Late Summer Goodies

Hey Everyone! 

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I was traveling for work! 

But Crowdtap and BzzAgent have been good to me in August and September! Here are some of the products I have been able to try for free!

BzzAgent

Glade® PlugIns® Car

The Facts

• Four adjustable fragrance settings: Off, Low, Medium and High
• Modern, discreet design blends in with your car
• Fragrance lasts up to 60 days*
• Refills available in four Glade® fragrances

- New Car Feel™
- Hawaiian Breeze®
- Blue Odyssey®
- Aqua Exhilaration™

• Plugs into your 12V outlet and lights up to let you know it’s on
• Vibration sensor shuts off the device after 30 minutes of inactivity

In my BzzKit I got: 

• One Glade® PlugIns® Car Starter Kit (New Car Feel™ refill)
• Coupons for $1 off 2 refills
• Pass-along coupons to help friends and family

My Thoughts

I always have a good smelly thing in my car. I've tried gels, scent circles, hanging trees, etc. At first, I really liked the smell of Hawaiian Breeze in my Acura TL. I didn't notice it while I was driving but I DID notice it when I got back into my car. When you plug it in and turn up the setting, it lights up to let you know it's working. I'm not sure if it's just my car, but I've noticed it turn off and on again even when I am driving. Maybe it's because my car is a 2008 and the electronics aren't are good as they used to be. 

My husband put the New Car Feel in the 2013 Mazda CX-9 (where the kids ride most of the time) and I can't really say I've noticed the Glade scent too much. I also don't notice the "kid stink" either, so I guess that's a good thing. 

Anyone else try this product?

Crowdtap

In August I got to try a new makeup product called Julep Cushion Complexion 5-in-1 Skin Perfector. 

Time to trade in the purse full of complexion products you’ve been lugging around for the Julep 5-in-1 Skin Perfector with Turmeric. This sleek multi-tasker boasts buildable coverage that allows you to conceal, correct, illuminate, blur, and brighten. Plus, all that skin-perfecting power comes with a convenient cushion tip applicator that makes on-the-go application a breeze. 

My Thoughts

If you don't like the smell of Turmeric, don't buy these. If it doesn't bug you, then try it! It's pretty incredible. 
I got 5 shades in a range of light to dark. I tried a few of the lighter ones and it turns out I'm not the lightest! 
Here are some pictures of the product, shades and how it worked on my skin. 

I have pretty bad Rosacea so I am always in the market for a cover up/concealer that doesn't let the red show through. I usually put one coat under my eyes, around my nose and then two to three layers on my cheeks. 200 Nude was the shade that fit me best. I found the applicator tip hard to use and blend. It was great for precision application, but the felt tip wasn't big enough to do my whole face so I used my handy beauty blender and that seemed to do the trick just fine. They say you can use your finger to blend but some part of my teenage mind reading Cosmo says that's bad for your skin. 

It's been about a month and I use it nearly every day and I'm just about finished with the product in the pen. It retails for around $30 so I'm just sure I'll buy it again, but if you can afford it, I'd recommend it. 

Here' s a link to their site:Julep.com



I also got picked for a Unilever Sample box from CrowdTap. And just in time!
Look at all the stuff I got! 

My Thoughts

Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo - I love that this shampoo doesn't have sulfates in it, but it still foams and bubbles up. Smells clean and not too florally. 

Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisture Conditioner- I struggle with conditioners because I have really long hair. Like I am going to donate 19 inches of my hair in October and still have a long bob long hair. You are supposed to leave it in your hair for 2 minutes before rinsing it out.  My experiences with it haven't been fabulous. I feel like it somehow makes my hair look greasier but at the same time, it doesn't leave my hair silky when it's wet, and it's hard to comb through my wet hair. 

Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant Clear Tone Skin Renew- I also struggle with deodorants. I'm not a sweaty person but I always feel like I'm never quite dry. Or the fragrance is overwhelming. This deodorant is amazing. I put it on at night after my shower and, I am telling you, I still fresh and clean after a full day of work! I definitely think my underarms are softer. Score! 

Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant Powder Soft- I haven't used this one yet, but I've used it in the past. I really like the fresh powder smell. Kept me dry all day. 

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Defense Spray- I used this little guy before I blew dry my hair the one night. It didn't seem to add any greasiness to my hair (which I struggle with all the time). It also left a nice, not chemically smell to my hair once I finished blowing it dry. I hate the smell of burnt hair (from the hair drier or flat iron) and this definitely took care of that. I don't use heat on my hair every day, but it's nice to have around. 



And finally, I got picked for the SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend mission. 

I have type 2 diabetes, and so I am always looking for ways to satisfy my sweet tooth but not raise my blood sugar. I know that too much artificial sugars don't really help with keeping blood sugars low, but the Stevia is fine. With the holidays coming up, I am excited to start using these in pies, cookies, and cakes!

I've had a good experience using this type of blend in drinks in the past. Anyone have any recipes that they've tried with a Spenda/Stevia blend and it worked?


Phew! I think that's it for August and September!  I'll try to keep the next reviews shorter and as they get to me. 

How have your sample loots been? Any really great stuff? 

How Do I Get Free Stuff??

A few people have asked me about how I get so many free samples. I thought I'd share with you the sites, how to get free samples, and about how much effort it will take to get products to try before you buy!

Bzz Agent

http://u.bzz.com/dh82d 

I usually spend about 20 min all month between the surveys and stuff you need to do once you get a campaign. I've gotten everything from toys, shampoo, gum, alcohol, books, pasta. Lots of free full sized samples (especially food) and LOTS of coupons.

PinchMe

http://www.pinchme.com/?referral_code=4PYTK

Once a month, you can log in at noon and get a box of samples you can pick from. Then you have to leave a quick review. Over the past few months, though, I haven't been eligible for samples, which I think is ridiculous. 

CrowdTap

http://crowdtap.com/

Probably the most time-consuming. daily polls, photos, posts, questionnaires etc. But for every 1000 points, you earn $5 Amazon cards. I've got $40 in the past month. Then you can also apply for missions and sample kits. I've gotten everything from Summer's Eve to granola bars, band-aids etc.  Full-size products. 

Smile360

smiley.socialmedialink.com

Similar to BzzAgent and Crowdtap. That's where I've got the Gelocity and Turkey Hill products. I'm still new at this one, but it's been worth it so far. 

Sample Source

https://www.samplesource.com

All you have to do for this one is just log in when they tell you to and say which samples you want. 

Happy Samples! :) 

BIC® Gel-ocity® Quick Dry Gel Pens

Huzzah! I've been picked to receive some amazing gel pens! I am a firm believer in hand written notes. Little reminders that you are worth more than a text or quick email. 

I am also super picky about my pens! No regular roller ball pens for me. I need a nice, smooth line that doesn't bleed. Some of my favorite pens do this but also smudge. So getting accepted for this mission is SUPER exciting. Quick Dry and no smearing. 

I know they say to share these with the kids, but I am totally keeping these for myself!

Here is what the mission page has to say: 

There's so much you can do with BIC® Gel-ocity® Quick Dry Gel Pens! When sharing about your Mission, think about putting your pen to use in some of the following ways:

Use a BIC® Gel-ocity® Quick Dry Gel Pen to leave a funny or sweet handwritten note around the house to show a loved one you’re thinking of them (who doesn't love a handwritten note!)

Go old-school and handwrite your social media posts!
Have your teenager write a list of their favorite memories from the past school year (and watch how quickly the ink dries!)*
Back-to-school season is coming up - let's see your teenager's back-to-school wish list!

Three colors = fun on the sheet included in your kit! Snap a picture of the completed activity sheet and share it below!
Keep an eye out for emails from Smiley with tips and tricks to help you complete the above tasks! 

Your Smiley Kit Contains:

• 3-pack BIC® Gel-ocity® Quick Dry Gel Pens (Pink, Purple, Turquoise)
• 10 coupons to share with your friends
• Fun activity sheet
• Smiley Sharing Guide

UPDATE:

I really love these pens. Seriously, NO smearing! 
Check it out!

Click here to learn more...

June PinchMe Box

It's always a good day when my PinchMe Box arrives! 

This box was a pretty good one. Certainly not the best, but I was pretty impressed with a few of the product samples I received. 






Pure Leaf Home Brewed Teas 
I have to say I enjoy this brand. With single origin leaves and Rainforest Alliance Certified products, this is one brand I am happy to purchase. I received the Green Tea with Citrus sample. It comes in that great pyramid bag so you can see it isn't just ground up tea leaf leftovers like some other brands.  Very refreshing taste for summertime! 

Corazonas® HEARTBAR™ Oatmeal Squares
Well, I wish I could tell you more about this sample, but when I went to go try it, I realized my husband had already scarfed it down! He seemed to really enjoy it. I was really hoping to try this one because it's made with whole grain rolled oats. It's also Gluten Free (my husband has Celiac's) and there are no GMO ingredients. Can't wait to try it. 

Vagisil Odor Block Wash 
Glad I have this sample for summer! It offers triple odor protection with gentle cleansers, patented Odor Block Technology and a light & clean scent to help stop odor from happening. 

100% Marula Oil & Organic Shea Butter Fragrance-Free Sensitive Skin Body Lotion w/ White Tea Extract 

I LOVE Shea Moisture products. This sample is great for a few reasons. First of all: it works! Secondly, my husband and step-kids have some skin issues which some lotions with fragrance or other ingredients can aggravate. This product soothes dry hands and elbows without any fragrances that can fight with all of the other perfumes you might be wearing. 

Muse Infused – Natural Paté Recipes Infused with a touch of coconut milk
I can't tell you how it tastes but our senior cat was not a huge fan. She licked at it for a little bit but never really ate it.  I wished she did like it. It's Grain free, made with Real fish or chicken as the #1 ingredient, Crafted in the USA in St. Joseph, Missouri, No corn, no wheat, no soy, no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. 

Simply Summer's Eve Kit

Alright, Ladies. It's summer time! We all worry about staying fresh. Whether it's after the gym, going on adventures in the summer sun, or it's that time of the month.
I got invited to participate in the Crowdtap Simply Summer's Eve mission. I have always been a fan of Summer's Eve products, but this is even better!

I received the Coconut Water Foaming Wash, 14 To-Go Cloths, and a 24 count of the Cleansing Cloths for free!

From there website:

For freshness anytime, try New Simply Summer's Eve™ Cleansing Cloths. They are free of harsh chemicals, dyes, alcohol, and parabens–so you can feel good about what you are putting on your body. Infused with botanical extracts to cater to your most intimate parts, our Cleansing Cloths work with a woman’s body to help maintain a natural pH. The de-light-fully scented cloths are perfect for when you don’t have time for a shower but could use a little touch-up. Keep them handy, for freshness anytime.- Free from harsh ingredients- Helps maintain a natural pH- Removes odor-causing bacteria
Plus, Simply Summer's Eve™ Gentle Cleansing Cloths are:- Gynecologist-tested- Hypoallergenic- Safe for everyday use

My husband and I are trying to start our family and I have been thinking more about what I am putting in and on my body. This kit couldn't have come at a better time!

The smell of the Coconut Water is fabulous. No chemical smells, just summery and fresh. The to-go clothes are discrete and fit perfectly in a purse or gym bag (or that little bag we all carry with our monthly supplies). After using the cloths, I do have to say I have felt fresher, longer. The shower foam is silky and puts the cherry on top of a relaxing shower. Some feminine washes don't get foamy enough, or I feel they wash off before doing their job, but not this one!

We are also planning a few days in the city next month. I'm sure the individually wrapped cloths will come in handy after walking around Philadelphia in the July sun!

Have any of you used Summer Eve's Simply line yet? It also comes in Mandarin Blossom!

You can purchase them at Target, Amazon, or Walmart.

Turkey Hill Haymakers

I got picked for Turkey Hill Haymaker Mission from Smiley360!


I'm ready to grab a Turkey Hill Haymaker and discover what farmers have known for centuries—a legendary thirst requires a legendary thirst-quencher.

My Smiley Kit contains:

• (4) Full value coupons for Turkey Hill Haymakers 
• (8) Coupons to share with your friends 
• Haymakers Koozie and Bottle Opener 
• Smiley Sharing Guide 

I've tried them before and I LOVE Haymakers! The original is just enough tangy to wet your whistle. 

Here are some initial thoughts: 

I was a little put off my seeing vinegar in a drink! But let me tell you, it works! I grabbed two of my free full sized samples of Turkey Hill Haymakers (one Sweet Tea, one Strawberry Cider) for my 4th of July celebration. In two hours, they were GONE. Ended up giving away all of my coupons, too. Everyone loved the two flavors. The cider has a different taste than a typical cider. It's almost like it would be a hard cider but there is no alcohol in it. I'm a huge fan of the taste and the size. The molasses and vinegar give that 1, 2 punch: tart then sweet. The shape of the bottle allows for drinking right out of the bottle without losing your grip on it (according to my husband). I wish they didn't have to be refrigerated, though. Having 2 bottles in my fridge took up a lot of room. I would have purchased more but they wouldn't have fit with everything else!

For more info go here: http://h5.sml360.com/-/30956

Free Stuff

Hello!

My name is Tara and I am a full-time penny pincher and step-mom to 4 amazing children.

For my day-job, I work in eLearning for a financial company outside of Philadelphia. I know just how important it is for collaboration and to learn as much as you can before you spend money for your family. I'm here to share my experiences with you and hope you do the same.

I am a member of BzzAgent, Smiley360, PinchMe, and Crowdtap.

Hopefully, we'll get to share our reviews of products (and maybe some coupons) with each other! Happy reviewing!