Tiny but Hardcore Treadmill Cheap-ish

In January, when I was in the throes of the cabin fever gift of SDD, I purchased a space saver treadmill after much research.  My criteria:  high impact quality construction, fold up but still long enough jog area, inexpensive, low maintenance, easy assembly, and an extensive number of programs, features all working together to spice up the treadmill experience and motivate.  As usual, Amazon had it!

I am musing about it now because I feel it has significantly improved my daily outlook and motivation.  Before daylight savings time this past Sunday the blackness of night in the morning was killing me.  I decided to get up at (ugh, I know) 5:30 each morning and jump on the treadmill for 30-45 minutes.  Whether I walked or jogged I still got an emotional boost out of it and it made the rest of my morning continue on just a bit better than it would have otherwise.  Now, with it being light out and hour earlier it's 10 times easier to get out of bed and jump on the treadmill which in turn gives me a boost to work a little harder which in turn makes me feel just a bit better throughout the day.

Gym memberships (which I had at the time of purchase) cost about $50 and up.  My particular treadmill cost $399 minus (and here's a big tip) $50 for signing up for the Amazon no interest for a year credit card (which I immediately paid off and cancelled).  Also, the Merit Fitness 725T Plus Treadmill ships for free!  The point is, if you cancel your gym membership (lets be honest, how many of us are really getting our money's worth out of memberships anyway) this treadmill in your very own home will have paid for it's self and more in 8 months or less.

Lastly, my house is only 915 square feet.  Now add furniture and lots of it, appliances, a large dog with cage (bed), three cats, a husband, and gazillions of guests popping in and out 24/7 and you'll see space is limited for additional items...such as this treadmill.  However, it works and it can work in your place too...no matter how small you think your home is.

You have no excuses.  Click below now and start your self improvement (mind, body, and soul) today.

  I own and love this model.  Goes up to 10 on speed and incline, tons of programs, pick your time, set programs of your own, safety stop, heart monitor, calorie and mile read out, 2 cup holders, book or (my favorite) phone holder...to watch tv shows :o), and much much more.  Worth every penny!




Considered this model because it's $50 cheaper...Go for the 725T, it's worth twice what the 715T is :o)

Red Carpet Ready Mask

First, you should know that I rotate several masks.  A deep cleaning clay mask, an antioxidant filled pore clearing peel mask, and this one, Nude Skincare's Miracle Mask http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P212426&categoryId=C18820.  How did I find out about this mask?  Samples from Sephora http://www.sephora.com/, of course!  Did I commit to the $62 (free shipping) sticker price immediately after one use?  No, but I would have if I didn't have so many samples of it and the other products in the Nude Skincare line.  I have to say, I love all the products but I don't really feel like shelling out all that cash so I decided I would get the item that REALLY makes an immediate difference.  In short, this mask is supposed to make your face radiant.  I used it Sunday night since I'd been feeling kind of blah (mind, body, face and all) and as always, it did wonders immediately but I went to bed and kind of forgot I had used it.  Well, last night when I washed my face I thought, "gee, my face looks really pretty"and kind of left it at that.  Then this morning I thought the same thing about my skin, then remembered I had used my Nude Skincare Miracle Mask.  You can check it out and read what it does and how it does it but what's important to me is that when I use it I feel like my skin looks like it just received some Hollywood facial.  I usually reserve the use of this mask for special occasions and travel.  Use it the morning after a flight for that much needed skin refreshing or in the morning before a family get together or a night out on the town.  I actually bought the bottle so I could save my samples for travel.

Just give it a try.  If you have a Sephora store near you all you have to do is ask for a sample.  If you live near me I'm happy to let you try mine.  You can also just go ahead and order it online from Sephora http://www.sephora.com/.  They have free returns if something doesn't work out so what do you have to lose!?

Maxi Dresses...Better Late Than Never!

So I've just become slightly obsessed with maxi dresses.  At first I thought the waistbandless comfort would increase the speed of my increasing waistline (I'm 35, it was going to happen someday, I know).  Then I thought about it again and realized I don't care.  So I ordered one.  Didn't love it.  It wasn't the right neckline or something for my linebacker shoulders (currently en route to Brooklyn, NY to be enjoyed by my best friend, Christina).  I did, however, start pining for one from Boden http://www.bodenusa.com/# .  I was initially drawn to Boden years ago when I had a pregnant friend.  They had such stylish, comfortable looking maternity clothes and I was really impressed with the quality of the skirt I gifted to her (after pregnancy she gave it back to me and I had the waistband altered for me).  I've cruised their site now and then ever since and always check the clearance since they're a bit pricey.  That's where I found their Voile Maxi http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Clearance/Womens-Dresses/Below-Knee-Dresses/WH245-BRN/Womens-Mocha-Daisy-Voile-Maxi.html?NavGroupID=4 , on sale, free shipping and returns, and it comes in long!  I received it yesterday and it fits AMAZING!  I've been wanting a casual "blazer" to wear with jeans so I think Boden is going to be my first "stop" for finding the perfect one.

Stay tuned...

"I Love The Millie!"

It all started last month when I went to California with my parents and two sisters.  They were both effortlessly carrying their Hobo wallets wherever they went.  Yes, they both totally have it together, but it was the "look" that hooked me.  I needed a wallet like theirs!  I wanted to have that "I have it together" look.  Plus, they both have them in fun, yet mature and stylish colors.  Upon returning to work I began emailing my sister, Rachel (a wallet guru in my eyes) links to various wallets.  Of course, I started narrowing it down to the Hobo International brand http://www.hobobags.com/ for it's colors, quality, construction, slots and spaces, and variety of sizes and styles.  See, the idea was to be able to carry cards and cash but also be able to hold my chapstick, cell phone, and keys without looking bulky.  One more email later and my choice was made.  Rachel replied, "I LOVE THE MILLIE" and that was it.  I went to Amazon and purchased mine for only $49 since it was one of last season's colors.  Then I proceeded to purchase one for Rachel as a thank you for having me join her in Australia the month before.  Turned out Rachel's love for the Millie was true as true can be because the day before the one I ordered her arrived she called to tell me all about the one she just got!  And, when I told our sister, Jessica (new mother of beautiful twins) about this and Rachel now having two of them, she excitedly annouced that she "wants one.  It would be so handy when running errands with the babies."



Mary Rose's Della and free coin purse.

 Whether it's the Millie, the Della (chosen by my friend Mary Rose of Next Gen Green www.nextgengreen.blogspot.com after one of my "consultations"), or any of their other bags and wallets you will enjoy it's quality and timeless style for years.  And you'll get a lot of  "oooh, I love your wallet".

Right now, Hobo International http://www.hobobags.com/ is offering a free coin purse with purchases of $75 or more and as always, free shipping on orders of $150 or more.

You can also find the Hobo that's right for you at a variety of shops and sites, as well as, Amazon http://www.amazon.com/ where you are sure to find a style in your favorite color, for the right price and get free shipping on most orders of $25 or more.

Earn More Points At Sephora With Mascara

Calling all Sephora Beauty Insiders.  Now until 9/27 if you purchase any mascara (maybe badGal in Plum http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P222454&categoryId=B70 ) you will receive double points for your whole order.  You know what double points means, more deluxe samples and other goodies.

If you're not a Sephora Beauty Insider yet, sign up http://www.sephora.com/beautyinsider/index.jhtml%3B$sessionid$R3GQVBKDCVPFMCV0KSKBHOQ;jsessionid=R3GQVBKDCVPFMCV0KSKBHOQ.  It's free and easy.

No code is necessary to earn your double points so enter one of their other codes at check out like SKINSTARS and get 7 free skincare samples in addition to the 3 you always get to pick.  And, as always, shipping is free on purchases of $50 or more.

http://www.sephora.com/