An Adventure in the Southeast- Box South Sample Box Review

There is just something about locality boxes that I just love. Locality boxes allow you to experience a new place that you otherwise would not get to visit, right from the comfort of your own home. A new locality based subscription, Box South, is such a fun locality box.  Box South brings you great Southern artisan goodies to your doorstep each month. I am super excited to share with you this sample box from Box South.

What is Box South?

Well first off, I have to tell you they definitely sound like they will bring that southern hospitality into each box. I have been nothing but super impressed with my contact with the company so far.  Each month Box South will send a box that focus on sending out to their subscribers the best small-batch artisan food and products made throughout the Southeast.

Box South Options/ Cost:

Monthly Box South Subscription - $52 per month

Box South also offers the following ( these are not monthly subscriptions):

Full Gift Box full of 5-8 products  for $52

Mini Box with around 3 products for $35 

Box South Sample Box

I was so excited with Box South graciously offered to send me a sample box. The sample box is just taste of what wonderful items their subscription will include.

Copper Pot Wooden Spoon Spiced Apple and Beer Jam  $11.50

This is a great little treat from Waynesville, North Carolina. This is a sweet and savory blend of flavors that is said to go perfectly  with smoked meats and sharp cheeses. I tried a little bit on a cracker, and it was delicious. I am not a big buyer of jams of preserves, especially savory kinds, but by no means does that mean that I do not enjoy them when I get to taste them. When I think about North Carolina I think of good BBQ food, so it is nice change of pace to get something not specific to BBQ. 

Oliver Pluff & Company Colonial Bohea Tea $14

I have been to Charleston, South Carolina before, where this tea comes from, and this Colonial Tea reminds me perfectly of Charleston. I am not really drinking tea too much these days, but this tea is just up my alley. Bohea Tea, pronounced "Boo-Hee" is a Black tea blend, and was very popular during Colonial Amercia. A great addition to any Box South box. 

The Chocolate Lab Perc and Goat Milk Candy Bar

$8 each

All I can say is these are divine. Wow. The Chocolate Lab has take candy bar to a whole other level. This decedent treats come from Savannah, Georgia, and will cure any sweet tooth they come in contact with. I put these out as a treat one night after dinner, and they were gone right away. You can tell that these chocolate bars are made with love, and not only does their taste show it, but so does the packaging. Yummy!

Perc Coffee Kimel Estate AA $14

Bringing us to Savannah, Georgia again, Box South, included a great bold coffee. As you can tell Perc Coffee is also included in The Chocolate Lab's candy bar. I love when local companies come together for a collaboration. Kimel Estate AA is sourced from Papua New Guinea, but I am guessing is roasted in Savannah at Perc Coffee. I am not drinking coffee at this time, so I cannot tell you how lovely it tastes, but the smell is just wonderful. I love the smell of roasted coffee beans. I am sure my parents will be able to get use out of this Perc Coffee.  

TICKLED PINK OPINION

My overall taste of Box South is fantastic. If this is just sample of what is to come from Box South than I know the subscribers of Box South can expect some amazing items coming out of each monthly subscription box.  Although this is a not a regular subscription box, only a sampling of what could be included in boxes to come, the total value of the items included this this box is  $57.50. I think that is a great value, especially because if you bought everything from the stores on their own online you would have to pay shipping as well as tax. And if you were to go visit these places on your own, well I am sure it would be way more.  I cannot wait to see what is in store for Box South, and what their first official box will include. Sign up now and you can get your first box next month between the 10th- 15th. 

What did you think of Box South sample box? If you are interested in learning more or signing up for Box South, you can HERE.  

Until next time…

Stay Tickled Pink,

Stephanie

No Gluten, No Problem- Cuisine Cube Subscription Review

Gluten intolerance seems to becoming more of an issue for people these days.  My sister-in-law (well, soon to be sister-in-law), was actually just mentioning how she is no longer eating gluten either. Thus, many food subscription boxes that are out there right now are just not working for people with this intolerance, or for those just  trying to keep gluten out of their diet. This is when this fantastic new subscription comes in, Cuisine Cube.

What is Cuisine Cube?

The people behind Cuisine Cube created this subscription for people who are eating gluten free. They also know that sometimes it is hard to find really tasty gluten free food, thus Cuisine Cube to the rescue.  Cuisine Cube curators have put together a subscription that takes on the task themselves of finding the delicious gluten free food for you, focusing on brands made by smaller artisan producers, that taste better and are better for you. Cost each month is $29.99.

December Cuisine Cube

This box was just so exciting to get. When I opened it I was very impressed. Like I always say, presentation is always a big plus in my mind, and Cuisine Cube was nicely packaged in a nice box, as to not damage any of the food or smash it. Smashed up muffin is not always very appealing, and I am glad that Cuisine Cube also appreciates that as well. 

Kyotofu- Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Muffin $9

I hardly got to dig into this yummy muffin before it was devoured by my other family members, but the little taste I got was fantastic. It is made with Cup4Cup flower, which is a special blend of gluten free flour and mixes with spices. This muffin was very moist and super tasty.

Pangea White Corn Fusilli $7

A, our little one, and do not eat pasta at all. I do not mind it, but for everyone else it is a texture thing. However, this White Corn Fusilli, imported straight from Italy, sounds very good for someone who cannot have gluten. My parents will probably really like this pasta. 

Pereg Quinoa All’ Italia $4.50

I have had Quinoa before, but for all those who have no idea what in the world it is here is a little bit about it:

“Quinoa, the “mother of all grains”, is a healthy and easy food to prepare. Quinoa is high in protein, has many anti-inflammatory properties and contains more anti-oxidants than cranberries!”

I cannot wait to try this, sounds very yummy and very good for me. 

Thatcher’s Sea Salt Chocolate Caramel Corn $4.50

Okay, so I knew that San Francisco had good food, but oh goodness, this Sea Salt Chocolate Caramel Corn was to- die-for-yummy. Yes, it really was that good! Once this bag was opened it was demolished! I was trying to keep healthy with sweets, but even I had to give it a try. And it is gluten free. I am trying to get my hands on more of this.

Organicasaurus Organic Baked Corn Snack $3

These puffed up snacks are all shaped like dinos. Our little one is really into dinosaurs, and really thought these real cheddar cheese snacks were good. These are actually the only cheese corn puff on the market that are USDA Organic!

Freedgoods Coco Brownie $4

I had actually talked to some people about cooking gluten free and everyone told me that you can actually make some really tasty treats that are gluten free, well this brownie is one tasty treat.  Super moist and tasting no different than a regular brownie.

TICKLED PINK OPINION

Just in this past year I have come across so many people that are becoming gluten free, and with less options to pick from, it is nice that there is a subscription out there that does the hunting for gourmet gluten free products for gluten free eaters.  After Cuisine Cube graciously offered to send me this sample box, I am thoroughly impressed with Cuisine Cube, and definitely think it is a great, and much needed, box. It also has opened my eyes to the options of tasty gluten free food.

December’s Cuisine Cube’s total value was approximately $32 worth of premium and tasty gluten free items. At a monthly cost of $29.99, you definitely get your monies worth.  You definitely could not purchase these items plus shipping for less than $29.99.

What did you think of the new subscription, Cuisine Cube? If you are interested in learning more or signing up for Cuisine Cube, you can HERE.

Until next time…

Stay Tickled Pink,

Stephanie

New Subscription from Stampin' Up- Paper Pumpkin

I was really excited to hear about this new subscription box from Stampin’ Up, as I have been a customer and fan of Stampin’ Up products for so long. The new subscription  Paper Pumpkin sounds like a fun and creative subscription for all.

What is Paper Pumpkin?

Paper Pumpkin is a monthly subscription that sends out a fully decked out creativity package each month, packed full with stamps, ink, paper, and other accessories to create great projects.

Cost: $19.95 per month

Trial Paper Pumpkin   

Stampin’ Up is allowing you to give Paper Pumpkin a try before joining, for one month. The trial kit includes everything you need to create a project- stamps, ink, accessories and paper.  Cost: $16.95

TICKLED PINK OPINION:   I have always been a fan of Stampin’ Up, and really like all the products that I have got from them. I am excited to see what Paper Pumpkin is all about.

If you are interested you can find out more about Paper Pumpkin HERE.

Until next time…

Stay Tickled Pink,

Stephanie

New Recipe Box Subscription- Pixie Bar Review and GIVEAWAY

Even though I do not get to do much cooking because of my busy schedule, I really do enjoy it.  When I first heard of this new subscription box, Pixie Bar, I was immediately intrigued, because it was a subscription box that deals with cooking, and experimenting with new recipes I would never try on my own. When I was given the opportunity to try out Pixie Bar subscription,  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try this new subscription out.  

Good News, Pixie Bar has announced that one lucky reader from Tickled Pink in the Rain will get an opportunity to win a free box from Pixie Bar. See end of post for more detail.

What is Pixie Bar?

Pixie Bar, what a fun name for a box, is a monthly subscription/ recipe box, that sends out a pre-measured spices, non-perishable items, and wonderful recipe card to make a meal for 4 people. Cost per month is $20.

Pixie Bar Pad Thai Box (August Box)

The Pixie Bar Box came very quickly, and was very nicely packaged so that none of the vials or containers broke during shipping. I do appreciate that subscription companies, like Pixie Bar, take the time to package their boxes correctly. I have had some boxes with spills here or there and it is so upsetting.

The Recipe- Pad Thai

My first Pixie Bar Box came with a very high quality card stock recipe card. This card was made to keep and put in your recipe box for safe keeping. Now if I only had a recipe box. 

The card was very nicely organized and explained everything you got in the box, and everything that you still need to get to complete the recipe, like the perishable items (eggs, chives, etc.). The card also made suggestions on what is good to  supplement into the recipe, like chicken or tofu. I have never made Pad Thai before, but I know that while A (Andrew, my fiance’) will probably not eat something like Pad Thai, my parents really like Pad Thai . I have not gotten the chance to try this recipe out for them yet, but I plan on making it soon for my parents.

Ingredients included in the Pixie Box

Tamarind Paste and Fish Sauce

I was not sure which container contained what at first. However, Pixie Bar quickly sent out an e-mail to all subscribers explaining what sauce was which. I appreciate the prompt attention to this. I am sure in the next boxes they will label which ingredients are which.  I have never used this kind of sauce.

Palm Sugar

Another ingredient I have never used.

Chili Flakes

If you have ever had Pad Thai I know that often times you can find that people like it to be spicy. Some like it spicier than others. I am not the biggest fan of really spicy, spicy food, but for my parents the spicier the better. I am sure we will be using all of these Chili Flakes when I make the Pad Thai.

Rice Noodles

Pad Thai  rice noodles are a little bit different than your normal every day spaghetti noodles. Rice noodles are a great choice for those trying to avoid gluten though. Rice noodles also go a long way. So, when I saw these two packages of rice noodles I knew it would make very hearty portions for 4 people.  Rice noodles can also be soaked in cold water or cooked in hot water. Soaking in cold water just takes a while longer.

TICKLED PINK OPINION:   I am very excited about this new subscription, and love that it gets me out of my cooking comfort zone with trying new more adventurous recipes. I have not made this recipe yet. I did not want to cook it without someone to share with. So, the cooking will have to wait until I am with the parents.  I, however, think that Pixie Bar did a great job with their first box, and I look forward to see more from them.  And at the price of $5 per person/$20 for the box, I think that the price is very reasonable, since many of the ingredients are more costly ingredients. Now if Pixie Bar and coordinate with someone to send me all of the perishable ingredients, I would be set!

 It looks like Pixie Bar is announcing on their website what each monthly Pixie Bar box will contain, as the September Box is already up and will contain ingredients to make a Vietnamese dish called Bun Thit Nuong. You can also contact them if you are interested in buying Pixie Bar Boxes of their past boxes.

PIXIE BAR GIVEAWAY   

 I am very excited  that Pixie Bar has been very gracious to offer one lucky reader a free Pixie Bar box! Whoo hoo. So exciting!  To enter just see the Rafflecopter gadget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What do you think of Pixie Bar? If you are interested in signing up for your first Pixie Bar box or learning more, you can HERE.

Until next time…

Stay Tickled Pink,

Stephanie

New Candy Box Subscription- Mexican Candy Box Review

In our house we do not go out and get candy too often, but when we were offered to try out the Mexican Candy Box, I could not resist. This is a new candy subscription that delivers Mexican Candy right to your door.  I really have never heard of any of these candies, but was excited to find out more about Mexican candy, and try out Mexican Candy Box's very first box!

 

First Look inside the Mexican Candy Box

What is Mexican Candy Box?

Each month the Candy Curators select an assortment of sweet and spicy hot Mexican candies, and deliver them straight to your door each month. You can chose what flavor box, and what size.  There are three flavor boxes to choose from: Sweet and Spicy Box, Spicy Box and Sweet Box. There are also different size boxes as well: 1) Solo (individual) Box- $12, 2) Amigo (friend) Box- $15, and 3) Familia (family) Box-$20.

SEPTEMBER MEXICAN CANDY BOX- SOLO BOX

This little box arrived very promptly, and I am so surprised that all this candy actually fit into this little box. Our Mexican Candy Box was packed to the brim.

Vero Elotes

This is a Strawberry Lollipop with Chili. When I first looked at the package I thought it looked like something to do with a honey type candy, but no I was wrong. I am so glad Mexican Candy Box came with an information card because I do like to know what I am eating. These were very tasty.

Canel’s and Duvalin

The Canel’s were tasty little fruity gums, we have to hide these from the little one.

The Duvalin reminded me of Nutella. However, this little treat has Hazelnut and Strawberry frosting, and comes with a little spoon to scoop it out. This would be tasty with some little vanilla wafers.

Tommy candies

 

These were great little butterscotch treats. The little one has had one already and the verdict is that they are “Yummy!”

Lucas Mango and Sania del Puesto

The Lucas Mango is a Mango Powder reminded me of pixie stick powder. I will have to give it a try when I have a sweet tooth. I really liked Pixie Sticks when I was little, not sure now. 

The Sania del Puesto was like a pixie stick as well but with Chili Powder. I am saving these for my parents who like hot foods more than I do.

Paleton and Pulparindo

The Paleton is a goats milk lollipop. I have only had goats milk cheese, but I will try anything once.

The Pulparindo is an extra hot and salted tamrind pulp candy. Another candy I probably will pass along to family, since we are not big hot candy eaters in my house.

Bocadin

This is my favorite candy out of the box. I think because there is chocolate, and it is like a Kit Kat. Kit Kats were my favorite growing up. I am sure the little one will like this as well. I will save these for a rainy day. 

TICKLED PINK OPINION:   I was very impressed with how much was in this box. And even though I am not 100% sure on what the price is for each of these candies, I do think that this box is worth it.  Just the time it would take to find some of this candy makes this box worth it.  Like I said I am not a big candy eater, and try to keep it limited at my house, but I like that this box is made for sharing, so we can spread the candy around. 

What do you think of the Mexican Candy Box? If you would like to learn more about Mexican Candy Box or signing up, you can HERE.

Until next time…

Stay Tickled Pink,

Stephanie