Ashley Unboxes: Citrus Lane June 2015 Package

The June 2015 package has arrived! Our Citrus Lane package targets a young boy around the age of 12 months.  Let’s take a look inside.

The Contents

June’s hello message

June’s package contents

Inside our June Citrus Lane package we found the following items:

• Hape  First Pounder (MSRP $11.99)
• Aqueduck (MSRP $9.99)
• JJ Rabbit dipPLATE (MSRP $9.99)
• Kabrita goat milk yogurt and fruit (MSRP $1.79)

First Impressions

Here are my initial impressions of each item we received this month.

Hape First Pounder

Hape First Pounder

If we did not own a pounder, I am sure I would have been excited to see this in our package.  The toy seems well made.

Aqueduck

Aqueduck

The Aqueduck is a interesting water extender.  We are not at a point where there is useful for us.  Expect an update once our little man gets a little bigger.

JJ Rabbit dipPLATE

JJ Rabbit dipPLATE

The JJ Rabbit dipPLATE is a nice quality, sturdy plate for the little guy.  It features a dip tray on the side.  This is the second JJ Rabbit item we have received through Citrus Lane.  The first was the ergoFORK+SPOON in our January package.  We use the spoon and fork quite frequently.

Kabrita Goat Milk Yogurt

Kabrita Goat Milk Yogurt

We have not tried this yet.  I’m not sure what to make of the 2+ age on the package.  I will post an update this once we give it a try.

UPDATE:

We gave this a try over the weekend.  My little guy loved this.  I have never seen him down a pouch as quickly as he ate the Kabrita yogurt.  He was very upset once he emptied the contents of the pouch.  His reaction to it was big enough that I will order a few more.

Also, I have learned the 2+ means children who are eating solids.

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, our June package did not raise the bar over our May package.  This month was a little disappointing.  I am most excited about our new plate and I think it will receive a lot of use in the future.  The other items?  Not so much.

Here’s to hoping July is an awesome month!

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Ashley Unboxes: Citrus Lane May 2015 Package

The May 2015 package has arrived!  Our Citrus Lane package targets a young boy around the age of 12 months.  Let’s take a look inside.

The Contents

The first thing I noticed when we received this month’s package was our box was  a little bigger!

Citrus lane package

May’s package contents

Inside our May Citrus Lane package we found the following items:

• Baby Blowfish Graphic Tee from Tea Collection (MSRP $26.50)
• 5″ Playground Ball from Crocodile Creek (MSRP $9.99)
• Snack Container from Goodbyn (MSRP $5.50)
• Family Pack from Vaska

In addition to the items we also received 20% off teacollection.com (as I type this their website is offering a coupon code for 20% plus free shipping), 10% off crocodilecreek.com, and 20% off goodbyn.com.

First Impressions

Here are my initial impressions of each item we received this month.

Baby Blowfish Graphic Tea from Tea Collection

Baby Blowfish Graphic Tee from Tea Collection

This tee shirt is my first exposure to the Tea Collection.  I give the shirt gets two big thumbs up!  It’s well made, comfortable and best of all my little guy looks so cute in it.  If I was not overwhelmed with the current size of his clothing collection I would seriously consider ordering a few more shirts from the company.

5″ Playground Ball from Crocodile Creek

Playground ball from Crocodile Creek

This ball comes at the perfect time for us! My little guy adores balls! He took an instant liking to it.  This ball is my first exposure to Crocodile Creek.  The ball has a nice vibrant color with a cute print on it.

Snack Container from Goodbyn

Snack Container from Goodbyn

Snack Container from Goodbyn

The snack container from Goodbyn is my first exposure to the company.   We have not had the chance to use the container, but it seems pretty sturdy and the separated compartments should be useful!

Family Pack from Vaska

Vaska detergent samples

We received three product samples from the green cleaning company, Vaska.  This is my first exposure to the company as well.  I ran a load of laundry the baby detergent tablet.  I noticed a couple items did not clean well, but I am open to giving the products another try.

Final Thoughts

May’s Citrus Lane package was not as awesome as April’s, but it was still a good a month.   Here’s to hoping June raises the bar!

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Ashley Unboxes: Citrus Lane March 2015 Package

The March 2015 package has arrived!  Our Citrus Lane package targets a young boy between the age of 10 – 12 months old.  Let’s take a look inside.

The Contents

March 2015 Package Message

March 2015 Package Contents

Inside our March Citrus Lane package we found the following items:

• Bow Tie from Baby Bow Tie (MSRP $25.00?)
• Tweat Snack Ball from Ubbi (MSRP $9.99)
• First Play Peek a Boo Panda Wooden Toy from Melissa & Doug (MSRP $7.99)
• Bubble Bath from Johnson & Johnson
• Head to Toe Baby Wash from Johnson & Johnson

In addition to those items we received a 20% off coupon at ubbiworld.com, and a 15% off coupon at melissaanddoug.com.

First Impressions

Here are my initial impressions on each item we received this month.

Bow Tie from Baby Bow Tie

Bow Tie from Baby Bow Tie

Bow Tie from Baby Bow Tie

I was really excited to find this cute little bow tie in our package.  This is my first exposure to the company Baby Bow Tie.  The tie is well made, and best of all has a magnetic closure for easy dressing.  The strap is also adjustable.   The age range for the tie is newborn to 8 years.  This little tie is a keeper!

Tweat Snack Ball from Ubbi

Tweat Snack Container

Tweat Snack Container

The Tweat Snack Ball is a pretty neat container.  It features two big handles for easy holding, a soft spill guard (my favorite feature), an attached lid plus it leans and wobbles.  This is my first exposure to Ubbi and the container comes at the perfect timing for us.  I have not purchased any snack containers yet so the Tweat snack ball will see a lot of use from us.

First Play Peek a Boo Panda from Melissa & Doug

First Play Peek a Boo Panda

First Play Peek a Boo Panda

First Play Peek a Boo Panda

I am normally a big fan of wooden toys, but I am not crazy for the First Play Peek a Boo Panda from Melissa & Doug.  I will give it time to grow on me.  The arms on the Panda flip back and forth for a game of hide and seek.  It kept my son entertained for a couple of minutes before he was ready to move on to something else, but I think it may grow on him as well.

April 2015 Update:

This toy has really grown on him.  My little guy will sit for a few minutes quietly flipping the arms back and forth.

Bubble Bath and Head to Toe Baby Wash from Johnson & Johnson

Bubble Bath and Head to Toe Baby Wash from Johnson & Johnson

There really is not much to say here.  Due to skin sensitivities this is not something I will be using on my little one.

Final Thoughts

March’s Citrus Lane package was a good package for us.  I think it is on par with February’s package.  I love our bow tie and I really look forward to using our Tweat Snack Ball.  I do miss receiving the little board books.

Here’s to hoping April’s package will have one!

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Ashley Unboxes: Citrus Lane February 2015 Package

The February 2015 package has arrived!  Our Citrus Lane package targets a young boy between the age of 9 – 12 months old.  Let’s take a look inside.

The Contents

February 2015 Package Contents

Inside our February Citrus Lane package we found the following items:

• Silicone Bowl from Oogaa (MSRP $8.99)
• Llama Shaker from Green Tones (MSRP $9.00)
• Wobble-A-Round from Manhattan Toy Company (MSRP $10.00)
• Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer (Travel Size) from Juice Beauty (MSRP $1.12)

In addition to those items, we received a 25% off coupon at oogaa.com, a 10% off coupon at gogreentones.com, a 20% off coupon at manhattantoy.com, a 20% off coupon at juicebeauty.com and a 15% off coupon at citruslane.com/shop for teething and feeding items.

Check out the unboxing video below:

First Impressions

Here are my initial impressions on each item we received this month.

Silicone Bowl

Silicone Bowl from Oogaa

The silicone bowl is interesting.  It is not something I would have purchased and I am not a point where I am ready to introduce items such as bowls or plates. I am not sure how often this will get used.

Llama Shaker from Green Tones

Llama Shaker from Green Tones

I own several products from the Green Tones line of musical instruments.   I was pretty excited to see this shaker in our February package.  The shaker is well made and it produces a pleasant sound.  It is not a loud instrument and I think it sounds better than the Green Tones Egg Maracas.

Wobble-A-Round from Manhattan Toy Company

Wobble-A-Round from Manhattan Toy Company

I like this bead run from the Manhattan Toy Company.  It is small, which will make it a nice toy to keep in the diaper bag.

Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer from Juice Beauty

Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer (Travel Size) from Juice Beauty

This is my first exposure to Juice Beauty.   I think it is interesting that the moisturizer is certified organic, but there are other products that I prefer to use.

Final Thoughts

February’s Citrus Lane package is a big improvement over January’s package.   I am pretty happy with this month’s contents.  I have one minor complaint:  there was no new book!  In our past packages, the books were always my favorite item.  I would take a new book over the silicone bowl.

Here’s  to hoping March’s package is even better!

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Ashley Unboxes: Citrus Lane January 2015 Package

The January 2015 package has arrived! Our Citrus Lane package targets a young boy between the age of 6 – 12 months old. Let’s take a look inside.

The Contents

January 2015 Package Contents

In January’s Citrus Lane Package we found the following items:

• I’ll See You in the Morning from Chronicle Books (MSRP $6.99)
• ergoFORK+SPOON from JJ Rabbit (MSRP $4.99)
• Skip Hop Giraffe Safari Flip and Play from Skip Hop (MSRP $10.00)
• Socks from BabyLegs (MSRP $10.00, but on 1/15/2015 they are priced at $4.00)
• Travel Size Body Lotion from NAIF

In addition to those items, we also received a 60% off coupon for our first outfit from Fabletics, 30% coupon code at chroniclebooks.com, and a 20% off coupon at jjrabbit.com.

Check out the unboxing video below:

Initial Impressions

I’ll See You in the Morning

I’ll See You in the Morning Board Book

I’ll See You in the Morning is a sweet story about comforting your little ones as you put them down for the night.  I really enjoyed the book.

ergoFORK+SPOON

ergoFORK+SPOON from JJ Rabbit

This is my first exposure to the company JJ Rabbit.  The ergoFORK+SPOON set is pretty neat.  The handles on the utensils are curved making it easier for the little ones to hold.  I like this and I am really excited about using it next feeding.  Another really neat thing about the utensils is it is made entirely from plants and thus are biodegradable.

Giraffe Safari Flip and Play

Giraffe Safari Flip and Play from Skip Hop

The Flip and Play Turtle is the most disappointing item in our January 2015 package.  It is a wooden toy turtle that that little ones can flip any one of the 6 pieces in or out.  I do not see the purpose or value of this toy.  It feels a little flimsy as well.

Socks

Socks from BabyLegs

We are constantly losing socks, so new pairs are always a welcomed addition.  This is my first exposure to BabyLegs company.  I am not particularly impressed with the quality, nor am I disappointed.

Travel Size Body Lotion

Travel Size Body Lotion from NAIF

The body lotion from NAIF is made with sensitive skin babies in mind.  The lotion ingredients include cottonseed oil, sweet almond oil and macadamia oil.  This is also my first exposure to the NAIF.   The lotion is a little too greasy for my liking, and I normally purchase Burt’s Bees moisturizers so it is not offering me anything new.  The NAIF body lotion does have a nice scent.

Final Thoughts

Citrus Lane’s January 2015 package gets a “meh” rating.   I really enjoyed December 2014’s package, so the bar was set higher for January’s package.   Unfortunately, it fell short.

I look forward to seeing February’s package!

The post Ashley Unboxes: Citrus Lane January 2015 Package appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley Unboxes: Citrus Lane December 2014 Package

Citrus Lane December 2014 Package

We received our Citrus Lane December 2014 package today and wanted to share with you its contents.  Our package targets a young boy between the age of 6 – 12 months.

Citrus Lane Message

The Contents

Inside December’s package we found:

• Scrappy Elephant from Under the Nile – MSRP $8.00
• Little Hoot from Chronicle Books  – MSRP $14.99
• Happy Friends from Hape – MSRP $6.99
• Super Blends baby food from Love Child Organics

We also received coupon codes for 20% off a purchase at Under the Nile,  30% off a purchase from Chronicle Books, and for 10% off a purchase from Hape.

Watch the video below to see me unboxing our December package:

Initial Impressions on the Contents

My son took an immediate liking to Hape’s Happy Friends rattle.  That toy gets a thumbs up from us (throw in a second thumb up from me because I love wooden toys).

Hape’s Happy Friend Rattle

The Scrappy Elephant from Under the Nile also really captured his attention.  I think he’ll enjoy chewing on that one for a while.

Under the Nile’s Scrappy Elephant

We read Little Hoot for our bedtime story.   I have never heard of the book prior to receiving it in our package today.   I just love the story.  It’s so cute, and I can totally relate to it.  There are nights where we try to stretch our little man’s bed time.  You gotta stay up just ten more minutes!

We have not sample the food yet.

Final Thoughts

I am very happy with December’s package!  This is a really good improvement over November’s package.   The items were not something on my radar to buy, but I like them enough to keep them around for a while.

I look forward to January’s package.  The bar has been raised.

The post Ashley Unboxes: Citrus Lane December 2014 Package appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley Unboxes: Citrus Lane November 2014 Package

I have been hesitant to try subscription box services. I figured I would end up with a lot of stuff I did not need nor want. I ultimately decided to give Citrus Lane a shot because surprises in the mail sound fun, and there was a 25% off discount on their subscriptions. I was able to sign up for 12 months for roughly 16 bucks a month.

I received my November 2014 package, and below is a shot of its contents:

November 2014 Package Contents

Inside my box:

• Fast and Slow by Britta Tekentrup MSRP $6.99
• PlanToys Roller MSRP $12.00
• Bumkins Waterproof SuperBib 2-pack MSRP $12.95
• Plum Organics baby instant oatmeal sample
• Coupons for TinyPrints and a couple other places

The board book, Fast and Slow, will be more enjoyable once my little one is old enough to distinguish the difference between all the modes of transportation.

The PlanToys Roller is not something I would have purchased as I own something that serves a similar purpose from HABA.  It is a nice toy, and my son does enjoy playing with it.

The bibs come at perfect timing.  My little one is starting solids and I was in need of a few waterproof bibs.  I am very happy with the Bumkins bibs and I will probably get a few more.

If I paid full price for a monthly subscription ($29/month monthly subscription, $27/month 3-month subscription or $24/month 6-month subscription), I would have been very disappointed with the contents of the November box.

Here’s to hoping December’s package is more exciting!

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