The other day I was talking fashion with a friend and they made a comment about suspenders.  That reminded me of how often I actually see women wearing suspenders in a very fashionable manner whether it be on the runway, on TV, or in a magazine.  But when you first hear the word suspenders you always think of something goofy and nerdy right?  Well here are a few different ensembles where women show you how to correctly and fashionably wear suspenders.

I'm definitely not saying I could pull this look off, but they certainly can!

What other items can you think of that people don't always think of as fashionable, yet they can be proven wrong?

Melie Bianco Denise Contrast Satchel Bag at Silvia's Handbags

I am in love with the Melie Bianco Denise Contrast Satchel Bag over at Silvia's Handbags! It's so gorgeous and versatile! If you like bright neon colors this is perfect for you!  It's not only a handbag but can also be worn as a cross body bag!  It comes in orange, blue, or yellow.  This bag has a top zip closure, the regular champagne colored lining, and interior side zip pockets, and a cell phone pocket!  It measures 14" wide, 12" high, and 5" deep and has a 16" double handle with a 6" drop! What a beautiful bag!

My Dog's Bakery Review & *Giveaway* Ends 12/25

My Dog’s Bakery is an awesome website where you can purchase healthy personalized dog treats. This is great for special occasions and gifts for both humans and dogs! Because these treats are baked, they are fresher and healthier than what you can buy at the store.

I received several goodies from My Dog’s Bakery. First of all, I was so ecstatic when I received a treat with the Ask Away logo on it!! This is great for businesses! Say you get your dog groomed quite often and want a great way to thank the groomer. Well, why not order some customized treats with the logo on them!? Or, if you have some sort of pet service, you can do this and hand out the treats to all of your customers!

I also received a photo treat and name treat, and even a paw print treat! My dogs literally yanked them out of my hands and ran away to devour them! The photo treat was awesome! It was such great quality! I was so excited, I had to take pictures because I knew these wouldn’t last. The name treat was so cute, I loved the font and I loved how easy it was to break into smaller pieces for my pup’s tiny mouths! And the paw print, so adorable!! These treats would be great gifts!!

My Advice: Spoil your dogs with fresh healthy treats rather than treats that are packed with artificial flavors and preservatives!

One lucky winner will receive 2 medium Name Treats ( same name or different) in red holiday writing OR
Traditional carob writing.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Verilux Light Review

As an advice blogger, I get a lot of emails around this time of year about how to beat the winter blues.  I’ve noticed people have a lot more work problems, relationship problems, and just life in general problems now that it’s dark, cold, and depressing outside! This is where Verilux comes into play.  Verilux provides healthy lamps and lighting to brighten your spirits for whatever reasons they may need brightening!

I currently suffer from SAD – or Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Because I spend less time in the sunlight in the winter (I work in an office building) I tend to feel more lethargic and often times wonder why I feel so bummed out.  I also struggle to wake up in the morning, which leads to me feeling tired all day and irritable.   Tanning is not healthy, so I’ve pretty much cut that out of my life so I can’t really say that it can help me.  So when I discovered Verilux I was so happy!

Verilux sent me a HappyLight 6000 Energy Lamp.   First of all, this lamp was so easy to set up! I pulled it out of the box, snapped a piece or two together, and plugged it in. The cord is just the right length and I can plug it in almost anywhere that I can sit near!  So how does the HappyLight work anyways?  Well, I had to read the manual to find out, and it was very very easy to read so I fell in love with this lamp already, before I even used it.  To use the Happylight, you just sit in front of it (6-24 inches) and slightly offset from the center. *You don’t need to look directly into it.* There’s a high setting for morning and a low setting for the afternoon.  Your eyes do have to be open for the full benefits to be achieved. You can sit in front of it for 30 minutes to an hour.

Since I am SO groggy in the mornings, especially in winter, I sat the Verilux at my breakfast nook.  When I wake up I grab coffee, feed my dogs, and start working on my blog on my laptop while I eat my morning bagel.  So now, I flip the HappyLight on, and I put it next to my laptop.  I’m centered in front of my laptop and slightly off center from the HappyLight. By the time I leave for work, I’m full of energy and I must say, I’m more alert and optimistic.  Sometimes in the evening if I feel like I just want to sleep right after work, I’ll sit in front of the HappyLight again.

My Advice: After several weeks of solid use, I really can see a change in my mood versus previous years.  The HappyLight is a great investment.  I **HIGHLY** recommend this to anyone who struggles with the winter blues.  I have been telling people about this product left and right!

I received no monetary compensation for this review. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Neater Feeder Review & *Giveaway* Ends 12/16

The Neater Feeder is a pet feeder for food and water that comes in several different sizes. It helps your pet eat in a cleaner way that creates much less mess, especially for you! Spilled food is contained and spilled water is contained separately so it won’t mix. The spilled water drains down to the bottom so you can easily dump it out once your pet is done eating.

I received a Neater Feeder and it really helped out in my household. I have 3 Chihuahuas and Grace is the one that tends to pick through her food. She will pull out certain pieces and set them aside and then Pixie runs over to try to eat them. Dinner time is full of growls at my place! Well, once I began using this, Pixie couldn’t grab the dropped pieces so it made it much more quiet, plus I had less to clean up after Grace was done. It was really a great relief and the size for Grace was just right!

My Advice: This is great if you have multiple pets. My dogs try to eat each other’s food so this gives them their own personal space and if they are messy eaters, no one else can try to steal the dropped food. 

One lucky winner will receive a Neater Feeder in the size and color of their choice!

Coppins Gifts Review & *Giveaway* Ends 12/15

Coppins Gifts is a great place to go for a gift for practically anyone. They have a great selection of gift items, but I especially love their jewelry options. Their Davinici Beads are adorable and they have such a great variety to choose from.

I received a Toggle bracelet and 3 charms of my choice. I chose my birthstone, a purse, and paws. The paws represent my 3 Chihuahuas and how big a part of my life they are. My birthstone is obviously there because it’s my birthstone and I love the color of peridot. And the purse…well, I love handbags of course so my bracelet wouldn’t be complete without it. Now let me tell you, I love this bracelet.

It’s so easy to get on and off but it hasn’t slipped off once when I didn’t want it to so it’s very reassuring for me. It also isn’t overly clunky and it doesn’t get in the way when I’m active or typing or at work. I get a lot of compliments on it and it’s fun explaining what each bead means. I plan to add on to it every so often as well!

My Advice: Charm Bracelets are a great way to keep memories and if you get one for someone as a gift, you can get them charms as gifts for years to come!

One winner will receive a toggle bracelet and 3 beads of their choice!

Losing pounds and inches is easier with the Slim-Fast 3-2-1 Plan!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Slim-Fast for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Recently, I have noticed an extra few inches on my belly that I would love to get rid of. I've been working on this for months by eating healthier foods, smaller portions, and exercising regularly. 

I recently purchased the Slim-Fast Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Meal Bars. They are so good and are great in the morning. I am usually in a rush so I don't have time to make breakfast so these give me a quick fix and lots of energy in the morning so I'm not dragging all the way to lunch!

 

I am really trying to lose weight and inches with the Slim-Fast 3-2-1 Plan. It's very flexible which is great for me since I'm so busy and hectic all of the time. The 3 from 3-2-1 is for 3 snacks that you get each day, such as fruits, nuts, or veggies. The 2 is for the 2 Slim-Fast Shakes or Meal Bars per day. They provide good nutrition just as a meal would. The 1 is for 1 balanced meal because you get to enjoy 1 500 calore meal per day. So it's super easy to understand and easy to follow!

This whole 3-2-1 plan is perfect for the holidays.  You don't have to skip your family meal at all.  Instead, make your Holiday meal your one 500 calorie meal per day.  That way you don't have to lose out, and you don't have to explain to everyone why you can't eat with them, because you can!

 

I liked  Slim-Fast on Facebook and you should too!

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - My Favorites

I think it's safe to say last night's VS Fashion Show was a success, but when isn't it?

Well I especially loved the "dark angel" because ofcourse I like things much different.

There were some great wings, especially the super hero themed ones, and awesome performances by Maroon 5, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, and Kanye West.  The models did great and they looked amazing in their outfits.

Which was your favorite look?

Jessica Simpson LOVES Leopard

I guess it's a pretty good idea that Jessica Simpson's own line has a lot of leopard in it, because she certainly looks good in it.  When I see her in it, I always think to myself "Hm, I need more leopard, I should check out her line!"   Whether it's handbags, shoes, or clothing, she really knows how to rock it! Here are just a few photos of Jessica showing off her wild side!

Grrrr!

And check this out.. I literally SCREAMED when I saw this.... I know I'll never have this bag but a girl can dream right? It's like the perfect mix of Louis and leopard! AHHHH!

Roma Boots Review

Roma Boots keep your feet warm and dry by keeping your feet comfortable in a durable and practical pair of boots. Roma gives boots to children in underprivileged countries as well so they can have the luxury of staying warm and dry.    Footwear like this is a luxury, and I think many of us take it for granted.  This is why I love Roma!

Check out this touching video below to explain a bit more

I received a pair of Taupe Roma Boots.  They are so comfortable, easy to get on, and very durable.  They are the perfect weight as well, while some boots are way too heavy, these were great for walking briskly into work, or dealing with the snow.   

These boots are very easy to move around in and I like the color since it is neutral and goes with any outfit, not necessarily as a fashion accessory, but at least it doesn’t look bizarre! 

 With my boots I also receive a photograph of a group of kids in an underprivileged country, posing with their boots.  The picture didn’t mean much to me at first, but I hung it on my fridge.  Each day as I got something out of my fridge I would see the picture with all the smiling faces, all because of boots. Something we take for granted most days.  Something we spend WAY too much money on to have nearly useless shoes that look good, but really don’t protect our feet.  And here was a group of people that really couldn’t even afford the basic needs. I’m truly touched, and I keep the picture there so that it reminds me NEVER TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED!

My Advice: Roma Boots are great for keeping your feet warm and dry, and  since they have such a good message behind them, you'll feel even better about wearing them.

I received no monetary compensation for this review. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

How to Look Great in Photographs

I saw this awesome article over at the Daily Makeover on how to look great in pictures, so I've decided to highlight the tips!

1. Chin Up
Keep your chin up - no, I mean literally!  It prevents you from showing the icky double chin, and it also helps you smile more naturally. Keep your chin away from your neck as well.  Remember on picture day when they always told you how to position your chin and head? Now you know why!

2. Stand at an Angle.
You will look taller and leaner if you aren't staring the camera head on. Always angle yourself and if you have a "good side", now is your chance to put that side out.

3. Mind your Hand Placement.
You know how the models in the lingerie catalogs always have their hand on their hip? Yep, do that! It makes your hips and your arms look great and toned.

4. Flash a genuine smile.
Think of the camera as a person and don't squint or squeeze to hard.  Someone once told me to put the tip of your tongue on the back of your two front teeth, and then close your bottom lip up so it covers your bottom teeth.  It's worked for me!

Check out the article for more tips!

Gourmet Gift Baskets Christmas Gifts & Get 2 Free Donations to Injured Soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Center!

Christmas is approaching fast, and it’s very easy to become overwhelmed with the task of choosing and purchasing gifts for everyone on your list, especially if it’s something you are mailing. What if it doesn’t get there on time? What if you don’t have the time to properly package it and ship it? Well, Gourmet Gift Baskets just made this whole process easier for you! Gourmet Gift Baskets has a great selection of Christmas Gifts.

The great thing about sending a gift from Gourmet Gift Baskets is that there are so many to choose from. They have ones with snacks, candies, and nuts and even ones with beer samples! Have someone that loves fruit? Send a fruit basket! There’s even a cheesecake sampler!!

My Advice: Save time, money, and a lot of energy by sending out gift baskets to friends or relatives you may not see in person, or who don’t live close to you.

And this Holiday season let’s not forget the soldiers who fight for us everyday and aren’t able to be home with their loved ones. Gourmet Gift Baskets is doing something GREAT for injured soldiers at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. For writing this blog post on their website, they are donating 2 care packages to injured soldiers at Walter Reed! How awesome is that!!!

And even better… you can now have two gift baskets sent in YOUR name to injured soldiers at Walter Reed.

All you have to do is:

1. Write up a blog post about the great selection of Christmas Gifts at Gourmet Gift Baskets and how they make a great gift for someone.
2. Include this link in the post: http://www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com/Christmas-Gift-Baskets.asp
3. Post your blog entry on your blog any time between November 21st and December 9th.
4. Fill out the rafflecopter form below which asks for your blog post link.

One Blog Entry PER Blog…. If you run two blogs, you can do one post on each one of your blogs, but you can’t post two separate posts on the same blog. Email me if you are confused.

On December 10th, I’ll collect all the links, names, and email addresses and give them to my contact at Gourmet Gift Baskets so he can prepare the care packages!

Have fun and spread the news!

Comfort Zone Pets Review

Comfort Zone Pets is for both dogs and cats but today I am going to discuss the dog aspect, since I have 3 dogs and I used this for them.  My one Chihuahua Grace tends to get stressed out when there are a lot of people over or if it’s unusually loud.  She gets anxious, paces, and whines.  So when I received a Comfort Zone Diffuser and three refills (a three month supply) I was thrilled.  It’s been only 2 months and I already see a change with Grace.

The way the diffuser works is that it emits pheromones which are used in nature between animals to communicate.  When animals receive the signals from pheromones they smell, it has an involuntary behavioral effect on them.  The pheromones in from Comfort Zone pets are appeasing.  They mimic the pheromones secreted by nursing mother dogs that send a signal of comfort and safety to their puppies.  This means that when Grace senses the pheromone from my diffuser, she starts to feel secure and comfortable.  This makes her stop whining and relax and stop pacing around in circles.

I also noticed something with Stella.  Stella has been having accidents on a regular basis in the same spot.  It’s usually in the morning.  I wake up to find she decided to go number 2 NOT on her pee pad.  I know that when you have multiple dogs they do this to claim their own territory, since the pee pads might be taken over by Pixie and Grace.  Stella probably feels she has to do it some place different. After about a month of using the diffuser, Stella stopped marking.  This means that she no longer felt nervous or anxious about having to make her presence known.  I can’t smell the diffuser at all, it’s totally unnoticed to me.  But obviously, it’s having a positive impact on my dogs! 

I am so thrilled that this solved problems I didn’t even know they had!! I have one more month’s supply then I’ll look into purchasing another few refills.

You can find Comfort Zone products at Petsmart, petco, and several other retailers.  Here is a $10 coupon. 

My Advice: If something like this won't help your pet's behavioral issues, it's a good idea to see a professional trainer, or ask your vet if there could be an existing medical condition.

I received no monetary compensation for this review. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

DOOG (Dog Owners Outdoor Gear) Review

DOOG is a website for pet owners that offers a line of dog walking products and products you will use when outdoors or on the go with your dog. But best of all, these products are useful and convenient to humans as well.  So it takes care of 2 major needs with one product!  DOOG stands for Dog Owners Outdoor Gear.

For instance, you know how when you go on a walk, you have to bring your keys, your phone, your water bottle, and whatever else you may need? Yea, it’s a pain isn’t it? Having to lug all that stuff along and find a pocket for it.  Well DOOG has an amazing solution to that...  Walkie Belts! 

 Walkie Belts fit comfortably across your waist and free up your hands so it’s easier to hold your dog’s leash and control them.  You can also carry a clean up bag, money, treats, and anything else you might need!  Even an ipod!  The Walkie Belt comes with:

An iPod clip

20 Tiday bags

2 pockets for holding keys, phone, money, treats

20 antibacterial scented hand wipes (yes, you know what it’s for!)

A tennis ball holder (black version only)

A carabiner for attaching your dogs leash to it.

I received a Walkie Belt and boy did it come in handy especially because I have 3 dogs, all of whom always walk at different paces.  Instead of switching hands and turning in circles I was able to attach two of the leashes of the slow walkers to my Walkie Belt, and just hold Grace’s leash (my speed demon) and control her better. This was such a relief.  It made walking more relaxing and less frustrating. 

Check out DOOG today on Facebook.

I received no monetary compensation for this review. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

SnapSac Review & *Giveaway* Ends 11/22

The SnapSac is an eco-friendly way to stay fashionable while running errands. Sometimes a purse gets in the way when we are are running errands and it’s just too much to handle with a handbag and several shopping bags. With the SnapSac you can carry your wallet and coupons, and also the few groceries you get on a quick run. Or if you are running to the post office, why not throw your letters in there?

Best of all, The SnapSac comes in so many different styles and designs! I received an adorable SnapSac and I can tell you that it’s very versatile and didn’t get in the way at all. I took it with me whenever I had a return, had to stop at the post office, do some banking, grab a small item here or there, and for light grocery runs! I got many compliments and I was pleased to see how sturdy it was, and didn’t have to worry about any rips or tears!

One lucky winner will win a SnapSac of their own!

Cute Cold Weather Headwear for Fall

Fall might not be freezing cold, but it does get nippy, especially with the wind.  I like the breeze, but it sure does do damage to my hair.  Wind can cause hair to tangle and the other most frustrating thing is when pieces of your hair keep blowing into your face (nose, mouth, eyes, OUCH!).  Well, I was at Target last week and I picked up one of these in black and grey.  This way I can keep my head warm, look stylish, and keep the wind from messing up my hair!

Here are some other cute ideas!

Heat Things Up This Winter

Well, it’s cold out and it’s getting darker sooner.  So rather than become a vegetable and go into hibernation and end up getting cabin fever with your significant other…embrace this time together.  Seriously, you could sit around and be at each other’s throats, or you could try to have fun!

This is where EdenFantasys comes into play.  No, No, No, it’s not just a website for sex toys.  There are plenty of other things at EdenFantasys that can help spice your love life up. 

I’m serious… they really do have great stuff especially lingerie!  Wouldn’t it be great to surprise your lover when they come home from a long day at work?  Why don’t you have a mini fashion show? He would love that!

Not only is lingerie good for the both of you but it’s a great self esteem booster for yourself.  Boyfriend working late?  Why not make the best of it and do housework in your lingerie.  Check yourself out in the mirror when you walk by it, too. Go on with your bad self! Really! 

Fashion is not only about what clothes you wear when you go out, it’s about what you wear at home that makes you feel good as well!