Influenster Unboxing #C9atTarget

My most recent video and item sent to my from Influenster.  Influenster sent me this product for review purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own!  Feel free to share.



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OFRA Cosmetics Foundation Review on Dark Skin & Oily Skin | JASMINE ROSE...

Check out my girl, Jasmine Rose!  She has wonderful videos and is just an awesome person overall!  Plus her makeup ALWAYS looks good :)



YouTube | MsJasmineRose

Haul | Fashion Nova with Special Guest!

Check out my most recent YouTube video.  I recently purchased some items from Fashion Nova!  I can definitely say that Fashion Nova has some nice items especially their pants & jeans.  I will leave the links the items I purchased down below.  Also, shipping is SUPER fast!

My special guest was my son since he did NOT want to nap with his sister.  Hey, mommy still has work to do!  Enjoy!

Scout's Honor Bodysuit--Black | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/bodysuits/products/scouts-honor-bodysuit-black

High Waist Skinny Jeans--White | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/jeans/products/high-waist-skinny-jeans-white

Olive Oil Skirt--Black | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/skirts/products/olive-oil-skirt-black

Necessity Black Shoes | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/shoes/products/necessity-black

F T C

I purchased all items with my own money.  All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika B.

Back at It Again with the Blog Posts!

WOW!  It's been so long that I have NOT blogged I didn't even give an update on the babies!  Life has definitely come in and taken it's toll.  I find myself not calling family or friends, in the house, or just trying to figure out what actually happened to my so called LIFE!  The twins will be 8 months this month!   Time sure does fly...especially when you are having fun.  They are crawling, babbling, and introducing their own personalities.  Miss Malaya is a D-I-V-A already honey!  And Mr. Junior is fun, cute, and can be sensitive.  Don't scream to loud or he will cry!  Those are my babies though and I am enjoying every part of motherhood.

I had decided back in October that I wanted to continue to pursue my PhD.  Guess what?  I decided to stop...AGAIN!  I really had no true career desires where I needed my PhD.  The good thing is that I have completed 30+ hours past the Masters and that adds into my income for my current job.  WHOOPEE!!!  Today is the LAST week of classes and I couldn't be more happier than saying that I am quitting school.  However, along with that comes a bill...and I mean a BIG bill.  While quitting school, I also reached my cap for Standardized/Unstandardized Financial Aid with the government.  $140,000 is what I owe them....yup you read that right....a whole house it was what I owe them for two sheets of paper and 36 hours worth of work.  SMH....they'll get their monies...soon or later...the latter part is what is going to happen.

Other than that I am just trying to be a better mother/daughter/sister/grandchild/counselor/friend that I can be overall.  Attempting to get my credit together so that this dream of purchasing a house this summer will become a reality.  We are currently in the process of buying a townhouse (more to come in a separate blog).  But life is life and every day I realize that I need to live it to its fullest!

As always, Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika B.

Review | Cambond Products from Amazon

Hey all!  I'm bring you another review on some products from Cambond!  I needed a new charger and signed up to review some of their other products!  Check them out if you are in need of new accessories for your phone at www.icambond.com!

C O N N E C T I O N S 

Instagram @erikab15

Twitter @ebanx15

Pinterest @ebanx15

Snapchat @ebanx15

E M A I L

shopphoenixrising@gmail.com

Banish Acne Scars

http://bit.ly/1LVtEj0

Join Ebates today and receive a $10 gift card!  

http://bit.ly/1WIl5LJ

M U S I C  B Y 

LMC w/Kamandi | Chrome With the Flames [SoundCloud]

F T C

This video is not sponsored.  I purchased one item with my own money and was sent the other two items for review purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Banish Acne Scars is an affiliate link.

O N E  L O V E.  P E A C E  &  H A P P I  N E S S .

Review | Banish Acne Scars Initial Review

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For any questions about the products, please email info@banishacnescars.com

*This video is not sponsored, however, there are affiliate links in which I make a commission.

NYC Mascara & Eyeliner #NYCBigBold

*This product was sent to me complimentary for review purposes only.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Today I had the opportunity to finally try the NYC Big Bold Angle Lash mascara and the Big Bold Precise tip liner by NYC.  I can say that these two together are pure gold!  I slowed down on purchasing NYC products for a while because they have been really hit and miss.  That is why I have had these two products for a while and haven't been in the hurry to try them out.  Also, I have been going through my pregnancy so getting dolled up has been the LAST thing on my mind.

Today we had a homegoing celebration for my uncle-in-law and decided to finally whip out the products.  O-M-G!  Why didn't I open this product sooner.  What I fell in love with the most between the mascara and the liner was the liner.  It was easy to use.  Didn't take much effort to make a straight line and buildable.  The one con that I have about the liner is that I feel it's not black enough or it doesn't get dark black like a gel liner would.  However, this wouldn't stop me from purchasing it again.  I would just add gel liner to make it darker how I like it. 

As far as the mascara goes, I think it does well getting the lashes to be big and get longer.  I want to continue to try this mascara but so far so good.

Thanks to #Influenster for allowing me to try their products and keep others updated!

Peace & Happiness

~Erika B.~

Mommy Series! Week 19

It's been about 5 weeks now since my last Mommy Series update and a lot has changed!  I am currently 19 weeks and 1 day into my pregnancy and I found out that I was having a twin boy and girl!!!  That means they are fraternal and for the most part I have been hoping and sensing that that would be the case.  The babies are growing well still and I have not had any problems physically.  There is no longer any sickness and my energy level has definitely gone up.  That doesn't mean that there are days when I am not tired because that NEVER goes away.  But for the most part I am able to cook and clean and get the majority of the housework done before I have to lay down.  This daylight savings time has been kicking my butt though!   It's harder for me to get up in the morning and go to work, but I force myself out of the bed some how.

I go back to the doctor next week, where I will be 20 weeks and 2 days.  I have my anatomy ultrasound completed, where they look at how the babies are growing and if all of their body parts, external and internal, are growing like they should.  I am still taking my prenatals and making sure that I am eating foods high in fiber as well as iron.  At this point, some women may experience constipation, which is not the route I'm trying to go especially carrying two.  According to my What to Expect and My Pregnancy apps, the babies are about 8 1/2 oz and about 6 inches long, which they compared that to a heirloom tomato.  I have started to feel them move with slight sways in my belly, but no heavy kicks or punches yet.  Since I am a first time mom, the app and my doctor stated that I would not feel it until about 20 weeks.  I have about another week to go ^_^ 

Overall I am satisfied with my first pregnancy and how things have been going.  I am thankful and blessed for my two little ones and also grateful that I haven't had any significant things that have risked the health of myself or my babies.

Until next time!  Peace & Happiness!

~Erika B.

REVIEW | L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Comforting Cream

*I received this item from Influenster for testing purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

I started using the L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Comforting Cream when I received it in my Influenster RefreshVoxBox and few days ago.  I go through with my normal routine of cleansing my face with my Clinique and/or Clarisonic (check out my older blogs for my facial routine).  I use this after I use the 3-Step Clinique process and the cream is smooth, light, and refreshing on my face.  

I am hoping possibly that it will smooth my face out more from my acne and post-acne scarring that I have occurred.  The product boasts that it will keep your face feeling soft, supple and comfortable all day long.  I like to use it at night before bed so I can have the moisture soaking in my face over night as I sleep.

So far so good.  I will give an update later in the future!  #ineedshea

Peace & Happiness~

~Erika B.

New Influenster Box! #RefreshVoxBox

*I received these products complimentary for testing purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Today, after MUCH anticipation I received my new Influenster #RefreshVoxBox!  I know that I always say I love the boxes I receive but this one I REALLY love!  I know that everything will get used (minus the foundation due to color not matching) but I plan on using it someway or giving it to one of my sisters.  

First things first, the Beanitos Chips (Retails $3.49).  These chips were made by two brothers, Doug and Dave and they are free of so many things it makes NO sense!  This is a snack I would grab all the time because they are:  corn free, all natural, no trans fats, no preservatives, gluten-free, no MSG, certified kosher, vegan, certified low glycemic, high fiber (6g in a 1.5 oz bag), lightly salted, and cholesterol free.  HOLY MOLLY!  I have never found snack free of all of these things AND taste good!  I received two bags, Restaurant Style White Bean with Salt and Nacho Cheese White Bean.  There are also only a limited number of ingredients:  whole navy beans, whole grain rice, pure sunflower and/or safflower oil, guar bean gum, and sea salt.  THAT. IS. IT!  I ate them without dip or anything and after a while you can taste the bean taste.  If you don't like beans then you may not want to try them, but I would love to try to them with a dip free of all these things too.

Next, is the L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Light Comforting Cream (Retail $5 (8ml)/ $28 (50ml))  This is a new product formulated with 5% shea butter that is good for those with normal to combination skin.  I am excited to try this as I have combination skin and I hope it will leave my face feel nice and supple.  Also I know that L'OCCITANE is a GREAT product and I am happy I have the opportunity to try their products.  It came in a small jar with a tin lid and was sealed with foil under the cap.  Nice packaging.  The smell is good, reminds me of a Ponds cream product.  Its light to the touch but creamy at the same time.  Definitely can't wait to try!

I also received the CoverGirl UltraSmooth Foundation (Retails $12.99-16.99).  Off top I'm going to say its NOT worth the price for a drugstore product and I haven't even tried it yet.  I only say that based on other drugstore foundations and I don't think it's worth the price.  The foundation includes an applicator and the purpose of this product is to minimize the look of flaws and fine facial hair.  The applicator is used with the foundation and you use it in the direction that your fine hair grows so you won't see the hairs on your face.  Unfortunately, there aren't too many shades to choose from.  I received color 860 Classic Tan, which according to the website is the darkest shade they have.  I'm waaaayyyy darker than that so I may use it as a highlighter or give it to one of my sisters (I think the sisters would be happy with it).  The product also contains Olay serum.

Another product I am interested in trying is the Montagne Jeunesse Face Masque (Retails $1.49).  I have the Black Seaweed Peel Off Masque.  I like the part that says peel off because I have been wanting to try a peel off masque for a while now.  My only concern is that when I try new facial products they tend to break me out.  I am hoping that this doesn't happen; I'm willing to try.  

Two things that will be my best friends in my purse are the Listerine Pocketpaks (Retails $1.40) and DenTek Comfort Clean Floss Picks (Retails $1.39).  I also received a small pack of DenTek Fun Flossers (Retails $2.19-$3.39).  I ALWAYS need a toothpick or dental floss after I eat because food always gets stuck in my teeth.  It can be from apples to chicken caught in my uppers or down in my crown.  I can't even chew gum without it getting stuck between my crown.  I have used DenTek before so I know that this will only add to the DenTek family brands.  The Listerine Pocketpaks are going to be great to freshen by breath after a meal or just in general.  I haven't tried these out since they were released so I am looking forward to see if there are any changes.

I received a Skinnygirl Tasty Nutrition bar in the flavor Chocolate Peanut Butter with Sea Salt (Retails 5 for $5; on sale at Target through February 26th).  170 Calories, 6g protein, 5g of fiber, gluten free and kosher.  All the ingredients I need especially carrying twins!  I'm looking forward to trying this bar and running to Target to get them on sale as well!

Last but not least, I received a coupon for an Orgain Certified Organic Nutritional shake.  The couple is for a free shake (max value $3.99; retails $3-$4 each).  Again being pregnant, I need all the protein I can get and having this to-go is a double plus for me as I don't have time to eat healthy on the go often.

Overall, I love this box.  I love the nutrition and health benefits of this box.  I'm really ready to refresh now!

Peace & Happiness!
~Erika B.