Ivory® 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash Trial

I recently got an opportunity from a company I'm new to called, Influenster. I had no idea what product they were going to send me aside from the fact that it was a 2-IN-1 shampoo/conditioner &  body wash. It's the kind of thing I'd buy for hubby (who could care less about the hair under his baseball hat all day everyday) and something I'd immediately dismiss for my own use. But figured I'd at least stick to my word and give it a shot. After all, I'm a busy full-time mother of 2. I find it hard enough to find time to change my clothes let alone find enough shower time to shampoo, rinse, condition, rinse, body wash, rinse....

A couple weeks ago I got the package at my door. Excited to see the brand and smell what I'd be showering with for the next 2 weeks (yes, I was going to stick it out for 2 weeks, good or bad before I gave a fair review). Having extremely long, blonde hair I'm very fussy about my hair products because if it doesn't work, I'll be spending all that extra shower time I saved trying to fix whatever it did to my hair each day.

Contents of the package I received from Influenster.

The box arrived shortly after being accepted. Here's what I found:

• Welcome Note
• 1 full sized bottle of Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash
• 3 coupons for $0.75 off 1 bottle of Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash

First things, first... the smell. I had nothing to go on yet aside from the smell since I'd already showered for the day and would start the next day. I gave it a quick sniff and can't say it was anything too overdone. It actually reminded me of a bar of soap. It wasn't real feminine like the products I'm used to, but not masculine either. It was a very clean scent though, one I could live with.

The next day I threw caution to the wind and grabbed it quick before I hit the shower. I was in a hurry anyways so I was really hoping it would cut my shower time down. When I put some in my hand I was surpised it didn't lather quite as much as usual shampoo, but then again it was supposed to be different. Rubbing it in my hair I thought felt a bit odd, but soon enough after a quick washdown and rinse I'd cut my shower time in half (impressive since I usually have to take fast showers anyways, as my 2-year-old allows me little to no privacy).

Rinsing my hair felt clean and ready to go. A quick towel off and I felt fresh head-to-toe. Brushing my hair I have to say wasn't quite as easy as when I use my normal product, but it was much easier then after I use those shampooing conditioner bottles you find in hotels. A quick spritz with my detangling spray and I was set.

I have to say, once my hair dried I was FLOORED! I don't remember the last time my hair was so shiny... yes, actually I do. After the last visit to the salon! I figured for sure that first trial had to be a fluke, surely it must have been the detangler that I sprayed in my hair. I made a mental note to brush through the mess the next day with no detangler. That seemed to work fine anyways because I didn't seem to need it as much the next day (maybe I just had awful bed head the first day)? Later, my hair dried... it sounds so egotistical of me and self centered but it was a sunny day and I had the sunroof open and with the sun shining in on my hair I could NOT stop looking at it.

My mom happened to be visiting and not wanting her to think I was a total ego maniac I told her what'd been going on and I was using the new Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash. Apparently she was intrigued and very excited when I said it was made by Ivory. She said, "Really? Ivory? That means it's affordable too!" Later she was headed to the gym and I caught her sneaking some from my bottle into her portable shampoo holder. She said she was out of shampoo and figured the gym (where she's always in a hurry to shower) would be the perfect place to try. She returned raving about it and telling me I had to give her one of my coupons.

I also tried it out on the kids' bath time and not only is it quick and easy, I found that it doubles as bubble bath. The kiddos love this stuff as much as I do!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Marc Jacobs DOT Party

It was time to grow up... I've been thinking that for awhile; in fact each time I'd spritz myself with my Body Splash. I know it's time for a perfume and really need a change from the same-ol-same-ol. My ever dying love of Body Splash vs perfume has gone on far too long. But I have the biggest fear of being one of "the perfume girls" you know the ones that you and walk down an isle in the store 2 minutes after them and can still smell their scent. Or the ones that your by in the checkout that make your nose run and your eyes water. I've been addicted to Body Splash for fear that a perfume would be too much.

Enter Crowdtap! They gave me an AMAZING opportunity to host a party featuring DOT by Marc Jacobs. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical of anything that was labeled, "Perfume." It's always been my experience that I thought they smelt a bit too much like my Grandma's perfume. Boy! Was I surprised!!!

First off, the bottle. I know you love it! What's not to love. I have a black & red bedroom and was SO excited to display this bottle unlike my Body Splash I have to hide. When my DOT party started I lost track of how many people just got excited over the design of the bottle. I do have to say it's great marketing. Everyone that owns this perfume will leave it sitting out for guests to see. Guests see it, think their host smells good and know exactly what she's wearing by the cute bottle they are drawn into look at. Therefore creating more sales. Genius!

Bottle on Display (cute, right)?

My friend Holly was already familiar with Marc Jacobs and currently wears Daisy. She was excited to try another scent from Marc Jacobs and fell in love instantly. Last I talked with her about it she's been alternating DOT with Daisy depending on her "feel" for the day.

I tried it up against the most important critic in my life (aside from myself); my husband. I gave myself a small spritz and shortly after went and snuggled up next to him so that I knew he'd be exposed to the scent. It didn't take long until he said, "You smell good." That's all it took for me.... SOLD! I like it and hubby likes it. That's all that matters.

Though I do need to share my 5-year-old son's reaction. He saw me dressed up in my black button down with my red tank underneath my dark jeans, red belt, red shoes and the red & black polka-dot headband from Marc Jacobs. He then saw the table setup for the party with the bottles displayed and said, "Are you having a ladybug party?" I said, "Something like that" (just to spare the drawn out explanation to a 5-year-old) and proceeded to tell him it was for a perfume. His reply, "Can I smell it? I've always wondered what a ladybug smells like!" I couldn't stop laughing. I told him I was wearing it, he smelled me and said, "I guess I like how ladybugs smell, Mom. You smell good."

The kit that I received from Marc Jacobs & Crowdtap

If you're wondering about the leys, my friend Melissa had just found out before coming she'd won a trip to Hawaii and stopped and picked up some extra swag for us all. Congrats again Melissa, you deserve it!

Crowdtap is a company that gets consumer feedback on brands & products. In exchange for your thoughts and input  you get points that may be redeemable for prizes and gift cards. You may also get selected for the occasional sample and share like the one demonstrated above.

Cottonelle Clean Care Routine

Cottonelle Clean Care Routine

I'm sure by now you've seen the commercials and herd about the, "Cottonelle Clean Care Routine" and probably giggled at the advertisements much like me. But have you actually thought about the point they're trying to covey? I can't say I really had until I got the chance to give the Cottonelle Clean Care Routine a shot for free thanks to Cottonelle & Crowdtap.

They sent me:

• 18 roll pack of Cottonelle Clean Care toilet tissue
• 2 - 4 roll packs of Cottonelle Clean Care toilet tissue
• 3 packs of Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes

The idea behind it actually a basic and something that most people already know. Cleaning with water, is better then cleaning without. Think about it, when you have a child do you pull out the regular toilet tissue... nope. We want to make sure their little bottoms are extra clean to prevent any rashes. It's the same concept, applied to everyone though, including adults.

I gave out a 4-pack of toilet paper & flushable wipes to my mom and a package to my brother. Neither of them were familiar with the Cottonelle Clean Care Routine. Once I enlightened them it seemed to make sense but my mom, a loyal Charmin Extra Soft user was hesitant and my brother seemed a bit reserved but agreed that it made sense.

Flash forward a couple weeks later and I asked them about their experience...

My mom was pleasantly surprised by the toilet tissue thickness and quality. She didn't think it was stiff, but being an Extra Soft kinda girl said she'd actually keep using Cottonelle and ditch the expensive Charmin and try the Cottonelle Soft. She also said she enjoyed the wipes so much that she purchased an additional package for the car for those long road trips. As for my brother, he didn't go into much detail but did said he'd most likely purchase more of the Flushable Moist Wipes.

As for me, I have tried them before and used them often for camping. Having these on the back of my toilet has been awesome though! Having an soon-to-be 6-year-old who is still having wiping issues was getting old, and he was getting old for having the problems still. He would either not wipe, or he would be wetting down large amounts of toilet paper and using that (which resulted in LOTS of clogged toilets). I introduced him to these and his initial reaction was that he was using "baby wipes." I reassured them that these were for big kids & adults and I haven't dealt with a clogged toilet since and I haven't had to worry about him ignoring the wiping process either! I've also been potty training my 2-year-old and having them handy makes things SO much easier then running to find baby wipes after each of her potty breaks.

Schick Razor Money Maker at Walmart

Hurry over here to print out the coupon good for $6 off 2 Schick Razors (remember you can print 2/computer). Use these coupons over at Walmart to grab 2 packages of Schick razors ($1.97/pack) and you'll MAKE $2.06 buying razors. You can print yours here.

FREE Dove Smoothing Cream

Grab a FREE Dove Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Smoothing Cream when you request yours here.

FREE Playtex Tampon Sample

Grab your FREE Playtex sample here.

FREE IcyHot Naturals Sample

You can get a FREE sample of IcyHot Naturals here, there's also a link for a coupon.

FREE Dove Refresh Body Mist Sample

Walmart has FREE samples of Dove Refresh Body Mist, and you can get your here.

$3.00 off Visine (Think CVS)

Visine is listed at CVS for buy-one-get-one-1/2-off. There's a coupon here for $3.00/1 making 2 ring up at around $0.59! Visine is also included in the $10  gas card deal this week at CVS. If you use 2 of these it gets you $6.00 closer to that $30.00! Print yours here.

There are also a few different coupons availabe for Visine here.

FREE Colgate Sensative Pro-Relief

Hurry over to coupons.com to print a coupon for $1.50 off Colgate Sensative Pro-Relief. These are available in the travel section of most Wal*Marts for less then that so this could be a money maker! Print yours here.

NOTE: Remember, you can print 2.

FREE John Frieda Full Repair Sample

Yet another John Frieda sample... this is for John Frieda Full Repair (smooth flyaways). You can request one here.

FREE Suave Sample Box

Walmart has FREE sample boxes of Suave products. Included in your sample box will be Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo, Suave Naturals Sweet Pea & Violet Body Lotion and Suave Men Refreshing Body Wash. Request your sample box here.

FREE Listerine Smart Rinse @ Walgreen

Get a FREE bottle of Listerine Smart Rinse or 72ct Pocket Pack at Walgreens this week.

Listerine Smart Rinse - $3.00
$1/1 Printable Coupon here
Pay $2
Get $2 back in Register Rewards

FREE Head & Shoulders for Women Sample

Get a FREE sample of Head & Shoulders for Women here.

FREE Skintamate Shave Gel Sample

FREE Skintamate Shave Gel when you enter to win these Skintamate inspired outfits. If you don't win the styles, the hook you up with a travel sized Skintamate Shavee Gel here.

NOTE: There's also a coupon shown, but it seems to be out of prints.

(4) FREE Mary Kay Fragrance Samples

Get a FREE sample of four Mary Kay Fragrances when you sign-up here.

FREE John Frida Frizz-Ease Sample

Get a FREE sample of John Frida's Frizz-Ease when you sign-up here.

FREE Garnier Anti-Dandruff Sample

Grab a FREE Garnier Anti-Dandruff shampoo here. You'll be able to choose from either: Clear Control, or Mint Cleanse Shampoo. You can get yours here.            

FREE Birthday Gift from Aveda

Head over here to join the Aveda birthday program. When you sign up they promise a FREE 3 piece Smooth Infusion sample + Personal Blends Pure-Fume or body care product offer (worth up to $24) custom blended with the aroma of your choice. You can see the offer & join here.

FREE Suave Professionals

Get a FREE Suave Professionals product when you try to interpret their Spanish here. Page seems to be getting slammed so it may be kinda funky.