The new BOX delivery fad...

There has been a fad lately of box deliveries.  First - I saw the barkbox.  I don't have a dog, but it looked fun!  Then, the Nature Box began showing up.  So I gave into the fad...  I have alot of subscriptions - Hulu, Netflix, and Audible.  None of those are "boxes"  but they are subscriptions that I benefit from monthly.  I - LOVE - Hulu.  I do not have cable.  I got rid of it 2 years ago, and got a Roku.  Best.Decision.of.my.life.  I figured it out budget wise - I am saving $75/month.  $75!   I decided to join Netflix these past couple months.  I will cancel it again soon, but it's nice to watch some shows that aren't available on Hulu (or amazon prime.)  Once I get my binge watching over, I'll cancel it :)    Audible is - awesome.  I drive/travel A LOT.  It's hard to find a decent radio station playing sometimes.  So, Audible always gives me a GREAT book to listen to.

But now, I've joined the fad.  I have tried 3 different box subscriptions.

My first "box" was with Graze.  They had a deal come along that you could get a box (w/4 snacks) for $1.  I figured - what the heck.  I didn't really like any of the four snacks I received.  But, I tried them.  Since then, I have received 2 additional deliveries.  My third box, which I received yesterday - was great.  I have not eaten all four snacks (Only 1) but they are more appealing than any delivery I have received.  The cost I now pay is $6.  You can cancel at any time.  You can increase your deliveries or decrease them.  They also have calorie counter boxes or the nibble box (I get this one).  Check it out.  I have enjoyed it!  They are great snacks to throw in your bag - especially when you travel - that aren't terrible for you!

My second "box" was with Plated.  I got - yet another - deal with plated.  They sent out an email offering 2 free meals, 3 month membership and free shipping.  So you only pay for 2 meals.  Plated is best described (in my opinion) as someone who wants to cook and make great meals, but doesn't have the time to go to the grocery store or the idea to put together meals.  Plated has 6 meals you can chose from a week.  You must pick a minimum of 4 servings (whether it is 1 meal w/4 servings or 2 meals w/2 servings each).  They also have a membership - $10/month which discounts the meals.  Without a membership the cost/serving is $15, but with a membership the cost is $12.  If you order quite a few meals - then the membership is worth it!

When I received my first delivery from Plated I was excited to get home and cook!  I ordered Pistachio Crusted Tofu and Tomato Gnocchi with a spring mix salad.  Every.single.possible.item that i needed - was included.  I LOVED the cards with the instructions!  The only ingredients for both meals that I had to provide was - olive oil and egg whites.  These meals were GREAT!  Since I had to order 2 servings of each - I was able to have my lunch for the next day.  So, my honest opinion about Plated - I love it.  I probably won't order it often, as it's expensive.  But, when I am dogsitting and would like to not use whomever's home I am in's food - this is a great alternative.  Definately check it out!

 Pistachio crusted Tofu with a Frisee salad

Baked Tomato Gnocchi with a spring mix

The most recent box I received was from Travel Box.  I was most excited about this delivery.  With my love to travel and the other reviews I had read - I was pumped.  This is a brand new company - just started in November 2013, so they are still hammering out their details.  The cost for this company is $26 ($19.95 and $6 shipping) per month.

My first box came last week.  I received 5 different items.  The box is a little large for the items you receive - but maybe in future months (if I stay subscribed) items will be larger.  But it was packaged beautifully! Their is a great card within that tells you the origianl cost of the items enclosed and gives you a brief description.   Below are the items I received:

• Trace Me Luggage Tracker.  This is pretty cool and I look forward to using it on my trip to New Zealand.  You can register this online and baggage handlers can scan the tag if your bag goes missing and it will automatically email/text message you to let you know the location of the lost piece of luggage.  The retail price is:  $20.85
• Lux City Guide - This is a pocket guide to Rome.  I don't have immediate plans to go to Rome, but I am sure I will someday!  Retail price is:  $9.99
• Vapur Reflex Anti-Bottle.  I look forward to using this on my trip.  I am a huge fan of reusable bottles.  I have, however, found a love of glass bottles.  However, this will be GREAT for when space is limited.  Retail price is:  $7.99
• Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap.  I have never heard of this soap.  But I am more than willing to try!  It comes in a perfect travel size (1 oz) bottle.  Retail price is:  $4.00
• Two Larabar Uber.  I love these bars.  I intend to buy a box to put in my bag for my New Zealand trip (along with a snack or 2 from Graze!)  

I saved $20.86 from buying all these items out of pocket.  Will I use everything?  Eh, probably not.  But - I am excited to see what I get in the mail in April!   If you have the extra $26/month - try it out!  I will probably continue it for a couple months to see how it pans out.  If you google coupon codes for the site - they do have a 10% coupon floating around.  I will update the post with a picture of my products!

Please note:  I was not paid or encouraged to write any of these reviews.  I paid - out of pocket - for these items myself and was not reimbursed.