Influenster Love VoxBox 2012

Today I received the Love Vox Box from Influenster. If you've never heard of Influenster, here is a description (via their website) of what it's all about:

   "Community of trendsetters invited to share their lifestyles and show their influence to qualify for personalized product shipments, special rewards and exclusive deals from the brands they love. Members love testing the latest products, giving insightful feedback, and spreading the word on their favorite finds"

 The VoxBox is filled with products from various brands.  And members of Influenster (called Influensters), are encouraged to share their thoughts about the products on Influenster.com and social networks (twitter, FB, Blogs, Youtube, etc.,). And the more your share, the higher your chances are to receive other VoxBoxes. The boxes are generally themed, so the Love VoxBox was in celebration of Valentine's day.
Please note that there is no charge to be Influenster and VoxBoxes are sent, free of charge, to specially selected members.
Here is what I got:

Kiss Nail Dress-Fashion That Sticks - $6.99
I've tried nail decals before and I have never quite mastered them. I will give these a try though I'm not much for rhinestones. 

Stash Tea Herbal Tea Sampler - $3.50
Tea is always good. I've tried this brand pretty ok. 

Gillette Venus and Olay Razor - $8.99 -10.99
I was in need of a new razor. Thanks!

Ghiradelli Gourmet Milk Creamy Devotion - $2.99
Can't go wrong with chocolate. 

Truvia Natural Sweetner $3.99
A natural sweetner made with erythritol and rebiana.  I currently use stevia  as a sweetner. It took me a little while to get used to stevia but now it's pretty much all I  use (sometimes I do agave nectar). I currently use the Navitas Naturals Organic Stevia Powder. It's loose and the color is green. 

Extravagant Indie Giveaway! 10 prizes -1 Winner

In honor of Women's History Month, myself and 9 other women entrepreneurs have come together to create this awesome giveaway. The winner will win 10 wonderful prizes including jewelry, skincare products, gift certificates, and more. Also, each contestant can refer 1 friend and the friend of the winner will win some prizes too.
Here are the sponsors for this giveaway:



Smell Goods 98

 Jasmin Mitchell Jewelry

Deana's Jewelry And  Things

 Diapercakes by LaTersa

 Eclectic Creations

Lunaversoul

M.A.I.A Bey

Laurie Writes

Narah's Jewelry




Myla's Bags


Entering this giveaway is simple. Just complete the 26 mandatory tasks listed on the form below. There are also bonus tasks you can complete  that will help increase your chances of winning. Good Luck!
Please note:

• You must have a Twitter and Facebook account for the mandatory tasks to count towards your entry
• If you already like or follow one of the sponsors, please do not skip that task. Instead, simply enter your name (the one you use for that particular social network) and click enter. 
• GFC= Google Friend Connect 
• Open to US Residents
• Ends 03/20/2012

I've Been Juicing!

For the past week I have been juicing in the morning. And although I have juiced before, it has always been very random. Mostly because I have serious issues with leaving all the pulp behind. Like seriously! It feels like such a waste of good produce when I'm cleaning out the juicer. I hate thinking about the nutrients I'm missing out on. I even tried to make a facial mask out of some of the pulp before.  And my juicer is not the best one on the market so it probably leaves more pulp/fiber than other newer/better juicers.  However, my interest in juicing again has been piqued and I have a couple of bloggers (Bree and Toyaboo2) to thank. They have both done a reboot juicing challenge where they replace meals with juice for 10 consecutive days. And while I am not doing the challenge, I have been juicing every morning for the past 7 or 8 days.

The juice in the photo was created with the entire produce section. Lol. Well, that's exaggerating but I put lots of fruits and veggies and this one including: kale, cabbage, parsley, cilantro, beets, celery, pear, grapes, cucumber, key lime, kumquat, and orange. And I took the photo of it because I thought the colors were so pretty. I've been basically making this same juice everyday with a few variations here or there.

I really like juices that I have been making and I'm starting to look forward to making and drinking the juices. Still not in love with the cleaning process and losing all those nutrients. So, if someone wants to buy me a vitamix, let me know. Meanwhile, I'll continue juicing with my hand-me-down Hamilton Beach Healthsmart. Besides, you have to start where you are.

New Items In My Etsy Shop

I've added lots of new items to my etsy shop. I hope you like them. Let me know what you think.

Large Brass With Pantina Earrings $30

Pale Aqua and Gray Recycled Glass Necklace $30

Teal Blue Suede Tassel Earrings (repurposed) $20

Long Brass Earrings With Pantina $22

Hammered Oxidized Copper Earrings $24

Large Hammered Silver Earrings (aluminum) $18

Brown Recycled Leather and Agate Cuff $27

Teal Recycled Suede and Magnesite Cuff $27

Gold and Cowrie Shell Earrings (Brass) $16

Also Available in Silver (Aluminum)

Oxidized Copper and Crystal Butterfly Necklace $30

Silver Wirewrapped Hoop Earrings Aluminum $14

Black and Gold Leather and Onyx Earrings $24

Copper Wirewrapped Hoop Earrings $22

Copper Nugget Ring

Gold Lucite and Turquoise Coco Shell Earrings $14

Jewelry Items On Sale In My Etsy Shop!

Hi everyone! I've put a couple of items on sale today. I hope you'll take a look. I also have a bunch of new items and will blog about them shortly. Here's what's on sale:

Turquoise and Brass Ring (Adjustable)
Was $50 is and is now $45

Huge Peace Sign Earrings Black
These earrings are quite large but are extremely lightweight

Huge Peace Sign Earrings Light Brown

Huge Peace Sign Earrings Dark Brown

February 2012 Birchbox

I got this month's Birchbox, so let me show you what I got. And if you're not sure what Birchbox is all about, check out this post HERE. Now, check out what was in this month's box.

                                                                                                                                                     

 1. Eye Rock Designer Liner
This is basically stick-on eye liner. And there are four different styles of cat eye in this packet. I am intrigued by this product and can't wait to try them out. I'll check out a few reviews for them and see what others have to say.

 2. Shu Uemura Essence Absloue Nourishing Protective Oil 
I gave this a little test and I thought it was ok. Maybe I'll try it all over my hair next.

 3. Free music downloads for a band called Green River Ordinance

4. Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum
I like my current blemish product by Mychelle but I will give this a go and see how it compares. Besides, Juice Beauty's serum ($29 for 2oz) has more product for less money than Mychelle($25-$31.79 for 1oz). Also, I tested the Juice Beauty serum on a blemish and it did seem tontone down the soreness and redness.

 5. Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
I'm interested to see if this will fade any of my dark spots. The sample size is approx. 0.14 oz which should be enough product to notice  if it will make a difference.


6. Supersmile Powdered Mouthrinse 
I like these convenient little packets of powdered mouthrinse. Just add water and you've got mouthwash. Perfect for when you can't brush your teeth after lunch or snacks.

Event: Handmade Market at Empty Botttle!

Hey everyone! I will be selling my jewelry at Handmade Market this Saturday 2/11 from 12pm to 4pm. I have a variety of items ($5-$50) for sale including all of the jewelry in my etsy shop and will put my shop on vacation that day. If you are in the Chicagoland area please stop by, say hello, and take a look.

Event: Trunk Show at House Of Sole Boutique

Hi Everyone! This Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, I'm having a trunk show at House Of Sole Boutique located at 1237 S. Michigan. I'll be there from 5pm-8pm. Also,  House of Sole is having a sale with 60% off of selected items. And there is will be light refreshments. If you're in the Chicagoland area, please come out. For those who aren't in/near Chicago, you  can always check out what I have in my etsy shop.

Event: New Year New You Seminar by The Mane Source

On Saturday, January 28th, I will be vending at The Mane Source's New Year New You Seminar.  Style, Beauty, Financial, and Fitness experts will be sharing information on health, nutrition, skincare, money and more. Also, attendees enjoy food by Majani catering and swag bags with full-sized beauty products. This event will take place from 10am -2pm at The Living Room Lounge  ,located at 1100 W Cermak. If your are in the Chicagoland area, please stop by. Tickets are $20 until January 27th and $25 thereafter. Click HERE for more information and to buy tickets. I hope to see you there. 

New Fave: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or Multi-Usage Dry Oil Shimmer

I have been eyeing Nuxe's Huile Prodigieuse Or for some time now. I'd always see beauty editors, make-up artists, and other beauty professionals mention this oil and the original Huile Prodigieuse  as one of their favorites. And that made me want it even more but the cost is  about $56 for a 3.3oz bottle - so I've held off on buying it. Besides, I like to get 3-5 or more items for my hard earned $50.

Well...I finally got a chance to try it  thanks to Birchbox. They included a 0.33oz sample in my December Box and I was so glad. I tested it out and really liked it. It felt nice and smooth and the subtle shimmer was lovely. I like the scent too which is hard to describe but I've seen some call it a  floral, beachy, and woodsy musky scent. I'd        definitely love the full size of this but I can't splurge right      now. There is a smaller 1.6 oz size available for approx. $41 though. Maybe, I'll get that one with the Birchbox points that I've racked up. Hmmm....we'll see.
                               

January Birchbox 2012

I got this month's Birchbox, so let me show you what I got. And if you're not sure what Birchbox is all about, check out last month's post HERE. Now, on to the box.

From top left to right:
1. Birchbox magnet
   
2. Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture spray vial sample
    I gave this to my 9 year old niece - not a fan. And if you've been following me for a while,
    you know that I favor oils, roller-ball, and solid fragrances.
    I like to check etsy, Luckyscent, indiescents, Smell Bent, Smell Goods, and other indies for fragrances.

3.  Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Larabar Mini Bar
     Pretty good! I've had these bars before and I like them pretty much

4. VMV Hypoallerginics Re-Everything: Face-Hand-Body Lotion
    I liked this well enough. It's supposed to be an all over lotion but I haven't tried it on my face yet.
    The description on Birchbox's website says:

      "This silky lotion is the rare all-in-one product that meets our highest standards. The natural formula is free of all the most common skin allergens — 76 of them, to be exact — as well artificial fragrances, dyes, parabens, or preservatives. On the flip side, it’s packed with gentle exfoliators and antioxidants that leave skin incredibly soft from head to toe. Note: Your other body lotions may experience intense jealousy."


Sounds promising! I'll see how I like it and let you know. Oh and the sample size is 1oz and the full size is approx. 6.25oz  for $45.


















5.Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash

I've actually tried this before and didn't love it. My skin is pretty finicky so I'm never surprised when products don't agree it. I'll give it another try though. I must mention that this 1.4 oz sample and the full size is $19.50 for 5oz so that's a generous sample.

6. stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
This is a full size liner which retails for $20. I got the color Peacock which is described as a
shimmery azure. I do like this color a lot. I'll see how it wears soon. Below is a swatch on my hand.

And here's just a little card they included that shared some mini detox tips.