Frosty VoxBox

My latest VoxBox from Influenster came just in time for the Christmas holiday. I got lots of goodies to help me look great and some items to help me relax and just enjoy the season.  Included in this box:

Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover  

This stuff works wonders for taking off  the day's eye makeup - liner, mascara, eyeshadow - all of it. In a clear solution, the liquid cleanser goes on easy and wipes away the dirt and grime along with the makeup, leaving you with clean skin and no fuss.

#Rimmel   @RimmelLondonUS


Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner

An excellent liner from a top brand, this liner is easy to apply and does not get gunky or clumpy.  Easy to use, the soft pencil glides on with one application and lasts all day.  It stands up to tears, sweat, rain, etc and is a great waterproof liner!

#Rimmel  @RimmelLondonUS


NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Color

Finally a lipstick that does what it promises -lasts.  The color I received is a perfect shade for my complexion, a little neutrality mixed with some fun color for a blend that is perfectly fitted without being overbearing.  Drinking, talking, kissing, all the normal daily activities - this li coor can take them all and still shine on.  

#SugarPlum  @NYCNewYorkColor


Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea 

This delicious decaf green tea has a fresh peppermint aroma with a hint of pepperminty taste to compliment the green tea flavor.  Perfect for the holiday, this tea is calming and pairs well with a sweet treat or a quiet night on the sofa with a good book.  This is one of my favorites from the Celestial Seasonings line, a staple in my pantry during the Christmas season.

#CelestialTea  @CelestialTea


Boots No7 Protect & Perfect ADVANCED

This little sample is a taste of what is promised to provide a breakthrough in protecting and improving skin from signs of aging.  Though very difficult to speak of the validity of that claim from one little sample, I can speak to the consistency of the cream and the feel on my skin.  Not too heavy or greasy, the cream goes on easy and absorbs quickly while leaving my skin feeling fresh.

#GetADVANCED  @bootsbeautyusa

McCormick Gourmet All Natural Thyme

One of a line of natural spices and herbs from McCormick, this Thyme is a good quality product.  It looks fresh, with good color and appearance, not too crushed or too large to shake out.  It smells fragrant and fresh too!  A pleasant aroma that stays locked in the glass jar until,the plastic flip top old is opened for use.  Great for soups, stews, poultry or other meat dishes, vegetable dishes and much more, this is a staple in my spice rack.

#McCormickGourmet


Fruit Vines Bites Cherry

These yummy little licorice bites are just the right size for popping a few when you need a light snack.  They are sweet and chewy with just the right amount of flavor burst in a convenient size.

#SweetSide @FruitVines


EcoTools Styler + Smoother  

This bamboo handled brush is great for detangling and brushing wet hair as well as styling and taming dry hair.  The handle is comfortable in all positions, the brush bed is cushy the bristle tips are coated for comfort while brushing.  A great brush!

#LoveMyEcoHairBrush  @ecotools

Pre-Natal Multi-Vitamin Review and Giveaway

As a post-natal mama, I am still taking pre-natal vitamins to maintain my health and supplement as I breastfeed and my body returns to pre-baby state.  In doing so, I try to take supplements I know are giving me the most for my money and also giving me the nutrients I need in the proportions I should be getting.

Nutri-Gold's Whole-Food Prenatal Multi Gold vitamins seek to offer such things to women.  This pre-natal does not contain vitamins or minerals in the synthetic form.  A complex of food-based nutrients concentrated from 100% certified organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

This vitamin is made with non-GMO foods.  Each serving delivers 100% or more of the daily values of 19 essential vitamins and minerals for complete head-to-toe protection with no aftertaste.  It can be taken with or without food, which makes it convenient to take whenever your schedule allows.

In capsule form, these pills are a size that is moderate, but not in the horse-pill category.  They go down easily and have not given me any trouble with digestion, upset stomach, aftertaste or burps as some can.  

This prenatal offers the following benefits: 

Cognitive Function - Folate, B6, B12, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Organic Annatto Extract, Organic Lemon Extract

Hair and Skin Health - Vitamin A, Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Folate, Biotin, Vitamin C. Vitamin E, Copper, Iron, Selenium, Zinc, Organic Amla Extract, Organic Annatto Extract, Organic Lemon Extract

Cellular Energy Production - Vitamins B1, B2, Niacin, B5, B6, Biotin, B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Zinc, Organic Amla Extract, Organic Annatto Extract, Organic Guava Leaf Extract, Organic Holy Basil Extract

Cardiovascular Health - Niacin, Folate, Vitamin E, Vitamin K2, Magnesium, Organic Lemon Extract, Organic Holy Basil Extract

Glucose Balance - Biotin, B12, Chromum GTF, Magnesium, Vanadium, Zinc, Organic Sesbania Extract

Bone Health - Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Magnesium, Zinc

Prenatal Health - Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Folate, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Zinc, Organic Amla Extract, Organic Lemon Extract, Organic Curry Leaf Extract

Immune Function - Beta-carotene (and other carotenoids), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, Organic Amla Extract, Organic Annatto Extract

Pregnancy-related Nausea, Digestive Discomfort - Organic Ginger Extract

My only complaint is the serving size.  One serving is 4 capsules.  A bottle of 120 pills means a month supply.  I would much rather take one pill a day as opposed to 4.  Given the cost of a bottle (regularly around $40, but often on sale for under $30), these are not your local pharmacy's free pill.  Still, for the quality and ingredients, one would expect to pay a little more.

You can find them here

The cool thing is, I get to give a bottle away to one of my readers!  Leave a comment stating what your favorite Christmas song is to be entered.  Winner will be chosen at random on 12/30/14.

I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Peppermint Oil Review

Fairly new in the world of essential oils, I am eager to learn and add more to my daily life in order to invite less chemicals into my home and family and adapt a more natural lifestyle.    Peppermint Oil was one such oil that is highly recommended for beginners, so I began my search.  I came across this 100% Pure huge 4 oz bottle at a really great price and soon it was at my door step waiting.

This oil comes in a dark brown glass bottle with a class pipette.  At 4oz, this is one of the largest sizes I have seen.  It smells just as one would expect peppermint oil to smell.  It has a clean, pepperminty odor that is not clouded by other scents.  It comes out of the bottle almost clear.  

A little of this stuff goes a long way, and needs to be diluted unless used for aromatherapy.  I put mine to use first in a vinegar/water solution cleaner to add a pleasant scent.  I have also used mine mixed with hot water for a steam inhalation to help treat my stuffy nose as a result of a recent cold.  I am glad to have it on hand as the cold and flu season swings into high gear and anticipate using it a whole lot more in the near future.

Peppermint Oil has many uses:

 - It can help ease respiratory problems and congestion with aromatherapy.

 - It can help relieve headaches and migraines

 - It can help reduce and battle symptoms of bronchitis and asthma

 - It can help reduce dandruff and lice in hair

 - It can calm the body and help with pain in joints.

 - Also effective in repelling rodents and insects, such as fleas, tics, flies, mosquitoes, spiders, bed bugs, ants, roaches, rats, and mice

This 100% Pure Peppermint Oil is steam-distilled from  the leaves of the Menthapiperita (Peppermint) plant.  It is completely pure, with no additives or filler.  It is not tested on animals.

You can find it here

I got mine for free in exchange for my honest review through Tomoson.  

Boson Sport Jump Rope

The Features of Boson sport – jump rope

This jump rope is a quality piece of equipment, great for keeping you in shape while still having fun!  Made of durable, well crafted materials, it is built to last and can take a beating without showing wear.  

This rope, unlike so many others, is adjustable.  In only a few seconds, it can adapt to fit a wide range of users. Super soft, grippy handles function well, even when sweaty.  No worry of dropping this rope or causing bodily harm or property damage if it sips.

 Very lightweight, it is easy to use and comfortable.  For any user, it is designed with speed and strength training in mind, but can be used by beginners, Cross Fitness Trainers, and anyone else desiring an awesome jump rope.

If you are looking for a way to jump start your weight loss or get a jump on fitness, this is the perfect place to start!

You can find one for yourself here

* I got mine for free through Tomoson in exchange for my honest review. 

+Lifeguard Charge and Sync Lightning Connector

As a proud owner of a new iPhone 6, I was sad to find that my old iPhone 4 charger is not good as a spare because the cable is completely different now.  I like to have cables scattered throughout my house and in vehicles so I can charge on each level and on the go, as each day differs in activities.  I also like to have a spare available for my husband to use in his garage just in case.  So, I was in the market for a spare lightning cable when I came across the opportunity to try this one by +Lifeguard.

I have had trouble with other after-market charging cords before with my old iPhone, and was a bit worried it might be the case again.  Not so.  This cable acts just as the cable that came with my phone.

It plugged in with no trouble, and charged my phone just as if it were the original cord.

I was happy with the cord length, there was plenty of reach of what I needed on countertops, beside my bed, even in the car.  It looks and feels quality, not flimsy.

I'll be adding another of these to my home real soon!

For the detail nerds:

• Made of a durable, quality material, the 3.3 foot cable and connector is backed by a guarantee.
• The connector is certified by Apple
• This cord is compatible with all Apple Lightning connector device -  iPhone 6 / iPhone 6 Plus / 5S / 5C / 5, iPad 4, iPad Air Mini Mini2, iPod Touch 5th gen, and iPod Nano 7th gen. It also supports Mac and Windows PC.

You can get one here

 * I received mine for free in exchange for my honest review.

Car Seat Back Cover/Protector Review

Having kids often means having messes.  I try to keep up on the mess when possible, but even more, I try to prevent them when I can.  The car mess is one that really drives me crazy, especially the dirt and stains on the back of my seat from little feet that cannot stay still or down during travel time.  I have resorted to towels, old sheets, even pieces of plastic bag in hopes of protecting my car seats, but they are only temporary fixes that get pulled down inevitably.

I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to get a seat back protector from Dot & Dot, a company I have recently come to love for their organization solutions.  The protector arrives in a nice little zippered pouch

These extra large kick mats are 18.5 x 23.6 inches.  Made of a high quality, durable material, they are water resistant and non-absorbent, and easy to clean.

Easy to install by fastening the adjustable straps at the headrest and seat bottom, they stay put snugly, keeping the seat back clean.

The bottom strap is elastic and has quite a bit of stretch to it.

I was a bit disappointed, at first, that the bottom strap does not fit my seat nice with the way it curves, so the strap sticks out from the seat.  However, with a little adjusting, I was able to pull it under the seat and hide it from view without affecting how it attaches to the seat.

Even with kids kicking and dragging their feet down it, the protector stays right where it should!  I am sold on this product and will be purchasing more for the rest of the seat backs in my vehicles.

With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can't go wrong with this product!  In single and double packs, you can get yours here

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Apple Certified 3 Feet Lightning Cable Review

As a proud owner of a new iPhone 6, I was sad to find that my old iPhone 4 charger is not good as a spare because the cable is completely different now.  I like to have cables scattered throughout my house and in vehicles so I can charge on each level and on the go, as each day differs in activities.  I also like to have a spare available for my husband to use in his garage just in case.  So, I was in the market for a spare lightning cable when I came across the opportunity to try this Apple Certified 8-Pin Lightning Cable by AYL (Accessorize Your Life).

I have had trouble with other after-market charging cords before with my old iPhone, and was a bit worried it might be the case again.  Not so.  This cable acts just as the cable that came with my phone.  It plugged in with no trouble, and charged my phone just as if it were the original cord, and even with a case on the phone, I had no trouble getting it to fit in as it is very low profile.  Made of good quality materials, the cord feels as if it is made to last, as do the USB and pin ends.  Just the right length for a bedside table or standard charging needs, this cable is sure to be put to use a lot around my house.

For the detail nerds:

• The connector is slim  - 8.5mm x 5.5 mm (0.33in x 0.22in), so no interference with cases
• This cord is compatible with all Apple Lightning connector device -  iPhone 6 / iPhone 6 Plus / 5S / 5C / 5, iPad 4, iPad Air Mini Mini2, iPod Touch 5th gen, and iPod Nano 7th gen. It also supports Mac and Windows PC.
• The cable comes with a premium quality guarantee which promises that the cable material, connectors, design and package are all approved and certified by Apple to meet Apple performance standards.
• The cable comes with a 1 year warranty and 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Available in both 3 and 12 foot cables, there is sure to be an option for you if you are in the market for an extra cable too!

You can get one here

*I got mine free to try and review in exchange for my honest review through Tomoson.

Expandable Hose Review

UPDATE
5/11/15

I put my expandable hose to work in my yard about three weeks ago, when spring finally showed up here in the northern states.  I happily used my hose all about the yard, and loved how far I could reach with so little weight and no tangles, coils, knots or kinks.  I was so in love with my hose I was showing and telling friends and family.  Then... it broke!  The inner chamber burst between my filling buckets, and I am now left with a fabric tube for about 10 feet between the two rubber inner-chamber pieces that separated.  And this at normal hose pressure on a spring day.  So, needless to say I am quite disappointed now and totally bummed.

This hose runs around $50 on Amazon.com right now, and there is no way I would spend that kind of money for a hose with this kind of reputation.  I am glad I got it to try free or I would be pretty angry at that kind of money loss.  I guess this is a buyer beware...

Review:
I have hoses all over my yard from spring to fall, packing them away for winter since they get hard and impossible to flex, wind or use once cold or frozen.  Most years, I end up buying a new hose at some point because the year prior they got kinked, twisted, damaged by a lawn mower or sprung a leak.  I have so often wished for a better solution to the typical garden hose.  When the chance arose for me to try out an expandable hose, even though I was skeptical, I figured it couldn't hurt to give it a shot!

This expandable hose is 33 feet coiled and expands to 100 feet when water is turned on and allowed to flow through it.  Once the user is finished using the hose, it returns to it's coiled 33 foot state on its own as water is turned off.  It is so lightweight and easy to carry around, not bulky or awkward as the typical garden hose is. It also has a thick, sturdy feeling nozzle and ends for attaching to the faucet and sprayer.

I love that I now have a solution for the winter, should I need a hose outside for something.  I can carry this hose out, and know that when I am done using it the water will drain out and I can bring it back inside without dripping water everywhere or having it freeze up and crack while waiting for water to drain.  Easy to tote around and store, I can tuck it in my car wash bucket and it is good to go each time I need without hassle.

For the nerds out there:

• Strongest Hose Available at 100-PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) Working Pressure
• 300-PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) Burst Pressure

This hose comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you can buy risk free!

You can get your own here

I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Mosquito Repellent Insect Sticks Review

I am big into being outside whenever possible.  I love to camp, garden, bonfire, pretty much anything I can be doing outside in the spring, summer and fall.  Unfortunately, mosquitoes can put a damper on the outdoor fun pretty quickly.  With young children, I am hesitant to use chemical sprays and Deet, so I try to use natural products whenever I can.  

I was super excited to find these repellent sticks.

 Much like using incense, the idea is to stick them in the ground around where you will be spending time

and then light them like incense.

Packed in a convenient tube for storage, they are easy to toss in for a trip or keep on hand for around the house - there is even room to tuck a lighter inside.

50 per pack, this tube has enough sticks to last quite a while!

Deet and toxin free, 100% natural, I love the potential for these sticks to protect myself and my family without needing to spray on chemicals.

Easy to light, and with a natural smell that is pleasant and subtle, they don't leave your clothes smelling like citronella or commercial mosquito sprays.  Because they burn down like incense, there is no open flame like a mosquito candle, so there is less chance of someone being burned unless they touch skin or clothing directly to the small burning tip.

The one downside is the fact that these are pretty useless in the wind.  But then, the mosquitoes are pretty scarce in such a situation anyway!

You can find your own here

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.