My First Conscious Box - July 2012 Review

So I have caught wind recently of this really awesome trend where people are subscribing and having awesome packages send via snail mail to their homes.  They have ones for food, beauty products, and I found a vegan, eco-friendly one that I have been absolutely ecstatic about finally getting!  The company is called Conscious Box and they are AWESOME!! I'm so pleased with my experience I've had with them.  Everything from quick processing of my order, to speedy delivery, fun updates on Facebook from them, and the box is so great and chock full of things I like! I also feel I definitely got my money's worth (something that was lacking with my Healthy Surprise box..)

Conscious Box tends to stuff their boxes with a theme, this month's theme is about enjoying the simple pleasures of the summer season in July.  

I have to confess, I was so excited to look through my box I opened it up and immediately started unpacking  all the goodies so I can't show you how genius they were about packing so much into this modestly sized box! I tried 5 times to get everything back in and I just couldn't.  Whoever works there must really rock it out when packing their clothes for vacation... 

I do remember that, lying on top of the goods was their signature card, explaining everything that was in the box for July.  Underneath it was a cute post card with an uplifting quote on it... I have to be honest though. I'm not sure what the photo is of- is that bamboo?

Reading through the list of items, I became super excited to see products from Aura Cacia!! I love, love, love their aromatherapy products and am so glad I signed up in time to get this box! 

Included in the box was a vial of sweet orange essential oil and a deck of Aromatherapy cards.  

These cards are so great!! They have three sections: Essentials, Benefits, and Formulations.  The essentials cards go over basic, commonly used scents, how they're procured and their common uses. The benefits section goes over common ailments that can be helped through aromatherapy (headaches, PMS, lethargy, etc.) and suggestions on what aromas to use to treat them.  The formulations section has great recipes and ideas for use, such as mists, bath gels, lotions. Also- a dollar off coupon was included! Woohoo! 

Next up was some makeup! They can't go wrong there, especially for me! They included eye shadow from The All Natural Face in the shade of Lemon Ice which I felt complimented my skin tone very well and had a lovely shimmery after-effect.  The shade seemed very forgiving for many skin tones actually. I think it would make a great highlighting tone to sweep over your brow bone. They also included a 20% off code! 

Also included was some "Muscle & Joint Therapeutic Cream" from Jadience Herbal Formulas. I haven't tried this yet but I'm all for more natural treatments so when in need- I will be trying this out. Skimming through the ingredients I see burdock root, goji berry, chinese foxglove, aloe vera, and jojoba oil.  The active ingredient is camphor (a topical analgesic).  Mike has had some issues with his knee recently, maybe we'll try it out on him next time and see how it does! 

As if I weren't already suspicious Conscious Box was eavesdropping on me and taking note of items I need and love, they also included a sample of "Naturally it's Clean" by Enzyme Fresh Home. I was literately just looking a few days ago for a natural cleaner for hardwood that wouldn't leave streaks or sticky residue. Directions say to mix this packet with a 1/2 gallon of water and mop as per usual. Safely cleans hardwood, ceramic tile, stone, cork, bamboo, laminate, linoleum, vinyl, and any water washable flooring. 

Next up we have a "Just Great Stuff" bar by Betty Lous in superberry acai flavor.  This bar is vegan and gluten free, made with goji berries, acai berries, and raspberries. The bar is also USDA certified organic.  The benefits of this bar include antioxidants and dietary fiber, as well as unsaturated fatty acids.  Sometimes I'm a little leery of these health bars because I've seen some with as many as 350 calories!! Yipe! I was pleasantly surprised to find this bar only has 180 calories with 7g fat, 24g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, and 5g protein. Not too shabby- this would make a nice snack or even breakfast on the go! Also a plus, I recognized all the items on the ingredients list as food. 

St. Claire's Organics Peppermints were an exciting find also, I'll be tucking these goodies in my purse! They are also USDA certified organic, allergen-free and vegan. The ingredients include organic molasses granules, organic evaporated cane juice, and organic peppermint essential oil.  They smell super strong and minty, I could smell them from the conscious box before I even opened it! They taste similar to an Altoid but not quite so overwhelming, and what's even more fun, there's a nice saying on the inside of the lid to inspire you every time you grab a mint.  I won't spoil what it says, buy a box and find out

I'm an avid lover of coffee and tea (hot or cold, on a boat, with a goat, etc.) so any tea samples will be welcomed with open arms. I've never heard of Tea Forte before, so I was thinking it was merely a sample of green tea in various flavors.  Then I noticed the heading of "Skin Smart antioxidant amplifier teas" which was intriguing.  How cool is that- they hone in on ingredients that help prevent skin cell oxidative damage to help prevent aging.  I'm not overly concerned with my skin, though I should be, but who doesn't want to keep their glowing, healthy, young face?  The flavors sound super yummy too, cucumber mint, cherry marzipan, and honey yuzu- nom!! Also included was a dollar off web coupon.  After meandering over to their website they also offer a myriad of other delicious sounding teas- especially the rare tea: jasmine pearls!

This Sun Warrior supplement looks rather intense... I was nervous this was for a power lifter or someone who clearly works out more than me (not that that's a huge feat). The warrior blend: a protein powder of pea, cranberry, and hemp protein (clearly all plant-based) also boasts being gluten free, soy free, dairy free, hypo-allergenic, and non-GMO.  Directions say just mix with 8-10oz of water, rice milk , or favorite beverage.  It wasn't outrageous in calories or powder- I would definitely use it just to supplement my diet in protein.  This puppy will be going in a nice cold glass of soy milk the next time I need a boost of protein! 

I thought that the GoGo Squeez mango flavored applesauce packet was a cute idea.  This is supposed to be a portable, quick way to get some food into your kids (or yourself). Ingredients: apple, mango, banana, and apple juice concentrate.  I guess if you're in a pinch and this is as healthy as it gets- go for it.  However, I still think it's so much better (and cheaper) just to eat an apple, get for fiber, and call it a day.  I'm really grateful for the chance to have sampled one though! 

Now that it's been in the 80-90's range here in Pittsburgh, I have been craving a nice tall glass of iced tea and BAM, thank you again conscious box!  A sample from Mighty Leaf Iced Tea is just what the doctor ordered.  Included was one sample of whole leaf tea in a silken pouch, Calypso Mango flavored and it smells amazing. $1.75 off coupon included seals the deal. 

To "sweeten the deal", Madhava Natural Sweeteners samples were included! One of organic light agave nectar and one of organic coconut sugar.  I have been a fan of Madhava's agave nectar for a while and use their products regularly, but I actually haven't tried the coconut sugar so I'm super excited to give that a go! A coupon was included for both items, a dollar off each product. 

Also included in the box:

• 20% off coupon for Maple Hill Dryer Balls 
• $1 off coupon for Naturally it's Clean (available at East End Food Co-op)
• $1 off coupon for Jovial Einkorn Pasta.(they also have a free shipping code on their website!)  

Last but not least, for an extra treat since I posted on Conscious Box's facebook page, a Powbab super fruit chew! This little chew boasts immunity strength by providing 100% daily dose of vitamins C & E, and a good source of vitamin A.  It also contains this fruit I've never heard of called a baobab, known as the "Tree of Life" in Africa. I'll let you know how this tastes..

Whew! Hopefully this peek into the Conscious box has caught your attention and interested you in giving it a try- I highly recommend because it ROCKS!!! 

Oh FYI- I have subscribed to Conscious Box of my own free will, have not accepted any money, free items, or anything of that sort from them, and am just freely offering up my time and opinions on the box because I truly enjoy their product.  Conscious Box didn't even ask me to review it- I just did it BECAUSE I CAN!!  

:)