Sample Free by 2016 + Welcome Back!!

It is a New Year, which means time for New Resolutions!!

One of my resolutions is to get back into blog posting....Yay! I love blogging, and something came up that inspired me to blog again....something called "Sample Free by 2016."

Sample Free was created by WiMomMandy. She is the wonderful person that is a mom who lives in Wisconsin. She has a family and loves all things beauty. She came up with, along with one other person, a way to encourage people to use up their beauty samples by the end of the year. If you are a beauty hoarder like myself, and have a ton of beauty samples, then you know that samples are awesome but prevent you from using your normal products. On the flip side, samples are great, because you may something you adore better than something you already own.

What are the "rules"?
1. Count how many samples you have, and take a picture off them.
2.  Post your starting number and picture of samples on Instagram.
3.  As you use up samples (daily, weekly, etc.), take a picture and post it on Instagram with a running total of how many samples you've used up/how many total samples you have.
4. As you find more samples, add them to your running total.

This challenge has been accepted by quite a few people already. Mostly, the updates on what samples are being used, thoughts, etc., are being posted to Instagram. I know a couple of people are also going to do monthly fav videos on You Tube as well.

I have decided to post my updates on Instagram (user name: luv_my_guys), and also blog more indept reviews on the samples I use up, here.

What is my total you ask???

565!!!! Yes, 565 beauty samples that I have accumulated over the past years. It is overwhelming, to say the least. However, I have found it to be extremely rewarding and I am only on Day #4 as I am writing this.

What I love is that I am using my samples. If I don't like it after one use...."See ya later!" My number of samples will dwindle down, and I may even find some rare gems in there.

That all being said, Happy, Happy New Year!!! Welcome to 2015, and I hope you enjoy my upcoming blog posts. I also found out that I am expecting Baby #3....Woo Hoo!! I imagine I will be blogging about that as well!

Please let me know if you have any questions. If you plan to join Sample Free by 2016, you don't have to post pictures. You can always just update me in the comments!! If you have an Instagram and do it, let me know what your user name is. We are using hashtags: #SampleFreeBy2016 and #SampledOut. WE CAN DO THIS...lol!

Bonnie

POND’S Luminous Finish BB+ Cream

Hey Everyone!

So I was recently selected to try out the New POND’S Luminous Finish BB+ cream, and I am so excited to share my thoughts on the product.

First, let me show you the awesome package I received from Influenster:

This beautiful box came with 2 full size products (one in light, and one in medium), and then 4 full size brand new boxed creams to give away to my friends. I excitingly gave away 2 and am currently hosting a giveaway for the other two via YouTube:

To share the perks of using the unique pigment system of the BB+ cream, here is some information on it:

• Visibly reduces the appearance of dark spots to even skin tone in two weeks
• Superior coverage of imperfections
• Superior visible dark spot reduction
• Superior non-greasy feel with a matte finish
• Tone Perfecting Complex formulated with:
  • Vitamin E Acetate – an antioxidant known to protect and repair skin
  • Glycerin – helps increase hydration
• Brightens and hydrates with lightweight moisture
• SPF 15 protects against harmful UVA/UVB rays
• Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
• Reduces the number of beauty and skin care products required during a daily beauty regimen

The cream comes in two different shades, light and medium:

And together rubbed in on my skin:

What I truly enjoyed about this product is:

• It is so creamy and yet mattifying at the same time. It is perfect for normal-oily skin, and even if you have dry skin - a light moisturizer prior to applying is all you need.
• A little goes a long way.
• Aside from having dry skin, this product is an all-in-one product. You don't even need to put on moisturizer or a primer.
• It is buildable, meaning you can use it by itself or add another foundation over if you are looking for more coverage. And, you don't have to worry about the BB+ cream causing creases.
• It is afforadable and can be purchased at your local drugstore.
• It does improve the tone of your skin. My co-worker's skin looked visibly improved after she had been using it! My skin looked more luminous and even after using it for two weeks.
• It smells so nice!

Things to consider:

• It lasts on the skin without touchup for about 8 hours.
• Aside from medium, there are no darker options available at this time.

Here is the product on my skin, with only setting powder:

Here are some additional links:

• Visit POND's on Facebook http://facebook.com/PONDS
• To view all key product information on BB+ please visit http://www.influenster.com/review/ponds-luminous-finish-bb-cream

To become an Influenster, sign up at http://www.influenster.com

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Bonnie

Influenster Sugar & Spice Voxbox

I was so excited to be selected to get the Sugar & Spice Voxbox from Influenster. If you are not familiar: Influenster is an awesome company that selects members to test & try products and review them with people that they know, via word-of-mouth, or through outlets such as blogs, or YouTube. You can find out more at www.Influenster.com.

Here is the unboxing of my Voxbox:

The products that were included:

1. Vaseline® Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture®New Vaseline® Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture® is a continuous spray lotion that moisturizes and absorbs in seconds. Skin feels instantly soft – not sticky or greasy. Now you won't have to wait for the lotion to absorb before pulling on your favorite pair of skinny jeans!

2. Colgate® Optic White® Regimen
Your VoxBox contains not one, but THREE Colgate® Optic White® products in a new high impact formula. Use the Optic White® toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash together for whiter teeth in five days (vs. brushing with an ordinary toothpaste alone).

3. NECTRESSE™
NECTRESSE™ sweetener tastes like sugar but has zero calories per serving! 100% all natural, NECTRESSE™ is made primarily from monk fruit combined with other natural sweeteners.

4. Dickinson's® Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes
Introducing Dickinson’s® Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes - The soothing blend of Witch Hazel and aloe on these facial wipes rejuvenates your skin by gently lifting dirt, oil and impurities from your pores while nourishing even the most sensitive skin. The result is a clean, refreshed and blemish-free complexion even when you’re on-the-go.

5. belVita Breakfast Biscuits
belVita Breakfast Biscuits are made with delicious ingredients and carefully baked to release steady energy that lasts all morning. They are a good source of Fiber and B-vitamins, contain no high fructose corn syrup, have 18-20 grams of whole grain per 50 gram serving and taste great - perfect for on-the-go!

I will be posting reviews for these products soon!

Bonnie

AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Intensive Night Cream

I was so excited when I was selected to try the Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream! I am an avid fan of Aveeno and have been using their Moisturizing Body Lotion for years. It's my absolute favorite!

Now, I had seen Aveeno's Positively Radiant line in stores, and wanted to try it out, but had been finishing up a different brand. So when Influenster sent me a jar for free, this was a perfect opportunity to try it out...and I am so happy that I did!

Here are the awesome items I received (Look at the eye mask :) So fun!!):



The beauty of the positively radiant line, is that is has ACTIVE NATURALS® Total Soy Complex and vitamin B3, which target ALL 5 factors of radiance:
1. Tone
2. Texture
3. Dullness
4. Blotchiness
5. Brown Spots

So think more healthier, even, softer skin --- AWESOME!!

I have been using the cream for about 3 weeks now, and I definitely notice a smoother, softer, and more even complexion. There are still some dark spots that I am sure only surgery can lighten, but AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Intensive Night Cream has so many wonderful benefits and it's DRUGSTORE!!

 

The texture of the cream is so soft and silky and goes on so easily. I also noticed that you only need a little - it goes a LONG way. Too much and it will end up sloughing off. Which is great, because you get your bang for your buck! It is also oil-free and still hydrating, so it works great with all skin types.

Here is what the cream looks like:

This is me before bedtime. I like to think my skin looks radiant ;)



A jar of AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® Intensive Night Cream costs about $14.99 to $16.99 for 1.7 oz jar, but you know there are always great deals at CVS and Walgreens. You can also try any National food, drug and mass merchandisers, or drugstore.com.

To learn more about the product, I encourage you to check out www.aveeno.com. They are also tech friendly and have a Facebook :)

Also, if you are interested in learning about the AWESOME Influenster, you can go to www.influenster.com and request an invite!

This is me ready to go to sleep, which I am excited to do since I am waking up to better looking skin :)

Please let me know if you have any questions :)

Bonnie

Disclaimer: I received this product to try complimentary through the Influenster Voxbox program. All opinions, however, are honest and my own. 

Stella Artois Chalice

So I recently joined the Stella Artois Chalice campaign complimentary through BzzAgent. If you are not familiar, Stella Artois is a Belgian beer, which is definitely on the top of my list of preferred beers!And as an avid beer drinker, I definitely have my preferences. I prefer bottles over cans, and an ice cold beer in a giant mug with a handle over a plain glass. So needless to say, a chalice took enjoying a beer to the next level.

What made this campaign so fun to participate in was that not only do I have this amazing glass to drink out of, but there is actually a 9-step pouring ritual used when drinking Belgium beer. This was totally new to me, and there are actually cafes dedicated to utilizing these ritualistic steps.

So to start my experience with the chalice, I took it to the grocery store to help me pick out a beer.....of course it was a Stella....hehe!

At home, and ready to enjoy my beer:

Here are the 9-steps:

I. THE PURIFICATION

 

The trademark Stella Artois chalice is designed to release the beer’s flavour and aroma.
Your bartender will always use one, preferably cleaned with a non-fat-based detergent.
It’s then rinsed with cold water, allowing the glass to reach the same temperature as the beer.

II. THE SACRIFICE

Your bartender opens the tap in one swift motion to let the first burst of foam flow away.
It must never enter the chalice glass, thus ensuring that every drop of Stella Artois is fresh.

III. THE LIQUID ALCHEMY BEGINS

The chalice glass is held at a 45-degree angle.
When the beer hits the chalice and begins to circulate, it creates the ideal proportion of foam relative to liquid.

IV. THE HEAD

 ALTHOUGH “CROWN” WOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE.
The natural creation of the foam head occurs by straightening and lowering the glass.
This initial foam is important as it prevents the beer from coming into contact with the air and losing any flavor.

V. THE REMOVAL

Your bartender then closes the tap in one quick action and moves the glass away from the font, to prevent any drops from falling into the glass.
These drops come into contact with the air, and oxidize, making them unworthy of your glass of Stella Artois.

VI. THE BEHEADING

While the head is flowing over the edge of the glass, your bartender cuts it gently with a knife on a 45-degree angle.
This eliminates the larger bubbles, which burst easily and accelerate the dissipation of the head.

VII. THE JUDGEMENT

The right amount of foam is about two fingers (3cm) thick.
The final head creates a protective “cap” that keeps your Stella Artois from going stale.

 VIII. THE CLEANSING

Your bartender then rinses the bottom and sides of the glass.
This step keeps the outside of the chalice clean and comfortable to hold.

IX. THE BESTOWAL

Finally, your Stella Artois is served to you on a coaster, accompanied by the drip catcher at the base.
Behold the perfect glass of Stella Artois.
Cheers to you, and for your patience, a refreshing reward.

YUMMY!!!! The idea behind the chalice, is that is was designed to release the beer's flavor and aroma. I felt that it did just that, but if you ask my husband, he would tell you it tastes just like Stella...hehe! Maybe my palette is more advanced :)

Overall, the experience was so much fun! The chalice is such a beautiful glass, and I think it would make the perfect gift for any Stella fan out there! I liked it so much that I bought some more Stella the next night to verify the results...hehe!  And I LOVE how a 12-oz beer fits perfectly into the glass!

A 2-pack of glasses retails for $14.99 and you can buy them HERE.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Bonnie

Black Friday CVS + Walgreens 11/22/12 - Money Makers!!!!!

Walgreens Starting 11/22

 

Almay Intense i-color, $6.99

Use $1 coupon from 11/18 Smart Source

- and - Use $1 from Walgreens Wish Lists Gift Guide book found inside the store

Get $5.50 RR

Final Price =  $0.49 Money Maker

Gum Super or Micro Tip Toothbrush, $1.49

Get $1.49 RR

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Herbal Essenses, $2.99

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Carmex Lip Balm, $1

Use $0.30 coupon from http://mycarmex.com/coupons/lip-balm-30cents/

Get $1 RR

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Got-2-Be spiking glue or ultra styling gel, $1.99

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Crest 3-D White toothpaste, $2.99

Use $0.75 coupon from 10/28 P&G

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Advil PM, $1

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Scunci Elastics, 2/$3

Buy 2

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MidNite, $7

Use $2 coupon from 10/28 Smart Source

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Cepacol 16ct, $3

Use $1 coupon from http://www.cepacol.com/special_coupon_form.php

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Hairsil Accelerator Shampoo, $7.99

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Sleep Sheets, $4.99

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Dr. Teal's, $5.99

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Energy Sheets, $3.99

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Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick or Lipgloss, $6.99

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Blu Science Trim Blu, $10

Use $2 coupon found in Walgreens Vitamin and Supplements Booklet      

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Omega Smart Kids DHA Chewable Softgels, $10

Get $10 RR

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Color Studio by Hallmark Gift Wrap, Buy 1 $1.99, Get 2 FREE

            Buy 3

Final Price =  $0.66 each

 

CVS Starting 11/22 – 11/24

 

25% off shopping pass (on non-sale items)

 

CVS Batteries, $3.65

Get $3.65 ECB

Final Price =  FREE

CVS Flossers, $2

Get $2 ECB

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(limit 2)

Gum Toothbrushes, $2.50

Get $2.50 ECB

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Mars Candy, $0.75

Get $0.75 ECB

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Phillips Ear Buds, $6.99

Get $6.99 ECB

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Cheerios or Chex, $2.87

Use $0.50 coupon from www.coupons.com

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Wet-N-Wild Nail set, $2.99

Get $2 ECB

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Visine Tired Eyes, $6.00??

            Get 25% off

            Use $3 coupon from https://www.facebook.com/visine/app_284594284900990

- and - Use $4 CVS coupon from http://www.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=14415&zid=oj97&nid=10&bid=alk05230705184be9976222612

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 Enter code: CALENDAR2013 at check out.

Pay Shipping = $6

Expires Nov 23^rd

Influenster's Relaunch!!

Hey All!!

Influenster has officially relaunched their site!!! This is super exciting news, because there are so many new badges that you can earn to help you qualify for complimentary products to test and try out!!

If you are not familiar, Influenster is an online community of people who use their "influence" to spread the word about awesome products. By taking quick surveys, Influenster links you to products that you can test for free, review, and spread the word about. It is the amazing "Word-of-Mouth" advertising that has become ever so popular among new and older brands!!

In the past, I have been selected to test and review so many AMAZING products!! After I am done testing them out, there are also amazing brand challenges which are just extra fun activities that you can do, i.e. create videos about the product, take and share a creative picture on twitter - and then you can win extra FREE prizes from the companies --- AWESOME!!!

Here are a couple of my older YouTube videos to give you an idea about what Influenster is all about!

 

 

 

 

Please let me know if you have any questions and if you are interested in becoming an Influenster, you can sign up for FREE at www.influenster.com

 

Thanks :)

 

Bonnie