Stitches Update and a Marc Jacobs VoxBox

My stitches are out! I could scream this from the rooftops if I could. It feels SO much better now. The process of taking them out, not so much. It even hurt when they put the cleaning solution on it. And the stitches. Ouch. But they are all gone, and I have an infection as I suspected. So now I am on antibiotics (again) and I am hoping it clears up enough in 3 to 4 days (on meds for 10 days). My shoulder is still sore, but so much better than yesterday. Now onto healing. And lifting weights again.

In other news, I recently received a #voxbox from Influenster and this one was a good one. I received the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara. First, I love make-up and second, I love Marc Jacobs products. But I had never tried their make-up. Heck, I don't think I knew they made make-up. I love their perfumes though.

 The brush so you can see the color, shape and size

Once I received my #voxbox, I used it the next morning and I loved the results. Please excuse the awful selfies below.

Before (only part of my eyes on)

After

I love the color (black), how it lengthens my lashes so much (gives me a little feeling of my old extensions), volumizes, separates (thanks to the great brush) and gets in the inner corners of my eyes (again thanks to the brush). 

I had bought a mascara a week or so before I received the Marc Jacobs mascara, and I haven't used my other one since. I love this mascara. I can't wait to try out other Marc Jacobs make-up.

* I received the items complimentary from Influenster to test and review. All opinions are my own.

YSL Black Opium

I received another Yves Saint Laurent VoxBox from Influenster. This time, perfume. Oh, be still my heart. I love a good fragrance, but I am very picky when it comes to perfumes. I tend to favor the floral and fruity smells, but I am always willing to look and try new ones.

Yves Saint Laurent put out a new perfume named Black Opium.

The bottle is very pretty, but dainty. And it doesn't have a perfume spritzer, so you apply it using the top or the bottle.

Now onto the scent. It is heavenly. I have been using it everyday since I received it. It has a slight spice mixed with a vibrant vanilla and floral smell to it.

I put a small amount on my wrists and neck and it lasts all day long. Once my bottle is gone, I will be purchasing a bigger bottle. The price tag is a bit steep, but well worth the price. I received a .25 fl ounce bottle which is shown below. A one ounce bottle is $67.

   0.25 ounce bottle seems so tiny

What are your favorite YSL products? I have been buying more and more products over the last year and have fallen in love with their brand. Thank you YSL for giving me my new signature scent.

* I received the items complimentary from Influenster to test and review. All opinions are my own.

XO VoxBox Review

I am finally getting around to posting my Voxbox review. Don't know what a Voxbox is?  It is a box of goodies that Influenster sends out to lucky members to review.   was chosen for the XO VoxBox which contained some hair products, laundry products, dental care products and coupons for many other items. Today I am here to tell you what I liked and disliked.

* I received the products complimentary to test and review, but all opinions are my own.

I would have to say this was a pretty diverse box of goodies. There was even a coupon for lingerie and a service that sends you lingerie every month for $25, but I opted out of it as I don't really have the funds to get new lingerie every month. Not that I wouldn't want it because I would.

Colgate Optic White Toothbrush with Built-in Whitening Pen and Toothpaste - Like (most of it)
The first time I used the toothbrush I thought it was a bit too hard, but after the second time, I actually really like it. You can put the whitening pen in the bottom of the toothbrush for easy convenience or stability. I also liked the toothpaste. It hasn't made my teeth tingle like other whitening toothpastes do. But I wasn't as big of a fan of the whitening pen. I used it twice, but it made my teeth tingle too much.

Tide Pods with Febreze - Love
I love the Tide Pods. I have used at least half of the bag already. I love the scent of my clothes after washing with the pods and they feel really clean. You simply add the pod to the bottom of you washing machine, add your clothes on top and set your washing machine to run. Super easy and convenient. I would definitely buy these.

Skinfix Hand Repair Cream - Like
I put this in my diaper bag since I am constantly washing my hands and need some lotion when I am on the go. I like how it makes my hands feel. The smell is ok, but I am more partial to non-scents right now.

John Frieda Beach Blonde Collection Shampoo and Conditioner and Sea Salt Spray - Like
I haven't used the sea salt spray as I have been getting up super early to shower and don't really have the opportunity to use the spray yet, but I have used the shampoo and conditioner. I love the scent (mint) of this. It is supposed to be for damaged hair and as I have color treated hair this is nice.

John Frieda Luxirous Volume 7 Day Volume In-Shower Treatment - Like so far
I have only used this once as it is a 7 day volume treatment (as it says in the title). I liked how it felt on my hair and how it easily washed out. Just use it after your normal shampoo and conditioner, leave in for 3 to 5 minutes and wash out. I am not sure if it makes my hair that much more volumized as my hair is pretty thick right now, but I want to use it more times before I can make a fair review on it. So far I am liking it.

Not pictured - coupons - just ok
I like getting coupons for products and stores I like, but I am not as likely to use them if I have never shopped the store before. I don't know the sizing and fit of items and since I am still post pregnancy sizing, it is hard for me to invest in new clothes where I don't know the product/store very well. But don't get me wrong, I did some window shopping and could use some stuff for work, but otherwise not my favorite VoxBox item.

Want to get a VoxBox of your own? Join now here.

Why You Should Join Influenster

So I know it is Tuesday and I never did a weekend update.  But that is because I am saving it for my Baby Shower post.  I am waiting on some photos that were taken with my moms camera in order to finish the post.  Let me just say the girls and I were spoiled.  Everything from the amazing food, decor, cake to the presents galore.  You name it, we were treated the very best.  I can't wait to share that with you all.

In the meantime, I am going to tell you more about one of my programs I participate in.  I will keep this short and sweet.  I am an #Influenster.  I have talked about my Vox Boxes a few times (here and on twitter mostly), but my favorite box was the Something Blue - I Do Vox Box which had some of the best essentials to prepare for your wedding.  From teeth whitening toothpaste to fake eyelashes to Dr. Scholls foot cushions, this box had it all.  I used it all and still use my KissLashes because they are so much easier to put on than the ones I have bought at Mac and other stores.

I have received quite a few boxes since becoming a member in May 2012.  It is super easy, fun and you get to try out some of the latest and greatest new beauty, electronic and practical every day items.  You can sign up at Influenster or download their new app in your app store.  Just search #InfluensterApp.  It makes taking pictures, uploading pictures and reviews so much easier.  Plus you can take pictures using the products and put them into your reviews, questions and answers.

Did I also mention that you can get perks for becoming an Influenster?  They have deals on clothes, pet insurance, gaming memberships, wine, etc.  It is a great way to connect with other bloggers, test products and get your name out there.