Blueberry Greek Yogurt Bar Heaven on Atkins 40

Sunday, November 30, 2014





So this week I want to share with my readers how much I have learned about sticking to my diet even when I'm on the go.

When I'm not at work, I'm either writing or cleaning or tending to my social life. There's not always time to cook something healthy to eat but that's why I love Atkins Advantage bars. Their Blueberry Greek Yogurt bar is delicious! It's so easy to eat in the car or running to my next destination.


It's packed with fiber and protein to help keep me satisfied when I'm just too easy to have a full meal.
I have also put together some tips on how to stay on track even on the go.

[] Plan ahead. If I know I have a busy day coming up during my week, I make sure I make a note in my planner to toss a bar in my handbag so that when the day comes, I'm not frantic and trying to find something to eat.

[] Stay hydrated. Even when I don't have time to eat a full meal, I still remember to keep water with me at all times and stay hydrated.

[] Plan my workouts around my busy life. Each week I look at my schedule for the week and I schedule my work outs based how they work with THAT specific week's schedule.

So far, these are all working for me. Next week I will share with you the important of a healthy breakfast!

For more information check out: http://atkins.com.

Also, you'll find the Atkins Facebook Page has a lot of fun updates here: http://www.facebook.com/AtkinsDiet and so does their Twitter here: https://twitter.com/atkinsinsider

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Atkins.





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2 Jobs, 1 Treat

Saturday, November 29, 2014

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With 4 pups running around, life can get kind of hectic and sometimes I forget to brush their teeth.  But I found a way to spoil them and keep them occupied all while freshening their breath thanks to Tropiclean Fresh Breath Plus from Chewy!



These have Glucosamine in them which supports healthy join and cartilage function. This is great for my little dogs that jump off higher surfaces and put a lot of impact on their legs!   I also love these because ingredients like Blueberry help fight plaque-forming bacteria and support the immune system.  These are also made in the USA so I don't have to worry about anything!



My dogs seriously go crazy for these. They line up and grab there treat and go! It occupies them, gives me time to get stuff done, and keeps their bresh kissably fresh!





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The Easy Fix to Wear Flats in Cold Weather

Friday, November 28, 2014

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Too often we go to choose our shoes for the day and we avoid flats because we worry that our feet will be too cold.  I love my boots but sometimes there are cute outfits that I totally want to wear my flats with.


Don't you dare pack those flats away yet, instead invest in SummerSox.  Not only will they keep your flats stink-free because your barefeet won't touch them, but your foot will be a bit warmer! 

They create a little extra barrier between your bare feet and the cold ground underneath your shoes!!   And they are great because you can just toss them in the wash and reuse them again and again!

 
They come in fun fashionable colors and patterns. Leopard is my favorite obviously!

Which is your favorite?

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Faux Leopard Glam

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I used to think a coat was just something you wore to stay warm, until I realized that having a stylish AND warm jacket makes a huge difference.   It's fun to show it off when you run errands and make your way into the office everyday.







This coat is the Leopard Print Wool Coat from CoffeeShop Coats.  It's so warm and so comfortable! 

So What I Wore:
Leopard Print Wool Coat - CoffeeShop Coats; Jeans - J Brand; Boots - Just Fab.



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My ULTIMATE List of Black Friday Deals

Thursday, November 27, 2014

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6PM // Black Friday 15% off
DATE: 11.27 – 11.28
CODE: 6PMEU112720141585
Athleta // 20% off
DATE: 11.28-11.30
CODE: FIT20
Banana Republic (US)// 50% off 1 full-priced item
DATE: 11.27-11.28
CODE: BRFIFTY
// 40% off sitewide
DATE: 11.27-11.28
CODE: BRFORTY
Calvin Klein // Black Friday  50% off sitewide
DATE: 11.28
Charlotte Russe //  up to 60% off + free shipping
DATE: 11.27-11.29
Express // Black Friday 50% sitewide
DATE: 11.28
Forever 21 // Black Friday deals under $5, $10, $20
DATE: 11.27-11.30
// Extra 30% off clearance
DATE: 11.27-11.30
Gap (US) // Black Friday  50% off sitewide
DATE: 11.27-11.28
J. Crew // Black Friday 30% off select full-price styles and additional 40% off sale + free shipping, no mimimum
DATE: 11.26-11.30
CODE: HOLIDAY
Juicy Couture // 50% off sitewide + free shipping
DATE: 11.26-11.30
CODE: JCBLACK
Kate Spade Saturday // Black Friday 30% off sitewide + free shipping
DATE: 11.26-11.30
CODE: DEALME
ModCloth // Black Friday 50% Off 100s of new arrivals
DATE: 11.26-11.30 at 10am PT
Nordstrom // up to 40% off select product
Old Navy - entire store will be 50% off
DATE: 11.27 (4pm) – 11.28
Old Navy is bringing back its second annual “Overnight Millionaire” giveaway, where the first 100 customers to line up will receive a game card, loaded with a change to win $1 million
Sole Society // Black Friday 30% off all footwear
DATE: 11.28
// 30% off all footwear & bags
DATE: 11.29-11.30
Lulu & Georgia // Black Friday spend $250, get 20% off
DATE: 11.28
CODE: PUMPKINPIE20
// Spend $500, get 25% off
DATE: 11.28
CODE: PUMPKINPIE25
// Spend $1000, get 30% off
DATE: 11.28
CODE: PUMPKINPIE30





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My Easy Solution To Eat More Fruit

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In case you didn't already know,  I've been living back at my parent's house for the past year.   Because of this, I have very very limited storage space in the kitchen.  So eating fresh fruit just doesn't happen these days.  Where would I keep it? Why waste the money if it just starts to spoil after the first few days.   



So I decided to start invest in the OneBar.  It's got a full service of fruit in each bar.  It's perfect for on the go and also for in a kid's lunchbox.  It can't get smashed, smooshed, or spoil and it's great for a quick snack when you are starving.  It contains antioxidants and added chicory for flavor. It also contains a superfruit called baobab which has amazing health benefits. 

Cherry, mango, and apple are delicious but mango was my favorite. It was so nice to have as a quick snack and I loved the sweet fruity taste.  It's so much easier for me to get way more fruits in my diet now and I'm all about convenience!  

Does anyone else have a situation similar to mine and what do you do? 






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That Time Someone Used My Target Account

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

So yesterday I went to get on my personal email and I had this notification from Target that I had a shipment on the way. 


Oh, and apparently my name changed to Keith?   But wait my name isn't really Keith and I had been at work all day so how did I put in an order? 

I assumed someone used my email address for the confirmation, so I signed into my Target.com account.  I realized that my name was Keith because the payment method used for this purchase was billed to a guy named Keith's credit card.  

So I called the Target customer service number. Of course someone answered and it was very hard to understand them so after a few initial miscommunications and me asking if someone was in my account (and he said no), he then said someone was in my account and they got my password so I should change it.   Actually, this guy was really shitty and I really got no help from him without me asking a question first.  Initially all he planned to do was read me the order info. DUH I ALREADY HAVE IT!

So I did change my password but I am very grateful that my Visa card info wasn't used for anything.   I decided to delete all my saved billing info and card numbers out of my Target.com account.   I use Paypal for most stuff anyways, and now I know why. 



Has this ever happened to you? 








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A Fur Free Wardrobe

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

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With 4 dogs and 2 cats and my parent's dog, it's a pretty fur place I'm living in right now.  As a fashionista, I find that there is fur everywhere and it's a struggle to leave the house without looking like a crazy dog lady.   That's why every woman should invest in a Lilly Brush Be Forever Furless!


The Be Forever Furless picks up lint and pet hair with a few quick swipes thanks to it's nylon bristles and is super comfortable to use because of it's ergonomic handle. 




By dampening the bristles and wiping them back and forth across the bedding and furniture, I pick up SO MUCH fur that normally would be on my clothing! Seriously at $19.95 it's the perfect stocking stuffer for any pet owner!  This brush is easily washed with soap and water.  I love the red color which is always easy to find in drawers. 

So tell me, are you asking for this in your stocking?







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Fierce Business

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I like to keep it classy and businesslike most of the time but a few wild leopard spots can't hurt right? 







So What I Wore:
Blouse - Zara; Boots - Impo Footwear; Bag - Kate Spade 2 Park Avenue Beau Bag; Jeans - Second Denim.





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How Can I Make My Garden Something Really Special?

Monday, November 24, 2014

When we think about home decor and style, we tend to consider the inside of our homes. Whilst this is fine, sometimes it is important to pay attention to the exterior too. People tend to concentrate on the inside as they feel this is how they are able to be the most creative. If you are someone that wants to let their own style free then a patch of grass with some flowers is just not going to cut it.

The good news is that when it comes to creating the outdoor space of your dreams, there are many different things that you can do. This is great because it allows you to be as adventurous and creative as you would like.

An Outdoor Living Area

One of the nicest ideas can be to create an outdoor living area. Whilst you might not be able to sit out here all year round, it's lovely to have somewhere to go when the weather is fine. A paved area works well for this as it gives you solid foundations to start from. You can then set about creating an outdoor space that works for you. This could be adding comfortable seating, a BBQ, fairy lights, a hot tub or anything else that you think you would like to enjoy from the comfort of your own garden.


Watching TV Outdoors

If you really want to be adventurous then why not add a TV screen that you can watch outside? Many people assume that this is something that isn't possible, but it is. Of course you can't just take your normal TV outside and put it in the garden, you need to take some precautions to make sure it doesn't get ruined by the weather. The best way to do this is to get in touch with a company who specialise in outdoor TVs. That way they can recommend the best products and services for your needs. Without a shadow of doubt you need a TV with a weatherproof case. These outdoor TV cases make sure that your TV is well protected from the elements.

Something For The Children

If you have young children or you have children that are likely to visit then why not turn your garden into a fun playground? Play equipment isn't expensive to buy and you can really create something fun and exciting. You do need to think about the age of the children you are going to be entertaining. That way you can buy age appropriate play equipment for them - the company you are buying from should be able to help you with this.

There are so many fun & exciting ideas when it comes to gardens. Water features, allotments, conservatories, outdoor offices and much, much more. You need to think about what you would like to see in your garden and then set about making it happen. Be as adventurous as you like, because whatever you have in mind you can be sure that there are companies that can help make it happen.



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Psst // I'm Looking For Other Fashion/Lifestyle Bloggers in Pennsylvania


Are you from Pennsylvania and are a lifestyle/fashion blogger?


If so please comment below with your name, blog, and email address or email me at ellenr886@gmail.com .

I'm trying to find a few other bloggers in my state and my niche in the hopes of organizing a couple of meetups each year.   Spread the news and share!






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10 Ways to Avoid Overspending Around the Holidays




1// Avoid Unnecessary Black Friday Shopping 
Sure you can get great deals if you really need the item, but you can usually get the same deal online. Just read the fine print in the sales flyer.  Also most in-store Black Friday purchases are impulse, so if you don't need anything in particular and you are tight on money this year, stay home! 

2// Embrace Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday deals can be done online, obviously so you can add exactly what you need to your cart, without being distracted by sales displays as you would in a store.

3// Shop your home
If you have unused candles and beauty products, put them all in a box so that at the end of the year, you can shop your own supply.  Put together a gift basket for someone using beauty products, candles, etc. 

4// Resist the urge to buy for yourself
When you go out Christmas shopping, keep in mind that you brought along money for other people, NOT yourself.  Don't be distracted along the way.  Make a list and stick to it. 

5// Set a $$ Limit per person
If you only have $200 to spend, and you have 6 people to buy for, figure out what you can spend on each person and STICK to that budget. 

6//Don't buy for everyone
Sometimes we get in the spirit of giving and we see something that would be perfect for our office buddy.  If you don't have the money set aside for that person, resist the urge to buy it!  Unless you have plans to exchange that year, they don't need to be on your list. A card and some homemade cookies will be just fine. 

7// Don't fall for "deals"
Sometimes things are advertised at a low price around the holidays, when in reality, you can buy the item for a lower price in the off season.  It's smart to keep tabs on prices all year round so you know what's a good deal and what isn't.  

8// Shop early
Don't ever wait till the last minute.  Shipping prices will put a dent in your wallet when it comes to buying online, and when you wait till last minute to shop in stores, you tend to be more likely to overspend or overlook a high price. 

9// Home made gifts are just as nice
If you know someone that loves to pamper themselves, and they are on your list, why not look around for recipes for DIY sugar scrubs, lotions, etc.  The cost of the materials you need won't be too expensive, and a jar with a cute ribbon around it will be a great finishing touch! 

10// Services are free to give in most cases
Instead of buying someone a product, think about a service they may need.  Do they have kids? Why not design a cute coupon for them to redeem for a night out with you as the babysitter for the kids, FREE OF CHARGE.   If you are good at cleaning, organizing, landscaping, etc. those are also great services to give away.


What way do you always end up overspending around the holidays?


Be sure to join my Facebook group, Fixing Your Finances, to help you with your finance journey along the way. 


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Combining Home Decor with Pet Furnishings // PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain

Saturday, November 22, 2014

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When you have as many pets as I do, it's hard to keep your house looking all prim and proper with home decor.  But if you can find a way to get pet furnishings to look like home decor, that's a MAJOR win!




 THIS is the way that I decorate in style and keep my babies hydrated! It's the PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain! It's a stylish ceramic fountain that freshly filters and recirculates 70 ounces of free-flowing water for your pets.   The water is actually kept cleaner and fresher than it would be in a normal bowl.  The ceramix is more hygienic and it's easy to clean.  The upper and lower dishes provid 2 drink areas for pets and it's perfect for a multiple pet household where some furkids don't know how to take turns.  My dogs love it because the free-falling streams add oxygen and it makes the water fresher so they end up drinking more!




I love how this fountain is set up. It's so pretty!  But I love most of all that it needs a major need in  my babies! Did you know that your pet needs approximately one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day? Just like humans, if a pet is dehydrated it can lead to major health problems.  Water is so essential to a pet's overall health and well-being that you should always make sure it's fresh.  If you are like me and have a busy lifestyle, it's easier to have a product that does it for you which is why I'm so glad I have this fountain!

Is the Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain going on YOUR Christmas List this year?  







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