Frosty Vox Box from Influenster

I received my latest box from Influenster, and I think that it was my favorite so far!  This box was titled "Frosty Vox Box" and it had a mixture of food items and beauty items.  Here is what was included in the Frosty Vox Box:

1. No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED (Full-sized $29.99)  
2. NYC Expert Lip Color in Sugar Plum ($1.99)
3. Celestial Seasonings Candy Can Lane Decaf Green Tea 
4. EcoTools Hair Brush ($10.99)
5. Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover ($7.49)
6. Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kajal Eyeliner ($4.49)
7. McCormick Gourmet Thyme ($4.79)
8. Fruit Vines Bites ($1.28-$1.79)

I honestly can't believe all that was so generously given to me in the vox box.  Everything was full sized except for the No7 serum and Celestial Seasonings tea.  However, those items also came with a coupon.  If you want to see all the items that I receieved, here is a short video:

Also, here is a picture of me wearing both the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner in black (smudged out on the eye and also smudged on the lower lash line) along with the NYC lipstick in Sugar Plum:

Now, for my opinions on each item.

- No7 Advanced Serum: I have used the original formula (non-advanced) for a little over a year and love how that feels.  A sample was not a lot to test the difference, but I really enjoy applying a serum to my skin, especially after exfoliating or applying masks.  I will definitely purchase a large size of the advanced serum when I run out of my current serum from No7. 
- NYC Sugar Plum Lipstick: I was surprised at how pretty this lipstick was.  I have fair skin and normally pigmented lips and this is definitely a my lips but better color.  The only thing I found was that it was a little drying on the lips, however, if you apply a lip balm under the lipstick then the dryness disappears.  I was also impressed that the color stayed on my lips for about 4 hours (without eating).
- Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Tea: I really enjoyed the taste of this tea.  I like to drink decaf green tea at night because it helps flatten your tummy.  And, the peppermint taste really relaxes me.  I have already picked up a box of this tea!
- EcoTools Hairbrush: I really liked this hairbrush.  I have color treated, tangle-loving, fine hair so not all brushes work well for me.  I don't use brushes on wet hair.  When my hair is wet, I either use my wet brush or a comb.  However, this was a great brush to use for blow drying (I blow dry my hair when it is 90% dry) and also for combing out morning tangles.  I think this is a great all-around brush, and I definitely recommend it.
- Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover: This stuff was a godsend.  Seriously!  I currently am using Almay Eye Makeup Remover, and I made the awful mistake of buying the oil-based version.  I hate it!  It makes my eyes blurry for hours after I use it, no matter how careful I am or how much I wash my face after.  So, when I received the Rimmel eye makeup remover, I was overjoyed because it was oil-free.  This remover did a great job at eliminating waterproof mascara, waterproof eyeliner, and a stay-all-day liquid liner.  It felt like water and did not irritate my eyes at all.  A+ product!
- Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner:  I love, love, love these eyeliners.  I already own the scandaleyes eyeliners in Nude and Taupe and love how creamy but long-wearing they are.  They are kohl, which means they can be smudged and smoked out.  I honestly would have these eyeliners in every color if I didn't already have so many eyeliners already.  These eyeliners closely compare to Urban Decay 24/7 pencils at a fraction of the cost!  Just go buy one of these.  Please!!
- McCormick Thyme: I don't know what to say about this product, except that it's a nice dried thyme seasoning.  I like to use thyme often as it adds a mild, woodsy flavor.  I especially like to pair it with dishes that have lemon in it because it always seems to go well.  I always add either thyme or tarragon to my salads to add more flavor to them.  If you have never cooked with thyme before, then I think you should give it a go!
- Fruit Vines Bites: These are chewy, fruity bite sized candies perfect for a little naughty nibbling.  My kids enjoyed these candies the most.  I received the cherry flavor, however, there is also a strawberry flavor.

I was not disappointed in any of the products I received in this box, and would purchase each and every product mentioned.  I received these items complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  All opinions are 100% genuine and honest.  If you are interested in signing up for Influenster yourself, simply click here!  Thank you Influenster and all the companies that were represented in the Frosty Vox Box.

Influenster Vaseline VoxBox

I was privileged to receive the Vaseline Box Box from Influenster.  This vox box contained a full-size of Vaseline  Intensive Care Advanced Repair lotion.  Vaseline stated to use this every day for 5 days to see the results.  After one use, I was amazed at the results.  I have read on some online reviews that people enjoyed the old version of this lotion, however, I had never bought this lotion before so I had no preconceived ideas.  I loved how silky and smooth my skin felt.  My feet are also much smoother and the backs of my arms have less bumps on it, although I have no idea why.  This lotion lasted about 24 hours on my skin and was not greasy feeling.  I highly recommend picking some up the next time you are in need of a lotion.  It retails for $3.48 at Wal-Mart.  I received this item complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes, however all thoughts and opinions are completely honest and genuine.

My thoughts on my Influenster TLCVoxBox

I was fortunate enough to receive Influenster's TLCVoxBox.  This box was specifically for us moms out there with something for the kids, something for a date night and something just for the mom.  All the items listed below were sent complimentary to me for testing purposes, however, all thoughts are genuine.

Here are the items came in my TLC Vox Box:

1. Neosporin Neo To Go (retails $4.97 - $7.50)
All moms need to have some type of Neosporin with them (especially those of us who have active boys)!  Neosporin Neo to Go is a nice option because there is less mess and easier application when you are on the go with your kids.  This is great to use at the playground, park or at extracurricular activities.  

2. Breyers Gelato Indulgences (retails $4.49 - $5.99)
Breyers Gelato Indulgences comes in 4 flavors: Triple Chocolate, Tiramisu, Vanilla Caramel and Raspberry Cheesecake.  I chose the Raspberry Cheesecake flavor for my date night with my husband and we both enjoyed the gelato. 

For more information on Breyers Gelato Indulgences and where you can find the product:
http://www.breyers.com/product/category/694165/gelato

3. Ivory Bar Soap (retails for 3.99 for 10 pack)
Who doesn't like Ivory soap?  I tested this product in 2 different ways: after my 4 year old son's very messy finger painting adventure and to clean my makeup brushes.  Ivory bar soap worked very well for both and I am very pleased with the effectiveness and gentleness of this product.

4. AVON Anew Reversalist Express Wrinkle Smoother (retails $30)
Can I be honest and say that I was most excited about this product?  (I like  it all, but this was my first "makeup" item from Influenster!)  This item works to smooth or fill in your wrinkles.  It is to be worn over moisturizer or makeup and works almost immediately to dramatically reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.  Although this will not be part of my daily makeup routine, I will definitely be whipping out this bad boy for special occasions or when I know that I will be having my picture taken.  
http://shop.avon.com/product.aspx?pf_id=51474

If you care to watch, here is a video review of the product:

5. Puffs to Go (retails $0.49 single pack)
Again, who doesn't like Puffs to go?  I know that I always have at least one in my car at all times as I have 3 children and live in Minnesota so life calls for a tissue on many occasions.  Puffs tissues are gentle on sore noses and work well.

6. Shell Fuel Rewards Network Card 
I wish there were more Shell gas stations in my area, but there are not enough nearby to make the Shell Fuel Rewards Network Card beneficial for me.  However, if you have a shell station near you, then I highly recommend picking up a network card and let the savings start racking up.  

I really enjoyed my TLC Vox Box and hope to continue receiving complimentary boxes from Influenster.  Yes, the boxes take time to properly review but I love seeing what I get and playing with my new "toys."  

Loaded Mexican Sweet Potato Recipe

This is one of my favorite lunches and makes me feel good that I am loading my body with nutritious foods.  It is very simple and can easily be adapted to suit your personal needs.

What I used:
   - sweet potato
   - tri-color quinoa (I find mine at my local grocery store and also at Trader Joe's)
   - black beans
   - stewed tomatoes
   - avocado
   * toppings can be salsa, greek yogurt, sour cream, cheese, taco seasoning

To make the loaded sweet potato:

1. bake the sweet potato at 400 degrees for 45 min to 1 hr (depending on the size of   the sweet potato).  you want the sweet potato to be soft to the touch 
2. cook the quinoa using 2 parts liquid (I use mostly water with a splash of chicken broth)  to 1 part quinoa.  I like my quinoa softer, so I cook it on low for 20 minutes
3. saute the onion, black beans and stewed tomatoes until onions are translucent and soft
4. once sweet potato is cooked, slice it in 1/2 (using only 1/2 the sweet potato) and layer everything on top of it

Enjoy!

Suave Family VoxBox

I received my 2nd box from Influenster and this box was Suave Beauty products for the whole family.  The products we received were:

1. Suave Professionals Deep Conditioning Shine Mask (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Suave-Professionals-Moroccan-Infusion-Deep-Conditioning-Shine-Mask-8-fl-oz/22359275)
This product was for the mama (aka me) and I thought that the mask did a nice job of reducing the amount of tangles in my hair, left my hair smell amazing and did increase the shine a little. I would definitely recommend this product.
    Price at Walmart: $2.88
2.Suave Men Active Sport Body Wash (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Suave-Men-Active-Sport-Body-Wash-12-oz/10293585)
This product was for my husband and he liked the smell and liked that it got him clean but he simply prefers Dove Men + Care in Extra Fresh.  However, you can't beat the price so I would recommend this product.
    Price at Walmart: $1.88
3. Suave Kids Double Dutch Apple Detangling Spray (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Suave-Kids-Double-Dutch-Apple-Detangling-Spray-10.5-oz/10293567)
This product was for the kids, however, only my daughter was able to use it because my 2 boys have short hair and have no need for detangling!  She likes the Suave detangling spray and always have it in stock because she has fairly thick and long hair, which she refuses to keep snarl-free.  She liked the product but prefers the smell of twirlin' swirlberry.  I have to agree with her, but I still recommend it.
   Price at Walmart: $1.88

                                    (a picture of my Suave Family VoxBox)

                                     (a before and after of my hair using the mask)

Overall, I really enjoyed the Suave Family VoxBox and truly appreciate being selected by Influenster to review products.   If you would like more information on Influenster, please visit www.influenster.com and for more information on Suave products please visit www.suave.com

My daughter and I reviewed our Suave Family Vox box and you can find that video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKZgybxge30

** I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes **

Hi My Name is Erika and I am Cheap!

So, due to financial struggles, I have become extremely cheap with how I spend money on myself.  However, I am a girly girl and love to feel pretty so I have found some ways to make some extra cash and also to save as much as I can.  Here are some of my tips:

1. Sign up for store loyalty cards, emails and follow on facebook/twitter.  I know... Big Brother is watching you, but Big Brother is watching you save some money!!  I sign up for all the stores that I could ever want to shop and I get some seriously good deals for my kids, myself and my husband.  

2. Surveys.  Yes, they can be time consuming but I get amazon gift cards for taking surveys a couple times a month.  My favorite sites for these are Swagbucks (you can earn money by doing more than surveys), Opinion Outpost (I have earned the most on this site) and Valued Opinions.   I also do e-rewards for free magazine subscriptions.  

3. Sign up for other various things.  I am a member of the Loreal Consumer Program and although I have never had the opportunity to test a product, I did answer some surveys and got a free Lancome Eye Shadow quad.  I also am a member of Influenster (previous post on my 1st box) and love the fact that I can free things from that, however, I have yet to get beauty related products :(

People are amazed at what a bargain shopper I am and how much I can get for free.  It takes some work, but it is worth it to me in the end.  

My experience with Influenster

I signed up for Influenster a few months ago and was ecstatic when I received an email stating that I had been chosen to receive a complimentary box.  If you are not familiar with Influenster, it is an exclusive community for trendsetters to share news, products and reviews with the opportunity to be rewarded by brands.  I have spent time linking up my online social interactions and submitting reviews of products and services that I have used. It was definitely worth the work that I put in.  Here is what I received (all items were sent complimentary by Influenster for my honest opinions and reviews):

My box was called The GoodLife VoxBox and included the following items:

• New-Skin Liquid Bandage (retail price $7.29)
• the Vitamin Shoppe Garcinia Cambogia (retail price $16.99)
• ZonePerfect Greek Yogurt Bars (retail price $1.25)
• Nonni's THINaddictives (retail price $3.99)
• UrgentRx Fast Powders (retail price $1.39)

My favorite item was Nonni's THINaddictives because the taste was better than expected.  The other item that I really liked was New Skin liquid bandage.  I used NewSkin (non liquid) when my daughter was 4 years old and reopened a cut on her chin that had required stitches.  I was very impressed with the product then and am even more impressed with the liquid version.  You can use it on blisters and cuts that are in an area that is hard to use a bandage on.  The only item that really didn't work for me was the Garcinia Cambogia, which is a weight loss supplement.  I am very happy with my current weight and do not want to lose anymore.  However, I am trying to convince my husband to use it and it does have very good reviews online.  

I highly recommend signing up for Influenster and giving it a try.  I am definitely hoping that I get selected to get another complimentary box to try some new products.  For more information, go to www.influenster.com