My Love Affair with Influenster

I am sure most of you know I enjoy blabbing about everything I eat, bake, cook, wear, try, buy, sample, clean with, listen to, watch, drive, I mean, practically everything I do offline is going to be discussed online, somewhere. I am also always very anxious to tell brands what I think and share my thoughts, hopes, dreams and ideas with them to let them know they are spectacular,that I am hoping to see something new soon, or that my kids just love them so much and I don't know what on earth we would do without that brand, product, service, show, music or author.
 I shop a lot! Not that I splurge on all kinds of fancy things for myself, (although I am a major, major snack, beauty, book and coffee addict!) and I love nothing more than surprise boxes that arrive on my doorstep each month! (You know those kinds, the samples, trial sizes, new products, crafts, toys, BEAUTY PRODUCTS and SNACKS!!)
 I just can't get enough of those. I have so many trial sizes and samples and products and pretty little beauty bags, recyclable shopping bags, boxes that we repurpose, all filled to the brim! (I also get a lot of giveaway items from these boxes. By the way, be on the lookout for a very cool scavenger hunt in the next couple days!)
 When I receive these heavenly boxes of gorgeous and yummy treasures, I like to try them and even give some away and I love to thank the brands for the products and when I absolutely adore something, I HAVE A BIG MOUTH! (Or should I say, hands? Fingers? Lol!)
 One of the coolest things about sharing on the internet, are these websites where you can get rewarded in some way to shout your opinions and thoughts about brands, products and services. Sometimes I win gift cards, other times I earn gift cards, sometimes, I even earn free boxes or extra goodies!! I am a member of at least 10 websites where I review products on a regular basis and since I really enjoy the way the website is set up, or how a program they offer is set up and my most very favorite addition, TWITTER PARTIES!, I will always schedule that website in my agenda.
One of the most fascinating websites that I have ever come across is, Influenster. If you haven't heard about, Influenster, you may want to check them out. Maybe you have heard about these, "Vox Boxes"? I have heard of them and seen them and adored them from afar. I have yet to receive one but I am trying and trying and trying to earn the opportunity to receive one.
 Vox Boxes are stocked full with amazing products that the awesome people from Influenster, believe are worthy of landing in your precious hands. They usually seem to go by a theme of some sort and they come loaded with everything you need and from what I have seen in many reviews, FULL SIZE PRODUCTS! Now, again, I haven't had the chance to receive one but I have seen them on other blogs, social networks, Influenster Vox's Twitter page and their Facebook page. I can honestly say that you are a mega superstar if you get the chance to receive, try, review and hashtag your box all over the interwebs!
 Now, of course we all love grabbing free stuff to try and yes, getting a box with some luscious smelling and scrumptious tasting supplies is like waking up on Christmas morning! But, Influenster has so much more to offer.
 If you like rewards, perks and just hanging out, chillin with internet friends who happen to have opinions and ideas to, then, you may want to sign up!
 One of the best parts about, Influenster, would have to be, Voxperks! You may be familiar with perks from other websites, Influenster is no different. They offer a wide variety of perks, thanks to sponsors and they will show up in your account when you log on. (They have expiration dates so if you are going to take advantage of a perk, grab it up as fast as you can!)
 One of the neatest perks I have seen would have to be the "12 for $12 Instagram tattoos"! I also have a Voxperk available right now for a free bottle of wine and free shipping! Oh La La!!
 Another radical bonus you will get when being a member is, campaigns! Campaigns usually consist of some sort of blog post or social media campaign or a special contest available for Influenster members. You may have to find a certain product in a store and snap a few photos and share or you may be asked to write a blog post and share that.
 Of course, Influenster doesn't skimp on prizes, so, you want to make sure you snap, share, link, write, post, Tweet, Instagram, whatever it takes to get you up on the top of the list to be available for prizes. Not only are they fun to participate in, they are a fun way to get to know brands and learn about different products or promotions. (Oh and for bloggers, it gives you some more to write about, just in case you would ever possibly run out of things to say!) Now, I am onto my favorite part of Influenster. The reviews and questions!
 I mentioned earlier, how I am a loud mouth and I am really never shy. I will talk and talk for days about something I love if I want too. (and if anybody ever feels like listening!) If you also enjoy sharing your thoughts and ideas and experiences, you can do this!!
 Influenster has thousands of products available for us to review and let the brand know exactly what we think. You can even leave questions there for other members or the brand and you receive an email if somebody answered your questions. Now, if that doesn't sound like enough to make you stop whatever you are doing and run to the nearest computer or phone, (By the way!! Influenster has their own app!), then maybe when you hear about my next favorite part, you will say, "OK! Now, I am going to sign up!!" Badges!
 Badges are basically that, badges. But, they have to be unlocked by you. How, do you ask? By sharing your reviews, answering member's questions, completing campaigns and reviewing and sharing any Vox Boxes you may receive. You can unlock as many badges as you want and you can earn every single one, if your little heart so desires! You want to show off your expertise and skills, right? Of course! Badges are just the way to prove your mad skills and ninja techniques? No, you can't wear them around your house, at school or work or at the mall, but you can show them off to your friends and share about how much you are adored!
 Besides all of these reasons, I have to mention that I think it is absolutely wonderful how we are able to communicate with brands and let them know what we think. I trust brands a lot more when they are a part of a community like this and when they attend Twitter parties, I am thrilled! It shows they truly care about us, their customers. I like to think that by sharing my opinion, I have a say in what brands offer in the future and what to do away with, what to keep and what to invent. I think that after all, this is the best part. Working together to create some of the most fascinating, most delicious products! For that, I am very grateful for Influenster!

Loreal Youth Code

I recently received a sample of this in the mail through a sample sign up at www.myloreal.com, and I had the chance to use it this past weekend!
I often receive skin care samples in the mail, and I keep them in the bathroom, and I try a new one each week. Especially if there is enough for more then application!
We were on a camping trip with the kiddos, and I love to take samples with me to use, rather then drag all of my full size products. (I use Mary Kay Classic Skincare line, and I have a few Philosophy products that I cannot live without!!)
So, I used my little packet of Loreal Youth Code day/night cream, and I have been shocked ever since! I have to say I am currently in love with this product, and I plan on making a purchase, as soon as I check the drugstore deals for the week.
I have tried and used so many products over the years, and I can't remember ever, ever having the same results that the company or model or even some magazines, will tell you they had. I never believe these testimonials, or claims and I have long since stopped buying products, solely because of what a super model, or a magazine editor said. I don't believe them, and I think they were either paid, or they were looking in a fun house mirror!
But, you have got to believe me when I say that this Youth Code cream, DID in fact, provide instant results!! I know, this is silly, but I can't stress enough how amazing and addicting this day/night cream is! I was pleased with the simple opening of the sample packet, and the light texture of the cream. There was a good amount that I was able to have enough for almost the entire weekend. (Both day and night) I applied it just like normal, and right in front of the mirror, before my eyes, i could see it was actually working! My face was instantly smoother looking, flushed cheeks, looked more polished, and much more even toned, and the scent was luxurious! I was so ecstatic, I ran out of the bathroom to grab my cell and text my mom and yelled for my husband! Yes, we stay in a cabin with the kids when we go camping, although we love real camping, it's not always appropriate with our smaller kids.
I texted my mom about my new "love affair", and she answered, "What? What is it?" , and of course, my husband laughed at me, but then proceeded to grab the sample and use it for his eyes. He has dark circles under his eyes, due to not getting much sleep, due to medical and job issues. LOL! I was upset thinking he would use it all before I had a chance to use it again! So, i tried to grab it, (this stuff is like gold to me), and luckily there was still some left, thank God!
This product actually made it a terribly hard decision on whether I wanted to wear make up or not. i am already not a big make up person. I have a certain way I wear it, and I am very committed to certain products, but I was so in love with my skin this weekend, I didn't want to ruin it with makeup. But I do have to say, foundation, and concealer goes on so much easier, and smoother, over this Youth Code cream!
This product is such a delight! I am very anxious to see what a week of this cream will do! My husband kept saying all weekend, "Wow! You look 17!" LOL! I am 37, so I knew he was exaggerating, and I don't believe I actually want to look 17 again. Maybe 27 though....

Free Beauty Bag from Target!

I love Targets generous deals, samples, and trial sizes! Walmart also has a lot of good offers!
The overfilled beauty bags I have received through Target, are always my favorites.
They are normally filled with coupons, samples, and trial sizes, and once it also included a full size Neutrogena lip balm!
Click here for the form to fill out for the Target Beauty Bag Offer!
The site has been having some issues, so it may not seem like it went through. I tried again, and it stated that it was a duplicate order, and I am assuming it did register the first time. But I will be checking again tomorrow!

Mary Kay fragrance samples!

Fill out the form through this link, to receive some samples of Mary Kay fragrance!
I should tell you that I did fill out this form, and I'm hoping for better fragrances then what I'm used to from them. I like much lighter fragrance, and I have yet to find a Mary Kay fragrance I like.
However, I am madly in love with most of their skin care line! Oh, and the newest limited edition eye pencils!!

https://www.marykay.com/facialusa/freesample/freesample.aspx

John Freida free samples

I apologize for not having the knowledge yet, of how to get links put on my posts for you to easily click onto.
I will be figuring this out as soon as I can;p If anybody has any hints, I would love to hear them!
Anyway, if you sign up for John Freida newsletters, they are offering free samples and coupons for you!
I am already receiving the newsletters, and I am quite happy with the amount of samples and coupons I receive in my email inbox, and mailbox;p
I am a sometime user of John Freida products, it does help very much when there is a coupon, because I do believe the prices are higher then what I normally spend on such things.
CVS and Rite Aid do tend to have very good sales on these products though at times.
I also think they are very excellent products! I have yet to use something of theirs that I do not like!

http://www.johnfrieda.com/en-US/Newsletter-Sign-Up?promo=jf_us_201107TweetFESamp

Kashi 7 Grain Pita Crisps

I received a box of these Pita Crisps from Kashi last week, along with a few real good coupons!
If you are not a member of the Kashi site, I suggest you sign up! They offer samples, coupons, news of new products, and much more!
I am now in love with these Pita Crisps, as I am a lot of Kashi products.
They have the perfect amount of salt, the best crunch, and they are excellent for dips of all kinds, and just as wonderful by themselves.
My 3 youngest ones, also were pretty thrilled with the crunch, (they are not allowed to have chips very often, so they are very fond of crunchy crackers, lol)
I will be buying these as soon as i find a local store who will be carrying them.
They have plain, and salsa flavored Pita Crisps. I did sample the plain, and I can not wait to sample the salsa flavor!
I also like Kashi because the prices are good, the packages are generous, the taste is unbelievable, very flavorful, and it is good for me and my kids, and they do not take away from anything to make them good for us!
Plus, they do hand out a lot of coupons, and I normally won't buy anything, unless I have a coupon;p

Amazon offers a 12 pack of 7.9 oz boxes of these very tasty Kashi Pita Crisps for $16.05 and free shipping, if you do the Subscribe and Save;p
you do not have to keep the subscription active for these prices if you do not want to receive these crackers every 3 months, r however you set it up. However, I am a huge fan of Amazons Subscribe and Save Offers! They are very cheap and the free shipping and extra discounts are amazing!
You can use the Amazon search box at the top right of my blog, to search for these crackers, or anything else you may want to purchase!