Crossing Over to Vodka

Now, normally I would would rant and rave all day about wine because yes, that's my new "it thang" these days but anyone who knows me, knows that if I see something that I like and may want to try or just flat out want, I will gladly cross over and try it. Which is why I must share about this vodka called Double Cross. Back in my college days I used to be a fan of different vodkas (Lord only knows why) But at that time me and my college buddies only had a few nickels to rub together to get our drinks so the vodka was kinda low budget, okay I'll admit it, on a bad day it would be bottom shelf vodka. They got the job done, but would leave you with a cheap, terrible tasting drink, a pretty bad hangover and probably some regret somewhere in the mix. However, Double Cross vodka ain't your typical college vodka.
It retails here in PA for about $35.00 a bottle which is pretty typical for a good vodka and it seems to only come in one size which is the larger bottle. The aesthetics alone enticed me to pick this bottle up and I had only seen it online before while sleuthing around online but in person it really is a kool site to see.
It is covered in white, cursive writing which I have yet to read or decipher, but I'm sure under the "inspiration" of a cocktail or two with this vodka, I'll find out what it says.  I may be reaching a bit but, I would honestly have to say that this vodka could very well be up there with Belvedere, Grey Goose or Pravda vodka (Or surpass them). It has one of the smoothest tastes that I have tasted yet and it seems to mix well with other drinks too. I think I'll have to test drive Double Cross a little more to see what interesting concoctions I can come up with.  So far Double Cross definitely has my vote and apparently on the website there are quite a few drink recipes that would tickle just about anyones fancy. Here is one of the many cocktail recipes listed on the Double Cross Vodka website shown below. Enjoy!

Double Dare 

• 1/2 slice jalapeño
• 2 lime wedges
• 1 oz blood orange juice
• 1/2 oz agave nectar
• 1/2 oz orange juice
• 3 oz Double Cross™

Muddle jalapeño and lime wedges with blood orange juice in a mixing glass. Add the rest of the ingredients and ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with orange

Bath & Body Works Paris Amour

Okay, so I must say I was really excited to try this item that came in my Influenster Box. I received Bath & Body Works Paris Amour.  It came in a really pretty bottle and was packaged so very nicely. I could't wait to use it so I tried some on the day after receiving my box and got many compliments from strangers while out and about. So that was reassuring. I've been slowly building my fragrance collection so this was the perfect edition. The scent gentle and wasn't overwhelming which is one thing I can't stand about a perfume or body spray so that was definitely a plus. It seemed to last all day long which I liked also. Its a pain to have to re-up on your body spray or perfume every hour or so. So this Bath & Body Works fragrance definitely won lots of kool points with me. 
Heres my review shown below for Bath & Body Works Paris Amour:


Don't forget to check out their Semi-Annual sale!

Bath and Body Works Fragrance Mist

NEW Fine Fragrance Mist Collection!

Fine fragrance in a mist as light as air. Discover a better, more delicate fragrance experience in over 20 Signature fragrances. It’s love at first mist! Exclusively at Bath & Body Works.

The Fine Fragrance Mist Collection:        
-          Be Enchanted™
-          White Citrus
-          Cherry Blossom
-          Coconut Lime Breeze
-          Into The Wild™
-          Dark Kiss™
-          Black Amethyst™
-          Sensual Amber™
-          Midnight Pomegranate®
-          Carried Away™
-          Forever Sunshine™
-          Secret Wonderland™
-          Black Raspberry Vanilla
-          Pink Chiffon
-          Paris Amour
-          Twilight Woods™
-          Sweet Pea®
-          Moonlight Path®
-          Japanese Cherry Blossom
-          Country Chic™
-          Warm Vanilla Sugar®
-          Sea Island Cotton®

Where to Buy:

You can find Bath and Body Works products at a registered retail store near you!

Suggest retail price of the Fine Fragrance Mists:  $14.00

FELL IN LOVE WITH PARIS AMOUR

Quick Take:
Great scent by Bath & Body Works

Usage Tips:
A little goes a long way

The Verdict:
Loved it. Will try other scents by Bath & Body Works too

Very sweet, fruity, refreshing scent. It seem to have lasted all day long with just a few dabs on my wrist and neck. Got a lot of compliments from.

Sheer Cover Duo Concealer

Here is my first review for one of the products from the Influenster Vox Box that I received in the mail last week.
I absolutely loved this concealer. Not only did i try it on myself but I also applied some on my grandma (we had a girlie day doing make up at her place hehe)
She loved it also because it was lightweight and it also matched her skin tone very well. We used a fluffy blending brush to work the concealer in and then lightly dusted a mineral finishing powder over it which gave it a healthy glow.
Sheer Cover Duo Concealer

Sheer Cover® Concealer is perfect for all skin types and tones.  Our concealer is a customer favorite offering a custom blend for the various shades on your face and covers up imperfections.  It not only covers up the look of dark circles, blemishes, redness and age spots, it also moisturizes with Jojoba and Allantoin.

It instantly conceals blemishes, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone – we’ve got life’s little imperfections covered!

KEY BENEFITS:
Instantly covers skin imperfections for a flawless, natural look
Variable coverage – sheer and creamy perfect for under eye circles or more opaque for blemishes, dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Easy application  – glides on, won’t pull or tug at fragile skin
Enriched with natural, moisturizing Jojoba to help nourish and restore the skins’ natural moisture balance
Allantoin helps calm and soothe sensitive, irritated skin
Provides antioxidant protection from free-radical scavengers
Dermatologist-tested

HOW TO USE:
Using fingertips, concealer brush or a cosmetic sponge dab a small amount of concealer on area to be covered. Blend well. Start sheer, adding layers to increase coverage. Wear alone, under or over makeup. Let dry before applying makeup.

Where to Buy:

Customers can visit www.SheerCover.com or call 1-877-489-2035 to purchase Sheer Cover.
$29.95 for the concealer (non-member price) and $29.95 for the introductory system, which also includes the Duo Concealer.

EXCELLENT COVERAGE!

Quick Take:
I like it. Its light weight with great coverage. It's a great summer makeup choice.

Usage Tips:
Blend this concealer well with very soft brush or by hand.

The Verdict:
Would by this product.

I used Deep Dark and this was great for under eye circles, small blemishes and also the lighter shade was used to highlight.

Life

Photography by Khai

"Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience" ~ Victoria Holt

My Influenser Box has Arrived!

Tired as ever but happy to receive my Vox Box!

Coming home on this Tuesday I was so tired, hungry and just ready to unwind but I was happy to see that my Vox Box from Influenster.com had arrived! When I came home from a long day at work it was sitting there waiting ever so patiently for me.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Influenster, it is a completely free website that selects people who have joined their site to test out, review and give feedback on products. The reviews are mostly posted by Youtubers, Bloggers, or by going onto Influenster's website.
*Here is a previous post that I've done explaining a little about Influenster:
http://thechocolaterepresentative.blogspot.com/2012/03/im-lovin-it-this-friday-try.html
I signed up for Influenster in about mid March and found out in mid April that I had been selected to test their "2012 Spring Beauty Vox Box", which contains beauty items to be reviewed. The Spring Beauty Vox Box is said to be valued at over $60.00 worth of products.
The "Vox Boxes" are all themed. Because it is now spring they've sent items that you would find useful for this season.
I have seen that past reviewers have received a Mother's day box for Mother's day, a Valentines day box around the month of February or a Holiday box full of goodies around the Christmas holiday.
In the next few days I'll test out each item and give a thorough review on each product and will keep you posted!
In the photos below is everything that was included in my Vox Box.
  

The Vox Box Spring Card (Front)

The Vox Box Spring Card (Back)

The open box (Packaged)

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Polis Strips

Sally Hansen Card

SoyJoy Bar

Dr Scholl's Ball of Foot Pads

Aveeno Body Wash

ChapStick Lip Shield 365

Wrapped Bath & Body Works Paris Fragrence Mist

Unwrapped Bath & Body Works Paris Fragrence Mist

Sheer Cover Concealer in Deep Dark

Mother's Day Luau

This has been a busy, busy, busy past few weeks for me! But finally, the moment of relaxation has come, whew! I had been running here and there in order to get all preparations final for my get together on Sunday for Mother's Day.

This year in the spirit of hosting, I decided to have something at my place for the women in my family . A "Luau" theme came to mind a few months back and I thought that would be the perfect way to celebrate and to take advantage of some of this warm weather that we've been having. I always enjoy seeing everyone having fun and I love having them over to eat, laugh, talk and to just spend time with each other. So I was really happy when everyone agreed to come over. I was extremely happy that all of the planning paid off. Going to places such as Party City, Michaels, Dollar Tree and various stores in Center City really helped me keep this event affordable which is why I always stress to grab deals by the horn when you see them! You may not see them again at that price ever again when you need them!

In addition to planning Mother's day. I also got to experience feeding the homeless on Saturday with my friend, her sister and mother. I had been wanting to do this for a very long while and I finally got to. I would like to be able to do this much more often and encourage others to also. For some reason or another, our Mayor in Philly is trying stop organizations from feeding the homeless which I think is an absolute mistake. If he only knew how appreciative they were, he would think differently. It really made me sad to see what other's are going through. It also made me thankful for the little things in life.

My mom far left, Me, My Grandmom, Great Grandmom & Grandad

I really hope everyone enjoyed Mother's day and that you made your mom, grandmom, aunt or that special woman in your life feel appreciated and pampered or that someone  did something beautiful and loving for you! 
I spoke with a few people who had a variety of ways to make their mom feel like a queen on Mother's Day. They did things like make breakfast for their mom, sent them to their favorite concert, made them a beautiful dinner or simply did things like clean the house so she would have a full day to kick back, relax without having to lift a finger.
Okay so I know we are 2 days in from Sunday already but to my grandmom I say happy Mother's day once again. I love you so much more than you would ever know. To my mom I say Happy Mother's day as well (Sorry about calling you so early in the morning on Sunday lol). To my Aunt I say Happy Mother's day to one of the smartest, nobel woman I've ever known and finally to my sister I say Happy Mother's day to a modern day superwoman of a mother!
Well, without further adue, I present to you: Mother's Day Luau :-)

Tiki Drink Station

Fruit Tray

Fruit and Drink Table

Party Supplies

Forks, Knives & Spoons for All

Flower and Floating Candle

Table Before the Food

Table After the Food

Baked Curry and Baked Lemon Basil Salmon

Peach Shrimp Skewers

2 of my Fave Party Goers