Monday, August 31, 2015

Treat My Feet ***REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY***

Admittedly, my feet are probably the most neglected part of my body.  While I would love to have worn sandals and flip flops this Summer, I chose not to embarrass myself or scare the heck out of anyone who might have the unfortunate luck to come face to face with my pair of 5-toed monsters.  However, I recently received the opportunity to try "Treat My Feet," an exfoliating foot peel that boasts the ability to provide me with baby soft feet after just one use!  

Before using the foot peel, my feet were horrendous; Dry, calloused, stinky... you name it.  Sure, it's embarrassing to admit, but on the other hand... Life is about recognizing your areas of opportunity and maximizing upon them, right?  Treating your body right is certainly one of those priority areas.  After all, while my feet might have felt fine the first time I visited my 20's, life takes it's toll, and at 20-something the second time around, I can tell you... they are screaming for attention!!  

Attention is exactly what my feet got with "Treat My Feet."  We rented a Redbox movie this evening and I thought, "what better time" to take the opportunity to use my foot peel.  The process takes between 60 to 90 minutes, and,  while you can potentially walk around in the booties provided with this treatment, I didn't want to take the chance of making a mess.  However, unlike other similar products, the moisturizing socks can be snugly secured around your ankle, allowing you more freedom to move around without making a mess.  

Before slipping your feet into the booties, it's important to wash your feet in warm, soapy water, followed by a 15-30 minute soak.  Then, after drying, you can proceed to place your feet into the moisturizing sock.  To say it feels like a spa experience is truly an understatement... and while your feet will continue to shed dead skin for several days after the initial treatment, you truly will initially experience phenomenal immediate results.  

Now.... for something else phenomenal.  Not only was I provided with a pair of Treat My Feet moisturizing socks for free in exchange for my honest review, I was also provided the opportunity to give not one, not two, but THREE pair of these fantabulous treatments away to my readers.....   If you want to experience softer, smoother feet, then you won't want to miss this opportunity!  Head to the Rafflecopter below to enter!!!  


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Saturday, August 29, 2015

Thin Botanicals Body Wrap **REVIEW**

Body wraps.  Everyone seems to be talking about them these days.  You can't browse the Internet without seeing at least one ad boasting the fantabulousness of a popular brand that supposedly "works," and based on the amount of people jumping on the bandwagon, I'm assuming there must be some level of truth to that statement.  I've really wanted to try one out, but being the skeptical type, have yet to decide whether or not it's worth it to fit into my budget.  However, I recently had the opportunity to try Thin Botanicals, who advertise themselves as the "#1 Best Body Wraps on Amazon." 

While many people claim to lose weight as a result of the use of body wraps, I didn't lose a single pound. However, I'm not going to doubt it's effectiveness on others, as I'm beginning to wonder if my inability to lose weight has more to do with another issue related to health or lack of exercise. Furthermore, exercise, of course, is imperative with nearly any weight loss regimen. While many popular weight loss aides will tout their abilities to promote weight loss, nearly all of them (this included) stress the fact that their products work best when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. Normally, when trying products such as this, I follow a strict exercise regimen in order to maximize the results. However, this time, I'm guilty of letting "life" get in the way.

I was surprised to see that this product didn't look anything like what I had expected. Instead of being what I would call a "wrap," it was more like a ginormous decal/sticker. Perhaps I'm a bit of a slow started, but it took me a minute to figure out how to use it.  Basically, it's one large sticker that adheres to your belly. The belly button hole helps to serve as a guide for placement. There are three sections that you peel off as you stick it to your body, making it very easy to apply. You remove the backing section by section as you apply it to your stomach, therefore reducing the risk of the sticker curling up and sticking to itself, deeming it useless. One of my concerns was that the sticky "goo" would leave hard-to-remove residue on my stomach. I am happy to report that it did not. In fact, while it sticks firmly to my skin, it leaves behind absolutely NO residue or stickiness, which is a nice surprise. I have had good experiences with the natural botanicals and herbs used in this product in the past and am very satisfied with the way they work to target ugly cellulite. The result? Smoother skin and reduced appearance of cellulite. While weight loss would have been nice, I'm always excited to see that disgusting cellulite disappear! Continued use of the product would certainly help, and based on the results received I would consider trying it again.

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

#UTILYZE Rechargeable Electronic Foot File ***Review***

I admit. I rarely wear flip flops or sandals in the Summertime because I simply don't take care of my feet. Not that I don't want to, but I'm terribly attention deficit and can never find enough time in the day to get everything done due to being diverted multiple times per day. Last Summer, a friend filed my feet, however, and they were so incredibly soft and smooth, I loved them! This Summer, however, they've been neglected. That is, until I received the opportunity to try the Utilyze rechargeable electronic foot file at a discount in exchange for my honest

review.

While packaging is not the basis of my review, I'm one who tends to believe that the more effort a business puts into their product from beginning to end, meaning from ordering to packaging to delivering to follow up, the more appreciative I am of their product. Therefore, when I received the product, delivered neatly in an attractive package, instead of just a plastic bag, I was immediately impressed. However, I do know that a pretty package does not always equal a spectacular product, therefore I was eager to put it to use.

Before I get to the great part, I will mention the one thing that I found slightly disappointing. I expected this device to be much more powerful than it is. Nevertheless, while if more powerful I'm sure it would achieve more in less time, it manages to do the job, superbly, I might add. I really don't mind taking the extra time as well, as by doing so, my feet were left incredibly soft, smooth and beautiful!

You get quite a bit for your money with this product. Included in the box, you'll find the file, the ac adapter, an extra roller, and a cleaning brush.

On that note, this is a fabulous, easy-to-use product that will leave your feet beautiful!!

Friday, August 28, 2015

Project Management Book **Review**

With technology and business growing at rapid speeds, the demand for Project Management in recent years has grown substantially, and isn't expected to slow down.  Perhaps the best thing about project management is the fact that nearly every successful business relies on it in order to run smoothly and effectively, therefore opening the doors for many people with knowledge and skills in a variety of fields.

The demands placed upon a Project Manager may be high, as it encompasses taking a high amount of responsibility for the success of a project, from beginning to end.  In addition to planning a project, executing the plans, and seeing it through to the end, a Project Manager also manages teams and expectations, requiring a vast amount of knowledge of the business ranging from basic business goals to major operations and finances.

In order to step into the world of Project Management, one must have a clear understanding of the basic concepts, but a degree is not necessary.  Don't get me wrong, it certainly helps.  However, there are plenty of successful Project Managers who don't hold a college degree or certificate.  Success, however, relies on an understanding of the duties of a Project Manager.

While in college pursuing my Associates Degree, I took a class in Project Management, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  However, it was taught at a higher level than what I completely understood, making it a little difficult to follow.  I kept my book and media materials, however, in hopes that I would one day receive the opportunity to learn more.

My opportunity to learn more finally came recently when I received the opportunity to listen for free, to the e-book, "Project Management for Beginners" by Ed Stark in exchange for my honest review.  I was quite impressed how, the basic concepts expressed in this book seemed to hold the missing pieces to the puzzle I began putting together in the class I took.  For those looking to gain knowledge in the field of Project Management, this is a fantastic resource.  It's basically presented in layman's terms, while being very detailed and to the point.

If you're interested in learning more about Project Management, you can purchase this book on Amazon.


Thursday, August 27, 2015

#NuElle Cellulite Concentrate **Review**

Earlier this month, I celebrated my 22nd birthday for the second time.  After 20 x's 2, I really stopped "celebrating".  Not that there's "nothing" to celebrate, per se', things are just "different" the second time around.  Instead of wanting new things, or feeling like I "deserve" something special for my birthday, I've grown to just appreciate what I have while also reflecting on things I've taken for granted.  One of those things, in fact, is my genetically good skin.

It seem the women in my family just don't really age too quickly.  While I feel like I have aged faster than some... for instance, my 83-year-old grandmother could easily pass for 60-ish... I'm probably just being to hard on myself.  Nevertheless, the problem is, I wasn't too hard on myself when I needed to be.  Throughout my 20's and early 30's, I was blessed with bright, youthful, glowing skin.  Instead of nurturing it, however, I pulled numerous "all-nighters," rarely cleansed my face, and almost never used lotion.  Luckily, it didn't reap the havoc one might expect.  However, as I mentioned, my skin has aged quite a bit, and considering I also didn't watch what I ate, my weight has fluctuated up and down over the years, giving my skin even more of a beating.  One of the results:  Cellulite.  Ugly, ugly cellulite.

Don't get me wrong, I don't look like a walking map of the moon.  In fact, I feel very grateful that I have as little cellulite as I do.  However, the one area it has attacked with vengeance is my butt.  I've also been "blessed" with a tad bit on the front of my legs.

I recently received the opportunity to try Skin QR Organics NuElle Triple Action Anti Cellulite Concentrate at a discounted rate in exchange for my honest review.  While I've tried cellulite creams in the past to no avail, it's been a while and, being an optimistic person, I decided to give NuElle's version a shot.

The cellulite cream has a creamy consistency and is easy to apply. After applying, you will feel a warming sensation.  No worries, it's just the cream doing it's "magic".  While after a couple of weeks of use, I was a little disheartened to see that my buttocks still looked more rippled than I would like, I was, on the other hand, was so pleased with the appearance of the front of my legs that I was ready to to apply to be a Rockette.

Bottom line, short of surgery, nothing is going to eliminate the lovely little butt bumps that serve as reminders to take care of myself from here on out.... but with products like this, I can "fake it till I make it."  (The money for the surgery, that is).

Friday, August 21, 2015

Levels For Guitar Review

I can't believe how long it's been since I've written a blog post.  I was on quite the roll there for a while.  My hiatus from writing however, was only temporary, as I have been spending a lot of my time recently trying to pick up a new hobby:  Playing Guitar.  That's right, though I have a long way to go before I wow you all with my skills.  Thanks to the folks at Levels for Guitar, however, for giving  me the opportunity to try their online guitar lessons for free in exchange for my review, I'll be knocking ya'll off your feet with my badass solo riffs before you know it!

Being attention deficit, I'm a huge fan of self-paced online learning courses such as LFG.  However, I have noticed that some programs can be very frustrating, poorly organized, and difficult to follow.  Not LFG.  The "instructor," as I'll call him, speaks in a very professional, calm, clear tone as he starts with the most basic of steps in Beginner Guitar 1.  The great thing about each level is, that you can repeat it over and over again, until you're comfortable enough to move on. 

There are currently two LFG courses offered: Beginner Guitar 1 and Intermediate Guitar 1.  Each of the self-paced courses feature a variety of levels, and for those starting from the top as I have, will learn techniques such as how to hold the pic, proper hand placement, basic scales and chords, and more.  The courses are so easy-to-follow that my 11-year old has been doing them as well, and I must say that she may be doing better than me! 

As if the low prices of the program aren't amazing enough, starting at just $8 for Beginner 1, LFG will not bill new subscribers until a one month trial period has passed.  If you cancel before the month is over, you will not be charged.  That alone speaks volumes about the program!  If you truly want to master the art of playing guitar, LFG is a superb program designed to ensure success.  Give it a try!  Learn more at https://www.levelsforguitar.com/.  

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49832497@N02/10290961544">BREAKTHRU</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

Saturday, August 1, 2015

#WonderVeg Slicer - Tri-Blade Vegetable Spiral Slicer Review

Vegetable spaghetti... have you heard of it?  I admit, I actually had never heard of vegetable spaghetti until a few weeks ago when a friend asked me if I had tried it yet.  Basically, it looks like spaghetti, but is really made from... you guessed it... Veggies!  As I've since scoured the Internet looking for various vegetable spaghetti recipes, I've found a ton, ranging from this delightful salad style dish made with carrots to zucchini pasta.  The best part is, it's an awesome low-carb, gluten-free option for pasta lovers looking for healthy choices.

As I became more and more interested in creating my own vegetable spaghetti recipes, I also found myself more and more intrigued with the little gadgets being used to create the spiralized veggies. Eventually, I found myself presented with the opportunity to try the WonderVeg Spiralizer at a discounted rate in exchange for my honest review. On that note, I don't want to waste another minute without saying that this is probably the very best kitchen accessory purchase I've made this year, hands down.

My family and I have had a blast creating delicious recipes packed with nutritious veggies using our new little kitchen toy.  The WonderVeg Spiralizer comes fully assembled and is so amazingly easy to use!  Admittedly, not all of our recipes have been "healthy," per se, but perhaps healthier than we have made in the past.  For example, instead of fries, we've used the "straight blade" to make fried spiraled potatoes on several occasions.  Seasoned with pepper, garlic and onion powder, there's no need for ketchup!  In the video below, we were preparing some spaghetti-style potatoes using the "shredder" blade, in an effort to make the most delicious breakfast casserole I've ever had!  I'll never make it using fried hash browns again!


As you can see, the spiralizer is extremely easy to use... and clean up afterwards couldn't be easier! The pieces simply slide out, allowing you to clean everything off quickly and then store away until you're ready for the next use, which in my case, has been daily.  It also comes with a handy cleaning brush, which helps clean the harder-to-reach areas as well as the blades.  If you love vegetables, or are trying to find fun, unique ways to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, then the WonderVeg Spiralizer is a MUST-HAVE kitchen tool!