Yves Saint Laurent MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS from Influenster

Courtesy of Influenster, I was able to be a part of a truly ICONIC vox box with the, you guessed it, #ICONICVoxBox with YSL Beauty! Inside the box was a shiny new tube of the revamped Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils, a longtime bestseller for YSL Beauty, and a mascara I've been dying to try. Thanks to Influenster, I was able to get my hands on this one for free, however the opinions on the product are entirely my own. 

First and foremost, this is a mascara that FEELS expensive, and you know you've got something special as soon as you hold the tube in your hands. It's shiny, it's gold, it's heavy, and it's impressive; this is a head turning mascara even before you crack open the seal. 

Once you put the mascara on, however, the goods just keep on giving. The mascara is scented lightly with a nice fresh natural scent, rather than the harsh paint-y smell of your typical mascara, and the formula itself is the epitome of smooth. When you put it on, it goes on soft and fluid, so you can actually keep piling and piling it on until you get your desired drama. No clumps, no heaviness, no stickiness, and no weight; applying the mascara was a brilliant experience. 

When you wear it, your lashes pop, and while I don't have much of a problem with color or volume with my lashes, I could tell immediately that it added quite a bit of drama to my eyes. While on, the mascara remains feeling soft, and you don't get that brittle feeling you so often get with your average mascara product. 

While I LOVED the mascara, I did notice a couple of downsides as well. First, after a couple of weeks, the mascara seemed to thicken up a bit, although it did remain easy to use. When it does thicken up a bit, using a bit of a lighter hand can allow you to still layer on the product quite efficiently while avoiding clumps. Second, it does seem to smudge quite easily. Of course, during allergy season, my eyes are just having a great time watering and itching as much as possible...but I've come to train myself not to touch my eyes at all while wearing this mascara. Unfortunately, the lightest touch will cause the mascara to smudge a bit, and a full-on rub will result in a "raccoon-chic" sort of look. 

All in all, I was quite impressed with this mascara, and the B5 vitamins, light scent, and layer-able formula I did find quite impressive. This mascara retails for around $32 at YSL Beauty US, and it's absolutely worth it if you're looking for a solid layering mascara to give you that oomph you really want! 

Thanks again to #Influenster and #InfluensterVox for allowing me to try this #YSLMascara for free! 

First Up: Mainely Cole's (Part 1)

The first lesser known brand I want to showcase in this space is one that I've grown quite interested in over the last couple of months. I first tried Mainely Cole's through a friend who knows how much I love artisan quality stuff, and she was right to assume I'd be quite into it. What's really nice about Mainely Cole's is that what you're getting is a product made not only in America, but by American hands, aaaand that's pretty awesome. This isn't some mass produced line bearing an ingredient list filled with words even Bill Nye would struggle to read, this is simple stuff. It's what good skincare is supposed to be. 

Taking elements and benefits from nature is what Mainley Cole's is good at, and they even make the process of knowing what's what completely foolproof. Unlike even other hand crafted all-natural products, and SUPER unlike the products you'll pluck from big box store shelves, Mainely Cole's takes the time to let you know what you need, why you need it, and what it does. Here's an example using a product I recently ordered and am waiting to receive:

The Gel Therapy Masque:

• What's in it?

Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Glycerin, (Witch Hazel) Water,  (Cranberry) Seed Oil, (Cucumber) Distillate, Alcohol, (TEA), EDTA, (May contain sodium bicarbonate and/or citric acid as pH adjusters).

• What does it do?

 Works to soothe, tone, calm and balance skin in a single treatment with witch hazel, cucumber distillate and TEA. Fine facial lines are gracefully eased away with potent ingredients of aloe, cranberry seed oil

• Why would I need it?

Keep on hand always for its everyday uses and ability to slow the falling sands of time.

Other common uses, Pre and Post shaving for a close and silky smooth result. After a day in the Sun soothes burns and revitalizes skin. If you find yourself out in harsh weather it can damage the outer layer of the skins surface in minutes!

Boom. Done. All taken right from their own product description from their shopping page. That's what's really nice about Mainely Cole's - no sales pitch, no science lab ingredients, just a respectable level of straight forward simplicity. I can appreciate that. 

I have tried 3 of Mainely Cole's handmade in Maine products so far, and they include the Jessie's Joy Honeysuckle Botanical Body Mist, the Jessie's Joy Honeysuckle Body Butter, and Mainely Cole's handmade soaps. 

To give each product their due:

Jessie's Joy Honeysuckle Botanical Body Mist

Take what you know about body mists...alright, have it? Now, crumple that up into a metaphorical ball, and throw it all out the window. Now you're ready for this mist. This isn't a strict fragrance mist, and I'm not sure I would really categorize it as a fragrance mist at all, although it smells really quite nice. What this mist does is combine botanical benefits into a spray, and lets you experience them all at once. The mist is comprised of botanical ingredients such as aloe leaf juice, witch hazel, black willow bark, green tea, sugar cane, and cherry...so pretty much everything that your skin will love you for. Filled with ECGC, antioxidants, and Vitamin E, along with the super healing power of aloe, this will make you feel good and smell good all at the same time. I've been using it as a spray all-over product after I get out from the shower every day for the last week, and my skin seems to be genuinely more radiant. It also works quite well as a makeup setting spray or facial spritzer, and it won't make you break out. 

Jessie's Joy Honeysuckle Body Butter

(Look at that halo. Either this came from heaven, or my flash is set too high. I'm not confident to make the distinction either way.)

I feel you're sensing a pattern here. Yes, I am absolutely obsessed with all things Honeysuckle, one of the many reasons I was drawn to start sampling Mainely Cole's products in the first place. Unlike other brands, they keep it going all year round, and I don't have to wait for the spring line to get my fix. This is actually a product I received as a little bonus sample with my first Mainely Cole's order of the soaps and mist, and I was really excited to try it. That's the really nice thing, I've found, about going small brand, folks - artisans LOVE their craft, and they LOVE for you to experience it as much as possible. They want you to love their goodies as much as they do, and it is the furthest possible thing from the "who cares?" nameless shopping experience. 

Now, onto the butter. This is super rich. Like, super ultra mega rich, and I actually didn't care too much for it on my hands (I wound up trapped in my bedroom, unable to get enough hand friction to turn a door handle, and I thought the end was imminent. I then wiped my hands on a towel I had laying around and managed escape. Phew.) 

If your hands get horrendously dry in the winter, this is for you, and I bet it would work impeccably slathered on and topped with a pair of gloves for an overnight treatment. What I like to use it for is my arms and legs, which do get horrendously dry and itchy during the winter. The smell is very nice, quite authentic, and not the faux-super sweet you get with many Honeysuckle products. Once the butter soaks in, you're committed, and your skin will be hydrated for hours through washing, changing, and doing any old activity you may feel like participating in. On top of the Jessie's Joy Body Mist, the scent is really well-rounded and my skin laps up the nutrients like a kitten to a bowl of warm milk. Definitely a home-run! 

Custom Made Soap Bars

In my recent ventures into artisan body products, I've learned something really important, and that is that a soap is not just as soap. Some will leave your hands or body feeling filmy or grimy, some will dry you out, some will smell one way on the bar and another on your skin, some will seem to melt overnight...but Mainely Cole's is none of these things. The soap bars are a great size that fits like a glove in just about any soap dish, and the scents are really where it's at. I purchased this Citrus, Cedar, Sage bar as well as a (spoiler alert, this is going to be shocking) Honeysuckle bar, and I'm really loving the make of this soap thus far. The Honeysuckle bar is currently on guard against hand germs in my downstairs bathroom, so I spared you the photo of a used soap bar and opted for the Citrus, Cedar, Sage bar I'm actually yet to use instead. Both bars smell really lovely, and the scents are wonderfully natural. Mainely Cole's has bars which use fragrance, some which use goat's milk, some that are entirely organic, and some that are all natural, so you're not lacking in options here. 

In terms of use, the lather that the soap bars create is really nice, and you're not struggling to get that scrub ready feeling. They can be used for hands or body, although I prefer hands, and they rinse clean so you're not feeling yuckier than when you started. 

I placed a few orders for a few more products that I'm expecting this week and next, so I plan to do a part two for Mainely Cole's at some point next week featuring the Gracie's Combo shampoo and conditioner, the Cucumber Gel Therapy Masque, and the hot off the press Jasmine Bath Salts. 

Mainely Cole's is a growing brand that I personally cannot wait to see more from, and you can view their entire selection (all handmade in Maine) here:  Shop Mainely Cole's

If you're interested in the products you just read about:

• The Jessie's Joy Body Butter retails for $30 for a full sized pot, $7 for the mini-pot I'm holding, and a little bit goes a veeeeery long way. 
• The Botanical Body Mists come in 3 varieties (not just Honeysuckle!) and are currently on sale for $11. 
• The Custom Soaps come in about 14 bajillion different varieties and they go for $7 per bar.

I would like to add that this post was not sponsored in any way, and that these products were ones I chose to purchase on my own fruition. The opinions regarding the products are entirely my own. 


Edited to add: It has come to my attention that Mainely Cole's is somewhat bigger than I had initially thought, and that I'm just painfully behind the ball when it comes to excellent natural skincare. You get excited when you find a new (or new to you) treasure. They've been featured in publications such as Gladys and Organic Spa Magazine, as well as on television, however, the line remains beautifully hand crafted with exceptional care. 

I'll leave you with an article I found on MaineToday.com from last year which delves into a bit of brand history as well as showcases a few other products I am yet to try:  MaineToday.com on Mainely Coles

Introducing Something A Little Different

A quick update:

In an effort to post more, keep updated, and not have, you know, six month spells where I let the page die, I want to do something a little different with this space from now on. I started this blog to primarily review testing opportunities I was given through BzzAgent, Influenster, Crowdtap, and Smiley 360, as I know a ton of ladies who are active on these sites and really take an interest into the plethora of products they offer through campaigns. Unfortunately, I'm not nearly as active on these sites as I used to be, and I realized something pretty important: 9/10 times, the products I'm blogging about don't really need the buzz. I'm pretty sure we've all heard of Maybelline, I will venture to guess we're familiar with Garnier, and I'd be stunned to meet a person who has no idea about the concept of a K-cup...so I'm afraid my efforts may have been realized as redundant.

While I still want to focus on these campaign opportunities when they arise (as I'd be willing to bet there are some curious folks out there who want to know a bit about new products from old favorites before purchasing them) I want to sort of shift that focus a bit to those brands who could really use the buzz.

Buzzing, to me, means getting the word out, and I've found recently a TON of little companies and lesser known brands that I really think deserve a few words. I'm going to dedicate some time, post more regularly, and create these words about brands I've been wowed by. Also, as always, I'll make sure to let you all know where you can get your hands on them as well!

Celestial Seasonings' Peppermint Tea

Included in my #FrostyVoxBox wasn't just cosmetic goodies, there were a few old fashioned goodies as well, and one of these was this Peppermint tea by Celestial Seasonings. Now, I make it no secret that I'm a HUGE coffee and tea fan, and Celestial Seasonings makes several classics that I just can't get enough of. 

When it comes to flavors of the season, you can't get much more appropriate than peppermint for winter, and having a cup of this is just like having a hot cup of Christmas spirit...so, basically, it was a whole lot of awesome. Also, it gets pretty stinkin' chilly in Pennsylvania, so hot beverages are my BFFs for about 6 months out of the year. 

While the flavor was undoubtedly awesome with this tea, it's also really good for you. With absolutely nothing phony or artificial, this is a tea that embraces the natural flavors and health benefits of herbal teas as well as fresh peppermint leaves. 

If you're looking for an energy boost, this might not be the tea you're looking for, as this is a naturally decaffeinated variety, but this also makes it the ideal option for a bit of before bed comfort. I tend to have a bit of insomnia from time to time, and a spot of this tea is excellent for helping your mind and body to get a little necessary wind-down time. 

All in all, this is another home run for Celestial Seasonings, and I plan to keep this on my shelf right next to their Sleepy Time tea for when I just can't get my brain to turn off when it's time for bed. You can find this seasonal deliciousness in most major grocery stores and big box stores, and a box of 20 tea bags will normally run you between $3-$4. 

Thanks again to Influenster for allowing me to try this tea free of charge, and if you're interested in getting in on some #VoxBox goodness, check out Influenster here: Influenster

If you can't find the Celestial Seasonings' Peppermint tea in your local stores, it can also be purchased at the brand's own online store here: Shop Celestial Seasonings Peppermint

The Influenster #FrostyVoxBox

As a special treat for finishing the Influenster virtual vox box campaign for Ebay, I was automatically qualified to receive the #FrostyVoxBox, the super coveted beauty vox box curated for winter. What's so great about these seasonal beauty boxes is that you get a little bit of everything, and it's stuff you can use right away as it's crafted to go along with the trends and needs of the season. 

Now, what was all included in this little box of awesome? I Instagrammed my freshly opened package:

The #FrostyVoxBox included some delish Fruit Vines, an Eco Tools hairbrush (of the smoothing, volumizing, or all of the above variety), a sample of Celestial Seasonings peppermint tea, a sample of the No 7 serum by Boots, a bottle of McCormick thyme seasoning, Rimmel's Kohl Kajal eyeliner in black as well as gentle eye makeup remover, and NYC New York Color lip color in Sugar Plum. Basically, this box left you with a little something for the hair, something for the skin, something for the eyes, something for the lips, and a few things for the tummy; offering an all around thorough and enjoyable #VoxBox experience! 

Altogether, this was a great box, and certainly one of the best seasonal beauty Vox Boxes I've been fortunate enough to get my hands on. Out of all of the products in the box, my personal favorite would have to be the Eco-Tools brush. I got the all-style version, and while I was hoping for the volumizing brush, I have been left nothing but satisfied. When you blow-dry lifting up the hair and starting at the root, you still get perfectly desirable volume, but the shape and cut of the brush slashes your drying time in half (SUPER convenient!) Also, a big issue I have with finer hair is that I'll get all tangled up in the crease where the brush head meets the handle, and this miraculous brush hasn't done that once during any of my sessions of daily use. 

As far as least favorites, I really did like everything, but if I had to choose one I'd have to go with the eyeliner. It's a nice eyeliner, don't get me wrong, but it was a little bit of a nightmare to remove even using Rimmel's own remover. I tried the remover with other eye makeup products and it was fine, but that Kohl Kajal is one incredibly stubborn pencil; I was removing excess eyeliner for around 2 days. Granted, I am also open to the possibility that I put too much on...so there is that. 

The Celestial Seasonings tea was a perfect choice for the #FrostyVoxBox, and it was nice to have a warm little treat with a seasonal flavor to enjoy. Decaffinated, it was the perfect relaxing beverage to indulge in before bed, and it was impossible to enjoy it and not think of Christmastime. 

I'll be getting a bit more specific about the particular products in a few upcoming blogs, so stay tuned if my abridged versions aren't quite cutting it! 

I got all of this great stuff free of charge thanks to Influenster, and if you want to get on the Influenster train yourself, simply head on over to Influenster

#Influenster #InfluensterVox #VoxBox #FrostyVoxBox

What it means to be an Influenster

When I started this blog, I had in mind to create something of a place where I could share a bit of my buzz. My "buzz", as I so lovingly call it, refers to my reviews, thoughts, and whimsical musings on various products I've received free of charge, or for a steep discount, from the many tester and word of mouth marketing groups I am fortunate enough to be a part of. One of my favorites of all of these groups is none other than Influenster, and as you'll see if you change your line of vision just to the right there, I am proud to be part of the Influenster blogging network. 

This post will be a bit different, and rather than reviewing a particular product, group of products, or experience I've had, I want to buzz about what it is, and what it means, to be an Influenster. 

First and foremost, Influenster is a bit different than many somewhat similar groups, as pretty much everything is accessible, and communication is encouraged. Rather than limiting campaigns, information, and "buzz" to single groups fortunate to be in on a particular campaign, Influenster really embraces the sharing is caring rule. If you're not on any type of campaign, or you're not eagerly anticipating the arrival of your next VoxBox, you can still use the site to peruse through thousands of testimonials, reviews, and relevant information from brands ranging between Apple to those who make organic tea. Didn't get in on a campaign you wanted, or saw something great in a VoxBox you would have loved to try? Simply look up the brand, read what those who tried it had to say, find out what it costs and where to buy, and ask all the questions your little heart desires to experience products through the experts who've purchased on their own or used them during Influenster testing campaigns. Best part? It's free; every last little bit of it. 

It wouldn't be unheard of to compare Influenster to something more of a social media site for testers, buyers, and those with influence in the realm of retail products and opinion. The communication ability is what sets Influenster apart, in my opinion, from any other testing group or program. 

Next on the list is the ever coveted VoxBox. Ah yes, that thing that every Influenster wants to get their hands on. VoxBoxes come in all shapes, colors, sizes, themes, uses, and audience demographics, and, in many instances, you're not trying out a particular product with a VoxBox, but an experience instead. The seasonal beauty VoxBoxes are probably the most sought after, and inside there will be any range of different products ideal for use during the current season. Oh, and yes, you did read that correctly: productS, not product. While some VoxBoxes showcase one particular product, these delightful little seasonal beauty campaign VoxBoxes could include lip products, eye products, health and wellness products, facial masques, shaving goodies, fragrances, or just about any other combination of treats you can think into a theme and a few walls of cardboard. 

With VoxBoxes, you don't just try the products and be done with it, you're also given the opportunity to win badges, gift cards, and additional goodies as you go about doing your VoxBox tasks. Now, these tasks aren't jumping through hoops of fire or circumnavigating the globe, they're as simple as writing blogs, tweeting, reviewing, picture or video taking, Facebook sharing, or any other myriad of simple things done creatively to inform the public about what you're trying now. When it comes to the prizes, each brand with products making up the VoxBox will have their own set out tasks, and each set of tasks will have their own particular prize or prizes. To put into perspective, the blog I wrote about the Schwarzkopf Osis + Rough Rubber Paste was part of the Schwarzkopf Osis brand badge set of tasks, and I was one of the lucky winners to receive a package of hair products from the brand retailing at over $120. Not only was I thrilled to win, but it gave me another opportunity to try out some new things. The Schwarzkopf Osis+ Grip Volume Mousse and I are in love after a blissful 1.5 year relationship beginning the day I received that glorious Schwarzkopf box; I'm expecting the can to pop the question any day now.

For single brand VoxBox campaigns, you're also given the opportunity to win great stuff and earn brand badges, but just what is up for grabs will differ with each passing, single or multiple product,campaign! 

Alright, so just how do you score a VoxBox for yourself? Well, you'll first need to work on your reach, your impact score, and your badges. Impact score is figured out by linking your social media and blogging profiles, but you don't have to worry about the spammy stuff. Influenster won't post for you unless you tell them to, and they won't clutter your pages up with junk. What the information is used for is determining how much interaction you enjoy on each respective platform, and factoring this into just how far your reach will go. The higher your followers, friend lists, and blog activity, the  better your reach, and the better the reach, the more likely you are to be picked for a box. The badges I'm referring to are your expert or interest badges, and you'll earn these by answering questions, interacting with others, or leaving reviews on a vast array of different topics. Love beauty products and want the beauty badge? Interact with other beauty connoisseurs and earn that badge! Big in the techie realm? Leave some reviews about that phone or tablet you just got, and answer some questions others may have about their next tech purchase! Because the interaction is kept fun and simple, it's quite easy to start racking up these badges quickly. 

Lastly, don't forget your snaps. Rather than bogging you down with super long (and dare I say super boring?) super-surveys, you'll get to enjoy snaps instead. Snaps are like little mini survey questions that you can complete and return to as your schedule allows, and the information you provide gives Influenster a way to figure out what you're in to, what you like, and what campaigns may be a perfect fit. 

All in all, I love Influenster, and I'm proud to be a member. When it comes to product testing opportunities, the brand is second to none, and engagement keeps things from ever getting stale. You don't feel like you're working, you feel like you're sharing, and the more you share will give you a better experience. If you're Influenster-ing on the go, they also have an app for that, so you can keep up with your stuff without being bogged down by a physical computer. 

So, what does it mean to be an Influenster? Well, it means using your own level of influence to have fun, engage with other consumer savvy individuals, and take the opportunity to try the hottest up and coming products just because you got that influential swag. 

If Influenster was an iceberg, this novel-esque post is an ice cube chipped from the tip, and the best way to learn more about what it means to be an Influenster is to visit the site itself at www.influenster.com

#Influenster #InfluensterBlogger #InfluensterApp #WhatItMeansToBeAnInfluenster 

ChapStick Dual Ended Hydration Lock From Smiley 360

Thanks to an awesome campaign from Smiley 360, I have had the opportunity to try the ChapStick Dual Hydration Lock for free, and the formula I was given to test was the night and day version with a special end for daytime use, and another end for overnight lip protection. 

My initial worry when beginning this campaign was the size of the product, as I am not a big fan of big lip products difficult to fit into a pocket (although, I should prefer them, as it'll be easier to realize when I've left one in my pocket before doing my wash :/ ). I was thrilled to see, however, when I received the product that the tube was pretty standard sized, and although a little long, it could fit into a pant or jacket pocket quite easily. 

This is a no-frills lip product, which is just what I wanted and just what I need for the oft cold and windy Pennsylvania fall season. The daytime end has an SPF of 15, I believe, so your lips remain protected from cold, wind, and sun, while the nighttime formula has extra moisturizing properties so your lips can soak it up and heal overnight. 

The flavor of the product is bland, it's nothing too special, and I found that both ends had something of an essence of subtle Vanilla which was quite pleasant. After using the product pretty regularly for around a month, I'm also pleased to report that my lips have experienced no chapping thus far! 

You can find this product at Walmart, Target, and all of your typical drugstores for around $6, and in my opinion, it's well worth the ticket price with the protection the stick provides.

A big thank you to Smiley 360 for allowing me to try this product for free, and if you'd like to test out your own products you can become a member of the Smiley squad here: Smiley 360

New From Skintimate: Mandarin Burst

Thanks to Crowdtap, I was lucky enough to receive a full sized bottle of Skintimate's new Mandarin Burst shave gel to give a try as part of the Crowdtap #SkintimateHappyLegs sampling. I'll preface this by saying, my skin is super sensitive, and even the smallest perceived "insult" to my legs will result in terribly itchy skin with the smoothness and moisture of the Mojave. Because of this, I'm always on the lookout for some type of new shave gel that will placate my angry legs, and give me that sweet sweet smoothness I'm perpetually yearning for.


When I first cracked open this new Skintimate variety, my initial impression was "YUM.". The stuff smells fantastic, and the aroma that Skintimate was able to create smells genuinely expensive. You're not getting the faux orange smell of a Dum-Dum Lollipop or kitchen floor cleaner, but one that is actually, genuinely, and legitimately reminiscent of fresh citrus. This was a good start, and it knocked off one category on my judge's panel, so I was eager to see if the product would continue to wow me.

As for application, the gel goes on nice and smooth, giving you a cream lather where a little bit can go a long way. The cream isn't too thick, however, and its richness isn't one that leaves you struggling to rinse the razor with each and every swipe. Once the shaving process was complete, but not yet dried off, I was happy with my results so far. I noticed no nicks, no cuts, and a nice ultra-soft slippery feel that sort of made me want to dolphin squeaks while in the shower...but I begrudgingly spared my family the Flipper impressions.

Next came the dry off and finished result, and this is the portion of the try-out process that typically gives me the most trouble. With a single towel wipe, I'll normally go from Flipper to Groot in a matter of seconds, and I'll have to follow my drying with a slathering of all of the lotions to achieve normal human skin again. After using the new Skintimate Mandarin Burst, however, that wasn't the case, and I had normal human skin after the course of drying. I will say, however, that the moisture I was able to achieve from the gel could have lasted a little bit longer, as I was forced to get the lotion out before bedtime in order to avoid scratching my legs to shreds all night; but I was satisfied as a single lotion application is a much lesser deal than my normal 85 bajillion.


All in all, for the price and the results, this is a product worthy of serious consideration. The scent is fantastic, the feel was lovely, and the end result was one I was satisfied with; when these factors are paired with price, it's a no-brainer.

At many drugstore or big box locations, you can pick up your own bottle of Skintimate Mandarin Burst for around $3, and a single bottle should last those that shave regularly for around a month to two depending on the areas the product is being used on and with what exact frequency.  In my personal opinion, $3 per month for the results I was able to achieve is far more than worth it.

A special thank you to Crowdtap for allowing me to try this product for free, and if you're interested in becoming a Tapper yourself, simply visit Crowdtap today to get started!

Crowdtap and the #DOAC Crew Atlantic City Sampling

As part of an awesome sampling done by Crowdtap, I had the opportunity yesterday to visit Atlantic City and "DO AC" the way it's meant to be done. However, due to Murphy's Law and certain other planning discrepancies...things didn't quite go as planned, but we still managed to get a nice taste of AC.

Courtesy of Crowdtap, the sampling came along with a 1 night's stay at Harrah's Resort in the Marina section of Atlantic City, an adorable little flip-flop bottle opener keychain, a DO AC Swag Bag which was available for pickup at the Crowdtap/DO AC cocktail party at the H2O Bar in the Golden Nugget, and passes to ride the small Jitney buses around the island and make the most of the evening.

The boyfriend and I started our day off early and headed out to hit the beach around 9am on Monday morning. Being in Pennsylvania, it's about a 2 hour ride to AC, and we wanted to have plenty of time to soak up the sun before checking in to the hotel. We got in to AC around 11am, found excellent and affordable parking at Harrah's sister casino The Showboat, and made our way on foot to the beach and boards. I say "made our way on foot", but really the Showboat's parking area is only about a block and a half from the beach, so our adventurous walking journey was, in reality, about 10 minutes at a leisurely pace.

From this vantage point on the beach, we were right next to the landmark and historic Steel Pier. AC boasts the oldest boardwalk in the country, and Steel Pier has been entertaining families since 1898, first as a theatre, then as an amusement park. As we relaxed on the beach, we were able to watch the rides on the pier and enjoy the festivities from a relaxing afar.

(Not a bad view!)

After spending the day on the beach, we packed up and headed out to our hotel at around 2:15pm to get ready for our 3pm check in. I had the mind to do a little research on the hotel beforehand, and many TripAdvisor reviewers said the check-in lines were on the long side, so we made sure to get there early as to miss the afternoon rush. 

Even with our early arrival...our wait in the check-in line was around 1 hour. Luckily, Harrah's Resort is a gorgeous place, and I loved walking through the casino area to get to the grand lobby. As you walk around Harrah's, you'll see stores, cafes, casino games, families, and plenty of super friendly Harrah's staff. 

However, it was at this point when things started to not go as planned. 

After the hour-long check-in line, we were at the desk and ready to check in. Now, I will preface this by saying that I know my own temptations, and I know how to most responsibly control them, so I do not own a high-limit credit card. I do have a major credit card, but I keep my credit line at a very-low level to ensure I can keep excellent credit without getting sucked into an interest-filled debt hole. What I wasn't aware of was, at Harrah's, in order to check in, guests are required to have a credit card with at least $100 available for hold as a security deposit, and if a debit card is used, the account should have at least $200 to be held. Unfortunately, to ready ourselves for our trip, we took most of our cash out of the debit accounts, and my credit account didn't have the $100 for holding (the credit line doesn't have much more than that, anyway), and we were turned away. We offered to give cash as a security deposit, since we had plenty of that, but to no avail. Not enough credit/debit = no room. 

After driving two hours and getting turned away at our hotel...we were pretty disappointed.  We debated on what to do, and then decided to try to get a cheap room someplace else (since we were in the area already anyway), and if we couldn't do that, we'd just head home. We did find somewhere to stay at a neighboring shore point, but we certainly didn't get the AC experience we were so excited for; we were unable to attend the H2O cocktail party (due to lack of shower/place to change), no swag bag, and no Jitney rides. 

To sum up, I do wish I knew of the deposit requirements and amounts, so I could have cleared my credit card account in preparation, or left cash in my checking to cover the necessary holding. However, I will say, that the staff at Harrah's were very nice, and the resort casino was gorgeous. 

Even though things didn't work out exactly as planned, we still had a very nice time in AC. Thanks again to Crowdtap for this exciting opportunity, even if we didn't get the chance to experience it fully, and I'd highly recommend a summer full of #DOAC! 

I was able to #DOAC thanks to Crowdtap, and if you're interested in becoming part of the #DOACCrew, check them out today at Crowdtap to get tappin'! 

Boots Botanics Ionic Clay Mask #powerofplants

I'd like to take a minute to give my favorite product from the Influenster J'Adore Vox Box a little spotlight of its own. This mask left my skin feeling completely cleansed and totally conditioned, and it was actually as easy to apply as it was to rinse off, which I found very surprising considering my past experiences with different clay masks! 

When putting this mask on, I first washed my face to present a blank canvas and allow all of the botanical  goodness to enter my pores. The consistency of this mask is a bit thinner than I'm used to, but this aspect actually really added to the ease of application. 

When applying the mask I put a small amount on 2 fingers and start with the apples of my cheeks. Bringing the product down towards my chin, I covered the cheek area and made almost a mask beard with the application. After these areas were finished, I then started on my nose, and  brought the product up the bridge and onto the forehead, connecting the forehead area down the temple and back down to the apples of my cheeks. 

I like to use these products as an all over pampering experience, so I'll typically put the mask on before getting into a hot bubble bath. I tend to leave the mask on for a little longer than the 10 minutes that the bottle suggests, and I'll rinse off after about 20 minutes or so. The directions call for a wiping off of the mask, but I found a quick rinse was far more sufficient, didn't dirty up a towel, and helped my skin to feel cleaner after the fact. 

Once the mask is rinsed off I finish up with a little moisturizer, and my skin is left soft, clean, and glowing from the nutrients this mask so graciously offers!

I will most certainly be buying this mask again, especially now that I've seen the botanical benefits. When I say that this is my favorite mask I have ever used, not only am I not exaggerating, but this is based on using over 10-15 different brands of facial mask. Boots, by far, gets my gold seal of approval!

Thanks again to Influenster for including this excellent product in the J'Adore Vox Box, and allowing me the opportunity to try it free! Never underestimate the #PowerOfPlants!

Introducing the J'Adore Vox Box Courtesy of Influenster!

Unfortunately, I tore into this Vox Box quicker than I could take a picture, so the image above is thanks to Influenster's own Instagram! 

First and foremost, this was a Valentine's Day themed box filled with goodies to eat, to drink, to wear, and to pamper, giving Influensters a fully delightful Valentine's Day experience. What caught my eye first was the Boots Botanics Clay Mask, as something of a mask connoisseur, I was really excited to see how this product matched up with others I've used. 

The Boots mask wound up being my absolute favorite product of the entire box, and it was hands down the most incredible mask I've ever used. With a slightly thinner consistency, it was really easy to apply and get on evenly, something that I've struggled with when using other masks in the past. When the product dries, it doesn't feel bizarre, or alien, or itchy, it actually feel comfortable. Because of this, I wasn't sure the product was working, but after rinsing off I could really see just how well it worked. The rinsing process was as easy as the application process, and all of the product rinsed off easy and clean even after fully drying. 

The only complaint I have with the Boots mask product is that it did leave something of a mess in my sink, and cleanup was a little difficult. 

My next most well-loved product was the FULL pound of Hershey's Kisses! In pink, silver, and red foil, this box surprised me with a huge bag of some of the greatest treats ever to exist. Classic, delicious, and as expected, this bag did not last long! 

A set of natural looking Kiss lashes was also included, and although false lashes aren't really my thing, these would be my first choice. They look real and have a really soft pleasant feel, but they still provide the drama one would seek when wearing lashes! 

For hair, John Freda's Frizz Ease 3 Day Straight Iron serum was in the box, and this too wasn't a product I would normally use. With very straight hair, I don't have much need for a flat iron or straightening product, but I did try the product a couple of times to investigate its quality. Like any other John Freda product I've used, it was a really stellar product and I could see it working wonderfully for those with naturally curly hair looking for a straight style. 

Lastly, included in my box, was the little packets of Red Rose Tea. In Creme Caramel and Lemon Chiffon, these teas put a whole new spin on freshly brewed hot tea. The Creme Caramel was really a stand out product for me, and I loved it with a little bit of actual cream and sugar! 

Thanks again to Influenster for allowing me to try this entire box of great products for free!

Dr. Scholl's® For Her Cozy Cushions

Also as part of the Rose Vox Box program through Influenster I got to try these nifty little cozy cushions, a brand new product by Dr. Scholl's For Her. These Cozy Cushions are insoles made for the cold weather months, which in Pennsylvania are certainly abundant!

The insole is covered in a fuzzy and super warm almost faux sheepskin like material that really retains heat while keeping moisture at bay, and these insoles provide a double benefit with the cushion-y support they also provide. In short, it's a supportive and soft insole that also keeps you toasty toasty warm!

When I first received the package, I was curious as to how these would fit my shoes, as they were HUGE. However, once I opened them up I saw that they were completely sizable, and all you have to do is cut along the line that shows your shoe size. The process was beyond easy, and I had my fuzzy new size 7 insoles ready to wear in no time at all!

The first pair of shoes I tried these insoles in were my Tom's Shoes Desert Wedges, and I found that the insoles was a little too wide, and caused my foot to sit a little too high for these particular shoes; Although they were rather cozy and comfy after I put them in!

I decided to opt for a shoe that was a little wider naturally, so I chose my sturdy black lace-up Nike boots. These are the boots I'm typically in if there's dreaded snow on the ground, so I figured that these would be the perfect vessels in which to tuck in my cozy cushions. Needless to say, I was correct. For boots, these insoles are now an absolute must, and they really breathed new life into an old trustworthy pair of boots for me. Whether you plant to tromp through the snow, or walk from your car and back, it's incredible how much warmer and more comfortable your cold weather shoes will be with the addition of these insoles.

These insoles can be found anywhere from $9-$12 at your standard big box stores like Target or Walmart, and they really make a great investment in any pair of shoes. However, if a shoe fits a bit tighter naturally, these insoles could prove to be a bit too wide, but they can be cut smaller at any time! 

Thanks to Influenster for allowing me the opportunity to try these insoles for free!

Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara by Rimmel London

As part of the Rose Vox Box program from Influenster, I was lucky enough to try the new Scandaleyes Retro Glam mascara by Rimmel London that freshly hit store shelves just last month in November. I'm a big time mascara gal, and I have a collection that could make Twiggy herself jealous, so I was beyond eager to try this hot off the press product.

Upon first use, I noticed that the brush was SUPER effective, and it coated each lash perfectly for a super dramatic fanned out look. I adore retro styles, and I though that the look I was able to achieve with this mascara fit the bill perfectly. For a truly retro feel, I did an extra coat (or three) on the corners of my lashes, and I was able to achieve a "cat eye" like appearance without spending a half hour fighting with an unsteady hand and liquid liner brush!

The only downside I found to the mascara, however, was that it seemed to dry out much too fast. The first two or three weeks of using the product was incredible...but after that I started noticing the clumps, or "mascara boogers" as I so affectionately like to call them. Getting the same smooth fan that I was able to achieve got more and more difficult after that initial few-week honeymoon period, and after about a month I found the product to be close to unusable.

However, this mascara only retails for around $10, and can be found at all your major drug stores, so it's not necessarily difficult to replace. For the look I was able to get for the first few weeks of use, I will most likely purchase this mascara to use again in the future, because you just can't find that type of drama with a mascara that's this affordable on the regular!


Thanks to Influenster for allowing me to try this product free!

Intense Healing With Curel

 

Courtesy of BzzAgent, I was lucky enough to receive Curel's Intensive Healing Cream around the end of September. Mind you, I have horrible dry hands from fall into winter, it's an annual event so predictable you could set your watch to it. They have so affectionately been called "Dragon Hands" "Alligator Hands" and "Ew." for quite some time now, and although everyone just loves a pet name...I do not love this dryness. 

Immediately upon trying the cream, I noticed that it soaked in nicely. This was fantastic in two ways:

1. Greasy hands are not fun, and dropping things isn't my idea of a good time.
2. I knew it was actually going INTO my skin, not resting on top of it. 

It's hard for me to find creams that really soak in there, so experiencing that was great development.

After a few weeks of use, I did notice that the skin on my hands was far less dry and far more comfortable, but it was still early in the season, and I wasn't going to get my hopes COMPLETELY up.

Once November welcomed itself in, and the weather was steadily pretty chilly up here in Pennsylvania I let myself believe in the Intensive Healing. Throughout plenty of bitter cold days and nights, and a few especially chilly cold snaps, my hands are still going strong. There is no sign of the chapping coming back, and I don't have to worry starting a fire each time I rub my palms together.

I was fortunate enough to try this product free through BzzAgent, but it can be found at Walmart, Target, and just about any drugstore for around $9.99-$11.99 for a nicely sized 16oz pot. Mind you, the pot will last you forever, and you may even be able to pass it on to future generations as something of an heirloom piece, because so little goes such a long way.

Thanks again to BzzAgent for allowing me the opportunity to try this product free! If you're interested in becoming a BzzAgent, check it out here: BzzAgent


#GotItFree #ImABzzAgent

Dr. Scholl's Active Series For Her

Compliments of Influenster, I recently had the opportunity to try the new Dr. Scholl's Active Series insoles. These insoles are meant for sneakers and making physical activity a bit more comfortable by way of excellent support.

The one thing that I noticed, and loved, immediately after receiving these insoles is the triple support they offer; your entire foot is completely covered! From the ball, to the arch, to the heel, nothing was left out in terms of support. I placed these insoles in my sneakers after receiving them, and I was ready to go!

I have Nike sneakers, nothing fancy or special about them, and I use them to do my daily walks or hikes. I'm not much of a runner, I do run on occasion, but it's certainly not my favorite means of physical activity, and I'm much more of a walker and hiker instead. The first time I used these insoles I was going on a hike through some park trails down the road from my house, and I immediately noticed the excellent arch support. I never realized how poor the arch support was in these shoes until I used the insoles, and the added comfort was extraordinary!

My next significant discovery came the following day. After a rigorous hike, my lower back and hamstrings are usually pretty sore, and I often wake up a bit wobbly that next morning. Nope, not with these insoles. All of my typical aches and pains were a distant memory, and when I awoke the next morning, I felt zero pain or discomfort in any of my leg or back muscles! My weak knees, sore hamstrings, and achy lower back were nowhere to be found, and I could've jumped out of bed and straight  back onto the trail if I wanted to!

All in all, these are excellent insoles, and I'd highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys a bit of exercise with not a shred of discomfort either during or after the fact. You can find these handy little products in Walgreen's or Walmart and the price can range from $19.97-$24.99, which in my opinion is pocket change for the results they provide!

Again, thank you to Influenster for allowing me the opportunity to try yet another excellent product for free!

Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+

The highlight of my Spring Fever Vox Box from Influenster was most certainly this OSiS+ Rough Rubber Paste.

I have short-er hair, it comes down to my chin at its longest point, and I'm quite the hair styling enthusiast. I like funky and fun statement hairstyles, which normally take some product to achieve. I've tried a multitude of different products to achieve these looks, and this one may now be in my top 3.

This rough rubber paste does have a strange consistency, which can be a little different to get used to. However, once you do get used to working with it, it's an excellent product to work with. The feeling of it is almost bouncy, like if you were to drop a penny onto the open container, it would jump right back up to you (I wouldn't recommend trying this, however, as I'm sure it does not work that way!).

The scent of the product is pleasant, and not overbearing; I found it to be a nice and clean scent. In my previous experiences with similar products, I would find myself almost annoyed by the overwhelming scent, so I was very pleased to find a product that didn't stink up my style.

To use this rubber paste, I used my pointer and middle fingers to scoop out a small amount from the jar, just enough to cover both fingertips. Then, I wiped my fingertips into the palm of my opposing hand, and rubbed my hands together to make sure I would get a nice even application. I worked the product from my palms into my hair starting with the under layers and working my way up; grabbing and pulling the product through each layer of my hair. After applying, I was able to "rough up" my layers to achieve a great textured look. Once I was finished, I set my style with a little hair spray, messed it up a bit, and was ready to go!

The only downside of this product that I've found is that it doesn't offer optimal hold, in my opinion. I often had to dip back into the pot to achieve a little more hold, but doing so too much would make my hair look greasy. Overall, I would recommend this product, however, as it really gives you a great look once you get the hang of using it.

This rough rubber paste is available at salons and specialty hair-care retailers and sells for about $20 per pot. To find out more about this great paste, check out Schwarzkopf's website at: http://www.schwarzkopf-professionalusa.com/ !


A huge thank you, as always, to Influenster for giving me the opportunity to try this product free!

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

Through Influenster, I was recently lucky enough to try the new imPRESS Press-On Manicure included within my Spring Fever Vox Box. I'm not typically one for press on manicures, as I am fortunate enough to be able to easily grow healthy natural nails, but since this was provided to me at no cost...I was more than willing to give it the old college try!

I used these press-on nails before an evening out, and when I didn't particularly feel like giving myself a full manicure. These press-on nails gave me a great temporary solution to my manicure problem. These nails are quite temporary, though, and did not last very long at all on my nails. I would recommend these nails for situations which would only require one or two days from of a manicured look.

The adhesive used on these press-on nails was easy to remove and did not damage my natural nail. I usually worry about adhesives on my nails, as I have experienced damages from nail adhesives in the past, but with these imPRESS Press-On Nails, I had no need for concern!

What I was most impressed with regarding this product were the styles and patterns offered. The style deemed "Holla" (shown above) is what I received, and as you can see it is a really striking pink/black lace pattern. I loved the classiness of the style, as well as the edginess it provided to my manicure and overall look! The imPRESS line of press-on nails comes in a myriad of different styles, and you are bound to find something you will absolutely love!

Whether you are a regular user of press-on nails, or are more privy to manicuring your own natural nails, I would highly recommend these imPRESS Press-On Manicures. They're quick and convenient, making them perfect for those situations when you may not have the time available to give yourself a proper manicure, and they're gentle on the nail for those who use these types of products regularly. If you ever find yourself crunched for time before a night out, there is no way you could regret keeping a couple of sets of these along with your cosmetic items!

The imPRESS Press-On Manicure set is available at all major retailers, and for great affordable prices. At retail, these kits usually run about $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, making them as cost efficient as they are convenient!

Want to check out the imPRESS Press-On Manicures for yourself? Visit impressmanicure.com/ to find out more about this great product!

Secret Outlast Clear Gel

Through Influenster's coveted Spring Fever Vox Box, which I was so lucky to receive last month, I have been given the opportunity to try yet another great product!

I wear a lot of black; not that I'm gloomy, but what can go wrong with such a slimming, classic, and versatile clothing color choice? Oh, right, besides deodorant streaks. I am well versed in the art of avoiding deodorant streaks, but even the best are destined to fall from time to time. Before trying this clear gel from Secret, I really thought a truly clear deodorant was unattainable.

This clear gel really does stay clear; I am yet to find a single white mark on any article of clothing that I have worn since receiving it. The gel goes on smooth and dries to your skin quickly, although even when I've been rushed and forced to dress immediately after application, the deodorant has yet to make any type of appearance on my clothes. I really think that gone may be the days of trying the "lava pits" dance while shimmying on my shirts!

With the 90+ degree weather we've been having in Pennsylvania, it also does its staying dry job quite well, too. It smells nice and fresh without being overpowering, and it really does keep you dry. The only discrepancy I have found with this product is its 48 hour claim. As gross as it may sound, I happily tested out this claim, but was not overly pleased with the results. I could smell no traces of the deodorant after about 24 hours, and it needed to be reapplied the next day. That being said, however, if my only problem is being forced to put on deodorant every day...I'd say I'm in pretty good shape!

Thanks to Influenster for allowing me the chance to try this excellent product for free!

Old Navy's 2013 Activewear Line!

Through Crowdtap, I was lucky enough to try a sampling of the new 2013 Activewear line by Old Navy! I received two coupons, one for me and one for a girlfriend, for 1 free Activewear top and bottom; so we decided to make a day of it! One of my best girlfriends and I went this afternoon set out to browse this new impressive Activewear line. The first thing I noticed about the line is it is truly fashionable, gone are the days of sacrificing fashion for function in great activewear. We both found an incredible amount of adorable pieces, and it was hard to choose just one of each (I foresee another trip in our near future!)

Firstly and functionally, no corner was cut in the fabric quality. The fabrics are sturdy, moisture wicking, and well sewn; these pieces are going to work as hard as you do. The compression pieces have great stretch and allow really comfortable movement, which is imperative in a good piece of workout clothing. Also, I loved how all sizes were equally represented, as we're both pretty small girls. It's difficult to find XS pants in stock, which always seems to be a problem for us both, but we had PLENTY to choose from with this Old Navy line. From what I noticed, no matter the size, there was something cute on the rack for you!

Now for the fun part, the fashion! I found the fits to be flattering, the colors are bright and varied, and the styles are plentiful. I chose a black pair of fold-over Yoga Capri pants and a very pretty light blue compression top, while my girlfriend went with compression capris and the matching compression top both in a dark heather grey. Color-blocking was very prominent within the line, which I found to be quite trendy and fun, but all color preferences were thoroughly represented.

Noticing the prices, quite a few products were on sale, and those that weren't were far from overpriced. When compared to other activewear lines, Old Navy is not only set out to satisfy your preferences, but also your budget. I didn't see an unreasonably priced item!


A HUGE thank you to Crowdtap for giving the opportunity to try this line out for FREE! Interested in a little tappin'? Check out Crowdtap for yourself at: www.crowdtap.com

Old Navy's Activewear Collection is also available to buy and browse online, and it's worth a peek!
Check it out here:  Old Navy Activewear

Tastykake® Kandy Bar Kakes

I was recently lucky enough to be chosen for one of Influenster's coveted VoxBoxes, and I was thrilled to see it included one of these new delectable little treats! Being a lifelong resident of the Philadelphia area, I am no stranger to Tastykake; it has been a snack staple in my family for as long as I can remember. These new Kandy Bar Kakes are an awesome addition to the Tastykake line of treats, and one I was glad to try out, nobody was twisting my arm to down one of these puppies!

As a peanut butter fanatic, I was more than happy to try out the Reese's variety, and it totally lived up to the hype. I had it as a between breakfast and lunch snack with a cup of coffee, and it really hit the spot. It's a rich little chocolate covered cake bar with a perfectly savory-yet-sweet peanut butter cream center. I do not use the word rich lightly, might I add, and one little cake bar was surprisingly filling. The ONLY thing I would change or suggest regarding these cake bars is the size, they come in the form of one large Kandy Bar Kake. Personally, with how rich and filling I found one bar to be, I thought it would be optimal if they were broken in half and made into two smaller Kandy Bar Kakes per package, so I could easily eat one and save one for later!

Either way, I would highly recommend these little gems for your snacking pleasure. I've only tried the Peanut Butter variety so far, but I did see the entire line in my local WaWa. I think my next victim should be the S'mores variety (I'm a sucker for some S'mores!), and I plan to devour it with a cold glass of milk!

These retail from about $1.69 for a single to $4.49 for a family pack, making them as affordable as they are delicious!

Thanks again to Influenster for allowing me the opportunity to try this product for FREE!


Check out Tastykake's entire line here: http://www.tastykake.com/