Nivea Lip Balm Review

So I admit I have a problem.  I love lip products.  I don't know what it is but I just can't get enough!  So when I had gotten a coupon for a free tube of Nivea lip balm a few months ago of course I was excited to try it out. They had a few different kinds to pick from but since my usual go to lip balm is Burt's Bees peppermint I decided to go with the mint.

It has a nice smell true to it's name.  It's not as powerful as the mint that is in the Burt's Bees by any means though.  It does go on a little too thin for my taste but it feels good on and isn't sticky at all.  The dispenser is a little tricky however.  I found that as I was applying it, it would start to turn the bottom as I applied pressure, essentially pushing the balm back down. (annoying)

I have been keeping this tube at my desk at work right under my monitor.  I use it occasionally when my lips are feeling a little dry. However, twice now when I've had lips that were starting to get chapped I turned to this product and it didn't help at all!  I wouldn't say it made them worse but I found myself using is constantly throughout the day and finding no relief.  I am so disappointed!  I even tried pairing it with the NYC Liquid Lip gloss that I got from my Influenster Voxbox and still didn't get the comfort I was looking for.  I'm not going to throw it out but I will keep it at work only as an emergency lip balm.

So, what about you...  Have you tried any new lip balm lately?  Do you have a favorite?

Wordless Wednesday: Nivea Mint & Minerals

Airborne Review: Part II

The chewable tablets that I received were in the berry flavor. On the packaging it boasts "Blast of Vitamin C plus 13 vitamins, minerals and herbs". The package came with 4 tablets and on the back it says that 4 tablets = 1 serving.  So you have to chew all 4 to get 1000mg of Vitamin C.  I have to be honest that I would much rather chew one, maybe two tablets, than have to take 4.  The smell was good when I opened the packet and they were not that big but I still didn't understand why the serving was 4 tablets.  I popped one in my mouth and was happy with the flavor as well.  As with any Vitamin C supplement it was sour.  I actually like sour flavoring so it wasn't hard to eat the rest of them.  If you are sensitive to sour flavoring, however, beware that the end of each tablet seemed to be more sour than when I first start chewing.  They dissolved pretty quickly and didn't get stuck in my teeth too badly.  There was no bad after taste that I noticed either if you were wondering about that.  Honestly, I am not sure if I would buy these but only because I would rather get my Vitamin C either from the source (like an orange) or in a more concentrated form.  Maybe it's because they have so many other ingredients in the tablets that you need to take 4 of them but I think that is too many.

The "Refreshing Mix" they sent me the "Natural Citrus Flavor" which I was happy about because I tend to like orange flavored things better than berry. The product comes in an easy to open packet and what you will find inside is a fine powder, unlike the effervescent formula which is a tablet. It does say on the back that it is to be used by adults and children over 12 years old so I would follow that unless your doctor has instructed otherwise. They direct you to add about 6oz. of water to the powder in a glass, however, you can adjust the amount of water to your taste. You can take this version of Airborne up to 3 times per day with 3-4 hours in between each dose.  The powder didn't dissolve as nicely as I would have liked.  I had to keep swirling the cup to get it to mix in.  It tasted pretty good and it was true to it's citrus claim.  It wasn't nearly as sour as the tablets above.  As for the energy part, I have to admit that I didn't notice any significant change in my energy level.  However, I did drink it in the afternoon when I start to feel a little sluggish at work so the fact there is no caffeine is probably why it had little effect.  I do like the ease of this product but I would say it's safe to compare this to Emergen-C which is usually what I take when feeling a cold coming on.

I have a friend who swears by putting Vicks on her feet when she is sick.  What are your go to cold remedies?

But don't take just my word for it, try them yourself!

Click here for free samples!

If you would like more information on Airborne products please visit their website:
http://www.airbornehealth.com/

I received 4 free samples from Airbone using the above link.  These opinions are my own and I would never use a health supplement without consulting your doctor first.

SendOut Cards Review and Free Card!

 So I have been using SendOut Cards for over a year now so I wanted to share with you what I thought.  First let me explain what it is!  This is quoted from their site:

"Our unique online greeting card system enables people to act quickly on their promptings and we find joy in providing a tool that has proven to change countless lives time and time again. In less than 60 seconds, you can choose your custom card, add a personal photo, write your heartfelt, inspirational, or cheerful message and click send. We print, stuff, stamp and mail your personalized greeting cards to any postal address anywhere in the world, all for less than the average price of a greeting card at the store. Our gift selection is icing on the cake to this great service and allows you to go the extra mile to bring about another smile."

Basically you sign up for a membership and you are charged once a month for the points you accumulate to be used on the cards. I have the lowest level which is a little over $10 a month. The points don't expire for an entire year so you can save them up for a big project like holiday cards.  Also, you can import and save your address book so you don't have to worry about typing in everyone's address!

For example, I just made this Valentine's Day card and it was 3 points worth and I sent it to 6 people. You also set up an "Expense Account" to pay for postage and gifts if you choose to include them.

I have so much fun making these cards!

Now you are probably thinking, "Why is this any different than making the cards on another website such as Shutterfly".  Well, Send Out Cards makes it so easy to send out a card there is no excuse not to!  In just a few minutes you can select a card, personalize it and have it sent to for you!  This card took me about 15 minutes to create and schedule to be sent on February 1st.  As a busy mom this just gives me a way to share a special moment with family members who may not be connected through the internet. (like my Grandmothers and Aunts)  They LOVE to get mail, especially when it includes pictures of my son!

Sure, I could create the cards on my computer, print them out at home, stuff, address and mail them out myself... but I don't know about you but that just doesn't fit in my schedule!

I have included some other screen shots of the site to give you an idea of what the site looks like.

A small taste of the pre-made cards you can select.


What it looks like when you select a pre-made card.  It can be a postcard, traditional 2 panel card, 3 panel card or even an BIG card!

These two screen shots are just to show you a few of the thousands of templates and elements you can add to your card.



This screen shot shows that all the pictures I upload for use get saved so I can use them again.















But enough of me going on and on...  Why don't you see for yourself!  Here is a link to the site that will let you send one free card!

Click here to send your free card now!

When you are done let me know what you think!
Did you find it easy to use?

I am not affiliated with SendOut Cards.  I am a customer.  These are all purely my opinions and I am not being compensated for this post in any way.

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Airborne Review: Hot Soothing Mix

A few weeks ago I requested samples of some of Airborne's new products.  I have used their effervescent tablets before but I was curious about the three new products they have now.

The first one I decided to try was the "Hot Soothing Mix"  in "Natural Honey Lemon Flavor".  The product comes in an easy to open packet and what you will find inside is a fine powder, unlike the effervescent formula which is a tablet.  It does say on the back that is to be used by adults and children over 12 years old so I would follow that unless your doctor has instructed otherwise.  They direct you to add 6oz. (3/4 c.) of hot water to the powder in a glass, however, you can adjust the amount of water to your taste.  You can take this version of Airborne up to 3 times per day with 3-4 hours in between each dose.  The powder fizzed as I poured the water in and quickly dissolved.  It smelled great, very lemon-y and just a hint of honey.  I braced myself for the first sip expecting it not to taste good.  It tasted really good!  True to the scent it has a strong lemon flavor with an undertone of honey.  I could imagine that this would feel really good on a sore scratchy throat!
I love that it is also good for a cold.  It has 13 vitamins, minerals and herbs in it.  The ingredients are actually not that bad either.  In addition to the vitamins, minerals and herbs the "other ingredients" are listed as:  Honey Powder (Cane Juice, Honey), Sugar, Natural Flavors, Stevia Leaf Extract. I know that Natural Flavors is pretty vague but it's near the end of the list so there cant be that much of whatever that is.  Overall, I am happy that I chose this drink to sip on while I ate my lunch.  It warmed me up and I can see myself getting some of this to have on hand in case of a scratchy throat starting!

I'll write up a separate review for each of the other products as I try them.  I also figured I would share with you where I got my samples so you can try them for yourself!

Have you been sick yet this winter?  Did you take any supplements?

Go here for your free samples!


If you would like more information on Airborne products please visit their website:
http://www.airbornehealth.com/

*I received 4 free samples from Airbone using the above link.  These opinions are my own and I would never use a health supplement without consulting your doctor first.

Crave Box

I applied for a membership with a company Crave Box recently and I just received notification that I my entry for their Zatarain's Big Game Cravebox was accepted! I applied for the larger "party box" which means I will be getting 2 of everything.  The major difference between this and Influenster is that you have to pay for these boxes.  This one came to $15 so we will see if it's worth it.

If you would like to join all you have to do is apply!  They do have a referral program, however, so if you could please let them know that I told you about it.  All they ask for is my email address: laurellikesit@gmail.com.  I am excited to be getting more products to review for everyone!

Are you having a Superbowl party?  Will it be themed?

**Update**
1/18/13
I just got another email.  I have been selected for the other box I applied for!  I'll be getting the "Back to School Snacks Cravebox"!  I am really shocked that I am getting both of the boxes I've applied for. This should be a really great box for me to review for all of my followers with children!

Sole Society Review

I finally got my Sole Society shoes!  I received a promotional code for $25 off your first pair from my Influenster Holiday VoxBox.  First of all I took a chance and ordered a half size smaller that I usually am and they fit great!  I ordered a pair of shoes from Shoe Dazzle and even though everyone said they were "true to size" the 6 was too big.  I thought well maybe I'm wrong when it comes to dress shoes.  I've always worn a 5.5 with shoes from Payless too.  Maybe I am a 5.5?  I ordered "Celine" in Pewter Black.  They look to be very well made.  I love that they are leather because that means they will break in well.  The subtle sparkle on the pattern is just enough but not too much for the office.  The chunky heal is a little awkward to walk in but I'm sure the more I wear them they will wear down in the spot I regularly step down on.  Once I wear them in a little bit I plan to put an update in here.

I will say, however, the selection of shoes for me was limited.  It is not practical for me to buy shoes with a high heel height.  This site does not have many shoes that are lower that 3in.  They do have many flats but for the office I like a little bit of a heel.

And just for fun, I have included a picture of my son.  He shares a love of shoes with his Mommy and as soon as I put them down to try and take the above picture he took them and put them on!

INFLUENSTER25 The code that I used is still good until 1/31/13!

What were the last pair of shoes you bought and where did you get them?

*disclaimer: I received this product coupon code complimentary from Influenster for testing and review purposes. However, all opinions are my own and I will always be honest, good or bad.*

Price Chopper Supermarket

Living in NY we have a supermarket Price Chopper that just love!  They always have great sales that you can combine with their own store coupons or manufacturer's coupons.  I am by no means an extreme couponer, however, I do like to save money.  Who doesn't?  I just made a quick trip yesterday and did a very good job of sticking to my list (not always that easy).  I got 24 items, including a lot of cereal and powdered drink mix.  The total savings at the bottom of my receipt was 17.60!  $.03 off per reusable bag, Advantedge $9.80 and store coupons $7.80.  I was pretty happy with that!  Some of the coupons you can actually pre-load onto your Advantedge card before shopping so you don't even need a paper coupon!

On top of that for every $100 you spend you get $.10 off a gallon at the Sunoco stations in the area.  It used to be even better than this, though.  It was every $50 you spent but I guess they figured that was too easy.  It is nice, however, that they let you accumulate the amount.  I know of other stores that you have to spend $50 in one shot in order to get the gas discount.  Right now I am about $4 dollars away from my next $.10 off which will put me at $.30 off per gallon!

The other thing I really like about shopping here is that I know that I can pretty much get in a get out quickly.  The lines are never too long and the self checkout works really great!  I know that sometimes I can get an item a little cheaper at say Wal-Mart but I know that it's going to be a whole process dealing with parking and waiting on line.

What is the most you saved in one shopping trip?  What was the total after savings?

Goody Quickstyle Brush Review

Another item is received in my Influenster HolidayVoxBox was a brush.  I have waited to review my Goody Quickstyle brush because I wanted to use it a few times.  I must say that it really does cut down on the dry time.  Now, keep in mind that I have short hair (above my shoulders) so the dry time is not usually terribly long in general.  This brush, however, shaves off a few minutes of the process. I shower at night before bed so in these cold winter months the quicker I can be warm with dry hair the better!  I towel try my hair as much as possible after getting out and then run this brush through my hair for about a minute.  I have even been flipping my head over and brushing it upside down to get all the hair underneath as well.  While I blow dry I'll continue to use the brush to speed up the process.  I have two slight problems with the brush though.  First is just personal choice.  I have short hair, so the large paddle style brush is awkward for me to use for styling.  Second, is the hair getting caught in the bristles.  Since the microfiber pieces are in between each bristle, hair gets wound around those as well.  Hair doesn't pull out as easily as with a regular brush.  One other thing I did think of is that you would really only want to use this brush when your hair is wet and clean.  Otherwise the oils could possibly accumulate on the microfiber pieces and could be redeposited onto your hair on another use.  I wouldn't say that my hair looks or feels any different but I think this is a great idea and I will continue to use the brush.

What is your favorite kind of brush?

The Goody® brand is part of Newell Rubbermaid®’s Home Solutions Business Unit. More than 100 years of innovation has made Goody the most widely-recognized manufacturer of hair accessories and styling tools in the world. Through proprietary brands such as DoubleWear™, QuikStyle™, Simple Styles™, Slide-Proof™ and Ouchless®, Goody has introduced smart innovations like the exclusive Spin Pin and QuikStyle Brush. With products inspired by the latest designer trends and innovative solutions, Goody offers an inspiring range of hair accessories and styling tools. Goody and Newell Rubbermaid are headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

*disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing and review purposes.  However, all opinions are my own and I will always be honest, good or bad.*

EBoost Energy Drink Review

Ok, so unfortunately I can not review much on EBoost and it's effectiveness as an energy drink.  I was interested because of the all natural ingredients but I literally took two separate swigs while eating lunch and had to dump it.  I got the sample from my Influenster Holiday Voxbox in the pink lemonade flavor.  It had an almost bitter taste to it.  It fizzed when I poured the cold water into my bottle and I let it settle before taking a sip.  I thought at first that I could get past it or maybe it was what I was eating it with (whole wheat pasta with red sauce) but no, it didn't taste any better the next sip.  I was disappointed because I use a lot of powdered drink mix.  I was looking forward to trying something different.  I did see some other reviews that were better but they had a different flavor.  I would be really upset if I spent $28 for a box of 20 packets!

What is your go to energy drink?

*disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing and review purposes.  However, all opinions are my own and I will always be honest, good or bad.*

Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal Review

So I just finished my cup of Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal.  It was delicious.  I always get hungry around 10/11:00am and this hit the spot.  I am a regular oatmeal eater.  I have it at least once a week.  Whether it's the packaged kind, old fashion or the quick oats out of the container, I'll eat it!  I love to keep the packets in my desk at work for a quick healthy snack.  I usually choose the fruit flavor oatmeal so the Summer Berry that I got from my Influenster Holiday VoxBox was perfect.  This oatmeal was thick and filling.  The whole blueberries were a nice treat too!  It was easy to make here at the office by using the hot water spout on the water cooler.  You can also use the microwave if you don't have access to hot water.  The outside of the container does get hot though so be careful.  There really wan't any surprise that I would like this.  I have always trusted Quaker as a good brand and I buy their products often.  They have other flavors that I would like to try and I'll be looking for it in the supermarket (and for coupons!)

What is your favorite oatmeal flavor?

*disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing and review purposes.  However, all opinions are my own and I will always be honest, good or bad.*

Kiss Nail Dress Review

I tried my Kiss Nail Dress by Kiss Nails last night from my Influenster Holiday VoxBox. I wasn't that impressed. They didn't go on smoothly and I couldn't get the wrinkles out. I've used the Sally Hansen ones and never had this problem. Maybe it was the style I got because they have raised bubbles on them. I'd be willing to try another style to see if it does the same thing. They did go on in about an 1/2 hour and it's nice that there is no drying time. This design is a little over the top for me but it's fun to try new things!

Have you ever tried nail polish strips?  What was your experience?



**Updates**
1/10/2013
So just yesterday I noticed that two of my nails started to peel some.  They are still on and I am resisting the urge to pick at them!

1/11/2013
Two of them started to really lift off my nails so once my son was in bed I took them off.

KISS is a global brand, with products including nail care, cosmetics, appliance, hair care, and salon & spa equipment.

*disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing and review purposes.  However, all opinions are my own and I will always be honest, good or bad.*

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine Review

I am kind of a lip product junkie.  As long as it's not lipstick I will use it!  I probably have about 8 products in my possession as we speak between what's in my purse, desk and car.  So needless to say I was excited to see that there was NYC Liquid Lipshine lip gloss in my Influenster Holiday VoxBox.  I have used NYC products before and this looked like a good color for me.  Right on the tube it says "Non Sticky" and I have to say that is pretty true.  Most lip gloss has a sticky feel but I must say this one is on the lower end of the scale compared to others I use.  It has a nice smell, almost a coconut/vanilla scent.  No flavor.  The color comes out pretty nude as you can see on my lips to the right.  I am pretty pale in the winter so this is ok.  This is a great everyday lip gloss for any kind of occasion. It has a great shine and a slight shimmer.  The wand pulls just enough gloss on the the end for good application.  I put on an extra coat for added shine to show in the picture.  All in all I would say this is a good product and I will continue to use it.

What is your favorite lip gloss?

*disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing and review purposes.  However, all opinions are my own and I will always be honest, good or bad.*

Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012

So here it is...my very first blog post.  I recently received a Holiday VoxBox from a company called Influenster.  They are a site that (if you qualify) sends you products to try and then review, rate, and spread the word.  I love to try new products and I am not afraid to tell you how I feel about them so this program is great for me!

This box contained:

• NYC New York Color: Liquid Lipshine in Nude York City 
• Kiss Nails Nail dress polish strips 
• Quaker Real Medleys oatmeal 
• Goody Quicksyle hairbrush 
• Sole Society $25 off coupon 
• Eboost drink mix

So far I have tried the Lip gloss, nail strips, hairbrush.  Today I plan on trying the oatmeal and the drink mix.

I will write a separate post for each review and post pictures and updates as needed.