Celestial Seasonings Taste Test

Mmmmmm... don't you love taste testing?!  I love going to places and trying something new.  It's a simple process.  Select, sample, settle. 

My first impression of Candy Cane Lane was the smell.  A beautiful combination of green tea leaves, peppermint, and other botanicals created a very pleasant scent.  I use our Keurig for the hot water versus boiling or microwaving water.  It works nice because the temperature of the water is just right and it gives me the exact amount of water I want.  Also, the wait time is so minimal.  Usually with green tea, I'll add a teaspoon of honey as a sweetener.  For this though, since I'm trying it for the first time, I used a sugar cube and a candy cane to stir.  As soon as I could I plopped in the tea bag and watched it steep. 

I absolutely love green tea.  The Holiday Tea is good, but the peppermint is not my flavor.  If you appreciate the hint of mint, you will like this mixture!  Celestial Seasonings does a great job with their tea!  Try other some of their other flavors like the green tea or herbal tea!

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

 

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED

It is true.  Even at 25, I worry about my skin.  As most women do.  We know that one day it will not be as firm and polished as it once was.  The sad truth is that almost as soon as we have figured out the secret to a successful daily regime for our skin, it has already taken a frightful toll. I love trying new products, especially those that will do my skin justice.  The No7 Protect& Perfect Advanced Serum is said to be a powerful prevention.  It will help protect from future signs of aging, keeping it looking younger for longer while promoting clearer, more radiant skin. 

The drawback from using a sample size portion is that there is not enough serum to last you two weeks.  This is said to be the time frame for results.  I did try it regardless.  During the frosty months, it is almost like a secondary moisturizer.  After using it my face was less dry and had a more even skin tone.  I can only imagine what it would be like after further use.  This product is worth the try!!

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Pedi-Ready!!

PROFOOT helps my feet find relief!  Pedicures are MOST important during the hotter months as we are all exposing our little piggy’s to cool off.  The Pedi-Rock from Profoot TRULY helped me get my feet Pedi-ready!!  Check out the summer pedicure ideas trending now.

Rio Nails: Samba into summer with saturated, head-turning brights.  Try Zip in Electric Hot Pink.

Gel Effect: Indestructible shine and glossy shades that last.  Try Porchester Square.

High Volt: Electrify with the super-charged shades of summer.  Try Phenomena in Electric Dark Magenta.

Lo-Fi: Ease into the sanded shades of summer.  Try She Sells Seashells in Pink Multicoloured.

2014 Color of the Year: Beauty inspired, feminine flush. Try Harmonics in Deep Lilac.

How-to Video from Sephora.
http://www.sephora.com/sephoratv/sephoratv.jsp?ooid=loYXM2bDofQapJPj10g4JeOnc3NozaNN 
 
About the product.
“The PROFOOT Pedi-Rock is the first soft foot file ergonomically designed delivering the ultimate foot file experience. The silicon carbide crystals gently remove even the toughest calluses in the shortest amount of time. Pedi-Rock can be used wet or dry and simply rinse with water and let air dry for the next use.” Keep our feet Summer soft with Pedi-Rock! #GoProfoot

TIPS
- Use the rounded edge for the balls of your feet.
- Use once a week for maintaining healthy feet.

RECOMMENDATIONS
- Good for dry feet!  As you use the Pedi-Rock, the scrubbing does not create as much friction as other products.
- Use wet!!  I love the way it feels more in the water than out of the water.

MOST LOVED
- Smooth finish! Velvety feel.
- Easy to use on the curves of your feet.

 

Play On!

Having an unstoppable summer?

The older I get, the more my summer's are filled and packed with things to do.  As an adult, you realize that there are only 100 days (give or take) to squeeze in... everything.  The summer gives us the illusion of freedom and we make plans without limits.  We play on. 

Try:
- going to a drive-in movie
- taking a stroll... just because you can
- reliving childhood past times, like blowing bubbles, with a nephew or niece
- reliving favorite childhood games, with a little brother or sister
- visiting an amusement park
- playing miniature golf
- visiting a local fair/event
- catching fireflies
- participating in beach activities (build a sandcastle, dig a hole, or find shells)
- eating seafood
- picking berries
- buying ice cream from a truck
- roasting marshmallow's over a fire and making s'mores
- making lemonade or punch from scratch
- grilling out and inviting your neighbors
- laying out for a tan
- eating a slice of watermelon on your car
- buying fresh produce at a farmer's market
- having a picnic
- napping in a hammock
- sitting on a porch swing
- stargazing while lying in the grass
- watching the sunset from the beach
- dangling your feet off of a dock
- going to an outdoor concert
- picking wildflowers
- going swimming in the lake
- renting a bike
- going fishing
- going camping
- playing tennis
- going for a hike
- tossing a Frisbee
- taking a last minute road trip
- seeing a summer blockbuster
- reading a book
- walking barefoot in the grass
- getting "caught" in a summer rainstorm
- sleeping with the windows open
- making a summer playlist
- smelling freshly cut grass
- feeling the sun on your back
- rolling up your pant legs and go wading
- going to a baseball game
- going to a family reunion
- attending a wedding
- volunteering
- do something... just because




Need motivation to help you get there?
@PlaytexSportandGentleGlide @InfluensterPlay without Limits. Introducing NEW Playtex Sport Fresh Balance with Odor Shield technology. It’s designed to neutralize odors for ultimate freshness on and off the field. Combined with a 360 degree design for Sport Level Protection, you can go the distance. Play On. 

Have an unstoppable summer.

#GoVoxBox

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

“VoxBoxes are boxes filled with complementary products from your favorite (or soon-to-be-favorite) brands. Not all VoxBoxes are created equal: some programs feature an assortment of products while others will spotlight one awesome brand. But make no mistake: All VoxBoxes are created awesome.”

                                       - www.influenster.com

I simply could not put it better myself.  I have now participated in 2 Influenster VoxBox programs.  It is such a wonderful gig – a real win-win.  You are sent free products to test and all you have to do is complete the set of tasks that come along with it.  Review, snap a picture, and submit.  Let’s face it, we live in a selfie generation with kiddos that live to give their two cents… why not earn a few points and grab free stuff along the way? 

#GoVoxBox – a box full of items that will get and keep you healthy.  No doubt, a healthy lifestyle is about trial and error.  You have to find what works best for you.  This box was a little like that.  I discovered some good, a little bad, and a lot of lovely.  Take a look.
Note: the stars indicate my level of approval.
 
the GOOD
@Playtex_Sport #PlayOn ***
I danced without limits using the NEW Playtex Sport Fresh Balance.  It was great for neutralizing odors for ultimate freshness on and off the dance floor. Combined with a 360-degree design for intense level protection, I went the distance. Even with the usual 1-hour Zumba mesh, I could still play on. 

@Profoot_Inc #GoProFoot ****
My favorite pair of flats, now with ultra-fresh protection thanks to Profoot, my feet were fresh and clean.  Sometimes it’s hard to get that in a pair of flats that you wear all day.  I also experienced a new level of comfort. I say treat yourself by treating your feet!
@MullerQuaker #MullerQuaker ****
I love yogurt!  It is such an easy go-to healthy snack that you can have at any time during the day.  It is delightfully creamy and deliciously fun to eat! Müller yogurt is a totally new taste you can scoop, swirl, or dip any time.  Luscious Greek-style yogurt with a side of delectable fruit or nuts to mix in any way you want. Müller Greek Corner varieties made with low-fat yogurt include: peach, blueberry, caramelized almonds, blackberry & raspberry, mango, pineapple passion fruit, strawberry, and honey apricot.  The mix-ins are my favorite! 

the BAD
@VitaminShoppe #NextStep *
I loved the thought of Next Step as a new weight management line that can be personalized to my health and wellness journey. Next Step offers a wide variety of products that truly meet personal needs and busy schedules, and promote healthy weight management. Next Step is based on clinically-studied ingredients, not the fad of the moment.  Sometimes it’s hard to stop all of that busy work throughout the day and grab a healthy-balanced lunch.  Next Step would have been good for me, for that reason.  Although, Next Step is not for me.  I did not like the taste of the powder shakes. 

and the LOVELY

@BlueDiamond #GetYourGoodGoing *****
Oh, this was by far my favorite product.  I’m sure that seems silly, but almonds and blueberries often come together in recipes, so the combination of blueberries with oven-roasted almonds' made for such a crunchy goodness.  It reminded me of instant blueberry oatmeal.  Silly comparison, but it is a nice sweet treat for a healthy conscious person.  Plus, it is a good source of protein, so the Blueberry-Flavored Almonds make a great anytime snack to keep you going. I have already purchased my first bag and I enjoy them in place of candy or cookies for a sweet treat packed with antioxidants.  I will also have to try the strawberry and raspberry flavors!

@Profoot_Inc #GoProFoot *****
The Profoot Pedi-Rock is the first soft foot file I’ve tried and it is ergonomically designed to deliver the ultimate foot file experience, which it did!  The silicon carbide crystals gently removed even the toughest calluses in the shortest amount of time.  It can be used wet or dry and simply rinse with water and let air dry for the next use.  Winter is never kind to my feet, but once I used the Pedi-Rock my feet are now spring soft!

@AquaSpaBath #RelaxWithAquaSpa #DreamOn *****
Need a moment for yourself, but don’t have the time or budget to get away? Take a beauty break with Aqua Spa Body Crème as you turn off the world and tune into you. No appointment necessary.  Truly a wonderful product – just massage the crème into your skin after a hot bath for a quick spa trip.  The lavender and chamomile scent will relax your mind and body.  The formula is not greasy and it leaves your skin so soft!  It also has a mineral youth complex which can protect you against stress-induced aging effects.  Now you can enjoy a hydrating beauty boost when you need it most. With luxury this easy and guilt-free, you’ll want to indulge every day!

The Best App for Losing Weight: Lose It!

I stood on the scale this morning.  

I hate starting my day like this because if it turns out I have not lost any weight, the heavy feeling that is my frightening BMI (Body Mass Index) weighs me down even more.  The orange scale you see above, also known as the Lose It logo, is not so scary.  This brightly colored, unmoving, number box has helped me lose weight (13 pounds thus far) and has allowed me to move towards the healthy and fit, wide-eyed southern girl I've always wanted to be.  It is the best app for losing weight and it is free.  

Why Lose It?In a nut-shell... you will carry a health adviser in your pocket.  Seriously, you cannot go wrong with that!  More than that, though, it is a customizable weight loss plan.  It includes a daily calorie budget.  All you have to do is log what you eat and log your exercises!!  As you do this, your daily budget will adjust.  

Logging your food and exercise is easy!  Once you've entered an item, it will save it so that it's easy to find again.  You can even add previous meals, recipes, or search by restaurant.  Can't find what you're looking for, create your own item! Adding exercise is simple too!  Just search for the activity you participated in and log the length of time.  (This part varies depending on your personalized information.)  I love what they offer here though, because it includes the typical exercises we're used to seeing, but it also includes other things from sports to chores!  Yes, you can log vacuuming and it's amazing how much house cleaning you'll get done considering your also burning calories!!

In addition to your daily summary, it will also show you your weekly summary, and your overall nutrients.  

GoalsI will be honest with you.  The first few weeks of using this app is tough.  Not because it is hard to use or frustratingly faulty, but because you are working on portion control.  You are making a commitment to scale back.  It takes some time for your body to get used to that.  It is a GOOD life changing goal, though.  No more 3 month diets where you eat chalky foods!  No more daily shots!  Good news: you can still eat ice cream and cake on birthday's and enjoy holiday meals.  Personally, I use holidays and vacations as my cheat days where I don't log.  Enjoying the things that come to you (including stuffing-your-face or couch-potato-fest) is what we call life.  Like most things, though, an excess of this can be bad for you.

Seeing my progress... the magic of every pound lost is totally worth it!!  Lose It gives you an estimated date as to when you will reach your goal.  My advice, start small.  I wanted to lose a total of (Yikes!) 44 pounds.  The first time I started with this app, I put that entire amount in.  Bad idea!!  Instead, start with realistic goals.  Try 10 pounds!  At this point, it sounds better for me to say I have 7 more pounds to lose (instead of saying I have 31 more pounds)!  After I reach this goal, I will start a new goal of 10 more pounds.  The excitement lasts longer and keeps your motivation up!  

Remember this, if nothing else, you are moving toward a healthier you.  That is your ultimate goal.  That is my ultimate goal.  I may not have washboard abs this summer, but I will be closer to that than I was when I started.  Plus, it will be a more realistic goal for me next summer!  Small steps to a healthier you!

Visit www.loseit.com and start LOSING now!  I will share my appreciation and excitement as I continue losing weight, trying new recipes, and work-out's!  A healthier, HAPPY-er me. 

Share your inspirations for losing weight in the comment box below.

Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+

Before Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS Rubber Rough, my routine was...well...boring.  With curly hair, I've found the less heat I apply to it, the better it will look.  After towel-drying my hair, I would apply a cream and maybe a spritz of hair spray for added protection.  Afterwards, I would use a pick and let the damp curls fall where they may. If I wanted to style it, I could do it then or wait until its dry.  But that's it.  Five minutes at best.  Influenster sent me Rough Rubber... Kill. Routine. Reloaded.

This product has an innovative rubber consistency (hence the name) and provides you with outstanding texturizing effects.  It is versatile with a moldable texture and will work for any hair type, providing a strong style control for thick hair, but not overburdening for fine hair.  It separates, defines, and shapes as you wish!  It does not provide a shine, but instead a more natural matte effect.  PERFECT for special occasions!! 

Here's how your routine will go:
- Take a small amount and rub it between the palm of your hands
- Apply it on dry or damp hair and work it throughout the hair
- Roughen up your style as you wish!

Thank you influenster for changing up my routine!