Merry Christmas and a Violet VoxBox Review!

Merry Christmas everyone!!! I was finally able to squeeze in some time to blog my review on the Violet Voxbox i received from Influenster a few weeks ago. Long story short (who am i kidding the story is never short with me) I had guests from New Zealand and Chicago and then a family member had surgery and I was basically a mom, maid, chauffer and caretaker all while having a full time job. Let me tell you I do not think being a mom is easy whatsoever! You get ZERO sleep. It's also very hard to be a people pleaser and get gifts for everyone on your list when your running around all the time.

Anyways on to my review!!!

This is what i received in my Violet Voxbox- also posted on my IG @misslada:

My Box:

The VioletVoxBox GOODIES!

My reviews:

1. Not Your Mothers Clean Freak Dry Shampoo:

So I am not a huge fan of dry shampooing.. I just have to wash my hair everyday otherwise i feel dirty. However i love using dry shampoo for days my hair feels flat and i need a little "oomph" to my do. You get me?

The ONLY dry shampoo I've liked before this one is Paul Mitchell Dry Wash. (You need to try this if you're a dry shampooer BTW)

Anyways i love that i finally tried a drugstore dry shampoo and actually enjoyed using it. The smell is "Fresh" and it leaves my hair with lots of volume!

I can only imagine what it does for people that need to aborb oil.

Final thoughts: Thumbs up since I know I'll be making this a staple in my bathroom. Yay drugstore products that work!

2. Goody Athletique Quick Dry hair band

I gave this one a test run and cycle..haha. I put it on threw my hair in a bun and went to the gym!

So background first. I have tried so many brands of headbands since I need these for yoga (have to keep those sweaty strands out of your face). I use headbands to keep my hair off my face, avoid pimples caused by sweat running down my face and so i can look cute (well sometimes).

I completely recommend this product if you workout, practice yoga or anything that makes you sweaty.  Although i wasn't a total fan of the color.. I did love that

1. It kept the long strands off my face.

2. Kept my ears warm on the way to the gym

3. It's not tight! The head wraps at the back of your neck and you can easily adjust and  customize to the size and tightness you need. I didn't notice i had it on till i had to go shower. Now that's impressive for a headband!

Overall: Thumbs up! YAY Goody! I will repurchase- in diff colors of course.

3. MJ Clay Spa Mask

Alright, Spa time! When i saw i got a face mask i freaked because I just LOVE Spa Masks. I love the ones from LUSH Cosmetics all the way to the ones at Target that are $1-2.

This spa mask is the kind you actually fold out and place on your face. Please note picture above.

What I did: I put on the mask for 15 minutes after a warm shower. Rinsed my face with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

Results: a beautiful soft, clean face with a GLOW.

AND...wait hold on. I had two breakouts a week or so ago and they had dried up and looked just terrible. However, after this mask.. the dryness just came off after i pat my face dry.

My overall thoughts: If i can purchase this reasonably under $3- then I'm down. Anything more then i would rather go to Lush. This is a GREAT product of you like the actual masks and don't want to deal with placing product on your face.

4. SoyJoy Banana Flavor

If you follow me on Twitter you know I go through seasonal phases with meal/snack replacement bars. I had seen Soyjoy at several supermarkets but was always hesitant to try them. To be honest, I'm just not a huge fan of SOY. I think it tastes great but I always feel moody when i have too much soy.

I decided to try this anyway.

Although it's not my favorite bar- I did enjoy it! Yes, the bana flavor was actually pretty appetizing. Now beware, this bar does not look that appetizing but it's actually pretty good. It wasn't dry ( even though it looked dry) and it was super fruity!

Overall thoughts: Thanks but no thanks? I liked it. I probably won't repurchase UNLESS i saw an interesting flavor or if I'm at an airport. Again, this is mainly due to the fact that I don't like putting soy in my body.

5. Triple Shine Sally Hansen Nail Polish- color: Reef-Raf

The picture above is from Influensters site, however i did try this product at the hospital. I personally LOVE Sally Hansen nail polishes so my review could be biased?

1. I did like the color i received- it was a bright, neony, coral-pink color.
2. I did apply a few (2-3) coats to get the full color payoff.
3. Very shiny and neony! Great color for summer!
4. The other colors in this line look fun for summer as well.
5. I saw the price on this- which is around $5 and I didn't make a purchase.

Okay, so yes it's a great polish and yes $5 is not that expensive. However I think that Sally Hansen should stick to the $3-$4 range.

To be honest my favorite polish from the Sally Hansen line is the Hard as Nails Xtreme wear. They are less than $3 and i love the colors they have. Esp the lilac! It's a staple in my polish collection. In fact i have purchased backups.'

Overall review: Great polish, Great formula and color. Price needs to go down so I can make the purchase. :)

All in all I am super glad i got chosen for this box and aside from the Soyjoy I was truly surprised by how much i enjoyed everything and am Excited to make purchases on most of these products. I hope my reviews helped you make a decision on spending your dollars on these great drugstore finds! :)

Please let me know if you've tried these products and what your thoughts are and if you like these types of reviews. I would love to know!

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All images are my own except the Not your mother's clean freak and Sally Hansen.

SPLURGE OR SAVE? Why not BOTH?!

People always ask me how I shop so much and don't break the bank.

I am a serious offender of having "TOO MUCH CLOTHES" but never enough shoes..

To be Honest... when I worked retail it was easy because after a while I just knew the days everything went on sale. I don't have the luxury of working retail anymore or having time to go shopping during the week so i just shop online.

Here are my top sites and tips for shopping online to get more BANG for your BUCK:

1. Using coupon codes: I always find a coupon code to save at least 10% or score free shipping. I've scored shoes for over 40% off by Googling coupon codes. Just a couple seconds of Googling can score you an extra pair of shoes or an accessory with your savings. What's great about this is that you can save without even thinking about it. Want that full priced shoe. GET IT! Use your new member 10% off code ( which most sites will have) and you just saved money without even thinking about it. There's also always a way to get yourself out of paying shipping too.
2. E-bay it: It started with my college books and then i explored into everything else on eBay. I've always had such great luck with getting books on eBay and now I've loured into finding accessories and knickknacks that are way overpriced at other retail locations.
3. Craigslist: This brings me to the discussion of Craigslist- Although I wasn't a big fan in the beginning.. obviously because I'm a girl and I'm super paranoid- I have found great deals on Craigslist! My friend even scored a leather recliner for $50. I couldn't believe it at first but when I went and saw this recliner I was amazed. This recliner was worth at least $800 and looked BRAND NEW! genuine LEATHER FOR $50. Who would've thought you could HAGGLE in this country!
4. Outlets: Now if you know me at all- you know that i do not believe in outlets- especially since I've always scored lower prices elsewhere or online. Also i always feel that the items i find in outlet malls were specifically made for outlets. But Hautelook, Beyond the Rack and, MYHABIT are a few places that my friends always swear by for designer fashion. Want that new trendy purse by Michael Kors- i promise you i have found it a $100 dollars cheaper on those sites only a few months after it hit the market.
5. Email subscriptions- I have said this before in previous posts but subscribing to emails for your favorite designers and websites will go a long way. Create a new email and use that only for your subscription/ "spam" emails and when u want something go back and look. I found a 80% off code that was exclusive to past shoppers! 80% off. So yes i bought a $100 satin pajama for $20. No tax and free shipping.
6. Inventory- Remember online inventory is typically bigger and has more variety than the local store. Which means when things go on sale- they might not sell out and they'll have to mark it down even more. I always look for shoes and find great deals online this way! I do this with Nordstrom's allll the time. Now you know my secret :)
7. Thrift Stores: "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Looking  to  find one of the latest trends but low on cash? Thrift stores are so "IN" these days.. you're friends will join you. My one biggest advice is to find a thrift store that's not in your neighborhood- look into the more upscale neighborhoods. You can even donate your items to some places and get cash and or a gift card to use at the store!  I always score some awesome accessories at thrift stores  it's crazy how much you can get for just a few bucks.
8. Stores to check out: Some stores I'm in love with and have sales all the time, even though their full priced items are already cheap are: asos.com, nastygal.com, modcloth.com, urbanoutfitters (their sales are AMAZING- I SCORED A BEDDING SET FOR $40), Jewelmint.com, Intimint.com, Topshop.com, stevemadden.com. I love how i can get designer or runway looking items or amazing dresses way cheaper than any other retailer. Asos.com requires some time but if you look you can always find some amazing dresses!

I always have money saving tips and it surprises me when people don't use them. I never pay full price for anything except groceries of course and I am always able to find a way to buy the things I NEED and want on a very low budget.

Let me know what else you would like to see me post about. Are you  guys interested in vlogs? If so let me know!

I'm adding this video since it kinda fits this post! Enjoy:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QK8mJJJvaes]

xoxoxo missLada

PICTURE CREDIT: http://scm-l3.technorati.com/12/12/13/73835/online-shopping%281%29.jpg?t=20121213022325

Eating out without Breaking the Bank

I have always been the girl that saved money when eating out. Well.. in high school that is. But once i got to college and started going out with friends more often- i learned to really keep my food budget in check.- As a result i always had money to go out with friends!

Here are some ways that I've learned to save and still be able to go out with friends:

1. Eating before you go out: This helps you make healthier choices because that way you aren't thiniking aboutfilling your stomach and actually think about the taste of the food
2. Getting a box to go : Getting a to go box for a large portion helps you plan your next meal- and that's one less meal you have to cook or buy! Not only do you save time and money- but eating in smaller portions keeps your waistline in check also!
3. Groupon/Living Social/ Daily Deals: I've said it before- i have a separate email account for all these sites i use. I get daily updates on restaurants. Whether it's studio movie grill or that new restaurant I've wanted to try. Sometimes even bakeries.. I snag a 2 for one deal and use that next time i go out with friends. This is a great idea for those of you who pick up every other tab- do not do this on a first date but for those of you in relationships- the guys always love when u pick up a tab here and there.
4. Restaurant.com- I've used this just as much as I've used Groupon. In fact i used this on an anniversary dinner. I have found great restaurants this way too! You purchase a certificate for let's say a couple bucks and you get a certificate to use at a restaurant. What's great about restaurant.com is that you can find codes online to purchase these certificates. I still have 4 that i purchased all for less than $2. They are saving me at least $25-30 per check. :) Total dealeo!
5. Social-Media: Using Social Media to find specials is great. i don't know how many times in colege i got on twitter to find out deals for lunch. My favorite restaurants around school always had specials during the week. This is a great way to enjoy  your favorite restaurants and snag a deal on the meals you enjoy without breaking the bank.
6. Google- Last but not least- i like to ask my friends and Google the restaurant before i decide to go. I have learned to refuse to go to restaurants where i don't enjoy the food. Bad food is the worst. Reading a review or 10 can save you not only money but also a night of indigestion. Looking at menus before i go out helps me have an idea about what i want to order so I don't order some random dish. I never order salads- the are always very pricy compared to the other menu options and never fill me up. I almost always go for an appetizer or burger. Something like that i know I'll enjoy yet is filling for it's value.
7. Skip the dessert: although lately several restaurants have mini desserts available for a few bucks- i have been always the one who declined the dessert- even when my waiter was hot and the dessert menu was making my mouth water.. I'll grab a mint and call it a day.You can get a whole cake and have coffee or tea for half that cost- for all your friends. If you do order dessert- split it with a friend. How many of us actually have room for all that cake anyway? :)
8. Cash: I'm really awful at this one- but having cash when you go out with friends will help you split the bill and pay your part without having to pay for other people's large portions or worst their pricey drinks. I can't say enough how many times i got screwed over by ordering a appetizer and water and had to pay part of my friends beers and steaks. Having some extra cash would've definitely saved me money in the long haul.

Sticking with these few rules has always helped me stay in budget and always have money to go out! Don't let a few bad mistakes rule your life as a recessionista- you can always find a way to afford to go out. Hope you found this advice useful!

Let me know if you have any other ideas!

xoxo miss lada

Saving big $$$$ without Sacrificing Quality

Hello Recessionista's! Hope everyone had a great weekend and is ready to finish the end of October with a great spooky kick! With the holiday season just around the corner...I wanted to give you all an insight on how i get high quality makeup and beauty tools with Big discounts.

Here are the latest hauls I've had:

Groupon Deals:

I see The body shop deal about 3-4 times a year on Groupon and as you all know they have high quality brushes and makeup. Although I am a big fan of everything in the store, i dig their brushes, eye shadows and lip butters. When i see the $10 for $20 Groupon deal.. i immediately start with buying two. I can a couple good brushes with just that. Also-most of the time The body shop has deals going on in the store. I have walked away with around $100 worth of products by using this Groupon deal in combination with the on going in store deals. BTW- this promo is running on Groupon TODAY! Snatch it while you can :)

Urban Decay:

Something I really want to recommend is creating an email address where you can subscribe to deals. I do this for my Groupon deals and email subscriptions. I never thought signing up for emails would save me much money till i recently got 20% off on Urban Decays website. I was super tempted to buy everything but then i realized I didn't have much to work with. So I got the smoked palette and handful of eye shadows for a fraction of the price. Seriously all of it was $50 and i scored free shipping! Btw they have several of these throughout the year so keep your eyes pealed!

Sephora and Beauty cards

This past year i fell out of the VIB beauty insider and I realized how much i took it for granted. The only reason i fell out of it is of course because I'm a recessionista and spending that much at Sephora is just not always feasible :)

Nevertheless i retained by VIB status by throwing my out of town friend's purchases on my card. Cheating i know..

But get this I used my 20% VIB reward to purchase an exclusive makeup brush set and belt worth $450 at a quarter of the cost.

It was already on sale... and i used free shipping and my reward to get two sets for less then $200! It's probably one of the best purchases I've made - I gave one away as a gift and kept one for myself as an early Christmas gift which i will later use for my latest hobby that may make me extra cash.. TBA!

Cravebox Subscriptions and other beauty and fashion subscriptions :

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Cravebox. More info on that beauty box here. But here's the thing.. i've only paid for one box! I got two free due to shipping issues. But due to the price of the boxes- they are still a great  way to try new products on the market without having to spend much. For $10 or so I have been able to receive several full size products and have discovered some new items on the market that i wasn't aware of. From eye creams to vitamins. Either way it's a great way to try new products without spending a fortune.

Stylemint and Jewelmint

Which leads me also to Stylemint and Jewelmint- I try to post about all the purchases i have on those sites.. I always skip in the beginning of the month and wait for the sales. I have scored tons of beautiful jewelry and t-shirts for under $10... Stylemint usually doesn't go under $15 but i typically get dresses which have been worth way over $15.

Using Promo Codes

Also REMEMBER- you can always find great PROMO codes for any site. Two of my favorites are retailmenot.com and dealspl.us :)

Well that's it for now. Do you have any recommendations on how to save big $$$ on great beauty and style finds? Please post  your money saving tricks below!

xoxo miss lada

DIY FLORAL BANGLES

I ran into this DIY and couldn't stop thinking of how #recessionista it is :) Create these amazing bangles under a couple bucks.. i'm thinking.. this would make GREAT birthday gifts!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCkMbjWjNwY&feature=player_embedded]

This is def what i will be up to this weekend!

Let me know if you do! Post comments, pictures or videos of your creations :)

xoxo missLada

Cravebox Giveaway Contest

Hello Recessionista's!!! I won the beauty box blog contest anddddd.... therefore

I have a Cravebox to give away for free! Very recessionista right? ;)

If you don't know what cravebox is from my last post.. here is some more info ( i stole this info from cravebox.com):

Cravebox is a wildly popular product discovery service that puts crave-worthy products into the hands of our lucky Cravebox Members. A team of Cravebox Curators scours the earth for the best of the best, and carefully prepares boxes that are delivered to members’ homes.

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF BOXES AVAILABLE.

I'm waiting to get the subscription box- but currently i sign up every month for the LIMITED EDITION boxes. I had the summer beauty box- which i LOVE!!! i'm still trying to finish the products.

More info on the boxes:

Subscription Boxes are automatically shipped to subscribing Members and cost $10 a piece. The program is enormously successful and we sell out all our subscription slots in just a few hours, so at the moment there are no new subscription slots available.

Limited Edition Boxes are the newest offering. Cravebox Curators pack up handsome and hefty boxes filled with products, gadgets, doodads and supplies focused around a theme, activity, occasion or hobby that our Members love. Members are notified as soon as each new box is available, and have 3 days to come to the Cravebox website to enter a lottery style drawing for that Cravebox. Winners are notified as soon as the drawing is completed, and receive their Limited Edition box within about two weeks. Limited Edition boxes are available to members for just $10 - $15 each.

Do you wanna try #cravebox? Well... enter my drawing to win a free crave box! The drawing will be open through Sunday midnight. I will close it out first thing on Monday at 12:01 a.m.

Here is what u have to do:

1. Follow my blog!

2. Follow me @misslada on twitter for the latest updates!

3. Leave a comment below with a "recessionista" advice :)

check out craveboxes site for more info.

All information included is directly from Cravebox's site.

http://www.cravebox.com/cravebox-home.htm

let me know if you have any questions!

xoxoxo

missLada

THE Summer Beauty Cravebox

My last Post was a complete debbie downer :(

So here are some Pictures from my Cravebox till i get my fabulous video loaded :)

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the products i have received.

Speaking of pictures... my picture quality should be upgrading soon!! on a recessionista budget of course.

Actually in my latest video i mention how i am working all the time.

I am always on the go but i am also in GRAD school right now. Grad school is more than half my paycheck so i'll be a recessionista for quite a while.

Meanwhile. i hope you liked my cravebox and consider getting yourself one as well!

I found this cravebox well worth every penny.

The razor, soap , and protein bar were all things i would have purchased on a weekly basis which would have cost me more than $11- The brands are high quality and the scrub and eye treatment are the best gifts i have received in a while.

I dare you all to check it out if you have a spare $11. You can choose which box you are interested and they will randomly choose the winners- till they have more openings for their monthly subscriptions

Feel free to comment or message me!

xoxox

missLADA

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MORE SCARFS! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Okay, so i want to make sure you al know that i will make it a GOAL to blog more. i always have these great ideas but never blog about them. RESOLUTION! To start the year off right i decided to post about the first thing i saw and LOVED!

MORE WAYS TO WEAR SCARFS. and i would like to thank this site (scarves.net) :) for all the amazing scarf ideas i get.

wear your hearts out in these great ideas and have a safe and Happy new Years!

Summer Dresses

I finally decided to post the top must have dresses for the summer 1. The Tube Top dress- White or Black

This dress is AMAZING. This is why:

1. It's white, and looks great over a bathing suit as a cover-up

2. Versatility: You can wear it to the beach or throw a belt over it and dress it up.

3. 100% cotton makes it super super cool to wear in the summer heat.

4. You can get them anywhere: American Eagle $15-$25, Target: $20, Macy's and Forever 21 have some in different colors as well.

2. Little White Dress- same as above except shorter and sexier- American Eagle $25

1. Short and Sweet

2. Great with a Belt

3. Accessories and blazers/jackets compliment this dress perfectly.

I wear mine with a cardigan.

4. American Eagle and Urban Outfitters flourish with similar dress all summer round.

3. Little Black Dress// Vneck Crisscross $20 American Eagle

1. Sexy back, makes it the perfect little black dress for summer

2. Cotton

3. Not too long and not too short. I am a tall girl and it is perfect on me. Right above the knee.

4. What i love about this dress is that I can wear it with tights in the fall or leggings in the winter. Super versatile.

4. Chiffon Dress- $20 black. grey or RED

Enjoy! I have more coming!

- xoxoxo misslada