My Thoughts on the Influenster #FrostyVoxBox

Are you familiar with Influenster?

According to their website, "Influenster is a community of trend-setters, social media hotshots, and educated consumers who live to give opinions of products and experiences."

It's so fun and the best part for me is receiving a big ol' box of full-size goodies to test and review.

Here's what I received in my Frosty VoxBox. 

(Note: Some of the products I received are not pictured in the above photo).

Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

Gently removes all eye makeup, including long-lasting and waterproof makeup with no oily residue.

Thoughts: This product is a major improvement over my usual makeup remover. Removes eye-makeup better and with less effort. Doesn't sting or burn my eyes. Definitely recommend.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner

Gives instant color impact with its high intensity pigments. The ultra smooth and cream formula glides on easily. 

Thoughts: Ridiculously affordable. Glides on effortlessly and the color is intense. This will be my go-to eyeliner from now on. In fact, I just ordered it today in the color Nude for my waterline. Love, love, love this.

McCormick Gourmet Thyme

The freshest flavors deserve a fresh new look! McCormick Gourmet's Thyme imparts a light minty flavor that is distinctively warm and aromatic. McCormick Gourmet Thyme can be used throughout the day in dishes such as breakfast casseroles, hearty soups, stews, stuffing, and oven-roasted chicken.

Thoughts: I use this in a variety of recipes, especially meatballs, soups, and when cooking a pot of red beans. Truly a versatile spice with perfectly fresh flavor.

Fruit Vines® Bites

Fruit Vines® Bites are a new, soft, chewy fruit candy, from the Red Vines® family, available in two fruit flavors - strawberry and cherry. Low fat and made with no preservatives, Fruit Vines® Bites are available in three sizes: a 2 oz single serve, a 5 oz hanging bag, and a 10 oz resealable stand-up bag and can be found at Walmart in the West, Kroger, Walgreens, Target, Safeway, and Rite Aid.

Thoughts: I couldn't stop eating these. So fresh and soft and they didn't get stuck in my expensive dental work at all. Addictive. I love that they are low-fat and are made without preservatives. 

NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Sugar Plum

Ready to take your lips to the next level? Try our NEW Expert Last Lip Color in twenty tantalizing shades. Get intense, amplified color and shine that lasts up to 6 hours! Our moisturizing formula glides on easily for a silky, smooth, velvety finish for all day wear. 

Thoughts: I typically do not wear lipstick, but I loved this color. I felt like it was the perfect shade for me. Super long-lasting, even through food and drink. If I were to purchase lipstick, this would be the one I'd choose. 

Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea

Live life well this holiday season with Celestial Seasonings and take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane! It's made with the very finest green tea leaves, peppermint and other botanicals, because at Celestial Seasonings, we know you are what you steep. 

Thoughts: Delicious hot or iced. Perfect taste of mint with a hint of vanilla. Wonderful during the holidays or any time of the year, really. 

EcoTools Hair Brush

EcoTools hair brushes are designed with unique features that leave your head and hair happy and healthy. Long or short, straight or curly, EcoTools has the brush to tame any hair style with a variety of five brush head shapes and bristle designs specially crafty to suit every need. 

Thoughts: This particular brush isn't the perfect match for my hair type. It left my hair full of static and only seemed to get the top layer of my hair, leaving a ton of tangles underneath. I have thick, wavy hair and this brush just didn't do it for me. It didn't work well on my daughter's fine, wavy hair either. 

No7 Protect & Perfect ADVANCED Sachet

This clinically proven serum is even more effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines for younger looking skin in just two weeks. 

Thoughts: I did not receive a full-sized sample of this, so I really can't speak to its effects after 2 weeks. I will say, though, that after using it for 3 days, it dried my skin out too much. 

Overall, this was a really great campaign that I was thrilled to participate in. I discovered some really great products that I never would've given a thought to in-store had I not had the opportunity to try them out myself. 

Thanks, Influenster!

Disclosure: I was provided these products free of charge for testing purposes. All opinions are 100% my own and not influenced in any way. 

Coming Soon: New Purex® Power Shot Detergent

Laundry. It's the bane of our existence, right? 

We just came back from a weekend of camping, so I'm knee-deep in piles and piles of it. 

What if I told you there's a product out there to make doing laundry a whole lot easier with less mess and zero measuring. Sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong!

NEW Purex® Power Shot is a super-concentrated liquid detergent that takes the guesswork and mess out of doing laundry. It's the only no-spill detergent bottle that automatically dispenses the proper amount of detergent every single time and with 50% more stain-fighting power in every drop. 

It couldn't be any simpler to use. 

Just open the cap and flip the bottle upside down to deliver one super-concentrated dose of detergent. Flip the bottle back upright and you are done! The PowerShot engine automatically refills and is ready for the next dose. It is so simple to use and it allows my 10-year old daughter to help with laundry without always having to ask if she's poured too much/little detergent for the load. 

* Use 1 flip for regular loads

* Use 2 flips for large or heavy loads

Purex® PowerShot is available in both Mountain Breeze and Natural Elements® Linen & Lilies. It leaves my clothes smelling so great!

Purex® Power Shot is coming to stores near you in February!

GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN CLOSED

* Head on over and enter the Purex sweepstakes 

* Follow me on Pinterest 

* Follow me on Instagram

Disclosure: I was given a sample of new Purex® PowerShot liquid detergent as a member of Purex Insiders to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way. 

Stitch Fix: Lucky #7

We just spent the weekend camping at Jellystone in celebration of our daughter's birthday and I came home to find Stitch Fix #7 waiting for me. Always a treat!

After my last box was such a bust, I decided to change things up a bit. I didn't request my usual stylist or to have more affordable pieces because I felt like that might be limiting me too much. I specifically asked for my stylist to please refer to my Pinterest board for inspiration and for 4 tops and 1 neutral-colored cardigan. Let's just say my stylist, Kirby, certainly delivered. So much so that my husband said "Wow, they really knocked it out of the park this time!". 

Here's what I received:

{Market & Spruce Celine Textured Colorblock Blouse -- $58}

This navy & green blouse is pure perfection. It can easily be dressed up with a pencil skirt or down with a pair of jeans. I loved the neckline, the texture of the green, and the zippered back of this blouse. My husband thought it was sexy. I can't wait to wear this one. 

Status: Kept

{Market & Spruce Alan Cowl Neck Asymmetrical Cardigan -- $58}

Here's the neutral-colored cardigan I asked for! It fit like a glove and the fabric was so soft. I was on the fence with this one and was so close to keeping it, but I recently bought a cowl neck jacket that I wear all the time, so I'm not sure how much wear I'd actually get out of this particular piece. The other thing I've realized is that my perfectionist Virgo brain just can't handle anything asymmetrical, lol. This is the second asymmetrical piece I've received and I've ultimately sent both of them back. I'm so weird.

Status: Returned

{Fun2Fun Bailee Graphic Print Blouse -- $44}

This was my least favorite piece in the box. I didn't care for the sleeves or the print of this top. It was much too busy for me and the fit wasn't fantastic. Great price point and length though. 

Status: Returned

{Olive and Oak Mulliken Raglan Striped Knit Shirt -- $48}

I absolutely adore raglan shirts. I have a ton of them pinned on my Pinterest board. This one was super cute and I loved the colors, especially that pop of orange (my favorite color). The fit was perfect on this one and I had full intentions of keeping this piece until I noticed an errant thread/blue ink mark right on a white stripe near the bustline. Such a bummer, because this one would've been a keeper for sure!

Status: Returned :(

{41Hawthorn Teresa Colorblocked Sleeveless Blouse -- $58}

I pinned this top and was so stoked to actually receive it! Even better for me that it arrived in orange, instead of the hot pink that I had pinned. I absolutely LOVE it. The fabric feels rich, the fit is fabulous, and it can easily be dressed up or down. Previous 41Hawthorn pieces have tended to run big (so much so that in my last Fix I specifically asked not to receive any more of that particular brand), but not the case here! I'm so happy I omitted that little request in the note to my stylist, otherwise I'd have missed out on this stunning little number.

Status: Kept

Overall, this fix was so fun and such a change from my last (borderline depressing) box. It just goes to show you that sometime changing up stylists, making specific requests, and updating your Pinterest board are the only things you need to get your boxes back on track.  

What great things have you received in your fixes lately, girls?

StitchFix is the very best way to shop. 

It couldn't be more convenient! If you're ready to give StitchFix a try for yourself, it's completely easy to get started. Simply sign up, fill out your style profile, and schedule your first Fix. You'll be charged $20, but that amount is deducted from whatever it is you decide to keep. They offer a 25% discount if you decide to keep all 5 pieces. Free shipping both ways and you have 3 days to try on everything in the comfort of your own home. It doesn't get any better than that, promise!

The link used in this post is my unique referral code. You definitely don't have to use it, but I'd be incredibly grateful if you did! Once you sign up, you'll receive your own code, too. I was not compensated in any way for this post and all opinions are my own. 

Stitch Fix #6: The Box That Was a Total Bust

Happy New Year! 

We just returned from a wonderful, whirlwind trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico. 

The snow was spectacular! 

Upon returning home, my StitchFix box was waiting for me. In this Fix, I specifically asked for a pair of distressed, dark skinny jeans, a piece of outerwear from my Pinterest board, and casual tunic-style tops. I also made it a point to mention that I love Aztec/tribal print, black, orange, leopard print, plaid, chambray, and anything I'd pinned for inspiration. I also stressed how affordability is key for me!

Honestly, this Fix was such a bust for me. It was totally lackluster (depressing, really), in my opinion. So much so, that I almost didn't want to share it with you, but here goes:

{Yasmin Skinny Jean by Mavi -- $98}

First thing I thought when I pulled this out of the box was, "Um, these aren't even jeans!" They aren't denim and remind me more of riding pants (minus the stirrups) or maternity pants, than jeans. Major cons for me: no back pockets, elastic waist, the fact that they are navy, and the fabric-- everything (lint, especially) sticks to it. The price is quite high for me for these particular pants. Had they been a perfect pair of distressed, dark skinny jeans, I'd definitely splurge.

{Kristy Crochet Detail Blouse by Renee C --$54}

The boho feel of this top is right up my alley. I like the v-neck, the color, and the crochet detail on the back, but unfortunately this top was much too tight in the shoulders/upper arms. And as much as I liked the crochet detail on the back, I didn't care for the same detail on the front or on the sleeves. 

{Marley Split Back Knit Top by Olive & Oak -- $44}

Split Back Detail

This top is casual and cute, but almost too casual for me. It pretty much reminds me of something I'd wear to yoga. I really like the color, the lightweight fabric, and the sexy split-back detail, but this isn't something I'd really be excited to wear. It was also too tight in the shoulders/upper arms. Also, while this is almost the perfect StitchFix price point for me, I've seen Olive & Oak in my local Marshall's store for quite a bit less. 

{Adair V-Neck Thermal by Laila Jayde -- $68}

With its wide v-neck (with velvety lining) and body hugging fabric, this top reminds me of something straight out of a Victoria's Secret catalog. I received it in a teal green color, although it's hard to tell that from the above pictures. Cute button detail on the sleeves. In the end though, it's still just a thermal, in my opinion-- nothing particularly exciting about that or the price point.

{Edel Open Drape Jacket by Skies are Blue -- $54}

I love the Aztec/tribal detail and colors of this piece. 

Unfortunately though, this jacket was far too big for my frame. 

Overall, this was the most disappointing fix for me. Nothing really excited me about it  and the fit/style of all of the pieces was off.  I'm almost beginning to wonder if my desire for affordable pieces is hindering me a bit. I hope not, but maybe. I see such cute, affordable pieces on other blogs and Pinterest boards, surely it's possible! 

My next fix is scheduled for late January. I went back and updated my style profile to reflect more of what I'm looking for/would prefer not to receive. As meh as this fix was, I have faith that my next shipment will be better, because I always provide a lot of feedback on the pieces when I check-out. I hated to lose my $20 styling fee this time around, but I just couldn't see spending additional money on a piece I wasn't in love with. 

And while this fix wasn't "it" for me, I do know that StitchFix is the very best way to shop. 

It couldn't be more convenient! If you're ready to give StitchFix a try for yourself, it's completely easy to get started. Simply sign up, fill out your style profile, and schedule your first Fix. You'll be charged $20, but that amount is deducted from whatever it is you decide to keep. They offer a 25% discount if you decide to keep all 5 pieces. Free shipping both ways and you have 3 days to try on everything in the comfort of your own home. It doesn't get any better than that, girls!

The link used in this post is my unique referral code. You definitely don't have to use it, but I'd be incredibly grateful if you did! Once you sign up, you'll receive your own code, too. Score!