Vocal Point Surprise!!

I just wrote a few posts about how to get free stuff.  Read it HERE.  One of the companies that I mentioned is Vocal Point.   Vocal Point is an interactive, online community where the best brands are featured.  There are places to explore, write reviews, talk to people who like the same things and products you do and much more! The more you are involved, the more you get out of it!  Plus they are still updating the site and adding new features every few weeks so keep checking in, as I do.

I recently inquired as to how I could get more involved.  I wrote to Heather, the online manager and went about my day.  I told her about myself and what I was looking to achieve and of course let her know about the blog.

A few days later.........

I had no idea what it could be since I really keep track of most of the things I am waiting for since I have to provide feedback all the time!

Then I opened it and this is what I saw :)

Can you believe it!?!!??!!?  That was such a sweet, kind gesture and really made my day.  I have gotten overwhelming support on my blog and this was just amazing! Plus us bloggers need to stick together because it is tough out there, or out here or in here.....you know what I mean :)

And here is what she sent me.....

Not a shabby gift at all!

My favorite part, Let's go over the items :)

First thing I was most excited about was the Downy UnStopables In Scent Wash Boosters.  These are amazing. I have used them and the Gain ones before and they really make a difference in how long clothes smell fresh.  Plus I don't think they are too perfumey and overpowering.

Tide Pods.  These are really nice and make laundry super simple with this triple duty cleanser.

GAIN Dish Soap.  I haven't used their dish soap before but am happy with their laundry products so happy to try this out!

How did she know I use clinical strength deodorant? Hmmm....I used to only use Dove and swore by it because it was my favorite cucumber scent.  But I did receive a sample of Secret Clinical Strength before and once I tried it it worked just as good! Plus it is cheaper!  I don't sweat nearly as much and never have marks on my clothes.

Ah, nail polish to add to my ever growing collection.  I have never used Cover Girl nail polish before but the color is perfect for summer.

CoverGirl Blast Flipstick is also new to me. There is both an evening and day color which is nice.

Vidal Sassoon Moisture Pro Series Shampoo and Conditioner.  I may end up adding this to a giveaway only because I am a sulfate free snob now :) My hair hasn't had sulfates in months so I am afraid to use them.



Again, I was so happy to receive this gift from Vocal Point and it definitely got me excited about upcoming programs with them!

Sign up today with the links provided so you can start enjoying them too!

Have a great day!!

How to Get Freebies, Part Deuce

I recently wrote a post about how to get a bunch of wonderful freebies in the mail (read it HERE).  It was a huge hit and everyone loved learning about all the new sites and ways to get them.

So today, I have a few more sites to introduce you to.  As we all know, I love everything about beauty so I also thought I would share how to join some beauty panels and get the chance to review other types of products, too.  And remember, not all of these sites are geared towards beauty alone. There are tons of other categories.

Here goes :)

First up is Swaggable.  Create an account with Facebook and go through each category, choosing which items you "Want". When they become available to try for free, you will get an email.  Simple as that.  When you get the email and accept, the item gets mailed to you and you just return to the site and provide your feedback.  Once you do that, they show you friends based on your Facebook list that they think might like to try the same product.  You can then choose several of your friends to send the product to!  I love that feature. I am currently waiting on my second sample from them.

Did you know our grocery websites have free samples? Yep!  Target,Walmart and Kmart all have sample centers and you don't need to create an account either.

Also, Proctor & Gamble allow you to get samples quarterly throughout the year.  They change all the time, too.  Create an account and go to samples and offers to see what is available to you!

PopSugar Sample Squad is where you can sample and review free products.  You do need to create an online account and check the site periodically.  I just have them on my favorites bar and check in once in awhile.

Next is Vocal Point.  This is an interactive community where providing feedback on products and engaging with other members, can help you score free stuff! I will be doing a post after this one showing all the stuff they sent me just for wishing me luck on my blog!

SheSpeaks is similar to Vocal Point.  Another interactive community where the more you do on the site, the more things they will ask you to participate in!  If you have a blog, you can also apply to be part of their blogger community.  There is also a deals and offers page which is updated frequently to tell you about available freebies!

The Pink Panel allows you to try out beauty related products and provide your feedback.  You do need to submit an application and they will contact you via email.  Please make sure you use my name (Brooke Miano) as the referring member so it helps us both out!

L'Oreal USA does the same.  Submit an application and they will contact you via email and let you know if there are any products to test :)

Montagne Jeunesse is an all natural company has tons of face masks that are wonderful and pampering.  You can join their beauty panel and get to try out new products! Fill out the application and they will contact you :)

All You Reality Checkers is an online community based off of their magazine.  An interactive site where not only can you get free products, you can win contests and be featured in the magazine!

GlamSpotters is affiliated with Glamour magazine and this panel is for fashion forward beauty lovers! Complete an application and they will contact you to try out free stuff and answer surveys!

Allure Beauty Enthusiasts is affiliated with Allure magazine.  Complete an application for a chance to be contacted to try out new products.

House Party is a really neat concept.  Create an online profile and search through to look for programs you may be interested in.  This is not just for beauty, this is for games, kids, food, etc. You apply to host a party at home and they will send you all the stuff for that particular brand. I have applied to 3 parties so far and am waiting to hear back.  Chatterbox is also on the site and allows you to still get products and talk about them without having to have the house party.

Phew!!  Wow that was a lot and I can't believe I do all of them plus the ones on the other post.  But it is worth it and it is fun! In addition to samples and full size products, I usually get coupons so I am saving money all the time and my hubby sure likes that :)

Let me know if you have any questions or post a comment below!

Have a great day!

DIY Glitter Mugs & Mason Jars Tutorial

Good morning!!  This weekend was super busy and we also have a new addition to the family! A new puppy, Shelby.  Her mama stopped nursing her so we saved her and officially have a newborn in the house! Late nights and bottle feedings have been consuming us and we love it even though we are missing out on some sleep :)

During times the puppy was down, I was able to pop out a few crafts and wanted to share.  This is a super simple yet beautiful craft that can also be a wonderful gift!

Here we go....DIY Glitter Mugs & Mason Jars Tutorial :)

First, let's get the supplies....

• Mason Jars
• Coffee Mugs
• Glitter
• Foam Brushes
• Painters Tape
• Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge

For the glitter, I strongly recommend Martha Stewarts Florentine glitter.  It is very very fine and adheres very well.  I used that for the glitter mugs (you can get an entire kit from Darby Smart HERE but remember to first sign up HERE and get $10 off your first order!!) and regular glitter for the mason jars.  I will only be hand washing the mason jars because of that.

I have a few "optional" items in here that can be used if you choose.  Like sharpies and stickers.  For the coffee mugs, if you do decide to use sharpies, that would be the first step.  You need to bake them in the oven so you don't want the glitter on if you do that.  Also, I recommend using oil based Sharpies and washing them by hand.  I had made one for my sister in law without using oil based but never heard if it washed off so I did some more testing on my own.  Make sure you are using a clean, dry mug.  So, after you doodle on them bake them in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes and let them cool.  The stickers would be treated the same way as the tape, which I will show you below.

Here is the star of the show!!

Dishwasher safe Mod Podge! I am in heaven and am going to glitter everything :)

Okay, down to business. Here are my mugs and mason jars.

Again, make sure they are clean and dry.

If you are going to do designs on them, you can free hand or tape off the areas that you want. I think painters tape works best.

Make sure to get under and around all handles and lids.

Lay out some newspaper or coffee filters.  I like the coffee filters and only buy them for crafting as I can easily pour the fallen glitter back into the container to reuse.  Then take your foam brush and paint on a thin layer of mod podge.  Quickly sprinkle the glitter all over the wet areas, evenly.

Let dry upside down for 5 minutes.  Then apply a second coat of mod podge by dabbing the brush on the mug.  You don't want to wipe off or mess up the glitter you already applied as it will still be damp.  Sprinkle on a second coat of glitter.  If you want to add more coats, keep allowing to dry for 5 minutes in between each coat.  I then let them dry upside down overnight. Before you set them to dry overnight, make sure to remove the tape and/or stickers slowly and carefully so it does not mess up the glitter. Do not put them in the dishwasher for 28 days as they need time to cure.

Now you can get crazy with different types of designs or cover the entire mug or mason jar!

TA DA!!

I have another mason jar I am still deciding on how to decorate.  Plus I also want to do some more mugs for gifts this year but don't want to spoil the surprises here!!  These are perfect for an outdoor summer party or just to feel fancy with your coffee and tea in the morning :)

Have you ever made a craft like this before?

If you decide to, please share your pictures with us as we would love to see them!

Have a great day!!

HAIR-Part One

Yesterday I got my hair done.....aaaahhhhhhh, I wish they offered a service where you could just come in and have them wash and play with your hair.  That is the most relaxing part of the visit and I could just fall asleep in the sink bowl :)

I recently started my Allure Sample Society monthly beauty subscription (see unboxing here) and am also on their panel of beauty reviewers and get their magazine.  So today I wanted to talk about some hair basics on hair products that I learned from Allure and from other reputable places.  Maybe somethings you already knew or have been dying to know, so I want to sum them up here for you!

First, let's talk about brushes.

Here are 6 of the most common brushes and what they should and should not be used for.

Oval Cushion Brush

This brush is best for detangling dry hair, teasing and adding shine.  It is not for wet hair.  GET IT HERE.

Wooden Round Brush

This brush is best for smoothing and adding body (blow-out).  It is not for styling blunt bangs.  GET IT HERE.

Ceramic Round

This brush is best for straightening hair, especially bangs and cowlicks.  This is not for fine or fragile hair.  GET IT HERE.

Paddle Brush

This brush is best for detangling wet hair.  It is not a brush that will last forever though as the round tips so tend to fall off after awhile.  GET IT HERE.

Now let's talk about flat irons.  I used to use my flat iron every day.  Now that I learned how to properly blow dry my hair, I hardly ever pick it up and if I do it is just for my bangs on maybe 2nd day hair. We will talk about how to do a proper blow out in another post :) I know it looks like I have straight hair, and I do, but not at my hair line.  If I were to let my hair air dry (oh, the horror!), only the hair on my hair line would get super kinky and curly.  The rest I can get some wave in but not all around my head so I have had to use flat irons before :)

1. The most common mistake people make when using flat irons is turning the temperature up as high as it will go.  Maybe you think it will make it straighter? Or make it straighten quicker?? No!  All you are doing is burning your hair and that is a horrible smell that will stay with you all day, even if you don't smell it anymore. Even if you have coarse curly hair, you should not be exceeding 400 degrees.  350 is enough.

2. Next would be not using protection.  You should always be applying some time of heat protector in your hair from the roots to the tips.

3. Don't go over the same section of hair over and over.  You only need to go over a section of hair one time. Make sure you are using small sections and not large ones so that you are getting even coverage.  Especially if you have the heat up too high, you will get lines on your hair from the flat iron.

4. Don't flat iron wet hair.  Just like burning it with too high of a temp, you can burn your hair just as bad, if not worse, when it is wet.  Besides, it doesn't look good :)

5. Don't make your hair "flat as a board",  when you get down towards the end of your hair, make sure you are turning your wrist to get some curl and added body to your hair.

Click HERE for a listing of the 7 best flat irons.

Next up are the 5 best hair products for curly and straight hair.

For Curly Hair:

1. Ouidad Playcurl Volumizing Foam-Builds body and boosts curls to make your locks more luxurious looking

2. DevaCurl No-Poo Zero Lather Cleanser-Sulfate free Shampoo!! Reveals healthier curls

3. L'O'real EverCurl HydraCharge Condtioner-Sulfate free Conditioner! Reduces frizz and adds shine

4. John Freida Ease Unwind Curls Calming Creme-Frizz fighter and can also be used to air dry hair

5. Redken Curvaceous Full Swirl Serum-Seals in moisture and adds shine

For Fine Hair:

1. Living Proof Full Volume Shampoo & Conditioner-Sulfate Free Shampoo & Conditioner and starts preparing your hair for volume in the shower

2. Living Proof Full Thickening Cream-This adds volume and makes hair thicker, only need a little

3. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hair Spray-lifts hair and protects from heat and adds volume

4. Rusk Texture Dry Finishing Spray-Injects fullness yet keeps hair moveable and full (My personal #1 favorite!!!)

5. It's a 10 Miracle Shine Serum-adds shine but is not heavy on already fine hair



As the title says, this is only part one.  There are plenty more topics to talk about.

What is your favorite hair product?

Anything specific that you would like to know or another product recommendation?

Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!!

FRIDAY FLASH GIVEAWAY!!!

TGIF ya'll!!  I am so glad that it is Friday as I am going to see the wonderful Blake Shelton & The Band Perry tomorrow night at Wrigley Field!!

Soooooo, I wanted to do something special today and just have a quick flash giveaway :)

Today I will be giving away a full size REVLON Bold Lacquer mascara, along with a coupon for a future purchase!!

I still plan on doing a larger Beauty Giveaway at 200 likes so keep your peepers open for that :)

Also, there seem to be some technical problems with Rafflecopter today and I have emailed them. The contest will start at 9 am (CT) and end at 4 pm (CT).  I had to show it ends tomorrow in order for it to work.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

10 "Other" Monthly Subscription Boxes for under $30

Ya'll know about the beauty and craft monthly subscriptions boxes that I do each month.  And even though you like to see the unboxings and find out where to get the items, they may not be your cup of tea.

Sooooo, I found 10 other unique monthly subscription services that may appeal to you and your lifestyle or you just found a great giftable box for the person who has everything!

I surely don't want to spend more than $30 a month on something (unless it is valued at over $100 in products), so I thought maybe you didn't either.  I also had some people asking me what other types of subs are out there.

So here goes!!

The first one is My Cotton Bunny.  This is a monthly subscription that bundles your choice of feminine hygiene products with goodies to get you through your visit with Aunt Flow!! My girlfriend just did her review on her box this month.  Read it HERE.  Okay, personally, I think this is a pretty awesome box. It is $16 a month and comes with stuff to stuff your face and make you feel pretty, along with feminine hygiene products :)

For the perfume lover, Olfactif.  I know that for me, I LOVE getting my perfume samples in my beauty boxes each month.  So for $18 a month, you get 3 different samples that are 2.25 ml in a spray vial.  That equals about 15-20 uses.  Plus you get a credit towards a full size purchase.

Next up is for the dog lover, BarkBox.  Each month you will get a box with 4 or more carefully selected products (i.e. toys, treats, cleaners and more!).  It is $19 a month and 10% of the proceeds for each box go to a rescue group.  That is superb!!!

For the cat lover, WhiskerKits.  It is $29 a month and 10% of each box also goes to rescue groups.  Each box comes with 5-6 goodies, treats and toys.

For the young kiddos, there is CitrusLane.  Your box comes with 4 or more products specific to your childs age and stage and is $29 a month.

For the older kiddos, there is Kiwi Crate.  A monthly sub is $19.95 (plus shipping and handling) and comes with all materials and inspiration for up to 3 activities to do with your child.  There is a new theme every month.

For the foodies, there is Blue Apron.  This box starts at $9.99 per person, per meal and comes with fresh seasonal ingredients, low calorie meal recipes and can be done weekly.

UrthBox is a snacking box but can be gluten free, vegan or diet and is organic and GMO free.  It is $19 a month and is up to 30 items at a time.  That's a lot!

How about a personal shopper box? That is what Stitch Fix is.  Create your style and get 5 hand picked items.  Keep all or none and send back what you don't want, for free.  The styling fee is $20 a month and will be applied towards whatever items you keep.  If you keep all 5, you will get 25% off your entire order and they also let you choose a budget.

For the Gamers, there is Loot Crate.  Only $13.37 (plus shipping and handling) for up to $40 in items (retail value).  They have a theme each month (this month is Villians and use that code for 10% off)  and come with gear, collectibles, tech gadgets, games, accessories, and more.  Check out past boxes.

Now there are TONS of monthly subscriptions, as they have really caught on over the past couple of years, but if you are looking for something specific, let me know and I can get you information!  I myself love finding new ones!

What other subscriptions do you do?

I'd love to know in the comments below!

Remember, I will be having another giveaway at 200 likes on my Facebook page, so like HERE!!

Have a great day!!

Simple Skincare Line Reviews

courtesy of Simple website

As you know, I am the Queen of free samples.  Quite a few months ago, I received a free sample of a lotion from a brand called Simple.  I had never heard of them before.  Growing up, I had always seen my mother using Oil of Olay, so when I started buying my own moisturizers, that was my go to product.  :)

But once I tried Simple, everything changed for me.  I used to have combination skin but as I get older (ugh yes it is happening whether I like it or not), my skin is turning more oily and less combination....so finding a skincare line that won't turn my face into a major oil slick is very important to me.

After I tried the moisturizer and saw how it made my skin look both with and without makeup, I was hooked....so I researched the entire line.  Here is a snippet from their website and you can read more HERE.

ABOUT US

Simple® is a complete range of facial skincare products perfect even for sensitive skin. The Simple® brand knows that what is left out is as important as what is put in when it comes to gentle, yet effective skincare. The complete Simple® range has 18 products, including cleansers, moisturizers, eye care, and wipes. All Simple® products have no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh irritants that can upset skin and contain skin-loving ingredients and added vitamins for natural, healthy-looking skin. Simple® products are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and pH balanced. Simple® is sold in all mass retailers, drug stores, grocery stores and online for a suggested retail price of $5.00 - $13.00.

I knew I wanted to stop using toners that were made of alcohol and other harsh products that were stripping my skin and burning my skin and knew this was the new line for me.

Here are the products I use when I can't afford my Caudalie :)

This is the perfect at night moisturizer.  It is nice and rich but skins right into your skin and you wake up still hydrated. $9.97 at Walmart.

This is the perfect day moisturizer for under your makeup.  It is a gel and is cooling when you put it on, so that really helps in the morning :) $9.97 at Walmart.

The cleansing wipes are perfect for those nights you can't make it to the sink or before tanning or a work out (yeah we know which one I use them for)! $5.79 at Walgreens.  They also have wipes in exfoliating!

I also love the Exfoliating Cleanser ($7.29 at Walgreens), Soothing Toner ($7.29 at Walgreens) and the Eye Makeup remover ($7.29 at Walgreens).

Here are all of the products that they offer.  You can find them at ULTA , Walgreens, CVS and Walmart.

I have gotten a lot of my friends to already switch based on my reviews of them (and the love it, too) so I hope if you are in the market that this will be something that you will try.  You can also create an account on their website for coupons or specials and they do send out free products for testing once in a while, too!! Creating an account online will also let you fill out a questionnaire to help you determine which products would be best for you.

I was in no way compensated for this review :)

Just wanted to share the good stuff with ya'll.

What skin care products are you currently using?

Will you try Simple?

Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!!