A #BikiniReadyLifestyle

Now it's a little late to be talking about a bikini ready lifestyle, but no matter what time of the year it doesn't always have to be summer for you to look and feel fit!  I know that I want to be #BikiniReady when I travel to Miami or Dubai!

Influenster sent me a box for testing purposes and included in this box was a sample of Bikini Ready Energy gummies.  I was sad because I didn't get to receive the full size bottle to test them out :(  However from the two gummies that I received I found them to taste great.  Since I only received two gummies I didn't get to test the full extent of what it claimed to do.  According to the packaging, Bikini Ready gummies:  tastes great, boots metabolism, and increases energy.  There is a statement claiming that "these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagonoise, treatm, cure or prevent any disease."  Like all other medications and viatmins, it is important to consult with your doctor/physician.

I am currently living at home so I don't have the best diet right now.  Once I move out with my fiance (hubby to be) then I would like to purchase these gummies along with the right diet.  I do find myself lacking energy and most of that comes from lack of sleep (I like to stay up late) and from a very poor diet (my diet lately has consisted of fried and fast food!)  

Overall, I think that the Bikini Ready gummies are a great supplement to add into a healthy diet regimen and I look forward to trying them again in the future!  Thank you +Influenster for allowing me to continue to try such amazing products! ^_^

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika 

Another Influenster Box! The Vitality Box

*I received this box from Influenster for free for testing purposes.*

I received my Influenster Vitality Box about two weeks ago and I can say that I always enjoy what Influenster has to offer. Unexpected items that I have seen, thought about trying or have never heard of before.  This box included various items such as:

• First Degree Advanced Burn Cream (Retails $5.97-$8.99)
• Playtex Sport Fresh Balance tampons (Retail $3.99)
• Elizabeth Arden FLAWLESS FUTURE Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum (Retail $60 for 1.0 fl oz)
• Pure Leaf Iced Tea
• Softlips Cube (Retail $3.49)
• Bikini Ready Energy Gummies (Retail $14.99; select Influenster members received this item).

Overall, I can say that I am completely satisfied with the box.  I have to start using the Elizabeth Arden more, but from the time that I did use it, it was smooth, soft, and gentle on the skin.  I just turned 28 almost two weeks ago so it is time that I started being more thorough with my skin care regimen.  The Bikini Ready Energy gummies were really good.  I only had a sample of two but I could see that going into my dietary regimen (once I begin a good one again lol).  One item that I really love is the Softlips Cube.  I currently have been using the EOS lip balm and I can say that the Softcube is giving EOS a run for their money!  It has shea butter in it and it glides on much smoother than the EOS lip balm.  I tweeted that it felt like butter on my lips and it really does!  I would definitely go to the store to make that purchase once I have used all of it up.  (Shameless plug follow me on Twitter and Instagram @ebanx15) :)

The Pure Leaf tea was very good.  I think I have tried it before but what drew me more to it this time was that I actually read the label and it is fresh brewed tea with no preservatives so its natural.  That let me know that this would be the tea I reached for if I was in the grocery or convenience store.  I haven't had the chance to try the First Degree Burn cream but I did swatch it and its a typical cream that glides on well and absorbs into the skin.  Also I haven't tried the Playtex Sport tampons and I am looking forward to that as I have always been a Tampax girl.  I'm not as active as I was before but I'm looking for the coverage to see if it would be good to use when I am active.  I do work retail so I spend much time walking around and on my feet so that would test the protection as well.  

As always Influenster has YET to let me down!  I enjoy the program very much and I hope I get to continue to receive boxes.  Testing these items becomes the highlight of my day! ^_^

Until next time...

Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika

Taking things for Granted

I feel that I am at the lowest point of lows in my life...and it's sad because it is L-O-W!  I hate when I do talk about how I feel, I always get the "things could be worse" spill and how "better things are to come."  I don't want to sound ungrateful for the thoughts and encouragement I receive, but when YOU are the one in the situation it doesn't matter what is said.  It's all about perception and my perception is skewed at this point because I know what I had and I can say that I took those things for granted.

Just three months ago, I was living in the Sunshine State, making a good salary, had my own place, my fiance, my own car; the norm when you live on your own.  Now here I am with no car (was totaled in an accident), I live with my mother and grandmother plus five others, my salary sucks as I took a HUGE paycut from a salary to hourly job, I'm back in the state of "lovers," and my fiance and I are apart.

I have been thinking about how I took the things that I lost for granted.  I needed a quote that was going to speak to me and it took me less than three seconds to find this:

This is no lie.  I miss the Florida weather, I miss the children I use to work with that worked my nerves, I miss my coworkers that didn't always see eye to eye with me, I miss my Altima that took me from here to there, I miss the lizards running across my yard.  I miss all the little things that I thought annoyed me more than anything!  It's funny how God will show you the things that you take least for granted and will force you to appreciate what you don't have that much more.  I am trying to remain optimistic; the glass is half full, but it's hard when you are sinking in your own sorrows too tired/worn down/beat up to save yourself.  

All I can ask is forgiveness and for others to pray for me.

Peace & [finding] Happiness,

~Erika

Reality VS Ideal

Back in June I wrote on "When Life Gives You Lemons..." I discussed the struggles that you go through in life.  Generally speaking, many people experience the up and downs of life, but its all about what perspective you take in making life better.  The way I see it, the glass is always half full.  Also, once you hit a low there is no where else to go but to the top.  You are here for a reason, a purpose, and although you are not sure for what, whether you believe in God or the Universe, your purpose will be revealed soon enough.

This morning when I woke up, I was scrolling through Instagram and ran across a picture from one of my followers.  I'm not going to lie, I am a true Instagram scrolly!  I do that before I even get up to brush me teeth!  Raise your hand if you're with me!  Anyway, this picture struck a cord with me because lately I have been dealing with the struggles of my relationship.  I'm not going to lie, when things are up for me they are up and when they are down I may feel like I am at the lowest of lows and these feelings have really been putting a test to my relationship.  But not just with my significant other, but more so testing ME to see what it is that I will do when times get tough.  I often say "My enemy is my inner me."  I know there are battles within myself that I am going to have to deal with the rest of my life.  One of them being self-control.  I would tend to let myself indulge in gratification whether it was good or bad.  Since I have been in a serious relationship, with a man I want to marry, I have been evaluating myself.  I don't ever put all the blame on him because I know I have a role to play in making not only each other happy, but ourselves happy as well.  

Back to the Instagram picture, this is what it said...

I can honestly say that right away this picture spoke VOLUMES to me!  I was happy and relieved at the same time because I can say that there are others out there who battle the same demons I do.  But again the glass is half full and positive perspectives are put in place so that you know anything is possible.

With all this said, always reevaluate what you have done, what you plan to do, and what is going on now.  You cannot change the past or predict the future, but you can control what is going on right now.  And right now is the time for you to shift your focus from past-future and live in the present.

I hope that you all have a blessed Monday and until next time...
Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika

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

Updated Influnster VowVoxBox!

I have had the #VowVoxBox now for over three weeks and I can say that I am quite satisfied!  All of the items have been put to use with the exception of the discount code to Riley & Grey (I don't plan on having a wedding ceremony or traditional wedding anymore).  My number one item from the box would have to be the Olay Regenerist Luminious Tone Perfecting Cream Moisturizer.  This stuff is the BIZ-NESS!  I actually did a review on Facebook and tagged Olay.  I discussed how I did not like the white cast and/or how it was showing on my face and Olay tagged me to let me know that I was using too much product.  Kudos to Olay!  My next favorite product was the Sally Hansen Salon Manicure polish in Barracuda.  The color is blue and it is so cool and cute!  Click here to see a picture on my Instagram page!  I have gotten plenty of compliments from others.  I haven't had to use my Tide to Go pen but as I stated it is MUCH better than the Tide to Go wipes that I happened to pick up from Target on clearance.  Lastly, the EcoTools Pure Complexion Sponge has changed the way that I wash my face.  I still use it in between using my Clairsonic and I think that it has also aided in helping my complexion when tag teaming with the Olay Regenerist cream.

Overall I would rate all of these items a MUST have to keep at home or with you on the go.  Again I want to thank +Influenster for allowing me to try these products as well as +olay +EcoTools Tide +SallyHansenTV and Riley and Grey.  

Until next time...

Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika

I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster

Influnseter VowVoxBox!

I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.   

I received my Vow Vox Box in the mail last week and I can say that I am quite pleased so far.  What I was most excited about was receiving the Olay Regnerist Luminious Tone Perfecting cream.  I had seen this in the store a few times and wanted to try it out, I just wasn't willing to pay the price.  Since I pick with my face a lot (bad habit I am learning to break) I wanted to see if what they claimed would work (dark spots will fade within eight weeks).  It's good so far I just have to make sure that I am consistent with it.

My next favorite item is the EcoTools Pure Complexion sponge.  I have NEVER seen it before it stores so it really caught my eye when I unboxed it.  I have tried it about three times and I like it so far.  The pro is that I feel it gets a deeper clean than using my hands and works well on by off day when I am not using my Clairsonic.  The con is that I feel that it sucks up much of the product that I use to clean my face.  I found that if I use the product on my face first then work it with the sponge I get a much better clean.  I am still playing around with that.

I haven't did a full review on Riley & Gray, but I am ready to use the 50% off discount code that I have.  Hopefully tomorrow I will be giving the Sally Hansen Salon Manicure nail polish in Barracuda (pictures to come soon :))  Also, I am going to be using the Pure Silk Moisturizing shaving cream tomorrow as well.  A Vine post will be dedicated to that :)

My last item is the Tide to Go pen.  I can say that I am pretty satisfied with that since I was eating BBQ sauce and dropped some on my nice white tank!  I grabbed it and tested it out and it worked.  You can tell something happened but its barely there.  I would give the Tide to Go pen two thumbs up over the Tide to Go wipes that I tried.  They SUCKED!  Two thumbs down for that.

As always I will give a more detailed final review when I have used the products over four weeks or longer.  I would recommend trying the EcoTools Pure Complexion sponge, Olay,  and the Tide to Go pen.  Until next time...

~Erika

When Life Gives You Lemons...

It's been a while since I have wrote on my blog and by the title of this you can tell that there's a story behind it.


As of April 30th, I made the move (back) from Florida to Virginia.  Packed what we had and said goodbye to the Sunshine State.  Please it was not by choice! [super sad face]. 


Not too long after the move, after providing me with over five years of service, my White Unibody MacBook died on me ;( RIP MacBook.  You took me places I never new including transitioning from the PC to Apple world.


Since then I have been working Part-time at JCPenney and just trying to make the best of life.  Hence I have been handed lemons so I can either suck it up or continue to build from it.  I was excited that I did get my #VowVoxBox in the mail the other day!  Oww, Oww!  I was excited to receive the new Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting cream, a Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nail polish in Barracuda, an offer code for Riley & Grey, Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave cream, an EcoTools Pure Complexion sponge, and a Tide to Go Pen.  This was my first BIG box I received and I am so grateful for +Influenster for all that they do and share with us so I can share with others!


Other than that life has been a complete....you fill in the rest.  I am thankful for what I have:  a roof over my head, food to eat, a job even when it doesn't pay much, and family support.  Those are my lemons...the things that strengthen me the most to keep pushing into life.


I came up with a quote a few weeks ago when spirit was talking to me:  "Struggles are real but are the most appreciated times of your life.  Be open to nothing because you will always have something."  My somethings are my family, friends, food, shelter, support, strength, anything positive that will keep me going is my something.


What is yours?


~Erika

Follow me on YouTube!

I FINALLY created my channel...or at least put some videos on my channel!  I wanted to focus on reviews and that has gone well so far.  I have three videos up focused on reviews which are on the Michael Kors Fulton crossbody bag, Dove Advanced Care and Rimmel Moisture Renew, which I have reviewed here on the blog.  I am currently in the process of moving from one state to another and have been totally STRESSED so I haven't been able to put out videos like I want to.  I will get back to it very soon.  But I am looking forward to what I can do through YouTube and I am looking to challenge myself so much more.  I plan on teaching myself Photoshop as well as taking classes on web design since I have been interested in that so much.  So go now!  Check out my channel...you can either catch me through Google+ @ebanx15 or on YouTube @ebanx151.

Peace & Happiness :)

Erika

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