He delivers my packages!
Last week was a good week in terms of goodies.
Bulu Box was kind enough to send a sample of their July sample box. Bulu is a monthly subscription service.
For $10 a month, you can get a box filled with 4 to 5 nutritional products from top brands. Products include vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, meal replacement, energy, protein, natural remedies, endurance… and more. Honest opinion: this was $10 worth of goods.
In my box:
- Life Equals Omega-3 (2 pills)
- RevHoney (a tube of energy – created with freeze-dried fruit and honey)
- Pure Matters Vitamin D (this was a full bottle!!!)
- NightFood Cookies ‘n Cream Bar (nutrition bar formulated for better sleep)
- Cellucor Super HD (fat-targeting weightloss supplement)
My favorites were the Omega-3s, Vitamin D, and NightFood.
The Omega-3s – as advertised – didn’t product “fish burps.” I take Vitamin D every day and had just run out, so I was elated to get this bottle.
The NightFood Bar was only 150 calories! It was low in sodium (90mg) and had 6g of protein. The taste made me forgive the 9g of sugar. Did you guys ever eat those Cookie ‘n Creme Quaker Oats Bars? This bar tasted just like those! Nom.
***Disclaimer: I received the Bulu Box for review purposes though the FitFluential program. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
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That box would have been enough… but there was another box!
I also received an incredible thoughtful box in the mail from my Foodie Penal, Edwina. She doesn’t have a blog, but she is an avid blog-reader.
She did her research! The items she sent were EXACTLY the sorts of things I like to eat. She read my blog and knew I had a love of spicy food, protein, peanut flour.
She also must have known that I drink 120oz of water per day, because she sent me a tasty bottle of spring water from her home state of Idaho.
In my Foodie Box:
- Chocolate-flavored PB2
- Spring Water from Idaho
- Melinda’s Habanero Hot Sauce (it’s hot, ya’ll)
- Bhuja cracker mix (with wasabi peas)
- Oatmega-3 Protein Bars
- Annie Chun’s Wasabi Seaweed Snacks (I eat these ALL the time and love them!)
I used the hot sauce last night to spice up my marinade for this favorite Chili Nutty Baked Tofu recipe. It gave it one helluva kick.
Served with quinoa, shiitakes, asparagus, and radish sprouts. I was one happy Foodie Penpal. 🙂
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And one more box, though this one was FROM me!
My July Foodie Penpal, Peggy, doesn’t have a blog. She was introduced to the program through her daughter, Bethany @ One Girl’s Taste On Life. Peggy sent me the sweetest write-up of the box I set her to share:
My daughter, Bethany, a member of Foodie Pen Pals, strongly encouraged me to join. I was reluctant at first because I am not the primary “chef” in our home. My partner, Wes, has spoiled me in many ways; one of which is his culinary abilities.
I hit the jackpot! Thank you, Laura, for making my first swap so much fun! Her package arrived and I couldn’t wait to tear (gently mind you) into it to see what goodies I had. Oh my, such great finds.
OK, so my eyes first focused on the Goo Goo Cluster. I had my first sampling of this yummy treat when I moved to Tennessee in 1984. I held off opening this true delicacy until I had taken the picture. It was hard to do, but you will be proud of me. I DID IT! I originally thought of slitting the back of the package.
I LOVE nuts and cranberries. Laura must have had a spy in my house. I’m going to savor this little baggie of treats until I have finished this write-up. Work first, eat second is my motto. Dumb motto, huh?
Laura is health conscious. What a good partner I have. Her mission, which she chose to accept, was to send something healthy to inspire me to “live long and prosper” in the words of Star Trek’s Dr. Spock. Quinoa is something I have had one time. It was a very Plain Jane variety. I think I did something wrong in the making because it tasted burnt. Laura has given me a second chance to redeem myself. Sun-dried tomato AND basil flavor. I KNEW she sent a spy; I love anything sun-dried.
Last, but certainly not least…
Recently, I went to lunch with friends. One of them had this product I had never tasted: Stevia. She invited me to add to my tea. It was quite good; I especially liked it because it was liquid and blends much better than some granules. I made a mental note (they don’t work at my age) to buy myself some. Never did, but GUESS what arrived in my “goodie box”. I told you I won the jackpot. Not only was it Stevia BUT it was orange flavored. It was delicious in my sun tea. Just added numerous drops to my glass pitcher and voila! Oh YUM!!!!
Thank you, Laura, for the fun of being a first time Foodie Pen Pal.
HUGS
Peggy
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Don’t you want to get in to the action?
To sign up for a Foodie PenPals in August, click here to fill out the form on Lindsay’s site. It’s that easy! You don’t have to be a blogger, and the spending limit is just $15. The only requirement is that you be a US or Canadian resident.
Join in by August 4th as pairings will be emailed on August 5th!
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The chocolate PB2 is really good mixed with almond milk and eaten by the spoonful spread on apple slices.
What is the best thing you mailman (or woman) has delivered recently?
What one thing would you send a penpal to represent your hometown, or your blog-style? I thought the water was really creative!
Holly says
I really wish I could join the foodie pen pal program. It looks like so much fun. Alas.
Laura says
There’s a European group forming! The link is on Lindsay’s Foodie Penpal page. 🙂
Corrie Anne says
It’s seriously so exciting to get foodie stuff in the mail!! I was pretty excited to get our lawn mower in the mail. Haha.
Laura says
Wait. Your lawnmower was mailed?! How much did that cost???
Choc Chip Uru says
What an awesome box stuffed to the brim with goodness 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
Oh my gosh! Let me just say that I LOVE Peggy! So spunky and full of personality! And if you’re reading this woman, I think you seriously totally think about starting a blog! I would DEFINITELY read your stories on your journey to live long and prosper (and I’m totally raising my “Spock hand: right now) 😉
Those are some fab goodies you got there missy! I could seriously lick the screen when it comes to that bar…oh, cookies and cream is just one of those drool inducing combos! Just the mere mention of it and my mouth is watering! Lol
The best thing that my mailman WILL be bringing (hopefully tomorrow) is my latest order from Netrition…peanut flour, Capella drops, and a whole bunch of other stuff that I can’t even remember right now! I’m too focussed on replenishing my stash of peanut flour…it’s been TOO long!
FROG preserves…that is my signature gift from the great state of Tennessee. Of course I would argue that it’s one of the best foodie gifts you could ever receive…right next to peanut flour! 😉
Laura says
Isn’t she?! Such a kind lady. Her post was done before mine was. 🙂
Yay Capella drop! What flavors?
P.S. I have FROG jam in my fridge!!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
I got apple pie, cheesecake, butter, and of course, I couldn’t NOT get the cake batter! 😉 I tried the cake batter one last night in a combo of pumpkin and casein vanilla and it was pretty darn tasty! Can’t wait to try the others!
Laura says
You have to let me know about the others! I almost did the butter and cheesecake too.
Lesley says
I just tried the PB2 yesterday and loved it! I saw the chocolate PB2 and definitely want to pick that one up next time I am at the store. I signed up for foodie pen pals this month and am super excited!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
I thought about trying the chocolate one too, but the ONLY difference is that it has added cocoa powder so I decided just to add my own! 😀
Baker Street says
Oh I totally want to get my hands on that sundried tomato and basil quinoa blend!! Sounds fantastic!!
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List says
dang!! Your mailman IS busy!!
Danielle says
I love the idea of the Bulu Box! Such a great way to sample new nutrition products out there before committing to a large bottle or box of them!
Bethany @ One Girl's Taste on Life says
Laura, first off thank you for making my mom’s initial experience of Foodie Penpals a great one. She was elated to get your package!
Second, thanks for the link! It was very sweet of you! And I must find that quinoa. Where did you pick it up? I love sundried tomatoes too! (Like mother, like daughter, right??)
Laura says
Thank you for introducing her to the program! She was so sweet. 🙂
It was from my local farmer’s market… maybe check Whole Foods though!
P.S. I saw you are in Tina’s boot camp? She rocks! We live near each other. 🙂
Alex @ therunwithin says
What awesome boxes, I have been dying to try those bhuja mixes. I keep seeing them but never buy them. I just love spicy snacks!
Laura says
You should! Worth the $$, and the ingredient list isn’t bad!
Lee says
My mailman delivered some workout clothes recently. That was pretty good. Although, don’t buy the running shorts from The Gap. There is a back pocket that gives you (as in me) a big bubble butt because of the zipper! They’re comfy though. Sorry, tangent!
Laura says
Hmmmm… maybe I NEED those shorts for my flat ass. 😉
Aparna B. @ Not A Leaf says
That hot sauce looks stellar, just sayin’. And what you made with it looks even more rad. Om nom!
Laura says
I love the word “stellar” and “rad.” You are rad.
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
oooh chocolate pb2! nice!!!
Parita says
Vishnu saw a picture of your tofu meal on my Instagram last night and said, “Wow that look soo good!” I guess I’m making some spicy tofu soon!
And I really need to get back on the Foodie Penpals train again! I miss it!
Laura says
Really?! I’m always extra flattered with guy think something I make looks good. Is that silly? Tell him I say thank you! 🙂
Min @ savortherainbow says
Ooh!! Those are oatmega 3 bars by Boundless Nutrition..from Austin!! I used to work for My Fit Foods who had a partnership with them. I got to eat tons and tons of it!! For free ;). My fav is the dark chocolate mint flavor!! Chocolate PB2 sounds amazing!! I think it will work beautifully in pb &jeggs :). I LOVE the package you sent to Peggy! So thoughtful of you :).
Laura says
Oh cool! I really want to come to Austin one day.
Jessie says
I’m assuming you and your mailman are now best friends foreverrr?? Two boxes filled with delicous food.. lucky! I got a package last week containing some yummy food I ordered from VitaCost (Have you ever ordered off their website? If not, you should most definitely check it out. They have everything ranging from food, housewear, sports & fitness, supplements, beauty, etc.. Also if you spend $49.00 + you get free shipping, and if ya do let me know and I can get you $10.00 off your first shipment :)). But anyways.. now I’m looking forward to my new asic gel-neo33 running shoes coming in the mail. Fingers crossed for tomorrow or Thursday!!
Laura says
i think he is under the impression that i deal drugs or something. LOL!
i actually use iherb. both great sites though!
Carol @ Lucky Zucca says
OK That foodie penpal letter you got back was the sweetest thing I’ve ever read. It almost had me in tears! She was so enthusiastic!
My mailman doesn’t bring me many exciting things because… well… I get nervous about packages being left on my doorstep. I’ve also never ordered food in the mail and you are tempting me to do it. Do you buy your stevia online?
Laura says
You are just too sweet, Carol. Don’t cry!!!
You can order online, or get it at Whole Foods. There’s a better selection online though.
Allie says
Can I mention the best thing the mailman is GOING to give me? Because this week all it’s been is junk mail and a gas bill…but my peanut flour (and guar gum) should be here any day!
Laura says
THAT is exciting. I absolutely cannot wait to hear what you think. 🙂
Allie says
Haha, you know you’ll be the first person to hear my review 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
My Mizunos were a definite highlight two weeks ago! I LOVE them. That letter from Peggy is so sweet. I love that nonbloggers are involved in the pen pals! I just ordered Max some high top Vans and he asked me to put his name on it so when they come he will be getting the box. It’f funny how exciting getting boxes in the mail is!
Laura says
I used to have high top Vans. I was so punk rock. Or at least I thought I was. 😉
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
ANNIE CHUN’S! Yes!
That water is pretty darn creative.
I just received a GIANT box of SCAT! Bars from a small company in the Adirondacks. I’m SUPER excited to try them…she was so generous. Obviously will be needing to give some of them away.
What do I send? Nutty Butter. Duh. 😉
Laura says
SCAT bars? I’m intrigued… post a review, please. 🙂
Cait's Plate says
That bar actually looks really good! And I’m not a big bar person at all!
basalevolution says
The foodie penpals sounds like a blast. I think I will have to do it! How fun! Glad I found your blog!
Laura says
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I do recommend the penpal group! 🙂
Cucina49 says
I just signed up for my first foodie penpal experience. It sounds like your box was perfectly tailored for you!
Laura says
Yay! Welcome to a new addiction. 🙂
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Looks like a great swap!
Natalie @ Fresh Life Findings says
Love this post! You got so many goodies lately from the post man 🙂 My favorite besides my foodie pen pal goods was my viewSPORT run shirt- love!
Calee (@chimes) says
I’m so sad I didn’t do foodie pen pals this month! It was too busy and too expensive of a month for me to squeeze it in.
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
Wow – you did hit the jackpot with mail last week – lots of good stuff here! I love the sound of that habanero sauce, sounds delicious!!
Laura says
I knew you’d appreciate that one. 🙂
Lisa says
I love getting packages too! The mailman must thing I’m so weird always getting packages hah.
That chocolate PB2 looks amazing! I want to try that next time around.
And what a great swap!
Jed Gray (sportsglutton) says
That’s it? He delivers packages? Heck I thought you would come up with a better one than that.
Best thing recently delivered? Wine. It comes last least once a week.
Laura says
The little things make me happy. So do wine deliveries. 🙂
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
I love getting things in the mail- even cards! But man, you scored!
I would never go for a cookies and cream flavor (except the Spirituien Powder)- but that bar looks GOOD (and when you posted it on Instagram- oh man).
Laura @ LauraLivesLife says
Great mail days! I love the Bhutan mix – I had to stop buying it because I can’t stop eating it when it’s in the house!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
I love getting packages too! I want to do the Foodie Penpal program, but I can’t add anything else right now… I promised my hubby!
Sable@SquatLikeALady says
I’m so jealous of your good mail day!!!! I’m waiting for 2 packages (one is my suit!) and they both say “delivered” but have not shown up =( I need some of your mailman luck to rub off on me!
Laura says
I’m so excited to see your suit!!!
Emily M. says
So I joined the fitfluential group but I don’t know how to log in or how to use it… care to help?! 🙂
Laura says
Were you accepted as an ambassador, or an “enthusiast”? I’m not sure, but you can email me and I’ll try to help! They also have a support person who can help!
Stephanie says
This is the second Foodie Penpal post where I’ve seen PB2. So intriguing!