Nexxus VoxBox

Nexxus VoxBox - Diametress

I've got another amazing VoxBox to share with you & this one included FULL SIZE Nexxus Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave in Conditioning Creme!

I was super excited when I received a Pre-Survey from Influenster about what type of Nexxus product would work best for me.  I have pretty fine hair - so I received the Diametress which helps build volume and thicker looking hair.  The description of the shampoo is below

 "About the Product

• Nexxus Diametress Volume Rebalancing Shampoo helps create volume for fine and flat hair
• Increases the diameter of each strand
• Enhances volume for thicker, fuller looking hair
• Silicone-free formula, primes hair for a rich conditioning next step
• Cleanses, replenishes nutrients, and provides detangling benefits weightlessly without excess residue"

First off - L.O.V.E the smell.  Awesome!  Its fresh and clean and girly, but without the overwhelming floral scent you can sometimes get from shampoos.  I did notice it didn't get as bubbly as my normal shampoo, but left my hair feeling super soft.

Instead of my normal product, I decided to just use the Nexxus so I could get a true reflection of how it works.  I was nervous to use the leave in conditioner because I've never used one before, but it didn't leave my hair feeling greasy or weighed down at all.  After styling my hair, it was NOTICEABLY less frizzy and I didn't even need to use my flat iron.

Look how smooth that hair is!  Ignore the Minon Kleenex box - LOL

How do I like it?  Well walking back to my desk after lunch the other day, I saw my reflection & thought to myself "I love my hair!"  Caught myself & remembered today I used my Nexxus!  Doesn't get much better than that!!!  And after using it a week, I notice the softness in my hair still the next morning.  I guess I don't specifically notice more volume - but as long as its lookin' good - I call this a success!

Since I started using the Diametress I noticed it's available at Walmart and its even on Amazon - I highly recommend trying it out!  Interest in testing products like these?  Let me know in your comments and I can forward an invite to you.  Its that easy!


**I WAS NOT COMPENSATED FOR THIS POST; HOWEVER, I RECEIVED PRODUCT FOR TESTING PURPOSES**

November Reading Recap

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (4.5 Stars out of 5)

My November Reading Recap is for the book Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel.  I don't like to read the description on backs of books because I always feel like they give something away.  So I usually read the first few paragraphs & yes, I judge books by their covers.  I thought the tents on the cover looked like a camping book & the first few paragraphs drew me in, so I bought it!

Well, Station Eleven was not AT ALL about camping and was completely unlike the type of book I normally read. But with that said, I really liked it!

Have you ever thought about what you would do in the event of an apocalypse or end of the world?  The base of the story is a catastrophic flu has hit the earth and there are few survivors.  We start in the modern day world & a well-known actor has a heart attack on stage during the Shakespeare play King Lear.  This also happens to be the evening the flu pandemic hits the city.  The story goes back & forth between the stories of multiple individuals present on that pivotal night, to what life has turned to 15-20 years following.  A traveling symphony, a prophet and a comic-book about Dr. Eleven are all seamlessly woven into the story.

My favorite part of the book was the resilience of people when the modern conveniences of cell phones, automobiles, and electricity were gone.  It reminds us, that the world we currently live in is very fragile and makes you look inside & wonder what you would do.  The interconnection between the characters is believable and at times gives you an "ah ha!" moment. If you are looking for something a little different, that will grip you until the end - Station Eleven is a great choice!

October in Colorado

To celebrate his birthday, hubby & I took an extra-long Weekend and went back to our favorite place in the world - Estes Park, Colorado!  If you didn't already know, this is where we got married and feels like coming "home".

We timed it perfect for the Aspens changing & the weather was absolutely perfect!  Just look at that blue sky!

One of the things I just love about Colorado is,  as many times as we've been there, we always find something new to see or do.

Trail Ridge Road

Elk

And you have to believe we stopped in here!  It was like stepping back in time.  The homemade cinnamon rolls were the best I've ever had!  There were also quilts that were all hand stitched.  I didn't take any pictures inside because I was so excited about everything!

I'm already wishing we were back there, hopefully we can get there again next year!

Carter on Quilt

One of my favorite things in blogland is the Pets On Quilts held every year at Lily Pad Quilting.  Don't get me wrong, her blog is great all year around - love me some Padsworth& & DragonDrop! But where else do you get to see ADORABLE animals on quilts and inspirational animal theamed quilts all in one place?  Its also a great way to meet other bloggers who love quilting & thier furry friends as much as I do!

This year I wasn't sure I was going to have an entry.  For one, I haven't had NEARLY enough time to sew this past year.  And sewing a quilt does kind of help when you want to take a pic of a doggy on one!  I have been working on this same quilt for a July Wedding (yes I am aware...its a bit past July at this point! Where did the summer go?).

But today I made some time for myself & when I was finishing piecing the rows together...I turned around for a second & boom!  My Pet was on My Quilt!

Carter on Quilt

I'm pretty sure this is his "Take the pic quick Mama, I'm ready to show off how adorable I am!"  face.  And of course after I got the shot & 100 blurry ones, he wrinkled up the row I had JUST ironed as he ran out of the room.  Good thing he's a cutie!

Now go check out the other cute critters & starting the 27th you can vote for your favorites to win some great prizes.  We are entering in the Pet On Quilts category. And if you ask me, it doesn't get any cuter than this little guy!  :)  *hint*hint* Ok end of shameless plug!

August Reading Recap

My mom brought me this book & told me I had to read it.  I know ALOT of people are big fans of Jodi Picoult, but I've always found her books so-so.  But since my Mom said I had to, I figured I better listen to Mama!!  :)

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult (3.5 Stars out of 5)

I really enjoyed the story line regarding a family who's youngest daughter Willow was born with a rare disease Osteogenesis Imperfecta -which is also known as Brittle Bones Disease.  Willow was a smart little loveable character while her family lived in a whirlwind of trouble.  I wasn't a huge fan of how the Mother took her disappointment/frustration out over having a child with special needs. I didn't quite find it believeable/relateable.  I much preferred the storylines of all of the other characters.

Overall the book seemed like it took quite a long time to finish, although it did hold my interest and I never found the book dull or boring.  I think I just don't connect with with this author.

Dove® Advanced Care VoxBox

Hey All!  It's been quite a while since I've received a VoxBox and this one came just in the mail - just in time for the heat of summer!

Dove® Advanced Care VoxBox

I don't know about you, but I've been using the same deodorant for years. I don't even think about changing, when I'm out I just buy another at Walmart. I haven't used Dove Deodorant before, but have seen the commercials.  I have issues with getting ingrown hairs and red bumps, so I was really excited to use this!

The first test was when hubby & I attended a July outdoor wedding.  Complete with the heat & humidity found here in the Midwest, you bet that it was gonna be warm!  My first impression was I loved the scent!  It went on smooth and a pleasant surprise, the Dove Advanced Care did not leave my underarms feeling sticky like the gel-type that I currently use can. And wearing a black dress, not even a single white mark on my outfit!

Dove at the gym

My second test was the gym, doesn't get much sweatier than that! Once again, the coconut smell was refreshing without being overwhelming.   My underarms felt fairly dry after my workout, however when I was finished I noticed I smelled!  And not in the good way :(  I usually don't have body odor, but I don't think it was able to keep up with my workout.

Overall, I loved the softness and smoothness of the Dove Advanced. It is great for the normal day to day wear, and I love that I don't have to worry about getting marks on my work clothing.  However, for the gym - I'm gonna stick with my current brand.


Want to get in on the next Vox Box?  Go here to sign up!  www.influenster.com/r/337688?utm_campaign=sum

*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.*

May Reading Recap

Wreckage by Emily Bleeker (4.5 Stars out of 5)

My Reading Recap book this month was Wreckage by Emily Bleeker.  A different twist on the “Castaway” type of story, Wreckage goes back & forth about the recollections of David and Lucy after a plane crash were stranded on a deserted island.  The way the story laid out each of them telling their story to a hard-hitting investigative reporter was a unique perspective. You think you may have figured out how the book ends in your mind, but as you read you get more & more interested to put all the pieces together.  This was the first book I've read by this author and would definitely read another one by her.  I bought the hard-copy book but if you have Amazon Prime I see that its part of their $0 lending library!  And no…Amazon doesn’t pay me to say that and I don’t make any $$ if you buy the book either.  Just an observation that I thought I’d share :)