Bluum Box Review: December 2013

This is my fourth box since deciding to try Bluum. Bluum‘s pricing is very similar to Citrus Lane, at $25 per box on a month to month basis, $23 per month for a three month subscription (less than CL), $21 per month for a six month subscription (the same as CL), and even less than that for a one year subscription. Also of note is that Bluum offers more ways to earn rewards and free boxes than Citrus Lane does (which is why I’m on the month to month plan at the moment, hoping to earn a free box!). I’m still pretty impressed with the box. I was told that Bluum would primarily send samples, but I believe it to be of phenomenal value.

My box this month was the box for sixteen month olds. Unlike previous boxes, it did not appear to have any particular theme (strong hands, balancing act, etc).

1. Socks from BabySoy
Price: $3.50
Status: Great
Comments: Here’s a truth: I hate buying baby socks. The stores I visit on a regular basis don’t have a good selection, and they always seem so expensive. I mean, they’re still just socks. So I’m always happy to get cute baby socks that fit Baby Girl from decent, eco-conscious companies in my boxes. That said, BabySoy promotes themselves as “style + nature’s softness” selling soybean fiber baby clothing for eco-conscious parents. That’s fine in theory, based on materials, but your products are still made in China…enough said. I like the socks though.

2. Cuddle! from Parragon Books
Price: $9.99
Status: Pretty Great
Comments: Always love getting books in the subscription boxes! I feel like you can never have too many. This is a sweet book about cuddling animals, and it fits right in with where my daughter is mentally and developmentally with hugs and cuddles. It’s a sturdy board book, so she can “read” it herself, and I know it will be treasured.

3. Soft Spout Cover from Dreambaby
Price: $6.67 (Amazon)
Status: Meh
Comments: An inflatable spout cover? Nah. We actually have the Boon spout cover and love it, and I actually dislike almost everything inflatable. Inflatable stuff never seems to last or do that great a job. Plus, unlike other spout covers, this one has to be removed when adults want to take a shower, so it’s one more thing to store. Much prefer my Boon flo. Guess this will go in the re-gift box!

4.  Pacifier Wipes from Dapple
Price: $2.99
Status: Not so much…
Comments: Too young! Too young! While Baby Girl still uses her pacifier at night and for naps, when they aren’t using it around the house or out and about, it rather negates the need for these wipes. They look like a great product, and would have been awesome to have in the diaper bag for those trips to her uncle’s swim and wrestling meets when you inevitably drop the pacifier in the stands and have to run to the bathroom to rinse it off…we have outgrown their usefulness. Time to pass them on to someone else.

5. Sensitive Baby Foaming Shampoo and Body Wash from Susan Brown’s Baby
Price: $13.50
Status: Meh…
Comments: While I appreciate always having tear free, ph balanced, “free”, sensitive skin shampoos, body washes, and lotions around, they’re starting to take over my closet! I’m always getting these things in my subscription boxes, and I just don’t go through them that quickly. Baby Girl isn’t big enough to use up all of this! I’ll put this in the closet with the rest, but chances are good if it doesn’t get used soon (we’re still using the same bottle of body wash I bought when she was born…sixteen months later) I’ll re-gift it.

6. Strawberry Preserves from Bonne Maman
Price: $0.69
Status: Awesome!
Comments: We’re already lovers of Bonne Maman fruit preserves (I actually just bought a jar for a holiday gift basket), so it was fun to get a mini jar of strawberry preserves this month. While it would have been cooler to get a full jar, we’ll put this one to good use!

So was it worth it? I think so. The total value of the box was $37.34 (so down a little from previous months), compared to a $25 purchase price. After subtracting the items I will probably regift, I got around $28 worth of value, which is still above the purchase price. Plus, now I have some really high quality items to gift my mom friends with tinier babies!

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Bluum Box Review: November 2013

This is my third box since deciding to try Bluum. Bluum‘s pricing is very similar to Citrus Lane, at $25 per box on a month to month basis, $23 per month for a three month subscription (less than CL), $21 per month for a six month subscription (the same as CL), and even less than that for a one year subscription. Also of note is that Bluum offers more ways to earn rewards and free boxes than Citrus Lane does (which is why I’m on the month to month plan at the moment, hoping to earn a free box!). I’m still pretty impressed with the box. I was told that Bluum would primarily send samples, but I believe it to be of phenomenal value.

My box this month was the box for fifteen month olds.

1. Legwarmers from BabyLegs
Price: $12.00
Status: Meh
Comments: I feel like Baby Girl is a little too old for these at this point. The truth is that baby legwarmers are awesome, and we own about a million of them, that we used regularly when Baby Girl was little and lived in onesies all day. Now she’s old enough to wear real clothes, and we packed the legwarmers away. These will make an awesome re-gift though!

2. How Do I Feel? from Parragon Books
Price: $12.99
Status: Pretty Great
Comments: I love to see books in my subscription boxes! We are a family of readers, and I would never turn books away! These are unique and unlike anything else Baby Girl has though. They are tiny board books for tiny hands that are supposed to help toddlers identify their feelings to better communicate. A creative idea, that I rather like!

3. Non-Slip Bath Mats from Dreambaby
Price: $4.25 (this is just a guess, I actually had a hard time finding them for sale anywhere)
Status: Meh
Comments: While I understand the use for these, I can’t use them. Our tub has a protective coating sprayed onto it that can be damaged by things like this, so I try to avoid them. Re-gift!

4.  Owl Blankie from Angel Dear
Price: $13.00
Status: Meh
Comments: This is another item that I feel is too young for Baby Girl. She has two of these little “loveys” already that she received before she was born, and while she loves them, we certainly don’t need to introduce another. These are perfect for newborns, and I love the fabric this one is made of, but Baby Girl is old enough to have a real blanket.

5. Happy Yogis-Mixed Berry from Happy Family Brands
Price: $3.99
Status: Awesome!
Comments: Baby Girl loves loves LOVES yogurt melts, so it’s always awesome to see them show up at the doorstep!

6. Happy Yogis-Banana Mango from Happy Family Brands
Price: $3.99
Status: Awesome!
Comments: As stated above, we love yogurt melts around here! I was happy to see them, and it was cool to get two different flavors!

So was it worth it? I think so. The total value of the box was $50.22 (just about on par with last month), compared to a $25 purchase price. After subtracting the items I will probably regift, I got around $20 worth of value, which is below the purchase price, but with the holidays (and more than a few baby showers) coming up, plus the incredibly good quality of those items, I’m willing to forgive it!

Are you interested in signing up for Bluum?

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Bluum Box Review: Strong Hands October 2013

This is my second box since deciding to try Bluum. Bluum‘s pricing is very similar to Citrus Lane, at $25 per box on a month to month basis, $23 per month for a three month subscription (less than CL), $21 per month for a six month subscription (the same as CL), and even less than that for a one year subscription. Also of note is that Bluum offers more ways to earn rewards and free boxes than Citrus Lane does (which is why I’m on the month to month plan at the moment, hoping to earn a free box!). I’m still pretty impressed with the box. I was told that Bluum would primarily send samples, but I believe it to be of phenomenal value.

My box this month was the Strong Hands box for fourteen month olds.

1. Slide and Sleek Safari from Melissa and Doug
Price: $5.99
Status: Pretty Great
Comments: We already have a few of these little wooden toys from Melissa and Doug, and they are all sweet. Baby Girl already likes it, but she’s a great problem solver, and something a little more advanced would have been nice.

2. Calming Cream from Circle of Friends Organics
Price: $14.40
Status: Meh
Comments: Second month in a row I’ve gotten an eczema friendly lotion in my bluum box. Definitely don’t need any more of these! I’m not familiar with the brand, but it certainly seems expensive.

3. Spill-Proof Cup from Lansinoh Momma
Price: $10.00
Status: Meh
Comments: Baby Girl is pretty obsessed with her Nuby cups, so I’m not sure we’ll get any use out of this one. The fact that it rocks on it’s bottom is interesting, but so far also annoying, as I can’t seem to set it down anywhere without being careful to set it on the tiny platform or letting it roll away!

4.  My Little Counting Bookby Priddy Books
Price: $12.99
Status: Meh
Comments: I have no picture on this one, and the price is just a guess, as I couldn’t find it on the Priddy Books website. It’s an okay book of okay quality, but definitely not the best book I’ve ever gotten in a subscription box. I feel like it’s something you could get at a discount store.

5. Carrot Cake Luna Bar by Luna Bar
Price: $1.25 each (sold in a box of 15)
Status: Interesting
Comments: I got a Luna fiber bar in my Bluum box last month, and it was a lifesaver when I was at work. I have yet to purchase any on my own, but I’m eager to try this!

6. Toddler Meal Bowl from Happy Family Brands
Price: $6.69 (Amazon)
Status: Not cool
Comments: I’m usually thrilled to get baby food in these boxes, now that Baby Girl is learning new flavors, and the things I make don’t always satisfy her tastebuds. Unfortunately, we are a vegetarian household, and they sent me the bowl with chicken in it. There is only one vegetarian option in this item, so I’m not surprised that we didn’t receive it. I guess I’ll be giving this one to my nephew…too bad.

Also included: A 50 cent coupon for more Luna Bars. May or may not be useful.

So was it worth it? I think so. The total value of the box was $51.32 (not nearly as good or impressive as last month’s box, but still alright), compared to a $25 purchase price. Even if you subtract things that I will probably regift, the value was still more than $30. We’ll see if the quality stays good, and if next month I get some different brands, as this month had many of the same ones as last month.

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Baby Food: Macaroni & Cheese Bites

I’ve found that small things like this are easier to travel with than containers full of purees and the like. Throw a few of these babies in a ziploc and go! Suitable for toddlers one year and older.

Equipment:
Saucepan and Stove
Mini muffin pan and Oven

Ingredients:
Non-stick spray
1/2 cup elbow macaroni
1/2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1/2 Tbsp. all purpose flour
1/4 cup whole milk, heated
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten

Directions:
1. Spray your mini muffin pan with non-stick spray and preheat your oven to 375°.
2. Bring a saucepan full of water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions. Drain.
3. In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Slowly add milk while whisking. Continue whisking as you add the cheeses. Stir in macaroni and egg. Remove from heat.
4. Fill about twelve cups in the mini muffin pan with macaroni mixture. Bake until bubbling and crisp, about ten minutes. Let cool for an additional ten minutes before removing from the pan.

This makes a yummy snack for older children and adults too!

Baby Food: Avocado Spread

Got a baby that wants to feed themselves? Spread this on bread and cut into pieces for a wholesome snack! Suitable for babies nine months and older.

Equipment:
Saucepan and Stove

Ingredients:
4 eggs
1/4 cup whole milk plain yogurt
1 avocado
Bread

Directions:
1. Place eggs in your saucepan, cover with water, and heat to a boil. Once it is boiling, remove from heat, cover, and let sit fourteen minutes. Rinse the eggs with cold water to stop the cooking, peel, and slice the eggs in half. Remove the yokes to a bowl, and save the whites for a separate use.
2. Add yogurt and avocado flesh to the yokes. Mash and stir with a fork until smooth.
3. Spread avocado mixture on the bread and cut into bite size pieces.
4. The spread can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one day, or in the freezer for up to three months.

This makes a yummy snack for older children and adults too!

Baby Food: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Who doesn’t love oatmeal stuffed with the yummy goodness of apple and cinnamon? This is suitable for babies nine months and older, and is super simple to make!

Equipment:
Saucepan and Stove
Box grater

Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 apple
1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:
1. Put water in a saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil.
2. While the water is heating up, core the apple and shred on the large holes of a box grater.
3. Once water is boiling, add oatmeal, apple, and cinnamon. Return to boil, then reduce heat to medium high and simmer about five minutes or until the oatmeal begins to thicken.
4. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit about 10 minutes. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for three days or in the freezer for three months.

Double the recipe and have breakfast as a family!

Baby Food: Summer Squash Pilaf

Yeah, this isn’t really a pilaf, but it’s easy to make, and babies seven months and up will find it delicious!

Equipment:
Saucepan and Stove
Frying pan
Box grater

Ingredients:
2 small summer squash
1/2 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable stock
1/2 tsp cumin
2 Tbsp olive oil

Directions:
1. Blend 1 Tbsp olive oil with the quinoa in a saucepan. Add stock and bring to boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, grate the summer squash on the big holes of a box grater. Fry in the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil for 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir summer squash and cumin into the quinoa! Store in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months.

Enjoy baby!

Baby Food: Amaranth & Plum

Yummy, fruity, and delicious, Baby Girl loves this one, and it’s super easy! Suitable for babies aged seven months and up!

Equipment:
Saucepan and Stove
Blender or Food Processor (used my Cuisinart Mini Prep this time)

Ingredients:
1 ripe plum
11/2 cups water
1/2 cup amarinth

Directions:
1. Bring water to boil in a saucepan over high heat. Add amaranth and return to boil, then lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed. The amaranth will me transparent and sticky.
2. Pit and chop the plum. Put in the blender or food processor and pulse until suitable for your baby’s age and chewing ability.
3. Stir plum into amaranth. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days.

Easy Peasy, lemon squeezy!

Baby Food: Zucchini Medley

Now that Baby Girl is getting more adventurous with her food (a bit), I’m finding it a bit easier to make things that she likes. Here is an easy thing to whip up that might get baby to eat her vegetables! It is suitable for 7 months and over.

Equipment:
Steamer (or pot of water, stove, and steamer basket)
Saucepan and Stove
Blender or Food Processor

Ingredients:
1 small zucchini
1 cup water
1/4 cup millet
2 Tbsp. applesauce (I use the natural kind)
4 tsp. basil

Directions:
1. Slice the zucchini and steam it in your steamer (or over boiling water in a steamer basket) for about seven minutes until tender.
2. Meanwhile, bring the water to a boil on the stove. When boiling, add the millet and lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed and the millet is soft, about 10 minutes.
3. Add zucchini, millet, applesauce, and basil to the blender or food processor and blend until it is the consistency preferred by your little one according to their age. Add water if needed for a smoother consistency.

Easy Peasy!

Bluum Box Review: Movin’ and Shakin’

Okay, I know this is silly, but I decided that after subscribing to Citrus Lane for almost a full year, perhaps I should check out some of the other boxes out there! Because of that and a great coupon, I decided to try out Bluum. Bluum‘s pricing is very similar to Citrus Lane, at $25 per box on a month to month basis, $23 per month for a three month subscription (less than CL), $21 per month for a six month subscription (the same as CL), and even less than that for a one year subscription. Also of note is that Bluum offers more ways to earn rewards and free boxes than Citrus Lane does (which is why I’m on the month to month plan at the moment, hoping to earn a free box!). Anyway, I got my first box today, and I am very impressed! I was told that Bluum would primarily send samples, but I love my box, and I believe it to be of phenomenal value.

My box this month was the Movin’ and Shakin’ box for thirteen month olds.

1. Snack Trap by MossWorld Enterprises
Price: $4.99
Status: Pretty Great
Comments: I had already bought what I believe to be a better version of this that is manufactured by Munchkin, and I love the idea. It’s always great to have another one on hand, and I’m thrilled to have gotten one!

2. Calendula Baby Cream by Weleda
Price: $12.00
Status: Pretty Great
Comments: Did I need yet another baby lotion/cream? Nope. Am I excited to get this one? Kind of. I had already received some Weather Protection Cream by Weleda in one of my Citrus Lane boxes, and it is one of the brands I really like (along with Episencial). It isn’t always fun to have a baby with sensitive skin and eczema, so it’s nice to get these things! I’m even more excited that this was a full sized item and not sample sized as I had been told to expect.

3. Peek-a-Boo Panda by Melissa & Doug
Price: $7.99
Status: Pretty Great
Comments: I love Melissa & Doug products, and their little wooden toys are awesome. We actually had already received their Peek-a-Boo Turtle in a previous Citrus Lane box, and it had been quite a hit. I think I like the Panda even more, as he covers his eyes and really plays Peek-a-Boo!

4. Baby Play Day Book by Priddy Books
Price: $12.99
Status: Pretty Great
Comments: Is it the best board book for babies ever? Nope. Are the touch and feel features awesome? Meh. That said, I’m always happy to get books in these boxes, Baby Girl loves to read her board books, and this one is of a good quality and I know she will love it.

5. Vanilla Blueberry Luna Fiber Bar by Luna Bar
Price: $2.03 each (sold in a pack of 12)
Status: Interesting
Comments: Being used to Citrus Lane and how they do things, I don’t often receive items that aren’t for baby. This was timely however. I work a job that makes it hard sometimes for me to stop and eat, and with a lot of fiber, Luna Bars could be a great solution for me, and I don’t know why I hadn’t tried them before. I’ll definitely be packing this in my work bag on my next job!

6. 100 Best Fresh Salads Cookbook by Love Food, an imprint of Parragon Books
Price: $9.99
Status: Interesting
Comments: At first I was pretty excited about this item. I love cookbooks (have a bit of an addiction, in fact), and I love salads. I actually didn’t own a dedicated salad cookbook. But, being a vegetarian, I was a tad disappointed to find the book very meat and fish heavy. So I won’t be keeping it, but I know it will make a great gift!

7. $25 Voucher by Paper Culture
Price: $25.00
Status: Interesting
Comments: I’m not usually fond of these types of items in subscription boxes, but I can tell you why this one was different. This wasn’t a coupon, it is a voucher, and it wasn’t available to anyone who signs up, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve used the service before, you still get it. A nice touch, actually.

Also included: Two manufacturer coupons for Happy Family products. No real value, but perhaps useful.

So was it worth it? I think definitely. The total value of the box was $74.99 (higher than any Citrus Lane box I have ever received), compared to a $25 purchase price. Even if you subtract things that I will probably regift, the value was still a whopping $65.00! I will be continuing my Bluum subscription!

Are you interested in signing up for Bluum?

Click here to sign up and receive 15 points toward a free box!