Make Snack Time Awesome

It's 3pm. You're turkey sandwich has already been digested but you're still hours away from your steak dinner at Benjamin's. Your stomach is growling. You have two options: spoil your dinner with a sugary purchase from the vending machine, or reach into your desk drawer for a healthy, filling snack.

Naturebox was created to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner (or breakfast and lunch for that matter!) while still keeping your diet wholesome and delicious. I was recently invited to try a monthly subscription box full of fall flavor and here is what I got:

How my box looked when it first arrived

I was pleased with the packaging, as the cardboard box ensured that my fragile snacks wouldn't be crushed or crumbled in the shipping process. I also appreciated the slip of paper explaining all about my different snacks.

As a fall-flavor nut, I was super appreciative of the thought that went into my box. First up were the apple pie oat clusters. Think of these as a cross between your favorite crunchy granola and a sweet, crisp apple. I definitely appreciated the cranberries also!

Apple pie oat clusters

Next up were the praline pumpkin seeds. I could eat these by the handful so I had to be careful to portion them out instead of continually shoving my hand in the bag. I mostly ate these on their own, but they would be great in salads! A nice mix of sweet and savory.

Praline pumpkin seeds

The pumpkin spice nom noms were, well...nommy! This snack is a limited edition (through December only) based on Naturebox's well-liked blueberry, peanut butter and dark cocoa varieties. Think of it as a healthier cookie.

Pumpkin spice nom noms

The harvest rice sticks (also limited edition--through November) were the first of my snacks to disappear. They had the perfect amount of salt and a great crunch (think Fritos). I also loved the bits of puffed wild rice that collected at the bottom of the bag.

Harvest rice sticks

What the rice sticks were salty, the cranberry pepita crisps were sweet. I'll liken these to a fall-flavored Stacy's pita chip, except the pepitas gave the crisp more texture, which I loved. These would be good on their own or dipped in hummus or even a sweet dip.

Cranberry pepita crisps

Naturebox starts at $19.95 a month for 5 full-size snacks (including shipping), and discounts are available if you commit to several months up front. It's a great deal if you like to snack healthy, and I love the convenience of having something tasty and wholesome at my desk when I get a craving. If you'd like to see if Naturebox is right for you, click here for a free trial or $10 off your first box!

Naturebox provided me with this box free of charge but all opinions listed here are my own.

AWESOME DEAL: 20% Off Crocs Today in Herald Square

Have your little ones not had enough of their princess and superhero costumes yet? Good news! From 3-8pm today, bring them to Crocs Herald Square (152 W 34th St) as they prepare to launch their new line of Disney Frozen Crocs' Clog along with an array of Crocs' character shoes!

In addition to showcasing Crocs' newest character shoes, the event will offer complimentary princess manicures and hairstyles, super hero face painting, and gifting for all families. You can also snag 20% off your entire purchase! Now that sounds like something Elsa would approve of.

AWESOME DEAL: $35 Dinner for 2 at Bear

If you're looking for an amazing dinner at an amazing price tonight, look no further than Bear in Astoria. In celebration of the blog We Heart Astoria's 4th anniversary, the sibling run restaurant is offering a special deal on dinner for two for $35, including 1 appetizer, 2 entrees and 1 dessert.

This offer is available to the first 20 people who print out this flyer and bring it in before May 22. Bear is cash only and offers wines by the bottle starting at $20 (talk about an affordable night out!).

AWESOME ALERT: $50 Off Any Date for Two

When you pass the honeymoon phase in any new relationship, it's easy to get stuck in the rut of dinner and a movie, or just dinner, or take out and just the first 23 minutes of a movie before you pass out cuddled up on the couch (that's cute too, no judgments here). However, if you'd like to spice things up a bit with your significant other (or even just have fun, random adventures with a friend), I'd highly recommend HowAboutWe Couples.

From glass blowing to Yankees games and archery lessons to fancy chefs tables, this date planning concierge service has something for everyone. The best part is that all the dates are priced at a discount and are always planned for 2, so no need to figure out how to buy multiple vouchers and scheduling everything yourself. Once you're a member, you will pay $18 a month and have access to a long list of city-centric rewards and a personalized concierge who will plan a personalized date for you if nothing currently on sale strikes your fancy. With your membership you also get to choose from a list of one free date per month.

Here's where the AWESOME ALERT comes in, right now if you sign up through this link you will get $50 off any date in the online collection plus one free month of membership. Examples of currently available dates you could get at this discounted price include:

• An exclusive BYOB pottery class for 2 ($50)
• Scavenger Hunt at the Brooklyn Museum (FREE)
• Class at Scratch DJ Academy for 2 ($45)
• Jazz and Bubbly Brunch Cruise ($32)
• Cheese-inspired dinner for 2 at Lucy's Whey ($8)

Recently, my boyfriend and I snagged a pair of Yankee's tickets for less than $20 and I'm taking my mom to High Tea when she comes in next week for free! HowAboutWe Couples is great for those in relationships or those who just like adventuring in their city. It's currently available in NYC, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle and will be launching in other cities soon. Check it out! You honestly have nothing to lose and $50 to spend. If anything, just grab the at-home DIY cheesemaking kit (free after your $50 discount!) and enjoy some quality mozzarella and ricotta made in heart-shaped cheese molds you get to keep.

Full disclosure: I will also get $50 when anyone signs up using my link so I really appreciate you going that route should you choose this as something awesome for you as well.

AWESOME DEAL: A Fabulous Fitness Find Returns!

Some of you may remember my post about the American Health and Fitness passbooks last year. This was seriously one of the best purchases I've ever made as it allowed me to sample boutique fitness and yoga studios all over the city for an entire year. I could not stop talking about it and convinced several of my friends to buy the passbook as well and join me on a fitness adventure.

If you've ever step foot in an Exhale or fancy Pilates classroom, you know those classes regularly cost upwards of $35. The passbook normally costs $90 and is available in a yoga, fitness, or Pilates version. You can view all of the specific studios available to you here, but know that at a minimum each coupon allows you 2 visits (some places give you a full week!).

Lifebooker is currently selling the books for $45 a pop with a 15% off discount using the code SCOREFIFTEEN (that brings it down to $38.25!!!). With this deal you are basically paying pennies for top-notch classes all around the city (in Queens and Brooklyn too!). To purchase, please use my referral link and go to the fitness section of Lifebooker Loot. You'll see it listed as "$45 Choice of Class Passbook: Choose from Fitness, Yoga and Pilates."

My favorite studios from last year were:

• Exhale Spa: I'm addicted! Their Core Fusion Sport class will make you sweat like no other and builds core strength in a matter of minutes
• Moving Strength: These small Pilates reformer classes feel essentially like private sessions as you get an amazing amount of personal attention and correction. Newbies welcome!
• Atmananda Yoga: A clean, welcoming yoga studio conveniently located near Union Square offers a wide range of classes
• Yoga Vida: You'll find any class you're looking for at this large, unique yoga studio also located near Union Square. I highly recommend their restorative classes for a nice wind down.
• Pure Yoga: I visited the Upper East Side location to try their signature Figure 4 class and was sore for a week! This is the most intense barre class you will ever take, and I mean that in the best way possible.

Seriously guys, no one is paying me to say this but I absolutely love these passbooks. I can't tell you how many trainers and studio administrators looked at me and said "this is the best deal!" when I checked in with my book.I never had any issues using it and was always welcomed into the different studios like any other client. It's good through the end of the year, so the sooner you buy it, the more time you'll have to use it! Trust me, you'll want to get all your friends in on this as well.