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!

Stitch Fix #5-- December 2014

What a sweet surprise it was to see this little box show up 4 days earlier than expected! I couldn't wait to open it up and see what goodies I'd received from StitchFix. I mean, just look at that leopard print peeking out...Eek! So exciting. 

This month, I specifically requested the following:

- A pair of dark, distressed skinny jeans

- Longer, casual, tunic style tops that I can pair with skinny jeans or leggings

- If available, one of the outerwear pieces I'd pinned on my Pinterest board

- Jenna as my stylist (she's been my girl from the get-go)

-And, lastly, yet most importantly: affordability! (<$48 for tops)

Now, here's what I received:

{19 Cooper Sheldon Leopard Print Mixed Material Top -- XS -- $34}

I knew this was a keeper as soon as I took it out of the box. I love the cut, the neckline, the pattern, the price... everything, really. 

Status: KEPT

{Laila Jade Tina Faux Suede Top -- XS -- $54}

This top was an interesting one to me. I liked the slight racerback cut, that sexy keyhole opening in the back, the color, and the length. It'd be perfect paired with a pair of skinny jeans and could easily be layered or dressed up/down. What I didn't really care for was the fabric and the asymmetrical cut. It was a decent fit, but I didn't love it. For those reasons and its price, it went back.

Status: Returned

{41Hawthorn Polly Abstract Chevron Tie-Waist Tunic -- XS -- $48}

This is a top that I'd seen and pinned on Pinterest although at this point, I'm not sure exactly why. I'm really not a patterned top kinda girl. I didn't care for this blouse for so many reasons: the material felt incredibly cheap, the fit was entirely too big, and I hate things that tie around my waist. Again, I have no clue why I originally pinned this! Perfect price point for me, but that's the only upside to this top, in my opinion. Also, just FYI, I've found the 41Hawthorn brand to run quite big. I've noticed this on several occasions and I keep forgetting to let them know that I'd prefer them not to send this brand.

Status: RETURNED

{Fun2Fun Lamont Tile Print Blouse -- XS -- $44}

Perfect length & great price point! I loved the neckline on this blouse, too. I just wasn't crazy about the pattern.

Status: Returned

{Daniel Rainn Rivera Damask Textured Blouse -- XS -- $48}

Ever wondered what it'd be like to wear your great-grandmother's drapes or holiday tablecloth? Yeah, this top was that bad. Horribly thick fabric, awful cut, and this felt very cheaply made. I couldn't get this blouse back in the box fast enough. 

Status: RETURNED

Overall thoughts: I didn't get to have Jenna as my stylist this time (she is out on vacation) and I think my fix suffered as a result. I didn't receive a pair of distressed skinny jeans or any outerwear as requested, nor was there any mention of those requests in the personal note included in my box. I was a little disappointed by that. However, I must say that this the very first time I've received a box were all of the pieces were much closer to my desired price point. I cannot stress enough how important this is to me, so I was happy to see more affordable pieces this time.

Ready to give StitchFix a try for yourself? It's completely easy to get started. Simply sign up {<-- my referral code that I'd be so incredibly grateful if you used, but you don't have to!}, fill out your style profile, and schedule your first Fix. You'll be charged $20, but that amount is deducted from whatever it is that 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, seriously.

I urge you to give it a try! Click here to learn how to receive your best Fix.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Stitch Fix #4

It's been FOREVER since my last Fix (see #1, #2, #3 here), so I was incredibly excited when FedEx dropped my package off yesterday! In this Fix, I specifically asked to have Jenna as my stylist again (she gets me) and for 5 business casual, tunic style tops that can be worn with skinny jeans or leggings. I also asked for tops that were in my budget (less than $48/top). Here's what I received:

I'm apologizing now for the terrible quality of these photos. I have very little natural light as it is in my home, but it's been raining since yesterday (not complaining, because we need it so badly!) and my home is especially dark. 

{Carter Striped Long-Sleeve Shirt by Tart-- $68}

I love stripes and I gravitate towards black in my wardrobe, so I figured this top would be a home run for me.  It's lightweight enough to wear now that there's a very slight hint of Fall in the air here in Texas and the perfect top to layer as the weather turns colder, too. It's slightly stretchy and the overall fit is very flattering. I definitely planned on keeping this one, until I saw the price tag. $68 is much too steep for a long-sleeved tee, in my opinion!

Status: Returned

{Aleah Heathered V-Neck Dolman Top by Market and Spruce-- $48}

I'm pretty petite and normally not a fan of dolman tops because they tend to swallow me. This top was no exception. The fabric is buttery soft and incredibly comfortable, but in addition to the fit/style, I didn't love the color of this (not a fan of wearing blue). 

Here's another pic so you can (maybe) get a better gauge of the color:

Status: Returned

{Chandra Plaid Sleeveless Blouse by Fun2Fun-- $44}

Close-up of the pattern:

Maybe it's the plaid or maybe it's the red, but this top just screams Christmas to me! It's 100% polyester which makes it perfect for summer and it can also be easily layered with a heavy cardigan or blazer for winter. I love front pockets and the overall fit of this one. I especially love the hi-low design of this top. It's perfect to wear with a pair of skinny jeans, leggings, or even a pencil skirt. The only thing I didn't love was the flap of fabric that runs down the center of this shirt. It kept flapping open and driving me crazy. I'm definitely torn on this one, but because I don't love it 100%, it's going back.

Status: Returned

{Macklin Floral Print Blouse by Renee C-- $58}

I LOVE THIS TOP and I literally gasped when I pulled it out of the box. It is gorgeous, flattering, and definitely sexy. It has a hi-low cut, a slight v-neck, and a fun keyhole back. I can't wait to wear this on date night with a pair of skinny jeans. A little out of my price range, but I'm keeping it.

Status: KEPT

{Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse by 41Hawthorn-- $58}

I've been stalking this top for a while on Pinterest and was thrilled to see it my box! I especially love that I received in black, because that is my go-to wardrobe color after all! ;) It's the perfect length to wear with skinny jeans and I found the overall fit to be quite flattering for the most part. The only thing I didn't love (and what turned out to be the deal breaker for me) is the sleeves. The cut of the sleeves is rather awkward and bothersome to me. 

Status: Returned

Overall:

As usual, Jenna did a fabulous job of sending me tops that fit my requests. While some were out of my budget, had they fit me perfectly, I probably would have kept them. I've read on many blogs that your Fixes get better as time goes on and I have to agree wholeheartedly. I'm finding better fits as time goes on and they're starting to learn what I like and don't like based on my feedback. That's why I feel it's so important to be as specific as possible when you're sending an item back. Price too high? Tell them. Item too big/small? Let them know. 

And lastly, if you're ready to dive in and receive your first Fix, I'd be so grateful if you'd use my referral code to sign up. After you do, you'll receive your very own referral code, too. 

Happy Hump Day, friends!

Product Review: NEW Purex Crystals Aromatherapy + Giveaway

Disclosure: As a Purex Insider, the Purex® brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy in exchange for a product review. As always, all opinions expressed here are my own. 

I'm a busy Mama with an active & creative school-age daughter, a hard-working mechanic of a husband, and a job as a nurse that (let's face it) can be downright grimy some days. 

That being said, I have a ton of laundry to do and I need a laundry routine that's easy and convenient. I tend to gravitate toward laundry products that have lots of long-lasting fresh scent, but most dryer sheets & liquid fabric softeners just don't do enough for me. That's why I'm so happy to report that I've finally found a product that meets all of the above criteria and then some.

Introducing NEW Purex Crystals Aromatherapy

Purex Crystals Aromatherapy are in-wash scent boosters that eliminate laundry odors and keep your clothes smelling fantastic for weeks after coming out of the dryer. 

Purex Crystals Aromatherapy couldn't be any easier to use! Simply add the desired amount of laundry enhancer into your washer's tub (top, front-loading, or HE) at the start of the wash to supplement your laundry detergent. This allows the crystals to permeate your clothing with a personal expressiveness that lasts for week, not days. 

There are three scents to choose from:

Well Being brightens any mood with the happy fragrance of fresh blossoms

Energy helps you tackle any day with the stimulating power of citrus

Serenity keeps you calm all day long with the gentle scent of water-lilies 

My thoughts: I was provided with a bottle of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy in the Well Being scent. It is incredibly easy to use and the scent was sweetly floral. I have been using the crystals with every load for the past week and I can honestly say that our laundry has never smelled better. The scent is heavy (but not overpowering) and is long-lasting. Most heavily-scented products tend to irritate my daughter's sensitive, eczema-prone skin, but not this one! I have washed all of her bedding and clothing using Purex Crystals Aromatherapy and have had zero issues. This is a huge deal! 

Now for the giveaway: Thanks to Purex, one lucky reader will win 2 FREE bottles of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy (in the form of free product coupons).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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