Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Krav Maga In No Time Review + Giveaway




I have always wanted to try doing Krav Maga. I first saw it in a movie and then saw people doing it at a fair and was entranced with the whole look of it. The fluid movements and how easy it looked was so fun to watch.

I recently had a chance to try some of the moves myself using the Krav Maga In No Time system. I used the online version, versus the dvd. I loved that all the different move choices are individual videos that you can watch and copy, but found it annoying to have to stop and start each one instead of being able to watch it all the way through at once. Other than that, it is great!

The steps are really simple to do. Each one shows the individuals performing each move slowly so that you can follow along easily. I love that it starts with the most basic moves and progresses to more difficult ones as you go along. This allowed me to go back and repeat a section if I didn't feel comfortable enough with it. Of course, I know you are not going to learn it perfectly in one day, but I still wanted to feel as if I could do the moves without the video, at least.

These simple self defense steps really can make a difference. Learning how to move and how to control your movements gives you a feeling of power and control. I am not saying you are going to be a pro here, but at least you will know how to react in certain situations. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will get with the moves, and it will be almost natural to use them.

I practiced several of the short videos at a time, with my son and daughter. They had fun trying the moves and at least I didn't feel quite as crazy doing the moves with them punching and kicking along. This would be great to do with a group or workout partner so you could practice defending against attacks, but even alone it isn't hard to do.

This would be great for anyone wanting to study a little self defense. Not to mention, the moves are perfect for dancers and as a workout.

*I was provided with an item for review purposes. All opinions are my own.






Sunday, January 18, 2015

Franklin's Gourmet Popcorn Packs Review



I remember eating stove popped corn as a kid and it was always delicious. As I got older, time and convenience led me to using the microwave kind instead, and honestly, I stopped eating it for the most part. I would buy it for the kids sometimes, but never ate any myself.


 When we got the package of Franklin's popcorn bags, I was impressed right away with the portion packs. I love how much corn is in each one, and that everything you need is right there in the packet. You don't have to add anything to this at all, just put it all in the pan, cover and cook, It takes only minutes to make and the kids love watching it pop too.


The best part of making fresh popped corn is the taste. The rich, buttery flavor makes it well worth the time to cook this, especially since there is no measuring or scooping, just cut open and cook. Each of these packages make a TON of popcorn. As it popped, I transferred some to a bowl just to make room for the rest to finish, I learned to use a bigger pan the next time! One package made enough for 7 kids and there was still some left over.

If you like variety, this works well with toppings too. The kids used honey, cinnamon and sugar sprinkles, hot sauce, cheese and even caramel sauce and they all tasted great!! The popcorn held up well to them all and didn't dissolve like the microwave kind often does.

Alone or with additions, this is a delicious snack!!

*I received a box of packets for review purposes. The opinions and photos are from my experiences with the product. I shared packets with friends and family over the holidays and everyone thought it was great too. I have had several people ask me where to get more!

Gourmet Souffle Chocolate Dessert Review



I love cooking and baking and can be found scouring Pinterest or other sites for new ideas at least weekly. I like to make something new each week, so my family doesn't get bored and I don't have to do the same thing over and over. My favorite things to make are baked goods and desserts, like the Gourmet Souffle Chocolate Dessert I tried recently.



If you are like me, the word souffle makes your mouth water. When you add chocolate to that, it becomes even more amazing! I received a party package so I could share the experience with my friends. I had bulk packages that made 10 souffles per bag, so I could create away with toppings on some of them too!

The thing I love most about these is how simple they are to make. They literally take just minutes to mix and spoon into the ramekins. Then all you have to do is bake and enjoy! The souffles bake up nice and fluffy and they taste divine!


We tried these alone and with different toppings. The kids loved putting caramel topping on theirs and some of them went for white chocolate chips too. I personally loved them topped with whipped peanut butter icing!



These make great gifts and work for almost anyone. They would be perfect for sending to college kids, adding to a soldier box, putting in a gift basket or just giving them as is. Everything in the box means less clean up after and no need for special dishes or cookware to make them so they are a welcome gift anytime.

*I received a sample kit to share these with party guests. All opinions are my own from personal experiences.

Instanatural Dead Sea Mud Mask




I use as many different products as I need to keep my skin looking and feeling it's best. Sometimes that means applying creams, powders and lotions multiple times a day, but in the end it is worth it to extend the life of my skin.

One of my favorite type of products to use for skin health is a mask. I love knowing my skin is being cleansed and rejuvenated, and like it best when I can feel the mask as it works. That was the way I felt using the Dead Sea Mud Mask from Instanatural. 



When I first opened the jar containing this mask, I was a bit hesitant. The product certainly looks like it's name, a thick, grey colored mud blend. It looked so crazy I couldn't even get my daughter to try it at first. Looks can be deceiving though. Once I dipped into the jar I was surprised to find that it doesn't feel like it looks. The mud mask is actually quite creamy, not thick and clumpy like I was expecting it to be. 


One thing I can say for sure is that you can smell this mask right away. It isn't a gross smell, but it does have a distinct outdoor scent to it. As you apply this mud mask, you can feel a coolness on your skin. The mask is a little difficult to apply. It is so creamy that it seems to almost slip a little when applying. I covered an area and went back to get a spot I missed, but that just caused the mud to move around and still left spaces that were uncovered. 


Within minutes of applying I could feel the mask begin to tighten It wasn't an unpleasant tightening, just enough to notice it. I let the mask set as directed and although it did stiffen up, it didn't turn hard and crusty like some I have tried before. It was easy to wipe off and didn't leave any residue behind. 
I noticed right away a change in how soft my face felt. The skin was so soft and my pores were clean and clear. Even several days later I could still feel how silky smooth my face felt. While I am not big on the look of this, I do love the results I see!

*I received a sample item for review. All opinions are my own from personal experience.


Saturday, January 10, 2015

My Super Power Valentine's Day



My husband is the most amazing man. Like many people, I don't always realize what he means to me. Yes, I know I love him, but sometimes I will see him doing the most simple thing, like making a phone call or changing a light bulb, and fall in love with him all over again. If I had unlimited powers for Valentine's Day this year, I would show him how much I want to give him everything he desires.

I would start early in the morning by using my powers of persuasion to get him on a hot air balloon ride. He is afraid of heights, so it would take special powers! While floating over the mountains, because that is what he would like, I would tell him all the things every great man should hear. I would remind him of his quirks that I love and let him know how very much he means to me every day.

After the ride, I would use my powers to snap us, "I Dream of Genie" style, to a hunting and sports shop where I twitch my nose to give me a nice unlimited cash supply that I would use to buy him lots of new toys to play on the shooting range. Once he finished shopping and tearing up the targets, we would return home to put away his toys and show him his new truck and motorcycle, I mean, why not, I have unlimited powers here!

We would zip to Paris and enjoy a nice long brunch together, followed by a romantic boat ride along the amazing canals of Venice before zapping to a private little cove in beautiful Tuscany, where we could make love at the base of the natural falls. We have talked about it, but never actually done it before, so I know he would love it. I would undress in the water and give him a show, before enjoying the full pleasures of knowing your partner. No powers needed for this part.

Next, I would create the most amazing concert with all his favorite artists and all his friends, with unlimited food and drinks, dancing and fun for everyone. After enjoying the party, we would part ways with them so we could enjoy more time alone. We would take a night tour to see The Northern Lights, while enjoying dinner. The tour would end with us creating our own magic below while the lights swirled brightly above.

My husband is a simple man for the most part. He would be happy with anything I did for him, and never really asks for much. This would be my way of trying to fit as many fun times and trips as we could into that one amazing day. I would want him to have the material items he likes, hence the new toys and vehicles, but I would also want to have those moments that touch the heart and rest in the soul. I would want it to be a day we both treasured forever, as much for the time and company of one another, as for where we were or what we did.


"This post has been written for Baggout's Blogging Contest on Valentine's day. Baggout provides awesome deals on Flipkart, Myntra, Jabong, Snapdeal, Amazon and 100+ other online stores. "

Monday, January 5, 2015

A Wattpad Journey with Anna Todd

For those of you not familiar with Wattpad, this is an example of how this platform helped one writer share her story with the world.




Last spring, 25 year old Anna Todd used Wattpad to begin sharing her love story, After. She would return and add more to the story as it developed, eventually ending with a tale that spread over 2500 pages! Not only has it been viewed over a billion times, it is now available in print too.

After began as a hobby and was written completely on Anna's phone. Now it is being turned into a four book series and is being adapted for big screen too. The story is about two main characters, Tessa and Hardin. Anna used her love of One Direction, and their singer Harry Styles to inspire Hardins' character in the story.

Using Wattpad turned out to be just the right move for Todd. Connecting over 40 millions readers and writers around the world, Wattpad provided just the platform needed to jump start this book into orbit. It has received over 6 million comments so far and the print edition can be found in 26 different countries!

Wattpad allows you to read tons of free stories via phone, tablet or computer. You can store a library for offline access and use the social aspect of the site to connect with others who enjoy reading, writing and offering comments and suggestions. Anyone can share their stories free, and it even offers benefits for beginners. With stories in over 50 languages, and new content added by the minute, there is always something new and fresh to explore.

After can be found at Barnes & Noble or for E-reader

*I participated in the After by Anna Todd blog program as a member of One2One Network. I received compensation but all opinions are my own.

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Ozeri 4x3 Razor Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer Review




Staying fit should be important to everyone. Now, I am not saying we all have to be champion athletes, I am just saying we have to watch ourselves a little to be sure we don't turn into something we aren't so fond of. Keeping track can be as simple as limiting your calorie intake, spending a set time exercising each week or counting our steps with a set goal in mind. A simple but effective way to maintain yourself is to decide on an amount and stay with it. 





Counting steps is one tool that many people use because it is so easy. We all walk, sometimes much more than we realize. Once you establish how much you currently walk, it is easy to add a few extra steps to increase your calorie burn and help keep off the excess fat. It can be small things too like putting away the laundry each load instead of once a day, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or making an extra lap around the perimeter of the grocery store. They are all quick and easy to do, but they add up. Of course, monitoring your steps might not be so easy if you had to count and keep track of them one by one, but devices like the Ozeri 4x3 Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer can assist you with that. 

This simple device is a snap to use. It records steps, distance, calories burned and more, all while you are performing your normal daily duties. At just 0.5 cm thick and weighing only a half ounce, this is the thinnest and lightest pedometer. It is so small it fits in any pocket and comes complete with belt clip, extra battery and lanyard for optimal use. 


The X,Y,Z vector protection means this works in any position accurately. Designed for athletes, this will count up to a million steps and features a 7 day memory for tracking your progress. 


This is a great set that provides you with everything you need to get started on your way to fitness.