Plated Review

Plated is a food service that overnights the exact fresh ingredients to make the dishes you selected from that week's menu.  It costs $10 per month to be a member.  Each week the menu changes, and will feature a number of different dishes in different styles.  You have until Sunday night to pick your plates for the week.  You can choose to skip any week(s) you want.  There is a minimum of 4 plates (4 servings) per week if you do choose to order, with a minimum of 2 plates (2 servings) per recipe.  There is no cap on how many plates you can order.  Deliveries are on Tuesdays by FedEx PeriShip and they pack everything so that it will stay fresh until late Tuesday night so you don't have to worry about it being delivered while you are at work.

I found a great deal online for a trial for Plated, and picked out two plates of two different meals.  They sent me an email letting me know I would need olive oil, salt, pepper, and an egg for that week's preparation.  All other ingredients, including spices, fresh herbs, and meats, came in the package.

I was still home when this was delivered at 9:30 am.  I put everything away, and then re-boxed all the ice packs to see if it was still cold when I got home at 10:00 that night.   It was.

First look.

Recipes and info on top of the make-shift cooler.

All of the recipes included had step-by-step instructions with lots of pictures.

Fresh herbs and veggies on top.

Everything looked really fresh and came in the exact portions that were needed for each recipe.  Everything was labeled with what meal it was for, and there were larger bags for each recipe with the less fragile components of each dish.

Meat and fish on the bottom, surrounded by ice packs

I don't have a counter, so pictures on the stove will have to do.  This is all the stuff, but nothing is unwrapped yet.

The steak tacos were my favorite of the two dishes, but both were amazing!

Spices and soy sauce packets for the beef tacos

Like I said, everything I needed was pre-portioned out, and the garlic cloves were even peeled.  That was the most prep that was done, though.  I still got to do the tough stuff like squeeze limes and grate jicama ;)

More Taco Ingredients

Look at that cute bottle of sesame oil! I was tempted to save the bottle for salad dressings for lunch... but I forgot and threw it in the recycle bin.

Ingredients for the jicama slaw (minus the cilantro)

I loved this slaw, but we found out my boyfriend does not like "that Jamaica thing" at all.  He ate his second helping of tacos without the slaw on top.  Just steak and beans.  

Asian Soy Steak Tacos with Jicama Slaw and Black Beans

The final product! This was awesome, and I will definitely be using that marinade recipe again.  It was so simple (soy sauce, lime juice, chopped garlic) but tasted amazing.

The other dish was a little fancier, and was also my first ever attempt at cooking fish any way other than baking it.  My family didn't eat fish or seafood when I was growing up, so I never got comfortable cooking it!  This is what makes Plated such a great service: if you aren't a great cook, or don't know how to cook something, their easy directions will provide all the instruction you need to perfect it!  Everything is really well written and the timing of each step in order is spot-on.  If you think that you can't cook, you can, and you should try Plated as a first step.

Ingredients for the haddock, minus the fish, fresh parsley, and the ears of corn.

Finished product: Potato-Crusted Haddock with Corn-Watermelon Salad and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

This was really good! I should have worn gloves while cleaning the jalapeños, though, because I just about burned my fingers off.  Oops.  This meal was worth it, though.  I saved both recipe cards and will be making these dishes in the future.

They sent two pieces of delicious fudge as an extra.  It was really good.

They also included two pieces of fudge to help promote a no-bake cookbook.  I wish I still had the info card to tell you exactly what book, but it also accidentally got recycled.  

If you are a Plated member (and pay the $10 per month) each plate per week will cost you $12.  That amount is reduced to $10 per plate if you order 6 or more.  If you aren't a member, you can still order, but each plate will cost $15, or $14 if you order 6 or more.

I am a poor grad student and can't afford to do this every night of the week, but every now and then it would be a great idea!  It saves me the trouble of shopping for ingredients (I hate the grocery store with a passion) and figuring out what to make for dinner.  I do like to cook, and don't mind that part at all, so Plated just takes all the bad things out and lets me do what I enjoy!  

If you want to try Plated, you can get two plates FREE by using my referral link.  I will also get two free plates, so it's a win-win!

The service in this review was paid for with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post also contains a referral link: if you sign up for Plated using it, you and I will both get two free plates.

Retrospective: Birchbox November 2012

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

November 2012: Month 9

Chuau Chocolatier Honeycomb Chocopod
Photo from Birchbox

My extra was a Chuao Chocolatier ChocoPod, dark chocolate with honeycomb. That lasted all of two seconds after I opened my box, and was absolutely delicious! There were little crunch bits of caramelized honeycomb in it. Yum!

7 Pods retail for $7.95, value of a single pod $1.14

Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper
Photo from Birchbox

I received a sample of Curly Hair Solution's Curl Keeper for the first time in November. This actually is not bad and works pretty well.  It does tend to make my hair a little crunchy, but nothing that I can't handle.  It's not that bad of a deal, too.

Sample was 30 mL ($3 value), full size is 100 mL for $10. 

Jouer Signature Fragrance Rollerball
Photo from Birchbox

I also received a little roller ball vial of Jouer Fragrance Cornucopia oil. The note that I picked up right away was the honeysuckle, it brought me back to my childhood walking to and from the ocean on a road lined with honeysuckle bushes! This is a very wearable scent for me, I keep it in my purse for those perfume emergencies.

The sample size is 1.18 mL, it is $42 for the 7.09 mL full size, which includes a tiny 2mL lip gloss. Assuming the lip gloss is a bonus gift, that would make this sample value $6.99. 

ModelCo FIBRE LASHXTEND Mascara
Photo from Birchbox

I love that there is a mirror on the tube! This is one of the nicer fiber mascaras I have used. It definitely makes my lashes longer, and slightly fuller-looking. 

This is full-sized, retail is $24.

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer in Bronze Shimmer
Photo from Birchbox

This adds a nice subtle shimmer wherever you apply it. Honestly, I tested it out after I got it and haven't used it since.  Maybe I'll put it in my makeup bag to remind me.

The sample size is 1.5 mL, full size is $20 for 14.1mL, making this a $2.13 aliquot.


Total Value $37.25

Overall, I was really happy with this box.  That chocolate was DELICIOUS and I used the mascara until it was dried up and no longer useable.

Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Retrospective: Birchbox October 2012

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

October 2012: Month 8

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
Photo from Birchbox

For something so expensive, I'm not sure that it did anything.  My skin was the same before and after I finished up the sample, and I'm pretty sure I got more freckles than having them go away.  Was my skin tone evened as promised? I don't think so.

Full size $79 for 30 mL, sample size of 2 mL valued at $5.25

LUNA Fiber Chocolate Raspberry Bar
Photo from Birchbox

I usually like Luna bars, but I don't like chocolate and the extra fiber gave this one a weird texture.  Definitely not my favorite.  I won't buy these if I come across them in the store.

$14.95 for box of 12, making a single bar worth $1.24

Malin + Goetz Cilantro Hair Conditioner
Photo from Birchbox

This conditioner wasn't quite heavy enough for me, but it would be nice for someone with fine hair.  It smelled pretty good, though, and I liked that I got more than one use out of the sample.

$22 for 8 oz, sample size 1oz, valued at $2.75

Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser
Photo from Birchbox

This was a one-use foil packet sample and it was fine.  Nothing to write home about. Smelled great, though!

Full size is $30 for 8 oz, sample was 0.04 oz for a value of $0.15

Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum
Photo from Birchbox

I now have a full size of this thanks to Popsugar! I took the samples from Birchbox on vacation and it did its job: no sunburn on my face. I did not want to shell out the cash for the full bottle, so I was thrilled to receive one from another source! This is a very nice face sunscreen. It absorbs really easily and doesn't go on greasy at all, like some can

Full size $42 for 50 mL, total volume of the two packets was 4 mL for a value of $3.36

S.W. Basics Lip Balm Flight in Cocoa
Photo from Birchbox.

I can't even do this again.

$15 for set of 4.  Single balm worth $3.75

Total Value $14.86

This was an ok box.  I wasn't overjoyed with anything, but would have been if the lip balm was a different favor I would have been happier.  Oh well.  The next box would hopefully be better.


Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Retrospective: Birchbox September 2012

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

September 2012: Month 7

Birchbox and Color Club Custom Collection in Tweet Me
Photo from Birchbox

Ugh.  Not only is this a gross chartreuse creme, it is another Color Club polish.  Like all the other polishes I have by this brand it is streaky, chips fast, and needs at least 3 coats.

Full size 0.5 oz for $8, this 0.25 oz sample is $4.

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Linen
Photo from Birchbox

Jouer makes a great product, and this is no exception.  I like the matte moisture tint even more than the Luminizing version I received in the March 2013 box.  It has great coverage and isn't too heavy.  This matte version keeps you shine-free all day.  Linen was a little warm for my skin tone, I think Porcelain would have been better.

Full size $38 for 50 mL.  Sample size of 2 mL valued at $1.52

kate spade new york Twirl
Photo from Birchbox

Perfume sample overload! This was before BB added more options into their profile, including the glorious "please don't send me perfume samples more than 6 times a year."  I don't like this one as much as some of the other samples I've gotten.  I did wear it about a week ago and it lasted all day and while it wasn't unpleasant, I did not like the whiffs of it I got throughout the day.  I'll stick to my kate spade handbags, thank you ;)

Full size $80 for 100 mL.  Sample (1.5 mL) value $1.20

LA FRESH Eco Beauty Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover Wipes
Photo from Birchbox

I've written about my hatred for these before.  I'm not getting worked up about them again.

$9.99 for 20 packets.  Value of 1 worthless packet $0.50

Mighty Leaf Tea in Green Tea Tropical, Chamomile Citrus, and Vanilla Bean
Photo from Birchbox

Green Tea Tropical is seriously my very favorite tea of all time.  I am so glad BB sent these samples to me!  I am also glad that the little coffee shop at the top of campus stocks this brand, so I can have green tea tropical all winter long.  It tastes a lot like Panera's iced green tea, except hot. Delicious.

$9.95 for 15 pouches.  Value of 3 pouches $1.99.  I should just buy these and make my own damn tea.  That wouldn't give me the excuse to leave my office, though...

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
Photo from Birchbox

I liked this scrub.  It was not gentle, but not like I was rubbing my face in a sandbox.  It also has lasted me up until now, about a year, of using it 1-2 times per month, and I still have a couple uses left.  It doesn't take much!  Nice.  Now I have to hope I get sent another face scrub so I don't go out and buy the full size when I run out!  

$34 for 120 grams, making the 20 gram sample worth $5.67

Total Value $14.88.

This was a mixed bag.  What was good was very, very good, and what was bad was horrid.  Oh well.  I'll give the polish to a friend to paint his fishing lures.  Maybe they will like it more than I do!





Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Birchbox Review August 2013

Birchbox August 2013
Theme: Finishing school in collaboration with Ann Taylor

First look is pretty good! I know a lot of boxes got a ModelCo lipstick in them, but I got one last month. I wish I had gotten a better color of the lipstick, like they were sending out this month, but I don't think BB was about to double up on my samples for the second month in a row.

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product

This is what I'm the most excited about in my box this month! I've seen this in stores and have been tempted, but the price tag always deters me.  This sample is a full 2 fl. oz. and will give me a great idea as to if I like the product or not.  I used some just now and it smells pretty good, but it will have to pass the test on straightened hair for me to decide if I officially like it or not.

Full size $17.99 for 4 fl. oz. online at Target.com.  Sample size is 2 fl. oz. (half the full size!) and worth about $8.99

Whish Coconut Milk Exfoliating Body Wash

I haven't tried this in the shower yet, but it smells vaguely like coconuts and has a runny texture with some sugar crystals in it to exfoliate.  We shall see.  I already have an exfoliating body wash in my shower, but this is a good travel size.

Full size $22 for 180 mL, making the 22 mL sample worth $2.69

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso

This is RED.  So red.  I had about 5 seconds after I applied it to fix any mistakes and evenly distribute it until it dried.  It smells like vanilla.  So far, I'm impressed.  It hasn't come off on my wine glass and it passed the kiss test.  It is quite red though! I don't normally wear bold lip colors, but I know that this one will stay put should I ever need to bring the drama.  I have some brighter red lipsticks, but this is a little darker than anything I have currently.

Full size $22 for 0.1 fl. oz.  Sample size 0.03 fl. oz., worth $6.60.

This is me applying it without a mirror... not bad.

Whish Deodorant Swipe with Hair Inhibitor

Uhh...ok... thanks, Birchbox.  A deodorant wipe is pretty handy, I guess.  I do have to keep deodorant at work because I tend to leave the house without putting any on.  Hair inhibitor? What are they using as a hair inhibitor? What? I'm not sure that one swipe will make a difference....

Full size $16 for 30 wipes.  Value of 1 wipe is $0.53

(MALIN + GOETZ) Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

I've gotten this before in something or another.  Maybe as a Sephora sample? It's ok.  I like that they sent two packets, but I hate that they sent foil packets at all!

Full size $45 for 4 fl. oz.  Two samples total 0.08 fl. oz. for a grand total of $0.90.


Total Value $19.71.

Not bad.  I'm really glad I got the leave in and the lipstick.  Those are good enough to make me ignore the foil packets.  I'll also get $5 in BB points for reviewing the 5 products, and they included a coupon for 20% off one item or 30% off two or more items from Ann Taylor.  Nice.  I'll get some back-to-school stuff so I look good under my lab coat while I'm teaching.  Yeah.  That sounded as dumb here as it did in my head. I'll still get something though ;)



Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

August 2013 Popsugar Must Have Review

I didn't even get a shipping notice, but my Must Have box showed up today!

Were the spoilers right?

Yes!

Bentgo in Purple
$14.99

I was going to buy one of these not so long ago, and I'm so glad I held off!  Everyone in the my department is already jealous of my lunches and now they will also be jealous of my lunch container ;)

Nature Box Granny Smith Apples
$3.99

There is only one single ingredient in these: apples.  I'm not really crazy about them, but I'm going to bring them to work so I have something healthy to much on when I need a snack (or a break).  Naturebox sends you 5 bags of this size of healthy snacks for $19.95 a month.

Weekly planner, front

Weekly Agenda Notebook by May Designs
$15

This is super cute and very useful.  Maybe I'll use it for longer than one week!  I like that the pages inside aren't dated.  That is handy- I can start using it next Monday. (This coming Monday is actually a holiday in RI but nowhere else.)

Lulah Bodywash in Magnolia Fig
$11.25

I really like that Popsugar sent this in a zip bag!  The bottle was sealed under the cap, but I still appreciate the preparedness!  I don't, however, love the scent, so it will go in my gift pile for an upcoming birthday or holiday or housewarming or something.

Dermalogica Samples of Precleanse and Special Cleansing Gel (30 and 50 mL, respectively).
$7.40 and $7.00 values, respectively

These samples were great sizes! They are both a fifth of the full sized products! I used them as suggested and while the special cleansing gel doesn't stand out to me, the precleanser is a winner! It is an oil that you use on dry skin to help clean out OTHER oils (the bad kinds like sunscreen, makeup, and sebum) before you wash your face.  I love it and I'm glad they sent such a generous sample! A little seems to go a long way and this should last me over a month.

Gorjana Open Circle Necklace
$65

The necklace on a person.  It is small and dainty and so pretty.

Great necklace! I don't usually like to wear gold, but I will certainly make the exception for this.  Just maybe not with the $5 t-shirt shown above!

Lunares Apple Bowl
Part of a 7-piece set ($149), Approximate value $21

This is an adorable bowl! The bottom is silver , which wasn't apparent to me in the online pictures of the spoilers.  I love it, and I'm not sure what to do with it! Should I use it for jewelery? Bring it to work for something? Put it on display somewhere in my house? Give it as a gift and let someone else have this conundrum?  I DON'T KNOW BUT I LIKE IT ANYWAY.

Overall, I love this box! I'm so glad the spoilers were right!  The total (approximate) retail value (at full price) is $145.63.  Popsugar Must Have costs $35 for one month, but if you buy 3, 6, or 12 months at a time the price is discounted.  I bought 3 months for $95.  This one box is worth more than what I paid for three months!  Great job, PSMH.  You've made me a believer.  I'm totally renewing my subscription.

Here is my referral link if you are interested.  If two people sign up with my link, I get a free month.  Use code REFER5 to get $5 off! 

This post contains products I purchased with my own money, and all opinions are my own.

This post also contains a referral link.  Nothing special happens for you if you choose to use it, but I am one person closer to a free month!