I received the September Once Upon a Book Club box to review for A Year of Boxes. This review also appears on A Year of Boxes website.

Let me just say, this is one of my favorite subscription boxes to review. It never occurred to me that reading could become an entire experience with surprise gifts, and packed full of fun. That was before Once Upon a Book Club… they’ve officially changed reading for me.

If you’ve ever wanted your books to come to life, this is the subscription box for you! Once Upon a Book Club is an interactive online community that offers a unique reading experience like no other. Each month brings a newly released fiction book, 3-5 individually wrapped gifts meant to be opened on specific pages (yay, surprises!), a 5 x 7 quote print featuring a quote from the chosen book, discussion questions, and read-a-long dates for live discussions and gift openings that contribute to the book club experience. They kindly sent us this box for review.

Subscription Details

When you sign up for Once Upon a Book Club, you’ll have two options:

• Young Adult Subscription (Geared towards young adults ages 14+)
• Adult Subscription (Geared towards adults 18+)

Each subscription starts at $34.99 per month. There are other options too: 3 month prepay ($100.99), 6 month prepay ($199.00), 12 month prepay ($390.00).

*Once Upon a Book Club boxes are curated by women and the majority of their books include strong female characters.

To fully experience the box, readers are not meant to open each gift until they have reached the corresponding gift page. SPOILERS AHEAD!

A Thousand Roads Home by Carmel Harrington

Meet Tom. Or Dr O’Grady, as he used to be called. When you pass him on the street, most people don’t even give him a second glance. You see, Tom isn’t living his best life. Burdened by grief, he’s only got his loyal dog, Bette Davis, for company and a rucksack containing his whole world.

Meet Ruth. Ruth and her son, DJ, no longer have a place to call home. But Ruth believes that you can change the world by helping one person at a time… and Tom needs her help.

Everyone has felt like an outsider at some point in their lives. This is the book the will make you feel you belong.

Page 7
On page 7 one of the characters opens up his last birthday gift to find a book of raffle tickets. On the front cover is a sticker with a handwritten message: “One strip can be redeemed for a hug at any time.” Readers received a One Hug coupon to represent this special birthday arrangement between one of the characters and his mam.

Page 67

On page 67 one of the characters calms his mama through music with a pair of headphones. Readers received a pair of Wireless Headphones to mark this significant interaction between the two characters that seemingly takes all of the chaos away. I already love my new headphones! These headphones remind readers that “Everyone has a story, if you take the time to listen.” This quote goes along perfectly with this month’s book, and is also a great daily reminder for everyone.

Page 227

Page 227 portrays a rather uncomfortable scene between several of the characters over coffee. This situation leads one of the characters to angrily throw his teaspoon onto the table. Readers received a beautiful pink and gold teaspoon labeled Tom’s Teaspoon. It was packaged in a charming little box.

Page 398

On page 398 one of the characters deliberately replaces the carefully co-ordinated sheets and pillow shams on his super-kind bed with mismatched sets. He then changes them after deeply thinking about what he had just done, never quite able to get them back to the way they were meant to be. Her way. Readers received a soft and beautifully printed pillow sham to mark this moment.

Once Upon a Book Club Review September 2019 – Final Thoughts

I am very eager to read this month’s Once Upon a Book Club book! “Home isn’t a place it’s a feeling.” I feel like this quote will prove to be true with this month’s heartfelt book. From reading small passages, I have become increasingly curious about the characters and the unique story line of A Thousand Roads Home. I cannot wait to read this book in its entirety and appreciate the carefully planned gifts along the way!

Kierra Pierre – Miss Reviews A Lot

I received the September Smartass & Sass box to review for A Year of Boxes. This review also appears on A Year of Boxes Website.

Smartass & Sass is a gift and subscription service for the snarky and sassy. If you have a sarcastic sense of humor, love to laugh, and the mouth of a sailor, this subscription service is for you! They work with artists, small businesses, and even design some of their own products that will leave you laughing your a** off. They kindly sent us this box for review.

I love reviewing the Smartass & Sass monthly subscription box because it’s such a treat. I find myself giggling at all of the snarky sayings during my unboxings, and I can’t wait to share each box with you all! This is the perfect box to gift to yourself or a friend, especially if you’re in need of a little laughter. It is the best kind of medicine after all, right?

Subscription Details

When you sign up for Smartass & Sass, you’ll have three different options:

• S&S SHIRT ONLY Subscription – $15.95/month
• S&S BOX Subscription – $34.95/month
• S&S BIG BOX Subscription – $49.95/month

Each box includes 5-8 handmade, hilarious items you are sure to love. Each monthly box will have a theme (e.g. Motivational AF) and all of the items included will fit within that theme. You can expect things like mugs, notebooks, tote bags, water bottles, pens & pencils, magnets, candles, and more. They regularly survey their sassy gang to make sure they are finding the types of goods you want to get. Don’t worry, while they sometimes work with the same partners for multiple months, you’ll never get the same product twice!

September Theme – Rise & Grind

This month is all about getting that a** outta bed and hustling hard! September’s goodies will help you slay the day.

Here’s a closer look at the items I received in the September Smartass & Sass box:

Punch Today In The Face Hot & Cold Eye Mask – S&S

This mask will curb any headache or eyeball standing in the way of a kickass day. Microwave or freeze this gel bead mask to relieve sinus pain, puffy eyes, and stress headaches from too much peopleing.

Wake The F**k Up Tea Sample – Snarky Tea

This powerful blend contains Yerba Mate – a natural stimulant with 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids and antioxidants. Invigorate, focus, and kick some a**! Contains 2 tea bags. Tastes like: A bold black tea with hints of cinnamon and cocoa undertones.

Hustle For The Vacay Sticky Notes – S&S

Keep your eye on the prize (AKA sunny beaches and cold drinks) while you’re hustling. Printed on a Post-It brand 3″ x 3″ pad. Includes 50 sheets.

This month’s sticky notes are adorable! They’re a reminder to think about what’s at the finish line when you’re killing it but have no motivation. Do it for the vacation!

Rise N Grind Coffee Scrub – Caribbrew

This coffee scrub has exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties that improve blood flow and remove old flaky skin. Loaded with antioxidants, it prevents wrinkles, cellulite, and puffiness by tightening the skin (plus it smells great.)

In my opinion, you can never go wrong with a coffee scrub. I’m very intrigued by the fact that it prevents cellulite, because let’s face it, we’re real people here.

Glow Getter Highlighter Set – Yes Studio

Includes 5 glow pens in a branded see-through pouch with zip-lock closure. With a street-start slogan printed on each one, you’ll be “telling it like it is” as you highlight and all your notes and get busy digging those goals.

These highlighters are so fun and bright! I love the little sayings on the sides: Good Vibes Only, Slayin’ It, Glow Getter, Kiss My Neon, and #GOALS

Great Job Mug – Emily McDowell & Friends

Fact: we all need to hear this way more often, and it always feels good to hear. Because you ARE doing a f**king great job. At life. And at drinking coffee. This ceramic mug is 11 ounces, and is dishwasher and microwave safe.

I am totally gifting this mug. I think we all need a reminder that we’re doing a great job!

Good In Bed Potholder – Twisted Wares

This funny and functional pot holder is perfect in any kitchen! Made of quality thick fabric, and quilted on the back. Screen printed with eco-friendly ink and large in size.

OH MY WORD. How cute is this! Breakfast in bed. Classic.

Smartass & Sass Review August 2019 – Final Thoughts

I enjoyed this month’s Smartass & Sass box because it’s the perfect reminder to get up, get going, and start making moves! I will say, I am very excited to start using the coffee scrub. I think it’s a wonderful addition to this box, and a great self-care item to get you ready to conquer the day.