#FoilFebruary – Week 3

Another week of project use up samples! Only one week left for this challenge, then I’ll slowly get through them.  This week my skin broke out a little bit. I’m not sure if its because of all the products I’ve been using on my face, a little bit of stress, I’ve been a little bad with my diet, or it’s almost that time of the month. Perhaps it’s a little bit of everything.

Samples used: 23

Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towellettes- I like these because of the textured cloth, it makes it easy to take off make up…even mascara. Plus they don’t dry out my skin and leaves my face soft afterwards.

Dr Brandt Plump Up the Volume- I don’t really have wrinkles but used this anyway. I was using it at night.  It was a little tingly, then my skin turned pink for a few minutes. I woke up and I looked well rested

OLE Henriksen truth Serum collagen booster, vitamin C-  I really liked this vitamin C serum. The past vitamin C serums Ive used int he past leave my skin feeling tight afterwards and this one didn’t. It absorbed nicely and left my skin with a healthy glow.

Murad Essential C eye serum- Like that it has SPF in it, absorbs nicely, make up goes on easy, leaves skin soft & smooth.

L’oreal Color Vibrancy shampoo, conditioner, & antioxidant- I recently put a little dye in my hair for highlights so technically some of my hair is color treated lol After each product my hair felt so soft and smooth , especially after the antioxidant treatment. I couldnt stop toughing my hair because of how nice it felt.

Boppy Bloom stretch mark cream- left skin soft, nice scent

Purelygreat lavendar natural deodorant-  Calming scent, I like that it is vegan friendly, 100% natural. It kept me smelling great all day and dry. Which surprised me. It did leave white marks though.

Shiseido Ultimune power infusing concentrate- This is one of those product you need more than a sample to see how it works for you. It did smell nice , absorb quickly, & leave skin soft.

Eu2Be nurture + nourish lotion- Not a fan of the smell at all though it does go away once you rub it on. Left skin soft

S.W Basics of Brooklyn Exfoliant- I like the concept of it being organic and made of simple ingredients but because it is made with flour it smelled like I was putting dough on my face. It was really gentle on skin, I didn’t care for this one but would be up to try their other products . Their Hibiscus mask looks nice

Centrum Vitamints- If you’re like me and hate swallowing pills this is a great way to get in your vitamins. Vitamins + mint = 2 in one,  fresh breath & you get in vitamins You can chew them with no nasty taste

Sundown Naturals Co Q-10 – I liked the mango flavor, easy to take

L’oreal Revitalift miracle blur- I do like these blur product but this one was too thick for me. Skin looked nice and smooth after applying.

Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water shampoo & creme rinse- gentle, smelled nice, left my hair clean and soft. Love that this company makes products good for you by using natural ingredients.

Shea Moisture baby lotion- Why is this for babies? I would use it lol Left skin soft and hydrated. The scent was very calming ( which I guess is good for babies) 🙂

Fresh Soy face cleanser- very gentle on skin, left skin soft & clean. If you love cucumbers you will enjoy the scent. Smells just like a cucumber & reminded me of Summer.

Philosophy renewed hope in a jar- hard to really tell how well it worked because there wasn’t much to work with. Absorbed quickly,left skin hydrated.

Wella Velvet amplifier– Easy to use, didn’t leave a residue on hair. Helped with frizz

Garnier BB Cream- I like the scent to this but the formula doesn’t really absorb nicely into my skin. Also I think this color is off for me but this is the lightest I think they have. I like that it has salicylic acid to help with any blemishes you might have.

 

 

 

Indulge your skin with Valentia

A little about Valentia Skin Care :

• Named after the Roman goddess of healing.
• Made in the USA
• Cruelty Free
• 98% natural ingredients
• Includes organic ingredients
• Made using sustainable energy
• Vegan friendly
• Free of parabens

They sent me two products to try True Glow Eye Cream  & Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask. Which came at a good time because the weather in the North East has been a bit bi-polar but for the most party chilly.  I couldn’t wait to see how it would work because who doesn’t want glowing hydrated skin?

 

True Glow Eye Cream

Benefits:

• Diminish fine lines & wrinkles
• Nourish & hydrate
• Tighten the under eye area
• Brighten dark circles
• Reduce puffiness

Ingredients that make it work:

• Astaxanthin: A powerful antioxidant that increases moisture levels, smooths fine line and wrinkles, and restores elasticity to the skin.
• Resistem: Natural Plant Stem Cells repair and protect the skin from harsh environmental pollutants and stress related aging.
• Vitamin C: Leaves the skin smooth and visibly brighter for a well-rested and bright eyed look.
• Organic Rosehip Oil: Provides intense hydration to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Arnica: A key anti-inflammatory agent to the restorative process that works to diminish the appearance of dark circles.

How to use:

Apply twice a day, morning & night, on cleansed skin. Since the skin under your eye is delicate use your ring finger to apply. Use patting motions.

My thoughts:

A light weight formula that spreads easily. This cream has an orange tint to it but goes on translucent. I’m sure this also helps brighten up your eye area and helps give you that glow. I don’t have an issue with dark circles or wrinkles but do like do use this cream because of the beneficial ingredients that help nourish the delicate skin under my eyes. I did notice while using the pump even if you try to slightly push a lot of product does come out. I’m not sure if its because its new so I need to wear it in a little bit more or if thats just how the pump is. No biggie but if you do get this , try to slightly press down. A full pump will be too much. It leaves the skin under your eyes smooth & soft. It also does make make up pill once you put it on top.

Ultra Plumping Hydration Mask

 Benefits:

• Boosts collagen production
• Increases skin radiance
• Reduces fine lines
• Locks in skins moisture
• Reveals softer smoother skin

 

Ingredients that make it work:

• Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend: These natural miracles increase moisture content and help in the production of collagen and elastin which decreases the appearance of visible lines.
• Botanical Hyaluronic Acid: Penetrates deep into the skin to secure moisture and plump skin from within.
• Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil: An anti-aging wonder berry that results in fewer fine lines, diminished sun spots, more even skin tone, and firmer more supple skin.
• Japanese Green Tea: Contains catechins that provide anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritant effects to the skin.
• Aloe Vera: This botanical moisturizers skin and fight aging by improving skin firmness.

How to use:

Apply to face avoiding eye area. Leave on for 15-30 minutes. Use a damp warm cloth to remove. Tingling sensation is normal.

My thoughts:

The first things I noticed when I opened the jar is the mango yellow/orange color and then  the texture & consistency. It’s sort of like jello….it wiggles! Next is the smell, I’m not sure what exactly what it is but I like it, it’s very pleasant & somewhat familiar. I just can’t put my finger on it. It was easy to apply  and I did feel a little tingling sensation , which is normal , for about 5-10 minutes after applying. It wasn’t bothersome. As it dries, your face doesn’t get tight so you can still move your face. Once it dried its orange like color, it sort of looks like a bad fake tan lol.  Usually I just splash warm water on my face and massage it off but for this mask its much easier to take a damp warm cloth to wipe it off. It left my skin feeling really smooth & does look healthy. I’ve only used this a couple of times so haven’t noticed that much of a difference in my skin yet. I will continue to use this.

 

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OKAjewelry Earrings – So cute!

I recently received OKAjewelry earrings to review. I’ve been looking for this style of earrings for awhile . The photo on Amazon didn’t do these justice , when I opened the box I was very happy with this look of them.

You can find them on Amazon here for $25.95

They come in a silver box with , velvet foam thing to keep them in place. They are gift ready!   These are 18k brass plated silver cubic zircon crystal earrings. They are about the size of a quarter.

The back of the earring/ part that goes in your ear is a little thicker than my normal earrings but went into my ears easily and they were comfortable in. Once you put them in you squeeze the back part so they stat in place. I even took a nap with them in and they were still in place.

When the light hits them they give off a great sparkle. They are fun, feminine, fashionable, & easy to wear.

Great to wear casually or add the final touch on a dressier outfit.

 

I received these earrings at a discount for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

#FoilFebruary – week 2

Week two of project use up samples.

I’ve been trying not to use too many at the same time because I want to know how the product works with my skin. I also have been doing this in case I have an allergic reaction or break out I can somewhat pin point it.

This week: 18

Chanel- Hydra Beauty Micro Serum : Loved the smell, easy to apply, absorbed well, left skin hydrated. Skin looked & felt great after using it.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil:  I like that it is multi-purpose, natural, & organic. Use it on your skin, hair, & nails. Left skin smooth & soft

Smashbox photo finish foundation primer : Skin felt velvety smooth & soft.

Thierry Mugler- Alien perfume : When I sprayed it on I wasn’t a fan but once it settled I really liked it

Garnier BB Cream:  I actually have a full size bottle that I barely use.  It’s in light/ medium. I don’t know if it is the formula or the color but it just a little off for me. I feel like its a little dark and doesn’t really blend into my skin as well.

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield – I’ve been wanting to try a visiblur product since Ive been seeing them pop up from many brands. I like that it has SPF 30. It went on nice, it did ‘blur’ the skin evening it out. Which was pretty cool. The first day I used it it was fine but then then second day it clumped up my make up. Not sure if I used too much the second day or what the deal was. Sometimes its hard to tell how a product works with small samples.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture:  Skin felt and looked great after. Absorbed nicely into skin. Skin looked healthy & felt smooth.

Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15- My skin isn’t too oily , sometimes in the T zone. I didn’t care for the fomula . It was a little difficult to spread over my face.

Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser- Worked nicely but I don’t think I would get a full size. The formula was a little thinner than I like. My skin did feel/look clean, felt soft, and it was also gentle on my skin.

Kleenex facial cleansing wipes- I think this would be better for summer time or sports to refresh your face. It did an okay job at removing make up. It did irritate my skin felt itchy so wouldn’t buy these in the future.

Nivea in shower body lotion Cocoa Butter/ Nourishing : They are ok, I don’t see the point in buying these for myself.  Did an okay job at moisturizing. Don’t love them or hate them.  I did like the smell of the cocoa butter.

N4 Hydrating Body Lotion: Little thinner than I like my lotion , good job at keep skin soft, hydrated, & smooth.

Juice Beauty:

1. Green Apple Brightening Gel Cleaner: LOVED the smell so refreshing, lightly lathers, face feel clean, gentle on skin.
2. Green Apple Age Defy Serum: Has an odd scent. Easy to apply and spread. Make sure to follow up with a moisturizer.
3. Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer : Did’t care for the formula, difficult to spread. Skin did look & feel good

 

 

Valentine’s Day nail art + new tools

I recently received a nail art kit to review. I couldn’t wait for it to arrive so I could play with it.

It comes with 15 brushes, 5 dotting pens in different sizes , 12 different color gemstones, studs in different shapes ( stars, squares, rectangles, tear drop, circle, diamond, hearts) in silver & gold.

You can grab a set for $10.99 on Amazon from Ruimio

These have made nail art so much easier. No more crooked lines, more precision, easier to do designs.

The gemstones & studs come in a spin wheel case. You just spin the top of it to what color or shape you want and grab them out. No need to worry about them all spilling out.

On my set, I did have a problem with the brushes coming off the handle. Its easy to fix with super glue. Other than that I am very happy with this set.

Since Valentine’s Day is this weekend I decide to do some V-day inspired nail art.

My favorite one I did:

and a couple of others:

Budget friendly meals-Breakfast to Dessert

ys looking for meals that are filling, budget friendly, & easy to make.

Breakfast Burritos

I found these breakfast burritos that can also be frozen so you can have something ready to go in the morning. I had these for dinner one night.

What you need:

• wraps
• Goya Pinto Beans in olive oil, cilantro, & onion ( this does have ham flavoring) If you want to make it vegetarian maybe try salsa & pinto beans
• 
• 6 Eggs
• Cheese
• 1/2 cup of cooked rice
• salt & pepper

1. Scramble eggs, season with salt and pepper. Take out of pan
2.  Pour can of beans into pan, cook for about 4 minutes.
3.  Add back beans & rice to the scramble eggs.
4. Add to wrap, sprinkle cheese, and roll it up

These were really good. Next time I will try using salsa & pinto beans since I don’t care for the ham flavor. It isn’t strong but I just want to try another way.

 

Bean & kale soup

 

What you need:

• 2-3 carrots chopped
• 2-3 celery stalks
•  medium onion, diced
• 2-3 garlic , minced
• kale, roughly torn into small pieces
• oil, I used coconut
• 6 cups of veggies stock
• 2 cans of cannellini beans, drained
• 1 tsp oregano
• salt & pepper

1. Heat oil in pan. Add onion, then add garlic until tender. 3-4 minutes
2. Add carrots & celery. Stir. Cook until tender
3. Add vegetable stock, beans, & bay leaf. Bring to boil
4. Stir in spices, mix.
5.  Turn heat down low/medium heat & simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add kale. If you feel like you need more broth, add water.
7.  You can also blend some of the soup so make it creamier.

 

 

Veggie chickpea ‘fried’ rice

 

This one is easy. I’m still working on it taste wise though I felt like it was missing something.

What you need:

• Rice, cooked
• Frozen veggies
• Can of chickpeas, rinsed & drained
• Soy sauce

 

1. Add frozen veggies to pan, cook for a few minutes.
2.  Add chickpeas, stir
3.  When heated through add rice
4.  Add soy sauce

 

Mini Pizzas

What you need:

• Can of grands biscuits
• Tomato sauce
• Pepperoni
• Green pepper
• Garlic
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Italian Seasoning

 

1. Take a biscuit , flatten it out until a good size.
2.  I like sprinkling a little garlic & Italian seasoning for extra flavor
3. Top with sauce
4. Add cheese
5.  Add toppings
6. Put in oven at 35o until cooked , keep an eye on it at least 10 minutes.

 

Sausage, broccoli, sweet potato ,& bean hash

 

What you need:

• Italian Sweet Sausage
• Sweet potatoes
• Kidney Beans, drained
• Broccoli , steamed
• Onion, diced
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning

Microwave sweet potato  until almost cooked through. Once cooled . Dice

Add sausage to pot, halfway through add onion

Add beans & Italian Seasoning

Steam broccoli

When sausage is done add broccoli & sweet potato. Mix together.

 

 

Sweet potato & green bean pasta

 

I threw this together for lunch one day.

What you need:

• Frozen Green Beans
• Pasta
• Sweet potatoes
• oil
• Seasonings ( paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, mccormick steakhouse seasoning)

I took a sweet potato that I had already cooked. I diced it up put in a bowl. I added some paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper, coconut oil and tossed together. Add to toaster oven ( or oven) until toasted or crispy , however you like your sweet potatoes.

Take green beans and put them in microwave until done

I had left over pasta I wanted to use up . Make pasta, or heat up left over pasta.

Add ingredients pasta and beans together. Add McCormick steakhouse seasoning.Mix. When potatoes are done, add them.

Eat

 

 

 

 

Brownies

brownie mix

can of pumpkin

bake as directed, just check on them.

I would add chocolate chips to these because you can taste a little it of the pumpkin, which takes away from the chocolate flavor.

 

What are your favorite budget friendly healthy meals?

 

 

 

#FoilFebruary – Week One

Project use up samples, week one.

I’ve been sick most of the week so didn’t use a lot. I could barely eat let alone care about my beauty routine this week.

 

 

Charlotte Tilbury Magic cream Treat & Transform Moisturizer : Had stuffy nose and could smell SPF in it. Left skin a little greasy looking but did leave it soft and moisturized. It is expensive for a full sized so don’t see myself buying this.

Simple micellar cleansing water – used 2 that I had . Hard to tell if what it even did.

L’oreal age perfect glow renewal – left skin soft , healthy dewy skin , hydrated, & glowy . Would consider getting a full size bottle .

First aid beauty – ultra repair cream

Worked great on my nose when it was all gross from blowing my nose non stop for a few days. It pretty much made all the dry skin disappear in 2 days . It says head from toe so far I’ve used it on my face seems to be ok. If you get sick & your nose gets raw or dry , use this to make it better. No stinging just healing.

 Premier ageless future cell renual cream – skin felt silky smooth and soft , especially when I woke up

Nivea in-shower body lotion- I don’t know if I really care for it. Hard to tell with one use. Also the tub does get slippery .

Nivea Extended Moisture lotion– Skin feels good, it is a little thinner than I like

Boscia detoxifying black cleanser – felt a little warm, cleansed skin well, skin didn’t feel tight afterwards

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Brazilian Smooth– One thing I love about their hair care is it smells good. Lathered up nicely, hair feels, & looks good. Helps with frizz and leaves hair REALLY soft.

Garnier Clean Black head eliminating scrub– smelled a little like mens aftershave. Foamed up nicely, gentle on skin, left skin cleansed & soft.

Have samples to use up? Join me on instagram and use hashtag #FoilFebruary

Valentine’s Day is approaching

Valentine’s Day is approaching.. what are your thoughts on this holiday? Love it, hate it, or just a normal day for you?

Do you have any plans ? …. hot date, girls night out, single’s party, or just going about it like any other day?

 

Check out what men & women polled tink and how they approach Valentine’s Day in this infographic

 

Are you surprised? What do you think?

 

 

Here are my thoughts on the poll:

 

      1: Perfect Valentine’s day for me would be combine those 2 . A candle lit dinner is more intimate & it a little more          of a relaxing atmosphere. Prepare the dish together, or if someone is better at cooking have the other one help               with smaller stuff. Since I always cook, if a guy cooked me dinner it would be a major turn on and he would get              major points for that. Then relax & watch a movie.

 

2. I would say it is the guy’s responsibility to plan the date but deciding together is a good idea too.

 

3. I don’t expect a gift but I wouldn’t say no. A small box of chocolate would make me happy.

 

4. I’m living the single life so no receiving or gifting. I can’t be the only one who doesn’t want roses , am I? I love a variety of flowers , stargazer lillies are my favorite. What are you favorite flower to receive?

 

5. It is Valentine’s Day … I would expect it to spill over into the bedroom.

 

6. I agree with the majority here, $25 or less is a good budget for a gift.

 

7.  Being single on Valentine’s Day is not horrible at all. Who is going after the discounted candy the next day? lol

 

8. I agree on the men on this one it is blown out of proportion.  Valentine’s Day decor and items were out before the new year!  I think us ladies just want to feel special . Since it’s a dedicated day , we know  ( if we have a date/ in a relationship) we will have a day of romance. So fellas…. be more spontaneous and/or take your wife/girlfriend out more. She will appreciate it.  

 

The one thing that makes me feel good and ready for my date ( or any day) is putting on something that makes me feel confident & sexy, even if I’m the only one going to see it.

AdoreMe not only is affordable but the fit is great. They have a range of styles & sizes, from petite to plus.

*You can even order by Feburary 10th by 1pm EST & get if for Valentine’s Day!

Here are just a few styles to choose from. Be sure to check out their sexy lingerie  for more!

 

When you sign up for VIP you get $10 off your style anytime, your first set is $24.95 , free shipping & exchanges. You can try VIP out and if you don’t think its for you, you can easily cancel any time. You can also pay as you go.

If you use my  AdoreMe Link I’ll get some shopping credit, so I can get some goodies too. When you sign up you will get a link to invite friends too.

Here are 2 sets that I received from AdoreMe.

 

 

What’s inside my #JingleVoxBox

I am always excited when I get an email saying I am going to get a voxbox from Influenster.

Influenster is a community of savvy shoppers who like to share their opinions on products ( everything from makeup, food, fitness, & more) .  You even have the opportunity to try brand new products not even on the market. When you get a products or products , you will have tasks to do. The more you do the more chances you have to win a prize depending on the products. It can be anything from a gift card to a products from that brand. I won perfume, tampons & bag, John Frieda hair dryer & comb, & more.  It’s completely free to join. Sign up here

You can also browse the site for tips, information on products as well as reviews, ask questions, & more.

Ore-Ida Tater Tots

I was sent 1 coupon for a free bag of tater tots. I don’t even remember the last time I had tater tots. On Influenster they give you tasks to earn brand badges. You can choose to do them or not. They mentioned making totchos.  I’ve never heard of it before , it just nachos but instead of chips you use tater tots. Though I think their waffle fried might have been better but I went with it.

I made breakfast totchos, taco totchos, & then I made egg muffins with taters tots on the bottom. See recipes here :  Totchos   &  egg muffins

 

All were tasty and definitely comfort food but I am not sure if I would make it totchos again. Its something you have to eat with a fork and not something you grab like nachos.

Pure Ice Nail Polish

I received Home Run, which is a pretty shade. It reminds me of Spring and is probably a color I would gravitate towards if I was looking at the colors. This polish is made in the U.S.A. It is also with formaldehyde, toluene, & DBP. They have a wide range of colors , glitters, & shimmers. You can find these polishes at Walmart for about $2.  The only downfall for me was you definitely need two coats, at least for this shade.  Plus it takes a little long for it to dry.  The polish lasted for about a week without chipping. For $2 though, I will definitely try other colors.

Hallmark Itty Bittys

Hallmark has a wide range of characters that need some lovin’! Everything from Rainbow Brite ( my personal favorite) , Wizard of Oz , Star Wars, DC comics, & so much more. They start at $6.95

I received Olaf, I haven’t seen the movie but hes cute! I took him on an adventure while my mom was visiting. I took her and Olaf around NYC. He rode the train into Grand Central and walked over to Times Sq. where he spotted big Olafs & Elsas!  Hopped on the subway heading down to Macy’s to see the window displays. He even spotted the Empire State Building.  It was a little chilly , so after some photo ops we all hopped back on the 1 to Rockefeller Center to see the tree. There were so many people but that didn’t stop us. Olaf even got a photo in front of the big tree. On out walk he even saw Radio City music Hall. He saw a lot in a short amount of time.

Kiss True Volume Lashes & strip lash adhesive with aloe

The lashes are made with 100% natural hair. The tapered end technology creates a natural looking ends that resemble real lashes but gives ups your look up a notch adding a little glam but not over the top. The glue is very easy to apply and you can control how much you put on the lashes because you paint it on. No chemical smell, easy to apply, & easy to take off. Both items retail for around $3.99  The lashes really do look natural and love the flirty  look to them. These made me fall in love with false lashes again.

• Applying lashes is easier than you think. All you need are lashes, lash glue, tweezers, & a mirror. Gently remove lashes with tweezers. I like grabbing one end and gently pulling them off.
• Put the lashes on top of yours to measure. Sometimes you might need to take a little off. When you do you want to cut the inside off ( which would be the part in your inner corner of the eye) You want to cut that end because lashes go from short to long. It will give you a more natural look. Remember to cut both lashes in the same place so they are even.
• Grab the lashes in the middle and apply the glue.
• Let sit for 10-30 seconds just to let the glue get a little tacky. This will help you apply easier because they won’t slide all over the place and you can’t put them into place quicker. I like putting a little more glue on the ends.
• I found that if you use a mirror ( like one from a make up palette or bigger one that you can move around) on a table or so that you are looking down , it works better to get it in place.
• Place on top of lashes just above your lash line. Gently push the end pieces into place and then push the rest of the lashes into lid with tweezers.

*Don’t worry the glue dries clear. You can always take an angles brush dip it black shadow or put some black eyeliner and brush it on top if you wish

Use when you’re going out for brunch, lunch, dinner, date night, or just because you want to! I will be buying more of Kiss lashes… I am officially hooked.

 

 

 

NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner

This eyeliner is around $3.99 and can be found at Target & wherever N.Y.C make up are sold.  This gives bold color and it glides on so smoothly which is what I want in a eye liner. Something that can be easily applied without the fuss.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

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I have never tried this moisturizing cream before. I opened up with  jar and it was so thick, rich & creamy. This is perfect if you have dry skin & is a great product to have in the winter when skin can be drier than normal. It absorbs nicely and doesn’t leave skin greasy. I like putting it on my elbows, feet, & hands. This retails any where from $8.99-$15.99 depending on size you get. Great product for the winter.

 

 

Biscoff Cookies

These cookies have been Europe’s favorite coffee break favorite. Crunchy, caramelized flavor that are a perfect treat. I love the flavor of these cookies . I don’t really drink coffee but love it with hot chocolate. I also made a healthy sweet treat by mixing together banana & frozen berries. I put in the freezer until hard. Enjoy!

What’s in Biscoff Cookies?

The unique taste stems from the sugar’s caramelization during the baking process. And a hint of cinnamon and other spices add that special something. Biscoff Cookies are made with:

• No artifical color or preservatives
• 0 grams trans fat per serving and 0 cholesterol
• Non-GMO ingredients
• No Nuts
• No animal by-products

 

 

• I received these products for free from Influenster for review & testing purposes.. All opinions are my own

January 2016, Freebies, Deals & Prizes

First month of 2016 of freebies, deals, & prizes. What have you been getting in the mail?

A little late at posting. I’ve been really sick the past couple of days.

PRIZES

Nestea has a sweepstakes going on & I won a $50 giftcard to cloud9 which you can buy og gift experiences. Anything from food tours to being a pilot for a day. I’m deciding between lunch on a boat in NYC or a food tour

My favorite this past month was winning AHAVA mud masks.

remember to follow your favorite brands on Social Media.

I also won 2x 12 packs of Clif bars & a book from a promotion they had on twitter! YUM!

Freebies & Samples

Picked these up from Sephora for being a beauty insider. Philosophy, Ole Henriksen, Benefit & more. It’s free to join!

Last month I posted a lot of Victoria’s Secret stuff I got for free. Well I just scored 2 bras & 3 undies for free. On my last haul I received 2x $20 rewards cards to use this month/ Feb. They had these cute The Date push up bras on sale as a set for $30 which is a great deal. I was able to use a promo code for $10 off, a free panty promo code, & free shipping!

Crunchies strawberry banana dried fruit • cat treats from survey company • Green Mountain organic coffee k-cups from Walmart • Matrix Mousse

Juice beauty samples cleanser, serum , moisturizer • Perdue Calendar • O Magazine • Fresh Pet cat food coupons : free bag & $3 off • Hills Bro Cappuccino salted caramel k cups + $1 coupon • Starbucks 2 k-cups hot chocolate classic & salted caramel + $1 coupon • Tito’s vodka sent me a journal • Thrill pro selfie stick (prize)

pinchme box with purely fancy feast & gold bond lotion  2nd box: Beyond grain free cat food & breathe right strip

Freebies/ Samples: hemp hearts and hemp protein powder from their FB•Kleenex facial cleansing wipe + coupon •My Magic Mud natural tooth powder  • Covergirl TRUBlend foundation sample from Walgreens

• won some NuGo bars from Splashscore ( I recently did a review for them, use Love4Slim for 20%off)

Batiste dry shampoo from influenster contest , Hershey’s caramels from Splashscore

Coupon for free minute maid juice, Dove dry deodorant from Walmart , When my mom stayed she gave me the left over Neutrogena shampoo & conditioner from her hotel.NCLA nail polish, not sure why it was sent but I like it! Its called peppermint crush

Lindt truffles for $1.49 at Walgreens • Yankee Candle 2 small votive candles for .50 each

I was also able to score hot wings, a large pepperoni pizza & garlic knots, & another small pizza. Fooji/Grubhub partnered up with How to Be Single ( movie) & Lucifer ( tv show on Fox). When you tweeted out the hashtags & emoji you could score free food.  It was pretty cool to tweet out a pizza emoji, get a tweet back with a link to enter you details, then it show up at your door.  I thought it was very different from other promotions.

Deals

Picked up free goodies thanks to coupons. I was happy to finally find a chocolate Justin’s hazelnut butter & I loved the Organic Fuel from Organic Valley.

 

Paid $1.83 but made $5.92
• Dove Shampoo & Conditioner $3 – Used $3 off 2 digital coupon & $3 off 2 MFC = FREE
•Centrum Vitamins – $7.19 used $4 digital coupon & $4 MFC coupon = FREE
•Arnold Bread 2.24 used $.55 MFC which doubled =$1.14
•Knorrs sides $1 each – Used $1 off 2 MFC coupon & $.50 digital coupon = $.50
•2 Musselmans apple sauce 6pk $1 each used $1 off 2 =$1
= with an $.81 overage from the vitamins I paid $1.83 out of pocket
I also used saving star and got back $7.75 ($5.92 money maker)

-CVS : cereal on sale $1.99 each – had coupon for $1 off 2(1/3 paper) & $.89 ECB = $2.09 for both
-Dollar Tree used $1 coupon for Campbell’s Organic soup =FREE
-Shoprite 2 in 1 shampoo $1.88 used $1 coupon + $1 digital coupon giving me $.12 overage ➡️plus $.50 back from savingstar
• 2 Musselmans Apple sauces $1 for both after $1 off 2 coupon
•jolly time popcorn 1.49 used $.75 coupon which doubled =free

Make sure to check and scan items at CVS. They have a lot of unmarked clearance items.
CVS Haul
OOP = $5.95 Got back $ 10 ECB + $1 from savingstar
•TRESemme keratin smooth hairspray clearance $1.69 ( used $4 off 2 MFC) =FREE
• Not Your Mothers beach babe set & primer & style extender clearance $1.99 each used $2 coupon in the beach babe set = $1.98 (Got $3 ECB for buying 2)
•Speed stick guys( 2/$7) girls (2/$6) had a buy 1 get 1 free for both = $6.50 (Got back $6 ECB for buy $12 worth)
• CVS nutritional shake $1.25 (got back $1 ECB )
• Palmolive soap $.99 used $.25 from cvs red machine $.25 MFC = $.49
• Rimmel nail polish half off = $1.49
•honey bunches of oat $1.99 each
used $5 ECB
Used $5/$15

trip #2 to CVS
OOP= FREE +MM $5 back from savingstar
•Suave shampoo/ conditioner rang up at $.94 ( used 2 x $1.50 coupons ) =FREE + overage +$1 saving star
•Centrum multigummies b1 get 1 50% off at $7.99 each (used 2 x $4 coupons) = $3.99 + $4 savingstar
•Colgate Optic White 2pk $2.49 (used $2 coupon )=$.49
-Used $3 ECB from my trip yesterday

Target: Found these Gingerbread Oreos in the holiday section for $.89. I went back to get more and they were already sent back to the vendor. nooooo :*(

Target: Belvita Cookies were $2.99. I used the carthweel app which had 50% off & used a $1 off 2 coupon making them $1 a box

Kelloggs Apple Cinnamon Cereal: $2.24 a box. Again used cartwheel with 30% off Kelloggs cereal making them $1.56 a box.

Shoprite: Used $2 coupon & $2 digital coupon for the Keri lotion making it a $.01 money maker , Dole Fruitocracy $1.88 > used $1 coupon = $.88  and my favorite, Pretzel Crisps used $1 digital coupon , they were on sale so I paid $.99.

So many great deals this month. I’ve been using SavingStar more lately. You should sign up too. Its free. All you do is add your store loyalty cards and click the offers you want. When you make a purchase in a day or two , the $ goes to your savingstar account. You cash out at $5.

Along with SavingStar, check out Ibotta.  I had a coupon to get an item free  & they had a rebate. I made $1.50 for buying it. They gave tons of rebates that always change , even fruits & vegetables.

Tip: Make sure you email your favorite companies. I love tribe hummus & asked if they had any coupons. They sent me 2 and I used them when I saw hummus on sale. I scored 2 for $.74 each!

Walgreens had this automatic spray kit for $4.99 ( $12.49 originally) on sale. I had a $3 coupon making it $1.99 , got $1 Register Reward to use on future purchase, + used Ibotta app and received $2 back

Earlier in the month Walgreens had Trolli gummies on sale for $.99 get $.99 register reward that I tried using on this purchase but I was able to stack the $3 coupon with the register reward so I ended up getting another bag of candy for free.

Make sure you download Ibotta … another great deal I got was a dozen eggs at the Dollar Tree. I received a $.50 rebate back by buying eggs. They reset it twice , so I was able to get 2 dozen eggs for $1!

 

Review: 

Received this Xtava full coverage concealer for free to review. It didn’t work as I was hoping. For me it did a better job on covering a blemish than it did on my whole face/ under eyes.