Book Review: The #FastMetabolismDiet by Haylie Pomroy

*I received the product in this post compliments of SheSpeaks.com for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

The Fast Metabolism Diet 

by:  Haylie Pomroy

About the Book:

Haylie Pomroy has helped thousands of clients lose up to 20 ppounds in just four weeks - all through the fat-burning power of food.  Haylie Says "This is not a book for first-time dieters.  This is a book for last-time dieters."  Hailed as "the metabolism whisperer," Haylie reminds us that food is not the enemy, it's the rehab needed to rev-up your sluggish, broken-down metabolism and turn your body into a fat-burning furnace."

About the Author:

Haylie Pomroy has spent more than 17 years helping people lose weight, improve fertility, overcome health challenges and reach optimal health while still enjoying real food and not going hungry!

My Review:

I have read a few diet books in my time and the first thing I will say about this book is it so unlike any other.  This is a plan.  Although I did not do the 28 day plan as instructed in the book, I really liked this book and this plan.  And as soon as I can get to the place where I can actually focus on the 3 phase plan I am going to do this, but in the mean time, I have learned so much from this book.
Haylie Pomroy teaches you not only how your metabolism and body work, but she breaks it down for you so you can understand the process and understand the steps that you need to take to "wake up" your metabolism and start burning the fat instead of storing it!
This book is an education for how the body and metabolism work and it will leave a lasting impression, because it is easy to understand and Haylie hits on a lot of those myths about food and dieting, that help to clear up the facts about how the body and dieting works.
So phase 1 is all about "unwinding" or destressing and calming the Adrenals and lasts for 2 days.  Phase 2 is all about "unlocking" or releasing the stored fat and building muscle on days 3 and 4 and phase 3 is all about "unleashing" or turning that newly released stored fat into energy...unleash the burn for days 5 to 7.  There are detailed food lists, menu plans and recipes to keep you on track as well as a cool app that you gives you customized meal planning, those food lists and diet tools right at your fingertips all the time!

This is a four week plan that includes exercise and healthy portions.  You actually get to eat, quite a lot, you just have to eat the right foods and this book will guide you right to them.

You can check out more about Haylie's Fast Metabolism Diet on her site at http://fastmetabolismdiet.com and on Facebook HERE.  Even Dr. Oz recommends it!  Check it Out!

L'Oreal Paris Magic BB Cream via @LOrealParisUSA @SheSpeaksUp

Check it Out!  I recently got a new SheSpeaks program that is a beauty, literally!  I received a tube of L'Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream in the mail and this is one amazing product.  This is an innovative all in one cream that primes and smooths while hiding and correcting skin flaws. It's infused with ingredients like Panthenol, Vitamin E and Glycerin that provide 24 hour hydration. 

It only takes a few dabs of the product on the skin and then blending with fingers to get a smooth and blended look.  There are like little beads in this stuff that adjust to your skin and blend and fill and fix the flaws.  So in my photo above, I show a glob of product, but it doesn't take that much, I wanted to show how it looks really white, but blends so amazingly.  I really like this product and will be using it more often.  At first I thought the price seemed kind of high, but once I realized how little it takes to get a wonderful look, I realized it really is a great value.

L'Oreal Paris Magic BB Cream comes in 4 shades and retails for $10.95 for 1 fl ounce.  You can GO HERE and get more info and find out where you can purchase it.

SheSpeaks will be hosting a Twitter Party in March where they will be chatting about L'Oreal Paris Magic BB Cream and other beauty secrets.  Be sure and mark your calendar to get in on the fun.  Here are the details:

When:  Thursday March 7th at 9 pm EST

TweetGrid:  http://bit.ly/TwZyJS

RSVP:  Coming Soon

Hashtag:  #MagicBBCream

If your not a SheSpeaks member, you can GO HERE and check it out and get signed up, it's easy and it's free!  And you could get to try some amazing products just like this by joining!

*I received the product in this post compliments of SheSpeaks for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Torani Holiday Cheers Program via @SheSpeaksUp

Check it Out!  It's been really hard for me to get into the holiday spirit this year, given my circumstances so when I got this fab little delivery via SheSpeaks the other day I was so excited! 

I got Torani! 

Don't know what Torani is?

Well Torani is the #1 brand of flavored syrups in America and it comes in over 100 flavors!  Torani flavored syrups are made with high quality ingredients and they make creating amazing drinks at home a breeze and delicious! 

I received 2 750ml bottles in Gingerbread and Sugar Free Salted Caramel as well as a Torani recipe brochure and 5 $1 off coupons. 

First let me say that I have tried Torani before and I absolutely love the Sugar Free Salted Caramel and was so excited to get that flavor.  I actually had a bottle in the house when it burned.  Anyway, I love, love, love it on vanilla ice cream and I even put it on my cereal.

Pretty much any cereal that needs to be sweetened, like Cheerios and Rice Krispies are awesome with a little Torani mixed in.  And that is what is super cool about Torani flavored syrups, they are so flavorful that a little really does go a long way.  Just a teaspoon or two is all ya need, yummo!

I also love to add Torani to my coffee and my whole family loves Caramel Hot Cocoa!

 

 

Super easy and super yummy! Oh and Gingerbread Cocoa is pretty good too!

I'm not a huge gingerbread fan, but if you are, you must try this!  Spicy sweet and so rich.

There are some amazing recipes out there where people are making breads and cakes with Torani and you can also find recipes at http://www.torani.com/#/recipes.

You can also snag 10% off your purchase a Torani.com when you use code:  SHESPEAKS at checkout thru 11/30/12.

And if you haven't checked out SheSpeaks, head over HERE and see the amazing community, you can find reviews, deals and offers as well as recipes.  If your a blogger, your really gonna wanna check it out, they have a super amazing blogging community and you can get in on some awesome programs like this Torani Holiday Cheers program.

 

*I received information and samples compliments of Torani via SheSpeaks for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.



#ClearHair ScalpTherapy via @SheSpeaks Mission

Check it Out!  Having really long hair, I am forever in search of that perfect hair product for me.  I get dry dead ends and I usually have to use a dandruff shampoo on my scalp, not for dandruff, but for the dry skin. 

 

A while back I joined the Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Program with SheSpeaks and after completing the first part of my mission, which was going into my local Walgreens and finding the Clear Scalp display, I have been eagerly awaiting my Clear products!

Since my mail has been missing in action since forwarding it to my moms house I just got my full size Clear Hair & Scalp Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner last week.  I have been using it since and it's been about 7 days. 

 Did you know that 99% of hair’s natural strength & beauty comes from the scalp?

And a nourished scalp is the foundation for strong, beautiful hair.

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy gives you stronger, more beautiful hair in 7 days.  The average scalp has over 100,000 hairs and I probably have more and the first three layers of your hair are super important, that's why Clear works so well, it starts at the scalp!

I love the scent of both the shampoo and the conditioner and it's thick enough that I don't have to use a huge amount, like I do with some shampoos and conditioners. It left my hair shiny and my scalp nourished and healthy feeling.  I don't wash my hair everyday so sometimes that can be a test in itself for some products, but I didn't have dry or oily hair the next day and it kept my scalp nice feeling.  I really like this product and so does hubby!  Even though he doesn't have alot of hair, he said he loves the smell and how soft his hair was after.

You can head over HERE and get more info about all the Clear Shampoo & Conditioners that are available, they even have a mens line! You can take the Beauty Therapy Quiz and get expert tips as well! 

 

*I received information and products from Clear Hair & Scalp via SheSpeaks for purposes of this post, however all opinions are my own. 



Support #AflacKids and join @AflacDuck & @SheSpeaksUp at the Swim with Friends Twitter Party

 

Check it Out!  Cancer is changing my world.  After recently finding out that my husband has colon cancer, it has become my new personal enemy!  I lost my only sibling to brain cancer 15 years ago and I am determined to not let it take my husband too so I am in on every fight I can find against cancer now! 
This year approximately 12,000 kids will be diagnosed with cancer and Aflac has a great way for me, for all of us to help out!

Join the Aflac Duck at the Swim with Friends virtual rubber duck race! When you donate $12, you’ll receive a rubber duck and entry into the Swim with Friends virtual race. Each entry is a chance to win a family-friendly vacation for four to Orlando! Your $12 donation is also matched by Aflac and all proceeds go directly to pediatric cancer research. On October 9th, the Swim with Friends virtual duck race will be held on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/aflacduck. The owner of the winning rubber duck (chosen at random) will win the family vacation for four. Swim with Friends and donate to get your rubber duck today at www.aflac.com/friends.
 There are a ton of ways to get more info on Aflac and the virtual duck race:
Website: www.aflac.com/friends
Hashtag: #AflacKids
Twitter: @AflacDuck
Facebook: facebook.com/AflacDuck

 And this Thursday,  be sure and check out the Swim with Friends Twitter Party! Don’t forget – every time you tweet with #AflacKids, Aflac is sending $2 directly to pediatric cancer research!
Here are all the details:

Date: Thursday, September 6th
Time: 9pm ET
Custom Tweet Grid: http://bit.ly/MuCM0d
Hashtag: #AflacKids
RSVP: http://bit.ly/AflacKids
Questions? See Twitter Party 101


*I received information from Aflac via SheSpeaks for purposes of this post, however all opinions are my own.

Get the @RedLaserApp and let #RedLaser make shopping simple

Check it Out!  Shopping is taking on a whole new meaning since losing my home and pretty much everything I own to a fire.  When you have to start over, that means purchasing everything, from a nail file to living room furniture and I would love to be able to do that with the least cost to me.  Saving money is mandatory for me right now, so I was super excited to be invited to join the RedLaser Summer Shopping Program via SheSpeaks.

So what is RedLaser?

Well it's an app that is available for iPhone, Android and Windows phones that can be downloaded for Free and it is a new secret weapon for shopping!
Now why would an app be a secret weapon?
Well with this handy app you can scan and search for those items that you are shopping for and get the information you need to make a smart shopping decision.  It gives you product details, ratings and price comparisons that will not only save you money but time!

You can also:

*Scan and search for products using the bar code scanner.

*Compare prices online and at local retailers, so you’ll know you’re getting the best deal.

*Find out which stores stock what you’re looking for by searching
for a product locally. No need to drive around town searching for what you need!

*Browse product reviews and ratings.

*Buy directly from your phone using PayPal mobile express checkout and you can pick up your item in a nearby store.

*Create shopping lists (or wish lists!) and easily share them with friends and family via email, SMS, Twitter and Facebook.

*Scan a food item to get allergen and ingredient information.

So how can you go wrong with all that right at your fingertips?  Right, you can't!

Although my android isn't compatible, we downloaded the app to Tori's iPod and we got right to checkin' out all that it will do.  With this app we are able to input the product we are looking for and then we get the stores that it can be found in, how far away they are and the prices as well! 

This truly is going to get used alot in the very near future as I will be shopping for pretty much everything! 

You can head over HERE and check out a cool video that shows how you can use this handy app to find a last minute gift.  You can also check out the website HERE.

Get the app yourself HERE and you can check them out on Facebook HERE for even more info on how you can use RedLaser for all your shopping needs. 

*I received information via SheSpeaks and RedLaser for purposes of this post however all opinions are my own.

Get personalized style results from #StyleUnited and a chance to win via @SheSpeaksUp

 

Check it Out!  I recently discovered this awesome site via SheSpeaks called StyleUnited.com and I have got to share with you just why I love it!
Brought to you by P&G and brands including Olay, Frederic Fekkai, DDF Skincare and Cover Girl,  

 at StyleUnited.com you will find fashion and beauty tips as well as news and expert advice.
Using unique style tools you can actually personalize your content! 
Once you have completed your Style 360, which is a diagnostic quiz that has been designed to understand your individual needs in skin care, hair care, cosmetics and fashion, you get amazing results based on your personalized answers.
I was impressed with the process because some of the products that they recommended for me, were products that I already buy and love!  That truly lets me know that it's all about me!
From make-up, fashion, hair and skin, they have you covered from head to toe!
There are hundreds of curated articles, blogs and how-to videos from industry experts
And if you still need style help, you can talk live to a beauty expert in a one-on-one online beauty consultation and I absolutely love that you can invite your friends, make new friends and create your own inner circle to share tips and discuss trends and get inspiration!  Awesome!
I can't wait to start inviting my friends!
Oh, and it's all free!  Gotta love that!
Head over HERE and you can join Style United and after you do, head over to the SheSpeaks site and post a comment letting them know you joined and you will be entered in the StyleUnited: New View, New You Giveaway!  Two lucky winners will be chosen at random to win a $500 gift card for a shopping spree at Macy's or Nordstrom, your choice, courtesy of Style United!
Check StyleUnited out on Facebook and Twitter as well.

*I received information via She Speaks and StyleUnited for purposes of this post and am eligible for a free product, however all opinions are my own.

Get the #RecallsPlus App for peace of mind!

Check it Out!  I had a blast last night at the RecallsPlus SheSpeaks Twitter Party and today I wanna share the info I learned about this fabulous new possibly life saving resource for parents.

RecallsPlus is a new App that helps parents keep track of child product recalls and food allergen recalls as well as much more! 

Once registered parents can create personal watch lists so that you can keep an eye on what is going on with those products your family uses most. 

Here is some background on RecallsPlus:

"Recalls Plus is created by SAP - a market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. Founded in 1972, SAP (which stands for "Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing") has a rich history of innovation and growth as a true industry leader. Today, SAP has sales and development locations in more than 75 countries worldwide. SAP applications and services enable more than 109,000 customers worldwide to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. Our mission is to help companies of all sizes and industries to run better. Our vision is to help the world run better."

Available on Facebook, iPhone, and Android. 

Although my kids are older and don't have a lot of "toys" that aren't electronic, we do have stuff that I need to keep an eye on like our trampoline. All I have to do is type in trampoline in the search and up comes any items in that category that have recalls on them.  Gives me piece of mind as they are jumpin' around on that thing. 

I love that this is an App and that makes it portable, check items right in the store!  You and I both know that all stores do not remove recalled items from the shelf immediately, so now you know right away!

As a parent, I highly recommend this for the safety of you and your kids. 

*I received information about RecallsPlus via SheSpeaks for purposes of this post, however all opinions are my own. 

Join SheSpeaks at the #RecallsPlus Twitter Party for a chance to win an iPad and more!!

Check it Out! I love being a SheSpeaks member and if your a woman who loves to discover new products and share them with your friends, you need to check out SheSpeaks for yourself.

When you join SheSpeaks you are joining an amazing community! You get access to discussion boards, reviews, deals and offers as well as helpful information, tips and even product reviews if your participate regularly.

I have reviewed some amazing products and services since joining SheSpeaks, you can GO HERE and check out some of them, and this one is no different!

RecallsPlus is a new App that is available on iPhone, Andriod and Facebook that helps give you peace of mind about the products your family is using and buying. This cool new app allows you to keep up with whats going on with those games, toys and food products that are apart of our everyday lives. You can track recalls on item you already own like strollers and toys. You can even track food allergens.

Head over HERE and get all the details and download the app.

Thursday April 26th at 9pm, SheSpeaks will be hosting the #RecallsPlus Twitter Party and you are invited to come and chat about kids and all that goes with them, toys, dietary needs and safety. You even get the opportunity to win prizes! There are over $1000 worth of prizes to be given away, including a new iPad!! Yes, I said and iPad!



You will need to RSVP to get in on that fab door prize but it is super easy. Just GO HERE and get all the details and get your RSVP in.
If your new to Twitter parties or a little hesitant just head over HERE and check out the TweetGrid 101 video and the Twitter Party tips and hints HERE.

I'll see ya there!


Get @FutureFriendly and #TakeaLoadOff to win a HE Washer & Dryer

              Check it Out!  Earth Day is Sunday and if everyone did their part, we could really make a difference.  Did ya know that switching to cold water when doing laundry could save enough energy to power 1,363 hours of TV.  Heating water when doing laundry can account for up to 80 percent of the energy used per wash load in the US.  Tide Coldwater is specificallly formulated to clean in cold water and actually removes stains better than leading liquid detergents.  Back in January I received a complimetary bottle of Tide Coldwater to try out and I loved it!  You can check out my Tide Coldwater product reveiw HERE.Tide and Future Friendly are inviting you to Take a Load Off your energy bill and the environment by washing in cold water too.  Check out the Take a Load Off Sweepstakes and take a minute to make the promist to switch.  When you do you will be entered to win a Maytag Bravos XL High Efficiency Top Load Washer and Dryer AND a 1 year supply of Tide Coldwater!  You can enter once a day and a winner will be picked each week throug May 13th.  You can check out this press release for more information on energy conservation and P&G's role.  So what difference are you making this Earth Day?    
*I received information about the Take A Load Off sweepstakes via SheSpeaks for purposes of this post, however all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Dryel 30 minute In-Dryer Cleaner via @shespeaksup

Check it Out!  I got a super great new Rate & Review product via SheSpeaks yesterday and I got a chance to try it out last night! 

I have very few dry clean only items because I just find it easier and I don't need them but my son has a trench coat that he LOVES and it "Professional Clean Only". 

He has had it about 8 months and wears it all the time.  I have never cleaned it, so you can imagine that it was due for one.  He said I should let a professional do it, and I admit to a little reservations because of the collar, it's leather.

Thanks to Dryel I can clean it right in my own home at a fraction of the price and time to dry clean it. 

Dryel 30 minute In-Dryer Cleaner is designed to clean your special care clothes, like those hand washables and delicates, without harsh chemicals to help preserve color and shape.  Dryel keeps clothes looking newer, even after 50 cycles and now contains advanced cleaning technology that works to remove body soils and perspiration and odors caused by bacteria. 

So here is what was in the box:

*Cleaning Booster Spray

*2 ULTRA Cleaning Cloths

*Fabric Protection Bag

I also got 3 coupons worth $2.75 in savings on Dryel products. 

There are 3 steps to this process but they are super easy...

Step 1 is Zip It - Add 1 to 4 garments and 1 Dryel Cleaning Cloth unfolded and then put it in the dryer.

The protection bag is pretty big and I could easily fit this large coat inside. 

Step 2 is Steam It - Tumble in the dryer on medium heat for 30 minutes to activate steam cleaning.

and

Step 3 is Wear It - Clothes will come out slightly damp but just hang them out and any wrinkles just fall right out. 

Not only was the coat clean looking and smelling, but I was super impressed with the leather collar.  Look how clean and nice looking it is.  James was very impressed as well! 

If you wanna try it out for yourself be sure and visit the Dryel Facebook page where you can get a $1 off coupon!  Check out all the Dryel products HERE and be sure and sign up for the newsletter and get even more coupons!

*I received the producct in this post courtesy of SheSpeaks and Dryel for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Take a Load Off with Tide Coldwater - #takealoadoff with @shespeaksup

Check it Out!  Back in January I shared with you my review of Tide Coldwater.  If you missed it, you can check it out HERE.   I got to try this fab new product out courtesy of SheSpeaks and have been washing in cold water ever since.  In honor of Earth Day, you too can "Take A Load Off" the environment and your wallet by washing your clothes in cold water.  Just that one simple step can save you money and save energy as well.

  Tide Coldwater is specially formulated to get clothes clean in cold water and it really works.   If your already washing in cold water or willing to make the promise to switch, head on over to the Future Friendly Facebook page and you can enter to win a High Efficiency Washer and Dryer and a one-year supply of Tide Coldwater! You can enter once every day to increase your chances of winning.  A new winner will be picked each week through May 13th.If you live in or are going to be in the New York or Los Angeles area you can Take A Load Off with Tide, Future Friendly and celebrity host Vanessa Lachey and learn more about cold water washing, take some time in one of the onsite massage chairs, and check out the recycled shipping carton that will house the Take A Load Off pop-up events in New York and Los Angeles.
Los Angeles:
Date: April 10th
Time: 8am-4pm
Location: Hollywood & Highland

New York:
Date: April 18th
Time: 8am-4pm
Location: Madison Square Park

If you just can't wait to get in on some fun be sure and check out the Tide Coldwater #takealoadoff Twitter Party on April 12th at 9pm EST.  Be sure and follow #takealoadoff and @shespeaksup before hand and then join in on the TweetGrid HERE.   And if your new to Twitter parties and maybe need a little help, head over HERE and get some Twitter party 101.
See you there!

Michael's Coupons - including a 50% off good today only!

Check it Out!  There are some great coupons available for savings at Michael's, including a 50% off any one regular price item that is good today only! 

You can GO HERE and print yourself these coupons:

*50% off any one regular price item - good today only 3/30/12

*20% off entire purchase of jewelry
*20% off purchase of yarn
*40% off any one regular price item
*60% off framing
All of these are good thru 3/31/12.
Happy Shopping!

My Walgreens @SheSpeaksUp @SimpleSkincare Mission and Review

Check it Out!  This lovely young lady is Nancy, my Walgreens Beauty Advisor and she is absolutely wonderful!  She is always there on those early Sunday mornings when I am able to get to Walgreens and snag those deals or whenever I pop in to pick up prescriptions.  She is always at her register or has her eye on it- you don't have to search for Nancy, she will find you and offer her help. 

When I found out that I had a new program with SheSpeaks that involved my local Walgreens and their beauty advisor I was super excited, I already knew mine! hehe!  So my SheSpeaks Walgreens Simple Skincare Program involved 3 parts.  The first part was a Shoppers Mission where I was to visit my local Walgreens store and ask my Beauty Advisor about the new Simple skincare line.  Well of course that was easy to do, so Nancy showed me the product display and was dissappointed that she couldn't help me with a sample but she said that she would check with her manager and let me know when I came back in.  I returned to see Nancy the next week and still no sample and there was even less product on the shelf...

So once I completed my Shopping Mission, I needed to complete a survey at SheSpeaks.com about my experience and then I get my reward, a full size Simple skincare product! 

 A couple weeks later, I got this great little package in the mail...

My SheSpeaks Walgreens Simple Skincare Program Kit.

I received the Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer. 

 


I am not a moisturizer user, I never have been.  I have combo skin that is mostly oily so moisturizers have typically made my skin oilier and more prone to breakouts.  I am seriously acne prone but I have a few dry spots, that include my eyebrow area.  So I decided that I would give this product a try based on the info that I received with my product! 
First off I was impressed that Simple skincare is the #1 Facial products line in the UK and Simple has no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh irritants.
And the ingredients back that up.  Here is what my Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer contains:

*2 ADDED VITAMINS
PRO-VITAMIN B5 known to help restore, soften and smooth
VITAMIN E known to moisturize to improve skin condition
*2 SKIN LOVING INGREDIENTS
GLYCERIN hydrates and nourishes
BORAGE SEED OIL helps moisturize
*NO DYES
*NO ARTIFICIAL PERFUMES
*NO HARSH IRRITANTS to upset skin

I used the product twice now and have had fab results!  Non greasy and light feeling, I didn't have any excess oil in the morning like I would typically get after using a moisturizer before bed and my eyebrow area is super soft.  I really love that it is fragrance free too.  I will definitely be keeping an eye out for some deals on the Simple skincare line, I wanna try them all now.  I feel they may also help my daughter who was cursed with the acne gene, we are gonna try the Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub first! 
You can check out the entire Simple skincare line when you GO HERE and if your interested in getting in on a program like this, you need to check out SheSpeaks.com! 

*I received information and a free Simple skincare product via SheSpeaks for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Ghirardelli Milk &Truffle Squares via @SheSpeaksUp

Check it Out!  I got a super great package in the mail today via SheSpeaks.  You know SheSpeaks?  It's that awesome community of women who love to discover, influence and share products that I belong to.  Since joining, I have gotten some super great things to try out and this one is no different! 

I got one of my most fave things...Chocolate!!!  And it's Ghirardelli Chocolate at that!!

Just look at all that yumminess!! 

If you haven't heard of Ghirardelli, let me introduce you to the New Ghirardelli Milk & Truffle Squares!

These squares have a truffle filling inside a rich slow-melting milk and dark chocolate outer shell and they are scrumptious!!!  These are gourmet chocolates to me, which I don't usually buy because I don't typically like fancy chocolates and especially not with truffles!  But this was so creamy yet rich and there were 2 layers of flavors that blended so well together.  I am actually surprised that I really like these and I really like that they are individually wrapped squares that leave you satisfied, not just a drop of chocolate. 

I was checkin' out the Ghirardelli website and discovered a very interesting thing...

"Ghirardelli is one of the few companies in America that controls the entire chocolate manufacturing process, from cocoa bean to finished product. This control over the manufacturing process, combined with Ghirardelli's proprietary bean blend and unique methods of roasting and processing, ensures that you are rewarded with the highest quality and richest products."

See, now that is gourmet chocolate to me! 

If you love chocolate like me then you really need to check out this site.  You can find some fabulous recipes as well as the helpful Chocopedia's that are full of all sorts of chocolate info. 

 I can't wait to add these to my kids Valentines baskets!  At their ages they will devour them!!  Hubs and I have already devoured the rest!  I will definitely be lookin' for some Ghirardelli deals to use my coupons with!  If you see one, let me know!!

*I received the product in this post compliments of SheSpeaks and Ghirardelli for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Join me at the @shespeaksup Tide Coldwater #washcold Twitter Party 1/19 9pm for fun and prizes!!

Check it Out!  After I joined SheSpeaks I was introduced to Twitter parties and I have to say they are interesting!  Fast paced but super fun, you get to meet new people, learn some new things and maybe even win a prize!  Never attended a Twitter party or have and felt completely lost?  Well, no problem, just head over and check out the SheSpeaks TweetGrid 101 video and also the Twitter Party tips and hints that will help you jump right into the conversation!

The SheSpeaks Tide Coldwater #WashCold Twitter Party is coming up on Thursday 1/19 at 9pm EST and it's all about saving energy!  You can get tips and tricks to help you save energy and reduce waste around the house.  Learn ways that we can all make small changes that help the environment.  Oh and don't forget the prizes, like that fabulous door grand prize – a Whirlpool High Efficiency Washing Machine!  But there are other winners as well!  Be sure and RSVP for the party by commenting on this blog post HERE with your Twitter handle to be entered to win.

And if you wanna win a Free bottle of Tide Coldwater detergent, then you will want to follow @shespeaksup on Twitter on Tuesday  January 17th through Thursday January 19th when they will be tweeting out a Tide Coldwater question from @SheSpeaksUp at 9AM ET. Tweet back the answer with the hashtag #washcold to be eligible to win a bottle of Tide Coldwater Liquid Detergent! One winner per day will be chosen randomly from correct answers and announced at 4pm ET. 
So here are all the details:

Tide Coldwater #WashCold Twitter Party

When: Thursday, January 19th
Time: 9pm EST
Who: You and your friends!
Hashtag: #washcold
Custom TweetGrid: http://bit.ly/v2O8wy
Party Sponsors: @Tide, @FutureFriendly
Party Hosts: @SheSpeaksUp, @RachelFerrucci
Party Panelists: @stacieinatlanta, @katjapresnal, @zipporahs, @lisasamples, @cherylbudge  

See you there as I have the opportunity to win a prize provided by Tide/SheSpeaks!

                       

Product Review: #Tide Coldwater via @shespeaksup & P&G

Check it out!  Laundry is a never ending chore in my home.  I have at least one load a day, and if I miss a day?  Yeah, you probably know. 

I am typically a Purex user, but when I get a deal on laundry detergent I am all over it.  I do not buy Tide, matter of fact I have never bought it in my life.  When I was younger I had a skin reaction to it and my mom never used it again so neither did I.  So when I got the opportunity to sign up for the SheSpeaks Tide Coldwater Program, I will admit to being a little hesitant.  However, I decided that at my age and all the changes my body has been through there was probably no reason I would have a problem so I decided to sign up and give it a try. 

I received a full size bottle of the new Tide Coldwater via SheSpeaks and P&G and of course there was a basket of dirties waiting...

I typically wash my darks in cold water and I have to use warm on some of my whites due to how dirty they are.  Tide Coldwater is specially formulated to help get clothes clean when they are washed in cold water. Switching to washing in cold water is one small step you can take in your daily life to help conserve energy and save money on your utility bill.  I definitely could use some savings in that area! 

Well one of my main challenges is the kids white socks.  Ever since getting a trampoline I have been dealing with the most cruddy socks...

I am happy to say that the Tide Coldwater took care of the crud and those socks look great!  I was impressed at the cleaning power even in cold water.  Just check em out...

 I have pretty much used the entire bottle and I have washed darks and whites and was happy with the results.  Oh and no skin reactions!  So if I can get a good deal on this product, you can bet I am gonna stock up! 

You can check out the buzz on Tide on the SheSpeaks Facebook page HERE.

*I received the product in this post and a gift card compliments of P&G via SheSpeaks for purposes of this review however all opinions are my own.

Join SheSpeaks and Peeled Snacks Healthy Swap Program

Check it Out!  As a SheSpeaks member I get in on some awesome programs and deals.  It is one of my favorite communities that I am a part of.  Sometimes the programs that they have are regional and there is one going on right now that those of you that live in these areas near these stores, can take part in for Free:

Acme Fresh Market (OH), D'Agostino's (NYC), Foodtown (NY, NJ, PA), Heinen's (OH), Ingles (NC, TN), King Kullen (NY), Marc's (OH, CT), PriceChopper (NY, PA, CT, MA, VT, NH), ShopRite (NY, NJ, PA, CT, DE, MD
You will want to get in on this!  Peeled Snacks Healthy Swap Program!!  These are those healthy fruit snack they sell at Starbucks.  I have never tried them and would have loved to been a part of this program but alas I am in the south and am not able to participate, but if you are a SheSpeaks member, head over and sign into your account to see if you have an invite!  If your not a SheSpeaks member,  well... why not?  Now is the time and here is a special opportunity to get in on this program and many more!

Just GO HERE and you can get enrolled.  If your a blogger you need to be apart of this community, it is an asset and a wonderful platform for women's opinions. 

Even if you don't live in the area but you want to try these snacks, you can go to peeledsnacks.com and use coupon code:  SheSpeaks at checkout, you will get a $10 off discount!  Valid thru 2/28/12.

GO HERE to get more info on this program and store locations as well.

25% off Cerra Sample Set thru 11/30



Check it Out!  Everybody needs some me time and Cerra is making it super affordable to get some products to help you out with their Cyber Monday Special!  You can get their fabulous Cerra Sample Set at 25% off now thru 11/30/11.  For just $11.25 you get a combination of full and sample sizes of Keepsake Journal Notes, Dissolving Notes, Sensory Oil, Cerra Tea, and Cerra Lotion – 7 products in all with a retail value of $15. They come in a variety of the Cerra Seven Intentions, so you can sample many of the scents and flavors.

And snag free shipping on orders over $25!

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My SheSpeaks #SSTorani Authentic Coffeehouse Flavor Experience - part 2

Check it Out!  If you missed part 1 of this review you can check it out HERE.   In part 2 of my Torani review I want to focus on the Peppermint Syrup, but first I have to share with you a super yummy idea for the Caramel syrup- POPCORN...

Oh, wow!  I took popped popcorn and Torani Caramel Syrup in a storage bag, shook it up good and enjoyed the best caramel popcorn that I have ever had!!!Yumm!  I think that I am obsessed with this stuff!!

Now on to the Torani Peppermint Syrup.  The first time I tried it on was vanilla ice cream.  I love mint ice cream and with the Torani you control how strong the flavor is.  I love it, it's a crisp minty flavor and blends nicely.  So then of course I had to try it in Hot Chocolate

And again Wow!!  All that was missing is a candy cane!!! I can not wait to serve this during the holidays.  My kids LOVED it and so did hubby! 

What I really like about the Torani syrups is that it is so easy to add it to just about anything while being able to control the flavor strength.  Remember Torani syrups come in over 122 flavors in both regular and sugar free varieties. You can GO HERE to the SheSpeaks site and check out reviews on these and other flavors as well. 

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And check this out, when you GO HERE to the Torani site and use special offer code:  shespeaks at checkout you will get a 10% discount on your purchase.

*The Giveaway*

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below to win 1 of 3 coupons good for a Free Bottle of any flavor Torani syrup. Maximum value of coupon is $8.00 and it is valid thru 6/30/2012!  

*I received samples and coupons via SheSpeaks and Torani for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.