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~

Ulta 1/26-2/1

Ulta has a 20% off coupon in the Sunday (1/26) paper that you can use on products that will be listed below!  If you prefer to shop online, the coupon code is 101891; enter the coupon code in the space provided in your shopping basket and click "apply."

bareMinerals is having a sale on their kits!

• One Hot Mama (6 pc kit; $98 Value) $39
• Kiss Me, It's My Birthday (4 pc kit; $54 Value) $25
• Beauty Obsessed (4 pc kit; $50 Value) $25 *This kit also includes a 20% OFF card for your next bareMinerals foundation purchase!*
• Red Carpet Train Case ($99.99 without coupon, with coupon $79.99!) Includes a complete Pro 45 Starter Kit plus a full size French nail tip packet, nail jewel packet, nail applique packet, 20 foil wraps, 20 lint free wipes, accessory kit & how to DVD.
• Buy 2, Get 2 FREE, PLUS 20% OFF with COUPON! Ulta Cosmetics, Beauty Tools, Implements, Brushes, Professional Primers & Nails, Bath, Smoothies, Anti-Bacterials, Skincare & Haircare (Reg $3-$25)
• Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF Loreal & Maybelline Mix & Match Cosmetics (Reg 3.49-15.99). Also included:  Loreal & Garnier Skincare & Suncare (Reg. 4.99-24.99)

Penny Items at Michael's

Before I decided to be a true and dedicated saver (hey I'm trying this year), I did NOT know that I could possibly walk into Michael's and walk away with items for only a penny.  Yes!  You heard me right, a copper coin that most people throw away or just look at on the ground and keep walking.  At least, if it's on tails, now heads I'll pick it up.  Off topic with the superstitions!  LOL!  But anyway, I learned from some fellow Instagramers (@couponing_girl, @sueyazzie, and @freestufffinder) I was able to find out what items are exactly a dollar. 

HALT!!!  Now before you run to pick up the phone or head to your first store associate you to see to direct you to the "Penny Items,"  READ, READ, READ!!!

The store associate will NOT tell you that they have items for a penny.  The reason why is because the items that are a penny are not supposed to be on the sales floor.  If you happen to find these items on the sales floor, you then can purchase them for a penny.  Make sure that you have ALL the items that you want because if you don't the store associates will pull the rest off of the shelves.  You're basically getting these items for free!

*(Disclosure:  I, myself have not been to Michael's to see how true this is.  There are people from OTHER STATES who have searched Michael's to find these items.  Please DO NOT go in the store acting a fool and calling corporate!  As I stated earlier, these items should have been pulled off the floor!  Please follow @sueyazzie on Instagram for more information!)*

Some items include:

• Hello Kitty/Sanrio
• Ashland (Indigo Blue, Penny + Parker, and Naturals)
• Celebrate It Christmas
• Studio Decor Holiday
• Duck Dynasty
• Squinkies Zinkies
• Holiday Stampers (ink not included)
• Artist Loft 25 Piece Art Case (unsure about this one, but if you luck up more power to you!)

You can find pictures of these items from the Instagramers above!!!

Make sure that you check out the store!  It's not going to be in front of you so you may have to do some searching!  If you are a lively shopper like me, then you won't mind the time and patience needed to find a good deal!  Also, some stores I heard are offering these "penny" items as grab bags.  So if you believe that the grab bags are a good deal, then grab one!  *No pun intended!*

Good luck and Happy shopping!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Baby Steals at Target!

Thanks to @couponcaroline (Instagram), she provided me the opportunity to share the deals and steals that are going on at Target.  Make sure to check your local Target to see if the same deals apply.  Each store may differ on pricing and what is on sale.  Every state varies.

Please read the fine print before going out to purchase.

1. Baby gear is 70% off
2. You can use your Target RedCard for an extra 5% off
3. Scan all clearance items as some items may not reflect the actual clearance price on tag
4. NO COUPON NEEDED!

Clearance Items!

• Evenflo Electric Breast Pump $11.38...Retail $39.99
• Delta 3-in-1 Crib $37.03...Retail $129.99
• Fisher Price High Chair $15.65...Retail $54.99
• Fisher Price Rock & Play $21.37...Retail $74.99
• Fisher Price Baby Swing $45.60...Retail $159.99
• Graco My Ride Car Seat 5-70 lbs. $45.58...Retail $159.99
• Graco Ready2Grow Stroller $44.84...Retail $169.99
• First Years Ignite Euro-Styled Stroller $19.00...Retail $69.99

To all my mothers and soon-to-be mothers, make sure you go to your local Target and check out the items that they have for 70% off!!!  The drive will be well worth it in the end for you and your baby!  

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

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

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

Target...Must be the bullseye!

Why, oh, why is Target undeniably a magnet to go spend money?!?!  It NEVER fails that I can go in Target with one thing in mind and come out with five plus things that I say I really needed, however, it was more of a want.  There are TOO MANY incidences to count on hand how I went to “look” and came out with about the store purchased!  One thing I can say is that although I spend money that wasn’t meant to be spent, many of the items I buy, that’s not regular price, are on clearance.  I went to Target about 2 weeks ago and spent $60 dollars on clothes and shoes, but EVERY item was either 50-70% off!  A trick/tip that I learned from Pinterest(another addictive site) is that Target marks their items off daily by department.  Also, the tip is if the clearance items last price digit is an “8,” it will get marked down again.  If the items last price digit ends in a “4,” thats the lowest the item will be (disclaimer:  haven’t tested the theory fully, but seems to be true).  I wouldn’t say wait until the price ends in an “8″ or “4,” however, I would say wait until you feel you are ready to make a purchase and a thoughtful purchase at that.  Most times I purchase items that end in an “8″ because there are only one or two items of that article left.  If there are multiple items of the same thing, then I wait about a week to check and see if the price is marked down again.  If it’s not, I repeat.  If it is, I BUY!  That simple.  I’m trying to do better, but I think the bullseye subliminally hypnotizes people to come in.  Damn you Target, damn you.