@Influenster Club W #BellaVoxBox

I love being an Influenster - I get to try the newest and coolest products for free, and then share them with everyone I know!

Club W is an innovative approach to online shopping clubs that make recommendations from your likes and dislikes.  Instead of recommending shoes or nailpolish like some others do, they recommend wines.

Doesn't everyone want to sample wines?  Of course!  Can everyone afford to sample wines?  No way!

Well, now you can!  Club W has every different type of brand from a crazy wide variety of labels to try at affordable prices.

Offer! Join now and get a free bottle when you buy two using the code REFERME.

 Thanks again to Influenster and Club W for my complimentary product sample for testing purposes.

Resources:
Hashtag: #Spring4Wine
Facebook: Hello Club W
Twitter: @ClubW

@Influenster @NYMBrands Deja Vu Do Style Extender

I love being an Influenster!  It's amazing how they pick the perfect products to send out for testing.  It's not just about free stuff - it's more than that.  Don't get me wrong - free stuff is great, but how many of us have product samples that were free that are just sitting around gathering dust, never to be used?  Me!  I have a drawer full of shampoo samples, toothpaste samples and who only knows what else samples that I'll never use.

But I have used every single product Influenster has ever sent to me.  And not only do I love them, but they really do change my life.  In small ways, perhaps, but in ways that really make a difference.

Not Your Mother's Deja Vu Do Style Extender is just one of those products.  I have very fine hair.  It really doesn't have any body or take any style.  It just hangs and does what it does, and by the end of the day it's a mess - it's getting stringy and starting to look oily and greasy, even though it really isn't.

 

So when I pulled the tube of #NYMdjvd out of my #BellaVoxBox, I had mixed reactions.  I had previously tested a NYMBrands product - Beach Babe Texturizing Shampoo and Conditioner - in the #SurfsUpVoxBox and loved it, so had high hopes, but a Style Extender?  My hair doesn't have style.  It doesn't hold a style to save my life.  This was never going to work.

But the next morning, I boldly pulled the tube out, followed the application directions and went to work.

The first thing I noticed was the scent.  Red Apples & Berries?!  I'm in!  This is a great way to start a day!  A coin sized daub of product into my hands and mixed through towel dried damp hair.  Easy!  Now to blow dry.

Ok, can I just say that I don't know what miracle they have discovered over at Not Your Mother's brands, but they have an amazing ability to transform the texture of my hair.  It feels amazing!  It smells amazing!  This is off to a great start.

So as the day progressed, my hair continued to feel and smell great.  For being so fine, it felt full with volume.
And by the end of the day, my hair looked as good as it did at the start of the day.  Heck, it looked great!  Not even close to how it usually felt.  Not stringy, not greasy, not oily.

Truly amazing!

Thanks again to @Influenster and @NYMbrands for the complimentary product for testing and review purposes.

Resources:
Hashtag: #NYMdjvd
Facebook: Not Your Mother's
Twitter: Not Your Mother's 

#contest

@Influenster #BellaVoxBox

I love being an Influenster!  At first, I thought it was just cool to get complimentary products for testing purposes (yes, free stuff!) but after my first VoxBox (a box packed full of cool stuff) I have realized that it's much more than that.  It's about discovering new products and brands that change your day, your routine, or maybe your life.  

That may sound dramatic, but it's true.  For example, in the #FrostyVoxBox I received  EcoTools Styler & Smoother hairbrush.  I had never tried an EcoTools product, and have used the same hairbrush for the past 10 years.  Well, after testing this brush, I discovered two things - one, I love EcoTools as a company, and two, this brush has totally changed my morning routine!  All thanks to Influenster.

So when I found out I was receiving the #BellaVoxBox, I was thrilled.  I'd checked out the sneak peek on Influenster's YouTube channel, so I had an idea of what I was in for, but until that box arrives you really don't know how cool it is!

First out of the box is the EcoTools Complexion Collection Mattifying Finish Brush.  Yea!  Another EcoTools product, but in the make-up brush line.  My make-up brushes are way old but did the job fine ... or so I thought.  The moment I picked this brush up, I knew I was missing out on something amazing.  The bamboo handles make every EcoTools product a pleasure to hold - comfortable and lightweight.  And the bristles - so soft!  Made from cruelty-free bristles, this brush applies my powder so perfectly it looks like I'm not wearing any at all!  No clumps or bumps, no unhappy skin.  It's just perfect.  I had no idea make-up could be this luxurious!

I was so excited to peek a Not Your Mother's tube in the #BellaVoxBox!  I was first introduced to NYM in the #SurfsUpVoxBox last summer, and have loved it ever since.  So what did I find but the Deja Vu Do Style Extender.  Now, I have very fine hair.  Very fine.  It does nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  Except get icky by the end of the day.  Not greasy, not oily, but limp and shiny.  So, I had great hopes for this product, which, by description is set to be "a unique and lightweight primer and style extender that will block humidity and repel dirt and oil, all while being the perfect base for any styling items  adding body and flexible hold.  It's infused with the delicious scent of red apples and berries, and includes conditioners for long lasting frizz control, softness and shine."  Ok, I'm in.  I need all of that.  My frizzies are limited to the little fine baby hair at the roots, but are annoying nonetheless.  Humidity?  I live near the water.  Let's talk about humidity.  Adding body?  Well, I have none to start with so let's see where that goes.  And where did it go?  It went amazingly!  Plus it smells amazing!  NYM Brands knows exactly how to make scent count.  Deja Vu Do was a delight to use and worked great!  By the end of the day, my frizzies were controlled, my hair was glossy (not shiny!)  and as bouncy as I've ever seen it, and it felt so smooth and stilled smelled like apples!  Amazing!  I am totally in love with Not Your Mother's brands. #NYMdjvd

Peeking in again was so exciting!  Two great products from Rimmel London stared out at me.  

Scandaleyes Mascara by Kate Moss and Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss.  This is going to be great!  Another new product from a company I first met in my #FrostyVoxBox.  First up is the Scandaleyes Mascara by Kate Moss - the First mascara created by Kate Moss!.  This product is perfectly thought out - the brush tip is thin and curved to fit your eye ... in fact, it's the shape of a broken-heart and it gives lift that gives volume!  It only takes one clean stroke to get perfect coverage.  Thanks to one stroke application with this neat brush, I have no clumps and haven't had a smudge against my nose since I have switched to Scandaleyes from Rimmel London!  A small thing maybe, but very important to me.  It reaches my inner lashes perfectly, and that's huge!  Of course, it's dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, which means it doesn't irritate the delicate skin around my eye or my eyes themselves - my contacts would rebel if it did!

The other great Rimmel London product?  Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick from Kate Moss - in Rossetto (no. 12).  If you are a Kate Moss fan, you know that she has a look that is iconically hers.  And this lipstick collection created by Kate Moss aptures all the flair, edge and timelessness of her look.  Plus it's Rimmel London Lasting Finish, which means it lasts up to 8 hours!  Perfect for me, because I work a full day and interact with the public, so I don't have time to freshen up my lip colour, and can't afford for it to be fading or wearing off.  But the Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick from Kate Moss did what it said, and then some.  I can go all day (including eating lunch!) without having to refresh my colour.  It stays bright and fresh all day, which makes me feel great about my appearance when facing the public.  I'm loving both the Kate Moss collection and the Rimmel London products - a great partnership! #rimmelbykate

What's that I see?  A Sally Hansen tube?  Airbrush Legs?  What's that all about?? Leg Makeup?  How cool!  How did Influenster and Sally Hansen know that I'm very fair skinned and avoid the sun at all costs ... but hate having pasty white legs??  Ok, let's crack this tube open and see what Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is all about.   This lightweight formula feels great on my skin, and hides imperfections ... plus won't rub off on my clothes!  It gives me instant - and safe! - tanned legs.  You can't go wrong with this - especially with 5 shades to choose from!  #AirbrushPerfectLegs

Next out is the bag of DOVE Fruit.  Chocolate and Fruit?  Now this is something I can sink my teeth into.  A new product from a great company, DOVE Fruit features real fruit dipped in silky smooth DOVE Dark Chocolate, and comes in three varieties - cranberry, cherry and blueberry.  The #BellaVoxBox has the blueberry, and it was amazing!  I'm a huge chocolate lover, but not so much with dark chocolate.  It's been studied to be good for you, but I'm not big on the bitter taste.  Well, add a blueberry and the bitter taste is gone!  I threw them into a salad and it was amazing!  A few made it into a dish at a recent dinner party and the guests raved.  I sneaked a few to my fruit-reluctant boys and they gobbled them up.  Win!  DOVE Fruit really hits the mark, and is unique - fruit and chocolate?  My only complaint is that I need more!

The last two items in the #BellaVoxBox were offers to try some online services.

Club W is a wine club ... re-imagined, according to their claim.  They believe in quality wines at an affordable price.  My kind of club!  Upon signing up, you complete a survey about your tastes and likes, and they select wines that suit your palate.  Club W keeps your lifestyle and budget in mind, and even has an iPhone app to make it easy.  You can select from their recommendations or pick your own.  Their selections for me sound great - I can't wait to try the first bottle when it arrives!

The other offer is for EBay.  It's been a while since I browsed EBay to see what they might have for me, and who knew they had Guides?  EBay is much more than a shopping site now - there are tips and tricks tried and true from their members for everything you could imagine.  I could get lost exploring EBay these days ... and not just in the shopping area! 

And there it is.  The #BellaVoxBox.  Another amazing selection of products, hand-picked by the fantastic Influenster Team designed to introduce me to products and services that will really change my life.  In big ways, and small ways, but in ways that count.  And on top of that, I get to share each and every one of them with all of you!  Enjoy!

Thanks again to Influenster and the following companies for my free product sample for testing purposes.

Resources:

EcoTools Complexion Collection Mattfying Finish Brush:  Facebook  Twitter  #EcoToolsPerk

DOVE Fruit:  Facebook  Twitter  #DOVEWithRealFruit

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Mascara created by Kate Moss

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate:  Facebook  Twitter  #Rimmel #rimmelbykate

Not Your Mother's Deja Vu Do Style Extender:  Facebook Twitter #NYMdjvd

Club W:  Facebook  Twitter  #Spring4Wine

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs:  Facebook  Twitter  #AirbrushPerfectLegs

@Influenster REVEAL Men Calvin Klein

I love being an Influenster - I get to try the newest and coolest products for free, and then share them with everyone I know!

I was really excited to get into the REVEAL Men Calvin Klein VoxBox - I've always loved scents from Calvin Klein and was thrilled to try their newest.  I find that their scents, whether for men or women and always very complex and have a multi layered  scent profile.  This gives each scent more than one smell - what the nose picks up shifts according to the wearer, the wearer's mood and the temperature conditions.  This is great because you never get tired of the scent - every day it's a different scent.

My man loves it, too.  He's not a big scent fan, but REVEAL is so subtle and natural, yet complimentary, that he enjoyed wearing it.  It isn't ovewhelming or annoying - it's just right :)

Thanks again to Influenster and Calvin Klein for my free product sample for testing purposes.

Resources:
Hashtag: #REVEALMORE
Facebook: Calvin Klein
Twitter: @CalvinKlein

@Influenster Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum #FrostyVoxBox

Influenster is the best - I get to try new products for free and then share it with everyone I know.

The Frosty Vox Box was full of fantastic products that made the holidays even more fun - and who thought that would be possible??  Well, they did it!!

Influenster teamed up with Boots cosmetics and included a sample of their Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum in the Frosty Vox Box.

It was the perfect addition to my holiday routine - and now my daily routine!  The holidays are so tiring, with long days and longer nights, holiday parties and wrapping and shopping and ...

after all of that, my skin was tired.  I was tired.  My tired skin made me look even more tired.

In comes the Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum.  It goes on smooth and evenly.  Doesn't feel oily or icky.  And my skin simply felt ... happy ... after I applied it.

And even better, my skin looked happy after I applied it.  And even happier as the days went on. 

I never thought that I was in need of a skin renewing serum - I can't be that old, can I??  But apparently you are never too old (or young!) to use a renewing serum, and Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum is the one to use.  Boots is a company that has been around for years, and it's easy to see why when you use their products. 

Thanks to Influenster for the free sample in my Frosty Vox Box, and the women in my family thank you too, because Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum turned up in their Christmas stockings ... a little Influenster Elf might have had something to do with that :)

@Influenster Rimmel London #FrostyVoxBox

Being an Influenster has been great - and getting a Vox Box is the most amazing experience.  Influenster experts pick the best products and put them together in unique ways - and this past Christmas I was lucky enough to get the Frosty Vox Box!  It was full of fun products that made my holidays much less stressful and way more fun!

Influenster knew that holidays mean holiday parties ... and they partnered up with Rimmel London to bring two cosmetic products into my hands and on to my face.

Rimmel London’s Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal Eyeliner was the right thing to make my holiday look just what I needed to make my mark on the party.  Applies smoothly and evenly with a light touch, and lasts all day (and night!) - it's my new eyeliner and I can't wait to try the other colours.

Influenster really thought of everything when they put together the Frosty Vox Box, because at the end of the evening I pulled out the Rimmel London Just Let It Go Gentle Make Up Remover.  It was exactly what my tired skin needed - a gentle, smooth formula that actually removed make up ... and not my skin!  My sensitive skin has never been so happy!

I can't wait to try every colour of the Scandaleyes eyeliner, and the Gentle Eyes Make Up Remover is going to become a staple in my cosmetic bag.  

Thanks Influenster!!

Resources:

Influenster  Facebook
Rimmel London Twitter

@Influenster Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Green Tea #FrostyVoxBox

Being an Influenster is the best - I get to try new products for free and then share it with everyone I know.

The Frosty Vox Box was full of fantastic products that made the holidays even more fun - and who thought that would be possible??  Well, they did it!!

I'm not a huge tea drinker, but am always up for trying something new, so when I spied the Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Green Tea in the Frosty Vox Box, I was pretty excited to try it.

I waited until the night I was up to all hours wrapping presents.  I've never tried Green Tea before, and certainly never a Candy Cane tea, so I knew this would be interesting.

The moment I poured the boiling water into the mug, the scent just flowed.  Nothing says Christmas more than candy canes, and suddenly my nose - and kitchen - was full of the smell.  It was delightful!

By the time the mug was empty, I was in the spirit and had all my wrapping done.  I loved the Green Tea, and loved the Candy Cane Lane.  Together it was perfection.

Needless to say, everyone got a box in their stockings on Christmas Morning :)

Thanks to Influenster for the free sample to try and test!

Resources:
Influenster Facebook
Celestial Seasonings Facebook

@Influenster #FrostyVoxBox

I am in love with being an Influenster, and even more so in my Frosty Vox Box!  There is not one item in this box of goodies that hasn't been perfect to help celebrate the holidays ... and beyond!

First up is the Fruit Vines.  Full of flavour and in bite sized pieces, I would never have made it through the long nights of gift wrapping without them by my side.  Each bite is perfect mouthfill - the best chewy without being too chewy, lasts just the right length but not too long.  Fruit Vines has it down.

After that came the Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Green Tea.  This tea is Christmas in a cup!  Another staple that got me through long nights of wrapping.  And the box I put in my Mom's stocking came in handy after we opened presents and were sitting around with family living well.

While the turkey was in the oven, I reached into the Frosty Vox Box and pulled out the bottle of McCormick Gourmet All Natural Thyme and started sprinkling it over the turkey and into the stuffing.  My Mom was flabbergasted - I'm not exactly what you would call handy in the kitchen, but here I was and they were all nervous.  But lo and behold, when dinner was ready, it was gourmet to the hilt and everyone was loving it.  The All Natural Thyme from McCormick was just what the turkey needed.

The FrostyVoxBox also had everything I needed to get ready for the holiday parties that come with the season.

First up was the hair, and the EcoTools Styler & Smoother hairbrush was right there for me.  After just a few minutes of drying and styling, I realized what an amazing product I had in my hand.  Lightweight and durable, the design allowed airflow so evenly that my hair dried much faster than usual, which means less damage to my locks!  Not only that, but it's made out of environmentally friendly materials - a bamboo handle, repurposed aluminum, recycled and recyclble paper packaging and by drying my hair 20% faster it saves electricity.  I was so happy to be able to get my hair into holiday party style so fast, and to be able to get rid of my other three hairbrushes that were cluttering up my counter!  Thanks Influenster!

Rimmel London’s Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal Eyeliner was the right thing to make my holiday look just what I needed to make my mark on the party.  Applies smoothly and evenly with a light touch, and lasts all day (and night!) - it's my new eyeliner and I can't wait to try the other colours.

To complete my look, I found NYC New York Color Sugar Plum Expert Last Lip Color tucked in my FrostyVoxBox.  This great colour was exactly what was needed to make my holiday look complete!  How did they know??  Clearly NYC New York Color knows what they are doing when it comes to their palettes.

Influenster really thought of everything when they put together the Frosty Vox Box, because at the end of the evening I pulled out the Rimmel London Just Let It Go Gentle Make Up Remover.  It was exactly what my tired skin needed - a gentle, smooth formula that actually removed make up ... and not my skin!  My sensitive skin has never been so happy!

To put an end on the evening, I smoothed on some Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum.  It went on smooth, absorbed evenly, and left my skin looking younger and much more relaxed.  

All in all, I'm in love with my FrostyVoxBox!  Influenster and all of these wonderful companies really came through, providing me with free samples of their products to test and review.  Thanks Influenster!

Some resources:

Rimmel London Twitter

New York Color Cosmetics Facebook  

Celestial Seasonings Facebook

Boots Beauty USA  Facebook

McCormick Gourmet  Facebook

Fruit Vines  Facebook

EcoTools web

@Influenster @Shell_US #FuelRewards Network Virtual Vox Box

Ever since joining the @Influenster network, I have been lucky enough to test out new products and services that really enhance my daily life.  I was so excited when I opened the Shell Fuel Rewards Network Virtual Vox Box this week!  I mean, who doesn't use gas in their car?  And who doesn't want to get a deal on it?

Registering for an account is easy.  You can just use the link HERE and you're on your way!

So once you have your account, start linking your cards to earn rewards.  There are so many different way to earn cents off each gallon!

You can Shop Online, Dine Out, Buy Groceries, load eCoupons to your points cards (and redeem for rewards!), shop at Shell (car washes and service, for example), get a Fuel Rewards MasterCard (and use it!), link your regular MasterCard, Refer a Friend, buy Gift or Airtime Cards at the Kiosk in the Shell station ... all of these activities will earn you cents off a gallon (minimum of 20 gallons).

It's easy, and awesome!  Not only do you get discounts on your gas for doing things you do every day (buy groceries, shop online, dine out, wash your car, use your MasterCard) but you also get discounts on those groceries through eCoupons.  It's a win - win situation!

So sign up today and check it out!
Thanks to @Influenster and @Shell_US #FuelRewards for introducing this service to me through the Virtual Vox Box.  I received this product for free for testing purposes (and you can too!)

 

@Influenster #SurfsUpVoxBox Not Your Mother's Beach Babe #NYMBeachBabe

When I opened my @Influenster #SurfsUpVoxBox and found trials of the Not Your Mother's Beach Babe texturizing shampoo and conditioner, I was so excited! I had heard of #NYMBeachBabe, but never had the occasion to try it ... and thanks to @Influenster, I was going to get my chance to try it for free!

My hair is very fine, and I can never get it to do anything interesting.  Which is why I was excited to try Not Your Mother's Beach Babe texturizing products.  And sure enough, it was awesome!  The first thing I noticed was the great smell - I live near the beach but have never figured out how to take that beach scent around with me all day ... until now :)  The fresh scent gets into your hair in the shower and stays with you all day.  The next thing I noticed was how different my hair felt - it was very soft!  I could hardly keep myself from running my fingers through it all day.  My hair also had a really nice fall to it - instead of just hanging down lifelessly, it had body and swing!  The texturizing aspect gave it a body that my hair has never had!  You have no idea how wonderful this was ... my hair usually just hangs down and looks lifeless unless I brush it every 20 minutes.  Not after Not Your Mother's Beach Babe!  It kept this fantastic life and body all day long.

The result?  I loved it! I can't say it enough.  #NYMBeachBabe is the product for me.  It worked wonders on my usually very boring, lifeless hair, and it did it with style.  I can't wait to use it every day.

Thanks to @Influenster and #SurfsUpVoxBox for providing me with this complimentary sample for testing purposes.

Some helpful links:
- @Influenster
- @NYMbrands.com

#NYMBeachBabe
#contest 
#SurfsUpVoxBox

@Influenster #SurfsUpVoxBox Love My First Aid Shot Therapy

I was so excited to receive my first @InfluensterVox Box, and even more thrilled to discover that it is the #SurfsUpVoxBox!  I live at the beach, and everything in this box was made for me!

The First Aid Shot Therapy Pain Relief liquid shot was new to me, and I couldn't wait to try it out.  I often get headaches from being out in the sun, and hate carrying around a bottle of pills and bottle of water.  But throwing a First Aid Shot Therapy Pain relief bottle into my beach bag was easy!

Ok, so I'm at the beach, trying to keep an eye on the kids, and next thing you know I have a headache from the sun glare.  I was so excited! (yeah, a bit crazy, right?) but this meant that I was ready to try my First Aid Shot Therapy Pain relief shot.  Pulled it out, opened it up (way easier to open than a bottle of pills, by the way!) and down the hatch!  Didn't have to balance a bottle of water on my lap.  Didn't even have to take the cap off of the bottle of water while holding two pills in my hand.  Just cap off, and drink.

It tasted great!  And, to my amazement, worked so fast!  I was thrilled that it didn't take forever (like pills usually do) and didn't irritate my stomach (like pills often do).  I was able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the day at the beach.

And did it last?  Yes!  It did!  I was afraid that it would wear off fast, but it actually outlasted my beach day.

The result?  I loved it!  I'm on a mission to buy more to stash around the house, in the car, in my purse, and definitely more in my beach bag.

Thanks to @Influenster and #SurfsUpVoxBox for providing me with this complimentary sample for testing purposes.

Some helpful links:
- @Influenster
- @firstaidshottherapy

#FASTrelief
#contest 
#SurfsUpVoxBox

Bzzing ... Coppertone CLEARLYSheer sunscreen

BzzAgent strikes again!  And with perfect timing ... The beginning of the summer is the right time to try a new sunscreen, and when I opened a box of Coppertone CLEARLYSheer sunscreen I couldn't wait to head to the beach and try it out!

The new Coppertone CLEARLYSheer sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection in two formulas:  CLEARLYSheer for Sunny Days and CLEARLYSheer for Beach & Pool.

CLEARLYSheer for Sunny Days is perfect for daily use.  My doctor has been recommending a daily application of sunscreen in the mornings as part of my routine, but I've never found a good one to use.  The ones I've tried are always greasy or heavy, clogged my pores or made me sweaty.  So I was skeptical that there was a sunscreen that I could use every day that wouldn't fail me.  But Coppertone did it ... their CLEARLYSheer for Sunny Days was light and smooth, not heavy and greasy.  My skin felt wonderful, and it actually has a fresh citrus scent, instead of smelling awful ... or like a coconut.  I'm not a big makeup wearer, but I think that you could easily apply makeup over it and it would smooth in perfectly.  And not only that, but it works wonderfully in protecting my skin from the sun.  I ended up at my son's baseball game after work that night, and there was no way to avoid sitting in the sun.  I wasn't sure if it would still be working after all the time that had passed since I applied it, but it worked great!  As a fair skinned blonde, I usually burn quickly but I amazingly made it through the hour long game with nary a pink spot.  I was very excited and satisfied.  I have a new daily use product that is easy to use, feels great and will protect me.

CLEARLYSheer for Beach & Pool is perfect for trips to the water.  We live near the lake, so spend a lot of time at the beach.  Too many times I have messed up the reapplication of sunscreen after dips in the lake and we've all ended up with strange sunburns in stripes and blotches.  Not terribly healthy.  Or in the reapply I end up rubbing sand into tender skin as I struggle to get sunscreen all over my wiggly beachy kids.  Bah.  So I was excited to try CLEARLYSheer Beach & Pool  on our next trip to the beach.  I applied at home, away from the sand.  It applied as nicely as the daily wear sunscreen did ... and so easy to get all over ... and easy to be sure to get every spot.  After several trips into the water, I was secure in the knowledge that we were protected for 80 minutes to stay protected regardless of how wet we got.  And a delight to not smell like coconuts ... a subtle tropical fruit  and flower scent was a pleasure to have on.  Our trip to the beach was a success, and CLEARLYSheer for Beach &Pool managed to keep up with my busy boys, and keep everyone safe.

To make it better, it comes in a lotion or spray!

All in all, I am thrilled with Coppertone CLEARLYSheer sunscreens for so many reasons, but, as we've come to expect from Coppertone, it works great ... more than great! ... and smells good, too ;)


Some references:

• Coppertone CLEARLYSheer Sunscreen (get a coupon!)
• Want to be a BzzAgent? Join here! 

It's important to share the fact that I received my Coppertone CLEARLYSheer Sunscreen products free from Coppertone and BzzAgent as participation in this BzzCampaign.

Bzzing ... Pennington Fertilizer Smart Feed Sprayer System

I love being a BzzAgent! It's a fantastic company that invites Agents to test new products and talk about them! Over the years, I have discovered many products that have become essential to my family and our lives. My latest Bzz Campaign has been for the Pennington Smart Feed Sprayer System.   I have a pretty green thumb, but hate the work that goes into it.  I was SO excited when the Pennington Smart Feed Sprayer System BzzKit arrived on my doorstep.  I cracked it open and went into action - my garden had been waiting almost as impatiently as I had been!

The first thing I noticed was the fantastic instructions that came with the sprayer.  They had the perfect balance of clarity and simplicity.  Sounds weird, but I can't tell you how many times I've read bad instructions and you definitely don't want mess up fertilizing.  Part of the genius of this system is that it's really hard to mess it up.  Pop in a fertilizer disc (or two or three, depending on how much area you need to cover), pop it on the hose and away you go.  The sprayer even has a multitude of different spray options to choose from!  The luxury!

I immediately realized that I would never have to measure, mix, and spill fertilizer ever again!  Gone were the days of feeding one watering can at a time.  Slopping back and forth from the spigot to the plants ... and back ... and forth ... and back ... ugh.

All one needs to do it walk around the hose and aim.  Easy!!  No drips, no slopping, no walking the yard time and time again lugging the watering can.

And the plants are happy!!  Pennington has the exact right fertilizer types ... a general one for my grass, a balanced one for my flowers, and a special one for my fruit and vegetables.  Just pop in a new disc and move on!

A few pictures to share ... using the Pennington Smart Feed Sprayer System and a few "before" plant and flower pictures.  More to come!

I make sure everyone knows all about BzzAgent, how I got the product for free, and how fantastic Pennington Fertilizer is to have come up with Smart Feed Sprayer System!

Some references:

• Pennington Fertilizer Facebook Page
• Want to be a BzzAgent? Join here! 

It's important to share the fact that I received my Pennington Fertilizer Smart Feed Sprayer free from Pennington Fertilizer and BzzAgent as participation in this BzzCampaign.

Bzzing ... Lysol Touch of Foam Antibacterial Handwash

I love being a BzzAgent! It's a fantastic company that invites Agents to test new products and talk about them! Over the years, I have discovered many products that have become essential to my family and our lives. My latest Bzz Campaign has been for Lysol Touch of Foam Antibacterial Handwash.   I have two young boys who get in to no ends of trouble, so keeping everyone clean (and I mean clean!) is not easy.  I hate to use harsh chemicals to get the job done, so I was so excited when I was offered this campaign.

We've tried different antibacterial soaps before, but they usually have a funky smell.  The first thing I noticed was the great scent on the Lysol Touch of Foam Antibacterial Handwash.  Creamy Vanilla Orchid is exactly that - it doesn't overpower, but it does smell great!  I've never used a foam handwash before, and I was thrilled at this one - the lather is non-drip, so it stays on your hands and gives full coverage.  Not to mention how great it feels!  They call it "moisturizer-enriched micro-bubbles" that leave your hands feeling soft and comfy ... I call it very well thought out.  I am so tired of my hands being hard and chapped after repeated washing, but with the Lysol Touch of Foam Antibacterial Handwash, I can wash all day and my hands are still soft and crack-free.  That's important to me!

It also kills 99.9% of germs on contact - fantastic for those times when you have just worked with raw chicken, or taking out the garbage.  And, to partner with that, the pump top is made out of Microban, which keeps germs and bacteria from growing on it!  Clean and safe inside and out.

Overall, I love this stuff.  Yes, I got one for free from Lysol and BzzAgent, but I have picked up several since trying it ... one for the kids' classrooms - school is the place they really need to be kept safe!  - one for work, a few for friends and family ... and everyone has had the same things to say.  Thanks!  I Love it!  It smells great!

And the proof is in the pudding ... we have had many fewer colds and sick kids in the house since we've started using Lysol Touch of Foam Antibacterial Handwash.  And that's what matters.

I make sure everyone knows all about BzzAgent, how I got the product for free, and how fantastic Lysol is to have come up with Touch of Foam Antibacterial Handwash!

Some references:

• Healthy Hands and more:   lysol.com/mission-for-health
• Lysol Facebook Page 
• Want to be a BzzAgent? Join here! 

It's important to share the fact that I received my Lysol Touch of Foam Antibacterial Handwas free from Lysol and BzzAgent as participation in this BzzCampaign.

Bzzing ... Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser review

I love being a BzzAgent!  It's a fantastic company that invites Agents to test new products and talk about them!  Over the years, I have discovered many products that have become essential to my family and our lives.

My latest Bzz Campain has been for Glade Expressions.  I had never tried an oil diffuser, so that's what I decided to try.  I picked the Lavender & Juniper Berry because I wanted to try it in my bathroom and thought that the lavender would be relaxing.  And how I was right!

So easy to put together - just pop the insert into the oil bottle, and onto the counter.  The holder is attractive, and yet so discreet.  Amazingly, it both blends in and stands out at the same time!  And the scent is perfect - not overpowering, but strong enough that you definitely notice it.  I hate it when the scent is so faint it might as well not be there.  Not only that, but it's good for 30 days ... it's been in there for 2 weeks so far and the scent is just as good today as it was the day I installed it. 

The diffuser is perfect for my family - no electricity needed so I don't have to sacrifice an outlet or waste electricity on it, and it doesn't spill even when tipped over - which, with 2 kids under the age of 6 happens often. And our bathroom has been tricky to keep fresh ... we rent our house and live at the beach ... as a result, we inherited some odd scents that just won't go away ... and after trying all of the usual tricks to no success, I had given up hope ... until now!  Glade has me covered.

I absolutely love my Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser, and almost can't wait for day 30 to come along so I can try another scent.  I think that Cotton & Italian Mandarin is up next!  I would absolutely recommend these Oil Diffusers to anyone, but especially for those tricky areas.

Some references:
Glade Expressions webpage
Want to be a BzzAgent?  Join here!

It's important to share the fact that I received my Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser free from Glade and BzzAgent as participation in this BzzCampaign.

Finding my 'Thing'

I have spent a lot of time over the years trying to decide what 'my thing' is.

This may sound odd ... but it is something that has taken up a lot of my time (and money!) trying to figure out.

I am a creative person.  This much I know.  My entire family is creative - my mom has a group of 'Crafty Ladies' that has met every Monday for the past 20 years.  My father is a woodworker complete with a shop that has every tool a woodworker needs, plus a few more.  My father's father was also a woodworker (ah, the memories of playing in the sawdust from the table saw in the garage shop).  Both of my grandmothers were knitters.  And then my Great-Aunt - she, I have come to realize, was my role model more that I could say.  She was a beautiful seamstress (saying 'sew-er' just sounds wrong), but her true talent was that she could do anything.  Every time we visited, she had a new 'thing'.  One time it was painting, another knitting, another it was felt crafting,  needlepointing, beadwork ... you name it, she did it.

I have now decided that I don't have a thing.  I want a thing - but the problem is that I want every thing.  I want to quilt.  I want to paint.  I want to create altered books. I want to knit.  I want to sew.  I want to be the ultimate homeschooling mommy.  I want to do ICAD.

But here's what it comes down to - time and money.

In high school, I worked at a craft store.  Big problem :)  I wanted to do every new 'thing' that came in.  And I tried most of them, and could do them.  But didn't stick with them.  I can't subscribe to Martha Stewart because I want to do everything.

I have always been a cross-stitcher.  I have completed a few beautiful pieces that have never been framed.  And I have a few unfinished pieces that one day I will complete.  And, in my constant need to have a complete supply for each 'thing', I have a great stash of embroidery floss.

I can sew.  Mostly things other than clothing - I can't deal with the fitting.  I love having this skill, even thought it's not perfect, because I can pull it out when I need it.  Like to make Dew1's sensory weighted blanket.  But more about that soon.  One Christmas I made stockings for everyone.  I love having them.

I was going to make a quiet book for the boys.  I made 3 pages.  I was going to make felt food for the boys.  I made Valentine's cookies and a lunch bag set.  But I have a collection of felt that would rival Jo-Anne's.

When I was single and carefree, my thing was scrapbooking.  I lived alone in New York City and had several friends who were Creative Memories Consultants.  I scrapbooked once a month (sometimes more!) and loved every minute of it.  For 6 or 7 years.  Then I made the decision to dabble into Stampin Up! and while I loved it, that was a mistake.

The mistake?  I go 'all in' when I find a new hobby.  So I have amassed a supply of scrapbooking supplies that is near shameful, and then now a similar supply of rubber stamping supplies.

But I blather.

Here's the deal.  I am currently inspired by ICAD, altered art, and the like ... I have done 4 ICADs and love each and every one of them.  But only 4.

But I started with something new that, the more I think about it, has been a part of me since my childhood.  And it is, at the moment, functional for my kids, which makes me feel good about it.

There is a common thread that will lead me back to my other 'things', but for now, this is it.

But I can't tell you now ... soon ... I promise :)

ICAD2 Week 9 (9) Maze

Sources:
Worldwide Circle of Labyrinths - How to draw a Labyrinth.
Myth and History of Labyrinths

I was going to stick to the prompts specifically, but the collage one stumped me for a few days, so I decided to just jump around for a bit until I got over the sticking point.  I say stumped not because I couldn't do it, but stumped because collage takes a lot more space and supplies than just a few drawing utensils and a table.  My prompt hopping led me to Maze, and maze made me think labyrinth.  A quick google search on how to design a laybrinth and here we are.  I am very happy with it.  Kind of fits into the rainbow one too ...

What I'm Reading: Wonder

Wonder by R.J. Palacio was a delightful surprise.  August is a boy in grade 5 that has had over 25 surgeries in his life so far.  His against-the-odds combination of birth defects has left him looking like no other.  In August's words,

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. 

And yet, this is a warm tale of love, friendship and family.  When August's parents decide that it's time for him to go to a regular school instead of being home-schooled, August embarks on a journey from being the one alone in the crowd to being the glue that holds the entire school together.

In chapters of rotating narrative voice, we get to hear about everything from everyone - his sister and her BFF, to name a few - readers are given an view of August's situation.  Tolerance, friendship, self-respect and individuality are all powerful themes that August embodies with ease and grace.

I Loved this book.  I can see why it's a NYT Best Seller.  I can't wait to see what's next on the list.

 

What I'm Reading

It's been a long while since having the opportunity to read what I love to read most ... Children's and Teen books.  So, I was faced with the quandry of where to start.

The New York Times Best Sellers list was where I started.

Interestingly enough, the books that turned into my first choices were the ones available in digital form.  Yes, I have become an eBook reader.

So I balanced the list versus available eBooks, added them all to my GoodReads account, and was off and reading.

And now, without further ado, on to what I'm reading ...

 

ICAD2 Week 1 (5) Fish

Sources:
inspired by the Blackfish Cafe Coloring Sheet @ MadeByJoel.com

I was going to colour them after drawing them, but right now I like them the way they are.