Review: Beautiful Polka Dot Corset from CorsetChick.com

Lovely Black Taffeta Style Corset from CorsetChick.com

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 Dear Readers:
   I love corsets. They bring out the best curves on a woman. There is something so sensual and sexy about that little bow at the top, or the ruffles along the hem. They give such a tease of the body inside and are lovely under or over clothing. I was super excited to join with Corsetchick.com and try a corset for myself. Over the years I have experienced corsets in theatre, in film and for fashion. I have worn them for hours and for short photo shoots, in many colors. It was very difficult for me to narrow down just one corset to try out because Corset Chick has corsets in many colors , fabrics and  shapes and sizes. They do tend to run small, so I ordered one in a size bigger than I usually wear. And when it arrived, I was so super excited to try it on with some jeans. Usually I wear a corset with high heels and a skirt. But lately, I have been into the corset and jeans look. So I am going to (bravely) share my photos with you (see below). Here are the details of the corset I chose:

 Brown Polka Dots Halter Corset Top

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Matching G-String Included

•Finished in  brown with
white polka dots•Fully adjustable criss cross ribbon laced back
•Mild sweetheart cut
•15 1/2" in length including lace trim (front of the corset)
•Cut shorter at the back for added comfort
•Sturdy row of metal clasps on the front of the corset
12 light-weight bones through-out

Available in sizes Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL

And the important links to go and choose one for yourself.

• Official Site of CorsetChick.com
• Facebook
• Twitter

Also, I love these two corsets:

 Gorgeous isnt it??

And this resembles a suit vest, and would so cute with black pumps and a hot jacket!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ana 365 Day 5 8/30

Hello Dear Readers:

 It is Saturday and we have a  fun weekend planned. It is one of our last for the summer, and I am hoping the weather holds out. We have had pretty crappy swimming weather and have decided not to open our pool up next summer. Instead, we will save the money from the opening and maintenance and are switching over to a salt water pool system. YAY.

Yesterday Duncan picked Ana up from school, as I headed to the mall for a spa pedicure after Stroller Strides. It as lovely. After lunch, we did a bit of shopping and I found some great pieces for next summer including a cute bikini! Double YAY!

I am finally going to have some time to go through the over 100 photos from Ana's birthday, edit them and load them up here. Also, I have some cute reviews to add.   I am planning in my head to do some Halloween, Pumpkin picking and apple related recipes and fall fun soon too! I cannot wait. I love Autumn.  Happy Long Weekend , and stay well!!

XO

8/30 playing/school/shopping and fun in a cute Heartworks dress.

Review: Lulalu Calendar Pad for my fridge!!

Hello Dear Readers:

 I have been frazzled and slightly disorganized with an early start of school, going back to work on a film and the end of summer all happening at the same time. Oh sure, I make lists, and I try to stay on top of everything but it really helps when I have a centralized list, or place to keep track of appointments, classes and grocery needs. So I was super excited to try out the adorable and colorful Lulalu Calendar Pad for my fridge. Because my fridge does not work with magnets, I can not display any of Ana's art or my endless lists. This cute calendar sticks directly on the fridge and it was super easy to apply it. Here are my quick before and afters:

and with the cute pad:

I have already started writing appointments and lists of groceries and dry goods that we need in the pantry. And now I have one pretty place to check before I leave the house!! It makes it so easy. There are several designs, so check out the deets and how to stick it up at the video and the links below:

"These nifty weekly calendar stick to stainless steel fridges, glass, mirrors and more ,injecting a fresh dose of personality and creativity into everyday spaces like the kitchen, office or even the bathroom! This calendar pad is perfect for keeping track of family schedules, daily chores, menu plans and more. Made in the USA.

• 50 sheets
• 10 X 10”
• Sticks to any smooth, clean non-porous surface
• Reusable, non-toxic and leaves no residue

Important Links:

• Official Lulalu Site
• Youtube Video
• Facebook
• Pinterest

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMc72aff0629836516390c265abadf1931">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review: Dryer Balls from Woolzies

  Dear Readers:
  Have you ever used dryer balls? Oh my goodness, I do love them. My older dryer balls were starting to unravel and fall apart after months and months of use when I found Woolzies.  Woolzies are made from 100% Pure New Zealand Wool and they are extra large and super fluffy.  And they work.

  How, you ask? Wool dryer balls cut down on the time it takes to dry a load of laundry by 25%.  They are natural fabric softeners without all of those yicky, yucky chemicals. And, Woolzies are guaranteed for 1,000 loads. I received my box of Woolzies, and took all 6 out to throw into the dryer with Ana's clothes. I do not trust any chemicals in the dryer with her cute little toddler clothes, so I use dryer balls instead of liquid or  dryer sheets.

I love knowing that I am saving time and money by using something handmade, and natural. And one more great thing about Woolzies ( that is of course personal to me, ) is that they are based in the beautiful Hudson Valley. My backyard and place of residence. So in actuality, I am supporting a local company as well. It is a win-win.

Looking to buy Woolzies?  It is easy on their site:

• Buy Woolzies Here 
• Woolzies on Facebook
• Woolzies on Twitter

Want to see more? Check out this great video:





I received this box of woolzies via tomson.com.  The opinions within are my own.

Ana 365 Day 3 and 4 8/28 8/29 Official First Day of School and Shopping with Mama

Dear Readers:
 No big surprise, but officially Ana LOVES school. She has sweet, kind teachers, adorable playmates and a wonderful , nurturing environment so really it is not a surprise. She is a super happy kiddo when I pick her up. And, I hope it stays that way. So without further ado (but expect lots of arts and crafts photos to come soon) Day 3 and 4 of Ana 365.

Tshirt by Gap, Skirt from the Harajuku Collection for Target.

Dress by Hanna Andersson

Ana 365 Day 2 8/27

Dear Readers-

I am going to post the first few weeks separately, then weekly. All of the photos will be found on the photo bucket site or on my Ana 365 page for now. I might switch hosts at some point , but for now it works! 

Ana Day 2 8/7 School Day

Pink striped Dress by Children's Place.

First Day of School: Ana heads to Pre-school 2013 8/26

Ana is off to school in her Ann Loren cow outfit and new backpack! 

Hello Dear Readers:


  The time has come and we are super ready for it. Ana is off to school.

  On Monday, we headed over to the Nursery School and brought her to her classroom for a half day (to ease her in). Before we left the house we took our first day of school photos, and a filling breakfast.  Once at the school, Ana settled in quite nicely in front of the play dough and quickly forgot Mama and Daddy were there. I left quietly (in silent tears) and 2 tissues later, I was fine.

 Tuesday and Wed, I dropped her off for her full half day fun, and both times we went straight to the playgrounds (amazing). They are so nicely made and offer so many opportunities for creative play and outdoor fun.  From her teacher's reports Ana is cooperative and is having fun. She seems to be fine socially and every time I pick her up, she does not want to leave and is engaging in play with one or another of her cute toddler playmates. I think she is going to be fine, and I have accepted this time to myself too. I shopped (more on that soon), had a coffee and even read my book). Soon, I will be blogging and setting up the home recording studio.  It will be fun,even though I miss her. She was my constant companion and I miss her singing , dancing and fun filled energy.

From Monday on I have started a new photography project which I will be posting here and hosting at photobucket. I am going to make a time laspe school day video with one daily photo pre or post school (or weekday/weekend fun) I started Monday, and hope to run it for 15 years!! Wish me luck :) Here is the first photo, our first day of school , 2013.

At home in the new studio

Sponsored: Teach: documentary film about education in America CBS Sept 6 !!

Teach!

This post is sponsored by Participant Media but my love of teachers is 100% my own.


   When I look back at my education and the inspiring teachers in my life, one sticks out for all of the right reasons. Inspiring, talented, patient and fun I had an excellent teacher at Hagan Elementary School named Richard Lahey.  Mr Lahey ran the T.A.G program in the Spackenkill district in NY, and I was so lucky to be a part of it.  He inspired me to embrace my creativity, challenged me in math, and sciences and really knew how to make learning fun. The T.A.G program was an amazing program that let me challenge my mind and my way of thinking and learning. It was small,and selective (I tested in with a few others) and took us out of our regular classroom to expand our knowledge and look at the world in a more challenging way. We participated in the Oddessy of the Mind program, took creative drama workshops and thought out of the box. Most and best of all, Mr Lahey helped me to pursue more learning than I would have without him. He was/is a great teacher.  I can only hope that my daughter will have as many inspiring teachers in her educational journey. She is starting out with the best via the Wimpfheimer program at Vassar. It is a wonderful, nurturing and fun program for her age, and 3 days in she is already thriving and happy.

I look forward to watching the new documentary TEACH and finding out just what is going on out there in education. Want to know more?:

  "TEACH, Academy Award-winning director Davis Guggenheim’s third documentary film about education in America, airing on CBS on Sept 6 and Pivot on Sept 14, asks the question: What Does It Take to Be A Great Teacher Today? It is important and timely to look at the profession of teaching in an honest and practical way because it is estimated that within the next ten years, 65% of America’s teachers will retire.

Following four dedicated teachers from different schools across the country over the course of one school year, TEACH gives viewers a window into the challenges, demands and rewards of teaching, with the purpose of elevating and promoting the profession, as well as engaging new teachers and supporting current teachers. We see that for the best teachers, it’s not just a job but a mission."  Sounds amazing, right? Want more??  Here is the trailer:

Now, you can go to:
   TakePart.com/Teach where you can view the trailer and find out how you can help play a role in keeping public education strong, vibrant and innovative.    
.
All the deets you need to know:

• A two hour special television event presented by Participant Media, “TEACH” is set to debut on the CBS Television Network on September 6th at 8:00 pm ET/PT.
• “TEACH” will also air on the new network, Pivot on September 14th at 8:00 pm ET/PT
• Check more out here: Teach! 

After you watch the documentary, come back here and let me know what you think? We will have a discussion on it on my fb page!! Looking forward,

Review: Stuffits Glove Inserts

Hello Dear Readers:
 Stuffits? What are those funky looking things above? Well, check it out:   I love finding new products that I did not know about, and these Stuffits glove inserts are super smart and fun to use. They are new to me, and now that we have a set for winter:  we will never have stinky , yucky winter gloves again. Aren't they cool??They smell great too. As soon as I opened the box, I could smell the delicious scent of cedar. I love that wintery, closety smell. For some reason it reminds me of my grandparents, so they must have had something with cedar when I used to visit them. I will be using my Stuffits all winter long. They are going to be put to good use in this house.

 OOh,and also, I really could have used the Stuffits when I was boxing (before Ana was born) and if I ever start to box again, they are perfect for my boxing gloves too! If you have an athlete in the house , they are great (I am thinking hockey, or any sport with heavy hand protection).

Here is a quick video of  how we used our Stuffits:



Want to know more??, here is the info from the fab Stuffits people:

"Stuffitts® glove inserts start absorbing moisture and eliminating odor immediately upon contact.   Simply place the inserts inside the gloves after use, and the Stuffitts will go to work drying out the gloves and removing the odor leaving the clean, fresh scent of Eastern Aromatic red cedar.  Our products dry out again naturally, when removed and exposed to dry air. "

They smell wonderful. I love that cedar scent!!!

Features

•     -  Micropoly wicking fabric infused with Microban antimicrobial product protection
•     -  Treated soil-release fabric finish
•     -  Specially- processed Eastern Aromatic red cedar
•     -  Convenient nylon strap to keep inserts (and gloves) together
•     -  Flat, rectangular shape with channel stitching allows easy insertion into gloves

Official Links:

• Stuffits.com
• Stuffits on Facebook
• Stuffits on Twitter
• Stuffits on Pinterest

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Giveaway: Smartsilk Standard Pillows ($130)

Hello and Welcome to the Smart Silk Giveaway with Everything For Ana. I would love to use these pillows and hope one of my lovely readers wins this great prize. Good luck....

Sponsored by SmartSilk

Hosted by

NYSavingSpecials

Co-hosted by

Simply Sherryl, Barbara's Beat, Charlotte Raynor Writes, Libby's Library, Rainy Day Pennies, Live Laugh Love to Shop and Tabbys Pantry

We are giving away 

Two SmartSilk Standard Pillows

Value $130

Details:

Dates August 26 12:01am to September 16 11:59pm

For US Resident only

We appreciate the support of our sponsor, please show your support by following them on their social medias pages.

All entries are optional

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: Everything For Ana is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.  If you have any questions about this giveaway, please email the host at nysavingspecials@gmail.com

Review: Naturade Pea Protein Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder

Dear Readers:
   When I first heard the phrase Pea Protein , I admit I was intrigued and a bit wary of the flavor of the protein powder. I make a smoothie, or protein drink every time I work out, which is almost every day. So, I was excited to try Naturade's vegan pea protein in my daily drink. It was easy and fun. I added a packet to my strawberry banana smoothie with some stevia and ice. And, it was delicious and smooth. A real treat. And super healthy to boot.

 Here are all the deets from the lovely Naturade people:

  "The Naturade® research and development team is proud to introduce Naturade Pea Protein™. Pea Protein is a natural plant-based protein that is derived from yellow peas (Pisum sativum), also known as “split peas.” This product is highly soluble, easy to digest, hypoallergenic – and it tastes great! Naturade Pea Protein™ is formulated using only the highest quality pea protein isolate available. Its phenomenal amino acid profile includes nine essential amino acids. Since essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body, they must be supplied by our diets. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are used by our bodies to support our bones, muscles and connective tissues.
Naturade Pea Protein™ is all natural and contains no animal by-products, no artificial flavors, no artificial sweeteners and no artificial colors. We use non-GMO pea protein that is 100% gluten-free, cholesterol-free, soy-free and dairy-free. Each great tasting vanilla shake provides an excellent source of vegetable-based protein and is suitable for low-carbohydrate dieters, vegetarians, vegans, children, athletes and anyone needing extra protein in their daily diet."

Sounds amazing right?? I love that it contains nothing artificial, and I just may be a convert from my regular run of the mill protein powder from a big box store to this delicious pea protein. I love that it came in a handy serving sized packet. I didnt have to measure and it would make it super easy to make my protein drink at the park on the run (which I sometimes do).

YUM! Check out the links to find Naturade near you:

• Naturade Site
• Naturade on Facebook
• Naturade on Twitter
• Naturade on Pinterest

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Spon : Zact Infographic, Parental Controls of Mobile Services

Hello Dear Readers:

   

     “I participated in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Zact. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating”.

   Ana always has a phone or ipad nearby. Whether it is hers (yes, this 3 year old is lucky enough to have her own iphone and ipad chock full of fun and educational apps) or mine, I worry about what she has access to and what kind of online trouble she could get into if I am not around.  Just like me, other parents have concerns about their kids’ mobile device usage and the team at Zact conducted a survey to find out what’s behind parents concerns. 

   Did you know 73% of U.S. parents are concerned about the lack of parental control of a child’s activities on mobile devices? What are your biggest concerns for your kids when they have a smartphone? I know for me, I have locked being able to buy apps, or upgrade a game. But that is only the beggining.

How do you talk to them about it? With Ana, I make sure I am around when she is on her phone. But, I will not always be around, and so there is much for me to anticipate ahead.

Check out the Zact infographic below for other great statistics on kids and mobile usage! For more information on Zact mobile services and a chance to win 3 smartphones in 3 days, please click here!

  I am not too worried right now that she will meet someone online, or that she will download something that is full of adult content, but it is a worry for the future. How can I control her social media usage and make sure that as a young, beautiful girl, she is not taken advantage of or worse?? I have read so much about online bullying and stalking, and frankly, it does frighten me.  I really do have to look into ways to feel safer about her usage. In the meantime, I will check out Zact, and feel safer with my baby's online presence. They have great subscription plans, and I know they would make me feel more in control of Ana's phone

 For more information check out Mom Central's great article on Zact and all of the details: Zact.

Giveaway and Review: Parker the Platypus Book Series, adorable children's books!

Hello Dear Readers:

 
  I received a series of these books to facilitate this review, I was not compensated for this
review. The opinions within are my own.

 Recently Ana and I received a fun and sweet series of books featuring Parker the Platypus written by Joe Melillo. Joe was sweet in sending us the entire series to read together and share the stories and fun illustrations. I love this series for so many reasons not in the least that his sweet niece illustrated the stories. The pictures are colorful and fun, and Ana really enjoyed looking at them as I read to her. She laughed with the characters, asked why they were sad, and definitely understood the emotions covered. She especially loved the colorful drawings, and loved listening to me read the stories with fun voices.

                 

There are three books in the series:
Parker the Platypus
Parker Helps Hubert The Hippopotamus
Parker Befriends Bertram The Bat

All three books have things in common:

• Each book has the adorable Parker the Platypus as a featured character
• Each book deals with a different issue that children face as they try to fit in amongst their peers.
• Each book is based off a children's song that Joe wrote and recorded, and a free download of each song with page turning signals is included!
• Each book is illustrated by Joe's niece Sami. She was only 9 when she designed the cover for Parker the Platypus, and now , at 14 she is working on the fourth book in the series.
• Each book is available over the internet at all major book retailers: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.

For more information please do check out the main website here: .Parker the Platypus

   Although Ana is really too young to understand the implications of not fitting in because
of differences, bullying and other social injustices, she really did love the stories and fun
photos. I found the books to be sweet, fun to read aloud, and easy to explain to a 3 year old. They will be added to Ana's shelf and as she grows up and understands more, I know she will fall more in love with Parker and his pals.

Check out the Amazon Link to buy your own copies. Or are you feeling lucky and want to win an autographed set?? Try your luck at the rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway and Review: Crazy Dog Tshirts. Merlotte's Bar and Grill True Blood Shirt!

Hello Dear Readers:

  I received a tee of  my choice from CrazyDog Tshirts, but did not receive any compensation for this post. The opinions within are my own.

When I first found out I could review a shirt from the cute site Crazy Dog Tshirts, I was so excited. New weight loss=new clothing= new size. I had no idea how hard it would be to choose one shirt from all of the adorable, funny, silly, snarky , fun shirts. I was immediately drawn to shirts from my favorite tv shows which include : "The Walking Dead", "True Blood" and other dark shows featuring monsters.  I wanted something fun, pg rated (I do spend a lot of time around toddlers), but still form fitting and cute! So I chose the Merlotte's tee from the show "True Blood" on HBO, and it is wonderful.

I paired it with a cutoff jean skirt for that authentic honky tonk look! 

 The tee is super soft with a little bit of stretch so it is form fitting . I love the way it fits and hugs my curves. I dislike when tees kind of hang on me and make me look bigger than I am and this tee fits like a glove. I love how it looks with jeans, and I will be wearing this tee out on the town soon! (Just do not call me Sookie).

  Check out Crazy Dog and let me know which tee you would choose if you win one: Crazy Dog

Here are several that I really liked (most are about zombies, lol):

and

and lastly:

 Here is some background about this great company:

"Crazy Dog T-shirts was created in 2004 by founder Bill Kingston, in his Ithaca College dorm room, and officially incorporated in 2004.  Bill started selling 5-6 simple screen printed designs as his final project for an e-Commerce class, and when the orders kept rolling in after graduation, Bill kept printing!  In 2006, Bill and his wife Brie moved their headquarters from their home in Rochester, NY to a small office space in the city with Bill operating himself full time and Brie Part-Time.  By 2012, CrazyDogTshirts.com had moved in to a 7000 square foot shipping warehouse with a full service custom screen printing facility and currently employs 15 Full Time and 2 Part Time employees.

 They specialize in funny and vintage apparel, printed on ultra soft t-shirts.  Although over 80% of the designs they  sell are created and printed in house, they do also offer selections from partners such as Junk Food Clothing, Ripple Junction, David & Goliath, and Goodie Two Sleeves.  These partnerships together with their exclusive designs allow them  to offer customers the best selection at the best prices...and they guarantee it!  Crazy Dog Tshirts also functions as a full service screen printing shop offering low prices on custom apparel for personal and business orders."

Want to win a tee for yourself?? Head on over and check out all of the tees and let me know which vintage or graphic tee you would choose?  (please choose from a tee $16.99 or less) thanks!

 Check out all of the social networks from Crazy Dog at the links below:

• Crazy Dog on Facebook
• Crazy Dog on Twitter
• Crazy Dog on Google
• Crazy Dog on Pinterest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review: Baby Magic No Rinse Wash

Hello Dear Readers:

I was sent a bottle of Baby Magic No Rinse Foam Wash to review, I was not compensated for this post. The opinions within are my own.

  The first time Ana went to visit and have a bath at Grandma's I noticed the sweet baby pink bottle of Baby Magic that my mom was using. I admit, I had never seen or used Baby Magic before then, and I was not aware of its long, safe history. A lot of products are labeled safe for babies, but I was extra super careful about the ingredients I used on her skin and hair (even though she wasn't especially overly sensitive) and  especially around her face and eyes. So I looked up the website to read a bit more about this No-Rinse Wash.

  Website: Baby Magic Website

 Once there I found out this info, which assured me that Ana would be ok if it dripped into her eyes (by accident) :

• Original Baby Magic Scent (it is lovely and soft, like baby skin)
• 
  
• Perfect on the go solution – no water needed (this is so handy for keeping one in her diaper bag)
• 
  
• Dispenses as foam for easy, no mess application (super easy to use, and no mess)
• 
  
• Alcohol-Free (great!)
• 
  
• Paraben-Free (wonderful)
• 
  
• Tear-Free
• 
  
• Dye-Free
• 
  
• Phthalate-Free
• 
  
• pH balanced
• 
  
• Hypoallergenic
• 
  
• Available in 7 oz

annnnd Made in the USA (I really do try to buy only products made here since our standards are higher than most other foreign countries) 

Phew, everything sounds good so far. But what are the ingredients I wondered. I am always a little skeptical about Tear Free, I mean what is in there that does not promote tears? Does it sting and stun the eyes? Here is what I found:

•  Water
• Propylene Glycol
• Polysorbate 20
• Tocopheryl Acetate
• Retinyl Palmitate
• PEG-32
• PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
• PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
• Polysorbate 80
• Fragrance
• Phenoxyethanol
• Chlorphenesin

I admit, I do not know what  a lot of those ingredients are. But, I love that the company is forthcoming and lists them directly so you can look them up and make a decision. And I did. I decided that this product is safe for Ana and effective. And, I love the ease of use and scent. And, that there is no water required so I could keep another bottle on hand for accidents or in the bag or car. The pump is sooo easy to use, and does not drip. You can just pump a little or a lot out into your hand.

So, we tried out our bottle:

      

 And the consensus is:

  Baby Magic is fun to use. The bottle is pretty and colorful and the foam is fun to wash Ana with. We use a natural sponge or my hand and I lather her up!  The company has been around since 1951 in the USA making great, safe products for babies, and once I perused the site I made a list of the other products I would love to try. We love bubbles so bubble bath, baby wash, all of those products made the list. The short is that Ana loves her baths and Baby Magic helps make it fun, in a safe and effective way. Her skin is clean and smells wonderfully when her bath is over!

Right now Baby Magic has a lot of fun things going on on their website and social media networks, including posting fan photos (I just might send one in, Ana looks sooo cute in the bath)! Check out the links here:

• .      www.facebook.com/babymagic
•       www.twitter.com/baby_magic
•       www.youtube.com/originalbabymagic

And do not forget to sign up for their monthly newsletter to stay up with all of the latest information and products!! 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Back Online and Home after a Brown out from Time Warner Cable...

***Update: My internet and tivo/cable are now back up!! However, I am running out of the house and will be on set all afternoon/evening and may not be back until tomorrow afternoon... so I will be updating then. Thanks for your patience. Z


 Hi Dear readers I am currently frothing at the mouth and apologize to you profusely. I will be without Internet for the next few days. Or at least that's what time Warner is telling me. Needless to say, after them taking off my Dexter and Big Brother I am already annoyed. This just puts it over the edge. To my sponsors who are waiting on a review I promise to have them up when my cable line is fixed. Thanks for your patience. Very disgruntled,

Birthday Parties, Film Shoots and Busin-ess Oh MY!!!

Hello Dear Readers:

 I feel so neglectful, and apologize that I have been MIA both here on the blog and on my social networks,but we have been out living life. Going to lots of BBQs, family parties, birthday parties, playdates, swim dates , and for Mama: Back to work on the set.

 I have had less than no time for myself (I need a pedicure and my eyebrows done , badly! ) and any free time has been eaten up by QT time with Ana or keeping the household running. We are also getting ready for school and it is a bit hectic around here for Mama.  I have oodles of reviews coming, a couple of giveaways thrown in and a whole snoodle of photos. And, her birthday party post. I just uploaded the photos from my camera, and they look so cute. Everything came out great :)

In the meantime, we are heading out the door for library and a birthday party for my niece at my Mom's after I finish packing my suitcase for my first day of shooting on Tues.  It is going to be another busy week, and I hope I can handle it. I am one tired mama. And it is only Monday.  Anyhow, have a great week and see you soon!!  Enjoy the end of summer,

Zoe and Ana

Reflections on my 38th Year and heading into my 39th. After Photos from 12 Weeks/Before for the next 12 weeks.

Dear Readers:
   Well..hmph. That is kinda how I feel today. Old. Creaky and Grumpy. But at the same time, refreshed and renewed. Yes, it takes me longer to get out of bed in the morning (thanks Ana for the 6 am wake up call), and I probably need the coffee more than I did years ago. But, once I am up, I feel strong and more confident in my body, and health.  I have not had an allergy attack in many months. I can run faster and longer. I lift more weights and can do pushups. I feel healthy inside, and out. And I am looking forward to 40. No really I am. I welcome it with open arms.

  I think in the next year, I will get stronger. Build my abs back up, and get leaner. I intend to go back to work, and open my own voice studio and I have plans for when Ana is in school. I will start slowly, but I will be a working mama. And I feel blessed that I can be so, and do so.

  Anywho, I am not sure I ever did a reflection post on the past 12 weeks and working out and eating clean. I feel great in that respect, but there is a lot more work to do. My belly still looks doughy, and I need to tighten up my arms. But I do look leaner than when I started and just to remind you, I will be posting my before photos here (again).

 So without further ado, on the eve of my 39th birthday, I present to you 39 year old, un-photoshopped me in the flesh. My afters (from the first 12 weeks), my befores (for the next 12 weeks) and my white hot August challenge before photos (ugh, I look terrible in WHITE).  Please be kind, and remember I am on a journey to clean eating, muscle building and working out for the good of my child, my life and my longevity.

5-2-2013 before Revolt 1

My 39th bday photo!!

And now to begin again:

My new before photo wearing (gasp) white!!

I also took photos in a white outfit and a before abs photo, which I will share in 12 weeks when I can compare..yay. So here is to 3 more months of good clean eating and 365 days of heading towards the BIG 40!! 

XO and stay healthy,

Review: Slapstache Emerald Bracelet

Hello Readers:

I love fun and funky jewelry and am always looking for a fun conversation piece to snazz up my jeans or black leggings that I live in.  The Slapstache is just that piece. So colorful and fun. Ana loves to slap it around and unroll it. She thinks it is fun, and so do I. We love the whole mustache trend, and Ana is big into coloring and adding color to everything, so she loves that I chose the Emerald Bracelet to review.

 Isnt is super cute. The slapstache would make for a great present, stocking stuffer or birthday party goodie bag item. And you can pick from a cool array of colors to match your theme. What is it made out of?? 

"The slapstache is made of soft silicone rubber and is available in a wide variety of fun colors. When rolled out and straightened, it becomes a super cool mustache, and then can slap around your wrist as a fun, hip accessory. "

The bracelet comes in an array of pretty and bright colors:

• Black
• Blue 
• Emerald
• Lavender 
• Orange
• Orchid
•  Purple
•  Red
•  Teal

Important Links:

 www.theslapstache.com
www.facebook.com/slapstache
www.twitter.com/slapstache
www.instagram.com/slapstache
www.pinterest.com/slapstache

  

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.