Freebies - Full Sized Freebies From Influenster - FREE to Join

Would you like to receive FREE full-sized beauty, health, and food brands delivered right to your front door?

Who is Influenster?

Influenster is a community of trendsetters, social media hotshots, and educated consumers who live to give opinions of products and experiences.

What does Influenster do?

Influensters meet to learn about new products from national brands as well as review the products they already use in their day-to-day lives!

As a member, you can participate in exclusive rewards campaigns, such as:

• VoxBox campaigns - receive complimentary full-size products to test and review;
• Interactive Twitter chats with celebrities and in-the-know experts;
• Fun contests where members can earn giveaways;
• Special discounts on featured brands, services, and more!

Check out my last VoxBox that was packed with FREE full sized products: My VoxBox

There is a new destination on Influenster.com called The Hub, which showcases articles written by the top members of our blogosphere community. Get the inside scoop on products: tips & tricks, testimonials, top picks and more at The Hub.

In return, all Influenster asks of members is to share their opinions with their friends & followers on social media!

Flex your social media influence and earn rewards. Sign up now to give direct feedback to brands you love and claim ongoing VoxPerk offers, rewarding you with discounts for the Social Impact you hold.

Are you active and social media savvy?

Go on, take a look around @ Influenster.com

Free is always fun and tastier to me!

BE INjoy!

by Michelle Brown

Work at Home - Freebies!

Who doesn't love, Love, LOVE FREEBIES? You know, Free stuff, twofers, coupons, and great deals. Working at home allows me time to do things that I like and I like FREEBIES and the internet! That's where YOU win. I've been fluent in internet since the 1990's. I pride myself on knowing my way around this camp. People are always looking for part time jobs, extra or quick cash and FREEBIES! I've often come across these opportunities and would like to share one with you today. Introducing - Influenster

After signing up and creating a profile, I was chosen to receive a complimentary #VitaVoxBox for testing. I've been so exposed, I often don't qualify for panels anymore. Much to my surprise, I got one! You should get yours too!

Now, what was in my Box? It was filled with cool, yummy stuff. Not dry and boring stuff that I'd never use. The absolute best thing in my Box was the Softlips Cube. OMG. My lips were so moist and lip smackingly tasty! The Softlips Vanilla Bean Cube is the Bomb.com! The round, exposed "stick" was amazing and fun to use! I'm zeroing in on a paddle tennis partner and it's warm and sunny here in Los Angeles. I can't wait to #GetCubed with my Softlips Vanilla Bean Cube!


Also in my Box was some Pure Leaf Iced Tea. That was very tasty. I found the iced tea refreshing in that it was lightly sweetened, with a fresh brewed and full, rich flavor. I like black tea, red tea, and green tea. I enjoy both hot tea and iced tea. I suppose you could say that have a  #loveofleaves. Pleased again!


If you didn't know already, I enjoy cooking and occasionally will burn myself. Also in my Box was some First Degree Advanced Burn Cream. Not only is it good for burns from cooking and grilling, but from hot beauty tools, as well! I know you ladies suffer a little to be as BEAUTYful as you are! I don't use hot beauty tools, but I do get down in the kitchen. I'll keep my First Degree Advanced Burn Cream handy because #BurnsHappen.

Energy and protection also came in my Box. When I get ready to smash my opponent (any takers?) out there on the paddle tennis court, I'll have my extra energy with the Bikini Ready Energy Gummies. I've always liked gummies. NOW I can enjoy gummies that are great tasting B-12 vitamin supplements for a quick energy booster. Let's see if the Bikini Ready Energy Gummies  and paddle tennis will get me a #bikinireadylifestyle by next summer!

The Playtex Sport Fresh Balance with Odor Shield is designed to neutralize odor on and off the court. It's specifically designed for Sport Level Protection allowing me to #PlayOn. 

Since I'll be a Grand Ma Ma soon, I want to maintain a youthful appearance for as long as I can. Enter the Elizabeth Arden #FlawlessFuture skin serum. I do look forward to feeling the Ceramide Caplets bursting with richness on my face when I smooth it in. I apply in an upward and outward motion from my chin up. That's how I work on my jowls when I moisturize.  How do you moisturize? How do you apply? Leave me a comment below.

What an awesome Box, right? It was jam packed with cool and useful items. You may not work at home (start here with The Hot New Mystery Shopping List), but if you like deals, coupons, and FREEBIES, check out Influenster.com.  You can thank me later!

BE Injoy!

by Michelle Brown

Working From Home and Being Self Employed - *Good* Time Management Skills Needed

Having good time management skills is a must if you plan to be successful as a self employed Field Services Professional working from home.

As I plan my schedule for the next few days, slating a full day for office work and phone calls isn't particularly feasible at this time. It is sad to say that the only time my phone rings, pretty much, it's work. That could be a good thing or it could be a bad thing. The bad thing is that my #Framily doesn't call me much. I guess that stands to reason since I don't call them much, either! The good thing is that my phone does ring, regularly.

Good time management has always been a struggle for me. That is one reason me and Corporate America couldn't get along. I mean, who likes to rush through lunch in ONE hour? I found it hard to do on a consistent basis. #NOW, I have so much work to complete that sometimes I eat lunch late or not at all! That can be a good thing or it can be a bad thing, but my diet while working in the field is another post.

Being self employed is not as glamorous as some may think. Have you ever seen a one-man band? They look a little funny, but they skillfully orchestrate all of their tools and instruments to form entertaining sounds. Often times, owning a small business means you will be wearing many  hats, using different tools and instruments. Good time management skills are a set of tools any good business would benefit from.

I'm learning that I can complete sketches and enter reports better in the morning time. I believe my creative time is during the evening. At that time my thoughts flow easily and creatively. It is in the evening when I am of no use performing left brain activities. However, in the Field Services business, planning, mapping and routing the night before are recommended. I should walk the walk.

I have been introduced to a broad concept of batching all of my activities so that I can get more done. I purchased a nifty planner from Office Depot with weekly and monthly templates. #NOW I must determine what's important for me to do daily, weekly, and monthly. I must say that my #Framily is high on the list, however one must establish boundaries and find a happy medium. Being able to hang out and commune with my #Framily any day, any hour is a dreamy benefit. Not having to ask permission from anyone is one of the greatest benefits of being self employed.

I look forward to filling my new planner with great accomplishments, giving myself checks and stars for tasks completed. It'll look nice and feel good, too. Everyone needs a stroke of the ego, every now and then. Sometimes you have to toot your own horn. Don't expect anyone else to do it for you! In addition, I look forward to seeing, in black and white, my growth and accomplishments. The year is going to pass, anyway. Will you be the same person this time next year? I plan to be bigger (in spirit) and better! How about you?

Is time management one of your strong skills? I work on my time management daily. Well, regularly. Ok I work on my time management skills often; when I have time, that is. Boy I'll tell you, it's a vicious cycle. 

by Michelle Brown

Working From Home and Being Self Employed - A Thin Line Between Love and Hate

Of all the things I love about working from home and being self employed, filing taxes and the IRS are THE worst! I sure look forward to seeing how the universe will work this out for me. I’ll have to come up with a different strategy for the upcoming years, cause this one ain’t working!

Not only did my company earn $70K in year two, but I was able to secure work for friends and family, or "Framily" as some might say. How would you like to drive around YOUR neighborhood, and beyond, collecting data and photographs? Can you submit an online report with 10, 15, or 20 questions? That's part of my job that's pretty easy, but then I have to put on my "Accountant's Hat". That is where I fail miserably. I must admit that I'm a graduate school drop-out, due to Business Math. Sigh.

To date, I am still dealing with and reeling from the treatment by the IRS.  It only takes numerous letters, but ONE bank account seizure for the IRS to get your attention. Well, to get my attention, as it were. The IRS got tired of asking nicely, so they did what they had to do – they TOOK their coins!

Next time, I should just pay my PI… up front! Can you say, "Bitch betta have my money?"  I owe, I owe, so it's off to work I go!

Working from home does not give one a free pass. Working from home means just that - work. Be it 5am, 5pm, or midnight, work must be done and I (you) must do it. 

Now let me gather myself so I can get 'er done! 

by Michelle Brown

+workfromhome +self-employed +irs +taxes

Power Walking For Exercise

Power walking for exercise has long been my "go to" exercise. I used to frequent 24 Hour Fitness to enjoy the aqua aerobics classes, but have fallen off. I wanted to purchase a bicycle, but that hasn't come to pass. Power walking is the next best thing! 

"What is power walking?" you might ask. Power walking is walking at a brisk pace and swinging your arms that are bent at the elbows. Swing with full range and motion. Remember to breath in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. 

Have you ever race walked? We did as kids. We race walked to see who could get to the dinner table first - walking without running! Try it with your kids for fun.

The best three things about my power walk this morning:

• Accomplishing a goal: I've put myself in an arena with some amazing women and I must prove myself, to myself. I am now a contributor to an online women's magazine that will debut soon. I can't get shown up. This is like "The Hunger Games" so to speak. We all come from various backgrounds, have different priorities and ideals, and all want to win, in our own right. A wise old prophet [George Clinton of the Parliament Funkadelics] once said: "There's enough light under the sun..." There is enough light under the sun for everyone! I like light. I like sun. 
  
  In this forum I will be discussing my amazing weight loss of 50 plus pounds and walking has been, well you know, my "go to" exercise. I haven't walked in a while, but I've been speaking about it. Today was the day to BE about it.

• Enjoying my neighborhood: I realized while I walked how much I enjoyed walking around in the hustle and the bustle, rather than driving in it. I have become so spoiled working from home. When I do work in the field the amount of traffic in the evenings is almost unbearable. Coupled with coordinating my schedule with my daughter since we share a car, I'm frazzled when I get home. Seems I just want to crawl in my cave and stay there! But while walking, I felt alive. I enjoyed seeing the people almost miss their turn signal because were watching me! The driver was probably thinking, "That should be me!" The jogger I encountered encouraged me to pick up the pace even more. "Burn more calories!" he huffed as he smiled and trotted in the opposite direction. A couple of the young adults offered greetings and salutations and a couple of youth failed to make eye contact. They were on their way to the college prep school near my home. We'll have to do better on Monday.

and the third best thing about my power walk this morning;

• Enjoying nature: Spring has sprung and the sun is out early! It was cool in Los Angeles this morning, but the sun was shining bright like a diamond. As I age, I take more care to cover my neck when I am out of doors. I want to stay healthy so I donned hats, gloves, and sweaters, etc. I wasn't a couple of blocks from home before a sister got HOT! All of the layers started coming off. By the time I arrived back home they were wrapped around my arms, waist, or wherever they could ride! I'll have to do better tomorrow.

Power walking is a fun way to stay in shape, get out in the sun, and have some fun!

Now that I've done something for me, I'm ready to get the rest of my day started. I'll be working with EBT/SNAP (food stamp) vendors today and volunteering this evening. 

by Michelle Brown

Photo Credit: http://fitness.makeupandbeauty.com/do-at-home-walking-exercises-for-winters/

A Waiting List to Volunteer?

Everyone needs a helping hand every now and then. Volunteering is one of my favorite things to do. Not only do I get to help others, but I am enriched also. 

Through the Positive Minded People's group on meetup.com 

http://www.meetup.com/positivemindedpeople/ 

I will be volunteering in +DTLA at the Union Rescue Mission.

[Union Rescue Mission] We embrace people experiencing homelessness with the compassion of Christ - giving hope and healing for a changed life - helping them find their way home.

Imagine my shock to find that I was put on a waiting list?! to +volunteer at the Rescue Mission. That says a lot, though. People aren't just sitting around complaining and/or consuming. What a bore! Get out and do something! Help somebody or learn something new.

Today is a good day. I woke to find my RSVP status had been elevated to GOING to volunteer. YES! Helping those less fortunate downtown has been on my bucket list for a very long time. I am happy to check it off and so happy to help! OMG, I could cry now. 


I believe the eyes are the gateway to the soul. I look forward to seeing some relief in tired and weary eyes. I AM love.

by Michelle Brown

South Central Los Angeles

What do you think of when you think of South Central? Do you think of Korea Town? Do you think of the Ghetto? Maybe you think of home. I am proud to say that I grew up in South Central and I survived. Being from South Central (no Los Angeles needed) became a topic of discussion while we volunteered at Shelter Partnership’s Shelter Resource Bank. I am part of a volunteer organization called One Brick. 

I was the only Black woman among my group of 16.

After easing my way into the conversation and whoo’ing the crowd with my varied background, I stammered a bit when asked where I was from. I had practiced this weeks before. I wanted to be fair to my hometown and my homies who are all over the world. I wanted to glorify Los Scandalous. ”I’m from South L.A.” I managed. 

Being from South L.A. wasn't good enough, though. I’m from South Central! I corrected, with a Cheshire cat’s smile on my face. As I’m the consummate devil’s advocate – “Let’s talk about it…” A cute little vegan, white lady from Ohio thought of Korea Town when she thought of South Central and “The Riots…” she added. The [L.A.] Riots of 1992 ensued after 4 Los Angeles police officers were acquitted in the brutal beating of Rodney King, which was caught on tape. The vegan woman, from Ohio, saw it all on t.v.

Previously, some in the group were amazed that I had been a flight attendant. I trained in Ohio and Kentucky. There was a woman who was from Kentucky volunteering, as well. “Yeah,” I went on. “I met a white woman at a swanky hotel in Marina Del Rey and she was insulted because she was offered a teaching position in “South Central” she said with disdain. After having whoo’d her in all my glory, I didn't have the heart to shatter her bubble by admitting to being from South Central. “I’m from South L.A.” I muttered to the woman at the hotel. 

Sharing the hotel story got the volunteers talking. I’m sure they have different thoughts about people from South Central now. They all agreed that I was not an angry Black woman, either. I am Black and I am proud to be from South Central. I like being a Stereotype Buster! I enjoyed my time volunteering and met great people. 

Shelter Partnership is a wonderful organization that coordinates donations for the needy - everything from furniture to sneakers to Kleenex. Check them out at Shelter Partnership. 

You can find One Brick and other volunteer opportunities, as well as other events at Meetup.com. 

by Michelle Brown