Real Talk | How to Get Free Samples

Had to do some digging around for a client on subscription boxes which led me to a nice discovery you might all enjoy. 

photo by Lydia Hudgens

I'm sure you all heard about the subscription box trend - I'm particularly fond of the POPSugar Must Have boxes. You pay a subscription fee per season or month for a box full of amazing goodies from new-to-you and well known brands. It's even inspired a slew of unboxing blogs and youtube videos. 

But what if I said you can experience the unboxing of goodies for free? Well, almost free. There's this whole sampling industry that is dying to get samples into your hands in exchange for an honest review, tweet, or instagram. That's where PINCHme comes into the big picture.

There are a few other companies in the market that provide the same services as PINCHme, but what's different is that you'll be able to pick samples you will genuinely use and hopefully love enough to buy again. I'm a member of a few other sampling programs and honestly hate it when I get items I'll never use - such a waste.

The way PINCHme works is really simple (we like simple over here). You sign up, fill out a short questionnaire, and then request samples for your box. Every other Tuesday (at 12pm EST) they seem to offer a new batch of samples to choose from. After trying out the product - return to the site and leave your thoughts. 

In case you were wondering what sort of samples came in a box - here's the assortment that came for me last April. Pretty good right!

If you're loving this freebie train and wondering what other companies I came across in my research, here's a few others worth the sign up for even more samples: PINCHme, influenster, Klout, Crowdtap, Swaggable.

The Core of it All

Getting fit isn't the easiest lifestyle change. Even I have a hard time waking up early for runs or getting myself to a class via Classpass. But in the end, I think about how I'll feel afterwards and treat myself (this month's mantra for sure).

With the Brooklyn Half happening this weekend (ahh! can't wait) I've been putting more focus on my core. Your core (the entire midsection including the back) is what stabilizes your body during your day to day and reduces risk for injury when kept strong and flexible. 

Another benefit to keeping your core in tip-top shape - better posture. A must if you work behind a computer all day long, as I do.

While I am no certified trainer, I'm an avid collector (pinner if you must) of great workouts and articles that can work for almost anyone:

- Refinery29 has a great 30 Day Plank Challenge you can do. I'm starting it on Monday and would love it if you joined me. Not sure how to do a plank, watch this.

- If you're in NYC and looking for a no-frills ab class that gets the job, check out Absolutions. I go once a week and feel better for it everytime.

- Got an early class? Pre-pack your workout bag to make getting out the door easier. Find more hacks here. 

- Stretching your core is equally important. Set an alarm midday for a brisk walk and a few desk side stretches. This infographic has 17 different ones to try this week.

- Want to take it to the next step with a full body workout? I've heard great things about the Bikini Body Guide. The price is a little steep so try snooping around eBay (didn't hear that from me).

- You might want to focus on foot health and safety, too. Check out these The Good Feet Store reviews for some examples of how you can help with this.

- Find a few fashion-forward pieces from Lucy. I swear, new activewear that looks and feels good is like a welcomed boost of motivation. Plus, their new SS15 collection is bananas.

I've been contemplating whether I should share my fitness schedule or what my day-to-day (kind of like what I eat, do, etc.) looks like. If you think it would be helpful or are curious about it - let me know in the comments :).

Imagery via Lucy.

Playing with Neutrals

Madison Square Eats has returned which means outdoor lunch is always a must. 

If you're in NYC during the month of May (or just plain live here) - #MadSqEats brings much needed variety to the bleak food options we have around here. Not to say I don't love my Bread & Butter (I really do love them at times) but sometimes you just need a sangeria and sloppy tacos.

Whenever I head out to that wonderful oasis of food and dranks I tend to go as is. That means: no laptop, my purse (currently obsessed with this one from Ora Delphine), a light convertible jacket from Mo-Ka, and my Timex watch for keeping track of time.

Yes, I do still have my phone on me - but if I'm lunching with friends or solo I try to keep the hour to detox from social and relish in the moment. Hour of zen if you will.

This was too good I had to share. Me having a hangry moment pre-lunch #bloggerbloopers.

Shirt: American Apparel  Skirt: American Apparel (similar style)  Jacket: Mo-Ka  Necklace: Custom  Purse: c/o Ora Delphine  Shoes: c/o Elliott Lucca  Watch: Timex  Sunglasses: Asos (similar)  Lipgloss: Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Megan

But let's get back to the Mo-Ka jacket. It's been on my person non-stop (insta-proof ova here) for its light-weight feel and is perfect for that in-between spring-to-summer season. You know the type - hazy misty mornings, humid lunches, and breezy night walks. Bonus points for all the extra pockets in all the right places. It might be there for aesthetic purposes, but I like to think they had bag lady syndrome sufferers in mind - i.e. me.

Are you a fan yet? Lucky for us Mo-Ka has given all of us an additional 20% off any purchase from their e-store here by using code STYLEBORO20. Not only that one lucky reader has the chance to win a jacket of their choosing from Mo-Ka or their sister brands.

Giveaway details and entry will be announced on Instagram tomorrow (5.12.15) at noon so make sure you're following along here to win!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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