bluumBox: September / October

It has come to my attention that I have blatantly overlooked writing about bluum.com and it's monthly membership boxes of goodies that arrive like a little bit of Christmas for Mom & Baby. In my defense, I could place blame on the newness of the program, and use an excuse of having a child closer to a toddler than an infant, but this is neither here nor there. This was a baby item I decided to use, and in all rights it deserves to be discussed on my blog... so here goes.

For starters, for those unfamiliar with bluum.com, it is a monthly subscription services where a box of 4-5 deluxe samples were sent to members once a month, and those members are free to try them as they please, review said products on the website for rewards points which will gradually add up for credit towards buying full-sized products. Memberships start at a monthly rate of $12, and can go as low as &9 depending on how many months you want under your belt at a time. And apparently every box is themed, as you will soon see.

September: l(a)unchbox

September's box was they're debut, so they cleverly played on the term "launch" and used a lunchtime theme. The contents of the box were as follows:

• dress for dinner: The Drooly Bib by Wry Baby
• first course: Apothederm Stretch Mark Cream
• special sauce: Episencial Soothing Cream
• sweet treat: Collectable Kids Magnet by illustrator Mimia Johnson
• freshen up: Bum Boosa Bamboo Baby Wipes
• snack time: Itzy Ritzy Reusable Snack Bag

As I mentioned before, I had half-forgotten about bluum and it's boxes, so pretty much all of these items have remained in the box, intact, for the last few months. Why, you ask? I think because it just didn't call to me at the moment. But as I look through this now, I'm gradually finding items I can use for both Samma and myself. The magnet we can put on the fridge. The baby wipes and the soothing cream can go in her diaper bag. The bib can go in her bib drawer with all the others. The snack bag we can use for daycare. And for myself, I can definitely give the stretch mark cream a try. There. Box #1 solved.

Now, again, I had said I wasn't very impressed with the initial box, and I had gone to the point of canceling my subscription then and there.... for some reason, however, the website either didn't accept my cancellation (even though my account clearly said "inactive") or it was just another bug due to a new concept, but next thing I knew my debit account was charged and a new box was received. Sure, it was only $12, and I do love surprises, but even before October's box arrived I made sure for a week straight that the account was back to inactive. But alas...


October: girl talk

I don't know if it was the surprise visit of this box, or it was just kicked up a notch, but it kinda almost made me feel bad for cancelling my account. Almost. Here's what we had this month:

• Dr. Robbins - Skin Care
• Baby Gourmet - Juicy Pear & Garden Greens
• CJ's Creamy Lotion
• HuggaMind - Baby Symbolizer iPhone / iPad app
• Strivectin - Wrinkle Cream
• Collectible Magnet (special Bonus)

What really won me over was the full-sized Juicy Pear pouch - Samma absolutely loves these, and I didn't hesitate to give it to her once the box arrived. As for everything else? The iPad app for sure -- we can hardly get Sam away from it now, so I'm excited to actually have something specifically for her to play with. CJ's lotion smells awesome, and it's heavier so it'll be great for the cold winter months ahead. Dr. Robbin's Baby Wash & Shampoo and Sunscreen could be something different to try, and it's a little packet so if we're traveling and don't want to bring whole bottles that'll be good to have. As for the wrinkle cream? I don't know if I should be offended or not!

So, remember when I said I was done with bluum.com? Well, (un)fortunately for me, PlumDistrict was offering a 3-month bluumBox deal (reg. $36) for $18... but wait, there's more! Because I had a 20% off coupon code for PlumDistrict, the total deal purchase was only $14.50, which mean I was spending only $4.83 on each box... for three months? I think I can handle that.

I have yet to receive November's box as they don't ship until the 17th of each month, but the website says it's theme is "goodnight moon" so I'm hoping it either a) coincides with the beloved children's book, or b) involves items that assist in bedtime and sleeping. We'll soon find out!

Oh, and if anyone feels like they want to join me on my bluum experience, please, by all means, send me your address and I will be more than happy to refer you!