Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Luvali Convertible Handbag Review & GIVEAWAY!!

Everyone knows that accessories are a girl's best friend. One of the biggest accessory essentials(and obsessions) for women is a fabulous handbag. Not only do handbags carry all of the other essentials, they look super cute while doing it. A handbag can make or break an outfit, so it's important to have one that you love.

The thing about women though, is that we want to have our cake and eat it too(and not get fat). In other words, we want it all. That is certainly the case when it comes to handbags. Since it is so important to have a handbag that compliments your outfit(and your personality), it is pretty much impossible to have only one bag.

I know most women if given the option, would love to have 10, 20 or more handbags. Myself, I have about 8 but I am always wanting more. The trouble with that is that they cost a pretty penny usually, and no matter how affordable they are, having multiple handbags takes up so much space.

Plus, it is such a pain trying to find not only a style(design) that you like, but finding one that is the right size and shape to fit your needs. So you may have a style that looks perfect with a certain outfit, and yet it too big or too small to fit the items you need to carry.

Did you ever wish you could have one mold for a handbag and just chose it in all the styles and colors you could ever want? With Luvali Convertibles you can. But a Luvali bag is so much more than that.

I recently got a Luvali bag, and I LOVE it. This is the Classic Convertible Bag in Spot On
I love the timeless look of black, especially for a handbag, but I am so obsessed with polka dots, especially white and black together. This is so adorable, and it will go with almost anything. But what if I want something different?

Not a problem, I just unzip the side-
And undo the buttons on each side-
The cover will come off, then I just flip it inside out and reattach it. What I end up with is a completely different handbag, in seconds.
I took a classic, elegant look and made it more trendy while retaining my beloved black and white theme. Two fabulous looks, it cannot get any better, right? Oh so wrong. Every girl needs a basic black handbag. Luckily, that is exactly what I get when I remove the cover from this bag. 
I love how great this looks "naked". With the ability to use the reversible covers, I would expect this to require a cover and have the outside of the purse be unfinished, but Luvali went way above and beyond to make sure that this is a fabulous purse even when not used with the cover.

Every detail is so gorgeous. I adore the buckles on the handle.
And the Luvali logo patches on each side of the cover, and on the inside of the bag are so adorable.
Even the top zipper are is gorgeous.
What is really awesome is how roomy the inside of the purse is. You have plenty of space, but not so much that you'd need to have everything you own inside to fill it.
And it is not just an big empty pace, you also get a zippered pocket
and two small slot pockets.
That is so convenient. It's perfect for separating and organizing the most important things you carry(wallet, keys, cell phone etc) so you never have to dig for them.

The best thing about this bag is that not only can you change the look instantly, you can do it without having to transfer any of your stuff. No more "I must have left it in my other purse". You always know much much you can fit into the bag since it's always the same size. You can get use to the feel of carrying it and never have to adjust to different straps, etc.

And if three gorgeous bags is not enough, you can buy as many covers as you want, and each one is two-sided. Not only do you save tons of money since the covers are very affordable, but you save a ton of space since the covers are small and can easily fit in a drawer or somewhere similar.

Plus, now if you get a stain or something on your bag(which I am terrible about), you can just flip the cover over or take it off. And the base bag is made of Faux Leather(100% Nylon exterior) so it is super easy to clean and maintain, "stains" just wipe away. I love that.

This bag is the perfect size and wight. It is so comfortable to carry, and it holds everything I need it to perfectly, and I love the style not matter how I wear it. It i durable too. It takes the abuse I inflict on it without missing a beat. It still looks new.

Luvali Also has small bags and totes as well, all with convertible covers(and extra covers available) I plan to get the other sizes so I have something for every occasion.

Everything about Luvali Convertibles is perfect. Every woman should try these bags. No matter what style you want(classic, flirty, bold, sweet, etc) Luvali has something for you and then some. I highly recommend these incredible bags. 

Since I feel so strongly about it, I will be offering all of you lovelies a chance to win the Classic Convertible Bag of your choice. One lucky winner will take the prize. Enter below for your chance. Good luck.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Nutrisystem week 22 update

Man, time flies when your losing weight. I cannot believe it is Monday again already. With Monday comes my weekly Nutrisystem update. It has been another fabulous week on the path to a lower weight and slimmer waist.

With last week(and the weekend) focused on our nation's independence and all those who made it possible, it is so humbling to think about all the things that are really important and to give credit where it is due.

And not taking any focus off the real importance of Independence Day, but I also came to think of how I am becoming free of the unwanted eight that has held me down(literally and figuratively) for way too long. And in that respect, I have to give the credit to Nutrisystem, for being the first program to ever truly work for me. If not for Nutrisystem, I know I would still be suffering the unhappiness of being heavy.

The reason that Nutrisystem works is that you get to eat real food. You don't have to replace meals with bars or shakes, you don't have to give up dessert, snacks, or eating all your meals. In fact, the key to the program is eating 3 meals, 2 (store bought) snacks and a dessert every day. Plus you get to have unlimited Veggies, Smart Carbs, Powerfuels and extras.

The food comes perfectly portioned, so there is no guessing. The foods are filling and they taste fabulous.

Take today's breakfast for example. I got to have a delicious piece of hot and crispy-soft (maple flavored) French Toast. Can you say yummy?
It tastes so good that you don't need butter, syrup or anything. It is perfect just as it is. This is one of the Fresh Frozen entrees. You just pop it in the toaster and a couple minutes later have perfect French toast that you can eat with one hand(at least I do).

And as if that was not a fabulous enough breakfast, I got to enjoy a Refreshing Coffee Protein Shake with this as well. I was totally full and satisfied for hours, and by the time I was even remotely hungry again, it was time for my morning snack, a Powerfuel, for which I chose a fat free yogurt.

I get to eat like that all day long. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes and come carrots for lunch? Don't mind if I do. How about a cup of grapes for my afternoon snack(Smart Carb)? Sounds perfect. Dinner? Turkey with Stuffing and Gravy with a side of Green Beans and some roasted butternut squash. All that and dessert? How does a Red Velvet Whoopie Pie sound?

I bet right about now you are wishing you were on the Nutrisystem plan(even if you don't want to lose weight). In my humble opinion, everyone should try it that wants to eat portion controlled, nutritionally balanced meals. The program is so easy.

Not only does the food fill you up and taste great, but Nutrisystem really does help the weight come off, it's remarkable.

This week I lost a staggering...

3.4 Pounds and 1 1/2 inches!!

This is actually one of my higher loss weeks, but it there is always a drop, every single week, in inches and in pounds. The results really keep me motivated, not that it is hard on such a wonderful plan.

With the progress this week, my 22 week total is...

48.6 Pounds and 23 1/4 inches!!

I am so close to my 50lb Nutribear, my goal is to earn it by next week, but even if it takes 2 or 3 weeks, I will still be amazed at how quickly I have lost so much. I cannot get enough of the Nutrisystem program.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

*Although I am receiving the Nutrisystem program at no cost in return for honest reviews, all opinions and results are 100% my own.*

Pixi Cosmetics Review

On my never ending quest to discover all the best cosmetics out there, I came across another fabulous brand. I actually found out about this brand through their incredible How-To videos. If you saw my earlier post sharing these videos, you already know how great they are.

As helpful as the videos are at explaining how to create these iconic looks in simple terms, they do not rave about the quality of the products(as they should). So I am prepared to tell you just how awesome Pixi really is.
I have only tried 2 Pixi products so far, but I am completely in love with both of them. They are fabulous!

Shade Quartet in Shades Of Daylight:
These colors are GORGEOUS! I am a chocolate and golden tone girl all the way. Shimmery neutrals are my go-to look, and these are perfect.
The can be worn separately or together making it easy to change your look. I really like the depth you get when you use them together. Makes the eyes really pop but without being too dramatic.
I love this look. It is so polished and yet natural looking. I could wear this every day and it would go with any style from casual to elegant.

The shadow itself is so silky and glides on with zero effort. It is so fast and easy, even to "layer" they colors and blend stack, etc. everything can be done in minutes with no messy dusting(which is caused by cakey shadow).

This is highly pigmented so the color is rich. It can be applied lightly or built up for a deeper color. It does not flake, cake, crease, fade or smear. It lasts for hours and even the shimmer lasts. Many shimmer shadows I have used will keep their color, but loose their shimmer, making them look tired and dull.

This Quartet is ideal for any skin tone. These beautiful colors will look fabulous on anyone.

Tinted Brilliance Balm in Unique Pink:
This balm is incredible. It is so smooth. It drenches your lips in silky moisture keeping them glossy and hydrated for hours. This is tinted which I love. All the TLC of a lip balm with the sassy color and shine of a gloss.

What makes this particular shade even more incredible is the fact that it is actually custom. That may sound unbelievable, but this is activated by personal PH, meaning that it will be a different shade of pink for each person. How fabulous is that? I love that.

When I was a kid, I always wanted mood lipstick, I thought it was the coolest thing ever, but in hindsight, blue, green and so on are the most atrocious colors for lips. I don't know what I was thinking. I guess I was just fascinated by the ability to change color. Now I get all the mystery and excitement of changing color all in a glorious pop of pink.
This is so flirty and feminine, such a fun color. It really does show up differently people with a different PH too, I put some on my daughter and it was much lighter. so precious.

I really love how well these products look when paired together too. The pink adds just the right amount of brightness to the look. It is soft and understated, yet feminine and sweet.
Pixi products are so fantastic. I cannot wait to try the other shades of the Quartet and especially the Tinted Brilliance Balm, and of course all the other incredible products Pixi offers. Looks like I have found a new obsession.

If you are looking for fun, gorgeous, high quality cosmetics, look no further than Pixi. I know you will fall in love just as I have.

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

BENDASTIX Review

Do you have(or know) a creative child? If there is a child in your life that loves to imagine, invent, create and play hands-on, that is a wonderful thing. In the age of technology, fewer and fewer children actually just play like kids were meant to.

Toys that encourage children to design their own fun are so great. Not only do they get children away from the TV, Computer, Cell phone, etc, but they also help to build imagination, creativity and confidence. Making something you thought of yourself, makes you feel really good.

Toys like that have been around forever, blocks, clay, etc. You can never go wrong with a toy that can be made into anything, but most every kid has used the aforementioned toys. As much as they are beloved, sometimes kids want to try something new and different.

Thankfully, there is a brand new toy that is up on the times yet has the same creativity inspiring capability to become whatever a child dreams up. BENDASTIX are so much fun.
I am sure your first question is, "What is a BENDASTIX?" That is a great question. It is very unique and difficult to explain. Basically, it is a soft construction toy.

BENDASTIX can be made into anything simply by bending and twisting them to your desired shape. They can be shaped alone, or connected to each other(as many as you want). They can be used with or without the foam shapes and stickers also included in the kit.

The sky is the limit with BENDASTIX. What is really great is that BENDASTIX are fun for boys and girls. There are even different kits(coming soon) that are more tailored for each gender. The one I got though, is The Big Box. It is perfect for Boys and girls.

The Big Box is packed with awesome stuff:

8 Round Connectors
35 Benda Stickerz
6 Special Feature BENDASTIX
2
BENDASTIX Connectors
10 Foam Thingamajigz
8 Large
BENDASTIX (6mm x 305mm)
5 Medium
BENDASTIX (6mm x 205mm)
6 Wide
BENDASTIX (12mm x 205mm)
10 Tiny
BENDASTIX (6mm x 64mm)
1 Display Stage

1 Instruction Booklet

The handle is even a real BENDASTIX, that is so cool.
I got this for my son. He likes to make things but with his autism, he usually tends to copy and repeat. Since this is so new and something completely different, he had no reference to copy from, meaning he had to come up with his own ideas.

I love that it helped to get his originality to come out a bit, and of course I love that he had a blast.
He and I had some quality time "building" and playing with some fabulous new creations. It was awesome.
As you can see, you can make glasses, bracelets, snakes, and so so much more. The robots are really cool. As much as he loved everything in the kit, his favorite part had to be the Benda Stickerz. He put them on everything. They were really awesome, so I totally see where he is coming from.

The best thing about BENDASTIX is that even though they are soft and bendable they will hold their shape and keep your creation perfect for as long as you like. And they easily come apart so they are totally reusable. Most flexible "building" materials either harden(so they are not reusable) or are too soft meaning that you cannot really handle your invention without ruining it. 

BENDASTIX can be enjoyed over and over again as many times as you want, and you can keep adding more to make a huge collection.With all the fun designs it would also be cool to trade them with friends, or use them(mostly girls) as special friendship bracelets. 

BENDASTIX are a safe, affordable, unique and fun way for children(and adults) to embrace their originality and bring it to life in endless ways.

BENDASTIX would make a great gift for any occasion. In fact, I had intended this set as a gift for my son's 6th birthday, but he saw them, and he would not stop talking about them. So I gave them to him, not to get him to stop asking, but because I could see how much he wanted them, and I wanted him to be happy, I can always get more presents.

BENDASTIX is brand new, so currently The Big Box is the only set available. The rest will be released in September. Be sure you get your hands on some as soon as you can. Stock up for the holidays. If you have ever tried to get your hands on the hot toy at holiday time, you know what is likely to happen. Mass sellouts. Don't miss out. These are way too much fun to be without.

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

Sunday, July 7, 2013

ChiliCloud Cooling Coconut Pillow Review

Sleep is one of the most important things in life. Aside from food, water and air, it is the primary fuel for our existence. Without sleep(for too long) you will die, that is a fact. And while even poor quality sleep will keep you going well enough, it is certainly not ideal.

Do you toss and turn at night? Do you wake up tired? Do you have neck pain? If any of these affect you, you are not getting proper sleep. Sleep is your body's chance to recover, to repair itself from the toll of daily living and prepare to withstand everything the proceeding day has in store.

When you don't sleep as you should, not only are you prone to be cranky and tired the following day, but your ability to function is likely to be impacted. You will probably not think as clearly as you would otherwise be able to, and your physical capabilities are sure to be affected. Not that you will be comatose or anything, just that you will be(at least slightly) slower and weaker with a shorter endurance.

Why should you have to suffer through all that? Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a way to sleep better every night? Well you could take a sleep aid, but there is risk for dependency, you cannot take them with certain other things, If you cannot sleep long enough, they can still make you tired, and that still does not solve the issue of sleeping pain.

A new bed is a great way to make you more comfortable and find a perfect sleeping environment, but that is a lot of cost and effort, and if you have a sleeping partner who is comfortable in your current bed, that is just very impractical. There has to be an easy and affordable way to find some relief. Well, there is.

The ChiliCloud Cooling Coconut Pillow makes sleeping a wonderfully restful and restoring activity once again.
This pillow is fabulous. It is big and plush, with just the right balance of softness and firmness.
The name says it all, this really is like sleeping on a cloud. It cradles your head and supports your neck completely to eliminate the pressure that leads to pain. You don't have to fluff and knead this to make it comfortable, and it will not go flat or lose it's shape.

The cover is removable and machine washable. It is made of  all natural material(Tencel Fiber). It is super soft, but I love the mild texturing, so it is not too slippery and it does not try to stick to your skin.

Everything that this pillow offers in terms of comfort, support and pain prevention is incredible and unparalleled, but it does not end there. The most unique aspect if this pillow is the cooling technology.

The Pillow has a Gel Layer that not only adds increased support for greater pressure relief, but also absorbs and dissipates heat through the night.
It's amazing. I so needed something cooling. I am the kind of person who needs a blanket on no matter how hot it is. Living in Florida, that can become excruciating, even with the AC and ceiling fan on. Now, my pillow helps keep me cool. It sounds too good to be true, and it would be if it were not actually true. I love it.

Another thing that makes the Chilicloud Cooling Coconut Pillow extra special is the composition. It is a Pressure Reactive Foam(memory foam). If you have ever owned a memory foam pillow(or bed etc) I am sure you have encountered that horrid chemical smell that such products have when they are new.

This pillow is nothing like that. It contains actual Coconut Oil which reduces the petroleum content, it also gives the pillow a mild(and very pleasant) coconut scent. Take about sweet dreams.

A coconut scented, heat reducing, cradling cloud pillow, what more could you want? It's the best pillow I have ever used by a mile. Nothing compares to this.

And even better still, the ChiliCloud is actually much more affordable than other memory foam pillows. Any other brand name memory foam pillow will cost way more, and a cooling one would be astronomical.

You cannot go wrong with the ChiliCloud Cooling Coconut Pillow. Give yourself(or someone you care about) the priceless gift of a good night's sleep(every single night).

Chili Technology also makes other pillows, mattress pads and even mattresses. Both hubby and I HATE out current mattress, and have back pain(not to mention too much heat) because of it. Hopefully I will be able to review the ChiliBed in the near future. If it is as great as this pillow, I am sure I will be raving about it.

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

Monday, July 1, 2013

Nutrisystem Week 21 Update

Another week has come and gone and Monday is here again. That means it is time for my weekly Nutrisystem update. It has been a great week as always, and I am excited to be sharing my progress with you all.

As silly as it may seem to some, I am really happy about finding a new favorite. I tried something I had not yet had and it is one of he best things EVER. I am now in love with the Coconut Almond Bar.
Does that look fantastic or what? The coconut filling is soft and chewy and so creamy. It is like heaven in ever bite. I had not tried it sooner because I am not a huge fan of dry flaky coconut, but the flavor and texture of this are to die for. Of course the almond and chocolate only make it more incredible. I could eat these ever single night.

I got a couple of other entrees I have not yet tried this month as well. It is amazing to think that I have been on this program for months and there are still new and exciting(and delicious) things to discover. That is one of the reason that this works so well, you have a huge variety so there is something for any craving and you never get bored.

As a mater of fact, I have not eaten dinner yet, so as soon as I finish this update I will be trying the Rotini & Meatballs for the first time. I can't wait. It looks delicious.
 
Not only will I get this awesome meal, but I will also have a side of green beans and maybe a small whole wheat roll(Smart Carb). What a fabulous meal. My mouth is starting to water. 

I better cut to the chase so I can get to my dinner. 

This week I did not see a huge drop in the number on the scale, but it did still go down(which is wonderful) and that is not all that matters when it comes to living healthy. I am still losing inches, and I am not gaining anything back, and still loosing gradually. The only reason it is a little slower lately, is because I am getting closer to my goal. The last 15 pounds are the hardest to lose, and I know that I will lose them, thanks to Nutrisystem.

This week I am 0.8 Pounds and 1/4 inch closer to my goal. And that brings my 21 week total to...

45.2 Pounds and 21 3/4 Inches!!

I cannot get over how much I love this program, and I would never have lost this much on my own or on any other program. Nutrisystem makes it so easy, after awhile, it's not even dieting, it's living, and it becomes a treat instead of a "sacrifice". 

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

*Although I am receiving the Nutrisystem program at no cost in return for honest reviews, all opinions and results are 100% my own.*

DIET-TO-GO GIVEAWAY!! WIN A WEEK OF FREE GOURMET DIET MEALS!!

If you saw the review I did of Diet-To-Go a couple weeks ago, I am sure your mouth is still watering from the thought of Large portions of amazingly fresh, meaty, cheesy, gourmet goodness that is also "Diet food".

If you missed it (shame on you, lol), here are some pics of what I got to eat. Get ready to drool.
 
For more pics and descriptions you will have to check out the review.

If pictures and words aren't enough for you, never fear, because one of my very lucky fans will win a WEEK(5 days) of meals(breakfast, lunch and dinner) from Diet-To-Go in their choice of the Low Fat(Traditional), Low Carb, or Vegetarian menu.

These are the biggest, freshest, most delicious diet meals EVER! They are even better than most non-diet food even. I would eat these every day forever if I could afford to.

Just Enter below for your chance to win. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway