Follow Up of L'Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Smooth Intense Ultimate Straight Hair Collection

Hello, 

Well, I promised a follow up on the 

L'Oreal Paris Advanced Hair care Smooth Intense 
Ultimate Straight collection
and the results are AMAZING!!! 
This collection actually WORKS to straighten hair!
I barely need to even use a straightener now! 
My hair is so soft and seriously 
manageable! 

Thank you Influenster! 

My Review of the L'Oréal Paris Ultimate Straight VoxBox

So, I received a FREE box of SUPER cool L'Oreal Paris hair care products through Influenster via their Voxbox program and I am SO IMPRESSED with how soft and manageable my hair is after one use!

I received 4 products: L'Oreal Paris Ultimate Straight Shampoo, Pre-conditioner, conditioner and Perfecting Balm. I used all in the recommended order and my hair feels GREAT! I noticed a bit of difference in how easy it was to straighten my hair with the products versus using my normal hair care regimen. I hope with continued use it will become even easier to straighten. I will do a follow-up in a week to let you know!

Not a member of Influenster? Send me an email with your email address and I will send you an invite and you too can get free products to try!

Note- I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

My Review of the Reese's Spreads

My Review of the Reese's Spreads Voxbox!

I received this sample as part of Influenster program and I received it for testing purposes.

I received 1 jar and a handy card with some sugestions on how to use the spread.

The jar is plastic and is 13 oz.

My daughter's and I tried a taste and it tastes just like a Reese's peanut butter cup, so if you like Reese's peanut butter cups, you will love this spread!

The only drawback to this spread is that it contains the preservative THBQ, which in some countries is banned due to the accusation that it is not safe. I am not a fan of synthetic preservatives and feel that I would be much more confident in this product if they preserved it with Mixed Tocopherols such as those that contain vitamin E.

Knowing that Reese's uses TBHQ, I probably won't purchase it unless they change to a natural preservative.

The Influenster TLC VoxBox! My Review

Hello fellow Vox Boxers,

I received my newest VoxBox via Influenster free for testing purposes, and although it wasn't my favorite box from them, I was happy to be chosen to review the products contained therein.
Here is a rundown of the products I received:

Ivory© Soap
Avon Anew Reversalist© wrinkle smoother
A free coupon for a container of Breyer's© Gelato
Neosporin© To Go! Ointment
Puffs© w/Lotion facial tissue travel pack
Shell© Fuel Rewards Card

All the of the products are from well-known name brands, most of them have been around for several decades so there wasn't anything from "new" companies. I am not sure why Ivory soap would be in the package since this product has been around well before I was born (no, I am  not revealing my age, lol), but I wonder if it has something to do with Ivory needing to promote the product again because sales are possibly down? Either way, it doesn't matter to me; I am allergic to some of the ingredients in the Ivory© soap, so I will let my boys try it and tell me what they think. I used this brand as a child once and I broke out in hives, so since then, it's been a no-go for Ivory.

I tried the Avon Reversalist wrinkle smoother and sadly, it didn't hide my crow's feet at all. I used it per the instructions on the box. If I have time, I will make a short video and post the link to it here next week.

I signed up for the Fuel Rewards and I am very impressed at the savings I have already seen! Last time I filled up, I saved .15 a gallon!  This program is worth the free sign up! Link your grocery loyalty card to your fuel rewards card and get ADDITIONAL savings on each gallon of Shell© gas. If you want to sign up, email me and I will send you a referral link!

The Puffs Lotion tissues are ALWAYS a must have. I have a daughter in law who has some tough allergies and she never keeps enough tissues on hand. When we're out together I usually end up giving her a few, lol! They are very soft and durable, although you shouldn't use these to clean your eye glasses since they contain lotion.

I have yet to cash in my coupon for the Breyer's Gelato, but I already know that I am going to LOVE it because it's from Breyer's!

Lastly, I am quite thankful for the Neosporin To Go because I have a 10 year old who is "gravitationally challenged" at times and to have this on  hand when she falls and needs some skin love on the go!

Overall, I think the box is nice, but I assumed from the teasers  from Influenster that the products inside would be products that pamper a mom. Here is the email insert I received several days before the box arrived:

I will admit, Gelato is a nice treat, but the other stuff, it's products  that mom's use for their families, not something to pamper them.

Fellow VoxBoxers: How did you like your box? Send me a comment or, let me know which products you liked best!

Stand still! Your life may depend on it!

“Stand still! Your life may depend on it!”

Hello all, 

I was going through my older devotionals, and I came across one that I wanted to share with my readers. I hope it speaks to your heart as it does to mine.

Scripture: Psalm 91:2 KJV
"I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."

I just LOVE the ladies Bible studies Jeri Lynn Wilkerson has brought us together for!It's very encouraging to get to know other women who are going through what I do. Right now we are studying Psalm 91 and it just started but this is what God gave me today based on this verse!
“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”
Trust…Such a short and simple word, yet one we as Christians tend to severely neglect.
We all tend to do it; but if we apply what I call the "quicksand" method to our circumstances, we would be much better off and trust seems to come much easier.
As I studied this verse today, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in such a powerful way! He gave me a vision of quicksand which occurs naturally and the do’s and don’ts of surviving actual quicksand. What an application to Biblical principle!
First, what is the #1 NO NO if you are caught in actual quick sand? Don't move around, right? So in a "quicksand" trial or circumstance what ARE we to do? I looked it up and we can apply the actual survival of quicksand to a trial or circumstance! I love when God uses nature to teach us Biblical principles! This is what God showed me:

1. Avoid quicksand- Well, we can't avoid our circumstances sometimes, so this one may or may not be done, but more often than not, we put ourselves right int he midst of circumstances.


2. Bring a large stick when frequenting quicksand territory- "While hiking, especially in an area you suspect contains quicksand, carry a long, stout pole. You can use the pole to test the ground in front of you, and you can also use it to help extract yourself should you sink."
Our "stick" is our Bible, the Word of God. Here is the directions I found on actual quicksand. Re-read the above again, and where you see the word "stick" or "pole,” replace it with the Bible:"While hiking, especially in an area you suspect contains quicksand, carry a BIBLE. You can use theBIBLE to test the ground in front of you, and you can also use it to help extract yourself should you sink."

Isn't that GREAT!?! The Bible is our "Stick"; to test the sand or the beliefs of others that surround us.


3. (I LOVE THIS ONE): Drop everything if you find yourself in quicksand. “Because your body is less dense than quicksand, you can't fully sink unless you panic and struggle too much (which will cause the sand to further liquefy) or you're weighed down by something heavy. If you step into quicksand and you're wearing a backpack or carrying something heavy, immediately take off your backpack or drop what you're carrying.”

We are to drop the load off our bodies. Overwhelming circumstances, anxieties (I am talking to myself here), life in general and Satan are a weight on us! The less we carry around and give to God, the lighter we are and the less likelihood that we are going to be overcome by the "quicksand" in this life.

The Bible says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). This verse is perfect for today's verse in Psalm 91:2!

4. RELAX- "Quicksand usually isn't more than a couple feet deep, but if you do happen to come across a particularly deep spot, you could very well sink quite quickly down to your waist or chest. If you panic you can sink further, but if you relax, your body's buoyancy will cause you to float."

Isn't that so true? Most of the trials we go through may only be "a few feet deep" but we make them out to be miles high because we cannot see the outcome. Again, I am talking to myself here! This is a great place to insert Psalm 91:2 and keep it in the forefront of our mind and quote it often.

5. Take your time. "If you're stuck in quicksand, frantic movements will only hurt your cause. Whatever you do, do it slowly. Slow movements will prevent you from agitating the quicksand; vibrations caused by rapid movements can turn otherwise relatively firm ground into more quicksand. More importantly, quicksand can react unpredictably to your movements. If you move slowly, you can more easily stop an adverse reaction and, by doing so, avoid getting yourself stuck deeper. You're going to need to be patient."

"Stand Still" is the song that speaks to me at this point. When we are chin high in our trials, the hardest thing to do is to stay still and let God work it all out. We think WE can fix it ourselves and what do we do? We mess it up more and sink further. We must wait and ask Jesus to "pull us out" of the quicksand, otherwise, we are going to sink.

I hope this helps someone else that goes through this issue of being "Ms. Fixit" at the wrong time like I do. I almost feel like the Holy Spirit typed this out to me because He knows my faults and failures better than anyone does. I never connected quicksand to trials until right now. Thank you Lord for giving me this connection!

"...On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand." 

LUSTER NOW Premium Whitening Tooth Paste: My Review...

Hey all! How's it going? Staying cool? 

I just wanted to tell everyone my thoughts on LUSTER NOW Premium Whitening Toothpaste and HOW MUCH I LOVE IT! I received a sample to try through Influenster and I was pleasantly surprised!

The taste is not overpowering, and I noticed a difference the FIRST TIME I used it. My teeth were dull and yellowed by tea (I'm a tea freak) and now they are getting brighter and I'm not afraid to smile! I mean, I seen a difference the very first time I brushed with Luster!

LUSTER is BY FAR my favorite product in the VoxBox! I will be purchasing this product once this bottle is gone. Thank you Influenster and LUSTER Premium Whitening for my sample!






-Disclaimer- I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster.

Dr. Scholl's Ball of foot (for Her) Gel Inserts: My Review

I believe this is the second best treat I received in my "Something Blue" VoxBox from Influenster! 

I am an avid church-goer and I wear heels a lot and one thing I have a problem with is poor circulation to my middle toes when I wear them. However, upon wearing the Dr. Scholl's Ball of Foot Gel inserts, I have no more "tingly toes!" I have noticed some Influensters saying that their insert moved around a lot, and I didn't notice this issue with mine. I wear a size 9 heel, and they are a little snug on me so perhaps the insert had no room to slide. My suggestion to other wearers is that they wear a half size smaller if they can to avoid slippage. 

I went ALL DAY on my feet with my inserts, and they didn't get tired until I was home and walking around on my hardwood floors without the inserts. 

Overall, a very good product. The ONLY improvement I can mention is perhaps place a cotton or other breathable material over the gel portion for those who have naturally sweaty feet. 

Thanks again, Influenster, for the opportunity to try this product and give feedback! 

~Stacy~

Disclaimer- This product was given to e for testing purposes by Influenster.com

My Review of Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

I received my trial mascara from Influenster and used it three times now and each time it was the same thing: The mascara is clumpy and it makes my lashes stick straight out! Even with a lash curler is seemed way to heavy. Also, the brush is stiff and straight and it's very easy to poke your eyes when applying to inner lashes. 

It may be ok for others and they may have good feedback for it, but I wouldn't buy it. I like a mascara that allows the lash to curl. As far as I'm concerned, the product is not clump free and lashes ARE stiff after application. It does not live up to what it promises.

Disclaimer: This is a voluntary product review of Rimmel lash accelerator mascara. I received this product complimentary for testing purposes via Influenster.com

Review of Ivory 2-1 Hair and Body

Retails for about $4

First, I want to thank Influenster for allowing me the opportunity to try Ivory 2-1 Hair and Body out.

When I received my product free of charge to test out, I was very impressed with the amount they give you! The bottle is a whopping 24 ounces! I immediately opened the bottle to take a sniff, and I LOVED the fragrance. Ivory 2-1 Hair and Body has a very familiar scent, which I will talk about in a few minutes. My oldest daughter smelled it and said it reminded her of the beach.

I was also given three .75 cents off coupons, which I thought was nice! 

Upon showering with the product, I used a quarter sized amount initially in my wet hair, and I was not impressed with the lather (I am a girl who loves lather, even though I know that lather is not the end all in clean. I used the product on the left half of my body, and on the right, I used my traditional organic handmade goat’s milk soap, which I buy from a friend.

As for it being a body wash, it was ok at first, but since washing with it, I need to apply a moisturizer to the left half of my body.

I am not surprised by how nice my hair feels; it feels soft and my brush goes right through my hair, no problem, so as a shampoo, it is good, but NOT as a daily regimen for people with color treated hair.

Ivory 2-1 Hair and Body claims to be free of dyes and heavy perfumes, but that claim is based on personal choice. For people with sensitivity issues, this product is white in color and NOT free of perfumes, so if you’re looking for a dye-free, perfume free 2-1, this product is not for you.  

As I stated earlier, Ivory 2-1 Hair and Body has a very familiar scent, because it smells like a product I use all the time called Pantene Pro-V. When I made the connection, I went to my bathroom to check the company who makes both Ivory 2-1 Hair and Body and Pantene products, and not surprisingly, Proctor and Gamble make BOTH. I then checked the ingredients on both bottles, and with the exception of a few ingredients and the common ingredients being in different order on each bottle, the products are generally the same. I think as for using it as a body wash, I will keep my regular bar organic goat's milk soap, however, if this product is less expensive that Pantene, I would definitely buy this over the Pantene. 

As for an overall grade for Ivory 2-1 Hair and Body Wash I give it a:

Am I saying that the products are one in the same? No, however I am saying that the products are very similar and makes one wonder if it is worth giving up regular bar soap is prudent.

Hi all, 

Well, Influenster sent me my VERY FIRST Voxbox of a FREE 24 oz. Ivory 2-1 body wash/shampoo/Conditioner to give my review on!  The first thing I did was open it up....Ahhh, it smells SO GOOD! My daughter said it reminded her of the beach! Look for my review on my blog in a few days! Wanna sign up to try these awesome products for FREE?!?! PM me with your email and I will send you an invite. I have 2 more to give out!

 Disclaimer-"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

Would you like to be an Influenster?

I've been a member of Influenster for only a little over a month and I have to admit, I didn't think much of the program at first. However today, I got my FIRST Voxbox approval and FREE products are on the way to me! Yay! 

 If you're not familiar with what they do, they basically are a community of influential people who can qualify to receive free mailings with products to try. The more you do (surveys, reviews on products, "favoriting" other's reviews and your reviews being "favorited", the higher your score, and the better your chances of being chosen for a Voxbox! Guess who received an email today from Influenster? Me! Yay! Influenster sends all kinds of products out to their community members; from toothbrushes and shampoo to gadgets like cell phones and iPads. Here is just a snippet of a friend's voxbox:

The program is similar to Klout in that your  score measures how much influence you have.  Your Influenster score is generated by multiple factors: your presence across social media platforms, your participation in Voxboxes, and your participation on the website itself (This is a BIGGIE).  You can earn up to five "Expert" badges, so it's important to choose ones that are truly relevant to your lifestyle.  I currently have the Gadgeteer and Sweet Tooth Badges. I haven't picked  my other three yet.  You can then increase your score within each of these areas of expertise by adding reviews to products on the site, sharing product pages, and much more.  

Influenster is really fun, and I love that the new site is so much more interactive than the old one.  The only downside to the site is that you never know what the product companies are looking for in regards to demographics, so you can't be sure when you'll qualify for a box, BUT it's worth a couple minutes per day and hey, they're FREE products that I can keep and use and then give my opinion on. Nice, huh?

Now, Influenster is currently invite-only and I have four invites available.  If anyone is interested, so if you'd like one leave a comment on this entry and your email address (so I can send it to you) and four people will be sent an invite! 

Have a GREAT day! 

Book Review: Soulprint by Mark Batterson

This book is written by Pastor and Author Mark Batterson. Once again he has crafted another excellent book. I cannot wait to to get his book, "Primal".

Batterson's books are an easy read and straight shooting to the heart of the matter and that is helping the reader find their soul's destiny. Each soul print is different just like each finger, and Batterson is a master at clarity. He writes in a clear easy to read manner that keeps you engaged and personally I have benefited greatly from his work.

King David as our focal point and Batterson allows us to  connect with David in a very spiritual way. For example Batterson masterfully uses key events throughout David's life to connect to the reader. We aren't much different from David, and I think we all can find similarities in David's story to ours.

Batterson drives home the point that God has created each one of us as unique creations. God sees more potential in us than we see in ourselves, and Batterson's example of King David is perfect in this illustration.

A MUST READ for anyone who wants to know the will of God for their lives and know themselves better. Great for Teens!

WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review as part of their Blogging for Books program.

Book Review: Cleaning House: A Mom's Twelve-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement

To boldly go where few parenting authors gone before...This to me summarizes the book Cleaning House by Kay Wills Wyma!

The book is simply and attractively decorated and gives the book a "homey" look. Reading the book is a joy and keeps the attention.

This book is for any parent who feels the need to do everything for their children, yet knows that teaching their children individual responsibility is best. I am a person who by habit feels that nothing gets done right if I don't do it, but at the same time I become overloaded with things I cannot get done. This book has been a blessing because it has shown me that I cannot do it all and my children need to learn on their own in order to be successfully organized in the future.

The content deals with getting children to take responsibility for their belongings and offers handy tips along with a way to apply each tip. I found the book to be refreshing and do-able. I implemented the dollar jar (Task 1, Operation Clutter Control).

The only "do differently" I would recommend would be to try to find a way to implement these tactics in less time.

Overall, I was blessed reading this book.  it's the first author I've seen write on this topic I appreciate all the honesty in the book; the successes and failures and although she isn't done ridding her children of the "do it for me" syndrome, she's made real progress as a mom and as an individual.

WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review as part of their Blogging for Books program.

Blessed to have Brownback!

Brownback: "We collectively repent of distancing ourselves from God and ask for His mercy on us..."

 What a statement to be made in such a time as this. 

Recently, Governor Brownback was ridiculed (to say the least) for his stand on God and faith. The News report begins,  "A secular group tore into Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback over the weekend for promoting a national faith rally, saying the Republican governor needs to "repent" for allegedly violating the separation of church and state." 

Kansans, we are blessed to have a governor who recognizes the importance of God in government. Whether you are a resident of Kansas or not, I am asking that all my friends send a short note to Gov. Brownback today to support him in the proclamation he made over the weekend. The link you can write to him on is: http://governor.ks.gov/serving-kansans/constituent-services/legislation-and-policy-issues. Let's just shower him with support because I am sure he is getting a lot of emails and calls that aren't supportive. 

(Read the full story here)



A sample of the letter I wrote is below. Feel free to use it as you would like.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Governor Brownback,

I wanted to offer my sincerest thanks for your stand on Faith in our great state of Kansas! In a time when other leaders are falling by the wayside in compromise, it is reassuring to know that our governor cares about faith based issues! You have my full support. If there is anything I can do to support you, please do not hesitate to ask. You are prayed for daily! Stay strong. We need you!

God's blessing on you! 

My new website!

Hi all,

I just wanted to pass along to my faithful readers that are interested in making money online, that I have a new website that is your one-stop place to freebies, and making money online.
You can visit my new site by clicking here

This site gives you info to the top 10 best paying and highest paying GPT sites PLUS a way you can earn minutes on a FREE CALLING CARD!

Check it out soon!

Hello Everyone! Time to make some summer money!

One great way to make money while you are cooling off from that summer heat is to take surveys and do short offers online. cashle.com can help you do just that PLUS you get money just for signing up FOR FREE!

I didn't get up at 4am to watch the wedding, but there are repeats.
I just wanted to post the picture of the Balcony kiss.

A Biblically Shaped Way of Life!: "Permissible" Session #1: Drinking Wine

Thanks Chris!

A Biblically Shaped Way of Life!: "Permissible" Session #1: Drinking Wine: "One day on Facebook I happened to read Mark Driscoll’s status update. He said something about Christians drinking alcoholic beverages. The c..."

Revamping the old blogstead

A big hello to everyone! I pray everyone is in good health and seeking the Will of God this day. If you follow my blog, you will notice a few changes. I "remodeled" my blog to pay tribute to some of our founding church fathers and early missionaries of the 18th century... Each day, I will try to blog about each of the men I found to be a remarkable tool for the cause of Christ. I pray I do justice to them.

In the center is David Brainerd, a man who had a passion for Native American souls. He traveled up and down the Delaware river and was always in constant danger from native American attacks. One story I find extremely fascinating is the story of David Brainerd and the rattlesnake--Unknown to Brainerd, his every move was being watched by warriors who had been sent out to kill him.
F.W. Boreham recorded the incident:

"But when the braves drew closer to Brainerd's tent, they saw the paleface (Brainerd) on his knees. And as he prayed, suddenly a rattlesnake slipped to his side, lifted up its ugly head to strike, flicked its forked tongue almost in his face, and then without any apparent reason, glided swiftly away into the brushwood. 'The Great Spirit is with the paleface!' the Indians said; and thus they accorded him a prophet's welcome."

Although Brainerd was weak in body, he allowed God to use his life to reach many Native Americans for Christ. He died of tuberculosis at the age of twenty-nine in 1747. Jonathan Edwards preached the funeral sermon and published the diary which David had kept.

Last year, I read that diary and my life was better for it. I found a link to his diary and you can read it here.

It's time we study these great men of faith--the men who kept the same faith Abraham had. If God doesn't change, the power that fell upon these men is ours as well; we just need to repent, return, and restore our fellowship with God! Have you spoken to Him today? He is waiting to hear from you--without prayer, God's power will not fall on you, your ministry, and ultimately, this country as it was a few centuries ago!

May God bless your day!

~Stacy~
Revelation 2:5 "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."