Saturday, May 23, 2015

BzzAgent, Pinch Me, & Sample Source First Impressions/ Mini Review

I have received some free products in the mail the past few weeks and wanted to share what these items are, my honest opinions about them (if I have tried them already) and where you too can receive items for free. Thank you to Bzz Agent, Pinch Me, and Sample Source for sending these items to me and allowing me to try them! By the way, I heard about these 3 sites from YouTube, which goes to show I spend too much time on YouTube, but it's not all bad :p
 
Disclaimer: I received all of these products for free from Bzz Agent, Pinch Me, and Sample Source in return for honest reviews. I am not being paid for my opinions. 
 
My 1st campaign from Bzz Agent!!! I received a It's Here! card, razor/trimmer, and 6 coupons. To learn about how Bzz Agent works, please go to https://www.bzzagent.com/pg/GettingStarted 
If you would like to join Bzz Agent, please click here.
 
 
Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor
 
Although I was happy to finally receive my first free item from Bzz Agent, I am honestly not a fan of any razors in general. I have mentioned this before, but I prefer to use creams on my body (not my face) instead of razors. However, I do use razors if I receive them to review (and for free)! This razor/trimmer feels substantial, not like a cheap one-time use item. It is pretty expensive for what it is, ranging from $14-$19 depending on where you look. This was easy to use in the shower, it didn't slip and I surprisingly didn't get any cuts after using the razor end about 3-4 times. I haven't used the trimmer side since I never just trim my hair. I completely remove it if I'm going to bother getting rid of unwanted body hair. If you like using razors, you might want to give this product a try.                For more information about the Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor, please go to http://www.schick.com/wproducts/schick-hydro-silk-trimstyle-razor
 
This is actually the second time I am getting free items/ samples from Pinch Me. The first time I got a pen and sample size body wash, but I forgot to mention them here :( To learn about how Pinch Me works, go to https://www.pinchme.com/how_it_works If you would like me to send you an invite, please leave your email address in the comments below and I will send an invite your way!
 
Playtex Sport Liners
 
Two liners and 2 tampons come inside this combo pack. I haven't used the liners yet, but when I do I will compare it to another brand of liners I use. I don't plan on using the tampons since I prefer liners/pads.

Method 4x Concentrated Laundry Detergent
 
This was just a peel and sniff sample with a $3 coupon on the back. I like the pink (Spring Garden) and orange (Ginger Mango) scents.
 
This is the 1st time I am receiving items from Sample Source. To learn about how Sample Source works and to join, please go to https://www.samplesource.com/ I haven't tried any of the items I received from SS.

2 coupons from Garnier and Colgate

Garnier Fructis Full and Plush & Sleek and Shine Brazilian Smooth sample packets

Colgate Optic White Platinum toothpaste
 
Truvia sweetener sample and coupon
Breathe Right 2 Nasal Strips

Nature's Path Organic Pumpkin Flax Granola

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Graduated College? Now What?

 
Now What?
A prose poem by moi ;)
 
You’ve counted down the days until graduation on your planner. Now that it is here, you wonder if it’s all just a dream. You sit in a daze amongst other graduates, proudly wearing your black and orange gown. 
 
Fast forward 7 hours later when all the exciting partying with family and friends comes to an end. Now what?
 
Do you extend the fun by taking a vacation to Brazil? You imagine all the colorful and breathtaking scenes and exotic wildlife you have come to love thanks to Rio. You might even see a rare blue macaw!
 
Do you continue searching for a job, like a predator hunting its prey? After all, you did just go through what felt like centuries of studying and completing assignments to be financially independent.  
 
There is the option of going back to school as some have suggested. Scratch that! A minor earthquake in your head starts to form just at the thought of more sleepless nights.
 
You consider all your options as you get into your pajamas and head to the bathroom. As you brush and floss your teeth, you come to a temporary solution.
 
“I’ll worry about this in the morning!”
 
I did it. I graduated college Alhamdulillah (praise Allah)!!!! Four long years of college has finally come to an end. Obviously relaxing and taking care of yourself a bit more is necessary, but what should one do afterwards? If you are like me and currently looking for a job to put your college degree to use, here are a few tips on how to be productive in your job search/ post graduation. I hope this helps and if you have any other suggestions for post graduates, please leave them in the comments below!

Resume
If you haven't already, create a document with your contact info. and important information about your college education and achievements. Examples of resumes can be found online for an idea on the template or what to include in your resume. Once you have this all typed up and checked by a few people, print out a few copies and mail them out. Also, email them if that is an option since it can save you time and energy. While you wait for a response, you can do any of the tips below :)

Make a portfolio
I had to make a portfolio for my education major and I'm glad I actually put the time and energy into it. If you haven't already created one, I suggest you gather important information about yourself such as a resume, final transcript, scores/ certificates, letters/invitations, examples of your work depending on your major, etc. Anything college related and that will make you look good :) Put all these into page protectors in a binder and you have something all in one place to take to interviews to hopefully impress your future employer!

Advertise yourself
Whether it is word of mouth or creating flyers, make it known to as many people as possible who care to help you that you graduated college and are looking for employment. Since I am an elementary education major (and English writing), I could tutor students for the rest of the school year and summer. So, I created a flyer with my service and contact information that I will take to some schools and with permission ask if it can be put it up so parents and students can see it.

Learn/ sharpen your skills
If you know your job of interest requires certain skills, such as working with programs on the computer, learn as much as possible or sharpen your skills even further. You could also volunteer at a place that would provide you with opportunities to learn. For example, I could volunteer at a school to get more familiar with working well with children. Volunteering might be good idea to get a foot in the door to a job at that location!

Friday, May 8, 2015

Once Upon a Time (OUaT) Season 4

The last time I did a post on OUaT was in 2013 (click here to read that). I thought I would share what I think of the show now that it got better in my opinion and it's close to the end of the 4th season!!

The second half of the 4th season is much more interesting and entertaining then the first half. I got over the whole Frozen thing so it was just getting annoying to see it everywhere, but the inclusion of new characters like Cruella was a good idea. It might get tiring at times to keep track of all the characters and their stories, but once they start to connect, it makes more sense.

Episode 20 "Lily" was my favorite episode from the second half of season 4. This episode was really suspenseful and it was interesting to see Regina and Emma team up to beat Gold's plans. The way Regina was talking Emma out of doing something she would regret was great and it definitely showed how much Regina has changed from the very beginning. I love how Regina is now on the good side; a hero in her own way. The episode also ended at an interesting point ;)

I can't wait for the finale and wonder if there will be another season! I highly suggest you watch the show if you haven't already. You can watch Once Upon a Time on Hulu.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Collective Sephora Haul

 
 
I've been more into skincare recently, so I ordered a few things from Sephora in the past few months. I plan to do reviews on some of these products iA so check back soon!

Links to the items have been provided. Just click the product names. You can also enlarge the photos like always.

Disclaimer: I was not sent any of these products. I paid for them myself. These are my honest opinions.

 
NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation  
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Concentrate Radiance Booster deluxe sample
Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask
L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream
           

 
Caudalie Founder Favorites Set (currently out of stock @ Sephora)
 
Omorovicza Queen Of Hungary Mist
Nest Midnight Fleur
Drybar Sake Bomb Shampoo