Influenster Sugar 'N Spice VoxBox First Reaction!

I'm not sure if I told you all but I am a member of influenster, which is basically a website in which you work up your points of being an "influencer" in the world and if you meet the requirements for the current box of products they are putting together they send you one.  It is free to sign up and I should mention that I didn't pay for any of these products.  They were sent to me courtesy of influenster and the box sponsors.

Part of the requirement for getting the box is to post reviews on your blog or post videos and such which is why I am posting about. But I also wanted to get the word out to you as well.  You don't necessarily have to have a blog to sign up or if you are looking for a reason to start a blog this would be a good way to start!

Sugar 'N Spice VoxBox

This is my first official VoxBox that I have received from them and I was truly excited!  Especially with the name Sugar 'N Spice!

So my first reaction is "oh, this wasn't really what I was expecting with the name Sugar 'N Spice" and then I thought "awesome!! I love all the tooth care items, and the face wipes!"  I also was excited to see the belVita breakfast biscuits because I keep hearing commercials on my radio program about them each morning (honestly I thought it was Velveeta at first, which sounded disgusting)!

There was also a Vaseline product in the box, which I was intrigued by.  Spray lotion. SPRAY LOTION! Sweet holy Moses! What an awesome concept!!  So I am dying to try all these products.

I will say I already ate the belVita breakfast biscuit and oh my goodness it was good!! I loved after bite of it! I'm actually going tonight to pick up more. My kids will love these for breakfast in the morning!

So are you an influencer?  Join influenster here!  Tell me which product is most intriguing to you?

Have you heard of Brandslane?

Hi Everyone!  I was recently contacted by Elle Fa from Brandslane.com to do post about her website.  Of course as always I was intrigued by her email and decided to ask more questions and find out more about her site & brand.

So what is Brandslane excatly?  Brandslane is a great resource for the fashionista wanting to know the latest trends, sales, and updates from some of their favorite brands, boutiques, and designers. AND it is free!

Basically, Brandslane takes newsletters from all tons of boutiques and designers (such as marc by marc jacobs, spiegel, armani, kohls ...etc. you get the point) and puts them all in to one place and sends it to you, the subscriber, in to one daily email.

When I realized what they do I first thought....What the heck! Why didn't I think of this! and then I thought SCHWEEEEEET!!! This is so awesome!

My email box is constantly filled with daily emails and newsletters from tons of designers, stores, and boutiques! On any given day I can receive on the upwards of 100+ emails from shops alone.  Brandslane has the ability to make managing these emails much easier.  Simply put, I can remove myself from mailing lists since it is all on the newsletter!

Here is what the newsletter looks like.  It is simple and easy on the eyes. In other words, it isn't overwhelming and makes me more likely to open up and visit the shops.

The website is even more awesome!

See, it is so clean and enticing to go check out the stores....please excuse me while I go check out Betsey Johnson's sale....

You can go signup here!  It's so simple, you just put your email address in the box!

Go check them out, the are adding new shops, designers, and boutiques often!  I love it! After you signup let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear what other stores you would love to see them add!

This is a Sponsored post written by me for Brandslane.com.  All opinions are 100% mine.

August Birchbox is Here!

My Birchbox came in and after last months my expectations were high!  I was expecting to have another stellar package in my mailbox!  I don't know, maybe I set to high of standards for a $10 gift I get every month, or maybe I am just bored with it, or maybe I need to get a grip I don't know...

I won't say I am completely unhappy with August's Birchbox but yet again, my products do not match my card and the products on the card sound so much better!

August's box is all about Beauty School.  My Supply kit was suppose to include (according to the card) Beauty Fixation Makeup Remover, Comodynes Hydra Tanning Face Moisturizing Summer Glow, Comodynes Self-Tanning Towelettes, DDF Brightening Cleanser, & Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur.

Here is what I got:

Beauty Fixation Cuticle Conditioner - So I didn't get the makeup remover.  But these little things look kind of awesome so I will forgive BB for that.

WEI Buffing Beads & Golden Root purifying mud mask - This also seems pretty awesome, but I would have much rather had the face moisturizer and the tanning towelettes.  

Stila One application BB Cream, Foundation, and Concealer - The One application really doesn't seem to be enough. I'll let you all know.

Schick Hydro Silk Razor - The irony here is I just bought a new razor the day before the box came in.  At least it came with coupons!  Plus, razors are so expensive so it was kind nice to get this.

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!?!?!  My very last product is...drumroll please.....

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur - It actually smells awesome...crazy coming from a non-perfume lover...but it does! This was the ONLY product listed on the product card that I actually got.

I guess this post seems more like a rant than a nice loving one, sorry about that.  Frustration sets in only because I have been a subscriber for a year and a half!  Should I be V.I.P. or something?!?  That said, I can't wait to try all the products I received!

So I am leaving it up to you guys! What do you think should I stay or should I go?  

Any long term subscribers to BB think they have kind of lost their awesomeness?  

Tresemme Dry Shampoo Review

So I have been desperate to find a dry shampoo to use since I went back to being a brunette (and 1/2 red head...post soon to come!) For some reason my hair looks really oily ever since I have made the change and  it can be rather embarrassing.  Before I used to shellac my hair in a pony tail or wave it....either way it doesn't really hide it all that well.

Then I saw the Tresemme "Dry Shampoo" commercial {sounds of bells...much like the ones you hear for angels...begin ringing in my head}  Have I finally found a solution to my dreaded hair problem?!?!?!  The next day I immediately bought it!  I was so hyped, super excited, and was hoping for the best!

The claims {straight from their website} "Transform limp, lifeless locks into healthy, full-bodied hair when you skip a shampoo. The Mineral Clay and Citrus formula removes oil and odor that weighs hair down, so you can have instant salon-quality volume without a drop of water."

I have used the Tresemme dry shampoo every other day for two weeks now and the result is....It doesn't work.  Boo!  So disappointed!

I noticed a difference for about 1-2 hours but after that it goes right back to being oily and gross looking.  No extra body...if anything it weighed it down.  However, it did make is smell beautiful.  So I guess that is a pro.

I was really pushing for you Tresemme...I really was!  But with all your claims and only one...which I find to be a low pro {smelling nice} not proving to be true, with my hair anyway, I find my $6 wasted. hmph!

Back to the drawing board!

I am curious, have any of you tried their new line of dry shampoo? What was your results? Or any recommendations for dry shampoo that any of you use that you LOVE?!?!

Birchbox: Why I can't just let it go

Some of you may remember me posting about my new love: My Glam Bag over my Birchbox subscription {need a refresher? click here}.  I still haven't cancelled my membership because every month I think the following month will be better, when it's not I am disappointed.  But....I am still compelled to continue my subscription in hopes that it will awesome!  Well Birchbox....your lucky I held out (although I am a little pissed b/c it looks like others get better boxes than I do...I have been your customer for one & half years!).  I love July's box and am willing to stay on one more month.  You, Birchbox, have bought yourself some time! =)  Here is the reveal of July's Birchbox and the number one reason why I am holding out one more month!

July's box is all about feeding the five senses - Smell it, Touch it, Taste it, Hear it, & See it.

Smell it 
Oscar de la Renta's live in love eau de parfum - Full size $25-78 - You all know how I feel about perfumes...so over it! I don't think I will ever have to buy another perfume as long as I continue with Sephora & Birchbox.  It smells lovely, but is very strong. A dab is seriously all you need.


Hear it
Earbuds - Yeah they are cool and there is always a need for an extra pair around the house.  But the feel super cheap and hard!  I don't know if I would want them chillin' in my ears for long periods of time!  I guess I'm willing to try them!


See it
Manna Kadar Sheer Glo shimmer lotion - Full size $29 - I'm partial to my Benefit High Beam but I'm willing to give this a try.  They say you can mix it up with your foundation or just use it as a highlighter...I'm game for tryin' it out!  I'll let you all know! =)


Touch it 
Fresh Soy face cleanser - Full size $38 - I'm always in need of a good facial cleanser; especially one that is made with natural ingredients rather than those horrible additives!  I'll let you know how well this works out!

Taste it
I'm assuming my "taste it" is the Laura Geller Double Dipped Lipstick in Caribbean Kiss - Full size $17.50. OMG! Although it doesn't "taste" like anything this is absolutely fabulous!!!  Check out the two different shades in one lipstick!! UGH! I am in heaven! One side of the stick is a lustrous shimmery pink and the other side is a gorgeous shimmery golden pinky shade! Ahhh! I love this and it is the numero uno reason why I am holding out one more month!

Do you subscribe?  If so, what did you get?  Leave your link if you blogged about it too!  July glam bag will be up Saturday! =)

Weight Not Follow Up

I started this blog 2+ years ago to help me on my weight loss journey using the Weight Not program.  I still continue to get many messages asking me about the program so I figured I would do a follow up.

The Weight Not program worked for me...for the most part. I'm not going to lie I fluctuate about 5-7 lbs here or there, but that is mainly because I get lazy and don't work out and am not careful about what I eat.  That said, I haven't really been motivated to because I was so sick {if you missed that post click here}.

Here are the answers to the main questions I get asked all the time:

1. Is it expensive? Yes, it is very expensive.
2. How much is it? They were running a special around the time that I did it.  I can't remember the exact price, but I know that it was clear over $1,000...I did it through Reveal MedSpa who is now Medalase...
3. Was it worth it? Yes, and no.  Yes, b/c I lost a good chunk of the weight I had be desperately trying to loose for years, but no b/c I think it is ridiculous the amount of money I had to spend to do it.
4. What does the diet entail?  It was 40+ days of HCG injections and an extremely LOW calorie diet...like 500 calories low. <---Which I think was the true key to the diet...not the injections but who am I to judge research...I'm not a scientist by any means.  No working out, nothing but really the same foods just fixed in different ways and that was pretty much it.
5. Is it hard? Yes, Yes, YES!  It is not for the faint at heart.  In other words, people w/o will power or any type of motivation will fail.  Plain and simple...you have to be able to really want this.  I really wanted it and I get embarrassed easily so I refused to fail in front of someone (i.e. my Weight Not representative)
6. Would I do it again?  Yes, I would....not for $1,000, but I would do it again.  Actually I toyed with the idea for a little while now only because I want to loose another 10 but who knows what will happen.  I am sure to let you all know though in case I do.

Here is what I looked like then....

And this is what I look like now...

So I still have the belly flab...that has been the most difficult to loose...but that is also what happens with a C-Section! I started the 300 Ultimate Ab & Core Challenge Workout to see if I can flatten it some.  We will see! =)

Any other questions just let me know below or send me another email.

Curious anyone else out there do the program?  How was your results?

30 days to Shred?

I have done really well at not gaining weight back after I did the WeightNot diet however, I have done a horrible job at keeping my muscles toned so... I LOOK FAT!  I hate that word and even though many would argue, I highly disagree and there is no nicer way to put it!  I am tired of feeling all the jiggles when I walk, run, jump (bah! like I actually do a lot of that!) and pretty much everything else during the day. So, I read up on Jillian Micheals', one of my all time favorite trainers (along with Chalene Johnson), 30 day shred. A couple of my friends have started it and there has been some decent reviews about it, so I decided to give it a try. Last night I began my 30 day journey and let me tell yah, for someone who has been doing the stationary bike for the past month at least 3-4 days per week (30 minutes a day --hey not bad! Last week I did it 6 days!) she still kicked my ass!

Photo courtesy of http://www.jillianmichaels.com

So it says you can loose up to 20 lbs in 30 days. I don't believe that and I don't really care about lbs. I just want to loose inches b/c that means I am toning up and getting lean muscle instead of this wobbly mess I like to pretend has muscle attached somewhere.  Also, my ass is HUGE! While many people love large derrières mine is outta control. Don't get me wrong I love being a "bubble butt" as my mother use to put it ever so gently to my low self-esteem self, it needs to get toned and slim down ever so slightly.

I took a couple of pictures (clothes on...how do these people gain the confidence to do it in the bra & underwear) I haven't gained the strength to post them just yet. Maybe in my next post?

There are three levels of the program. After each level I will update you followers on my progress.  If it works I may move on to one of her other DVDs!

Feel free to join me and don't forget to follow me on Twitter & FB and we can do it together!

Here's to Kickin' Ass & Slimin' Up!

Nicole

Revolution Post-Month 2 Down for the Count

Hi everyone!  So this month blew completely.  You know the saying when it rains it pours????  Whelp! That is what totally happened this past month.  So, numerous annual bills came in the nifty mailbox this month, which we expected and budgeted for HOWEVER, what was not budgeted nor expected was my husbands beat up stinkin car to break down and cost us....$2,084.63! YEP!! So much for saving this month!! But I am still determined to get rid of this debt at whatever means necessary.  So this weekend (after doing videos and homework) I will be going through my house to sell! Yep! a good ol' yard sale.....on ebay! haha! But at least this can make up for the extra funds that was spent on that stupid old tank of a car!

I also am waiting anxiously to see if I get a call back from MakeupGeekTV for a paid position with them on youtube where I would be reviewing products.  They were suppose to announce the top 10 finalists on Wednesday, however they have said that there has been a delay due to the amount of entries and the fact that there were A LOT of good entries as well.  So wish me luck!  This is something I really want, and it will be for something I really enjoy doing!

I am still on track and still going based off of what my debt-plan details.  && b/c of that I am now on credit card down! WOOHOO!! & it feels good that I can say that.  The next one...given that there is no other surprises, is due to be paid off in July.  Then as soon as taxes are done and we have our return we will have two other expenses paid off! I am trying to remain as positive as I can, I have even learned more about couponing &lt;---not sure if that is a word or not! 

Here is to tipping the cup from all the stress of the month of Feb!

February Birchbox & January Review

So, I have been under the weather lately and haven't felt up to videos and blogging.  But I am starting to feel better.  Birchbox's were still a little later than usual again this month, but there was plenty of awesome stuff this month.  Watch below!

February's Contents



• Bare Escentuals, Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara
• Befine, Exfoliating Brown Sugar Cleanser
• Nars, Orgasm Illuminator
• Pomega5, Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer
• Sweetriot, Chocolate-Covered Cacao Nibs

January's Content Review

• Ahava, Dermud Intesive Nourishing Hand Cream - Full-size: 4.2 fl oz. $28
• Not worth it in my opinion, really didn't make a difference in my hands

• Dr. Dennis Gross, Alpha Beta Peel - Full-size: 10 applications $35
• LOVED!!! My Skin felt soooo awesome after this!

• myfaceworks, Sheet Mask - Full-size: 6 masks - $55
• AGAIN, I LOVED! Only pet peave...it was super cold! Totally worth it!
• Oscar Blandi, Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum - Full-size: 34 ml - $24
• Perfect for color treated hair that needs a boost! Leaves my hair feeling soft and shiny!

• Zhena's Gyspy Tea, Full-size 22 sachets - $7.99
• Co-workers absolutly fell in love with this tea.  They said it was the best they ever had!  If you like tea I say give it a try!

All of these prices and items listed above are based from birchbox.com.  Visit them to start getting your BB's every month!  & Again....I am not being paid by anyone for these reviews! xoxo, QN!

Birchbox Haul & Review-January

Birchbox's were sent extremely late this month....BOOO! But they have finally arrived so here is the video. Below the video is the details (size & price of the products) and the review of Decembers products!


January's contents

• Ahava, Dermud Intensive Nourishing Hand Cream, Full Size: 4.2 fl oz - $28
• Dr. Dennis Gross, Alpha Beta Peel, Full Size: 10 applications - $35
• myfaceworks, Sheet Mask, Full Size: 6 masks - $55
• Oscar Blandi, Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum, Full Size: 34ml - $24
• Zhena's Gypsy Tea, Coconut Chai Black Tea, Full Size: 22 sachets - $7.99

December Review

• Blow, Heat is On Protective Styling Mist, Full Size: 8.5 fl oz - $18
• I LOVE THIS!  This has proctected my hair for heat and damage and keeps it shiny and healthy!
• Jouer, Luminizing Moisture Tint, Full Size: 1.7 oz - $38
• I LOVE THIS!  This product I was weary of at first but quickly fell in love with it.  It gives my face a natural glow which is nice during the winter!  It comes in 5 shades to match your skin tone!
• Stila, Lip Glaze in Kitten, Full Size: .08 oz - $22
• This is Okay.  For the price I am not sure if it is even worth it.  I don't like the color, although Kitten is my all time fav shade for eyeshadows by Stila.  I don't really like it as a lip shade.  Also, the gloss is super sticky and doesn't last.
• Serge Luetens, L'Eau Fragrance, Full Size: 50 ml - $105
• This is also Okay.  Yes the scent is fresh and lovely <--even though I don't care for perfumes but I will never spend that amount on a perfume.  This is just my opinion. 

Here is Birchbox's website where you can sign up if you are interested.
P.S. I am not being paid by Birchbox or any of the companies mentioned in this post for the reviews of these products. I am simply just running my mouth! ;o)

Working on Some Videos

Hi Followers!  I just did my first makeup tutorial and will be editing it for the premier.  Check back soon for some awesome stuff!  Please send my ideas of things you want reviews on, tutorials, any top products you want to know about.

Thanks for following and don't for get to subscribe to my youtube, facebook and twitter!  Get your friends to too!  We will all be awesome together!

Hugs!