If you know me in real life, you know that my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I get eye-rolls from my friends from refusing to decorate for Christmas until AFTER the Thankgsiving festivities have ended. BUT, that doesn't mean that I won't support small businesses and shop small for Christmas, until December.
Sarah's subscription boxes typically ship out by the 20th of each month, and I received my BR box this month on the 23rd; the day before I was set to head up to Michigan on a 4hr hour trip to see my friend who was visiting from California, and my husband's family for Thanksgiving. If the box is holiday themed (like this one!), I get my holiday themed goodies delivered to my door the month before, so I can enjoy them during the whole holiday month. And I think we all know that I totally opened my box before leaving for Michigan.
During my typical day, I'm a Virtual Assistant and work to support women and their businesses. So I love knowing that each box contains only goodies from women owned businesses. I can treat myself and continue to support other women owned businesses. With the holidays coming up, I always try to support samll businesses as well for my special purchases. Since each themed box is packed full of awesome surprise items, with 1 item being personalized just for me, it makes me feel special every single month! Sarah (the curator) puts so much detail and thought into the items inside, and I feel good knowing that I'm helping support other Women-Owned Businesses!
The first item I pulled out was the 'Tis the Season candle from M3Candelry. Stacey Miers is from Indiana and she makes amazing smelling small batch soy candles. As someone who loves candles, I was already excited before even smelling this one. This candle smells like walking into a craft store at Christmas, but without the too strong notes of cinnamon that can be overpowering. Sarah shared a sneak peak online and described it as "Christmas in a tin". I'd honestly have to agree with this description.
I lit this candle after I got back home from Thanksgiving, and before I began setting up our Christmas tree and winter decor. The scent quickly covered our open dining room and living room area, and even a visiting plumber gave me appreciative comments from our kitchen. I love it when my home smells amazing and cozy, and this candle did just that! I also love that this candle came in a reusable tin jar with a matching lid.
The next item was a packet of Deep Earth Spice Blend from Wanderspice Global Spice & Herb Kits. Katherine D'Costa partners with collectives that treat spice farmers fairly, and she makes her delicious spices without additives or fillers. She also has low carb and vegan options for you to choose from while cooking your homemade meals. This particular blend has notes of cumin, and I can't wait to try it in white bean chili this weekend.
The next item I pulled out was a card from Fitness Nutrition Growth. Stephanie McMillan is an RN who became a health coach to help others change their mindset and create sustainable, healthy habits. I love having a medical professional in my backpocket, and finding out that I could get a cookbook from one made me smile. Stephanie's card included a QR code to download a pdf cookbook full of macro friendly, hearty fall and winter recipes. As an added bonus, there is even a special recipe that includes the Deep Earth Spice Blend. Yum!
Next, I pulled out a handmade loofah dish soap bar. Michelle Walker's farm is in Martinsville, IN where they make their goat-milk products and even host birthday party events. This goat milk soap is formulated to be soft on your hands, while also tough on grease.
I used mine to handwash my baking pans after dinner one night, and I was impressed. My hands didn't feel dry afterwards, and I didn't have any streaky residue on my pans after they had dried. I also absolutely love that this dish soap option was eco-friendly, since it came without a plastic bottle. Another bonus was the pleasing light scent of this soap. I've tried other goatmilk soaps before, and I didn't like the weird musky scent of those products. I don't know what Michelle's recipe is, but she clearly knows what she is doing! I might have to check out her soap making class in the future.
My favorite item in the box (once again) came from Bella Rose Designs. And this month I got TWO. I've been missing my MI family, my FL sister, and my CA bestie a LOT lately. Between wrapping up last minute Black Friday and Small Business Saturday client work, and prepping for travel for the holidays; I didn't realize I was this-close to ugly crying. Cue the delivery of this adorable ornament from Sarah. It was such a beautiful and heartfelt gesture! Our yearly handmade family picture ornament will happily share space with this beautiful reminder on our minimalist tree this year.
And what better way to get cozy while you cuddle with the family that you have near, than with this soft fleece blanket from Sarah? When I first pulled out this beautiful blanket from the bottom of the box, my mini quickly ran off with it. She also insisted that we pack it for our road trip north, so that she could nap happily from her car seat while we braved the holiday traffic on Wednesday morning.
If you subscribe to the VIP box, which includes a custom T-shirt of the month, you would have also received a black tee with a red print on it that said “Merry and Bright.” VIP subscribers also receive free shipping on their boxes and a 10% discount on any future orders.
With the craziness that can ensure during the Christmas season, I think we all need this cute message.
Now is also your LAST CHANCE to order a Christmas box for yourself or for anyone on your list.
*You pick if you'd like the box for a youth, teen, or adult
What comes in it??
*A Christmas T-Shirt custom to the size you need
*A Stainless Steel Reindeer Tumbler for Youth
*A Reusable Starbucks Cup for Teen or Adults
*A Custom Mason Jar Cookie Kit (Jar will be customized to use during 2022 as a Family Memory or Grateful Jar)
*A Custom Ornament (this can be anything! Buying for a teacher? Teacher ornament! Buying for a friend? Gift a family ornament! Buying for a coworker? Make it an inside joke ornament! Buying for a kid? Ornament could be their name or what they're "in to" this year!)
**PLUS EXTRA GOODIES!!
And if this wasn't enough, if you bundle and buy 2 boxes, you'll get a 3rd box for 50% off. Make sure you place your order ASAP to ensure it is delivered in time for Christmas!
I hope you all claim a December box to enjoy the goodies from women-owned businesses, and I hope to see you at the next Member's Day Out event!
- Courtney Castagne-McCavit