Life at a "Swell's" pace

Yogi Surprise is a monthly lifestyle subscription box that sends you natural products and yoga essentials each month. It comes filled with some amazing samples and full-sized products. If it's possible to fall in love with a subscription box, I am definitely in love with Yogi Surprise. Here are the goodies that came in my Yogi Surprise boxes for a year (April 2015-April 2016). Be sure to check out their banner that now sits on the right-hand-side of the blog page.

(This post contains affiliate links to products that help keep this blog going. By clicking on these links and/or purchasing products via these links you help support companies and our family. Thank you!)

First Box: (April 2015)

Theme for April was "Bloom with Spring"

The products:

1. Essential Living Foods Superfoods Trail Mix

2. GoodOnya Bar

3. Rosewood Mala Bracelet in a gold drawstring bag

4. Frisky Fish Roll On Oil-Exhale

5. Essence of Nature Journal with Banana Paper-Dolphins

6. White Sage Smudge Stick Bundle

7. Vanessa Valente Yoga Healing Quartz Crystal

Favorite item:

Definitely the Frisky Fish Roll On Oil-Exhale, but I am a sucker for essential oils. I currently roll this oil on my forearms and under my nose before I go to bed each night. I am really going to be bummed when it's gone.

Second Box: (May 2015)

Theme for May was "Growing with Grace"

The products:

1. Yogi Necklace with Om Pendant in a sheer blue drawstring bag

2. Yoga Mind Mouth Mist

3. Moon Valley Organics Peppermint Foot Rub

4. Luv Superfoods Beegan-Bites

5. Tea Tibet Harmony Spiced Tea

6. Tibetan Prayer Flag

Favorite item:

Hands down, this box was great. I really liked the prayer flags, but my favorite was the Luv Superfoods Beegan-Bites.

Third Box: (June 2015)

Theme for June was "A Balanced Lifestyle"

The products:

1. Mind over Lather Natural Yoga Mat Cleaning Spray in Lavender Mint

2. Gaiam Super Grippy Yoga Gloves

3. Yoga Gangsters Truthful Mist

4. Natural Fitness Hemp Yoga Strap in green

5. Bearded Brothers Colossal Coconut Mango Energy Bar

6. Jade Tree of Life Bracelet

Favorite item:

It was a toss up between two items in this month's box. The Jade Tree of Life Bracelet and the Mind over Lather Natural Yoga Mat Cleaning Spray in Lavender Mint. I have been wearing the bracelet daily as part of my arm stack and the cleaning spray I've been using it on my kitchen counters too. It works and smells amazing!

Fourth Box: (July 2015)

Theme for July 2015 was "Salute to the Sun"

The products:

1. Zhena's Gypsy Tea Green Coconut Chai

2. Gaiam Dual-Grip Headband

3. Aura Cacia Peppermint & Sweet Orange Organic Yoga Mist

4. Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask

5. Adjustable Tiger's Eye Bracelet with Budda Charm

Favorite item:

Definitely the Aura Cacia Peppermint & Sweet Orange Organic Yoga Mist. I love how it smells and it was a full-sized product so it will last a good while. The Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask burned a little too much for my comfort, but I did use it and tried to enjoy it's benefits. I have sensitive skin so I think that had a lot to do with it. I liked the Zhena's Gypsy Tea Green Coconut Chai tea. It smelled amazing and tasted just as great!

Fifth Box: (August 2015)

Theme for August was "Honouring the Fire Within"

The products:

1. JemRaw & Organic Cinnamon Red Maca

2. Neelu Kaur Yogini Bliss (10% discount card)

3. Sunbiotics Chocolate Almonds

4. Aura Cacia Revive Body Cloths

5. African Turquoise Bracelet

6. My Tat Inspiring Temp Tattoos (15% discount card)

7. Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Fire to the Core)

Favorite item:

JemRaw & Organic Cinnamon Red Maca! That stuff was the best! I love all food items that come in my boxes each month, but this was amazing and tasted great on toast. I enjoyed the My Tat Inspiring Temp Tattoos. I took advantage of the 15% discount card and ordered a few more OM symbols to wear on my wrist.

Sixth Box: (September 2015)

Theme for September was "Rooting to Transcend"

The products:

1. Urban Moonshine Joy Tonic Spray

2. Big Dipper Wax Works Citronella Tea Lights

3. All Good Coconut Sunstick (SPF 30)

4. Philosophie Vegan Superfood Blends (Green Dream)

5. Gaiam Yoga Mat Sling

6. Molly Muriel Handcrafted Bar Soap (Volcanic Bliss)

7. Caveman Cookies (Original)

8. Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Rooting Down)

Also contained a card for a sneak peek of the October box. Can't wait to try the Urban Oreganics Matcha 'Refresh' Mask

Favorite item:

All Good Coconut Sunstick is my favorite mainly because of the scent. I love the smell of sunscreen (probably weird). I always enjoyed the Molly Muriel Handcrafted Bar Soap in Volcanic Bliss. It was liked by the Mr. too.

Seventh Box: (October 2015)

Theme for October was "Celebrating Life"

The products:

1. The Jiva Shop Sweat Wicking Headband (10% off card)

2. Essential Living Foods Coconut Chips

3. Urban Oreganics Matcha Anti Aging Mask

4. Yogi Surprise Yoga Hand Towel

5. Meraki Botanicals Healing Lavender Geranium Body Balm

6. Paleo Simplified Pecan Pie Superfood Energy Bar

7. Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Celebrating Life)

Favorite item:

Yogi Surprise Yoga Hand Towel by far. I love Yogi Surprise so this month I have to give them some love and props for adding in a labeled towel from the company. It will be a perfect addition to my practice and to be honest, I've needed a good towel to help wick all of the sweat during my practice.

This same month I purchased the Yogi Surprise Anniversary Box.

The products:

1. Jane and Rocco Divine Light Tote

2. Peoples Towels 'Sustain Set'

3. House of Good JuJu Yogi Surprise Anniversary Candle (15% off card)

4. Gypsy Soul Organics Mother Earth Grounding Potion (15% off card)

5. Tao of Tea Japanese Genmaicha Green Tea

6. Chocolita Blueberry Lotus Raw White Chocolate

7. Seva Amazon Rainforest Body Oil

Favorite item:

Jane and Rocco Divine Light Tote and the House of Good Juju Yogi Surprise Anniversary Candle wins this one. I love tote bags and the candle smells amazing. As it melts down the little added items show. I can't wait to see what's hidden in my candle. I have to say though, this is the first box that I have disliked something. I didn't like the Tao of Tea Japanese Genmaicha Green Tea. I love the concept and history of the tea, but the flavor wasn't for me. I passed this tea along to my mom and dad. My mom likes little tins like this and my dad has a better taste pallet than I do for more natural items. They will love it!

Eighth Box: (November 2015)

Theme for November was "The Gift of Gratitude"

The products:

1. Breath Perception: A Daily Guide to Stree Relief, Mindfulness, and Inner Peace

2. Yummi Yogi Cookie Cutters (Warrior Pose)

3. Yuni Beauty Instant Shower Sheets

4. Laughing Giraffe Organics Pumpkin Spice Snackaroons

5. Sibu Beauty Buckthorn Age Defying Eye Cream

6. Banyan Botanicals Nasya Oil (Along with a flyer about how to use the oil for clearer breathing)

7. Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Cultivating Gratitude)

Also contained a card for a sneak peek at the December box. Can't wait to try the Real Beauty for a Cause- Sweet Orange & Cinnamon Scrub

Favorite item:

I love books in all forms, but my favorite this month was the Yuni Beauty Instant Shower Sheets. I am digging the Yummi Yogi Cookie Cutter in Warrior Pose too. I've decided to make some warrior pose cookies soon with it.

Ninth Box: (December 2015)

Theme for December was "Giving and Receiving"

The products:

1. Power Yoga: The Card Set

2. VOKE Vitalizers Starter Kit

3. OM Lavender Sachet

4. Real Beauty for a Cause (Sweet Orange and Cinnamon) Body Scrub

5. Buddha Tea Crown Chakra Tea

6. Aura Cacia Clove Bud Essential Oil

7. Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Giving and Receiving)

Favorite Item:

VOKE Tabs

These tabs are incredible! I can't boast enough about them. They contain Organic Guarana for focus and memory, Green Tea Leaf Caffeine for endurance, Organic Acerola for vitamin C antioxidant, No Sugar and sweetened with rebiana and monk fruit, No Artificial Flavors or Colors and colored with beets, 100% Vitamin C with the daily allowance needed. You can try them today and use code VITALIZE for free shipping on your first order.

Voke Tabs help improve concentration, reaction time, and physical stamina. They are also beneficial and healthy for multiple uses daily. Use them when you wake up, when you'r driving, during your exercise and yoga practice, at work, or even late at night when you need to pull in long hours.

Yogi Surprise 2016 Renewal Bonus Box:

Theme for the 2016 Renewal Box was "Out with the Old"

The products:

1. Black Bar Soap (in Black)

2. Superfood Bars by RawRev

3. Rock Star Detox Salts by Angel Face Botanicals (with a cod for 20% off the next purchase)

4. Dandelion Herbal Coffee by Teeccino (in the flavors of Dandelion Dark Roast and Dandelion Caramel Nut-with a 50 cent coupon for next purchase.)

5. Spruce Energizing Whole Greens by Eboost

6. Live-Free Liver & Kidney Support by DetoxRx (100% all natural wild craft herbal supplement)

7. Baobab Superfruit Chews by Powbab

8. Eucalyptus Mint Organic Lip Balm by Nurture My Body

9. Daily Detox Essential Oil by Orglamix

10. Balanced Electrolyte Mix by Ultima Replenisher

11. Purity of Life Detox Tea by Seven Seas

12. Daily Superfood Blend by Stamba (Dietary Supplement offering Resilience, Rejuvenation, and Recovery, )

13. All Day 2Go Packs by Nuun

14. Purifying Toner by 3 Girls Holistic

15. Global Green by MRM

16. Detoxing Yoga Sequence: Out with the Old seven step sequence

(The Bark Thins were not part of this box. I am not sure how they got mixed in with the photo, but they are delicious! If you haven't tried them I highly recommend that you give them a chance to impress you.)

Favorite Item:

So many great items, but if I had to pick one it would have to be the Baobab Superfruit Chews by Powbab, for sure. They just seemed to come at the perfect time when I needed them most.

Tenth Box: (January 2016)

Theme for January 2016 was: "Intention Inspired"

The products:

1. Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash

2. 21 Drops: Natural Aromatherapy Essential Oils

3. Rawxies Chocolate Brownie

4. Simply Straws Single Sleeve Set

5. Valentina’s Home Brewed Prosperity Perfume Oil

6. Kensington Apothecary Facial Oil #2 Pure Clarifying

7. Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Inspiring Purpose)

Favorite Item:

Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash

Eleventh Box: February 2016:

Theme for February was "Unconditional Love"

The products:

1. Bark-Thins snacking chocolate. (In dark chocolate almond flavor) Use code PERFECTPAIR10 to get 10% off your order with them at shop.barkthins.com

2. Dive In Deck

3. Aura Cacia Chakra Balancing Insightful Third Eye

4. Zhena’s Detox Renew Me Tea

5. Joshua Tree Skin Care Healing Salve

6. Emmy’s Organics Rasberry Macaroons

7. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co

8. Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Blooming with Love)

Favorite Item:

Bark-Thins for sure! These things are so addicting and the last time I was at my local health food store I saw a few other flavors like, mint and almond. We even purchased a bag for $7.99 at the airport. Although, at the airport things are always over-priced, these were well worth the extra money laid down on them past the TSA check point.

Twelfth Box: March 2016:

Theme for the month of March was "Creating Space"

The products:

1. Gypsy Soul Organics Rosey Yogi Mat Cleaner

2. derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub

3. Taylor’s Pure & Natural Herbal Pulling Oil Rinse

4. The Little Red Book of Yoga Wisdom

5. Simply7 Lentil Chips

6. Healthforce Nutritionals Spirulina Manna VeganTabs

7. Pranayums Ayurvedic Super Spice Drink (7-Day Supply)

8. Better Life Stain and Odor Eliminator

9. Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Creating Space)

Favorite Item:

Taylor’s Pure & Natural Herbal Pulling Oil Rinse was our favorite. I even got The Mr. to try it and he enjoyed it. Oil Pulling can sometimes taste blah, but with the mint flavor it really was enjoyable.

Thirteenth Box: April 2016

Coupons to try products for free. Suja was one of those products and it is really delicious! Thanks to Yogi Surprise we never would have been able to find a new favorite.

Theme for April was "Connecting with Nature"

The products:

1. Herbal ZAP!

2. Stoneridge Orchards Montmorency Cherries

3. Suja Juice Coupon for two free bottles.

4. Rishi Hibiscus Berry Tea

5. Herban Essentials Orange Essential Oil Towelettes

6. Dosha Bar Apple Cran Awakening

7. Four Sigmatic Reishi Mushroom Elixir

8. Go Raw Coconut Crisps in Tangy Lime

9. The Seaweed Bath Co. Powder Bath

10. Rescue Plus Lozenges

11. Bambooee Reusable Bamboo Towel

12. Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Connecting with Nature)

Favorite Item:

Go Raw Coconut Crisps in Tangy Lime. I've never liked coconut, but with the hint of lime flavor these were easy to toss back in handfuls. I've found a new way to enjoy coconut, that's for sure!

The Cost: $45 a month ($36 a month with coupon)

Coupon: Use coupon code GRATITUDE to save 20% off your subscription for life.

Learn how the Yogi Surprise business grew to become one of the best yoga-inspired subscription boxes today.

Yogi Surprise Sequence Cards:

1) August 2015: Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Honor Your Fire Within) #1

2) September 2015: Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Rooting Down) #2

3) October 2015: Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Celebrating Life) #3

4) November 2015: Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Cultivating Gratitude) #4

5) December 2015: Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Giving and Receiving) #5

6) January 2016: Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Inspiring Purpose) #6

7) February 2016: Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Blooming with Love) #7

8) March 2016: Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Creating Space) #8

9) April 2016: Yogi Surprise Yoga Sequence Series Card (Connecting with Nature) #9

Download them all here.

What happened this time last year?

It's 5:30 a.m. here and I am currently waiting on the boys to finish their last-minute things around the house before we catch our flight. We are due at the airport soon and our flight to Arkansas leaves Portland, Oregon, at 7:45 a.m. My sister still doesn't know we are headed her way and I can't wait until she sees us for her fortieth birthday. It's so weird to think my sister is turning 40 and I will be 39 this year, in August. I still feel like I'm stuck between 23 and 30 somewhere-And I still look it, I might add. Ha! I will have a lot of pictures to share of our trip on the blog soon, too! So here are the things that made this past week awesome!

1. This Random "Hi"

Walking around town you come across some interesting things.

2. These Trees

The crab apple trees around here are in full bloom and showering the streets, sidewalks, and parking lots with pink "snow."

3. This Little Free Library

Since National Library Week two weeks ago The Bean and I have been visiting Little Free Libraries around the Willamette Valley area. We have read and moved around a lot of books through these Little Libraries. Find one in your area on their website here. They are a lot of fun!

4. This Mill

We learned of the fire at Butte Creek Mill while on a road trip. We have really enjoyed learning about the mill in the previous years and were saddened by the fire. The investigation is pointing toward arson and it really breaks our hearts to learn that someone would want to destroy a piece of history like this. They claim they will rebuild and we can't wait to see what they have in store for the reconstruction of the place.

5. These Critters

We will leave them for a week with my neighbor checking on them twice a day. I will miss their wet nose kisses and snuggles, but they are in good hands. Can't wait to see them when we get back!

Packing airplane snacks is always fun for me. I always pack a lot (probably more than I should) of fruits and veggies. I tend to lean toward organic grapes, bananas, baby carrots, broccoli, grapefruit slices, and orange slices. We also take a few other items that are some favorites: Fruit leathers, lentil chips, and can't forget the homemade granola bars. I have the boys pick two from these recipes and we take them with us on trips. They are so delicious and putting little twists on the recipes is always a plus. Twists such as, adding dried blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or adding in some chocolate chips is always a hit, too. I'll share my recipes soon.

Extras: