Escape Monthly Subscription Box Review – July 2014

There’s a new, one-year anniversary box for sale on their website today!!! I had to get one!

Opps – I think I may have accently typed “Liz” instead of :Lily —- when I submitted my last comment with the coupon code and spoiler —— It feels like a Monday, 🙁 but it is almost Friday 🙂

Anyway — The box looks great, I want to subscribe now just for the cream, yet I don’t like travel books in boxes unless it is full of photos, because some of the information gets outdated within 2 years,

liz: i just got an email from them with a coupon code: Use coupon PARISPEEK to save 20% — Escape for only $39.95/month + an august spoiler > In this month’s Escape you’ll discover delicious French cuisine, sweet bon-bons, and decadent beauty products… like this hand cream from the Institut Karité Paris that’s worth $26 dollars (that makes up for more than half the cost of this Escape!)

I did the scarf no justice in its description. I tried it on for a few minutes. It’s more like a shawl size. When I put it on as if wearing it shawl it overs my whole back, 3/4s of my arms, and then goes almost down to my knees with the fringe about an inch above my knees. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I took it outside during the brief bit of sunshine and think it looks like a deep mauve. Hopefully I’m making sense since I’m not feeling the best. I think this is the single most nicest item I ever received in a subscription box.

The mailman changed his route and now my mail arrives earlier in the day. I received my Escape Monthly India Luxe box. I love it. I’m a little loopy from antibiotics which never get along well with me so bear with me. I added descriptions from the card.

***SPOILERS***

1. Authentic Indian Pashmina Scarf. I have poor lighting in my house. It’s gorgeous. The label says Peach Couture. It looks like a mauve color. I sent a picture to my sister who says it looks like a dark pink. It’s cloudy so I will take it outside later to see the color better.

Card – Worn by ancient kings and queens, this high-quality cashmere wool scarf is a beautiful traditional garment and a practical tool for any season. Keep your face shaded this summer or add that extra layer of warmth during the coming winter months.

2. Auromere Aromatherapy Eight Fragrances – This is an 8-Fragrance Sampler with each packet containing 3 mini-sticks. I received Amber, Jasmine, Indian Cedar, Lavender, Lily, Patchouli, Rose, Sandal.

Card – Beautifully packaged in handmade paper and featuring traditional scents, this aromatherapy pack will help you relax and reach a new height of spiritual bliss.

3. Amber Perfume Oil – A bigger bottle than what was in the regular size box. This one I can open and it smells good.

Card- Amber is coveted as an alchemical blend of sacred oils, powders, and resins ideal for preparing one for meditation. For an authentic experience, apply a few drops and relax into a short meditation, allowing yourself the space & time to not think about anything.

4. Ayurvedic Himalayan Rose Soap – Smells good.

Card – Extra gentle and moisturizing this Damascus Rose Soap is blended with Ayurvedic herbs and oils selected for their soothing, conditioning properties. Each use will leave your skin soft and nourished, ready to take on the next day of summer heat.

5. Masala Pop Chai Masala Popcorn – Don’t groan. It is in a 2 ounce resealable package.

Card – With flavors inspired by original Indian ta recipes, Masala Pop’s Chai Masala Popcorn is a savory, unique Indian take on a modern snacktime favorite. The perfect complement to a Bollywood movie (search Amazon Instant Video for Andaz Apna Apna)

6. Urban Accents Tandoori Gotta Cook Tonight Mix 1.5 ounces. Serves 4-6

Card – Cyclindrical clay ovens, called Tandoors, have been used in India for over 5000 years to draw the most delectable flavors from food, just like Tandoori Chicken. This recipe originated in the Punjab region of India. and has quickly made its way into our hearts (and stomachs!)

7. Earthern Light Brown Handmade Teacup – I was hoping for a decorative teacup, yet this one has its own charm. I may use it for something else because it looks like a tiny bowl. I do like it.

Card – Inspired by the history of India’s finest artisans, this delightful teacup makes for beautiful company at any meal or reading time. brew up a cup of your favorite tea and take this piece of India home with you!

8. Tao of Tea 500 Mile Chai Tea Tin. Organic. 2 ounces.

Card – Tea is at the center of life in India, especially Chai, which translates to “Tea” in Hindi. Known for their powerful yet sweet blends, small Chai stands called “Dhabas: would sell this tea to travels looking to stay awake “for another 500 miles”

9. Earthhenna Classic Kit – It looks like you put the stencil on and use a henna pen to fill it in. I think I will do this with my sister the next time I see her. 16 different stencils. Looking forward to doing this.

Card – Mehndi (or Henna) is an ancient Vedic custom intended to be a representation of the outer and inner sun. Mendi is especially used religiously and during traditional events, such as weddings, but has grown in popularity around the world because of its beauty.

10. Kala Namak Black Salt – 7 ounces. I enjoy using different salts when cooking.

Card-With subtle scents and flavors of egg yolk, Kala Namak is an essential spice in Indian cuisine, Just use on just about any dish to add a savory, Indian spin!

11. Auromere Mother’s Symbol Teak Incense Burner – I have no idea what an incense burner should look like. This looks like it could also be a decorative item in the house. It reminds me of a flower.

Card – The Lotus flower has deep meaning in India. It was a universal favorite of the gods, with esoteric and sacred significance in spirituality. It also represents the Mother Goddess Kamalamba (which should have an accent mark over the 3rd a, but can’t figure out how to do it on the keyboard) who resides in a thousand petal lotus found in our Sasharara (accent mark over 3rd a) in the head. Meditate to the burning of your incense and practice focus of the mind.

12. Rub with Love Bengal Masala Rub – looks like a spicy hot rub

Card -With exotic spices characteristic of South Asia, namely India, this delectable Masala Rub is the perfect seasoning for lamb, chicken, beef, or vegetables.

I think this is a wonderful box and will do another Luxe box dependign on the locale. Wish I felt better so I would feel more excited. I’m going to use some of the items now and hopes it will help me feel better.

I have been subscribing to Escape Monthly since it’s start last year, and I have to say, this was the absolute worst. box. yet.

I can’t believe that’s $40 bucks down the drain.
I REALLY hope next month is better than this month’s crap 🙁

I’m a newbe, does give out Escape give previews and then you can decide if you want to get it? I love Paris!

I am kind of indifferent about this box… I definitely expected some spices.

I have one more left on my three month sub via Living Social’s deal. Hope it’s a France, not Paris, travel guide. The first TravelBox had the Paris Luxe City Guide so I’d rather not have a 2nd book just for Paris… Coincidentally, the 1000 Places box thru quarterly.co is supposed to ship in August and also have a Paris theme…

Does anyone know if the “COUPON: Use coupon code YOURESCAPE to save $10 off every month” can be used on the mini-version of this box?

i am sure the curator did not know anything about india. If i were in her/his place, as an Indian , i would have included : 1) kundan jewelry set, 2) Bindis, (but a better version) 3) vial of saffron Or a small box of some indian spices, 4) Masala chai (tea powder/leaves) 4) turmeric powder,or herbal cleansing powder that is sooooooooo exclusive to india – my mom makes it at home with 18 not-so-easy-to-find herbs, we use it for babies, as face wash, scrub, face pack all-in-one. 5) coconut oil -hair oil specifically that we use a lot and a very indian thing, 6) mehendi (indian tattoos) 7) some Jaipuri tie-die skirt/scarf/towels Or anyother handloom hand towels. we have so many type of hand looms, and fabric materials, finishes etc. 8) some pickle- the hot red indian pickle 😛 9) bangles/ anklets 10) yes curry sauce/paste, but i would be very careful of the company and taste- only a hand full come close to the authentic taste. infact, i would rather include indian sweets.

this box doesnt do justice to a vibrant country like india. 🙁

I had the same stale popcorn issues. I was trying to remember if there were any “spoilers”– couldn’t find any, but I thought (dreamed?) that there would be a scarf included? The Mexico box was disappointing, but I think that I would rank it higher than India…

Are you able to switch between the mini and full each month after you see the spoiler? Some destinations I would love a travel book for, but only those on my list of “want to see”.

I received my box today. The boys loved the popcorn and said it tastes like gingerbread. I can’t wait to use the organic grass-fed ghee. This is high quality ghee which we will be using on our popcorn and for scramble eggs. We will be using the curry and sauce on our chicken. I received the grapefruit lemongrass soap and musk amber sample fragrance. I love the scents. None of us are able to open the bigger size amber perfume oil. I can’t wait to try the hair oil.

I wonder if there will be anything about the 125th anniversary of the Eiffle Tower in the Paris box? Hoping for that and macarons along with luxury products.

This is my last Groupon box. I signed up for the regular size box for Paris last night.

This box is crap! So disappointed. I would cancel today, but I love Paris, so I will wait to see what they send next month. If it’s not GREAT I am definitely cancelling.

i opened my popcorn today, and mine was stale and stuck together as well. it smelled really good, but it wasn’t edible 🙁 i love the perfume oil.

This has been my favorite box yet. I wasn’t hoping for much, but I really liked the simmer sauce and I’m looking forward to trying the beauty products. And I am super excited about next month! I hope they don’t disappoint, because I have pretty high hopes for that box.

What was upsetting to me about this box was that the only item actually made in India was the bindis. Usually I am over the moon about USA made products but this is an instance when you want it to be made in the country that is being honored. Otherwise I can go to a supermarket and get it myself. I wish the box was more colorful and luxurious. I was really hoping for a colorful Indian scarf or belly dance belt. I feel India could have had some really affordable beautiful items that would have been jam packed for the price. I am giving it one more month to see how I feel about this sub. Paris box better be French! I still enjoy this sub though. And the customer service is great.

I am actually not too excited about the Paris box because I have been there but I enjoyed this box. I do not expect to get very cultural items more like a vacation at home so I do not mind the products I can get from the market near my town in this box. I have a groupon I am hoping they applied correctly because I had to go through customer service to have it applied. But I would love one of the more expensive travel boxes once I am done with this subscription.

I also think that after next month I may switch to the mini version or perhaps cancel and try another vacation themed box.

I love India as a country and its cuisine. Other than a one or 2 food item, I think this is a miss. India has a much more rich culture to offer. Then again, I’m guessing the curator is not all all familiar with it, to offer something more substantial. I am excited for next month, if they offer the luxe version, I just might go get it.

This was my first box (I got the subscription after reading your reviews on this site), and I was rather underwhelmed. There’s really nothing in it I couldn’t have gotten at the supermarket. I switched to the mini version for next month, so I hope I’ll like that better for the money spent.

Instead of peppermint soap, I got Neem & Aloe – I really like it. I also love the hair oil and the amber scent. I don’t know if I’d wear the bindis (I’m hesitant about appropriating another culture for fashion), but I look forward to trying out the food items.

The mini box had :
Organic Turmeric Powder
Banyan Massage Oil
Neoveda Lip Balm Set
Saffron Road Korma Simmer Sauce
Masala Pop Chai Masala Popcorn
The peppermint sample soap
Tulsi and neem Ayurvedic soap

I forgot to ask – Liz, will you be reviewing the India Luxe box that Escape Monthly offered?

I tried the hair oil already (didn’t watch the vid, just rubbed it in and left it) I found the order pretty repulsive, but my hair is happier than it’s been since the crazy humidity around here started. So over all I was happy.

My box is coming tomorrow. I am looking forward to it and will comment more once I receive it. I’m very excited about Paris being the next box.