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