DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Archive for March, 2013

Influenster VoxBox – Sugar ‘n Spice

Sugar and Spring VOXBOX

Saturday morning…Ding Dong ….not fully dressed, hair not done so I stayed partially hidden…hopefully they’ll go away….hearing nothing….peered through the side window to see The Brown Man running quickly down the front yard…he jumped back into his truck and drove away….opened the door slowly looking for the familiar brown box delivery…looked left…then right…then looked down…what the…what is this bright orange box…oh wow…my 1st Influenster VOXBOX!!!

UPS package delivery

Not fully dressed, hair not done…called #2 son to come downstairs quickly...what Ma?…here take this camera and go outside and take a picture...what?...go outside and take a picture of the box on the front step…what is it?...boy, just go out and take a picture…and not too close so you can see our address…what?…take the picture puhleeze (closed the door)…IT’S COLD OUT HERE!

Pic taken now he wants to open it up, grabs the letter opener while I stand aside, heart beating a mile a minute…I’ve read about these boxes but never actually saw one…it was exciting…son slits through the packing tape…lifts the lid and ta-da…this is what “we” got:

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Colgate mouthwash toothpaste and toothbrush

belVita Breakfast Biscuits and Nectresse

Son is not impressed…“Ma…can I have the biscuits, I’m hungry…next time tell them to send a car to test drive”, and with that off he went.

Inside the VoxBox were the following products:

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture 6.5 oz can

This was by far my favorite product because of the spray-on application which is how I buy my sunscreen.  It was not oily or overpowering in fragrance, also not thick and sticky which can be a problem when putting on clothes immediately after applying lotion.

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer

Nectresse Natural Sweetener – 40 packets

I don’t use white sugar and don’t particularly like the bitter taste of artificial sweeteners but this was neither.  It’s not raw sugar nor is it an artificial substance, it’s 100% natural fruit extract with zero calories.  I used 1 packet in my coffee and a packet in my Spinach Smoothie this morning and it was really good.  A recipe booklet with a measurement conversion chart was included so I’ll bake something this weekend and post the results next week.

Nectresse

Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes – 20 count box

These towelettes were designed to be used as a quick refresher to remove dirt and oils from face and neck.   I used one after removing my makeup for the night, the smell wasn’t pleasant but Witch Hazel has never been.  It also contains aloe which gave it a cool and refreshing feeling that didn’t dry my skin or leave a residue.  I think these will be good after gardening, doing yard work, or after poolside lounging, I’ll let you know in a few months.

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes

and money saving coupons

$2.00 off couppns

belvita Breakfast Biscuits

My son ate the sample but since I had previously purchased  I knew that I liked them.  I’ve bought the single packs from Walmart as well as the boxes of 5, each contain 4 biscuits per pack.  They are a perfect commuting breakfast because they don’t crumble and fall apart.  A good source of fiber, I especially like the Blueberry flavor and bought a box yesterday from Super G.

belVita Breakfast Bar

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste, Mouthwash and Toothbrush

I suffer from Periodontal Disease so I am very particular with the products that I use for oral care.  I regularly use a Rotadent Rotary toothbrush at night with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth; a manual toothbrush in the morning as well as for brushing at work.  I also use a mouth rinse but this was the first time using Colgate Optic White Mouthwash.  I immediately knew it contained peroxide by the way it foamed in my mouth, as a kid I used to brush with peroxide and baking soda.  The Optic White Toothpaste was Sparkling Mint, did not have a gritty texture and didn’t irritate my sensitive teeth and gums.  I really like the Colgate Optic White Toothbrush because of the whitening cups, soft bristles, cheek and tongue cleaner.

I am  using all three products together as suggested for whiter teeth in 5 days, I will report my results next week.

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste

Colgate Optic White Mouthwash Colgate Optic White Toothbrush

Influenster is free to join and sends products for opinion of products and experiences. 

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes

Sugar 'n Spice VoxBox

Spinach Smoothie Ingredients

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Car Shopping – Kia

Last Sunday, hubby and I went looking at cars (here) to replace our son’s 2002 Hyundai Elantra.  We only looked at used vehicles so today my son and I went to Martin Kia to look at new ones.  He was interested in the Kia Rio so we walked through the lot peering inside, checking the prices and reviewing the safety records.

Kia Rio 5 door

I guess the dealers inside sensed we weren’t looking to make a purchase because no one came out to greet us until we were about to leave.  The internet has really changed the way people purchase their cars so the dealers can give you more time to browse and are in less of a rush to make a sale.

From the exterior the 2013 Rio 5 Door was the perfect size, the interior features were standard and included driver, passenger, front side and side curtain airbags, with 4* NHTSA safety rating.  The estimated gas mileage of 28 city/36 highway wasn’t great but considering my son doesn’t travel far it was acceptable.

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Same features in the Rio 4 Door

Martin Kia

Saturday we will visit a Hyundai dealership to check out the new Elantra, make a comparison and hopefully an opportunity to take test drive.

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OOTD – Mix It Monday

Hello Friends and Happy Monday, I hope you had an enjoyable weekend.

I had an online weekend…reading and commenting on Blogs…updating status’…tweeting….Instagraming…Sverving…and…creating a Facebook Campaign, “Bloggers4JCPenney“. There were several bloggers who liked the concept and submitted their posts, I hope you’ll check it out and do the same.

Saturday, I received my first Influenster VOXBOX, and will be posting a review later this week. Sunday, I went to church, wore green and cooked CornBeef, Cabbage and Potatoes for St. Patty’s Day. Tomorrow #1 son has an interview at Bank of America, he and I will be meeting his DVR job coach at 1:00.  The job market is tough made even more so when you have a disability so please say a little prayer for him.

We were all hoping for another warm weekend but it seems like ‘ole Man Winter is back for one last hurrah! Wednesday is officially the first day of Spring so I’m mixing in a little bright colors with today’s all black outfit.

Are you planning a special “1st Day of Spring” outfit or will you wait until it gets warmer?

Purse from Rugged Wearhouse

Getting ready for the warmer and brighter days of Spring!

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Polka Dot Purse – Rugged Wearhouse // Neon Orange Belt – Avon

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Bright vest was thrifted from a GW Boutique (Goodwill)

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Shoes from Ross

Come on Spring…push “ole man winter away!

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Linking up with Tough Cookie Mommy and Megnificantlife  – join in to meet a few new bloggers.

Have a fantabulous afternoon – Smooches!


Bloggers 4 JCPenney Campaign

JC Penney was the place to shop when I was in High School, but that was the late ’70’s, now most people think of JCP as a place to shop for bedroom slippers, nightgowns or bedding.  So last month when I went to the Exton Mall and by chance walked through I was surprised by what I saw.  Of course it was the $3/$5 and $10 clearance racks that initially caught my attention (remember this post) but as I looked around I was impressed by other areas including the lingerie, active wear, accessories, and jewelry departments.   Since then I’ve read posts by other bloggers who have had similar experiences mostly positive, and that got me thinking about how we could collectively inform others of the changes at JCPenney.

Unfortunately, we have been reading about their struggle in attracting consumers, the disastrous marketing campaigns and the loss of value in their stocks.  I have to admit that I personally don’t like the “us-vs-them” approach because it seems negative and negativity is too prevalent in today’s society.  JCPenney was established in 1902, and is a company that should be able to weather this storm, I hope their new CEO can create a positive approach in attracting customers back into the stores.

To assist in this endeavor I am starting a #B4JCP Campaign – (Bloggers for JCPenney).  This Facebook page and Twitter account will be a catalyst for bloggers to collectively showcase their fashion finds by posting pictures or just writing about their experiences in the store.

In my opinion JCPenney has evolved to become a more trendy and fashionable place to shop, the store’s layout is boutique-like, pleasant, and not intimidating regardless of your price point.  The layout and flow is comfortable and inviting, not cramped or overwhelming and they have the latest fashions for everyone.

Friday a new line was introduced, Joe Fresh Clothing by Canadian designer Joe Mimran.  There are high hopes that this will help turn JCPenney around, it may, however, I think the current in-store enhancements will assist in that endeavor – they just need to be discovered.

The newly introduced Joe Fresh Boutique

Joe Fresh at JC Penney's

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I look forward to reading your posts and seeing your outfits on the Bloggers4JCPenney Facebook page – have fun!

De Divah Deals


Shellac -vs – Gel Manicures

A few weeks ago it was reported and obviously rebuked by nail technicians that Gel Manicures pose a health risk, that the process of using UV Rays to set the gel can cause skin cancer.  But what about Shellac Manicures, do they pose the same risks because the setting method is the same?  There are many pros and cons for each including this one, (here), but you have to judge for yourself.

I’ve had both and personally prefer The Shellac for several reasons, the process is quicker; the length under the UV light is shorter and last but not least, it’s cheaper!

Yesterday during my lunch break I went to Nail Paradise in the Frazer Shopping Center, where I received a Shellac manicure by Lisa, a very pleasant nail technician.  There were so many pretty bright colors from which to chose but I selected this Midnight Blue, what do you think?

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Have you had a Shellac or Gel Manicure – if so, which do you prefer?

Nail Technician

Lisa, the Nail Technician, was very pleasant and I enjoyed my “quick pamper”.

Frazer Shopping Center

Nail Paradise, 490 Lancaster Pike, Frazer Shopping Center, Frazer, PA  610-647-4181

Shellac Manicure

Have a fantabulous weekend – Smooches!

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OOTD – Bling Bling Thursday

Hello Friends and Happy Friday Eve!

Believe it or not we got snow flakes this morning, it was nothing major just some spritzing, but I do hope it was the last for the season.  I feel sorry for hubby because the year after the big snow storm of 2010, he used his credit card to purchase a snow blower from Sears…it’s been sitting in the garage collecting dust as he continued to pay the high interest charges!

Thursday's Bling

It took me a little longer to dress this morning because what was forecast on Sunday changed and it was too cold for my dress.  I ended up grabbing this two-tone skirt and polka dot top then added a little bling to jazz it up.  I didn’t wear hubby’s watch to work just used it for the pictures, definitely too much.

Avon and Citi Trends Watches

White Watch – Avon // Black Watch – CitiTrends

Fashion after Fifty The grass is getting greener – next week is Spring – please no more snow!

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Are you a minimalist when it comes to jewelry or do you like to Bling Bling?

Goodwill top Skirt – closet staple // Polka Dot Top – GW Boutique (Goodwill) // Belt and Pumps – Ross

Linking up with Katherines Corner – join in to meet a new blogger.

Have a fantabulous afternoon – Smooches!

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OOTD – (It's still) Winter Wednesday

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!

3.13.13 and it’s still Winter but Spring is right around the corner and I’m frantically trying to wear as many of my winter clothes before it’s officially over!

You may remember when I wore this skirt with brown booties in November (here), but today I chose to wear it with beige pumps to lighten it up a bit.

I would also like to thank my Bloggy friends who co-signed on Tuesday’s Testimony, when we are of one accord blessings pour down like rain!

Don’t ever be afraid to testify  –  you never know, it might help somebody!

Winter Wardrobe

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I love this brush suede skirt because it’s style is fashionable for a woman of my age and it fits to a “T” with a perfect length.  So glad someone donated it to the GW Boutique (Goodwill). I am going to say the same for these pumps which are also classic in style and just the right heel height because I might cut back on higher heels…NOT!

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 Necklace – Jewelymax.net // Silver Hoops – Walmart // Bracelet and Ring – jewelry box

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Linking up with  Glow Kouture & Transatlantic Blonde  – join in and meet a new blogger

Have a fantabulous afternoon – Smooches!

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