With Our Best

Tip: BEST Remedy for Clearing Deep Pimples!

Karissa — Wed, 30 May 2012 18:29:00 +0000

I might be approaching 30, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get my fair share of hormonal pimples!! I can feel them under my skin for days before they make themselves known. They grow deep under my skin, are painful, and feel like they are going to burst at anytime. The only problem is, I can see them… they are only red, irritated spots!

These stubborn pimples really get on my nerves. Not to mention, I am one of those people that just HAS to pick at my pimples. (Of course I know I am not supposed to!)

So one day, when I finally had enough, I decided to do some research… and I found the best solution EVER! Seriously this quick and easy solution makes those deep under the skin pimples manageable!

Goodbye Pimple Solution:

1. Epsom Salt – just a pinch of Epsom salt dissolved in hot water. I mix them in a mini glass and then pour on to a face towel. Put the mixture-soaked towel on the irritated pimple and watch the zit come to the surface! (You might need to repeat this step a few times for it to show it’s head.)

2. Black Tea bag compress –Use a warm black tea bag to reduce the zit’s inflammation. Press the tea bag on the area for about 5-10 minutes. The tanic acid in the tea kills the bacteria.

My Take: Seriously, I can’t believe these two simple steps work so well! My large under the surface zit was still present, but didn’t hurt so much and was less noticeable!

I now swear by this pimple remedy! I will forever keep Epsom Salt and Black Tea on hand for all my pimple emergencies! I am so impressed with the results of these two items to get rid of the deep under the skin pimples, that I had to share with you!

{Thoughts} Do you have any other natural pimple solutions?

Newport Beach Getaway

Karissa — Tue, 29 May 2012 01:25:29 +0000

This post brought to you by Newport Beach. All opinions are 100% mine.

While I spent most of my life living on the West Coast, I haven't spent too much time in Southern California. At least not as much as I would like to!

There is a lot to see in SoCal. Disney Land, the desert, the beach, the stars! Sometime soon I am going to have to go! One getaway destination in Southern California that I checked out recently was Newport Beach.

A vacation in Newport Beach is a guarantee of pristine waters, unparalleled views, family outings and more! Newport Beach boasts an ambiance of “SoCal sophistication” and “laid back beach town.” It is a perfect carefree vacation spot.

If you are interested in finding out more about Newport Beach, check out VisitNewPortBeach.com and watch the entertaining video above. There you will find all sorts of helpful travel information including: city site information, hotel reservations, weather, etc.

I love that the site has a “Things To Do” tab. They have great ideas on activities and events! Watching the sunset, riding beach cruisers, having a picnic, beach volleyball, etc. How great does a family sailng trip sound? Or just for the kids- under the "Things To Do" tab there are plenty of kids summer camps! Can I mention the eclectic options available? What kid wouldn't enjoy a Harry Potter camp or Star Wars camp! How unique!

Of course they have hotel information for your possible stay too. Right now in fact, the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach hotel has a fabulous promotion for families: Buy one room at full price, receive a connecting room for kids 18 and under at 50% off!

(The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach is a resort-style bayside destination on 26 acres and boasts 3-pools and whirlpools, shuffle board, ping pong, a 9-hole, par-3 golf course.)

Sounds amazing right?

Have you ever been to Newport Beach? Somewhere similar? How'd you like it?

A Workout in a Briefcase? That’s the Case with Journey Gym!

Karissa — Sat, 26 May 2012 03:40:31 +0000

Wow! We are almost 1/2 way through 2012… you probably have forgotten your weight loss New Year’s resolutions… Or are you still sticking to them? (Major props if so!) Maybe you are motivated again to get back into the routine because summer will be here soon?

If you have ever tried a gym membership and it wasn’t for you, I feel your pain and you are not alone! It isn’t for me either. I don’t like a few things about the gym routine. Quite frankly, gyms intimidate me. I don’t know how to work half of the machines and on the other half I pretend like I know or copy someone else. There are people that are on these crazy missions and I feel like I am in their way. Or someone is waiting for the machine I am on and I need to rush and get off of it! Not to mention there is always the one person with the horrible body odor. Or what about the creepy lurkers? I hate the creepers – you can’t tell if they are checking you out or ready to kill you in the parking lot…

LOL, that is how I really feel about the gym! Personally, I’d rather workout in my clean, sanitary, safe, quiet, non-intimidating home or hotel room! So when I heard of the Journey Gym, a portable gym you can bring with you – I was intrigued!

Here are the basics: The Journey Gym is like a workout in a briefcase! It is portable, lightweight and everything you need for a workout! The Journey Gym comes with:

* 30 resistance bands (five on each side plus ten additional bands) for a customizable resistance system of 5 to 75 pounds per side.
* One set of adjustable handles so resistance only begins when you are in the correct position.
* Full set of legs which are used to raise the gym into a stair stepper for a full cardio workout.
* A workout DVD specifically designed for the gym with a 5 minute set up video, a 10 minute circuit tone workout and a 20 minute circuit strength workout.
* A free online community at www.journeygym.com where you are able to create exercise videos, track your activity and nutrition, and share your progress with friends and family.
* Free shipping and handling for orders in the U.S. and Canada.”

The portable gym is easy to set up and takes just a few simple steps! You unfold, put on the legs if you choose, and attach the bands. The resistant bands on each side of the gym give you variety in the workout. There are different bands depending on your workout strength and fitness level. You can use just one band or all the bands. The carabiner lets you hook the bands for anywhere from 5-75 pounds of resistance on each side.

After you have it all set up, you can do your own routine or you can make one up through the handy Journey Gym site. Their innovative online software lets you choose workouts, music, and will develop your own workout catered to your needs! They cover 70 video clips of basic moves for this product (you can do them at your own pace)!! I can decide what parts of my body I want to focus on that day – or what parts I am not sore from the day before! It is a really neat, cool, fantastic system for making your own routines! And the online community is totally free!

I like this gym for a few reason:

It is much cheaper than joining a gym or buying an entire weight set and bench for your home.
It is portable (only weighs 14lbs!)
It is comprehensive and multi functional – circuit training, cardio and strengthening!

I found this gym is small enough in size that it is very convenient for travel and for storage. You also won’t need a ton of space in your house to use it. It fits behind our couch or under our bed – you could also store it behind a door or in a closet. I don’t know of any full gyms you can do that with! The Journey gym is a very unique fitness product.

I really liked that is is my own personal gym at home – and no I don’t feel like I have to go to the gym! I like spending time with my family and I can do this at home. With the Journey Gym you workout on your own terms.

I also feel like it is great for people in all stages and skill in their of workouts. For those who know what they are doing, and those that don’t! For those who are weak or strong! Even for those who are recovering from injury (just make sure you ask your doctor)!

You have to do what works for you. Otherwise you wont benefit from it because you’ll probably quit it or hate it. That’s me. I hate the gym. I have done workouts at home, DVDs, hand weights, etc… but this product is designed for circuit training – cardio and strengthening combine!

Who would like the Journey Gym?

Great for travelers – because it is mobile and lightweight
Great for business people – take it with you just like a briefcase
Great for moms – cant be running off to the gym while your kids are taking naps, just pull this out and get mini workouts in, but still be home for the kids
For those people that need a little motivation – the website is a community to encourage you through your workout journey and answer questions you might have. There are TONS of videos to watch and workouts to follow.

A lot of people don’t have space for a huge weight bench, bike, and a treadmill! I know we don’t! Not to mention they are kind of ugly in the family room, unless you have a designated workout room in your home… so this is just right!

Health is a journey… begin yours today! Your body will thank you!

Wanna get your own? You can either purchase your Journey Gym via a one-time purchase of $249 or over a course of 4 payments with the initial payment being $29 and then 3 subsequent payments of $82.

Connect with Journey Gym:

YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/thejourneygym
Twitter – http://twitter.com/#!/journeygym
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/journeygym
Website – http://www.journeygym.com/

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own.

For full disclosure click here.

Over 80 FREE online coupons!

Karissa — Fri, 25 May 2012 22:23:02 +0000

Love saving money? Me too. Check out the coupons below! Enjoy

I am fascinated by a Plunger. Yes I said PLUNGER. +Giveaway US&CAN {Ends 6/9}

Karissa — Fri, 25 May 2012 22:13:14 +0000

Don’t laugh. I know, I know… I am talking about a plunger.

You might be thinking, "A plunger? not exciting." I feel ya… But it is! JUST WAIT! Don’t go! I am telling you, this plunger by Rubbermaid is freaking fantastic! After watching the video below and reading this review, you will be BLOWN away just like I was.

Basically, I was kind of astonished after watching the Rubbermaid Clean & Dry Plunger demo video. It was only a quick 18 second video, but I couldn’t believe my eyes! This demonstration shows how this new, innovative and impressive plunger works.

It shows another standard plunger and compares the two, side by side. First it is submerged in water. Standard plunger = wet and dripping, whereas the Clean & Dry™ plunger = no drips at all. Then there is a crazy yogurt test. I couldn’t believe this one. When they were both dipped in yogurt, the standard plunger was obviously drenched in a gooey, pink mess. But the Rubbermaid Clean & Dry Plunger? Not a drip!

Yeah, seriously, check it out for yourself…

This new plunger is pretty magically, isn’t it? I am pretty impressed.

The Clean & Dry™ plunger helps keep your bathroom cleaner and more sanitary. Traditional plungers pick up germs and bacteria that can spread when dripped on floors or in cabinets. But the Clean & Dry plunger head and pole is protected with a special NeverWet™ coating, which forms a protective shield - that water cannot penetrate. It works in the same way as car wax, the water beads up and rolls off instantly… just like magic!

The plunger is coated in NeverWet™ nanotech coating that:

Repels water, germs, bacteria and other things

Like car wax, the water beads up and rolls off instantly

Won’t drip on your floors after use

Helps keep your floors cleaner and more sanitary

Head plunges effectively and maintains NeverWet coating for thousands of cycles

On the package, I am warned to always hold the plunger by the handle. Never by the pole or the base. This is because the unique NeverWet coating is affected by the natural oils in your skin, and touching the protective coating may impact product performance. Now, I don’t ever plan on touching the plunger portion with my hands (eww gross) but it makes me wonder if when it is sitting around, under the cabinet or on the side of my toilet collecting dust, if this will have any impact on it’s performance? That is my only concern.

Other than that, I love this plunger!! I’ve tested it multiple times and it is drip free! It is AMAZING! I love that there is ~~less~~ no mess and it appears to be more sanitary. I am not even sure how it works (I’ll leave that up to the scientists), it is just magic!

Clean & Dry Plunger

Connect with Rubbermaid:

Buy Your Own!!

Win Your Own!! Wanna win one of these nifty plungers? Well here is your opportunity! Enter the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win a Rubbermaid Clean & Dry Plunger. Open to U.S. and Canada.

:: Giveaway ::

a Rafflecopter giveaway

** Please leave your entries using the above Rafflecopter form. It might take a bit to load. **

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Spring Season Joke…FF

Karissa — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:27:00 +0000

Oh Spring… you bring flowers and jokes.

Happy Friday Funny everyone!

Simple Bruschetta Recipe

Karissa — Thu, 24 May 2012 02:06:00 +0000

So a few months back, I replicated a simple recipe for Bruschetta from the Pillsbury website. It was truly a simple and delicious recipe, so I thought I would share it with you (with some of my minor edits to it!)

I changed a few things, that I think make the recipe a little better… Here you go!

Easy Bruschetta Recipe – with Pillsbury pre-made dough/bread

· This is a great go-to appetizers for family or friends. It is easily one for the quickest recipes for bruschetta! Enjoy this classic Italian treat!

Prep Time: 10 Min

Total Time: 30 Min

Makes: 15 appetizer snacks

INGREDIENTS

6 teaspoons olive oil

4 1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds

1 tube (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent rolls

3/4 can (6 oz) pitted ripe black olives, drained

3/4 cup finely chopped tomato

1/2 cup grated Parmesan and Romano cheese blend

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 375°F. Brush a large cookie sheet with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil; sprinkle the sheet evenly with 2 teaspoons of the sesame seeds. Unroll dough triangles; place over sesame seeds, pressing the seeds into the dough. Place all pieces on cookie sheet, with enough space in between each.
Brush dough with 2 teaspoons of the oil; sprinkle evenly with remaining sesame seeds (2 1/2 teaspoons). Bake 8-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, place olives and remaining olive oil (3 teaspoons). Process until olives are very finely chopped.
Spread olive mixture over partially baked crust. Top with cheese and then tomato. Bake for 5-7 minutes longer or until edges are golden brown.
Best when served warm. Enjoy!

This appetizer is a winner! I plan on making this recipe again and again!

Grilled Halibut with Fennel and Orange Recipe

Karissa — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:56:45 +0000

Grilled halibut is nostalgic for me. It is a main dish we savor all year round with the halibut that my husband and father-in-law catch each summer in Alaska! Halibut is so versatile and delicious, there are so many wonderful recipes out there!

But today, I am writing to share one delicious Italian-inspired recipe from Carapelli Olive Oil. It is the Grilled Halibut with Fennel and Orange - simple and flavorful – perfect on the grill as the weather warms. This recipe brings out the distinctive flavor of the Carapelli heart-healthy olive oil and will please the whole family!

Get rave reviews by teaming moist, flaky halibut with spring-fresh fennel and orange…

Grilled Halibut with Fennel and Orange

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Total time: 28 minutes

Ingredients:

2 blood oranges or Valencia or Cara Cara oranges

3 tablespoons Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4 (4 ounce) skinless halibut or haddock fish fillets

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt

1/2 cup very thinly sliced small fennel bulb
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon (optional)

Cooking directions:

Heat a grill to medium-high heat or have a ridged grill pan ready. Cut 1 of the oranges in half and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil and juice. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the mixture over fish. Sprinkle paprika over fish; let stand 10 minutes.

Peel remaining orange and separate into sections. Add the orange sections and fennel to the bowl; toss with olive oil mixture.

Grill fish (or cook in a heated ridged grill pan over medium heat) 4 minutes per side or until fish is opaque in center. Transfer to serving plates and top with fennel and orange mixture and sea salt. Garnish with tarragon if desired. Serves 4.

The Carapelli site has a ton of tasty recipes that use their olive oil. For instance, how yummy does the Prosciutto and Provolone Panini Sandwiches or Quinoa Pilaf (made with leeks, sugar snap peas and artichokes) sound?

Coupon Time!! Find and download a $1 off coupon by visiting CarapelliUSA.com – good for ANY one Carapelli variety (17 oz or larger).

Disclosure: I did receive a sample product from the sponsor. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Tostitos® Thins tortilla chips–get ‘em quick!

Karissa — Wed, 23 May 2012 01:29:00 +0000

Summer is approaching quickly! This warm-weathered season is my favorite, a great excuse for socializing! That means fun barbeques and get-togethers with friends and family all season long!

When it comes to socializing and hosting guests, it is crucial to have great food and drink options to keep the party going! One of the easiest themed events we hold, is a mex-fiesta themed party. There are loads of food choices – fresh veggies, dips – and we love doing a build-your-own taco bar.

As for starter items, chips and dips are always a hit! I love the dips choices out there – nacho cheese, bean dip, salsa and more. But how do you choose the chips to compliment these great dips?

Well, if you are a Target shopper – you might have seen some new selections on the shelf – the Tostitos®Thins Lime & Salt and TexMex tortilla chips! These chips are the latest addition to the Tostitos® family and available for a limited time only at Target stores nationwide through mid-July!

I had a chance to taste test the new Tostitos Thins flavors –Lime & Salt and TexMex! Both options are very tasty choices that work well with a variety of dips! These chips are thinner than your average chip – even thinner than regular Tostitos (which I find to already be on the thin side), they were easy to eat and chomp on, but sometimes broke off in the harder dips like bean dip and guacamole. None-the-less, these chips were addicting! Each chip is lightly dusted with some great salt flavors – tangy and a dash of spice – great to pair with a margarita or cerveza!

–

Celebrate summer with Tostitos!! They recently launched the “Tostitos Fiesta 411” — a facebook tab online. It’s a go-to spot to find party ideas, tips, recipes and more! So if you are hosting a fun and festive party, check out the summer time planning ideas!

Get Your Own!! Just like summertime, Tostitos^®Thins tortilla chips are only around for a limited time — and only at Target stores. Hurry and scoop them up!

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Honey Bunches adds more Bunches! +Giveaway {Ends 6/5}

Karissa — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:01:19 +0000

As a kid my favorite cereal was Honey Bunches of Oats. And still today, my favorite cereal is Honey Bunches of Oats! I guess my tastes have not changed in the area of breakfast. It appears I can’t get enough of the delicious multigrain flakes, the crunchy oat clusters and the sweet honey roasted flavors.

Growing up we only ate the classic Honey Bunches of Oats cereal flavor. But now-a-days the store shelves are full of the tasty Post Cereal brand. Cereal lovers can enjoy the morning with the options of Honey Roasted, Almond, Cinnamon, Strawberries, Peaches, Pecan, Raisin, Banana and Vanilla Bunches!

Bunches of bunches of flavors… that was always my little gripe I had with Honey Bunches. I felt like since their name had the word "bunches" in it, they really should have more bunches in them! It seemed the multigrain flakes were the majority! Well, even if I didn’t request it personally, obviously other people felt the same way! That is why Post Cereal has improved their brand and is now including more bunches! Not only are they adding more delicious granola bunches to each box… I also found out there is a cereal box of JUST BUNCHES! Amazing!

Lucky for me, I got to try the new improvement on my favorite cereal and see if more bunches really do improve the already great taste.

I tried the Honey Roasted original flavor (the one with the yellow label). Before tasting my first bowl, I shook up the box so the ingredients would be mixed – sometimes I find all the goodies have fallen to the bottom. Had to get a fair test-bowl if not, right? . The results? YUM!

Like I said before, this is my #1 cereal, so I knew very well the amount of bunches per cereal bowl pour, and I can gladly say, they’ve added more! The variety of the combinations are delicious! More bunches = better taste! These bunches are the best part, crunchy and sweet – and don’t get soggy as fast as flakes! I am excited about the improvement of the Post Cereal Honey Bunches of Oats!

Buy Your Own!! Honey Bunches of Oats made by Post Cereals are available in grocery stores nationally for a suggested retail price of $3.89.

Win Your Own!! A whopping FIVE winners will win a FREE cereal coupon! Just enter the form below!

:: Giveaway ::

a Rafflecopter giveaway

** Please leave your entries using the above Rafflecopter form. It might take a bit to load. **

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.