Palmolive Soft Touch Dishwashing Liquid Review

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

DISCLOSURE:  I was given two free bottles of Palmolive Soft Touch from Influenster.com to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

My husband and I like to pre-wash the dishes before we put them in the dishwasher.  We feel dishes get cleaner that way.  We also like to hand wash our pots, pans, wooden spoons, sippy cups and knives.  All that dishwashing can lead to dry hands.

So, I was excited when I was chosen by Influenster.com to try the new Palmolive Soft Touch dishwashing liquid.  It's supposed to be tough on grease, but soft on hands!  It's a mild formula with a touch of Vitamin E, Aloe or Coconut Butter.

Influenster sent a great kit that included one full size bottle to keep and one to share with a friend, as well as some coupons!  My box included the Vitamin E and Aloe varieties.


Tastykake® Kandy Bar Kakes Review

Friday, June 14, 2013

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free sample of Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes from Influenster.com to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I haven't had a Tastykake in YEARS!  When I was little, my Mom used to bring me Tastykake Jelly Krimpets when she came home from work.  Yum!  But then she stopped bringing them home and we never really bought them when we went out grocery shopping, so I stopped eating them.


So, I was pretty excited to learn that there was going to be a new kind of Tastykake in the Spring VoxBox from Influenster.  Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes combine the taste of a candy bar with the freshness of a Tastykake.  Light and fluffy chocolate cakes are covered in chocolate and filled with a delicious creme filling.  They're even shaped like little candy bars!  They're available in three flavors:
  • Peanut Butter - Made with Reese's Peanut Butter
  • Peppermint - Made with Real York Peppermint Flavor
  • S'mores - Made with Real Hershey's Cocoa and topped with Graham Cracker Crumbles

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure Review

Thursday, June 13, 2013

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure from Influenster.com to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I almost never do my nails.  When I do get a manicure, it gets messed up almost immediately.  And I suck at painting my own nails.  So, I usually just keep my nails short and somewhat shape them with a file.

When I was given the Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure to try, I was a little skeptical.  The last time I used anything like it was way back in the days of the Lee Press-On Nails!  They were horrible and just looked fake.  I hoped that these would be better.

imPRESS Press-on Manicure gives you a salon-perfect manicure in seconds.  It's available in 36 different designs.  They feature:
  • No drying time - Just apply the nail covers and you're ready to go!  No need to wait for glue or nail polish to dry.
  • Superior, lasting shine - They have an indestructible top coat that rivals the best salon gel polish.
  • Easy removal - You can either gently peel the nail covers from the sides or apply nail polish remover to the edges, wait a minute and then peel off the covers.
  • Lasts up to a week - When applied properly, the manicure lasts up to a week, while keeping your nails protected.

BlackBerry Z10 Keeps You Moving Party

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

DISCLOSURE:  I was sent a free BlackBerry Z10 phone by Crowdtap.com for testing and review purposes.  All opinions are my own.

I've been using the same cell phone -- an iPhone 3G -- for about four years now.  My contract ended two years ago.  But, because I was afraid to lose my unlimited data plan, I just never went to upgrade my phone.  I really needed a new phone, though.  My iPhone is slow and with the outdated operating system, more than half of the apps have stopped working.  I can't use Instagram, Facebook and Twitter tend to crash on me, and other apps tell me they need to be updated, which I can't do without the latest iOS version.

So, when I was invited by Crowdtap.com and Verizon Wireless to help celebrate the launch of the new BlackBerry Z10 phone, I was super excited.  I've never used a BlackBerry before and was interested to see how it compared to an iPhone.  My sisters used to own BlackBerry phones (Curve, Bold and Storm), but they weren't too happy with them.  It was going to be interesting to see if this newer BlackBerry would be better than the older ones.  Plus, I'm an AT&T Wireless subscriber. This was going to be a great way to see how service from Verizon compared to AT&T.  In my area, Verizon has more coverage, but I wasn't sure how their network speeds compared.

Party hosts were sent a great kit that included:
  • An active BlackBerry Z10
  • $150 American Express gift card (to help offset party expenses)
  • Ten USB pens for party guests
  • A Verizon Insider tote bag
  • Party handbook

NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm Review

Sunday, June 9, 2013

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free NYC New York Color Applelicious from Influenster.com to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I love learning about and trying out new makeup!  I've seen the NYC New York Color brand in stores, but have never had the chance to try them out.  They have a full line of cosmetics for your face, eyes, lips and nails.  Thanks to Influenster, I had the opportunity to try their Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm.

This lip balm delivers color, shine and moisture in one single swipe!  It's available in 10 fun shades:
  • Blushing Golden
  • Caramel Apple
  • Chocolate Apple
  • Pink Lady
  • Apple Blossom
  • Applelicious Pink
  • Big Apple Red
  • Apple Blueberry Pie
  • Garnet Gala
  • Apple Plum Pie

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Review

Friday, June 7, 2013

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free Secret Outlast Clear Gel antiperspirant/deodorant from Influenster.com to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I'm not really loyal to one brand of deodorant.  For some reason, one deodorant may work well for a little bit and then one day, it just stops working for me and I have to switch over to a different brand.  So, I've tried many different brands.  But, I haven't tried Secret Outlast Clear Gel!

Normally, I buy invisible solid deodorants.  They go on smoothly and normally don't leave many white marks on my clothes or underarms.  They also dry quickly after applying.  I haven't had success with gel deodorants in the past.  They don't always dispense evenly and don't normally go on clear.  But, I was definitely willing to give this deodorant a try. 

Secret Outlast Clear Gel is supposed to go on clear and stay clear, avoiding white marks on your clothing.  Have you ever put on deodorant and then struggled to get your clothes on without getting deodorant on them?  See Jenni Pulos (from "Flipping Out" on Bravo) and her "Deo Dance" as she tries to get dressed after putting on deodorant!


The deodorant is also said to provide 48 hours of odor protection and is available in four scents: Completely Clean, Protecting Powder, Sport Fresh and Unscented.  Secret Outlast is also available in an invisible solid and smooth solid.

Spring Fever VoxBox from Influenster Overview

Thursday, June 6, 2013

DISCLOSURE:  As a member of Influenster, I was chosen to receive a set of several items to try and reviewAll opinions are my own.

I'm super excited to again be chosen to receive a VoxBox from Influenster!  If you're unfamiliar with Influenster, it's a community of members who are sent products to try and review.  Members share their experiences and complete Brand Challenges, for a chance to earn rewards.  The more you share, the more opportunities you have to earn rewards.

The theme of this VoxBox is "Spring Fever."  I was familiar with some of the brands featured in this VoxBox, but have never tried the products themselves.  The package contained:
  • Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant - I've tried other forms of Secret deodorant, just not this one.  It's supposed to leave fewer white marks on clothes and provide 48 hours of odor and wetness protection.
  • NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm - I've heard of this brand of makeup but have never tried any of their products.  This lip balm is supposed to deliver color, shine and moisture all in one swipe.  We'll see how well it works.  I have super dry lips!
  • Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure - So, I haven't used press-on nails since the old-school Lee Press-On Nails.  They were horrible.  Let's hope these are a lot better!
  • Schwarzkopf Professional OSIS+ Dust It - I've never heard of this brand of hair products and I use a lot of salon hair products.  It's a mattifying powder that's supposed to add incredible root lift and texture -- things I normally don't look to add to my super thick hair.  We'll see if I like this.
  • Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes - I haven't had a Tastykake in FOREVER!  My Mom used to bring us the Krimpets when she came home from work.  They were so good.  Too bad the one sent in my package was the Peanut Butter flavor.  I'm allergic. I guess someone else will have to try it for me.  Maybe I'll look for the Peppermint or S'mores one in the store so I can try that.
I'll be trying these out and posting my reviews in the next several days.  Check back to see what I thought of them!

Nude by Rihanna Eau de Parfum Spray Review

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free bottle of Nude by Rihanna fragrance from People StyleWatch Style Hunters to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I usually wear perfume or some sort of fragrance pretty much everyday.  I like to smell nice, even if I don't end up leaving the house.  Thanks to being a member of the StyleWatch Style Hunters, I was able to try out a new fragrance: Nude by Rihanna.  It's the third fragrance by Rihanna.

Rihanna has been a favorite musical artist in our household for awhile.  My kids would sing "Umbrella" all the time!  So, it was going to be interesting to see what it would be like to smell like Rihanna!


I usually wear lighter fragrances.  I found Nude by Rihanna to be little stronger than what I'm used to wearing.  It's definitely a scent for those who want to be noticed!  It's a very complex fragrance, blending many layers of scents together.

The fragrance's top notes blend layers of guava nectar, mandarin and pear.  The center of the fragrance opens into a sultry softness with a blend of orange blossom, gardenia petals, and velvet jasmine sambac.  The seductive, milky gourmand base weaves together Sandalwood and Second-skin Musk, with the fresh and feminine hints of Vanilla Orchid, rounding out a fragrance that is at once daring, yet accessible.

Nude by Rihanna is available in a 1.0 oz bottle, 1.7 oz bottle and 3.4 oz bottle, a 6.7 oz body lotion and a gift set that includes a 3.4 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, .34 oz Eau de Parfum Pencil Spray, 3 oz Body Lotion and a bonus 3 oz Bath & Shower Gel.

Would you recommend it?  Maybe?  It depends on what kind of fragrances you like.  I found it to be much too strong for me.  But, if you like strong, bold scents, then you might like this one!

How much does it cost?  The 1.0 oz spray retails for about $35.00.  The 1.7 oz bottle retails for $49.00.  The 3.4 oz bottle is $59.00.  The 6 oz. body lotion is $30.00.  The gift set is $65.00.

Where can I buy it?  You can buy it from department stores and fine fragrance retailers. 

Seventh Generation Natural Care Products Review

Sunday, June 2, 2013

DISCLOSURE:  I received samples of Seventh Generation products from Smiley360 to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

As a whole, our family has been moving towards eating more organic and natural foods and using more natural products.  One area that we haven't made a total switch yet is with personal care products.  They tend to be expensive and sometimes not as effective as their chemical-laden counterparts.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to try out several products in the Seventh Generation line.  They included personal care and baby care items.  I was sent a kit that included samples of:
  • Seventh Generation for the Wee Generation Baby Shampoo & Wash, Light, Fresh Scent
  • Seventh Generation for the Wee Generation Baby Lotion, Light, Fresh Scent
  • Seventh Generation Baby Natural 4x Laundry Detergent
  • Seventh Generation Lavender Moisturizing Lotion
  • Seventh Generation Mandarin Nourishing Body Wash
  • Seventh Generation Mandarin Refreshing Facial Cleansing Cloths

I received these products when I was at the end of my last pregnancy and thought it was perfect timing!  I could use the baby products when baby arrived and I could pack away the personal care products in my hospital bag!