Super cute and convenient canvas roll-up for pencils or pens

I have a bit of a pen habit. I have gel pens and fine liners mainly. I just got a new jumbo pack of gel pens. While I loved that they came in a sturdy plastic box with organizer trays, it was inconvenient to pack the box everywhere I went. So, when I saw this roll-up canvas holder I had to take the chance that it would hold my pens even though it is originally advertised for color pencils. Lo and behold...it works!

1) The elastic holders are stitched well. They hold pencils in place without them sliding out. This means they are snug on my pens, but that also just means they won't fall out.
2) The outer print is super cute. I love the zentangle look of it and the colors are vibrant. The tie string is about the thickness of a pencil, so I don't see it wearing out anytime soon.

3) There is a small zipper pocket on one end. I haven't found a use for it uet, but it's still early and I'm sure it will become a home for something soon.
4) As you can see in the pictures, I can't roll it because I filled it with pens versus pencils. The fact that it's tri-fold does not bother me, but for informational purposes it might help you with your buying decision. (It does roll-up if you use pencils.) I did leave a couple loops empty at each fold, this was a preference thing since I did not want to crush my pens.

Overall, I'm loving my decision to snag this canvas roll-up. It is working out great for me. Now that me teenage artist has seen it she wants one too! Off I go to find a design that she loves...lol!

Check it out at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01KG0HAO2/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Minimal lifting gloves, big impact

If you've shopped for lifting gloves in the past year or so, you've seen advertisements for these. Tiny grip gloves that cover just the part where callouses form from lifting. They give you the necessary grip without adding bulk. I've been testing these tiny little things out for a while now, and I'm surprised how much I like them. Here's what I think.

1) Talk about tiny! I have small hands (think size 6 ring) and they still looked tiny next to and on my hand. I thought, "No way these are going to work." Well, I was wrong!

2) These perfectly cover all the necessary areas. The minimal padding that covers the callous areas is just enough to prevent callous build-up. The finger holes rest nicely below the middle knuckle of the fingers.
3) At first they felt like they weren't sitting correctly. However, the more you wear them the more they settle into place. The finger holes have yet to get stretched out like other gloves I have used - which stretch out in a week and end up rolling.

4) The grip dots work well. None of them have fallen off yet, even thru 3 washes and countless workouts.

I'm reserving the 5th star to see how long these gloves last. I usually go thru gloves at a rate of one set a month - either the gloves stretch out and become too big or the seams rip out. I'm hoping these last longer than that because I love the minimalist feel of them.

Check them out for yourself at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GJ3RQMG/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Strongest lavender oil I've found!

If you've been on the Internet any time in the past couple years, you'll see that essential oils have made a huge explosion in the market. They've been used by manufacturers in everything from hair care to cleaning products for years. However, it's only the last few years that people have begun using them to make their own products at home. The only real tough part is finding a brand that you love. This is the 2nd product I have used from New York Biology and I am steadily falling in love!!

1) 1oz doesn't sound like a lot, but this is potent. Where many brands advertise 100% oil, achieving the desired smell takes way too many drops. With this oil from NYB, a few drops is plenty! This translates to more usage!!

2) 1oz in the store runs about $8 while this is $12. But NYB oil will last as long as using 2-3 bottles of the same oil bought in the store. Again, more usage!!!
3) If you are new to essential oils, the internet is your friend - Pinterest is my favorite. Lavender has so many uses that I didn't even realize! I've always used it in my bath water and when making homemade heating packs. My new mission is a cold pack for when I have migraines. I'm also feeling like a horrible mom waiting on one of my kids to burn themselves (or me) so I can try it then to...lol!
4) As you can see in my pics, it comes well packed in bubble wrap. The dropper is also wrapped separately to protect it. Simple and easy to unscrew the bottle  top and screw on the dropper.

New York Biology is becoming my new favorite brand. I have peppermint and tea tree oils coming from them as well and I can't wait to try them out!

Check it out at:
https://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Essential-Oil-Kashmir-Linalool/dp/B01IG41ZG4/ref=sr_1_8?m=A3K94VWQ8DVMOE&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1470327291&sr=1-8

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Multipurpose organizer that you'll want multiples of!

We are a traveling family! Not by plane, train, or bus....but in my trusty Ford truck. Sometimes it's all four of us (hubby, 2 kids, and myself) but lately it's been just me and my girls. We are pros at packing. The only thing we forget is to leave room for the things we accumulate along our travels...lol!

This multipurpose organizer by Zento Deals was an instant need when I saw it. I mean, who doesn't love staying organized on trips?! So here is what I've discovered using on my latest road trip (1200+ miles in 2 days).

1) Having a compartmentalized organizer is amazing. If you can see my pics, I utilized the 3 compartments. One for shoes, one for my travel exercise equipment and electronics, and one for road snacks. I would never have normally put shoes and snacks in the same bin, but with this organizer it worked out perfectly. The double divider is velcro, so you could undo it and only have 2 compartments if you so choose.

2) There are carry handles on each end which make it easy to lug around. I was amazed and excited that the whole thing didn't sag or collapse at all while carrying it. I do wish there was a detachable single carry strap, but I'll get over that. I had this packed pretty full and the handles showed no sign of tearing away.

3) There are multiple mesh pockets along one long side and 2 velcro pockets on one end. I debated putting shoes in the mesh pockets, but ultimately left them empty. I did notice that my youngest actually used them as water bottle holders while we were traveling.
4) Yes it folds flat for storage!! Just empty and collapse inward. There are buckles on each end to keep it closed. There are also buckles in the middle so you can utilize only one side of the organizer if that's all you need.
5) The material wipes clean easily. As you can imagine with kids I've already had to wipe it clean. No stains left behind and it dried quickly.

As the description says, it is multipurpose. I can see this being used as an every day vehicle organizer, an easy carry-all for yarn during my bigger crochet projects, and even for grocery shopping. I can definitely see myself getting another couple of these because I have so many ideas for uses!!

Check it out at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017DLE4NC/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Deep tissue percussion massager...perfect for sore muscles!

OMG! I'm in love with this massager!

Growing up my parents had a massager similar to this. For this reason, I was drawn to this product from first glance. I was willing to take a chance on it because I was hoping it was as good or even better than what I remembered. And it is!

1) This thing is a monster. It's about the length of a person's forearm. I was pleasantly surprised by this when the box came. It is also quite hefty. Not so much that your arm will get tired just lifting it, but enough that it lends to the power behind this massager.
2) The power behind this is astonishing. When it says deep tissue, it means deep! If you put it on the back of your neck, your teeth will rattle.
3) Easy to use on/off switch and sliding intensity toggle. Even the lowest setting is quite powerful. I like using the low setting for the soles of the feet. The high setting is perfect for the bigger muscles on the back and the upper legs.
4) The interchangeable heads are made of pretty thick rubber and simply pop on and off. Smooth, 3 pronged, and multiple pronged heads are included. I am still trying to figure out which ones feel the best on which body parts. I do know that the multiple pronged head does not feel too good on the back, but does wonders on the legs and feet. You really just have to play around until you find what you like.

Overall a great product. You can use it on yourself or someone else, it's that diverse. Now, if I could get the hubby to use it on me just as often as I use it on him....lol!

Check it out at:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GSF1O78/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

SoZo headbands...you need these in your life!

If you do any type of exercise, you know that sweat in the eyes is a problem. You also know that keeping your hair out of your face is just as big a problem. And, if you are anything like me, you fight finding the right headband that covers both the sweat and hair problems as well as the issue with it staying put. Ugh....that's a lot to expect from a headband right? Wrong!

These headbands from SoZo Enterprise are amazing!!! I'm going to preface my review by first listing my workout from today, so you understand what this headband went through today. (See me flat on my back for recovery....lol)
- 15 stair climber cardio warm-up
- 50 squats, 30 walking lunges, 20 jump squats, 30 side lunges, 50 bridges (Repeat 3x in under 30min...I did it in 19min)
- 50 side crunches per side, 50 crunches, 50 leg lifts, 1min mt. climbers, 2min plank (Repeat 3x in under 30min...I did it in 29min)

1) The sweat wicking material these headbands are made from works like a charm. It kept the sweat from dripping into my eyes through the entire workout. That in and of itself is nearly impossible during my workouts; so, if I could give this product 20 stars I would just for this!
2) I didn't have to worry about my bangs flopping in my face with this headband. Other bands I've tried are either too wide or too narrow. The narrow ones don't hold the hair back, and the wide ones covered darn near my whole head. This band sits perfectly half-way down my forehead and a third of the way back on my head.
3) I have a funny little head. Headbands do not normally stay put, not even the ones with teeth for grip! These beautiful pieces of awesome stay put!!! With everything that I did during my workout today, it never once slid out of place. The only time I did have to adjust the headband was when I took my glasses off (they were tucked into the headband to keep them from sliding).

4) I have yet to wash these, so I don't know how a wash and dry cycle will effect the material or the print. I will update as needed.

I was thinking of giving one of these to my friend, but now I'm thinking that I'm going to be greedy and keep all 3 to myself. They are cute, comfortable, and work!! I'm saving this seller so that I can order more of these as needed in the future.

Check them out at:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01HPA480U/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

S6 case...slim and slippery

The toughest thing about phone cases is that they are person specific. Each person prefers a certain feel, a certain look, a certain level of protection. Here's what you need to know about this case to make an informed decision.

1) This case is super slim. It takes up exactly enough room necessary to cover the phone. I like this because it makes it easier to slide the phone in and out of my back pocket.
2) There is a small lip around the front of the phone. This is perfect to protect the phone front in case it is dropped flat-ish. Nothing will protect the front of the phone if you drop it on a rock. Drop and kick tested it, my phone was fine.

3) This case fits extremely snug. I drop tested it. The case stayed put without popping off or breaking. When trying to take it off, it took a little effort. That's a plus and a minus for me. Plus because I know it'll protect my phone if I drop it, minus because I change phone cases like most people change underwear and I hate fighting to get it off. Oh well, I'll live as long as it protects my phone!
4) The case is quite slick in the hand. I thought it would have more of rubber feel to most of the phone, but it's only on the corners. I'm a klutz, I need a little more grip to my phone.

5) The ports are all accessible. The buttons are easily pressed but a little hard to find. They are a little recessed and hard to feel.

That's it, that's all I've got. If I find or can think of anything else, I'll update my review.

Check it out at:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00V6ECVSS/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Like bathing in a cappuccino!

Let me start by saying that I love body scrubs. I got addicted to them when I was given a jar from Bath & Body Works as a gift one Christmas. However, I did not love the price when I went back to buy my own. So, I went on a journey to learn how to make my own and have been doing so for many years. I recently kept coming across coffee scrub recipes and became curious. After doing a little research I discovered that coffee is purported to help shrink cellulite cells and firm and smooth the skin. I was preparing to make my own, but came across this product and thought it would be easier to try this versus making my own (for now). Here is what I've found.

1) When you crack the lid on this you're going to think you fell into a cappuccino vat. The smell is intoxicatingly yummy! Oh, but you won't smell like that afterward, so no worries.
2) The texture is more fine than a normal sugar scrub. Think of the finest sand you can imagine, and that is what this scrub feels like.
3) As previously stated, I've used scrubs before. I've never had any issues. That said, please heed the warning on this product that says not to use on freshly shaven skin! I have never been so close to killing myself in the shower trying to get this off of my bikini region. Freshly shaven legs were ok.
4) Be aware that your shower will look like a muddy dog attacked it. Just don't forget to rinse it off or it will stain!
5) I still have over half a jar. I can't really attest to whether or not the product will succeed at shrinking the cellulite. I can, however, say that my skin is looking a little more firm and smooth.

Ok, that's it. Now that I know the do's and don'ts of this scrub, I'm totally in love!!!!

Check it out at:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0169PFLFI/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

New believer of yoga socks!

Yoga socks are a new thing for me. I do yoga at home, so I was just going barefoot. I learned that if I vacuumed before doing yoga on my hardwood floors that my grip would be fine. However, there were days I just didn't feel like vacuuming and I would slip all over the place...eventually giving up using the floor as an excuse. (Side note: I vacuum twice a day but with a husband, 2 kids, and a dog it's a neverending task...lol!)

These socks have become my "no excuses" socks! I now don't have to wake up and vacuum immediately just to get my yoga in! My philosophy is exercise before your brain wakes up enough to know what you're doing, and now I can.

Here's what you need to know.
1) They fit snuggly. Not the cut your circulation off snug; but the stay in place, no need to stop your workout snug. All of the creases line up perfectly so you're not dealing with seams in uncomfortable places.

2) I have used these for about a week and washed them 3 times. The color has not bled, and none of the traction dots have loosened or fallen off. It may be my imagination, but I think the traction is better now than straight out of the package.
3) The message on the top seemed superfluous at first. However, toward the end of a session, it helps to have the little reminder to just breathe. It's also a reminder for me that yoga is supposed to be relaxing even though I feel like dying by the end...lol!

4) Super soft! Through sweat and multiple washings, these socks are still baby soft. If I had a blanket of this material I'd never get out of bed!

Maybe now that I have the socks I'll be brave and go to an actual yoga class. But until then, they are will remain my "no excuses" yoga at home favorite accessory.

Check them out at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01HE724W8/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Anti-Cellulite Massage Oil....Yes!

Massage oil that helps reduce cellulite? Who wouldn't want to try it?! I was skeptical, of course! I still might be. I've only been using this for about a week. However, I do have some observations that I want to share so far.

1) This is a proprietary (you don't get to know how much of each so you can make it yourself) blend of grapeseed oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, and grapefruit oil. This may seem like a lot of oil and that it would leave the skin extremely oily. However, that is not the case. If you use this product properly and massage it into the skin (I'm talking give yourself a thorough massage that lasts several minutes), there is no residue left on the skin. Anywhere you massage this into the skin will feel silky smooth.

2) Because this is oil instead of cream, it does NOT take a lot per usage. As I previously stated, I've only been using this 7 days. I rub this into my thighs, hips, and stomach (the cellulite trifecta) after every shower. I haven't even reached the top of the label on the bottle! So just remember, start with a little and add only if necessary.

3) And now, what you want to know the most. Does it work? Seven days is not a lot of time to get the best result from any product, but I have seen some results. I can tell that my skin is looking and feeling smoother and firmer. I believe this is just the beginning stages of this product working its magic. While the skin is firmer, I still have the jiggly cellulite. I'm also not relying entirely on this product to solve the problem. I still go to the gym 5 days a week. I still eat healthy. But I think this product is a great pairing with my lifestyle to produce the quickest results.

4) Out of al the oils in this blend, the lemon and grapefruit are what you will smell the most. The combination of the two actually makes it smell like oranges. Its nice to have an oil without a medical smell. And a little more personally, it doesn't taste like anything on the skin.

5) The bottle does come with a pump. Just unscrew the regular cap and screw on the pump top. Easy and effortless!

Once I completely use the bottle I will return and update my review. I'm anxious to see what the next month brings (because I fully believe it will take a month or longer to use all of this bottle)!

Check it out at:
https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Cellulite-Massage-Natural-Ingredients/dp/B01H2435RQ/ref=sr_tnr_p_7_11056481_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1470163379&sr=8-7&keywords=new+york+biology

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Fullness, yes...growth, not so much. Try it for yourself!

There are tons of products on the market for hair growth and for thinning hair. So many in fact that it can be confusing and tiring to find the best product for your needs. This shampoo and conditioner set from DermaChange professes increase in both as well as fullness. It also says that it's great for dry and colored hair. Here is what I've noticed after using the bottles until empty, approximately 20 days.

1) On the growth claim, I'm not sold. I measured a strand of hair at the base of my neck before starting use and after 20 days. There was maybe a quarter inch difference in length, which actually my normal growth with the shampoo and conditioner.
2) The fullness claim? I believe in that one! My hair looks and feels so much thicker. Before beggining usage, I used a rubber band and wrapped it around my hair as many times as possible. I wrote the number down and hung the rubber band on the mirror so that I wouldn't use it during the trial. After the 20 days, I tried again with the rubber band and got one less wrap. For those of you who know, this is a huge thing!
3) I don't have dry hair, so I'm not sure about that claim. However, I do have colored hair. There was no leakage of color while washing. If anything, my color has lasted longer! That is a blessing in and of itself.
4) Don't freak that the shampoo is not very sudsy. That is just a great product made without all the additives (sudsing agents). The conditioner is extremely silky and light feeling. This means it doesn't leave a lot of chemicals on the head and hair.

Overall, a great product. Wish the bottles were a little bigger, I'd have liked a longer test period. This will definitely be added into my hair care regimen!

Check it out at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S9TDWBS/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Fun mask for any occasion!

Omg...I love this mask! I got it for my husband because he's not much for dressing up for Halloween. I figured he could at least pop on a great wicked looking mask and join in the fun this year. Straight out of the box I popped this on and posted a fun selfie on Facebook. Everyone loved the mask and kept asking where I got it. My daughter and I even put it on our boxer, he ran around looking like the dog in The Mask!

I am so happy with this mask!!! I'm thinking that adding chem lights will make a great effect for night wear!!!The fit is extremely comfortable. The double strap keeps it in place without cutting into the head. The nose bridge inside ensures the mask rides on your face more like a pair of sunglasses than anything else. The eye holes are big enough that there is definitely no problem with seeing out.

Check it out on Amazon at:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00MCGTB2S/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Cute, tough, and functional phone case!

1) What do you look for most in a phone case? For me, it's how well will the case protect my phone. Phones are expensive and, even with insurance, can be costly to replace (not everyone has $50 to spare some months). This case is TOUGH! I drop my phone frequently because I'm a klutz. Not once has my phone broken or even popped out of the case.

2) Installation is super easy. Just pop your phone in. All ports and buttons are easily accessible. Beware charging and using the phone at the same time with this case, it will get a little warm.

3) I didn't want my cards in the picture, but they do slide in and out easily. But, not so easily that they will fall out on their own. The pocket behind the card slots is perfect for cash. I put about 10 different bills in there and it wasn't bulky at all.

4) The magnetic closure is awesome. It stays put, even when you drop the phone. But, it flips open just as easily. A few people have asked about the magnet in regard to their cards. I have not had any issue with the magnet wiping my cards.

5) The case can also be used as a stand for viewing videos or movies. Just slide the inside edge of the phone toward the outside edge of the card slots. Voila!

6) Unlike other folio cases I've found, this one includes a carrying strap. I love this! I'm not a push kind of chic, so it's nice to just sling it around my wrist and go.

7) Cute print and bright colors!! I didn't know if I'd like the peacock feathers, but I'm slowly falling in love with them!!

If you're like me and want a way to just carry the essentials without lugging around a purse, then this case is for you!!

Check it out at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SSYKYVK/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Gator USB - good and bad but usable

Not all USB charging cables are created equal. It is sometimes difficult to find a cord that meets all of one's needs. For me, I need a cord that charges quickly, is long enough to not keep me tied to an outlet, and is rugged enough to handle being wrapped and tugged on (because let's face it, cords normally fray long before they wear out).

1) The cord does not charge very fast. I ran my phone dead before plugging this cord in, and it took 2 1/2 hours to get a full charge. I found this unusual, so I tried a different USB charging box for the next test. Again, it took just as long.

2) I knew when I selected this cord that it was on the shorter side. But I decided in this instance, if it was a good cord, that I would use it in my vehicle. The shorter cord is perfect for vehicle use so that there isn't an abundance of cord hanging all over the place.

3) This cord is definitely rugged. The "gator skin" material is quite think and protects the cord nicely. I wish there was a little more reinforcement where the cable goes into the USB ends as this is the place most likely to break first.

All-in-all, this is a solid cord. It will definitely be relegated to my truck for use charging my headphones. The lengthy charge time won't matter as much because I can just hook the headphones up after the gym in the morning and they'll be ready the following day.

Check it out for yourself at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GSDWHXK/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Fabric markers - Double tipped, double the possibilities!

Fabric markers are fun! So many possibilities! This set doubles the fun!

1) Fine and bold tips in the same pen! This makes it feel as if you have two sets instead of one. Use the fine tip for outlining or small details. Use the bold tip to fill in large areas. On my shirt I used the fine tip to outline the letters and to draw my barbells, and the bold tip to color in the lettering.

2) Great variety of colors! The set has the regular rainbow colors, but has 6 colors that are variants. The sea foam and hot pink are probably my favorite, which is why you see them used on my shirt. The purple is quite dark, but there is a lavender in the set. I was really surprised with how vibrant the colors were on the shirt. Which leads to...

3) Yes, the colors are vibrant, but you have to layer the color on to get it. If you don't layer, many of the colors look pastel. So, depending on the look you want, layer or don't layer. I think I'm starting to like this aspect because it feels like I have even more color options!

4) I should mention that the picture of my shirt is after I washed it. I wanted to know if the colors would bleed or fade - THEY DIDN'T!! The lines are just as crisp as when I drew them and the colors are just as bright.

These markers make a great addition to my craft suplies. I plan on buying canvas bags next. I think my girls and I will have fun making our own creations!

Check these great markers out at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01C1LF7VM/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Great little acrylic paint set!

With so many brands of acrylic paints on the market, it is so tough to find one that not only suits your needs but also feels and looks great. I have to say that this acrylic paints set from Creative Joy is an actual joy to use!

1) I read the paint tube size before purchasing, but it was still a nice surprise to see how much paint per color came in this set. The color pigment is amazing. Many paints you have to layer to get vibrant bold color, not so with this paint. It takes very little paint to get the bright pop of color as seen in my included picture. I didn't have a canvas to test the paint on - that is just plain old computer paper! I can't wait to put paint to canvas and really put this paint thru it's paces.

2) At first glance the brushes looked a little flimsy. Plastic handled brushes are not my favorite. However, looks can be deceiving with this brush set. They are very light in the hand. The handle shape makes for a comfortable grip, which translates to less cramping during longer paint sessions. The brush bristles appear to be of a good quality. The paint seemed to glide perfectly from the bristles. Clean-up was easy breezy - a little warm water and the paint just washed away with no stubborn traces.

All-in-all I am very happy with this set. Now I just have to keep my teenager away from it long enough for me to get my canvas!

Check this set out at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01FDYSZ5Y/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Water/Dust/Drop-proof case for iPhone!

I wanted to love this case, I really wanted to love it. But I can't, and here's why.

1) It's not water proof, or at least the one I got is not. I tested it by placing a paper towel and sealing the case. I placed it in a bowl of water and set a cup on it to hold it under water. Immediately bubbles arose. (You can see the bubbles in the cup picture.) I left it alone because other waterproof cases I've tested did the same. After 30 minutes I removed the case and the paper towel, and the paper towel was soaked. For the sake of really wanting this product to work and maybe that I installed it wrong, I tried the process 2 more times with the same result.

2) Despite the case not being waterproof as advertised, it is amazingly rugged! I put one of our old phones in the case and put it to the test. I dropped it several times from a height of 4-5 feet. Neither the case nor the phone cracked. I also tossed it across a room and had my daughter not catch it, it still held up!

3) This case is super cute! The colors are perfect. I also love the feel of the case. It's slim in the hand but not slick. All the buttons are easy to push, and the ports are easily accessed.  The screen covering does not hinder touch reaction, your finger slides just as easily as if the screen protector is not there.

After looking at other reviews, I really was hopeful about this case. And, after reading those reviews, I have a suspicious feeling that I just ended up with a faulty case. Nevertheless, I'll still be using it because it's cute and clutz-proof!

Check it out at:
http://bit.ly/1UtaGQO

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Resistance bands...you need them in your life!!

I'm kind of a fitness junkie. Not the completely obsessed spend half a day in the gym junkie, but the obsessed with making workouts fun and different junkie. These bands seemed like a great alternative to the weights and machines at the gym, and they are!

1) Big things come in small packages! These bands are about the same thickness as 5 sheets of paper stacked together. This fact made me a little weary at first; I was afraid if I stretched them too far that they would snap. As you can see from the pic, you can stretch the bands pretty far with no tears or snaps.

2) 5 bands means 5 different resistances. The different resistances allow you to switch bands as needed depending on strength level and body part being worked. I personally think the red and yellow bands are a little weak for me. However, I have found that combining the blue with the yellow and the green with the red creates a resistance similar to the black.
3) They come in a great carrying bag that's smaller than a cellphone! I'm not talking a tight fit either. Roll them up and shove them in - plenty of space left in the bag for me to store 2 sets of earbuds!
4) Because these bands are so small and easy to use, using them at home when you can't make it to the gym is a perfect way to get in a great workout. Especially great to toss in your luggage if you're traveling! Do what I do and use the Internet to find hundreds of ways to use these awesome bands. My favorite resource is Pinterest!
5) Great for stretching as well! For example, if you can't reach for your toes but have a need to stretch your calves, use the band to pull. Search the internet for proper stretching techniques so you don't hurt yourself!

The possibilities for these little bands is endless. Invest in them and you won't be sorry!

Check them out at the following link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00R4E4GZK/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.

Cute phone cases for S5...sellers have other phone options!

This is going to be a combo blog about two different, but alike, phone cases. They are from 2 different sellers, so I will include separate links for each. However, they are identical in every way except for the decal, so my impressions are the same for both.

I fell in love with Sherlock Holmes on BBC years ago, so much that it prompted me to read the book. I love this case!! I love that it's abstract and only true Sherlock-ians get it.

I've always loved owls, but it's been hard to find cute ones until recent years. I love this case!! I love the owls as well as the cute little message!

1) The TPU rubber is quite thick, much thicker than any other TPU cases I've tried out. Flimsy is a no-go because I'm a clutz! I dropped the phone from a height of 4ft (on purpose) and it protected my phone! The lip around the front of the phone definitely protected the screen.

2) The portion of the case that covers the buttons is a little different than other cases. Where most cases protrude where the buttons are, these are recessed. It was a little difficult at first to get use to this, but I'm actually starting to get the hang of it. I think I might even prefer it because the sides are smoother, making it easier to slide in and out of pockets and such. But the sides are not so smooth that it makes it hard to keep a grip on your phone.

3) The decal on the back is slightly recessed. Only time will tell if that means if it will take a long time before it rubs off.

Both cases are extremely cute and extremely sturdy! While many women change out purse and pocketbooks, I'm going to love switching out phone cases!!

Sherlock Case:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CNLZQWK/ref=ya_st_dp_summary

Owl Case:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CTQLZH4/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*Discounted product provided for honest review.