September's Love With Food box

Calling all foodies! If you missed my review on last month's Love With Food box, it's ok because I have this month's box to share with you! This monthly subscription service is perfect for those who like to snack, try new food and love samples! I completely fit the bill which is why this box is perfect (for my belly!)

I was impressed with September's box because it came with a good amount of variety within each brand. Whether they complement each other or not, it's still fun to sample flavors like the salad dressing vinaigrettes and see which one I like best. I also love the teeccino- bag set with herbal coffee flavored tea! Great taste of coffee w/o the caffeine! The San Franola granola and Bonne maman muscat grape jam were also great breakfast additions. For $10/month, this box is so affordable and fun to get. Also, did I mention the do-good factor? For each box, a meal is donated!

Sign up today and be in "Love with Food".

Save $2 on October's box with the code: BAATVIP ! Leave a comment before 9/28/12 to win a box! Also, follow @LoveWithFood on Twitter or Facebook to keep up with the latest news!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

Total Beauty Collection box with HSN- September 27

Save the date! On September 27, 2012, Total Beauty Collection boxes will be selling an exclusively curated beauty box for HSN on HSN. There are 8 noteworthy products in here that will grab your attention! Brands that are include in this special box are Amika, Boscia, Carol’s Daughter, intelliWHITE, Lancôme, LORAC, Prai and Signature Club A.

Normally Total Beauty Collection boxes are $15 monthly, but during the HSN's 24-hour "Total Beauty Confidence" live event on September 27, as well as HSN.com, the box is going at $19.95. For $5 bucks more, you can get double the amount of samples. As always, shipping is free! Save the date for September 27, 2012... There will also be TotalBeauty.com editors will be appearing live on-air to talk about the Collection!

Here's your sneak peek:

Personally, my top three favorites are Boscia's Luminizing Black Mask, LORAC's Lips with Benefits lip gloss, and Lancome's Hypnose Drama mascara. Mostly because these brands are familiar to me but also because these products are perfect for my own personal style. I was pleased to learn some new brands that I haven't heard of before receiving the Total Beauty Collection for HSN. The intelliWHITE toothpaste is a nice whitening toothpaste that I look forward to getting the full-size product so I can continue to use after my sample is finished. I also loved using the Carol's Daughter MONOI shampoo & conditioner sample. My hair felt completely conditioned and will need to add that to my Sephora cart next time. :) All in all, I'm excited about the Total Beauty Collection boxes and can't wait to see future boxes from them!

Birchbox #SampleStop during NYFW

During NYFW, Birchbox created a haven for press to hangout in between shows. They also invited subscribers to visit one evening (one of the perks of being a member!) and partake in the lovely event. Overheard another attendee describing it as "beauty heaven," I couldn't agree more! Once you walked in there was a photobooth, drinks, candy, stylists, manicurists- even a stage for their performer of the night- and the best part- a Birchbox Station to make your own Birchbox! It was an incredible evening with samplings galore. These fun events really drive customer loyalty to their subscription service which is why, if you're not a member already- you have to join! (subscribe here.) The thrill of getting this box of goodies each month can be yours for $10/month. At this price for 2 years ( Happy Anniversary! ), I'm glad inflation hasn't taken over.

NYC Wanderlust Festival Recap

This past Sunday was the amazing Wanderlust Festival at Pier63. With a beautiful view of the Hudson and gorgeous blue skies, many NYC yogis were ready to take on the world! (well, more like getting centered.) I even gota nice glowy tan from my hour and a half class. The teachers were great and you can learn more about the music and instructors here.

Not only was I excited to take the class with the local community, I was psyched to see Kristin McGee at the Health Magazine booth where I got to take a mini class inspired by moves in her latest DVD, S3- Strong, Sexy, Svelte. I waited for about any hour at the booth just to line up and partake in the class! So great seeing her again and hope to see her again soon! If you're a fan, check her Facebook page to learn about her events.

There were also some giveaways for Vita Coco juice to replenish my thirst after class, samples of Elizabeth Arden skincare, BluePrintCleanse, EmergenC packets and Health mags.

See you next year, Wanderlust Festival!

The Digest Diet from Reader's Digest

At BlogHer '12 in early August, I visited the Reader's Digest suite because I have been a huge fan of the magazine since I was young. (mostly b/c my parents encouraged me to read it and I enjoyed the reader's submissions of their jokes/funny stories.

To my delight, they have a new book called The Digest Diet they are promoting for good health & staying active. They're on sale October 2nd but you can get a sneak peek on their site. They have a day by day meal plan as well as exercise routines to follow in 21 days! It's three short weeks and I look forward to the Digest Diet Journey!

Learn more here, get a sneak preview and get the shopping list at http://www.rd.com/digestdiet !

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

September is National Yoga Month

This month is National Yoga Month! Lots of great events are happening this month to celebrate! For me, staying zen has been an important aspect of my life since I have been practicing (more frequently) this year. :) To spice up my routine (and to change my surroundings), I go to different events whenever they become available.

On September 9, I will join yogis in the city to participate in the NYC Wanderlust festival right on the pier!

I am super excited as I will also be able to see again Kristin McGee- aka @thebendigirl my fave Pilates instructor! She will be at the Health Magazine booth and demonstrating moves from her new DVD, S3. Will pick one up tomorrow and cannot wait!!!

Allure Beauty Lounge during NYFW 2012

This year Allure Magazine is hosting a Beauty Lounge for guests and NYC-era to enjoy! In a pop-up shop-esque space, you can sample high-end fragrances, get mini makeovers or polish changes from Maybelline, quench your thirst w/ Diet Pepsi, or get mini-facials. Happening daily from now until the 14th, the Allure Beauty Lounge is conveniently located next to the Empire Hotel on 63 St and Broadway.

Bonus: all attendees get to pick up a free goody bag! You can also get a free Allure cosmetics case if you join the CVS Beauty Club- have your card handy!

September Highlights including FNO and NYFW

Happy September! Seems like my blog and I went on a summer vacation last month, but I am back in full gear! It's the fall season and love that things are back in motion.

Last night was Fashion's Night Out and got witness the crowds and shops celebrating this night. Lots of dessert, drinks and fun! My celeb sighting was Emily and Jef from the Bachelorette!

NYFW is also here and there's lots of events for those itching to get in! Get glam today and tomorrow at the Beauty Bus and get mini makeovers and touch ups from Hair Room Service celebrity stylists, NYC cosmetics, SinfulColors polish, and OSiS by Schwarzkopf Professional. Find these buses by Lincoln Center, between 67&68 street.

See you there!

I'm in Love With Food!

There is something about monthly Subscription boxes that I find intriguing.. Especially if it's a box of delightful snacks! At BlogHer 2013 earlier this month, I discovered the company Love With Food who graciously sent me a box for review. In this month's box, I snacked on vegan cookies, a snack pack of cherries, gingin (ginger) candied, glee natural gum, coconut toffee peanuts and pretzel sticks dipped in a lime mustard dip. Love With Food carefully selects these products -only 10 bucks a month- and I can't wait to see next month's! Subscribe by 8/31/12 and save $2 off September's box with the code: BATVIP. Enjoy!

Caress Endless Kiss Bodywash

It's almost the end of summer and to transition into the fall, I have been using more earthy scents- such as sandalwood. (Of course I still like the occasional juicy/fruity scents too!) The Caress Endless Kiss Silkening body wash in Creamy Vanilla & Sandalwood is perfect to get the rich aroma and smooth, silky skin. The vanilla balances out the woodsy scent by giving it a sweeter fragrance. And with fall just around the corner, your skin can still glow with sleeveless tops & dresses! My skin feels incredibly soft every time I use this, so I'm excited to try other Caress products.

(Note: I received this product for review.)

August Birchbox

This month's BirchBox had a back to beauty school theme which had products or tools to add to your beauty tool kit. It had an informative pamphlet but this months products were just okay for me. I liked the extra bonus of the shaver although I have tried this already.

Overall, I liked the DDF cleanser, which came in a generous sample size. I love trying new cleansers and this one fit the bill. It's gel like consistency cleansed my face well- especially for the summer. My next favorite product was their fragrance sample of Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur. This floral scent has the right combination with a mix of fruity mandarins and wild berries. I wasn't too thrilled about the Comodynes tanning towelettes  & summer glow (partly because summer is almost over!). This would've been great to try earlier in the summer before my vacation. :) But I will try them before the summer ends to see how it compares to other self tanners I have already. A new surprise in this month called "Birchbox Finds" was the Schick Hydro Silk Razors- which I have already. and love It's a great extra, as always! I didn't try the Beauty Fixation Makeup Remover as these tiny Qtips are probably best saved for travel. They look good to have to fix any boo-boos. There's always something in the works at Birchbox and I cannot wait for next month's box!! If you haven't signed up yet.. they're only $10/month to get awesome samples. :)

Stay Fit & Dry with Marika Tek tees

As summer is winding down, just a few more weeks before Labor Day (eek!), I am amping up my fitness routine. This past few weeks I have been loving my Marika Venus crew neck dry wick short sleeve tee that is comfortable, stylish and effective! The fabric is incredibly soft and breathable which is great when doing an intense HIIT workout! Overall, I am pleased with my Marika active wear pieces in my gym wardrobe. They are cute and light so I feel great wearing them.

As a reader, I have a special bonus code to share with you to help you save 20% off your purchase. This tee can be yours for $22.40! (excludes shipping/tax) with promo code TEK20.

(Note: I received this product for review consideration.)