Sunday, November 10, 2013

#RoseVoxBox #Influenster #InfluensterVox


I got a Rose VoxBox from Influenster and am super excited about the things inside!!

Kiss Gradation Polishes
I re-did my nails the day after I got the box because I was curious about trying these polishes.  The packaging recommends a three-step process, which I've documented in the photo above (top right, bottom left, then bottom right).  The only thing I didn't do was add the glitter polish (#3) to all my nails--I prefer an accent nail, so it's on my thumb.  Plus, glittery polish is such a bitch to take off.  This produced an ombre type nail and was really easy to do.  I'll definitely be using these more in combination with my other polishes (which are many).  
One week later, there is more chipping than typically present with better polishes (OPI, etc.), so I'd say it's good but not great.

BelVita Breakfast Biscuits: Cinnamon Brown Sugar
(the photo is from the BelVita website)
I ate these this morning as a pre-lunch snack.  They are appetizing and portable, but easy to break.  They came packaged in bubble wrap but one of my biscuits was a little broken.  That would be the only shortcoming for these, which seem to be marketed as a sort of breakfast on the go thing: they would definitely get crushed into 1,000 crumbs in my purse.  Anyway, they are touted to have grains and provide "nutritious, steady energy all morning."  Well, I don't know about all morning, but they are a good snack to have on hand.

Lindt Lindor Truffles
I love these things, VoxBox or not.  It was just the icing on top of the free stuff cake to get one of these truffles!  They are definitely one of the smoothest store-bought, widely available truffles and are always pretty affordable.  Yummm.

Dr. Scholl's® For Her Cozy Cushions™
Dr. Scholls Cozy Cushions
These shoe inserts are really plush and thick.  They will be perfect to put in my boots and less waterproof shoes!  It'll protect my socks from the water that seeps in the bottom when I step in particularly large puddles, and also be cushy for my long walking commutes.

Rimmel ScandalEyes Retro Glam
This mascara turned out to be pretty good.  The large brush made it easy to spread the mascara on my upper lashes, but I found it hard to use on my lower lashes because it was so unwieldy.  It was pretty long lasting and gives a decent curl, as well as adding volume.  I don't really get the whole "retro" look, because it doesn't do any of that.

The products in this VoxBox were all really good quality.  I'm happy I had the chance to try them!

Monday, November 4, 2013

On Barkbox (October)


This Barkbox was not as full as they usually are, but there are some pretty good items in here.

American Dog Toys: Fetch & Glow Ball
Arwen was excited to play with this ball, but I managed to get a photo of her with it.  It glows in the dark, which will be very useful when she is all riled up at night and I ask, "Where's your toy?  Go get your toy" so she stops jumping on me to play with her when I'm trying to sleep.

West Paw: Bumi Toy
This toy is the perfect shape for playing tug-of-war with a pup.  It's also eco-friendly (recyclable!), non-toxic, and locally made.  We don't play in the water much, but the description says it floats.

[not pictured, but it's bottom right in my top photo]
Baker's Best Autumn Harvest Goat Liver Treats
Oddly, I couldn't find out where to purchase these treats (or find a stock photo) of them online.  I let Arwen try one of these gluten-free treats made with goat liver, oat flour, pumpkin, brown rice flour, ground flaxseed, shredded carrot, dried cranberry, and blackstrap molasses (whew).  She really liked it and is jumping on me now to try and get more as I type the ingredients off the bag.

Fruitables Dog Treats
Fruitables share pack
This is an adorable idea and I love that Barkbox included these, but I didn't end up sharing these little doggie Halloween treats at all.  The better for Arwen, I suppose, as she gobbles up all the different flavors.  I like that these are all-natural and good for dogs with food sensitivities (no corn, wheat, or soy).

[not pictured, but it's the little stick in the top middle of the photo]
Etta Says Rabbit Chew
Again, not found via photo online, but Etta Says treats are usually a hit in our home.  Arwen was eagerly sniffing this rabbit chew, but like any other long-term treat, would probably be best with owner supervision.

On Barkbox (September)

This month's Barkbox seemed to be all about the long-term treats..which is FANTASTIC because we haven't been able to find anything that is good for Arwen AND lasts long enough!!


All I can say is don't make the same mistake I did and give your dog the Barkworthies tendon first.  Arwen was just nonstop chasing me around and sniffing for the treat after I took it from her.

Our Pet's IQ Treat Ball
This was the second treat I tried to give to Arwen.  She's not too interested in puzzle treats, but this one did occupy her for quite a while.  I filled it with her favorite Zuke's mini roasted chicken naturals and slid the opening into a smaller hole.  Halfway through her play session I decided to widen it because honestly, she's not one of those clever dogs who figures toys out quickly.  The write up recommends you put your dog's meal in here...maybe we'll try it this weekend to slow her down a little bit.

Superior Farms Venison Ears
We haven't had a chance to try these yet (seriously the box came in 20 minutes ago).  The write up says they are minimally processed, cleaned, rinsed, and dried (no added chemicals).  This sounds perfect!!  I do recommend supervision while dogs are chewing on things like this (e.g., rawhide).

Barkworthies Angus tendon
Arwen is fanatical about this treat now.  I pulled it away from her once I realized how long-term this treat is!  Sometimes we're entertaining guests and just want her to sit off on her own (i.e., we are eating food and she is going crazy).  This is one of those treats that would entertain her.

Wagatha's Organic Dog Biscuits
We got the Tuscan pizza flavor, and Arwen is a fan.  They smell pretty good, so the only drawback is that you shouldn't give them to your dog when you're hungry.

Vetra Care Pet Liquid Bandage
Thankfully, I haven't had the need/opportunity to use this yet, but I am happy to have a veterinary item in here to fall back on.  I know Arwen sometimes chews her foot or gets rubbed a little raw by her collar in the winter, so I'll definitely use this at those times.  

On Puppy-sitting

Some fantastic photos from our puppy sitting weekend with Lola, a full beagle.  Arwen was so excited that she could barely stay still for a photo!  They snuggled all the time.