Perfective Ceuticals Divine Age Guardian Cream Review

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Determined to slow the aging process before it even started, I have been using anti-aging skin cream since I was in my mid-20's and am always willing to try a new brand. Divine Age Guardian Cream with Growth Factor is a rich, nourishing cream infused with high strength anti-aging ingredients to rejuvenate skin from the inside out. Its proprietary complex of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Matrixyl, Omega 3-6-9, and Ginseng Extract helps erase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and correct imperfections by stimulating cellular regeneration, microcirculation, and the production of youth proteins. It is formulated to make you look radiant and make your skin feel hydrated, lifted and toned.

Review:  The first thing I noticed about this cream, aside from the fabulous spherical design, was the thickness of the cream. The company describes it as rich and I could not agree more.  It applied to my face very smoothly and there was almost an instant feeling of hydration. It had a mild scent to it which was fairly neutral.

It did a really nice job of making my skin look bright and healthy; however, I have pretty oily skin and as the day went on my skin was extremely oily after using this product. I am also prone to acne and the excess oils started to make my skin break out after a few days of use. I immediately discontinued the cream and passed it on to my mother who generally has dryer skin. She really liked it and commented on how smooth her face feels. She will continue to use it and is hoping that it will do some age reversal (not that she needs it because she looks amazing at 60) because she is getting married in a month. 

Buy it here: You can purchase this product from the Perfective Ceuticals website for $86.

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sweat Unlimited Review & Giveaway

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Sweat Unlimited (Volume 1): Excuse Proof Your Workout is the first in a new series of exercise videos from Sara Haley, a certified trainer and instructor through the American Council on Exercise, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, and is a Pre and Post Natal Specialist by the American Fitness Professionals and Associates.  This DVD includes 4 different workout programs with 105 minutes of "no excuse" workouts. With interval training, dance inspired moves, core strengthening, and extreme 5 minute workouts, you will have no excuse to skip workouts. Designed to tackle those pesky pounds, Sara will help you get over that weight loss plateau.

Review: I must say, I could write a book of excuses for not exercising. I'm too tired...I don't have enough time...I have fibromyalgia and have to be careful not to overdo it...I hate to sweat...and the list goes on. So, I figured if someone has a workout DVD that does not allow for excuses, I might as well see if I can do it too.  I love the set up of the DVD - you can choose between different workouts depending on the desired intensity and the amount of time you actually have.  Because I do have a valid medical reason for taking it easy  (notice that I did not use the word "excuse") I opted to try the 5 minute "reach, relax, and rejuvenate"  flexibility workout and 15 minute "sweat strength" workout.  

I really liked the stretch routine. I have been doing yoga for some time and this short routine was a really nice way to stretch out and get a small burst of energy. I used it right before the next routine to help get me prepared. Knowing that I am out of shape, I was realistic and chose a 15 minute routine.  Let me tell you, 15 minutes may not seem like a long time but you really get quite the work out. Between the routines and the fact that I decided it was a great idea to exercise when it was 85 degrees, I realized that sweat is truly unlimited. It just keeps coming and coming! I promised to try this with no excuses....I never said I wouldn't moan and complain! All kidding aside, I actually really liked this workout DVD for a variety of reasons:

• Sarah Haley is motivating without being obnoxious. Sure, I did find it slightly annoying that I was sweating like a pig while she still looked perfect, but I found her overall personality to be much more tolerable than many other exercise coaches out there.
• There is a count down clock.  I have done workouts before and given up because I just did not think I could go on any longer. Seeing a timer on the edge of the screen really helped. Rather than giving up, I told myself I can do this for XX minutes longer!
• There are options for those who are less fit and options for those who would like a real challenge. It should go without saying that I chose the easy route.
• A full body workout is truly condensed into a short amount of time. Yes, I felt it...everywhere...even more so the next day!
• I am actually looking forward to working out again. I felt amazing after the first workout. I may even do so without excuses, but I am just not sure I can do so without moaning and groaning :-)

Buy it here: You can purchase Sweat Unlimited for $24.99 from www.sarahaley.com.

Connect here:

Facebook.com/sarahaleyfit

Twitter : @sarahaleyfit

Win it here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I was provided with a complimentary copy in order to facilitate this review. All views expressed are my own. 

Great Deal on Pet Meds!

I love my dogs but I am not a fan of the costs associated with keeping them healthy. This is a really great deal for pet meds: You pay $15 for a $30 voucher to PetCareRx!  This would make flea prevention and heart worm prevention medication at least 1/2 off the already discounted prices! They have a great deal on flea medications right now so this discount is really a huge money saver. Click below (afilliate link) to purchase.

PetCareRX $15 for $30 worth of discounted pet medications and more at PetCareRx

10 Things You May Not Know About Me

I have been blogging for several years now and, while most of my posts are baking or product review related, I do try to weave personal information into my post. I thought it may be fun to share some things you may not know about me...in case you were wondering!

1.  I am an (semi)-extreme couponer. I don't blog about couponing because there are so many great sites that already focus on the topic that I would never be able to compare. I am not as extreme as someone you would see on TV; however, I work on a couponing campaign through my work and several of us use extreme couponing techniques to buy products for female Veterans. I was even featured in my local paper recently!

2. I HATE having my picture taken and hate video even more.  This is why seeing pictures of me on the blog is pretty rare. I was a complete mess when I was getting my picture taken in the article linked above!

3. I am a licensed professional counselor and hospital administrator. 

4. I have obsessive-compulsive tendencies. I am a perfectionist and a planner. Procrastination and impulsivity in others frazzles me.  

5. I am extremely spiritual but have abandoned organized religion for a more, well eclectic, spiritual stance.  I use a combination of meditation, reflection, and prayer to help me with my own spiritual growth and keep most of my beliefs private.

6.  Although this totally outs me as a nerd, I love musical theater. I know entire musicals by heart and dabbled in theater myself when I was in high school and college. 

7. I married my soul mate and best friend. We started dating when I was only 16 and have been with him for almost 17 years...more than half of my life!

8. I have had my children's names picked out since I was in 7th grade (I told you I was a planner) thanks to my favorite characters on Days of our Lives (I am shaking my head in embarrassed). My husband did not like the name Jack by itself so we added the "son" which I love!

Isabella & Jackson

9. I have fibromyalgia. I don't let it define me and I try hard not to let it slow me down. Chronic pain sucks but I choose not to feel sorry my myself.

10. I really enjoy blogging, but I don't let many people in my life know that I do it.  I like having some anonymity which is probably why it has taken me 3 years to tell you all of these facts.

I really hope you enjoy Cake Mom as much as I do!

Pump It Up Imagination Campaign and Giveaway

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Pump It Up is a private indoor arena, filled with gigantic inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses and more. At a Pump it Up party, you and your children can celebrate in your own private party room that party coordinators set up and clean up for you. Available options including pizza, drinks, and balloons and  make party planning stress-free. Personalized dedicated team of staff takes care of everything, just relax and enjoy your child’s birthday.  In addition, they have a Pop-in Playtime where your kids can have all the fun without a party.

Pump It Up has introduced a new campaign this year: Save Childhood Support Imagination.  You may be just as frustrated as I am with the overall lack of imagination among children these days. They are so used to being entertained by technology, they have forgotten how to entertain themselves! Studies show that when kids engage in imaginative play, the benefits carry over in so many areas of their development. 

Pump It Up is urging parents to sign their Imagination Declaration to pledge their support to spend an hour each day engaging in imaginative play with their kids.  At the website, SupportImagination.com, parents can sign the pledge, take a fun imaginative quiz, read some tips on their blog and unwind in their "What We See, What Kids See" image center.  Are you willing to sign? I did any it only took a couple of seconds!

Win it here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I was provided with passes as a thank you for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Mobile Clean & Go Review and Giveaway!

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My children can not imagine a world without the Internet and mobile technology. Between laptops, iPads, iPods, and cell phones, we always have mobile technology with us. Mobile Clean & Go safely and effectively cleans screens on such devices to clear screens of fingerprints, germs, and dirt & grime. 

Featuring a compact, flat bottle, and a microfiber cleaning cloth, the Mobile Clean & Go is smaller than a smart phone and slips easily into any briefcase, purse, pocket or bag. The kit contains a safe and effective cleaning solution designed by Ph.D. chemists that is TSA approved for air travel and will clean mobile devices without damaging them. 

Review: As much as I love touch screen technology, the screens can get seriously gross...really quickly.  I love the idea of having cleaner handy, but until I received Mobile Clean & Go I have not had a cleaner that was truly mobile. Sure, I have had small squirt bottles, but when I have kept them in my purse they have spilled.

Mobile Clean & Go has an amazing design. The squirt bottle is a rectangle, the same size as the cloth and both fit neatly into a soft plastic carrying case.  The design makes it much easier to slip into your pocket, purse, or bag and I had no problems with it spilling.  The product itself works great, You simply spray into the textured side of the cloth, wipe the device with the textured side until clean, and then polish it with the smooth side of the cloth. Check out the amazing cleaning power below!

Before:
As you can see, there are a lot of smudges on the screen of my Blackberry. I could see that there was some wood showing up on the picture, but you probably can't make out what it is.

After:
After cleaning it using Mobile Clean & Go my Blackberry looks brand new. You can actually make out the blade of my ceiling fan now it the reflection!

Buy it here:  Mobile Clean & Go starter kits retail for $12.99 and value packs $24.99 are available for immediate purchase through the online store at www.shop.mobilecleanandgo.com.

Win it here: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I was provided with the above mentioned products for the purpose of facilitating this review. All views expressed are my own.

Finding Kind Review & IndieFlix Giveaway (10 Winners)!

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Movie streaming has certainly grown in popularity over the past couple of years. I love my current streaming subscription service and enjoy watching movies and tv shows whenever I want, but what I really love about my subscription are the documentaries and independent films. Some of the best films I have seen are the low-budget ones created through the passion of an independent film maker which is why I was immediately intrigued when I learned about IndieFlix.

IndieFlix is a community of independent filmmakers and fans. Through its membership-based streaming service, IndieFlix helps film makers translate artistic vision into commercial success and gives film lovers access to high quality independent films not otherwise available. Its mission is to champion filmmakers, rethink traditional approaches to distribution, and celebrate the artistry and impact of independent films. 

Finding Kind Review: 

Finding Kind is a peer to peer documentary about girl bullying. What began as an idea for a documentary about the issue soon turned into the Kind Campaign headed by filmmakers Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson. Affected by their own middle school experiences, they set out to change the mindset of girls across the country. The message is simple and the effect profound: be kind! To address the "mean girls" phenomenon and growing issue of girl crime, Finding Kind has screened in over 500 schools and the demand for screenings continues to increase.

The availability of this movie could not have come at a better time in my life. About 2 weeks ago, my daughter began experiencing what I have been dreading. From one day to the next, the neighborhood girls are either her best friends or her worst enemy.  She has come home crying several times in the past couple of weeks, hurt because her friends "are being so mean to me". She is only 7.  This has proven to be, to date, the most heart wrenching and challenging thing I have had to deal with as a parent. Why? Because I can vividly remember the pain I endured in my own childhood and I want to protect my daughter from the confusion, cruelty, and drama. 

The documentary was truly amazing and helped me realize that no girl is safe from this experience. When you are growing up, you feel like you are targeted more than others or that you would never act that way to another girl. The film helped me realize that, from what they found by travelling across the country and interviewing girls of all ages, all girls are victim to girl-on-girl bullying...even those that are doing the bullying. 

The film's focus on the "mean girl" phenomenon was only part of the movie. Many documentaries pose problems, but few are able to offer viable solutions like this one did. Lauren and Molly went to schools and, through their charismatic personalities, met with girls in groups and had them talk through some of their issues and make resolutions to be kind to one another.  The effects were immediate and, I can only guess, lasting. It gives me hope that, as a parent, I have an option to advocate for similar interventions and that we do not have to just sit back and helplessly watch our daughter go through such pain. 

I have been enjoying my complementary subscription and am excited to watch some more of the movies. The only downfall to the service is that you are not able to pause the film and resume it another day. You have to manually find where you left off.  Aside from this, I see only positives and look forward to my continued experience.

Subscribe here: You can subscribe to IndieFlix for just $6.99 a month for unlimited streaming. Finding Kind is available exclusively through IndieFlix through May 24 so I recommend viewing it ASAP! 

Win it here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I was provided with a complimentary subscription in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Good Cook Treasure Hunt - Only a Few Days Left!!

What is the Good Cook Touch Treasure Hunt?

The Good Cook Touch Treasure Hunt is for Good Cook customers and select blog readers.  You will search goodcook.com to find random Touch icons that have been posted on select products.  You then visit select blogs to find more Touch icons. Participates who find the more or all of the 112 codes will be entered to win one of three Good Cook Touch grand prize gifts!!  The hunt ends 5/21! 

Bridal Shower Cake

It seems like it has been forever since I have decorated a cake! I would like to see it was like riding a bicycle, but it did take me awhile because I was rusty. The bridal shower had a grey and yellow theme. 

Flirty Apron Review & Discount Code Offer

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Flirty Aprons are a collection of fun and flattering aprons that combine modern style with a perfect fit to make cooking an absolutely fashionable event. They offer over 50 styles, have aprons for everyone in the home to include kids, and also offer a selection of bibs and oven mitts. Their aprons are made of 100% cotton and the wide variety of styles are sure to appeal to just about every personality! Their products are baked with a 30 day guarantee and they offer "super fast" shipping.

Review: It was so hard to try to select an apron because I loved just about every single design! I ultimately decided on the Scarlet Blossom Apron...there is just something so appealing and classy about the black, red, and white colors.  I loved the mixture of the different patterns which blended and contrasted perfectly with each other. The patterns also help hide spills so you do not have to worry about looking like you are a mess (which I frequently am when I am baking). The frilly bottom made the apron so feminine and I was instantly in love with it when it arrived. I loved the pocket which, at times, can serve as an additional hand when you are multi-tasking in the kitchen!  It was made of a nice and thick cotton and it covered completely but was still so comfortable that I often forget I have it on! The Flirty Apron is a great way to keep clean while you are cooking and baking while looking great. It is perfect for when you are entertaining.  I went through my drawer and tossed each and every one of my aprons in favor of this one. The old, styleless ones are not welcome in my home any longer! 

Buy it here: You can purchase your very own Flirty Apron from the company's website. Plus, you can save 25% off any purchase with the code 25MAY through 5/31 or save a whopping 40% off all men's aprons and get free shipping through 6/30 with the code BESTDAD40.

*I was provided with the above mentioned products and I am a Flirty Aprons affiliate. Regardless, all opinions are my own.