Nadine West: A new way to shop!

Every girl loves to shop, right?! 

WRONG! 

Well, at least not this girl. I absolutely HATE it. :(

Nothing brings out anxiety in me like shopping for clothes. Seriously. Every time I go clothes shopping it's like war. When I find something I like, it's either not my size or doesn't fit right and when I find something in my size, I don't like it. And don't forget the dressing rooms. They are EVIL. Trying on clothes just to hate them and get super depressed over it is a complete waste of time. To me anyhow. And with 3 kids, my time is precious. 99% of the time I go shopping for clothes, I leave the stores empty handed and upset. Frustrating.

Are you in the same boat as me? Do you hate shopping too? What if I told you there was a way to end the frustration?! Believe it or not, there is!! :)

I was browsing the internet and stumbled upon this amazing website: Nadine West 

Shopping brought to you. No leaving the house and no dressing rooms!! NO MORE FRUSTRATION!!! 

Personalized outfits straight to your door with NOTHING out of your pocket unless you decide to keep something.  No joke. Every month Nadine West will send you a surprise package with some awesome goodies for FREE and you decide if you want to purchase all of it, some of it or nothing at all. If you decide to return anything, just send it back for FREE!! You only pay for what you keep. 

This is a win/win for sure!

So you're skeptical. I was too. But since it was free, I signed up anyways. I was curious to see what they would send and if I would like it or not. Low and behold, I received my first package today!! Talk about exciting stuff! I couldn't wait to see what was in my pretty pink package! :) And pretty it was!!

I received a gorgeous shirt that I instantly fell in love with! (which was weird because I would never had picked it out for myself at the store) The color looked amazing on me. I was pretty shocked, My closet has blacks, whites and grays. This was a little out of my comfort zone but I LOVED it! Best part of all, I was in the comfort of my own home to try it on!! :)

Front

Back

I also got a cute belt bracelet that just wasn't quite me. I'm not huge on bulky jewelry. Yes, it was cute but not for me. 

The last thing I got was a pair of leaf earrings. I really like them and can't decide if I want to keep them or return them! Oh the struggles!

All in all, I was very pleased with my package. I am definitely keeping the shirt!! Still debating on the earrings and returning the bracelet. I can't wait for my next package! This has made shopping a whole new game for me!! Who knew that could have happened!! :)

Me and my new FAVE shirt!! (don't mind my face)

Want the convenience of trying clothes on in your own home and getting surprise packages in the mail?! Come on over and join me at Nadine West today!! 

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Rimmel London's Scandaleyes Review

I have created this look using Rimmel London's Scandaleyes Retro Glam mascara! 

The glamorous outcome!

The amazing product!

(WARNING: Please ignore my lack of tweezing!! I know, it's awful!!)

Before retro-ing it up!

Again, this is what it looked like before adding glam!

Now I feel scandalous!

I've been retro-ed!

I really liked this mascara! However, like all mascaras, this one had some downfalls as well. The main one is that it was messy. I went to put some one and it splattered all over my cheek. Another is that it took numerous layers to achieve a full look. I know you are supposed to put lots of layers on but this was obsessive. I did love the applicator tip! The shape of it (I tried to get a clear pic, didn't work out so well) really enhanced my outer lashes. Overall, this was a great product that I would definitely use again but I don't think it will replace my Maybelline Big Eyes mascara.

***I received Rimmel London's Scandaleyes retro glam complimentary from +Influenster for testing purposes***

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Are We Equal?!

Being a SAHM is tough and being a WAHM is even tougher! Why can't dads get that through their heads?! Or at least my boyfriend? I feel like I am constantly drowning in this mumble jumble of everything I have to do. From trying to balance 3 jobs (which is between 43-52 hours a week), dealing with 3 kids (one that stays home with me), dinner, laundry, housework, etc, I feel like I can't see straight! I'm not trying to say that my boyfriend does nothing, he works up to 40 hours a week. Now, this is where my equality question comes into play. He says we are "equal" because his job is more physical. 

This whole conversation comes derives from an incident over the weekend. So let me fill you in!

I worked 35 hours total on my 2 work at home jobs and then I worked 8 1/2 hours on Saturday and Sunday at my serving job. That equals 52 hours! Yeah, I was whooped even if it wasn't very physical. Now, the boyfriend works construction; yes, it's very physical, I know! BUT, he had 3 days off this week and the whole weekend. That equals 16 hours for him. 

Are we equal yet?! Didn't think so! 

So, Saturday, after busting my ass for 8 1/2 hours, I come home to a completely TRASHED house. Guess what he did all day!? Absolutely freaking nothing! He literally laid on the couch ALL damn day! Yea, it ticked me off. Wouldn't it you? Let me add, he didn't do too much on his 3 days off either! Granted his was sick 1 day but he other 2, not so much. He did clean the house while I worked and whatnot but he didn't go above and beyond.

I couldn't keep my mouth shut, at that point I had worked 43 hours and honestly felt he could have helped A LOT more! Am I in the wrong here?? Well, our conversation didn't go so well. He accused me of accusing him of doing nothing around here and that so was not my point. I just expected him to do more since I had to work more along with everything else I had to do. Yea, that didn't happen, I ended up doing the housework for that day. 

He even accused me of not doing anything during the day while he worked!! EXCUSE ME, but hello!!! I work all day too WHILE taking care of the baby AND picking up the house, doing laundry, etc!! So, yea I don't feel like I should have to do it ALL by myself and leave some for him to do. It's exhausting! 

Sunday was a better day thank goodness! I did come home to a clean house :) Again, I never said he didn't do anything! Is it wrong of me to wish he did more?

I know he helps out and cooks occasionally and stuff like that but I deal with a baby while working, do all the laundry, most of the cooking, deal with homework, most of the cleaning, making sure kids are where they need to be for sports, remember everything that needs to be done and when, pay the bills, etc. My list goes on and on while his lists consists of work, mowing/yard work, some cooking and cleaning, and helping with the baby. 

Are we equal yet?! Didn't think so!

I know we will never be completely equal and as a mom, I know I will always do more but am I in the wrong here? I mean, I am still fuming that he thinks we are equal because his job in more physical. Come on now, I work more hours and have a lot more on my plate! This physical shit can shove it! What about the mental part of it all?! My brain hurts from it all! 

If you are a /SAHMWAHM, please fill me in on how you keep it all together without losing it all because I am about to break!

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Paybacks are EVIL!

In reference to my Mother's Day Woes post, I am one silly girl! All the worrying and sadness for nothing. My boyfriend really does LOVE me! Come to find out, he was messing with my head the whole time just to pay me back for messing with him! Crazy boy! How dare you!! 

So the story goes a little something like this... 

A few weeks ago, we heard that Marilyn Manson is coming to town. The boyfriend has been DYING to go to one of his concerts so he asked if I could buy him a ticket the morning they went on sale because the show would get sold out quick. He had to work so he couldn't do it himself. Having every intention of ordering one for him, I thought it would be funny to mess with his head. HA! I told him they were too expensive and I didn't really want to spend that kind of money on ONE ticket (It was $50! Stupid online convenience fees!) Even though I had already ordered and paid for it, he was under the impression that I didn't get one for him. This went on for a few hours and already almost half of the tickets had been sold so he was freaking out on how I was taking too long and that they were going to sell out anytime and he wasn't going to get to go. He eventually got mad and that's when I knew I had to tell him. I punked him GOOD! 

So fast forward to Mother's Day... 

The beginning of my day sucked. I had to get up early and work all day and everyone except my boyfriend told me Happy Mother's Day. So right off I was bummed. Then as the day goes on, I am completely under the impression he didn't get me anything or do anything special. (I wasn't asking for much, just a little something special) So that evening, we head over to my mother's place to have dinner and give her gift to her. I had to do some extra online work for my WAHJ so my boyfriend went to pick my older kids up from their dad's. While he was gone, my mother and I talked about whether or not I had gotten anything for Mother's Day and how I was kinda sad and blah blah. She even asked me if I did something to him that deserved a payback. I completely forgot that i played with his head! FACEPALM! When the kids came back, they both had presents for me! I was shocked and kicking myself for being so lame! He did go all out for me and I was a whiny spoiled brat for NOTHING! I LOVE HIM!! And boy did he get me GOOD too!! I hate paybacks!! 

I ended up having the perfect Mother's Day surrounded by those I love! 

In addition to that, my wonderful gifts were:

Earrings and a Bracelet!! 

Both match the necklace I already had! 

MAJOR LESSONS LEARNED: 

1. I worry too much about the big things and need to focus more on all the small things that TRULY matter! 

2. If you are going to punk someone, DON'T forget about it! Payback will come around the corner eventually! 

What did YOU get/do for Mother's Day?

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Mother's Day Woes

I just need to vent about Mother's Day. I have been fantasizing all week that Mother's Day would be some romantic ordeal or at least an extra special day all about me without having to worry about what anyone else wants or needs. I had high hopes that just maybe my boyfriend would do something nice. Flowers for once. Hell, anything. 

I was daydreaming so bad that I completely forgot about celebrating with my own mother. I hadn't made any plans aside from working 8 hours that day all because of my fantasies. This, of course, upset her so now I feel bad. I didn't mean to hurt her feelings by not making plans with her but I was really wanting the day to be about me. I do realize how selfish that may sound but I can't help it. I can't be the only one who feels this way. Can I? I love my mother to death and would be lost without her. I have every intention to see her on Sunday. 

I just wanted to keep my night open just in case my honey wanted to take me out. Which I found out later that he hadn't even given the day a thought. There goes my high hopes of a special day. :( He straight up told me that I am not his mom and he has his own mom to worry about. Yes, I know this. However, my kids are not old enough to do something extra special. I love getting their pictures or whatever else they may make but they can't do it all on their own. 

Bottom line, I am upset because I hurt my mother's feelings and sad because my hopes of an extra special day went out the window. I also feel bad because I was so selfish.

What do you guys typically do for Mother's Day? 

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Ivory® 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash Review

I am so excited to share my review for the Ivory® 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash! Thanks to +Influenster  I was able to test this product out! 

My first thoughts on the Ivory® 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash was that the smell was great! I was excited to use it. I was in high hopes that this would work for the whole family and save us on time and space.  

Knowing two in ones typically don't work on my hair, I was curious to how this would work out.

During the shower, it lathered like crazy! More than my original body wash does. It lathered so much that some flung into my eye. :( Which leads me to my first bad point. Its not tear free by any means so I wouldn't use it for washing a baby's hair. 

As I start to wash my hair, it made my hair feel kind of weird. I really don't know how to explain it. But it didn't make it soft at all. It felt somewhat stringy. I have a lot of hair and I need something that will smooth it out and make it really soft and tangle free. Down fall number two for this product. 

However, washing my body was a complete different story. This is a GREAT body wash! Something the whole family can use because we all loved the smell! It is even gentle enough for a baby's skin (just not eyes). Even though I don't see my son using it (he needs "man" soap) and I still need my conditioner, it is still something that would save money on not having to buy a bunch of different body washes. 

*I did not use this for her hair, but you can see the lather on her body!*

To sum it up, there are pros and cons to this product, as there is with any product.

My Pros: Great lather, smell, body wash

My Cons: Bad hair product, not tear free

To learn more about Ivory and the Ivory® 2-IN-1 Hair & Body Wash, check out this video and like them on Facebook!! 

Disclaimer: I have received this product complimentary from Influenster.! :)

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Take That Car Insurance!

This girl is one happy momma today! After paying an arm a leg for car insurance for six months, I randomly thought I would give it a go again to try to find something cheaper. Guess what?! I DID! Woot!!! I'm not talking about a little bit cheaper, I'm talking 50% cheaper!  Don't ask me what made me think of doing it, but boy am I glad I did! 

If you are like me and made some mistakes with your driving record, you know what its like to pay A LOT for car insurance. Being high risk is awful. Down right expensive!! I have definitely learned from those mistakes. Not only do you have to pay a lot for insurance, just dealing with fines and  getting your lisence reinstated are expensive enough. 

For those like me, don't forget, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!! Thank goodness! If you have gotten your stuff together and have kept a clean driving record for at least six months, I highly recommend for you to call around again. Remember, this is a 50% difference I am talking about!! 

I literally went from spending $107/month to $56/month! I am soooo thrilled!! 

Are you, or have you been, in a similar situation? 

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Facing the Facts

HBO recently put together this mind-blowing 4-Part documentary series on the obesity epidemic in America called The Weight of the Nation. Best of all? You can watch them FOR FREE just by clicking on the links below. 

Taking the time to learn about the weight problem facing you and your munchkins is the first step in finding a solution! 

Grab some popcorn, click, and learn! 

 #1 Consequences

The first film in The Weight of the Nation series examines the scope of the obesity epidemic and explores the serious health consequences of being overweight or obese.

The obesity epidemic is a problem that’s emerged over the last 30 years. It threatens our
 nation’s social, economic and physical health. But, unlike a natural disaster, obesity is 
often preventable. Although overall obesity prevalence rates appear to be leveling off, 
there are still far too many Americans who are overweight or obese and who continue to 
develop health problems as a result. In order to end the epidemic, everyone must be part of the solution.

At the level of our DNA, we’re programmed to eat as much as we can to survive and store the extra as fat for future energy use. In a world where calorie-dense, sugar-laden and fatty foods are available around every corner, that’s a problem. The good news is that, even if the propensity to gain weight is written into our genes, we’re not fated to a lifetime of fat.

#2 Choices

The second film in the series poses a question that almost anyone who’s struggled with excess weight has asked, if only in jest: For all the remarkable high-tech tools available to medicine, for all the billions of dollars in drug research, there’s still no highly effective medication to prevent or reverse obesity – why?

Researchers are, in fact, developing and evaluating strategies to help people reach and maintain a healthy weight, so that they can look forward to healthier lives. Diet is a part of the equation, but most name-brand diets promise quick, dramatic rewards and gloss over the long-term effort needed to keep weight off. Maintaining weight loss is a challenge, and success requires sustained changes in our food and physical activity.

Weight – whether we gain it or lose it – is dependent on our body’s energy balance: We are in balance when we take in and burn off the same number of calories each day. Take in more calories than we burn, and the pounds add up. Take in fewer, and the number on the scale goes down.

#3 Children in Crisis

Childhood obesity is much more than a cosmetic concern. The health consequences of childhood obesity include greater risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and other serious illnesses.

The combination of these health effects and the dramatic increase in childhood obesity rates over the past three decades causes some experts to fear this may be the first generation of American children who will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

Strategies like cutting out TV and sugar-sweetened drinks may help reduce a child’s weight or prevent future weight gain, but not always for the reasons we expect. There is a link between TV watching and overweight and obesity among children.

While the act of watching TV – being sedentary and possibly eating snacks while taking in a favorite show – is part of the problem, experts are now looking at what kids watch as well. There is a growing debate over the effects of food marketing on the childhood obesity epidemic and what should be done about it.

#4 Challenges

Obesity is a very serious medical condition, no longer viewed as strictly an issue of cosmetics. It’s a contributing factor in the death and disability of too many of our neighbors, friends and family members, and its societal costs are astronomical. Although overall obesity prevalence rates appear to be leveling off, there are still far too many Americans who are overweight or obese – approximately one-third of adults are obese and another third are overweight.

Besides facing an increased risk of premature death, people who are obese are at greater risk of serious medical conditions that can make them very sick, potentially subjecting them to constant pain and suffering and diminished quality of life. Obesity not only drives up health care costs for patients and families, it costs businesses – and the country – tens of billions of dollars in lost productivity and higher employee health costs.

While obesity is often viewed as an issue of personal responsibility, overeating is as much about biology as it is about psychology. There is much we still don’t know about the causes of obesity. Biological research has found that behaviors that are laid down early in life contribute to obesity. Environmental factors, such as access to safe parks and affordable healthy foods, also play a role.

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The Challenge

I have decided that it is time to come out and share with the world that I have joined the Body by Vi challenge. This is actually my third week into in it and much to my disappointment, I have not noticed any changes yet. Which is why I am reaching out to all of you. I need some tips, tricks, ideas, anything! My snacks are now healthier and I drink two shakes a day and yet I got nothing to show for it. 

Even though it's quite frustrating, I am not giving up yet though. I am lucky to have a friend, +Jera Fowler,  who has already done one challenge and just started another and she has given me some tips and ideas. She made an amazing transformation with her first challenge. Definitely an inspiration to me! She is the reason I joined this challenge. 

By reaching out to all of you, I am hoping that my motivation and dedication will get a swift kick in the butt! As of right now, I have around 60lbs that I want to lose. Darn kids! I am going to quit being so hush hush about my stats and fill you guys all in on my secrets. I am hoping this, too, will help me on my journey. 

So, here goes... 

Current weight: 195

Arms: 13.5

Waist: 35.5

Abs: 44

Hips: 50

Thighs: 28

All that is just awful!! 

Now that my stats are out there, I am going to try even harder to have some success with this program. 

I WILL SUCCEED!!

Good luck to me!!

You can join me on this challenge if you like! 

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NESCAFÉ MEMENTO

This is it! My first product review and I'm so excited to share!!! I signed up to be a BzzAgent on 07/15/2011 and patiently waited for this moment. I was so ecstatic when I got the email with my campaign invite! Now I can officially say that I am a BzzAgent! Such a great feeling!! 

Are you interested in becoming a BzzAgent yourself? Sign up here today!! 

You can also check out my BzzAgent Profile too.

Moving on...

I am a HUGE coffee drinker and I make sure my coffee pot is set every night to wake up with a cup or two. Heck, maybe even three. It just happened to be a coincident that my first campaign involved coffee! 
But hey, I'm not complaining at all!! 

I was quick to open the box and this is what I found: 

• 1 Box of Caramel Latte
• 1 Box of Mocha
• 1 Box of Cappuccino  

I apologize in advance for the poor picture quality. My camera is usually better than this!

Each box contained 8 packets of mix. That means 24 cups of coffee for me!! YAY!! 

Eager to try one of each, I started with the Mocha because when I go to my favorite coffee shop, Starbucks, Mocha is what I get. 

Since Starbucks is my place to go for coffee outside of the home, my standards for coffee are quiet high. 

Even with my high standards, I still had high hopes for NESCAFÉ MEMENTO! Overall, I wasn't too disappointed. However, to be honest, I wouldn't buy this for myself. It doesn't quite do it for me. It is, however, a quick fix if you are looking for something warm that is a step up from hot chocolate and you don't want to brew some coffee. 

My first thought was WOW this stuff really does get frothy!! I would't have thought that a coffee mix you add to water would do such a thing. 
But it did - each one of them did! Amazing!!

You can kind of tell from the picture below. I did my best on getting a picture to show the frothiness of it!! 

The taste itself was somewhat boring. They didn't kick up my taste buds like Starbucks but they weren't horrible either. They were just kind of watery and plain. I guess I am used to stronger coffee which made me think about possibly adding two packs of mix to a glass but I haven't tried it yet. Maybe I should.

The Caramel Latte (below) was my favorite of the three. It appeared to have most flavor and was less watery.

I will say that Nescafe Momento is one of the better flavored "at home" coffee drinks I have tried.

Overall, on a scale from 1-10, my score for this product would be about a 5. I don't hate it but I don't love it either. 

It was great being able to try this product and even though I wouldn't go out and personally purchase it. I really enjoyed this opportunity and I can't wait for more campaigns!!! 

Please note, this review is simply my own opinion. I was not paid to try or review this product. 

Want to try products for free?? Become a BzzAgent now!! 

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A Manual?! Say what?!

Yep, that's right! Everything comes with a manual, even Odesk! 

I remember how excited I got when I landed my first gig with Odesk and I want to share with all of you what I found that can help you can become an Odesk Superstar yourself!  This is excellent for those just starting out! 

This is a MUST read!! 

All the tools and information you need to succeed are jam packed into this easy to read 22 page book.

I give you (well, technically, Odesk gives it to you) your very own... 

Here is a sneak peek as to what's inside:

and SO much more!!!

Read the Odesk Manual NOW!! And thank me later!! ;)

This is hands down, the BEST manual you will find to get started working from home through Odesk, or anywhere for that matter. This should be your go-to book when starting your Contracting Career! 

Again, Get your copy of the Odesk Manual today!!

***Disclaimer: I did NOT write this. This is in no way my work, nor am I taking any credit for it. All the credit goes to Odesk!!***

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Mixed Emotions

It's obvious my 9 year old son has a focus problem but I still want to be oblivious to it. No mother wants to see their child struggle when deep down they know their child has full potential. It's hard having to yell at him day after day just to get his homework done. Who takes 5 hours to do 4 pages of school work?! It saddens me as I watch him get even more upset because now he has missed out on play time because he took too long on his work. It breaks my heart to have to constantly be on him to focus but his grades are falling and I can see his confidence slipping away too.

I have decided it's time to take a different route on this issue and as much as I hate the idea of possibly having to medicate him, I am willing to try for his sake more than mine. He's such a smart and charming little man and he knows it but he's starting to think I hate him from constantly being on him. So I have got to do something. He has an appointment next week and I am quite nervous for him. Possibly more nervous for myself. This is all heartbreaking even though I know it's nothing really major. 

I give thanks to a dear friend who has given  me some advice on all this as her son is struggling too. She suggested Karate, as it's an alternative for behavior therapy, to help him focus on concentrating and Tenex, a Non-Stimulant medication if he has to have one. At this point, I am willing to try anything and everything! 

I am definitely open for advice, tips, anything! I am ready to have my confident, cheerful, happy boy back!! 

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New Beginnings...

Hey! Thanks for stopping by and checking my new blog out! I will be straightforward and honest and tell you that I really don't know much about blogging but I am jumping on the wagon and I hope you will join me on the ride. I basically made this blog somewhat as a personal journal and somewhat as a journey to find work at home. I'm sure other topics will be thrown in too such as relationships, children, makeup, cooking, etc. Again, I hope you stick with me on this bumpy ride. I promise I will do mybest to keep it entertaining! ! :-)

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