Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

December 21, 2014

The Lakeside Collection Gift Basket + a Giveaway

Sponsored by The Lakeside Collection




It's the holiday season, as we all know... and most of us have probably finished shopping for a majority of friends and family but may still be struggling with ideas on what to give the person that is the hardest to buy for in our life... I know I am, then I found this great list of Gift Basket Ideas: 5 Tips To Get You Started and thought what a brilliant gift for my tougher buys this year!

So when The Lakeside Collection reached out to me and offered to let me review and give away one of their awesome assortments from their Gift Basket Collection I was overjoyed! I received the Cooking Up Something Special basket in the mail and instantly fell in love - The amazingly beautiful set of 3 baking dishes, The Pinoneer Woman cookbook packed full of delicious recipes, The over-sized measuring spoons, Tasty treats, it's all so amazing and so perfectly made for anyone that loves to cook!


They have a basket everyone in your family will love, from the loveable little girl basket to the outdoorsy couple bundle - you are sure to find a basket that every person on your shopping list will be happy! If you decide you want to make your own basket, you are in luck - that's an easy thing to do with The Lakeside Collection!

So here's the fun part, I'm surprising one lucky reader with one of these baskets arriving at your doorstep shortly after the new year begins! Enter to win with the giveaway tools form below!



Disclosure: I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and all other bloggers participating are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

December 18, 2014

Best Buy Holiday Gift Guide - Something for Everyone on Your List!

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free, regardless all opinions are my own.

Best Buy is the place to shop for everyone this year... from the music junkie to the video game nerd to the gypsy child with a bad case of wanderlust - they have something for everyone at Best Buy! I'm sharing a little mini-gift guide to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!


What should you get the video game nerd in your life?

What about an Xbox One?



Xbox One was built by gamers, for gamers. With the best exclusive titles like Halo or Sunset Overdrive, the biggest blockbusters like Call of Duty, the hottest sports franchises like Madden 15, or FIFA 15, and top family titles like Fantasia: Music Evolved the Xbox One takes gaming to a whole new level! In addition to being a great gaming console, Xbox one connects consumers unlike any other device.  Xbox One enables access to the latest TV shows and movies through your favorite apps.  With Xbox One all of your media is at your fingertips when you want it.

What should you get the music junkie in your life?

What about a JBL mobile speaker or a nice set of headphones?

The JBL Charge 2 is a super modern stereo speaker, a bit like having a miniature boom box based on it's twin passive radiators creating deep, powerful bass and the massive 6000mAh battery keeps it running for days! The best feature though - the speaker has a Bluetooth Social Mode, allowing up to three different devices to take turns using just the single speaker!

The JBL Flip 2 is another awesome portable stereo speaker. This little baby offers SoundClear technology preventing echos and providing noise cancellation! The microphone is so precise in fact, you can answer calls via the speaker! I love the crystal clear quality JBL offers and so will the music junkie in your life!

The JBL Reflect Earbuds are the most epic sport headphones, ever! With a sweat proof, ergonomic design and a 5 hour rechargable battery - these little babies are on my wish list and I can't wait to rock them at the gym without a worry in the world about sweat or time! I love that the buds don't have loose cables and they stay in place using built in magnets!

What should you get the gypsy child in your life?

What about a GPS? How about a Garmin or a TomTom?


With bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, traffic and weather updates - what could be better for someone who is always traveling? An up to date GPS with lane assist, lifetime traffic and map updates - these GPS options are the perfect gift for your friend that just can't seem to stay in one place! I know with a bad case of wanderlust myself, a new GPS would be an awesome gift to receive! I love that these models also offer Voice Recognition Technology - so incredibly convenient compared to my ancient GPS model! I suggest you check out the Garmin 52LM, the Garmin 2597, or the TomTom GO 50s - all of these wonderful models are offering the features your traveling loving friend will need!

The Garmin 52LM and the Garmin 2597 both offer a 5.0" display, Maps of 49 U.S. states (plus lifetime updates), lane assist with junction view, speed limit tracking and accurate arrival time based on such, and spoken turn by turn instructions while they easily find addresses and millions of points of interest as well.


The TomTom GO5s also offers most of the same features as well as live traffic updates for the lifetime of the device! Plus an amazing feature is 3D maps, showing buildings and landmards - making it easier to navigate and it just looks amazing!



So tell me, what's on your (and your family's) Best Buy wish list this holiday season?



December 14, 2014

Best Buy Digital Camera Deals for Christmas 2014!



The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free




I've already shared some awesome holiday deals from Best Buy this season, including some items that are on my wish list but today is all about my camera wishlist. As a blogger with a creative mind, having a camera that can capture the angles I want and produce high quality, well lit images is so important! I know we all want nice looking photos that we can hang around the house and although cell phone pictures are nice they typically can't be printed off and used... So today I'm sharing three cameras that will fit different budgets but all have great qualities making them all great cameras!






The
Nikon D5300 DSLR with an 18-55mm VR Lens is a high quality DSLR, with built-in Wi-Fi so you can capture photos and share them at the same time- no more messy cords and long waits for pictures after events, instantly share pictures in seconds! I know I always forget to send pictures after taking them to my family members so the convenience of this feature would be amazing. This camera also comes with a lens that helps you capture sharp photos and video footage with it's image stabilization capabilities. The Nikon D5300 is a fantastic camera and the fact that they offer it in grey and red makes it even more amazing! Which color are you adding to your wish list? {Ahem, I'll take the Red one, Santa!!}



Next up on the line up is the Sony - Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera. This compact camera system offers the World's Fastest Autofocus - helping you capture photos that are perfectly in focus no matter what's happening! It also offers a 24.3-megapixel sensor that provides stunning clarity and it's also Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to yet again share your photos easily and instantly! The Sony Alpha A6000 is the perfect size for vacations and adventures but don't let it's small size and good looks fool you, it's a powerful little camera as well. What color do you want the most - the white, silver, or black?



Last but not least, the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 is a digital camera that is basically a cell phone without all the same capabilities- how cool is that? It reminds me of a really awesome mini-tablet and with a 16.3-megapixel sensor you are able to capture super vivid and sharp images and HD video! The 4.8" touch screen is the perfect size for making sure your images are going to be perfect and since this device is so similar to other android products, it's obvious that the camera offers Wi-Fi, making it easier to store and share photos with anyone.


So many awesome cameras are on the market this year, but these three are some of the best... Which one do you want to find under the tree this year? They're all pretty amazing but I'm hoping Santa brings me the D5300 with a nice red bow on the top! If not maybe I'll grab one for a great deal next time I'm checking out Best Buy Holiday Gift Center!

December 13, 2014

A Game Changer: My Proactiv+ Review

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence-Central for Proacitv+. I received samples of Proactiv+ to facilitate my review and a thank you item for participating.


So I'll admit I suffered from acne as a teen, it was horrible... I started using Proactiv when it first came out and loved the line because it actually helped. It cleared up my acne to the point that I actually stopped using it and I really didn't have much of a problem with pimples up until recently. I started getting these horrible deep pimples, resembling cystic acne. They were horrible and I knew I needed to do something about it, so when Proactiv+ wanted me to review their product I was all for it!

Although I don't have any pictures where my blemishes are prominent, because I'm the type of girl to avoid the camera like the plague whenever I have a volcano growing on my face. But here's a good idea of what my before and after with Proactiv+ looks like!

My No Make Up Selfie Before & After Using Proactiv+:


I'm so happy to report that my skin is blemish free now. I occasionally still get a pimple here and there but they aren't anything compared to the horrible, huge things I used to get. I really am a huge believer in the ability of Proactiv+. Their formula is unlike any other; every enhanced acne-­fighting benefit comes with an equally powerful skin-­care benefit - this means while Proactiv+ is fighting your blemishes, it's also nourishing the skin as well! You can check out my video testimonial about how much I love the product and check out how clear my skin is after using Proactiv+ here:



As I said in the video, Proactiv+ is a game changer. If you aren't comfortable with the way your skin looks now, Proactiv+ is the answer. The whole line is amazing and formed to treat break outs, the answer to my adult acne prayers!


I know several people think Proactiv+ is another "as seen on TV" item... and while it is advertised on television, that's only because the line actually works! The Proactiv+ system provides enhanced hydration, skin smoothing and mark reduction. It's also been known to show an overall improvement in texture, tone, pore appearance and brightness- all of this greatness in one simple system!




The Proactiv+ system is simple to use, three easy and quick steps:


Step 1‐ Skin Smoothing Exfoliator - The Head Honcho - This product is the main ingredient in your skin care routine, cleaning your pores, and allowing them to be open and ready for the next step.

Step 2­‐ Pore Targeting Treatment - The Star of The Show - This part of the system is the real game changer, it really helps with pimples and is by far my favorite product in the Proactiv+ line!

Step 3‐ Complexion perfecting Hydrator - The Smooth Operator - This product is the best moisturizer on the market. It helps my skin feel soft and fresh without making it feel heavy or too wet.

My results with the system were so amazing, they had to be shared. It's so easy to use, fits into my daily schedule, and the products work well - I highly recommend Proactiv+! If you want to try the Proactiv+ line for yourself, find out more here.



Be sure to stay connected with Proactiv+ on: Facebook   |   Twitter

December 12, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide Wish List: Canon EOS Rebel T5i from Best Buy

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/canon-eos-rebel-t5i-dslr-camera-with-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-black/8154204.p?id=1218865165968&skuId=8154204



Best Buy has to be one of my favorite stores, especially when I'm on the market for new electronics! I've been eying all different types of new gadgets each time we visit... because I'm a bit like a kid in a candy store inside a Best Buy - I guess you could call me a techie for that reason! I love the finding the best products on the market and recently I've noticed my current camera just isn't holding its own anymore...So with that said, I'm pretty sure I want to invest in a new camera soon! I'm currently using an older model and I think with the grainy quality and it's inability to focus on occasion, that it's pretty much a goner.

After browsing through Best Buy recently, I think I have my sights set on The Canon EOS Rebel T5i! It's actually one of the best-selling DSLRs, so obviously I'm not the only one with upgrading on my mind!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/canon-eos-rebel-t5i-dslr-camera-with-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-black/8154204.p?id=1218865165968&skuId=8154204



The Canon T5i makes advanced photography easy and fun, and gives you exceptional image quality, along with a host of features to enhance your creative expression - the DSLR for any level, since you can shoot in a preassigned mode or shoot manually!

Another benefit that The Canon EOS Rebel T5i has over my current camera is the ability to capture video - I still can't believe my current camera doesn't have video while T5i has a HD video camera with the ability to capture Hollywood quality footage and also hosts the ability to autofocus constantly while taking video - imagine the videos this baby could make!  With an 18.0-megapixel sensor and 5 image processor, you are assured vivid, crystal-clear images; something I think everyone strives to achieve...

If I haven't sold you on buying The Canon T5i yet, the amazing deal they are offering on it at Best Buy will definitely seal the deal! Head over to Best Buy and buy your Canon EOS Rebel T5i and save $150 (from now through 12/20/2014)!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/canon-eos-rebel-t5i-dslr-camera-with-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-black/8154204.p?id=1218865165968&skuId=8154204

November 20, 2014

Nailed It: DIY Chip-Free Manicure - This Christmas #DazzlewithVB Cosmetics & Dazzle Dry!

“Disclaimer: I am a member of The Social Media Panel, LLC. who was given the opportunity to review this product. However, the brand or company has not influenced me in any way to provide any type of review other than my true and honest opinions. I am disclosing all information provided in this review according to the information provided in Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


http://ow.ly/EekDl

I've never been one to hide the fact that I like to pamper myself and if you've been reading recently you may have picked up on the fact I like pretty nails... but I live a busy life and unless I go to the salon I usually don't let them dry long enough to set and they always turn out looking wonky. Plus sometimes when I do decide to treat myself to a salon visit, they chip the next day and then I just feel like it's a lost cause. Finding a polish that matches my busy schedule has been a tough mission, but I can officially say mission accomplished.  I nailed the perfect at home mani, I'm so happy I could shout it from the rooftops! I love Dazzle Dry's Nail Kit from VB Cosmetics!


The Dazzle Dry Nail Kit is a life saver; I now have a polished and pretty mani that will last for four weeks without chipping. Plus, the polish dries rock hard in just five minutes leaving me with plenty of time to complete my to-do list! I compare my Dazzle Dry Nail System to getting an expensive gel manicure at the salon, except it doesn't involve a UV light and it also doesn't include toxins.
http://ow.ly/EekDl

They sent over the most adorable mini kit in a cheery shade of High Velocity Red and I cant wait to wow my family and friends with my adorable Christmas themed nails. I think I may even surprise a few of my closest girlies with a little something in their stocking this year - every girl needs The Dazzle Dry Nail System! I'm definitely adding this product to my holiday gift guide for all the fashionistas and divas in your life. This Christmas #DazzlewithVB!

http://ow.ly/EekDl

You may be wondering, what the mini kit includes? I received the Nail Prep (7.5ml), the Base Coat (5ml), the Top Coat (5ml) with the polish color of your choice(5ml). This kit is good for numerous mani's and at only $20, it's a steal compared to salon mani! Dazzle Dry has polishes in all kinds of colors and full size kits as well as glitter polishes and cracking polishes... a little bit of everything for all different styles!
http://ow.ly/EekDl

I decided to add a rhinestone to my mani on the center of each nail and I love how it turned out. All I did was use a little bit of clear coat to make a "glue" for the rhinestone and placed it on my nail in between the red polish and the top coat. I followed the directions sent with my kit to a tee and my mani turned out amazing.
I would like to extend my gratitude to Vb Cosmetics for sending over a kit and sponsoring this post, I'm absolutely in love with their kits and can't wait to treat my best friends with a perfect at home mani kit as well! 


http://ow.ly/EekDl


November 19, 2014

The LG OLED TV from Best Buy: The Ultimate Christmas Gift!

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free


The holidays are quickly approaching and I'm so excited to have teamed up with Best Buy. They have something for everyone on your list but today I'm going to tell you more about the Ultimate Christmas Gift, The LG OLED TV.



What exactly is The LG OLED TV?
The stunning design of LG OLED TV is only 0.21" thick at its thinnest point. The picture quality is spectacular, with Infinite Contrast that ranges from the most blazing whites to the deepest blacks. Plus, LG's exclusive 4 Color Pixel technology delivers bright, vibrant colors.  The best quality TV on the market, want to learn more? Check it out here: LGOLEDatBestbuy.com


As we all know, actions speak louder than words. The LG OLED is one of those sights you have to see to believe, with deeper and richer colors, stunning contrast and ingeniously curved screens, it is unlike any technology you've ever seen, and it delivers a picture that exceeds your wildest imagination! We've been TV shopping lately and this amazing piece of electronic gold is definitely on our list. Another feature that I'm totally in love with, the voice recognition remote. I know it sounds a bit lazy to be so excited about this but while painting or blogging, this would be so convenient! Everything from the WebOS to the vivid screen make this TV the top of the line and worth every penny.

This TV is the best gift for the tech lover in your life, with a $500 savings and a price tag at
$3499.99 you can't go wrong with this high-tech TV. You can do anything from browse netflix to blog on this gorgeous, super thin TV.

So now that you know more about the LG OLED what feature sounds the most appealing to you? Is there anything else you have your eye on at Best Buy?

November 14, 2014

Travel the world with "Try The World": Become a Culinary Traveler

 This post is sponsored by Try The World & Cooperatize, regardless all opinions are my own.

I've already shared my passion for traveling in the past, while I've had some crazy adventures and some amazing vacations; one thing every single one of my favorite vacations has in common is fantastic food. I have loved getting to try food from different countries, flavors that we would never combine in America are embraced around the world and my palette embraces all of these flavors as well. I will try any food once, if I like it I'll probably eat it again... I suppose you could call me a culinary traveler... heh. I like that title, I think I'll officially adopt it.
As a culinary traveler, I'm always interested in trying out new foods and when I heard about the "Try The World" Subscription Box, I just had to learn more. At "Try the World" they have the same philosophy I have towards culinary travel, they "believe that life is too short to not try everything that's out in the world. So [they] created the first subscription program to discover the best gourmet food and cultural finds from across the globe, delivered to your door." I think we can all agree, it's good to explore, learn, and grow... this box allows you to do all of these things in the comfort of your own home.


I love receiving subscription boxes, it's like Christmas morning when I open the box and delve in. I love discovering what was sent and reading the labels on products... I'm a total nerd like that. This subscription box service is unlike any other though, they are offering products from around the world that you may not be able to find on your own, products that are rare - if not impossible to find in The US; there's a little bit of magic in every box because of this.


The last few boxes have been from Istanbul, Tokyo, and Rome. The collections are full of authentic, traditional ingredients allowing you to remake recipes and taste foods as if you are in these countries. If you can't get away right now but want to experience some exquisite cuisine, then you should join Try The World today.


Are you ready to travel the world with "Try The World" and become a Culinary Traveler?

Once you sign up, you'll begin receiving a gourmet box from a new country every 2 months (at the end of the month in which you enroll), beginning this month with a box from Paris! Soon they'll begin offering "surprise boxes", can you say hello to happiness arriving at your doorstep?

The best part of the boxes is that all of the products are sourced from traditional and local producers that love what they make and their passion really shows in the quality of the foods! The local foodies gather all of the most delicious and authentic foods from all over the world and bring these boxes together to provide you with food that tastes great.

This box is officially on my Holiday Gift Guide, as well as my wish list! This is one product that I recommend giving as a gift to family members, co-workers, or just that person that has everything. If you want to subscribe to Try The World or learn more about their subscription services, you can find more information here.

 Oh and did I mention 1 in every 100 subscribers now have the opportunity to win a trip to Paris! How cool is that?

November 7, 2014

6 Essentials For Every Home Office + a $200 SkyMall Gift Card Giveaway!


I have a huge announcement:

I officially have a home office space, as an early Christmas present to myself and my blog I decided it was time to get off the couch while blogging and get into a more productive spot. Now that I have a designated work area, my life has changed completely. Havinng an office has helped me establish "working hours", something I never really laid out before. This has made me more productive and creative, so you could say I kind of love my little office space.


When I say little, I mean my gorgeous desk is able to fold up and out of the way if I need it to, and this is perfect since my office is technically part of my living room still... I suppose you could say I commandeered a corner of the room when I saw the The Fold-Out Convertible Desk on SkyMall.com made by SEI. I knew it would be perfect and our living room re-design started that day! Now that we've rearranged things a bit, this space feels so much larger and more open with more in it! 




I love the clean lines and the beautiful stark white color of my fold-out desk. The hanging of the desk was an adventure but not too incredibly complicated and that's the only assembly involved. The quality of the desk is perfect, it's sturdy, and even offers a little bit of storage space - everything you could ask for in an office desk.



I decided I really wanted to make my office my own once I set up the fold-out desk, so I began to add some flair by bringing in a fun piece of art work, a few personal pictures, a set of organization boards, adorable office accessories, and some fun knick-knacks! {Do you like the organization/dry erase boards? The Calendar, To-Do List, and Quote are all DIY and I'll be sharing a tutorial in just a few short days!}



I almost have my little office area organized, but I'm still wanting to add a few more things: a small plant for the top, maybe a few more folders so I can keep papers organized in the little pockets the desk offers, and maybe just a couple more pretty little things to add to the shelves because why not?



Today I want to share with you the 6 Essentials for Every Home Office:

1. Organizational tools - You should always try to keep all of your statements, invoices, etc. organized, even if you just opt to scan every single file - you need a way to store your important documents. I have the fun little pockets feature on the desk, as well as a filing cabinet that isn't pictured. I also highly suggest adding a calendar, planner, etc.

2. Get artsy - Put something fun, colorful, or inspirational in your office space. Encourage yourself to get things done with a quote by your favorite inspirational speaker or paint a cute picture of your dog. Whatever you want to add to your space to make you smile; make it, print it, photograph it, and hang it up.

3. Clear work area - I'm using my fold-out desk as my large work area, I want it to always be free from clutter. My laptop and a few other items are the only things I want left on the desktop regularly. This should be a goal in every office: don't overload your desktop. If you don't have the fun storage cubbies on your desk like I do, then think about installing some shelving or getting some storage bins. You'll love having your desktop clear of clutter and I promise it'll make you more productive!

4. Accessorize - Now that I've explained how not to clutter up your accessories, I highly suggest you add in some fun elements to your desk. I have an adorable set of matching clipboards and post-its so I use these as both functional pieces and gorgeous accessories! I have a few pictures on my cork board that the fold-out desk features, both photos reminding me how much I have to be passionate about; my family is amazing!

5. Let it burn - I highly recommend a candle in your home office, because they help relax a space and make it smell delicious! I love having a vanilla or lavender candle because both scents are soothing to me, I suggest using a scent that comforts you and makes you feel all warm inside. You want to be in "your happy place" while in your office, don't you?

6. Relax -  Add something to your office that helps you feel calm. Whether it be a stress ball, a yo-yo, or in my case, a small meditation garden. It's good choose to have something relaxing that offers mindless entertainment... It'll help get your creative juices flowing again when feeling a little drained.


Now that I've shared everything you need for the perfect office space, here's your chance to win a $200 SkyMall Gift Card. Have you seen some of the amazing prodcuts SkyMall offers? They have a little bit of something for everyone and with $200 to spend, I want to know which items are on your wish list this year?




Enter to win with the giveaway tools form below:




Disclaimer: I  received one or more of the products mentioned above to facilitate my review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.This contest will run through December 1st at  11:59pm EST. Must be 18 years or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter,etc. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

November 4, 2014

I've lost 14lbs on Nutrisystem already! #NSNation Update

 I'm on a journey to get fit this year and with the assistance of Nutrisystem (and Planet Fitness), I've already started to lose big! I updated a few weeks ago that I had already lost 9lbs... That was after losing most of the weight in the first week on their Fast 5 program jump starter. Those results were incredible so I knew I shouldn't expect results like that during the entire program; that just wouldn't be healthy! So with all of that said, I'm SUPER excited to have lost another 5lbs! That means total I have lost 14lbs!


I'm not sure if anyone else can see the difference in these photos, but it's a huge difference to me. I mean I'm wearing a tank top tucked into jeans; that's a HUGE difference itself that I felt confident and skinny enough to do this is a huge sign... plus, my pants look kind of wonky because they are too big! Oh and my wedding band was lost for over a week after losing it because I lost SO much weight (I'm glad to report, it was found) and I now wear it on my middle finger until we get it resized!



All of these amazing transformations and this is only half way through my plan, I can't wait to see what the rest of the journey will hold. I do know after Nutrisystem is over, I have a better mind set towards food and how often/what I should be eating and that is what is going to help my results last once I don't have the pleasure of having a majority of my food pre-made for me.



So are you wondering what my secret to success is?

I'm going to be honest, I occasionally eat out with hubby because that's just how life works... BUT I limit my portion sizes and order healthy. Salads, grilled chicken, and minimally processed foods are this gals best friend. Which means technically, I haven't strayed from my diet at all while eating out but I still get to spend time out with friends and family! It's all about making wise decisions!

Planet Fitness has become a regular day date every few days in our home, while this isn't as often as I would like (we're waiting for the location closer to us to open)... I'm still seeing results! I do about 20-30 minutes of cardio, then I use a couple weight machines, and wrap it up by getting a few miles in on the stationary bikes... I can't even believe I have a "plan" at the gym, that's a huge transformation for me as well.

DRINK YOUR GREENS! Your body and your taste buds will love it. I've made smoothies almost every day, if not a few a day... It's a good way to get in your smart carbs and veggies at the same time while not having to choke down a whole forests worth of broccoli.  Have you seen the smoothie recipes I've been sharing lately? I'm telling you, they all are AMAZING!

I'll be sharing more tips to lose big on Nutrisystem soon so keep your eyes peeled!


Results so far on Nutrisystem:
14 lbs down and looking forward to the rest of my journey!

Help Increase Creativity with Yoga & Meditation - Aurorae Yoga #HolidayGiftGuide

As you've probably observed, I'm a huge fan of yoga and I love sharing my passion for yoga. I hosted the Everybody Yoga Challenge in September and it was an amazing experience, watching all the participants share their photos was inspirational to me... not just because each and every one of the women that participated are amazing yogini's, which is so very true. It was inspirational because those women that were new to yoga seemed to really embrace the challenge and I learned things from them.

During the challenge I learned some amazing lessons and they have changed the way I view myself and my yoga practice. The main thing I learned from these ladies is that we are all our own worst critic, so just a little note - "Hey you, quit being so hard on yourself; you're awesome". I also learned a good mat makes a huge difference in my ability to get into poses, I did almost every pose for the challenge outdoors without a mat and that got sticky at times.


I'm so excited I was given the chance to work with Aurorae Yoga this month. Their Northern Lights Yoga Mat and their meditation candles are two amazing gifts for those in your life that love yoga or even those that are seeking balance in their life. Yoga has so much more than just the obvious physical benefits, it's therapeutic to the soul. Practicing yoga will leave most people feeling rejuvenated and happy. It doesn't necessarily have to be a spiritual thing, but it can be... It doesn't have to be a high intensity session, but it can be... It doesn't have to be "hot" yoga, but it can be... The point I'm trying to make here is that it's your yoga; that's what Aurorae Yoga believes anyways.



Aurorae Yoga makes products for the everyday yogi and the newbie. The level of experience you have doesn't matter, they just want to encourage everyone not to feel intimidated or uncomfortable. It's all about relaxing and enjoying your yoga practice in their opinion and that's why they make products designed to help you do just that.

As I sat meditating after yoga today on my Northern Lights Yoga Mat with my Vanilla Compassion meditation candle, I really felt inspired. I have so many ideas running through my head now that I need to make a list of them all, before meditating I felt like I had writer's block. It's no joke, meditating can make you more creative... According to a Dutch study conducted in 2012 certain meditation techniques can promote creative thinking and open monitoring meditation, the type in which you don't have an exact focus but let ideas flow freely, has shown to increase creativity the most.

So instead of providing you with mantras to chant, I'm going to just encourage you to relax & enjoy and spoil yourself with high quality products from Aurorae Yoga!

Namaste.

Interested in scoring a yoga mat or a meditation candle for yourself or another person in your life?  Find out more about Aurorae Yoga!




While I was provided with products by Aurorae Yoga to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed are my own.

October 29, 2014

Uncorked Ventures: Treat Yourself to a little Wine!

When Uncorked Ventures approached me to review their wine club, I was beyond excited... I'm not a wino but I do enjoy a good glass of vino on occasion!


Signing up to be a part of the Uncorked Ventures Wine Club was really easy: they asked me what type of wines I prefer and I mentioned that I like red over white and then they asked for my information & told me my wine was on it's way! When it arrived it was packaged well, including a description of the bottles and tasting notes from a sommelier! Then it was time to pair with a meal and start sipping!

The wines they sent over are incredible. They sent me Del Rino Vineyards Syrah and Easton H House Red Blend (a Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon blend) and they both are uniquely delicious in the own way.

My husband and I split the Del Rino Vineyards Syrah over dinner one evening and loved the mix of flavors the wine offered... The Sommelier said "good luck finding the flavors that are swirling together here" and I couldn't agree more. It's a tasty treat but a very rich one at that.

The other bottle we just busted into when I decided to write this review. It's always good to write a wine review while drinking wine, right? I'm loving the flavors this wine offers, maybe even a little more than the other bottle. It's a refreshing blend with a zest to it that I haven't found in other wines!

While I loved the bottles Uncorked Ventures sent over, I hope that I'm able to sample more of their wines in the future - after all, it's fun to try new things and since both of these wines are bottles I've never picked up at a wine store before, I'm excited to see what other unique wines they offer!

What I love about Uncorked Ventures, other than their wine selections, is the fact that they are a different kind of wine club and I think you'll love this about the company as well... They are a family owned and operated start-up, based just outside of San Francisco. What's really great about Uncorked Ventures though, is that unlike buying wine through middle men and distributors, they spend time in wine country getting to know winemakers, vineyard owners, farmers and others directly involved in the creation of what's in your glass. That means your wine is personally selected by someone who knows the wine, the person that made it, how it was made,etc not just some sales guy, have comfort in knowing that you'll only receive the very best via Uncorked Ventures Wine Club Subscription!

Are you interested in becoming a member of the Uncorked Ventures wine club?
Find out more here.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com.
Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

October 16, 2014

Something To Smile About: My Favorite Concert #CricketWireless #STSA

I participated in Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central for Cricket Wireless. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.


I love going to see my favorite bands perform live, there's nothing like hearing your favorite song begin to play, right in front of you, for the very first time ever. It's a thrilling experience to say the least and my favorite concert memory involves one of my absolute favorite bands, My Morning Jacket.

MMJ performed at the Americanrama Fest, which wasn't really a festival but a small bundle of bands playing that included some other awesome performances by Wilco, Bob Weir, and Bob Dylan.


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#mymorningjacket rocking my face off #americanarama #happygirl #love #groove #flstofmind #instagood

My Morning Jacket's performance was unbelivable. It had just started raining, there was electricty in the air from the lightening crashing all around the ampitheater, and then "Circuital" started to play and it sounded clearer and more vivid than I have ever heard it... Sometimes when I hear bands play I'm disappointed because they sound nothing like their recordings, My Morning Jacket was the opposite of this: they sound better live, if that's even possible.


I sat there in awe as I watched my favorite band play some of their hits, sipped a few adult beverages, and just danced my heart out. I had the best time I've ever had at any concert... This is what every concert should feel like and Cricket Wireless agrees, they want to bring you a concert experience unlike any other and I can't wait to attend a concert sponsored by them soon

Cricket Wireless aims to give people something to smile about (hence, their #STSA campaign). They recently gave several people Something To Smile About by sponsoring The Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias tour... but they are more than a sponsor, Cricket is enhancing the concert experience!



The "Cricket Stage" will be present at this concert, this is a 10x20 stage where fans can hop up and give their best rock star/model pose. Participants can share their images on their social channels via "share kiosks" around the stage. Photos shared will be entered into a sweepstakes where a winner and 3 guests will get a trip to the Miami Latin Grammy Street Party. Plus, all participants will receive a pair of ear buds!

Not only will you have the chance to win an awesome trip, you can be part of the VIP meet and greet also sponsored by Cricket Wireless. Participants will get to meet Pitbull or Enrique and take photos on with a Cricket device. Selfie Stations will be set up on mirrors in the ladies rooms, encouraging all of us to get our selfies on - as if we needed an excuse! And lastly, if you want to score the perfect picture with Enrique and Pitbull, look for the Hologram Standee boards and pose with them for a picture that looks so real! So if you love Pitbull and Enrique and want to have the most amazing time, check into getting your tickets today.



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Tell me about your favorite concert experience...

Why I Run: Support The Cause with Skechers Breast Cancer Awareness Shoes

Today's post is sponsored by Skechers, but my love for their cause is completely my own.



If you're a regular reader you already know Getting Fit in 2014 is my ultimate goal, now that I've teamed up with Skechers I have the most awesome pair of Pink Ribbon shoes to help me on my journey. Lately I've been thinking about why I run... what really motivates me to run. I mean I really love seeing my doggies smiling faces, getting out and exploring, feeling the burn, and all that good stuff but there's more to it than that.


I run because I want a transformation. That may sound strange, but it's the best way to express what I mean. Running helps me transform my body, in the obvious sense: the activity burns calories which helps me lose fat... but running also has completely transformed my mindset. I've shared in the past that I was always the girl that couldn't even finish a mile in grade school, but that all has changed and it's because I believed I was capable and started allowing myself to work towards my goals.



Since moving to Florida I've participated in a few 5K's, which means I've now run (more like jogged and/or walked) hundreds of miles while "training" for these events and participating in them. I've pushed myself farther than I ever thought possible and I'm going to continue to do so. I'm so proud of my progress and achievements thus far. I can't even begin to explain the way I love running now, not only have I changed my mindset towards the activity, I've changed my mindset in general: I now know anything I think I can do, I will be able to do if I work hard enough.


One thing I've noticed while running is that my shoes matter; if my shoes are comfortable and provide the support I need, I can run longer and faster. When Skechers sent over the GOrun 3 Awareness tennis shoes I fell in love the second I put them on. These shoes are obviously designed for speed while offering a barefoot running experience and impact protection, the perfect combination for a nice long run.


Not only are these shoes adorable, the Skechers Gorun 3's offer improved breathability and flexibility with a roomy three-layer mesh front panel. While the GOimpulse sensors on the bottom of the shoes offer flexibility and feedback for a responsive running experience. These beauties also offer the perfect amount of "give" to make these the most comfortable pair of running shoes I own, plus with the M-Strike Technology promoting a mid-foot strike these make for an excellent training shoe. These shoes offer everything I want in a running shoe, plus they help a great cause... Score!



During the month of October Skechers Performance Division has teamed up with American Cancer Society to support the fight against Breast Cancer. This adorable pair of shoes as well as several others and items of apparel are all part of a collection supporting the cause. Skechers Performance Division’s support will help the American Cancer Society continue to invest in ground breaking research, provide comprehensive support to people diagnosed with breast cancer, and advocate for laws that ensure access for women who need it so more lives are saved.


Not only have they created the perfect line to bring Awareness to the cause, Skechers Performance Division is offering a donation to American Cancer Society - Skechers has committed to donate $150K at a minimun... with 100% of the proceeds going to American Cancer Society! This is huge and you can be a part of the donation easily, just buy a pair online or head into a Skechers store near you!

If you head in-store you can score savings on future purchases because Skechers is launching a register round-up! You'll have the option to round up your purchase to the nearest whole dollar to benefit American Cancer Society for the entire month of October! Plus, if you donate $5 or more, you will also receive a 20% off discount for your next visit. Even if you don't purchase anything from the Awareness line, you can buy anything from any Skechers retailer store and still have the opportunity to give back and support the cause. Oh, did I mention that you'll receive a special promotional gift if you purchase any of the Awareness shoes in stores? You'll love it!

Not only can you help the cause while shopping in stores, Skechers is hosting the American Cancer Society San Francisco Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, and will be donating a percentage of proceeds from the sales of Skechers shoes on-site that day.

Head in to your nearest Skechers Retail store to purchase a pair of Awareness shoes
or buy a pair online today!


To help raise awareness, I made this infographic:
Feel free to share.