Sunday, June 14, 2015

eShakti update + Coupon Code

eShakti has updated their products with even more styles of clothing. From lines such as Contemporary and Bohemian, introduced products in new categories like Jumpsuits, Pants and Shorts. The site alone even has a new feel. In my opinion its more user friendly.
 
This company is awesome they heard concerns for the way the site ran as well as people wanting more of a variety and they ran with it. I think the out come is amazing. This company has become one of my favorite companies to buy clothes from. What other site gives you this much control over what you buy? You can pick an item then customize it to your liking. All of this without having to break the bank. If you have yet to order something you should!!!!!! Also great news.......... A coupon code just for my readers for $35!!! Seriously they are giving you $35 to shop, take advantage of this great promotion!!!! Trust me you will love it, the hard part will be narrowing down what you want.


I am loving the Bohemian and Retro Modern Collections.
I have so many things in my shopping cart right now that I want.
 
 
Who's ready for the code!!!!
 
WORLDACCORDINGTOALY35

Friday, June 5, 2015

Car Cha-Ching: How to Save Money when Purchasing a Car

Today I am honored to be able to share Caliber Collision and their money saving advice when buying a car. They recently contacted me in hopes that I would help them spread this wonderful information to me fellow military family. And of course I was more than happy to help. 

Car Cha-Ching:  How to Save Money when Buying a Vehicle



Enlistment Bonus.  Hostile Fire Pay. 
Family Separation Allowance.  In the military, many opportunities are available to make additional money, and it can be tempting to spend it on luxury items (like a new computer) or quick purchases (like eating out every night)Instead, you should save it or use it for large purchases beneficial to you.  When you receive your bonuses and additional pay, you should put the money in a bank account where it can accumulate interest over time.  If possible, investing your extra money in stocks and bonds is smart because they will yield a higher ROI (Return on Investment) than interest will.  However, life is full of surprises, and you might have to spend it on a large purchase like a new vehicle or air conditioning unit.  Saving is important, but sometimes, purchases are necessary.
After a certain period of time, the cost of repairing your vehicle becomes more than your vehicle is actually worth, and the best option is to replace it.  Buying a new vehicle can be overwhelming because so many options need to be considered, not to mention the financial aspect.  However, with the easy access of information via the Internet, you can research vehicle options before you set foot at a dealership, and you should take advantage of this convenience.  You should make a budget and look for vehicles that are within your budget, not at your maximum level or over it.
Everyone has different vehicle needs, and even if you love your best friend’s vehicle, it might not be the best option for you.  When you are shopping for a new vehicle, you need to consider what the primary purpose of your vehicle is and how this vehicle will be able to serve you for years to come.  For example, a convertible might sound fun now, but if you are planning on starting a family in a few years, you might consider a more family-friendly option like a sedan.  In addition, you should research insurance and gas costs of prospective vehicles because these costs add up over time.
Purchasing a vehicle is a tremendous decision, and you should take your time selecting your purchase.  You should consider safety capabilities, and when you are purchasing a vehicle, be sure to test all of the features and cargo space.  It is very frustrating to purchase a vehicle only to realize your golf bag orchild’s stroller does not fit in the trunk.  Do not let the salesperson rush you into a decision because you will be the one making car payments and driving the vehicle.
Financial aspects of buying a vehicle can be overwhelming to say the least.  You should try to put the maximum amount you can in a down payment because it will save you from paying future interest.  If you are financing your vehicle, compare loan rates from different lending partners before you commit to one.  When you are signing financial and ownership papers, make sure all of the figures are what you had previously discussed, and if you have questions, ask!  If you are buying or considering buying a vehicle from their dealership, you certainly have the right to ask a question.
Before you spend any amount of money, you should decide if the purchase is truly necessary, and if necessary, you should make sure you are receiving the best price possible.  Buying a vehicle is a financial commitment, and you need to be certainyou are truly happy with your choice and able to pay for it.





Valerie handles media relations for Caliber Collision, and in her spare time, she enjoys swimming, traveling, baking, and playing with her puppy Emma.  Some of her favorites include Taylor Swift, Coke Zero, and The Good Wife, and she enjoys living life to the fullest but also making time to enjoy the simple things.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Road to baby C part 3

Well I got a phone call from my doctor today with all my lab results... It wasn't bad but it wasn't entirely good. All test came back normal besides 1. My testosterone, yes for those that didn't know women have testosterone as well although our number are significantly lower than a male. In order to understand my outcome I will give a criteria. So for women in the age group of 28-35 if your testosterone levels are below 48 then your good.... However for a doctor to start the diagnosis process for PCOS it is 27 and higher. My level......34. So for my age group it's good but for the PCOS criteria not so much. It's not bad but it's not good. 

My doctor is concerned but not worried (if that makes since). I don't have any of the other tale tell signs of PCOS so she's on the optimistic side. She knows how much it means to me to have a baby so she's working extremely hard to help find the answers. Friday I have an ultrasound and that right there will either confirm PCOS or rule it out. I'm nervous, I'm hoping there isn't an  exorbitant amount of follicles in my ovaries. My doctor said that she is glad that my testosterone levels are on the low side if I do have PCOS, that it will make things a bit easier to manage. That there are different levels. If I don't have PCOS then I am one of those people that it's just not easy to conceive and there's really no answer as to why. Either way clomid is probably going to be the next phase in our quest to have a baby.  

As of right now all I can do is wait and hope that no mater if I do have PCOS or not that we will be able to get pregnant. I am very grateful for my doctor and that she is actually listening to my concerns as well as making sure I understand everything. 

I know some people my criticize me for blogging about this, but this is my journey. My whole goal of my blog is to let people know that they are not alone if they are ever in similar situations that I have been in. 

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Purifying Dead Sea Mud Mask - Clear Glowing Skin

*POWERED BY BRANDBACKER*

I recieved Adovia Purifying Dead Sea Mud Mask free in return for my honest review.
                                  


About the Product
Adovia Purifying Dead Sea Mud Mask is the Most Effective and Potent Natural Acne Treatment Mask on the Market. If You Don't Feel Your face Looks Younger, Smoother and More Attractive after 1 Month of Use we will Give you 100% of Your Money Back. (That's how confident we are that our Dead Sea Mud Mask Works!)

The Dead Sea Mud Facial Mask by Adovia:
• Pulls out Toxins and Unclogs Pores so Your Skin Can Breathe and Rejuvinate Naturally
• Pulls out Excess Oil While Putting In Much Needed Essential Minerals from The Dead Sea
• 100% Natural, Paraben Free, No added Fragrance or Color
• Improves Your Complexion by reducing blackheads, acne blemishes and the appearance of acne
• Supplies nutrients to maintain elasticity and a soft, even texture.
• Helps with Oily Skin, Acne Treatment, Blackheads, Blemishes, Psoriasis, Eczema

Here Are Just a Few Ingredients We Use and Their Benefits
• DEAD SEA MUD - packed with over 26 Minerals essential for skin health Dead Sea Mud Pulls out Toxins and Pore Clogging Particles while infusing skin with Much Needed Minerals
• Aloe Vera so that Your Skin is Not Overdried But Gets Natural Level of Moisture
• Vitamin C - for improving overall skin complexion and smoothness
OUR 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE:If you are unsatisfied for ANY reason up to 1 Year after purchase we will gladly issue you a complete refund!
 
Learn About the Brand
goPURE Naturals was started by Erin Keyan who after becoming a mother was shocked to discover how many products contain toxic and dangerous chemical ingredients. She formulated goPURE Naturals with the goal of developing a brand that women can trust to contain only the purest and natural ingredients, while making them look and feel their best.
My review
Some times when using mud masks as they dry you feel you face get tight and tingly, I for one hate that. If I wanted my face tight I'd go get a face lift. Well with this product that doesn't happen!!!! That is amazing to me. As you will be able to tell from my pictures before my face was oily and after it was refreshed and had a glow. Don't mind the breakout on my face (its actually gotten better since using this product) but my face somehow thinks its time to act a fool.

                             
                              

                                                   





Monday, May 11, 2015

Amara Organics

  *POWERED BY BRANDBACKER*
 
 
 
                                            
 
Let me just say I love BrandBacker for giving me these amazing opportunities. Amara Organics invited me to try 3 of their products.
 
Learn About the Brand
We are a small, family-owned business dedicated to providing quality products and excellent customer service. Our customers are our top priority. All our products are backed up by a hassle free 365-day money back guarantee (no returns necessary). We follow up personally on every purchase and are always available to answer questions or address any concerns our customers may have. We enjoy connecting with our customers on a personal level to get their feedback and suggestions on our products.
 
Amara Organics Retinol Serum
 
Product Details:
Finally, An Anti-Aging Product That Lives Up To The Hype!

Retinol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended anti-aging ingredient for a reason, because it works! One dermatologist revealed she can always tell when patients have been using Retinol because their face has that telltale glow.

Retinol is clinically proven to not only work, but continue to work, providing better results the longer you use it. Extensive testing has shown significant improvement in fine lines and wrinkles as well as pigmentation in as little as 12 weeks. Skin continued to improve at the 6, 9, and 12 month marks.

Retinol = Results!

A tried and true age-fighting ingredient that actually works, retinol is by the far the best thing you can do for your skin to combat the signs of aging. Retinol works on a molecular level to repair skin and stimulate collagen, resulting in firmer, smoother, wrinkle-free skin. Speeds up skin cell turnover, fading discoloration and improving texture to give your skin a healthy glow.

Our advanced blend of 2.5% retinol with moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid and Organic Jojoba Oil offers superior results with less irritation. Safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can even be used around the eyes.

Also Great For Acne & Acne Scars

Retinol is an extremely effective acne treatment. It unclogs pores to clear up blemishes, reduce blackheads, and minimize pores. Prevents future breakouts by preventing dead skin cells from clogging pores. Also repairs elastin and stimulates collagen to fade acne scars.

Our Powerful Yet Gentle Retinol Serum Provides The Best Results:

-Repairs skin on a molecular level to erase fine lines and wrinkles
-Stimulates collagen for firmer, smoother skin
-Speeds up skin cell turnover to fade brown spots, discoloration, and acne scars
-Improves texture and tone for a smoother, softer, more radiant complexion
-Unclogs pores to clear up acne and prevent future breakouts

Natural, Vegan, & Cruelty-Free

We use only the best, natural plant-based ingredients available, with no parabens, no alcohol, and no animal testing. Made in the USA.

Ingredients

Deionized Water, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (Botanical Hyaluronic Acid), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Pentylene Glycol, Phospholipids, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ Oil), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea), Wildcrafted Resina Propoli (Propolis), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin, Organic Gotu Kola Extract, Organic Horsetail Plant Extract, Organic Geranium Extract, Organic Dandelion Extract.

Directions

Apply a small amount of serum with fingertips to entire face, neck, and décolletage after cleansing and toning. Allow to dry. Follow with a moisturizer. Apply at night and use sunscreen daily as retinol increases sun sensitivity. For first time users, apply every other night for first few weeks until skin adjusts.
 
Amara Organics Eye Gel
 

Product Details:
Are You Sick of Dark Circles, Puffiness, & Tired Looking Eyes?

Try Our Total Repair Eye Gel For Brighter, Happier Eyes!

Feel this eye gel go to work from the moment you put it on. A dab of this soothing eye gel instantly awakens and tightens skin around the eyes leaving you feeling refreshed.

This potent blend of collagen boosting, skin firming, and wrinkle repairing ingredients leaves eyes looking more youthful and radiant. Rebuilds skin on a cellular level to reveal fresher, healthier looking skin.

Formulated With Matrixyl 3000, Plant Stem Cells, Peptides, Vitamin E, & Hyaluronic Acid For The Best Results

- Get rid of dark circles under eyes, puffiness, bags, sagging, and crow's feet
- Soothes and cools skin around eyes to reduce inflammation
- Plumps and hydrates to fill in fine lines and wrinkles
- Tightens and firms sagging skin around the eyes
- Improves texture and tone for bright, radiant eyes

Not Just For Your Eyes

These powerful anti-aging ingredients are also great for your entire face, neck, and backs of hands. It's effective at combating fine lines and wrinkles no matter where they are!

Natural, Vegan, & Cruelty-Free

We use only the best, natural plant-based ingredients available, with no parabens, no alcohol, and no animal testing. Made in the USA.

Ingredients

Deionized Water, Organic Aloe, Matrixyl 3000, Palmitoyl Triepeptide-3, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Plant Stem Cells, Cucumber Hydrosol, Organic Jojoba Oil, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, MSM, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Silk Amino Acid Blend (Sodium L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Sodium Lactate, L'Arginine, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Serine, L-Valine, L-Proline, L-threonine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Phenylalanine), Wildcrafted Periwinkle, Organic Licorice, Wildcrafted Eye Bright, Wildcrafted Reishi, Organic Gotu Kola, Frankincense, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin, Organic Gotu Kola Extract, Organic Horsetail Plant Extract, Organic Geranium Extract, Organic Dandelion Extract.

Directions

Wash and pat skin dry. If using toner, apply toner first. Dab around eyes, forehead and cheek area. Follow with a moisturizer as needed. Can be used morning and night.
 
Amara Organics Hyaluronic Acid Serum
 
Product Details:
Forget about expensive, invasive procedures. Our powerful anti-aging Hyaluronic Acid Serum plumps and fills in fine lines and wrinkles, making you look and feel 10 years younger!

Say goodbye to dry, flaky skin. This intense hydration formula locks in moisture, giving skin a soft, dewy glow.

Infused with powerful antioxidants Vitamins C & E to protect skin from free radicals and reverse the signs of aging.

Treat yourself to this refreshing serum that instantly hydrates skin and leaves you feeling vibrant and beautiful!

Our 100% Pure Vegan Hyaluronic Acid provides these incredible results:

- Plumps and hydrates skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles
- Locks in moisture, giving skin a dewy, supple glow
- Boosts collagen production, restoring skin's natural elasticity
- Softens and smooths for a more even skin tone
- Leaves skin looking radiant and youthful

Natural, Vegan, & Cruelty-Free

We use only the best, natural plant-based ingredients available, with no parabens, no alcohol, and no animal testing. Made in the USA.

Ingredients
Deionized Aqua (Water), Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (Botanical Hyaluronic Acid), Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Wildcrafted Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea), Pelargonium Gravolens (Geranium Essential Oil), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin, Organic Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola Extract), Organic Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail Plant Extract), Organic Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium Extract), Organic Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion Extract).

Directions

Wash and pat skin dry. If using toner, apply toner first. Apply a small amount of serum with fingertips to entire face, neck and décolettage. Allow to dry. Follow with a moisturizer. Can be used daily, morning or night. *If layering serums, apply the serum with the thinnest consistency first.
 
 
Now on to my reviews
 
Retinol Serum
So after a few days in use, the Retinol Serum seem to have smooth fixed my acne scar problem I've had around my chin area. There was also more of a hydrated appearance around my lips and eyes, giving them a smoother and healthier appearance.  Retinol is an effective acne treatment. It unclogs pores to clear up blemishes, reduce blackheads, and minimize pores. Prevents future breakouts by preventing dead skin cells from clogging pores.
 
Eye Gel
This is a good product for someone that has fine lines and dark circles. At the moment I don't have these so I didnt notice a difference.
 
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
it amazes me at how other so called high end department store brands can sell a Vitamin C Serum for $80+ when this Amara Organics serum is available for a fraction of the price!  This Serum has it all; it's botanically derived, natural, and organic with everything needed to brighten and hydrate your skin. Since I have been using the Amara serum, my skin has noticeably improved quite a bit. My face feels and looks refreshed, unlike some other serums that make you face feel tight.
 
 

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Mother's Day

So it's Mother's Day.... Where do I even begin on how I'm feeling. Honestly I just want to sleep the day away. It's just another reminder that mama is it here. And another reminder that we haven't been able to get pregnant yet.

I have already started to forget what mama's voice sounded like. I don't remember what you smelled like. I hold on to the memories I have but some of them have started to fade, not because I have forgotten them but because I don't remember her voice so it's my voice that comes through. 

Not having mama here is extremely hard. Not being able to call her with my stupid questions is even harder. Not having her hear to help me through my health issues (I will save that for a different post once we get more answers) is hard, all I want is to hear her say everything will be ok, we will figure it out. But I can't, I can't even imagine her voice saying it since I don't remember her voice. 

Don't get me wrong I have grown by leaps and bounds and have started to figure out how to cope and start to heal. But that doesn't mean that days like today don't get to me. For the rest of my life I will have hard days and I have come to terms with the fact that it is ok to have hard days. 

                                       



Thursday, May 7, 2015

Road to Baby C part 2

A few weeks back I did a pregnancy test and some other blood work. Well I got a phone call a few hours later with the results... Not pregnant. Whelp that's not the only blow I had, I was informed that I probably have hyperthyroidism. That is what is effecting my menstrual cycle. Then a few minutes later I got another phone call from my regular doctor to explain more in detail. I was sent back for another blood test. Turns out my thyroid was having a tantrum.

Flash forward to today. More blood work to find out what's going on, including finding out if I have PCOS...... My heart totally stopped when my ob said this out loud. I now have to take progesterone to try to get my menstrual cycle to start. Along with all the blood tests I also have to get an ultrasound. Pending all the results there's a chance that I will have to go see a specialist to start ovulation therapy, which is meds to force my body to ovulate. Which thank god tricare covers, however if after trying that and it doesn't work the next step would be ivf and of course tricare doesn't cover that. 

To hear my doctor say all these things like; pcos, early onset menopause, infertility, high testosterone, low estrogen, the list goes on. This is a lot of info to take in and I'm trying not to freak out. This waiting game is so scarey. Like I don't know what I would do if I'm not capable of having children. I have always said that I was put her to be a wife and mother. I am a wife and all I am missing is becoming a mother. 

My biggest struggle is why is it so easy for a lot of people but not me? Like I see all these people posting on social media that they are pregnant and I die a little inside. I know I know you don't know what happens behind closed doors and who know maybe some of them were struggling, but I know for a fact a lot of them weren't struggling. And it's a slap in the face. Like what did I do so wrong for God to do all these bad things to me?