by | Jul 23, 2014 | Beauty |
Hi Bubbling Readers,
Happy Summer to you, the weather in Missouri this week has been wonderful!
Speaking of wonderful when I was to write a review on a product that claims to lengthen your lashes by 300%.
Colleen of Younique recently contacted me and asked if I would like to try Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes; I was interested and wanted to see how the system works.
I received the product in days so I didn’t have to wait long. Colleen is so sweet that she even included a thank you card for me wanting to review the product.
JT looking over Younique products
The products include:
Transplanting Gel
Natural Fibers
Case
I couldn’t wait to start using, however I used it everyday for a period of two weeks for an adequate review.
1. First step is to a coat of my favorite mascara to my lashes.
I used Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes and after applying allow it dry.
2. After the mascara dries, I applied one coat of the transplanting gel to my lashes.
3. Immediately I followed by applying the Natural fibers because according to the directions you do not want the gel to dry.
JT looking over the directions
4. Last step add another coat of the transplanting fibers to my lashes.
JT applying the Natural Fibers
I advise a first time user of the Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes to apply gel and natural fibers on one eye at a time. Good practice.
The fibers look like hair on a brush. Amazing!
Natural Fibers
It may seem like a lot of steps, but the process goes really fast after the mascara dries.
Before my lashes dried they look full, long and had good definition. No clumps!
3D Fiber Lashes Results
My lashes are long however the 3D lash system made them look even longer.
Information about the product on Younique’s site.
“Our simple three-step process combines Transplanting Gel and Natural Fibers to help create the appearance of incredible thickness and volume to your existing lashes. Watch as your lashes transform into something you have only dreamed of! The 3D Fiber Lashes are water resistant but easily washes off with warm water and facial cleanser at the end of the day. Try it! It will quickly become your favorite makeup must-have.”
Take a look at the ingredients here. It’s great that the Younique products are derived from natural ingredients.
This product was given to me to give my honest review. I would buy this product because the ingredients are natural and the transplanting gel and eyelash fibers are very user friendly to use. You can have long lashes without extensions and no one will know the difference.
I also demonstrated how to use the Moodstruck 3D Fiber lashes below.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM5joEhNGLE&list=UUn2vsUCgv8ZAmgJFD4v6SFw[/youtube]
by | Jul 17, 2014 | Fitness |
There is so much to learn about workout properly, it can be as confusing as you want to make it. However, there are some simple tips, tricks and hacks that anyone can do to make working out easier and more effective. Below are some simple fitness hacks that you can incorporate today to take your fitness to a higher level.
Eat more meals – Note I am not saying eat more food. Break your meals into smaller portions and eat more frequently. Ideally you should eat a meal every 3 hours. Doing this will keep your blood sugar levels in check, keep your appetite under control so your less likely to binge on an unhealthy snack and increase your metabolism.
Tell the world – Tell the world, or at least your world, that you have a goal to lose weight, gain muscle, or even finish a 5k. Most people are willing to let themselves down before their friends and family. Whatever your goal is, telling your friends and family will keep you accountable to them and not yourself. Social networking websites are a great medium for announcing your goals.
The “new exercise” rule- Too often I see people in the gym doing the exact same exercises day after day. Your body has an amazing ability to adapt, and exercising is no exception. Over time, doing the same exercises over and over will decrease the effectiveness of your workouts. Make it a goal that every Sunday night you will search the internet for one new exercise you want to do at least 3 times during the upcoming week. Not only will this new exercise be a learning experience, it will take your fitness to a higher level.
Workout with a friend – Fact: working out with someone will make you less likely to skip a workout and more likely to complete a workout. So grab a buddy at a similar fitness level to you and be amazed at how far you push yourself.
Reward yourself – This hack is especially useful for someone who can never seem to workout consistently. One of the biggest problems newbies have is they quit because they don’t have an end goal, or their goal is too long term. Make a short term goal, just a month or two, and if you complete your goal, say lose 7 pounds, reward yourself with new workout clothes. Having a short-term goal and a reward will make you more likely to finish what you started.
Exercise to Fast Music – A recent study concluded exercising to fast paced songs made people exercise harder and longer. So load your phone up with fast paced heart thumping music before you exercise to increase the effectiveness of your workout.
Active Work Meetings – Why does a day at work have to involve sitting at a desk 8 hours a day? A recent study concluded sitting is deadly, literally. Schedule an active work meeting. Instead of sitting at a conference table with others, burn some calories and take a walk around the building.
This article was authored by Sergeant Michael Volkin, inventor of Weight Loss Stack 52 and Strength Stack 52 weight loss and fitness cards
by | Jul 16, 2014 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hello Elegant Readers;
I am proud to introduce you to fashion blogger Breanne, who has written a wonderful guest post article on what to wear to a wedding. Great advice for a special occasion.
Summer is my favorite season of the year, not just for the warm weather, but for the incredibly fresh and colorful fashions I get to wear all season long. For me, this season is filled with a lot of outdoor activities: cookouts, bonfires, and of course, weddings. Summer is definitely wedding season and if you’re a twenty-something like me, it seems like there’s a wedding happening every other weekend!
I’m all about summer weddings, for one it’s a great way to meet people and enjoy some free food and drinks. But above all this, I live for getting dolled up for a wedding. Bridal looks are my absolute favorite because it’s so refreshing to switch up my everyday casual look into something spectacular. Don’t think because you have several weddings to attend this summer that you’ll have to spend a fortune to get the look you want, I’m here to help you dress your best in an affordable way. If you’re fresh out of ideas for what to wear to a wedding this summer, try any one of these chic styles.
Print
Summer weddings are the perfect time to debut a fresh print look. If you’re attending a wedding this season then why not stray from your everyday and wear this flowy floral print dress from ASOS.com. ThePussycat London Sun Dress with Daisy Floral Print is a favorite of mine because it’s colorful, yet chic enough to wear to a wedding. Pair this dress with some camel strappy heels and you’re good to go! Most people will tell you to stay away from print for wedding looks, but I highly encourage it! You’ll stand out in the best possible way with this floral print dress.
Pussycat-Floral-Dress
Polka Dot
It’s common knowledge that if you’re not the bride then do not wear white to a wedding. However, no one said you couldn’t wear a white dress with polka dots! To brighten up your wedding look, go with this cute summer dress from ModCloth.com.This dress is perfect to wear to a wedding because it’s the perfect combination of white & yellow; you can look great without taking the attention off the bride. This fun and flirty polka dot dress is great to wear all season long too!
Lemon-Polka-Dot-Dress
Drape
I love draped dresses because they’re sophisticated and make you look like a Grecian goddess—and who wouldn’t want that?! The right draped dress will have a comfortable fit and sophisticated design. I love theDKNYC Sleeveless Draped Knit Dress from Macys.com because it is all these things and more! It’s a flirty dress made of soft & comfortable material that gives the appearance of something more expensive. Pair this draped dress with some white pumps and the right accessories and you’ll create a show-stopping look!
Drape-dress
Lace
Lace is sexy and stylish, there’s no doubt about that, but some women shy away from lace as a wedding look. I don’t understand why, I think lace is perfect to celebrate in! Don’t be afraid to mix things up at your next wedding and try a lace dress. I can’t get enough of this A Lace For Romance Cream Lace Dress from LuLus.com. Paired with some powder pink heels, its silky cream color mixes with the lace design for an absolutely gorgeous look. After the wedding you can wear this dress for dates or a night out on the town. The sexy silhouette is great for any occasion!
Lace-dress
Maxi
A maxi dress is a great go-to dress when you’re looking for something extremely affordable. Casual enough to wear everyday and easy enough to doll up for a special event like a wedding. If you’re really on a budget, but want to look stylish, then go for this affordable Maxi Dress from HM.com. The long jersey dress comes in a sleek, dark purple hue that’s great for a summer wedding. The strapless design makes it perfect for pairing with a statement necklace or dangle earrings. Priced at just under $20, it’s a great dress for the woman on a budget.
blue-maxi-dress
Accessories
Now that you have a couple choices for a dress to wear to a wedding, it’s time to accessorize! Accessories can really make or break your look, and for a wedding I suggest sticking with gold, silver, or pearls. Since it’s summer, you can add a hint of color to your accessories, but if your dress is already colorful I advise sticking to neutral tones. Accessories and jewelry can be pretty expensive, so I suggest going faux or sticking to an outlet store, such as OverstockJeweler.com.
gold-faux-necklace
I hope my reception looks inspire you to try something new this summer. Do you have a wedding reception coming up? Let me know what you’re wearing down below in the comments!
Author Bio: Breanne is a recent college graduate, blogger, and fashion aficionada. You can find her over at her blog, Proper & Pink! and on Google +.
by | Jul 12, 2014 | Beauty |
Hi Bubbling Readers,
JT holding Vine Vera products
Vine Vera recently contacted me to review a couple of products from its Cabernet High-Potency Collection.
I had not heard of Vine Vera until I was contacted. To find out more I went to the Vine Vera site and read its objective.
According to its website, “Vine Vera has formulated Resveratrol alongside other extraordinary anti-aging ingredients into miracle formulas for all types of skin. Vine Vera is committed to rejuvenating your skin so that you may achieve the lifelong younger looking skin you’ve always wanted.”
Everyone wants younger looking skin or keep the great skin they have, and using Vine Vera skin care is a way to fight back anti-aging. I have read and seen many companies say that their products contain resveratrol, which is derived from grapes and is found in red wine. I had not used any skin care products that contained reservatrol, so I was excited to try Vine Vera.
The Fountain of Youth?
Reversing the aging process can start in your teens and it is never too late to take better care of your skin. I have tried a variety of products and I was really excited to see what Vine Vera had to offer.
My package arrived and I received two products for review:
Vine Vera package
Vine Vera Resveratrol High Potency Serum 1 fl. oz.
and the
Vine Vera Reservatrol High Potency Cream 3.53 fl. oz.
I expected to receive sample sizes of these products; but instead both items were full size. THANK YOU VINE VERA!
In order to give an honest review, I knew that I needed to try out these products for a period of time to see how it affected my skin. I have seen some people make claims that their skin was so much better after using a product only one time. That is just not enough time to see the cumulative results. I decided to use the Vine Vera products exclusively for one month because this is a sufficient amount of time to see a difference.
The serum goes on first and it is very light and feels like silk.
Vine Vera Cabernet Serum
I then followed the serum with the Vine Vera Cabernet Resveratrol High-Potency Cream. These products are highly concentrated, you only need about a very small amount. The amount of cream on my finger below is enough for my entire face and neck area.
VIne Vera Cabernet Resveratrol High-Potency Cream
The feeling on my skin is baby soft, the serum and cream are luxurious. Can’t you tell? The cream is so light. It rubs into my skin effortlessly and does not leave my skin feeling greasy or oily. See my expression, the cream feels so good. I have red undertones in my skin, my mother would tell me that’s my Choctaw Native Indian American heritage coming through.
JT applying Vine Vera Cabernet skincare
Vine Vera Resveratrol Serum and High-Potency Cream contain no parabens, no mineral oil, no paraffin, no sodium laurel sulfate or any other of those icky ingredients. Not having fillers and synthetic ingredients was a big plus for me. The products contain only the ingredients needed to make your skin look and feel beautiful.
I can tell my skin looks so soft now and moisturized. Flawless!
JT
The video below is a brief review of the Vine Vera products that was sent to me. I enjoyed doing it and be prepared for cameos of my doggies. Ha! Ha!
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV3qyMcgfn8&list=UUn2vsUCgv8ZAmgJFD4v6SFw[/youtube]
Always do a patch test to see how the skincare will react to your skin 24 hours before using them on your face. If you would like to learn more about resveratrol, Vine Vera has information on its site regarding studies and benefits this key ingredient has to offer.
Vine Vera is offering my Bubbling readers a generous 20% discount on its website. The Vine Vera discount code is BWE20OFF.
Please click on Vine Vera to find out more about its products and to purchase.
Thank you Vine Vera for giving me the opportunity to use and review your products.
Flawless!
JT at Lady Ram event
* Vine Vera provided me with these products no cost.
All opinions and statements are strictly my own. *
by | Jul 3, 2014 | Fitness, Inspirations |
Are you tangled in the web of weight loss fads and endless contradicting information on the web? Hopefully you haven’t fallen victim to one of these fads, wasting money and time with the hopes to lose a few pounds, only to gain more back in return. I know, it’s frustrating and millions of people share your pain. Below I explain several myths that you might be doing right now to try and lose weight. If you are, then stop wasting your time and money.
JT drinking Naturade all in one nutritional shake
MYTH # 1) LOSING WEIGHT REQUIRES HUNGER PAINS
The fact is, what you eat is more important than how much you eat. If you don’t eat enough, your metabolism will slow down, making your body want to store fat. As a result, your initial weight loss will come from water and muscle, instead of fat.
You should try to consume healthy food choices and save those foods (and beverages) that are high in fat, sugar and calories for special occasions. Yes, you can have those unhealthy food choices from time to time, in fact, it’s encouraged. Without a cheat meal or snack every now and then, you will get frustrated and lose sight of your goal. Please note, I said a cheat meal, not a cheat day. I see too many people doing cheat days, which is way too much for your body to overcome on a weight loss plan.
MYTH # 2) EAT NO FAT WHATSOEVER
This is a very old and popular myth. Your fat intake should be limited to around 15% of your overall daily calorie intake. Fat is needed in any diet to lubricate your joints, keeps your skin smooth and elastic, provide a source of energy, help your nervous system function properly and more. Olive, flaxseed and fish oils are good sources of fats. Fats to avoid include saturated fats and hydrogenated fats (also known as trans fats).
MYTH # 3) AVOID CARBS
You’ve certainly heard this before, “Carbohydrates are bad for you and should be avoided”. This myth has been trending lately as fad diets like Atkins and its copycats become more and more popular. The truth is carbohydrates have a moderate amount of calories (about half as many as fat). Simple carbohydrates (sugar) should be limited, but complex carbohydrates: whole grain and starches are high in nutrients. The problem with carbohydrates is portion control. Too many people eat at restaurants with huge portion sizes loaded with 5 times the amount of carbs needed for a given meal. The best way to control your carb portions is to cook for yourself.
MYTH # 4) MEAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET ENOUGH PROTEIN
Meat is a great source of protein, but it certainly is not the only source. Meat can also be high in fat and sodium so many people look for alternative sources of protein. Egg whites are a prime source of protein and so are various vegetables and legumes like peas, spinach, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
MYTH #5: EXERCISE AT LEAST 30 CONSECUTIVE MINUTES TO GET AN EFFECTIVE CALORIE BURNING WORKOUT
Adults should engage in a workout regimen for at least 30 minutes a day at least 4 days a week. Research has shown that the activity does not need to be done all at once. The 30 minute routine can be split into two 15 minute intervals and provide the same health benefits.
MYTH #6: VEGETARIANS AND VEGANS ARE HEALTHIER EATERS THAN CARNIVORES
Vegetarians on average eat fewer calories and less fat than carnivores (non-vegetarians). However, vegetarians can make eating choices that contribute to weight gain by eating large amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods as well as food with little nutritional value. The term vegetarian is not synonymous with health.
The best way to be sure you are getting a well balanced, nutrient rich diet is to eat more whole foods and less processed, pre-packaged foods and to avoid eating out as much as possible. Make eating out an occasional treat, but try to prepare most of your meals yourself and you will be on your way to living a healthier, leaner lifestyle.
With your new found knowledge of weight loss, grab yourself a deck of my new invention, Weight Loss Stack 52, weight loss cards.
This guest post was written by Michael Volkin.
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