A new month has officially dawned, and with it comes that refreshing, crisp sense of a clean slate. There is something inherently magical about flipping the calendar page; it’s a silent invitation to reset our clocks, recalibrate our goals, and embrace the “new.” For me, February isn’t just about setting productivity milestones; it’s a month brimming with deep, personal sentiment. I like to think of this month as a curated “box of occasions,” a thirty-day journey that begins with the romantic, rose-tinted flutter of Valentine’s week and culminates in the beautiful, foundational milestone of my wedding anniversary.
To celebrate the start of this celebratory season, I was greeted by a delivery that perfectly matched my heightened spirits: the Alicia Souza Subscription Box #2. If you are familiar with Alicia Souza’s work, you know her brand is synonymous with joy, relatability, and a whimsical touch that turns mundane objects into treasures.
Even before I peeked inside, the packaging itself felt like a warm, tactile hug. It was a vibrant explosion of colors, anchored by a cheerful, bold pink palette that immediately brightened my desk and my mood. In a world that often feels grey and rushed, this box was a loud, colorful reminder to slow down and appreciate the “happy things.”
As I peeled back the layers of tissue and packaging, I discovered a collection of items that felt both whimsical and deeply intentional. This wasn’t just a random assortment of stationery; it felt like a kit designed to help me navigate my favorite month with grace and creativity. Join me as I take a very descriptive journey through every nook and cranny of this month’s surprise.
The Anchor of Productivity: The Sky-Blue Hardcover Notebook
The first item I pulled from the box was a premium, ocean-blue hardcover notebook. The weight of it in my hand was the first thing I noticed—it feels substantial, durable, and ready to hold the weight of a thousand ideas. For someone like me—a self-diagnosed “heavy-duty” planner who treats daily scheduling like a sacred art form—this is a dream come true.
What truly sets this notebook apart, however, is the interior. Unlike standard notebooks, the pages are entirely unruled. For a linear thinker, this might be daunting, but for a creative soul, it is pure freedom. Without the constraints of lines, I have the liberty to sketch out mind maps, doodle in the margins, or write in giant, looping letters when I’m feeling particularly inspired.
Furthermore, the contrast between this blue notebook and the pink diary I received in the previous subscription box is lovely. While the pink version remains my absolute favorite—simply because pink is my signature color and my “happy place”—the sturdy, professional build of this blue edition makes it the perfect companion for my more intensive brainstorming sessions. It feels like the “workhorse” of my stationery collection, ready to handle the grit of goal-setting while still looking beautiful on my nightstand.
Artistic Accents: The Glossy Vinyl Stickers
Next, I unearthed a set of three vinyl stickers that felt like they were custom-made for my personality. The quality here is exceptional; they aren’t your typical paper stickers that tear or fade. These are thick, durable, and finished with a high-gloss sheen that catches the light beautifully.
But beyond the physical quality, it was the illustrations that truly spoke to me. They depict cozy, quiet moments—the steam rising from a coffee mug and the playful silhouette of a kitten. These images instantly transported me to my “happy place.”
As a proud mother of two cats who currently reside with my mom, these stickers are more than just decoration; they are a sweet, tangible reminder of my feline family. I’ve already planned to place one on my laptop lid, so every time I open it to work, I’m reminded of my coffee rituals and the soft purrs of my kitties waiting for me. It’s these small, descriptive details in Alicia’s work that make the subscription feel so personal.
A Touch of Whimsy: The “Hello Cat” Stamp
Following the stickers, I found a charming wooden stamp featuring a “Hello Cat” design. Now, let’s be honest: I haven’t used a rubber stamp since my school days. In my adult life, I’ve become quite digital, so I wasn’t sure how much use I would personally get out of it.
However, life has a funny way of finding a purpose for everything. My nephew, who happened to be visiting when I opened the box, has officially claimed this stamp as his own. To say he is a fan would be an understatement. Since the moment he saw it, he has been on a mission to “brand” my world.
His “stamped” creativity has completely taken over, from the corners of my notepads to the very edges of my desk. He has even transformed discarded envelopes into his personal canvas, leaving a trail of tiny cat prints in his wake. Seeing his artwork everywhere turns my workspace into a gallery of spontaneous, feline-themed joy.It has turned into a beautiful, albeit slightly messy, collaborative art project. Seeing his pure excitement as he presses the cat stamp onto paper is so heartwarming. It serves as a beautiful reminder that the simplest tools often spark the most genuine joy. I’ll definitely have to share a photo of his “gallery” with you all in a future post!
The Multi-Purpose Masterpiece: The Pink Trinket Tray
If I had to pick an absolute champion of this box, it would undoubtedly be the Mini Trinket Tray. There are two very specific reasons why this item won my heart. First and foremost: it is pink. Not just any pink, but a soft, sophisticated shade that complements my aesthetic perfectly.
Secondly, its versatility is unmatched. While it is technically marketed as a trinket tray—ideal for holding rings or earrings. I’ve discovered a much more vital use for it in my daily routine. Because I am a constant consumer of tea and coffee, my desk is never without a mug. I’ve started using this tray as a chic, heavy-duty lid for my drinks.
The satiny, smooth texture feels incredibly premium to the touch. Its perfect weight keeps my mug sealed, trapping the heat inside for much longer.. It feels luxurious and practical all at once. Every time I lift the “lid” to take a sip, I feel a little spark of happiness. It’s a perfect example of how a well-designed object can elevate a mundane habit into a ritual.
Portability Meets Personality: Set of 2 Cat Notebooks
Continuing the “cat mom” theme that I adore so much was a set of two pocket-sized notebooks. These are the perfect companions for a life on the go. I keep the large blue notebook on my desk for heavy-duty planning. While these mini notebooks capture all my quick, “in-between” ideas.
These slim notebooks slip into my handbag or coat pocket without adding any bulk. Because inspiration strikes at inconvenient times, like grocery lines or waiting rooms, they are absolute lifesavers. Having them handy ensures I capture every fleeting thought the moment it arrives. Plus, as I mentioned, they feature adorable cat motifs. Glancing at those cute little faces while I’m out keeps me connected to my pets. Even miles away, these tiny reminders bring me closer to my fur babies.
The Heart of the Box: Sentimental Notecards
Perhaps the most touching inclusion in the entire box was the set of six notecards. To many, a notecard is just a piece of cardstock, but to me, they are vessels for memory. I have always preferred the weight and intimacy of a handwritten note over a digital message.
In fact, notecards play a huge role in my personal history. Years ago, when “Munchie” and I first started dating, I used a simple notecard to express my feelings for him for the very first time. I poured my heart out onto that small square of paper, and to my surprise, he kept it.
To this day, he has a “treasure drawer” where he keeps the most important relics of our journey together. Inside that drawer, you’ll find that original notecard, the single earring I wore on our very first meeting, and even the wrapper of the first chocolate I ever gave him (which is now ancient and definitely expired, but we can’t bring ourselves to throw it away!). These new notecards from Alicia Souza are a reminder to keep that tradition alive. This month, especially with our anniversary approaching, I plan to use them to write more “heart-notes” to the people I love.
Organizing with Style: The Pink Notes and Pen Holder
Rounding out this incredible collection was a pink notes and pen holder. It features a wider, more modern silhouette compared to the traditional tall cylinders I usually keep on my desk.
Initially, I wasn’t sure where it would fit in my setup, but its vibrant pink hue made me determined to find it a home. I’ve started using it to hold my most-used “active” pens and a stack of post-it notes. The wider width actually makes it easier to see everything at a glance, preventing that awkward digging around for the right highlighter. It’s a fresh take on desk organization, and I’m curious to see how it reshapes my workflow as the weeks go by.
Looking back at the entirety of the Alicia Souza Subscription Box #2, it’s clear that this isn’t just about “stuff.” It’s about the feeling that “stuff” can evoke. In a month dedicated to love. Both the romantic kind and the self-love kind. This box arrived like a curated permission slip to be creative, organized, and sentimental.
It has given me the tools to plan my goals for the new month while also providing the means to express my love to those around me.
I’m entering the rest of February feeling inspired, organized, and more than ready to tackle the celebrations ahead. If the second box was this full of magic, I can only imagine what the final surprise box has in store. I am waiting with bated breath to see how this journey concludes!
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