Latest Loves

Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector Review

Coco

Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector is a mobile phone game developed by Hit-Point and released in late 2014. A co-worker recently introduced me to the game and I have quickly fallen in love with Neko Atsume’s simple charm. While the game has a few other actions, the game’s official description is pretty spot on:

 

Playing Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector is as easy as one, two…and that’s it!
Step 1: Place playthings and snacks in your yard.
Step 2: Wait for cats to visit!

 

neko-atsume-screenshot-1

 

Once toys and food have been laid out for the cats, close the app and wait. Re-open the game in 20 or so minutes and cats will have been attracted to your garden. You then have the option to collect pictures of the cats in your Catbook:

 


neko-atsume-screenshot-2 
 

Once a cat is done playing in your yard, they will leave a thank you gift – usually silver fish but sometimes gold fish (in-game currencies) which can be used to buy upgrades for your garden. I am saving for the Yard Expansion which will double the amount of usable space. There are also many different remodeling options once the yard has been expanded.

 

neko-atsume-yard-expansion

 

Currently there are over 40 different cats to collect and rarer cats require certain combinations of food/toys. Each cat also has one memento to share (“proof that we have become a cat’s friend”). So far it doesn’t seem like you get a reward for taking pictures of the cats, but it is another fun thing to collect.

neko-asume-cat-list

There is a very extensive Neko Atsume Wiki that I recommend checking out if you have any questions about the game and a frequented Neko Atsume community on Reddit if you’re looking to connect with other players.

Available for free download on both iOS or Android devices.

CocoFeed: Free BeautyBlender with Birchbox

Coco

I am so excited to receive this for free with my last BirchBox. I wish I had one of these years ago!

OuiPlease Vol. 1.3: A Breath of Provence Review

Coco

OuiPlease Vol. 1.3: “A Breath of Provence” is valued at more than $400 per parcel. Your exclusive parcel will feature a surprise selection of the finest French products, making each delivery limited edition.

My boyfriend offered to buy me the annual subscription for our two year anniversary since he knew I had been lusting over it. It was set to ship toward the end of April, which was perfect since our anniversary is April 29. I was so excited to receive my parcel! 

Unfortunately, OuiPlease had shipping delays and the item didn’t end up shipping until May 14. Luckily, it arrived to me today since it was picked up in Texas!

The packaging did not disappoint. It is absolutely beautiful and lux feeling:

   
 

However, the contents of my box were a bit of a let down after seeing spoilers for the box already.

 
Here’s the full list of what was included in my box:

  • Tassia Canellis – Way Ring ($60)
  • Oliv’ La Claree – Radiance Elixir ($50)
  • Oliv’ Last Claree – Beauty Oil ($35)
  • La Fare 1789 – Voluminizing & Shining Shampoo ($25)
  • La Fare 1789 – Succulent Foot Cream ($15)
  • Coeur De Cigale – Shower Gel Fragrance Calisson ($25)
  • Panier Des Sens – Hand Cream Lemon ($15)
  • Rose et Marius – Les Carreaux de Ciment – Melon & Basil Fragrance ($15)
  • Plates & Parfums –  Sault Collection – Provence Lavender Flower Stchet ($15)
  • Epicure de Provence – Honey Candy Jar ($15)
  • Sothys – Rouge Intense Satiny Lipstick in Orange Saint-Paul ($30)
  • Sothys – Intense Brown Eye Pencil ($15)

All prices were taken from the included booklet, except for the Sothys items which I quoted from online sources.

The total value for my box is just $315 , which is $85 less than the promised $400 value. While I was pleased with my items, I was fairly disappointed by the difference. Especially after seeing other’s boxes including additional high value jewelry and accessories. I definitely feel like something is missing from mine.  I have reached out to the company to hopefully remedy this.

Despite this, I am pleased with the selection and genuine curation. The box felt French, which is why I’m sure a lot of people want it in the first place. I really liked all of the simple touches they added to the box and the booklet was very well designed

I am excited to try out the different products that were included. I don’t think I have a favorite one yet but I am most intrigued by the Radiance Elixir and Beauty Oil. I also surprising like the Way Ring I received. It is very dainty and only fits my pinky, but I dig it so far.

My least favorite item would have to be the Honey Candy. It was not good at all, which is unfortunate considering they valued it at $15. I expect way more from candy at that price point.

Overall, I really like the box and I am excited to see what other items OuiPlease brings to the subscription. I do not like the varying items and values between subscribers. I hope that they are able to make the next box more fair and balanced.

Rachel Zoe’s Spring 2015 Box Of Style Review

Coco

Introducing Box Of Style. Over $300 worth of glamorous finds, curated by Rachel Zoe and delivered to you for only $100.

One of the most sought over boxes so far this year, Rachel Zoe’s Box of Style was sold out within a few hours of launching and I was one of the lucky ones to get one!

Honestly, when I first saw the full spoilers, I didn’t think I would be a fan, but after I had a chance to play with the items, I am so happy that I subscribed! Here’s what was in the box:

You can check out Rachel’s explanation for why she chose each item below:

 

 

When I first signed up for the box, I really didn’t like the bracelet which was the “hero” item of the box. I just liked that it was high value and I figured at the very least, it would be resellable. Boy was I wrong! I absolutely love it and I am sure I will be wearing it daily for a long time to come. It fits me perfectly and I ended up loving the style. I don’t usually wear gold jewelry, but I love it for this piece and I ended up pairing it alongside my Pandora bracelet:

CocoFeed: Loving this combo @thezoeproject

Since the bracelet was a huge hit for me, the other items ended up being bonus. I have always wanted to try out the tarte mascara, and I was pleased to get it as a full-size. I already love Zoya nail polish and I love the colors that Rachel Zoe picked. I tried out the tan color first and it is growing on me. I can’t wait to try out the other two! The sunglasses are really beautiful and well made. I honestly like them more than any other pair I own, so when spring cleaning comes aroung, they may be my only pair. Lastly, the styling tape is a nice touch but isn’t something I will use.

Overall, I LOVED this box. It was beautifully curated and worth the cost. I can’t wait to see what Rachel has in store for the Summer box!

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POPSUGAR Must Have Special Edition Resort Box Review

Coco

Dreaming of your next destination? Get ready with all of our travel-inspired favorites inside the Special Edition Must Have Resort Box! Special Edition boxes are indulgent, one-time purchases that feature exclusive items and unique collaborations.

The 2015 Resort box included the following items:

popsugar-must-have-resort-2015

  • Stephanie Johnson – White Dot Train Case ($60)
  • Jane Iredale – Warm My Steppes Makeup Kit ($58)
  • Drunk Elephant – C-Firma Day Serum ($80)
  • Lele Sadoughi – Half-Moon Pendant ($110)
  • Jacobsen Salt Co. – Pure Sea Salt Cocktail Salt ($14)
  • Sloane Stationary – Passport Holder ($48)

 

That’s a $370 value!

Now that I’ve had a chance to look at each item and try them out, my favorite item in the Resort Box is the Stephanie Johnson Train Case.

CocoFeed

I have a few trips coming up so it will be super useful for me! It is really cute and seems to be well made. I absolutely love that it is lined (and in PINK!!), so it should be easy to clean up, especially since I will most likely be housing make-up in it which is notorious for spillage. This bag makes the whole box for me!!

I also really liked the Drunk Elephant Serum. It is nice getting a high priced skin care product, especially since I do not already use a serum on my skin. However, I HATE the way it smells. It is only bearable after masking the smell with lots of make-up. I will probably keep using it, but that was somewhat disappointing.

The rest of the box ended up being a slight miss for me. I was SO excited when I saw spoilers of the Lele Sadoughi Necklace, but in person it just wasn’t my style. It definitely looks nice and seems to be pretty good quality, but the length and and chunky style chain makes it look more like costume jewelry rather than expensive (especially if you consider the $110 price tag). I actually ended up liking the bag the necklace came in more than the actual necklace, haha!

The Sloane Stationary Passport Holder is very simple and would be useful if I actually had a passport. Maybe it will become useful if I end up going out of the country at some point.

The Jane Iredale Makeup Kit was a huge plus for a lot of people (it was the one item that PopSugar spoiled on their Facebook page), but I knew from the beginning I would not be keeping it. I do wear makeup, but this kit is not my taste at all. For one, I have not worn bronzer since I was in high school and I don’t plan on wearing it any time soon. If I can, I might sell or trade this one.

Finally, the Jacobsen Cocktail Salt was a huge letdown for me! I love margaritas, but we don’t usually make them at home and I doubt it will ever get used. Hopefully I can gift this one.

Overall, I was pretty excited about the Stephanie Johnson Train Case and I do not regret purchasing the Resort Box, but I do feel like most of these items were not a fit for me.

Instagram filter used: Valencia

View in Instagram ⇒

Rachel Zoe’s Box of Style Spring Subscription Spoilers

Coco

I have recently become more interested in ADDICTED to the subscription box world… in fact I have already signed up to try over five new ones this month. I am most excited to try out the Rachel Zoe’s Box of Style and luckily I was able to secure my subscription!

INTRODUCING BOX OF STYLE. OVER $300 WORTH OF GLAMOROUS FINDS, CURATED BY RACHEL ZOE AND DELIVERED TO YOU FOR ONLY $100.

This is a seasonal box, so there are only four boxes each year. They have two packages: Seasonal $100 (4X a year) or Annualy $350, plus tax.

Currently, the box is completely SOLD OUT! In fact, it sold out in just HOURS of being available to purchase. You can join the waiting list to get the summer Box of Style.

So far they have released two spoilers for the spring Box of Style:

  • Miansai modern screw cuff (valued at $200)
  • An exclusive trio from Zoya (consists of a gorgeous nude, vibrant poppy red and stunning opal)

 

miansai-modern-screw-cuff-gold

 

The cuff isn’t exactly my taste per se, but I love that it has a high value. It is pictured in gold but it comes in gold, rose gold, and silver. I would love there to be different varieties in the boxes since I love silver but the silver one is $365 so it is doubtful.

I have been a huge fan of Zoya nail polishes for years, but haven’t gotten a new one from them in quite awhile so I am extremely pleased to receive a brand I already love.

Check out the official video spoiler featuring Rachel Zoe explaining why she selected these three polishes below:

I am hoping that there will be more luxe items like the cuff but I do like the variety so far from spoilers.

CocoFeed: Hello Spring Wallpaper From Cocorrina

Coco

I am loving my new iPhone lock screen from Cocorrina! I also used one of her other wallpapers for my home screen. They have totally transformed my phone!

Instagram filter used: Amaro

View in Instagram ⇒

CocoFeed: January 2015 Pop Sugar Must Have Subscription Box

Coco

I decided to try out PopSugar’s Must Have box and I was pleasantly surprised! I absolutely love the glass cup and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. Those two items made this box worth it for me.

Cost: $39.95/month.
Coupon: Use coupon code “REFER5” to save $5 off your first PopSugar Must Have Box.

Included in this month’s box:

I’ve already started using the cup and cream. My boyfriend loves the granola.

Instagram filter used: Amaro

View in Instagram ⇒

Sephora Favorites Superstars Set

Coco

A $15 off coupon for Sephora arrived in the mail the other day and I knew immediately that I would be making a purchase from Sephora very soon. After some browsing on the site, I decided on the Superstars value set for $75 (worth $225)… which after the coupon, was only $60!!! Not to mention, lots of sample goodies as usual!

This set features bestselling, head-to-toe beauty essentials. With an array of full-size products, from nail polish to styling spray, they’re perfect for every beauty lover. Gift them out to your best friends or indulge yourself with this special holiday treat.

My main reason for trying this set is because I already love Nars Orgasm blush and thought it would be fun to try a few new products. And I have to say… I am way more pleased than I thought I would be! For one, I am actually using the eye liner! And I ALWAYS hated eye liner and Stila. I think this set is definitely a winner and a great gift as well.

I like just about every product in this set and I cannot wait to use them everyday.

This set contains:
– 0.003 oz Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown
– 0.25 oz Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional
– 0.10 oz Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real Mascara In Jet Black
– 1.7 oz Bumble And Bumble Surf Spray
– 0.34 oz Chloè by Chloè Rollerball
– 0.4 oz Formula X Nail Color in Ignite
– 0.08 oz Fresh Sugar Rosè Tinted Lip Treatment
– 0.5 oz Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
– 0.16 oz Nars Cosmetics Blush in Orgasm
– 1 oz Smashbox Cosmetics Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 in Light
– 0.016 oz Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner In Intense Black
– 0.05 oz Urban Decay Eye shadow in Sin

The eye liner surprised me the most. If I keep up with wearing eye liner, I will definitely be purchasing it again. The Argan Oil smells wonderful. And of course, the Nars blush is always a winner.

The jury is still out on the Smashbox BB Cream (I haven’t been a huge fan of Smashbox in the past). And the Benefit POREfessional hasn’t lived up to my expectations, but I will have to use it a few more times to really know for sure.

Regardless, I am very impressed and excited to have this set!

My Latest Obsession: Navette Rings

Coco

I saw the ring above on pinterest about 5 months ago and immediately fell in love with it. The ring is vintage and is called “Prairie” and costs over two thousand dollars from Trumpet & Horn:

marquiseruby-hand
This ring is definitely my dream ring! One day…

Prairie is a lovely antique Victorian era engagement ring made from 18kt yellow gold from the 1880’s. This unique and inexpensive engagement ring centers an Oval Cut natural ruby gauged at 5.05 mm x 3.41 x 1.76 mm weighing exactly 0.76ct. The navette shape setting is studded with sixteen Rose Cut diamonds throughout and finished with a simple 18k yellow gold shank. This ruby engagement ring is truly a one of a kind piece. This ring can be sized to fit.

I am absolutely in love with this style. Navette, sometimes referred to as ‘marquise,’ is French for “little boat”, because it resembles the hull of a sailboat.

Here are a few of my favorites:

navette1   navette2
navette3   navette4
Image Sources: Trumpet and Horn, Instagram: @ringliaison, @jewelbohemian, @anninavogel, eBay: shalimarshoppe

And guess who else loves Navette vintage rings?


navetteashleyolsen
Ashley Olsen!

As well as Ashlee Simpson’s beautiful engagement ring from new fiance Evan Ross:

ashleesimpsonring   ashleesimpson
Isn’t it absolutely stunning?

J’Adore VoxBox

Coco

 

It has arrived! I received another Influenster VoxBox – this time it is the J’Adore VoxBox! I honestly expected it to be a little more “Parisian,” but it is more so for Valentine’s Day and not exactly a French thing haha! Anyway, check out the items below. I will try to review each individually in the coming days.

  • Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes
  • HERSHEY KISSES Milk Chocolate
  • Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask
  • John Frieda Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray
  • Red Rose Simply Indulgent Teas

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.

Influenster Violet VoxBox

Coco

It has arrived! My Influenster Violet VoxBox is here.

Inspired by the season’s dark, moody florals, the violet VoxBox is for the beauty queens of Influenster Nation. And, as surely as winter comes, we know that under layers if snow, spring violets still grow. So go on, check in your box, test your new goodies and start sharing a little flower power with your friends, family, and followers this fall!

What’s inside mine you ask? Read below!

  • Goody Athlétique Headband (blue/black)
  • Sally Hansen New Triple Shine (Reef-raf 210)
  • SOYJOY Baked Whole Soy & Fruit Bar (Banana)
    And as a special bonus…

  • Goody QuikStyle hairbrush

So my initial thought is that the only thing related to the idea of the Violet VoxBox being for beauty queens is MAYBE the nail polish. And there doesn’t seem to be much dark, moody florals except in the box design…

Regardless there are some cool products that I can’t wait to try out and I am excited to finally be able to test them!

Individual blog posts for each item coming soon!

Disclaimer: I received these products to test for free through the Influenster VoxBox program.