Ma21cuteboy

Nutrisystem Nation 10 Day Challenge Days: 9 & 10

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Fri, 27 May 2011 06:00:00 -0600

So today is the last two day of my Nutrisystem Nation 10 Day Challenge. I would love to have a perfect 'beach body' but know that isn't going to happen but I can be more realistic with my expectations to be the lady who isn't covered from head to toe in a mu mu but a swim suit!

I am feeling better and better everyday and know that the changes that I have made in my food choices and daily exercise will help me stay on my goals.

If you would like to see my experience with the Nutrisystem Nation 10 Day Challenge you can read about it here, here, here, and here.

Day 9
Breakfast-Home Style Pancakes
I added some fresh fruit on top with some fat free yogurt in lieu of whipped cream or syrup.

Lunch-Steak and Cheese Melt, roast beef in a brown gravy, white cheddar cheese, onions, and green peppers in a soft baked crust.
I added a side of blueberries.

Dinner-Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells, Italian cheeses in a chunky tomato basil sauce, spinach, and cheese stuffed shells.
I paired the ravioli with some veggies and some fresh fruit.

Desert-Ice Cream Sandwich

Exercise: I walked over 7 miles today!

Day 10
Breakfast-Garden Vegetable Omelet, cheese mixed with tomato, onions, and peppers.
I love how flavorful this omelet is. The vegetables were crisp and the egg wasn't soggy at all.
I paired it with fresh fruit and a slice of dry toast.

Lunch-Chicken Fajita Melt,a blend of chicken breast, vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and fajita sauce in a crisp tortilla style crust.
This is one of my favorites, it is filled with a lot of flavor and has a great amount of chicken,
I paired it with a side salad with a homemade Italian Dressing.

Dinner-Glazed Chicken Medallions, chicken breast in a savory glaze with brown and wild rice with green beans alamode.
I loved how tender the chicken was, the rice was nice and fluffy, and the green beans were nice and crisp.

Dessert-Creamy Fudge Bar

Exercise: Today I jogged the track and couldn't do 8 miles, but I jogged the whole 2 miles!

Weight loss: I have lost a total of 8 pounds since starting Nutrisystem and exercising!

Disclosure: I was provided with food for then(10)days for the Nutrisystem Nation 10 Day challenge from the company or pr representative to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed are that of my own & others' may differ. NOTE: Please see your Dr. before starting a diet or exercise regimen.

Nutrisystem Nation 10 Day Challenge Days: 7 & 8

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Thu, 26 May 2011 06:00:00 -0600

So now here we are inching closer to the end of my Nutrisystem Nation 10 Day Challenge and I am feeling a lot better not only about myself(inside & out), but physically. I have had so much energy and want to do more than just lounge around!

If you would like to see how my experience is coming along you can see those here: 1/2, 3/4, and days 5/6 .

Day 7
Breakfast-Ham and Cheese Omelet, ham mixed with cheddar cheese.
Paired with fresh fruit.

Lunch-Meatball Parmesan Melt, meatballs tossed with tangy marinara, reduced herb mozzarella and roasted vegetables baked i a soft bread.
Oh how I love a meat ball sub and that is exactly what this tasted like.
I added some steamed vegetables with my lunch.

Dinner-Roasted Turkey Medallions, slow roasted turkey in gravy with broccoli florets, julienne carrots, and cauliflower.
I have mentioned that I don't like cooked carrots but I loved the turkey and gravy. It reminded me of a Thanksgiving dinner. The broccoli and cauliflower wasn't soggy, it was still crunchy and had a lot of flavor.
I added a side salad with vinegar.

Desert-Orange Creme Bar
This is great! It tastes just like the fattening kind!!

I walked the track again today and have made it up to 3 1/2 miles! I am going to shoot for 5 tomorrow:)

Day 8
Breakfast-Breakfast Burrito with eggs, beans, and vegetables.
I love the breakfast burrito it has so much flavor. The vegetables were crisp and the beans oh so good.
I also had some fat free yogurt.

Lunch-Toasted Ham and Cheese, a crispy crust filled with ham and cheese.
I paired my lunch with a potato salad.

Dinner-6" Roasted Veggie Pizza, made with reduced fat mozzarella, marinara, and fire roasted vegetables.
I added a side salad with no dressing.

Desert-Fudge Swirl Sundae
Oh I love dessert

I have been walking everyday and have now gotten up to 5 MILES!!!

Weight Loss: 5 pounds

Disclosure: I was provided with food for ten(10)days for the Nutrisystem Nation 10 Day Challenge from the company or pr representative to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed are that of my own & others' may differ. NOTE: Please see your Dr. before starting a diet or exercise program.

Nutrisystem Nation 10 Day Challenge Days 5 & 6

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Wed, 25 May 2011 08:00:00 -0600

I have been participating in the Nutrisystem Nation 10 Day Challenge and am loving the process. I have always wanted to eat better and live a more 'healthy lifestyle.' I have never dieted, or worried about my weight-EVER! I have eaten pretty good although I love my chocolate and ice cream I did include plenty of water, fruits, vegetables and never over ate. It was how I was eating, I wouldn't always eat breakfast, lunch or dinner. So my body stored the 'fat' that I did eat and saved it for when I didn't. I find it funny that I had to much breakfast, lunch, and dinner for my son, but never ate it for myself.
I have now been forced to learn to eat better not only for myself but for my son. I want to be around long enough to see him graduate, get married, have children, and live his life to the fullest but I knew it wouldn't happen at the rate I was going!

Day 5
Breakfast-Garden Vegetable Omelet, has tomato, onion, peppers, and cheese.
Okay this omelet was sooo good! It had great flavor from the onions, and peppers. I added a fresh salsa to this baby!

Lunch-Chicken Quesadilla a flour tortilla wrapped with chicken, green chilies, tomato's, and creamy reduced fat cheeses.
I also loved the Chicken Quesadilla, it had enough chicken mixed with green chili!
I ate it with some fresh salsa from this morning.

Dinner-Chicken Alfredo, creamy alfredo sauce, tender chicken breast, rotini, broccoli florets, and carrots.
I am usually really picky about my alfredo sauce and have to tell you that this sauce tasted homemade! It had enough pieces of chicken, rotini and broccoli(I don't care for cooked carrots).

Dessert-Fudge Swirl Sundae
Do you remember those little cups with the tiny wooden spoons? This is exactly what it tasted like! mmm

Exercise: I walked 1 1/2 miles today.(I am going for more tomorrow)

Day 6
Breakfast-Home Style pancakes.
The pancakes were good.
I paired it with some fresh fruit.

Lunch-Margarita Pizza, reduced fat herb mozzarella cheese, creamy ricotta cheese, marinara, fire roasted tomato, and basil.
Oh I love me some pizza! Like I said before the slices are small but I got full.
I added some cottage cheese with fruit.

Dinner-Asian Style Beef a vegetable medley with a spicy asian-style sauce, tender beef, and rice.
Oh this was so good. There was enough meat and veggies and the sauce wasn't too spicy. The rice was tender and not soggy.
I added a side salad with a vinegar dressing.

Dessert-Caramel Swirl Sundae
Oh this is so good, there is nothing better when it is swirled with caramel!

Exercise: I have been walking everyday. Today I walked 2 1/2 miles!

Weight Loss: 3 lbs!!!!!

Disclosure: I was provided with food for ten(10)days for the Nutrisystem Nation 10 Day Challenge from the company or pr rep to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed are that of my own & others' may differ. NOTE: Please see your Dr. before starting a diet or exercise regimen.

Nutrisystem Days 3 & 4

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Tue, 24 May 2011 08:13:00 -0600

Today is my second and thrid day of doing the Nutrisystem 10 Day Challenge. I haven't really showed any weight loss results but I am sure that will come with continued use of Nutrisystem! I do feel better than I have felt in a long time with eating great(regularly) and staying on a good exercise regimen.
Day 3

Breakfast-Golden French Toast
I really liked the french toast there was a lot of flavor and they were nice and moist. I added some fresh fruit and a glass of milk.

Lunch-Chicken Fajita Melt it has a blend of of chicken breast, veggies, mozarella cheese, and fajita sauce in a thin crust.
I liked this! It had a lot of flavor and just enough chicken with the blend of vegetables. I paired it with some fresh fruit and some tomato juice.

Dinner-Ravioli Formaggio, stuffed with Italian cheeses, and spinich in a chunky tomato basil sauce stuffed inside of shells.
This is my favorite by far(Chucky's too)! It has a great amount of flavor, the sauce was so good, it had such a good flavor without the taste of it being a heat-n-serve meal. I added a side salad with a vinegar and oil dressing.

Dessert-Ice Cream Sandwhich
I am a sucker for a Fat Boy so my expectations for the Nutrisystem Ice Cream Sandwhich was set pretty low. I honestly couldn't tell that it wasn't a Fat Boy! So if you ask me which one I prefer it would have to be Nutrisystem because although it tastes good, it's good for me too!

Exercise: Today seemed like winter so instead of walking, I did a workout with the Wii! When I was done playing with Chucky I was really sweaty=Exercise!

Day 4

Breakfast-Breakfast Burrito, has a combination of eggs, red & yellow peppers, and beans wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Oh I loved the Breakfast Burrito. I love beans and eggs together. It's kinda like PB&J they just fit.
I didn't think it had enough of salt *but I didn't add any! It had a lot of peppers for flavor and the egg was perfect, it wasn't soggy.
I also added some yougurt.

Lunch-Steak Cheese Melt, has roast beef with brown gravy, white cheddar cheese, onion, and green peppers in a soft baked crust.
This was surprisingly good(I am not a fan of brown gravy) it had an amazing flavor with the onions and green peppers.

Dinner-Glazed Chicken Tenders. Chicken breast in a savory glaze with brown wild rice, and green beans almondine.
I loved this one too! I am a fan of glazes' and rice. The chicken was nice and tender with just the right amount of glaze.
I added a side sald with no dressing.

Dessert-Creamy Fudge Bar
Oh boy, it was like eating a fudgsicle! (Need I say more?)

Exercise: I walked a little over a mile tonight on the track!

Disclosure: I was provided with food for ten(10)days for the Nutrisystem 10 Day Challenge from the company or pr rep to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed are that of my own & others' may differ. NOTE: Please see your Dr. before starting a diet or exercise regimen.

Nutrisystem 10 Day Challenge Days 1 & 2

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Mon, 23 May 2011 11:00:00 -0600

When I knew I was going to be trying the Nutrisystem Nation 10 day challenge, I was really excited to have that swift kick in the pants to actually get myself in gear to change my habits and yet terrified that I was going

to be changing my habits.

I am not the type of person who goes to a buffet and eats plate after plate with a system of getting my money's worth and my habits when I eating at home are different as well. I can feel as though I am starving but as soon as I take one or two bites I feel full, not hungry or the food wasn't what I really wanted. I thought something was wrong but it was actually the types of food that I was eating, greasy, loaded with carbohydrates, trans fat and all of the other good stuff that makes food good. So I am excited to get the opportunity to make changes with my food habits and lifestyle.

When the food arrived via Schwann's in a large keep cold bag I was thinking wowzers that is a lot of food but when I opened up the box and started to take the food out I went into shock when I looked at the portion sizes I was thinking to myself, 'This is what a portion size is supposed to be and the thought that I was placing three times more of that on my plate snapped me back into reality! Although I wasn't eating all of what was on my plate I knew what I was eating was entirely way to much!

The food sounded so good and looked amazing on the packages. So much so that as I pulled each item out of the box when my son was planning his meal 'I will have the homestyle pancakes for breakfast, the meatball sub for lunch and the turkey pepperoni pizza for dinner!' I thought, 'Wow he thinks it looks good too, unfortunately there isn't enough for both of us.'

The first day was a little intimidating because in the morning I make breakfast for Chucky and myself as we talk about our dreams, what our plans are for the day(at school),if we have anything to do after school and what we are making for dinner.

Day One:

Breakfast-Ham & Cheese Omelet an omelet with ham and cheese.
This was amazing! I love ham & cheese and omelets so this was right up my alley! I added some home made fresh salsa on top and fresh fruit.

Lunch-Steak & Cheese Melt it has roast beef, brown gravy, white cheddar cheese, onion, and green peppers in a soft baked crust.
It was great with good flavor, I also added a small salad with vinegar and oil.

Dinner-Salisbury Steak with Macaroni and Cheese it's a beef patty with mushrooms, gravy and cheesy macaroni.
I didn't care for the Salisbury Steak, although it did have great flavor. I am just not a brown gravy girl. The macaroni and cheese was good and flavorful as well. I paired it with a small side salad and some corn.

Dessert-Caramel Swirl Sundae, vanilla ice cream with a swirl of caramel.
Very delish! It was creamy and just the right amount of caramel.

Day Two:

Breakfast-Homestyle Pancakes
They were very good. I didn't add syrup, instead I added fresh fruit and had some yogurt.

Lunch-Toasted Ham and Cheese in a crispy crust filled with ham and cheese.
This wasn't one of my favorites either. I love ham & cheese but the crispy crust was not my cup of tea.
I paired it with some cottage cheese.

Dinner-Turkey Pepporoni Pizza with a combination of mozzarella, asiago and Parmesan cheeses, zesty tomato sauce and spicy turkey pepperoni on a hearty crust.
This was delicatable! It is like the size of a slice and I was full on three slices(Chucky had to try it!) It was very tastey and full of flavor!

Dessert-Orange Creme Bar
This took me back to when I was little and my dad would take us to get a dream bar. MMMM very good!

As I stated before, I wasn't prepared for the small portion sizes but it sure did fill me up because I paired them with healthy side dishes as well. I also made sure that Chucky and I did some type of exercise. Each day we went on a walk, rode bikes or played the Wii. I started to feel really good it's like my body was saying, 'THANK YOU!!'

*Diclosure: I was provided with food for ten(10) days for the Nutrisystem 10 Day Challenge from the company or pr rep to facilitate this reveiw. The opinions expressed are that of my own & others' may differ. NOTE: Please see your Dr. before starting a diet or excersise regimen.*

Personal Microderm System Review

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:19:00 -0600

I am so excited to tell you about the (PMD) Personal Microderm. It is a personal microdermabrasion at home system that your able to use at home or anywhere! I know, now you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars, gas money, and time going to a salon or spa to get great looking skin.

Since being diagnosed with cancer my skin has gotten absolutely horrible. I have extreme acne, constant breakouts, enlarged pores and acne scarring. I am so embarrassed and self conscious about my skin that I have actually given up trying to conceal it because it makes it look ten times worse. I have tried many, many, many products(that is probably an understatement). I even went as far as getting on a high dose of anibiotics(they made me so sick but it was worth it to me if my skin would improve). I became depressed and had to be put on an antidepressant. I started to believe that I was just going to have to deal with my new; unflattering skin.

I was given the opportunity to review the Personal Microderm System and to tell you the truth I was on the fence. I didn't want to get my hopes up, thinking my skin would get better or even clear up. I had that hope before and wasn't ready for the extreme let down again.

The Personal Microderm System includes

1 Personal Microderm
6 Exfoliating discs(2 green-1 large, 1 small & 4 blue-2 large, 2 small)
2 Caps
1 Reusable filter
1 Instructional DVD & Sheet
*Before using the Personal Microderm System read all directions carefully and watch the instructional dvd.*

The exfoliating discs determine what type of 'abrasion' your going to get. The green exfoliating discs are more abrasive and are for tougher/thicker skin and the blue exfoliator discs are a finer grit more for sensitive skin. They also include large and small discs. The larger discs are for larger surface areas like the body and the smaller discs are for your face and neck.

Also included are two(2) caps(they go over the exfoliating discs)to help provide a barrier between your skin

and the exfoliating discs. There is one large for the large exfoliating discs and one small for the small exfoliating discs.

The Personal Microdem rotates the discs to remove the dead, dry skin from your face to make way for newer skin. It also has a vacuum type suction to bring the skin closer to the exfoliating discs as well as remove some of the dead skin cells.
Once you've decided on the type of disc is best for your skin type your going to pull your skin taught and upwards. You'll turn the PMD on and place it on your face going in an upward motion making sure not to stay in one place. If you keep it in one place too long it will start to go penetrate the dead skin and into your fresh new skin and cause a sore and scabbing. You'll start to see a white 'film' on your skin which is the dead skin cells being removed from your face(which is kind of nice-as you can see where you've already passed with the PMD). Once your done you'll wash your face again, dry well, apply the M2 Skin Moisturizer and then a SPF. The PMD is supposed to be used once every two weeks or less depending on how your skin reacts to the first use.

I found the PMD extremely easy to use and can't imagine my skin without it ever again. My skin hasn't felt this good in such a long time. I can see a big change in my skins texture, tone, pore size and color. I have had clearer skin just after the first couple of uses and am really excited to see the results with regular use.

The one drawback to the PMD are the M2 products that you have to buy seperately. It came with the M2 Skin Refinish 20% Serum and the M2 Skin Moisturizer for this review, but I only got a couple of uses out of them. I would aslo like to add that the PMD isn't just for acne prone skin but also for those with rosacea, wrinkles, sun spots, and uneven skin.

You can purchase the Personal Microderm At-Home Micrdermabrasion System at SkinCareRx for $179.00 & the replacement discs for $14.80.

Thank you SkinCareRx for the opportunity to do this review!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was provided with the Personal Microderm System for review. The opinions expressed are that of my own & others' may differ. For more info please visit my Disclosure Policy.

Imaginisce Blog Hop + Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 21:49:00 -0600

If your here to enter the Imaginisce Blog Hop they have the wrong link. Please head here for the tutorial & to enter to win an i-Rock! Sorry for any inconvenience. Good Luck!

Apothica Winner...

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:33:00 -0600

I want to give a big Thank You to everyone who entered the Apothica.com giveaway!
They have some amazing items from so many amazing shops that you'll have no problem finding something that your going to love or already do!
The winner is...

Congratulations PurpleLarkspur! I sent you an email and you now have 48 hours to claim your prize or I will have to choose a new winner.

Please don't forget that I moved to Living in La La Land and will no longer be posting on Ma21cuteboy. It has been great getting to know all of you over here and I hope that you'll come visit me over there where I already have an amazing giveaway going on and many more to come!!

BlogMania '11 Is Live!

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Fri, 8 Apr 2011 23:17:00 -0600

Blog Mania '11 is now live! You can enter to win over $10k in prizes from over 70 blogs! If you would like to enter mine you can head over to Living in La La Land. Where you can enter to win over $200 in prizes and also find a link to enter all of the other blogs participating in Blog Mania!
Have Fun & Good Luck!!

Blog Mania '11

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Fri, 8 Apr 2011 14:28:00 -0600

Do you know what starts at midnight? Blog Mania '11!! There are over 70 blogs particpating and over 10k in prizes!! That's alot of prizes!
Are you going to enter? I hope you will....to enter to win the loot from my fabulous sponsors & to enter on the others' blogs please visit Living in La La Land at midnight because one winner from my blog will walk away with over $200 in prizes!!
Amy Cornwell
Batty's Bath
Perricone MD
$25 Visa GC

Blog Mania '11 Sponsor- Perricone MD

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Fri, 8 Apr 2011 14:22:00 -0600

Perricone MD is an amazing line of skin care products. Whether your looking to get younger looking skin, clearer skin or that perfect glow they have exactly what you need.

I was lucky enough to try the Cold Plasma and my skin drank it up like a tall glass of water! I have been using it now for a few months and have noticed a big difference in my skins texture. I usually have dry skin and we all know what happens with dry skin-wrinkles show! My ~~crows~~ ~~feet~~ smile lines are a lot more hydrated and thanks to the Cold Plasma don't say, 'Hey look at my wrinkles!'

Dr. Nicholas Perricone, MD, FACN, is a board certified clinical and research dermatologist. A brilliant scholar, Dr. Perricone completed medical school in just 3 years, graduating with distinction. He completed his internship in Pediatrics at Yale Medical School and his Dermatology Residency at Ford Medical Center. Dr. Perricone is regarded as the Father of the Inflammation Theory of Aging.

After years of research Dr. Perricone arrived at the conclusion that cellular inflammation may be the underlying cause of wrinkles. According to Dr. Perricone, this inflammation is not the redness that is visible to the naked eye but rather microscopic irritation that takes place in your cells leading to cellular damage. He believes that this inflammation is responsible for skin-related problems like breakouts, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.
You can read more about Dr. Perricone here.

Thanks to Perricone MD one lucky reader will win $150 GC to use on any product they want!!

Follow Perricone MD on Facebook
Follow Perricone MD on Twitter
Follow Perricone MD's Blog

Purse Brite Winner...

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Fri, 8 Apr 2011 03:43:00 -0600

Thank you to everyone who entered the Purs Brite giveaway. I love having my Purse Brite my bag has never been and stayed so clean and organized.

The winner is...

Amy, I sent you an email you have 48 hours to respond or I will have to choose a new winner.

Please don't forget to follow the new Blog, follow on Twitter, and like me on Facebook.
Once the current giveaway's are over I am no longer going to be posting on this blog and if you don't make the move your going to get left behind...and I can't stand the thought of leaving someone behind!!!

Changes...

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Thu, 7 Apr 2011 11:25:00 -0600

Hey all! I told you a while ago that there were going to be some changes(althougth I didn't think they would happen this fast they are & did) My new blog is Living in La La Land. This is where I will be posting, hosting, jabbing and following everyone back from-from now on! If you could please take a few minutes and go visit & refollow(unfortunately my followers didn't transfer:(
I also have a new Facebook page and Twitter account.
Everyone who has entered my last two giveaway's Purse Brite(ends tonight) & $25 Apothica GC will be okay as the comments moved over to the new blog!! Good Luck & I hope to see ya on Living in La La Land!!

Open Enrollment...

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Sat, 2 Apr 2011 02:06:00 -0600

I wanted to share with you all a really exciting place where I've been hangin'! Pitch List, BFPR(Blog Friendly PR).
Pitch List BFPR is an amazing place to get PR pitches, PR contacts, Paid Sponsorships, Paid Posting Opportunities, Brand Ambassadorships, Conference Sponsorships and Amazing Friendships.

What makes the Pitch List BFPR different?
We are all here to support each other in doing what we love-Blogging!

Why should you join?
You can get genuine companies to work with, make some lasting friendships and get help from other bloggers who have or are going through the same things as you.

What's in it for you?
PR! Public Relations is a great way to work with people to help promote your blog, items you love or items that you want to try before you buy.

How much is it?
Right now if you join you can choose from a month-to-month membership for $5 or a yearly membership for $40.

If you decide to become a member of Pitch List BFPR please let them know that I referred you, if I refer the most people I get a years membership!

*Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. In sharing this post I am eligible to win a years membership if I refer the most people. The opinions expressed are that of my own & others' may differ.

Blog Mania '11 Sponsor- Amy Cornwell Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Sat, 2 Apr 2011 00:35:00 -0600

As a woman, mom, sister, friend, and daughter I absolutely love jewelry that is given from the ♥. When I came across Amy Cornwell Designs I was super excited to not only purchase her items for myself but for others as gifts. To me there is nothing better than receiving a gift from someone who has put a lot of thought into the gift they are giving and nothing better than buying from someone who loves what they do!

Amy is a married mother of two. She started her love of jewelry making in the 1990's but it wasn't until 2003 that she attended jewelry party and decided that she could make the items herself. She then started having home shows and in 2004 made it official-she licensed her business with the IRS and eventually opened her store at AmyCornwell.com she was selling beaded jewelry and metal tins. She started a meta lsmithing class in 2005 to expand her craft and in 2007 decided to try stamped jewelry and this is where her business really took off. Christmas 2009 was the first year she needed assistants to help her get through the busy season of processing and shipping orders daily. In 2010 Amy started doing more metalsmithing work with soldering and more complex pieces. She hired her first employee in 2010 as well.

Amy's Heirloom Collection is a grouping of pieces that are just that 'Heirloom Pieces.' You can buy one for your grandmother, mother, daughter, sister, friend and know that it is going to last and be treasured for years to come. Not only are Amy's pieces customizable but affordable for every budget.
Amy has a wide variety of beautiful pieces to choose from whether your planning a wedding, need a gift for the special man in your life or want to pamper yourself because you deserve it, you can find it or Amy can design it!

Amy is a very giving person, she has an awesome blog where she showcases her newest designs as well as very talented people from around blog land and some tutorials of her own. It's also where she shares her space, her life and love for her family.

I am really excited that Amy Cornwell Designs is one of the sponsors for Blog Mania '11 and one lucky Ma21cuteboy reader will win a $25 gift certificate to spend at Amy's online store!!

You can visit Amy and show her some ♥ here:
Amy Cornwell's Online Store
Amy Cornwell's Etsy shop
Amy Cornwell's Blog
Amy Cornwell on Twitter
Amy Cornwell on Facebook

*Please note this is not the giveaway. The giveaway will take place on April 9th & 10th for Blog Mania '11.*

*Disclosure: I was not compensated for his post. The opinions expressed are that of my own & others' may differ. Thank you Amy for your generosity & providing a winner with such a fabulous prize.*

Spring Parties...

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:10:00 -0600

With Spring comes parties, bachelorette parties, and bridal showers. We often contemplate what type of gift to give and most of the time it is something that we thought would be more fun than functional.

EdenFantasys is a website that will help you get the gift for your parties or for yourself that you've longed to have! I love to get my friends and family a special something that they can use and wear all of the time.
EdenFantasys has a great selection of lingerie whether your buying for yourself or a friend you can get some of the cutest items!

*Disclosure: In writing this review post I will be compensated with a gift card. The opinions expressed are honest, that of my own & others' may differ.

Apothica.com Review + Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:59:00 -0600

**CLOSED**

As women and especially mother's it's hard to find time for us! Let me introduce you to Apothica.com. Apothica.com is a place where you can 'Beautify for You!' Apothica.com is an online beauty boutique, which carries the finest selection of skin care, body care, aromatherapy, and cosmetic products on the market today, including the most natural, organic products available. They are dedicated to providing you with high quality products formulated to promote and enhance your natural beauty.

I received the Laura Gellar Baked and Beautiful Kit. The kit contains Spackle Under Make-Up Primer, Medium Balance-n-Bronze, Apricot Berry Blush-n-Brighten, Apricot Berry Dream Creams Lip Palette, Bewitching Bronze Eye Rimz, a lip brush, eye liner brush and a double ended application brush.
When I first tried the make up I didn't realize that you had to be pretty light-haded with the application. I looked like Snooki!!

Laura Gellar is a true innovator in the world of cosmetics. Her interest in makeup bagan at an early age and translated into a career as one of the industry's top makeup artists. Operating under the idea that women wanting to look their best doesn't necessairily mean following the latest trends, Gellar creates products with inviting and wearable colors.
By pioneering a new category in makeup with her 'Baked' collection, Gellar's line of cosmetics has an almost cult-like following. Baking saturated colors in terrecotta pans for 24 hours creates rich textures and breathable coverage. It has a marbled effect and is able to be used on so many different skin tones and textures. Laura Gellar cosmetics is unique and will leave you with a glowing and smooth complexion.

Once I got the hang of how to apply the makeup I thought, '~~I am a pro!~~' I can do this! I'm able to apply it in less than 5 minutes and as a busy mom and full time student that is very important to me. One of the most amazing things that I loved about the Laura Gellar makeup was the users guide that was included in my kit.

There were tips and suggestions on how to apply each piece of the kit. For someone who only wore mascara this was very beneficial, useful, and very handy. Because of the baking and marbled effect you can mix and match pieces, so your able to use the Balance-n-Bronze as eye shadow or as another eyeliner. Your really getting the best bang for your buck with these items.

Apothica not only carries Laura Gellar, Napoleon Perdis, Becca Makeup, Hourglass Cosmetics, and Oscar Blandi as well as many other favorite brands!

Buy It:
You can purchase the Laura Gellar kit that I got or another item at Apothica.com.

Win It:
One Ma21cuteboy reader will win a $25 GC that can be used at Apothica.com that can be used at SkinCareRx.com. Apothica.Com, and/or SkinBotanica.com.

Mandatory Entry:Please leave a separate comment for each entry & make sure your email address is in your comment or profile so I can contact you if you win.
Leave a seperate comment for each entry!

1- You must be a follower of Ma21cuteboy(publicly) to enter!-1 entry
2- Visit Apothica.com & let me know which item you would get if you won.-1 entry

Extra Entries:Extra entries are not mandatory but are encouraged to greater your chances of winning!

Follow Ma21cuteboy on Twitter
Follow Apothica on Twitter
Follow Ma21cuteboy on Facebook
Follow Apothica on Facebook & show them some love!
Subscribe to Ma21cuteboy via Email or RSS(2-each)
Blog about Apothica brand & link to Apothica(5)
Enter the Purse Brite giveaway
Vote for me-1x daily just leave a comment on the voting page(at the bottom) & one here letting me know you voted
Tweet the following:(can be done 1x daily for extra entry-Leave a link)
I entered to win an @Apothica gc @Ma21cuteboy 4/12 http://bit.ly/dP3wKQ (INTERNATIONAL)

Contest Guidelines:
Open to everyone(they ship to most countries but you'll have to check & make sure they ship to you)
Giveaway will close on April 12th at 10:00 pm MST
Winner will be chosen via Random.org
Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen
Winner will be notified in a winning email as well as in a post on the blog
I verify each entry, if you didn't complete the mandatory entries you will forfeit the prize.

Oh My Goodness, Oh My Goodness!!

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 21:07:00 -0600

I was surfing through ~~6,000~~ emails when I came upon one of my faves Cluck Cluck Sew and found this amazing tutorial that I just have to make! This is the time when I wish I were an amazing seamstress and could whip some of these babies up like I was eating a chocolate bar!!! LOL

I hope some of you make them & I while you are I will be cleaning my keyboard of the drool!

Purse Brite Review + Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:03:00 -0600

**CLOSED**
Do you love handbags? I do, and I am not ashamed of it! What I am ashamed of, is the inside of my handbag. It's in no way pleasing to look at or go through trying to find something. Luckily there is a solution to my problem and yours if you have a handbag that is 'unorganized' like mine!

'Purse Brite' is an economical way to keep your handbag organized, functional and more pleasing to look through. 'Purse Brite' has 5 large pockets two of which are expandable making it easier to fit larger items such as sunglasses, cell phones, cameras, smaller video cameras, or anything else that is too large and awkward to be placed in the regular pockets but keeps them there snug and secure. One of the five larger pockets is divided into a top and bottom pocket, it's like two pockets in one! You can place your work ID or another card that you use often in there for easy access. Besides the five large pockets there is another larger one with a hook and loop closure, one smaller for loose change, one larger for dollar bills, a credit or debit card. I loved that it held my change and wasn't falling to the bottom of my bag. There are also two pen slots, three slots for either lipstick or lip gloss and a larger slot for readers or a granola bar. There is also a key fob on the corner of the 'Purse Brite' it's convenient so your not digging around looking for your keys. That's a lot of storage 'around' your bag and leaves so much room in the center for a wallet or anything else you'd like to put in there. Once I organized everything into the 'Purse Brite' I thought my handbag looked really bare, but it wasn't it was just organized! If you have children whether they are younger or older you carry around a lot of their things as well. I often find a car or two in the bottom of my bag and find myself carrying around a handheld gaming device with all of the games. With the 'Purse Brite' your able to transfer all of your items from bag to bag; in seconds! Your everyday handbag can be put into a diaper bag or vice versa without having to carry around a lot of bags. As women and moms it's a way to make our lives easier and who doesn't like easier?

'Purse Brite' is an 'As Seen On TV' product that works great! If you've ever seen the infomercial and thought, 'I sure could use that,' or 'I don't think I need one of those.' Your wrong on this one. I don't know how I got along without it for this long. I chose the beige because I feel like it coordinates well with the handbags that I already own and will purchase in the future. The attention to detail is amazing.

The 'Purse Brite' comes in three different color choices, Pink, Beige and Coal/light black. It also comes with a 'Purse Brite' Light, 5x Magnification Lighted Mirror and 'Luma Tweeze'. The 'Purse Brite Light' is absolutely amazing especially if your using a deeper bag or tote. It lit up my bag amazingly well, it is bright, compact and has two different functions-one that you can push to use quickly or one to push and keep it on for a few minutes.(I have to admit I used it one night to finish reading a book!) The 'Luma Tweeze' has a light and a magnification arm that swings in and out so your able to use it with or without magnification. I didn't care for the 'Luma Tweeze,' it's a great concept but just didn't work well for my needs. I love the magnified mirror! One side has the 5x magnification and the other is a regular mirror. The only thing I would change is having both sides of the mirror lighted. If your using the regular mirror you get light but when your using the 5x magnification you have to adjust the mirror to see with the light. I can't believe all of the hairs I had been leaving behind(GASP!).

Buy It:
You can purchase 'Purse Brite' on the TVTopTen website for $12.95 plus shipping & handling.

Win It:
Thanks to TVTopTen one Ma21cuteboy reader will win a 'Purse Brite' of their own!

Mandatory Entry:
*Please leave a separate comment for each entry & include your email address for winning notification purposes*
Follow Ma21cuteboy on Google Friend Connect then visit TVTopTen & let me know which color 'Purse Brite' you would like if you won.

Extra Entries:
Follow As Seen On TV on Twitter-leave your Twitter handle
Follow Ma21cuteboy on Twitter-leave your Twitter handle
Bookmark As Seen On TV on Delicious
Digg TVTopTen
'Like' TVTopTen on Facebook-leave your FB name
Add Ma21cuteboy as a friend on Facebook-leave your FB name
Share this giveaway on your Facebook page-leave a link to your post
Subscribe to Ma21cuteboy via email or rss feed(2 each)
Tweet about this giveaway:(can be done 2x daily for extra entry)-leave a link to your Tweet
Enter to win a Purse Brite @Ma21cuteboy from @tvtopten #giveaway http://bit.ly/h6Qmx8 4/7

Contest Guidelines:
Giveaway will close on April, 7th at 10:00 p.m. MST
Open to U.S. Residents only
Winners are chosen via Random.org
Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen
Winners will be notified via email as well as in a winning post on the blog
I verify all entries! If you didn't do the Mandatory entry you will forfeit your prize

*Disclosure: I was provided with a 'Purse Brite' from the Company or PR Agency for the company to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed are that of my own and others' may differ. For more info please visit my disclosure page. Thank you to TVTopTen for this wonderful opportunity.

Winners...

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 13:25:00 -0600

Thank you to everyone who left your feedback on Future of Ma21cuteboy! I have asked around & did some research; I see so many ups & downs in some of the changes, but ultimtely it just scares me to change something that seems to be working & not know if it will work when the changes are said and done. I am not good at choices & descisions like this...

The winner of the Clutch is...

The winner of the Pretty Neat Book is...

Congratulations, I sent you an email!

Update on Exciting News...

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:08:00 -0600

Do you remember me telling you about my Exciting News? Well it turned out great! The hardest part was judging all of the cute kids! I just kept thinking what if it were Chucky being judged? There were some with chubby red cheeks, some doing the cheesy smile, some that were caught off guard, professional pictures, and ones where the kids were just being kids! It was a tough job but I guess somebody had to do it right-RIGHT?

The other bloggers were absolutely gracious, fun and sweet. It was comforting to know that they didn't know me and I didn't know them! LOL They are some amazing women who you can read more about on their blogs: Utah Mom's Life, C. Jane, Enjoy It and I Never Grew Up.

The editors, photographers and other staff were absolutely amazing! We had lunch after our tough judging job and talked about our families, blogs, and lives. It was great getting know everyone and learn a little about their families.

I decided to wear a white t-shirt with some cute detail on the sleeves & neck from GAP, some jeans with patches from GAP, some cute bronze flats from Yosi Samra and a cute pink-berry colored rain coat from GAP. I felt a little over dressed and a bit like a big pink berry but I guess it's going to be in a magazine and there is nothing I can do about it now!!! I was just really excited that they chose me to be part of this and hope that more fun opportunities like this come my way. It was great to meet other bloggers IRL(in real life), and learn a bit about them, their blogs, and mostly more about myself!

Thank you Samantha and all of the staff at Utah Valley Magazine for making me feel really comfortable an welcome and including me as a judge.
You can see the 'Cutest Cuties' in an upcoming publication of Utah Valley Magazine.

Evy's Tree-Diana Wrap

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:58:00 -0600

Okay, it's NO secret how much I love Evy's Tree! I have a few ~~not enough~~ of her pieces and want more!!!
If I were rich, I would have one of each, but alas I am not! Amy is having a 'Tell A Friend' giveaway to win this amazing wrap.

I want it!!! Anyhoo, the contest ends on 3/18 at 12:00 so you betta go enter(or not so I can be chosen!)

i heart faces Photo Challenge-Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:55:00 -0600

This weeks photo challenge at i heart faces is Sun Flare & this happens to be one of my fave pictures because as I got ready to take the picture the sun came out and I got this beautiful glow! If you want to participate just head on over & put your picture in the linky!

Exciting News...

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:05:00 -0600

I was contacted by Samantha from a local area magazine and am excited to tell you that I have gotten an invitation to do something pretty exciting for me and my lil' blog! First let me tell you a little about the mag.

Utah Valley Magazine is a magazine for those who work in, live in or love the Valley. It is a lifestyle publication covering the people, events and homes of Utah County, from the Point of the Mountain on the North to Mount Nebo on the South.

Now in its ninth year of publication, Utah Valley Magazine has featured prominent residents such as Donny Osmond, Larry King and Steve Young. Besides featuring interesting people, Utah Valley Magazine highlights unique homes in the area to offer an insight to some of the people in the Valley and the way they live.

Yearly highlights include a Cute Baby Contest, Angels Among Us and the Photo Contest. Each issue contains letters to the editor, a calendar of events, achievements by area residents and volunteer opportunities of note.

Utah Valley Magazine is truly a publication “for people who love the Valley.”

Utah Valley Magazine also has a few blogs. So if your planning a visit to Utah & want some info on the latest happenings or just want to see what's going on in the Utah Valley that's where to look & you can also follow the mag on Facebook & Twitter too!

Onto my amazing news....
Myself along with three(3) other bloggers will be judging the Cute Kid Photo Contest & oh yeah they are doing a photo shoot with us bloggers!!! ME, I am going to have a photo shoot for a magazine!!!!*Pinch me please!* I am super excited that they chose me and hope to be able to take some pictures of us having fun looking at pictures of cute kids so I can share them with you!

I don't know how or why they chose me but I'm really excited and grateful for the many, many amazing opportunities that I have gotten to be a part of. I know that a lot of it wouldn't be possible without all of you who come to Ma21cuteboy and follow along on my journey-so Thank You!
(Now I have to figure out what I am going to wear, what do you think casual or a little dressy? Hmmm)

Pretty Neat Book Review + $200 Gift Card Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Chacoy) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:30:00 -0600

**CLOSED**
'It seems to be a fact of life today that we put ourselves last on the priority list. There's just too much to do and not enough time to do it, so we're often forced to make hard choices, generally under the pressure of immediate deadlines.'

I was recently given the opportunity to read and review the book Pretty Neat the buttoned-up way to get organized & let go of perfection. Now I would consider myself to be pretty organized but in a different way. I have piles of receipts, papers and other stuff that just need to be filed away. If you asked me where a certain paper or receipt was I could get it for you!

Pretty Neat is a book written by Alicia Rockmore & Sarah Welch who are busy women just like you & me who feel that we often times hold ourselves to an org-porn way of organizing. If your not certain as to what the heck I am talking about I will show you!
This first room is what we wish our rooms looked like.

Source

The second room is a room that I have learned to deal with in my own way....one step at a time!

In this book they help you let go of perfection and strive for real life! Don't get me wrong here, the book isn't about how we(those of us who aren't Martha Stewart)need to be organized, it's a book on how to let go of stressing out on being organized and to find out which organizing strategy is best for you and your family! This is one of my favorite sections in the book.
Develop Your Own Meaning Of Organized
Our goal in this section is to help you define it in a way that will enable you to do a better job of managing the things you love to do, not do more organizing. Taking charge may feel strange at first-old habits die hard. But it is worth the effort. It's tempting to define organizational solutions tactically, such as 'set up a filing system' or 'get toy bins.' But unless you take the time to (1) identify your real organizational issues, (2) understand the root causes of those issues, and (3) consciously arrive at a clear understanding of a 'good enough' goal, you're likely to fall back into your old habits.

I also feel that often times we see or know people who seem so put together-right? Well have you looked in their closets, behind their closed doors? I know a lot of people who will have the main rooms of their home looking like it was pulled from a spread in House Beautiful, only to be shocked when I opened the closet and saw all of their main living areas clutter shoved into the closet!

My problem area is my craft room. I have a lot of scrapbook paper, tools, sewing notions, fabric, and okay I will be totally honest, it's a catch-all for stuff that nobody knows where to put. Not to mention it doubles as a guest room!!!
I try to keep it organized by putting things away as soon as buy it or get it, place things into their bins, keep like things together, for instance all of my sewing supplies are all in one area, all of my scrapping supplies are in bins or in another area together. The only thing that I struggle with now is my fabric. I am learning to sew and have all this fabric that has to be stored right or could ruin. I have some organizing ideas in mind but have to be practical in the small space that I have. I may not have it all put together right now, but I am working on getting it where I want it to be, in my own way and on my own time!

I am going to be totally honest with you(again)and tell you that I might have passed this book up on the shelf. ONLY because I would have thought it was another book on how to organize in someone else's 'perfect way,' which in reality doesn't exist, or give me some good eye candy to look at but doesn't really fit my life and lifestyle! It was a great book that didn't take long to read, it is filled with 'Pretty Neat Tips,' 'Pretty Neat Wisdom,' & 'Pretty Neat Exercises.' that will help you on your way to YOUR ORGANIZED PERFECT! It has helped me to look at my life and my organized chaos and ~~think~~ know that it looks, feels and is 'Pretty Neat!'

Purchase It:
You can purchase your copy of Pretty Neat at the Buttoned Up Store for $14.95.

Win It:
One(1) Winner will win a copy of Pretty Neat!

But wait, there's more! One winner will be selected from all the winners on the blog tour(all the winners from each blog that reviewed Pretty Neat will be automatically entered)to receive a $200 same as cash GIFT CARD(Visa or AMEX) & $50 worth of Buttoned Up organizational products!

How To Enter:
*You must be a follower of Ma21cuteboy publicly to enter!* Please leave your email address in your comment for winning notification purposes.
Mandatory Entry:(This entry must be done for the 'extra entries' to count. If this is not done & you win you will forfeit the prize!)
~~Share~~Confess an area in your home that is out of control and how you cover it up.
Do you shove it in a closet, hide it under the bed, or just leave it in plain sight?

Extra Entries:(Are just that 'extra' you don't have to complete these but it will greater your chances of winning!)
'Like' Buttoned Up on Facebook-leave your FB name
'Like' Ma21cuteboy on Facebook-leave your FB name
Subscribe to Ma21cuteboy via Email or RSS-you must activate your subscription
Vote for me-can be 1x daily
Enter my current giveaway
{5}Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post-leave a link
{2}Post this giveaway on your Facebook page(link to Ma21cuteboy(Chacoy Aguayo) along with a link to this giveaway-leave a link
Follow Ma21cuteboy on Twitter-leave your Twitter handle ie. @Ma21cuteboy
Tweet the following:(can be done 2x daily)
I just entered to win a 'Pretty Neat' giveaway($200) @Ma21cuteboy from @GetButtonedUp! http://bit.ly/eIv7f3 2/20 U.S.

GOOD LUCK!!!
Contest Rules:
Open to U.S. Residents only
Contest will close on March 20th at 12:00 NOON p.m. MT
Winner will be chosen via Random.org
Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen
Winner will be notified via email as well as in a winning post on the blog
I verify all entries and if they are not done, you will forfeit your prize!

*Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of Pretty Neat to facilitate my review. I am also entered to win a gift card & Buttoned Up products. The reviews expressed are honest & that of my own, others' may differ.