Influenster Mystery Brand Vox Box Review

I was selected by Influenster to do another vox box review, but this one was a little different. I actually didn't know what product I was trying, aside from knowing it was from L'Oreal. Then after trying them for a week, they send me full bottles of the product.



They sent me this box, with these bottles, labelled just as you see:

(Shampoo, Conditioner, Split-End Serum)

So I tried it! They all smell amazing of course. The shampoo was shampoo, nothing special from what I could tell. My hair felt a bit strawish after rinsing it out, but once I put the conditioner in it felt great! Sleek and smooth, and detangled easy. I towel dried my hair and put the split end serum on my ends. I have never used a product like this and had no idea what to expect. I almost found that my hair dried quicker once I put it in, granted I used the hair dryer, but seemed quicker? My hair felt great and smelt great!

Two days later I found my starting to get greasy, which has been a problem during this pregnancy if I used anything but Pert Plus? Don't ask, because I don't have the answer! So I am interested in trying this post pregnancy to see how it holds up. 

My guesses? Is that it is an over the counter brand and most likely a Garnier Fructis product? It just smells similar. I don't normally use Garnier, but after trying the mystery brand, I might consider putting whatever brand this is into rotation to help with my split ends, or at least try the split end serum more.

"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

Hubs in The Hotseat

So I figured that I would do this little question/answer session with M, that I saw over on Caroline's blog. I figured that maybe this would redeem us a bit since we failed at the couples question and answers in Jamaica! We only got 1 right there... I am blaming stage fright and miscommunication of the questions oh and maybe the rum?!.

So let's see how we did...

1. How long have you been married?

A: 5 years 7 months.

M: 5 1/2 years

2. Where was your first date?

A: Halloween at my parents (waaay back in high school..) 

M: Washing dishes at a community event - my response: this was our second date!

3. Where was your first kiss?

A: In the hallway at my parents after the Santa Claus parade

M: After the Santa Claus parade

4. Who first said, "I love you"?

A: Mike

M: I did

5. What were your wedding colors?

A: Pink

M: Pink and white

6. What is her most commonly used phrase?

A: "seriously"

M: "seriously, I'm not even joking"

7. Who is her celebrity crush?

A: Channing Tatam

M: Tyrese - my response to this: It seriously used to be back in the day when it mattered!

8. If she was ordering drinks for both of you what would you each get?

A: Coke and Ginger ale - if drinking rum and coke for him and something fruity for myself

M: Coke for me, Iced Tea for herself - if drinking rum and coke for me, strawberry daiquiri for her.

9. What is the best meal she has ever cooked you?

A: My pasta sauce

M: Pasta sauce

10. What is the worst meal she has ever cooked you?

A: Anything on the bbq

M: Bbq'd food

11. What is the most-played song on her iPod?

A: Country Music - changes too often

M: Anything country

12. What would she say is your most annoying habit?

A: Laughing too loud

M: Farting

13. What is the last thing she does before she goes to bed?

A: Say goodnight and I love you to each pet individually

M: Say goodnight, I love you and sweet dreams to me after each pet

14. What would you say is your favorite thing about her?

A: No idea

M: Boobs... pg... sense of humor

15. What's her go-to drink at Starbucks?

A: Passionfruit tea lemonade

M: Passionfruit iced tea?or something that sounds like that

16. What's her blog's name?

A: Life As I Know It

M: Life As I Know It

I think we did pretty good on this!!! I guess we do know each other after all!!



Firsts

I've seen this floatin' around blog world and decided to participate. 

1. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning

I say good morning to Lux, who is usually right beside me and then I hit up the bathroom.

2. First thing you do you when you get home from work
Change into some comfy clothes, put General Hospital on while considering making dinner, if it is planned - if it is not then M makes dinner. I have no idea what to make for dinner unless we have a meal plan - sad I know.

3. First kiss
This might sound pathetic, but I really don't recall when it was - I was too young and it was "playing a game" in the school yard where the boys chase the girls to kiss them. But I do remember M and I's first kiss! It was after a Santa Claus parade, he dropped me off at home and kissed me, then quickly left afterwards. It may have been a bit awkward, but nonetheless a part of our story.

4. First home
My first home, as in the one I first owned would be the one M and I bought together when I was 20:

We knew we wanted to live in the village, not in the city, but we didn't want to buy something we couldn't afford for our first place and we did NOT want to rent! So we bought this gem! You can see the house tour by clicking The House (Old and New).

5. First car
1995 Dodge Stratus - leather seats and all.

6. First car accident / traffic violation

Knock on wood, but I have never been the driver during an accident, just the passenger, thank goodness! Although I have been in several collisions as the passenger unfortunately. But the first accident I was in was in a parking lot with a friend and a car backed up at a fast speed and hit us.

I think the second time would have been with M, when the horse hit us on the main street while crossing an intersection. That poor sunfire didn't even have a chance, but luckily we were okay.

My first speeding ticket was when I was on my way home from my sisters and I got busted by a new cop - I always get the new ones might I mention and I have never got out of a ticket yet! Each one has told me that they don't want to ticket me and would let me off, but their supervisor is in the car with them. I have only had two tickets - knock on wood once a gain.

7. First thing you wanted to be when you grew up

I wanted to be a vet initially because I loved animals (still do) until I realized that I would have to deal with injured pets and death of animals. Then I wanted to be a hair dresser.

8. First choice beverage
My go to drink would be Canada Dry gingerale, water or apple juice. Alcoholic would be vodka, or any cooler that is vodka based.

9.  First choice dessert

Brownies or cookies.

10. First choice restaurant
We don't exactly have a selection around here at all! I would say I like Swiss Chalet or East Side Mario's. In the states M and I loved TGI Friday's.

11. First song that comes to mind

Vogue by Madonna - because that is what is playing on the radio right now.

12. First major purchase

Well in the summer before high school, before the purchase of my car, would have been my Shih Tzu Snoopy. He was $500. I saved like crazy for him! My parents paid half.

13. First job
Does pet sitting count? If not then my first job would have been a cashier at Sobey's.

14. First time you flew on a plane

I flew to Florida to go to Disney as a child.

15. First real "big girl" job

Medical Assistant at my last employer - that we just don't talk about...
What were your firsts?

If You Really Knew Me

 I saw this floating around last week and since I was still recapping my trip I couldn't join in. I know I still have to finish recapping, but I miss regular blogging!!

So here we go:

If You Really Knew Me:

- I sleep with my "binki" still... aka my baby blanket. I cannot give it up! I have 2, but one has been retired. It got too many holes in it, and I promised my Grandma I would put it away. But I had a back up and it is in bad shape now too!! I NEED a new one badly!! Any knitters out there? Please?

- I love to sing. You will always find me singing along to the radio, rapping, you name it I have probably sang it! I also used to be a part of the church children's choir!

- I bite my nails - hence why I pay $45 bucks a month to have pretty nails, because otherwise I have none!! I thought having the gels for over a year would break my habit, so I stopped for 2 months and I just got out of control again!!

- I am a picture finatic!! I love pictures! I love having them, I love taking them, I love editing them, I love everything about them and I always have!!

- I can drive a tractor, not well, but I can get it done!!

- The bottoms of my legs do not have pigment. It runs in my Mom's side of the family! I'd say I have my Dad's skin from the knees up! However, I have been working on establishing some color. This year I just had to put on bug spray and I now have a tan, but I don't expect that to last long!

- I love curling my hair! Infact I prefer my hair curled over straight! Although I have become pretty lazy with my hair lately...

- I have really picky feet! Takes me a long time to break in a new pair of shoes, especially if I get blisters after the first wear, there is the possibility that I will not wear them again! Sandals are the worst!

 

- I also do not wear high heels! I am tall people!! So not only do I save myself from breaking an ankle and being uncomfortable, but I still manage to have height as well!! Thank goodness hubby is tall too!!

 

- I actually enjoy reality tv shows, for the most part that is! I don't even know why I watch Teen Mom - it drives me batty, but I like The Bachelor/Bachlorette/Bachelor Pad, Love in The Wild, Texas Women, the odd Real Housewives, Jennie Garth's A Little Bit Country, etc.

 

- I can't watch scary movies anymore!! I used to love them, but not anymore and neither does M! Jeepers Creepers scared both M and I and we haven't watched another scary movie since!

 

- I am afraid to drive beside transport trucks! It freaks me right out. They never drive straight. When passing one I will drive on the rumble strip if necessary!

ABC's of Lily

Lily here checking in. Mom is too busy with her camera, so I have taken over the blog today! I saw this on my pal Cruz's blog. Thought I should let you guys get to know me a bit better too!!

A is for Age: I am 4!!

B is for Breakfast: I get a spoonful of Pedigree Wet Dog food - Dad is usually in charge of this because the smell makes mom gag. Ever since I got sick I have got this routine, known in my luck they are probably hiding pills in it. But I won't complain, better then getting them shoved down my throat! I say pills in plueral because I take a Thyroid Pill, Vitamin E (to help my liver), D-Penacillamine (I am almost done with this!!) and Hepato Support. Sounds like a lot but it really isn't that bad!

C is for Currently Craving: I love a good liver treat!! I am not allowed as many as I used to get, but that just makes them all that more enjoyable!

D is for Dinner: I eat Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice!

E is for Favorite Type of Exercise: I love swimming!!! But walks are fun too!

F is for Irrational Fear: I don't like being caught off guard.

G is for Gross Food: I have turned down Dad's pancakes. even Mom agrees they need work! I'm also not a fan of green things.

H is for Hometown: I was born in Vanessa!

I is for something Important: I love my sister, oh and Mom and Dad. I also love chasing our cats!

J is for current Jam: I am not sure what this means, maybe music? I love it when Mom sings and dances around the house with us! I am pretty sure I have got moves like McJagger's dog!

K is for Kids: Love them!!! I won't be having any of my own, which Mom and Dad tell me how much they regret. Clearly the world should have had mini me's!

L is for Current Location: In the truck, on the road!! Montana?

M is for Money Well Spent Recently: Mom let us go shopping for someone!! We had a blast picking out our favorite things, she even let us keep one for ourselves!! My eyes work everytime!!

N is for Something I Need: Hmmm... this is a tough one. Maybe another liver treat?

O is for Occupation: I am the big sister! I need to try to keep Gracie and those cats in line and let me tell you, it is no easy task!

P is for Pet Peeve: When Grace tries to get all up in my business. Or when Jazz blocks a door way and threatens me with her claws! I also don't like it when Grandma leaves us at home!

Q if for Favorite Quotes:

PIN

PIN

and

PIN

Just like Mom, I could go on and on!!

R is for Random Fact About You: Hmmm... everyone is always saying how sad I look because I have mad talent of drooping my eyes! It works like a charm! A lot of people think I am older too because I am soo well behaved and laid back! Little do they know I had just finished going crazy!

S is for Favorite Healthy Snack: I love watermelon!!! Yum!! Grace just pretends to, so I get to eat hers too!

T is for Favorite Treat: I love liver treats, denta sticks and milk bones! An odd bone is alright sometimes, but not those plane old rawhides - I ate to many as a puppy!

U is for Something That Makes You Unique: My color! Everyone loves my red hair!! Also, my two bottom teeth are crooked!

V is for Favorite Vegetable: I like the odd carrot, but I prefer fruit!

W is for Today's Work-Out: I am not sure what Mom and Dad have planned. All I know is we get to see and sniff a bunch of new places on our trip!

X is for X-Ray's: Unfortunately I have had a few of these, as well as an ultrasounds and liver biospy! But I am all good now!!

Y is for Yesterday's Highlight: I stayed in my first hotel!!!

Z is for Time Zone: We are part of the Eastern Time Zone!

Hope you enjoyed getting to know me better!! See ya soon Cruz!!

 

Wednesday

It is a beautiful Wednesday outside today! My windows are open again and the pets are all sunning themselves!!!

I am loving this weather, especially since I am off work this week to enjoy it!!! Luckily it is not as windy today as it was yesterday!!

I am loving that my nails have a hot date at the spa tomorrow for a mani!! Much needed after renovating I must admit!

The dogs and I will also be out for a nice long walk today to soak up this weather!!

I am loving my new foyer floors!! It was touch and go, since the box of flooring that I bought ended up being a slightly different tongue and groove... so we made it by with only 2 boxes and one board of the flooring we had left over from the great room! Mike may have had to go scrounging into the dump wagon for a few pieces... The results:

Before pic:

Bye-bye pink tile!!

 After:

I still need to finish painting the bannister's - have I ever mentioned how slow and tedious painting railing is? It sucks!!

Here are some of my favorite pins too:

How cute is this outfit? Very "easter-y"

PIN

These look yummy:

PIN

I am totally making one of these for my car... I always have receipts and little pieces of garbage...

PIN

And now for some words that hit home:

PIN

PIN

And I saw this one on Alison's blog and fell in love with it:

PIN

Happy Wednesday friends!!!

Oh and last day to enter the give away!!! Go Here Now!!!

Our Love Story

 

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

 

Mike and I have been together for 10 years!! Wow that is a decade... best decade of my life though!!

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story)

 

M and I met through a common friend. As for when we met.. M says we met at a basketball game, but I don't recall meeting him at that point. I remember our first encounter at dinner at our friend's house - he was actually "dating" her sister...

 

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}

 

We will be married 5 years on July 21, 2012!!

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?

 

We got married at the farm and M's grandfather married us. We had 200 people at our wedding. Best day of my life so far!!

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

 

Mike's nicknames include: M and Hun and I refer to him as Daddy to the pets! Mike calls me: Ash, Babe, Baby, and Lover and refers to me as Mom to the pets.

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

 

I love M's eyes! They are the perfect shade of blue!!

I love M's perspective on life. He is teaching me to let things go that I cannot control and not to sweat the small stuff.

I love M's heart. He loves with his whole heart, no matter what.

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

 

We were at the farm on a weeknight. He was acting a bit off. We had purchased our house and were trying to pick paint colors. He called me up to his room, had me sit on the couch and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. We celebrated at the ball park later that night, as he was playing ball! Champagne on the bleachers anyone?

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

 

We don't really celebrate V-Day anymore. When we were in highschool we tried, but family drama always got in the way, so decided it was not OUR day to celebrate, we celebrate everyday!! But when we did celebrate V-Day, M would buy the biggest teddy bear he could find, with roses and dinner!

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

 

Depends on the time of the year. Summertime - I am a total sunset dinner on the beach, especially lately. I am really beginning to find the peacefulness and beauty in watching the sun rise and fall. But come Winter, I am a movie by the fire kind of girl - even though I hate the basement!

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

 

I would love to travel the world with M. See everything together and take it all in. I would also love to have a family with M. I think he would be the world's best father!!

 

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.

 

We have no plans!!

 

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

 

No.

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

 

Be honest. Live and love each day like it is your last - you never know what life has in store. Laugh together and never goto bed angry!

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you.

 

If I could spend forever holding your hand, I would never let go.

 

About Me Game

Hilary over at Thankful for Second Chances has tagged me in the "About Me" post going around blogger land, so I thought I would play along since I have some new followers, why not share a bit more about myself! So:

 

[the rules]

1. You must post the rules.

2. Post 11 fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create 11 new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4. Tag 11 people and link them on your post

5. Let them know you've tagged them!

 

My 11 Facts:

• I hate winter and I always have - even as a kid - tobogganing and skiing or anything outside - I hated it and I still do! The only thing I did and continue to like is hot chocolate! Yet, yes I call myself a Canadian!
• I had surgery on my right foot for a tumor on the bottom of it - came back benign, but now my one calf muscle is bigger than the other... trying buying boots to accommodate...
• My first dog was a shih tzu - Snoopy - he was a great dog with lots of spunk! Miss him like CRAZY! I got him before I went into high school because I got straight A's!(I usually got a B or 2) My mom didn't think I would ever do it! I did get a B on my report card in gym - but I fought it and got an A (he gave me a B for not having a gym uniform - no one else did either)!

After his first haircut done by me!

• I have never been in an car accident as the DRIVER, but I have been in several as a passenger.. knock on wood!
• I first studied a year of law clerking, before switching over to medical assistant. I loved the law and learned soo much, but figured the pay was crappy for the work you had to do... I would either have to be a lawyer or do something else!
• I am a needle-a-phob, even after this past year, I really thought I would get over it, but NOPE I haven't!
• I was diagnosed with high blood pressure when I was 16, after a year of meds and tests, they decided that I do not have high blood pressure, I was actually diagnosed with "white-coat syndrome" - my blood pressure goes up when I goto the doctors (to the point I can actually feel it rising on my way there)
• I love blankets - can not have enough of them! You might even call me a collector... yes that is what I will call it! Any type will do.
• I was born with dislocated hips, I never know when my hip will slip out of place, but luckily I can get it to go back in on my own!
• I am a planner! I like to know the details to everything. It is hard to just sit back and let things happen and not know what is coming next!
• I am a sale shopper! I HATE paying full price for ANYTHING! Love getting a good deal! Clothing and household goods must be a good price. Groceries - we buy whatever - sale or not, but I'll stock up on sale items.

 

Hilary's Questions:

 

1. What's your favorite blog to read (yes, you can only pick one)?

2. What is your favorite book?

3. What kind of car do you drive?

4. What's the one thing in your home that has to be a certain way? (Toilet paper over, clothes folded, DVDs alphabetized, etc.)

5. Tell me about your worst school yearbook picture growing up.

6. What's your favorite app on your phone?
7. Tell me one really quirky thing about yourself.
8. I just saw on the news this morning that a lady paid $50,000 to have her dog cloned. If someone offered to clone your family pet (all creepiness aside), what is the max amount of money would you pay to have it done?
9. What's your favorite Real Housewives season?
10. What fast food chain do you wish would go away and never come back?
11. How many US states have you visited?

 

My Answers:

1) Oh geez, I have no clue how to pick just one! I do really love Alison's - Life & Times Of Alison & Justin.

2) My favorite book is probably To Kill A Mockingbird - the first chapter book I ever finished in high school!

3) I drive a 2007 Pontiac Torrent in a purple/black color, fully loaded with leather heated seats, sunroof, etc.- I know I still haven't taken pics of it! I will though! We also have a 2002 Ford Explorer that is green - this thing HATES me!

4) Toilet paper - the paper must always go over the roll, not under - under drives me and hubby batty! I also like underwear folded (mine or his)!

5) I think it would be when I was 16. I had the worst hair cut in my life... I went to a new hair dresser and he cut my hair waaay to short - like I didn't ask for it short. 2002 was NOT a good hair year! I managed to pull the look off, but HATED it! Here is the pic from my driver's license that year:

It is shitty quality... but you get the point! I can't believe I just shared that!

6) My favorite app on my phone is probably Facebook or Social Feeds. Blackberry's are not known for their apps - that is for sure!

7) One quirky thing about me would be that I hate getting my hands dirty - there must be a glove for that! Baking, cooking, cleaning, gardening.. you get the point!

8) I can't say that I would clone all my pets, but I would clone Lily - she is pretty much the world's perfect dog, but I would have them take away her thyroid issue... money would obviously not be an issue if we are talking about paying to have a pet cloned, so I would probably pay whatever it needed to be. 

9) I don't really watch the Real Housewives - I've only seen the Beverly Hills one, so I guess that would be my choice! I'm still trying to figure out if the show is staged or if there are people that CRAZY out there! haha! I know there is - I might even know a FEW! haha! Shhh!

10) I wish that Taco Bell would take a hike! I don't like it! We don't really have a lot of fast food joints where I live in Ontario. You can pretty much choose McDonalds, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Subway, Mr. Sub, KFC, or Tim Hortons or Starbucks.

11) Define visited? Stayed over night in - maybe 6 or 7. Drove through/stopped in - 9. 



I am going to break the rules now, because I am not going to tag anyone specific - but please play along and you can answer the same questions I did!

I had a super hectic drive into work today. I had to take the windy back roads to work, because all other 4 options were closed or had issues!! It took me an hour and fifteen minutes when it should have only taken me half an hour! I hope the drive home is better!

Have a great weekend!!

 

 

Questionaire!

Got this email today and thought it would be fun to blog about!!

1.	What Color Are Your Socks Right Now	Not wearing any!
2.	What Are You Listening To Right Now	The radio.. and it is playing Hand in My Pocket by Alanis Morrisette
3.	What Was The Last Thing You Ate?	Home-made pizza left overs from dinner last night... pineapple and bacon!
4.	Can You Drive A Stick Shift?	Sort-of... if I HAD too... I hate it!
5.	Last Person You Spoke To On The Phone?	Michelle - the Doctor who works for our company
6.	Do You Like The Person Who Sent This To You?	Definately
7.	How Old Are You Today?	26
8.	What Is Your Favourite Sport To Watch On TV?	Horse jumping, football and maybe hockey (just getting into it)
9.	What Is Your Favourite Drink?	Arizona Iced Tea!!
10.	Have You Ever Dyed Your Hair	Ummmm YES!
11.	Favourite Food?	Chips right now... lasagna
12.	What Is The Last Movie You Watched?	P.S. I Love You - was on Slice network on the weekend!
13.	Favourite Day Of The Year?	I don't have one!!
14.	How Do You Vent Anger?	Yell or cry, talk to myself or sing...
15.	What Was Your Favourite Toy As A Child?	My "baby" - Kitty was her name... she went EVERYWHERE with me, along with my binky, but I also like Barbies and my car mat
16.	What Is Your Favourite Season?	Summer/Fall
17.	Cherries Or Blueberries?	Cherry in pastries... blueberries plain!
18.	Do You Want Your Friends To E Mail You Back?	Well I would rather people copy and paste this to thier blogs and do it themselves, no need to email it!
19.	Who Is The Most Likely To Respond?	I would like to see it repeated at least once... anyone?!
20.	Who Is Least Likely To Respond?	------------
21.	Living Situation?	Married to my best friend in our second house, with 2 dogs and 2 cats, and loving life!
22.	When Was The Last Time You Cried?	Last night... watched Oprah from Monday... such a sad story!
23.	What Is On The Floor Of Your Closet Right Now?	Carpet/Hardwood Floors
24.	Who Is The Friend You Have Had The Longest That You Are Sending To?	I am not really sending this, but my sister would be my longest friend on my blog!
25.	What Did You Do Last Night?	watched Oprah with hubby, my Dad came over for a visit and then vegged for the rest of the evening!
26.	What Are You Most Afraid Of?	Losing my hubby, he is my world... spiders...snakes..
27.	Plain, Cheese, Or Spicy Hamburgers?	cheeseburgers!!
28.	Favourite Dog Breed?	hmm.. tough one, as I like almost ALL dogs, but Golden Retrievers or Shih Tzu's if I HAD to pick!
9.	Favourite Day Of The Week?	Friday or Mondays - I am off on Mondays right now...
30.	How Many Provinces Have You Lived In?	One .............and for you American's you can do states... lol
31.	Diamonds Or Pearls?	Hmmm... I think I would go for Diamonds, but I would not shake my head at either!
32.	What Is Your Favourite Flower?	Orchids or Peonis!