Influenster #ModaVoxBox!

*I received these products for free from Influenster for testing purposes only.  All opinions are my own.*  

It's been a while but I'm coming to you live and direct with another Influenster Vox Box.  This box is the #ModaVoxBox and it contains:  Rimmel London Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves Mascara (Retail $5.49-$5.99), Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick (Retail $6.99-$7.49), Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lip Liner ($5.99-$6.49), Puffs SoftPack (Retail 1 pack for $1.99-$2.49; 3 pack for $4.99-$5.99), Hair Food Moisture Hair Mask (Retail $14.99), Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa (Retial $2.29), Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer (Retail $5.99/$6.99), and Resource Spring Water (Retain $1.49).

I will start with the items that I have not tried yet, however I am looking forward to getting into them very soon!  The first one is the Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves mascara.  I feel that I cannot go wrong with this.  I know the applicator brush has some curves on it so I am looking forward to volumnizing and thicker lashes with the use of falsies (I'm not good with falsies anyway).  The card states that the brush is "heart-shaped...creates a fringe of big, curvy and rockin' lashes."  Sounds good to me!  Next is the Rimmel Lond Moisture Renew lipliner.  And although I haven't tried it, I already had this in my makeup stash so I am most forward to using that for lip products that I don't have liners to pair with.  This liner is invisible or clear so it gives your lips the definition needed and prevents the lipsticks from feathering out on your face.  The last item that I have not tried is the Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa. I wanted to try it the other night but I read that it must be used with hot milk and I did not have anymore milk :( Bummer right?!  However, I plan on trying this very soon as I go grocery shopping this coming Wednesday!  This works out because I also received a coupon to save 40 cents off any one(1) Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa product.

The other products I have used I have not been disappointed.  I know that Influenster sends me these items to try for free and it seems like I never rave about how bad they are, but that's because the products are actually good!  I think Influenster does a good job choosing items that a majority of others would like and these products are of high quality and from branded companies (off soapbox).  I have the Rimmel London Moisture Renew lipstick in the color Berry Rose.  The lipstick remains moisturizing and is very pigmented.  The only con that I have (I received another color before and already had Berry Rose in my lipstick stash) is that the lipsticks have this smell to it that I don't care for.  However, the smell does not deter me from using the product.  Next, is the Puffs SoftPack tissue.  Where has this been all my life?  A soft pack of tissue in full size form?!?  I don't have to buy the small travel sizes anymore?!?  I'm sold on that alone!  The tissues are really soft and the packaging is amazing.  I have allergies so most of time especially overnight, I need tissues beside me.  I can sleep with these and don't have to worry about crunching the box up. 

I tried the Hair Food Moisture Mask last week as I had been ignoring my hair and it was getting really dry and brittle.  I think the mask was good.  I have to give it a few more goes before I will label it great.  But for what I needed at the time it worked well.  Came out just like a conditioner and I let it sit and washed it out.  The only thing is the retail price is $14.99 and I really have to LOVE something before I even think about kicking out that price.  However, I did receive a coupon for $3 off.  The product is exclusive to Target (as of now) and I would purchase more if the price is on sale or a temporary price cut at Target.  Plus Target Cartwheel helps me save as well if the product is listed.  I have the Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer and this is nothing new to me.  However, I did see that the formula has been reformatted and is supposed to lock in moisture for up to 48 hours.  I always get this lotion for my hands as I HATE to have dry hands (or feet) so for what its worth and the price I think its okay.  Its good in my book because it doesn't leave me greasy and at times it can be a pain because I may have to put it on more than twice (I just have really funky skin).  Last but not least is the Resource Spring Water which is by Nestle.  I think the water was really good.  The part that I liked the most is that the water could be delivered to your home.  What I didn't like is the price.  I feel for bottled water I'm good with getting a non-name brand water to get the job down.  However, if you are one looking for your water to have electrolytes then I would suggest this water.

Overall, this box was good.  I always look to getting Influenster boxes.  It's like waiting for Christmas to open gifts.  What I like most of all is that I get to share my reviews with others and give my open and honest opinion to help others try new and different things.  It also gives me to the opportunity to try things out of my element.  Two thumbs up for this box.  Until next time...

Peace & Happiness
~Erika B~

YouTube Groupie!

I have been addicted to YouTube for over the last year and when I say addicted I mean if the Internet went down today I think I would totally die.  But for real though 0_o.  I watch YouTube more than I watch TV.  I find myself grabbing for my computer soon as I get off work and now it's creeping into my work life!  I NEED REHAB!!!  LOL!  But with all that said I finally decided to join the YouTube community and I released my first video on Sunday!  YAY for me!!!  Check me out...my username for YouTube is ebanx151, but you can find me through Google+ @ebanx15!  I will be doing reviews on my channel and hope to start talking about saving money at the store through couponing and rewards systems.  

If you don't want to go through all the trouble, click the link here to find my channel right away!

Enjoy.  Like. Comment. Subscribe.  The best thing is that it's FREE!

Peace & Happiness :)

Erika

Publix 1/18-2/7

Publix is having 20-day deal!

fruitwater 16.9 oz OR DASANI 1 L, 10 for $10

Snyder's The Pounder Pretzels OR Tortilla Chips, 14-16 oz, 2 for $5

Texas Pete Wing Sauce, 16.5-17.5 oz, 2 for $4

Dannon Oikos Dips, 12 oz, 2 for $4

Manwich, 15-16 oz, 4 for $5

RoTel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, 28 oz, $1.79

Smart Source 1/19, Save .40 on any 2 cans of RoTel Diced Tomatoes

Final Price:  $3.18 for 2

Orville Redenbacher's Microwaveable Popcorn, 2-4 pack, OR Ready to Eat Popcorn or Pop Crunch, 5-6 oz, 2 for $4

Hidden Valley Sandwich Spread & Dip, 11.8 oz, $2.99

Hidden Valley Pasta Salad, 6.9-7.9 oz, 2 for $4

Nature's Own Whitewheat Healthy White Bread, 20 oz, $2.29

Kingsford Match Light Briquettes, 6.7 lbs, $5.99

Farmer's Garden by Vlasic Pickles, 26 oz., 2 for $6

Smart Source Coupon 1/19, $1.00 off One Farmer's Garden Pickles

Final Price:  2 for $5 or 2 for $4 with 2 coupons!

Naked 100% Juice Smoothies or Protein Juice Smoothies, 15.2 oz, 2 for $5

Tropicana Drinks, 59 oz, 3 for $4

Dole 100% Juice Blends, 59 oz, 2 for $5

Gatorade Prime Chews, 6 count, OR Drink, 4 oz, OR Gatorade, 32 oz, 

10 for $10

Publix Coupon 1/18, Buy Any 5 Gatorade 32 oz and Get 1 Gatorade Protein Bar FREE

Muller Yogurt, 5.3 oz, 10 for $10

Publix Coupon 1/18, $1.00 OFF Any 3 Yogurt 5.3 oz

Tropicana Pure Premium Juice, 12  oz, 10 for $10

Tropicana Pure Premium or Trop50 Juice, 89 oz, $4.99

Starbucks Refershers, 12 oz, OR Iced Coffee, 11 oz, 2 for $3

Tostitos Cheese Dip, 23 oz, OR Salsa, 24 oz, 2 for $7

Lay's Kettle Cooked Chips 8-8.5 oz, 2 for $6

O.N.E. 100% Coconut Water, 16.9 oz, 2 for $4

CHI-CHI's Salsa, 16 oz, OR Nacho Cheese Snackers, 4 pack, 2 for $2.49

Coupons.com, Save .55 on the purchase of any 2 CHI-CHI's Salsas

Final Price:  $1.94 for 2!

Skippy Peanut Butter, 15-16.3 oz, 2 for $5

HORMEL Chili with Beans, 15 oz, 2 for $1.99

HORMEL Chili no Beans, 15 oz, 3 for $5

Dinty Moore Beef Stew, 20 oz, 2 for $4

Kellogg's Fruit Flavored Snacks, 10 pk, 3 for $7

Jif Whips, 15-15.9 oz, 2 for $5

Jif Almond or Cashew Butter, 12 oz, $5.99

Pillsbury Cake Mix, 15.25 oz, (excludes Sugar Free), 5 for $6

Pillsbury Frosting, 15-16 oz, (excludes Sugar Free), 2 for $3

Kellogg's Special K Bars, Pastry Crisps, or Moments, 4.4-4.86 oz, 2 for $5

Kashi Cookies, Crackers OR Pita Crisps, 7.9-9 oz, $2.79

Kashi Waffles or Entrees, 9-10.1 oz, 2 for $6

Carnation Evaporated Milks, 12 oz, 10 for $10

Bettyr Crocker Hershey's Cookie OR Cupcake Mix, 12.5-17.9 oz, OR Frosting, 16 oz, 2 for $4

Jell-O Gelatin OR Pudding, 4 servings size, 4 for $3

Dannon Yogurt, 32 oz, 2 for $4

Chock Full o'Nuts Brick Coffee 10.5-11.3 oz, (excludes Decaf), 2 for $6

Horizon Organic Milk, 6 pk (shelf stable), 2 for $10

Fage Greek Yogurt, 5.3-7 oz, 10 for $10

Open Pit Barbecue Sauce, 18 oz, .99

French's Chili-O Original Seasoning Mix, 1.75 oz, .99

House Autry Fish OR Chicken Fry, 11-12 oz, 2 for $3

Weber Seasoning, 2.5-3 oz, 2 for $3

Budweiser Wing Sauce, 14 oz, 2 for $4

Knorr Homestyle Stock, 4 pk, 2 for $3.99

Lipton Recipe Secrets, 2 count, $1.29

Ken's Steak House OR Sweet Baby Ray's Marinade, 16 oz, 2 for $2.99

Barilla All Natural Microwavable Meal, 9 oz, 2 for $4

Coupons.com Save $1.00 on any Barilla Italian Entrees

Final Price:  2 for $2 with 2 coupons!

Ortega Taco Shells, 10-12 count, OR Sauce, 8 oz, 4 for $5

Smart Source 1/19, Save .50 on Any 2 Ortega products

Final Price:  $2.00 for 2 after coupon!

Newman's Own Salsa, 16 oz, 2 for $4

Mott's Natural OR Original Applesauce, 23-24 oz, 3 for $5

Mott's 100% Apple Juice, Gallon, $3.99

Yoo-hoo, 10 pack/6.5 oz, 2 for $5

Hawaiian Punch, 6 pk/10 oz, $1.99

Welch's Fruit Snacks, 10 pk, 2 for $4

Smart Source 1/19, Save .35 on a box of Welch's Fruit Snacks

Final Price:  $1.65/box or $3.30 for 2 with 2 coupons!

Publix Coupon 1/18, FREE Oscar Mayer Pepperoni, 6oz, when you Buy 1 Kraft Shredded Cheese 14-16 oz, 1 Mama Mary's 12" Pizza Crust AND 1 MID's Pizza Sauce, 16 oz.

Oscar Mayer Pepperoni, 6 oz, 2 for $5

Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese, 14-16 oz, $4.99

MID's Pizza Sauce, 16 oz, 2 for $3

Mama Mary's 12" Pizza Crust, $3.99

Get Cheese, 1 Sauce, & Pizza Crust for $10.48, PLUS Oscar Mayer Pepperoni for FREE!

Publix Coupon 1/18, $2.00 off Any 4 Participating Products

Campbell's Go Soup, 14 oz, 2 for $5

Campbell's Slow Kettle Style Soup, 15.3-15.7 oz, 2 for $6

Campbell's Slow Cooker Sauces, 13 oz, 2 for $4

Campbell's Spaghetti O's with Meat, 14.75-15 oz, 10 for $10

V8 V-Fusion Refreshers Fruit Juice Drink, 46 oz, 2 for $4

Also!

Smart Source 1/19

Save $1.00 on Any 1 Campbell's Slow Cooker Sauces

Zephyrhills OR Deer Park Natural Spring Water, 3 L, 10 for $10

Zephyrhills OR Deer Park Natural Spring Water, 12 pk/8 oz, 2 for $4

Nestle Pure Life Splash Water, 6pk/.5 L, 3 for $5

Nestle Pure Life Water, 24 pk/8 oz, 3 for $10

Zephyrhills OR Deer Park Sparkling Water, 6pk/.5 L, 3 for $5

V8 V-Fusion OR V-Fusion+Energy, 6 pk, 2 for $7

Coupons.com, Save $1.00 on any ONE 8 oz/6 pk of V8 V-Fusion+Energy beverage varieties

Final Price:  2 for $5 with 2 coupons!

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

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

Change of Plans

I have decided to take my blog to another level and bring information that I, myself have been working on for the new year.  I would like to bring more deals, sales, and savings to those so we can start saving, yet continue to spend!  I find that I spend a good amount of my time shopping whether it's for grocery, clothes, or makeup.  I don't like to spend full price on ANYTHING!  I just went to H&M Saturday and bought a dress on sale for $3.75!  Now beat that b!tch with a bat!  Starting tomorrow I will be bringing more savings and deals in an array of grocery, clothing, or drugstore.  *Disclaimer:  I do live in Florida so some deals may not apply if you live in a different state.*  However, I will ensure that I post deals that are conducive to all other states as much as possible.  Catch me tomorrow and start the year off not spending full price on any item EVER again!  

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Resolutions don't have to be New...

I decided that I want to take more control of what is going on in my life and do more!  I have some many interests that I haven't had the chance to enjoy and I decided that I want to take control and start now.  "It's my life and I'm taking control now!"  I have a lot that I feel I can offer others and I will be starting with training myself and jumping onboard.  I may also be a future YouTuber so look out!  What are your resolutions?  How do you find time to do the things you love versus those things you are "obligated" to do?

What to do next???

I signed up for to sell Mary Kay and become my own Independent Beauty Consultant in June.  Needless to say, from the title of this post, I decided to end that business and move on to something different.  Although Mary Kay would allow me to make my own schedule and my own money, I just wasn’t feeling it like I did when I signed up.  Plus it was hard to get people past the “old” Mary Kay and the lines like, “Mary Kay broke me out.”  I heard that one too many times.  It was just a stressful situation to even get to talk to women, many who I did not know, and try to sell them a product that has the brand to be used by “old women” and “grandmas.”  I wasn’t into that and only sold one product since June so why continue the hassle.  What to do next?  My next few projects that I have in mind are creating my earring organizer, making new earrings, and working towards buying a sewing machine.  I have had the thought of buying thrifted items and revamping them to fit today’s style.  It may not be until the end of the year before I get a sewing machine though.   Plus with a wedding that I am planning, I don’t know if buying sewing machine would be the ideal thing to do.  Although there are many DIY projects I would like to have for the wedding so the sewing machine idea is 50/50.  If any of you have any suggestions on what I could do to cut down costs, PLEASE let me know.  I’m also working back on getting back on my coupon game.  I really need to save every penny, nickel, and dime I can at any price. I’ll keep trying to make that dollar out of fifteen cents…