Julep September 2016 Unboxing

Someone is turning 5 this year and decided to celebrate their anniversary with a bang!  I have to be honest, I was quite surprised to receive my box on the 1st of the month; that's the first time this ever happened, so it was quite appreciated.  Happy Birthday, Julep!

Julep is a monthly nail polish and beauty product subscription at a reasonable price of 24.99$/month.  If you sign up on the 3-month plan (pay for three months all at once), it costs 19.99$/month. Subscribers get to pick their choice of beauty product and nail polish on the 20th of every month and get billed on the 27th.  They are also free to skip a month if needed.  You have the opportunity to add items in your box as well and if you add three, you get a bonus gift.  Also, you ave the opportunity to upgrade the box to get a bigger part of the collection, or the whole collection for a little bit extra.

 This month, I decided to not do add-ons (I know, that's shocking!).  I do have to limit myself or I end up getting duplicates.  But, since it's Julep's anniversary, we got to have four items in our box.  So, here are my picks:

I was in need of a new buffer block so when Julep offered these as an option, I grabbed them.  I'm surprised at how small these are though (1" X 1.5") but I'm sure they'll do exactly what I want them to do: file, buff and shape my nails while smoothing out the ridges on my nails.  These retail at 4$ on Julep's website.

I've been eyeing this Cleanup Tool for a long time.  This is another item that is smaller than I imagined, but that's OK; it will work just fine.  This tool is to clean up under the nails and removing polish from the cuticles. Retails at 14$ on Julep website.

And lastly, I have my nail polishes.  This month, the selection included a lot of chrome polishes.  I've stated before that I'm not a big fan of chrome polish because you can see the brush strokes after application.  My only exception in duochrome or multichrome polishes.  So, this month, I settles for the two polishes that weren't chrome.

Peggy (pictured on the right) is a charcoal with rose shimmer.  This color is stunning; you definitely pick up on the rose shimmer and the charcoal looks a tad bluish but absolutely gorgeous!

Shirley (pictured on the right) is a charred sage microshimmer.  Another gorgeous color; a beautiful shimmery olive green.  I can't find this on the Julep website, unfortunately, so I can't link it...

Both polishes are 14$ each.

That concludes this month's box; total value of this box was 46$, more than double what I paid for it.  I'm a happy camper.

LootWear August 2016

 I'm always happy to receive new packages in the mail when I get back home from work, especially when I don't expect them (is it me or has this month gone by way too fast?).  I realize it is the end of the month and LootWear is actually on time.  I knew what I was getting from early on this month... I guess to make up for the lack of spoilers last month? I appreciate the quote on the envelope from Harley Quinn; it's a nice added touch. 

LootWear is a subscription that sends you some geeky apparel to you on a monthly basis.  I'll cover the different options for this subscription:

First, there's Loot Socks at 9.99$ (shipping included) where you get two pairs of geeky, comfy stylish socks every month.
Then, there's Loot Tees at 8.99$ (shipping included) which earns you a geeky t-shirt every month.

There's Loot for Her at 14.99 (shipping included) where you can get anything like scarves, jewelry, tote bags, leggins, etc.

And last but not least, there's Loot Wearables at 14.99$ (shipping included) which can include anything from hoodies, lounge pants, polos and long sleeve shirts.

You can also decide to bundle up some of these options for a better price : Loot Wearables + Loot Socks (20.99$),  or Loot for Her+ Loot Tees (19.99$).

I am subscribed to the Loot Wearables + Loot Socks Bundle.  This month's theme was Anti-Hero.  Loot Tee guaranteed a World of Warcraft t-shirt and Loot for Her, in its turn guaranteed Harley Quinn merchandise.  Now onto what I received.

 Suicide Squad socks were promised and here we have an awesome pair of Harley Quinn socks.  In case you missed it, the edges and tips of one sock are red and while they are blue on the other sock.

We were also promised a pair of Punisher socks, and this definitely meets my expectation.  I'm a big Marvel fan and Punisher is no exception.  I'll be wearing these tomorrow!

And last item is my LootWearables Archer baseball tee.  I've already mentioned in a previous LootWear review that I'm not a huge fan of baseball tees.  I'll wear this but it's not really my style.  Also, not a big fan of Archer.  I really tried but I just simply could not get into it.  That said, I'll still keep this shirt since I do like the colors on this...

Here's a sneak peak at what we can expect next month:

HackerBox 0009: Virtual Worlds

Hackerbox Unboxing

Box 0009: Virtual Worlds 

Part 1: The materials 

 

Hello, my name is Alex, and this is my first subscription box review. I chose Hackerbox because I love to work with all kinds of electronics. I have been playing with computers, electronics, and wires and stuff for as long as I can remember. I loved the movie Hackers (1995), but I like to call this having fun with electronics and getting things to work. The theme of this box is Virtual Worlds, and we will be building a VR headset and motion tracking system that makes use of a smartphone. I have started some of my own DIY VR projects already, but have had trouble getting the controls right so far. This is still very new (again) technology, but now with smartphones and Google building much of the software, it looks like VR is here to stay this time. I have not built this project yet, but will base this review mainly on the quality of the materials. The rest of the information is available on Instructables, here. To get started with your own subscription, check this link. Lets open it up.

Printed material 

Reference card


I love these reference cards. When you are troubleshooting an issue, its easy to see the critical data about a device, and work trough a problem quickly when things get tricky.


On the back we have the ref data for the motion tracker module. 


Its glossy and thick, good quality ref card.

Stickers


A bumper sticker like sticker. Not completely vinyl, it has a paper core, so I would not put this outside. I would put this on my computer case though.


I didn't know the darknet had a logo, but this sticker looks cool.

Consumer hardware

VR Case


This is a big step-up from my cardboard. I found a very similar one on banggood.com for $26.13 cad.


Large, good quality optics, and a comfortable padding around the inside. It is very easy to wear for long periods of time.


There are focus adjustment knobs on each side, and a main focus adjustment on top. It is a bit hard to open but will hold your phone securely. The foam in the middle of the holder plate helps to keep that device secure. The front plate with the graphics is removable, and on some phones, this may allow the phone camera to see while wearing the headset. On my Nexus 6p, the camera was too close to the edge and would require some modification to the plastic to get a good view of the real world while in VR.

Wireless game pad


Here is the Bluetooth controller. I found it on BG for $10.


QR code direct download for drivers printed on the back. Reset pinhole on back as well.


USB micro B charge port, most things today use this connector.


A slide switch on the side, marked Game and Key.


I have pretty big hands, and I find this quite comfortable to hold between my index finger and thumb. The textured finish helps, there is some weight there for such a small device. Attaching a strap might be a good idea if you have one, or tie a piece of thin rope to the bar above the direction hat. The hat moves around smoothly, and the buttons don't have much play or side-wobble.


Here is a copy of the instructions.

BT Dongle


Generic BT 4 dongle. This will be useful for this project but is not that special. There are newer protocols, but 4 is the latest major revision. more info here


On the side of the metal is printed BLUETOOTH 4

Gloves


Brightly colored safety gloves. I am not sure what these are for yet, but I think the bright color might work like a kind of "green-screen", or it could be a way to keep the controllers secure to the hands.


That zipper is metal, the teeth are plastic but big and sturdy. They look well made for this kind of project, but not at all water proof. I don't think I would use these for any sort of construction project.


The palm has a textured rubberized finish. There is a faux leather index finger and thumb tip. This makes that area flatten out some and makes it easier to feel through.


This will make for a nice DIY Power Glove!

Electronic components

Wires


A pre-made wire harness. I have seen these been called "dupont cable". The insulation is pretty thick on this one, and the wires are pretty rigid for stranded core, it tends to hold its shape.

HC-05


This is the BT module to interface with the Arduino. It has 2 PCBs in a shrink wrap. One of the pins were slightly bent when I opened the box, but I bent it back in shape easily. There is a push button under the shrink wrap, it pushes in with a finger nail but is very small. The blue PCB is 1.2mm. The green one is .7mm. Over the wrap, is 3.9mm. Do not try to remove this shrink wrap, it is part of the device and probably would fall apart without it.


Clear pin ids printed on the back, very helpful.

Arduino Pro Micro A


This is the core module of the project. This one comes in a nice static bag with pin headers. I like the Not to be handled by unauthorized personnel part. From a different manufacturer I found this part to cost $26.62


Very nice build quality, perfect soldering and nice thick 1.6mm PCB.


Not much on the back, all the printing is on the front.

MPU-9250


9-Axis motion tracker module has a silvery static bag commonly found in computer products. The top seal is not straight, and is not very photogenic, but oh well its a bag.


I like to see that included pin header and clearly marked pins for all of our modules.


Double printed labels on the back too, good job!

Project board and bits


The last bag has a blank project board, two momentary switches, 2 double sided velcro stick-ons.


This project board is 4cmx6cm and has 20x14 rows of holes, there are 12 external lead contacts on the sides. The rows are numbered, this is helpful when planning out the space and soldering in the components.


The back side also has printed contacts.

Conclusion

This box is well worth the money invested. I see no poor quality parts here, everything is very nice. If purchased separately, this project would cost more than double. Hackerbox subscription is $53 incl. ship. We will cover the completed project and the Inscrutable, in Part 2.

Well done Hackerbox! I am very impressed with this box and cant wait to put this together. I will pick up some previous boxes if available, and get some more in the future.

Thanks,
-Alex

MunchPak Mini August 2016 Unboxing

Back in Fall 2015, I tried out MunchPak and since I really liked the variety of snacks offered in the box, I vowed to try this box again in the future.  Fast-forward to today, after having been subscribed to other snack box subscriptions, I realized I really missed receiving novelty snacks and decided it was time to go back to what I know and love.

Before I proceed to this month's unboxing, let me tell you about MunchPak's options; there is

• MunchPak Mini, which offers 5-6 snacks at 9.95$
• Original MunchPak wich offers 10+ snacks at 19.95$
• MunchPak Family Pack which offers 20+ snacks at 39.95$

Shipping was 5.00$ for me (being in Canada) but I am uncertain if  the price changes based on the box size or option selected.  I am currently subscribed to MunchPak Mini.

 First item I pulled out of the box is Sabritas Quesabritas (RV 3.00$) which are cheesy corn puffs that come with a spicy salsa packet.  Sounds like my kind of snack.  The link on the website is broken where it indicates where this snack comes from but I'm going to take a guess that it's a Mexican snack.

I'm pleased with the snack scanner app from MunchPak as I had no idea what this was.  This Japanese snack ends up being Yaokin Nagain Sour Gummy in Cola (RV 2.00$).  Pretty self-explanatory: a cola flavored rope gummy covered in sour crystals.  Yummy!

Next is Bebeto Sour Neon Worms (RV 1.00$).  This is a delicious fruity sour gummy worm from Turkey.  I love gummy worms so I know these will be a hit.

I'm familiar with this Japanese cookie snack; these are Pejoy Cookies and Cream (RV 4.00$) which is pretty much an oreo cookie stick with cream filling inside.  These are quite lovely.

Last item is Paskesz Funtime Triple Dipper (RV 2.00$) which brings me back to the dip sticks I enjoyed in my childhood.  This version is from China and comes in three sour flavors: cherry, strawberry and raspberry (my favorites!).  And apparently the fruit powders are also fizzy.

This concludes this month's MunchPak Mini.  Retail value of the box is 12.00$ which is more than the cost of the subscription.  I'm always satisfied when companies ensure their box contents are of equal or greater values than their subscription cost; MunchPak is one of those companies.