My First Beauty Swap

Hello everyone!!
Its been crazy over here the past few weeks so that is why i haven't blogged everyday like i planned.

So, last week i received my first beauty swap box from a friend i made here on blogger, her name is Maria. I had so much fun just emailing and texting her that at one point i forgot we were doing a beauty swap.

What is a beauty swap? It is when you and another blogger (or person) get to know each other and find out your likes and dislikes. You set a budget and shop for items they would like or want to try.

It was so funny when we were chatting we both have the same skin tone,skin problems and like the same colors and items. (well, she knows more about make up then me) So i actually gained more than beauty products with this swap, i also made a really cool friend too :)



Here is my box (we also recycled our beauty items we no longed used or never used but that's a separate blog)

 

This is how everything looked once i unloaded my box.

 

We set a budget of 50.00 but we both went over so i think we spent around 60-70 not including the shipping which was 20.00 for us both.

 

 

This is what i received in my box:

I love the urban decay set! i havent tried the elf one yet. 

 

All three of these are great! I really love the whipes they smell great adn the makeup remover works so good. 

 

 

 

 

First two lipsticks are elf brand and the last is nyc. Ill update the colors later when i get my lipsticks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these bronzers!  The translucent powder is great also

 

The brushes are great!!

 

 

 

 

 

These colors look so fun i cant wait to try them

 

I also received some fun candies and snacks but i didn't take any pictures of them.

 

Here is a preview of some of the gifts i sent her but you will have to read her blog to see what she  received.

 

 

 

 

If you want to see her box read her blog here

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

  

 

For most people when they think of October they think of cooler weather,changing leaves and Halloween. October has a deeper meaning for me, it is when everyone shows support for breast cancer survivors and fighters.

I am going to share something personal with you that only a handful of people know about me.

When i was 18 years old i found a lump in my right breast. I remember thinking "Oh its no big deal, ill go see my gyno and have an excused day off of work." WRONG. I remember the doctors face when she came in. She looked like i was over reacting but she examined me anyways. She confirmed my suspicion and said  "Yes, you do have a lump, actually two" and scheduled an ultra sound for the next week.

I was so scared I remember my stomach being in knots and feeling the room spin. How could this be happening to me? 

 A week later I had my ultra sound and my mom had her mammogram done. We went our separate ways. In my ultra sound they confirmed the two lumps and advised me i needed to get a biopsy done as soon as possible. I wanted to cry. I still remember how i felt that day, i can even remember what the room looked like.

So i had the biopsy done two weeks later. It was the worst pain Ive ever felt but the worst part of all of this was waiting for the results to come back. The results came back benign but i have to have yearly check ups until I'm 28.

Im happy to say that last month during my yearly checkup everything came out okay.

As i sit and think of what i went through, all of the crying and stress of wondering what if, i cant even imagine how people fight this horrible disease. How do they stay positive?  I don't have an answer to that question. All i can do is show my love and appreciation for all the fighters,survivors and the ones who didn't make it.





A few items ive bought this month to show my support (except the shirt that i bought last year. I am still looking for a new shirt but havent came across any yet)






Prevention is key. Always check for lumps once a month!



For more information visit: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month

Thanks for reading and don't forget to show your support!

Influenster website review

Have you heard?? Influenster has recently relaunched their page. It is new and improved and i am loving everything they have done!

The look and layout is different but very easy to navigate ( gotta love that! Thanks, Influenster!)

They now give you more badges to unlock. Lifestyle and Expert badges. Examples below:

The mosquito badge,  Gamer badge,    fashionista badge.

But these are just a few, they have more!


For my male readers, if i have any they even have a badge just for you!

Debonair

A gentleman who values style AND substance

 

So be sure to tell your husband and boyfriends to sign up also.

 

 

 

 

Now they have badge scores, every time you complete a review,survey,blog entry etc on a certain badge it raises your score and every night influenster updates your score.

 

Connect with all your social media sites to raise your score also.

 

Check it out for yourself they have more boxes coming out soon

http://www.influenster.com

 

 

Thanks for reading and enjoy! I'm positive you will love Influenster as much as i do!

 

  

Influenster 2012 Naturals VoxBox is here!!

A few days ago i received my 2012 Naturals VoxBox in the mail. I received each product complimentary for tesing pursposes from influenster.




My VoxBox included the following products:

The Original Dish Drying Mat    $4.99
                 
Twitter #Theoriginaldishdryingmat   Facebook



GEODEO Natural Deodorant Plus Detox Complex in Island scent    $5.99 (2.3oz stick)
                  

Twitter @mygeodeo            Facebook
#GeodeoFresh                           


Lypsyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer        $2.87-2.99
Twitter:@LypSylLipBalm                 Facebook
#LypSylLongLasting


EBOOST             $28for box of 20 effervescent powders, $39 for box of 30effervescent powders , $39 for box of 12 shots
Twitter: @EBOOST                      Facebook
#naturalenergyboost

SheaMoisture Raw Shea, Chamomile & Argan Baby Bar Soap  $4.99 for a 5oz bar
@SheaMoisture4u                       Facebook
#sheamoisturesoft

CleanWell Individual Hand Sanitizer Wipes $29.99 for 50 pouches
@CleanWell                                 Facebook
#naturalclean


NECTRESSE Sweetener  3.99 for 40 servings and 6.99 for 140 servings
#nectresse
Facebook
** i also purchased a big tub of this at wal-mart for almost 4 or 5 dollars so if you don't want the hassle of having packets they have a container (big and small) that opens wide enough for a spoon.**









   

Eboost review

I received a packet of Eboost complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
The flavor I received was orange.

A statement from their website:

 

It’s better than energy. It’s EBOOST.
Americans are busier than ever but we’ve relied on bad energy to keep up…until now.
EBOOST is a boost that does more. It’s a mood boost, focus boost, immunity boost, natural boost, a no-crash boost.
EBOOST uses real ingredients, stuff you’ve heard of like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Green Tea, Vitamin B-12 and Folic Acid. And the stuff you might not have heard of: Quercetin, 5-HTP, Resveratrol, Huperzine-A — it’s all good too. What could be sweeter than that? Well, we even sweeten our product with Stevia, a plant, not a chemical.
What started as a celebrity secret for A-Listers like Madonna, Shakira, Oprah Winfrey and Amar’e Stoudemire is now a necessity for the multi-tasking generation. We took the time to formulate a multi-purpose product that really works so you don’t have to waste time with mediocre products that sort of work.
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. No matter how you boost, you’re sure to feel great. All day, every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

They come in a convenient pack that you add 8 fl oz of water to.

 

This is how the drink mix looks.

 

I really like that the ingredients are all natural. That was one of my favorite things about this product.

 

 

 

 

To view the ingredients click here

 

 

 

 

The only complaints I have are  #1 the taste. It was very bitter but that is expected since it is all natural with only 150 mg of stevia leaf extract and #2 would be the price. I'm a bit cheap (ha ha)

 

Eboost $28.00  for a box of 20 powders, $39.00 for a box of 30 powders, and $ 39.00 for a box of 12 shots.

 

On the card i received it says

" Eboost will boost your mood,focus and immunity with natural ingredients and no crash. As a shot or an east to mix powder in four flavors, you'll feel great whether you choose orange,pink lemonade,acai pomegranate or super berry."

 

Even though i didn't like the taste it did its job very well. I had energy all day long and haven't felt a crash. That is one thing that keeps me away from energy drinks and mixes.

I really want to give this product another try, maybe i just didn't care for the Orange flavor. Next i will buy the pink lemonade flavor and see if i like it better.

 

For more information visit their website at: http://www.eboost.com/

 

What do you use for energy/immunity support? Do you think you will give this product a try?

 

 

Have a wonderful Sunday night and thanks for reading! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SheaMoisture Baby Bar Soap"

I received a bar of SheaMoisture Baby Bar Soap complimentary from Influenster,but don't let the name fool you it works great on adults too!

Besides loving the great scent of this soap i really love the fact that it is sulfate-free and enriched with luxurious natural organic ingredients and is gentle enough for the sensitive skin of babies,children and adults.

 

This soap lathers really well. With other bar soaps you have to keep rubbing and rubbing the soap in your hands just to get a decent lather but with SheaMoisture i only had to rub it once and i had so much soap on my hands. I really love that it cleaned my son and myself so good with out that weird left over feeling other soaps leave behind. We felt so soft and clean after our showers!


I will be buying another bar for my face it worked so great! I like that i washed my face and it took the oil and dirt away while leaving my skin soft and moisturized.

Here is my son with his SheaMoisture Baby Bar Soap.

 

You can read more about SheaMoisture products on their website:

http://www.sheamoisture.com/

 

A statement from their website:

To our Shea Moisture friends & family,

Our company has grown dramatically in the last few years with new organic bath, body and hair lines, but our website has ceased to function effectively for the online needs of our loyal customers. We are working diligently to re-design our website to better serve you with enhanced features.
Our products continue to be available online at Target.com, CVS.com, Walgreens.com, and Harmondiscount.com.
They can also be found at all Walgreens stores and select Target, CVS, Bed Bath & Beyond, Buy Buy Baby, Christmas Tree Shops, Harmon Face Values, Duane Reade and Meijer stores.
Please contact us with any questions at support@sheamoisture.com or (631) 842-8800, M-F 9-5 ET.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Richelieu Dennis
Founder & C.E.O. of SheaMoisture


What type/brand of soap do you use? How does it leave your skin, are you happy with it?

Thanks for reading!

LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer" REVIEW

I received this lip balm complimentary from influenster for testing pursposes. I have the Intense protection.


The first thing I noticed was the cute bee on the side that moves the lip balm up and down.

When i applied the lip balm i instantly noticed the fresh minty flavor.

I have had my LypSyl tube for over a month now and its still almost full. ( i use it every day several times a day) I really like that it doest wear off fast either.

About This Product

Created with pure Swedish beeswax, organic shea butter and vitamins A and E for long-lasting, deep-penetrating moisture and lip care protection. LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer™ helps moisturize, soften and protect your lips naturally. The unique one-hand slide allows for quick application. And, the oversize application tip ensures this ultra- light formula spreads evenly for better lip coverage.

• Fresh minty flavor.
• Not tested on animals!

Find LypSyl at Drugstore.com, Walmart, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. prices range from $2.87 to $2.99

 

 

Here is a before and after picture i made. The before is on the left and the after is on the right.

 

They also have different flavors. You can check out their website at http://www.lypsylhome.com/index.html

 

Follow them on Facebook

Follow them on Twitter

 

 

(pictures and information are from http://www.lypsylhome.com )

 

LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer™ Honeyberry Created with pure Swedish beeswax, natural shea and avocado butter and vitamins A and E for long-lasting, deep-penetrating moisture. LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer™ Honeyberry formula helps moisturize, soften and protect your lips while protecting them from the sun. The unique one-hand slide allows for quick application. And, the oversize application tip ensures this ultra- light formula spreads evenly for better lip coverage.
• SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Protectant
• Fresh Honeyberry Flavor
• Not tested on animals!

 

 

 

LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer™ Created with pure Swedish beeswax, organic shea butter and vitamins A and E for long-lasting, deep-penetrating moisture and lip care protection. LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer™ helps moisturize, soften and protect your lips naturally. The unique one-hand slide allows for quick application. And, the oversize application tip ensures this ultra- light formula spreads evenly for better lip coverage.
• Fresh minty flavor.
• Not tested on animals


LypSyl Extreme Cold Sore Relief New LypSyl cold sore treatment is created with pure Swedish Beeswax and is specially formulated to provide fast relief from the pain and itching associated with cold sores and fever blisters. This unique natural healing complex combines pure, moisturizing Swedish beeswax with zinc, lysine, and cleansing Propolis to speed healing of cold sores and also helps protect and relieve chapped or cracked lips.
• Unique soft tip applicator is gentle on lips and cold sores.
• Not tested on animals!


What do you use to keep your lips nice during the winter season? Leave a comment, I would love to hear from you ! Thanks for reading :)

The Original Dish Drying Mat REVIEW

Did you know?
Hand washing dishes uses less water than conventional automated dish washers.
Using the dish drying mat also conserves energy by allowing dishes to air dry.


Do you hate messy spills or foul odors from using a towel or other drying mats?
Well i did. My sink is very small and i have limited counter space so doing dishes isn't really fun at all for me.

Before i sampled The Original Dish Drying Mat complimentary of influenster for testing purposes, i would use a dish towel for my extra dishes that wouldn't fit in my dish holder.

 I HATED the smell it would leave in my cups if i laid them upside down to dry.

I've tried a few mats and products and they just didn't cut it for me so i was a bit skeptical.

I instantly fell in love with this drying mat. Its not too big and its machine washable!
The first time i did my dishes the cups and dishes dried very fast and it didn't leave any odors or spills my counter

Here is a picture of my "The Original Dish Drying Mat"

 

If you need more room don't worry they offer one in an XL size (18" x24", for only 7.99)

original size is only 4.99. Either one is a great deal in my opinion!

 

 

Product Details
• Holds 4 times its weight in water
• Cushions delicate dishes and stemware
• Machine washable and highly durable
• Folds and stores easily
• Can be used in multiple ways including underneath your dish drying rack in place of the plastic drain board. Place it underneath your appliances (mixer, blender, etc.) to protect your counter top from scratches and scuffs. Also cleaning up big spills and messes normally cleaned with paper towels

 

 

Care:
For best results, allow The Original™ Dish Drying Mat to thoroughly dry between uses. Frequently machine wash, with like colors, in cold water with a liquid detergent, and before first use. Tumble dry low. Do not iron. Do not use bleach, fabric softener or dryer sheets

 

 

where can i buy this you ask. They are sold exclusively at Bed Bath and Beyond.

 

 

Check them out

facebook

Their website

 

A few of their other products I want to try.

(Picture used from www.the-orignial-co.com)

This would be so great for my cat Sassy. she is messy with her water! :)

 

 

 

*This would be great for the winter season especially if you live where it snows!

Absorbs up to 4 times its weight in water and radiates moisture from point of origin to help keep floors clean

Backing has anti-skid bumps to help keep the mat in place and prevent dirt from shifting to other areas of the floor

Perfect in mud rooms, entryways and utility closest for shoes, boots, umbrellas and backpacks

Highly durable and machine washable in cold water with liquid detergent - tumble dry low

The Original Microfiber Cleaning Cloths are the next evolution in cleaning textiles. The special, split fiber weave creates a cloth that can clean virtually any surface in and around the house! These cloths can be used dry, dampened with tap water or with your favorite cleaner or cleanser. 12" X 12"

• Effortlessly dust furniture, picture frames, window blinds and much more
• Quickly absorbs moisture and spills from counter tops, floors and even carpeting
• Shine chrome, stainless steel, glass and mirrors to perfection
• Available in 3 per pack and 10 per pack

I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience with The Original Dish Drying Mat. I'm sure you will love it as much i do.

If you don't have this mat what do you  use to dry your dishes on or do you use a dish washer? Id love to hear from you! :)

Thank you so much for reading.





 

CleanWell Natural Hand Sanitizer Wipes

I received  a sample of CleanWell hand sanitizer wipes complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.



I really loved these wipes. You can use them for your hands or face. As a mom, I am always cleaning my sons hands and face because he is always getting dirty.

What i really love about this product is not only is it convenient ( they come in individual size packet) but they are alcohol free and all natural..  That really makes me happy that i am not cleaning my son with harsh chemicals.

 They really did a great job at removing all the dirt from my sons face and hands. i cut the wipe in half so i could try a piece on my face. While cleaning my face and my sons hands and face the wipe stayed very moist which i was really surprised.

The scent is really great it smelled like lemon but not too strong.

I will be buying a box of these to keep in my purse.

A box of 50 pouches will cost your $29.99




Here is a list of the ingredients

CleanWell

™ All-Natural Hand Sanitizer

Thymus Vulgaris Oil

(thyme oil, a natural antimicrobial)

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf

(aloe vera, a natural emollient and skin conditioner)

Citric Acid

(an antioxidant and environmentally benign cleaning agent)

Copper PCA

(a skin conditioner and naturally occurring mineral found in human skin)

Sodium Decylglucosides Hydroxypropyl Sulfonate

(a plant-based emulsifi er derived from corn sugar

and coconut oil)

Sodium Coco-Sulfate

(a plant-based emulsifi er derived from coconut)

Hydrolized Oats

(a skin conditioner)

Sodium Citrate

(a natural pH balancer)

Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Oil

(a natural essential oil fragrance)

Water

In Addition, our Hand Sanitizers Include the Following by Scent:

ORIGINAL

Litsea Cubeba (Litsea) Oil (a natural essential oil), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil

ORANGE VANILLA

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Fruit Extract)

WARM VANILLA

Vanillan, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil

Follow them:
FACEBOOK
CleanWell Website
PINTEREST
TWITTER



Visit their website to see other products they offer.



I have already recommended these wipes to my friends and family and i hope you will go out and try them also. Thanks for reading :)