Influesnter #VioletVoxBox Review

With my travels last week & my just plain laziness I'm catching up on my review posts for the Violet Vox Box from Influenster so there are going to be quite a few review posts & posts featuring products from the box this week.  So I hope you'll enjoy a few of my thoughts & don't mind the bombardment of it this week.  I love participating in Influenster campaigns & usually just do the single required task of checking in my box.  Rarely do I do all the challenges associated with the campaign but this time I thought I'd give it a try.  I'd hoped to space them out a bit more so it didn't seem like I'm shoving things in your face - I'm all for honesty.

I recently found a love of reviewing things & just sharing my two cents on products.  Whether I've received it from a place a like Influenster or purchased myself.  And actually, from this box, I've purchased two of the items I received already!  So I'll never tell you guys something is amazing when it's not & I'll never write a good review just to get a badge from Influesnter.  It's not honest & it's not fun.  So in this post I'm just going to do a little overview of the products from my Violet Vox Box - if you want to see the unboxing video click here!

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo (won't buy it)

Now the greatest thing about this box is that it came just in time for holiday travels - seriously this box couldn't have come at a better time!  My favorite item for travel was this small size of Dry Shampoo from Not Your Mother's.  While I thought this product was awesome for travel - it's not my favorite product.  First with the pros - I loved that it didn't leave a white cast unlike other dry shampoos, it also made my hair look like hair.  I was pleased that it didn't look like I sprayed dry shampoo in my hair & just looked like style hair.  The cons - it smells weird & it was brought to my attention that the second ingredient in the dry shampoo is propane.  Why? No idea.  But it's a lesson learned about reading ingredients - I never would have read it if it weren't for a picture pointing it out.  There's no propane in my favorite Tresseme Dry Shampoo (though, I'm not 100% sure about the ingredients in that either).  So I'm torn.  The size was great for travel but why is there propane in my dry shampoo?  Someone help me out here.

Montage Jeunesse Red Earth Clay Spa Fabric Masque (already bought it)

Tomorrow there will be a big Spa Day post featuring the Montage Jeunesse Fabric Masques.  These are super cool because you don't have to get too messy since it's just a fabric soaked in the masque.  You lay it gently on your face, let it dry, peel it away, finish cleansing & your done.  I got one infused with cinnamon & pomegranate which was very invigorating!  There are quite a few different fabric masques so it's perfect for many different skin types, problems, & needs.  This is one of the products I've actually purchased after receiving these.  They are pretty affordable & I found mine at Walmart.

Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Polish (recommended it, might buy it)

I received a really nice glittery polish great for the holidays!  This was my go to manicure for the holiday last week since it comes off as pure silver glitter on your nails.  The color I got looks like it's a bit blue but the glitter is silver & you can hardly tell the blue when you apply it.  I wish I'd gotten a solid color though because I can't tell you the lasting power since this was just a clear polish.  I did top my manicure with a clear top coat like always just in case.  While I was in Virginia for the holidays my sister picked up a shade to try & was pretty satisfied with it as well.  Influesnter is great for finding new favorite products!

Cranberry SoyJoy Bar (already bought it)

This is a yummy treat!  I've also picked up another one of these since it was so delish the first time.  They are more cakey & more dense than I expected them to be.  More of a hold over until your next meal snack than a light snack.  Perfect for breakfast though with another piece of fruit - that's how I enjoy them!  I have only tried the cranberry flavor because it was so holiday-ish I just couldn't help it!

Goody Atheltique Headband (won't buy it)

This is just a standard headband for me.  It is reversible & the material is quick drying - so it's great if your sweating your butt off!  Right now it helps me keep my hair out of my face when I'm putting on my make up - yep, intended purpose I know.  I'm not a headband fan as they tend to slip off of my head no matter how grippy they claim to be.  I like the fabric though & this one stays tight a bit longer but it still falls off my head.  If I were to be working out or being active with this headband on I'd get frustrated quickly if I had to keep putting it back on.  I'd much rather clip my hair back that use a headband.

So there you have it, a little review of the products in my Violet Vox Box.  Influenster is a fun way to share your opinions & get free stuff!  It's also been pretty fun to earn the badges for this campaign & for the next one I promise I'll space them out more!  It was an after thought to even try to complete the tasks.  If you're interested in Influenster - sign up here!

xoxo, Moe

**I was sent these products courtesy of Influenster.  All opinions are my own.  For more info on my disclosure policy, please click here.

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Influenster Violet Vox Box Unboxing

Hooray! I got another Vox Box from Influenster!  I love reviewing products on Influenster because it qualifies me for these complimentary boxes of awesomeness.  I've found some of my favorite things from these boxes & this one is no exception - found a pretty cool face mask in this one!  If you want to see me looking like a luchador or like I'm wearing a ham on my face, watch the video below:

If you're interested in Influenster, I encourage you to sign up & if you want to see some tips for writing product reviews, check that post here.

xoxo, Moe

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Colgate SlimSoft Brush Review // Influenster VoxBox

I recently got in the mail a fun VoxBox from Influenster.  It was a new toothbrush!  Now, when I heard I was eligible for this VoxBox I was like 'um, aren't all toothbrushes sort of the same?'  But when I got it in the mail I was pleasantly surprised!  Here's my review of this great toothbrush, and don't mind the heaving breathing in the background - Emrys & I just finished playing fetch.
So, if you're a medium bristle lover like me you might be pleasantly surprised with this little toothbrush.  I really like the way it cleans my teeth.  They feel fresh from the dentist everyday now!

xoxo, Moe

**I was sent this product for review from Influesnter, however all opinions (as always) are my own.  For more on my disclosure policy click here.**

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So Fresh & So Clean // More from my Sweet Heart Vox Box

I'm so in love with my Sweet Heart Vox Box from Influenster.  Nearly all of the products really applied to my life right now (catch the intro video here), how spot on was that?  After trying out all of the products for a week or so I have to say I amend what I say in the video: I will most definitely buy the Olay Fresh Effects Shine Shine Go Away Cleanser again & will probably get the Secret Clinical Strength Stress Sweat Deodorant too!  And I'd recommend them to you too!

This review was sort of weird to do.  This box involved working something new into my routine.....I love my products so setting them aside for this was really hard.  I also thought it was only fair to give these products a good, fair try and now I have to say, these are the products I go to each morning.  It's so amazing that just the simple offer to try something new can make you fall in love!  

When I first started using the Olay Fresh Effects {Va-Va-Vivid!} Powered Contour Cleansing System, I thought it might not be good to use everyday because of the brush.  I thought it might be too much exfoliation & might dry my skin out too much.  I've never had luck with these shine free/oil free cleansers.  I used them, but they still left my face oily at the end of the day.  I tried it once in the evening & once in the morning over a few days.  I looooovvveed the way it made my skin feel.  I feel so fresh, it feels so soft, & it really is shine free all day!  I've wanted one of these little brushes for a while but what I love about this is that the bristles are long but aren't harsh.  They are all made of rubber so they glide over your skin for a good clean.  I als love that it fits a long the creases of your nose.  Round brushes tend not to fit around in there!  My skin feels just wonderful, I can definitely see that my pores are clearer and at the end of the day, there is still no shine.  I am amazed at how my make up stays on through the day.

I talked a little bit about the stress of finding a new job in this post & want to let you know that my job is awesome!  I think I nearly have to go to the Secret Clinical Stress Sweat Deodorant everyday because my new job is so fast paced!  I love it but it can get a little stressful.  All day answering calls, yelling to others that the line is for them, learning the things, running around, extreme multi tasking...it's a lot!  I'm so excited for this job & excited that in the morning, my underarms are covered.  I think the thing that draws me to this deodorant too is the fresh scent.  When I first saw Clinical I thought it was going to be very steril like - no scent & went on really wet.  But it's really nice - especially in this horrible, cold winter - and I can tell it's there by the end of the day.

I ran out of my own texturizing spray sometime last year & was too lazy to pick up some more - especially as expensive as the salon brand was.  Getting the Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Spray was a great surprise.  The best part for me is the scent, but I was a little saddened as it didn't seem to dirty my hair up in the right way to hold a curl.  I might have to do some more experimenting, but my usually awesome curls fell very flat the first day of work! So sad, I'd also sprayed in some dry shampoo, so that could have affected it.  Using it on wet hair as I was blowdrying added a lot of texture & a volume.  I just love the feeling of beach hair - living close to huge fresh water lakes is nothing compared to a salty, sandy beach!  When I wear my hair straight - which, let's be honest is probably going to be often because I have to get up early now & I love sleep! - it really adds texture & dimension.  The little bit of fullness is great.  When I need a quick style to straight hair, I pull this out.

Getting back into a morning routine has been hard & it's only been four days.  I'm glad I can do things  I want now with out the worry of stability & as much as I loved working on my brand, I'm happy with the stability that a full time job holds.  I can't wait to get into a groove & keep things growing! I'm working on a few blog designs currently, working on updating the shop(s), & just working on enjoying my hobbies.  Starting off with such a fun morning routine that actually works has me ready to face the day & everything the day holds.

xoxo, Moe

**I was given these products to try out through Influenster.  These opportunities are fun because I get to try new things that I may not buy myself.  (I'm always up for something new!)  I only support products I love & everything expressed above is 100% me**

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How I Beat the Interview Blues // A Little Secret (Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response)

So I've been introduced to this site called Influenster.  It's pretty cool & I seriously need to devote more time to it!  The break down is this: you post about what you know, give reviews, unlock badges, & apply for these things called Vox Boxes.  Every so often Influenster will offer you a chance to be a recipient of a Vox Box.  You fill out a survey to be considered for selection.  And I got picked!  You can see my little intro video here. This is the first part of a few little reviews on the products I was sent.  This box couldn't have been more perfect for me!  So, onto the post:

* * * *

I've been talking a little bit lately about my quest to find a full time job.  Most notedly, my post on Tuesday of reasons why you should hire someone with a creative degree in to your company.  I must admit, I'm a little bit rusty on the interview process.  What is your greatest weakness? I mean come on!  How fair of a question is that!?!?! Another one I don't care for is What are your salary requirements? I also don't like when that question is followed by just so we can make sure we're on the same page.  Well, tell me what page you're on so I can at least know if I'm walking into a trap!

After applying & applying (and applying, applying, applying) I've finally gotten a few calls back.  Only to be confronted with the daunting idea of an interview.  What is my greatest weakness? What are my salary requirements? It's best not to go unprepared - mentally & physically - into an interview.  When I got these calls the butterflies immediately hit me & the stress kicked in.  Here's how I try to beat the interview blues:

Know what they mean when they ask you those questions - I'm serious.  If you haven't already done so do a quick search of interview questions & etiquette.  Figure out what they are really trying to glean from your answer when they want to know your greatest weakness.  You'll have a better idea of what they may ask & a better idea of what you might say.  Of course, go into the interview as yourself, but doing this research will help you better communicate your best self.  Communication is always a plus.

Get a good night's sleep & start the morning off right - Usually I like to see if I can schedule mid-morning interviews.  I like to get up & get them over with!  Going to bed at a decent hour & waking up with enough time is always a stress reliever.  If you can't follow my lead, then just make sure you're rested.  Don't rush around trying to get to your interview.  It will only make the nerves worse!  I like to wake up, unwind, get a few things done, get ready, & go.  Fitting it into my natural routine makes it seem less like a daunting task.

Don't Sweat it - It's inevitable that you'll worry about this interview.  It's inevitable that you'll be nervous.  Those tips up there knock off half the battle but the other half is going in there confident.  I can't think of a better way to feel confident that when I know I look & smell good.  Nervousness = sweat and that can give you away.  Here's my Secret: Secret Clinical Strength.  After getting this little box to try out & being totally skeptical of it's stress response ability, I thought I'd give it a shot.  Deodorant is deodorant right? Well the serene citrus scent I had made me feel fresh, calmed me down, & made me feel ready to walk into any interview.  The scent isn't overpowering - no one can sniff you a mile away - & it keeps you fresh in these tough interview times.

Here's some more longwinded & sorta sappy advice for the road:

When it comes down to it whether you get the job or you don't get the job, the hardest part is knowing you are enough.  Yes, we need financial stability. Yes, we need to feel successful  Yes, we need to provide.  But in this time where interviews are few & far between, where you never see a face & only submit a resume, where it seems as if it's a dangerous game of chance, you are enough.  Count your blessings, think of what you have, consider how you've gotten where you are.  Seriously, at the end of it all...when I don't hear back, when I apply but never get a call, when I know my resume is being parsed by some company generated software I think of all the accomplishments in my life.  I think of all the laughs I've had, all the times I've made others laugh.  All the smiles, all the moments of happiness, & I know that I am enough.  The stress is knowing whether or not your interviewer can see what you bring to the table.  So be confident in yourself, know you are enough!

xoxo, Moe

ps.  Here are some great articles on stress relief sponsored by Secret.

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My VoxBox Vlog // an Intro & a Little Review

I got my Sweetheart VoxBox from Influenster the other day & thought it was time to do a little vlog!  If you want to hear me ramble on, see our couch & blank walls, and learn a bit more about the products, check it out!

Hope you enjoy hearing me ramble!  I really liked this box!

Products:

Olay Fresh Effects

Secret Clinical Strength

Skinny Girl Bars

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe spray - the bottle is huge!

xoxo, Moe

ps. Alycia from the Curious Pug & Kristin of Tales form the Nook.  Click the links, check 'em out!

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