Fix provides a personal wardrobe styling service with delivery at an interval of your choosing or "on demand." I continue to use the "on demand" option. I liked the selections from the fall, so I decided to give my wardrobe a little boost for the spring, too. (Well, as much "fall" and "spring" as you really get in Southern California.)

When I opened my box, I was pleasantly surprised to see all the colors included. When I shop out in the store, I always seem to get stuck on one color for some reason. So this box brings some much-needed variety to my closet. I received four tops and one pair of pants:

Xander Short Sleeve Woven Back Sweatshirt by Market & Spruce

The photo actually features the back of the shirt. The front is the solid grey sweatshirt material. The back is a bit sheer, so I wear a tank-top undershirt with it. The solid-color front is great for showing off some of these cool necklaces I've received in subscription boxes lately.

Curran Split Neck Blouse by Pixley

I recently wore this shirt on a very warm day at the Food and Wine Festival at Disney's California Adventure. It was so lightweight, comfortable and cool. Of course, I promptly flung cheddar and bacon soup on the front of it. It wiped off fairly well at the park, and then the rest came out with no trouble in the wash.

Siena Cropped Pant by Kut From the Kloth

I really don't know how Stitch Fix manages to send pants that fit so perfectly. Both pairs they've sent me so far fit better than any pants I've shopped for in the store in the last few years. Maybe my body just particularly likes this Kut From the Kloth brand, as both were made by that brand.

Kirin Embroidery Detail Knot Top by Papermoon

I actually wore this shirt with a light jacket to church on Easter Sunday. My older daughter and I worked in the nursery that day, and we never wear our "Sunday best" when taking on that duty. However, I thought the color and design were lovely and appropriate for the occasion.

Sylvester Split Neck Blouse by Brixon Ivy

To be perfectly honest, I would probably never select a shirt this color if I were out shopping in the store. I was a little hesitant when I saw it in the box. However, I tried it on and really liked it. Again, like the sweatshirt above, the solid color really lends itself to fun with accessories.

Finally, StitchFix includes a lovely informational card in the box. It gives you photos and tips about different ways to wear your new items. For someone who is as fashion incompetent as myself, this is really helpful!!

Informational Card

April Birchbox

By Wendy Purdy

My April Birchbox arrived a few days ago. First of all, the box itself is lovely. I will definitely find a use for this where I will see it often. Next, I actually received seven samples this month, instead of the usual five. Of course, two of them were small shampoo/conditioner packets, but the extras were still nice.

This month's box included....

*Mini Face Palette (Lively) by Au Naturale

*OI All in One Milk, Shampoo and Conditioner by Davines.

*Liftra Contour Cream by Jr. Jart+

*Signature for Her fragrance by English Laundry

*PBJ Smoothie Stick (Guava Nice Day) by The Beauty Crop

I will try to return soon with a review of the products.

Springtime in Texas - My Texas Market April 2016

I received a new subscription box....gifted to me for my birthday by Grandma and Grandpa PurdyCool. My Texas Market delivered a box of goodies from my home state. As a wandering military spouse for the last 20+ years, it's always nice to receive a little taste of home.