#DanceCrazy Ultra Stretch Stretching Band ~~~REVIEW~~~

Like many people, in my younger years, I took advantage of my good "skinny genes".  Thinking I would keep a perfect figure all my life, I complained about how fat I was just to get attention, stayed up all night on a regular basis, considering 2 hours as a "full night" of sleep, and ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.  With that said, by the time I reached 40, I was NOT in the best of shape anymore. When they say "it will catch up with you," "they," whoever they may be, weren't kidding.

Nevertheless, I am working really hard to get back in shape.  Another "what they said" truth, however, is that it is MUCH harder to get back in shape after years of abuse to your body, though I undoubtedly believe it can be done.  My biggest challenge, however, is getting to the point where I am not too exhausted after the "stretching" portion of my workout to finish, uhhh errrr, I mean,

BEGIN the actual workout!  

Stretching really has never been my thing.  Again, when I was younger, I never really experienced the repercussions of stretching pre-workout.  Perhaps because I rarely worked out.  Well, now I understand.  I understand completely.  If I fail to stretch, I feel pains the next day that literally feel like death.  Or what I would imagine death feels like, that is.  When I do stretch, I'm pretty sure I'm not doing it right, because... well, those death pains continue to haunt me.  With that said, when I was offered the opportunity to try the DanceCrazy Ultra Stretching Band for free in exchange for my honest review, I thought, "Why not"!?!

The only complaint that I have is that it doesn't come with a video, or a guide that provides maybe a few simple stretching exercises.  Luckily, however, this is the day and age of technology and YouTube is my friend.  It didn't take long for me to find a few fantastic "stretch strap" exercise videos.  After my first few stretches with this thing, I knew the bond between myself and the stretch strap would be unbreakable, it's absolutely amazing!  I honestly feel "youthful" and limber again!  

Being tall also poses many challenges when it comes to stretching, and I didn't expect this strap to help as much as it has.  However, the loops that are located across the length of the strap make this a handy tool for people of all sizes.  Whatever the need.... yoga, warm-up exercises, physical therapy, etc., this stretch strap can certainly meet many needs. 

Dana Sibilsky's Tips to Successful and Profitable Blogging book ~~REVIEW~~

I am a "Rose Colored Glasses" type of gal, hence the name of my blog.  For me, the glass is always half full. With that said, if I have something super bad to say about a service or product I receive, then seriously, it really, REALLY, reallyreally really.really... sucks. With that said, I like to take time with a product I'm not completely satisfied with in an effort to identify all of it's positive traits. (Kind of the same expectations I have when it comes to meeting new people, or when people meet me). Fortunately, with this book by Dana Sibilsky, I was able to find some positive points. Furthermore, the author does such a phenomenal job in communicating on a level in which nearly anyone can comprehend, that I truly feel there is potential for a highly successful book on blogging from this author. Don't get me wrong... this does, but only for those who have never written a blog post in their life and have simply spent time "considering" starting a blog.  In that case, this book might be perfect.

I saw another review compare this book to a "pamphlet." At the risk of sounding redundant, I would actually describe it as a "booklet." In other words, part book - part pamphlet. It does give the reader a little more information than the high-level format of most pamphlets, but really not as much as one would expect when picking up a book on this topic. As some other reviews about this book have pointed out, the book has no table of contents, nor does it have page numbers. I am one who likes to reference certain page numbers by writing them on the front cover in the event that I need to go back and refer to a certain page in the future. Unfortunately, that is not possible in this case. On the other hand, that is not an issue that would make or break my decision to buy the book.

The book is, in fact, what is referenced in it's title: "Tips." It does give a variety of fantastic "tips" that all beginning bloggers should be aware of. For example, it begins with the chapter, "Identifying an Area of Expertise for Your Blog," and over the course of the next few pages it give tidbits of information explaining basic reasons why you should identify an area of expertise. I was really hoping for more examples of blogs and their topics, lists of various popular blog categories, and specific examples. There is also information about making decisions regarding your blogging platform, monetizing your blog and using social media. For those interested in a "how to," this is not the book. As these chapters merely explains the basic fundamentals of these concepts and how they relate to the aspiring blogger. They do not give actual guidance, tutorials, or instructions of any nature. Just throwing in some web addresses of the blogging platforms with a spreadsheet comparison of their differing features and perhaps some specific social media tips, would have made this book 100 times more helpful to me personally. On the other hand, when I first started blogging a few years back, I would have loved this as a basic reference. In fact, I'll probably keep it around, as it did have some helpful information. On a final note, as I indicated earlier, it is extremely easy to read and follow, written well, and not too long.

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!!!  


*This post contains affiliate links

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!!

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.

#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).