#OOTD Rainy Plaid

It's officially fall and my favorite time of year. Today I am sharing an old #OOTD post that I shared a few years ago, to help inspire those feelings of fall and to help me get motivated to do my wardrobe changeover that I do every season. It's time to bring out the cozy flannels, warm sweaters and boots!

tights :  Forever21   // crop top: Forever21  // plaid shirt : Forever21   // bag : Kipling //  necklace : BaubleBar // boots : //local mall shop

Which fall accessory or piece of clothing are you most excited to bring out?

0

Update Your Hair For Summer - While Fighting the 5 Signs of Aging

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BeAgeBeautiful #CollectiveBias

With summer just around the corner I found myself a little restless with my hair color, as tends to happen every time that the season changes. There is just something about a brand new season that always amps me up for some change, very similar to what happens with my wardrobe as one season turns into another.  

Not that I'm into drastic changes when it comes to my hair color choices - I tend to stay in the brown and black arena for the most part year-round. But I did know that I wanted to go a bit lighter than what I currently had, dark brown - almost black. And I knew that I wanted to continue using the brand that I discovered just a few months ago, Zotos AGEbeautiful Liqui-Crème Anti-Aging Haircolor.

This is what my hair looked like before coloring it, it was practically black. Zotos AGEbeautiful Liqui-Crème is a multi-tasker, not only does it give me a head full of fresh, rich color, it also helps me fight the 5 signs of aging in hair. 

As we age, our hair experiences 5 signs of aging. It loses volume, manageability, color, moisture and shine. AGEbeautiful anti-aging haircolor is the first haircolor developed to fight all 5 signs of aging in your hair. AGEbeautiful Liqui-Crème contains melanin, keratin peptide, silk protein and a patented conditioning technology to replenish hair with the essential components that are lost with aging. The unique formula penetrates deeply and absorbs quickly to deliver beautiful, rich color. Hair feels instantly fuller, silkier and radiates with shine. It gives you 100% gray coverage and is sold exclusively at Sally Beauty

​

Shopping for Zotos AGEbeautiful Liqui-Crème is different than shopping for a regular box of color. When using this product, you are shopping like a pro hairstylist and will need to ensure you buy everything you will need for the process. 

- Go to your local Sally Beauty store and go to the Zotos AGEbeautiful Liqui-Crème section. Pick the shade that is right for you. Take advantage of the current promotion to get the developer for FREE! Keep reading for more details.

- Once you pick your shade, purchase your developer. 99% of the time 20 volume is the correct developer. Note: Mixing ratio for most of the shades is 1 to 1; meaning for every ounce of color you need an ounce of developer. 

- Decide how you want to apply – in an applicator bottle or a bowl and brush and purchase those items. These are a one-time investment that you can use over and over again. Don’t forget gloves too! 

Now I'll show you how easy it is to use AGEbeautiful Liqui-Crème - and how convenient it is to be able to do your own hair from the comfort of home, in your own time. 

• Put on an old t-shirt that can get stained.
• Measure the developer first, then add the color

• Mix with the brush your purchased until both products are completely combined.

• Put on gloves and try avoid all skin contact. 
• Apply conditioner or Vaseline around your hairline/forehead and on tops of ears to prevent color staining.

• Apply to hair for recommended time - I separate my hair into two sections to make application easier. 
• Rinse, shampoo, dry and style as per usual .

This is how my hair ended up after the new color, the shade I picked out, 6G Light Golden Brown, provided my hair that bit of lightness I was looking for in my hair. I started off with a pretty dark color so I knew that it would not turn out a light brown but this is exactly what I was looking for.

And because AGEbeautiful Liqui-Crème helps fight the 5 signs of aging (volume, manageability, color, moisture and shine) in hair, I know I've done well in picking out this color for my hair. 

Receive a FREE AGEbeautiful 4oz Developer w/ the purchase of any AGEbeautiful liquid-crème color by using the code 555983 in-store at Sally Beauty. This offer runs through August 1, 2019 (as supplies last). This is a special coupon code that can be redeemed at the register at Sally Beauty.

0

Why We Took the Purina ONE® 28-Day Challenge

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PurinaONEVisibleDifferences #CollectiveBias  

As multiple-pet parents, we take every step to ensure that all of our pets are healthy and happy. Without a doubt, one of the things that makes them happiest is when it's time to eat. But because we have so many pets, we don't look at their daily bowl of food as just something they can quickly eat to get full, we look at that bowl of food as nutrition that will help them all stay as healthy and happy as possible. 

That's why I really wanted to take the Purina ONE 28-Day Challenge. Today I am sharing our results and why I invite you to do the same. Just register for the challenge here and shop by going to Walmart or clicking the photo above!

I shopped in-store for my bag of Purina ONE® Indoor Advantage. I love how convenient it was to shop for this as I tend to stop into Walmart at least a few times a week after work. So the price and convenience of switching to Purina ONE® are definitely there for us.

Next, it was time to take the bag of Purina ONE® Indoor Advantage home to Girl Fluffy to see if she would enjoy it. Mostly, cats are pretty easy to switch over to a new food, as long as you do it gradually. But there has been a time or two where I got them a new food that they sniffed and walked away from. 

Would Purina ONE® Indoor Advantage be Girl Fluffy approved? It was a definite yes. From the first bowls that had a little bit of her old food mixed in, to her very first full bowl of only Purina ONE® Indoor Advantage, there was definite excitement and gusto to eat. 

If you have pets then you know that happiness that comes with seeing them enjoy their food. Its just like when you have kids and have suddenly come upon something they love to eat. Watching that little face dig into her bowl of food so happily each day has made me feel like I am doing a good job at providing. 

Of course, it is very important that our pets love their food because if they don't then they won't eat it. But again, the food we feed our cats has to be more than delicious, it has to be nutritious and full of good things for them. 

Why was taking the Purina ONE 28-Day Challenge so important and what did I expect to see in those 28 days?

Day 1: More excitement around mealtime!

Day 7: Extra Energy!

Day 14: High Digestibility!

Day 21: Sparkling eyes, healthy skin and a radiant coat.

Day 24: Strong immune system

Day 28: Strong teeth, healthy gums, heart, and joints!

While some of the changes are not those that I can see visibly, I can definitely attest to quite a few of them.

Great taste: From day one she has loved every bowl of Purina ONE.

Highly digestible: We've had no tummy troubles or issues since switching.

Healthy skin and coat: Girl Fluffy's coat is long and healthy which means she gets extra brushings, which are her favorite thing in the world, after eating of course. 

Healthy Energy: Girl Fluffy lost most of her kitten energy after getting fixed. This is probably what changes most after cats become adults, but it's important to their health to get their daily exercise in and I have definitely seen a more spirited side of her these past weeks. 

TAKE THE PURINA ONE® 28-DAY CHALLENGE

Take your pet from “good” to “great”! With Purina ONE®, you could see visible differences in just 28 days—like strong teeth, vibrant energy, sparkling eyes, and a radiant coat. Make the switch today and save on Purina ONE® when you register for the 28-Day Challenge at www.walmart.com/purinaone. What differences will you see? Visit your local Walmart to redeem your offer and realize your pet’s potential.*

*Save on ONE (1) 2.8-lb. or larger bag of Purina ONE® SmartBlend® Dry Dog Food, any variety, or 2.8-lb. or larger bag of Purina ONE® Dry Cat Food, any variety. While supplies last.

0

Self-Care: Putting Together the Ultimate "Get Well" Basket for Yourself

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc., Abreva, Emergen-C, Lipton, Robitussin and Theraflu. All opinions are mine alone. #SickDayTips #CollectiveBias

As women, we tend to put everyone else needs before our own. If the kids get sick, they can stay home from school and recuperate in bed, or if your husband/boyfriend gets sick, well he will probably be absolutely useless until he's okay. But what about you, what happens when you start feeling those first moments of ick that mean a cold or flu is on the way? Do you get a day off from work, from child-rearing, or from life? The answer is probably no.

Women usually don't get sick days and today I am here to talk about why it is important for us to care for ourselves too. Yes, we can care for the kids and we can care for our partner, but when you really think about it: you can't take care of anyone else right if you haven't cared for yourself first. Self-care is important, especially during cold and flu season when we will be fighting all the germs that everyone is bringing home and those we come in contact with at work.

This is where my Ultimate "Get Well" Basket comes it I start by making a trip to Ralphs for the must-have products that are not just going to care for me once I am sick, but also a few that will help me keep illness or other yuckies at bay.

These products are:

• Abreva® Pump Cold Sore and Fever Blister Treatment: This product is not for temporary symptom relief, but healing. It delivers the best results when used at the first sign of a cold sore (e.g. the tingle that one feels on his/her lip). I work with students and teachers all day, and being constantly in people's faces means I have to fight a cold sore at the very first tingle.
• Lipton Daily Support Tea: An excellent source of Vitamin C, this herbal infusion helps support your body's natural defenses.* Carefully selected botanicals are blended with green tea and natural essential oils that make every cup delicious. I am an avid tea drinker in the fall and winter months and having a range of teas that help support my body's' natural defenses is a definite plus. Plus there is nothing nicer and more comforting during these colder months than a delicious cup of hot tea.

• Robitussin® Maximum Strength Honey Cough & Chest Congestion DM - New! The real honey you want, the powerful cough relief you need. Gluten Free. No Artificial Colors. True Source Certified Honey. My grandmother is a true believer in the power of honey, which is something she has passed on to us. We've grown up taking a side of honey with whatever medication we were taking for a cold and/or a cough but now we don't have to.
• Theraflu Power Pods Daytime Severe Cold Pods are compatible with most single-serve coffee makers. These fast-relieving pods work on even your most severe symptoms and fit right into your routine with their single-serve packaging. Press. Sip. Relief. You're on your way to relieving your temporary: aches, pains, headaches and other symptoms related to a cold. I purchase the day version but there is also a night version to help you knock out your symptoms while sleeping.

Other things to include in your basket:

• A pair of warm fuzzy socks or cute slippers
• A mug for drinking Theraflu Power Pods Daytime Severe Cold Pods or Lipton Wellness Tea - this is a great opportunity to treat yourself to a mug that makes you happy
• A magazine or new book that you've had on your reading list
• A tripod for your phone so you can enjoy a good movie or show, hands-free
• A warm blanket or cozy sweatshirt to keep the chills away

Now we're ready to do some self-care and relaxing when that first sign of illness or discomfort comes through. And because we packed our Get Well Basket with the best of the best, we are prepared to fight anything from a cold sore to full-blown flu while also arming our bodies to fight the good fight against illness.

Feeling a little run down and like the cold germs are just around the bend? A cup of Lipton Daily Support Tea, a good movie and some downtime is just what the doctor ordered.

This season doesn't have to be known as the cold and flu season exclusively, it's also the season of well being, especially when you take active steps to care for yourself first. As someone who doesn't get time off for a sick day, I like to stay ahead of the game by being prepared and this Get Well Basket is packed with those items I need to do so.

Visit here for more sick day tips and inspiration to help you stay well.

Theraflu-(c) 2019 the GSK group of companies or its licensor. Theraflu is for use in adults 12 years and older. Use all products only as directed. Read label and follow directions. Abreva, Emergen-C, Robitussin - Use only as directed. Read label and follow directions.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.

0

Making Life Easier When Living With a Senior Dog

Thank you Hartz for sponsoring this post. Hartz Dog Pads are America’s #1 brand of dog pads and are available nationwide at Walmart, Amazon and your local grocery store.

It's probably hard to imagine but we've never been dog people, and in fact, we weren't looking to ever have any dogs come into our peaceful lives. But it's funny how life works and sometimes the least expected comes to fruition. It's now been almost five years since we became first-time dog owners and had to learn the ins and outs of caring for not just a dog, but a senior dog. 

Probably the hardest thing we've had to deal with when it comes to caring for her has been her bathroom trips and occasional accidents. At first, it was learning to schedule our lives around her, making sure that someone could come home every few hours to let her out. Now that she's gotting older and begun to suffer from light incontinence, we've had to be super proactive when it comes to preventing accidents and extra cleanup. All along there has been one tool that's made the biggest difference in these two areas for us and that is Hartz Home Protection Quilted Plus Dog Pads. 

Since her incontinence began, we now place Hartz Home Protection Quilted Plus Dog Pads throughout the house where we know she loves to lay down to sleep. I place a pad on the living room chair, at the foot of my bed and if she's had a bad day I will even place one on her bed at night, just so I don't have to wash it more than once a week. Luckly the pads are nice and thin so they don't make her uncomfortable at all but they work so well that nothing underneath ever gets wet or smelly. Hartz Dog Pads use unique, patented FlashDry® Gel technology, which instantly turns liquid into gel, locking in moisture and preventing leaks and unpleasant odors.

Hartz Home Protection Quilted Plus Dog Pads have also become an on-the-go tool for us when we are out and about with Rocky. She loves being in the car during short trips to drop the kids off at school or to run errands and with the protection of Hartz Home Protection Quilted Plus Dog Pads, I don't have to worry about ruining the leather or smelling up the kids' car seats, which she loves to sit on.  

If we're visiting the family, another pad comes out with us so she can freely hang out on the couch or my sisters' bed, which are her preferred spots. Thanks to Hartz Home Protection Quilted Plus Dog Pads we've not had to limit her time on the furniture, which would be really hard on her since she's always been allowed on them. 

Hartz Home Protection Dog Pads: Designed with six layers, the FlashDry® Gel technology locks in moisture and allows for multiple uses. The odor eliminating capability instantly eliminates odors and contains a fresh lavender scent for lasting freshness.

And I don't know about other dogs but Rocky hates going out in the rain, even if she really had to go to the bathroom. The past weeks it's been super rainy in California and have had days that going out for a walk is impossible, which is again where Hartz Dog Pads have become invaluable. 

Hartz Home Protection Quilted Plus Dog Pads are a must-have in my book, they're one of the first things I recommend to new dog parents or anyone whose dog is getting up there in age. They just make things so much easier and less stressful for both you and your pet. 

Walking Rocky a few times a day is enjoyable for her and a nice little break in the day for me, but it's so nice to know that Hartz Home Protection Dog Pads are there for us for those days and moments we just can't get out there. Plus now that Rocky is older and suffering from light incontinence, they've been even more helpful to us and are such a great tool for allowing her to live her best quality of life. 

Hartz Dog Pads are available nationwide at Walmart, Chewy.com, Amazon and at your local grocery store.

0

5 Ways to Prevent a UTI

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HealthyCranberryChews #CollectiveBias

If you've suffered through a urinary tract infection, then you know they are no fun at all. Not only are UTIs super uncomfortable, but some can be so bad they will make it nearly impossible to continue with your regular day. I have always been especially prone to Urinary Tract Infections because of some bad habits I refused to change: like holding in my pee for hours on end or wearing panties made from materials other than cotton. I know, I know, girls are taught from early on that these things can bring on infection but it's not until I got a few really killer UTIs that I realized maybe it was time to change my ways.  

That's why I now take as many preventative steps in my daily life to prevent a UTI. And even though I still inevitably get a UTI once or twice a year, they won't be as bad as they used to be before I took active steps in my life to keep them at bay. 

Today I am sharing a few simple tips that you can follow to help prevent recurring Urinary Tract Infection, these are just a few of the things that I can easily incorporate into my days. 

Incorporate Ocean Spray® CRANBERRY +health™ Soft Chews into your supplement regimen: Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail has always been my go-to when preventing and fighting an active UTI and now there is an easy way to get even more cranberry power into our bodies. 

New from Ocean Spray®: CRANBERRY +health™ Soft Chews - a bold tasting dietary supplement, with cranberry health benefits like your Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail, but wrapped individually for convenience. With convenient, on-the-go packaging; Each chew is individually wrapped to meet your busy lifestyle, they are easy to pack in your bag so you never miss taking one even if your morning was so crazy that you didn't get a chance to take one.

The cranberry polyphenols in Ocean Spray® CRANBERRY +health™ Soft Chews help maintain urinary tract health. Take as part of your daily regimen. ****These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.Our advanced formula has over 50,000mg Fresh Cranberry Fruit Equivalent, which is more than one glass of Cranberry Juice Cocktail.**Based on 137mg cranberry polyphenols per serving.

I have become quite a fan of Ocean Spray® CRANBERRY +health™ Soft Chews and really look forward to my daily chew. I am a fan of easier to take supplements and all of the others I take are in gummy form. I was excited when I found out these supplements were in fruit chew form, as they definitely fit right into my lifestyle and preference. 

Made from real fruit. No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and gluten free, these chews are quite delicious, especially if you love cranberries. They honestly taste like a cranberry fruit roll up but in a more compact gummy, I love them and have definitely found a supplement that will stay with me for the long run.

Find Ocean Spray® CRANBERRY +health™ Soft Chews at your local CVS store in the Feminine Care Aisle and on Amazon. Use Sierra20 to receive 20% off either the 7 or 28ct count of Cranberry +health™ Soft Chews on Amazon.com 

Amp up your water take-in: Luckily, I am a huge fan of water and never leave home without some. But if you are especially prone to UTIs and not a huge fan of water then I suggest doing whatever you can to make it easier for you to drink more of it. 

Water flushes bacteria out of the urinary tract, so those 8 glasses of water per day are even more important when trying to prevent a UTI. 

Skip the super-tight skinny jeans and get into something more comfortable: I spend most of my days in tight pants for work but the moment I get home I will slip into my loose track pants or even my really thin leggings that are super breathable. 

The point is not to trap all that moisture into your body, which then makes bacterial growth easier. SO while you can still wear your fashionably smart skinny jeans, slip into something a little looser as soon as you can. 

Ditch overly sugary and acidic foods: Certain foods can increase the acidity of your urine which make it easier for bacteria to thrive. I've always been a huge proponent of eating a healthier diet for my well being. While I still have a huge sweet tooth and do indulge in foods that I enjoy, I believe in finding a healthy balance.

During the week, when I need to feel my best and need the most energy, I don't reach for a lot of processed foods. Instead, I pack lunches and snacks that will keep me feeling my best including fruits and salads that have a lot of leafy greens. 

Chase that coffee with water: If you're super prone to getting UTIs it is recommended to cut down on caffeine but I admit that this is a hard one for me. I always have at least one cup of coffee in the morning and a lot of times will get another through the drive-thru as I am running around throughout the day. 

My suggestion if you too can't get out of the coffee habit is to follow up that coffee with water. I will usually get a small coffee and ask for larger water to follow it up. 

And so the moral of the story is to be kind to your urinary tract by taking these steps, along with others, and maybe we won't have to contend with as many UTIs as we have in the past. Don't forget to check out Ocean Spray® CRANBERRY +health Soft Chews at your local CVS or on Amazon.com. I really think this is a supplement that not only you will actually enjoy taking, will make your busy life so much better in the long run. Because who wants to deal with a painful, burning UTI? Not me. 

0