The Dubinskys' Travels

Owl Crate October Unboxing: Spooky Scents

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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Halloween is upon us and as we all prepare to don our favorite costumes, I am getting ready to curl up with a new book. As I have been devoted to all things Sci-Fi lately, I am looking forward to a creepy scary book for a changed of pace.  Cue <a href="http://owlcrate.com/">Owlcrate</a>! (Unboxing video at the end)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This month's <a href="http://owlcrate.com/">Owlcrate </a>was themed Spooky and I was impressed by how the box stayed on theme and was full of high quality items. Let's begin with the most important element of the box...the book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Madness-So-Discreet-Mindy-McGinnis/dp/0062320866/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446115198&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Madness+So+Discreet">A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis</a> ($12.63) is rated 4 stars on Amazon and 3.86 on GoodReads. Synopsis:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Grace Mae knows madness. She keeps it locked away, along with her voice, trapped dee+p inside a brilliant mind that cannot forget horrific family secrets. Those secrets, along with the bulge in her belly, land her in a Boston insane asylum....</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In this beautifully twisted historical thriller, Mindy McGinnis, acclaimed author of Not a Drop to Drink and In a Handful of Dust, explores the fine line between sanity and insanity, good and evil—and the madness that exists in all of us."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Honestly, I am intrigued to check it out. I like that the also included a letter from the author.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This first creepy item in the box was an<a href="http://www.outofprintclothing.com/products/edgar-allan-poe-ka-dots-pouch"> Edgar Allen Poe-ka Dot Canvas Pouch</a> ($12). I love the print and I like that its something I would actually use. Its both funky and functional. I am also a big fan of Poe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The smaller items in the box were cute and both Halloween and bookish themed. The first were <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/craftedvan">Crafted Van Monster Bookmarks</a> ($6). These magnet book marks have become all the rage in both nerd, craft and book boxes. I think I have gotten one in like 3 boxes. They are cute and somewhat functional. Its a tad kid like for me. Speaking of kidlike, the other item were three <a href="https://www.npwgifts.com/sugar-skull-erasers.html">NPW Sugar Skull Erasers</a> ($5). I like that they are Day of the Dead themed, but upon reflection, what am I going to do with giant skull erasers? They are cute to look at but I don't think have used a pencil in over a year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next item intrigued me as it was different and on theme. Included was an <a href="http://adventurescents.com/store/product/vampires-lair/">Adventure Scents Scent Pack in Vampire’s Lair </a>($4). I love this!! It is meant to provide a "horror scent" to your reading experience. This one is  described as “Blood, dirt and wine.” The addition of scent is creative and DIFFERENT. </span></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BLfRT0wYK5s/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BLfRT0wYK5s?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://owlcrate.com/">OwlCrate</a> is $29.99 plus shipping ($6.99 to US and $10.59 to Canada) and offers APO Shipping. We were unable to find out if they offer a military discount, but will follow up.</span></div>
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Owl Crate October Unboxing: Spooky Scents

Halloween is upon us and as we all prepare to don our favorite costumes, I am getting ready to curl up with a new book. As I have been dev...

11:10 AM

Surprise Ride September Unboxing: Hot and Cold Box + Coupon

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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Guest Blogger from Embassy Ghana: </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.surpriseride.com/">Surprise Ride</a> is a kids' discovery box, containing two thematic activities, and a related book, snack, and extra goodies. The box itself is cute and sturdy, and definitely has potential for other uses, especially for kids who are always looking for new places to stash their valuables.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The theme for our box was temperature, exploring the differences between hot and cold through two activities: 1) creating a potholder, and 2) making a blender-free fruit slushy. It also included some fun (and related) little extras that interested the kids, namely: a hot/cold gel pack, reusable star-shaped ice cubes, a "magic" spoon that turns from green to red when cold, a Planes: Fire and Rescue book (ages 8-12), and decent (not-the-most-unhealthy) microwave popcorn. A handy guide and instructions were included as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We did the two activities with two 6 1/2 -year-olds - which may be a bit on the young side, but works with adult involvement. I could tell the potholder making might be a little complicated (at least for me), and not likely to hold the attention of two kids, so we opted to try the slushy-making activity first. Essentially, this involves making a fruit slushy with water and a pack of instant lemonade in one plastic bag, inside a larger plastic bag containing ice cubes and salt (bags, lemonade packet, and salt all provided). You seal both bags and shake for 10 minutes. This is a loooong time to shake ice, so adult involvement was definitely necessary - but it definitely makes the point about cold temperature and makes you really appreciate all the work that the blender does. :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, we ran into a technical malfunction on this activity - after 8 minutes of shaking, the outer bag split at the bottom, and melted ice and salt ended up EVERYWHERE. To be clear, the bag did not open at the top, but SPLIT entirely open across the bottom. Lesson learned, if you find yourself miles from a blender and in a desperate bind to make a fruit slushy shaking by hand, do use Ziploc (or similar quality) freezer bags - not the off-brand bags that were provided in this box. Despite the mess, thankfully the slushy was at a good consistency after 8 minutes to still be enjoyed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We also used the "magic" spoon to scoop the slushy into cups, and it was neat to see it turn red from contact with the ice. The kids had fun experimenting with other cold objects, and placing it in the freezer to see the entire spoon turn red. (Though I'm not sure if I would agree with the "Surprise Facts" sheet that describes the color change being caused by a solvent and red dye on the spoon.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The potholder activity involves one of those square plastic looms and nylon fabric loops that you weave across in one direction, and then weave over and under from the other direction in a grid pattern to form a small square potholder. My daughter is an emerging loom bander, so she was all about weaving on this one. The nylon loops are stretchy and easy to work with, though complicated slightly by different thicknesses and textures. Once all the loops are in place, the tricky part is interlocking the sides with the hook provided - and as one who has never been a knitter or needlepointer, I was not super-helpful with the tool, and ultimately had to invoke the hubby to help improvise. In the end, we had a cute little potholder, and almost enough loops to make a second one of similar size. The loom did not seem to be of the greatest quality (but again, I am inexperienced in these things), though worth keeping for future use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All in all, this was a decent kit that provided some good entertainment for two 6 1/2 -year-olds. I'm not totally sure what the target age group is for this box, given that the hot/cold lesson is a bit basic even for this age group - while at the same time, adult involvement is definitely needed for both activities. You could easily create this or similar lessons yourself, but I can appreciate that this puts it all together for you. If you compare this to the many kids' science experiment kits that are available, this is probably a much more effective and targeted way to actually do the experiments, and stay focused on a specific lesson. Lord knows we have had plenty of other science kits in the past, and they seem to be the things that you open and use, and then you're just not sure what to do with it after partial use - and then you end up with a partially used box that just sits around. At least with this one, you can easily complete the activities and move on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also appreciated that the slushy was edible and disposable (though messy), and that the potholder was small. The value seemed about right for a $30/month subscription, with the loom costing $12-$15, the book about $5, reusable ice cubes $2-$3, plus the hot/cold compress, microwave popcorn, instant lemonade packet, and "magic" spoon (plus free shipping). I would be interested in seeing more of what Surprise Ride has to offer, so long as the items are of reasonable quality (i.e., strong plastic bags that can withstand 10 minutes of shaking), and doesn't generate too much crafty clutter that you have to figure out what to do with. When it comes to these kinds of kits, the more compact, edible, disposable, etc. the better - providing entertainment (and learning) without overwhelming the entire house. In that vein, I think it would also be nice to have a multiple-child subscription option, to include multiple sets of activities in the same box, which could be priced as $30/month/1 child, $35-$40/month/2 children, etc. This could make it a fun option for sharing with siblings and friends, and also save on shipping extra boxes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.surpriseride.com/">Surprise Ride</a> is  $29.99 per month (free shipping), or $24.99 per month on 6- or 12-month subscriptions. Use code BESTGIFT5 to save $5 off your first month!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #222222;">Disclaimer: This box was received for review purposes</span></i></span></div>
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<div class="tbs-author-box">
<img alt="" class="avatar avatar-60 photo" height="100" src="https://www.crossed-flag-pins.com/Friendship-Pins/USA/Flag-Pins-USA-Ghana.jpg" width="110" /><b>About Author</b><br />
Sarah Crites is an american FS officer serving in Ghana with her family. </div>
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Surprise Ride September Unboxing: Hot and Cold Box + Coupon

Guest Blogger from Embassy Ghana: Surprise Ride is a kids' discovery box, containing two thematic activities, and a related book, s...

9:01 AM

LitCube October Unboxing: More Supernatural...

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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">More Halloween fun! This month's theme for <a href="http://bit.ly/LitCube">LitCube</a> was "Supernatural." I had thought it was specifically to the concept of Supernatural, but now I see it is both the concept AND the TV show. Between this and Fanmail, I am drowning in Supernatural stuff. (Perhaps I should watch the show). Full unboxing video at the end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The book this month was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spawn-Ken-Nolan/dp/1618685139/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445859726&sr=8-1&keywords=Ken+Nolan+Spawn">Ken Nolan's "The Spawn"</a> ($14.12). It has 4 stars on Amazon. "Rosemary's Baby from the husband's point of view written by an award-winning Hollywood screenwriter. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Spawn plunges the reader into a world of shadows, secrets, and growing, unspeakable horror." Spooky and perfect for the box theme and Halloween. Now it is a paperback and doesn't seem to have a best seller accolade. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JpQQiOmfPcs/Vi1ZD_lS9mI/AAAAAAAAB24/D4X68WCRsiI/s1600/IMG_2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JpQQiOmfPcs/Vi1ZD_lS9mI/AAAAAAAAB24/D4X68WCRsiI/s400/IMG_2002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next large item in the box was an E-reader holder that reads "Books: my drug of choice." It is a cute holder and concept. Sadly I do all my e-reading on my phone or IPad so I don't own one that fits in this. Cute idea ($9)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ok6P_4MnIs/Vi1Y4FG0rMI/AAAAAAAAB2o/soUpmucydyc/s1600/IMG_2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ok6P_4MnIs/Vi1Y4FG0rMI/AAAAAAAAB2o/soUpmucydyc/s400/IMG_2003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next item in this month's <a href="http://bit.ly/LitCube">LitCube </a>were following the literal Supernatural theme: the first is an exclusive 3" Supernatural Button. ($2.49) I am sure it made all Supernatural fans day! For me its going in a drawer. Also is the card with the Lit Cube art.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZaEfuaFmuI/Vi1Zgw5OeBI/AAAAAAAAB3E/fCI0aEUiiPE/s1600/IMG_2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZaEfuaFmuI/Vi1Zgw5OeBI/AAAAAAAAB3E/fCI0aEUiiPE/s640/IMG_2005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next and also on "theme" was the "Always keep fighting" key chain ($7.99). Sadly mine arrived in multiple pieces and broken :(  This item which was specially designed for Supernatural fans is a tribute to the mental health awareness cause Actor Jared Padalecki promotes.  The last large item was a set of three nail polishes for Halloween. Litcube prices these at $13.99 but I am going to price them closer to $9.99.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The above pictures the little items in this month's Supernatural box including 3 QR books which are free on amazon, a button for one of them and some candy.</span><br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/LitCube" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">LitCube</a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> is $21.99 plus $7.99 shipping and handling and ships APO. If my calculations and ballparks are correct, the total value on this box was 43.61, which is an improvement over previous boxes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Out of 10 I give the </span><a href="http://bit.ly/LitCube" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">LitCube</a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> for October a 7 on quality, 8 on cost, 4 on appropriate for me and an 6 on fun! </span><a href="http://bit.ly/LitCube" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">LitCube</a> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ships APO and hasn't responded on a military discount.</span><br />
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LitCube October Unboxing: More Supernatural...

More Halloween fun! This month's theme for LitCube was "Supernatural." I had thought it was specifically to the concept of S...

12:02 PM

War Foodie November Unboxing Preview + Coupon + Giveaway

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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We always are honored and thrilled to review and support <a href="http://bit.ly/TryWarFoodie">WarFoodie</a>. This veteran owned company focuses on what is at the heart of our blog, supporting military and those of us abroad by providing high quality and needed snacks that are mostly unavailable to us. This subscription box has grown a lot in the last couple of months and we were super impressed by the quality for the price and the contents of the box.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first change to <a href="http://bit.ly/TryWarFoodie">this month's box</a> was the new and exciting packaging. It is now clear that his box supports the many branches, ethnicities and genders of us serving overseas. Now onto the items..</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first was the Granola. The Nutty November granola mix included rolled oats, cinnamon spice, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, wild flower honey and almonds. It was sweet and filling and tasted like November.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next was an amazingly perfect Ginger N Spice Tea for the holiday season. Nothing says november more than a Ginger n' Spice tea. I enjoyed this one (despite the 100 degree weather) while cozying up to my first holiday viewing of Hocus Pocus...It's close to Halloween.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next was Guatemala Santa Isabel coffee. We brewed this this morning and were super impressed by the bold flavor. Sadly our box was covered in coffee beans, but knowing how amazing <a href="http://bit.ly/TryWarFoodie">War Foodie</a> had been in the past we cherished and picked out each of the coffee beans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The last two items were Hot Sauce: Scorpion and Valencia Peanut Butter.  Let me tell you about War Foodie Peanut Butter, last box my husband INHALED and LOVED the cinnamon peanut butter. The passion was so strong no other family member was allowed to touch it. The Valencia has lived up to the expectations...and come to think of it..I think he has hidden it. Mental note: Locate the Peanut BUTTER!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The hot sauce was made from Moruga Scorpion Chile peppers, one of the hottest chillies in the world. We tasted it and is not for the average hot sauce fans. This one is being donated to our Embassy Marine House...so yes 20 year old Marines, Scorpion Chile Peppers are coming!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="http://bit.ly/TryWarFoodie">War Foodie Monthly Boxe</a>s are $29 for the first two items and $7 for each additional one. Starter packs are also available for $10. The shipping averages around $15 but depends on weight and amount.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now Coupon time! Use the following coupons</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">THANKSGIVING: Free Shipping on first box</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">FALL3: Get $5 off shipping every month, when you order in 3 month intervals.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">HOLIDAY6: Get 50% off shipping every month when you order in 6 month intervals. On top of this you can get a free custom War Foodie t-shirt now if you order a 3 month subscription.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">FINALLY! We are giving away the <a href="http://bit.ly/TryWarFoodie">November Box</a> to one of our readers or the military/ foreign servicemen of their choice. Please follow the directions in the Rafflecopter below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="7bc755d68" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7bc755d68/" id="rcwidget_w57n9rzt" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-size: large;">a Rafflecopter giveaway</span></a>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Disclaimer: This box was received for review purposes</i></span></div>

War Foodie November Unboxing Preview + Coupon + Giveaway

We always are honored and thrilled to review and support WarFoodie . This veteran owned company focuses on what is at the heart of our blog...

7:13 PM

Retro Pop Box Unboxing: Exclusive First Look

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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is something delightfully simple about remembering your childhood. I have traveled all over the world and experienced amazing things in the last couple of years, but childhood memories spark warm fuzzies feelings that nothing else can compare to. I was SUPER excited when my Exclusive First Look of Retro Pop Box arrived. (Unboxing Video at the end)</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdyLBjfJo-c/VinhHgNKopI/AAAAAAAAB00/et7WtNNKFLk/s1600/IMG_1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdyLBjfJo-c/VinhHgNKopI/AAAAAAAAB00/et7WtNNKFLk/s640/IMG_1978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Retro pop box allows you to pic ONE of the three eras, add in your T-shirt size and choice of how long you wish to subscribe. Recurring pricing ranges from $20 for one-month, $57 for 3 months, $108 for 6 months and $200 for a year. Each box will contain 4-7 items with a retail value of over $45 and may include something you can’t get anywhere else.  For the Exclusive box they sent us we got two items from every decade.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oTE0acshQE/VinhInR9_bI/AAAAAAAAB08/J6y64OgPte8/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oTE0acshQE/VinhInR9_bI/AAAAAAAAB08/J6y64OgPte8/s400/IMG_1977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I am going to go a little out of order.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQF2n8UWiAg/Vinfkn77ECI/AAAAAAAABz8/QQECvvinZVU/s1600/IMG_1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQF2n8UWiAg/Vinfkn77ECI/AAAAAAAABz8/QQECvvinZVU/s400/IMG_1970.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first item in the box that made me super excited was TETRIS Magnets. These are awesome and I am going to spend hours building shapes and buildings on the fridge ($7.61). Side note, my toddler was super excited for NEW MAGNETS!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIKyiDhFlwI/Vinfr6dnFhI/AAAAAAAAB0M/e0ndrte78zQ/s1600/IMG_1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIKyiDhFlwI/Vinfr6dnFhI/AAAAAAAAB0M/e0ndrte78zQ/s400/IMG_1971.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next item was an R2D2 Pez Dispenser ($5.99). This was great for our family because Andrew collects Pez Dispensers! Both the items brought memories from my childhood back. My family were huge TETRIS fans and Star Wars is a staple growing up and a passion now. Perfect for us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In honor of the 60s we have to ESSENTIAL Duncan Yo-Yo ($3.99).  It seriously made me happy that the Yo-Yo was from Duncan and not some awful knock off brand. I have to admit, I am not old enough to judge if this is an accurate portrayal of the 60s but its fun to play with.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_wIAIU0Hf0/VingaH89zAI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/tczc0_PiD9s/s1600/IMG_1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_wIAIU0Hf0/VingaH89zAI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/tczc0_PiD9s/s400/IMG_1973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next item in the box were these awesome 60s style Marvel Comics branded pins ($5.99).What I loved about these were that they are the old school vintage and original portrayals of the marvel characters rather than the newer updated version. I love me some vintage comics so these pins were awesome. In addition, branded Marvel!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYVGL4P0u84/VingapkHa_I/AAAAAAAAB0g/tUpPfFcQ5EY/s1600/IMG_1975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYVGL4P0u84/VingapkHa_I/AAAAAAAAB0g/tUpPfFcQ5EY/s400/IMG_1975.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the 70s we get two awesome products ($4.99). Though not exactly practical for use, these scratch and sniff stickers were a lot of fun to play with. Reminiscent of the TV dinners of the 70s, each sticker packs a microwavable awesome scent. Super fun!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SrNoa-XLFUw/VinhDTYPd0I/AAAAAAAAB0s/43-AurgTnTM/s1600/IMG_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SrNoa-XLFUw/VinhDTYPd0I/AAAAAAAAB0s/43-AurgTnTM/s400/IMG_1976.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally the best item in the box EASILY was the Exclusive to Retro Pop Box Evel Knevil Shirt ($20). My husband was super jealous this came in his size and I was bouncing off the walls. It is a great high quality Tshirt and is all together AWESOME. I love Evel and the vintage poster was the coolest.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5UsIkkhZRg/VinhVvMRCmI/AAAAAAAAB1E/854WQ-MEKeU/s1600/IMG_1979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5UsIkkhZRg/VinhVvMRCmI/AAAAAAAAB1E/854WQ-MEKeU/s400/IMG_1979.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Overall out of 10 I give my Exclusive First Look at Retro Pop Box an 8 on quality, a 10 on cost (the box is $20 and I totaled this box at over $50), on appropriate for me I give it an 8 and a 10 on fun! I can't wait to try out the other boxes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Disclaimer: This box was received for review purposes</i></span></div>
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Retro Pop Box Unboxing: Exclusive First Look

There is something delightfully simple about remembering your childhood. I have traveled all over the world and experienced amazing things...

1:40 PM

HomeGrown Collective October Unboxing: Make your own Face Wash!

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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have blogged previously about <a href="http://www.homegrowncollective.com/">Home Grown Collective </a>and I still LOVE this box. Each month I learn so much about things I am clueless about and this month I got a new Cheese Grater!  AWESOME!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This month I learned more than I could imagine about facial soap and hand sanitizer. As you can imagine, living in Ghana we go through A LOT of both of these. First, in part due to the quantity of dust and second because you want to ensure whatever you com in contact gets washed away. "Store bought liquid hand soaps & face wash can be more of a hazard than a help. Last year, the FDA announced a bold new position on antibacterial soap: Manufacturers have to show tat it's both safe and more effective than simply washing with conventional soap and water...About 75 percent of liquid antibacterial soaps and 50% of  use a chemical called triclosan." This month's box was about eradicating this "No Bueno" chemical from your regime.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This month's box included shea butter, coconut oil, pure castile, vitamin E skin oil, gylcericn vegetable oil and essential oils for Tube Rose and Blood orange to create your own facial cleaning wipes, antibacterial soap, moisturizing face wash and had soap.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xctnJ0Hnzmc/ViQJGAzs6fI/AAAAAAAABp8/n_VrG1IKGPM/s1600/IMG_1959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xctnJ0Hnzmc/ViQJGAzs6fI/AAAAAAAABp8/n_VrG1IKGPM/s640/IMG_1959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Apologies, I am super sick this week and wasn't up to taking photos while I did this month's projects, but they were all easy enough, but unlike this month's I spent WAY more time reading about the projects then doing them. More so than in previous boxes, I walked away KNOWING I will be reading the ingredients of facial washes and hand sanitizers prior to purchasing. Here are some of the project descriptions below. If you are interested in a green lifestyle and learning how you can better take care of your family check out this Green Box!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Homegrown Collective is 39.99 a month and $9 shipping, price drops to $105 for 3 months, $234 for 6 months with free shipping.  <b>Military/diplomat discount below!</b></span><br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMD1LkwXASI/VbdXtedxR4I/AAAAAAAAKvE/LuymuAOlQl0/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMD1LkwXASI/VbdXtedxR4I/AAAAAAAAKvE/LuymuAOlQl0/s400/1.png" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Overall out of 10, I give <a href="http://www.homegrowncollective.com/">HomeGrown Collective</a> a 9 on quality, 8 on cost, 9 on appropriate for me (I learned sooo much) and a 7 on fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>MILITARY DISCOUNT:</b> YES! <a href="http://www.homegrowncollective.com/">Homegrown Collec</a>tive has won the Dubinskys' Travels Gold Award for a 15% off ALL boxes for Military and Diplomat Communities.  Use coupon code: Military4.  Thanks for your support Homegrown Collective.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Previous Unboxing Video:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Disclaimer: This box was received for review purposes.</em></span></div>
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HomeGrown Collective October Unboxing: Make your own Face Wash!

We have blogged previously about Home Grown Collective and I still LOVE this box. Each month I learn so much about things I am clueless ab...

4:38 PM

Fanmail September Unboxing: Legends of CW

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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of all the nerd boxes, the one I have hung on to the longest has been Fanmail and I was SUPER excited by the pending Legends of CW book. Due to product delay this box came incredibly late and I have to admit I was somewhat let down, primarily due to the ABUNDANCE of Supernatural stuff. Now if you are a huge Supernatural fan, you will love this box!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each month <a href="http://www.myfanmail.com/">Fanmail</a> features a different theme with a variety of collectibles and other girly geeky goodies that can include comics, t-shirts, jewelry, stationery and more. So far they have favored more handmade items or pieces that you wouldn't see in other boxes, but we haven't seen too many "exclusives" that you would see in larger boxes like NerdBlock or LootCrate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So in case you missed it we partnered with Fanmail a couple months back to do a fun Buffy the Vampire slayer giveaway so I was pumped for Buffy items. The first was a print on the back of the card. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pixelbarrel.com/catalog.php?all=yes">Buffy The Vampire Slayer Ornament</a> – Cordelia (this is what the card says), but it is obviously actually from Angel ($14.99). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/218009126/supernatural-license-plate-necklace-with?ref=market">“Supernatural” Impala License Plate Necklace</a> ($19.99 on Etsy) Curiously I think my necklace broke and there was meant to be a charm, but its cute. I think it would be super awesome if I loved Supernatural.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.fanduoduojewelry.com/collections/necklaces/products/pink-triangle-crystal-collar-necklace">Exclusive “Arrow” Felicity Smoak Necklace Replica</a> ($14). The exclusive item is from Season 3, Episode 10 of Arrow. I just started Season 1 and I am not into it, yet. The necklace is called the Triad necklace. I don't know about exclusivity given the fact I found it online. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, vampire teeth :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The cards are promos from Ink Works Premium Trading Cards and they're pretty cute (Smallville, Charmed, Buffy, Supernatural).  The stickers are from Get Glue (Arrow, Supernatural, Nikita, Beauty & the Beast, and The Vampire Diaries!) ($3??)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Exclusive “Supernatural” Sam’s Army Replica & Exclusive “The Flash” CC Jitters Coffee Insulator, I like exclusive items but both of these were underwhelming.  I forgot to take a picture of the army man, but I am told its a solid Supernatural reference, but for me it was a lil toy for my son. Also there was a CC Jitters Coffee Insulator from the newer series, The Flash. Sadly, I haven't started this one either. ($3)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The T-shirt ($15), which I will admit is a great design and quality is ALSO from Supernatural box. So I am told if you love Supernatural, you will love this shirt. I REALLY like the colors and design...sadly, I don't get it.  Leave me a comment and let our readers know ALL the T-Shirt Supernatural references.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
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Fanmail is $21.99 + $6 shipping and ships APO/DPO. Overall, I give this month's Supernatural, I mean, CW box, a 7 on quality, on cost a 10 (I priced this one at at $70), on appropriate for me 4 (TOO MUCH of one show I don't watch), and an 8 on fun!</div>
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<br /><em>Check out previous unboxings of Fanmail below!</em></div>
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Fanmail September Unboxing: Legends of CW

Of all the nerd boxes, the one I have hung on to the longest has been Fanmail and I was SUPER excited by the pending Legends of CW book. Du...

2:25 PM

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