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What's The Hype About Hemp?

Monday, September 16, 2019

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I'm sure you've heard people talk about how amazing hemp is but I'm really trying to educate you about hemp in this post so I'm going to try to explain what it is, what the benefits of hemp are, and how you can use hemp by showing you how I use it. 



What I'm Loving This Month

Friday, June 28, 2019

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Summer is always full of outside fun for me but once it gets hot and sticky I re-focus on taking care of my home, my health, and my pets with new products I find.  So here's what I'm loving this month! 


What I'm Loving Lately + A Giveaway

Friday, May 31, 2019

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I LOVE showing off my favorite things and it's been a while since I did so.  Lately, I've found some amazing fashion, beauty, and general everyday life products and I'm so excited to show you!!!!    



 So I started using some new hair products and I'm in LOVE!!!!  The NIUCOCO line of hair care products is a salon-grade line that's natural, vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Their hydrating shampoo smells so good and it really makes my hair shiny and keeps my scalp moisturized, which has always been a struggle for me. To go with that is the smoothing conditioner which is ideal for me this time of year when my hair gets frizzy and messy.  Ever since I started using this, it's smoother, and seems to not mind the humidity as much.  I'm not constantly fixing my hair and smoothing it down. My hair is also SUPER SOFT!  I finish my hair routine after every shower by using the renewing serum to protect my hair when I blow dry and straighten it.  This serum helps get rid of the frizz as well and has an amazing scent (coconut).   It's so important to use all natural AND cruelty free products on your body so check out NIUCOCO today! 

I Made Decorative Tile Art!

Friday, October 5, 2018

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The other weekend it was raining almost non stop and I was getting cabin fever stuck in my house.  Luckily, I had a really fun craft activity to try out and I had a blast doing it! In fact I think I found my next crafting project hobby. Decorative Tile Art by Lydia D'Moch is an awesome kit that comes with an instructional booklet, all the supplies you need (except isopropyl spray which you get yourself at the drugstore) and 4 tiles to design.  The best part is these can be just for decoration around your house, used as actual tiling on wall, or practical usage like coasters!

The Benefits of ShapeOn Shapewear

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

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Today we are going to talk about ShapeOn Shapewear because I think if there's one thing every woman needs to own it is most certainly shapewear. I absolutely adore my ShapeOn Shaper and I wear it A LOT.   You'll never know though because it's so discreet! This 16 point Shaper has smart-knit technology that gives you comfort in the stomach area with no awkward compression that feels like you're being squeezed.  It's also great because it's a thin fabric that's very breathable and it has advanced body sculpting effects.   It stays in place without rolling too and it's great to wear in the summer heat.  So here are a few more details about some of the benefits of the ShapeOn Shaper

More Wardrobe Options
You know that dress or top you never wear because it shows your gut or belly rolls? Well, you can wear it now! One of the most upsetting things for me with my wardrobe is when I feel like I can't wear certain favorite pieces because they aren't very flattering.  With the Shaper everything is flattering!  It has awesome non-rolling bands on the top and bottom so you can wear it under a dress without having to constantly adjust it. 


Remember though, the Shaper isn't just limited to dresses.  You can wear it with anything you want even jeans and a top.  Below I'm wearing it with simple yoga capris and a tank top.  Oh and there's an opening in the groin area so that you don't have to pull the Shaper down everything you go to the bathroom.  That makes it SUPER convenient because I hear a lot of women complain that when they wear shapewear it's a huge ordeal to go to the bathroom.




Body Confidence
When you look good you feel good and you have a more positive attitude.  I am in such a better mood these days because I know I look awesome in my clothing every day.  I don't have to feel flustered and stressed because I am having a bloated morning and I know that my outfit looks good on me no matter what I'm wearing. When I'm feeling body confident I give it my all when it comes to work, exercise, and my everyday interactions with people.   It's amazing what a magical piece of fabric can do for your overall outlook on daily life.


Whenever I get caught in a random photo when I'm out with friends, I don't stress about if my gut is sticking out or if I "look fat" and that is a huge relief for me. 


Less Obsessing
This kind of goes hand in hand with body confidence but you won't have to worry about sucking in every time you pose for a photo.   Or if you are talking to your new love interest you don't have to constantly wonder if your stomach is sticking out too much.  Plus, this is also discreet and thin and you won't have to worry about someone noticing.  You can't see the shapewear through clothing and it's not big and bulky like wearing one of those girdles!  I don't even feel that I have it on anymore! 










You seriously need the ShapeOn Shaper in your life ladies! You can get it on Amazon and major retailers across the country!!  









Realistic Essentials Every Female Needs in Her Bag

Friday, May 18, 2018

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There are always posts out there about what you should carry in your bag but some of the items aren't really that useful or practical.  So today, in my usual style of getting straight to the point, I'm going to give you some advice on what bare bones essential items you need in your bag whether you're on a date, at your man's house, at a business dinner, or just out with friends. 






Extra Underwear
Yep, I'm just jumping right to it now aren't I? Well let's be honest, our panties are so thin and tiny any more it shouldn't be a problem stuffing an extra pair in to the zipper pouch inside your bag.  This can come in handy in SO MANY situations, really! If you have bladder issues and you leak when you sneeze, boom - you won't have to be uncomfortable at your business dinner. Just change in the restroom as discreetly as possible.  Period come early? Boom! (Also carrying tampons is a no brainer). Having a fun night at your dude's house and things get exciting.... you have a clean pair for after!  


Band-Aids
Not only is a Band-Aid essential when your shoes are rubbing you in the wrong spots but it can also come in handy if you do get a nasty cut or have any other kind of issue.  Also, hang nails are the worst and we have tendency to pick them until they get worse.  Throw a band aid on and resist the urge  until you get home and can properly deal with it.


Fashion Tape
Fashion tape has saved my life and sanity so many times it's not even funny.  For instance, once I threw on a top in a rush before I headed out with friends. Well, the top didn't fit as nicely as it used to and my bra kept poking out from the one side.  It was so annoying and uncomfortable and began to affect my mood. I slipped into the bathroom and used the tape to secure my top in the right spot so my bra no longer peeked out.  It's amazing how great the rest of the night was because I didn't have to be concerned anymore with what was showing! Fashion tape is AMAZING!!!! It's great as a temporary hem solution too!


DooDoo Juice
Don't laugh because I know you can ALL understand this in some way, shape, or form.  Let me set the scene -  you're at a house party and suddenly you have to go number 2.  Hey, you're only human.  So you get to the bathroom but you're freaking out because there's a line and they may definitely know what you did when you come out.  That's why DooDoo Juice exists.   Or maybe you are spending the night at a guy's house and then the next morning you wake up and uh-oh... you can't just run home right away to do your number 2, so just relax. That's again why DooDoo Juice exists.  It's a natural toilet odor spray that is guaranteed to neutralize even the most horrendous bathroom odors.  Each 2 ounce bottle gives you 100 uses.  All you do is spray the toilet bowl water with DooDooJuice before you use it.  See when you spray it, it creates a film over the water that traps the bad spells inside.  And when you splash during...well you know what... the film releases it's scent into the air.   This is SUCH a lifesaver!!!!  Ladies, seriously do NOT leave home without this! Plus, fifty cents from every bottle sold gets donated to Doo Good things in the community.  The little bottle is very discreet in your bag because it's lightweight and not a hassle to carry.  Plus if it's your first time ordering you can use the code FIRSTORDER to get 10% off.  And coming back for more? Use the code 10NEXT for 10% off your next order!


Tissues
So many people DON'T carry tissues in their car OR bag.  I don't know how they survive.  I can't tell you how often they come in handy in a variety of situations.  Random crying outburst in your car? Say no more.   Boogie stuck in an uncomfortable spot during your date? Slip into the bathroom and use a tissue.  Seriously ladies just buy a little travel pack and keep it stuffed into your handbag, it's not that hard!




So I hope today's post has helped give you solutions to common mishaps that happen when you're out and about in your everyday life.  Maybe next time you have to go number 2 or have a fashion mishap you'll think of me and this post!


Which of these items are you going to start carrying?














Things I'm Loving Lately

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

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From time to time I love to do a general round up post of products or services I've been utilizing that I really love and recommend to my readers.  So without further ado, here are some things I've been loving lately.




The 4 Ways That LunchSkins Save

Friday, May 4, 2018

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I am so stoked about a new product I learned about called LunchSkins.  They make reusable and recyclable sandwich and snack bags and they are beneficial to you and your life in so many ways.  


So without further ado, please meet LunchSkins! LunchSkins is a line of food storage bags that are eco-conscious in that some of them can be recycled after a single use, and some of them can be reused by being washed in your dishwasher! The recyclable bags are made from paper and are the only sealable paper bags in the market and the reusable bags come in either a zip or Velcro closure.   So today I wanted to list all the ways in which LunchSkins save whether it's the planet, your monthly budget, or your free time. 


Money
Imagine all the money you spend on plastic baggies for your lunch, your children's lunch, leftovers, and whatever else you store in them.  It all adds up.  So if you really want to save money, you need to do what I did and embrace products like LunchSkins Reusable bags.   Since they are reusable and can be washed in the dishwasher when you turn them inside out, you can simply keep using them again and again. 

And as an added bonus, they are so much prettier than regular bags.  There are so many cute colors and patterns to choose from!!


Your Health and The Environment
Like I said earlier, LunchSkins Reusable bags are dishwasher-safe and comply with FDA standards for food safety.  They contain no BPA, Phthalates, and are lead free.  They dry quickly and are very durable.  You can use them for snacks, travel, home organization and more.  They come in a variety of colors shapes and sizes.  In it's lifetime, one of these bags can replace 500 plastic bags! That is so much better for the environment than simply using a bag one time and throwing it away!

The other thing I always tell people is that trash in general is just a mess.  Even when you think your trash bags are secure, things happen and they can tear even when they are going into the garbage truck.  That means that items from your bags can blow away in the wind only to add to the trash and pollution that this poor planet has to deal with.  The less you have to throw away the better and the less waste your produce in general the better. 





Your Time

If you think about it, you'll save time at the grocery store avoiding the plastic bag section and you'll never have to sit there and scrub and wash your reusable LunchSkins by hand because you can simply rinse in the sink and then turn it inside out before sitting it in the dishwasher.  And rather than grabbing your items in a rush in the morning as you head out the door, you can pack your lunch ahead of time in one of LunchSkins Reusable Tote Bags and have it all ready to go.


Your Energy
I have so many mom friends that complain about having to label their child's baggies in the morning so that the kids don't grab the wrong food items or that mommy doesn't give the wrong bag to the wrong kid.  With LunchSkins you can identify whose item it is by the design on the bag.  It's also a great system for teaching kids responsibility if you have them take their specific bags and pack them in a lunch tote every morning. 


There are so many ways that LunchSkins can benefit your life everyday so check them out! Kids love them and adults love the benefits!












Some Things I'm Loving Lately for Spring

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

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From time to time I like to post a roundup of some of the products and things I'm really into and why.   Now that it's Spring and the weather is nice it's really got me motivated to embrace it.  Before it was like a tease with warm weather in March one week and then snow the next!

So check out some of the stuff I'm lovin'!


New Sandals from Third Oak
Third Oak is a relatively new brand of footwear responsibly made in America.  Their styles are meant to empower you but also embrace a more eco-conscious way of life.  They are made from a vegan bio-based material that comes from soy!   And using a recyclable material like this allows the brand to operate a closed-loop recycling process that will leave this great planet safe for future generations!  


The sad truth is that less than 1% of shoes are manufactured in the Unites States and even les than that are made responsibly.  But if you need even more of a reason to stock up on sandals from this brand, look no further. 

They are super stylish and come in awesome neutral colors and metallic too! I have Scout Moss Gold and I wear them with EVERYTHING.


They have a really good tread on the bottom and are shaped just enough that they support my arches and are very comfortable for all-day wear. 











I love that they are super stylish but very practical.   And at $30 a pair, they are very affordable for a long-lasting investment. 









T-Tapp for Fitness and Health


So if you know me in my real life, you've likely heard me talking about fascia and how instead of traditional massages, I opt for fascia release sessions.  Well I'm in Heaven now because I discovered T-Tapp.  It's a fascia exercise program that involves specific movements designed to activate muscles and it helps lengthen and strengthen muscle and bones.  It's also beneficial with lowering blood sugar, balancing hormones, cinching in the core, reducing inflammation, detoxing, and losing 1 to 2 sizes in a single month with just 15 minutes of workouts 3-4 times a week.  The best part is that there's NO equipment necessary and you can do it in the comfort of your own home with a DVD or online instructions.

I got the Posture Power DVD and the online Digital More Than A Workout Seminar and the Brush instructions (for a skin brush).  The More Than A Workout Seminar DVD was awesome and very helpful at explaining how and why Teresa's T-Tapp Method of muscle and fascia activation is so effective.  It's just one set of repetitions!!!   Teresa teaches exercises which were easy to follow and very easy to do but I could tell they were still effective.  She also showed me how to increase muscle activation throughout the day no matter what I'm doing, whether I'm working on my computer or waiting in line at the grocery store.  It was a very motivational DVD!

The Posture Power Walk DVD was so helpful.  It gives you 2 indoor walking workouts and helps you create a T-Tapp Method anytime you walk so you can work towards your inch and weight loss wherever and whenever.  It explains how full fiber activation of different muscles can help maximize their development and how it can actually sculpt your body.  I mean I walk enough as it is so there's no excuse for me to not adapt this method to my everyday life!


The CRT Skin Tightening Body Brush is awesome!  It's a stiff all natural body brush made from plant fibers that allow the stimulation of skin to help with exfoliation, detoxification, and improving circulation.  Think of it as a way of exercising your skin.  You can use it wet or dry. It really helps tighten and tone skin.  It feels super good to use so it was so easy to incorporate into my weekly routine.

So did it work? Well, I think so because I definitely don't fill out my clothing as much which means I must have lost an inch or two.  I noticed my belly feels a lot flatter and I've definitely toned up.




Also another thing I'm loving is how the weather is finally getting nicer!   I'm venturing out into the screened in porch more and the pups are really enjoying laying around.   And of course my rat Charlotte loves sitting in my lap on the porch.  If you have a critter like this, just know that they do enjoy the outdoor air as long as they are safe and secure. Don't let them roam around and risk having them run off or eat something that could be poisonous.  Having treats nearby can help.




I just keep a little bag of Kaytee Pop-A-Rounds from Chewy handy. This way Charlotte doesn't feel the need to eat random things and try to run off.   Kaytee Pop-A-Rounds are made of all natural ingredients and have nutritious ingredients like peanuts and are sweetened with honey.  Treats like this are a great way to fight off boredom whether they're in their cage or hanging out with you. Plus these snacks come in a resealable bag and have no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.




What are you loving lately?











10 Cleaning Hacks with the Groovy Glove

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

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Cleaning on a regular basis can sometimes be inconvenient and also stressful.   Most of us can easily list 10 reasons that it's a pain whether it's because you knock stuff over when trying to dust your bookcase décor or it hurts your hand to hold onto a clump of paper towels and wipe vigorously. Trust me I get it.  That's why I'm always looking around for better ways to clean and do tasks that have many benefits.  

Keeping a clean and tidy home means you have less dust/dander/allergens to irritate your family and you will find your home more enjoyable to be in when it's sparkly and clean.  It won't make you panic when the doorbell rings and a random neighbor wants to come in and visit.   

I Finally Used A DNA Kit || Here's What It Said (+ A MyHeritage DNA Coupon Code)

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

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You may have heard of them or even seen advertising for them.  There are several brands out there that offer DNA kits where you can submit a sample of your own DNA and wait to get the results back.  These results can tell you where all you're from.  I've always wondered what percent of different ethnicities I may be so I was stoked to get the chance to review MyHeritage DNA.

How It Works
Basically, you purchase a kit from MyHeritage DNA online.  Once it arrives you will send a DNA sample back to get analyzed in their lab and then get the results back in a few weeks.  You don't have to take blood or anything like that, you just give a saliva sample.  When the lab receives your DNA sample it gets processed to translate the biological information into digital data.  Then they use their algorithms to calculate your ethnicity and see which segments of your DNA come from which regions of the world.  They also compare the DNA to other people's DNA to find close and distant relatives. 
Your DNA and matches are only available to you.  Everything is safe and secure and they take this very seriously. 
The Kit
So when my kit arrived it came with an activation card that contained a number to use to register on the MyHeritage website.  It also came with 2 vials and 2 swabs that you use to get spit samples from inside your mouth.  And of course it had an envelope to submit my samples to the lab and a super easy instruction card inside.  All of the DNA collection items were sealed completely.
The Process
First things first, I registered an account and used my activate number to create my profile. 
The next step was to open the first swab, and get a sample. 
Yep, simple as that.

No pain at all. You just swab for a certain amount of time and then you're done!

Then you place the swab in the first vial, break it off, and then seal the container.  
You have to submit a second sample as well from the other cheek.  So I just repeated the super easy process.
Once both of the samples are sealed in the vials it's time to package them for mailing.

The kit comes with a sterile pouch with a little cotton pad inside to set the vials on. 


Once you seal the bag you place it in the envelope carefully and seal it for mailing.
And of course the final step is to drop the envelope into your mailbox.

Now you get to wait.  They send you a notification when the lab receives your sample and tell you a date that you should expect your results. 





The Results
On February 24th I received an email that my results were ready.  All I had to do was click the link and it took me right to my DNA breakdown.




So at first it shows you the general breakdown and the areas from which you may come from on a map.  It's crazy because I always thought I was mostly German and when I told my mom about the results even she had thought that.  But it turns out I'm 41.8% Scandinavian, 35.4% Irish, 8.6% Italian, 8.5% West Asian, and 5.7% something else.



Then they show you a more detailed breakdown within each ethnicity.  I was so shocked to see I was 2.3% Jewish!  This was actually really cool and I feel very connected with myself just knowing my actual roots.

I really liked the Family Tree part of the MyHeritage website because it allows you to create your family tree and enter specific (or vague) information about each person.  So after I got my DNA results it motivated me to fill out my family tree as best I could. 

The cool thing is that I actually had to do a family history project back in middle school so I ended up going to my parents' house and getting my project binder from them so I could use the information to add to my family tree.  After my tree was filled in as much as it could be I started receiving messages from people that somehow had a connection to me as either a 3rd cousin or something even more.  It was really cool to know that I can find more people that I'm likely related to in a way. 

MyHeritage DNA actually explains how DNA can be used to prove or disprove documented family tree connections. So on their website, when someone shares my surname or we have a match with a family tree owner we can both test ourselves with the DNA to see if we are related.  MyHeritage even helps find historical records based on your own family tree.  I already started getting notifications on results based on what I had entered.   I plan to continue using MyHeritage and I will likely pay for a membership so I can access even more. 

I HIGHLY recommend at least doing the DNA part of MyHeritage so that you can see where you actually come from.  It will definitely motivate you to learn more about those ethnicities and you'll end up learning a bit more about the world as well as yourself. 

And today I have an exclusive coupon code for my readers that is worth $12 Free Shipping.
Just visit this link and use the code ELLENROSS
 This is a great gift idea for Mother's Day, Father's Day and really any occasion.