Friday Favorites

Hey everyone! It's hard to believe we are already nearing the end of July. Summer is really flying by for me! I've been finding ways to keep myself busy without working this summer which has been nice. I've been spending a lot of time with my sister and nephews lately and let me tell you, those boys can really tire an auntie out! I'm not sure what is on the agenda for this weekend yet, but I'm sure John and I will figure something out. Before I log off for the weekend, I'm sharing a few things I've been loving lately. I hope you all have a great weekend and stay cool :)

Bodum Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Being home 99% of the time means I don't have much of an excuse to stop for Dunkin' iced coffee and I really shouldn't be spending all that money anyway. After doing some research, I found this super reasonably priced ($12.99!) cold brew maker at Target. It's simple to use and makes brewing your own cold brew a breeze. To make a pot of cold brew coffee, you use the scoop that is included to scoop your coffee grounds into the pot and then add water. I use 1 cup of water for every scoop (it seems to be about a tablespoon). Once you have the water and coffee grounds mixed, you put the regular lid on and pop it in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Once you're ready to drink it, you put on the lid with the plunger for pressing down the grounds. It's just like a French press! I've been making a pot of it in on Sunday or Monday and drinking it throughout the week. I even add in some fun flavor syrups so it feels like I'm at a coffee shop!

Jordan Essentials Lotion Bar

A few weeks ago I was part of some online Facebook party for my friend who sells Usborne books. She was partnered up with a consultant for Jordan Essentials, which is a skincare line. With my history of horrible skin, I was intrigued with the items. I caved and bought they most popular item, and the product that launched this business, a lotion bar! I chose the Lavender & Eucalyptus scent and it's divine! It's about the size of a bar of some and does so many things such as moisturize your hands, heal cracked heels, and more. It comes in a tin to store it in, which means I've been taking it everywhere with me. It uses beeswax and coconut oil (along with other oils) to help moisturize. My skin has been loving it!

Aura Cacia Rose Hydrosol Spray

I received this in an Influenster box a few weeks ago. I wasn't sure about it at first because it's just a refresh and renewing spray but I've come to be obsessed with it! Just like I said, it's used to refresh and renew your face whenever you feel like it's needed. I've been using it in the morning and other times throughout my day to feel and it really does make me feel a bit better.. It also smells super nice! Surprisingly, my face has seemed more clear since I started using it! I'm not sure if this spray is really the cause of it, but if so, score! 

Question of the Day: What have you been loving lately?

Friday Five: 5 Things I'm Loving This Week

Happy, happy Friday, everyone! As crazy as this week was, it really flew by! And as if 2019 couldn’t get crazy enough, my Pop Pop has been in the hospital since Tuesday. We don’t really have any answers but he definitely is much better than he was on Tuesday! I don’t have much planned for the weekend besides a staff bowling party today after work. After a crazy week, I’m looking forward to some relaxation! Anywho, enjoy my Friday Five!

1. Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift

This was one of my Influenster goodies a while back that I've been using a lot lately. It's an active, cooling cream-gel that is supposed to energize skin to minimize puffiness and dark circles under your eyes. The Stress Positive Eye Lift is super quick and easy to use and has been leaving the area around my eyes looking more vibrant. With how tired I've been lately, it's been such a life saver. Just like other Influenster goodies, I always look up the actual cost just in case I fall in love with an item and want to buy it in the future. This wonderful product costs a whopping $68 so it'll require some thinking if it's worth it or not for me.

2. Strawberries

My grandmom sent me over two huge containers of strawberries over the weekend and boy was I thankful! I don't typically buy berries this time of year due to cost but I couldn't pass up free strawberries! I cut them all up right away. some I put in my berry keeper to keep them fresh a little longer, some I froze for later, and some I may have eaten as I cut them up... They've been such a nice treat all week!

3. Wands for Wildlife

Carlee McDot shared this in one of her Friday Favorites a couple months ago {maybe even over a year ago!}. I had completely forgotten about it until I started cleaning out a couple old make up bags I had from back when I actually attempted to do make up. I came across a couple old mascara tubes that I was about to just toss when I remembered I could clean and save the wands to mail away to Wands for Wildlife. Wands for Wildlife uses your old {CLEAN!} mascara wands to remove fly eggs and larva from the fur of wild animals. Reusing items AND helping animals? Talk about a win-win!

4. Revlon Hair Dryer and Volumizer

This was a Christmas present from John this past year and so far I'm loving it! If I haven't said it before then I'll say it again, I'm super lazy when it comes to getting ready. I never blow dry my hair because I have absolutely no patience and I can't hold both the blow dryer and a brush at the same time. Well, when a friend told me about this brush that also blow dries your hair, I was SOLD! It's the perfect item for me because it's quick and easy. Now I don't have to go out with wet hair! I used it on Saturday before my grandparent's party and it gave me hair such a nice look!

5. Matte Silver Ball Earrings 

While getting ready Saturday, I decided I wanted to switch up my typical amethyst earrings and wear something with a bit more pizzazz. While perusing through my earring collection {I have so many that I need to start wearing!}, I came across these silver ball stud earrings with a matte look to them. The pair I linked above is not the exact pair I own because I honestly have no clue where they are from, but they look close enough! I've been wearing them a lot this week because they stand out without being too obnoxious or heavy on my ears.

Question of the Day: What is something you're loving this week?

Influenster #SparkVoxBox Review

Over a year ago I was introduced to the wonder that is Influenster. If you’ve never heard of it, or have but never checked it out, then I suggest downloading the app and seeing what it’s all about (use my referral link if you'd like!). In a nutshell, you create an account, share some information about yourself, answer occasional surveys that are feeling out what goodies would be best for you, and then wait to be sent an awesome VoxBox to try and review in various ways. Each VoxBox is different and can have as little as one item or maybe even 5 like I recently received! The VoxBox typically has a name, which either reflects the individual product/brand or a generic name (i.e. Spark VoxBox) when the box contains multiple products/brands. I have received everything from make up to hair products to food items. There is no given timeline as to when you will get a VoxBox so always be on the lookout for emails from them!

Once again, Influenster absolutely killed it with this amazing VoxBox! I received the #SparkVoxbox a couple weeks ago and have been happily trying out the products since then. I originally posted my reviews on Insta, but I'm here to give a little bit more of my thoughts! I was given this box free in exchange for my honest reviews. 

Live Clean Coconut Milk Lotion- As someone with eczema, I’ve tried my share of lotions over the years. I typically do not use scented lotion as the fragrance can irritate my skin but I was excited to try this one out and was not disappointed! It’s a lightweight lotion that doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. The coconut scent seriously reminds me of being on vacation in Mexico. I have not had an irritations from the scent. This body lotion made with eco-friendly ingredients so this was a real winner in my book! I still like to stick to my usual unscented, plain Jane lotion before bed, but this is becoming a part of my morning routine so I can start the day smelling like summer!

Swisspers Make Up Remover Wipes- Thanks to previous VoxBoxes, I’ve started wearing make up some days (mostly during the school year on days I want to look older than my students). These wipes are perfect for removing my make up at the end of the day. If you know me, then you know I like things simple and that’s exactly what these are! Most days I am just removing foundation and mascara and these wipes take them off super quick! They also leave my face feeling super soft so that's a win!

Pantene Foam Conditioner- I stopped using conditioner years ago due to the greasiness I felt in my hair after my hair dried. I was hesitant to try this out, but was thrilled when it left my hair feeling soft and light after drying! It comes out in a rich foam which I find really cool. It was strange at first applying a foam to my hair, but now I love it. Just pump some into you hand, massage it into your hair, let it soak in, then rinse! Easy-peasy! I haven't been using this as often but I do notice a difference when I do use it so that must mean it's working!

Pure Silk Spa Razor- I take the quickest showers ever unless I’m shaving my legs. I always take my time to avoid nicking myself with whatever razor I'm using that day. This razor is super smooth and allows me to shave quickly, getting me out of the shower in record time... with smooth legs! Pair this with a good shaving cream and you've just upgraded your leg shaving experience!

Country Crock with Sunflower Oil- I don’t really put butter on anything, but I tried this one out because it was made with sunflower oil. I put it on toast and it was great! It had such a nice, light flavor that I wasn’t expecting. It also spread nicely which is a must in my book when it comes to me using butter. Influenster didn't actually mail me this tub of butter. Instead, they mailed me a free coupon that I redeemed at my local grocery store. It wasn't hard to find it in the butter section as it had a new sign advertising the sunflower oil ingredient. 

I seriously love Influenster and I can't promote it enough! I have been introduced to so many awesome products that I otherwise would've never gone out and purchased for myself. After receiving products from VoxBoxes, I have actually added them to my routines therefore I have started buying them in store. Influenster is really helping out these brands advertising games! If you haven't signed up, I truly suggest you do to see what kind of goodies you receive! Be sure to answer all the surveys so you receive boxes related to you. Occasionally you will get a survey that tells you at the end that this box doesn't seem like a good fit for you. It sucks but it just means they're keeping you from getting a box with items you won't want to try, making sure the reviews they receive are fair. All in all, I have been so happy with Influenster since the day I joined!

Question of the Day: Are you a part of Influenster? If so, which type of boxes have you received?