Hendrick's Gin

BzzAgent sent me an invite to review Hendrick's Gin and I was like, "whaaaa... drink booze for half price?" and I instantly signed up even though I didn't think I liked gin.

Last time I drank the clear liquid I fell asleep on a Jersey City toilet, forehead on the seat. But that's another story for another time.

When I received the paperwork I was intrigued with their Victorian vibe, their use of the word "curiousitorium" (isn't it a great word?), and the rose and cucumber flavorings.
I instantly ran out and purchased a bottle, popped it open and took a huge whiff, thinking to myself, "EW, I DON'T LIKE GIN FOR SURE."

I waited for a few gal pals to come over to "suffer through" the cocktails with me... and then it happened. The cocktails were amazing. HEY WAIT A MINUTE, I LIKE GIN. We all like gin. At least Hendrick's gin, anyway. I suppose it's a more "grown up" flavor. I was not ready for Hendrick's gin in my 20s, but at the wise ol' age of 32 it is absolutely delish.

My wise ol' gut told me to stick with simple recipes. Let the gin shine, folks. This is not an alcohol that needs to be covered up with sweet juices and sodas. Keep it basic with a bit of soda water and light flavorings that compliment, not detract.

Product Review: Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream

 

We Whoreders love BzzAgent, and are always excited when new campaigns come out and we get to take part. I was chomping at the bit for one campaign in particular, the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream. I am obsessed with B.B. Creams at the moment and have been using them regularly for the past few weeks. I was lucky enough to be chosen for the campaign and received a BzzKit from BzzAgent, which included a full size tube for me to try and give report back on. 

Before we dive in, let me explain what B.B. creams are to those who aren't familiar with it. It's short for "beauty balm" or "blemish balm", and in my own technical terms, a super-duper tinted moisturizer. It's an all-in-one product that's a serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, primer and sheer foundation all rolled into one. Can you see why I'm so amped to try it? One product can take the place of all those, meaning you're saving time and money, that's what Whoreders love best!

Cashing Out With MyPoints

MyPoints is a an online shopping rewards program. According to their website, "Through simple online purchases from hundreds of retailers within the MyPoints network, members earn rewards Points from every transaction made. Members can redeem their Points for gift cards, travel miles or cash back." There are many other ways that you can rack up points on this site including, but not limited to, participating in polls, surveys, and questionnaires. In addition to these purchases, you can get points from BzzAgent. Whenever you do surveys, complete a mission or "create Bzz" on BzzAgent, you get awarded Mypoints automatically!

I finally have gotten to the point where I decided to cash out my points and get me some goodies. I really haven't put a ton of effort into MyPoints so I didn't expect much, but I ended up cashing out with two $10 Old Navy gift cards, and a $10 Barnes & Nobles gift card. These are the same as any other gift card, so you can use them in conjunction, with sales, deals, or coupons stretching your free money out even further!

If you do a lot of online shopping, I would advise shopping through MyPoints to get gift cards. If they don't offer any retailer rewards that you find appealing, remember that there is always e-bates which offers cash back on purchases from select retailers!

The Bee's Knees

I've always been lucky with my skin, never having major issues like acne or scaliness. I've treated it well from a very young age, thanks to countless lectures from my mom (annoying, but she was right), and was rewarded with good skin. As I made my way into my 30s, I noticed it was changing and required more maintenance than before. My regular products weren't giving me the same results, I noticed dry spots even my most trusted moisturizer couldn't remedy.

And so began my search for a moisturizer suitable for my 30-something skin. I've been using Philosophy Hope In A Jar, I like it well enough but there was room for improvement. Enter Burt's Bees new sensitive line... I received the facial cleanser ($10) and daily moisturizer ($15) from BzzAgent, and it's the latter that has blown me away. It felt a bit heavy at first, and I lost a little hope. But once I let it absorb into my skin, I was pleasantly surprised. No greasy film, no wet feeling! Just smooth, perfectly moisturized skin. My biggest complaint about Philosophy is that it stung my eyes. Not that I'm in the habit of regularly smearing moisturizer into my eyes, but if it got anywhere near my eyes, they'd start to sting and tear up. After regular use of Burt's Bees, and the occasional contact with my eyes, I am pain and tear free!

I've been using both products for almost a month, and am loving them! My biggest praise is for the moisturizer, but the cleanser has been holding its own too. It's soap free, which I really like, and although it does feel a bit strange at first (it doesn't lather up the way normal washes do) I quickly noticed that my skin didn't feel tight or irritated after washing. There is also zero redness, something that always happens around my nose with other cleansers. Could it be that as I age like fine wine, and whine about aging, my skin has become more sensitive? Instead of looking for new anti-aging products, I should have been looking for something simpler and less harsh. So, is this it? Have my skin prayers been answered? Perhaps... it seems at least that my winter skin woes will be soothed by Burt's Bees Sensitive Daily.

P.S.
My fellow Whoreder Charlotte found you some extra Burt's Bees savings! Just become a fan of Burt's Bees Facebook page by clicking the "Like" button for a $2 coupon. Thanks, Charlotte!

BUZZ BUZZ Bitches!

Ever heard of BzzAgent? Wanna know what all the Bzz is about?  BzzAgent offers sweet as honey products to try for free! Okay, enough with the puns… Seriously though, are any of you aware of this amazing site BzzAgent ? It is a website set up to try new products and to share your honest opinion on those products. How does it work? You sign up and fill out some basic information and surveys about yourself. The more honest you are, the more relevant Bzzkits you will receive. This way you avoid being twenty-one and getting free Depends or having a dog and getting baby food.

BzzAgent sends products from top brands to everyday consumers (that’s us). You can try awesome products totally free. I have been a BzzAgent (someone who tries products from their website and reports on them) since February 2011 and have participated in six campaigns including Bil-Jac Dog Food, Trend Micro Titanium Anti-Virus, Kingston Flash Drive, Lawry’s Marinades and Seasonings, L’Oreal One Sweep Eye Shadow and Eye Illuminator Mascara, and SCJ Smart & Easy Spring Cleaning kit. All of these have been 100% free and 100% awesome! They almost always provide you with coupons to hand out as well as the free products they give you to sample. They make it very easy for you to honestly report on products using a five star rating.