Way to Go...and Random Acts of Kindness Week

It's harder when you set such limitations on yourself!  You get upset because you don't meet them, but you can't get mad because you become lazy when it comes to doing it.  My excuse...I'm going to blame it on being pregnant.  Yeah, that's it.  LOL...but I don't have much content to bring here today.  Just realized that I hadn't wrote on my blog like I should have so needed something up here.

Change of subject.  Random Acts of Kindness Week is coming up (February 9-15).  There are many different things you can do for others whether its just being nice or giving monetarily.  It often doesn't have to be monetarily since people are out here on a tight budget.  Speaking for myself I'm on a very tight and STRICT budget with twins on the way!  Here are some ideas...hope you can share your acts of kindness not during this week, but at least once a week this year.  Who knows what will happen in return...

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika B

Pure Silk Shaving Cream Review

* I  received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.    

I can remember a few years back that I used to use Pure Silk shaving cream.  I don't know if it was because it was inexpensive or I liked the thick lather of the cream (I can say that both played a huge role).  I went on to stop using it and tried other brands such as Skintament and EOS Shaving Cream.  I can say that out of the three including Pure Silk, I don't know why I stopped using it!  I was reminded of how thick the cream was and how easy it applied.  I like the thickness of the cream because it makes me feel that I am really getting rid of all the hairs on my body.  Also, one day I was browsing through Dollar Tree and I saw that they sold Pure Silk products.  What?!?!  #WINNING!  I can grab two cans to go for $2 and be on my merry way.  When I saw that I was finally SOLD for sure to use Pure Silk as my primary shaving cream.

Recently, I have used the cream twice since I received it from Influenster.  Again it is thick so I felt like I was getting twice the product.  The smell is good but that isn't one of my requirements to have. When I shave I literally only have to do one pass to feel like I have a clean shave.  But for my benefit I do two passes.  Not much to clean up and viola!  You are done.

I would highly recommend the product for the price and also for the usage.  #PureSilk

Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika

Final Review: Dove Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMositure

I WAS NOT COMPENSATED FOR THIS POST, HOWEVER I DID RECEIVE A SAMPLE FOR MY REVIEW.  ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN AND NOT INFLUENCED IN ANY WAY.  


I can say that I have been a HUGE fan of Dove deodorant since it was released!  I was one of those teens who had trouble finding the right deodorant and I can say that before Dove released their brand of deodorant I went through them ALL!  Lady Speed Stick, Mitchium, Degree, Suave, Secret, Arm & Hammer, Teen Spirit, Arrid...you name it and I can say I probably tried it.  The funny thing about the Dove deodorant though was that I could NOT use any other scent than Powder. Original and Radiant Silk made me stink and sweat even more.  I didn't even give it a second thought to try any other scent they released. 

I was a newbie to Influenster when I was gifted the Dove Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMositure.  I was open and willing to try this product because 1) it was Dove and 2) it stated that it had 48 hours of protection.  My only doubt was that I was deciding to go against using anything that was an antiperspirant since it has been linked to cancer.  I figured hell I've been using it all my life no need to not try this one out.  So I did away with my Dove Powder Deodorant and gave the Advanced Care a try.  So worth the wait!  I had used it for the first two days and noticed that I did not sweat as much as I had before and that my underarms were not producing a musty smell.  Dove Powder seemed to work for me, but this really did the trick!  It's like working with good, better, and best.  The Powder was better, but the Advanced Care was best!

I haven't really taken note to whether my underarms were getting lighter as I was using the product.  To be honest, I had been a little lazy and slacked on shaving my underarms.  But I can say that when I did shaved and swiped the deodorant under my arm, it was smooth, it didn't burn, and I still felt like I was getting the protection I needed.  Speaking of protection needed, I tend to sweat during the night as well and I felt that this kept me from sweating.

The smell of the product was great; light, but a good smell.  The only con that I didn't care for was the deodorant at times felt very moist and soft.  I liked the smoothness of it, but if I wasn't careful with placing the top on correctly, I would chip off some of the deodorant.  I would like it if it was a tad, and I mean TAD bit harder, but kept its smoothness.  However, that is not a con that would make or break me from buying the product.  If the texture remained the same I would buy it again and again because of the protection and coverage.  

I also like the packing of the product.  The product comes in many different scents.  However, since my body tends to reject certain scents, I think I will stick with what I have been using which seems to be the most popular brand.  I do like the fact that they have given women (and men) the option to select from various different scents.  And from what I believe the Advanced Care offers more product than the regular Dove deodorants.  

Thank you @Dove for continuing to follow through in promoting great products and thank you +Influenster for allowing women like me to experience such an awesome opportunity to find things that we love and share them with others!

Peace & Happiness :)

Erika

*This is me and my armpits!  LOL!  I swiped once to see the consistency of the product and the right side is from work and getting home 12 hours later.  I like the fact that I don't have deodorant caked up under my arms, its smooth like I don't have on deodorant, yet I'm still protected!  Thank you again @Dove and @Influenster *

Joann Fabric and Craft 1/26-2/1

Check today (Sunday 1/26) paper for Joann coupons as well as the coupons they have on their site! 

Coupons (Newspaper & Online)

• 50% OFF any ONE regular-priced item
• 50% OFF + extra 20% OFF your ENTIRE custom framing order
• 50% OFF any ONE regular-priced fabric (1/31-2/1)
• 15% OFF your total purchase (Now-1/30; Online)

60% OFF

• Organizing Essentials Baskets (Reg 3.99-54.99 each, Sale 1.59-21.99 each)

50% OFF

• 54" Home Decor & Special Order Fabrics (Reg 5.99-119.99/yd, Sale 2.99-5.99/yd)
• Spellbinders Die-Cuts (Reg 6.99-59.99 each, Sale 3.49-29.99 each)
• All Strung Beads & Jewelry-Making Boutiques (Reg 1.49-29.99 each, Sale .74-14.99 each)
• Spring Inspirations Coco Liners, Plant Stands, Yard Stakes, Trellises & Shepherd Hooks (Reg 1.99-299.99 each, Sale .99-149.99 each)
• Wilton Candy Melts Candy (Reg 2.99 each, Sale 1.49 each)
• Sew Essentials Muslin (Reg 1.99-7.99/yd, Sale .99-3.99/yd)
• Organizing Essentials Decorative Storage & Wine Tubes (Reg 4.99-16.99, Sale 2.49-8.49)
• Packaged Foam & Foam-by-the-Yard (Reg 4.99-74.99 each/yd, Sale 2.49-37.49 each/yd)
• Polyester Batting By-the-Yard (Reg 4.99-7.99/yd, Sale 2.49-3.99/yd)

40% OFF

• Upholstery Vinyl (Reg 19.99-34.99/yd, Sale 11.99-20.99 yd)
• Holiday Inspirations Valentine Decor & Entertaining (Reg 1.99-59.99 each, Sale 1.19-35.99 each)
• Anti-Pill Fleece Solids (Reg 9.99/yd, Sale 5.99/yd)
• Anti-Pill Fleece Prints (Reg 12.99/yd, Sale 7.79/yd)
• Premium & Artist Brands Quilting Fabrics (Reg 7.99-14.99/yd, Sale 4.79-8.99/yd)
• Fons & Porter Quilting Notions (Reg 2.99-27.99 each, Sale 1.79-16.79 each)
• Selected Fashion Apparel Fabrics (Reg 7.99-29.99/yd, Sale 4.79-17.99/yd)
• Spring Inspirations Wreathes & Bushes (Reg 2.99-79.99 each, Sale 1.79-47.99 each)

Marked Down Items

• Home Essentials 45" Home Decor Fabrics (Reg 9.99/yd, Sale 5.99/yd)
• Duck Canvas (reg 10.99/yd, Sale 6.99/yd)
• NFL Fleece Prints (Reg 14.99/yd/panel, Sale 9.99/yd/panel)
• 72" Felt By-the-Yard (Reg 4.99/yd, Sale 2.99/yd)
• Matte Net & Tulle (Reg 1.49-1.79/yd, Sale .79/yd)

Walgreens 1/19-1/25

Walgreens is one of my new drugstores that I am utilizing to earn more deals and rewards.  First things first, you MUST and I mean MUST join the Walgreen's Rewards program.  This gives you the opportunity to earn reward dollars so that you can spend less of your own cash and shop more for free!  The more rewards points you accumulate, the more money you have to spend with those rewards.  Secondly, Walgreens has monthly savings books that are provided in-store when you first walk in.  Most of the time you can find the savings books with the weekly ad papers.  It is imperative that you grab one or three (depending on how often you shop) so you will have coupons available to you for the next thirty days.  Walgreens currently has a January Savings Books, which all coupons expire 1/25/14, so be on the lookout for the February Savings Book.  last, but definitely not least, Walgreens provides their own coupons in their weekly ad papers.  For this week (1/19-1/25), Walgreens has a coupon for their Winter Beauty event starting now thru 3/1/14.  If you are a drugstore beauty junky like me, then this is a good fit!  The coupon is located on the second page of this week's ad.  All you have to activate the offer is:  1) Have coupon scanned on first eligible purchase (read fine details), and 2) use your Balance Rewards card each time you shop in store and online.

Some deals for this week are (you MUST use your Balance Rewards card to receive these deals):

• $1.99____ General Mills cereal (select varieties, 10.7 oz to 13 oz)
• $3.99___ 24-pack Dasani Water (16.9 oz), Limit 3
• 2/$1____ Arizona Tea or Drink (23 oz)
• .99____ Daisy Sour Cream (8 oz) or Hormel Chili (10.5 oz or 15 oz)
• $1.99___ Gold Medal All-Purpose Flour (5 lbs) or Domino Pure Cane Sugar (4 lbs)
• $1.99____ Barilla (9 oz) Meals or Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet (9 oz)
• 5/$5____ Chobani Greek Yogurt (5.3 oz)
• $1____ 2-liter soda (7-Up, A&W, Sunkist, Canada Dry or Hawaiian Punch), Limit 3
• 4/$5____ 2-liter Pepsi or Dr. Pepper, Limit 3
• $2.99___ Era Laundry Detergent (26 or 32 loads)
• $1.99____ Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick (2.3-3.25 oz), Plus $1 off coupon in Sunday paper, final price .99!
• $8.99___ Huggies (Jumbo Pack Diapers, Pull Ups or Good Nites, or Wipes 320-400 pack)

Buy 1, Get 1 Free

• Free Nature's Bounty or Osteo Bi-Flex Vitamins and Supplements ($1 off coupon in most Sunday papers)
• Nice! Facial Tissues (75, 90, or 184 sheets)
• Arm & Hammer 2X Laundry Detergent (25-32 loads)

Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF

• Loreal Cosmetics
• Revlon Foundation, Concealer, Blush, Powder, and Lip Cosmetics
• Jergens or Curel Skin Care (select varieties)
• Organix Hair Care, Plus 1000 points on 2=$1 Reward
• Neutrogena Cosmetics or Skin Care (select varieties)
• Nivea or Nivea for Men Skin Care (select varieties), Plus 2000 points on 2=$2 Rewards

Balance Rewards

• 2/$4____ Capri Sun (10 pk), Plus 1000 points on 2=$1 Reward on next purchase, like paying 2/$3!
• 2/$7____ Angel Soft or Quilted Northern Bathroom Tissue (9 rolls), plus 1000 points on 2=$1 Rewards, like paying 2/$6

DSW

Most sales for DSW ends today!  Rewards Members can earn 2X the points and Premier Rewards Members can earn 3X the points, BUT that ends today (1/21)!

Looking to shop early for Spring and Summer?!  Check out DSW's strappy sandals they have for UNDER $60!!!

Also, 

Don't say I didn't tell you so!

Peace & Happiness!
~Erika

Michael's Arts & Crafts 1/19-1/25

Not ready for Valentine's Day?  Well head over to Michael's and create a one-of-a-kind gift for your special someone!  Enjoy a little Do It Yourself (DIY) project fun! :)

• $1.00 Ready to Finish Wood frames
• 50% OFF Gildan T-Shirts (Reg. $3.99) 
• These t-shirts are great for printing out your own graphic and ironing them on with Print 'n Press Iron-On Transfer Sheets (other types and brands also available).
• Coupon for 40% OFF any one regular price item.  Coupon expires 1/25/14
• 50% OFF Artist's Loft Back-Stapled Traditional Artist Canvas and Easels (Reg. $2.99-$199.99
• 50% OFF Strathmore Artist Paper Pads (Reg. $4.49-$32.99)
• 40% OFF Cork and Dry Erase Boards, Tiles, & Rolls (Reg. $5.99-$29.99)
• 14 for $1.00 1" Foam Brushes (Reg. .49)
• 50% OFF Decorative Closet Storage (Reg. $6.99-$24.99)
• 50% OFF All Card Stock (Reg. .49-$3.99)

Plus, TEACHERS!  Take 15% OFF your ENTIRE purchase EVERY DAY!  

*Must present a valid educator ID.  Includes all sales, items.  some exclusions apply; see store associate for details.

Peace and Happiness!
~Erika

DIY Fun!

I'm back on my A game and ready to take on any adventure that is put in front of me.  For a while now, I have been getting into the routine of DIY projects.  One of my major goals is to get a sewing machine, learn to sew a simple pattern, and have straight lines!  LOL!  At my beginners class, my lines looked off like a drunk driver taking a sobriety test; ALL OVER THE PLACE!  But that's why it takes practice and I'm ready for that adventure.   Eventually I want to be able to revamp thrifted clothes to fit my style.  Lately, I'm back to working on jewelry, particularly earrings.  Here's a few of my projects I took on this weekend.

This was my canvas that I started with.  All purchased from the thrift store.  $1 a piece!  With some minor changes, I made them into dime pieces.  Pretty proud of the ones at the bottom right corner :)

I bought these because I thought they were cool, but obviously my name doesn't start with a "J."  Any takers out there who are willing to purchase them, they are only $5.  Hit me up and I'll send you a PayPal invoice!

These are the beauty of the beast right here.  Just a minor paint update and they look brand new.  Willing to sell too, but thinking about keeping them for myself!

Here are some 1 1/2 inch buttons (I believe) that I will be making button earrings out of.  Simple, fast, and chic.  I love the inexpensiveness of them and the fact that I can make them from whatever fabric I choose!  Win-Win!

This is the finished product of what I purchased except the mirrored earrings (already had the mirror plates).  These were selected by my cousin, a friend, and a colleague.  Came out pretty darn good if I don't say so myself!

This is my workspace.  Isn't she lovely?!!  I spend some time there budgeting my bills and completing my DIY projects here.  If you don't have a glue gun, you DEFINITELY should get one!  One of the best inventions!  The desk I purchased from my local thrift store for $30.  I changed the pull out and placed a zebra print liner from Walmart on top hence sticking to my black and white theme.  I had so much fun with that I placed the same print on top of my rusting file cabinet.  Looks new with a hint of style!

Here is an oldie, but goodie DIY project.  A quick project for anyone looking for storage space to hold necklaces and bracelets.  Although I'm thinking of revamping the bracelet idea, the necklace holder has been wonders for me.  The only thing now is that I need a bigger one!  Another project in the works!

Here are some of the new items I bought to continue with the fun.  I'm looking forward the most to taking the white tank I found in TJMaxx ($4.99) and placing a picture on it with the iron on image paper I purchased from Michael's ($9.99).  Can't wait to show you how that turned out!

These are just some quick ways to have some DIY fun.  I will be doing more over the weekend (fingers crossed).  May not get to do all I want since I'm celebrating my one year anniversary with my soon-to-be-hubby!  Plus, another engagement photo shoot with my friend, TK, so a busy weekend ahead.  Let me know what you like to DIY to give me ideas!  Love to share with you all soon! :)

The envious man...

The envious man grows lean at the success of his neighbor.–Horace

I do not like to be envious or jealous of what any one has.  I understand that they hustle, put in hard work, or are just plain ol’ lucky!  I say that just to say that YouTube is really hurting me.  I look at these women on there and I am SO jealous!  Like, you really have that much time AND money to spend on clothes and shoes, while I’m over here trying to budget but DYING to shop.  Shopping is therapy for me…retail therapy and I don’t make my therapy sessions any better by watching women who have the time and money to do so.  I understand that YouTubers get paid to do what they do and some also have sponsors who send them items to review for free.  I wanna be one of the girls!  I love FREE stuff!  (In my best Pops voice from Friday).  Maybe, just maybe, I would be able to review stuff via my blog.  Like I’ve said before I want to start a YouTube channel, I just don’t want to be another one of the millions talking about the same thing (hair, beauty, fashion).  My calling is coming one day….one day….