Voxbox Cosmo review from Influenster

Okay pardon me if I am not 100% on my game. Have you ever heard of Influenster? Yeah neither had I until a friend of mine had told me about it. Anyway it’s an online site that allows trend setters (such as you and I) to try out new and upcoming products, or products that area already out in the store. I’ve seen the voxbox’s all over you tube, but I’m not really into the video recording and posting on youtube. So my clever little blog will have to suffice for my review.

In my little white box, I got the following products;

Ghirardelli Sea salt Chocolate (I’ll save this one for my last review)
Venus Razor and Cartridge
Forever Red perfume
2 Piolt FriXion ball point pens

My first review is based on the pens, These days it seems like it’s so hard to find a good ball point pen that writes smoothly. I of all things attempted to use this pen on the most important piece of paper (can’t you sense my sarcasm)? My rent check!

I’ll admit it, I was a little skeptical to be using it especially not had used it on anything else. But let me be the first to say this is one of those pens someone will barrow and steal from you!!

My second review is based on the Forever Red perfume, I’m not really into perfumes as they tend to be too strong and give me a headache. But this one wasn’t too bad; it was more of a mild musk smell. With that being said it still wasn’t for me.

Third review is on the Venus Razor and Cartridge. First before I give you the low down on the razor, I want to know what woman likes to actually shave their legs and underarms?? I know it’s one of the most annoying task I have being a women. It seems like I do this every other day! I told you it was an annoying task. Not to mention the necessities that ones to get a nice smooth leg. So I went out and bought my favorite shaving gel. Shaved and honestly I wasn’t impressed with the Venus Embrace razor. I felt ashy after shaving and felt like I didn’t get that close of a shave. You know the feeling when you use a dual blade? That’s exactly how I felt for days after. So I waited about 3-4 days and used the Venus & Olay cartridge that was sent as well. Let’s just say it was heavenly!! My legs felt so soft after (and I forgot to use the shaving gel too) It was like a bit of lotion was rubbed on my leg with each stroke of shaving! I’ve actually just switched my razors now to the Venus & Olay!!

Oh and the best part of Venus razors are….They is interchangeable!! That means you can use ANY Venus BLADE with any Venus Handle!! AMAZING; RIGHT?

Lastly, My review is on the Ghirardelli Sea salt Chocolate. My oh my, I don’t know exactly how to put into words to describe this chocolate bar. I’m not really a fan of salt period! But this was delightful! The almonds and touch of sea salt were just right, it was a smooth and creamy chocolate. My loving husband who is a Chocolate nut gave me the word as Yummy to describe it, and asked if there was more. The only downside to this chocolate is the price! It’s a tad expensive considering the taste though it’s well worth the extra cash.

Well there is my review, looking forward to doing many more voxbox’s!!  Thanks to Influsenster for such a great box.

 

The Honest Company

Okay, It’s no surprise that I love super cute things…as does any mama, so when I seen a super cute disposable diaper with skulls on a Facebook friends daughter I got a little stoked! You know the conversation of “that’s super cute, where did you find it?” Yeah I had one of those and it lead me to a site called ‘The Honest Company’.

I went on over to check it out and I get to get a free trail of their products, Not only the diapers but also a bunch of home care products. You pay shipping but big deal; you get to try a product before you buy it! I filled out their little form and too their 2 second survey (literally it was like 2 seconds). and within like 4-5 days I got the sample pack delivered right to front door.

You’re probably wondering why I was excited to get diapers in the mail, right. Well here is the big deal there diapers are free of chemicals and have super cute prints! Why should a baby have to have a generic plain disposable diaper with Elmo and friends on it, when they could have some cute ice cream cones, stars and flowers and for boys anchors, plaid and skulls (or for girls too). I know I know you could go out and buy cloth diapers with all the cute fabric they have these days. But honestly between you and me, I hate washing clothes. I would have to wash an extra load every 3 days!! Ekk!

So when I went to the site and see all the chemicals that were not in the diaper but in my leading brand it made me want to try them even more.

Well let’s get down to the real deal. When I received them last Friday I was excited to try them out right away. They looked adorable with the little patterns on them that I was sure I was going to be buying a monthly supply every month. However the first diaper I put on my daughter (Amelia) who is about 20 pounds now (Size 3 according to their chart) it was HUGE and by huge I mean I couldn’t even use the diaper, because it would fall right down off her.  So I went onto a different pattern after all they were samples right?  Well this time the tab tore right off the diaper. Well the 3^rd time was a charm, I finally got a diaper that she fit into that didn’t rip apart, now the question was would it hold up? Amelia his a heavy out putter when it comes to going pee, so I was nervous to go anywhere with her wearing the diaper. But I sucked it up put her clothes on her and went out anyway. Looking back no it wasn’t the best choice I had made. I should have just put her in something I knew would hold her urine.  Well I went through all 7 of the diapers and out of the 7 I had 1 that was way too big for her 1 that tore and 4 that she leaked though and 1 that she was perfectly fine in (the plain white one). The funny thing about it all was that single plain white diaper held the most urine and she wore it while asleep. Overall the diapers were okay, the somewhat reminded me of Luvs (which I hate the paper feeling) but these were decent.

As for the home body care items I got the following in the mail.
1 honest laundry detergent
1 honest shampoo and body wash
1 honest healing balm
1 honest face and body lotion 1 honest hand soap

Overall these products were my favorite over diapers. I hate MORE than anything using abrasive chemicals on my families’ bodies and clothes. So when I used the detergent I was worried about fading of the colors. It didn’t happen at all, if anything it actually made them brighter!  The Shampoo made my hair feel light and airy. The healing balm believe it or not is AMAZING! I used it on a rash Liljana had, from her swim suit and it went away within a few hours. The lotion was silky with not oily residue and the hand soap was perfect for on the go, and didn’t leave the hospital smell to your hands.

I guess it’s safe to say where my new detergent and other hygiene products are going to come from!

 

By Angela on Facebook

You ever want to find that perfect bag or something that just shows off your style that you will just love? Something that suites your personality? If so I suggest checking out the By Angela page on Facebook. This is a local Michigan native mother who in her free time finds a way to help others express their personality with homemade items made from fabric.

Recently I bought a bag made from fabric that carries the name of my second born daughter. What I like to call my ‘Amelia’ bag. I bought this bag from Angela Lorenzetti. And I am beyond pleased with the product. It’s cute and yet versatile to use for just about anything. Currently I am using it as my diaper bag. But I have used it as a beach bag, a book bag and so much more. So what’s so great about this bag? Well the fact that it’s MADE IN MICHIGAN is a huge plus, but the fact that I can wash it; if I get it dirty so easily, and that I can use it for multiple purposes.

Oh a side note the By Angela page doesn’t only make bags, but she carries things such as reusable sandwich and snack bags, quilts and so much more. So what are you waiting for? Go check out her page. I’ve even provided you with the link for easy access. Help support a local working at home Michigan mom!

by: angela (Facebook Link)

JCP Salon (AKA JC Penny Salon)

Today I took Liljana to   JC Penny Salon, Honestly I shouldn’t complain because it was a free haircut. However I feel compelled to let the world know how horrible the service was! Liljana is far from perfect when getting her hair cut, she likes to fidget and look down when they want her to look up. But the service I received from Meryl (the stylist) was just flat out horrible!

My appointment was for 10 a.m. I was spouse to be the first person to be seen, which was nice considering I had to take Amelia with me. I arrived at exactly at 10:00 and Liljana was ready and excited. I signed in like they had requested and waited for the lady whom I thought was the receptionist, It wasn’t it was in fact the stylist who was going to be cutting Liljana’s hairs. I got a bad vibe instantly because not only did she not acknowledge us standing there she was also short with the people who were calling. After about five minutes went by she finally asked my name and if I had an appointment. I gave her my name and she proceeded to take the rest of the calls, never once informing me of how long I would be waiting and such. I waited about ten more minutes and finally she stood up, I politely asked if it was going to be much longer as I couldn’t see Amelia waiting much longer if we had to wait another fifteen minutes plus time to cut hair. Meryl proceeded to tell me that she was taking us back right then and there, and that she was the person who would be cutting the hair.

I was a tad nervous and disturbed because she had already lacked good customer service and good communication skills. Although Liljana desperately needed a haircut like no one would believe, so we proceeded all the way in the back of the store. I’ll admit I am a picky person when it comes to my hair and for that matters my families hair period! I asked Meryl if she had ever done ‘crescent bangs’ she looked at me as if I was asking her a stupid question, and of all the remarks she could have made she said and this is a direct quote “NO”. Puzzled I said well then I don’t know if it’s a great idea if you cut her hair. That’s when she gave me the line of “each person calls them something different”, “I call them face frame bangs”. I explained how I wanted them done and told her there was NO room for error when cutting her hair that if she didn’t think she could do it correctly to not even bother. At this point I was given her the same attitude that she had been given me the entire time.

She began parting Liljana’s hair and was moving her face around like it was a ragged doll, as I attempted to tell Liljana to hold her head still. I could tell she was getting annoyed with Liljana, perhaps she isn’t used to cutting little kid’s hair, I don’t quite know what crawled up her butt.

The hair cut lasted maybe 7 minutes of me telling Liljana to sit still and not move, because if she did the lady would mess up her hair. Sad part was Liljana wasn’t moving, sure she dropped her head down from time to time; but that’s normal for a 4.5 year old child. The bangs look terrible and no matter how much I attempted to point it out to the lady, she kept saying “It’s just the way her hair is laying” or “when her hair dries it will look different”. Sorry Meryl it’s has not changed, you have no business cutting little kids hair! No I won’t be going back; to JC Penny and I chalk this one up to be a lesson learned. The haircut was free yes, but that doesn’t mean the service and the cut its self should have been so poorly done!

**Side note and Disclaimer**
Please be advised that I do not do business with JCP Salon often, I looked at the free cut as a way to get a trial on a place before I continue to go. I am always looking for a good place to get my child’s haircut. With that said I was not paid nor have I received anything from JCP Salon in liu of writing this review.

I will keep everyone updated as to what the outcome is. I have to contact the manager of the salon on Monday.

Domino's Pizza..Good food or not?

I know I shouldn’t be eating this, but I had the worst craving for a Philly Cheese Steak pizza from Dominos so I caved! It’s been about 8 years since I have had anything from Dominos, Not because I didn’t like the food back then but because it wasn’t that close to me and I hate delivery. So let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.

I was going to call in an order but I seen a coupon on their site for 50% off, and let’s face it who don’t like saving money?  My intentions were to order only the Philly Cheese Steak and be done, but with the savings I couldn’t resist but ordering another pepperoni pizza and some bread bites. Here is the rundown of my order.

1 Large Philly Steak
1 Pepperoni Pizza (with lite sauce)
1 Parmesan Bites

My total came out to $19.58 (No delivery because I wanted to see the store and all that jive.)

I placed my order at 5:12 and it said the wait time was between 9-15 minutes. I arrived at the store at 5:36 and was told my order was not complete just yet. It should have already been done given the time they told me on their online site (where I ordered). I waited for about 3 minutes and received my order. I asked for the manager’s name so I could credit or not for his store.

So do you want to know how the food and service really was??
The food overall was was fantastic!

Philly Steak I am not a fan of mushrooms too much but the overall taste and spreading of the items was fabulous!!  I wish I could have eaten the entire pizza.

The regular pepperoni pizza was okay, I wasn’t used to the very lite sauce as when I tell most places “lite sauce” It’s never this lite. So it was a pleasant surprise to see that it was actually honored!

The Parmesan bites were not that great, (and this was the item I waited for) It was still really doughy and the parmesan bites were not exactly what I thought they would be. I thought they would have some cheese in the middle and not just sprinkled on top. It was something new to try, however I won’t order them again.

The service was well. The employees were very friendly given the time of hour (dinner) and the number of orders coming in and out. The store was very clean and had a great layout. All in all the service I received from the store was great and that’s including the food.

With that said, Good Job Dominos of Troy, You excelled in all services provided and I look forward to doing business again!

3843 Rochester Road Troy, MI 48083
(248) 689-8800

**Disclaimer** I know people out there write reviews for products and such. I have been in no way employed by Dominos during this review. This is just an honest consumer review of a product I purchased and think the company needs some good kickbacks for.***

update about life

I will openly admit I have fallen off the ban wagon! I haven’t been working out, not because I don’t want to but because I don’t have the energy to. I wish I could say that it was because I have a 4 month old who didn’t sleep but that’s just the opposite, She sleeps like a little angel for 7 to 10 hours a night. It’s mommy who has a hard time sleeping. I think it may be the house buying bit, It’s a stressful process putting an offer in waiting two to three days to hear if you got it or not. I’m not much of a waiter to begin with and to have your offer shot down is the WORST feeling ever. Anyway there has been a lot going on in my life as of the last few months anyway.

My husband is on the path to become a U.S. citizen (that’s not as easy as most would like to believe). Liljana will be starting school here in September, and I am not sure if I am ready for that. I mean after all; my little girl is growing up. Amelia appears to be cutting a tooth, while she isn’t too moody with it, she is gnawing on her hands like you wouldn’t believe. Our nursing relationship is going strong; I can honestly say this time around has been a godsend!

On other news, anyone that knows my sister and I’s relationship knows that I am not the kind to help her out. Well this time it proved to be the right path that I have always chosen. I helped her out, allowed her to stay in my place and even helped her get an apartment and it proved to be the wrong choice. She up and left her apartment and decided that she didn’t want to stay in Michigan any longer. NO surprise! She is a compulsive liar and who’s a drug addict! Just because she isn’t using street drugs she doesn’t think she is an addict. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, she best not ask me for help at all!

Well off to enjoy another fun day with my two beautiful girls!

True Beauty

True Beauty

Some point in our lives we have all felt ugly. But now days I hear more and more young girls saying they are ugly or they don’t feel beautiful. This past weekend my niece Jenni stayed the night. I took her up to Wal-Mart to get hygiene things (per her mom’s request). And we began talking about her becoming a cheerleader and the girl she considers a step-sister.

My heart truly broke when I heard her say that she was ugly!! I asked her why she felt this way and why she would say such a thing. Well she informed me that she thought she was ugly because she gets the occasional pimple or acne breakout. I informed her that EVERYONE at some point or another has that problem. She went on to say that she wants to be like her some-what of a step-sister because she is popular because she is pretty. I attempted to inform her that popularity isn’t by being pretty. Although I do know more than anyone that a group of popular girls are not going to reach out to someone they don’t think is pretty and make them a part of their social group.

I honestly wonder when things will change. Why do we divide ourselves into social groups and belittle others to make them feel ugly and/or worthless?