Cozy Reader Club Reviews, January – April 2018

OK, it’s time to get caught up to current on my Cozy Reader Club reviews! This is my longest subscription to date without interruption because I don’t want to miss a single month. If you have been here before, you already know that this is my favorite book box in terms of quality. If you want to peruse my previous reviews on this subscription, go here.

The Cozy Reader Club is what I consider a “Luxe” (luxury) Book Box. They curate a truly beautiful subscription box with high quality items that I am consistently impressed with. It is one of the more expensive book boxes out there, but totally worth it IMHO. The cost is $64.95 per month (+ 9.99 shipping US), with a slightly lower cost for longer subscriptions. They also ship to Canada. You can skip a month, too, if you wish! Each month you will receive 4-6 items including a recently released hardcover women’s fiction novel, artisan beverages such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate, beautiful handmade items and delicious gourmet handcrafted treats. The boxes feature handcrafted, artisan goods from small businesses throughout the USA. Additionally, they host a blog called the “Cozy Reader Connection” with great ‘Me Time’ articles; which is their motto.

The reviews today are for the January, February, March and April 2018 Cozy Reader Club boxes. I am not a Cozy Reader Club affiliate, but I AM a Cratejoy affiliate. I pay for my subscription. Please note that I *never* accept compensation in exchange for a positive review. All of my reviews are my honest, personal opinions and contain my own photography (unless otherwise stated).

Cozy Reader Club Review, January 2018

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It’s that time again!  Sometimes it is excruciating to wait a whole month, and other times it is like the blink of an eye.  One thing I can say about the Cozy Reader Club, is they are always on time!

I’ve been getting this subscription (uninterrupted) since April of 2016, and never once has it been late.  It is promptly shipped on the 18th of the month (sometimes a few days earlier if we’re lucky!), but I don’t recall a time it was ever shipped after the 18th.  The mail service can be sketchy due to carrier errors, PO errors, weather, etc., but each month my box arrives on or before the 20th like clockwork!  I love that!  I wouldn’t get upset if it were late (shit happens) unless it was a persistent problem.  Unfortunately, some subscriptions do have problems every single month it seems; mostly due to not getting product from vendors in time, but not this box!

I thought this all warranted mentioning – great job Cozy Reader Club!

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Classy, clean and colorful packaging.

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Always packed full of bookish delights!

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January didn’t have a worded theme, but the colors and images are of snowflakes and the cozy comforts of winter.

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The photos on the inserts are always so nice; and the information provided is the perfect blend of pertinent info + inspiration.

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The Immortalists: A Novel by Chloe Benjamin – Retail Value $26 (Amazon $15.60)

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Amazon excerpt:

A dazzling family love story reminiscent of Everything I Never Told You from a novelist heralded by Lorrie Moore as a “great new talent.”

If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life?

It’s 1969 in New York City’s Lower East Side, and word has spread of the arrival of a mystical woman, a traveling psychic who claims to be able to tell anyone the day they will die. The Gold children—four adolescents on the cusp of self-awareness—sneak out to hear their fortunes.

The prophecies inform their next five decades. Golden-boy Simon escapes to the West Coast, searching for love in ’80s San Francisco; dreamy Klara becomes a Las Vegas magician, obsessed with blurring reality and fantasy; eldest son Daniel seeks security as an army doctor post-9/11; and bookish Varya throws herself into longevity research, where she tests the boundary between science and immortality.

A sweeping novel of remarkable ambition and depth, The Immortalists probes the line between destiny and choice, reality and illusion, this world and the next. It is a deeply moving testament to the power of story, the nature of belief, and the unrelenting pull of familial bonds.

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This was a highly anticipated book, and I’m excited to read it!  My TBR pile is HUGE, but I’m happy to have this one in my queue now.

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Cozy Reader Club; Cozy Reader Book Club; Cozy Reader Club Box; Subscription Box; cozy reader book box;

Cassia Organics Shower Pouf – Retail Value $5

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This cute little ‘pouf’ (I love that word…POUF!) is made from natural ramie fiber.  It is a soft mesh, not waxy like the ones you are used to seeing, and is fabulous for gentle exfoliating.  This is such a great addition to my shower of all-natural bath products – I don’t have anything like it, and it will get much use.  This is one of those products I can see myself buying more of. POUF! 🙂

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The pouf came in a nice box with this business card.  I’m so impressed with the packaging/labeling and presentation!  I’m currently working on my own line of natural body care products, and let me tell you – it is a ton of work!!

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Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Co. – Whipped Shea Vanilla Bean Body Butter – Retail Value $9.50

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This whipped body butter is freaking awesome – and I am PICKY!  It has a very subtle & sweet vanilla scent, and is not greasy at all.  My skin soaked it right up.

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Simple, organic ingredients – right up my alley!

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It is best used right out of the shower, and it’s true, you only need a very small amount!

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Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Mocha Java Lip Balm – Retail Value $4.10

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OK, it’s official, I’m a fan of this company!  I don’t seem to do well with lip balms; they don’t last on me.  THIS ONE DOES!  My lips are soft for hours!  The chocolate coffee scent, much like the vanilla whip, is subtle and pleasant. I keep this little jar in my purse, and so far, no spillage.

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More great organic ingredients.

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Clean Line Soap Co. Vanilla Bean Bath Fizzy – Retail Value $4.50

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I haven’t had a chance to use this bath bomb yet, but I have no doubt it will be a luxurious experience given the description:

Turn your tub into a comforting, warm retreat, with our luxurious vanilla bean bath fizzy, a deliciously vanilla scent, with notes of cream and caramel. Homey and inviting, you will want to sink into the softness this bath fizzy will bring, as we’ve added sea salt and arrowroot to silken and soften the bath water.  Cocoa butter and sunflower oil will leave you skin soft and scented long after the bath is over.  Dive into warmth, with our Fresh Baked vanilla bean bath fizzy.

To use, simply drop in a warm bathtub, let fizz, soak yourself and enjoy! If you would like, you can also break apart this bomb and use smaller pieces for a foot or hand soak. To store, leave in wrapper to protect from moisture and humidity, until ready to use. Due to the oils and butters in the bomb, it will best if used within six months from date of purchase.

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Noble Coffee “World Tour” Blend – Retail Value $15

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This blend is designed to create a complex balance of coffees from the world’s four largest coffee producing regions. Originally designed to be pulled as espresso, this blend holds up well to some milk, as when used in a latte. That having been said, this coffee has become a crowd-pleasing favorite and is enjoyed by many who brew it by drip.

They had me at “Espresso”, then they carried me off into the sunset with flavors of “Hazelnut, Red Wine & Cacao Nibs”.  There could not have been a more perfect beverage item for me included in this box.

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Vanilla Dream Cookie by Unna Bakery – Retail Value $5.99 (was $6.99)

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Any time you see a grandma on the packaging?  Buy it.  Apparently these are award-winning cookies, and I must concur.  I most often like and gobble up any cookie, but rarely I want to live on them.  I want to live on these Vanilla Dream cookies.  OMG.  The perfect crispiness, the perfect lingering flavor – YUM!  Dale did not get any of these cookies.  Usually I generously share.  I hid these.  My one complaint?  NOT ENOUGH COOKIES IN THE BOX!

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I will be buying more of these.  Lots more.  And then I will share. 😉

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So this month is right up there with my all time favs!  Plus, I found some new brands that I love!

The total retail value of this box (right now) is $70.09 ($59.69 with Amazon Pricing), and the items are all the high quality I’ve come to expect from this box.  The retail value (non-amazon) is above the $64.95 cost of the box (not including shipping costs), however this is lower than usual for the Cozy Reader Club – but don’t forget, last month clocked in at a whopping $107!  I was thrilled with the items, so this is a non-issue for me, but these are my thoughts on the ‘value’ of subscription boxes I’ve mentioned before:

Something to note as far as what I think about box values – I don’t get my panties all up in a bunch over ”value”. Value is too subjective. What is worth a lot to me, isn’t worth shit to someone else; and vice versa, not to mention prices fluctuate.  I look at it like this – someone is going to a lot of trouble to curate a special box for me. I don’t have to think about what I want, look for it, buy it or pay individual tax or shipping fees for separate items.  I am being pushed out of my comfort zone when I get something I wouldn’t normally buy, or don’t know exists (this is a good thing), and am being introduced to new brands I would otherwise not know about. If I don’t like something, I can swap it on one of the swap sites, sell it on ebay, gift it to a loved one, or donate it to charity. Not to mention it’s fun to get a surprise every month! There are many folks who only like (ridiculously) high-valued boxes, or get upset if the perceived value dips below the cost of the box. I say get over it. This is a SERVICE. You tip your waiter extra for (good) service, right? But I digress. Who cares about the value. Enjoy the box! When the value exceeds the cost – celebrate and count yourself lucky!

Cozy Reader Club Review, February 2018

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Cozy Reader Club time again!

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February is the obvious Valentine/Love/Hearts month.  If I were asked to come up with a theme for a February Cozy Reader Club box, it would be something like this:  “And then I asked myself, will you be my Valentine?”

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Opening these boxes makes me hungry!

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I wonder sometimes how much work goes into color-coordinating a box.  Was the blue color of the book coordinated intentionally with the blue hot cocoa tin and then that same blue put on the background on the card insert?  What about the pink/purple colors of the marshmallows and poncho?  Blue for Winter, pink/purple for Valentines? Yes, these are the things I ponder.  I already have a therapist, thanks.

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Some unique items this month!  Let’s take a closer look.

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An American Marriage: A Novel by Tayari Jones – Retail Value $26.95 (Amazon $16.17)

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Amazon excerpt:

Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit. Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy’s time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy’s conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together.

This stirring love story is a profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. An American Marriage is a masterpiece of storytelling, an intimate look deep into the souls of people who must reckon with the past while moving forward–with hope and pain–into the future.

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This is a very appropriate book selection for February!  It has received great reviews, and was a highly anticipated read for 2018.  I have not read anything from this author before, so this is a new find for me!  The premise sounds interesting; although it is not something I would normally pick out for myself.  More broadening of my horizons!

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Dana Herbert Accessories – Heather Jersey Poncho in Berry – Retail Value $42

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A super soft poncho in our best selling heather jersey fabric. Lightweight but still enough warmth for crisp fall days, toss it in your bag to throw over any outfit when it cools off.

Poly/Rayon/Spandex | Measures 26″ x 26″ folded in half.

Handmade in Portland, Oregon

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I couldn’t quite figure out how exactly I’m supposed to wear it.  If you put the “V” in front, both sides are even, and the back dips down closer to my rear, HOWEVER, the photo on the website has it worn to the side all artsy-like, with one side draping lower than the other, gathering at the neck.  Because that is how it is shown on the website, I’m assuming that is the intended look, but that way shows my big booty, so I may go rogue and wear it this way.  😉

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Regardless, the color is a gorgeous magenta (‘berry’), and the material is super silky soft.  It isn’t designed to provide a ton of warmth; it’s more of a wrap for a summer walk at dusk kind of item – which is perfect for here in SoCal!

This is how it is SUPPOSED to be worn:

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Mariebelle Gourmet White Chocolate Vanilla Cocoa Mix – Retail Value $15 (+ $18.59 shipping!)  (On Amazon for $13.50 + $10 shipping)

While tasty, the shipping costs to order a single tin directly from their website is INSANE!  This is definitely a item to buy in bulk and not individually.  The Amazon shipping isn’t much better, but you could justify it.  This is an instance where getting an item in a subscription box is the much better deal!

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Thick and decadent, our White Chocolate with Vanilla Hot Chocolate is a rich confection that’s perfect for cool winter nights, or mornings! It’s also remarkably versatile and easy to prepare. Mix with boiling water to create a full-flavored cup of European-style hot chocolate or with milk for a more traditional American-style drink. Refrigerate the European version to transform into a crème de chocolat.

Our 6oz tin serves four portions.

I have never thought of refrigerating hot cocoa for a ‘crème de chocolat’ treat!  I’ll have to try that.

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The bag of mix is much bigger than the tin’s opening, and it took me a bit to get it out without ripping it.  My suggestion: cut the bag while it is inside the tin and scoop it out that way.  The tin is nice and could be re-purposed when finished with the cocoa.

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Malvi Marshmallow Confections ‘Cotton Candy’ Gourmet Marshmallows – Retail Value $5  (NOTE: These are only available to purchase as a two-pack.)  You can also find these on Amazon for the same price depending on shipping for you.

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These are yummy!  I’m a total sucker for a gourmet marshmallow.  Once you try one, you’ll never go back!

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Chocolate Therapy Chocolate Truffles – Retail Value $4.99

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There are two different truffles in this cute little pack: Strawberry Balsamic and Milk Chocolate Citrus.  Both are extremely decadent; the dark chocolate being semi-sweet with a burst of strawberry balsamic flavor, and the milk chocolate a little sweeter with a strong orange/citrus flavored center.  I can’t decide which one is better!  Just one cured my sweet tooth for the entire day.

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They are creations of art!

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The total retail value of this box (right now) is $93.94 ($83.16 with Amazon Pricing), and the items are all the high quality I’ve come to expect from this box!  Both values are quite a bit above the $64.95 cost of the box (not including shipping costs in either calculation), so a truly great deal!

I really, really enjoy this luxury-item book box; it is one of a kind!  I’ve heard others say they feel it is ‘too pricey’ for them, and I get that, but this was one of the very first subscription boxes I chose for myself, and I have never been disappointed.

Cozy Reader Club Review, March 2018

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This is probably the nicest photo I’ve ever taken of the Cozy Reader Club box – LOL!

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Are you ready to see what’s inside?!?

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Ta-Da!  Welcome Spring!

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Flowers and blooms and colors, oh my!

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The Queen of Hearts: A Novel by Kimmery Martin – Retail Value $26 (Amazon $15.33)

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Amazon excerpt:

Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2018 by Southern Living, Elite Daily, and Writer’s Digest 

A debut novel set against a background of hospital rounds and life-or-death decisions that pulses with humor and empathy and explores the heart’s capacity for forgiveness…

Zadie Anson and Emma Colley have been best friends since their early twenties, when they first began navigating serious romantic relationships amid the intensity of medical school. Now they’re happily married wives and mothers with successful careers–Zadie as a pediatric cardiologist and Emma as a trauma surgeon. Their lives in Charlotte, North Carolina are chaotic but fulfilling, until the return of a former colleague unearths a secret one of them has been harboring for years.

As chief resident, Nick Xenokostas was the center of Zadie’s life–both professionally and personally–throughout a tragic chain of events in her third year of medical school that she has long since put behind her. Nick’s unexpected reappearance during a time of new professional crisis shocks both women into a deeper look at the difficult choices they made at the beginning of their careers. As it becomes evident that Emma must have known more than she revealed about circumstances that nearly derailed both their lives, Zadie starts to question everything she thought she knew about her closest friend.

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Sometimes the subscribers are asked to vote on which book makes the cut for a box, and I have to be honest and say the book I voted for didn’t win this time.  But instead of being all pouty and disappointed, I decided that it was FATE for me to read this book.  I’ll let you know what I think in an upcoming book review post!

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Flowers all over the book jacket art – most fitting for a Spring subscription box!

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Soulmate socks Dahlia Crew Socks – Retail Value $20

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These are the most colorful socks I’ve ever seen!  I love that they are mismatched…on purpose!

New in Spring 2018, Dahlia is the latest addition to our Garden series bringing cheerful colors and cozy toes. Colors in this sock: light pink, magenta, lime green, purple, turquoise.

Being that they are “Dahlia” socks in the “Garden Series” makes them perfect for the Spring theme.

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The company is in Vermont, but the insert card says these socks were handmade in North Carolina, just like the setting in the book!!  Coincidence?  Probably NOT.  It is very clear to me how much thought goes into the curation of these boxes. I wonder if I’m the only person that got that. 😉

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A wonderful small family-owned business that cares.

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Moon Spoon Tea Nest Strainer with Flowers – Retail Value $14

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“We have designed collections of twelve patterns on about thirty five different utensils.  All our Spoons are made from solid Pennsylvania Cherry Wood, 100% natural, with no dyes, resins or polymers. Our spoons and other utensils are meticulously designed, cut and then carefully hand-shaped. We make each utensil with our own inventive wood cutting and sanding machines. Also we have tested the purity our product and found they are even safe for babies.”

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This is a really elegant tea strainer, and I can safely say I don’t own anything like it!  It will be great for my shallow tea cups.

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Such a cool design.  I can always count on the Cozy Reader Club to introduce me to the best stuff!

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Cozy Reader Club; Cozy Reader Book Club; Cozy Reader Club Box; Subscription Box; cozy reader book box;

I always appreciate instructions because I still consider myself a tea newbie!  I’ve been a coffee junkie forever, and you just can’t apply the same methods.

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Modern Steep Wonder Woman Organic Tea – Retail Value $8.45

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This minty sweet creation combines soothing organic nettle, raspberry & peppermint leaf, chamomile flowers, ginger root, dandelion leaf, oat straw, horsetail, stevia and rose petals to help keep you in perfect tune. (no caffeine)

You aren’t going to believe me, but merely DAYS before receiving this box I was researching ‘teas with nettle and dandelion’ because I recently found out that the benefits of those two plants are just what my body needs!  I kid you not!  I found a dandelion tea, and I found a nettle tea, but I couldn’t seem to find a tea that had BOTH, then BOOM!  It’s in my hands.  Thank you Cozy Reader Club!!

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Cozy Reader Club; Cozy Reader Book Club; Cozy Reader Club Box; Subscription Box; cozy reader book box;

Oh, and it tastes good, too!  Minty and fresh.

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Bee Local West Coast Wildflower Honey – Retail Value $12  (NOTE:  Due to the heavy weight, shipping is $9 on a single jar purchase on their website making it $21, BUT if you are a Prime Member on Amazon, you might be able to save a few bucks here.

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This is probably the best honey I’ve EVER tasted.  I’ve had this brand before, but the wildflower flavor is so good!  I’ve recently started using honey in the place of table sugar and syrup, so I not only use it in tea, but also on pancakes, waffles, french toast and in some baking recipes.  I’ve also been known to walk by the pantry, stick my finger in the honey, and lick it right off of my fingers.  It’s that good.  I’m so thrilled they included such a big jar!

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Honey is also really good for you!!

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The Decorated Cookie Company Tulip Shortbread Cookie – Retail Value $2.99  (NOTE:  I could only find this cookie sold in bulk; the lowest priced pack being a quantity of (8) for $39.95. Higher quantities offer better values.)

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This is a brightly decorated shortbread cookie, and tulips are my favorite Spring flower!  It was good – nothing really special about it, though, other than it is (was) really pretty!  Mine came broken, but it didn’t affect the flavor. 😉

I used to live in Seattle, and every year they have a Tulip Festival – SO BEAUTIFUL!  Miles and miles of color.  Anyway, the cookie reminded me of this and I thought I would share. 🙂  I took this photo near La Conner, WA in 2008.

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My broken cookie.   😥

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Cozy Reader Club; Cozy Reader Book Club; Cozy Reader Club Box; Subscription Box; cozy reader book box;

This was such a colorful, bright & cheery month!  I know the book is supposed to be the focus of the box, but I’m always so mesmerized by all the artisan items.  I think that is why this box has stood the test of time with me – I truly appreciate the curation.

The total retail value of this box (right now) is $83.44 ($72.77 with Amazon Pricing), and the items are all the high quality I’ve come to expect from this box!  Both values are above the $64.95 cost of the box (not including shipping costs in either calculation).  Wheeee!

Cozy Reader Club Review, April 2018

Is it April already?!?  Holy crap, am I actually posting an APRIL box review IN APRIL?  Miracle.

And Now It’s Me Time…

Wooo – again, the bright Spring colors jump right out at ya!

So what do we have here this month…

ME TIME…it’s what’s for dinner!  I’ve heard that some women find it difficult to schedule time for just themselves; relaxing and enjoying the things that make them happy.  For some reason I have the opposite problem.  I make my ME TIME a priority, and sometimes slack off on work (like posting box reviews in the actual month I got them), cooking, cleaning and other important responsibilities.  It’s not that I don’t have a ton of crap to do, or that I’m lazy, it’s just that I heard a phrase when I was younger that stuck with me and has become a sort of ‘mantra’ for me. And it has served me well.  I can’t remember where I heard it, though.  I remember it was said by a lady with a heavy Southern accent, though.  It might have been my Great Aunt Peggy in Kentucky.  She was the most hysterical (and wisest) woman I’ve ever met.

“Honey, you gotta treat yourself like a princess, cuz ain’t no one else goin’ to!”

Words to live by my virtual sisters, words to live by.

Hmm…no individual prices given this month like usual.  You’re cuttin’ into my ME TIME, Heather!!  LOL!

The Female Persuasion: A Novel by Meg Wolitzer – Retail Value $28 (Amazon $16.80)

Amazon excerpt:

From the New York Times-bestselling author of The Interestings, an electric novel not just about who we want to be with, but who we want to be.

To be admired by someone we admire – we all yearn for this: the private, electrifying pleasure of being singled out by someone of esteem. But sometimes it can also mean entry to a new kind of life, a bigger world.

Greer Kadetsky is a shy college freshman when she meets the woman she hopes will change her life. Faith Frank, dazzlingly persuasive and elegant at sixty-three, has been a central pillar of the women’s movement for decades, a figure who inspires others to influence the world. Upon hearing Faith speak for the first time, Greer- madly in love with her boyfriend, Cory, but still full of longing for an ambition that she can’t quite place- feels her inner world light up. And then, astonishingly, Faith invites Greer to make something out of that sense of purpose, leading Greer down the most exciting path of her life as it winds toward and away from her meant-to-be love story with Cory and the future she’d always imagined.

Charming and wise, knowing and witty, Meg Wolitzer delivers a novel about power and influence, ego and loyalty, womanhood and ambition. At its heart, The Female Persuasion is about the flame we all believe is flickering inside of us, waiting to be seen and fanned by the right person at the right time. It’s a story about the people who guide and the people who follow (and how those roles evolve over time), and the desire within all of us to be pulled into the light.

I’ve heard this book talked about in many circles, as it is such a relevant topic for current times.  The feminist struggle.  It gets mostly rave reviews, but there were also many people who said it was slow and dragged on and on.  It is really hard for me to gauge books on reviews only because there are so many books out there that I love, that no one else seems to, and vice versa.  There have been several books published in the last few years, too, that were all the rage, and I couldn’t even finish them.  It’s just hard to say.  What I can say is that the subject matter interests me and I don’t mind a long book.  You could hurt someone with this book – it’s huge!

Paper Sushi Shop Book Stamp – Retail Value $15

This stamp is very well-made and adorable, and also incredibly appropriate for a book box!  This is the first time I’ve ever received a stamp in a box, and it is genius!  Bookish items can be fairly predictable, but not this one.  The font style is trendy, too.

Here’s the bad news for me, though. I don’t keep books. Once I read them, I either swap them or donate them because if I didn’t, I’d need a second house.  I do keep the occasional coffee table book or cookbook, but I hesitate to write on them, or mark them in any way, because you just never know.  It will pain me to gift or swap this, but I think it will get better use by someone who has more keepsake books.  I hate to have idle items.  If this was a ‘Handmade by” or “Made with love” stamp, I’d be all over it!  In fact, I think I will use the discount provided to get one of those!  Fortunately, this issue is personal to me, and I think most subscribers will be thrilled to receive it.  The only further comment I have is that I would’ve liked to have seen an ink pad included.

Book Quote Key Chain by P3 Personalized Jewelry – Retail Value $20  (NOTE: I couldn’t find this exact item on their website, so I based value on similar.)

“Between the pages of book is a lovely place to be.”  I couldn’t agree more!  This is a beautiful, quality key chain.  Most key chains I’ve seen are not this well made; it is heavy and feels like it could go the distance banging into keys, and doors and such.  The little crystal charm adds to the elegance.  I also like the black/white/silver colors – very nice!

BTW, the dirt under my pinky nail?  Brownie residue.  Scroll down, you’ll understand.

Giv Coffee Freedom Blend – Retail Value $13.99

ORIGIN: 50% Colombia, 50% Honduras

REGION: Narino, Colombia & Copan, Honduras

VARIETALS: Castillo, Caturra, Catuai

PROCESS: Washed

WE TASTE: Creamy, bodied, sugar sweetness, balanced

This is our medium roast blend.  For those of you who love a breakfast blend or a house blend this is for you.  Our goal here is balance between body, flavor, and acidity.

I’m always happy to receive coffee!  I tend to gravitate towards the darker, more robust blends (like espresso), but medium-bodied breakfast blends work too!  This is a coffee that gives back – hence the name ‘Giv’.  I am all for doing what you love, and sharing your success with those in need.  It’s what makes the world a better place.  I haven’t brewed a cup yet, but it smells heavenly.  I think I’ll pack it on my next weekend trip!

Salt of the Earth Bakery “The Brownie” – Retail Value $5  (NOTE: The website sells them in a pack of 3 boxes for $14.99)

These are ooey, gooey squares of goodness.  I was a jerk-face and didn’t share them, and I totally got busted with brownie crumbs on my lips and fingers.  I then had to make a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies to make up for it.  The takeaway?  I can’t get away with anything. 😉

You want one now, don’t you?  I wish I had more.

Now I’m just being mean.  😈

So there’s April!  A fun and unique box this month.  Is it wrong that I’m already looking forward to May?

The total retail value of this box (right now) is $81.99 ($70.79 with Amazon Pricing), and the items are all the high quality I’ve come to expect from this box!  Both values are above the $64.95 cost of the box (not including shipping costs in either calculation), so I’m happy!

So now that you know the kinds of items to expect, what do you think?  Are you ready for a little luxury ME time?!?  You know you’re worth it!! Remember…“Honey, you gotta treat yourself like a princess, cuz ain’t no one else goin’ to!”

TTFN – CrazyDogMama xoxo

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Cheryl, a.k.a. "CrazyDogMama". Welcome to my blog - it's about time you visited! Anything and everything goes here - seriously. I'm a 40-something introverted writer and maker of body care products.

I am obsessed with books (mainly the Holy Bible of late), writing, essential oils, intermittent fasting, road trips, subscription boxes, and all geeky things related to earthquakes, space weather and the last days written about in Revelation. I exist mainly on coffee. I'm not above writing about uncomfortable subjects, and political correctness isn't my priority, I'm just real. I also love Jesus. So, if you're good with all that, take a look around and get to know me! Even if you're not, I try my best to entertain and offer up good advice occasionally, so hopefully there is a little something here for everyone.

Oh, and my dog Jack is my muse, so I like to exploit him here. ;-)

This is my life.

Simply Earth

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