Ocotober Citrus Lane Box Review

I'm a sucker for monthly subscriptions that send a box in the mail.  I'm also a sucker for my baby so when I came across the sponsored post for Citrus Lane in my Facebook feed I took a look and decided on a 3-month subscription to give it a try!

Citrus Lane finds new kids products for ages newborn through 5.  Each month you get a box with 4 or more items that relate to your child's age. Sorta like Birchbox for kids.

I opted for a 3-month subscription at a price of $24/month.  I did save 50% on my first box with the code SAVEHALF.

Here is what I got:

Bake N Shake Donut Rattle by North American Bear Co. I like it. It's soft and squeaks but doesn't rattle.  Maybe we got one that was faulty. Colton isn't overly interested in it yet, but it's hard for him to get his hands around.  The set of 6 is sold for $30.

Cage Bell from Hohner Kids. Colton is just starting to get into toys that make noise.  He likes toys that play music more than rattles.  This one is light weight and easy for him to get hand around to hold and shake.  It retails for $7.50. 

Where Do I Live Soft Book by Tiny Love. This book is awesome! By far our favorite item.  It is such a fun, creative, activity book. It's soft, makes a crinkly noise, is full of bright colors and things to grab and touch.  Plus, like it's description says, it's good for tummy time. It comes with a $14.99 price tag. Worth it!

Calendula Baby Care from Weleda. We haven't used the samples yet.  I'll probably throw them in the diaper bag and use them sometime.

Colton really enjoyed the book!

Then he got tired...

So, was it worth it?  In terms of money spent, the three products alone add up to around $27.50 - that doesn't include shipping.  I definitely got my money's worth! And, we got some good things which leaves me looking forward to next month.

If you want to know more, here is the Citrus Lane Facebook page.

Product Review: Self-tan Wipes vs. Spray Gel

In the Midwest we are facing quite the dilemma - the sun is refusing to shine which means I am as white as a ghost!  Since we didn't go on a warm-weather vacation this winter I didn't go tanning plus I am trying to avoid tanning beds after a couple of dark spots showed up on my face last year - bad deal.

In my desire for a summery-glow I decided to try out a couple of different self-tanning products - L'Oreal self-tanning gel and L'Oreal self-tanning wipes.  Now, before I go any further I must included a little disclaimer; these are my opinions and experiences with the products.  L'Oreal did not contact me or ask me to do a product review.  Ok - now on to the pros & con's of each!

Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel

Pros: 

Nice, gradual tan

Natural-looking

Even application

Cons:

Smells like a self-tanner

Takes a few applications to see results

Potential to be a little messy.  (I apply this one in the shower so the spray doesn't get everywhere)

Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes

Pros:

Nearly instant results. (30 mins-1hour)

Easy application & clean up

Cons:

Holy streak show!! You can see EVERY spot you missed. (kinda embarrassing.)

Smells like a self-tanner.

My Pick: Self-tanning gel.  It's takes a little while longer to see results but it's way better than the streaks.

I wish I had pictures of how streak-y I was after using the tan wipes but it was just too embarrassing to take pictures of. (It was as bad as you can picture in your mind!)  Sorry, L'Oreal, the even application claim was false, unless I experienced a serious operator error - it's possible at 6:00am!

Both of these products can be purchased at your local drug store, WalMart or Target!

What has been your experience? Better luck with any other products?  If you would, say a quick prayer that the sun comes out here in Iowa! :)