Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Retro Glam Mascara

I recently got accepted into the Rose Vox Box campaign with Influenster. I was quite excited when I got my new box of goodies in the mail. One of the items I got was Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Retro Glam mascara. Now, I do not normally use mascara, but I just so happened to go to a wedding a few days after I got the box. I wanted my eyes to look great for any photos that were snapped of me!

Here I am at the wedding:

The mascara was easy to put on, I just did it quickly before I left for the wedding. TIP: Make sure you don't have too much on the brush, so you don't start clumping. I clumped at first and had to start over. It was also easy to get off at the end of the night. I thought the best new was that it was even still there at the end of the night! As you can see, it is out with the old and in with the new for me! This product just hit stores in November of 2013, so check it out!

I received this product complementary from Influenster.

Lifeway Kefir - Great as a Mix-In

I recently received another package from Influenster - a coupon for a free Lifeway Kefir product. I took the coupon to my local Publix, where I found their smoothies. I picked up the pomegranate one, as that is one of my husband's favorite flavors.

I can't say I was a huge fan of the item on its own, but it is a great mix-in. Here it is on top of my raisin bran:

I used about half as much almond milk, and replaced the rest with Lifeway Kefir on top. This made the cereal more creamy, and I really enjoyed it. TIP: If this is your main purpose for buying the item, I would consider getting something more neutral, like vanilla.

We also added the Lifeway Kefir to our smoothie:

This was my favorite use - we mixed Lifeway Kefir, blueberries, and raspberries together. The smoothie was delicious (and nutritious)! It gave a tanginess to my smoothie I really liked, and helped make it a bit thicker.

This is a great product that I recommend!

For all of the great nutritional facts, check out their website: http://www.lifeway.net/

*I received this product complementary from Influenster*

Dr. Scholl's For Her: High Heel Inserts

I received Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles free from Bzzagent. It was just the right time, as a pair of heels I love were really starting to hurt my feet. The heels have an adiPRENE insole, which is made by Adidas. When I bought them, the insole was comfortable. However, the shoes were getting older and it seemed the insole was wearing out. I was afraid I would have to stop wearing them, even though the rest of the shoe was in good condition. This gave a perfect opportunity for me to try this product.

I had always assumed insoles were for close-toed shoes, so this was a fun fact for me. Instead of sliding into the shoe like insoles I have had before, I just peeled a backing and then stuck them on the shoe. Well, I had two problems with this, one related to the other. The first time I stuck the insole on, I did not have the arch support lined up quite right. Therefore, I had to take it off and line it up again, otherwise it was terribly uncomfortable. They did not stick very well the second time. I wore these insoles to work, and as the day wore on they started to slide right out of my shoe. Also, when I restuck them, they no longer bothered my heel, but bothered my toes instead. I like to wiggle my toes during the day, but every time I did it today, the insole would come up, since it was right at my toe line.

There is a reason insoles are normally for shoes with a full back and front. It is so they do not slide out of the shoe and you can make them the size of the entire shoe, so it doesn't bother your toes.

To improve this product, I would recommend having something that could be applied again and again, maybe like Velcro. This would eliminate the sliding and the problem with reapplying. Also, maybe a different color than clear. After one use for about half a day, I felt they were rather dirty.

Unfortunately, I will not be purchasing this product again. However, this does not deter me from purchasing other Dr. Scholl's products, which I know work well. 

NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm

Here is another review of an Influenster Spring Vox Box product, the NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm! I hope you enjoy.

*I received this product complementary from Influenster*

Swiffer Wet Jet Starter Pack

I did another video for ExpoTV. I am not yet getting products for free, but this video was worth 1000 points, and 1200 is a $10 Amazon gift card. I am also trying to get to the point where they will pick me for product testing. I hope you enjoy!

Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme Cookie Mix

I was very excited to receive Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme Cookie Mix in the mail today! I got this from a monthly sample Betty Crocker mails out - the first 10,000 to sign up each month get something, but it is normally a granola bar, sample cereal, etc. Not usually a full size product! And, this product hasn't hit stores yet, it is due out in July 2013. So, I thought I would share with my readers!

The additional ingredients needed are pretty simple 1/3 cup of butter and 3 tablespoons of water:

The butter is suppose to be softened, so I just put mine in the microwave for 30 seconds. It worked out fine. After I mixed them all up, I dropped them unto an ungreased cookie sheet.

I use a toaster oven to make cookies, as it heats up so much faster and uses less electricity. This box ended up making 16 nice sized cookies.

Here is the finished first batch:

As you can see, there are little cookie bits in the dough, as well as white chocolate chips. The dough is also a lighter color than a regular cookie, which accounts for the cream.

Of course, as soon as they cooled down my husband and I both tried them. We loved them! They do taste like the candy bar in cookie form. If you like the Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme candy bar, you should run out and buy this!

For more information, check out www.bettycrocker.com

Resolve Stain Stick

I just started with a new product testing company, ExpoTV. The first assignment was to make a video from several different topics. Then, if they like my video, I will start to be selected for product tests. This one was still well worth my time though. Since a video for this product was in such high demand, and it is the first video I posted to the site, the rewards points I will get equal a $10 Amazon gift card. So, check out a video of a product I have loved my entire life, Resolve Stain Stick.

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

My Spring Vox Box included imPRESS press-on nails. I have never used press-on nails in my life, so I was pretty curious to see how these would work. They come in a package that looks like nail polish, and it includes 24 nail covers in 12 different sizes.

The directions said to pick out the 10 nails I planned to apply first. Then, I used a small cloth they included to wipe down my nails. Finally, I was ready to apply. It was surprisingly easy. All I had to do was peel back some plastic wrapping and then stick them on. I doubt it even took five minutes. Here is one hand done:

I think these would be great as something inexpensive to do for a homecoming or prom. It would have been extremely fun when I was at 4th or 5th grade sleepovers. I wish I would have known about them then! However, I felt they were very teenager-looking, and, since I am not a teenager, I didn't keep them on long. A different color might have made them feel more adult. They did basically cover my entire nail and seemed to be comfortable. I don't think I would have been any more uncomfortable in these than I have been the couple of times I got fake nails done from a salon.

The other good news I have is they are very easy to take off. I literally just pulled up on the sides and most of them pulled right up. The thumb was a little more difficult, probably because it was the largest, so it hurt a little bit and took a few second longer, but was still pretty easy. Way better than the ones you get at a salon in that respect!

Here is a link to the web site for more information: http://impressmanicure.com/

*I received this product complementary from Influenster*

Secret Outlast Clear Gel

One of the items I was really excited about in my Influenster Spring Vox Box was Secret Outlast Clear Gel. Check out my video for more information!



 While you are here, check out the "deo dance" starring Bravo star Jenni Pulos:
 

*I received my deodorant complementary from Influenster*

Aveeno Active Naturals - Nourish+Dandruff Control

I was really excited to try this shampoo. Really. My husband has a serious dandruff problem. If he doesn't use dandruff shampoo, even on vacation, within a few days there will be little white specks covering his clothing like a light snow at the beginning of winter. Worse, I can see the little particles in his hair, taunting me as they wait to fall. The only shampoo that I feel truly eliminates the dandruff is Head & Shoulders. I do whatever I can to get this shampoo at a good price, to save myself the frustration of looking at his dandruff.

Smiley360 sent me two free item coupons to try out this shampoo. I decided to buy one shampoo and one conditioner. These items were $6.99 each at Target.

Next came the testing. My first problem with the shampoo was the consistency. It had the consistency of homemade frosting before it sets. Not liquid enough to slide right out of your hand like dish soap, but not thick enough to stay in place.

Now, if a shampoo really works, then the consistency is a side issue. However, much to my dismay, my husband's head turned right into a winter's day after a couple of uses. I have since switched him back to Head & Shoulders. I am going to use the rest of this bottle, since dandruff is not a problem for me.

Still want to try it for yourself? Visit my link for a $3 off coupon: http://smiley360.com/1748965.cfm

Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief

Sadly, one of the things I am prone to is allergies. Since I was a child, I have had to take medicine basically every time the seasons changed. For about the last 15 years, my go-to medicine has been Zyrtec. Others, such as Claritin, have not worked for me to clear up my allergies. I get them pretty bad - it starts with a little sneezing, but within days it can turn to the point where I am coughing, sneezing, have a sinus headache, and an itchy throat. This is so painful, that I often can't do anything. That is why it is important for me to have a medicine I can depend on.

Smiley360 recently send me Advil Allergy and Congestion relief to try. Normally, I am very excited for every product test, because I love trying new things. With this one, I was a little leery. If I took this in place of Zyrtec, and then it didn't work, I would be terribly sick, and maybe have to go to the doctor! Well, I am excited to say that, believe it or not, this product worked as well as Zyrtec for me.  My sneezing and runny nose went away quickly, with no other dramatic side effects. Smiley360, you turned me into a believer!

I also appreciate how easy this medicine is to swallow. The tablets are coated and go down easily. I am the type of person who will have to try and swallow a large pill like this one two or even three times. With the coating on this Advil, it is not a problem. Finally, the last benefit is that "Advil A&CG" is written right on the pill. This way, when I put it in my medicine container to take to work, I will never forget which one it is. Thank you Advil, for creating a great product that really helps me.

For all my readers, you can click through my link for more information and a two dollar off coupon: http://smiley360.com/1596394.cfm

TastyKake Kandy Bar Kakes - Peanut Butter

I bet you will be able to guess the first item I tried from the Vox Box: the Tastykake Kandy Bar Kake! This is peanut butter flavored, and it tastes exactly like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup - and it really is Reese's Peanut Butter inside. It is about the size of a candy bar, but instead of having caramel or nougat filling, it has cake filling. The outside is a coating of chocolate and the middle is the peanut butter. Before I finished it I was able to snap a pic:

Pick this up to replace your traditional candy bar. I bet you can't eat just one!

For more information, check out: http://www.tastykake.com/

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

Influenster Spring Vox Box

I am so thrilled to have received my first Vox Box from Influenster! This one had many different types of products to try, which I will be blogging about over the next few weeks. Check out a photo:

I can't wait to share my reviews!

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

Campbell's Go! Soup

One of my favorite product tests to date is for a new type of Campbell's soup, Campbell's Go! Soup. I got to try this for free through Smiley360. I tried several different kinds, and the one I recommend is Creamy Red Pepper with Smoked Gouda. This is similar to the traditional tomato soup, with a kick from the red pepper and a deliciously strong taste from the gouda.

First, take a look at the package:

One thing I love about this is it is slim enough to fit in a purse or cargo pants pocket. I have started keeping these on hand for when I go off-site for work. They are easy for me to carry around, and almost everywhere has a microwave. This has saved me from being forced to eat out!

To heat, there is a little tear at the top of the package, similar to Ready Rice if you have ever tried that. Then, it heats for about 2 minutes.

Finally, a nice serving size is produced!

Green Giant Veggie Chips - Healthier than Your Normal Chips

BzzAgent, one of my favorite product testing sites, just sent me something new to try: Green Giant Veggie Chips! They look and feel like regular chips, but have veggies in every serving. Here is a video of my first taste:

The ones I am trying in the video are the Zesty Cheddar chips. These chips are made with corn like regular chips, but the third and fourth ingredients are red and green bell peppers. If you are wanting something crunchy, but still want your veggies, this is a great way to do it. My husband and I added these to our dinner the night we got them, and we ate the whole bag! The second variety we tried was the Sweet Potato chips. The benefit to this flavor is that they are not made of corn, the main ingredient is sweet potatoes. We also ate this whole bag within two days! These chips are worth the price, give them a try!

I have a love of trying new products before they hit the market. I do this through companies like Buzzagent, Influenster, and Smiley360. Yesterday, I realized I had nine products at once! That is when I decided I needed to share those opinions with a larger audience. Over the next week, I am going to post the items I already have. After that, I will continue to post as I am accepted to try new products. I am always available to try something additional, just shoot me an e-mail.