WooliteWashed In-Home Boutique!

My WooliteWashed In-Home Boutique was so much fun!

Most recently I was chosen to host a "WooliteWashed In-Home Boutique" party courtesy of Crowdtap.  For this party, they sent me:

~10 Woolite Samples

~A Party Booklet

~Gift Card for buying party supplies

The plan was to gather my friends and their gently used wardrobe pieces that they no longer wear and have a sort of swapping party.  You know that old saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure"...this is a bit like that only no women thinks her clothes or accessories are trash, we simply get board of them or they no longer fit us right ;)  Anyhow, each of my friends brought a few articles of clothing as well as a few accessories- some brought earrings, some scarves, shirts, necklaces, the variety was great! 

  Oh and most of them even brought their husbands...not to trade, just so they could keep mine company during our party haha!  It really was a great time.  I had a nice turn out, and we had quite a bit of clothes to dig through!  I had things hung up by size. 

After the girls tried tried on their stack of items they would toss them onto the shelf...at one point it looked pretty crazy, and I did get a photo of how messy things got!  You know how girls are when we try on clothes to find the "one outfit"...things pile up fast!  

We had a huge mirror set up so we could do a catwalk and everyone was taking photos with their cell phones- it was quite the party.   

I served finger foods...veggie pizza, little weenies, and sangrias.  It was awesome!  At the end of the day, I ended up with 2 new dresses (old to them, NEW to me :)  a nice handful of jewelry, and a few shirts!  My brother even swapped out some of his ex's clothes and jewelry hahahahaha...got his new girlfriends some cute new stuff- as I'm sure she's going to appreciate this stuff more than she was appreciating his ex's old stuff laying around his house ;)  

This was one of the most fun parties I've thrown...it lasted well past the time I had planned for it to, and everyone who left couldn't believe the stuff they were walking out with.  Everyone loves their samples, and loved that they get to go home and use them on their new stuff.  Awesome party, definitely.  LOVE LOVE LOVE Woolite...was so glad to host this.  Epic.

"A big thanks to Crowdtap and Woolite for choosing me to be one of their Wooliteers.  Also for providing me with the samples to try for myself as well as all of my friends who attended my party, free of charge.  I was given the samples and gift card by Crowdtap, to spread the word about Woolite and their wonderful line of product. All of the photos and thoughts shared are my own."

Durex Sexploers Sample & Share (R-RATED!!!!!)

Durex Sexplorers- Sample And Share (R-Rated!!!!)

 

So I was chosen by Crowdtap to be a Durex Sexplorer.  I had no idea what was in store, until I was then chosen to take part in the Durex Sexplorers Sample And Share.  I was so excited!  I already am a huge fan of Durex, I’ve been a loyal fan for many years.  Durex is committed to bringing couples together, and in my eyes- keeping them together.  The package that arrived was way beyond my expectations!  It included a great variety of Durex products  that allowed for me as a “Sexplorer” (A “Sexplorer” is someone who values their partner’s pleasure as much as their own to help them both achieve their ideal sex life.) to “Sexplore” new possibilities with my partner both inside the bedroom and outside.  I feel this is all important in maintaining a healthy, thriving, and strong relationship in the long haul.  Anyhow, enough about that…let’s talk about how great this package was!  There were so many amazing samples to share, it was unreal!

 

 

My sample pack included…

 

*2 boxes (3 condoms in each box) of Durex Performax Intense Condoms: Designed to speed her up and slow him down.  Shaped & textured to intensify sensation.  Delay lubricant to help prolong sexual performance.  A more intense experience for you both.

 

*2 boxes (3 condoms in each box) of Durex Extra Sensitive Ultra Thin Condoms: Made with extra lube for heightened sensitivity.

 

*10 boxes of the new Durex “Play Vibrations Variety Pack”:  Each box included a vibrating ring, 4 lubricant packets (Pina Colada, Tingling, Cherry, Warmer), and 4 premium lubricated latex condoms (Pleasuremax, Extra Sensitive, Extra Sensitive Ribbed and Tropical).

 

This was one of the most generous sample packages I’ve ever received; I could not wait to share this with my friends and a few select family members!  I used our “Mommy & Me” play date time to share with my fellow mom friends this sample & share.  Many of us are married, and have been with the same partner for many years- as well as having multiple children.  We all know what it’s like to live a chaotic life where our sex lives are put at the bottom of the “to-do” list, quite literally.  My friends were so excited to try out these samples, and I was so excited myself to put them to use!  I’m not going to lie, with a husband who works 60 hours a week and who children at home…this sample & share package was just what we needed to add a touch of spice to our lives! 

 

This sample & share from Durex wowed me (and him).  I was so happy with the results from our sampling…

 

The new “Performance Intense” condoms that are designed to “speed her up & slow him down” do that and some.  These are wonderful.  These are ribbed perfectly, and the “delay lubricant” definitely delayed!  We had a much longer “session” than the norm.  I would definitely recommend these to everyone! (And no extra lube was needed with these)

 

The Durex “Extra Sensitive” condoms were amazing.  They’re super thin and offer a great natural-like feel that most condoms on the market do not.  Seriously, these were one of the thinnest condoms I’ve ever used- you couldn’t tell there was one on…with the exception of the lube being on them (which was an added perk).    I would recommend these to anyone who is looking for the most natural feeling condom on the market- these are definitely it!

The “Durex Play” variety boxes were amazing.  There were flavored lubricants, tingling, and a warming lube…as well as a handful of condoms, and that amazing little vibrating ring (that’s an understatement!).  This box had it all, seriously.

The flavored lubes were great smelling, and tasted decent- not too strong, actually quite subtle.  I’m not a huge fan of flavored lubricants for the fact that I’m biased in that I’m a huge fan of tingling and warming lubricants ;)  For this reason, I was very excited to see what Durex had to offer.  I was very happy with the results!  The warming lubricant was hands-down the best one I’ve tried on the market, and I have tried many.  The tingling was good too, but I would have liked a bit more tingle action.  Other than that, they both worked wonders for both my husband and I- we enjoyed them equally.  Which is rare, it’s usually me who has a lot to say about a product ;) 

As for the condoms that were in the “Play Vibrations Variety Pack”, they were 4 of the best condoms I’ve used!  I could not say enough great things about Durex and the products they offer.  These condoms rocked.  There was one of each: Extra Sensitive, Extra Sensitive Ribbed and Tropical, and Durex Pleauremax.  In fact, my husband said we will be buying the Pleasuremax’s next time we go to the store!  Again, they must be great for my soft-spoken husband to share in insight. 

As for that vibrating ring…I’m not sure where to start.  This was the highlight of the package.  We are into toys, we love props, anything to spice it up- we have tried hundreds of products on the market similar to this ring.  This ring was the best of its’ kind.  We seriously enjoyed it a great deal.  We have used several of these vibrating rings, from various other companies and not one stood up close to this one- this seriously stole the show and I haven’t wasted any time telling my friends both online and in person of this little guy!  This ring fit perfect, snug just as it should- no worries for slip offs on my end.  My husband said it was comfy, as well as he really enjoyed the vibrations it sent off.  The on/off button is easy to use, and the vibrations themselves were phenomenal.  Super strong.  So much power in this tiny little vibration ring, I couldn’t believe it!  We loved it so much; this too has been added to our shopping list for next week!  We love love LOVE it.

A big thanks to Crowdtap and Durex for choosing me to be part of the Durex Sexplorers panel, and for providing me with the samples to try for myself and to share with my friends and select family members free of charge.  I was given the samples from CrowdTap for free, to spread the word about Durex.  All of the photos and thoughts shared are my own.

.

Sweat It Out in Old Navy Activewear

Sweat It Out in Old Navy Activewear!

So I was lucky enough to be a chosen member of the Old Navy Style Council over by Crowdtap to try out Old Navy's newest line of Activewear!  Not only did I receive a coupon for myself, but one for a friend.  We each received one of Old Navy's Active tops and bottoms...yes, one of each- for each of us!

Amazing right?  Yep, I thought so.  (If you're not already signed up, you should hurry over to sign up to be a member yourself!)

I'm a huge fan already of this lineup from Old Navy, as previously I was the biggest fan of similar lines from other brands which cost twice sometimes even three times as much for the same articles of clothing.  I've found that Old Navy offers high quality at affordable prices, especially in this line!  I'm a sucker for cute workout clothes, so I was in heaven when I walked in to our local Old Navy with my sister.  Right away I was drawn to the Women's Active Control Max Fold Over Pants...they rock, and I'm a huge fan (prior to the coupon)- so I grabbed up a pair knowing I couldn't leave without getting another pair for my collection.

 How cute are these thumb holes!?!?!?!?  I'm obsessed.  This is the Women's Active GoDRY Running Top in "Neon Green Extreme"....I can't get enough of this color, and certainly can't get enough of the thumb holes.  These tops are super comfortable, and so SO cute!  My sister ended up buying this, and well...I already own the "blackjack" and "retro violet"!  Seriously, these shirts are amazing.

As for me, after trying on one in every color- I chose the Women's Active Compression Jacket in "Carbon 2".  Like the awesome line of running tops, these jackets also have those cute little thumb holes!  I'm a huge fan of the "Carbon" color too.  It's more of a dark heather-gray...and goes well with black, carbon, or any bright color pant, legging, short, or shoe!  It's seriously the perfect jacket.  I just love the mock turtleneck, love that it's made with just the right amount of spandex for that perfect fit, and the breathable mesh side panels pretty much rock when it comes to a good day at the gym.  I can't say enough great things about this jacket...it's hands-down my favorite item from the day.  

DISCLOSURE:  As a member of the Old Navy Style Council on Crowdtap, I received a coupon for a free Old Navy Active top and bottom for myself and one to give to a friend. 

Old Navy’s Dress Event

I love when I get the opportunity to try on new items at Old Navy, it's hands down my favorite store!  Well I got the offer to do a sample and share yet again, only this time for their dresses!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE their dresses.  They have a fit for every body type, every shape, and every style.    I received one coupon for me, and one for a friend to each get one full priced dress- on the house.  

I took my little sister with me for this sample and share, as she desperately needed a holiday dress for this Thanksgiving.  I myself, was out to find something that looked great...for any occasion.  I found just that in the lineup of Old Navy's Jersey Wrap Dresses...I love them all.  I especially fell hard for this one,  in "Pea Shoots" green.  Super cute.  My sister actually disliked it, and then ended up getting the same one for herself after I made her try it on!  It would have made for a super cute photo, but she refused.  Perhaps after the holiday photos are done, I'll be able to report back and share with you guys a photo of the two of us in our matching dresses :)  Or better yet, maybe that will be this years' holiday card photo hahahahaha!  She would love that.  Anyhow, super cute dress.  

The dress was on sale for $28 (originally $32.94) and we each got it for free- super deal!  It's 100% Rayon, so it's very light and comfy.  The jersey material is my favorite, it has just the right amount of stretch.  Love it.  And the 3/4 length sleeves I find are very flattering, as is the belt at the waist- that wrap effect does wonders for the waistline!   Hurry over and check out my dress here, and get one for yourself...I swear you won't be disappointed.  It's a huge two thumbs up in my book, and my sister's!

Thanks to CrowdTap and Old Navy for choosing me to be a part of the Old Navy Style Council, my girlfriend and I were able to each take one Old Navy dress home free of charge.  All opinions are mine alone based off of my shopping experience and the dresses I reviewed.

Chris Mann "Roads" Debut Album

Chris Mann's Debut Album "Roads"

I've been fortunate enough to get the chance to review Chris Mann's debut album "Roads", prior to its release today Tuesday October 30th, 2012.  Let me tell you, this album is hands-down one of the best albums I've heard to date.  It's such an original, and beautiful sounding  lineup of songs.  From Italian classical, classical pop, to remakes of country and rock songs...this cd literally covers it all.  It's awesome, I just can't think of any more ways to describe it.  I'm in love.  (Oh, and did I mention that Chris Mann is as beautiful as his music?!?!??!)  Oh goodness...read on.

Songs on the album "Roads" (Genre: Classical Pop)  

1. Roads
2. Need You Now (Produced by Keith Thomas: Charlotte Church & Heather Headley)
3. Cuore
4. The Blower's Daughter (From the film "Closer", Produced by Marius de Vries: Jackie Evancho, Josh Groban, PJ Harvey)

5. My Way

6. Unless You Mean It
7. Always On My Mind (Produced by Walter Afanasieff: Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey)
8. On A Night Like This
9. Ave Maria
10. Falling
11. Viva La Vida

(this albums' 11 tracks total time is just under 1 hour in length)

Produced by Keith Thomas (Amy Grant & Vanessa Williams) Executive Producer / A&R:RON FAIR for Faircraft Records, Inc./ Management: Susan Markheim:Azoffmusic Management/Front Line Management

***** Preview 4 songs from the new album here *****

I became a fan of Chris' on NBC's The Voice last season, as he was the 3rd runner up and part of my idol- Christina Aguilera's team.  Although he didn't win the show, he did strike up an amazing deal with Faircraft/Universal Republic (headed by A&R executive Ron Fair).  Thank goodness too, I have been dying to get my hands on an entire album from him since I witnessed the first line of words he sang on that show!

I was drawn to Chris for his vocal abilities combined with his shared love for Sinatra, Robbie Williams, and Luciano Pavarotti. His voice is just an amazing mix of classically trained meets contemporary pop with a dash of country, rock, Italian Opera, and soul.  I don't know if there's an accurate way to label him and/or his music- he's simply brilliant from every angle of the spectrum.  Cee Lo Green hit it on the nose when he said, "He is by far one of the most incomparable vocalists I have ever heard."  It's so true.  Every song he delivers is just so warm, inviting, and nostalgic.  It's seriously breathtaking...hands-down incredibly beautiful.

Many of the songs on this album are covers, but done in such a way that you would almost never know it.  The tracks include "Always On My Mind" (Willie Nelson), "My Way" (Paul Anka's also known performed by Frank Sinatra), "Viva La Vida" (Coldplay), "Need You Now" (Lady Antebellum), and "The Blower's Daughter" (Damien Rice). They sound so original, yet they still paid so much respect to the originals; they just showcased Chris Mann's epic talents both vocally and artistically on so many levels.  Chris Mann has such a powerful voice, yet it's so controlled- he has seriously been blessed.  Christina Aguilera stated on The Voice, "I feel the heavens open up when you sing" and I couldn't agree more.  It's so very true.

This album also highlights Chris Mann's writing skills, as he co-wrote tracks "Falling" and "Cuore".  "Cuore" really showcased his love and passion for classical music.  It's smooth, sexy, strong, and addicting.  Despite the fact that I don't know what the lyrics are (sadly, I barely made it through Spanish as a second language in high school) this song is one of the most beautifully arranged songs I've ever heard.  The lyrics, the sound, the
pronunciation of the words...it all just blends like something out of a story book.  It takes you to another place, at another time.  It's soul warming, and it awakens your emotions every time you hear it.


Literally each one of the eleven songs on this album are amazing.  Track number four "The Blower's Daughter" is a duet with his mentor Christina Aguilera, and as you may already know from witnessing their duet to "The Prayer" on NBC's The Voice last season- those two voices together are something out of this world.  It may just be my favorite on this album.  "The Blower's Daughter" was originally done by the talented Damien Rice, and is one of my all-time favorite songs.  The two versions are so different from one another, yet both delivering that hunger to just keep listening.  This song is so deep, so warm, so beautiful.  Just when I had thought I couldn't love this song anymore than I already had...I heard Chris' take on it, simply amazing.     I was completely moved by this song, yet again.

I'm a huge fan of classical, pop, country, jazz, really any music that makes me feel something is what I love to hear.  What Chris Mann does is above and beyond that, he takes his music to places that most artists today don't.  He really is on another level, and so far from being comparable to anyone else.  He has been blessed with his voice, and with each song he sings for us to hear- I consider a gift to be able to listen to it, to feel it, and to experience it.

This album was just released today, so hurry over to Amazon and be one of the first to get it!  You can also download it on iTunes.  Trust me, this is an amazing album...and just in time for the holidays- this would be a perfect gift!  I swear anybody and everybody will appreciate this album. This is one of those albums you can not pass up, it's a must-get.  It is perfect for anytime of day or night.  It's the perfect backdrop for a warm night out by the fire, or a cold winters' night curled up with a glass of Merlot in front of your fireplace.  I have listened to this several times already, and I've only fallen more in love with it each time.  Amazing.

You can fan/follow/listen to Chris Mann via... Twitter (@IamChrisMann), Facebook (www.facebook.com/ChrisMannMusic), and his Youtube Channel (/ChrisMannMusic).  You can also check out his website www.ChrisMannMusic.com for the latest news, media, concerts/tours, merchandise to buy, etc.  

Disclosure: “This is a review post from One2One Network. I was provided with a copy of this album in exchange for my review,and I am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in this review are honest, and are solely my own."

New Flavors (Butter Toffee & Mint Dark Chocolate) in the "Oven Roasted Almonds" lineup from Blue Diamond

Okay so I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to finding new products and testing them out...it's one of my passions and I try really hard to stay up to date on new products hitting my local store shelves.  Anyhow, this week my latest find was one that has set the bar high.  Hands down one of my new all-time favorite products.

I went to get my usual Blue Diamond Smokehouse Almonds (they rock!) and found they had just began stocking the shelves with a few new flavors in their Oven Roasted Almonds lineup (their Oven Roasted lineup was already awesome)…I was super excited to try the new flavors.  I purchased the Butter Toffee and the Dark Chocolate Mint.  Let me tell you what…they are both AMAZING.  Let me sum up both of these flavors…

Butter Toffee:  The perfect fix for that sweet tooth that just won’t go away (this happens to me several times a day!).  These almonds are coated in this oh-so-perfect amount of buttery sweet goodness.  They have that wonderful old-fashioned almond meets butter pecan ice-cream taste going…they’re crazy good! There’s only 160 calories in one serving (1oz) and all of this lineup from Blue Diamond, actually come in portion controlled containers (there’s a line on the back that shows the ounce marks, so you know when to stop…or when you should ;) LOL.

Here's a photo of the portion control container (brilliant idea!) ...

Mint Dark Chocolate:  These are super rich, but in a oh-so-suttle way.  Like, the cocoa and the sweet mint are there- but not overbearing like so many mint chocolate candies are…making these almonds even that much better to reach for!  The best part is that they’re made from real dark chocolate and natural chocolate mint flavoring.  There’s a hint of sweetness thanks to the stevia extract (this is great in coffee too, a must-have on hand).  These nuts are also a great sweet tooth kicker!

I’m literally obsessed with both of these (well with Blue Diamond as a whole- I love all of their products...nuts, milk, chips, and crackers!)  I am going shopping again this weekend, and will be giving the last of the new flavors- Dark Chocolate a whirl.  I can just imagine they’re awesome like the rest…but of course I have to try for myself and probably update this post if I can remember too ;)

Anyhow I suggest anyone who likes nuts, or even anyone who has a sweet tooth (even people who don't generally like nuts!)  should go and get these right away...they are amazing.  They have set the bar high, definitely. Yaaaaay for new products, and an even bigger YAAAAY for great nut flavors- I love me a good healthy snack :)

Totally Biased Premier on FX featuring W. Kamau Bell

I was chosen by Crowdtap to host a party in celebration of W. Kamau Bell's debut premier of his new show  "Totally Biased" on FX.  It premiered at 11pm EST/10pm CST on FX.  http://www.wkamaubell.com/. I chose to host my party with the theme of "Tea Party & Milkshakes" based off of W. Kamau Bell's skit on youtube... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTHxZ5J962g (it's really great, I highly suggest you check it out!).  Anyhow, it was awesome- both the episode and the party ;)  I invited 15, 11 showed- which was actually an awesome turn out!!!!!!

Crowdtap sent me a few things in order to hold a great party...included was....

*a free download of "face full of flour" one of the top 10 comedy albums of 2012 via iTunes and Punchline Magazines.
*3 minute exclusive preview of his new show "totally biased"
*Kamau content exclusively for fans chosen by Crowdtap

The point of this digital party kit given to me by Crowdtap and by W. Kamau Bell was to preview, learn about, and watch/listen to content in order to get a better understanding of where W. Kamau Bell stands and where his show is trying to go with their viewers.

After watching the premier, I have found that I have a nice amount of favorite skits in just this one episode.  He seriously made fun of the most up to date headlines possible, it was awesome.

Gabby Douglas:  "a perm would have gotten her a silver, a weave would have gotten her a bronze...she won by a hair"

On NYPD in Harlem making unnecessary stops:  "Do you dress like this for your job, or so you don't get stopped and frisked?"  "What if after the 6th time they stopped you, they gave you a "get frisked eat fresh" punch card?"..."Hey, you violated my civil rights now can I get a BMT?" (I nearly snorted at this point...amazingly funny!)

Chris Rock on how you just can't make jokes about Obama...or Brad Pitt: "Brad Pitt's been making movies for 20 years & you ain't ever heard a Brad Pitt joke!  I mean what you gonna say?  Ahhhhh, you handsome bast*@#$ with your fine wife- fixin' houses in New Orleans.  I mean what you gonna say?"  "He left the baddest white girl, for the REAL baddest white girl" ~Chris Rock

Chris Rock on how he got crap for his comment via Twitter on July 4th:  "Happy White People's Independence Day, the slaves weren't free but I'm sure they enjoyed the fireworks".... I won't elaborate, but this is great.

To follow the theme "Tea Party & Milkshakes" we made strawberry milkshakes, offered tea right from my Keurig Vue, and also a few mixer adult drinks (margaritas).

In my digital party kit I was given the idea to play a game called "totally biased toss up"...it rocked.  Seriously, all of my guests wrote on scrap paper what they're biased about and each person drew a paper from my fiance's hat in order to guess who that bias belonged to...it was AWESOME.  Guessing who wrote each bias was difficult for me.  Not so much for the others though! Lol.  We learned a lot about one another!  With 12 people, things did get quite interesting.  I learned a lot of people though less of me than I had expected lol.  With every crazy bias (boys suck, republicans rule, blondes do really do it better...) they all thought I had said it!  It was insane, but insanely funny.  Made a great party even greater.

Oh, and we had pizzas for dinner.  They went well with our shakes and tea ;)

In regards to his album "face full of flour"...my sister has this to say (or show) ;)  We took turns doing this damage to the losers of the "totally biased toss up" game ;)  Winners got adult friendly swag bags, losers got floured like "Kim" ;)  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2b4qtyv5t7s3d6m/czLSVJLAyy/Face%20Full%20of%20Flower is where you can head to and check out the "face full of flour" album....AWESOME stuff right there.

I suggest checking out the writers on youtube, they explain briefly what they are biased about...it's pretty good :)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pDO2oomIj4&feature=youtu.be.

Here's the link to the epic skit on youtube performed by W. Kamau Bell...this was the reasoning behind my "Tea Party & Milkshakes" themed comedy party :)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTHxZ5J962g  This here is epic, I swear.  Great, GREAT material.  He rocks.

Now to wrap things up, W Kamaue Bell is awesome.  Seriously.  He rants about politics, pop culture, race, and religion.  You know, all of the raw and touchy topics than most don't mess with.  His show features his commentary, media, other contributors, and sketch comedy.  "Totally Biased" will be airing in 11 installments, 30 minutes each episode; Each episode is filmed in NYC.  The executive producers include Chuck Sklar, Keri Smith Esquia, W. Kamau Bell, and Chris Rock.  Punchline Magazine called him "one of our nations's most adept racial commentators with a blistering wit".  He was voted "SF's best comedian" by SF Weekly, SF Bay Guardian, and 7x7 Magazine.  His album "face of flour" was one of the "top ten best comedy albums of 2010" on both iTunes and by Punchline Magazine.

The next episode airs on Thursday August 16th, 2012 at 11pm EST/10pm CST.  I high recommend tuning in if you enjoy a good raw down-to-earth reality check & giggle.  I was literally snorting during one part of his first episode, I can just imagine what is to come.  Super excited.  

I did receive incentives via Crowdtap & Totally Biased (FX) as part of my participation for the premier party for "Totally Biased" the series premier that aired on Thursday August 9th, 2012.  I would like to thank FX, Totally Biased, and Crowdtap for allowing me this opportunity.