voxbox december survey

Influenster is a site that mails you a free box of products in exchange for your honest review. It doesn't get any better than that :) I received my first box back in June and got another one last month. Here's what came in my box:

1. imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails (image source)

The design I received is called "TGIF." I absolutely LOVE the variety of designs! What I didn't like is that the nails don't come in different widths. I think most of them fit my nails except for the thumbs. These have glue already on them and you just pull off the backing before applying. To me, this made them not stick as well as applying the glue myself. These are great for a special occasion but not for everyday. I love how shiny the nails are. I like the product but not overly impressed with it. By going to the imPRESS site, you can print off a $1 coupon and try them for yourself.

2. Softsoap Coconut Scrub Bar Soap

I actually am using the Coconut Scrub body wash right now so it was fun to receive the bar soap. I normally buy whatever is the cheapest when it comes to bar soap but really like this one! I like how it lathers and doesn't have an overpowering coconut smell. I'd definitely buy this!

3. Mentos Pure Fresh Gum

I normally buy Orbit Wintermint gum. I liked the burst of mint when you first start chewing the Mentos gum. Like most gums, the flavor doesn't last all that long. I would put this on par with Orbit. I liked it but didn't think it super amazing.

4. LARABAR

I tried the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip flavor but wasn't overly impressed. It had a unusual taste. If you're a fan of health bars then I'm sure you'd enjoy it but it wasn't for me.

5. New York Color Liquid Lip Shine

I was sent "Nude York City" and LOVE it! I love the subtle color and how shiny it is. It lasts a long time and I like the smell - sort of cinnamon-y. I would definitely buy this once I use it all!

6. Montagne Jeunesse Face Mask

I was sent a "Pulped Pomegranate" peel off mask. I prefer peels to those that you rinse off. I was very pleased with this product. It was thick enough to make me feel I was really covering my face and it was easy to peel off (I've used some that turned into a big mess). It left my face feeling clean and I'd definitely try it again.

as fast as she can

I don't normally watch How I Met Your Mother but I was flipping channels not too long ago and came in on the last few minutes. I watched this final scene of the episode and absolutely loved it! I apologize for the poor quality but it was hard to find just this clip. This can apply for anything you may be going through. Maybe you're waiting for the right job or a future spouse or waiting on the ability to have a baby or have enough money to go on a trip - whatever it may be. Take comfort in the fact that God's not forgotten you and has the most amazing plan for your life. Whatever you're believing for, it's coming...as fast as it can :) And if I can agree with you on your "whatever," you can either email me or leave a comment below. That whole "if two or more agree" thing...

knitty gritty: scarves

I showed some pictures the other day of the scarves I've recently made. In case you're a fellow knitter, here's the details for each:

2 skeins of size 6, "Pittsburgh Yellow" Lion Brand yarn. I used a 41 peg loom but only knitted on 15 of the pegs. I loved the thickness of the yarn.

Because I didn't go completely around the loom, I ended up with different patterns on each side of the scarf. I actually think the contrast looks pretty cool.

1 skein of size 4, "Aran Fleck" Red Heart yarn. I used 8 mm, size 11 needles and I think the scarf was 15 stitches (no more than 20).

I wanted to use the bigger needles to give the scarf a sort of messy look. However, my stitches were very loose when I first casted on and you can see the difference between that and the other end where I binded off. Again, I kind of think the difference adds something to it but it was a gift so I'm not the one wearing it :)

1 skein of size 4, "Frosty Green Fleck" Red Heart yarn. I used a 25 peg loom but only knitted on 24 of the pegs. I didn't want it to be completely closed off. Again, since I didn't use the whole loom, I have the different textures on each side. Using the whole skein makes it the perfect length to be able to wear in a slip knot without it being too short.

Happy knitting!

saturday spotlight: kristen with "goodknit kisses"

Kristen has so many great ideas! I found out about her blog when I needed to learn how to bind off using a round loom. I came across her youtube channel and she totally saved the day for me! She has a knitting blog, free patterns, as well as other goodies. Look at this super cute hat she made! It's for a newborn but I'm thinking I want one too!

tweet of the week

"Hollywood paparazzi has absolutely nothing on parents of second graders at the Christmas performance." - Jon Acuff

book giveaway: "love food and live well" by chantell hobbs

Congratulations to Soham for winning my copy of The Strange Man by Greg Mitchell!

This month I'm giving away a copy of Love Food and Live Well by Chantel Hobbs. Contest will end on Tuesday, January 31 at 8:00 p.m. To enter, just leave me a comment along with an email address so I can contact you.

For bonus entries:
- tell me how you heard about my giveaway
- become a follower of my blog

*Giveaways with the above logo are books that aren't new but still in really good condition.

finish year goals

I've been talking about Finish Year and am excited to share what I've come up with for the year. There are other things I want to accomplish beside this list but this is my top 12. I wanted to post a picture of goals because I used different fonts and just had fun with it but you can view it here. I printed it on bright yellow cardstock and want to put it in a black frame. I've got a notebook I'm going to write in as I accomplish these goals. I want to be able to look back and see how achieving these things affected me. Some are fun while some are really going to stretch me.

1. Revise current query letter & submit to 5 literary agents.
2. Submit 2 posts to (in)courage.
3. Knit a blanket.
4. Read all of my review books (I have 10-15 books on my shelf that I got behind on).
5. Do a random act of kindness twice a month (be it giving someone a grocery or gas card or paying for the person behind me in the drive-thru - just sowing into someone else).
6. Listen to one podcast/sermon a month – something to feed me spiritually.
7. Make 5 DIY projects.
8. Comment on one blog a week. If I want others to read my blog, I need to return the favor.
9. Write 50 thank you cards.
10. Go to 5 events to meet new people (maybe it's church related or not. It's just the chance to step out of my comfort zone and make new friends).
11. Put money in savings account each month – anything is more than nothing.
12. Lead 1 person to the Lord.