A Review of Sanctuary Cap Cana, All-Inclusive Adult Resort, Punta Cana

 

Welcome to Sanctuary Cap Cana located in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. This all-inclusive, adult-only luxury resort was our pick for our honeymoon for many reasons. 

We chose the Castle Junior Suite Ocean Front located in the Castle section of the resort. This 893 sq. ft. suite includes butler service and wonderful views of the ocean.

    

   Because we were on our honeymoon, they made sure to bring a bucket of champagne when we arrived to celebrate our stay. It's the little touches like this that made the entire experience really enjoyable. 

I really loved the design of the room with the king bed, and the view of the ocean each morning waking up. There was plenty of space to relax, lounge, and (if you're messy like me) lay around your stuff. 

You could access the balcony from each side of the room, and there were comfortable chairs and a chaise lounge to use for relaxation.

To the right, you will see a cabinet that was filled with a minibar full of sodas, water and beer. You could certainly ask for another bottle of champagne or wine if you also wanted that on hand. 

The closet was massive, and after we arrived we began to hang up all of our belongings. There was also a safe for anything that you wanted to keep secure. 

The double-sink is always a nice feature, as is the walk-in shower with multiple showerheads. Not pictured: the jacuzzi tub to the right which was delightful after a long day of traveling. 

This was another view of our room. It was SO peaceful and calm, we only heard noise maybe once or twice our entire stay. The Castle section is a quiet part of the hotel that I would absolutely go back to stay in again. 

This is one of the meals that we had while visiting. Every meal was absolutely delicious. Our favorite restaurants were the Blue Marlin Restaurant and the Italian Capriccio Restaurant (pictured above). 

I could have included 1,000 more food photos, but you cannot go wrong with any of the restaurants on the resort. 

This is one of the main lobbies where you could go find a cocktail or a delicious coffee.

The entire resort is beautiful and thoughtfully decorated. There is not one area that hasn't been thought about to provide a relaxing, and enjoyable experience. 

We spent a lot of time at either the beach or the pool. Usually mornings at the pool and the afternoon at the beach. During lunch, they would have fun water aerobics for anyone who wanted to join in. 

I sat with a cocktail and watched the fun. I was on my honeymoon, so no need to work too hard. 

Most nights there was planned entertainment, and it was a lot of fun! Dancers, or singers, or this night it was acrobatics. You can go get a cocktail or glass of wine and just sit back and enjoy the show.

Cheers to what was an amazing trip. 

I hope you enjoyed my review of Sanctuary Cap Cana and all the resort has to offer a honeymoon, baby-moon or just a vacation! 

SHARE:

16 comments

November Trunk Club Review

It's Trunk Club time! If you haven't seen my posts before here's a little recap: 

Trunk Club, owned by Nordstrom, is a personalized clothing service that delivers clothing, accessories, and shoes to your door in a cute box. There is a new, initial styling fee of $25 that goes towards the cost of any item you may buy from the trunk. 

After you signup, you're assigned a personalized stylist. This is the best part to me - you have your own stylist who will chat with you via the Trunk Club app, online, phone or email. My favorite way to talk to my stylist is via the app. Your stylist will ask you a bunch of questions of your style, what you're looking for and what events are coming up.

TRUNK CLUB REVIEW

This time I told my stylist I was interested in sweater dresses, black sweaters, and pink sweaters. Julia (my stylist) DELIVERED. 

Madewell Convertible Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater 

Black sweaters have to be one of my favorite things to wear, and this one was no different. I really liked this Madewell sweater because it was a little more interesting than just plain black. 

Halogen Patterned Cashmere Sweater  (on sale!) - $59.40

This sweater is so classic to me - when I first pulled it out of the trunk I was skeptical, but when I put it on I really, really liked it. 

It's a little preppy, but in a good way. 

Treasure&Bond Plaid Shirt - $69

The first thing I noticed about this top was how it was so well made. I've never bought from Treasure&Bond but this shirt is really, really nice. Honestly, I have a couple of tops like it but I'm thinking about tossing them for this one. 

BLANKNYC 'Easy Rider' Faux Leather Moto Jacket - $98 

I love leather. I love leather pants. I love leather jackets. I love leather details. This jacket is another jacket that was really well made - very impressed. 

Treasure&Bond Turtleneck Sweater Dress - $89 

In real life this dress is gray, in this photo, it's a little green. (Blame the current terrible lighting in this new house.) If you're looking for a roomy sweater dress this is it. 

Halogen Floral Intarsia Knit Sweater (on sale) - $47 

My style doesn't usually consist of a lot of patterns but something about this top makes me happy. Maybe my love of black and white, or maybe it reminds me of an updated, modern version of a sweater my grandmother wore but it just makes me smile. 

Halogen Mock Turtleneck Sweater - $79

I put on this sweater to show my boyfriend and he told me I looked like Steve Jobs. 

Compliment accepted. 

Free People Bouclé V-Neck Cardigan - (Sale!) - $85

Big sweaters are the best for a lazy, yet put together look. Is that an oxymoron? 

Eliza J Cable Knit Sweater Dress

Again. I love a sweater dress especially a winter white one. In real life, this is much whiter than it looks in the picture. 

TRUNK CLUB REVIEW FINAL THOUGHTS

Trunk Club is still my absolute favorite clothing service. As someone who loves to shop but tends to buy some of the same things over and over again, I love receiving a box of clothes to try on in my own home. 

There is a cost of $25 to receive a trunk, but honestly, it's worth it to me. I'm able to speak to someone about what I like/need/want, she sends me 10 items in the mail that I have five days to try on. The $25 is a convenience fee that I will happily pay. 

Also, if you buy anything then the $25 is just credited to your total. Win-win. 

If you're thinking about signing up, please use my referral link. Trust me, this is the best clothing service out there. 

Trunk Club Referral Link: https://www.trunkclub.com/my/invite/G79SAN  

SHARE:

12 comments

Review: Trunk Club Styling Service

It's Trunk Club time! If you haven't seen my posts before here's a little recap: 

Trunk Club, owned by Nordstrom, is a personalized clothing service that delivers clothing, accessories, and shoes to your door in a cute box. There is a new, initial styling fee of $25 that goes towards the cost of any item you may buy from the trunk. 

After you signup, you're assigned a personalized stylist. This is the best part to me - you have your own stylist who will chat with you via the Trunk Club app, online, phone or email. My favorite way to talk to my stylist is via the app. Your stylist will ask you a bunch of questions of your style, what you're looking for and what events are coming up.

Trunk Club Review

This month I requested a fall trunk from my stylist because fall weather in Arkansas is really like a cooler summer. I wanted pieces that could transition from summer to fall, from work to happy hour, and classic yet pretty. 

Let's go through the trunk! 

FRAME 'Le High Skinny' High Rise Crop Jeans Sterling - $165 (on sale!)
Joie 'Anatase B' Floral Print Sleeveless Silk Top - $198  

First up: My stylist sent me these Frame jeans. I don't mind the holes in the knees, but since I just bought two pairs of Paige jeans these are going to go back.

She also sent me the Joie top that I love, because I oddly love florals. Overall I really like both pieces. This top would be great with jeans, or tucked into a skirt with a jacket. 

Vince Camuto Zip Front Tweed Suit Jacket - $179

I am OBSESSED with this Vince Camuto Tweed Jacket. When I realized that there was a matching skirt I became even more obsessed. A Chanel-inspired outfit that makes me feel like Chanel from Scream Queens and Coco Chanel at the same time? HOW COULD I NOT buy this jacket? I am a bit bummed they didn't include the skirt, I could order it separately but it's so hard to tell if I'm going to be a cute Chanel, or look like a grandma at church. 

Chealsea28 Print Shift Dress - $119
Mary Jane Pump by Charles by Charles David - $65

So, I LOVE the cut and shape of this Chealsea28 shift dress but the print is not for me. 

But these nude, Mary Jane pumps by Charles by Charles David were surprisingly adorable and comfortable. 

Kate Spade Stripe Please Silk Skirt - $368

This photo is a lot cuter than how I felt when I tried on this Kate Spade skirt. Pleats can be hard, and with the price tag of these pleats this skirt just had to go back. 

Bye bye, pleat pleats.

Eliza J Off the Shoulder Top - $98

My stylist also sent me this Eliza J top that would be perfect if I wasn't so long in the torso. Sometimes normal tops can feel like crop tops so I have to be careful to buy shirts that are a little bit longer. As sexy as my muffin top is, no one needs to see it. 

Felicity and Coco Shift Dress - $88

LOVE this dress! I had no idea how much I would love this Felicity & Coco purple dress, but it's so pretty! Simple and classic is very much my style. After trying on this dress I want to venture out into a few more into the new world of deep purple. 

  

Trouve Tuxedo Jacket - $119 

If we'd like to talk about major obsessions let's talk about this Trouve Tuxedo jacket. This is a piece that I would have never picked out or tried on, but after I did, I was in love. This jacket is fitted perfectly, looks good with skirts, dresses, and jeans. If only it would get cooler in Arkansas so I could wear it!

Dolce Vita Over the Knee Boot (on sale!)

Hi, thigh-highs! I requested a pair of thigh high boots because ... because I wanted a pair. These Dolce Vita boots have a great heel but are also really comfortable. They did go back though because I have my eye on another pair right now, and since I'm on a budget, I can't keep it all. 

Trunk Club Review Final Thoughts

Trunk Club is really great for my lifestyle. As someone who loves to shop but tends to buy some of the same things over and over again, I get into fashion ruts. Telling someone else what I like and then getting those items along with new, interesting pieces is a big pro to me. 

There is a cost of $25 to receive a trunk, but honestly, it's worth it to me. I'm able to speak to someone about what I like/need/want, she sends me 10 items in the mail that I can try on in the comfort of my own home? The $25 is a convenience fee that I will happily pay. 

Also, if you buy anything then the $25 is just credited to your total. Win-win. 

If you're thinking about signing up, please use my referral link. Trust me, this is the best clothing service out there. 

Trunk Club Referral Link: https://www.trunkclub.com/my/invite/G79SAN  

SHARE:

14 comments

Beauty Box 5 Subscription Review

I love a subscription box... clearly, if you read this then you know I love StitchFix, Trunk Club, last year I blogged about trying the beauty box Ipsy and now... I'm going to share the Beauty Box 5. This beauty box was new to me, but since I love to try new things I thought why not.

**If you want to try the Beauty Box 5 use this link and get a free eyeshadow! It's only $12 a month (includes shipping)!

Here's the box! I LOVE presents so I think that's why I love subscription boxes because I'm getting a lot of surprise presents at once. 

Rose gold tweezers? Yes, please. These tweezers are so pretty and they are actually really nice and sturdy. 

Retail: $12. 

The only tanning I believe in is self-tanning. For so long I've meant to pick up one of these little mini mitts for my face but now I don't have to! I was really excited to receive this to try it with my self-tanner. 

Retail: $4.95 

This is a new brand for me that I have never heard of, Hikari. This champagne colored eye shadow is really, really pretty. It's buildable, so it's great for a highlight below your eyebrow, or you can build it on your lid for a great glow.

Retail: $13

My makeup brush collection is the saddest thing in the world. This round blending brush is great for eyeshadow or a highlight. It's so soft and it feels like it's really well made. 

Retails: $10 

Another brand that I hadn't heard of, Chella. This is a taupe eyebrow color pencil, and is fantastic! My eyebrows are pretty neglected at times so I'm so excited to try something to define the brows for once! 

Retails: $18 

Everything included in my Beauty Box 5 was a full-size product. The total of the products equals $60! This beauty box only cost $12 a month. The tweezers alone were $12. I really liked this box and all of its products because I will actually use them and not toss them aside in a sample pile. 

If you want to try this, use this link and you will get a free eyeshadow added to your box!

OK - what subscription boxes do you love that I need to try? And what coupon codes do you have for me to try them?? 

SHARE:

13 comments

GlobeIn Artisan Gift Box Review

In my old age of 30, I have become a lot more aware of how my shopping habits affect the world. I may not be able to buy everything organic and fair trade, but I'm starting small and starting with a GlobeIn Artisan Box.  Each month, GlobeIn sends you 4-5 handcrafted items, and shares with you who makes it. 



For August, I picked the Pamper GlobeIn Artisan Box.  It seems like the one that fit me best. 



In the Pamper box, I got a cute, handwoven Palm Leaf Basket. This basket was made in by Marina in Mexico. She's part of the Oaxacan basket weavers groups that she oversees. Marina describes herself as an entrepreneur who desires to improve her family's financial stability.  



In the basket, was Cosmetic Argan Oil from Morocco. I've never used argan oil so I am excited to try it. You can use it as a daily facial moisturiser, used on irritated skin, scars and chapped lips. You can even use it as a deep hair conditioner. The oil is from The Argan Project which helps women work in the home at their own pace. Helping women succeed and feeling pretty. Double-win. 



Now... I was SO surprised to see this jewelry roll in the Pamper Box. I LOVE it. It's the perfect size for your purse or travel. The fabric was hand-dyed through an ancient process of batik with toxic-free dye. The jewelry roll is from the Batik Boutique in Malaysia and provides women life skills and sewing training that help support their families. 

Zana (in the red scarf) is a single mother of seven children! She's able to use her sewing skills with Batik to help provide for her children. There's something really special knowing that the jewelry roll that I will carry around with be so connected in helping a woman prosper. 

It's a hot summer in Arkansas, but it's cold inside so many buildings so it's nice to have a light scarf on hand in my bag. This Shibori Scarf was made in India  through a Japanese technique of dyeing cloth in  a way with the binding and folding that gives it its pattern. 

So, if you are interested in pampering yourself AND helping provide women all around the world with jobs to better themselves and their families, check out the Pamper Box from GlobeIn. 

Also, if you click here and use the code, 'Welcome', you can save $10 off a three-month subscription! 

SHARE:

14 comments

Pros & Cons: Stitch Fix vs. Trunk Club

Ever since I blogged about Trunk Club, I've been getting a lot of questions asking about how it's different than Stitch Fix. So I thought I would do a little comparison of both services to show the pros and cons of each one. (But really, getting clothes in the mail is always a pro!) 

In my opinion, Stitch Fix has a lot of pros that are great for a lot of people's lives. Stitch Fix is great if you just want to receive a fun box of clothes to try on every few weeks or months and easily add new pieces to your wardrobe. I also love that you get a 'style' card that shows you how you can wear pieces that they send to you with different outfits. 

It's also fun because they send you pieces that match your 'style profile' but maybe something you wouldn't have picked otherwise. One of my favorite skirts and jackets are from Stitch Fix! 

The cons are that you do have to pay $20 for each fix. They do allow you to apply the $20 as credit if you keep anything from your Stitch Fix box. If you don't, they keep the money and you're only out $20. (Which I'm sure you've blown $20 on a lot of other things in life.) You are given an assigned stylist, but you can't actually speak to that person just send a message before they ship a fix to give them a little direction in what you're looking for in clothing and accessories.  Some people might find this great and less of a hassle, others may want to give their stylist a little more detail! 

If you want a service that is more personalized, then try Trunk Club.

In my opinion, Trunk Club doesn't have a lot of cons except there aren't any incentives to buy items. With Stitch Fix you receive 25% off the total cost if you buy the entire Stitch Fix box. To me, this is a non-issue. Sometimes with an incentive, I'll end up buying more just to save money when I didn't even want all of the items in the first place.  

The pros with Trunk Club are that you actually have your own stylist that you can call, email, or send messages to online or through their app. It's also great when there is a special event, vacation, or moment in life that you are looking for specifics items for your wardrobe. There are no hidden fees with Trunk Club - no fee to join, have a trunk ship to you, or have it shipped back. You only pay for what items you keep from the trunk and send the rest back. It's really that simple. 

If you're curious what a Stitch Fix box looks like, I've written a post here about it and a Trunk Club post here. To me, the costs are comparable with each item if you are giving each service your budget guidelines. Both can be pricey per item if you give no guidelines - so I like to tell each one how much I am willing to spend on a shirt, pants, jacket, etc. That sets everyone up for success. 

If you feel like signing up to try either service or both, please use my referral link:
Stitch Fix 
Trunk Club 

Let me know if you have any questions! 

SHARE:

19 comments