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

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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.

Join me in the Fight Against Breast Cancer.

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.

Treat Yourself: 42-inch 1080p LED Smart HDTV with Wi-Fi Giveaway {ends 10/29}

Every year, out of their amazing generosity BuyDig.com offers an amazing giveaway sweepstakes and this year is no different. This year the fabulous team over at BuyDig has decided to give one lucky Mom Blog Society reader a 42-Inch 1080p 60Hz Direct LED Smart HDTV with Wi-Fi! BuyDig.com rules in my house. Whenever we need a new tech gadget or small kitchen appliance we shop at BuyDig. Why? Because they have top notch products and rock bottom prices. You have the chance to win one of these awesome HDTV's, but even if you aren't the lucky one - you have the chance to save big! BuyDig.com is a great place to buy gifts for the holiday season or even treat yourself to something you've been wanting.

This awesome Giveaway for a LARGE and Beautiful LED Smart HDTV with Wi-Fi is
sponsored by BuyDig.com Hosted by: Mom Blog Society and Co hosted by Budget Earth and Mom Does Reviews
You'll love all of the products they offer but the televisions are the most exciting part of their site to me. They carry all the TOP name brands so you will be sure to find the perfect new TV for your home. Maybe hubby needs a man cave or you want a TV in your craft room, one lucky person will win a new 42-Inch 1080p 60Hz Direct LED Smart HDTV with Wi-Fi! Will it be you? What room will you put it in?

   
Product Details:
This LG 42LB5800 has amazing picture quality with and IPS Panel and full HD 1080p resolution, plus MCI 120, triple XD engine and a resolution upscaler. The LG Smart TV also offers premium VOD Service as well as Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Facebook and more. You can connect with Wi-Fi, HDMI, and USB. The audio offers 2Ch speaker system, 20w output powr and sound sync.

The actual dimensions are: TV without Stand (WxHxD) 37.83" x 22.32" x 2.19" TV with Stand (WxHxD) 37.83" x 24.02" x 8.58" Shipping Dimensions (WxHxD) 41.50" x 25.39" x 5.75" TV without Stand Weight 20.3 lbs TV with Stand Weight 20.9 lbs Shipping Weight 25.6 lbs UPC 719192592247 BuyDig.com is your one place shop this holiday season. Don't make the mistake of thinking you will get there amazing quality and their fabulous prices anywhere else. Not even on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. BuyDig has proven to me over and over again that they stand behind their products. You just can't find a better deal anywhere.   

Just use the rafflecopter form below to enter to win:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


 Disclaimer: I received no products or compensation to be a part of this giveaway, I'm just hosting this on my blog to help out fellow bloggers. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter,etc. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Connect: Shop BuyDig.com | Facebook | Google + | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Record All of Your Adventures with the New Go Pro Cameras

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.

Best Buy is home to the latest cameras and camcorders, including the full line of new GoPro cameras, plus a broad assortment of accessories - the ultimate when it comes to documenting your vacation memories and crazy adventures. Imagine riding coasters with your best friends and recording the whole thing to watch and laugh at over and over again... Picture attaching your Go Pro to one of the fabulous accessories and strapping it onto your car for an awesome account of your next off roading adventure... There are so many ways to use the GoPro Camera! How will you use yours?

GoPro cameras make perfect holiday gifts for everyone, from kids and teens, to gadget gurus - everyone likes recording their craziest adventures. GoPro’s new line of cameras allow you to beautifully and authentically capture and share the experiences that bring purpose, adventure, and joy to your life - you'll love reliving your memories you capture on your GoPro!

You'll be super excited to hear that the GoPro HERO4 Black is the most advanced GoPro ever, featuring improved image quality and a 2x more powerful processor with 2x faster video frame rates1, HERO4 Black takes award‐winning GoPro performance to a whole new level. The coolest action camera on the market!

The GoPro HERO4 Silver is the first-ever GoPro to feature a built-in touch display, so you can see what you are recording while you're recording. Controlling The camera, playing back footage and adjusting settings is ultra-convenient—just view, tap and swipe the screen. With 1080p60 and 720p120 video, and 12MP photos at a staggering 30 frames per second, HERO4 Silver combines powerful, pro-quality capture with the convenience of a touch display. This is my choice, I can't wait to invest in a GoPro soon!

And lastly, The GoPro HERO features  high‐quality 1080p30 and 720p60 video, and 5MP photos up to 5 fps, HERO captures the same immersive footage that’s made GoPro one of the best-selling cameras in the world... with 12x more powerful processors with 2x faster video frame rates you're all set to capture whatever adventure you plan next.


So, tell me,
what adventure would you take your new GoPro camera on first?

You can learn more at www.bestbuy.com/GoPro or visit your local Best Buy to check out the latest cameras in person!

The Perfect Halloween Treat: Stuffed Baby Pepper Monsters Made with Skinnygirl Hummus

I was part of an Influencer Activation on behalf of Skinnygirl, I received a product sample and a promotional item to facilitate my review.
Regardless of this, I only recommend items I think my readers will love.

Hummus is one of those foods I didn't think I would like so I never tried it, then a few years ago I tried some at the request of my husband... and now I can honestly say I'm obsessed. Since I'm on NutriSystem right now, I watch what I eat pretty closely though so hummus kind of felt off limits. Now that I've found Skinnygirl Hummus I can snack and feel like I'm indulging even though I'm not really indulging at all. This delicious and unique hummus is made with non-fat greek yogurt, which may sound strange but it has the same great taste that we all love with a extra creamy texture - it's seriously so good. Plus, I'm also a huge fan of the fact that it's made with all natural ingredients, I think that's the real secret to it's great taste!

You probably have heard of Skinnygirl already because of their alcohol line but now they've come out with all kinds of goodies you can indulge in without feeling guilty! This hummus is a great snack and is absolutely delicious with carrots or baby peppers... To get in the spirit, I decided to make a special Halloween themed treat - Baby peppers stuffed with Skinnygirl Roasted Red Pepper Hummus that look like creepy, yet cute little one-eyed monsters! These are so much fun and will make the perfect Halloween themed appetizer for any Halloween Party or get together.

Stuffed Baby Pepper Monsters
Made with Skinnygirl Hummus

Ingredients:

Baby Peppers

Roasted Red Pepper Skinnygirl Hummus

Reduced Fat Italian Cheese

Olives

These cute little guys are super easy to make, you just cut off the tops of the baby peppers and stuff them with Skinnygirl Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. Then heat the italian cheese in the  safe bowl (for approximately 10 seconds or until gooey but not completely melted) and roll the cheese into several small balls and flatten it. Stick the flattened "cheese ball" to the side of the hummus stuffed pepper and add an olive to the center of the cheese. Now you have a one-eyed Stuffed Baby Pepper Monster of your own.
Plus, now through NYE, you can score 75 cents off Skinnygirl products! Print & use this coupon at Wal-Mart to save yourself some moo-lah!