Influenster Sugar and Spice VoxBox 2013- The First Impression

So Just in case you didn't know, I'm a member of Influenster.  It's a great site that allows you access to some of the newest, greatest and best products, ahead of, well, everyone.  If you're an influencer and want to join, go to the comment tab above and let me know!  Be sure to leave your email, and I'll send you an invite!  I only have 2 invites left!!!
The VoxBox is coveted...  I mean COVETED!  Everyone wants them, but select few get them.  This month, I was one of those few.  I was SOOOOO excited to see that email in my inbox...
And even more excited to receive my VoxBox in the mail.  (it's cute to hear my son say it.. boxbox..hehe)

So here's what was inside....

COLGATE!!!  Inside was a full size package of each of the following: 
Colgate Optic White Toothpaste, Mouthwash, and Toothbrush. According to Colgate, using each for just 5 days will give you a whiter smile... Let's see!!

Next on the list was Dickinson's® Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes.  Let me say, I loved these!!  I immediately grabbed one out (had to close the box for the picture I was so excited!) and wiped my face.  It was a great clean, without that dry feeling...  You know that feeling....  I love that they removed the dirt & oil (just got off work) and left me feeling fresh!

Now, I've not been much for sweeteners, but I do love sweet, so I'm excited to try these next ones...
Splenda's Nectresse.  They say it tastes just like sugar, but has ZERO calories per serving!!  100% all natural... it's primarily made from monk fruit & natural sweeteners.  (going to google now to look up monk fruit!)

Next out of the box were belVita's Breakfast Biscuit. They are a good source of Fiber and B-vitamins, contain no high fructose corn syrup, and have 18-20 grams of whole grain per 50 gram serving.  I remembered to take the picture before I opened them up... then I dove in.  Now, let me say, I was not expecting much... perhaps that's because I'm not really a health-food nut, but they did NOT taste like the cardboard things of the past!!!  These were amazingly good.  So good, in fact, that I ate them sitting at McDonalds...while my husband and child ate a burger!!  (I LOVE burgers!!!)  They were delicious!!!

Oh... Right now, Safeway has them on sale!!!  I'm heading there tomorrow to buy more!

Last, but NOT least, Vaseline® Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture® is a continuous spray lotion that moisturizes and absorbs in seconds. Skin feels instantly soft – not sticky or greasy. 

So I immediatly sprayed it on my husband's hands.  My husband is African American, so, with very dark hands, if he doesn't lotion often, he get's that "ashy" look, and you can TELL.  I had him try it out, and you could see the difference.  The first thing he said, was that it did not have the 'greasy' feeling that many lotions have, that lead him to discard them within minutes.  He was really excited about the fact that his hands weren't greasy.  I can't wait to try this on my jeans...you know the pair... the one's you need a forklift & jackhammer to squeeze into... well with this, you shouldn't!

So... I'll let you know how they go.. In the meanwhile... Have you tried any of these?  What do you think?

Disclosure:  I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  Are you an influencer?  Do you like trying new things?  I've got 3 invites left (Influenster is invite only!!!)   If you think you have what it takes, go to the 'comment' tab above, and tell me... be sure to leave your contact information, and I'll send you a special invite!!

Will Your Child Come Home With All Their Stuff From Summer Camp?

Lovable Labels are my BEST friends when it comes to keeping my son L.S.'s things with him...  what can you do besides tie their stuff to them?  I mean, really?  The lost and found at my son's school is OVERFLOWING... Personally, I notice when my son's coat doesn't come home...
But as a volunteer at the school, one of the things that I do is go through and try to match clothing with kid.  That's difficult when there is no label or name or anything to identify it... so...it sits.

Well Lovable Labels stops all that!!!  

Their labels are waterproof, dishwasher AND microwave safe, washer and dryer safe, sun safe, bleach safe, sunscreen safe and finally, temperature safe!!! 

Lovable Labels is offering a great discount on their already AWESOMELY (yes, I said it..awesomely!!!) priced Ultimate Camp Packs.

I know you're asking... What's an Ultimate Camp Pack? 

Well... Summer is nearly here, and you'll (hopefully) be sending your son or daughter off to 

summer camp.  For some of you, this may be a daily thing or others, it could be an 

overnight/week long thing (In my dreams)..

Either way, the last thing you want is your child coming home saying "I lost my_______."

And you know it wasn't labeled, so it'll never make it home.

With 8 great new designs, you child will have the perfect label to match their personality!!

Well that won't happen with Lovable Labels Ultimate Camp Packs!

They include TONS of labels and tags to label everything... twice!!!

Plus, the labels in the Ultimate Camp Packs are all dishwasher and microwave safe, washer and dryersafe, bleach safe, uv resistant,sunscreen safe, and waterproof

The Ultimate Camp Pack includes:

15 Sticker Labels
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40 Slimline Labels
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12 Shoe Labels
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72 Press n' Stick Clothing DOTS™
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2 Mini-Metal Tag (two 4” silver ball chain incld)
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12 Square Labels
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That's right... at over 150 labels, it's their best value... and it's discounted!!!

Want this great deal???

I know you do!!  It's simple... sign up for their newsletter to receive this EXCLUSIVE price!... that's it!!



So head on over to Lovable Labels, and see what's cookin'!



And from now, until April 23rd, you can get a 10% discount on anything else  (sorry... can't be combined with this sale) Simply use my special code MARIANNELB1

Cake Truffles by Flaky Baking Co -review

Who doesn't love cake?  It's a fixture in our lives.  From birthdays to weddings and everything in between, we all eat it.  It comes in different shapes and sizes, different flavors and frostings.

Well I got to review a GAME CHANGER!!! 

I'd like to introduce you to Cake Truffles by Flaky Baking Co.

These are delicious cake covered in decadent chocolate.  2 of my favorite things!!!

For my review, I recieved one of each of the following flavors:

Chocolate Cherry Cake Truffles:  Rich decadent chocolate cake-filled truffles with sweet maraschino pieces throughout. Covered in smooth dark chocolate.
Vanilla Coconut Cake Truffles: Sweet vanilla cake with coconut flakes mixed throughout coated in smooth white chocolate and topped with a sprinkle of coconut.
White Chocolate Mint Cake Truffles: Delicious moist mint-flavored dark chocolate cake with mint chocolate chunks throughout surrounded in sweet white chocolate.
Vanilla Sprinkle Cake Truffles: Sweet vanilla cake coated in smooth white chocolate and topped with multi-color sprinkles.

All of the flavors were intense and sweet, without being overbearing.

The chocolate cherry had just the right amount of cherry, and I LOVED that at the bottom, the chocolate covering had a nice chunk of chocolate... mmmm.  I love chocolate!!

The chocolate mint had chunks of mint (reminescent of Andes) making it oh-so-sweet!

They were all so decadent!!

My favorite one was the chocolate mint.

The Vanilla Sprinkles was my son's favorite!

Sound good?  I know!!  They offer them by the dozen, and for $15-18!!
Order today with my special code, and you can get FREE shipping!!!!!!  Simply order and use ALLDAY!

They also offer a "Truffle of the Month"

Six decadent cake truffles delivered to you every month! The flavor of the month will vary between brand new flavor combinations and classic favorites. All cake truffles are made fresh!

Benefits of joining the club include deep discounted price per truffle, you'll be the first to try new flavors, and discounts on custom orders!

Cake Truffle of the Month Club is also a great gift!

The 6-pc order ships on (or near) the first of every month. If you join the club after the 5th of the month, your first shipment will arrive the following month.

Price includes all 3-months and shipping & handling.

The Flaky Baking Co has generously offered 1 dozen truffles to one of my lucky fans!  I will start this giveaway the 26th!  You get to pick the flavor!!

Disclosure:

The Flaky Baking Co. sent me the 4 truffles I spoke about in exchange for writing this review.  I was under no obligation to provide a positive review (it happened that I did because they were awesome!)

The Ghost in Me -book review

I'm not a fast reader anymore, especially with a husband and kids, one being a child with special needs.

However, when you have a book, that's as good as The Ghost in Me, you tend to get stuck, reading, wanting more.  Every time you put it down, it draws you in.

I was allowed (yes, I say allowed.  You should feel priviledged to read this book) to read and review this book.

The Ghost in Me by Shaunda Kennedy Wenger

Myri Monaco has problems she doesn't know how to deal with:  a crush on her best friend's boyfriend, a mother who's dating her science teacher, and a "punishment" for a science project that lands her in auditions for the school play (the last place she wants to be).  But most girls don't have a ghost living at home who is willing to "trade places" whenever she's needed.
Will ghostly possession be an easy solution when problems collide? Or, will Myri lose everything to a ghost wanting to fulfill her own desires.

The book revolves around Myri and the 12yr old ghost that resides in her house, Wren.   Myri is what I would call socially inept.  She's scared of public speaking, and is forced to join the drama club after a science experiment 'mishap'.  (I'm not sure how to refer to headless-roaches!!!)  I don't want to spoil it for you, by giving you much more information....you'll just have to get the book yourself!!

The Ghost in Me is full of surprises, twists & turns.  It really makes you wonder.  While it is meant demographically for the teen market, I really enjoyed reading it, and anyone who enjoys a good "ghost" story, will absolutely love it.
I was amazed at how the author was able to bring me RIGHT back to middleschool.  Complete with the angst and dread!

I could feel the anxiety that Myri felt, I found myself trying to find my "energy ball" within, just as Mr. Diggs described to the class:
"Now, I'd like you to hold your hands in front of you, like you're holding a tennis ball." he says.  "Keep your palms facing each other, but don't let your hands touch."
... "Good, now close your eyes.  You should begin to feel a warmth sitting between your palms."

I could feel the intensity behind Roz's (Myri's best friend) fury when she "finds out" about Deuy and Myri:
"That it's YOU he's actually interested in.  You're dating.  Or were dating. People are taking bets to see which side wins out."
"Dating? We see each other at rehearsals."
"Close enough.  Especially since that's what he's calling it."
What HE's calling it?  Look, you don't understand.  This isn't what I planned.
"Yeah right.  Just like you didn't plan to land the leading role with him.  If I didn't know better, I'd think you had this whole thing worked out from the beginning."
"I didn't!"
She holds up a hand at my words, shuts her eyes tight. "Let me ask you this," she syas, her voice hissed.  "Just how much of you is really pulling the strings when it comes to Wren? Or, is that all an act, too?"

Want to read a little for yourself?  Read The Ghost in Me on Amazon.

Shaunda Wenger is the author of a 2011 KART Kids Book List Award, has written several books, including her newest, Reality Bites- Tales of a Half-Vampire.  You can find more information on her other books on her facebook page, and don't forget to follow her on twitter!!

Disclosure:  

Sandling All Day was provided with a copy of The Ghost in Me in order to review it.  I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Your opinions may differ.

DaddyScrubs Giveaway!!

You first read about it in my review, and now, you can get your own set of DaddyScrubs, the best in expectant father gifts!!

You'll get a set of official DaddyScrubs, in the color, size & font you prefer.  That's a $54.95 value, all yours!!

my son had to try it on...to be like daddy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The winner will be contacted, and must respond within 24 hours.

DaddyScrubs Review

I'm excited to be able to say that I had a chance to review the best in expectant father gifts. DaddyScrubs are the latest thing... Announce your impending fatherhood, wear them during the delivery, wear them on "casual Friday" or even to your babyshower.

As soon as I got the package, I opened it up, and had my husband put them on.  The pants are drawstring, so they fit a little different than normal pants, and were a bit big for him.  The fabric itself was soft and comfortable. So comfortable that I ended up wearing the top around the house for a while.  One feature of the pants that is SUCH a great idea is the way the drawstrings cross over eachother, making for an easy pull closure (vs them being through the holes like sweats, they come out the opposite holes) you can cinch them tight without having to pull hard.

                    

 

The shirt is well made, however because it’s a scrub top, the neck doesn’t stretch, which could make it difficult to get over your head.  Something to think about when sizing. The pants are also very well made, with soft stitching (read: doesn't itch!)

They are made with a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, making for a smooth wear that doesn't feel like you're wearing your grandma's pants.

I would suggest double checking the size chart prior to buying.  My husband normally wears a 3x in sweats, but the 3x was really big on him... I think a 2x might have worked. 

The set I got for him, Navy "Edgy" Blue is really perfect.  The writing is a really cool font that is much more 'youthful' than the normal font.  It also has an adorable baby feet print that really add to them on the leg.

They are comfortable enough to wear around the house, but since they’re not pajamas, they are wearable everywhere. They are the perfect new dad gifts!

The only downside that I've found to them, is that they collect lint (but what doesn't?)  I wore the top to bed, and woke up with lint all over the shirt.. However, the comfortableness of the shirt at night is much more of a benefit and is worth the lint!  A rub of the lint remover and voila, I'm back in business.  Definitely not a deterrant in my book!

The one MAIN thing that was the best for me, is that not ONCE did I have to scratch the back of my neck from an itchy tag.  Lovin' it!!

Some features of DaddyScrubs...

• 65/35 Poly Cotton
• Machine Wash & Dry
• V-neck Collar
• Left chest pocket
• Drawstring pant with one hip pocket & two slash pockets
• Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X Large, 2x Large, 3X Large,4X Large, 5X Large

These are the ultimate in new dad gifts.  Whether your looking for daddy to be gifts or a gift for a seasoned father, you can't go wrong with DaddyScrubs.

I wish I could say that I had the chance to see my husband wear these in the hospital, but alas, our son is are a bit older...

Speaking of him, seeing daddy in the DaddyScrubs, he HAD to try them on and have me take pictures... What can I say...he want's to be like daddy!!  So here ya go!

                       

Overall,

So...now that you've had a chance to read how wonderful they are... I know you want a set for your husband!!!  Well, you've got your chance, right here, right now!!!

You can enter to win your very own set of DaddyScrubs!!

Click here to go to the Giveaway!!

Daddy's happy in his DaddyScrubs!!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Enter to win an Autographed copy of The Ghost In Me and a $15 Starbucks giftcard

Want to win an autographed copy of Shaunda Wenger's new book, The Ghost In Me

AND a $15 Starbucks giftcard?

A great read and a coffee...you can't miss!!

Shaunda Wenger, the author of a 2011 KART Kids Book List Award, has written several books, including her newest, Reality Bites- Tales of a Half-Vampire. She is pleased to offer her book, The Ghost In Me, to one lucky winner!

The Ghost In Me:

Myri Monaco has problems she doesn't know how to deal with: a crush on her best friend's boyfriend, a mother who's dating her science teacher, and a "punishment" for a science project that lands her in auditions for the school play (the last place she wants to be). But most girls don't have a ghost living at home who is willing to "trade places" whenever she's needed. Will ghostly possession be an easy solution when problems collide? Or will Myri lose everything to a ghost wanting to fulfill her own desires?

Want to read some of her book?  Check it out at Amazon. You can click on the picture of the book, on the left side, to read some of the book!                                              

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Disclaimer: Sandling All Day is not responsible for product shipment.