Reform Your Body

Hate going to the gym?  Hate working out?  Hate not seeing results even when you do bite the bullet and exercise?  Stamina Products AeroPilates Reformers can change all that...and your body.

I've been a fan of yoga and Pilates FOREVER.  Especially Pilates done on a reformer machine.  Imagine getting long, lean muscles quickly and safely without having to balance on one leg and worry about your form.  On a Pilates reformer you simply lay down, keep your core tight and thanks to resistance bands and ropes on pulleys a few leg positions later you're on your way to that svelte body you've been dreaming of.  You really can increase your stamina, lose weight, and build muscle without beating up your joints.

The downside, these reformers are not cheap and you need to have at least a 9' by 5' area available.  Lucky for me I joined Groupon AND they had an amazing deal AND (if I remove our coffee table) I have exactly a 9' by 5' space.  Mine ended up being only $216 plus $25 for shipping and NO tax (a $483 savings)!  Of course, you can find your very own for around $500 and up.  OR...you can join Groupon and wait for them to have another great deal on reformers.  I've noticed that Groupons are repeated so it seems very likely.  I will definitely make an announcement if I see one...or any deal on them for that matter.

Any of you lucky enough to live in close proximity to me are welcome to try mine out but I'm warning you, YOU'LL BE HOOKED.

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)

No Ammonia, No Peroxide=Stunning Permanent Color

I saw this Bigen "just mix with water" powder permanent hair color in a magazine last week.  First thing I did, sent a text to my wonderful hair girl, April, asking if I could bring my own color to my next visit.  Always up for a challenge or willing to check out something new, April agreed.  Well, last night was my hair appointment.  For starters, the powder had NO chemical smell.  In fact, it smelled like shampoo.  I'm guessing it was the chemicals that always made my head itch for a few days after each coloring but today I'm completely itch free.  My hair is softer, shinier, and richer with color than ever.  If you have brown hair (or gray) I definitely recommend this hair color.  It even comes in semi-permanent for those of you who just want to wash out some of your gray instead of eradicate all of it like me.  Pick your perfect shade at Bigen.

Don't Just Sit There...

Almost four years now at my current office job.  This is my first job EVER that has me sitting almost the whole day.  Sure I walk the length of a football field several times throughout the day, but it's not the same as dancing all night serving drinks or babysitting or running around a showroom or a retail store.  Not to mention I drive to work now instead of taking transportation and walking like in Chicago.  So you can imagine how excited I was when I opened up my Women's Health Magazine and saw Isokinetics, Inc. Standard Pedal Exerciser.  Seriously, for less than $20 you can pedal (complete with resistance) at your desk!  I'm so getting this!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best Hand Lotion EVER!

Lotion is notorious for being slimy but it's the price we must pay for soft, itch free, crack free hands.  Or is it?  For years I've been using, and turning people on to, Jack Black's Industrial Strength Hand Healer.  "But it's Jack Black," some girls will say, "isn't it for guys?"  Does it really matter?  Nope.  This non-greasy, vegan, eucalyptus and vitamin packed lotion is the best for chapped and cracked hands and problem spots.

Also great for you and your guy (Kris may not say he loves it but always lets me know when we're out), Jack Black's Face Buff Energizing Scrub.  The menthol cools and invigorates and the scrub removes dirt and dead skin.  Your guy will love how easy and close his shave is after a once over with this wash.

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!?

Lululemon Model...Yep, That's My Friend



David Coligado for Lululemon

 I don't have to tell you how great Lululemon is, AGAIN...but I will.  It's the hottest workout gear on the market right now and I don't foresee it losing it's "hotness" anytime soon.  If you don't believe me check it out in the stock market.  Nothing like numbers to help prove something.

One of the great things about the Lululemon company is they have "ambassadors".  Ambassadors are regular people like you and me who are yoga instructors, trainers, gym employees and owners, and now fans and avid athletes.  Ambassadors get free Lululemon clothing to wear while they do what they do.  Basically, they get paid for advertising with free clothing.  I now have two friends who are Lululemon ambassadors.  One of my best friends, Alissa Andres, who's an instructor at The Dailey Method in Naperville, IL http://www.thedaileymethod.com/naperville.html and Dave Coligado (who's practically my brother).  Dave is an avid marathon runner and a head to toe, inside out fan of Lululemon clothing.  He is currently plastered in print ads at the Rush St. Lululemon location (and maybe others in Chicago).  I am also hoping my cousin, Lindsay Stilphen, who's a personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness in Sacramento, CA http://www.24hourfitness.com/ClubList/ca/sacramento becomes a Lululemon ambassador, too!

I love a company who appreciates their fans and knows a creative way to advertise.  Who wouldn't want free clothes they wear and buy anyway.  Lululemon, you're genius!  Alissa, you're amazing!  And Dave, well, you're one of a kind and an all around fantastic person!

I think everyone should have at least a little Lululemon.  Head on over to the Rust St. store and check out their poster ads of Dave while you're finding that new yoga tank you need or go online for the latest in Lululemon run shorts http://www.lululemon.com/.


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Roots Be Gone!

I personally can't stand my hair the two weeks before my next appointment.  My hair has been completely gray since my late 20's.  I used to DIY with boxed color until I was introduced to my great, and reasonable, hairdresser who now does it for me every 6 weeks.  That's all fine and good but my hair grows pretty fast and gray roots are VERY noticeable with brown hair.  There's always been the option of grabbing another box of color or calling in for an emergency touch up.  I've even tried going every 4 weeks for a while but I felt like I was always having a hair appointment, plus the cost starts adding up.  So what do you do between appointments?  Well, there's a variety of messy touch up DIY boxes that all claim to be easier and blend better.  You could get those touch up pens or wands that deposit globs of color and paste your hair to your scalp.  And what about if it rains or you sweat?  Until recently, I was using a foundation brush to apply dark brown eye shadow to my roots.  The drama of it all just about makes me want to "go gray gracefully."

My saving grace (or what saved my brown hair) is this amazing new root concealer from Rita Hazan.  This master colorist has created a product that is the lightest aerosol mist from a pinpoint actuator (like the "straw" attached to your can of keyboard cleaner).  The water and sweat resistant color is sprayed exactly where you want it, dries almost instantly, and won't come off until you shampoo it out.  I know, I've slept with it on and it's never gotten on my pillows or sheets (even looks great the next day).  Since the application is so fine the four shades blend almost flawlessly with your color.  Really!

Now my color can look salon perfect 6, 8, even 12 weeks after my hair appointment.  People I've told about Rita Hazan's Root Concealer have been amazed and thrilled with the results themselves.  Extend the life of your color, and save money too.  Get yours now, only from Sephora http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P282611&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=6008(Amazon shoppers can purchase from Sephora through Amazon).

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/

My Amazon Favorites

Some of you have been asking why I took "My Favorites" link off.  Well, it's back and better than ever!  Find things for yourself and everyone in your life with just a click of a button.  If you can't remember that "thing" you asked me about a while back don't worry, go to http://www.theproductmuse.blogspot.com/ and I'm sure it'll be pictured right there just to the right of my blog with a link that will take you straight to the item.  Happy shopping!

Amazon.com Has It!

For as long as I can remember, when people ask me "where'd you get that?" or "where do you think I can find something like...?" I've been saying "GO TO AMAZON!"  Now, my new answer is, "GO TO MY BLOG AND CLICK ON THE AMAZON LINKS!"  As everyone should know, you can find just about anything you want or need on Amazon.com.  You can find deals, new products, used products, comments, groceries, reviews, things you haven't thought about in forever (maybe 8 tracks), ask questions, more often then not get free shipping, gifts, and so much more.  Amazon.com is my go-to site for the vast majority of "stuff" in my life, even coffee.  It's my one stop shop when I need to get a gift to go here, find that specific lure for my husband (Hi Kris!), need a new belt and duvet covers, and we're almost out of coffee.  "CLICK" and done!

So now when something on my blog catches your eye, or there's just something specific you're looking for, simply head down to the bottom of my page and click on over to Amazon.com.  You're a hop, skip, and a jump away from whatever it is you've been looking for.
http://www.theproductmuse.blogspot.com/

Throwback Mask At A Throwback Price

Do you remember this mask, Queen Helene's Grape Seed Extract Peel Off Masque  http://search.ulta.com/review/prod5023084/Peel%20Off%20Masque ?  In the 90's it was one of those products you could go to the grocery store or drug store and buy off the shelf with your own babysitting money.  It was inexpensive and it worked.  Well, a few months ago it popped into my mind and I remembered how fun it was peeling it off and how soft my skin felt afterwards.  I became obsessed with finding it and searched everywhere, Jewel, CVS, Walgreens, and more.  It was nowhere to be found.  I even enlisted the help of my sister, Rachel, on the West Coast and my best friend, Christina, on the East Coast.  Both of them remembered the mask fondly but neither came across it.

Fast forward a couple months, I'm visiting Rachel in Seattle and we hit the local Ulta Beauty store http://www.ulta.com/ for some supplies.  Low and behold, there it was right in front of me, looking exactly the same as when I was a teen!  And for the low low price of $3.99!  I don't remember what it cost in the 90's but $3.99 is a steal as far as I'm conserned.

Yes, I bought it.  Yes, I use it weekly.  Yes, it's still super fun to peel off all in one piece.  And most importantly, yes, it still clears my face of "debris" and makes it feel fresh and soft!

FYI, if you spend $50 (sometimes it's $25) or more online at Ulta http://www.ulta.com/ shipping is free!

Get Out There & Run...In This!

Need motivation to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors with a little stroll?  Try this on, Lululemon's Run:  For Your Life pullover http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-tops/Run-For-Your-Life-Pullover-87435?cc=9021&skuId=3421113&catId=women-tops & Run:  Speed Skirt http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-shorts-skirts-and-dresses/Run-Speed-Skirt-32828?cc=0002&sli=1.

This crisp weather reminded me my SUPER FANTASTIC sister, Rachel, bought me this pullover when we were in Sydney, AUS this summer.  I was so excited it was winter there because it meant I could "buy now, wear now" knowing it was way to hot in the states to wear it anytime soon.  The fit is amazing and in addition to Lulu's signature thumb holes, it also has a ponytail hole at the peek of the hood.  How cool and thoughtful is that?!

 Now, let me just tell you about Lulu's run skirt (skort).  This skirt has the most useful hidden pockets, the "shorts" under the skirt does NOT ride up, and it gives you the cutest little flourish from behind.  The last time I wore it was the Soldier Field 10 Mile run, and yes I completed the run in the allotted amount of time, but best of all I had multiple runners/joggers/walkers compliment me on my outfit as they passed me.  I'm pretty sure runners don't do that so it must have really made an impact!

So, combine this fitted, ingenious pullover with Lulu's oh so flattering run skirt and you shouldn't need any more motivation to get out there and show yourself off...I mean run.  And to the runners I join in upcoming runs, stay tuned for my next fashion forward "running" outfit!

An Apple A Day...

Right about this time of year, when the temps go down and you start trying to pull on your jeans, I need a little pick me up and a way to encourage myself to eat healthier both to ward off colds and flues but also, and very important, to slide into my beloved jeans easier.  Enter, THE HONEY CRISP APPLE!

This time every year the rush is on to gather up as many of these crisp, juicy, sweet, and all around delicious apples as possible.  With just the first bite my body sings.  I feel better both inside and out and all of a sudden I want to make better choices for myself.  It's the perfect snack, you will be full and satisfied for hours.  Try eating one of these, or any other variety, examples of nature's perfect foods every day for a week.  I just bet you start (or keep) making healthier decisions and feeling great!

Grab some at your local supermarket or, for some fall family fun, check out Garwoods Orchard in LaPorte, IN and U-Pick some yourself!  http://www.garwoodorchard.com/