Beauty Box 5 Review: A year later

Last November I did a review on a Beauty Box Five box. I wanted to see how they changed in the past year. If you would like to read last years post go here.

The first thing I noticed that was different was there was a card describing the items in the box. A lot of other subscription boxes include this card and in my opinion it makes the box seem more professional. Other than that the packaging was the same.

The items I received in this months box:

1.) Be a Bombshell Eyeshadow: In the color Birthday Suit. Retails for $14.

2.) Swissco Nail File: This is really cute and will make a great stocking stuffer. Retails for $1.50

3.) H20 Plus Aquafirm & Micro Collagen Moisturizer: Sort of small for a sample, but interested in trying it out. Retails for $50.00

4.) Bask Heavenly Silk Skin Lotions: Smells okay, but not a scent I would personally pick up if out shopping. There was just nothing special about the scent. Retails for $19.98

5.) Nubar Nail Laquer: Retails for $8.00

I thought that the sample sizes were similar to last years box. I felt that the variety in this box was a lot better than lasts years. Last years came with two mascara products. I do not like to see repeat types of products in one box just in case they are for categories that I do not use. I do not think they need to change their sample sizes, at least they are not giving small perfume samples like Birchbox.

The only thing I would like them to improve on is to include more well known brands (ex: Benefit). I like to try out new brands, but I also like the security of old favorites.

Pros: Sample Sizes, Variety, Packaging

Cons: Lots of unknown brands.

Visit http://beautybox5.com/get-the-box if you would like to sign up.

Ultra Sleeves™ Clear, Disposable, Protective Sleeve for tablets Review

I was given the opportunity to try out Ultra Sleeves™ Clear, Disposable, Protective Sleeve for tablets. I tested the sleeves out on my iPad 4 and thought they were great to use on my iPad when I bring it to work. 

I am constantly checking my email on my breaks at work. I also have to eat on my break so my greasy fingers are usually touching the iPad. Of course, I already have a Zagg Shield on it, but it does not protect my iPad if I spill anything on it!

Even though I do not have any kids it is nice to have a pack of these on hand in case I want to bring my iPad to the pool or a get together where I am afraid that something may spill on it. I found these very convenient (no washing, just toss and use a new one) and they are affordable. 

The benefits of using these Disposable sleeves are:

• Fits 2nd, 3rd, & 4th generation iPads; FDA Approved Formulation
• Water resistant; made with exclusive anti-static formulation to better protect electronics
• Great for picnics, the beach, airplanes, bathrooms, kitchens or around the kids
• No effect on Wi-fi or 4G reception
• Dual adjustable adhesive closures for added security

If you are interested in the sleeves you can get a 10 pack on Amazon for $11.99: http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Clear-Disposable-Protective-Sleeves/dp/B0095JN01I/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=ARS9B4HSXUA37.

To learn more about the company and the product visit:  http://www.ultra-sleeves.com/aboutus.html 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

CasePics.com Review

What better way to personalize your electronics than to design a customized case for it! Casepics.com allows you to upload images and design your own iPhone cases, iPad cases, and Samsung phone cases. 

Right now iPhone 5 cases are only $19.99 and if you use the coupon code NPFP20 you can get 20% off your purchase at http://www.casepics.com/default.aspx until November 15th 2013.

Here is the case I designed:

The whole process of designing on the website was very simple. It allows you to move and crop your images and also add more than one image to the case. The case also fits perfectly on my iPhone 5 and the graphics are very sharp. Like any other digital service, the better resolution your photos are the better quality your case will be. The shipping on the case was also very fast, I got it in less than a week! 

Casepics.com is a family owned business who is committed to producing high quality cases printed on hard plastic polymer. All cases are 100% Satisfaction guaranteed. Their goal is to produce the best quality product for the cheapest price. In my eyes, they have achieved this goal! 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

September 2013 Popsugar Must Have Box Review & Unboxing

Please watch my unboxing video and then come back and read this post :)

The Popsugar Must Have Box is a subscription box which costs $35 per month, BUT all the products you get are full size and the boxes are always worth more than $100! If you love getting surprises than this box is for you!.

The items in the box:

1.) Barr-Co. Original Scent Reed Diffuser: The Bottle was hard to open and splashed everywhere when I opened it. Due to the complications (I have cats and do not want them to get into this) I will be giving this away as a gift since it is such a nice item. Value: $46
2.) P.S-You're Invited by Erica Domesek: I am not a do it yourself person. I do not have a creative bone in my body. I will try and sell this book or give it away. Value: $26
3.) Rifle Paper Co. Coaster Set: I finally have (nice) matching coasters! These are so cute, I have already put them out and put the old ones away! Favorite item in the box! $16
4.) Kitsch Headbands: I have used something similar from Birchbox and they did not flatter me so I will be saving this for a gift.  $11.99
5.) Shoptiques: This a $25 gift card. I checked out the site and they have some nice items. Shipping is around $10 though. I will probably use this at some point but I do not like getting gift cards in replace of products for the fact that they are always extra charges and the gift card can not be used towards shipping. $25
6.) That's It. Bar and Sharkies.: These are both small packages of food items. They are the perfect size to take to work. I have already ate the Sharkies and they were delicious. I can not wait to try the That's it Bar. $5 for both.


As I mentioned in my video, this is not my favorite box nor my least favorite. Even though a lot of the products in this months box I will not use, they are at least items I will save for Birthdays and Holidays. At least I will not look cheap gift giving this year :).

 Total value of the box: $130.00.  This box is slightly lower in value than other boxes. Also, I would love to reduce this value to $105.00 since we got a gift card instead of an item. I do not know if you guys are against gift cards as much as I am, but it is much more exciting and useful to get an item!

To sign up go here: http://popsu.gr/THB

September 2013 Birchbox Review & Unboxing

View my Unboxing Video and then come back and read my post :)

Overall thoughts: I give this box a 4/5. I was not impressed with the box on first glance, but after using a couple of the products I feel like it was a decent box. The only thing I would want to change is to have another product in exchange for the tiny oil sample.

Inside the box is:

1.) Coastal Scents Eye Shadow | I was turned off by the size of the palette at first, but I LOVE the shades of eye shadow that I was given. Also, the shadows stay on all day long so there is no need to reapply! Full size, $34-$39

2.)  Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips | A good product but not impressed. It is no better than Carmex which is 5x cheaper. Full size, $14.50

3.) Paula's Choice Resist BHA 9 for Stubborn Imperfections | I have not tried this product yet, but it may even be too small to actually get a feel for the product. I would have rather had another product in replace of this. This is like their infamous perfume and foil packet samples. They are just TOO small! Full Size, $36.95

4.) Ruffian Nail Lacquer- Hedge Fund | Love the color and the formula. One of my favorite nail polishes at the moment.  Full Size, $10

5.) Serge Normant Meta Luxe Nair Spray | I rarely have a need for a hair spray so I will probably use this as a stocking stuffer. Good sized item anyway.  Full Size, $25

Is this box worth $10: Yes, the samples are pretty high end products this time around. They could have been bigger but whatever.

Is this box worth my $10: Eh I'd say no. I would not pay $10 knowing that I would only really care for 2/5 products. I like the Eye Shadow and Nail Polish, the Dr. Lipp is just ok since it is small, and the other two products I have no need for. 

Disclaimer: These opinions are my own and I was not asked, nor do I get compensation, to review the box or these items.

If you would like to sign up for the Beauty Box yourself, here is the link: https://www.birchbox.com?raf=l4w14

Morning Commute - Ebook Short Story Review

Finally a story that is not only hilarious but is also very relateable. I love a story that makes me laugh, but then afterwards I think how unrealistic it was. I know we all have been cut off by other drivers, and have been the other driver ourselves, and this is why this story is so humorous.

The story is kind of predictable. I had a guess a few pages in what was going to happen, and it did. Nonetheless, the story still held my attention. I wish the story was longer, I would have loved to hear what happened after the character's presentation. How did her actions on the road affect her life?

I would love to read another story from author Scott Zavoda. I am personally not a person who likes wordy books and the language in this story was down to earth and easy going which is another reason why I loved it so much. Check out the book on Amazon!

If you have the chance I highly suggest reading this story. It takes less than 10 minutes of your time to read, and I can guarantee you will be chuckling by the end of it.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Short Game Official Trailer

The Short Game is a documentary about child golf players who are competing to be the next world champion. The film followers around nine young golfers who are hoping to be golf's next prodigy.

The movie will be released in theaters on September 20, 2013 and has already won awards from SXSW Film Festival and Maui Film Festival.


The trailer looks very entertaining and will be a movie for all ages. Check out the trailer below. To learn more about the film and to find out showtimes for your area visit: http://theshortgamemovie.com/

"Thirty Scary Tales" Ebook Giveaway

With Halloween coming up how appropriate is it to have a giveaway for a scary book! The stories in this book are not for those who can not stomach gruesome details and the author rates the book as PG-13.

The grammar and spelling in the book is British, and the stories have previously been published in Magazines and Collections.

According to the author, "We all have certain personal fears, and if a story touches on one of those themes, the horror escalates. If you have a dread of drowning,  I Dived the Pandora will be the scariest story for you. Dog lovers may find Black Karma cute, but if canines give you the creeps, you may read it and shudder. While most readers find The Bridge Chamber scary, it can be a source of unbearable terror if you’re claustrophobic."

I am fortunate enough to be able to give away 3 E-Book Copies! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. This giveaway is very simple, all you have to do is follow me! You can follow me in one way or all ways, but each site you follow me on gains you a point! Also, earn points every day just for tweeting!






a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Book Review: Coaster By Lorena Bathey

If you are looking for a quick suspenseful read look no further. I am not a person who likes to spend months reading one book. Since I really only have time to read one chapter a day, and not consistently, most books take me a month and a half to read. However, Coaster is only 294 pages long and uses big print.

On the other hand this is not a boring read either, and since the book is short everything is quick and to the point and does not drag out. The beginning of Coaster takes place in an amusement park where a bunch of different characters from diverse backgrounds are about to ride one of the best coasters in the park.

The action happens quickly with a bomb going off on the ride, killing and injuring many riders. You would think that the book would drag on from here considering that the climax happened at the beginning of the story. However, this is not true. As they are searching for the perpetrator you learn about each of the riders backgrounds and families and you actually feel for those involved.

Right now on Amazon you are able to get the Kindle version of Coaster for FREE! If you opt for the paperback it is $6.99 plus shipping!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ozeri Ultra Wind 42" Adjustable Oscillating Tower Fan Review

It it 95 degrees here today, and in the past few months we have seen temperatures in the 90's more than a dozen times! Of course days like these I have to use the AC, but the AC is such a electricity sucker that I try to turn it on as little as possible. 

On days where it is hot, but not scorching hot, I found this fan to be just as satisfying as using an AC! It allows you to choose from different options depending on your needs such as: Sleep Mode, Natural Mode, and Wind Mode, which all have different temperatures, wind speeds, and noise controls. 

The fan was very easy to put together, and it does not take up as much room as other types of fans. You can put this in the corner or in the closet when not in use. A bonus is that this is one nice looking fan. The fact that it is so slim (and not bulky) and comes in a nice silver color makes you space look much less cramped and more decorated. 

You can purchase the fan on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ozeri-Ultra-inch-Wind-Fan/dp/B00410BTXC. Shipping is free!

Citrus Zinger Giveaway

Sponsored by Zing Anything

Hosted by 
NYSavingSpecials

Co-hosted by
Simply Sherryl and Barbara's Beat

This new type of water bottle allows you to infuse your water with lemons, limes, and other fruits!

One lucky winner will win

a

 Citrus Zinger

Details

Dates:  September 12 to September 26

US resident only

We appreciate the support of our sponsor, please show your support by following them on their social medias pages.

All entries are optional

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  NEVER PAY FULL PRICE is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.  If you have any question about this giveaway, please email the host at nysavingspecials@gmail.com

Product Review: Qoileez!

Qoileez are fashion accessories that you can pretty much use on anything you can fit them on. You can purchase them on the Qoileez website for $4.99 for a pack of 7 or $7.99 for a pack of 14. All you have to do is stretch and twirl them around any of your favorite products to jazz them up.

I am both not creative and not a good decorator so this product made it so easy for me to make my items look much fancier than they actually are. I have these cute little cat salt and pepper shakers. I added the Qoileez around their necks to imitate collars.

I also put them on my Margarita glasses which I will be using for a party soon. This will make it much easier in figuring out who's glass is who's!!

Some other ideas for the use of Qolieez are on pencil and pens, hair accessories, on your key chain, or to be used in arts and crafts projects. If you have any interesting ideas for using this product feel free to let me know in the comments below!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My August 2013 Wins!

August 2013

1.) Book- Roses: A Novel (ARV-$5
2.) Lipton Tea Prize Pack(ARV-$75) 
3.) 1 Free Movie Ticket (ARV-$12) 
4.) 1 Free 3.5lb Bag of Purina Cat Chow (ARV-$5)  
5.) 2 Free Purina One Dog Food Cans (ARV-$2) 
6.) 1 Free 3.5lb Bag of Friskies Cat Food(ARV-$4) 
7.) 1 Free Movie Ticket (ARV-$12) 2nd time winning
8.) $50 Safeway Gift Card (ARV-$50) 
9.) Smart Cookies DVD (ARV-$12)
10.) Tammy Trent Summer Days CD (ARV-$16)
11.) Teen Vogue & Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in ItGirl (ARV-$18)
12.) Book- Chicken Soup: Inspiration for Writers (ARV-$11)
13.) Free Jar of Biscoff Spread (ARV-$4.50)
14.) Todd & The Book of Pure Evil Season 2 DVD (ARV-$14.99)
15.) The Wedding Chapel DVD (ARV-$12.68)
16.) Kerastase Fusio-Dose Sample (ARV-$25)

Total Value: $279.17

2013 Total So far: $1,984.07

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