From My Vanity

Beauty, Skincare, and a bit of Lifestyle

Erasable pens and chocolate! (Influenster Review, Part 3)

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Just in case you missed Wednesday’s post…or Friday’s post…here is a recap…



I’ve joined a new program called Influester. (If you want an invite to it, just let me know in the comments below {and leave your email address} and I’ll send you a personal invite and instructions on how to sign up.)

Anyways, I just got my very FIRST box from Influenster that was called the Cosmo VoxBox. What did I get? Well…

Gillette Venus Embrace Razor
Venus & Olay Razor Refill (I forgot to include it in the pictures! Oops!! :-/)
Forever Read Eau de Parfume by Bath & Body Works
Ghiradelli Gourmet “Milk Sea Salt Escape” Chocolate
2 FriXion by Pilot Pens



Review…

Alright, i’m going to do the last two together for this final post. First of is…

Okay, so this review is an easy one. I mean, who doesn’t like a pen that will let you erase if you make any mistakes? According to their website, FriXion pens “….have the freedom to write, erase, and write again with every color of the rainbow”. And these pens work exactly as they said!

Of course, I tried this pen out several times, just doodling on scrap and then erasing it. Such fun to see it disappear so perfectly! And I even used these pens when I filled out a scholarship application–good thing I did, since I accidently marked the wrong box! And—poof!—I was able to erase it completely away.

The FriXion pens have a unique thermo-sensitive gel ink formula that allows the ink to disappear with erasing friction—which is how you are able to erase pen ink! 😉 The pens come in a large variety of colors—black, blue, red, purple, pink, lime, orange, and brown. I have both the black and red FriXion pens. 🙂

I think everyone should have one of these pens handy — I’m sticking mine in my school bag. It will come in handy, that’s for sure!!

Okay, the last item I got in my Cosmo VoxBox is…

I am a big lover of chocolate, so I was ecstatic to get this in my VoxBox—what a treat!! 🙂 This chocolate has “…creamy milk chocolate…combined with bursts of sea salt and roasted almonds.” Now, I know first off it might be kind of weird that this chocolate has sea salt in it…but it doesn’t taste bad at all, trust me!

It does have that slighty salty taste, but I think it really adds to the flavor. I can’t remember how many times I want a chocolate/salty snack—like chocolate covered pretzels—and that is what this Ghirardelli chocolate gives you. A bit of sweet and a bit of salt.

Definitely a chocolate bar any chocolate lover will want to try out!

I received the ITEM complimentary from Influenster. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Forever Red Exclusively at Bath & Body Works! (Influenster Review, Part 2)

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Just in case you missed yesterday’s post, here is a recap…

I’ve joined a new program called Influester. (If you want an invite to it, just let me know in the comments below {and leave your email address} and I’ll send you a personal invite and instructions on how to sign up.)

Anyways, I just got my very FIRST box from Influenster that was called the Cosmo VoxBox. What did I get? Well…

Gillette Venus Embrace Razor
Venus & Olay Razor Refill (I forgot to include it in the pictures! Oops!! :-/)
Forever Read Eau de Parfume by Bath & Body Works
Ghiradelli Gourmet “Milk Sea Salt Escape” Chocolate
2 FriXion by Pilot Pens

Review…

Okay, so the next thing I’m going to review is the (super-yummy smelling!) fragrance…

Yes, you heard right. This (YUMMY!) perfume is sold only at Bath & Body Works. Pretty exclusive…and pretty cool!

I was really excited I got a fragrance in my VoxBox, as I love them and am always on the hunt for another good one that will smell delicious! 🙂 As you can see from the picture, this one is called Forever Red.

And it smells A-MAZ-ING!!

What, exactly, is in this Forever Red? Well, this fragrance is from their signature collection and is a Fine Fragrance Mist. To quote them, “…radiate our passionate blend of pomegranate, red osmanthus, and a sexy surprise of vanilla rum.”

I’m honestly not sure what red osmanthus is  — haha! — but put together with pomegranate and a bit of vanilla, it smells great! I noticed the fragrance doesn’t last a super-long time, but it does linger for a while and since I have I got it in this little sample size, I can stick it in my purse and reapply whenever I feel like smelling fresh and yummy.

I got into the habit of spritzing some on after I got home from school. After a long day, it really was a great pick-me-up and I would get many compliments at how good I smelled. 🙂

How could you ask for anything better in a fragrance than that??

I received the Forever Red perfume complimentary from Influenster, to test. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Have you ever tried the Gillette Venus Embrace? (Influenster Review, Part 1)

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So I’ve joined a new program called Influester. Ever heard of it? (If you did, please do let me know! I just discovered this and think it is TOO cool! If you want an invite to it, just let me know in the comments below (and leave your email address) and I’ll send you a personal invite and instructions on how to sign up.)

Anyways, I just got my very FIRST box from Influenster that was called the Cosmo VoxBox. (Totally cool, since I have gotten CRAZY interested in anything beauty-related. 🙂 So, anyways, I thought it would be fun to do a whole review-post on all the things I received in the box. And to make it more interesting, I’m going to break this VoxBoc review up. I’ll review one thing from the box each post. Not sure how often I’ll post…proabably once every day…but maybe more often. Sound like fun? Well, then just keep reading! 🙂

To the right is the box that showed up at my door a week or so ago. It’ was SO much fun to open the box and discover what they had sent to me (you don’t know what they send you until you get it!). So, I opened the box and had fun taking everything out and give each of the items a once over. I am really happy with everything that I got sent and have been enjoying them all ever since! What did I get? Well…

Gillette Venus Embrace Razor
Venus & Olay Razor Refill (I forgot to include it in the pictures! Oops!! :-/)
Forever Read Eau de Parfume by Bath & Body Works
Ghiradelli Gourmet “Milk Sea Salt Escape” Chocolate
2 FriXion by Pilot Pens

Review…

Okay, now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about the first thing on our list….

Gillette Venus Embrace Razor!

As you can see, I got a $2 coupon for when I purchase my next refill for the razor. Pretty sweet!

Okay, so what is the Gillette Venus Embrace? Well, according to Gillette Venus, this razor features 5 different blades that help give you the best shave you can possible get—with 5 blades, it’s not going to miss one single hair!

There are ribbons of moisture surround the blades so that it glides effortlessly and smoothly over your skin while giving the newly-shaved area a bit of moisture to leave it feeling velvety soft.

I’ve used this razor several times and I am REALLY liking it! I’ll be honest and say I usually just get the cheap, disposable razors in the past, but I have a history with nicking or cutting myself with those. So, this Gillette Venus Embrace razor is pretty sweet as it glides smoothly over my skin, The moveable head on this razor acts as a protector against nicking yourself when you go around those hard to reach areas—like your knees or ankles!

And—the best part—is that the Gillette Venus razor handles will fit ANY Venus blade refill!

Totally sweet! And very economical so that I can try out all the different types of blades Venus sells, find the one that works the best for me, and never have to purchase the whole razor! I really do love this razor!! I’ll be using that refill for sure…and then that coupon to purchase more refills from now on! 😀

So, if you haven’t figured out yet…I really like this razor! Sorry I didn’t have the Venus & Olay razor refill in the picture, too. I totally forgot about it until after I had uploaded everything and was putting my new things away. But, since it is a Gillete Venus, I know I’m going to like it. 🙂

I received the Gillette Venus Embrace razor and Venus & Olay refill complimentary from Influenster. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Win a necklace with a coded message! (Giveaway)

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Okay, I’ve got another post for today. But, since this does have a giveaway at the end of it…I’m hoping you won’t mind. Yeah, I know…who wouldn’t want to enter a giveaway, right?? Especially when it is a jewelry giveaway! (I love getting new jewelry!!! ;-D

Today I’m on Etsy once again, this time showcasing Jen’s jewelry business, Arbotique Designs. If you’re looking for beautiful, dainty jewelry…this is the place to check out!! In her own words, Arbotique Designs “…is full of wearable, whimsical art! Every girl deserves a little sparkle, so while my finished pieces are made with only sterling or fine silver and gemstones, you will love the prices almost as much as the jewelry itself! Email me for custom orders and happy shopping!”

My Fringe Earrings!!

For this review post, I got her Modern Sterling Silver Fringe Earrings. I always love this style of earrings, so was very excited about getting them in the mail. From the picture, I personally thought they looked a little on the big side, but when they came in they were pretty dainty and delicate-looking. Which was what I was hoping for! Big earrings are always fun, but sometimes I just want something small, get sophisticated and pretty. 🙂

The earrings came attached to this cute little ‘holder’ that has the Arbotique Designs logo on it. Very unique and cute!! She included three of her business cards, which will come in handy when people ask me where I got my earrings. 😉 And not only that, but the earrings were placed in a velvet pouch. Loved

As you can see from the picture (above), the sterling silver is very bright and pretty. Dainty, too–the chain and beads are pretty small! I like how the beads break up the dangling chains, giving it dimension and style. All the chain, links, and beads feel pretty secure. No visible ‘weak-links that I could detect. 

All in all, these earrings were very well made! They are the kind of jewelry that will last. I love ’em! Thanks Jen for designing and making quality jewelry!!

And my little fringe earrings isn’t the only thing that Arbotique Designs offers. Just check out this necklace (left) that I found today. Too pretty!! I LOVE the light blue with the sterling silver. Very pretty!!

As I said, there are lots of other pieces of jewelry available — earrings, necklace, bracelet, rings…she even has a “destash supply” folder filled with pretty cool-lookin’ rock pendants.

Okay, before we get on to the giveaway…if you are (like me) unable to wait to see if you win the giveaway. Or if you found something else on Arbotique Designs that you just LOVE. Be aware that Jen has offered a 20% discount for all my readers for the month of September. 

Yep! That’s right! Get 20% off your order from Arbotique Designs by using the code “legacy20” at checkout and–BAM!–it’s cheaper. But make sure you use this discount soon–it only lasts until the end of September!!

Places you can keep in touch with Arbotique Design…

So! Now that you’ve read about Arbotique Designs and seen my thoughts on the jewelry…it’s giveaway time!! Jen has very kindly offered her Sterling Silver Morse Code Necklace (customized with up to 6 words) to one winner! 
Follow the instructions in the rafflecopter below to enter! The giveaway ends 9/17 at midnight.

Stones (or brass plates! ;-) on string…and you could win it! (Giveaway)

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I apologize for how late this post is! Had a busy morning taking my siblings to see a movie, then the sunshine just called to me…and I succumbed and spent a few hours enjoying it’s rays. 🙂 But! I’m here now, and with a fun jewelry review and bracelet to giveaway, so keep reading!!

Today (or, more accurately, tonight) we are taking a look at Melissa’s Etsy shop, Stone on String—Style for the Body, Beauty for the Soul. Her hobby for making jewelry developed into a business in 2005 and she’s been doing it ever since. Stone on String sells earthy, natural pieces of jewelry that can also be personalized with inspirational words and quotes.

For review (and giveaway!) Melissa sent me this beautiful leather corded bracelet with the words “Faith” inscribed next to a cross. Isn’t it so cute??

As I said, the bracelet is made from a cotton cord. The size is changeable, so it’ll fit many sizes. The brass plate with the word etched into it is good quality and looks great alongside the tan cord. While the bracelet is simply made and adorned, its beautiful and is something you can wear with just about anything. A comfortable and relaxing style, in my opinion.

And bracelets aren’t the only thing you can get at Stone on String! There are necklaces, earrings, and even a some men’s jewelry! And all of the men’s things have a really laid back, comfortable look to them–so something that special guy of yours would wear everyday, everywhere!

Just check out this picture to the right. It’s a “Men’s or Unisex Black Cord Necklace with Hand Stamped Brass Tags & Silver Leaf Jasper Gemstone Charm”. Melissa has it available right now over on Etsy!

As I said, she’s got a lot of really neat jewelry! Have you seen those wrap-around bracelet that make up a nice, thick bracelet once you’ve wrapped it around your wrist several times? It’s over at Stone on String, with several different types of colors/types to choose for your bracelet.

And, as I promised, there’s also a giveaway! 😀 Fun, fun, ehh?? Yep! Well, just enter this rafflecopter form below in order to enter. And be aware–some things you can come back each day to do for additional points. Wrack those entries up. This bracelet is one you’ll want to own!!

Of course, if you can’t wait, feel free to have a shopping spree over at Stone on String. And if you mention to Melissa that you heard about her store through here, just so she knows…that’d be cool, too! 😉

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you a couponer? Here’s a handy organizer that’s a must for you! (Giveaway)

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Glow Girl is a shop that sells Eco-friendly coupon organizers, sandwich baggies, and carry-all totes. Y’all are familiar with Vera Bradley and the 31 bags, right? Well, this Etsy shop reminds me of those companies…except for couponers! 😉

Deb, the lady who owns the shop, sent me one of her coupon organizers to try and out review for you. Here’s a picture to the right. I loved the colors — black swirls against the gray background. The fabric is really good quality, and the double-layers make for a strong bag.

As you can see in the picture, there’s a button and a little elastic band so you can close your coupon organizer. Very handy to make sure those coupons don’t spill out and blow away! The sewing on this bag was wonderful — tight, straight, small stitches make for an all around good-quality product!

The inside is just as well made as the outside. Lined with a black material, it’s durable and easy to keep clean. It comes with dividers and dozens of labels ready-made — all you have to do is decide what you want and stick them on the dividers. Easy-peasy, right? Yep! It didn’t take long to get this coupon organizer ready to go for my family!

And this isn’t the only thing that owns the shop sells, either! She has fabric grocery tote bags, product bags, and snack/sandwich bags, too. If you are at all a “Go Green” person, or someone who enjoys using fabric over plastic…then Deb’s shop is definitely one you need to check out and visit regularly! I really enjoyed exploring her shop.

Go check owns the shop, Glow Girl, out now!

Interview & Giveaway: Lisa Harris

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Good morning everyone! I know your probably wondering who has won the two giveaways I have on my sidebar. Well, I will, Lord willing, be posting winners this evening – so be looking!

Today I bring you author Lisa Harris. She’s been on Legacy of a Writer before, but she just released her second book in the Mission Hope series, Blood Covenant. 🙂

I haven’t been able to read it yet, but her first book – Blood Ransom – was really good. I hope to get the chance to read this new one sometime soon, but I’m sure this one is just as good!

~~

Lisa, welcome back to Legacy of a Writer! To start this off, can you tell us a little bit about the book you’ve just published, Blood Covenant?

Blood Covenant is book two in my Mission Hope series. While the first book dealt with the very real issue of today’s human trafficking problems, the second is another fast-paced suspense set in a refugee camp.

“Paige Ryan and Nick Gilbert are trapped in an overpopulated African refugee camp where an outbreak of measles erupts and renegade soldiers block their only way out. Desperate for vaccines, they must put their own lives in the hands of God as they fight for the safety of the refugees under their protection.

Ohh! That sounds really good! How do you get the inspiration for Blood Covenant?

When I started writing the series, I wanted each book to be an adventure set against the backdrop of current issues that are facing the continent of Africa. Blood Covenant follows this pattern and takes place primarily in a refugee camp where hundreds of people have recently fled due to political upheaval in the country.

Interesting. What’s your favorite part of the story?

I love the resolution. While the ending wasn’t perfectly tied up in a bow, I enjoyed seeing the characters’ grown through their experiences, something that challenged me in the process.

What was the hardest part to write?

Because most people who read the book haven’t been to Africa, it was essential for me to bring Africa to life in the story. Description has always been tough for me to write so I had to work extra hard to show them this beautiful continent through words.

https://www.shopbackdrop.com/collections/abstract-textured-photography-backdrops

What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?

In the story, the main character, Paige, in particular, comes to the realization that she has to admit her weaknesses and fears and rely only on God’s strength. There are numerous examples in the Bible of men and women who God called to serve Him in an extraordinary way through His power. Gideon was victorious with only three hundred men, a handful of trumpets, jars, and torches. Esther saved her people from the threat of death, David was a shepherd boy who became king of a nation, and I could go on and on.

God calls us in the middle of our ordinary, run-of-the-mill, take-out-the-trash- and drive-the-kids-to-school routine. So stop and ask yourself this one question. How do you see God calling you to make a difference in your world? He’s the one who will give you the strength to do extraordinary things for Him.

Very true and something very important to keep in mind! 🙂 If Blood Covenant was turned into a movie, what actor(s) would best resemble who you had in mind for your main characters?

This is always tough for me as I’m don’t watch a lot of TV or movies, but I’ll say Angelina Jolie with a softer, more innocent look, and Matthew Fox.

Do you have any other books in the making? Can you give us a lil’ sneak peak of what it’s going to be about?

I’m currently working on a series similar to my Mission Hope series as far as suspense, romance, and current issues, but this time the setting is Atlanta.

😀 Neat! Can’t wait to learn more about their release in the future. Here’s a fun question I wanted to throw in: If you could pick any historical figure from history to chat with, whom would it be and why?

I’ve been studying American History with my kids and have been fascinated by the men and women who sacrificed so much for our country. Because of that, I think I’d choose George Washington.

Good choice! He’s a favorite of mine as well. An amazing guy! What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?

I love writing suspense that deals with real-life issues. My favorite genre to read is definitely suspense novels with a thread of romance, though this past year I’ve also read some historically based non-fiction that I really enjoyed.

Yes! Suspense with a dash of romance is my favorite as well! Aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?

Definitely home-schooling. Writing fills in the cracks.

What are two things that people wouldn’t normally know about you as a writer and or person?
Another tough one. 🙂 As a writer, I’ve decided that I’m not near as brave as my heroines are. Someone recently asked me if I based these stories on real life situations I’d experienced. I thought, you’ve got to be kidding! I love writing suspense, but my life is adventurous enough for me without having to deal with the things my characters deal with.
As for my non-writer side, if I had another life to lead, I’d like to be a doctor and return to Africa and work.
Hahaha! Wow! Yes, I’ve read Blood Ransom and can’t see you escaping into a plane and then crashing in the middle of nowhere! 🙂 Anything else about writing, yourself, or your books you’d like to add?

In our church-planting ministry, we are daily faced with the physical needs of those around us. This last year, my husband and I decided that we needed a way to address these needs. With the help of fellow author and friend, Lynne Gentry, we have put together The ECHO Project to help promote Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity in southern Africa. It gives us a way through micro-loans, medical aid, orphan care, and other ways to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8) You can find out more about what God is doing through this project at www.theECHOproject.org.

That’s a wonderful ministry! Where can readers find out more about your books?

I have a website at www.lisaharriswrites.com. My blog, straight from the Heart of Africa is at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about our new non-profit at www.theECHOproject.org. I love to hear from my readers so feel free to stop by and drop me a note!

Thanks so much for inviting me to stop by!

Thank YOU, Lisa! 😀

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GIVEAWAY:

Blood Covenant (Mission Hope)Well, it’s giveaway time! Lisa has sweetly offered to give one of my followers a copy of the second book in her Mission Hope series, Blood Ransom. You must be a follower to enter and you must leave your email address. USA only, please.

Manditory Entry: Answer this question – Have you ever been on a mission trip before?

Extra Entries:

– Subscribe to this blog(+1)
– Post about this giveaway on your blog (+1)
– Comment on any of my reviews on Book Reviews by Lady Katy(+2)
– Go here and rate my review(+3) This extra entry can only be earned once. If you have voted on my review of Deadly Ties in the past, you can not get an extra entry.

~ Katy