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 6, 2014

Anything Goes November Giveaway Hop: Winner's Choice $50 Gift Card

Welcome to the Anything Goes Hop!

This hop is hosted by The Review Wire and The Frugal Find. All participating blogs are offering a prize of at least $15. Now is your chance to seek out some awesome prizes for those on your Christmas list, but you berry hurry the hop ends on November 24th! Both The Review Wire and The Frugal Find are offering a prize you don't want to miss!


It's the time of year to be thankful for everything! I'm super thankful for a wonderful life and getting to share it with you guys! I'm also super grateful and what to show my gratitude by giving away a $50 gift card of the winner's choice. This means if you want to go on an Amazon shopping spree, I'll support it. What about a trip to Forever21 or an online splurge at ModCloth? I've got you covered.

Enter to win using the giveaway tools form below:

Disclaimer: This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on November 24, 2014. The Anything Goes Event Bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. Companies and bloggers, if you would like to participate in group giveaway events like this one, sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by Review Wire Media.


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.

Adorable, Unique Jewelry Gifts for Christmas 2014 from Alice Hollywood #HolidayGiftGuide





You're going to fall in love with the necklaces over at AliceHollywood.com, they make the perfect gifts for yourself or for your friends and family. If you browse their collection, you'll notice their jewelry is unique and fun - a nice twist on the daily norm. Offering everything from adorable little fox necklaces to Hamsa necklaces; they offer a piece of jewelry for the 12 year old and the 42 year old on your shopping list this year with all of the variety in their collection!



I was sent the fox necklace and while it is petite, it is adorable. The perfect understated accessory. Something I love about this necklace is that it doesn't necessarily feature a "face" but the silhouette shape of a fox face.The necklace isn't a stand alone accessory either, Alice Hollywood has a matching ring on their best seller list as well as other adorable fox pieces that you are sure to love.

If you are looking for a gift that will surprise a lady in your life with eclectic taste, I highly recommend Alice Hollywood's collection. Head on over to the site and spoil yourself and your friends with your favorite pieces!




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.