Hustle - March Edition of BeautyBox5

Disclosure: The author of this blog was NOT financially compensated to write this review.  I was provided with the products mentioned in this post  in exchange of my honest  opinion which may differ from yours.  

March feels like rushed through  my door and poof, it is almost gone.  It is  now the 29th and  I am now just posting the March edition of the Beauty Box 5.  I had multiple commitments in school last week that I  did not have time to write my reviews.  Anyway, here is what I got   this month.  An introductory collection of Eslor, a rosemary eucalyptos body cream, a thickening mascara, a line and seal twist mechanical eye liner, and lough out loud lip gloss by Nanacoco.  

I have tried the first edition of Eslor in the previous box from BeautyBox5 and liked it so I  am excited to see  it in this box again.  This lavish line is completely paraben-free which gently pampers and hydrate your  face without stropping  away natural oils.  

 Also included in the box is a $5 coupon off  your $10 or more purchase which is nice.

 I like it when you find a bosy cream that is not greasy just like this Elite Therapeutics.  It has an organic blend of oils and healing aloe vera plus that really make your skin feels so  smooth.

If there is one thing that I am  constantly using now is  mascara.  I am still learning how to use it   effectively but I am getting there.  My eyelashes is very thin and short so i love it when it is thicken and lengthen using a mascara.  It has a flexible silicone ball brush  that gets up close and personal  to majorly magnify your lashes.  

 As BeautyBox5 puts it:

"Forget taking a spring-break into high gear through your lazy days this season!  Bold liner and lashes mean that even in your downtime, you still look like a million bucks.  Getting ready doesn't have to  to add stress- just prep your skin and gloss on, because even if you're still working hard to get exactly where you want to be, you're always the boss of your make-up bag."

 This mechanical eye liner  is creamy that go on super smooth that gives you a perfect line or wing and their fun twist up designs which means that you will never have to use a sharpener.  

 My favorite for this month is this Lip Gloss  by Nanacoco.  Its pretty pigment and seriously sweet scent  factor can really get you addicted.  I love that it is non-sticky  so I don't even feel that I have a lip gloss on.  

 Alrighty, that's a wrap for now.  I still have 6 more product to wrote a review for and that is my goal   to finish before March ends, I have to HUSTLE!  So wish me luck lol.  Thanks for visiting, your  thoughts and opinions are always  appreciated!

Style and Comfort on a Budget

I was looking for  some affordable  but good quality of  suits for  boys and  a friend suggested BlacknBianco.  She said that their  clothes are made of good quality but   very affordable.  So I checked on it  and she was right, BlacknBianco does not only carry  a great selection of  clothes but they are also reasonably priced compared to the ones I have checked online.  I ordered a red dress shirt  set with tie and a formal tuxedo for my son.  They shipped the items very fast which is  great.

I ordered a size 8 of this Red Dress Shirt Set with Tie but they mistakenly sent me a size 6.  I mean my son could  wear it but the sleeves are too short for his arms so I told  my son that I would ship this back so they can replace it.  Other than the size issue, this dress shirt is very well made with great quality materials.  This is made in Vietnam.  He was bummed that it was  not his size because he wanted to wear this in church today.  This is normally $24.99 from other stores but  it is only $15.99 at BlacknBianco.

I have never bought my son a tuxedo before so I used the measuring guide at the size.  We measured our son and according to their chart, my son wears a size 6.  I hesitated on that at first because I know that my son wears a size 8 now but then I said  maybe  the sizing on tuxedo is different  than normal clothes so I ordered him this   Formal Tuxedo Suit for Kids with a Black Neck Tie on size 6.  As it turned out, my hunch was right, it is too short for my son.

It fits but the  sleeves is too short and the pants although it fit perfectly on the waist, it is too short as well.  I do however love the fact that the material used on this tuxedo is of high quality considering the price of $29.99 compared to a retail price  of $89.99 from other store.  This formal tuxedo suit for boys comes everything you need to complete this outfit plus two additional accessories. A black butterfly bow tie and a long black neck tie. Both are easy to wear. The bow tie comes with a clip in the back easy to secure once in place. This outfit is a popular choice for ring bearers, weddings, school dances, Easter, business events and other special occasions.

I contacted BlacknBianco  informing them about the size issue and  they are sending me the right sizes for these two and they are also  allowing me to keep this.  I love companies like them who has a great customer service.  It makes you want to do more business with them because nothing can beat a great  customer service.  I highly recommend this company if you are looking for an affordable suits for boys or flower girl dresses for girls.  They do have a huge selection and the prices are just right.  I do however suggest that you  order the size of your child and not to rely on the guide as  they are only estimates.  The size might have been an issue with my order but I have no complain with them, they  have a great customer services which I love!

Stupid Mi$take

Last month, I got the chance to try the  subscription  box of Julep for free but I paid $3.99 for shipping.  The free box code  was  offered by swagbucks and I did not mind paying the shipping.  I got the box, tried their nail polish and thought, they are   great selection but not really worth the money you pay for if you will subscribe monthly in it.  Since I used a free code, I thought I won't be automatically subscribed which was a  BIG mistake! I should have took note of the dates when you can cancel the subscription (I think it is on the 24 and 25th of the month).  I forgot to do that and I was so surprised to see my card  get charged for the next shipment, I went, what????

I went to the website and could not find the link for cancellation.  I contacted  them via email and said that  since the box hasn't shipped yet, if it's  possible to cancel it for me and  also cancel the charge on my card.  The representative said that they have cancelled the subscription but I  still have to  pay and will receive the box for March.  I emailed again and ask  if I can just do a review of the box but the reply was the same as the  first time they responded to me so I  just paid the dang thing.  The picture above  was the  box I received for March and paid  for $24.99.  If it's not for my  stupid mistake, I will never pay that much for two nail polishes, an eye pencil, and two  smarties,  Really, smarties for a beauty box?  Oh well, no one to blame but  the stupid me for forgetting things like this.  This is why I don't like free trials and all that kind of stuff because I always ended up forgetting about it.  Lesson learned!

On the brighter side, this week has been  better, weather-wise.  The weather is still cold and freezing on some days but it gave me time to  do my walking outdoors after  dropping off my kids to school.  I miss outdoors!

Yesterday was foggy but I went anyway.  It was a special treat for me as I hear the birds chirping.  Sounds like they were celebrating the coming of Spring.  I don't blame them, I am so ready for Winter to be over.  Being stuck at home is not doing good for my fitness  goal.  I get lazy at times and just want to   wrap the warm  blanket in my body all the time.  

Today was freezing but went for a walk on a 28 degrees weather, it's crazy  cold!  Although I have my gloves on, my walk only lasted for 15 minutes because my hands were painful.  I ran for about  3 minutes but stop because the  it felt like my lungs was ready to collapse lol.  I can't complain though, the sunshine was beautiful and although there were some icy patch on the side walks and frost on the grass, the wind was not blowing this morning.  I am looking forward to 50 degree weather next week, it would be great!

Valentine's Day 2015 at Home

My husband has a ton of homework   for his classes so we just celebrated our Valentines at home.  It was snowing  that day anyway so going out   was not an option.  It gave me time to do laundry as well, so everything went  mighty fine. I cooked  dinner at home and had plenty of time spent with the kiddos.  

The day after Valentine's day, we went to  church and attended the mass.  The parish priest was so nice to blessed all the married couples who were there.

 There's never a dull moment  in spending time with these  busy bees.  I'd rather   spend our Valentine's day at home rather than going out without them.

 Our daughter had a date as well.  Bolt is always up for some photo taking moments.

 Time flies!  Our children are growing up fast.  It scaring me a little bit because in few more years, I will have teens at home.  I hope that it won't be as hard as I think.  

Hubby and I has been happily married for 12 years now and I hope that God will bless us more years of happiness and peaceful married life.

I love blank  greeting cards because you can write what you feel.  I like the pre-written ones too but  it's  extra special when  your love one  take an extra time to write their thoughts and how they feel.  Hubby wrote:

To My Darling Wife

Twelve years ago, we planted a tree.   Year by year, we have watched it grow.  Bearing the  fruits and joy of our life together. Our tree represents the longevity of our love and the strength of our togetherness.   Our journey and growth as a couple has been an amazing experience and I am looking forward to our  many more years together.

Happy Valentine's Day

Love,
Mr. C. 

He got me miniature roses and  hershey kisses for me and the kids, we love cookies and creme.  

My message to hubby is not as poetic as his message to me but  it's from my hearts so that's what matters lol.

I hope that you all have a great Valentine's day celebration.  Whether you went for an elaborate date or received an extravagant gift, always remember to include God in your relationship, in raising your kids, and in everything that you do.  Shadow Shots

Breaking a Sweat: 5 Best Cities for Fitness Freaks

If you're struggling to find an innovative new way to kick-start your fitness habits, you may want to consider where you live. It turns out that some cities have a healthier environment and produce more fitness-minded residents. These top cities are among the best in the country for those seeking a fit lifestyle.

Portland, Oregon—Where Bicyclists Rule

Bicycling.com ranked Portland second in the country for its bike-friendliness. Traffic signals have bike-only areas, and bicycle parking is widely available. National Geographic called it one of the best cities in the country for hiking as well, with a range of trails that can cater to any skill level. With several picturesque parks to explore, it's easy to stay fit outside the gym.

San Francisco, California—For Healthy Eating

Bicycling.com named San Francisco the sixth most bike-friendly city in the country. With a bike shuttle across the Bay Bridge in rush hour and room for bikes on the commuter rails, cyclists find it easy to get around. National Geographic highlighted San Francisco as a great spot for hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and climbing. Mount Tamalpais State Park is just 20 miles north of the city. The San Francisco-Oakland area is also home to the healthiest eaters in the country with residents consuming an average of 35.9 servings of fruit and vegetables each week.

New York, New York—For Fit Foot Traffic

Ranked eighth on Bicycling.com's list of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, areas like Central Park make New York a welcoming spot for cyclists. New York City is a great spot for trail running as well, with Central Park and Pelham Bay Park offering miles of picturesque options. Most residents commute on foot, making this one of the best places to live without a car. The Newark-Long Island area even ranks second in the country for the healthiest eaters.

Salt Lake City, Utah—Where Gyms are Everywhere

Salt Lake City offers a variety of activities for fitness freaks. The city ranks sixth in the country for most gyms and fitness centers, with 41 total. This works out to about 36.5 gyms per million people. National Geographic named this one of the best U.S. cities for hiking trails. Stunning 10,000-foot peaks are just 20 minutes from the city, so you're not confined to urban spaces if you want to stretch your legs.

Washington, D.C.—Fitness Along the Potomac

Washington, D.C.'s bike-sharing program was among the first in the country. With 10 miles of signed routes and 11 miles of bicycle lanes, the capital is continuously making it easier for people to get around by bike. Men's Fitness ranked Washington, D.C. in the top eight cities for trail running in the U.S., with 830 miles of existing or planned trails. National Geographic highlighted it as one of the best cities for a hike thanks to nearby trails along the Potomac River.

If you're looking for a new city to call home that will cater to your fit lifestyle or help you improve your fitness habits, these locations are all smart picks.

Staying Active Despite the Weather

For the last two weeks, the kids only had two days of school and 8 days of cancellation.  I am worried that their summer vacation will be affected by this and their stay in school will be extended.  But there's nothing really we can do but to deal it with it.  Anyway, despite  the weather blues,  my family keeps busy and active  indoors.  

The kids do  their  cardio running around  the house    for their exercise and they sometimes workout with me.

 Our kids are outdoor lovers so  no matter how much I want to keep them  inside, we do go out  and enjoy the snow.  We have  done this three times this winter and I think I am done lol.

 The extreme cold  is getting a toll on my skin so I am using this creme to  heal the dryness.

 We do their snow days homework  after breakfast .  Daughter prefer doing her homework on the floor   while my son and I do his homework in the dining table.

 Since they are off from school most of the times,  I let them help me  with household chores.  Teaching kids  these  job around the house is important while they are young.  It's a lot  harder to train  kids when they are already grown up.

After we do  cleaning, washing dishes, and doing laundry, we  do our fun stuff, board games.  Sometimes we play monopoly but most of the time, scrabble.  Also part of their daily routine is practicing piano for at least 20-30 minutes.

Then we read  for  30 minutes  before they could finally  play  minecraft in their iPods.   For the past two weeks,  daughter have finished two books.

I only allow then certain  time everyday on their gadgets, that way it wont affect their study time and time with us.

Hubby and I couldn't be  happier raising two   wonderful kids.  They are a handful sometimes but  sure worth every  second  of our  time spending with them.  They are the reason why I don't mind setting aside my career.  They are our priority so  choosing to be a stay at home Mom is the best decision  that hubby and I   have made.  

#PostNatalFatBurner Might Just be the ONE!

I only weighed  80 pounds  before I  got married,  Very tiny, you might say but  with my height, it is just normal.  I gained weight once in my early 20s  which made me feel really heavy so I  work hard to  lose it and after that, I maintained my   80-85 pounds  weight till in my 30s.  Then I gained a little bit of weight after  two pregnancies .  I lost some of it but not the belly fat, I am still working on it till now.    

I lost my  mojo  in continuing my  fitness last month  because of the horrible  winter weather that we are having.  I got tired of using my treadmill so I  slowed down a little bit.  But to redeem myself from slacking off , I started  doing my workout again today. Losing this belly fat that I gained during my pregnancies is a complete struggle for me. I am sure that I am not alone with this problem, don't you agree?

A few months back, I was able to try the FitTea Detox and loved it.  It really worked for me because it gave me   enough energy to do all my  workout.  Now I am wondering if the   FitTea PostNatal Fatburner might just be the one to help me get rid of this belly fat.  I swear if  this baby fat is completely gone, I will be wearing a two piece during summer time lol.  For now, I am contented  with bathing suit that hides my belly.

 

For those of you who is struggling to lose the baby fats, you might want to look into the FitTea's PostNatal fatburner. It is a good alternative if you are researching for an herbal supplement to assist in getting rid of stubborn baby fat. FitTea's PostNatal Fatburner  claims to use 100% natural ingredients.  While FitTea's PostNatal Fatburner is safe for use in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, it is always best to check with their doctors first to make sure that you won't encounter any complication.

  

FitTea is giving away 30 bottles of this fat burner to 30 different people so if you are interested to try it, enter the giveaway below for a chance to win. I am entering myself because I want to try it and I hope that I win.

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.