Influenster VoxBox Review: LARABAR Cherry Pie

In my Holiday VoxBox there was a delicious treat I have never tried before!

It was a. . . .LARABAR!

Straight from the website:

Tart and tasty, chewy, but not ooey or gooey, our Cherry Pie contains 1 full serving of fruit, 5 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. The simple, 3-ingredient mix of unsweetened cherries, dates and almonds, packs a big flavor with a dollop of fun.

My thought:

YUM! It was chewy, fruity, nutty, and tart all at once. For 3 ingredients it was an amazing and tasty snack.

(I went to purchase more because it was that amazing)

I love snacks that are all natural, good for you, and don't have added junk that your body seriously doesn't need.

I highly recommend that everyone go and grab one for a great healthy snack that you can stash anywhere and not feel guilty about it!

Visit LARABAR: www.larabar.com

Disclaimer:I was sent this product in a box to review for Influenster. I am not being paid by Influenster or LARABAR for this reivew. All opinions are honest and my own.

What is Influenster? Let me tell you!

Infuenster is a Exclusive Community of Trendsetters using their Influence to Qualify for Complimentary Product Shipments, Rewards and Deals fit for their Lifestyles. Members love Testing the Latest Products, Offering Insightful Feedback and Spreading the Word on Products they Rate Positively!

I took that from their facebook fan page.

I really do love what Influenster is doing. They are giving the opportunity for Trendsetters to review amazing products!

I was recommended Influenster by a great mom that I know named Reina. I was hesitant at first then I did the greatest thing by signing up.

Within weeks I recieved my first every VoxBox stuffed with goodies for me to review for my blog, YouTube, Facebook fan page, and my twitter.

The next LoveVoxBox that is Valentine themed (oh la la) will go out in early February. Influenster’s research team will go through all pending badges before the recipient list is finalized in the second half of January! Influenster will have one or two themed voxboxes going out every month in 2012.

I am already pondering what is in that box and if I qualify for it!

It does take time for them to approve badges as there are TONS of Trendsetters they have to review. I bet they drink a lot of coffee. I would.

You must remain active to recieve a VoxBox and it is required to do the post-experience survey once it is open to keep your membership with Influenster.

Sign up (it's free), Unlock badges that fit your lifestyle, Qualify for products, Review products, Share your experience, and get great deals on products you love!

Follow them on Social Media:

http://www.facebook.com/Influenster

http://www.twitter.com/Influenster

http://www.youtube.com/Influenster

http://www.pinterest.com/Influenster

also sign up for free on their website:

http://www.influenster.com

Remember this is not a freebie site you do have to review each product, share and recommend Influenster and the products you recieve, share on social networks, keep active, and do the required post-experience survey.

Disclaimer: I am not being paid by Influenster by this post. I just love Influenster and what they do so why not show support?

Montagne Jeunesse Badge Challenge Approved!

10 lucky winners who earn this badge will receive gift baskets full of Montagne Jeunesse products!

Gift Basket Value = $50!

Ahhhhh another badge approval! I am smiling ear to ear. Wish me luck on getting the gift basket!

Visit Influenster.com to sign up.

Disclaimer: I was sent the Influenster Holiday VoxBox to review. I am not being paid to do this post.

Broadway imPress Brand Challege Approved!

All Badge Earners will receive 2 imPRESS kits (one pattern, one color) and 1 new Kiss Nail Dress product!

Total System Value= $21.00

I am so happy and excited that I got the Broadway Nails Badge!!!!

I entered my review video and did what was required!

Visit Influenster.com to sign up.

Disclaimer: I was sent the Influenster Holiday VoxBox to review. I am not being paid to do this post.

Influenster VoxBox: imPress Manicure

To the left is the before and the right is one week after.

When I saw these in my Influenster Holiday VoxBox I was so happy! I wanted to wear them right away!

I have used press-on's when I was younger and stopped because they always looked fake and fell off way too soon. Oh and to add the messy GLUE!

Well these are in a whole different level!

They are super siimple to put on, not too long, and last way over a week!

Straight from Broadway Nails:

Introducing imPress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails, the revolutionary way to apply polish! Featuring advanced nail technology, you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on, and you're done. There's no drying, a killer shine and a manicure that lasts up to a week! And, imPress is so easy to remove, you can change it up to match your mood as often as you want. Check out all 36 colors and patterns, including trendy brights, classic darks and animal prints. With imPress, your nails will always be your best accessory.

imPress Manicure retails for $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, and is available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more. For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit imPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!

So I LOVE THESE! I recommend them to everyone!

Visit them at imPressManicure.com

Disclaimer: I was sent this box by Influenster to review. I am not being paid to do this blog post.

 

Influenster VoxBox: Soft Soap Coconut Scrub

Oh SoftSoap Coconut Scrub how I love you!

My once again winter attacked skin feels soft and moisturized!

Straight from the website:

The gentle smoothing you love in a body wash, now available in bar form! Enriched with crushed coconut extract and gentle exfoliants to reveal soft, smooth skin. Lush tropical fragrance — no passport required.

My thought:

I have always used liquid body washes because every bar soap I use dries up my skin so badly that it peels and itches.

Well SoftSoap your formula does rock my socks!

There are gentle exfoliants in the bar that aren't harsh on skin and the divine smell is tropical, coconut, and sweet all at once.

I got TWO yes I said TWO bars in my Influenster VoxBox and that was generous because these  will last a long time because it is in bar form!

I love this barsoap (I want to try the other varieties as well).

Visit www.colgate.com to see more information on their products.

Disclaimer: I was sent this product in a box to review for Influenster. I am not being paid by Influenster or Colgate for this reivew. All opinions are honest and my own.

Influenster Vox Box: Montagne Jeunesse

Straight from the website:

Cleanse your skin with our Strawberry Soufflé face masque as part of your regime for a purified, toned smooth complexion. Loaded with natural goodness which leaves skin hydrated and refreshed allow your skin to breathe with soothing Aloe Vera & calming Vanilla.

Experience the sensation of sheer Strawberry delight and enjoy deep cleansed, healthier skin.

• Gluten Free
• No Added Parabens

Cleanse with warm water only. Apply evenly over face and neck with fingertips, avoiding eyes and lips. Lie back & relax for 10-15 minutes, or until dry. Rinse off with warm water. Pat dry. Use weekly.

My thought:

As you can see its creamy and whipped!

There are fresh crushed strawberries in this so there are seeds in there.

When you wash this off your face the seeds can be used as an exfoliant which my face needs and it worked wonders.

The smell was beyond amazing like fresh strawberrys picked from a field!

Here is a picture of me with the mask on my face. I left it on for 20 minutes and enjoyed every minute. As soon as I took it off my face was so super smooth and super soft. All my blackheads were off my nose (Geez I hate those blackheads)

and my skin was moisturized just from the mask.

My dull and peeling winter attacked skin felt NORMAL again!

Visit them at www.montagnejeunesse.com

Disclaimer: I was sent this product in a box from Influenster. I am not being paid by Influenster or Montagne Jeunesse for this review. All opinions are honest and my own.

Influenster VoxBox: Mentos Gum Review

I recieved one of these in my Holiday VoxBox from Influenster.

I really do love this mentos gum it refreshes, wakes me up, and its strong which I love!

There are always times when you need awake me up or a mint to freshen breath.

I have two adorable kids and they keep me busy so having these in a diaper bag assures me that I have this to look forward to when by breath isn't the best after a meal or when I am falling asleep and I need something to wake me up other then coffee!!!!

It has a hard surface a soft inner and some green tea extract in the middle is an amazing mixture!

As they state on their website "Pure breath and intense freshness."

I couldn't agree less. These are available everywhere. I go out quite often and I have seen them at every store I have been to so if you see them I recommend to grab one and enjoy!

New Years is coming up you know you need some of this in your purse, pocket, or anywhere else you stash your things for your "at midnight" kiss!

I will be asleep most likely but either way I do enjoy these daily!

Almost time for me to get another one!

Visit Mentos.com to see more of their great products!

Disclaimer: I was sent this box from Influenster to review. I was not paid to do a review by either Influenster or Mentos. All opinions are honest and my own.

Crock Pot Pot Roast

1 FROZEN Beef Roast

Enough tomato juice to cover meat

5 Potatoes

2 Handfuls of carrot

2 tbsp Garlic Powder

Palmful of Black Pepper

1 Whole onion

4 Bay leaves

4 Celery Stalks cleaned and chopped

Directions:

Place everything in the crockpot. Yes even the meat. When you leave the meat in frozen I promise you it is just amazing.

Cook for 3 hours on high then put on low for 5-6 hours.

Or on high for 5 hours or just low for 9 hours.

Do not stir or mess with the food in the pot.

Enjoy with pasta or rice!

Easy right???

Deanna

Missing in Action

I know I haven't blogged in wayyyyy over a month. I've been pretty busy due to having two kids and both being sick on and off for a little while. Also some personal issues have kept me away. But no fear I am back and I will blog more often I PROMISE. Yes that is my son the chunky monkey. I know I had some religous followers to this blog and since I stopped blogging they went. Now I hope to regain my followers. Let's start on a good note!

My daughter "Mastered" everything in her class which is amazing and I am so proud.

My son is growing and growing and just amazing.

I will be posting a Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe soon!

I will be doing a book review!

Smoothie Recipes!

Baby Shampoo and Lotion review!

and

Anything anyone else is interested in!

This won't be the last you hear from me everyone!!!!

Deanna

Strength Exercises for baby!

My son is 2 months and 24 days!

I do exercises with him daily to gain his head strength. 

He can already stand with help his legs are so strong! 

Here are the head exercises!

I always use a pillow as a prop. It does help them a little bit more. They don't have to strain as much but still get the same amount of support as without the pillow.

The gas hold. Famous for helping gas and colic and also famous for head strength. 

Letting them lay stomach down with their head after the knee. You can do this and support the head at the same time with your hands until they can fully hold well. 

Holding them on your legs and holding their chest while leaning them a bit forward.

You can do this step before the previous one. To cold the chest and back to head. This one helps for a baby with mild head strength.

I carry my son around like this all around the house. It helps his head strength a whole lot. Plus they get a full view of what we see as well.

That is all I leave you with this cute picture of my son.

Head strength takes time and tummy time helps a lot. Sadly my son hates tummy time so I found that all these ways worked better for me and now he can hold his head on his own.

I hope this helps the tummy time trauma.

Deanna

Mommy Makeup Review

I love makeup. I recently found my HOLY GRAIL foundation!!!!!

I was hesitant to try a new foundation because I have sensitive skin but this is wonderful!

These are now the products I can't live without.

Maybelline FITme! Foundation: I am shade 130. I love that this has SPF 18. This is better for people with dry to combination skin. It's blend able and leaves your face super super soft and leaves my face flawless. I purchased it for $6.49. I apply with my fingers it looks a lot better. I wish it had a pump! Provides medium coverage you can add more to gain full coverage.

Maybelline FITme! Blush: I have the Light Mauve one. This works as a blush/bronzer for me since it has a pink and brown tone to it so it works as two products! I just hate the brush it comes with. Purchased for $4.99.

Maybelline FITme! Concealer: I use the shade medium and this is a great concealer covers my dark circles (which I have a lot of due to lack of sleep)

Purchased for $5.49. A little goes a long way.

ELF Liquid Eyeliner: I purchased the color Coffee. I love using brown liner it isn't as harsh as black. This does stick pretty well on its own and doesn't flake. I just wish it was waterproof.

Anastasia Brow~Wiz: To fill in my eyebrows. I use the brunette shade. This stays on all day and all night and I love it so much! I purchased it at Sephora for $20 I use it almost daily for about a year and still haven't had to purchase a new one yet!

Urban Decay Primer Potion (EDEN): I love this it conceals the lid, primes, and keeps my eye lids oil free! They no longer sell it in this form now they sell it in a squeeze tube for $19 at Sephora. It lasts a very long time and I would recommend anyone that wears eyeshadow or eyeliner to use this to prevent smudging or wear off. It also makes eyeshadows POP even more. 

I hope that this helps anyone looking for some holy grail. This is my holy grail it may not be yours. Everyone skin is different so please keep that in mind.

I have dry skin and oily eyelids (sounds gross), and sensitive skin and these products have worked for me.

Deanna

I purchased all these products on my own. I am giving a true and honest review on these products. I am not being paid to provide input for these product in anyway.

Anyone watch YouTube?

I was thinking of a way to really make things interesting. Would any of you be interested in me making a YouTube to put up videos with cooking, updates, and things like that?

Let me know!


Deanna

    

My Surprise!!!! Ready?

Well my faithful and amazing followers and fans!

My surprise well I actually have two of them!

First-I am starting my own business from home!

Here is what I will be hand making and selling!

I am working extra hard on the full details on pricing and shipping for anyone interested. I can custom make. More details about this will be coming as soon as everything is final.

SURPRISE #2!

I am writing a children's book that will be getting published!!!!!!

I have been working even harder on this one! 

I just want to be able to show my kids that if you push yourself anything can happen!

So what do you think about my surprises? 

Deanna

P.S- If it wasn't for all of you I wouldn't have pushed myself 10x harder on my blog, my business, or my children's book.

So pat yourselves all on the back and hug your beautiful LO's for me!

Mommy Exhaustion

I am exhausted. Honestly I tell myself sleep when the baby sleeps oh yeahhhhh. In reality how can I sleep when he sleeps???? I have so much to do.   I am just wanting to go to bed but here I am blogging along watching tv as I blog. Raizo still wakes up at least twice during the night and sometimes he just stays up and wants to smile and talk. This lack of sleep is making my body feel horrible. Some days I will get 2 1/2 hours sleep at the most I will get  5. I have been doing this now for 2 months and 17 days. I badly want to see a chiropractor. How are you mommy's dealing with your lack of sleep? I need a solution ASAP before I go absolutely bonkers. Time for me to try to take a nap before I pass out. 

Deanna

August Mommy Of The Month

Is me?

I didn't expect so many of you to nominate me!!! I shed a tear and realized how wonderful all of you are. As promised here is my mommy story!

I am a mommy of two wonderful and beautiful kids. Lina is 5 years old and starting Kindergarten she's my star and Raizo is a little over 2 months old and is attached to me like velcro (I don't mind I am very attached as well).

Here is my baby girl she loves to swim!

This is little Raizo. He keeps me on my feet at all times!

I had quick labors with both 3 hours for my daughter and 38 minutes for my son!

I love to cook, sing, travel, go to the beach, and listen to music.

I am starting my own business which I will share with all of you soon and I hope you all love it! I am working really hard and trying to perfect every detail.

I write a blog to give and gain knowledge to all mommies and mommies-to-be I love sharing my input and learning new things. 

I hope one day to go to Hawaii and Paris (Sigh*).

I love being a mom and it completes me I wake up knowing that these two little ones depend on me and that I am here for them 24/7.

I am allergic to all lipstick which is very depressing.

My favorite restaurants are Straits (in California) and Olive Garden (all I can say is soup, salad, and breadsticks).

I hope that you learned a few things about me here and I hope I can get to know all of my loyal readers!

"Like" my Facebook: www.facebook.com/domesticmommyblog

Follow me on twitter: TheMommyBlogger

I write on those almost daily to update and just chitter chatter my day away!

Deanna

My Update.

Hello everyone! I am writing to update you all on everything that's been going on in my life (well not everything somethings need to be kept under wraps). 

My son Raizo is now a little over 2 months old now. He is not sleeping through the night but I don't expect that of him just yet. I am still successfully breastfeeding I am EBF I stopped pumping and doing bottles because he wouldn't accept any bottles from anyone or myself. I am a Stay-At-Home mom so for now so breast feeding is fine as it is. At his 2 month appointments he weighed 15 pounds and his length is 24 3/4 long. His pediatrician says he is very advanced on his motor skills so I am very happy and proud that the strength exercises I am doing with him and things to help with is memory is working very well. He is getting so big so fast. He is my little drool monster.  

My daughter Lina starts school this coming Monday and Friday she has her meet and greet with her teachers. I know I will cry when I go to drop her off but I have to let her go! I just hope she enjoys school and doesn't get too overwhelmed. She is very excited so I know that she will have fun. I am always with her and for her to be gone from me for a little over 7 hours is going to be really strange. The amount of school supplies is insane but it is needed so I am not going to complain. She is going to look so adorable in her little uniform!

On another note I am working very hard on a project that will be announced soon. I can't wait for everyone to see everything. I am very nervous about it and I just hope it all works out great! 

I hope everyone is doing well and I hope that everyone is enjoying their day!

Deanna

Something EXCITING!

Will be posting soon about my newest and most exciting _____! 

Leaving it blank for suspense!!!!

Deanna

Implanon Implant Insertion Review

Hello ladies!!!

Here is my detailed description on me getting the Implanon Implant.

By the way it didn't hurt!!!!

So I went to my appointment and they numbed my arm it felt really weird to have a numb are the shot stung just a little bit but then the medicine started working right away.

They applied iodine on to my arm then made a small cut with a small surgical knife (remember I was numb I didn't feel it and I barely bled) then inserted a needle which is on the bottom right of the picture there it is freaking huge but don't scare yourself you don't even feel it. It seriously took about 20 seconds to insert it and then they wrapped me up in gauze and told me to keep the gauze on for 24 hours.

Can you see it? I can't and even now I can't but I can feel it I love the fact its so hidden there. You can see my son asleep in his car seat. 

Here is my arm a day later bruised and a bit sore but no complaints I can still use my arm like normal no pain at all. Plus you still can't see the implant! 

My doctor told me I can breastfeed while using Implanon (which is why I got it in the first place). There is limited scarring.

Some people don't go well with Implanon and will have irregular bleeding and spotting for the duration the Implanon is used. If it leads to that fact I will take it out but this is an Insertion Review and not a "It isn't or is working for me".

You can only use the Implanon for 3 years then it must be taken out and replaced with another Implanon or another source of birthcontrol.

If you are wanting to get pregnant again they will take out Implanon and you can get pregnant right away.

Some people have reported weight gain and some have reported weight loss so it is a 50/50 chance on weight.

20% will stop having a period during Implanon.

So I will leave you with an attack of info about Implanon just to give you correct information straight from their website! Here is the back to back comparisons to the most popular birth control.

IMPLANON	99%*	Every three years	Yes, must be inserted and removed by a trained clinician
Vaginal Ring	99%	Monthly†	Yes
Combined Hormonal Pill	99%	Daily	Yes
Progestin-Only Pill (Mini-Pill)	99%	Daily	Yes
Progestin-Only Injection	99.7%	Every three months	Yes, must be given by a clinician
Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)	99%	Every 10 years	Yes, must be inserted by a clinician

Here are the side-affects.

Besides irregular bleeding, some of the most frequent side effects that caused women to stop using IMPLANON in studies were:

• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Headache
• Acne
• Depression

The most common side effects reported by women using IMPLANON in clinical trials were:

• Irregular and unpredictable bleeding
• Headache
• Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)
• Weight gain
• Acne
• Breast pain
• Viral infections such as colds, sore throats, sinus infections or flu-like symptoms
• Stomach pain
• Painful periods
• Mood swings, nervousness or depression
• Back pain
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Pain
• Pain at the site of insertion

This all came directly from the Implanon USA website. I hope this helps all of you when choosing a source of birthcontrol.

Deanna