Tag: subscription box

Subscription Boxes

Moon Hauls: From Beyond Death Illumicrate

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Subscription box: Illumicrate

Theme/Month: From Beyond Death, October 2022

Ownership: Subscribed on their 6 boxes option. If you are interested in purchasing an Illumicrate subscription, you can do it on their website.

Illumicrate is a book subscription box, it usually features fantasy and sci-fi but not exclusively young adult, sometimes it features adult too. It usually contains a new release, a pin and several bookish goodies.

In this blog, you are never too late, you’re just travelling through time because I am totally not behind in my unboxings and my blog wasn’t offline for a while due to server issues outside of my control. Instead, you get you to enjoy what was inside this box and not feel like they are spoilers!

Starting from the leaflet at the bottom and going clockwise:

  • Leaflet with contents and makers.
  • The Whispering Dark by Kelly Andrew, with very pretty edges as usual.
  • Underneath, slightly bunched up but soft as anything and very pretty, Moth Amongst Dreamers blanket.
  • The next teacup and saucer set, this time for the Underworld.
  • There was also a papercraft design that did not come withe the box and was sent afterwards.
  • Cable ties, which are cool designs and not just cute.

Overall, I have a love of blankets, particularly in blue so this was one gorgeous and I am happy with it. The cable ties are handy, and I do like teacups and saucers even if I don’t have enough space for them which is a shame. I still live in hope of more dessert dishes like they sent last time because those I could use everyday or some cereal bowls, soup bowls, something like that. I admit that I have fear of ruining pretty things and haven’t tackled the papercraft yet, but I am slowly making my way through my hobbies pile and hopefully will get to it at some point.

Subscription Boxes

Moon Hauls: Pause for MIND

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Subscription box: Pause for MIND

What it is: A box by MIND to provide you with an activity for your mental well-being or me time and to also support their work.

Where to get it: The website is extremely basic, but you can donate/subscribe here.

Let me start this post by saying that this is the first box of the series they have made, and there is obviously a lot of effort into reducing costs or keeping it “simple”. Be aware of this and set your expectations because the point for me was to donate to MIND and also get a subscription box that would make me take some time from my routine and maybe do something for me.

When I subscribed it almost made me doubt since all I got was a direct debit confirmation email and nothing else. I also didn’t get a dispatch email or anything, so the box was a complete surprise. It arrived last week and I kept it aside to do whatever came in it during the weekend, as it was going to be a hectic one.

As much as there is a lot of simplicity, I appreciate it. The box was tidy, small and had a couple of cards with quotes and suggestions. In this particular one it is to READ a book which is an easy ask for me. It also comes with a little mini booklet about MIND and the box. There was a mini notebook to almost journal in it or something which I appreciated.

Then there was the actual “craft”. I will admit that before this box I had never made a pompom in this way (my approach would be more like a tassel) and so I was happy to give it a try. So I did and broke some scissors (they are the only thing pictured that wasn’t part of the box) because I read the instructions and apparently decided I had to do everything super ultra tight and therefore it was almost impossible to actually cut the yarn which is not a phrase I thought I’d use. It also didn’t help that by the time I was doing this, I had rope burn on my hands unrelated to the activity and they were seising a little. I guess that does tell you that the craft was good enough to do even on a bad health day.

I have to tell you that I find my pom pom bookmark so fun, it kinda bounces a little so I just use it almost like a whip with a “heavy” ball at the end and whack my table, the sofa, etc. It releases stress and hurts nothing and no one and just makes me giggle.

So where am I going with this? I think that for £7.50 it is a wholesome thing, it was a lot of fun, very simple but soothing and I have a stress relief bookmark that makes me smile. The recommendation is to not make it too tight on the yarn and there won’t even be any broken scissor handles.

Consider subscribing, as it goes to mental health charity and to your own wellbeing.

Subscription Boxes

Moon Hauls: Knowledge is Power Illumicrate

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Subscription box: Illumicrate

Theme/Month: Knowledge is Power, August 2022

Ownership: Subscribed on their 6 boxes option. If you are interested in purchasing an Illumicrate subscription, you can do it on their website.

Illumicrate is a book subscription box, it usually features fantasy and sci-fi but not exclusively young adult, sometimes it features adult too. It usually contains a new release, a pin and several bookish goodies.

We knew Babel was going to be part of this box, and gosh, it did not disappoint, plus a dark acamdeia or “academia” kind of box can be a hit or a miss, so let us see what this had for us:

  • Babel by R. F. Kuang. You can’t see it in the picture but it has stunning edges, the box to keep it is absolutely amazing and it blew me away as an edition. One of my favourites.
  • Reading Journal Planner, design is stunning, however I am not big on reading journals or planners at all, so this was a bit like a miss in functionality but win otherwise.
  • Split apart, but a bookmark set for Babel’s characters which is nice but I am not huge on bookmarks of characters.
  • A writing workshop enamel pin which is very bunny themed and wen tot my sister who loves rabbits.
  • The monthly leaflet with all the details on what was inside the box and vendors.
  • Dark Academia stamp set which is one of those that I find odd in how the set is created, win for those who love journalling but not so much for me.
  • And finally a pen holder with a dark design which is a good win. I like them when you can extend them so they can be a holder while you travel.

Overall it was a mixed box for me. The book was the absolute winner here, but a lot of the content was focused on journalling and therefore not as much for me, however I can appreciate it being cool and therefore enjoyed it.

Subscription Boxes

Moon Hauls: Illumicrate Archives Presents The Bone Witch

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Illumicrate Archives Presents are a branch or version of Illumicrate, a book subscription box, that do special editions of books that have already been published but they think could do with some extra love or special editions and usually come with gorgeous little extras.

I have a very soft spot for The Bone Witch so when this was announced I knew I would buy it and so I did. I am a special little thing and forgot I had done so until the lovely box arrived and it cheered me up a lot. So now to proceed to the unboxing, starting from the leaflet about the box on the right and going clockwise:

  • The Bone Witch leaflet, it has details on the contents and I love the look of it, plus it was a great preview of how the books would look.
  • Underneath everything there is a gorgeous daeva scarf that I died when I saw it, it is perfect and matches a little kimono jacket I have.
  • Hard to see but next to the leaflet there is a gorgeous heartglass chain bookmark that again, nailed the little charms and just the vibes perfectly.
  • A foiled print from a scene in the first book which is just amazing and I liked it very much.
  • The Bone Witch in a glorious purple, with creepy edges and a skull.
  • The Heart Forger, now a white and red one which again glorious and a little heart motif on the edges
  • The Shadow Glass in a black, deep navy kinda look

Overall really loved that they are naked hardbacks with foiling and those edges are glorious, the inside of the book is also stunning and I loved how simple the items are in a way and yet elegant and fit the story really well. There is that mix of elegance and also not being too much, just perfect.

Subscription Boxes, Uncategorized

Moon Hauls: Secrets & Lies Book Box Club

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Subscription box: Book Box Club

Theme/Month: Secrets and Lies, January 2022

Ownership: Subscribed on their 6 boxes option. Alas this is a discontinued subscription box.

Book Box Club is a young adult subscription box, the unique thing is the Clubhouse where you can chat to the author a month (or so) after the box was shipped and ask questions and just chat around. It also includes several goodies and usually, the choice of book is one that is unique and not in other book boxes so very few chances of duplicate books and a lot of new reads discovery power.

Starting from the top and the theme card, we can see the contents slowly and go through it:

  • Theme card, I love the old school type of style
  • Fiction Fan mug with some lovely artwork.
  • Book Lover Lies coaster
  • Promotional bookmark
  • The Revelry, which I had preordered so I ended up with two copies.
  • A Secret Agent pen set, there was a lovely happy squeal when I saw it!
  • The Secrets Act which was also in my wishlist
  • A Mystery Machine soap

Overall I loved that it had a small joyful item and then two books I wanted to read which was a win for me. Definitely loved the box just sad that it has come to an end.

Subscription Boxes

Moon Hauls: Magical Level-Up! Yume Twins

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Subscription box: YumeTwins

Theme/Month: Magical Level-Up!, November 2021

Ownership: One off purchase since I really enjoy the contents but it becomes too much for me on a monthly basis. I am not as cutesy and cuddly as the box is, so I pick and choose the ones I cannot resist.

Yume Twins is a monthly subscription box focused on the kawaii and cute of life. It is focused on fandoms and makes sure to include a lot of items from a variety of them. They are a favourite and you can see reviews of their boxes from even as far back as 2018 because they are always good quality.

So after the Magical Girl theme tempted me too much and I couldn’t resist it, here are the contents of it:

  • Underneath everything, there is a small blanket from Sakura CardCaptor, it is relatively small but it fits comfortably over a lap or to warm your feet.
  • Sailor Moon set of cards
  • Ghibli stationery set which is cute
  • Tiny round Sanrio figurine, you got a random one from a selection of potential options.
  • Coffin of notes, at first it surprised me and felt odd but I think they are cute and in a nice little tin.
  • A squishable super soft magical cat pillow which I adore

As usual, the cutness of this wins a lot and I am very happy with everything that came in the box. No complaints, so if you’re into cute boxes, this is a lovely one. Shipping is fast, and reliable.

Subscription Boxes

Moon Hauls: Explore Okinawa Sakuraco

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Explore Okinawa SakuraCo

Subscription box: SakuraCo

Theme/Month: Explore Okinawa, August 2021

Ownership: Subscribed on their 3 boxes option. If you are interested in purchasing a Sakura Co subscription, you can do it on their website.

SakuraCo is a new box that focuses on Japanese tea, sweets and snacks from local makers for you to enjoy. And the idea is that you take a unique snack journey around Japan with the contents of the box. I’ve been subscribed since the first box and so far enjoyed the journey.

This box was all about purple potato, and interesting more savoury flavours. So let’s see what was inside, starting from the top left and going clockwise:

  • Kombu Arare Crackers, crispy and with sea flavours.
  • Beni Imo Pie, which has a crispy puff pastry and a potato sweet paste inside, it is odd but tasty.
  • Sanpincha Tea
  • Beni Imo Tart, this looks like they had just made you a little pastry and poured the fresh pastry on it. Tastier than the pie.
  • Owan Bowl with a sakura pattern, currently have mine willed with sweets.
  • Brown Sugar Shisa Candy, perfection. Hard shell, soft caramel sugar goodness inside.
  • Okinawa Tofu Chips, nice chips and crispy.
  • Lightly Salted Red Bean, a bit dry but delicious.
  • Yuzu Monaka, citrusy and delicious.
  • Kogane Shikuwasa Manju, also a bit dry but not too sweet or sour or bitter.
  • Shikuwasa Jelly, refreshing.
  • Apple and Mango Melange Jelly, delicious, I want more of this please!
  • Brown Sugar Manju, I am probably not the fondest of manju but the brown sugar part was delicious.
  • Issa Cracker, they are more refreshing and light than I expected. Seaweed flavoured.
  • Snow Salt Chinsuko, very soft and flaky, almost melt in your mouth.
  • Sata Andagi Beni Imo Doughnuts, very nice, wished for more because it is like little doughnut holes filled with a sweet potato paste.
  • It also came with a postcard and the leaflet with a description of everything alongside more details about why they included them, etc.

Probably not my favourite one as it was a bit repetitive and a lot of manju therefore a bit too dry and not as tasty but still quite good.

Subscription Boxes

Moon Hauls: This Ravaged World Book Box Club

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Subscription box: Book Box Club

Theme/Month: This Ravaged World, April 2021

Ownership: Subscribed on their 12 boxes option. If you are interested in purchasing a Book Box Club subscription, you can do it on their website.

Book Box Club is a young adult subscription box, the unique thing is the Clubhouse where you can chat to the author a month (or so) after the box was shipped and ask questions and just chat around. It also includes several goodies and usually the choice of book is one that is unique and not in other book boxes so very few chances of duplicate books and a lot of new reads discovery power.

The box for April had two books which is always a fun thing, I like extra books. So let’s see what was in the box, starting from the bottom centre and going clockwise:

  • Clubhouse invite.
  • The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne bu Jonathan Stroud. Now, I did not really vibe with his previous book so I also did not get along with this one much sadly.
  • The Supreme Lie by Geraldine McCaughrean. This was a very interesting read, better than I expected.
  • Bite me, eco tooth brush, I like it when boxes include ecological items that will be used and have an end life or some kind of purpose beyond looking pretty.
  • A sleeve or sandwich bag with art inspired by the Handmaid’s Tale
  • Small cup with a quote, I like that this would go well as a cup to put your toothbrush in.
  • Conditioner bar, which I appreciate as being a very ecofriendly option.
  • And of course, the theme card.

Overall the box was very ecofriendly and conscious and the books talked about what might happen in the future, so it was definitely in them and well thought out.

Subscription Boxes

Moon Hauls: From Olympus With Love Owlcrate

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Subscription box: Owlcrate

Theme/Month: From Olympus With Love, January 2021

Ownership: Last box of my subscription. If you are interested in purchasing an Owlcrate subscription, you can do it on their website.

Owlcrate was my first ever subscription box way back in 2015, and usually features young adult books in a variety of genres alongside a few bookish items. Sadly due to import fees and shipping, I have had to cancel my subscription and won’t be getting any further boxes.

However, I am happy to have had this as my last box, and I’ll start with the bottom right going clockwise:

  • A letterboard, which obviously I decided to use by setting the theme there. I did feel a bit sad that the frame had no decorations or anything, felt like a missed opportunity.
  • It also came with a cute pouch to hold all the letters and symbols of the letterboard.
  • A tapestry that is a lunar calendar featuring Artemis and Athena.
  • A pin banner, I like that they are usually decorated and thick fabric so they just dont tear.
  • A wooden bookmark, which looks like somoenes been biting it, and has two different sides.
  • Nectar of the Gods tea, which is peppermint tea and sadly nothng more interesting.
  • Theme card
  • And the book, Lore. I’ve heard mixed reviews on it so I am curious, however not high expectations since I am not huge on greek mythology based books.

Overall I enjoy this box, it had some confusing items like the bookmark but I enjoyed a lot the letterboard since I have been wanting one for a while, just sad it didnt have a design on the eadge, but still a good item and the lunar tapestry/calendar is also cool.

As mentioned above, it was a nice last box and the only reason to cancel was mostly that shipping charges went up a lot due to political climate and being in the UK and all that, so not their fault.

Subscription Boxes

Moon Hauls: Aquarius Merkababox

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Subscription box: Merkababox

Theme/Month: Aquarius, January 2021

Ownership: Bought January and February. If you are interested in purchasing a subscription, you can do it on their website.

Merkababox titles itself as a holistic mystic box and comes with a selection of items to help nourish your mind, body and spirit. I was quite intrigued by the contents of previous boxes, particularly the Forager’s one, and thought to give it a go.

So lets see what was inside it, going clockwise and starting top left:

  • Goal Digger powder is meant to enhance creativity, mental focus and stamina so you can focus on your tasks and goals. I haven’t yet added it to a drink but it does sound like an interest add to beverages or maybe food.
  • Theme card, which on the back explains why the theme, alongside what you can do as a ritual with all the items and some suggestions and positive paragraphs.
  • Myrrh incense sticks, which is probably the one item I wasn’t really convinced by since I don’t burn incense sticks but I liked the intent of them and the fact that the items basically were meant to include the three gifts the Magi brought during Epiphany 6th of January.
  • A tektite is meant to enhance and provide knowledge and expansion. the card that comes int he box provides a lot more detail about how tektite comes to be in the natural world and the energies it is meant to be touching. I am not really a crystals and stones person but I did like the tektite even if I won’t use it the suggested way.
  • The main item, a 24 carat Gold Oil with frankincense and myrrh, as I said a node to the Magi and their gifts. And the oil has a lovely scent, looks amazing and feels pretty good. It came with a comprehensive sheet of details and uses, so I highly appreciated the number of details and information provided.
  • And finally, a Fibonacci Altar piece or Wall Hanging, which is my favourite item in the box. It is made of wood and even more stunning than the picture shows.

Overall, I liked the contents of the box, but I think the theme wasn’t exactly for me, however I actually liked the contents and felt they were good value for money. The card shows the cost of each item and then they come with ingredients and long explanations on them so you’re not caught without knowing exactly what everything is. I highly appreciate this and if I was way more into holistic and mystic items, I would totally subscribe fully for it.

The one big failure I found was that they don’t announce the month’s theme before the payment for the month comes out which did not sit right with me and is why I cancelled the subscription part. I will only buy the ones I want and find the theme right for me. But I do recommend it as a good box if you’re looking for something of this style coming from the UK.