Kroger Simple Truth Organic

Many of you know that I am a BzzAgent, meaning that I complete surveys and get to participate in campaigns for different products where I receive free samples or products in return for my honest opinion. This month, I had the chance to complete the Kroger Simple Truth Organic campaign for BzzAgent. The BzzKit came with two products: The Simple Truth Organic (STO) Ready to Drink Tea Energy Beverage and the STO Dark Chocolate Bar. It also came with a coupon for a free STO Ready to Bake Bread and STO Greek Yogurt Cup. Yum!

I immediately chowed down on the chocolate bar which is USDA certified organic, a fair trade USA product, and contains 55-70% organically grown cocoa. This year I'm really trying to start adding in more natural and organic products into my life from food to beauty products, and this was an easy add to make. This chocolate bar was delicious and smooth. It was gone before you knew it. 

My husband and I both tried the tea after I chilled it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. I wish that I could say that I drink tea and love it, but sadly I do not. The only tea that I drink is southern and sweet. I'd like to try and add tea into my diet, but it won't be with this tea. If you are a tea drinker, then you would probably love this product, but it just wasn't for me. This tea  offers as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, but with a clean, focused energy and no harsh chemicals. 

We went to Kroger to buy groceries for the week and I was able to (fairly) easily find the STO Ready to bake bread and STO greek yogurt. 

The bread was available in the bakery section. There were two options available, an italian loaf and a multigrain loaf. I chose the italian loaf because we were making pot roast for dinner and I thought it would pair perfectly, and it did. The bread was quick and easy to bake and tasted amazing. I will definitely be repurchasing this bread for my meals instead of rolls. I absolutely loved it. 

The greek yogurt cups were a little harder for me to find, but that's only because I forgot the organic section had a refrigerated section. I first looked in the dairy section, but upon venturing back over to the organic section, there they were. There were many choices that I could select, but I went with the black cherry on the bottom flavor. This greek yogurt was creamy and the fruit on the bottom added a nice sweetness. I will also be repurchasing this product. 

Have you tried any of Kroger's Simple Truth Organic products? If you'd like to try any of the products mentioned above, I received some coupons and would love to share them with you! 

- Courtney 

December Birchbox Review

December was a fabulous month for Birchbox! I absolutely adored the packaging of my box and all of the products I received.

1. Davines Replumping Superactive - This product was a great one to have included in my box, because I also got to sample the Davines Replumping Shampoo and Conditioner. I love when the entire line is provided so that you can get a good feel for the overall effect. Some people don't like receiving the small samples, because they generally only give you one, but I don't mind. It's also nice because you have 2 extra products to review and earn birchbox points for!

The Replumping Superactive is supposed to thicken fine hair and give your hair back that umph that everyone wants. Overall, I liked this product. I have normal to thick hair, but I could definitely tell a difference after using the shampoo, conditioner, and spray. My hair felt clean but definitely thicker and fuller. My only con with the product is the smell. To me, it was similar to citronella which was a little off putting, especially since other Davines products I've sampled have had floral and delicate scents.
Full size: $39.50 for Davines Replumping Superactive
$25.50 for the shampoo, and $25.50 for the conditioner.

2. Royal Apothic Cuppa Cuppa Firming Tea Treatment Mask - I love using masks on my face because I feel pampered, and they make my skin feel extra soft and clean. This clay mask is infused with a blend of exotic teas and is supposed to leave skin smoother, firmer and more radiant. This mask has a great smell (almost like an herbal tea) and the sample has already lasted me 3 uses and I've got a little under half of the package left. I love how it made my face feel and for a clay mask, it wasn't too drying. It also has some texture in the mask that gives your skin a nice exfoliating treatment. Full size $58.00

Hiding inside the cute little pocket were 3 amazing products.
3. English Laundry Signature for Her perfume - The description says that this scent was inspired by classic country gardens and that it melts top notes of rose geranium with a backdrop of woody spice and musky notes. After one spray of this sample, I was hooked. It smells so deliciously sweet and feminine, but it really reminded me of Britney Spear's Fantasy perfume that I used when I was in high school. Which is still a good thing for me, because I absolutely loved that perfume, but it can become overly sweet if  used too often.
Full size: $70.00 for 1.7 oz.

4. W3LL PEOPLE Bio Brightener Stick - This organic formula gives skin a soft and subtle glow and minimizes the appearance of imperfections, hydrates, and nourishes skin. This product came in a pot instead of the stick, but I think the effect is still the same, I just use my fingers to apply. I use this product mainly as a highlighter and love the effect it gives. It's not too shiny or shimmery and I like that there isn't any glitter effect to it. I also like that it is a natural product as I am trying to start using more of those. This sample will last me a while.
Full size: $33.00

5. Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge in Sydney - I am not big into wearing lip products, but I was excited to try this as it supposed to give a matte effect and be long lasting. The shade was perfect for Christmas and it was very easy to apply. I found it to be long lasting, definitely matte, and hydrating. Again, this sample is one that will last me a while so I don't think I'll be purchasing.
Full size: $29.00

Overall, I really liked my box this month and I got some great products that I will continue to use. I also appreciated the fact that I had 7 products in my box, which gave me 70 points ($7) to spend in the birchbox store making this box really only cost $3. You cannot beat that. If you aren't reviewing your products, you're crazy, and you need to do so!! Can't wait to see what comes in my January box!

- Courtney

New Year...

New Year, new blog ideas! I'm not going to comment on how long I have not posted a blog post because it's just sad. But I'm excited to get back into the swing of things and am going to be revamping my blog a bit.

What can you expect from this blog?
1. Product reviews - I'm still in love with birchbox, so expect to see reviews and all that good stuff,

2. My Pregnancy Story and all things baby because I'm also going to be a MOM this year! In about 10 weeks to be exact, and I definitely have a story to tell with my pregnancy and about my boys - that's right, fraternal twin boys - Sam and Alex...but more about them later.

3. Natural Products, Tips and Tricks, DIY, etc. I also am trying to do better with eating right and taking control of my health and what I put in and on my body (I'll be trying some all natural, vegan products this year too!).

So I have a lot to be excited about and so much to share. I hope that you can share and relate to this blog as well, so I look forward to reading your comments.

- Courtney

Holy Guacamole...Jamberry!

I have not posted in far too long! But I'm back and have some amazing things to share with you all!

First off, I am now a Jamberry Nails Independent Consultant!

Never in a million years did I think I would
a. be doing direct sales, or
b. be someone who had anything to do with nails!

I was an avid nail biter until I was about 20 and decided to stop because I got engaged and wanted to have nice nails in my engagement and wedding pictures...seriously!

My Jamberry Story
I happened to come across Jamberry through a teaching blog that I follow. The teacher got a sample from someone and was sharing about how awesome it was for teachers. They didn't chip, lasted for up to 2 weeks, and were ADORABLE! I had to know more, so I contacted the consultant and asked for a free sample. Before it came, I read everything I could and looked at every picture and Pinterest board that I could get my hands on. When the sample came and I tried it, I was hooked!

The sample was easy to apply, and I LOVED that there was no drying time. I did a 7 day challenge with one Jamberry accent nail, and the other nails painted. The challenge was to see which would last longer. I couldn't even get past the third day! My polished nails were already chipping and cracking so badly. I was in love with Jamberry from that moment on and was telling everyone about it. (See horrible nail polish vs. Jamberry sample below)

When another teacher friend and I came across our month to host bunco, I knew we had to do a Jamberry party. So, I searched the website for a consultant. I was amazed at how few consultants there were in my area! But, alas, we found a consultant (who is now my sponsor) and we had a Manis and Margaritas party. It was a blast and my friends loved Jamberry. After I saw how fun and easy it was to throw a party, I just had to sign up.

So, I did, and I honestly cannot believe the success I have had with just my first Launch Party. As a consultant and hostess of the party, I've already earned back more in commission than I paid for my starter kit, plus I've earned a TON of rewards. Jamberry has one of the best hostess rewards plans that I have ever seen. Seriously, take a look!

So, what do I really love about Jamberry products? 

- Toxic free nail wraps

- Easy to apply with NO drying time

- Long lasting (up to 2 weeks on fingers and 4-6 weeks on toes)

- Over 400 designs (and unlimited designs in the Nail Art Studio)

- Affordable and easy to share with friends

And what do I love about being a Jamberry consultant?

- Easy and super affordable business (no inventory necessary)

- Fun to do! (Facebook parties from my couch!!)

- New market and lots of excitement

- Great way to earn extra money and tons of free product

If you have any questions about Jamberry products, hosting a party, or joining my team, I would LOVE to answer them and send you a free sample! Stayed tuned for another post about a SUPER fun and exciting new product coming from Jamberry...*Hint, if you love Birchbox and Ipsy, you will LOVE this!*

- Courtney

Swagbucks Part 4 - Watch and Play

The Super Bowl was last night, and I have to say that I am so glad Bruno Mars performed. Not only was he so amazing, but he was the only good thing about that game. I was rooting hard for the Broncos, but more than anything, I just hate to see such a shut out. (Yes, I'm aware they scored a touchdown and a 2 point conversion, but that big of a lead is pretty much a shut out). Anywho...

Here is part 4, also the last part, of my Swagbucks Series. I hope that I was able to help you with all of the craziness that is Swagbucks and that you're well on your way to earning some awesome rewards!

The last part of what I do on swagbucks is something that I don't do very often. Honestly, I just don't find these activities to be as rewarding as others. The last ways to earn Swagbucks is to Play online games and Watch videos. Most of the videos are short and sweet, but you usually have to watch many videos, sometimes up to 15, just to earn 2 SB. As you can see, not really worth it. But I've read that other people will just turn on Swagbucks TV (a free app you can download from the App Store) while they are working out or doing other work around the house, and they earn SB rather easily that way. I just don't have the wi-fi data to waste on streaming videos I don't really care about.

The other final way to earn SB is to play games online. There are a variety of games you can play, most for free, but some cost you SB to enter. I haven't tried many of them, but if that is something you're interested in, then feel free to check it out and let me know what you think!

-Courtney

Swagbucks Part 3: Discover and Shop

T.G.I.F. This week has been crazy to say the least. I finished my week learning about the Chinese New Year and had a very silly day with my students. They finished their benchmark testing earlier this week - pre-snow days - and almost all of them improved their scores! One proud mama teacher right here!

I'm almost finished with sharing all the goodness of Swagbucks with you all. For part 3, I'm talking about the Discover tab and the Shop tab.

When you scroll over the Discover tab, you will find Special Offers, Coupons, Extenstions, and Activities. So many things to do to earn SB! I've earned many SB by completing special offers. Usually these are trial offers with companies where you will earn SB. Other might be offers for free product when you pay shipping and handling. I completed a special offer for Julep nail polish subscription and received 3 gorgeous nail polishes and 500 SB while only paying the shipping and handling ($3.99). How awesome!

I haven't yet printed off any coupons from Swagbucks to redeem, but when you do, you earn 10 SB per coupon. So that's pretty awesome.

Shopping through Swagbucks is also super easy and rewarding. I used my Old Navy rewards to buy some cute workout attire through swagbucks and earned 3 SB per dollar spent. I was also able to buy our Emeals subscription (check the blog late for more info on that a-ma-zing discovery) for 65% off through Groupon/Swagbucks and earned 7 SB per dollar spent. So many great benefits if you do a lot of shopping online.

What's the latest thing you've purchased online?

-Courtney

Swagbucks Part 2: Searches and Surveys

Good morning everyone! Most of the ice has officially thawed and we are getting back to work here in Savannah. Thankfully I didn't have to go back to work until 10 this morning and there was no school for students. Somehow teaching is so much easier when there are no students!

I'm back with Part 2 of my Swagbucks Series, and I'm talking about Searches and Surveys. On the Swagbucks Toolbar, there is an option to Search.

You can search for anything - as long as it isn't just a random string of letters or numbers - and you can earn up to 20 Swagbucks (SB) each day. Just today, I was able to earn 17 SB. Seriously...you can just type in what comes to mind, and before you know it, you've earned some bucks!

Surveys can be challenging when earning SB, but they can also be the most rewarding way of earning SB. I try to complete a couple of surveys each day. They range in time from 5 minutes to 30 minutes, and can be on any topic. So far I've completed surveys about alcoholic beverage advertisements, bedding, buying a car, health insurance, movies, and some short video ads. Surveys are one of the easiest ways to earn SB. And they're easy to do.

Just scroll over the Answer tab, then click on Paid Surveys. I like to go to my Survey Dashboard before I look at other opportunities.

Some surveys you won't qualify for. They may be full, or you may not fit the demographics they are targeting. That's ok. You still earn 1 SB just for trying - up to 5 SB per day by being disqualified. Sometimes survey rewards are entries into "swagstakes" rather than SB. I tend to not do those, just because I prefer to work towards earning SB in exchange for paypal deposits (cash).

Got questions? Have other ways of earning SB? Let me know in the comments below!

-Courtney