Garnier Whole Blends Shampoo & Conditioner Sample Review

 Hi hi!  Today I'm reviewing Garnier Whole Blends Shampoo & Conditioner in three different formulas.  Repairing, Hydrating, and Smoothing.

Let me first just say that I was super hyped about this new line because I had done a survey about them before I was offered to try them for free.  So, I was definitely super happy when I was accepted to try them.

Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner

I really liked this set.  You can definitely smell the honey in it.  The shampoo lathered really nicely.  I love when shampoos get a nice lather and this one definitely does.  The conditioner was equally as nice.  It rinsed out really well.  I tried this set first because I have recently dyed my hair (review coming soon) and even though my hair didn't feel damaged, I'm sure it still needed some repairing.  

Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner

Hands down, favorite of the three samples I tried.  That doesn't mean the other two aren't worth it but this has coconut water in it and I'm a sucker for anything with coconut.  lol  It also has vanilla milk extracts in it and you can smell both of them.  The coconut a bit more and it's absolutely lovely.  It reminds me of summer.  This shampoo lathered just as good as the Repairing shampoo did.  Love that.  The conditioner rinsed it out nicely as well.  It does a good job at hydrating your hair.  My hair is so soft.  Definitely recommend this one.  :)

A picture of my hair after I used the Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner. *look at that shine*  :)

Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner

Finally, Smoothing set.  I don't know if it's because I don't generally have frizzy hair but I didn't really care for this set.  I would not buy it.  It does smell amazing though as it has coconut oil & coconut butter extracts in it.  The shampoo did not have as nice of a lather as the other two which I did not like.  As I said before, I love a good lather.  The conditioner rinsed nicely though.  It did make my hair look nice and it was very soft.  It just wasn't for me.  

Okay, there ya go.  Three sets of shampoo & conditioner from Garnier Whole Blends line.  Make sure to pick them up when you see them in stores.  :)

As always, even though I did get these for free from Crowdtap, my reviews are 100% my own.  Thank you for reading.  ♥  

Needs vs. Wants

Hello!  Today I want to write about a super important topic:  Needs vs. Wants, especially when it comes to stuff.  Material stuff.

There's so many things I want to buy but I don't really need.  For example, my TV.  It works perfectly but it's old.  Real old.  Really, really old.  Like, non-flat screen old.  It's one of those old-school CRT TVs that need at least three people to carry it.  It's huge, bulky, and just not what I want.  But, do I need a new one?  No, not yet anyways.  One thing I love about it is that the sound sounds amazing.  Some of those flat screen TVs sound tinny and horrible and then of course, you have to buy a sound bar, which is just an extra cost so ugh!!

Another thing I want is a new computer chair.  The one I have now has been torn to shreds by my lovely cats.  -_-  The arms are falling apart and I have to sit on a pillow because the cushioning is pretty much gone.  But, do I need a new one?  Once again, no, not yet anyways.  Once my back starts hurting though, it's outta here.

There are so many more things I want but don't actually really need...just yet.  You get the point though.

One thing I want and need though is a house that is not in the country.  I've bitched about the countryside enough so I don't want to sound like a broken record but if you read this blog, you know how I feel about miles and miles of grass and nothing.  Anyways, I'm trying to save for a house but if I keep buying things I want but don't necessarily need, I'm that much further from getting that house.  Also, I have more stuff to move then.  -_-  No thank you.

So, if there's something you really want and need to do like buy a house, go to college, get a car or anything big, try to hold on to the things you already have.  Yes, a flat-screen TV, new comfy computer chair and all are nice but if they are still in working/usable condition, keep using the heck out of it until you can't anymore.  Ask yourself ~ Do I need this OR do I want this?  If it's the latter, save your dollars for something big.  You'll feel better about yourself in the long run.  :)

Hi Hi!

Hello everyone!  I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or whatever holiday you celebrate.  :)  I had a great one.   I got everything I hoped for for Christmas.   Basically because  they brought the gift cards or handed me the credit card and said go shop.  lol  So I brought my own Christmas gifts.  lol  This was the first year though that I actually brought sensible things.  I brought a new bra, that I desperately needed, I got a bathrobe, some pajamas, a paint set, a lipstick, and a super cute kids plushie that I would never ever buy for myself.  lol

Valentine's Day has come and gone and once again, I was single.  I blame myself.  I'm just too shy to go and talk to people.  The one time I did get courage and hand my number to a guy...he never called.  :/  Oh well.  There's always next year.

I have a couple of reviews coming up.  Shampoo and hair-dye!!  Fun fun.  :)

Hopefully we all have a better 2016.  Even if you all had a great 2015, I hope 2016 is even better.  :D

Folgers Flavors Coffee Enhancers Review

Hello!   Thanks to Crowdtap, I was able to try all four flavors of the new Folgers Flavors Coffee Enhancers.  It comes in: Caramel, Hazelnut, Mocha and Vanilla.

The directions say "Add one squeeze to 6 FL OZ of prepared coffee.  Adjust to taste."  

I don't know about you but I like my flavored coffee to be super flavored.  Since I had to try all 4 flavors, I used a 6 oz cup so I could have 4 cups.  In the 6 oz cup, I put in a teaspoon of the flavoring.  It was perfect for me.  By teaspoon, I mean a teaspoon from our silverware set, not a measuring teaspoon.  I don't think they are the same size, never tried but yea.  1 squeeze was definitely not going to cut it for me.  hahaha

My thoughts on each flavor:

• Caramel ~ Not a big fan of caramel flavors in particular but I really loved the way this tasted in my coffee.  Most caramel flavors are usually too sweet but this was really nice.  You could definitely taste the caramel flavor, it just wasn't overwhelming.
• Hazelnut ~ Almost the complete opposite happened with the hazelnut.  I usually love all things hazelnut when it comes to coffee but I wasn't pleased w/ this.  It just didn't have that true hazelnut flavoring.  Something was missing.  I still liked it but it wasn't my favorite.
• Mocha ~ The mocha was really good.  I'd even add a squeeze to hot chocolate to bring out the chocolate flavor more.
• Vanilla ~ The vanilla has to be my favorite.  It almost had a marshmallow or cotton candy taste mixed in with the vanilla to it.  I really enjoyed it.  

I put not even a full teaspoon of sugar and half & half to each cup of coffee.  They are really enjoyable and even though the Hazelnut wasn't my favorite, I'd recommend them all.  

I did receive these for free from Crowdtap for review purposes but the above reviews are completely my own.  :)  

Happy Blogiversary!!

Okay, I totally missed it but back in August was this blogs' 10-year anniversary.  Yay!!  August 9th to be exact.  It doesn't even seem like it's been 10 years but maybe it's because I don't write as much as I should.

Stats for the blog:

• 1157 page views
• 163 posts

Not too bad I guess.  hahaha

Anyways, here's to another 10 years.  ^_^

Earrings!!!!

Up for sale in my Etsy shop are these 4 pairs of lovely earrings.  $10 a pair and I ship worldwide! 

Wonderland Curio

Where to find me online

Hello!  As I said in my last post, I have set up shop here and there online.

First is my book.  Did I ever write about that here?  Either way, if you're new, I've compiled my poetry into a book and am now selling it through the Amazon Kindle.  You don't even have to have a Kindle to buy my book though.  Lucky you!  :)  Nope, all you need is the Kindle app which can easily be found in your device's app store.  Here is the link to my book:

Rainy Days and Starry Nights

Next is Etsy!  I'm going to be honest, there's only 4 things there at the moment but I am working on more items to fill it up.  You can click the link in the side bar or below.  

Wonderland Curio

I've also set up a shop at Society6.  I really love drawing and taking pictures more than anything else and this site allows me to sell my art on a variety of products.  There's not a lot there but I'm working on it as well.  Here's the link:  

My Society6 page

There you have it.  Feel free to check them out.  If you can't buy anything but you like what I'm selling, feel free to share the page that way more people can check it out.  :)  Thank you so much.  ^_^

Honesty time

Hello!  It's been a while but not as long as usual.  lol

I'm going to be honest, I have been going through a rough patch.  I'm so depressed living where I am.  I live in the countryside and I know a lot of people love it but I hate it.  I'm not even being dramatic.  I seriously hate living in the country.  I'm a suburb gal.  Was born and raised in the suburbs.  Lived in them for 20 years before moving here.  It's a culture shock and I just cannot get use to it.  It depresses me to the point where all I want to do is cry...

BUT...

that is NOT getting me anywhere and personally I'm tired of crying.  I've had enough of it and so I'm doing something about it.  I have big dreams and while I'm not quite ready to tell you all about them, I will say one of them, the main one.

Move out of the countryside!!!!

I don't work outside the home but I have set up shop here and there on the web.  I will write more about that in another post.  I'm going to do everything I possibly can to make that dream come true.  It'll be hard but nothing is as hard as staying someplace you dread.  #truth

Aveeno sample review

Hello!  As a member of Crowdtap, I was selected to try & review 2 Aveeno lotion samples.  As always my reviews are 100% my own.

Aveeno protect + hydrate lotion sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 30

Super long title but awesome lotion.  It has such an interesting smell.  It reminds me of your typical summer tanning lotion and baby lotion mixed together.  Sounds odd but smells really good.  It goes on really smooth and absorbs almost instantly so you don't have to wait to get dressed.  You can use it not just on your body but your face too.  Bonus!  I love that it's only SPF 30 because I do like to get a little color during the summer months but I'm still protected.  I'm so pale. *sob sob*  I definitely recommend it.

Aveeno daily moisturizing lotion sheer hydration

I'm going to be honest.  I'm not a fan of unscented lotions but I will make an exception for this one.  There's just something about it I really like.  Like the other lotion, it absorbs almost instantly so no time waiting to get dressed.  It's really smooth and just leaves your skin feeling amazing.  It's also nice and light, which is perfect for the warmer months.   It doesn't feel heavy at all.   I also recommend this one.

There you have it.  I never tried Aveeno lotions before but they are definitely worth checking out.

Great Website ~ 100% legit

Hello! Happy May! It was 80°F here today. What happened to spring? My favorite season and it's gone like that. *snaps fingers*

Anyways, I have to tell you about this awesome site called instaGC. My friend told me about it in December and I checked it out but was like eh.  After the new year, I kept seeing her post gift cards that she got through the site to her FB wall and decided to check it out again.

OH MY GOD!!! I love this site.

See the above pic?  That's all the gift cards I've gotten since I started.

They have free offers like surveys, watch videos, click on links.  Yes, click on links.  You just click and get points.  It's amazing.  They also have offers where you can sign up for free trials or buy something with a credit card.  Don't want to use your credit card?  No problem!  See the above pic?  All done with the free offers.  

They have 11 pages of gift cards.  Amazon, Applebee's, Playstation point cards, Wii U point cards...etc.  They have something for everyone.  You can even redeem points for cash to your checking account or just get a check.  I'm pretty sure it's worldwide too since I saw someone redeem points in rupees!  

I'm telling you, this site is 100% legit.  Interested in learning more?  Click the link below to sign up and start earning.  ^_^

http://www.instagc.com/536648

No surprise here

You Are a Dreamer

You are primarily concerned with possibilities. You tend to be a fanciful person. All of the world's opportunities sometimes overwhelm you. You are obsessed with ideas and tend to be a big thinker. Theories interest you greatly. You crave intellectual stimulation. You are drawn to a philosophical way of life.

Are You a Dreamer or a Doer?

Blogthings: 100's of Fun, Free Quizzes!

So peaceful

I have had this blog for almost 10 years.  August 9th will be ten-year blogiversary!  ;)

Anyways, it's gone through quite a few changes but one thing that will always stay the same is my wind chime.  I just love it.  Sometimes I'll open my blog in another tab just so I can hear it.  It's not constant but it's always so peaceful.  I really hope it never goes away.

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Review

Hello!  I'm back with a new review that I got from Influenster.

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils (Luxurious Mascara For A False Lash Effect)

Long name, even longer lashes.

When I first heard of Influenster giving this mascara away to a few lucky subscribers, I never thought I would get one.  Yes, I love make-up.  Yes, I love mascara but, I'm more of a drugstore make-up gal than a high end one.   I just don't have the funds for the high end stuff.  *sniff sniff*  Anyways, so I was super surprised when I got the email that they had chosen me to test it.  Thank you make-up Gods!  :)  Okay, on to the review.

This mascara screams high end before you even open up the box.  It's not even just the name but the fact that the box is a nice shiny gold color.  The tube is also a nice shiny gold.  The wand is full and just perfect in getting every lash coated.  It comes in a few different colors.  They sent me High Density Black, which is perfect for my little lashes.

Here is something I thought I'd never say about a mascara.  It smells amazing.  It has this nice floral scent and it's light but you can smell it when you're walking and even occasionally when you're sitting down.  I love it.

The above pic is of me and it shows the before and after for this mascara.  My right eye (your left) doesn't have any on while my left eye (your right) does.  I did do two coats but you could tell a difference even with one coat.  This mascara is just amazing.

Here is a pic w/ both eyes done.  I don't put mascara on my bottom lashes because then it just gets all over my skin.  

The one thing I don't like is that it's not waterproof.   It's not a deal breaker for me though since it definitely gets my lashes nice and long but it would've been nice if it was. 

I received this YSL Mascara from Influenster for testing purposes.  Opinions are 100% my own.  ^_^

Emergen-C Review

Hello!  This is my review for Emergen-C.

Emergen-C, for those who don't know, are little drink mix packets that you add to water that are filled with Vitamin C.  They also usually have other vitamins and essential nutrients in them.  It varies from flavor to flavor.

The taste is pretty good.  I tried the Strawberry Kiwi packet and was pleasantly surprised.  It still has a vitamin taste to it but you can also clearly taste the strawberry kiwi flavors.  I actually tried Emergen-C before, when it first came out years ago and back then, it had more of a vitamin taste, so they definitely improved in that aspect.

You can only have 1 packet a day.  It's not intended to "boost" or "enhance" your immune system but provide support to your immune system.  It's kind of like a multi-vitamin in liquid form.  I'm no doctor but I think it would be a great alternative for people who have a hard time swallowing pills.  It's not a complete multi-vitamin but it has a pretty good mix.  They all have a lot of Vitamin C which is great for fending off colds.

I did receive these packets for free from Smiley360 for review purposes but as always, the words written above are 1000% my own!

Click for coupon & free sample!

Brookside Dark Chocolate Crunchy Clusters Review

Hello!  This is my review for Brookside Dark Chocolate Crunchy Clusters in Berry Medley Flavors.

What is with the long names for food & drink products?  hahaha

Anyways, I will start off by saying that I am not a fan of dark chocolate.  It always tastes so bitter to me but I loved these.  LOVED!!!  I could totally polish off the whole bag.  It's only 5 oz so that's not too bad, right?  Right?  Thankfully though, I had my Mom and brother around to share with.  I have some leftover.  I might share the rest with my Dad.  Maybe.  lol

They are seriously that good.  The description on the package reads "Clusters of crispy multigrains and soft fruit flavored centers, all covered in smooth dark chocolate".  What is not to love about that description?  It is right on.  You can definitely tell it's dark chocolate but somehow it doesn't have that bitter taste.  Maybe because it's done right?  Not sure but I will definitely be buying these in the future.

I received this bag from Crowdtap for review purposes.  Reviews are 100% my own.  One of my challenges, if you will, was to pair these with another snack or drink.  I decided to go with a glass of Chardonnay since this chocolate seemed more grown up.  Very nice pairing if I might add.  The lightness of the wine balanced out the darkness of the chocolate.

Another user added hers to vanilla ice cream which looked amazing.  I would definitely do that.

If you are a fan of dark chocolate, you have to try these.  If you are not a fan of dark chocolate, you still have to try these.  You will NOT be disappointed.  My only complaint is that the bag is too small but maybe that's a good thing.  hahaha

#DiscoverBrookside  #sponsored

Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Green Tea Review

Hello!  This is my review for Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Green Tea Decaffeinated.

That is one long title for a tea.  lol

Anyways, this tea is different.  Not in a bad way though.  The best way to describe it is you know that sensation you get when you have a cough drop, mint or candy cane in your mouth and then you drink something cold?  That's exactly what this tea is like except for it's hot. I guess it's the mint of the candy cane doing it.  It just fills your mouth with minty freshness.

I didn't care for it at first but after a few sips, I really liked it.  It grows on you.  I like it so much, I wish they sold it year round.  It's one of Celestial Seasonings Holiday Teas so get it while you can.  I know I will.  Hahaha

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  Reviews are 100% my own.

Rimmel London Review

Hello!  This is my review of  Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal eyeliner in black and Rimmel London Gentle Eye Make Up Remover.

My experience with the eyeliner did not start out too good.  I had a hard time getting the cap off and when I finally did, this happened.

Yeah...not good.  After I cleaned my hand off, I managed to find a sharpener and sharpened the pencil.  Unfortunately, I never seem to get as good of a point as I start with but it wasn't too bad.  I was able to use it and that's good enough.

I love the way it glides.  It's like skating on ice.  So smooth, it doesn't tug on your skin at all.  I really wished the cap came off easier.  Be careful.  The black is really black.  Very intense.  Perfect for a smoky eye look.  As far as pencil eyeliners go, this one is the best.  You won't be disappointed.

The eye make up remover was so-so.  It definitely removed my mascara and eye shadow perfectly but the eyeliner was a different story.  It just seemed to smear it.   No matter how hard I rubbed, this eyeliner was NOT being removed by this eye make up remover alone.  I looked like a panda and my eyes were red from rubbing.  The eyeliner didn't fully come off all the way until I washed my face with Noxzema.

I would use the eye make up remover for basic mascara and eye shadow but not eyeliner.  Not worth it.

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  Reviews are 100% my own.

Nescafé w/ Coffee-mate Review

Hello!  Finally had a chance to try the Nescafé w/ Coffee-mate.  In fact, thanks to Smiley360, I had a chance to try all 3 flavors.  It comes in French Vanilla, Hazelnut and Sweet & Creamy Original. 

The Sweet & Creamy Original kind of reminded me of the original Maxwell House International Cafe.  I do feel that the Necafé w/ Coffee-mate Sweet & Creamy Original is a better deal since instead of 4-9ounces, you get 12 ounces for pretty much the same deal.  You definitely should try it out if you like the Maxwell House International Cafe. 

he French Vanilla was nice and mellow.  The vanilla flavoring was perfect, not too overpowering at all.

My favorite though has to be the Hazelnut.  The hazelnut flavoring was just right.  Goldilocks would definitely approve...lol  It was as if I was having a regular coffee with hazelnut creamer.  It was perfect! 

Seriously though, all 3 flavors are great.  It really depends on what you like.  No matter what you decide, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

To make it, all you need is hot water and 2 tbsp. of your preferred kind.  Easy, right?  The measurements are for a 6-8 oz mug.  My mug was a little bigger so I added an extra tbsp. and it was awesome. I also added a bit of half & half to it to cool it down a bit.  You definitely don't have to add any milk since it's already added but it doesn't take away from the flavor.  It just cools it down.

If you already had the chance to try it, what flavor was your favorite?

All opinions are my own.  I received these products for free from Smiley360 for testing and review purposes. 

Please copy and paste the link below to get a $0.75 coupon off Nescafe w/ Coffee-mate and join in on the fun at Smiley360!

http://h5.sml360.com/-/fmyy

Influenster Frosty VoxBox

Hello!  I'm so excited to tell you about this VoxBox.  It is full of goodies.  Look look look!  :D

Before I begin, I'd like to say that I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Okay, on to the good stuff.

1. NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Sugar Plum 
2. Rimmel London Gentle Eye Make Up Remover
3. Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Black
4. Red Vines Fruit Vines Bites in Strawberry
5. McCormick Gourmet All Natural Thyme
6. EcoTools Sleek & Shine Finisher 
7. Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea sample plus coupon
8. No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum sample plus coupon

So many goodies, right?  As I finally dig into these items, I will be writing full reviews so please look forward to that.  Thank you!  

Also, if you would like to sign up for Influenster, please click the link below.  It is totally free and lots of fun.  www.influenster.com/r/652929

Nescafe w/ Coffee-Mate

Thanks to Smiley360, I'm going to be able to try this product for free!  Can't wait.  I've been seeing ads for it and since I'm a coffee lover, I've been wanting to try it.  Copy and paste the link below for a coupon for $0.75 off.

http://h5.sml360.com/-/fmyy

I'll post a blog after I try it and let you know how it is.  Fingers crossed.  ^_~