Influencer - Rose VoxBox

 I was selected by Influencer to participate in the Rose VoxBox Review.

Every so often you are asked to do a survey to see if you are a match for the next VoxBox product review. If you are chosen then you will receive an email with a confirmation number in it.

The VoxBox is then shipped to your house at no cost to you. All you have to do is take a picture of you box and review it! Simple as that!

Here is what I received in the Rose VoxBox:

 

belVita crunch Breakfast Biscuits - I got these in my first box. They are good but there is not enough protein in these biscuits to make it a very filling breakfast - There are better pre-packaged options out there.

 Dr. Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushions - I tried to put these in my boots but they made them too tight and uncomfortable. Good concept but didn't work for me.


Kiss Gradation Polishes - I have not tired this nail polish yet because it look a little intimidating with all the steps.. Its a good week if I attempted to put clear on. Plus nail polish doesn't last the day on my nails because I can NOT stand when it starts to chip and I will just take it all off.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara - New FAVORITE Mascara! This stuff makes my lashes think and long with out clumps or separation. If you are look for a new mascara you should give this one a try. if you are wanting the fake eyelash look start with a primer.


Lindt LINDOR Milk Chocolate Truffles - Well free Chocolate is free Chocolate!! You can't go wrong with that.

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes

Influencer - Dr. Scholl's Active Series Insoles

Dr. Scholl's Active Series

I was selected by Influencer to participate in the Dr. Scholl's Active Series Insoles Review. I was pretty excited about this opportunity because I am always looking to try new inserts for my running/workout shoes. I am currently using SuperFeet Green inserts so I am a little concerned about not enough arch support in the the Dr. Scholl's inserts.

SuperFeet Green are VERY stiff and the "hard support" goes from the heel to about an inch past the arch, where as the Dr. Scholl's is only hard at the arch and the rest is very squishy and bends/twist easily.
The reason it is so "squishy" is because the Dr. Scholl's inserts have cushioning for the heel and ball of the foot to help absorb impact to help prevent runners knee, shin splints and plantar fasciitis.

The inserts were super easy to put in my shoes - I wear a size 10 running shoe so I didn't have to cut down the insert to fit. The packaging says it will fit up to a size 11 but I think you might be cutting it close and there might be a light gap in the toe area where the insert doesn't meet the front of the shoe.


I have been wearing these insoles all day and they are VERY confortable!! Check out their Facebook page here! www.facebook.com/drscholls

Chocolate Avocado Protein Shake

I tried Avocado in my protein shake for the first time this morning!
I was super skeptical about this and thought it would make it taste like dis..gust..ing -- plus I could get the same creamy consistency from greek yogurt, unfortunately all I had was blueberry flavored.... so the ripe avocado on my counter would have to do.

Well, after my workout this morning I went to make a shake - and I was all out of my favorite protein shake mix, but I had some ISOFlex Chocolate Mint in my pantry so I figured it would have to do as well- Plus its only 110 calories, 27 grams of Protein, NO sugar AND Aspartame-FREE!! .

The one and only reason why I am not a fan of ISOFlex is because it has a really thin consistency and if you try to blend it with ice it gets foamy on top... ICK!! I'm sure its great for those who just like to mix it with water or milk in a "blender ball" mixer. (If you are looking for a ready to go just add water and ice in the blender then I recommend Advocare Mocha or Chocolate because all you have to add is water and ice and it's like drinking a milkshake! However I do not recommend the vanilla or berry - the vanilla has a weird constancy and the berry as a artificial berry flavor)


Okay back to the avocado in the protein shake -
I recently joined DailyBurn (a workout video steaming and recipe site) and they had a recipe similar to this one so I figured I would give it a try! I was super pleased with this shake and will definitely be making this again!

Recipe:
1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
Cocoa powder/CocoaVia - makes it super chocolaty
about a 1/4 of an avocado (Adds about 60 calories to the shake)
Water - (or milk if you are trying to gain weight)
3-4 cubes of ice

June PopSugar Must Have Box

PopSugar Must Have Box

Click here to get the Next Month's Must Have Box 

The box cost $35 but you usually get about $100 worth of stuff.

This month's box was around $200

My June Box Finally Arrived!!

Lots of Great Stuff to Try!!

 

 

 

Juice Beauty Stem Cell Repair Moisturizer. Value = $65.00 Love this! I put it on after i was my face either in the AM or at night. Amazing citrus smell. No SPF :(
Juice Beauty Stem Cell Repair CC Cream in Natural Glow. Value = $3.90 This was a little to light for me but it will be great for winter
Juice Beauty Stem Cell Repair CC Cream in Warm Glow. Value = $3.90 I love the Warm Glow it is perfect for summer!

Hard Candy Fitness DVD 4 Addicted to Sweat Jaw Breaking Chair. Value = $19.95 I haven't tried this yet... It looks a little intimidating and I am extremely clumsy so this could get awkward!

Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns by Lauren Weisberger. Value = $25.99 I can't wait to read this one I love The Devil Wears Prada movie so I am sure I will love this too! Almost done with my current book (I am obsessed with the Sookie Stackhouse series) and then I will begin this one.

Project 7 Quench The Thirsty Wintergreen Mints. Value = $1.79 Hard to see in the picture but they come in a little test tube.

Popcorn, Indiana Fit Popcorn. Value = $2.99 This popcorn is really good! and you can read all the ingredients!
Gorjana & Griffin Zuma Scarf. Value = $62.00 Love this scarf it is so cute and flattering!
Gorjana & Griffin Gift Card for $25 off a purchase. Value = $25.00

 

 

 

 

 

Della wanted in on all the action!

 

 

Influencer Box - VEET® EasyWax™ Electrical Roll-On Kit

I signed up for Influencer a while back to get free product boxes and this is my second box! The influencer program is easy, all you have to do it review products on their site and use social media to get your reviews out to the public. Every so often you are asked to do a survey to see if you a a match for the next VoxBox product review. If you are chosen then you will receive an email with a confirmation number. The VoxBox is then shipped to your house at no cost to you. All you have to do is take a picture of you box and review it! Simple as that! This month I received the VEET® EasyWax™ Electrical Roll-On Kit VoxBox. Influencer says this is to get your "Legs Summer Ready" but I can't let my my hair grow out long enough to use it. However, the new trend in China is Hairy Leggings! GROSS!! Looks like the VEET will be a bikini-line only venture for me!! I haven't used it yet but as soon as I do I will let you know how it compares to Sally Hanson, Nair and Nads - All which I have used (If there was AA for beauty products I would be forced to go by my family and friends) Stay tuned for the review!! "I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

April Klutch Club Box

Klutch Club is always doing some kind of sale on their boxes and best-of- boxes and if you are patient you can usually get them FREE or half price. (P.S. They are running a Free Box promotion right now!) They ship their boxes out on the 15^th of every month and claim to have over $50 worth of products in every box.

Men/Women’s Box= $8/box for year, $9/box for 3 months, $10/box per month ($8 shipping)
Men/Women’s Best-of-Box = $17/box ($8 shipping)

Their boxes are always jam packed with great new stuff to try. I definitely recommend this box out of all the “Health and Wellness” type boxes however it does cost a little more that some of the other boxes.

 

This month’s box had a lot of great stuff including Yurbuds - ear buds made for a woman’s ear. These are the best headphones I have ever used! They don’t fall out like the Iphone ones and you don’t have to put them around your ear.

 

 

Steak in Red Wine Gravy with Cream Cheese Mash Potatoes

I  found this recipe on Pinterest and changed it up a bit. The original recipe was just a red wine sauce and turned it into a gravy.

Steak in Red Wine Gravy with Cream Cheese Mash Potatoes

 

 Steak in Red Wine Gravy

·         1½ pounds sirloin steak tips, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
·         Salt and pepper
·         1 tablespoon Olive oil
·         3 tablespoons unsalted butter
·         2-3 shallot, minced
·         1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir)
·         1 Tablespoon Honey
·         1 cup beef broth
·         1-2 Tablespoons of flour
·         1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

1. Season Steak with salt and pepper. Heat oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add steak tips and cook until well browned all over, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil.

2. Add 1 tablespoon butter to now-empty skillet and melt over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add honey and wine and simmer until nearly evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Mix flour with some of the broth in a separate cup. Add broth, any accumulated steak juice from plate and flour mixture to pan simmer until liquid is thickened, about 2 minutes. Add steak to sauce and simmer another minute.

3. Turn off heat, whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Cream Cheese Mash Potatoes

·         1 bag of ready to mash potatoes (In the freezer section)
·         4 oz of Cream Cheese
·         2-3 Tablespoons of Butter
·         2-3 Tablespoons of Milk

Steam ready mash potatoes for 10 minutes in microwave (do not open package). Once done mash all ingredients together.

PopSugar MustHave Box Coupon

PopSugar

Have you joined in on the POPSUGAR Must Have box fun yet? If not, now's the time. Through March 27, we're offering $10 off a three-month subscription (enter GET$10) or $25 off a six-month subscription (enter GET$25). Sign up now for editor-curated picks, delivered. New subscribers only.

Sugar 'n Spice VoxBox - Influenster

About a month ago I signed up to be an Influenster. It is easy, all you have to do it review products on their site and use social media to get your reviews out to the public.

Every so often you are asked to do a survey to see if you a a match for the next VoxBox product review. If you are chosen then you will receive an email with a confirmation number in it.

The VoxBox is then shipped to your house at no cost to you. All you have to do is take a picture of you box and review it! Simple as that!

Here is what I received in the Sugar 'n Spice VoxBox.

This box had a lot of great stuff in it that I would actually use.

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste
Colgate Optic White Mouth Rinse
Colgate Optic White Toothbrush.
Nectresse "sugar" packets that are made from Monk Fruit.
Belvita Cinnamon Breakfast cookies (Nutrition Facts)
Dickinson's Oil Controlling Towelettes
Vaseline Spray & Go body lotion




 "I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

Conscious Box

I just received my Conscious Box and it had a lot of great stuff in it that I will actually use!

Last month they had 50% off their boxes so I gave it a try.

The good thing about this box is that you can cancel any time and if you review the products on their site you will bet points to buy products later. 50 points = $5.

Chef Sleeve Reusable Sleeves - $19
Mother Love (baby rash cream)
Ode Man Granola - $0.50 (12oz - $6)
Nektar Naturals Honey Crystals
Zarbee's All-Natural Cough Syrup
SmartyPants Vitamins for Kids
SmartyPants Vitamins for Grownups
Stash Tea Organic Very Berry Herbal Tea
2 Two Degrees Bars - $4.44
AgroLabs Wheatgrass Boost - $3.33
Pure Living Paradise Vanilla Chaga TGRT Raw Tea $0.45

ModCloth - Stylish Surprise Apparel Sale

Modcloth is a online vintage inspired shopping site with everything from shoes to dresses to home decor. They have sizes from XS to 22W with in all price ranges.

"My, what a Stylish Surprise! For just $15, you might get anything from a terrific top or sassy skirt, to a dazzling dress or cute coat. There’s a beautiful bevy of mystery items with retail values from $29.99 to $299.99! Ready for some fashion fun? Simply select your size, then add a chic secret to your shopping bag. Hurry - supplies are limited, so snag a Stylish Surprise while you still can!"

Click here to sign up and participate in the sale!

March PopSugar Must Have Box

March PopSugar Must Have Box

Click here to get the April Must Have Box or the Summer Must Have Box

The box cost $35 but you get about $100 worth of stuff.

Contents of box with approximate retail price:

Must Have Fashion

Heather Belle Signature Tassel Necklace. Value = $72

Must Have Home
The Laundress Specialty Washes, Wool and Cashmere Shampoo. Value = $18.99

Must Have Home
Corkatoo Corkscrew in Blue. Value = $13.62 (Amazon.com) 

Must Have Beauty

Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara. Value = $19.00

Must Have Fashion

Hollywood Fashion Secrets Sweater Saver Value = $5.99

Must Have Beauty

The New Black Nail Polish. Value = $10.00

Special Extras
Marshmallow Peeps. Value = $1.00
Hollywood Fashion Secrets Fashion Tape Assortment Pack. Value = $1.48
coupon for 50% an item at Hollywood Fashion Secrets
coupon for a free deluxe sample of Buxom Lip Polish in Holly with any purchase from Sephora

Meatloaf Cupcakes

Meatloaf Cupcakes

12 cupcakes

 

Meatloaf

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ pound ground pork
• ½-1 cup bread crumbs or cracker crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1-2 tablespoons of Milk
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of parsley flakes
• 1 tablespoon of Worcester
• 1 tablespoon of ketchup  
• Ketchup for spreading on tops of Meatloaf

 Mash Potatoes

• 1 bag of Ore-Ida frozen potatoes for mash potatoes (red bad in the freezer section by the french-fries)
• 4 oz. of light cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 1-2 Tablespoons of milk
• Dash of salt
•  
• 4-6 strips of bacon to sprinkle on top

I have seen these Meatloaf cupcakes all over Pinterest and thought about making them but decided it was too much work…. Until I received a message and a picture from my boyfriend asking if I could make these little meat and potato cupcakes and I knew I was stuck and had to make them.

 

I preheated the oven to 350 and placed silver tinfoil cupcake liners in each of the 12 cupcake slots.

Mix the beef, pork, eggs and crumbs together first. Next, add 1 Tb of milk and mix well. Add in the rest of the meatloaf ingredients and another Tb of milk if needed or more crumbs if needed.

Once everything is mixed up fill the cupcake liners to the top (they will shrink down) and place them in the oven for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes pull them out the oven and spread a thin layer of ketchup on each meatloaf. Bake for another 7-10 minutes (start watching them after 5 minutes).  

 

While mixing up the meatloaf place the unopened bag of potatoes in the microwave for 10 minutes to steam. While Meatloaf is cooking mash up the potatoes with cream cheese, butter, milk and salt until you reach your desired constancy and there are no potato cubes left.

(After I mashed them I put them in the microwave for another 2 minutes to warm them up again)

Once the mini meatloaf’s are done scoop some potatoes into a frosting decorator to decorate the cupcakes with mash potatoes.

 

The final step is to sprinkle crumbled bacon on the top of each cupcake. (An easy way to cook the bacon is to put paper towels on a plate and place 4-6 pieces on top of the towels and then place more paper towels on top of the bacon. Then cook in the microwave for 2 minutes check and cook again if needed)

…..And….. Waa-Laa Meatloaf Cupcakes!!

 

 

LASTDAY to get 50% off Conscious Box

To celebrate the launch of the new Conscious Box website they are offering 50% off any subscription.  Use code LASTDAY on the checkout page.  This discount is good for the classic, vegan and gluten free boxes and can be used for any subscription term.

February BirchBox - RED CARPET READY

 RED CARPET READY

BirchBox is only $10 a month and no shipping. You will get about five samples along with one larger or full size sample.

When you first join you will fill out a personal beauty profile to ensure you will receive products you will actually use. Personally, I think they just send everyone random samples each month.

BirchBox does have a loyalty program, so when you get friends to join and you review products you receive you will get points. 50 points for a friend and 10 points for each review - Once you get 100 you will get $10 to spend in their shop!

UPDATED Reviews:

I love the Joure Matte Tint - It is the perfect color and helps keep my skin shine free all day! Plus SPF 15!

The Kerastase is the best conditioner i have ever used - the only downside is that a bottle of it is about $40 i just don't know if I can spend $80 on Shampoo and Conditioner right now.

The Vasanti is a great for exfoliating your skin but St. Ives Green Tea face wash is just as good for around $6.

February POPSUGAR Must Have Box

Each POPSUGAR Must Have box is $35 a month or if you decide to go with the 3 or 6 month subscription you save about $4 a month.

Each box has about $100 worth of products.

Get $5 off with the code REFERFRIENDS

Here is this months Box!

Brokedown Wrap - This light pink wrap is super soft, but if I was any taller than 5.6 it would be too short.

Hanky Pankys - These are a one size fits all pantie - Love them, they are a super soft lace and if you go to their website and join their mailing list you will get $10 off your first order.

MarieBelle New York's Trésor Box - Dark chocolate covered cocoa nibs. They are very rich - a few will go a long way.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable™ Balm Stain - I received the Honey color. It looks nude but it is actually a very pretty pink color once on. I did notice it got a little darker and brighter once on for a minute or two.

Safe Haven Book and Song Download - looking forward to reading this one and now that the movie is out I need to hurry up.

Connoisseurs Quick Jewelry Cleanser - It says it works on gold, platinum, and gemstones. I have a feeling that my mother will end up getting this since i don't really have anything besides pearls, silver and play jewelry.

Conversation Hearts - Not pictured because i took them to work on valentines day before I took this picture.
http://popsu.gr/xOx

Basic French Macarons: Red Velvet

I have been seeing Macarons everywhere lately. I finally broke down and bought a few from Earthfare to see what all the fuss was about...and let me tell you I AM HOOKED!! These little morsels of goodness are crunchy and chewy. Not to mention they are gluten free...if you are in to that kind of thing.

After paying $3 a piece for these little heavenly bites I decided to try my hand at making them. I checked out Martha Stewart's version and food networks but decided on YumSugar's recipe with a twist.... a Red Velvet Twist.

I took the basic recipe and added a little cocoa powder and red food die (mine turned out to be more pink than red - so I suggest a LOT of red food coloring) and added cream cheese to the butter cream recipe.

I put the batter in a Ziploc bag and tried my best to make perfect same size circles.... this is not easy your first time. Because I live in the south it took about an hour for the tops to harden before I could put them in the oven.




Ingredients
2/3 cup almond meal or ground almonds
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 large egg whites at room temperature and preferably aged up to 3 days
5 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

The basic meringue-style French macaron is merely the springboard for your wildest color and flavor combinations. Try adding a teaspoon of Dutch-process cocoa and red gel food coloring for a red velvet macaron, or a 1/4 teaspoon rose extract and pink gel food coloring for rose. Always add the dry flavorings to the almond meal/powdered sugar mixture and the extracts/gel color to the meringue.

1. Preheat the oven to 280º and position two racks in the lower section of the oven. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. If you have time, draw 1-inch circles on the back of each sheet, spacing the circles at least 1/2-inch apart.
2. If your almond meal is very coarse, grind it with the powdered sugar in a food processor until fine. Sift the almond meal-powdered sugar mixture twice through a mesh sieve.
3. Place egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer) and begin to beat on medium-high. When the eggs are frothy, gradually add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time until fully incorporated. Continue to beat the egg white mixture until glossy and stiff peaks form when you lift the beaters. Gently stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful to not overbeat the meringue (e.g., the meringue takes on a clumpy texture).
4. Add half of the sifted almond mixture and gently fold it into the meringue using a flexible silicone spatula. Lift from the bottom, up around the sides, and toward the middle, being careful to not overagitate the meringue and lose too much air. Once the almond mixture is predominantly incorporated, add the second half and repeat the folding motion.
5. When the almond mixture is just incorporated, you will need to transform the batter into the appropriate texture. Using the flat of the spatula, "punch" down into the center of the batter, then scrape more batter from the sides to the center, and punch again. You will need to repeat this 10-15 times (or more, depending on your arm strength and the beginning texture of your batter) until the batter slowly and continuously drips back into the bowl when you scoop it up with the spatula. Think of the consistency of molten lava. For the best results, punch the batter a few times, check the consistency, then punch a few more times, etc. Do not make the batter too runny or the macarons won't rise as they should, and you could end up with oil stains on the surface.
6. Pour batter into a pastry bag fitted with a 0.4-inch tip. In a pinch, you can also use a gallon size Ziploc bag: just snip a teeny bit from one of the bottom corners. Twist and clip the top of the bag to avoid overflow. On your prepared baking sheets, pipe out 1-inch rounds in the circles you drew (remember to draw the circles on the back side of your parchment to avoid ink or pencil stains on your macarons!).
7. Holding the baking sheet in both hands, rap each baking sheet firmly on the counter two or three times. This smooths out the tops and helps form the "pied" or frilly foot on the bottoms of the macarons. Allow the piped macarons to dry, uncovered, for at least 15 minutes. The macarons should form a very thin, smooth crust where, if you tap it lightly with your finger, the batter will not stick to your finger. If after 15 minutes, the batter is still sticky, let it dry longer. This may take up to an hour on humid days.
8. Place both baking sheets in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. After the first 2 minutes, open the oven to allow any excess humidity to escape. Halfway through, swap oven racks and rotate the sheets for even baking. The macarons are done when they are baked all the way through and the shells are just hard. Take care to not under bake (insides will still be mushy) or overbake (tops will begin to brown). Remove them from the oven, and cool on baking sheet placed on a wire rack.
9. When fully cooled, assemble the macarons with your choice of filling. The assembled macarons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Makes about 4 dozen macaron halves (about 2 dozen complete macarons).

January BirchBox

BirchBox is only $10 a month and no shipping. You will get about five samples along with one full size sample.

When you first join you will fill out a personal beauty profile to ensure you will receive products you will actually use. Personally, I think they just send everyone random samples each month.

BirchBox does have a loyalty program, so when you get friends to join and you review products you receive you will get points. 50 points for a friend and 10 points for each review - Once you get 100 you will get $10 to spend in their shop!

https://www.birchbox.com?raf=prfjt

January PopSugar Must Have Box

I love love love the PopSugar Must Have boxes! They are $35 a month or if you decide to go with the 3 month subscription you save about $4 a month.

Each box has about $100 worth of products.

Get $5 off with the code REFERFRIENDS

Here is this months Box!

STOTT PILATES ® Stability Ball - Didn't currently have one so I was super excited to get this!

Epicuren Lip-balm - Love all lip stuff  just not a fan of having to put my finger in a pot of it. This balm is super silky, not sticky and has SPF 15!!
 

Think Thin bars - I have only tried the Dark Chocolate Coconut and it tastes like an Almond Joy bar! I love having bars around so I can grab one on the go for breakfast or a snack.

The Remix TimeBomb – Hot pink rubber watch with an LED light. Wasn't too sure about this when I first saw it, but it is starting to grow on me.

Jet-Puffed Mallow bits - These are just like the little marshmallows you find in hot chocolate
      packets.

Popbar Hot Chocolate on a Stick – Not going to lie I just ate it right off the stick. I am sure it would
      have made great hot chocolate but I don’t really buy milk so I just ate it… and it was delicious!!

Casetagram - $15 gift certificate to casetagram. You have to download the app on your smart device and then make a collage with your photos. For an iphone 4s after the $15 off a case will run you about $20.

All in all this was a great box and I even gifted the box to my sister and mother for their birthdays!

http://popsu.gr/xOx