Team Beachbody: Shakeology Review

A few weeks ago, one of my Facebook friends posted that she was looking for Bloggers to review Shakeology. I jumped at the chance, and here's why!

I have been friends with Angelica for several months, I'd guess for at least a year or more. We "met" through a crafter's group, and became Facebook friends. I remember her posting that her husband was going to be deployed and that she was starting a weight loss journey. Through Facebook and Instagram, I followed her progress and I was amazed. That's probably not even the right word, my jaw would just drop every single time that I saw her progress. Y'all, she looked amazing!

This is Angelica in June on day 5 of her challenge.

And this is Angelica in January! Just 7 months after starting Shakeology!

Holy hot mama! Does she not look amazing!

So, of course I was excited to try this product, especially after watching Angelica shrink before my eyes!

She sent me a 7 day supply of Shakeology for me to try and review. 

I started on a Monday morning, so I could start my week out right! 

I asked her to send me the Chocolate flavored packs, because i'm all about anything chocolate!

The first morning I mixed the entire package of the mix with ice and milk in my blender. I was not expecting it to taste good at all. I was super surprised when I tasted it and realized that it tasted just like a milkshake. From Sonic.

Yes, you read that right.

I messaged Angelica that morning as soon as I got to work and told her how yummy the drink was and how excited I was to finish out the week. I told her that maybe it was too chocolatey, and she told me that I could use just half of the package if I wanted. 

Over the next several days, I mixed my shakes a few different ways. I blended in ice, milk, oatmeal, peanut butter, &/or chia seeds.

On Wednesday, I realized that I had lost two pounds!

I was staying full throughout the morning, and one day, I realized that I had to force myself to eat lunch. I also had more energy during the day. One morning, I didn't have time for my shake, so I drank it for dinner, and realized that I didn't have my urge to snack at night like I typically do.

I loved the product! I was even messaging Angelica at the end that I may want to become a coach. I'm still in the process of making this decision, but it was the best "weight loss" shake I have tried. 

Here's a few other things I love about the Beachbody program: you get a personalized website, where you can enter in your weight, measurements, photos, and track your own progress. They have tons of recipe ideas for your shakes. You can order single serving packets, or a mix for the entire month. You can order in vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry flavors. 

And, the cost is just under $4.00 a day!

I was telling my neighbor that DJ eats out for lunch almost every single day, and I assure you that the cost of Beachbody is less than what he spends eating out!

If you're interested in trying this product, you can contact Angelica for more information! You can also check out her Facebook page. 

I was gifted a 7 day supply in exchange for the review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

By: Unknown On 05.00

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Trusted Health Products: Review & Giveaway

In January, I was approached by Trusted Health Products to review their Beautiful skin care products. I jumped at the chance to review a new product, especially since the product is all-natural, 100% pure, with no chemicals!

Now that I'm in my 30s, I need a skin care line that is going to help my skin flourish and glow. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect with the Beautiful product, as I've used eye cream, moisturizer, and other skin care lines for years, I honestly didn't expect to see a change in my facial appearance so I decided that I would take before and after pictures in order to see if this product was truly working.

This is me just a few days after I received the bottles of moisturizer. The picture is 100% untouched and I have on no make up. I have dark spots on my forehead, and dark "bags" under my eyes. I also have several freckles around my cheeks. 

Make up has been kind enough to cover these imperfections, but I also don't like to wear make up every day. Especially if i'm home and have no plans of going somewhere. I'm pretty self cautious about the way I look without make up though, thanks to these dark spots and imperfections. 

Somewhere along the way, I lost my two week photo, but I made sure to take picture at week 2, 3, and finally at week 4. 

I'm amazed at the difference of just two weeks time! In the week 3 photo, I no longer have the spots on my forehead or the bags under my eyes. 

And week 4, after I had taken off my make up one evening. 

And finally, a more current picture.

I mean y'all, I'm totally amazed. Every single time I look in the mirror, i'm amazed. I can definitely see the improvements in my skin and under my eyes. I'm excited to see the changes that will continue to take place with this product. I'm even more excited that I still have a month supply left in the bottles I was sent! 

I also love that the products are 100% natural, contain no parabens, and no GMOs! Not to mention, the moisturizer has the most amazing smell! 

I was given a bottle of the Beautiful AM Moisturizer and the Beautiful PM Moisturizer. 

I have used coconut oil as a face wash for the last year, so I continued to use the CO as my make up remover. Then, I would apply a few drops of the pm moisturizer to my cheeks, and spread in a circular motion being careful to not rub the oil in. I also applied the oil to my forehead, nose and chin.

I used the AM moisturizer every morning in place of my old moisturizing lotion. Again, you apply it in a circular motion, and allow three minutes for it to soak into your skin. I began to notice that my make up was going on smoother and I was using less foundation.

The company sent me the following information:

Please be advised that within the first 30 days of using Beautiful, you may experience a brief blemish breakout. This typically lasts from 1-2 days, possibly up to a week. The botanical oils in Beautiful gently and naturally remove toxins and build up that have accumulated over time from the use of chemical-laden skincare products and cosmetics. These botanical ingredients also help remove the cause behind excessive oil production. If a breakout does occur, this is actually a really good sign, as your skin will be ridding itself of toxins that have built up over time. It’s important not to get discouraged during this brief detoxifying period, because once it ends, your skin will emerge with a more beautiful, young looking, radiant appearance. Results vary for each person. You may wash your face with soap before applying Beautiful; we also recommend that after 30 days you try washing your face with just warm water to see if it removes the dirt without soap.

I definitely had break outs while using the product. However, they only lasted 1-2 days, and were mostly around my chin and forehead. I had one break out around my nose. Upon looking in the mirror, I could tell that the oils and dirt of my skin were being raised toward the surface. I definitely noticed the product cleansing my pores on a regular basis. 

Now that I've been using the product for a month, the break outs are minimal, but I know that my pores are still being cleaned. 

THP also has a mens skin care line, The Man,  that I think DJ would love to use! 

THP is willing to offer my readers one FREE bottle. They said they would love to have my readers try out Beautiful A.M. Moisturizer (for women) or You’re the Man A.M. Moisturizer (for men) and agreed to send one bottle FREE if you would pay a minimal shipping and handling charge. This is a one-time only offer!  They also agreed to include 2 eye-opening reports – The Poisons You Put On Your Face Everyday and Why Your Skin Care Products Have Never Worked: The Truth Revealed .”  That’s a total value of over $40.00. Click here to get your FREE Bottle and FREE reports now!”

THP also has a Facebook page, and just by 'liking' their page, you'll save $5.00 on your first order! Be sure to check out their Natural Health Blog and Newsletter too. 

THP is offering THREE of my readers a chance to WIN a bottle of the Beautiful AM Moisturizer! 

Giveaway will end Friday, February 7th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

By: Unknown On 05.00

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Monday Ramblings

It's Monday y'all! Can I get a Woot Woot?! Yeah, i'm not feeling it either, but alas, we are here again ready to start another work week. And, i'm only feeling it, because we are 5 days closer to the weekend! Here are a few ramblings for y'all to enjoy this Monday morning! (I had an entire different blog post planned, but that will have to wait until tomorrow!)

It was raining on  Friday, and the best way to wear your hair, at least in my opinion, is a low chignon on the side. I love how it's messy, but sort of chique at the same time! And, it also saves me about 15 minutes in the morning because I don't have to actually style my hair. I just tease the front and top a bit, and then pull it back into a messy bun.

Addy's daycare teacher sent me this picture of her last week. Apparently, my big girl is trying to grow up and is learning to sit up! I told DJ that this picture didn't really count because she's being supported by the boppy, but she did sit up for about 10 seconds at home this weekend all by her big self!

I have spent my evenings working on hair bows. My embroidery machine and I have been in our 2nd major argument, and it's refused to work for about two weeks now. So, I've been taking out my frustrations by making hair bows, and getting ready for a bow party this Friday night with some girl friends!

 

Side note: as of yesterday, my embroidery machine stitched out Gretchen's valentine day shirt with only a few major hiccups!

I've been trying to keep up with an instagram photo challenge this month, and yesterday's post was "shoes". So, there are my shoes from yesterday. I forgot to take a pic of my church shoes, so you get these montrosities (is that even how to spell that word?) I'm starting to think that these may be the uglies shoes ever, but darn it if they aren't warm and cozy! Anyway, you can instagram along too using the #eandajanchallenge

 

Tomorrow's post is "In your bag", followed by "bed head", "cheer", and "ride"..... those should be interesting!

 

Thanks Erika and Andrea for coming up with the challenge!

 

You can follow me on Instagram @ewelte

Yesterday morning, Gretchen took my cell phone. I later found almost 100 pictures that looked just like the ones above. She later said, she was trying to be a "fashionista".

I'm trying out this new skin care line, and after only 3 weeks, i'm already seeing the difference y'all! And, i'll be posting a full review and giveaway at the end of the month! You can see my before and current pictures on Instagram! Simply amazing if I do say so myself, and y'all they even personalize the bottle for you!

 

Alright lovelies, I have to work now. That's the not so fun part of my day- ha! I hope y'all have a good one! See you back here, same time, same spot tomorrow!

By: Unknown On 06.59

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A Few Features

I wanted to do something a little out of the norm today! I'm so thrilled to share with you custom products from two boutique pages on facebook! Normally, I don't share pages or feature items that are similar to my own, but these ladies are spectacular and over the weekend, they were my saving grace!

 

I know you'll want to 'like' these pages and keep them in mind should you ever need (or want) these gorgeous products!

 

Kailah is the owner at All Tied Up Bowtique and I've watched her business grow over the last year and I'm in love with her work! Sometimes I feel like I have such little talent that it's all in my pinky finger, and these ladies blow me out of the water!

I am gushing over this Sofia the First dress that Kailah created! If Gretchen saw this dress, she would want it. She would beg for it, and she'd probably cry until I bought it for her!

For the last year, I had planned on Megan having a Mermaid birthday party for her 3rd birthday. It looks like Gretchen may end up with that theme instead, but seriously, isn't this tutu skirt to die for?!

Kailah also started designing these split design character dresses! She made this Alice in Wonderland theme dress and I just love how it turned out! Check out the matching hat as well!

 

Can you say talent?!

 

Ashley is the owner at Amanda Rose Chic Boutique, and again, she's such a talented lady!

I love these hooded towels for the pool! And, wouldn't they make the cutest Christmas gift? Megan has a lobster towel from Target, but it's not as special as these custom made towels. And, I just love hooded towels at the pool.

How cute is Ashley's daughter! I love her little tutu, shirt, and super over the top hair bow!

Ashley even creates birthday hats and matching shirts!

 

Imagine the possibilities!!!

 

Please check out these ladies on facebook and let them know that I sent you their way!

 

Before you go, you'll want to check out Vine & Ever as well!

 

Madison is the photographer that we use here in Tulsa for all of our family pictures, and she and her husband are adopting a baby! I've been so excited for them since she told me the news several months ago! She and her husband have finally made it official on her blog and on this new facebook page, and they are selling adorable "Hi" hooded sweatshirts!

100% of the proceeds will fund their adoption and after they have raised money for their own adoption, they will then begin to help raise money for other families! How awesome is that!

 

They also have adorable head cozies, and "Keep Calm" prints for sale!

 

Be sure to check out these amazing ladies and suppor them in their work!

By: Unknown On 05.00

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The "Magic Christmas Pillow"

I am so excited to tell you about this "Magic Christmas Pillow!" This pillowcase will help your child fall fast asleep on Christmas Eve. Our pillows are made especially for your child by Santa's "elves" (okay, really myself & my mom) with your choice of fabric and trim! Monogramming is also available. Your child's pillowcase will be shipped with magical snow and a poem explaining the magic of the pillow. (Our poem is copyrighted, so please do not reproduce.)

 We have many fabric options available on our facebook page. You will also be able to choose your own fabric trim, and just to help you out, we've listed suggested colors. 

 For an additional $4.00, we will monogram your child's name on the trim of the pillowcase. 

 Your pillow poem is specified for a boy or girl, and will come on either green or red paper. We also have stripes and dots if you would like! 

Enclosed with the poem is "magical" snow sent straight from the North Pole!

You can incorporate the "Magic Christmas Pillow" with your Elf on the Shelf tradition, or start a brand new tradition in your family! Your little one will be so excited to fall asleep on their special pillowcase on Christmas eve with the promise of Santa bringing all the good little boys and girls presents and toys! 

Pillows are $18.00 each or 2 pillowcases made with the same fabric for $25.00. You may order by visiting Honey Pie Accessories and looking through our Christmas 2012 album  as well as our Christmas Fabric album. Feel free to comment on any of the photographs, send a private message, or send me an email at elainewelte@gmail.com.

We look forward to helping you create this new tradition with your family! 

By: Unknown On 18.47

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Custom Christmas Ornaments

I am so excited to show you these custom Christmas ornaments! The idea came to me a few weeks ago, and I thought it would be so much fun to add these to Honey Pie Accessories' inventory this holiday season! 

 All of these ornaments are shatter-proof and would be a perfect gift for your own honey pie, a niece or nephew, or even a co-worker! 

 Ornaments can be personalized with a name and year, and even your own custom saying. 

 All ready-to-ship ornaments are adorned with a bow, but you can custom order your ornament without a bow, or choose your own ribbon!

 These ornaments are only $5.00! 

 So, what are you waiting for. Pin this, or head over to HPA and order yourself some! 

By: Unknown On 14.23

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Tulsa Lifestyle Photographer: Review

I want to introduce you to Madison Vining Photography. She took our family photos last fall, and i'm still in love with them!

She is an amazing photographer here in Tulsa! She has been perfecting her art for the last two years, and has taken some amazing images! Not only does she shoot families, she takes amazing high school senior pictures, baby and children portraits, weddings, and my new favorite boudoir! 

 Here's one she took of G. This one is framed in my living room, and it's by far my favorite picture that has ever been taken of her! 

 Here's my chunky MC when she was just 4 1/2 months old! I love her eyes!

Madison has compiled a workbook where you can learn digital photography yourself! She teaches you all about your DSLR camera, lighting composition, and how to capture the perfect shots of your own kids! And, for THREE days only, "Very Jane" has picked up her workbook and is offering it at only half price! You can get her workbook here.  But, hurry, because only a limited amount are being offered! 

We met with Madison last Friday night and took our new family pictures and here's a sneek peak at one of them! Isn't it fabulous?!

I want to offer one more thing: MVP is having a referral contest on her facebook page. I am asking each of you that have read this post to please head over to her page and 'like' it- I promise, you'll love looking through the images! Next, and this is a MUST, find the status update on her wall that says, "Referral Contest", and comment with "Elaine Welte".... that lets her know that you found her through me! I am dying to win a boudoir photo shoot with Madison, and let's be honest, DJ wouldn't mind me winning either!!!!

I also want to thank Madison for always producing the most amazing images! I know that she'll be our "go-to" photographer while we are living in Tulsa! 

By: Unknown On 18.33

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Changes....

If you're just popping in my blog for today, you'll notice a few changes. First, I've changed the header, my welcome logo, and the background for this piece of home in blog land. I've also edited and deleted some sidebar images.

This change comes along with a few other changes to my Facebook page.  I have to give a shout out to Karen at Designs on Demand for customizing new images on Honey Pie's page. After four years of crafting, it's about time I get a real logo!

Karen was amazing to work with! I had no idea what look I really wanted, so I looked through her previous designs and gave her two that I loved. I told her I wanted something whimsical, and she immediately sent me three designs. We discussed each one, and after two re-edits, she developed my new logo!

She also made a timeline cover to match:

Thank you so much Karen for making me feel official!

And, to you followers & fans, use the code design10 to take 10% off ANY order!

By: Unknown On 18.57

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Friday Family Night

La La La La La La....... we had family movie night tonight and I so much enjoyed it! G has done so well at sleeping in her own bed every night this week that I decided we would rent a movie after school today and that we would have a family movie night!

We went to the movie store and we narrowed our choices down to the Smurfs, Rio, or Charlotte's Web.
G finally settled on The Smurfs, and I was kind of excited because I love Neil Patrick Harris (even though he has a little sugar in his britches) I so remember watching him growing up and thinking he was a hottie (still is!)

DJ got home from work and we made tacos & cheese dip and enjoyed a not so quiet family dinner thanks to MC. Once the dishes were cleaned up and MC went to bed we popped popcorn and turned on our movie.

I told G earlier in the day that for family movie night we'd eat popcorn and snuggle together on the couch. She equally snuggled with both DJ, in his chair, and me, on the couch.

When we lived in Indiana, we would rent movies almost every weekend! I realized, while we were at the video store, that we hadn't rented movies and cuddled up in almost a year! It was so refreshing to just slow down, enjoy each other, and share a few laughs!

And, if you haven't seen the Smurfs, I do recommend it!

How did you spend your Friday night?

By: Unknown On 08.02

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