Saturday, August 31, 2013

Lifeway Kefir


The newest Item I have recieved is a Lifeway free product voucher and a coupon for $1 off two Lifeway products.




I had never heard of this company or product ever. Never even see the name before. I buy yogurt and eat it alot. Its a big must have with my family and is perfect for the little ones snacks. I recently have also started looking for non GMO products and ones with very few ingredients IE: healthier. It been a rough go but our local store has isles specifically for that purpose.

When I heard of this product I started to research it via their webpage http://www.lifeway.net/. I found out that they use only grass fed cows that are not treated with artificial hormones. No rBST, rBGH, and are GMO free. It also uses jucies such as beet for coloring instead of artificials. Just the type of product I have been looking for.

Unfortunately for me there is only one store that carries Lifeways products. They very seldom have these products since they only carry certain ones and small quantaties. 
Our store carries:

I was really hoping they would get some of the other products including their probugs for kids. That would be amazing if they did. I put in a request for the items but we will see how successful I am.


So now that I know what they had, I decided I was going to get me a 32FL OZ bottle of with my free product coupon. I got the strawberry flavored I am not fond of the other flavors they had. Below is a list of what it contained.

INGREDIENTS: Pasteurized Cultured Lowfat Milk, Nonfat Milk, Evaporated Cane Juice, Strawberry 

Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors, Red Beet Juice For Color, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3, 

CONTAINS MILK, GLUTEN FREE

NUTRITIONAL FACTS


SERVING SIZE 1 CUP (240mL) SERVINGS  about 4

Calories
Fat Cal
Total Fat
Sat Fat
Trans Fat
Cholesterol
Sodium
Total Carb
Sugars
Protein
140
20
2g
1.5g
0g
10mg
125mg
20g
20g
11g

Vitamin A 10%, Vitamin C 4%, Calcium 30%, Iron 0%, 


Vitamin D 25%


Contains 12 live & active cutures

Most would think with all that healthy stuff it must taste gross. Well I was very excited to take my first sip and quickly want another. Even my son was begging for more when he got a taste. Heck half of the bottle went to him he liked it so much. BIG PLUS!!!!! It tasted just like I was drinking my yogurt but obviously smoother. I was some what tart but I actually found that tasted better than yogurts.


Heres how my son likes to drink his Lifeway Kefir and his funny yogurt stashes. Plus 2 of how I drink mine. Who needs cup?? Not this girl :P




In all I am very satisfied with this trial product. Thanks Influenster and Lifeway!!!!!!

I received this product complimentary to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Secret Outlast Clear Gel



I recently got a chance to sample the Secret Outlast Clear Gel Deodorant. I received your deodorant complimentary from Influenster.

Here is some basic info about their product:

  • No white marks:
Rub-off resistant coverage formula.
Fast drying ingredients.
  • 48 hour protection:
Designed to work in even the most hot, humid and stressful situations: Secret Outlast contains odor-absorbing microcapsules that activate when you need them most – to capture odor and release a fresh scent. 
‣Outlast is clinically tested to help stop odor before it starts, continually working to detect odor and wetness, ensuring coverage whether you’re sitting still OR on the move.
‣The pH of Secret Outlast helps minimize odor-causing bacteria and provides longer lasting 48-hour protection; plus, 2X more odor-fighting Ingredients vs. the top-selling APDO for freshness that lasts as long as you do!

I immediately opened this product to give it a try. I tend to have issues with my deodorants not being able to keep me dry and leaving horrible marks on my shirts. Some due to them being solid even ruined shirts because it was hard to get the residue from then out. So in other words i was very excited to see if this product would be the one for me. 

My most recent deodorant is made by Dove and its a solid. So I will use that as my comparison to this one by using 3 catagories: Oder, Wetness and White Marks. I used these products on days where id be outside in warm air or when sleeping on hot nights to get better results.

Odor: I love regular smelling deodorants because the kind that have fragrance usually smell very funny. My dove is baby powder fresh. The Secret was called completely clean. I found the smell to be within my liking. As for the odor after applying the deodorants I found very big differences. The dove i notice a smell about 2 hours after applying and the Secret I didnt notice a smell for about 6. 

Wetness: This will be quick because Dove never seemed to protect me from wetness very long at all. It seemed like as soon as i stepped outside I was already sweating  As for Secret I felt it did last alot longer and I didn't have to reapply often like i do Dove. I was pretty impressed with that part.

White Marks: Well I cant really dis on Dove for this one because mine is a solid and no matter what you do they will always leave white marks. I bought a double pack of them so i had to use them up even though i wasnt impressed. Im not one to waste money. Although I was very upset to see that my shirts were being ruined by the deodorant left on the shirts. Washing and scrubbing then didnt help. The waxy stuff just stays on. EWWW so glad I am done using Dove. The secret as advertised which i would expect from a clear gel did not leave marks on my clothing. I don't usually put my deodorant on first before my clothes. I usually put my clothes on then lift the shirt a bit and apply but you could consider that my Deo Dance and I would call it "The Monkey" because I look like I'm imitating one. Heres My deo dance video.


Here is a funny video of a ‘Deo Dance,’ starring Bravo star, Jenni Pulos. Its worth watching for a good laugh. 

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Tastykake® Kandy Bar Kakes


This is the Tastykake sample that I received complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster. It is the Peanut butter Reese's Kandy Bar Kake.

Here is alil bit about them:

Kandy Bar Kakes are the best of both worlds. Light and fluffy chocolate enrobed cakes come in a unique kandy bar shape with a delicious créme filling made with your favorite candy flavors. Available in S'mores, Peppermint, and Peanut Butter flavor.
Available at grocery and convenience stores across America. Altho they may be unavailable some places you can always check by visiting the Tastykake Site to find a retailer near you. 

The picture above is my husband Officer Mercado. He was born and raised in Philly, PA which we all know was the birth place of TastyKakes!!! Him and many of his family members agree that Tastykakes are the way to go for a good snack. Even though him and some family members don't live in PA anymore they still get their hands on these kakes. As his aunt said on your FB page " You can take us out of the city but we took are faves with us." No truer words than that.

So my Husband was thrilled to hear I had received a Tastykake in my Spring Fever Voxbox. I informed him that unfortunately there was issues with shipping so they Kake was actually expired. Needless to say since you see the picture above, he was not going to let that stop him. :) As a matter of fact he begged me til I finally let him eat it. I even gave it a try as well.

Here was our thoughts:

Reese's is a YUMMY candybar so this was a perfect tribute.
The cake was very soft and tasted so good.
The chocolate and peanut butter outside coating was easy to bite through and tasted wonderful..
The peanut butter filling was the perfect consistency and was peanut buttery.

IN ALL we loved this new type of Tastykake. We also tried the S'mores and York(thats my favorite).

Thanks TastyKake for the wonderful sample. No please make more coconut flavored tastykakes for me. :)

@TastyKate / #TastyKake 

Friday, June 21, 2013

Stuck on Broadway Nails ImPress


These are the ImPRESS nails that I received complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster.

I normally dont wear fake nails because well they can be bit of a pain. But they are awsome for when you don't want to paint them and have to deal with drying times and mess ups. 

The thing I like most about these nails are the designs. Unlike most other brands they make such far out colors but nothing that I would ever consider. With this Brand they have over 36 different styles. They provide a variety of plain colors as well as designs so there is always a color for you. The ones I got were perfect for summer! They were zebra striped tips with Hawaiian flowers in different colors. So perfect and went with all my summer clothes. 

They were easy to apply since all you do is remove the backing to expose the sticky seal and apply to nails. Simple and easy for a quick manicure. TIP:If you were want them to last even longer you can apply nail glue. When mine fell off i saved them cleaned off the backs and reapplied later with nail glue.

I would defiantly recommend these to all my friends, including those that like me are a mom and have no time for painting nails and keeping up with the constant attention they require or the money to fork over for professional nails that also require touch ups costing more money. They can just throw these on to go out and be done with them the next day if they want.

Here is some information from their page:


Introducing imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails, the revolutionary way to apply polish! Featuring advanced nail technology, you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on, and you're done. There's no drying, a killer shine and a manicure that lasts up to a week! And, imPRESS is so easy to remove, you can change it up to match your mood as often as you want. Check out all colors and patterns, including trendy brights, classic darks and animal prints. With imPRESS, your nails will always be your best accessory.

imPress Manicure retails for $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, and is available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more. For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit imPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!

PS JUST LOOK AT THAT PRICE ^^^^^^ Definatly within a mommies tight budget  like mine and well worth the money. Theres even a printable coupon which is a BIG BONUS!!! :)

So Visit the ImPRESS Manicure Site now for your coupon and visit your local store now.

@BwayNails / #imPressRevolution 

Friday, May 10, 2013

Colgate® Optic White®



I always use toothpastes with whitening. I love try out new products including those I normally use. I had yet to try this type and normally don't buy Colgate. 

I loved the toothbrush. The brisles were very soft which i need with my secetive gums. The tooth pate had a minty taste and was very foamy when brushing. As for the mouthwash I hate the taste! My hunny tried it too and felt the same way...too strong and very chemically tasting.

In all I have only been using it a week and already believe I am seeing results. :) 





I received these products complimentary from Influenster

NECTRESSE™ Sweetener



I received this product complimentary from Influenster

Vaseline® Spray & Go Learn the Up, Switch, Down, Rub


  • @VaselineBrand @InfluensterVox, #SprayandGo 
  • I recieved Vaseline® Spray & Go Moisturizer complimentary from Influenster and I am entering the Brand Challenge for a chance to win a prize.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology


As a mother I know how important it is that my children go to a school where they will have all the necessary things to help them learn and be safe. Some schools fall short when it comes to upgrades. Our town for example has several schools and many are not updated as well as others due to the amount of students attending or lack of town funding. Things such as energy usage, proper lighting and recycling could make a huge difference in saving the town money down the road and improve our student scores. 

Yes it may cost money now but think of how much it will save down the road when the changes start to take effect. If you could do at least one school at a time the savings will fund the next schools upgrades. 

The following information is from a contest sponcered by Pureology called Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition.


GREENER SCHOOLS = A BRIGHTER FUTURE

When a school goes green, children benefit—as well as the environment! Green schools lead to:
  • Improved student performance. When children learn in classrooms with natural daylight, improved sound quality and non-toxic building materials such as non-VOC carpets and paints, test scores can improve as much as 20%. Attendance also improves! 
  • More funds for student resources. When green upgrades are made to a school, water and energy costs can be reduced by as much as 40%. These savings can be channeled back into resources that directly benefit students, such as textbooks, computers and other essentials.
  • Reduced carbon footprint. Greening a school significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming.



Every child deserves a learning environment that’s safe, comfortable and free of harmful toxins. Unfortunately, many schools across the country lack the funds to carry out much-needed repairs and renovations—subjecting children to outdated facilities with improper ventilation, poor lighting and inefficient energy usage. Global Green USA is working to address this situation and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn in a healthy, green school.

Some of the changes to implament could be:

  • Create a recycling program
  • Conduct an energy audit to determine ways energy can be saved
  • Install solar shades to improve natural daylighting of classrooms
  • Switch to green cleaning products
  • Install energy-efficient light bulbs
  • Use sustainable building materials, such as bamboo flooring and recycled runner gym mats
  • Replace outdated or unsafe carpets and other materials with new, non-toxic ones

If you notice some of those upgrades simple changes that could be free and save the schools money to put towards other programs that are currently being cut world wide like music programs.

 For more information visit the Pureology Websitehttp://bit.ly/VzWAQh


Thursday, March 21, 2013

Sugar 'n Spice VoxBox


Oh my I am a alittle late posting this but guess what i got in the mail this monday..... My Sugar 'n Spice VoxBox from Influenster. YAY!!!! I was pretty excited about this box after learning what will be in it from someone that got theirs before me and the hints posted on Influensters twitter page and facebook. Here is a list of what I got.

  • BelVita Breakfast Biscuits, 5 pack (4 biscuits per pack), $3.69   @belVita #BreakfastBiscuit
  • Colgate Optic White Mouthwash, 8 oz. -- $2.99  @OpticWhite #BrilliantSmile
  • Colgate Optic White Toothbrush, 1 ct. -- $2.99   @OpticWhite #BrilliantSmile
  • Colgate Optic White Toothpaste, 4 oz. -- $2.99   @OpticWhite #BrilliantSmile
  • Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes, 20 ct. -- $5.99   #DickinsonsWitchHazel
  • Nectresse, 40 packets -- $3.99   #NECTRESSE
  • Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture, 6.5 oz. -- $7.99  @VaselineBrand #SprayandGo

Im pretty excited to start using everything in this box. I definatly will not let anything go unused in this box because everything in it is something I would use normally. Some of the items I have never tried but have other products like them so I'm even more interested in using them maybe even replacing my old products.

I have tried the BelVita Breakfast Biscuits before during samples given out at work by a vendor. I even snagged a few extra  boxes of them to take home after the vendor was done. Working in retail has its perks sometimes. These little biscuits are very good in every flavor they have. They are also pretty filling and are great for on the go to keep you from eating junk food. I snacked on them often and still buy them when there are sales or coupons.

Colgate Optic white products I have never tried I have used the same tooth paste and mouth wash forever. Including since sometimes the prices for these products can be a bit much. My normal brand of tooth paste is Crest but I am always up for a change so getting a chance to test this product may get them a new customer.

I have never tired the Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes or any of their products. As a matter of fact I'm not quite sure I have ever even seen them or paid them any attention in stores. I am however excited to try them since I do have oil problems areas on my face. I have also heard a lot about how witch hazel is so good for the skin and have seen many products or self made products that require it. 

We also got the Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture. I was actually looking at an all over moisturizer because my skin has taken a hit this winter and really could use something. I use so many different types of lotions and it seems like they work for awhile and then stop. So I am glad I got something new to try and the fact it is in a spray form is even better considering I will be heading to the hospital soon to deliver my 3rd child. Its so much easier to pack spray bottles then lotion bottles with the push down dispensers. Really hope this product works.

Lastly we got samples of the Nectresse natural sugar packets. Normally I just buy a huge bag of sugar and never packets like this. Ive always heard of the crap that are contained in those packets you buy or use at resturants. I have read up a bit about then and I am willing to try them out. Hopefully they dont require the use of too many to even get a hint of sugar taste like some others do. 


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Montagne Jeunesse face masque

I did not get this in my holiday voxbox so I went and bought one so I could try it out and complete voxbox tasks on Influenster for credit. I have actually been meaning to try new products like this for when I want to have a personal mommy spa time. Maybe even get my younger girls involved.

There are so many different masks to chose from and they all do different things and come in fun smells and regular smells. These are a few:

  • Chocolate Masque
  • Fruit Smoothie hydrating face masque
  • Aloe Vera and Willow Clean Up Mud
They are seriously worth a try and they make your face feel so good. They are a pretty decent price too. I have not found one that I don't like yet. Wish I could find more of them though Walmart can be pretty limited sometimes. I will have to try other stores too because they come in the packets but have also been told theres also bottle size too for multiple uses. That would be awesome to have too.


Kiss® Nail Dress™

Another beauty item I received in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox was the Babydoll Kiss Nail dress product. It allows you to Just peel, apply, and shape for a manicure that lasts up to a week. They come in like 21 different types and can be used so many ways. If your in for a quick manicure and don't want to have to worry about messing up, getting wet polish all over or dry times, this would be the product for you. It can be a bit expensive(6.99) for sure but a lot less then if you went to a shop and had them done. Plus there is enough to use twice in one box. 

As I said I got the Babydoll nail dress. They are gold and have what looks little droplets of water. It was a bit flashy for me to wear every day so I waited and used mine for new years  I got a lot of compliments on them and how pretty they looked. people thought I had went to a shop and when I said I did them myself they were shocked. I let them know about the dress nails and now they all plan on buying some too!

Thanks Kiss for the product!!



I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster
  • @KissProducts
  • #kissnaildress
  • @influenster
  • #holidayvoxbox
  • Kiss website: http://bit.ly/SipR5S
  • Kiss review page: http://bit.ly/11cEdY7

Monday, January 28, 2013

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine




One of the Makeup products I received in my Influenster Holiday VoxBox was this

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine. It came in the color nude which is perfect because that is the main color I wear besides a pink tinted lipstick. I tried this while just hanging out around the house because sometimes these lip shines can be sticky or cause my lips to dry out. I am happy to report that after wearing for a few hours I found that it wasn't sticky, smelt good and didn't cause my lips to dry out.Another plus side to this lip shine is that the cost of it is only averaging at about $2.49. That is a pretty decent price and it isn't one that will break my wallet like most others. I currently wear this just about every day, I love it so much! I even made this neat little picture to submit to the product manufactures twitter page :)

     



I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster

Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal+

Another product in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox was the Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal. It is made with Whole grain oats, rye, barley and wheat are mixed with large chunks of real fruit & nuts and comes in a convenient single-serve cup. All you have to do is just add water/Milk and microwave. Then enjoy without the mess of cleaning a bowl. Whats nice is they are perfect for on the go. Add the milk or water and heat up at work or heat up and take with to eat later. It comes in four flavors – Apple Walnut, Cherry Pistachio, Peach Almond and Summer Berry.




As it shows in the picture I got the Apple Walnut Oatmeal. I was actually glad i got this one because I am not a cherry or pistachio fan or a summer berry fan. I will defiantly try the Peach Almond later because that sounds good too.

I think this is a very awesome product. If your a mom like me who has to eat quickly before work this saves me a bowl (yay!! no dishes) and it allows me to heat it up quickly and take it to work if I am running out of time to eat it home (yay!! again for no wasting food due to being rushed). The flavor was perfect as well and the portions were decent too. I will defiantly be buying these again. Now if only they came in other flavors that didn't involve nuts because my son hates them so he wont try this.

I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.
  • @GoodyHair
  • #Quikstyle
  • @influenster
  • #holidayvoxbox                                             Influenster Site

Goody® QuikStyle™ Hair Brush




Another goody I got from my Influenster Holiday Voxbox is a Goody® QuikStyle™ Paddle Brush. Just in time too because I was in need of a new brush and a way to get my hair dryer quicker with out a blow dryer. Its a $13 dollar brush so I am very thankful to have received it free!

This brush works like a towel and brush in one. The super absorbent (and antimicrobial) microfiber removes 30% of water from wet hair to help speed your drying time! You can effortlessly detangle right out of the shower and continue using it while you blow dry!

A towel and Brush in one blows my mind. It will save so much time and I wont have to fry my hair every day! My hair is pretty thick and I will admit I really had my doubts about this brush including since the care for it is a bit much. Normally my towel gets pretty soaked by my hair alone and barely gets it dry and using a blow dryer makes my hair frizzy and damages it easy. However, after giving my hair a quick towel down to remove the excess water before brushing I found that the absorbent microfibers indeed work. After I ran this brush through my hair a couple of times and the microfibers were soaked but It got it enough to leave somewhat damp but dry enough for me to leave. Im sure if i had more time to dry the absorbent towels on the brush I could have gotten my hair completely dry. 

It is a bit of  pain to have to blow dry the brush to get the towels clean but its better to put the blow dryer on them then my hair. :) The product even comes in a round brush too.

This is by far my favorite product in the box!!

I you received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

  • @GoodyHair
  • #Quikstyle
  • @influenster
  • #holidayvoxbox
Influenster Site




EBOOST Energy Trial

In my Influenster Holiday VoxBox I received a Pink lemon-aid flavored energy packet.

The EBOOST formula is loaded with green tea, vitamins and super nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin D and B-12 in an easy to mix effervescent packet. Get your BOOST with the convenience of a shot, or an easy-to-mix powder packet in four delicious flavors:  Super Berry, Orange, Pink Lemonade and Acai Pomegranate.The EBOOST is said to provide a nice dose of energy without the jittery feeling that other brands of energy drinks will give you.

Knowing the above information made me so excited to try this product because I'm currently expecting in April and really shouldn't be drinking energy drinks but some days I have the need to just to keep going due to lack of sleep. 

I LOVED the flavor!! Its actually one of my favorite flavors so any type of drink so that made it even better. I will agree that it doesn't cause the jittery feeling that other energy drinks give you. I would assume this is because of the ingredients being natural vitamins. Definatly worth trying again.

I you received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.
@influenster  #holidayvoxbox @EBOOST #naturalenergy
Influenster site EBOOST Site

Sole Society SHOES!!

Sole Society is a online shoe purchasing store. I recently received a discount card from them via @Influensters #holidayvoxbox *. It was a pretty decent amount for a discount too and could even be given to friends and family to us which was very nice. The Site is easy to navigate and allows you to see each color the shoes come in without having to go to a different page.

The problem I find with buying shoes online is you cant judge size nor the colors really well. Some colors photograph lighter or dark. I usually have to try on shoes because no matter what kind of shoe they are they are all always different sizes for me.

The site has many selections but I found very few that I would be interested in purchasing. They seemed to fall flat of the style that I would prefer and in all honestly I could find a lot of these shoes at an every day store. I just didn't see anything special or different that would make me want to buy them. It also looks like according to many of the people leaving feedback on the site that that they feel the same as me about the variety of shoes is small and be warned that their customer service according to those that have purchased was not great at all.

I did like these two pairs(below) but didn't have the money to get them and as I mentioned above I will probably be able to find something similar in my local stores.
























http://www.solesociety.com/
 *I you received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Influenster!


So as my first post stated I recently found a site called Infuenster and boy am I glad I did. It's a very simple site to navigate and you can gain so much from it as well. You start off by entering basic information and can quickly use this as a way to gain points. I linked all my accounts such as Instagram, twitter, Facebook and so on. Then I started by going to a specific badge(something with many familiar items) and doing as many reviews of products I have used. I quickly within days seen my points sky rocket. Then a Voxbox offer popped up. Wow, I was surprised to see I was offered one so early in my registration. It was called the Holiday 12 Voxbox. The VoxBox are boxes that if you qualify for they will contain mystery items. I filled it out and GOT MY FIRST ONE!!! I was so excited that I was on the site every day waiting for updates. Well Christmas Eve my voxbox came in the mail. It was a decent sized box too and filled my whole mail slot. I will post later on how I felt about each product even though I have already tried them all :P !! Oh yeah on last thing.

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

 Heres what it contained:

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine
@nycnewyorkcolor / #LiquidLipshine

Kiss Nail Dress (nail stickers)
@KissProducts / #KissNailDress 

Goody Quikstyle Brush
@GoodyHair / #QuikStyle

Quaker Real Medley Oatmeal +
@Quaker / #RealMedleys
SoleSociety coupon
@solesociety / #PerfectPair

EBOOST packet
@EBOOST / #naturalenergy


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