useless ramblings

#BlushVoxBox

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 03:24:00 +0000

Thanks again, Influenster!! I received the Blush Vox Box today with lots of great products I can't wait to crack open...

Simple Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes

Pantene Expert Intense Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner

Ardell False Lashes - Natural

Secret Clinical Strength clear gel - Ooh-lala Lavender scent

All of these products will certainly be put the test in this Oklahoma Summer heat, where temps creep towards 100 F in July and August, along with ridiculous humidity! I will report back as and when I get to try them.

I received these products complimentary from Influenster to review / test.

YSL Vox Box!!!

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 00:39:00 +0000

So excited about this ‪#‎VoxBox‬ from @influenster and @YSLBEAUTYPRGIRL ! ‪#‎YSLmascara‬ that does amazing things to my lashes! @love_YSL_PRGirl (I received this mascara complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my review - hint: I love it!!!)

Sally Hansen Miracle Mani - Final Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 00:21:00 +0000

Sorry I'm so late in posting my final thoughts on Sally Hansen's Miracle Mani Light Free Gel Polish. I wore the polish for the (promised) two weeks and am happy to report.... It performed as promised!

This picture was taken on August 18th (my two-week mark). You can clearly see that this stuff is amazing! (at least I hope you can clearly see... Well... I can clearly see, anyway) I can't wait to get more colors! My only regret is that I didn't discover this stuff at the beginning of summer (I don't wear polish on my fingers and it would have been nice to pretty-up my toes with this polish over the Summer Break)

Truth told, I've had a major case of the lazies and the polish is still on my toes. I'll spare you the current pic, but trust me when I tell you that almost one month later and the polish still looks amazing! (my pedicure, on the other hand, could use a little attention!)

I received this product from Influenster in exchange for my thoughts and review. Thanks, Influenster! I'm sold!!!

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 21:53:00 +0000

I'm a lucky girl! I qualified for yet another Influenster Vox Box!! This time, I received Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel Mani... it's all the benefits of a gel polish without the hassle of the LED light!

I was treated to a pedicure by my oldest daughter last night, so I'm just on day one of wearing the polish. No base coat needed... apply two coats of the color and then apply the top coat (provided). It 'cures' with natural light (and since it was after dark when we did it, I took it a step further and I was inside during the 'drying period').

My first thoughts are that I like it! I didn't find that it took any longer than any other polish to dry. The finish is ultra shiny, too! It claims to last 14 days so I will definitely check back in a couple of weeks to let you know the results and my thoughts.

**disclaimer** I received this product from Influenster in exchange for my review **

Feelin' the Jolly Vox Box lurve

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 20:24:00 +0000

So, I had the honor (again!) to be selected by Influenster to receive their December Jolly Vox Box! What in the world is a "Vox Box" you say? And how in the hell can it be "jolly"!?!?!?!

A Vox Box is, well, a box. A box full of goodies that Influenster sent me for free! Yep, you read that correctly...Free! Cost me zip. Zilch. Nada dinero (I know that's wrong :p). In exchange for the yummy (yes, I ate some) goodies, I promise to review and give feedback, as well as, well... brag a little :)

In this Vox Box, I received Rimmel London's Show Off Lip Lacquer in Luna, a NYC HD Color Trio in Bronzed in Brooklyn (eyeshadow), a travel size Puffs Plus, a Mini Ducklings Duct Tape in Hot Pink Zebra and a box of six Skinny Cow Divine Peanut Butter filled Chocolates (18 pieces total!).

There's a ton of linky love up there, so feel free to click, click, click away and get your eyes on all of the goodies I received... that's ok... I'll wait... no, really, go on and click... I'll be right here when you get done...
:: whistle whistle :: :: tap tap tap me toes :: ... :: La dee dee dee daaaaaaah ::

Oh, hey :) Welcome back! How'd ya like the look of all of my loot? Pretty jazzy box, wouldn't you say? I love, love, love all of the products (some of which are already gone - oops, was that a little bit of chocolate on my lip? So sorry...).

You can find reviews on all of the products either on Influenster's site or thru the linky love I've left for ya :) You're welcome.

And if you'd like a link to try your luck at getting your hands on one of these goodie bags, I mean boxes, just leave a comment (or email me) with an address I can send the link. All you have to do is sign up (always free! I promise, I wouldn't participate if it cost me a dime), give your opinions and wait. It's been my experience that you won't have to wait long, either! Influenster will contact you, just like they have contacted me, and want to send you free stuff, as well!!!! Really.... go on... you have nothing to lose! And ya might get some chocolate, too!!!

this is a pic I snapped quickly of me wearing the Lip Lacquer and the eyeshadow trio (apologies for the quality)

Another?!?!? I'm a lucky girl!

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:54:00 +0000

So, Influenster chose me AGAIN!!! I received the December vox box. I'll post a new entry in a few days with all the deets...

Until then, check out my eye look for my very casual, very staying at home, New Year's Eve eye look...

It's one of the HD Color Trios from NYC! Very neutral and very nice :) Thanks for stopping by :)

Hmmmmm... a quick post about my eyelashes (surprise!)

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 21:57:00 +0000

So... I took some selfies this morning after I had gotten ready for the work day. I was trying a new (for me) eye look and wanted to show the results to someone who had "coached" me. I honestly had no intention for the pics to be anything else.

Until I looked a little closer. I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves (these are my own eyelashes, not curled, with one coat of Jordana's Best Lash Mascara in black).

Thank you, Fysiko!?!

Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum - final review

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 00:25:00 +0000

So... It's been "oficially" a little longer than 16 weeks (almost 18 - I've been a bit busy, m'kay?). I began this "journey" on May 13th not quite knowing what to expect. I'd heard of eyelash growth serums, but, honestly never gave any of them a second look after seeing the cost. A huge thanks to Influenster for giving me this opportunity, one that I honestly would not have had otherwise.

I won't bore you by repeating *everything* I've already said, so if you haven't already, please hop on over to the sidebar and check out my previous posts included in this review...

I'm fortunate in that I was blessed with naturally decent eyelashes. Doesn't mean I'll be caught out much without mascara, but they aren't horrible. So, while I never expect miracles, I have to admit, I was hoping for a little more than what I received.

Let me say that I was not disappointed, overall. Not at all. I suppose if I had to sum my experience up in one word, it would be "meh" (that is *so* a word!).

Now, if I'm going to shell out what, in my world, is mega $$$ for a beauty product, at very least I'd expect the packaging not to fail. As I've shown, the applicator (and application) is very similar to many liquid eyeliners. With my tube, the handle came, I guess, unglued from the actual applicator. So when I would close the product, the handle kept spinning, even after the tube was sealed (it screws into the tube - I hope I'm explaining this correctly). So, while not exactly a deal breaker, certainly a negative.

Again, if I'm going to lay down my hard earned cashola, I want to see significant results. I really can't say that I'm "wow-ed" by the results I've seen. I didn't expect a miracle in a tube, just something I don't have to rent micro-measuring equipment to "see" results, ya know?

Lastly, I'm one of those instant gratification kind of people. I really don't have the patience to wait 16 weeks, four months, to see results. I did notice slight improvement somewhere in the middle, but, hopeful as I was, it seemed to stall. I think my mid-review excitement was burst by nothing happening. Kinda disappointing, really.

Now, this is just my experience. To be honest, I haven't read any other reviews beyond the first few weeks... (I had time then... I'm a teacher and it was Summertime ahhhhhhh. But alas, I had to go back to work and anything fun just ended. ;-)) Other people may have, and probably do have, different opinions. Isn't that what makes the world go 'round? (no... It's not love, silly). Please, I encourage you to go look at some of the other reviews! Just search "Fysiko Eyelash Serum Review" on YouTube or simply search #LongerLashes on Twitter.

Thanks, Influenster! I really enjoyed reviewing this product. Hope I made ya proud :-)

Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum review... Week 10

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 20:35:00 +0000

(usual disclaimers - I was provided this product by Influenster in exchange for posting at least four reviews over the course of the 16 week review period)

Here we are at week ten! My, how time flies! Unfortunately, I had to go into work for a few hours this morning, which meant makeup! So, I thought I'd take advantage of having my face on and snap a few pics of my lovely lashes!

What do you think? I can definitely tell a difference! I'm still on the fence as to whether or not I would spend money on this product, yet. Don't get me wrong, if dropping $139 (price as of right now, on Amazon) on a product such as this doesn't threaten your food budget for the month, as it certainly would mine, then I would most likely recommend it. However, remember that this is a 16 week review, so don't go spending your hard earned cash on my recommendation just yet!

This will most likely be my last update until the end of the review. I'll try to pop a pic up before then, but with the start of school on the fast approaching horizon and us desperately trying to cram as much fun family time into the few weeks we have left, I can't make any promises.

See ya in six (or so) weeks!

Summer Toes

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Sat, 13 Jul 2013 07:08:00 +0000

I have to admit, I'm about as low maintenance as they come. Ok, truth told, I'm just plain LAZY! Especially during the summer. But, low maintenance be damned... This girl's gotta have her toes "did" for sportin' those Summer sandals (albeit my sandals are really flip flops that no doubt were bought for less than a tenner, five or fifteen years ago).

When I first discovered those Sally Hansen nail strips, I thought I'd hit the nail polish jackpot. Easy application and they stayed on forEVER! Easy Peasey, right? Well, sort of. See, the Sally strips are actual polish (Google the process if you're interested) so, once you open the foil pack they come in, it's use 'em or lose' em. Frugal gal that I am, I can make one strip cover three, sometimes four nails. See where this is going? Waste! At $10 a pop, which I really didn't mind because of the staying power, still, I wanted more!

Enter Jamberry Nail Wraps. The best of all worlds. They satisfy my OCD tendencies (you have to try them to get this part), meet my cheap and lazy qualities all the while providing my piggies with their proper Summer dressing.

Check 'em out at www.gopaintless.jamberrynails.com I promise, I'm not getting anything in return for posting this (I did host an online party that has since wrapped up, so I *really* get nothin'). Amy Everitt is my consultant. I only mention her name because she doesn't know me from Eve and is amazing!

(forgive the state of my feet in the pic... remember *low maintenance *!)

Holy Lashes!

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 06:12:00 +0000

I know I just did the second review of Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum yesterday, but I had to jump in and show off what I saw today...

As I mentioned, during the summer, I rarely wear makeup. With temperatures often topping 95 - 100 or more 'round these parts, applying makeup often turns into an act of futility. It simply melts off the instant you step outside, assuming it stays on that long! However, today being my anniversary (Happy Day, Honey!) along with a *very* rare high temp in the mid-80s (just *unheard of!), I thought I'd make myself somewhat presentable since hubby took me out for dinner.

Short story long... Wowza!! I'm definitely seeing results from using the Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum! Remember, I'm just starting my eighth week which means I'm just about halfway into the review. If this is any indication of the next eight weeks, I'm completely stoked to see the grand finale!!

Impressed, at this point, is an understatement! Watch this page for more updates...

(*"Housekeeping" disclaimers: 1) I was provided the product by Influenster in exchange for posting at least four reviews over the course of the 16 week review period, 2) this is my first attempt at a new avenue of posting, so I'm doing this with crossed fingers that it's not buggared up, and 3) remember, the focus is on the eyelashes... try your best to ignore my shaggy eyebrows, lack of makeup and overall horrendous face :-P Obviously, I had more eye makeup on in the "before" shots, so FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS!)

Oh, and thanks so much for stopping by :-)

Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum - 7 weeks

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 21:08:00 +0000

First of all, I have to tell you that I have been trying to get this review done for two weeks now. My apologies, if my writing isn't up to it's usual stellar quality (snark, for anyone who thinks I take myself too seriously). I've had some major (to me) medical issues going on and quite honestly I haven't felt much like waking up in the morning, much less writing blog posts.

So... that said, now to get the official "stuff" out of the way... I was selected by Influenster to participate in a 16 week review of Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum. I have been provided the product by Influenster in exchange for posting at least four reviews over the course of the 16 week period. I did the first review a few weeks ago (you can find it here).

Now, seven weeks in, I'm on the fence. On one hand, I haven't noticed anything major happening, which is fine... I didn't expect miracles. And besides, it *is* a 16 week trial. Fysikio tells you from the get-go to give it the full time period. (I should mention here that since I don't work during the summer months, I very, very rarely wear make-up. Ever!) However, one day, a couple of weeks ago, I had a doctor appointment (my home away from home, but that's a complete separate story, one that I am quite sure nobody is interested in!) for which I thought I'd make myself semi-presentable and "put mah face on" as I so affectionally call it. When I applied my mascara, first swipe and I was like "OMG!!!". It honestly *felt* like something was happening!!!

So... again, who knows? I'm commintted to the full time and I will keep checking in to let you know all about my progress. I'm having a blast doing it, tho...

please, please excuse the very dark circles and horrible skin - concentrate on the lashes, man!

Fysiko' EyeLash Growth Serum - 2 weeks

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Sun, 26 May 2013 20:44:00 +0000

First of all, THANK YOU INFLUENSTER!!!!

Several weeks ago, I completed a survey sent to me by influenster.com Based on my answers, I qualified to participate in a "testing" program of Fysiko' EyeLash Serum. Influenster sent me a tube of the serum for free with the agreement that I would commit to using it daily for 16 weeks (no problemo!) and post at least four reviews on my blog and / or various social media outlets that I belong to (no problemo #2!).

I was excited to receive / qualify for this for a few reasons... one, it's free, man! And who doesn't like free stuff!!! Two, I did a little reviewing myself before my tube arrived and ohmygoodness! the price of this stuff is waaay beyond my measley teacher's salary!! Lastly, I have missed blogging and I thought if nothing else (even if all of my eyelashes fall out from using this stuff) I will be "forced" to get back to bloggin'!!!

So, here I am... in all my glory (not! as you will see), posting my first review of the Fysiko' EyeLash Serum. I began using it on May 13th (that'll be two weeks tomorrow - really, don't strain yourself trying to do the math - I got ya... just another service I offer here on uselessramblings.com). It is a clear serum that comes in a tube much like liquid eyeliner. For those of you who don't use liquid eyeliner (me!), it's really no big deal and I try(!) to demo the application in the video below. You are supposed to apply it at least once each day, they recommend applying it at night. If you chose to apply it two times daily, you are supposed to wait at least 15 minutes before applying any eye makeup. Right now, I'm going for the once daily at night.

Link to my video review here (don't laugh!)... you promised not to laugh, remember!!??!!

So... two weeks in and I honestly do not have an opinion one way or the other. My eyelashes are still there, so I guess that's a positive, right? (I see in the video that there is one straggler that is on my right eyelid - pay it no attention, it does that occasionally... always trying to be the scene stealer, the little buggar!). Fortunately, I was blessed with pretty decent eyelashes of my own, so if nothing happens, I don't suppose I'll be too disappointed.

That's all I've got for now. Fourteen more weeks to go, I have no idea how 'regular' these posts will be, but I promise to fulfill my commitment and you'll get at least three more :)

Thanks for stopping by...

I know I keep saying this...

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 03:58:00 +0000

... but I really am going to make it a point to do better with my blog. I have a ton of posts in my head, I just need to get better about getting them on my blog.

I've never thought myself a very good writer. Trouble is, when I sit down and start a post, I find myself spending way too much time using the backspace and / or delete keys instead of just letting it flow, if you know what I mean. I don't practice what I preach. I'm a huge fan of journaling and free-writing and whenever I suggest it, I always encourage the writer to write as if nobody else in the world will every read it. That's what I need to do on here - yeah right!

Actually, truth is not really far from that. All two of you would love me no matter what I said (write / type), so I really could write as if nobody else would see it...

Hmmm... food for thought.

1000 Miles in 24 Hours - The Report

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 07:03:00 +0000

This is my husband, Steve's account of the SaddleSore 1000 ride he completed yesterday. Well worth the read!
1000 Miles in 24 Hours - The Report

Update

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 18:48:00 +0000

I keep saying I'm going to get better at keeping this blog up. Life just gets in the way sometimes... Anyway - here's how they've grown...

Jeez?!?! Update much?

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:07:00 +0000

So, it hasn't quite been a full year. Almost.

I know I keep sayin' this, but I've really gotta get better about blogging. Not that anyone really gives two hoots about what's going on in Jodie-World, but it's just nice to have a place to put it all.

And, yeah, I guess there's a lot to 'put'. Just finding the time lately seems to be an impossible task.

Since I last posted (December 2008!), a lot has happened. Stuff that I used to put here, but for whatever reason, didn't this time. New Years came and went. Spring. Summer, including our 4 week European vacay (*lots* to post about that :) )! Back to school. Baby's in 1st grade!!

So, I'll try to do better... if nothing else, to have a place to look back on it all :)

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 00:31:00 +0000

I hope your Christmas was as special and memorable as mine. Best wishes in the New Year!!

Yes We Did!

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:16:00 +0000

I honestly can not remember a time in my life when I have been so proud to be an American. Congratulations, President Obama!!!

Early bird...

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:02:00 +0000

... gets the worm???? Hope so!

I voted today!

It felt so good, too. Couldn't believe the line when we pulled up outside of the County Election Board. Luckily, it moved quickly and we were in and out in about 15 - 20 minutes.

Did I mention that it felt amazing!!! There's just something about having a voice, however small, in such a historic event.

Now... off to wait 'till Tuesday...

GO VOTE!!!

10 years ago today...

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:47:00 +0000

... my heart sprouted arms and legs! Just look at it now...

Happy Birthday, Mac!!! I am so proud of the young lady you've become. The world is yours, kid. All yours!!!

I love you,
Mommy

Have you tried geocaching, yet?

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:25:00 +0000

We had a long weekend, today is our last day off school... back to the grind tomorrow. We spend a few hours geocaching. If you have never tried it, I highly recommend it. You'll need a gps unit, but honestly, decent ones can be had on ebay for little money (trust me... we are broker than broke! one appealing thing about this hobby is that it costs very little to participate and the return is immeasurable!!)

Today had us trodding around Oxley Nature Center at Mohawk Park. A great time was had by all!!! We found three caches! A very productive day, not to mention the picnic in the park and the time spent at the playground!

Enjoy...

Oh, yeah... The Diva lost one of her front teeth this weekend :( I wasn't quite ready for that!!

Boredom?

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:54:00 +0000

Hardly. But look what we created over Fall Break...

(l. to r.: Obama symbol; classic pumpkin face by Mac; witch with missing eye by The Diva; goofy pumpkin face by Mic)

Saggy and missing important body parts because we made these the day before we snapped the pictures so time and chickens had a bit of fun with the big orange veggies. Oh well, we had a blast and they look amazing!

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Birthday, Steve!

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:17:00 +0000

For all the wonderful things you do for us... you deserve an amazing day!!! May all your dreams come true!!! I love you!!!!!

What I've Really Been Doing...

noreply@blogger.com (useless_rambler) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:08:00 +0000

While I'd love for everyone to think that I've been slaving my butt off, working day in and day out, I must confess...

We did that the first two days here. Then we died. Seriously died, people.

Then, we admitted that we are old, and broken, and that, perhaps, we should just take it easy with the DIY because, man, we are going to be doing projects until we (literally) die. I am seriously doubting that either of us will live long enough to actually see it all come to fruition...

I digress...

Confession time. What I've really been doing with my summer:

I met T (on the left) and K (right) in kindergarten. Yes, kindergarten. We have stayed close for over thirty years! Benefits of growing up in small town, USA.

T lives locally, hell, we even work for the same district, we just never seem to get together as often as we might like. K lives in Texas, but still has family locally. I haven't seen K since my wedding (three years) and haven't seen her kids in four years. Too long!!! Anyway, we all got together with the kids (minus T's almost-two-year-old :( ) a few weeks ago and enjoyed a great visit. I think somewhere in there, they convinced me, and I agreed, to do the 3 Day with them next year. This year will be K's 3rd year doing it and T's 2nd. I may have to rescind my agreement when I regain my senses. Must be the paint fumes...

Anyway, we had a nice visit and swore that we wouldn't wait that long between visits again. Hopefully, we'll see each other before our kids graduate from high school...

After a long grueling day of helping me lay shelf paper, Mic spent another few hours counting his birthday money (over and over and over...). He had his eye on Guitar Hero I and II and another guitar so that we could play with each other and one of us wouldn't have to use the controller as a guitar (although, I have to say, we were all getting pretty good at it... not that we've been playing a lot, mind you...).

One evening, while Steve and I were perusing our new local Wal-Mart (what? doesn't everyone peruse Wal-Mart when their kids are gone for a few days? It's a hobby, m'kay?), we spotted something even better that Mic could get with his birthday loot... So, last week, I piled him in the car to go Father's Day shopping with me. After an hour or so going around and selecting gifts and cards for the various fathers in his life, I asked him if he'd like to know the real reason I drug him out shopping with me. He looked at me, crooked smile and big ole' baby blues gleaming, a bit puzzled (but ya gotta understand, that's Mic's usual look) and of course said yes.

We get back to the electronics section, I pointed at the box, at which point, he went absolutely insane, chanting, "Who da MAN?!?!!?!" all the way back to the house... and the rest, they say...

the real reason it is taking me weeks to paint Mac's room!