Influenster Reviews

A few months ago, I signed up to be a product tester at Influenster.com. Every month they send out a VoxBox to active members who have earned whatever badge is required for that months VoxBox. A VoxBox is a themed package of products for members to review. Back in August I was emailed that I qualified for a Summer Naturals VoxBox, and below are my reviews of the products I received with links to where you can purchase the item if you wish.

Avalon Organics Nourishing Organic Lip Balm
Instructions: Not Applicable
Variety: Soothing Cherry Aloe
My Review: Not waxy or oily like other lip balms. I wasn’t entirely pleased with getting the cherry flavor as I’m not a fan of cherries but you can’t really taste it. I’ve had other lip balms where you could definitely taste the flavors so that was nice. I also really like that I can put this lip balm on and not need to apply more for hours!
The Verdict: 4 Stars.

derma e Very Clear Cleansing Scrub
Instructions: “Apply a small amount to wet or dry skin and gently massage in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.”
My Review: I don’t like the beads in this, or any other face wash, but they don’t bother me near as much as I thought they would in this product. My skin also feels incredibly soft after cleansing with this. Did it clear up my skin? I think it has, but I don’t know that I’ve used to long enough to notice a real difference yet. I’ll keep you updated.
The Verdict: 3 Stars.

Food Should Taste Good All Natural Tortilla Chips
Instructions: Not Listed.
Variety: Multigrain
My Review: I am a huge picky eater, and when I saw these included nuts and sunflower seeds I was terrified to open the bag. I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of putting these in my mouth and immediately vomiting but I knew I had an obligation so I got some salsa ready and opened the bag. Slowly I lifted a chip to my lips and took a small nibble. Oh my! These were much tastier than I anticipated. There was no nutty or grainy flavor to them and I even ate half the bag without needing any salsa. I would very much love to try some of their other flavors, like Jalapeno, so I will have to keep a lookout for this brand on my next shopping trip.
The Verdict: 5 Stars.

HALO Snack Bar by ProBar
Instructions: Not Applicable
Variety: Honey Graham
My Review: This was another food product I was terrified of but I enjoyed the chips so I figured the odds were pretty good. I was wrong--this thing was horrible! It tasted like chewy cardboard and I wasn’t able to get past the first bite. I don’t know if this would be different with any of their other flavors but I don’t think I’ll be risking it.
The Verdict: 1 Star.

JASON Naturals Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap
Instructions: “Pump soap into hands. Wash hands as usual. Rinse thoroughly.”
Variety: Soothing Aloe Vera
My Review: This bottle is huge! As someone who washes her hands quite a bit throughout the day, I was excited to see if there would be a difference between this and my usual soap. There definitely is--JASON Pure Hand Soap leaves my hands feeling softer and much cleaner after washing. I also didn’t have any issues with my hands feeling dry and tight like I normally do which cut down on how often I felt I needed to wash my hands.
The Verdict: 4 Stars.

Juice Beauty Conditioning Lip Color
Instructions: “Glide over bare lips for an instant kiss of color. Finish with Reflecting Gloss.”
Variety: Organic Fig
My Review: I don’t wear lipstick, or makeup, on a regular basis. I haven’t actually been able to test this product out yet as it isn’t a product I remember to use and review.
The Verdict: Not available.

The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Anti-gingivitis Rinse
Instructions: “Shake well before use. Adults and children 12 and over: Rinse with 20mL (2/3 ounce) twice a day for 30 seconds, then spit out. Do not swallow. Children 6-12 years old: Supervise use. Children under 6: Consult a doctor or dentist.”
Variety: Peppermint Twist
My Review: My dentist recommended using a mouthwash ages ago, but I hate using ones with alcohol in them. This doesn’t have that so I was eager to try it out--and while I’m not a huge fan of peppermint I do like it. It wasn’t until I poured the proper dosage in the cup that I realized this product also contains aloe, and you’re putting it in your mouth! Guess that plant is more versatile than I thought. The smell was a little off-putting but I figured I’d be fine since you’re not supposed to swallow mouthwash anyway. I’m not sure if I was right or wrong on this one. While the taste wasn’t the most pleasurable I don’t know that I hated it and according to other reviews of The Natural Dentist Rinse it is one you get used to after continued use. We’ll see. I know my mouth did feel cleaner after using and I’ll be sure to let you all know what my dentist says at my end of October appointment. I’m hoping for good news!
The Verdict: 3 Stars.

WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner
Instructions: “Rinse hair thoroughly, then apply 10-15 pumps of WEN to your palms and rub together. More, for longer and thicker hair. Apply to your scalp, massaging vigorously, and add a splash of water to create a foaming effect. WEN has no detergents or Sodium Laurel Sulfate so it won’t lather. Massage vigorously for 1-3 minutes, for maximum conditioning. Comb through and rinse hair thoroughly, massaging scalp and running fingers through to the ends. Apply a small amount as a leave-in condition, if desired.”
Variety: Sweet Almond Mint
My Review: I’ve never seen a conditioner with this many instructions for use. I’m pretty sure every conditioner I’ve ever used in the past just instructs me to wash my hair with shampoo and then conditioner and rinse. This far more comprehensive, and doesn’t say anything about using shampoo beforehand! From what I’ve gathered by other online reviews, you’re not supposed to so I haven’t. And my hair stills feels clean afterward. For days at a time. With my traditional shampoo and conditioner that feeling lasts for about a day and half. WEN has extended that feeling for four days. (I did shower within four days, I just didn’t have to wash my hair.) I’m really impressed with this product and am sad it costs more than I can afford to buy on a regular basis. One other note--I didn’t need 10-15 pumps of conditioner as listed in the instructions. 3-5 pumps worked just fine on my fine, oily hair.
The Verdict: 4 Stars.

*Each link is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Why I Want to Work From Home

I suppose my first post on this blog should answer the obvious question, "Why do you want to work from home?" I've listed a few of my reasons below, in no particular order.

1. I can start and stop working when I want or need to. No answering to an alarm clock or corporate schedule that says I must be at work at a certain hour.

2. I won't have to pick up the slack of lazy coworkers who try and distract everyone around them from doing their jobs.

3. There isn't anyone looking over my shoulder making sure I do everything to their standards, which is sometimes impossible.

4. Less face to face interaction. I'm an introvert. Anyone who has met this gal in person can attest to that. I'm much more comfortable with the written word and prefer communicating via email, Facebook and commenting on blogs/forums.

5. No commute. I won't have to face a long commute or worry about how I'm going to get to work everyday. I don't have a car right now and it seems that bus doesn't go where the jobs actually are in my area. In the off chance that it does, the companies will state that they're not hiring anyone who doesn't have to rely on the bus to get to work. (I may write some more on that topic at a later date...)

Why do you want to work from home? If you already do, what made you want to?