Nook HD

My hubby loves sports and video games, which is great... for him but I often get bored while he has the TV tied up with something that I am honestly not that interested in (save a few exceptions). Thus I generally use this time to read a book, which up until recently I had borrowed from my local library. After wanting an ereader for well over a year, my awesome hubby broke down and got me one as a Christmas present (probably so I would shut up about it more than anything else but that's fine with me).

He gave me a Barnes and Noble Nook HD which is my review for today.

Facts:

• Available in 2 colors: Smoke (gray) or Snow (white)
• 2 memory sizes $199 for 8 GB and $229 for 16GB with slot for additional memory card
• Highest Resolution 7" HD Tablet with touch screen
• Stunning HD 1440x900 display for rich color & deep contrast
• Web Browsing & Email - powerful 1.3Ghz dual-core processor & built-in Wi-Fi
• Parental controls & personalized experience just for kids
• Available at Walmart, Target, Barnes and Noble and many more places. 

What They Say:

• Apps & Games you love - Angry Birds, Pandora, Netflix, Twitter & thousands more
• Movies & TV Shows to rent or buy - download or stream instantly
• Books & Magazines - millions to choose from
• Expandable memory and free unlimited NOOK Cloud storage for all your content
• Light & Thin - easy to carry everywhere

What I Say:
The beginning setup of the device was apparently pretty simple as my hubby did it by himself only stopping to ask me questions regarding my Barnes and Noble account.  While he did that I perused the paper guide that came with it. Once he handed it over I also looked at the user guide that was on the device.

After going through everything I was interested in I was ready to start downloading some books and get my read on.  I logged on using Wi-fi (we have it at home) and found a few books that I was interested in. Having already put my gift cards on my store account I was able to download the books instantly and start reading. 

I have since downloaded many more books for me and a few even for kiddo, often searching for books that are Free or currently discounted ($2.99 and under) so that I can get more. Apparently my library even lends books via Nook but I have yet to use this feature as they don't have much of a selection. There is even an option to lend certain books (labled Lendable in the store) to any friends that have Nooks (I searched my facebook and found a few NookFriends, but it seems we have different reading preferences).

I carry my Nook everywhere because I never know when I will have a few minutes to read, case and point I read 19 books in January this year, which makes my goal of 100 total for the year that much closer.
With nearly 90 books downloaded I have only used 10% of the available space on my 8GB device.

Palmolive Fresh Infusions

I received Palmolive Fresh Infusions, which is a liquid dish soap, as a complimentary sample for being a member of Influenster for reviewing purposes.

 

The Facts:

• Comes in three naturally inspired fragrances: Lime Basil, Lemon Thyme, & Ginger White Tea

• ~$3 a bottle at local stores

What They Say:
Just like the best recipes, the freshest scents & elegant simplicity are what inspire us in the kitchen. Taking cues from nature, we created inviting, naturally inspired fragrance blends - and combined them with the sparkling clean you've always trusted from Palmolive® dish liquid. Infuse your kitchen with freshness.

What I Say:
First thing that I noticed when I got these was the nice looking bottle that shwed the nice colors of each of the three new soaps off beautifully. I opened each bottle to inhale the new scents to see if they were as fragrant and natural as they have been hyped to be.  Each one was nice in its own way, though I liked one a bit less than the others. But the real test was not how each soap smelled but if it could clean a sink full of dirty dishes.

Let me just say that I HATE to do dishes by hand but as you might know some things just cannot go into the dishwasher, I have no idea why I have items that fit that description but it seems that I do and that they are the dishes that for some reason get used the most often (agitated sigh). In any case I fill my sink with hot water and add a little bit of one of the soaps, causing some fragrant bubbles to appear. I load a few dishes in and let them sit for a minute while I attend to my kiddo. When I finally make it back to the sink and dive into the task the grime comes off quick and easily leaving behind only a great smell and a happy woman.

I have since tried the other two scents as well both with similar results.  My favorite is the Lime Basil though it seems my hubby is partial to Lemon Thyme when he does the dishes. Lets just say his bottle is a lot fuller than mine is.

Kiss Eyelashes

I recieved Kiss Ever Pro Lashes as a complimentary sample in my Beauty Blogger Voxbox 2012 for reviewing purpose from Kiss for being a member of Influenster and fitting all the criteria in a VoxBox challenge.


The Facts:
~$5 for everything you need.
Adhesive included!

• Kiss utilizes same top quality natural hair as premium priced department store brands

• Suitable for contact lens wearer

• Best if used with Kiss Strip Eyelash Adhesive

What They Say:

Be sure to use the included applicator to hold the lash while applying
Wait at least 30 seconds for adhesive to become clear and tacky before applying

Use applicator to “pinch” lashes to natural lash line; this ensures that there are no gaps between natural and artificial lash

What I Say:

So I have never used fake eyelashes before, mostly because I am scared of getting glue or something in my eyes which are already sensitive. That and I remember the scene from "Yours, Mine and Ours" (the original), where Lucille Ball loses her eyelashes in her beer while at a party.

But these were supposed easy to apply and last a long time. Bonus points because they are reusable. Unfortunately I am not good at this type of thing even though I tried several times they wouldn't stick and I couldn't line them up properly. Eventually I gave up. Perhaps if I had someone helping me. See the picture if you don't believe me.

Click here to get a coupon and try it for yourself.

Energy Sheets Dissolvable Strips

My sister received Energy Sheets as a complimentary sample in her College Voxbox 2012 for reviewing purpose from Influenster and fitting all the criteria in a VoxBox challenge. As with all her VoxBox items she has allowed me to test and review the items for my blog.

Facts:

~$5.95 for a pack of 10

Energy Sheets® contain Vitamins E, B5, B6 and B12. 2 Energy Sheets® contain caffeine comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee. Sheets® have no sugar, no calories, require no water, are fast-acting and taste great!

A serving of Energy Sheets® contains 50mg of caffeine. 2 Energy Sheets® are comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee.

Energy Sheets® come in Cinnamon Rush®, Berry Blast® and Mint Boost®. Be on the lookout for more delicious flavors soon!


What they say:
Sheets® solve problems! Sheets® are paper-thin, individually wrapped pocket-sized strips. No cans. No bottles. Simply place on tongue and your problem dissolves. 
Sheets® are packed with nutrients/vitamins and other active ingredients that, when placed on tongue, will begin to dissolve allowing for easy digestion.

What I say:
I tried the Mint Boost flavor of Sheets. After a long day at the office, combined with a cold and a crazy three year old I could use a boost of energy. Similar in size to the Listerine Strips of days past I was ready for anything.

I figured that the taste could not be nearly as revolting as most energy drinks that are on the market these days.

Taste: Minty and refreshing but with a weird aftertaste. Luckily aftertaste only lasted a minute or two after the strip was completely dissolved.
Energy Level: I felt a little more alert than before taking these but not overly so. Though I do have a tendency to not be affected by medicines and the like so that could always be the cause.
Dissolvability: took longer than I expected for it to dissolve. Says that they dissolve in seconds but it took at least a minute each time I tried them.


Recommend: Sure. Much better than some of the other options.


Want to try them yourself? Get 20% off now until Dec 31, 2012 at SheetsBrand.com when you enter promo code "sheetsinf" at checkout.

Necco Wafers

My sister received Necco Wafers in new tropical flavors as a complimentary sample in her College Voxbox 2012 for reviewing purpose from Influenster and fitting all the criteria in a VoxBox challenge. As with all her VoxBox items she has allowed me to test and review the items for my blog.

Facts:
NECCO® Wafers are made from the same recipe Oliver Chase used back in 1847 on his way to pioneering America’s candy industry.

New Tropical roll: Coconut, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Lime, Banana and Mango

Each Classic roll includes eight delicious fat-free flavors: orange, lemon, lime, clove, chocolate, cinnamon, licorice and wintergreen.

All NECCO® Wafers are fat-free and gluten free, and contain no high-fructose corn syrup.

What they say:

Necco has introduced a new delicious candy item to be hitting store shelves soon! A tropical version of the famous Necco Wafer will feature such exotic favors as Coconut, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Lime, Banana and Mango.

The crunchy, sugary wafers will be sure to take your mouth to exotic places while you indulge on the many tropical tastes.

What I say:

I really like the new taste of these classic candies. though I am not a big fan of the consistency. Necco Wafers are generally kind of chalky in texture and can leave a weird feeling in your mouth as most people are not used to it.  They would be perfect for my niece though who has a gluten and dairy allergy and thus has a difficult time finding candy she can eat.- Might just have to make sure that she has no allergies to any of the flavors.

Might Recommend

EnerGel-X Pen

My sister received a EnerGel-X Pen as a complimentary sample in her College Voxbox 2012 for reviewing purpose from Influenster and fitting all the criteria in a VoxBox challenge. As with all her VoxBox items she has allowed me to test and review the items for my blog.

Facts:

You can buy 1, 4, 5 or 12 in a pack.
0.5mm tip produces fine lines
0.7mm tip produces medium lines
Part of the Pentel Recycology line and made of 84% recycled plastic
Available ink colors include:
0.5mm: Black, Red and Blue
0.7mm: Black, Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Sky Blue, Pink and Violet

Refillable with ANY EnerGel Refill

What they say:

High performance ink technology combines the best qualities of liquid and gel ink for a super-smooth writing experience

Gel ink dries so fast even left-handed writers love it - no smears, no smudges, no globs
Maximum comfort and control with latex-free grip


Drawn w one of my black pens



What I say:

I use these pens at work and love them.
The ink flows freely but does not blot. I prefer to use black though I do not have a preference between fine and medium.
A great pen for a great price and since you can buy in several color inks you can personalize your writing.

New York Color Glitter Eyeliner Pencil

My sister received New York Color Glitter Eyeliner Pencil as a complimentary sample in her College Voxbox 2012 for reviewing purpose from Influenster and fitting all the criteria in a VoxBox challenge. As with all her VoxBox items she has allowed me to test and review the items for my blog.

Facts:
Comes in 4 colors (Showtime Black, Starry Blue Sky, Paparazzi Purple, and Glitterazzi Brown)
One pencil ~$2.49
KEY INGREDIENTS: Vitamins C & E

What they say:
Missing the spark? Get it out there with NYC New York Color Show Time Glitter Eyeliner Pencils. Create jewel-encrusted eye looks with these long-wearing glitter-infused rich colors. No doubt you will be dazzling!

BENEFITS:
Long wearing
Metallic sparkling effect
Smooth and creamy formula
Does not smudge

Non-draggy

Provides a precise line

Dermatologist tested

What I say:

The liner which I received in the Showtime Black went on easily and fairly smooth.

Though difficult to see in the photo, you can see the glitter in person.

The eyeliner stayed put all through the day and night.
Though I sometimes have issues with eye makeup causing my eyes to itch I had no problems with this product.
I would recommend.