Influenster - Spring Beauty VoxBox

I have heard about this site Influenster through social media a while ago. What you do is you sign up for an account, fill out surveys and complete some badges. Then they will select to see if you fit their profile to review some products for free.  I signed up about a year ago, and I've gotten selected twice so far.  I'm not sure how often they do these test packages, but you will get an email when you have been selected and you will need to login to their website to accept it. Then couple weeks afterwards, you will get your box delivered to your doorstep. Did I mention you are getting it all for free!?

What they want you to do, is get the word out there about the products you tested, through social media. If you have a blog, Twitter, Facebook, or Youtube account, you are more likely to get selected. You need to try and test out each product and review them through your channels, also on the Influenster site itself. Not a bad deal considering the products you are getting for free.

Badges page

What I got in my Spring Beauty VoxBox

Overall picture

Description card of each of the products

A full size Bath & Body Works - Fine Fragrance Mist

SoyJoy all-natural soy fruit bar

Dr. Scholl's For Her - Ball of Foot

Trial size Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash

Trial size Sheer Cover Duo Concealer

Chapstick - Lip Shield 365

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips

Reviews stay tuned....

Say what? Get cash for taking surveys??

If you are like me, who loves taking surveys, you should sign up for www.mysurvey.com
You just need to give a little profile about yourself when you sign up and it will send you email notifications when they have a survey that meets your demographic.

Sometimes they will send you testing products to review. I've been a member four couple years now and I've gotten couple samples like boxed hair dye and sunscreen spray from them. But what's best about this is, you get points each time you take a survey and you can accumulate these points to redeem for rewards like gift cards, dvds, even cash!
(I'm almost at a $50 check right now!)

So check it out and sign up if you have spare time and enjoys taking surveys.

Here are some gifts you can redeem:

Our one-year Anniversary Trip to Orlando

We decided as a couple that we will not buy gifts for each other for our anniversary, just take a trip somewhere together. And this year, we decided to go to Orlando, Florida. We went to DisneyWorld Orlando a year after we begin dating, we had a blast. So we wanted to go to Orlando and also check out the new Universal Harry Potter theme park this time.

We were lucky, it just happens to be two special events going on at the same time, Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival and Mickey's Merry Christmas Party. This was so much fun, we loved Epcot last time because you get to drink and eat around the "world" with 10 or so countries. But with the Food & Wine Festival, this is like twice more countries! You get to sample tapas-sized dishes from each country and also their alcohol. We definitely did not expect that and spent way too much money than expected.

I tried to take a picture and the menu board from each country as we go. But you know after my 5th cup of alcohol, I don't even remember if I missed any? There were definitely countries that we skipped like China, when I can make a better Chinese food. LOL

Also they had events like cooking lessons and special bands performing duding this festival. We only had one day at Disney, so we did not get to go see everything that we wanted. But it was so fun! Definitely check it out if you ever have the chance to during that time!

Ahi Poke with Seaweed Salad and Kuala Pork Slider

Scandinavian Swedish Meat Balls

Korean Rice Wine and Buglulgi with Kimchee

I believe this was South African. Sweet Potato Puree and Steak with some kind of sauce that tasted like curry.

German beer sampler!

Poland -  Pierogi (filled with potatoes) with Polish sausage and sauerkraut and sour cream.

Belgium Beer Sampler!

France - Escargot (snails!)

England - Fish and Chips with Malt Vinegar of course!

Lastly, I will end my blog with awesome pictures of the lighted castle from the Mickey's Merry Christmas Party!

My Christmas Wish List - Updated

Christmas is just around the corner guys! What's on your list?

My list is growing and growing, I wanted to add one more thing on the list:

Updated:

Muji Acrylic Case  for makeup storage.

Most of people use Rubbermaid or Sterilite plastic bins you get at wal-mart or target to store makeup, and they are not the most esthetically pleasing. Then I came across these Muji acrylic bins. They are very popular and the website sells out quickly, then you have to get on a waiting list until they are back in stock. I just haven't pulled the trigger on these because they are not exactly cheap.

They may look normal like this but I found some photos of them with makeup in them. Look how pretty they are:

I don't usually make a list for presents. Most of the items that I want I buy for myself sooner or later.
I think part of the fun is searching for that perfect gift for the special someone and I like the element of surprise when it comes to gifts. But sometimes it's not a gift that you want or need, then I can see where "The List" comes in handy.

Anyway, enough said, here is what I've come up with, items that I want but haven't had the chance to purchase:

1) Bootie Slippers - only some of you know that I have a leg discrepancy problem (about 0.3 inches), that's why I limp most of the time, and my orthopedic surgeon suggest that I wear a lift at all times. I need to be in them more than I am out of them.  I wear Chinese slippers at home but it wouldn't work with my lift, so I need something that's all enclosed to wear with my lift.

2.  Apple / I-Tunes - I love my Iphone. I can't imagine to live without it, sad ... I know. That being said, I could always use a gift card for Apple whether it's to purchase Apps or songs. Also I need to get a laptop charger for my laptop, because one of my cat have chewed through the cord.

3.  Gifts cards - I don't like gift cards.. to me it's just like giving money. BUT there are things I want from these stores that I purchase often. I may not have things I want at this moment, but something will always come up. And they are: Forever 21 and Sephora.

I love Forever 21's jewelry and accessory selections and price. Yes, it's cheaply made and you get what you pay for, but if it's something you will wear for the season, $2.80 on a pair of earrings is nothing. You can stay on top of the latest trend without breaking the wallet.

And Sephora, I don't think I need to explain why I love this store, lol.

4. QVC New Beauty 10-piece Test Tube with Magazine - I believe this is release quarterly by QVC, and they give out full size samples of products for you to try out. Very similar to the Birchbox that I was getting for few months but this one cost little more but you get more products to try out.

What is it: A collection of some of the hottest and most in-demand products in beauty. In this test tube, you'll receive the current issue of NewBeauty magazine, along with a mix of full-sized, travel-sized, and deluxe-sized samples from DDF, Dr. Denese, Kate Somerville, Laura Mercier, Mally Beauty, philosophy, StriVectin, Supersmile, and WEN.

Who is it for: Anyone looking to sample a wide variety of fabulous beauty products at an unbelievable value.

Why is it different: This TestTube combines luxurious beauty products with extensive product and how-to information. New Beauty magazine provides insider information on trends and hot topics within the beauty world via respected experts from the beauty industry.

5.

A Random Thought: Baby Talk

On the way drive to work today, while listening to my usual morning radio, they brought up a interesting topic that I would like to talk about. It's "all the wrong reasons to have a baby".

This article is seen on msn.com, and it may upset some people that are reading this, but everyone is entitled to their own options right?  Everyone around me is getting married and trying to have kid or is pregnant. Take a look at the reasons below:

 

Wrong Reason 1: You Need Something New to Obsess Over

Now that the wedding planning is over, what will you do with all your free time? Suddenly there's a strong urge to fill it with another big project. Don't mistake boredom with baby cravings. Take up a hobby -- whether it's searching for houses on the Web or learning how to wallpaper your bathroom. Sure, you've proven that you can stick with something and follow it through to the end, but get the most out of this free time (and alone time) while you have it.

 

Wrong Reason 2: You're Freaked Out About Fertility

No matter how well we know our bodies, most of us have no idea about a fundamental aspect of our health -- our ability to conceive -- until we actually start to try. It's this nagging feeling that makes us anxious to jump into the baby ring. But take some of the pressure off yourselves and let nature take its course. Some couples have to wait a while to conceive, some get pregnant on the first try, and some without even trying! Assume the best, and only start the process when you're truly ready for the pitter-patter of little feet in the house.

 

Wrong Reason 3: Everyone Is Having Them

Come on. What's that saying about all your friends jumping off a bridge? This is a decision that will change your lives like no other. Make sure you're both on the same wavelength about the big issues: Who, if anyone, will stay at home? Can your living situation handle it? A solid, united front is the key to being perfect parents to a kid. Just because Sam and Anna are ready doesn't mean your twosome is ready for a threesome.

 

Wrong Reason 4: You Think a Baby Is a Quick Fix

Being married isn't easy, but it's easy to think a baby will make your life a fairy tale. Parenthood isn't all romance. Don't make the biggest mistake of all and expect a baby to fill a void in your marriage, or use the idea of starting a family as a Band-Aid for your relationship. Instead, work on the two of you, and remember all the fabulous reasons you got together in the first place -- then make room for baby.

 

Wrong Reason 5: There's Pressure From Parents

For years before your engagement, Mom dropped tons of not-so-subtle hints about wanting you to hurry up and tie the knot. Never one to let up, she's now talking about her grandma urges. Like you do with everything else your mother tells you, listen patiently and then calmly explain to her how you're still the master of your own destiny. Don't worry -- tell her she'll be the first to know.

Another reason you will hear is that people will say, "It's because I love babies!", but babies don't last forever!  Sooner than you realize they will turn from infants to toddlers, preadolescence, teenagers....  you don't hear people say: "I love having kids because I love teenagers!"

Most Asians will probably relate to Reason 5, Pressure from Parents. I know it's important to pass down your family name and family line. Most Asian kids are very obedient to their elders, so they will grant the elder's wishes thinking it's the right thing to do.  But have they ever thought about if that's what they wanted to do, as a couple? After all, they are the ones responsible for raising the kid for the rest of their life, not the couple's parents.

You won't hear a mom complain about her baby, or saying how hard it was & it was not worth it, or worse, regret it. Because as a society we think they are horrible people for saying stuff like that and they will go to hell for saying bad stuff about their baby.  But the truth is, having a baby and raising a kid is tough. No matter how much you prepare you will never be ready for it.

So hopefully before you are starting to try for a baby, you are doing it for the right reasons.

Shopper's Paradise

What kind of girl doesn't love shopping?

I've noticed there's been a trend lately with online shopping. These sites starting to pop up, called flash sale sites. Basically it's a membership based site that has several sales everyday that they will reveal at 9 am PST (different sites vary). It's first come, first serve basis and the sales only lasts couple days, or until the items are all sold out.

I do not work well with sites like these.... LOL
That means the impulsive shopper like I am have a chance to go shopping every day just by sitting in front of the computer. Very bad indeed!! However, you can really score some designer brand items or brands you love with these sites.   These sites have shipping usually from $5.95-$9.95 but there's no tax. They ship your item as soon as the sale closes. But it can take couple weeks to a month. And they have excellent customer services and a lot of them offer free returns.

These screen shots that I grabbed are from today, so if you go into the sites later, you might not see the same items on sale. Some are very high end, like Fendi, Burburry. But they also have cheaper items like Crocs, London Fog, Betsy Johnson...etc.

All the sites have similar categories, Womens, Mens, Kids, Home, Beauty, Travel.

There are several I wanted to share.



1. First is Ideeli. This is one of my favorite ones because they offer a lot of items daily.

Home Page

 2. Next is Ruelala. Here are some of the sample sales they have going on.

Home Page

3. Hautelook, another one of my favorites. They often have cosmetics products here for very cheap. I have seen Urban Decay eyeshadow, foundations, brushes... for $2.

4. Gilt Groupe. This is the most high end out of the bunch. I rarely buy anything from here, but just browse here and there. What's special about this one, is that they have a "taste" section now, and offers some gourmet food items like Wagyu Beef, Pig Tails, Quails, Spanish Magalica Ham with Carving Stand, Black Winter Truffles, Truffle Oil... It's definitely fun to browse though.