Plated Subscription Review

My favorite day of the week is Saturday. It's the first day of the weekend AND we receive our Plated box for the week! Plated is a weekly food box service that delivers portioned ingredients for chef-designed seasonal meals. The customer signs up for however many meals they would like that week. my fiancé and I receive 3 meals for 2 people a week. We pick our 3 meals from a 7 meal menu. There are Chef's Table meals (usually +$20), and 2 dessert options (+$8) for an extra fee. 

Let's do some simple math. My fiancé and I usually spend at least $50 when we order out per meal. Or $20 at a fast food chain. When coming home from work, I usually stop to pick up food because I don't feel like grocery shopping, then cooking, then finally eating. On any given week I would pick up to-go food at least 3 times a week. Picking up to-go food would be about $150 per week. Even if I picked up fast food it would be about $60. I pay $78 for 3 meals for 2 people with Plated. Although it is $18 more than fast food, it is SO MUCH BETTER!

We use these meals as lunches or dinners. They have become the favorite part of my day, and it is actually helping me learn how to cook too! You can keep your recipe cards and remake your favorites! Let's look at this weeks box:

Crispy Redfish with Coconut Rice and Chinese Broccoli:

Beef and Lamb Meatball Banh Mi with Sriracha Aioli and Herb Salad:

Caprese Flatbread with Roasted Eggplant and Seasonal Greens: 

My fiancé and I have found that we really like trying the ethnic meals, so when we see them on our menu we usually pick them. 

Meals we have tried so far: 

- Crispy Calamari with Greens and Miso Vinegrette

- Crispy Redfish with Asparagus, Squash, and Almond Saute

- Cheesy Beef Burritos with Black Beans, Guacamole, and Pico de Gallo

- Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti with Parsley, Lemon, and White Wine

- Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Greek Yogurt Ranch

- Mexican Quinoa Bowls with Charred Corn, Avocado and Cheesy Tortilla Strips

- Seared Steak with Bell Pepper Panzanella

- Chicken Shawarma with Tomato, Cucumber, and Tahini

- Salmon Poke Bowls with Avocado and Brown Rice

- Cold Sesame Noodles with Cucumber and Bell Pepper

- Tilapia Piccata with Wax Beans, Asparagus, and Almonds

- Pesto Grilled Chicken with Ricotta and Pea Salad

- Cheesy Stuffed Portobello Burgers with Carrot Fries

- Barbecue Salmon Burgers with Fingerling Potato Salad

- Chili Maple Pork Tacos with Avocado and Spring Onion Salsa

- Fresh Spaghetti with Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata

- Moo Shu Chicken with Pancakes

- Asian-style Shrimp Salad with Oranges, Cashews, and Herbs

- Brown Butter Gnocchi with Pattypan Squash and Asparagus

- Cheesy Beef Pupusas with Pico de Gallo

- Seared Ribeye with Crispy Potatoes, Asparagus, and Horseradish-Mustard Sauce (+20)

- Sweet Ricotta Crostini with Blueberry and Mint Compote (+8)

- Dessert Pizzas with White Chocolate, Ricotta, and Blueberry Compote (+8)

- Nutella Brioche Bread Pudding (+8)

Highlighted meals were our favorites.

Tonight I made Fresh Spaghetti with Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata: 

Each meal comes with a recipe card with description, Cooking/Prep time, Calories, Step-by-step instructions along with pictures, an ingredient list, and Recipe tips. Each week I login to  plated.com and pick our next meals (up to 3 weeks in advance) and rate our previous meals. 

All in all, meal subscriptions, in my opinion, are totally worth it! Especially Plated! 

You're Welcome, 

Amber

Stitch Fix Review (July)

If you don't already know, Stitch Fix is a monthly styling service. Each box has 5 pieces (clothing and/or accessories) picked out by your stylist. Your stylist closely follows your style profile, stylist notes, and social media outlets to find clothing that is suitable for your wants and needs. The most amazing part of Stitch Fix is that it is only $20 each month for your styling fee. However, if you end up buying something from that box, the $20 goes toward that purchase. If you don't want to keep your stylists' picks, send them back within 3 days in the pre-marked return bag.

If you are interested in trying out Stitch Fix, here is how you can get started. 

Now back to my review...

I have not posted a stitch fix review since the end of December. I have been seriously slacking but also very busy. I knew that I would get back to it during the summer when school ended. So here is my July Stitch Fix review.

For the month of July, I asked my stylist to send me casual dresses, light flowy tanks, and shorts. I also added that I wanted to get away with not wearing a bra with these items. I live in Florida, and I don't know about you but this feels like the hottest summer yet! The thought of having an extra layer of anything on my body makes me want to just stay indoors.

My stylist was McKenzie. McKenzie sent me...

Pixley's Nelda Halter Blouse ($44)

  

I can say that I did NOT like this shirt at first. It was so bright and the print was not really my style. But after trying it on, I loved the color (my tan may have helped) and how light this shirt was. I don't have to wear a bra because the print and loose fit do not make it obvious. I tried this shirt on when many different bottoms and it seemed to really work with almost anything. This can work even under a blazer or navy cardigan for work too. Since this top was so versatile I decided to keep it.
Verdict: Kept

Renee C's Laverna V-neck Tunic ($48)

 Is it just me or are tunics confusing. I have the hardest time with tunics, they are in-between a shirt and a dress. But to me, they are too long for a shirt, and too short for a dress. It would work for a cover-up by the pool but for $48 dollars?! I loved the kimono-esque style of this tunic. I wouldn't need a bra, and it was light and airy. However, since I can't wear this as a dress or with shorts, sadly it will be returned.

 Verdict: Returned (confusing fit)

THML's Jameson Maxi Dress ($74)

I love Maxi dresses! I am not a huge fan of the print or embroidery even, but it is so comfortable! I don't have to wear a bra because the pattern is so crazy. I love the large keyhole open back. I am definitely keeping this dress. However, after ripping the tag off and wearing it for the day, I noticed that the embroidery around the hem area (right at your ankles) is a little scratchy. I still love the dress but it seems to bother me a little.
Verdict: Kept

Collective Concepts' Marci Dress ($78)

I really liked this dress a lot. Again, no bra was needed and it was very light. I am still struggling in a tug of war over whether or not to keep this dress. I love the open straps on the top and the fit. I do not like the ruffle in front and the PRICE! I just keep telling my self, "Would you buy this for $78 dollars if you saw it in the store?" Sadly, my answer is no. I would spend $40 max on a casual dress like this one. But I need dresses like this so bad! My Fiance said that the print has a swastica looking pattern too. So there is that...
Verdict: Returned (too pricy)

Brixon Ivy's Linda Dress ($68)

I did not like this dress when I opened my stitch fix box. I didn't even like it the first time I tried it on. My fiancé said he didn't like the "pudginess" in the front. (Umm...ok) But I would have to say that this is by far the most comfortable dress in the bunch. I love how casual it is. I wanted dresses that I could throw on to run some errands, with my hair in a bun and sandals on my feet. This is exactly that, AND no bra needed because of the dark navy color. Again, it came down to price. I wouldn't even look twice at this on a rack in a store. It isn't something I would pick out for myself. It is too casual to spend $68 on. Even with the $20 taken off, $48 is still too much. I like it though. The struggle is REAL!
Verdict: Returned (too pricey)

Here are some other pieces of clothing I have kept from my Stitch Fixes lately: 

THML Dress:

 Fun 2 Fun Blouse:

 Pixley Elephant Blouse:

You're Welcome, 

Amber 

Make-up Organization Review

I love make-up. Really, anything beauty related. So it was very important for me to be able to have a nice space to keep ALL my make-up. I created this space about 2.5 years ago, so some of these things may no longer be available. You have asked to see my vanity set up, so here it is...


This set up is mainly from Ikea and costs less than $250.

Now, the only problem with this set up is space and lighting. Lighting is really a problem for my whole house. I am looking into overhead lighting to go above the mirror. 

The mirror is from Ikea (but cannot be found on the website, right now). It was $49.99 and is the square version of the Molger mirror. 

The countertop is actually a wall shelf (that is no longer on the IKEA website.) I decided to buy the office desk legs to support this last minute. I wanted it to be a low shelf at first however, I was worried about the support and weight. 

The lamp is the Tertial lamp from Ikea, spray painted rose gold. It was $8.99. What I liked about this light is that it didn't take up space on my makeup counter, because it had a clamp base. 

This chair is the NILS armchair from IKEA with a NILS chair cover. The chair is $89.00 and the cover is $14.99. 

The white and clear organizer is from Target. It is actually 3, 3 drawer organizers stacked. 

My make-up brushes and lip liners are in a stainless steel canister from IKEA. The other canister holds Q-tips.

One of the things I like best about this set-up is the glass topped shelf. I can showcase my makeup and use the counter as extra space and storage. It is perfect for my makeup pallets that take up so much space. You can see the acrylic organizers inside the shelf, also from IKEA.

I am going to redecorate my bedroom. I am probably going to redo my vanity area again for more space, storage and better lighting for my reviews.
I will let you know what I come up with.

You're Welcome!
- Amber

Stitch Fix Review (December #2)

Christmas came on December 25th, AND December 31st this year. Every time I receive a Stitch Fix box, I have a child-on-christmas-morning moment.

If you don't already know, Stitch Fix is a monthly styling service. Each box has 5 pieces (clothing and/or accessories) picked out by your stylist. Your stylist closely follows your style profile, stylist notes, and social media outlets to find clothing that is suitable for your wants and needs. The most amazing part of Stitch Fix is that it is only $20 each month for your styling fee. However, if you end up buying something from that box, the $20 goes toward that purchase. If you don't want to keep your stylists' picks, send them back within 3 days in the pre-marked return bag.

If you are interested in trying out Stitch Fix, here is how you can get started. 

Now back to my review...

I asked my stylist to send me casual clothing (dark skinny jeans, and t-shirts), a big handbag, and a sparkly option for a New Years party.

This fix was styled by Tia. And let's just say, Tia did a great job!

First up:
Street Level Leona Structured Tote - $58

I love this structured tote. I was so sad because I received a similar tote for Christmas so I wasn't planning on keeping it. However, the new leather smell, the chocolate suede inside, big middle zippered pocket and the fact that I can fit stacks of papers to be graded, changed my mind. I now have a new work bag! (My last one was stolen from my classroom.) This bag was very reasonably priced for the size and quality of this bag. Now, I need matching boots!

Verdict: Guiltily Kept

Mavi Freida Skinny Jeans - $98
Market & Spruce Sam Hi-Lo Tee - $44

This Hi-Lo T-shirt was exactly what I was looking for. I really need very casual clothing for life outside of school. I prefer tops that are NOT form fitting and it is hard to find women's t-shirts  that aren't fitted. Also, I hate sitting down and having your shirt ride up while your pants go down! This shirt is longer in the back to prevent this, which is amazing! It's the little things that make me so happy ;-). As for the skinny jeans, I loved how dark the wash  was. I really need another pair of jeans so I wanted these to work SOO BAD! They were too short, however. You can see this in the second picture. The last pair of jeans were too long! I am having no luck with jeans in my size.

Verdict: Shirt- Happily Kept
Jeans- Sadly Returned

Le Lis Darbie Dress - $68

I am not going to lie, I saw this dress in the picture profile before I saw it in person in the box. I hated it. However, after I felt it, I wanted it. Trying it on, however, was the ultimate deal breaker. THESE SLEEVES! What is up with the sleeves. As someone with a merchandising and product development degree, I know that someone was not thinking when they created this dress. Anyone who works with different types of fabrics knows, that fabric like this will not hold rolled sleeves. This was a flaw in design, for sure. And I'll show you why. So it looks unfinished or unpolished by itself. With a cardigan, it definitely looks better. However, look at the bunching that happens with all that sleeve fabric underneath the cardigan. A better picture of the bunching is below. If this dress had short or capped sleeves or even no sleeves, i would have kept it for sure. It was so comfortable for school!

Verdict: Unfortunately Returned

J.O.A. Nolan Dress - $98

I asked for a dress for New Year's, and I loved this dress! The fit was pretty flattering, the sparkle was amazing, and I felt good in it. It could be dressed up or dressed down (somewhat). There were many subtle details of this dress that I loved so much. Including the neckline embellishments that look like a statement piece of jewelry, and the pleated skirt. 

My main concern was not having shoes to match this dress and not being able to wear it too often. I also had a little concern with the flattening of my boobs with the top portion. See below...

I decided that if I ended up picking it for my New Year's party outfit, then I would keep it. If I decided to wear something else, then I would return it. Based on my shoe dilemma I decided to wear something else, so back it goes. 

Verdict: Heartbrokenly Returned

This fix was my best so far! I kept 2 out of 5 items and wanted to keep more. I am always so excited to receive my Stitch Fix boxes and have never been disappointed. My next box is being created as we speak!!!! I'll let you know how it goes!

You're Welcome!

Amber

Younique 3D Fiber Lash Mascara

I want to start off by saying how amazing the Younique company is. They truly empower woman, and each presenter has their own story to tell about how this company has changed their life. They sell fairly affordable make-up to the everyday woman.

Younique 3D Fiber Lash Mascara/+

Younique's 3D Fiber Lash Mascara is a mascara duo, including a tube of loose fibers and a tube of transplanting gel. First, you need to apply a coat of your favorite mascara to your lashes. Next apply and layer of transplanting gel to your lashes. Then, you need to pack on the loose fibers. And lastly, you need to add another generous amount of transplanting gel.

I hated this product when I first tried it. I DID NOT follow the directions on how to apply it properly, which resulted in constant fibers in my eye. Worst feeling ever! However, I knew how much EVERYONE raved about this mascara so I knew I must have screwed it up somehow. After applying it correctly I was amazed by the difference in the length and volume of my lashes. I HATE false lashes and I have yet to try lash extensions, so this option was suitable for me.

I still use this mascara for holidays, parties, and other special occasions. It just takes too long to apply everyday. This mascara also dries out WAY faster then any other mascara I have ever tried. I always end up with a tube full of fibers and a dried out transplanting gel tube. (Especially with the new Fiber Lash Mascara + formulation.)

Warning: If you do not clumpy mascara, you may not love this product. However, you can run a clean mascara wand over your lashes to reseparate lashes after using. They fullness and length is still totally worth it.

Love or Dud: Love (especially for special occasions)

You're Welcome, 

Amber

Stitch Fix Review (December)

My favorite day of the whole month is Stitch Fix delivery day! It is like Christmas to me, month after month.  After my last Stitch Fix, I sent a very detailed message to my stylist to see if they actually read them. She definitely read my note, and wrote back letting me know about her picks.

For example: I wrote that I needed a dress for a Christmas Eve party, another pair of dark skinny jeans, something plaid for fall, a puffer vest, and anything that I could layer for the fall season.

So my stylist, Caitlin, wrote me this note: Happy Fix Day, Amber! Thank you so much for your requests, it was a pleasure styling your 2nd Fix. This jewel tone pink Aline dress by 41Hawthorn is just the pop of color you need for that Christmas Eve party. Style it with fun heels (animal print would be awesome), drop earrings, and throw a black blazer or cardigan over your shoulders if the night cools off. During the day you could dress it down for school with a cropped denim jacket and booties. You're going to love these dark wash skinny by Kut From The Kloth. They're soft, stretchy, and very versatile. I wasn't able to find a great puffer vest this time, but I'll keep my eyes peeled for next time. Enjoy trying everything on and please leave feedback about cuts, styles, and patterns when you check out so we can tailor each fix just for you. Stay stylish, Caitlin

Jelly Mixed Material Layered Pullover Sweater - $78

I loved this sweater! I love the look of layered pieces for fall, but unfortunately living in Florida truly layering is WAY TOO hot (and too bulky)! This sweater is so great because it only has the sleeves, collar, and bottom of a layered piece but it is actually just one layer, the sweater. Unfortunately, this sweater is too big on me. I thought that maybe it was just an oversized pullover sweater, but then I noticed the sleeves. The shoulders hang down really low. I would definitely buy this sweater if it were my size.

Verdict: Returned (Requested smaller size)


Kut From The Kloth, Dayna Skinny Jeans - $88

These jeans.....are so stretchy. I love them. But I am in limbo with them. I love how they fit my waist but they are almost 2 (maybe 3) inches too long. I am still on the fence since these are pretty expensive.

Verdict: Can not make up my mind...(returned eventually)

Alpine Plaid Wrap Scarf - $44

This is my favorite! This scarf is SO SOFT! And apparently I love plaid too. I am so excited to add this to my scarf collection. The only thing that would make it better is if it were an infinity scarf. But I guess I can wear it more ways as a regular scarf. 

Verdict: Kept Happily

Endicott Woven Dobby Back Knit Top - $58

So I definitely liked this shirt better on than I did right out of the box. I love the detailing on the back. The print is just a little much for me. The fabric was a little thick. I really do not like shirts that touch my stomach in any way, which I put in my profile for Stitch Fix. This shirt doesn't touch my stomach but since the fabric is so thick it just looks like it is too baggy. And for the price...I have to love it. 

Verdict: Returned

Oleta Dress - $68

I am still on the fence about this dress too. This has been a tough box. I am not very good at making decisions. Especially in 3 days!!! I love the color and fabric of this dress. However, I would probably never wear this dress without a cardigan or jacket because the cut of the sleeveless top seems a little off. After trying on every cardigan in my closet (and I have a TON), I realized that this is the only cardigan that I like with the dress. My cardigans are too long to pair with this beautiful dress. So with that said, I would have to buy more cardigans to go with this dress. Not sure if it is worth keeping yet. 

Verdict: Can not make up my mind...(returned eventually)

Overall, this Fix was a success! My goal was to buy at least one item from each Fix to spend my $20 styling fee. I will definitely be purchasing at least 1 item (maybe 3). 

You're Welcome,

Amber