Something Blue VoxBox soon to come... Updated!

Update! 
It came!  Read my new post here!

 Update!
I joined Influenster.com a couple weeks ago after someone posted about a box they had received in a facebook group and have been playing around with it ever since.
I received  an email about a week ago saying that I qualify for the June "Sunkissed VoxBox" and to fill out my shipping address and a short survey and that they will be emailing me soon after. Today, I got an email from them saying...

"Hi Elaine,
Thank you for taking the "Sunkissed VoxBox" survey, but boy, do we have a surprise for you! Your responses indicated that you're a match made in heaven for the "Something Blue VoxBox"!

Wedding season is upon us and we want to send our best wishes to the bride, the bridesmaids, and the guests, too! A member of Influenster Nation AND a member of the wedding? It's meant to be and we want to show our love with the "Something Blue VoxBox."

This box is all about getting from the altar to the reception without a hitch....but we won't give any more clues, because your VoxBox is already on its way!" 

And this badge popped up under my badges! 

I was so excited when I saw the email and even more excited when the cheat sheet under the information about my soon to be box. 

These lovely brands will be in the free VoxBox that I would be getting in 1-2 weeks!

I have not used the Kiss Nail Dress stickers but saw them at Target and they are cute. I love anything that has to do my nails, very excited to see what design comes! Update- Looks like they are eyelashes and not nail related!

I already use Dr. Scholl's and have been for years, whatever comes from them I know I will love. Update- Ball of foot slips will be coming, have yet to see anything other.

I have not used or heard of Luster NOW but I have never tried any teeth whiting products, I am surprisingly excited for this also though. I think I am excited for it because all the past brides I have known have had their teeth whited, it seems to be on the bride's check/to do list. I haven't felt like a bride yet but thinking about it helps me realizes that I am a bride. Update- Looks like a full size sample of toothpaste.

I wasn't sure what the brand My Trio Rings was and after looking it up and don't know what to expect, I can't see them sending out free diamonds or gold! I am a jewelry designer/goldsmith so I am a bit of a jewelry snob but I am very intrigued, who would say no to free jewelry?! Update- Looks like we will be getting a pamphlet... not sure how are are expected to review it or if their is a discount offered with. I have yet to see anything other then that posted for My Trio Rings.  I have this sweet engagement ring, already have my wedding band designed that an old co-worker/friend will be making for me in a few months & I have already taken care of my fiance's ring. If we need to buy to actually review it is not going to happen from me, it is not needed and their rings are clearly not my style.

Again, I have not tried or heard of the product Urgent Rx but after looking it up I am excited to try it, it seems to have good reviews. I am crossing my fingers I get to try the allergies packet since I do suffer from many allergies. If is works for me I can see this going in my bride's kit. Update- I have seen only headache, they may be sending them out random but again I have only seen headache ones from the boxes. I am still crossing my fingers this stuff works, it would be handy to have on hand for my big day.

Q-Tip! I have been using Q-Tip brand stuff since before I can remember. I do not know what Q-Tip goodie will be sent in a bridal box but it will be very welcome! Update- Q-tips will becoming! I have a few boxes since we buy in bulk but these come in the handy travel size so I toss it in my purse. 

Update- I heard they send the boxes in waves so there may be differences in the boxes, these are updates from the first few people that have posted about their boxes. 

Anyway, very excited to get the box and see the goodies inside. This will be my first VoxBox which is given out to bloggers manly for reviews of the products. I will post a review here the goodies as soon as I get my box and link reviews on my profile.

If you're a member are you getting a VoxBox this coming month?
What are you getting?!
If not join me on Influenster to see if you qualify for a free VoxBox!
Send me a message on facebook with your email and I will send you an invite.

You can also see my full monthly subscription box list here 

and just discounts list here!

Update!
 It came!  Read my new post here!

 Update!

Looking for a fun Memorial Day recipes and snacks?

 Before I start with the treats this Memorial day I am thinking of my grandad who started as an Irish immigrant and died a proud American.

Holding my ma in '55!
 
I am doing something very easy but cute today since and I just barbequing with just my fiance today. 
I am a huge watermelon fan and he loves blueberries so this plate is perfect for us and that watermelon will be so good after I am done with my ribs!

Check out these other fun Memorial Day goodies!

How about cupcakes by Recipebyphotos

Fourth of July cake from The Secret Life of a Chef's Wife

A Clear Cocktail to Show Off Your Red, White, and Blue from Yum Sugar

 

 

Double Dip Sugar Cookies

 Double Dipped Sugar Cookies from Recipe Gold Mine

Double Dip Sugar Cookies

What are you coking today?

Happy Memorial Day all!

Subscription Box Discounts List

This list will be updated on my new blog from now on (7.21.13) feel free to stop by for all the new goodies added!

 I made a whole list of all the subscriptions I've found and since that list is getting pretty big I decide to make a cheat sheet with the promo codes and discounts offered, I know when I am trying something out for the first time I always like to see if I can get it a little cheaper just in case I do not like it. I am still updating the list and will continue to do so as I find more. 

You can find my whole list that I update a couple times a month with new boxes, discounts, more information & taking off the boxes no longer around here.

Beauty Boxes:
~Birchbox:
$10/month. Receive 4-6 hand-picked beauty and lifestyle samples, delivered to your door each month.  You can review the samples you receive on a monthly basis to earn points in their shop.  Use code “RTR10″ to save $10 on your $35 purchase. Or “20foryou” to save 20% of your purchase of $50+.

~Julep Maven:
$19.99/month. Each box will feature over $40 worth of never-before-released polishes, cutting edge treatments and cult favorites, including at least two seasonal and style-specific nail colors. (You can see my Julep reviews here)  Use code “FREEBOX” to get your first box for $.01.

Fashion / Lifestyle:

~PopSugar Must Have Box:
$35/month. PopSugar editors curate an exciting monthly box full of fun must-have picks across fashion, beauty, home decor, fitness, and more delivered right to your door. The monthly box targets women ages 18-40 and features full-size products and premium items including tried-and-true classics, celebrity favorites, and brands consumers have yet to discover. Products included are worth over $100.  Use code “REFERFRIENDS” to save $5 off your first box or “INSIDER” to get your first month free on a six month subscription. 

~Twistband Club
$10/month. Offers 3,6 and 12 month subscriptions. Each box will contain a mix of Twistband products that will equal a $12-$16 value. You will always get hair ties, but they also may include headbands, shoelaces or fun new products they introduce. Use code PRETTYNEW to get free shipping when you sign up. 

~Bleu Box

$24.99-$49.99/month. Pick between a silver ($50 value) and gold ($100 value) box. Monthly jewelry and accessories subscription box. Members also receive a 10% discount off of everything in store during the duration of their subscription. They also have a Try Me box and a Canada box for $30. Can be canceled at anytime with an email. $5-$10 off first box no code needed!

Miscellaneous:
~Le Parcel:
$15/month. Each Parcel comes with a selection of 30 pads / tampons of the brand(s) of your choice, chocolate and a special gift. You can even pick when the box arrives every month. Use code"FAMILYDBD" for 35% off your order. 

Babies / Moms:
~Bluum:
$14.90/month. A hand picked-selection of essential products for you and your baby. Memberships also include an annual subscription to Family Fun or Parents magazine.  Try code “PLFVIP” to save 50% on your first box.

Kids:
~BabbaBox:
$29.99/month. A subscription box delivered monthly with ALL the physical materials plus know-how content to really engage with your kids. Each month features a new theme-based box filled with activities, knowledge, and experiences that encompass all the ways kids love to learn!   Use code “WNL50″ to save 50% off your first box.
~Kiwi Crate:
$19.95/month. Crates are designed around fun themes and filled with all of the materials and inspiration for hands-on projects for kids ages 3-7. Explore with arts & crafts, science activities, imaginative play, and more.  Use code “GIFT” to save $5 off new gift subscriptions.

~Green Kid Crafts:
$19.50/month. Every Discovery Box comes with 3 exciting projects designed to build creativity, boost confidence and engage children with nature.  Use code “BLOGGY” to save 15% off your entire subscription.

~Little Passports:
 $11.95/month. Little Passports offers a U.S. and a World subscription that allow your child to follow Sam and Sofia on their exciting adventures around the USA and the world. Little Passports inspire a love and understanding of the world as your child learns about a geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way.  Try code “JUNE10″ to save 10% off your order.

Fitness:
~Bulu Box:
$10/month. 4 to 5 nutritional supplements from top brands. Includes a new mix of products for both men and women, including vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, meal replacement, diet, energy, protein, detox, digestion, sexual health, herbs, natural remedies, endurance and more.  Use code “FIT411″ to get your first box free.

~Kona Kase:
$15/month. Kona Kase is a subscription service delivering premium endurance nutrition samples right to your doorstep, monthly. Each Kase has an assortment of premium endurance nutrition samples from gels to bars to liquids and more. Each Kase aims to help you fuel peak performance.  Use code “KKDEC” to save 50% off your first Kase.

Kid’s Clothing:
~Wittlebee:
$39.99/month. A customized monthly box of children’s clothing based on your personal preferences in gender, color, sizes and geographic location. Box includes six items and has a retail value of $100 or more.  Use code “BLUUM” to save $15 on your first box.

Food / Snacks:
~Graze:
$5/week. Once a week you will receive healthy custom picked box for you with your taste in mind.
 Get your first box free with invite code "GLGGC3V" and if you stick with it till fifth box you'll get that one free too. *This box is new and is invite only.  My invite code may not be active right now if they are full.
~Chef's Box:
Foodie Pages offers a delicious food box subscription service, delivered to Canadian customers monthly and curated by a different top Canadian chef each month. Use code “CHEFSBOX10” to save $10 on your first box.
~Nature Box:
$19.95/month. A monthly box which includes a selection of five full-sized packages of nutritionist-approved snacks that taste great.  Use code “FB50″ to save 50% off your first box.

~Love With Food:
$12/month. Love With Food is dedicated to helping you discover great food for a great cause. Every month, Love With Food Box members receive a curated box filled with 8+ unique gourmet food items. Each box brings new delights, with bites that vary based on seasonal themes. Use code "FUNNYFACECRAN" to get your first box free.

Pets:

~Spoiled Rotten Box:

 $24.99/month. A monthly gift club for loving pet parents. Every month, your pet (dog or cat) will be sent a box of amazing hand-picked treats, toys and accessories. Every box is stuffed full with $40 worth of products for only $24.99 a month. Use code “SRB9″ to save $5 off your first box.
~Bugsy’s Box:
$29/month. Each Bugsy’s Box includes 5 to 7 items which are a variety of high quality, hand picked, well reviewed dog treats, toys, care items, healthy supplements, accessories and more surprises such as coupons which are often included as a bonus.  Use code “ADDICTION” to save 30% off your first month.

Crafts / Hobby:

~Mystery Tackle Box:
 $15/month. Mystery Tackle Box is a monthly subscription service that introduces both beginner and expert anglers to new fishing lures and tackle. In addition to receiving fishing lures, you will also receive a “bait card” that will explain a little more about each bait you receive. Use code “GET499″ to save $10 on any box.
Eco Friendly:
~Conscious Box:
$19.95/month. A monthly delivery of pure and sustainable products that are handpicked from businesses that care for the planet. 50% OFF discount for any Conscious Box subscription Use code: DISCOVERNATURAL
Adult:
~The Fantasy Box
 $34-$159. An adult box. Every Fantasy Box will contain products directly related to the fantasy you're going to be playing out. The products are high-quality, full-sized, carefully selected, and vetted. They will include everything from lingerie and toys, to novelties and everyday items you may have never expected. Use my code VRYENCH to get 20% off your first box!
 

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I will get credit / freebies for your purchase. I’d love if you used my links to buy so I can do more tutorials and reviews!

Also, follow me on bloglovin' to know when there are updates.

             

 

Blog Challenge- Favorite quote and why I love it.

Day 4

Favorite quote and why I love it.

Facebook says my favorite quote is;

Some people are like slinkies, they don't have a purpose, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs!

I think that is funny but I don't thank that is my favorite... I think "Dance like no one is looking" is a good one, it's kinda a be yourself quote.
I even have a cute necklace with the quote.

Do you have a favorite? 

If you want to join check out this blog here for the list!

Blog Challenge- Things that make you uncomfortable

Day 3

Things that make me uncomfortable.

 Not many things make me uncomfortable but being around children does. It is not the kids but more the parents. My mom has a minpin named Irwin, we call his tail his butt stick. One day a friend who I have known for years came to visit. She had her kids with her and someone call Irwin's tail a butt stick and she lost it, she was actually yelling at us. I guess butt was fine but butt stick wasn't... Since that I just don't care to be around kids, I don't have any and may never even have some of my own so I will just stay away so I do not offend.

Also, people arguing in public is something that makes me want to run and hide.  If I can avoid it I will try to give the people some space or privacy so they can deal with whatever is going on. Truth be told I just think those people are rude, wait until you are at home. It will give you time to think and deal with it or to give you try to think of something really good to win the argument, waiting also makes you not look like an ass.

That I think is it, just people and their drama. 

What about you?

If you want to join check out this blog here for the list!

Wantable box 3 month giveaway!

I have been wanting to try Wantable Makeup box.. and the jewelry box for a while but my current subscriptions are more then enough and I am happy with them all so I don't want to cancel one to try a new and then I saw that they are having a giveaway, you can win up to 3 months it looks likes :)

I thought I'd share so enter here!

If you get the box, how do you like it?

It is a must have?
Ends 6.25.13

Blog Challenge-Something you know a lot about or are good at

Day 2

Something I know a lot about or are good at.

I am the queen of useless knowledge and facts, my catchphrase is 'did you know'... I am also obsessed with the history of everything. One history teacher in middle school hated me because I would correct him or add to what he was saying... and this was before the internet.

Going with the useless knowledge, my brother and I also like to play "20 questions" with a twist. We pick a theme usually with a famous or historical people being the target but sometimes go with events or other, one person thinks of something and you have 20 questions to pick who or what it is. People have tired to play with us but they aren't very good, my brother and I are very alike so thinking about I guess that is kinda cheating.

Oh well!

What are you good at?

If you want to join check out this blog here for the list!

Cranberry Applesauce Muffins Recipe

I don't know what has changed in me but after years of hating cranberries I have become obsessed with them in the past few months. 

I had a ton of dried berries so I made a batch of these to have in the mornings.

They are so good!

 Recipe makes 12 muffins.

What you need:

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 eggs, beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a muffin pan, or use paper liners.
In a small bowl, mix together applesauce, oil and egg. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in egg mixture. Stir until just moistened. Fold in cranberries and pecans. Spoon into muffin cups, 2/3 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 2 minutes before removing.

Enjoy!

Blog Challenge- The story of my life in 250 words or so.

I've been doing this blog for about a year but haven't added too much of myself into it. 

I've seen people doing the blog challenges and decided to join in on the fun after seeing it on Julie Ann Art. 

I am a little late in my start so I am just going to start and see where it goes :)

Day 1

  The story of my life in 250 words or so.

I was born on January the 28th in 1986, the same day and hour the spaces shuttle Challenger was destroyed. My second grade teacher was also Christa McAuliffe's (the teacher on board) college roommate and long time friend. I grew up in the in Long Beach CA with my mom and 3 (later 4) siblings.

(Little brother Greg, ME, little sister Jesse, cousin Larry & older brother Teddy in '95)

 (Xena who came much later in our family is my youngest sister. Xena and I in '98)
There was rarely a dull moment, I loved how if someone was playing freeze tag or having a water fight in the street the whole block joined.

 

(Few of us kids on Earl St in Long Beach having a water fight)

My mom didn't have that much money so we always had to be creative with things for fun and with our food. We had a lot of rice and mulligan stew growing up. My favorite of foods growing up was our "ghetto tacos" & I still love it... my fiance is not a fan though.

(Canned roast beef and cheese on a flour tortilla pan fried in butter!) 
Anyway, there were good times and bad times and I had to grow up kind of fast. Problems at home caused me to move out when I was 15. I did a few internships and got a job as a teen to pay for a private school to make sure I finished on time. Luckily, I my last internship hired me on full time just before I was done with high school. My mom got sick and made a few changes in her life when I was 18 so we patched things up and I moved back home for a while, things had turned up.

 (This is me from an ad for the shop I worked at!)
I loved my job, it was so neat to go into work and just make things all day. The shop I worked at for a while moved to finer things and I even got to play with gold and sale some of my own designs in my own case! I got a cute studio in the same building I worked at and I started to date a guy Rob when I was 23.

(Loved the adorable kitchen in my studio!)
Shortly after started dating we moved in together! I was working crazy hours and my Rob had to drive pretty far for work, we spent very little time together so we decided that we should move closer to his work. I said goodbye to the job I had for 8 years and we left lovely Long Beach for Santa Ana... that was not a good move.

 (Me and my Rob)
We moved to Aliso Viejo after a year with one of Rob's friends and that didn't go well so after another year he moved out and another moved in and it was a much better fit. My cousin also moved in since there was an extra room for the last few months we were there before we left California and moved to Arizona last month!
Just before leaving we also became engaged! 

Check out our beautiful ring here!

(Sister kitties Athena, Artemis and our pup Sid) 

Rob and I also have a few cute critters that we share our lives with.

So that is that and here I am.
Starting to plan my wedding and enjoying life.
There is much more to come for me.

If you want to join check out this blog here for the list!

Nail Fail Turned Pretty!

I saw this video and really wanted to try this look with my new Zoya "Blu" polish
from my May Ipsy bag.

Sadly, my nails did not come out the way her lovely nails did. 

Tried the toothpick trick but it looks like poop.

 Maybe I didn't wait long enough because I had to keep going over it, it kept smoothing out.

 I added crystals but it didn't help and once I added the top coat all the lines were gone!

 So I did this :)

 I applied two coats of Blu and added Camille by Julep to the base of my nails with a single crystal to each nail.

 I applied 1 coat of Julep's Freedom top coat to finish.

 I love the second thought look and think Blu and Camille together look like fairytale nails, it is so pretty! 

I will have to give the criss cross nails a second try though, I do like that look too. 

Have you tried it and have any tips to help me out? 

I did see a second way of trying this look with nail art tape. It looks... time consuming :p

Send this look some love on my Ipsy profile!