Vaseline Intensive Care advanced repair lotion, compliments of Influenster

I suffer from dry skin. Like Sahara desert dry at times. So I was really excited to receive the opportunity from Influenster to try Vaseline Intensive Care advanced repair lotion! And then the U.S. Postal service decided it wasn’t quite time for me to try it, since my VoxBox left PA on October 24th to end up traveling to NH, NJ, MI, to my home state of Ohio, back to MI, to NH, NJ, MA, NJ, NC, back to MI to FINALLY arrive at my doorstep Nov 12th, almost 3 WEEKS LATER!!

Anyway, on to my actual review of the product. I have tried MANY lotions over the years. I prefer something scented, but I also want it to work to heal me of my dry skin. In my opinion a thicker lotion usually does a better job hydrating my skin, and unfortunately this lotion feels fairly runny to me. It also left my skin feeling kind of sticky or tacky. Not too bad, but definitely different that what I am used to. It did a fairly good job of hydrating my skin, but did not seem to last as long as my usual thicker body lotion either. Overall I did like it and would recommend it, but I will probably stick to my usual brand, which is a little more expensive, but in my opinion worth it.

*I received this product for FREE to try from Influenster in exchange for my honest opinion on this review*.




 

Pink Lemonade 5-hour Energy from Smiley 360

I love the concept of energy in a bottle, but I had had only bad experiences with energy pills before. Then 5 hour energy came along, and I was skeptical that it would work, so I had never tried it before, but it did indeed work. I felt an unexplained alertness, with no jitters or strange feeling. I was also glad that there was no crash and burn when the fuel ran out, I just felt like my normal tired self again. I was glad that it was pink lemonade flavor, because I have heard the original flavor leaves much to be desired. The first time I tried it, I thought to myself that I think it would be better refrigerated so I tried another that way and it was better in my opinion. I am also really glad it is only 4 calories. I definitely recommend to others who need an occasional boost, especially this pink lemonade one since it is the breast cancer awareness edition in which 5 hour energy has pledged to donate at least $200,000 to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. *I received 2 bottles of 5 hour energy pink lemonade for FREE for this review, which is my own opinions.*

My #HiddenValleyRanchers Houseparty!!

I was so excited to be picked as a host of a Hidden Valley Ranch Party from Crowdtap!! I received many free goodies like a bottle of Hidden Valley Original Ranch dressing, a packet of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips mix, 2 packets of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing and Seasoning mix, a dip clip, a Team Ranch T-shirt and packets of the dressing mix, dip mix, and dip clips for my guests too! And as if that wasn’t enough, they also sent excellent coupons…I’m talking $1.00 off and they last till May 2015! I know they won’t last that long though ;)

I decided to make Original Ranch crispy chicken, Original Ranch Roasted potatoes, and Hidden Valley Ranch Crescent Rolls (and corn of course, but there was no ranch in that lol). It was a huge success, everybody LOVED the food! All of the rolls were gone, most of the potatoes, and only 2 pieces of chicken remained…and I thought I had made extra. The recipes were easy, and there are tons to pick from on their website. I know I will be trying more in the future.

*I received the Hidden Valley Ranch products for FREE from Crowdtap. If you are interested, check out www.crowdtap.com and join today!*

ChapStick Hydration Lock day and night formula compliments of Smiley360!

I LOVE to share my opinions and thoughts on products that I use in my life. That is why I am a member of a few websites that give you the opportunity to try [new] products for FREE in exchange for my review of it and the fact that I will spread the word about these products to my friends and family. So weather I like the product or not, I tell people all about what I think. My friends and family love it because I usually have valuable coupons to hand along for them to be able to try it as well.

I really enjoyed having the opportunity from Smiley360 to try ChapStick Hydration Lock day and night formula. They send me products like this for free in the mail, and I give them MY 100% honest opinion of it. I liked that the conditioning day formula had a sunscreen for protection from the sun. But I thought it felt a little thick and heavy on my lips at first.  I liked the night formula the most which replenished my lips with natural butters and antioxidants. Unfortunately I used the night formula up quicker, so I might be more suited for just a tube of that! Overall I really liked having the combination of the 2 to continuously combat my dry/chapped and cracking lips. 

My Saute Express Houseparty!

I love hosting parties and get togethers (large and small) with friends and family. I was so happy when I was picked to host the Land-O-Lakes Sautee Express Houseparty!! My husband and I had used these amazing little seasoning cubes a couple times already, and had shared with my friends how quick and easy they can make dinner; so of course my friends were even more excited to hear I was going to make dinner for them and let them taste for themselves!

I was excited and a little nervous at the same time. I had never really cooked dinner for 11 people before (maybe 6-8 at most previously) and at the fact that it was chicken, something that if I didn’t get fully cooked, I could literally kill someone…yikes! But I had confidence, and everything turned out great, unless of course my friends are liars ;) I made and demonstrated cooking chicken breast tenderloins in both the Southwest and Garlic and Herb varieties. Everyone agreed that it was quick and easy. We also had mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn. Next time I hope to be able to offer more of a variety, but cooking for 11 people was pretty expensive as it was. I received coupons for 2 of the Sautee Express meal starters for free, but the rest of the stuff I had to buy myself, and the chicken alone was $15!!


It makes me so happy to entertain! I can’t wait till my next “party” opportunity…and I am sure my friends can’t wait either J

Coppertone CLEARLYSheer BzzCampaign :)

I am pale. As in pale as a ghost, usually get sunburn every year because I get careless and forget to purchase and/or apply sunscreen. So I was so excited to get an invite to the Coppertone CLEARLYSheer sunscreen BzzCampaign!! This stuff is awesome for people like me with adult acne (or teenage acne for that matter) because it doesn’t cause breakouts. It is also very light weight and fast absorbing, leaving your skin soft and smooth. The scent is also great for 2 reasons; it not only does not have the usual “sunscreen” smell, the scent isn’t overwhelming either.

The first time I got to test it out, a bunch of friends and the hubby and I spent the day at an amusement park. Since I had received a free full size bottle and free samples and coupons from BzzAgent, I of course shared the wealth with my friends. We were all pleased that we didn’t get sunburned (some of us did have some coloring, but we didn’t always re-apply as often as described in the directions, and I am sure we would have been burned had we not applied anything since it was a very sunny day).

Also some friends of our recently purchased a pool, so I had an opportunity to test how good it was in the water. My friend, her son, and I used the one formulated for beach and pool and also had good results. We probably only swam for an hour when I was there, but she has told me that she uses it now and re-applies about every hour and a half or so and has no problems.

It works great for me and my friends, and it leaves my skin soft and smooth, and I am so happy I do not have to worry about it causing more breakouts than I already have!

My @Influenster #GoVoxBox

I wanted to take a minute to tell y’all about all the great products that I received to try for FREE from Influenster as part of my #GoVoxBox!!

My favorite products by far were the Next Step protein shakes and the Jaxx shaker cup from Vitamin Shoppe. I loved them so much there is a previous separate blog post all about these products for you to take a look at ;) But just know they were yummy and a MUCH better price than most protein shakes on the market right now.

I also received a coupon for free Muller yogurt. I picked a corner yogurt which was vanilla lowfat yogurt with crunchy granola. It was good, and good for me which is great! There are several varieties to choose from. I have also posted a separate blog about it if you are interested in more information.

The Profoot products were also pretty awesome. The triad orthotic shoe inserts drastically helped my feet for a day of walking around an amusement park! At first they were kind of awkward since I am used to insoles that cover the entire bottom of your shoe and not just half. But since they worked well, it did not bother me after I got used to them. They are said to reduce knee, leg, and back pain which they seemed pretty effective at since I usually suffer from knee pain, and I had no issues. I also suffer from very dry rough feet, and the pedi-rock worked wonders for them. I was glad to see it works wet or dry.

Normally I am not a “nut” person. I just do not care for nuts even though I know they are good for me. But given the opportunity to try Blue Diamond blueberry almonds, I was skeptical. But they are really good! There is just the right amount of flavor to make it not taste so…I don’t know…nutty *hehe*.

I am also not typically a tampon wearer. I know, TMI right…but blame Influenster because the last product I was sent to try were Playtex sport tampons. I will only share that liked these better than most other tampons I have tried in the past and leave it at that to spare any possible gory details.

I was also supposed to receive an Aqua Spa product, but unfortunately for me it was not included in my box L, what a bummer to not get the only pampering product in there lol, but I will get over it…I just hope my next voxbox isn’t missing any goodies ;) I love being a part of Influenster. If you are interested in knowing more let me know, and I will also send you an invite!! 

Muller yogurt, compliments of @Influenster :)

So I know you already know I am on a "get healthy" phase in my life. I have dedicated much time and effort working out a lot...but hadn't changed my eating habits too much. That was a bad idea since 80% of weighloss is determined by what you eat! Damn, guess I better start eating better!!
Aside from the delicious protein shakes that @Influenster sent me to review as part of the #GoVoxBox, I also received a coupon to try a Muller yogurt for FREE (yes, my favorite price hehe). I love yogurt, but do not usually get enough of it in my life. But now I have no excuse since Muller Yogurt offers a wide variety of flavors and textures, I won't be able to get bored! I tried the lowfat vanilla with crunchy granola. I just LOVED the added crunch of the granola in usually creamy yogurt. But for when I am in the mood for something else, there are also fruit varieties, even ones that have mini chocolate chips...can you say heaven! lol. And yogurt is great for breakfast, with lunch, or as a healthy snack.  I myself like it for late night when I tend to have the hardest time controlling cravings and can sometimes become ravenous! But this will help me keep that under control :) Thanks @Influenster and @MullerQuaker !!

#MullerQuaker

Next Step FIt N Full

As you may know from reading previous blogs (not that I write that often…whoops lol) that I am on an ongoing quest to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. One of the new things I have tried in the past 3 months is protein shakes. The first one I tried was a berry blend, and it was oh, so bad that I wasn’t sure if I was interested in trying any other ones. After a lot of convincing, my friend had me try some Shakeology. Oh, it was so yummy….especially with a tsp. of all natural peanut butter, MMM. But, um…yeah I am NOT paying that price!! I thought I was doomed until I received my #GoVoxBox from Influenster which contained samples of Vitamin Shoppe Next Step Fit N’ Full protein shakes and a very cute and cool Jaxx shaker cup. The first flavor I tried was the swiss chocolate; it was very tasty, not chalky or grainy tasting. Only 140 calories (5g fat), 14g of protein, and I love that it has 6g of fiber! Then I tried the french vanilla and berry flavors which were good, but not as good as the chocolate (which is weird because in the shakeology I LOVE the vanilla, but didn’t care for the chocolate that much, and didn’t like the strawberry or greenberry at all!).

They provide Tonalin CLA to help reduce body fat and increase lean body mass (but you have to take 2 shakes a day to get the clinical level of CLA). I am glad they are also very easy to make; simply add 8oz. of cold water and shake/mix well. I prefer my protein shakes also blended well with some ice in a blender. The great thing about protein shakes is they are easily customizable, they can be made with yogurt and other fruits and veggies mixed in. Many people claim they can blend kale or spinach in and cannot even tell a difference in flavor. I am not that daring yet, but maybe one day :)

Here is a link for the Influenster review page of Fit N Full Protein Shakes

busy busy busy

I find myself having more and more to do lately, with less and less time to do it! But in life I am sure that is how almost EVERYONE feels...at least at some time or another. But I wanted to take a moment to catch you up on some things....

I had lost 50lbs. since 2010, but have since (in the past year or so) gained about 10 of those pounds back...and those stubborn little bastards won't go away no matter how much I had been exercising!!! But I have decided at the advise of my good friend Amy to give this 21 Day Fix program a try, so I started that yesterday. Wish me luck :) I am going to need it!! It seems like it will be much less food than I am used to (which in actuality it is probably more food, but it is cleaner eating, so I will miss my cookies and candy bars!) but apparently my eating is what has landed me in this position!

I seem to be getting shunned by BzzAgent lately, so I won't have much to Bzz about on here; but the good new is this other program that I am in called Smiley360 has been sending a lot of things my way for me to review, so I will be letting you know about those things including Nature Bounty hair skin and nails gummies...they are O SO DELICIOUS!!! And about new OxiClean detergent. Click the link for a money saving coupon!

http://smiley360.com/2841507.cfm

More to come....once I can get another chance to sit in front of the computer and pound on the keys for a bit ;)

I love shopping at Kroger!

I have always loved shopping at Kroger! Not only are they close to me geographically, but they always seem to have great prices. I love that nowadays you can pick up a wide variety of gift cards while doing grocery shopping without having to make a special trip. And the selection of stores to choose from is big; they even have prepaid Visa, MasterCard, and American Express gift cards that can be used virtually anywhere! Since I buy gift cards at Kroger often to use like cash, I was excited to be invited to the Kroger 4X fuel points gift cards at Kroger BzzCampaign!

Shopping at Kroger and using my Kroger plus card, I earn points to redeem for discounted fuel. On purchases, you earn 1 point for every $1 spent, and 1000 points = $1.00 off per gallon (up to 30 gallons). It gets even better since Kroger always gives you 2X the fuel points on your gift card purchases, and during the holidays they kick it up to 4X the fuel points!! That means that a $50 gift card purchase earns you 200 points (or 20 cents off per gallon) and you can let your fuel points accumulate and use up to $1.00 off per gallon at a time. It is a great program. My husband and I were able to get $1.00 off and actually purchase a tank of gas at less than $2.00 per gallon, it was awesome!

All around Kroger is a great place to shop, and their 2X and 4X fuel points program on gift cards makes it even better! The only downfall for me is that there is an additional fee for the Visa, MasterCard, and American Express gift cards (that I know of anyway, as far as I know the others have no additional fees). But that doesn’t change my love for Kroger or the program!

*For this BzzCampaign I was given bonus coupons to earn even more fuel points for gift card purchases, 1 for me and several to share with others*