Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Heat Things Up with the LG Combination Double Wall Oven

*The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service.*

It's time to heat things up, literally. Spring cleaning is upon us, and with that come remodeling and upgrading. Out with the old, in with the gorgeous new LG Combination Double Wall Oven. What better way to refresh your kitchen then to style it with a beautiful, superbly functional, appliance?

The LG Black Stainless Steel Series brings unmatched luster to kitchen spaces. It elevates the traditional stainless steel look that has become so standard in today's homes with a satin-smooth, warm, and sophisticated finish unlike any other. This allows you to create a timeless expression that pairs beautifully with any style or color of surrounding cabinetry.

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Of course, style is very important in an appliance, since it's part of your home decor, but, even more important, is how it preforms. Obviously, the LG Combination Double Wall Oven it is stellar in that respect as well. LG’s convection technology evenly distributes continual precise heat so food is delicious on the inside, and crisp on the outside.

The real show-stopper is the the time saving aspect. With LG's TurboCook™ Speed Oven you get the hustle of a microwave with the quality you expect from a convection oven. Bake whole chickens, potatoes, pizzas and more—no preheating required. With speeds 2 to 4 times faster than a traditional oven, you’ll have more cooking flexibility and more time to enjoy your meal.

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I am all about saving time, especially when it comes to cooking. There have been times on school nights where I just don't have the time to make the meal I wanted to make, and if this oven can help me overcome that obstacle, that alone is enough reason to upgrade.

As if that was not reason enough, right now, at Best Buy, you can save $500 on a 5-Piece LG Kitchen Package. The offer is valid though March 6th. Get the best appliances, with the best service, for the best price, at Best Buy.

Monday, February 25, 2019

Looking Your Best

As I try to balance life, motherhood, depression, work and everything in between, I have also been thinking a lot about looking my best. That is obviously something with a lot of room for interpretation, since everyone sees beauty differently.

While I face natural obstacles in my struggle to look good, I also face self-imposed obstacles. The biggest of these is my apathy, caused by the depression. It's hard to look your best when you can't even motivate yourself to wash your face or put on real pants. I'm trying to work on that.

I think another way we struggle to look and feel our best is because we have impossibly high standards, cultivated through the media standard of beauty. And it isn't just in movies, magazines and ads anymore, it's "regular" people all over Instagram and Youtube trying to show you how "easy" it is to look like a model every day. That's not realistic.

So we feel like if we can't do our makeup that perfectly, why bother at all. If we can't be a size 2, why even try to stay fit or dress cute. Forget about going to the beach. Selfies? No way! That's how I feel, anyway. But it's not right.

You don't have to dress in a cop top and mini skirt (but you totally should if that is your style) to look your best, but you should find something that you genuinely think is cute, and rock it. Be it a runway dress, a cute sundress or some distressed jeans and a vintage tee. No need to be fancy, but don't hide yourself away in a sack and let apathy take your style.

Eat healthy. I know, it's hard. And I am the last person to tell anyone how to eat. I need to take my own advice. But I don't mean diet (though that can be okay too, when done correctly), I just mean eat well. That includes not starving yourself. Skip the 1200 calorie frap and have an iced coffee with stevia instead. Swap the rice for cauliflower. Eat veggies with your steak. Drink lots of water. You will feel better and therefore look better. You will not believe the difference drinking enough water can make. It makes your skin look more hydrated and luminous.

Smile! It sounds cliche, but really, just be comfortable in your own skin, and let the world know that you are with a big, beautiful, smile. All of these "tips" are just ways to take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself and truly loving yourself for what you are and what you can be is the most beautiful thing of all. Negativity and self-doubt are ugly. Never hate who you are.


You can still want to make a change, and that is okay. For example, I do still want to get liposuction one day, and I've considered CO2 Laser Treatment. I even looked up the best plastic surgeon Tampa has to offer. The bottom line is that I know getting work done won't make me love myself until I already love myself. And that is when you truly look your best.

Blogging As A Business

Obviously, I'm a blogger. But It's not only my hobby, it's my job. It is something I am passionate about, I had always wanted to be a writer in some capacity. When I got into blogging, it was just a fun way to spend my time, but it has become my brand. My income.

The "secret" to making blogging into a business is first and foremost to make sure it is something you love. Doing this just to try to make money or get press samples or anything if the like, but not actually enjoying it is the quickest way to fail. Necessity and novelty run out, passion endures.

In the same vein, make sure your blog is true to who you are. Don't try to write for some hypothetical audience out there somewhere. Write what you know and what you care about. While product reviews and basic lifestyle content may be my area of "expertise", you may be great at beauty tutorials or recipes or travel tips. Embrace your strengths.

Go at your own pace. It is important not to try to do everything all at once. I have done that, and it just leads to failure. Some people can work quicker and handle more than others, but anyone can get overwhelmed. This is going to be a long-term business and it generally does not take much initial investment, so there is no rush to make a ton of profits right away.

Know your worth, but don't be conceited. We all want to get paid fairly. Actually, it would be lying to say that we don't want to get paid as much as possible, even if it's more than we'd expect. Just was we want to earn as much as possible, companies generally want to pay as little as possible. That's just life. Generally, don't settle for less than you are worth. But also, don't cheat yourself out of money because of inflated pride. Actors take smaller roles even after landing huge ones. You can take a smaller gig even if you are used to bigger ones. My bills don't care how good I think I am and neither do yours.


Make connections. Not only is it great to have friends and get support from people who are in the same boat as you, now, it is a great strategy that could possibly help you out in the future. People change jobs all the time. So working with that small company now, and getting to know the rep, may build a foundation to work with them again, when that rep has moved on to a huge company. I have had several contacts that have kept in touch with me when they have went on to different positions, and it is great for us both. I get to work with a great new company I may have never considered, and the rep gets to start their first campaigns at the new job with bloggers they already trust.

Invest in your blog (and yourself). Like any business you get out what you put in. So don't be afraid to invest in your blog. One of the best things you can invest in is help. A VA can be great, so useful for the generic aspects like posting to social media, proofreading and more. Another great option is a consultant. I know many people often wonder "What does a consultant do?" Well, they can do many things, that's why they are so great. They can offer help with advertising campaigns, analyze performance, manage/plan budget and more.

Treat your blog with as much importance and passion as you would when starting your own business, because it is just as important. It does take work and planning. Anything worth having is worth working for. Whatever you do, the most important step is to get started.You can do it.

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige Qi-Charge Electric Shaver

*The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service.*

It may be silly, but I am super excited about this new Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige Qi-Charge Electric Shaver. It may be "just" a shaver, but it is a pretty darn cool one. It can be used wet or dry and even works with shaving cream or gel. That is a game changer.

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The Skin Comfort System allows for a comfortable, efficient, shave, even on a long (up to 7 days long) beard. That is great for my hubby who does not like to shave every day. Effortlessly shave off even a dense beard. The BeardAdapt sensor checks hair density 15 times per second and automatically adapts the shaver to your hair.

Strengthened with thousands of nano particles that cut hair with the highest precision, delivering an extremely close shave at skin level. The ContourDetect heads Move in 8 directions to follow every contour of your face, even catching hair in hard-to-reach areas like the neck and jawline. Shaving heads are surrounded with SkinComfort rings, which have a special protective coating so the shaver glides smoothly over your skin. There is also the SmartClick precision trimmer to style your sideburns, mustache or groom a longer beard.

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The washable design makes cleanup is a breeze. It's an easy 3-step process. Not only that, but the battery charges completely in as little as one hour, and a full charge allows for up to 60 minutes of cordless shaving. There is even a battery indicator that shows you when it is time to recharge. Great for forgetful people like my husband (and me who will still be the one to make sure it is charged for him).

Not only is this shaver incredible, it is exclusive. The only place to get it is at Best Buy. That's kind of awesome, right? I love being a part of something exclusive, even if it is just buying a great shaver. And the prices and service at Best Buy can't be beat, so it really is a win-win. See you in the shaving isle.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Reviewing the Special Guest App 2

Have you ever had to book entertainment for an event? If you have, you understand how difficult and time-consuming it can be to find the right performer for your event. First, you have to decide the type of performer you want, and then of course your budget. Are you looking for a DJ? A live band? A string quartet? Once you decide the type of entertainment you’d like, and what your budget is, that’s where the search begins. You may enlist the help of social media, visit various bars and clubs on the weekend to check out the music, or just scroll through pages of Google results. But it doesn’t end there.

After you do find a few entertainers you’re interested in, you’ll need to contact them. This can mean a series of phone calls, emails or Facebook messages going back and forth on things like cost and availability. Then of course, there’s the possibility that your artist of choice is out of your budget, or just isn’t available on the date of your event. Now what??

Not to worry. This is where The Special Guest App comes in. This app, available exclusively for iPhone makes booking entertainment as easy as you could possibly imagine. Simply open the app, select the type of entertainment you’re looking for, and the date you need them. You’ll get listings for available talent with their pricing listed right up front. You can even book today for an event happening tomorrow. Book from wherever, whenever, with just a few clicks.

If you’d rather, you can call Special Guest to speak with a talent buyer yourself, who will identify available talent. Talent booking agents can even reach out to you with the best options after you provided all the necessary details. You’ll find a variety of performers available, for most any event--weddings, corporate events, special parties or even kids entertainers. This app ups the ante when it comes to seamless event planning, whether you need a magician for your son’s birthday party, or an experienced wedding DJ. Take the guesswork out of choosing entertainment and get time back in your day.

Artists get paid quickly and you’re protected in the event of a cancellation. This app won’t leave you hanging. Elevate your talent booking experience, with the Special Guest app.

Friday, February 15, 2019

Fresh Fashion with Fresh For Pandas

It may still be winter where you are, but it's never too cold for sunglasses. In fact, rocking a fabulous pair of sunnies is great way to to put yourself in a summer state of mind. It's always "summer" here in Florida, so I don't have to worry about that. But I still love a gorgeous pair of sunnies. I have an obsession with sunglasses, actually.

Sunglasses are the ultimate fashion accessory. Not only are they super practical - even vital - they are so versatile. Not every outfit needs a belt or a scarf, and not everyone is into a lot of jewelry. Handbags are great, but can sometimes be inconvenient to carry and a pair to store (when you have too many.) Sunglasses, however, can add style and flair to any outfit, and they hardly take up any space.

Okay, so we all know that sunglasses are the best thing since sliced bread. But...not all sunglasses are created equal. Or, perhaps worse, is when they are created too equal to each other. I don't want bland, boring, unoriginal sunglasses. I want pizazz! I want style and attitude. My sunglasses are (and should be) a reflection of my personality. There is no room for basic.

That's why I am so in love with Fresh For Pandas. Their sunnies are gorgeous! They are super stylish, and unique. Like little works of art. I adore them. Even the cases are a stylish accessory. I got the Skateboard Wood style with red lenses. I adore them!


Clearly, these are unique and trendy and fun. But, even better than that, they are good for the environment! Made from sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo and wood, they are a much better alternative than plastic, which is already an epidemic. They ship carbon-neutral and their warehouse is Soil Certified.

So we've established that the company and the product are great from an environmental standpoint and that the glasses and fun and fresh from a style standpoint. All that's left is performance. That is wonderful, too, of course. Fresh For Pandas hits the trifecta.


They do a great job of blocking out sunlight. The lenses are mirrored and non-reflective. They are also polarized, to eliminate glare. They offer 100% protection from all harmful UVA and UVB rays, including 100% uv400 protection.

Fresh For Pandas has tons of amazing styles and can even do prescription lenses. If you are looking to get into a summer state of mind, make your outfits pop, or just protect your eyes, you have to check out Fresh For Pandas.

*Although I received these at no cost, to facilitate my review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Dearfoams - Valentine's Day Gift Guide

We all know Valentine's Day is nearly here. Everyone is busy making plans to go out. How about making plans to stay in? After all, Valentine's Day is about spending time with the one you love, you don't need an audience for that. Alone time is always good.

I don't mean alone time where you put on 5lbs of makeup and some uncomfortable lingerie. That can be great and all, but what is even better is being so comfortable with each other that you are just as happy with your partner in PJs and fuzzy slippers as you are with them in heels and a teddy.

And just because you are not going out doesn't mean there can't be gifts. In fact, give the gift of some amazing, cozy, slippers to get the evening off to a perfect start. Dearfoams has so many amazing choices, both for men and for women. After all, it's not just the women who should be receiving gifts on Valentine's Day. I feel like men are too often overlooked in that regard.


How great are those Fireside (moccasin) ones for men? And the fluffy pink booties! Those are my favorites. But the Ballerina Slippers are fabulous, and the Cable Knit Clogs are so comfy. With cozy (and totally stylish) slippers like these, you will never want to leave the house. But did you really want to leave the house anyway?

I won't keep gushing over these Dearfoams (even though I could), you obviously have a lot to do before Valentine's Day. You need to get some Dearfoams for your significant other (and yourself), rent the movies, buy the popcorn, chill the champagne (or beers, no judgement), and mentally prepare for a night that will knock your sippers off. Happy Valentine's Day, my lovelies.

Monday, February 4, 2019

Valentine's Day Gift Guide - Banton Frameworks Ltd.

As Valentine's Day approaches, the search for the perfect gift ensues. Candy and flowers are great, but they are also so common. I just love thoughtful, unexpected, gifts. I like a gift that shows that you really know someone and what they want/need.

I am a total sunglasses addict. My husband knows this. So were he to get my a fab pair of sunglasses, I would love that. Not just because the gift is awesome, but because he knows me well enough and cares enough to give it real thought, not just grab the obligatory box of chocolate.

Coincidentally, he is not obsessed with sunglasses like I am, but he needs a good pair since he is outdoors and driving all day long. He does not like over the top designs or anything like that, but quality is essential.

Banton Frameworks Ltd. is the perfect option for us both. I love when a product has such universal appeal. Unlike most glasses, which are produced by machines, Banton Frameworks glasses are handmade, in Glasgow. This gives them a distinctive quality that is hard to match.


I love how stylish they are, while still being very classic. The are perfect for men or women and can blend great with any look. They come beautifully packaged in a lovely box, and a include a stylish hard case and cleaning cloth.


Quality sunglasses like these make a great gift, because everyone needs eye protection. Being able to see the world clearly and comfortably is priceless, and the added bonus of a great fashion accessory is just icing on the cake. Would your valentine love these Banton Frameworks sunglasses? I think so.

*Although I received this product at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own*

Valentine's Day Gift Guide - iSlide Giveaway

Going out this Valentine's Day? Staying in? Either way, do it in style with a fabulous pair of slides from iSlide. They have so many fun styles, and you can even create custom styles. I just got a pair, and I am loving them.


Are these the greatest thing ever? Perfect for "mature" adults, like myself. I've only worn them a couple times so far, but I have already gotten several compliments on them. They are comfortable and perfect for any casual outfit.

Now this style has nothing to do with Valentine's Day, which is fine with me. I'd love something like this as a gift I can use all year, but if you are looking for a Valentine's Day style, iSlide totally has you covered.

In fact, iSlide has been generous enough to host a giveaway for a pair of their adorable Valentine's Day slides. They are super cute. Enter via the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win these gorgeous slides.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Although I received this product at no cost to facilitate my review, all opinions are 100% my own.*