Sieva Cellulite: Firming and Body Contouring Cream Review

After 2 pregnancies and becoming 20+ lbs heavier than before, my body has changed. A LOT. I now have a lot of stretchmarks on my tummy, which is genetic because both my mom and dad have it, cellulite appeared on my thighs and the back of my thighs (just below my butt), my arms became bigger and a tummy pouch because of my 2 C-Sections. I'm very blessed to have my 2 daughters but I think it wouldn't be so bad if I want my pre-pregnancy body back or even just a little bit close to it right? I've seen some commercials in the past about anti-cellulite and body firming lotions but I never bought one because they're too pricey.

When Sieva sent me their Cellulite: Firming and Body Contouring Cream, I was happy to try it because I get to try it for free.

The Sieva Cellulite: Firming and Body Contouring Cream contains 6 active anti-cellulite ingredients: Caffeine, Retinol, L-Carnitine, Green Tea, Glaucine and Coenzyme-A. These ingredients work together to reduce the appearance of ugly cellulite.

The Sieva Cellulite: Firming and Body Contouring Cream came in a white jar with a simple design. When I first opened it, it has a second cover inside which you have to pull to access the cream inside. Be careful not to tilt the jar when opening it though because the Sieva Cellulite Cream has a thick but runny consistency similar to condensed milk. It has a minty/peppermint-y scent and honestly, I'm not fond of the scent. No offense meant to the Sieva Cellulite Cream but I'm really not fond of products with minty scents except toothpaste. :)

I used the Sieva Cellulite under my arms because I have the genetic "flabby arm" and although exercise can make them smaller, I find them hard to tone down. I've been following a workout DVD (with a couple of push-ups) for more than a month now and the past week, I incorporated the Sieva Cellulite Cream to my routine. I applied the Sieva Cellulite Cream after a workout even though I didn't like the scent. It absorbs pretty quickly and the scent does fade away after about 30 minutes. The cream has a bit of a cool/minty feel on my skin and it doesn't feel greasy at all. After a week of using this, I noticed my arm appeared smaller but I can't disregard the fact that I'm working out too. Well the past 3 weeks before I used the Sieva Cellulite Cream, I didn't notice my arm getting smaller so I can't disregard the fact that I'm using the Sieva Cream too.

I used the Sieva Cellulite Cream on my thighs as well as the back of my thighs too. I didn't notice my cellulite going away but my thighs have become noticeably smaller over the past week. The back of my thighs, the one just below my butt, appear tighter than usual. Again, I neither can't disregard the fact that I'm working out nor the fact that I incorporated the Sieva Cellulite Cream to my routine.

I'll be using the Sieva Cellulite Cream and finish the rest of the jar and see if I'll have more noticeable results. I'll update this review if I see noticeable results.

You can purchase the Sieva Cellulite: Firming and Body Contouring Cream on Amazon. BUY IT HERE.

DISCLAIMER: I have received one or more product/s mentioned above to try however, all opinions are honest and my own and are not influenced in any way. No other form of compensation was received. I only recommend products I think are worth sharing. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Identical Coming to Theaters on September 5, 2014 + Giveaway 9/8 US/CAN

About the Movie:

The IDENTICAL tells the compelling story of twin brothers unknowingly separated at birth during the Great Depression. DREXEL HEMSLEY becomes an iconic 50’s rock ’n’ roll star, while RYAN WADE (Blake Rayne) struggles to balance his love for music and pleasing his father. The Reverend Wade (Ray Liotta) and his wife (Ashley Judd) are sure their adopted son has been gifted and called by God to be a preacher. But Ryan challenges his parent’s vision for his life, and unflinchingly chooses to launch his own music career with his best friend (Seth Green). Encouraged by his wife (Erin Cottrell) and employer (Joe Pantoliano), Ryan embarks on an unpredictable, provocative path - performing the legendary music of Drecel Hemsley in sold out venues all across the country. As the brothers destinies tragically collide, Ryan discovers that Drexel is his identical twin which leads him to question everything he’s ever believed about God, family, and his own identity.

My Thoughts:

When I first saw the poster for the Identical, my first reaction was that the lead actor of the movie, Blake Rayne, looks quite similar to Elvis Presley. The genre of the songs and his voice also reminded me of the Elvis songs I hear from my grandfather's playlist. Do you agree with me? :)

If the movie poster got you interested, head on to the movie trailer below to get an idea of what this movie is about.

After I watched the trailer of the Identical, I was intrigued by the story and wanted to know how Drexel and Ryan would react upong meeting each other. As for Ryan's dilemma of having to follow what his father wanted him to be, I had friends in college who was forced to take up the course their parents wanted for them so I know that Ryan's dilemma is a bit common. I am glad Ryan stood up to what he wanted to do and didn't follow what his father wanted for him to be. I know that I would love it if my daughters to take up a similar degree to mine when they grow older but if they don't want to and want another path, as long as it's good, then I'm here to support them. Just like Ryan's father, Reverend Wade, he disagreed at first and wanted to push Ryan to become a preacher, but in the end, he supported Ryan in what he wanted to do. 

The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Sampler sent to me features 12 of the 20 songs by Jerry Marcellino and Yochanan Marceillino from the movie. If you're a fan of Elvis Presley or country music, then you would love this soundtrack because the songs are very similar to Elvis' genre.

The Identical is coming to theaters on September 5, 2014. You can visit the official website of The Identical or visit their FACEBOOK page to learn more about the movie.

Now who's ready to win a copy of the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Sampler of The Identical?! Just head on over to the rafflecopter below to enter. Good Luck! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

DISCLAIMER: 1 Winner will receive (1) Copy of the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Sampler of The Identical. My giveaway would start August 25, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST and will end September 8, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST. This will be open to US and CAN residents only. The prize cannot be shipped to a P.O. box address. Winner/s will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. I am not responsible for prize fulfillment. My role is to give the sponsor the information of the winner and they will directly ship the prize to the winner. I received a signed copy of the soundtrack sampler however, all opinions are honest and own and are not influenced in any way. No other form of compensation was received. I do not share or sell information and all information shared with me will solely be used for prize shipment. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.
 

Solitaire Chess by ThinkFun Review

I've only played chess once or twice in my life and that was years ago. I can't even remember the moves each chess piece can do well except for the bishop which I clearly remember can move diagonally just as long as it stays on the same colored square.

I've received several games from ThinkFun already and this time, they sent me the Solitaire Chess - Strategic Skill Building Game.I was super excited because the game looks challenging.

If you're not familiar with ThinkFun, then now's the right time for you to know more about them. ThinkFun was actually founded in 1985 by Bill Ritchie and Andrea Barthello, a husband a wife team. The company was originally called Binary Arts and follows their noble mission "To translate the brilliant ideas of the craziest mathematicians, engineers and inventors into simple toys that can be appreciated by boys and girls around the world." Bill was a born puzzler but the 80's was a tough time for toy companies. Andrea, who is a no stranger to challenge vividly remembers declaring "We can do this!" as she pulled into their driveway. Now, ThinkFun is the world's leader in addictively fun games that build reasoning and creative thinking skills through play.

When I received my Solitaire Chess Game, I thought it was a traditional chess set but realized that there's a twist. It's actually a single-player logic puzzle with the same basic chess piece movements like standard chess but there are differences to the rules of the game.

Here are the differences:

- All the pieces have the same color because it's a 1-player game.
- Every move must result in a capture of a game piece.
- Pawns are not promoted when they reach the top row.
- There is no "check-mate" for the King.
- By the design of Solitaire Chess, every challenge with a King chess piece will end with the King as the last remaining piece. (according to the rule book, this is not a rule but a hint.)

The Solitaire Chess Set has the following inside:
- 1 Spring Booklet with 80 challenges
- 10 Chess Pieces
- 1 Booklet with Instructions and Solutions

This is recommended for players ages 8 and up.

I read the instruction booklet and familiarized myself with the allowable movement of the chess pieces. See the drawings on the booklet? That's where you put the specific drawn chess piece. Then the game begins.

I set up the actual chess pieces over the drawings and started to play. This is page 1 of the booklet and I took a video of me demonstrating the 1st challenge.

This will be our little secret but it took me  almost 30 minutes to solve the 1st puzzle! LOL. I always win at Scrabble and other word games but this Solitaire Chess is new to me so, as funny as it might sound, it took me a while to figure out how to win my 1st challenge/puzzle. I had to start over and over again to strategically capture each game piece but I since I didn't want to quit, I really tried hard to solve the 1st challenge. I did however solve the next challenge/puzzle faster than the first. YAY ME! :)

The challenge booklet has 80 challenges/puzzles and each challenge/puzzle gets harder as you turn the page. I was just at the beginner level and I'm already having a hard time winning so I can't even imagine how long it'll take me for the Intermediate, Advanced and Expert pages. Maybe it'll take me a whole day to solve a challenge!

ThinkFun's Solitaire Chess is a must-have for those looking for a challenge or for those who wants to sharpen their brain. It really did challenge me and I can't wait to move on to the harder puzzles/challenges.

You can purchase ThinkFun's Solitaire Chess on their website for $19.99. BUY IT HERE.

DISCLAIMER: I have received one or more product/s mentioned above to try however, all opinions are honest and my own and are not influenced in any way. No other form of compensation was received. I only recommend products I think are worth sharing. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

100% Pure Organic Argan Oil Bargain Argan Review + Giveaway (3 WINNERS) 9/8 US/CAN

Argan Oil has proven itself effective and versatile to me. It has so many uses and benefits so for me, this is a must-have product. Because it is so versatile, some companies jack-up the price of argan oil so when Bargain Argan offered me to try their 100% Pure Organic Argan oil, which by the way is offered at a lower price, I had to try it to see if it works just as well as more expensive argan oils.

Before we head on to my review, here's a brief summary of the benefits and uses of argan oil.

Argan Oil is made from the fruits of the Argan tree (Argania Spinosa) which has a life span of 150 to 200 years. The Argan tree doesn't produce fruits until it's 30 to 50 years old and once mature, it bears fruit during the summer months, June, July and August, and this is when the farmers harvest the fruits to make Argan Oil. Read more about the Argan Oil HERE.

Some uses of the argan oil includes the following: for the hair, scalp, face, hands and nails, and the body. It has so many uses and a lot of benefits which is maybe why some brands jack up the price.

So how can Bargain Argan offer their Argan Oil at a much lower price? Do their Argan Oil have the same quality as the pricier ones?

Bargain Argan's Argan Oil is 100% pure and is certified as 100% organic by Ecocert S.A. (ECO) thereby accredited by USDA Organic. It is imported from southwestern Morocco and is not mixed with other oils and contains no additives or fillers. It is available in 2 sizes which is a 1 oz. or a 2 oz. bottle. It is sold in a simple, squeezable plastic bottle with a twist cap dispenser.

They offer their 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil at a much lower price because they excluded external packaging, therefore saving expenses for the cardboard packaging. Their bottle has a simple design which saved expenses for the design work. The label is also very simple therefore saving expenses for the fancy labeling.

So let's head on to my review of the 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil by Bargain Argan. The squeezable plastic bottle is indeed plain and simple as well as their labeling. I received mine in a yellow net drawstring bag together with a clear small container. I twisted the cover to squeeze a drop on my hand (before this, be sure to remove the protective covering inside) and it is indeed very easy to dispense. This is the first time I used a squeezable plastic bottle for argan oil and I'm satisfied because I can easily control the drops of the argan oil I wanted.

The 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil by Bargain Argan has a super light yellow color when I squeezed it on my palm. It also has a nutty/earthy scent which is typical of argan oils. Just a tip, argan oil does have a nutty/earthy scent and this is one of the ways you can tell that the product is indeed argan oil.

I tried the 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil by Bargain Argan on my hair, hands, nails, elbows and knees, which is where I typically apply argan oil.

For my hair, I dispensed 2 drops of the Bargain Argan on my palm, rubbed it to spread the oil, then distributed it all over my hair. Since I have dry and frizzy hair, the Bargain Argan was successful to flatten my hair a bit and to make it appear shinier. Similar to other argan oils I've tried, using too much would definitely make my hair look greasy and unwashed so just a tip, make sure to use just the appropriate amount of argan oil. Start with a drop and go on from there.

For my hands and nails, I wash the dishes multiple times per day so my hands are a bit dry and my nails a bit brittle. The Bargain Argan's Argan Oil provides instant relief for my hands. I only need a drop for both my hands. It is a bit greasy and oily feeling at first but as it gets absorbed, the greasy feeling goes away. It does absorb pretty quickly so that's nice for me since I don't like the greasy feeling from any body product.

For my elbows and knees, I do use more extensive measures for them because they're drier than the skin on my legs and arms. Aside from putting lotion, I use additional products once in a while to make them moisturized. I use a drop for my elbows and a drop for my knees. It is effective and gave the extra moisturizing benefit my elbows and knees need.

I love the Bargain Argan's 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil because it works just the same as other more expensive brands. If you're looking for a cheaper but 100% Pure Argan Oil, less the pretty and cute packaging, then you have to try Bargain Argan's 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil. You can purchase a 1 oz. bottle for only $7.99. BUY IT HERE.

Now on to the giveaway! Bargain Argan has offered a giveaway for a chance to win the same bottle I received! What's better? There will be 3 winners! Can I get a hooray?! :) Just head on to the rafflecopter below and complete as many entries as you can for better chances of winning! :) Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

DISCLAIMER: 3 Winners will each receive a 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil by Bargain Argan. My giveaway would start August 23, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST and will end September 8, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST. This will be open to US and CAN residents only. The prize cannot be shipped to a P.O. box address. Winners will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. I am not responsible for prize fulfillment. My role is to give the sponsor the information of the winner and they will directly ship the prize to the winner. I received the product/s shown above for free however, all opinions are honest and own and are not influenced in any way. No other form of compensation was received. I do not share or sell information and all information shared with me will solely be used for prize shipment. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

It's Time To #LPSyourworld with the Littlest Pet Shop #GotItFree

When I opened my email and saw the invitation from BzzAgent for the Littlest Pet Shop BzzCampaign, I clicked the link to accept the campaign and prayed that there was still a spot for me. Thankfully, I got in the BzzCampaign and I told my daughters that something nice is coming for them in the mail.

When I saw the BzzAgent Box, oh yes I know a package is from BzzAgent because of the bees on the packaging tape, I couldn't wait to show it to them. Here is a video of them unboxing the package from BzzAgent:

They were so excited as they open the box. I'm excited too because I know they'll love the products inside! :)

I took a picture of them with the Littlest Pet Shop products I received. I even got coupons to share with friends and family. And these are GREAT coupons! :)

I got the following play sets:

1 - Littlest Pet Shop Style Set
1 - Littlest Pet Shop Yummy Treat Bar Style Set
1- Littlest Pet Shop Pet Pawsabilities Pancakes Watkins & Kip Cantu
1 - Buy 1 Get 1 Coupon for Littlest Petshop Pets
3 - $10 Off Style Sets Coupon

So as soon as I finished taking their picture with the Littlest Petshop products we got, it was time to put them together! My daughters did need help putting the sets together but they were the ones who put in the stickers. They were SUPER excited to finish putting the sets up but it took me and my sister about 45 minutes to set the 2 Littlest Pet Shop play sets up. As we were putting the play sets together, they remembered they have a DVD of the Littlest Pet Shop and told me they wanted to watch it while we were putting the sets up.

Tada! Isn't it cute and pretty? We placed it on top of the table where my daughter's "fashion shoppe" (it's their own personal space with all their girly stuffs) and it fits perfect there. My daughters couldn't even wait for me to snap this picture. :)

The Littlest Pet Shop Style Set can be opened sideways.  It can be closed as well and when closed, it looks like a cute little shop.

The Littlest Pet Shop Yummy Treat Bar Style Set is smaller than the Littlest Pet Shop Style Set but my daughters had fun with the miniature pastry holder. Each of the pets have holes in different parts of their body where my daughters can place the smaller parts like carrots and ice cream.

And finally, I told them to pose beside their new Littlest Pet Shop play set and after this picture, they immediately played with their new toys.

My daughters loved playing pretend dining and shopping with their new Littlest Pet Shop friends. They also love the colors of the pets and they love how their heads bobble around. I love how my daughters change their voices to pretend it's the voice of the different pets so I know their imaginations are working. My daughters are 3 and 6 and I don't worry about the smaller parts of the Littlest Pet Shop Sets (it is recommended for children ages 6 and up) because they don't really put anything in their mouths or noses, or at least none that I know of. :)

The Littlest Pet Shop Style Sets was like an early Christmas present for my daughters and I thank BzzAgent and Hasbro for sending me these wonderful sets. :)

DISCLAIMER: I am a member of  BzzAgent and I have received one or more product/s mentioned above to to try however, all opinions are honest and my own and are not influenced in any way. No other form of compensation was received. I only recommend products I think are worth sharing. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.

The Wiggles: Apples and Bananas DVD Review

About the DVD:

The Wiggles: Apples & Bananas

 

"Apples and Bananas is a tasty musical treat! Join the Wiggles as they add their special Wiggles magic to favorite nursery rhymes and songs.

 Sing along with special guest Lee Hawkins to This Little Piggy Went to Market and with the delightful Dennisha Pratt on Miss Polly Had a Dolly. There's the "spider-iffic" Itsy Bitsy Spider, Dorothy the Dinosaur swings on Shortnin' Bread, then we jump on board for The Wheels on the Bus and This Old Man Came Rolling Home! The Wiggles travel across the globe to Ireland for I'll Tell Me Ma and Michael Finnegan, and then over the continent for the delightful French song Sur le Pont d'Avignon. With centuries of best-loved songs served up fresh for your child, Apples and Bananas is certainly "a-peeling"!"

SRP: $9.99

   

My Review:

The Wiggles: Apples & Bananas DVD features 22 nursery rhymes. Most of the nursery rhymes included are the well-known ones so my daughters loved the DVD.

My daughters enjoyed watching The Wiggles: Apples & Bananas because they can sing along to almost all the nursery rhymes and songs in the DVD. They also danced while singing some of the nursery rhymes. My personal favorite was This Old Man and The Wheels on The Bus.

I like The Wiggles: Apples and Bananas because it is kid-friendly, perfect for younger kids and educational as well. My daughters watched this DVD over and over again because they loved singing along with The Wiggles. I like that this DVD encouraged my daughters to sing along as well as move around to copy some of the dance moves. They even changed into their skirts when I played the DVD because they wanted to copy Emma. :)

The Wiggles: Apples & Bananas is available for pre-order now on AMAZON and will be released on August 29. :)

DISCLAIMER: I am a member of NCircle's NSider and have received one or more product/s above to watch and review. All opinions are honest and my own and are not influenced in any way. No other form of compensation was received. I do not share or sell information and all information shared with me will solely be used for prize shipment. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.   

Organic Matcha Green Tea Single Serve Packets by Matcha DNA Review

Ever since I've tried different kinds of teas, I've come to appreciate them more. At first, I didn't like the taste of matcha green tea but after quite some time, I grew fond of the taste and I drink a cup once in a while.

Matcha DNA sent me their Organic Matcha Green Tea in 34 Single Serve Packets to try in exchange for an honest review and I couldn't wait to try it.

The Organic Match Green Tea by Matcha DNA is organically grown and hand picked. It is 100% Swiss Certified Organic and USDA Organic. It is rich in vitamins, nutrients and amino acids and is BPA free. It can be used as a tea or as an addition to baking and cooking food.

What I liked about the Organic Matcha Green Tea is the single serve packet. It's much easier to make a cup of matcha green tea and the matcha green tea powder stays fresh since I only need to open 1 packet a time.

I tried 1 whole packet of the Organic Matcha Green Tea on an 8 oz. water and for me, it's a bit too strong. I tasted the bitterness of the matcha tea so the next time I made a cup of tea, I reduced the green tea powder I used to half a packet. I also added 3 pumps of the Starbucks' ToffeeNut Syrup (I bought this at Starbucks prior to receiving my Matcha Green Tea Powder because I use it on my coffee).

I love the combination of the Organic Matcha Green Tea by Matcha DNA and the Starbucks' ToffeeNut Syrup. The matcha green tea by itself has its own sweetness but since I have a sweet tooth, I opted for a more sweeter taste. :) I love how easier it is to use the individual packets and I also like that the matcha green tea powder dissolves easily in hot water. It also tasted great over ice with milk and the toffeenut syrup.

You can visit the Matcha DNA WEBSITE to learn more about their products or you can purchase their Organic Matcha Green Tea on Amazon. BUY IT HERE.

DISCLAIMER: I have received one or more product/s mentioned above to try however, all opinions are honest and my own and are not influenced in any way. No other form of compensation was received. I only recommend products I think are worth sharing. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.