I’ve recently come to terms with the fact that I’m a SUCKER for monthly/weekly subscriptions. I realized that I rely on my subscriptions for just about everything in my life. From the food I put in my stomach, to the shampoo I put in my hair, to how I spend my free time, there is a subscription for just about everything.
As a subscription junkie, I’ve learned which ones are worth the $$ and which are TOTALLY over-rated. For me, I have two criteria when choosing a subscription and sticking with it. 1) it makes my life easier in some way or 2) brings me joy in a way that I’m not willing to give up.
Subscriptions That Stuck
1| Blue Apron: I’ve been a Blue Apron member since 2016 and I don’t remember a life without it. I’m not a huge cook and have little time so forget researching my own recipes. I purposely choose the recipes that are between 20-35 minutes to keep them quick and easy and without Blue Apron, I would 1000% order Seamless every night of the week. I love trying (cooking and eating) new cuisines and the dishes are always DELICIOUS.
2| Prose: This is a newer addition to my subscription roster since I was influenced by Julia over on Lemon Stripes and the Bad on Paper ladies over Summer and ever since my hair has been TRANSFORMED. I have had some hair issues since the Fall of 2019. I’m talking hair falling out, thinning, breakage, super oily roots, you name it, it was a problem. Not having to straighten or curl all the time during quarantine, is definitely helping but using Prose was definitely a turning point. Prose has you fill out a full evaluation based on your personal hair needs and they hit it out of the park. I have the shampoo (cleanses and maintains the natural balance of your scalp), conditioner (hydrating & curl-refining), and hair mask (restores & repairs) and couldn’t recommend it enough.
3|Daily Harvest: This is one that I only subscribe to once per month. I used to have the weekly subscription and it was just TOO much to keep up with. Daily Harvest has a ton of new products recently (flatbreads, soups, etc.) but I’m still loyal to their tried & true product: the smoothie. My personal faves are Strawberry + Peach, Mango + Papaya, and Cherry + Almond.
4| Book Of The Month: Another new one to the roster! I joined Book Of The Month in April during the height of the COVID-19 quarantine when I truly couldn’t have enough books to read. Not only has the subscription introduced me to new authors and books that I wouldn’t otherwise have discovered, but I also love that so many of my friends & family are members so I always have someone to talk about my latest read with.
5| Fabletics: Another brand that I’m a long-time fan of! I’ve been a subscriber from the very beginning and I absolutely LOVE how this company has evolved. Firstly, the quality of their products puts other high-end workout gear to shame, and secondly, the styles are so unique and adorable. I’d be lying if I said I HAVEN’T worn one of their athleisure getups in public as a real outfit. Also, I really want to meet whoever heads up their celebrity partnerships because we have the same taste (hello, Dance Moms & Riverdale?!). I recently bought a few outfits from Maddie Ziegler’s collection.
Subscriptions That I Tried & Didn’t Stick
1| Birchbox: I’m so over it. I know they are the industry leader, and I really wish I could be a fan, but I just can’t bring myself to re-subscribe. Overall, my biggest gripe is that I rarely received a product that I really loved in my box. Usually, I felt like they were cheap products that I ended up throwing out or giving away. I haven’t been a subscriber since 2016-2017ish so this may have changed by now!
2| MeUndiis: I actually wasn’t a subscriber of this one but Tom was so I had a second-hand experience. Overall, the designs were SUPER cute (we have undiis with brie & wine, pizza, avocados, cute little otters, etc.) and since we had a couples subscription, it was always something we looked forward to receiving together. However, the designs are almost always neon and overly ornate so I personally didn’t find them functional. Always felt like they were taking up room in my drawer when I rarely put them on.
3| Le Tote: Okay, I actually really loved the clothes and accessories I received from Le Tote but because I loved them SO much, I ended up spending more money to keep them than I would have without the subscription. Originally, I thought the subscription would save me money because I’d get a few styles to test out and wear (and even photograph for the blog) and then send back. This made me realize that a fashion subscription service just isn’t for me.
Subscriptions I Want To Try
1| Winc: I’ve heard so many great things about Winc, but have yet to pull the trigger! Not only do Tom and I LOVE trying new wines from all over the world, but I also love having fresh and unique bottles laying around in case friends stop by or I need a hostess gift. With the city closing up a bit for the colder weather, I wouldn’t be surprised if I invest in Winc before the end of the year.
2| The Bouqs Co.: I’m already a big fan and customer of The Bouqs Co. It is my go-to for whenever one of my friends gets a new job, promotion, new home, etc. so the idea of gifting myself on a monthly basis just seems really exciting. The Bouqs Co. has a fully customizable subscription service where you can pick what kind of flowers you want (farmers market bouquets, seasonal, classics, or roes) and how often you want to receive them. Personally, there is nothing that makes me feel more put together than a fresh bouquet on my kitchen island so I’m thinking I’ll go for the seasonal subscription starting soon!
I’m totally aware that this is TOO many subscriptions to keep track of and those Instagram ads for Trim are TOTALLY necessary and accurately targeted but I truly see the value in each and every one of them in a way that I’m not willing to give. At least not in a world where I’m terrified to go to the grocery store and there are little in-store shopping experiences.
What are your favorite subscription boxes? You know, I’m always looking for at least once more! 😉
