Not Ready For Swimsuit Season...NO PROBLEM!

Sure, it's a bit early to be worried about getting into swimsuits, but with the warm weather I've found myself having this conversation several times already.  On the upside, there is time to get it together and work on getting your body in "shape".  While it doesn't hurt to work out, nobody is perfect though, and like me, maybe you're realizing that your body just isn't as cooperative at 35+ as it was at 29.  That being the case, I've found the perfect solution.

I've always been a two piece girl.  Maybe it's because that's what my mom always put me in when I was little, but mostly it's two reasons of my own.  My superficial reason is I've never had a white tummy and I just can't bring myself to start having one now.  My fit reason is my torso is REALLY long so one piece swimsuits don't fit...if you know what I mean ;o).  For the last couple years I have toyed with the idea of getting a tankini (tank top fitting top with a bikini bottom) since I find myself playing with more and more kids on the beach and boating.  I have yet to go that route but I came across one in my Sundance Catalog recently that really caught my eye.  Their Ipanema Mosaic Tankini has all the details I consider slimming.  The bikini bottoms are cut right across the hip, solid brown with patterned top band that distracts from unwanted attention to the abdomen, and wide 5" or so long patterned ties that hang against the thighs creating the illusion of long toned legs.  The tankini top is your basic slight v-neck tank silhouette bringing the right amount of attention to the bust line but, it's the print that is the real WOW factor.  It's a beautiful mosaic that creates curves and distraction without looking busy and loud.  This tankini is a real head turner.  It's striking and flattering in every way possible and more.  I may just breakdown and get it because I like it so much...and since the top is a tank I can pull it up under my bust for tummy tanning :o).

Just my own personal FYI, since I'm giving my two cents about what makes a swimsuit flattering, unless you are ultra tan and/or have the perfect body, black (whether it's a one or two piece) is NOT the way to go.  On pale skin it's the worst but on any body it practically disappears and makes all your skin stand out.  Prints are best.  Side ties that hang against the thigh are a must in my book.  And finally, believe it or not, browns, whites, oranges, and greens are the most flattering colors on everyone.  Tan or pale, these colors complement any skin tone.

Now, get ready to hit the beach...and don't forget your SUNSCREEN!

Get Growing!

Last year I didn't plant vegetables until the beginning of June.  At that time, I planted small plants and hoped they would provide me with a reasonable harvest.  They did not.  By the time my, one or two, peppers started getting larger, and my measly cucumber became a couple bites worth it was September and the sun had moved for the season leaving my finally flourishing veggies shaded and cool.  This will not happen to me this year!

On a warm day this past February I decided it was time to take action.  My plan was to successfully grow the vegetables I buy the most and do so inexpensively.  Taking the shortcut and buying small plants was not an option.  So, a week ago today I planted cucumbers, radishes, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, green beans, bell peppers, and snap peas in little peet cups that will serve as fertilizer when I plant them directly into my garden next month.  Delightfully, I already have some little sprouts!  The weather has been amazingly warm and sunny this past week so I have been able to keep my little ones outside during the day to reap all the benefits of the sun.  At night, since they are just on a cookie sheet (thanks to my co-worker, Kim, for that tip), I bring them inside and put them on the stove.  Yes, the stove.  Naturally, you would think I would put them on the counter but last year my husband, Kris tried to start some seeds on the counter and windowsill and our three little kittens nearly lost their residency because they nibbled all his sprouts while we slept.

Now is the perfect time to start your garden and do it economically.  With a few peet cups, bag of seed starter soil, seeds of your choice, cookie sheet, and a couple of minutes you can be on your way to a summer of fresh, homegrown vegetables.  Include your kids in the process.  They'll love getting dirty, watching the magic of growing things they planted, and most of all, eating veggies they grew and harvested!  I can't think of many things more satisfying and delightful than watching tiny seeds in dirt become green shoots and then food.

Can't Find The Right Words?



"I don't think of it as working for world peace, he said.
I think of it as just trying to get along in a really big strange family."

 Storypeople by Brian Andreas can!

I think my sister, Rachel, was the first to discover Storypeople prints in a boutique years ago.  Since then, she has given me many of them.  Each story expresses her feeling or intention so clearly and uniquely.

These stories and Storypeople are available on prints, cards, even artwork like wall hangings and furniture.  Have a quirky best friend?  I do!  There are no words to describe her...except "Kindred Spirits" sums her up perfectly.

Happy, sad, deep, funny, there's a Storypeople for every emotion, occasion, person, and more.

When I read the Storypeople prints around my house I always find myself standing there reading the story over and over again, my heart filling with emotion.

I'm A Foodie, Too!

One of my passions is food!  Thanks to some allergies and health/lifestyle preferences, the food I love is mostly healthy.  Since my blog is "The Product Muse", I feel blogging about recipes doesn't really fit in with the overall subject matter.  Thankfully, I have been invited by my friend to share my passion on her blog.  Mary Rose started the blog Next Gen Green which focuses on the many ways we can help and benefit from protecting our environment.

Check out Next Gen Green and join me there every Monday when I guest blog delicious recipes on "Meatless Mondays"!

Banish Dry, Flaky Skin!

Recently, my friend and I were having a heart to heart about our troubles with our largest organ...skin.  I confided in her that when I wear my black yoga pants it looks like someone clapped chalkboard erasers together near me.  My waistband, at the very least, is always covered in white powder.  Not really believing me I proved it to her by lightly rubbing my stomach.  Poof, epidermis everywhere!

Let me start by assuring you I take every possible measure to hydrate my skin and body.  I drink at least (most likely 16) 8 glasses of water a day, eat healthy, avoid salt (try to), exfoliate, use moisturizing body washes, put baby oil on when I'm still wet, apply lotion when I've toweled off, and often use lotion at bedtime.  You'd think I'd be able to slide across the floor like a wet seal, but sadly, nope.

Frustrated, I sought the help of my go to beauty guru, Sephora :o).  I searched almond oil and voila, I was presented with L'Occitane's Firming and Softening Supple Skin Oil.  SOLD!  When it arrived I was even more convinced it would work because of all the consumer test results and massage application instructions that were so attractively presented on the box.  I couldn't wait to shower and apply this heavenly (yet very faint) smelling oil on my chalky body.  Well, one week later I can happily tell you my skin is smooth, hydrated, free of flakes, and smells amazing (I keep smelling my forearm)!

Today, the L'Occitane's Cleansing and Soothing Shower Oil I ordered arrived and now I can't wait to add that to my shower regimen!

For all you mom's to be, this oil is also said to be great for pregnancy and stretch marks.  And I quote, "Product Plus:  Ideal before, during and after pregnancy."

Spots? What Spots?

As I'm staring out my office window at the gloomy, overcast sky it occurred to me (a snow and cold weather disliker) there is an upside to it being dusky all day long...I can use my Paula's Choice Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion during the day as well as at night!  In the summer I only use it at night because it's ingredients make your skin more sensitive to the sun.  Even with sunscreen I'm not taking the risk.

See, when I was a teen I wanted freckles so, since people with freckles seemed to get more of them from sun exposure I figured I could get my very own by simply sunburning my face.  Please don't remove my blog from your "Favorites" list...I promise I am SO very much wiser now!  Anywho, those of you who know me know I DO NOT have freckles.  I have what I refer to as linebacker stripes and large swaths, as opposed to spots, of discoloration.

Forever, there wasn't much I could do about hiding my attempt at acquiring freckles.  Sure, heavy makeup was still pretty popular in the 90s but I always felt gross and overdone.  Slathering SPF 50 in the summer was my only defense (still is, Dad, I promise) against these patches of discoloration becoming darker until Sephora entered my life.  I was then introduced to dozens of skin lighteners that cost a mere arm and a leg or more.  Oh yeah, on the few occasions I did hand over that arm and leg the product didn't even work!

Thank goodness my mother-in-law (and guest blogger of The Product Muse) told me about Paula's Choice!  This Paula lady is all about debunking product and cosmetic claims.  My thing about her is that she has her own line.  I'm not saying it isn't great, I don't know anything about any of it except the Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion, which IS great, I'm just saying I think people need to try things for themselves or also consider the advice of others who are not turning a profit as a result of their advise.  But I digress.

The point is, for $18 (currently $15.96) you too can fade your spots!  Yes, I said FADE.  If you want them gone you'll have to talk to someone else about that because I'm not planning on having my face lasered or whatever.  Faded to the point where a little tinted moisturizer is all I need to conceal my botched freckles is good enough for me :o)!

Happy, Healthy, & Delicious!

You don't have to be vegan, vegetarian, organic, raw, or whatever to eat healthy.  In fact, the previously mentioned dietary lifestyles can be VERY unhealthy without the proper knowledge.

Recently I came across the cookbook "The Happy Herbivore Cookbook".  Is it a vegan cookbook?  Yep.  Does it contain delicious recipes for anyone trying to put healthier side dishes on the table or have one or two vegetarian dinners a week?  Absolutely!  I mentioned this find to my cousin and to my delight, she already had it.  That got me thinking about my "Veganomicon" cookbook collecting dust on my shelf.  It's considered the bible (or encyclopedia, if you prefer) of vegan cookbooks.  It's introduction is almost a textbook lesson in food and nutrition, therefor, more than providing me with delicious meat and dairy free recipes, it taught me the importance of supplementing and substituting.

So, if you're looking to switch things up this year and throw in a few low-fat dinners throughout the week I highly recommend these two cookbooks.  Maybe your burger and french fries night will become southwestern black bean burgers with baked herb hash browns and tangy green beans.  It won't kill anyone to try something new and shine a delicious light on foods that may otherwise go untried.  And don't forget, kids are AWESOME helpers in the kitchen.  If they make it, they'll eat it...probably ;o).

Little Monsters Gear

Everyone has a Little Monster, or two, or three, or more in their lives.  Well now, thanks to this family run business, you can celebrate their uniqueness with their very own signature Little Monster.  Little Monsters Gear offers oodles of their own designed gentle and fierce Little Monsters on onesies, t-shirts, bibs, and more.  Additionally, you and your tikes can name and create your very own Little Monster with the Little Monsters Gear Monster Builder.

With Little Monsters Gear, the possibilities truly are endless!











CHOOSE OR DESIGN YOUR OWN LITTLE MONSTER TODAY!

Recycle Those Holiday Cards & Save!

Between home and work, I have a lot of holiday cards to dispose of after the season's over.  Last year I thought some of them had such pretty covers I decided to use them as my Thank You cards.  This year I encourage you to save money and the planet by tearing the covers off the holiday cards you've received and saving them to send out next year.  You can write on the back of them and cut them down to fit in random envelopes cluttering your drawers or draw a vertical line down the middle of the backside and send them postcard style.

This isn't limited to holiday cards!  Hang on to cool, witty, beautiful birthday and any occasion cards as well.  You'll always have a card on hand when you need one.  They work as gift tags, too!

For The Budding Fashionista

So unnecessary but so cute!

If the little girl in your life is into bows and bangles she'll LOVE this Henri Bendel piggy bank!  It's the perfect fashion accessory for stashing away her holiday cash. 

It also comes in a smaller version but if she's quite the fashionista she'll need to start saving BIG!

I'm A Children's Book Author!!!!!!!



Something strange is going on. Children's teeth are disappearing before the Tooth Fairy can retrieve them. She needs to find out what's going on and how to stop it right away.
The invention of a friend to protect teeth from being swiped is the Tooth Fairy's solution to the problem.
http://www.publishamerica.net/product46129.html


In July of 2009 my sister and her husband announced they were pregnant with twins.  Two days later, overwhelmed with joy, I preceded to write a children's story just on a whim and "Pockett - The Tooth Fairy's Buddy" was born.  Never did it occur to me this story would become anything more than words in a file but my brother-in-law said my story was one of the best children's stories he's ever read (I have to agree) and I should work on having it published.  To make a long story short, a year and a half later I have an actual, factual, REAL, published, illustrated children's book to give to my nephew and niece to keep forever and maybe even pass on to their children some day.

I can't wait to get "Pockett" in my hands and sit down with the twins and read my story to them.  To read and turn pages and point at illustrations...wow, it just seems far out!

I want nothing more than for every parent, child, and lover of children to read and listen and spend quality time together enjoying this book.

Sometime soon, "Pockett - The Tooth Fairy's Buddy" will be available in bookstores and boutiques...fingers crossed.  For now, you can order your copy from the publisher, PublishAmerica.

Enjoy and thank you!

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.

Gift For Your Guy

"Anna!  Come here, come here, come here!  Watch this!"  Kris literally exclaims.

It's are roughly drawn cartoon of a beaver biting a guy's average work pants in half.  Then the beaver bites the guy's Duluth Trading Company's Men's Fire Hose Work Pants and it's teeth fall out.  The tag line..."Duluth Trading Company's Men's Fire Hose Work Pants, stronger than an angry beaver's teeth!"

If you haven't seen this commercial it's because it's on channels geared towards guys like my beloved Kris...such as The Fishing Network (or whatever it's called).  It's funny though so check it out for some giggles.  I know it's one of Kris' favorite You Tube videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E73Jyf2Dzb0&feature=related.

I'm pretty sure your guy will love the idea of having a pair of indestructible cargo pants made out of recycled fire hoses.  I mean, how cool is that!  They even have them for us girls.

The Product Muse will PAY YOU to shop!

$10 Amazon e-gift card for you from The Product Muse

Here's the deal:

Everyone needs to get some holiday shopping done and The Product Muse wants to reward you for doing so.  Between today and November 30th the 10th and 15th members to place an order with Amazon.com through my blog will receive a $10 Amazon e-gift card. 

If you are already a member, meaning your picture is in the "Followers" box on the left side of the screen, awesome.  All you have to do is start shopping.  If you are not a member, or are just following by email, all you have to do is click on "Join this site" next to the Google "g" and join...then either search for a product or gift you need by using the "Amazon Search" box directly below the "Followers" box. 

Once you've placed your Amazon.com order through my blog, shoot me and email at annawulff8103@gmail.com telling me one of the products you purchased.  I will then be able to check my Amazon Associates account to find out if you are winner #10 or #15.

As an added bonus, if you are a new member to The Product Muse please indicate in your item ordered email to me who recommended you to my fine blog.  If you are the 10th or 15th member to place an order your friend will also received a $10 Amazon e-gift card...if said friend is a member with a picture in the the "Followers" box.  So all you members out there tell your friends to join The Product Muse!

All Amazon e-gift cards will be emailed to the winning recipients by Monday, December 5th.  Please make sure you include a valid and preferred email address in your item ordered email to me.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Odors Be Gone with FRESHWAVE

Seriously, just now I didn't recognize my bathroom!  An odor free room in my house of a dog, 3 cats, 2 turtles, a husband, and constant flow of ripe fishermen and just guys in general...unlikely.  As I was trying to place my finger on what it was I was smelling I remembered I had refilled my FRESHWAVE Odor Absorbing/Eliminating containers last night.  Yes, these crystals work ALL the time but this morning was a stunner since I had forgotten about refilling.  Have I got others hooked on this product?  I don't know, you tell me.  My sister visited me and noticed them in my house...then ordered the crystals and candle for her house in Seattle where there's only her and our Dad creating odors.  If that you still need convincing it may interest you to know she has asked for FRESHWAVE products for Christmas. 

Here's the perfect starter system:





Perfect for eliminating odors in a large room and a small room.  I also recommend the soy candle and spray for those rooms that just need a quick freshening now and then...like maybe the kitchen when something gets burned or fish is on the menu.

Trust me, if they work at my house they will definately work in yours.  Great for dorm rooms, too.

Gift This Necklace...

I love this necklace I saw in Real Simple magazine's gift guide.  They are right, it's the perfect gift for your friend, sister, and guys, your lady.  They are Morse Coded necklaces by Rebecca Coagan Scharlatt.  You can find them on her website COATT.  Everything has symbols and words these days.  I love the idea of simple round and straight gold beads on a short silk cord.  So understated.

Check them out for yourself.  I'm sure they'll make the perfect gift for at least one person on your list...or maybe get your own!

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)

Great Deals, Great Bags

I recently signed up to received Daily Candy Deals.  It's like Groupon but online.  Basically, you receive a daily email with a deal such as $50 for $100 credit at some fashion site.

Today's email really caught my attention:  $32 for $80 worth of credit on anything.  amykathryn is a line of designer eco and animal-friendly handbags, messenger bags and clutches.  When you think vegan clothing and accessories you may not think prints, textures, and colors.  Think again.  These bags have it all.  Style, quality, and then some.  My particular favorite is the Gladiola Apricot Carry-All Shoulder Bag for $99.  Sign up with Daily Candy Deals right now, buy the amykathryn deal and get this bag for only $51!

Oh, and for all you moms and moms to be, these also make great diaper bags.  In fact, amykathryn also carries vegan changing pads for only $19.  So hip and functional!

Show Off Those Gladiators

Don't put your gladiator sandals away yet!  I know it's October (going on November) but the temperatures have been mild (and I have some beloved followers on the West Coast...love to you all!) and if you're anything like me you want to keep your feet from suffocating in shoes and socks for as long as possible.  The look I'm loving:  skinny jeans with a tank and light blazer or sweater finished off with gladiator sandals.  Wear it just right by cuffing your jeans about 2" to, in the words of Kris Wulff fashion consultant to the Product Muse, "show off the fancy fancy part of your sandals around your ankles."  How about that for genius!

Missing My Blogging???

I realize I haven't been blogging as much as I should lately.  There's a very good reason for that, though.  See, I have the holidays on my mind as I'm sure many of you do as well.  It's always this time of year when nothing really catches my eye because my eyes are thinking of others. 

This year my focus is going to be on gifts that are less stuff that takes up space and more so things that can be enjoyed and/or experienced.  Over the next couple months I will blog about some gift ideas I come across but don't blame me if I don't recommend too many things...I don't want to give any of my surprises away to those on my Good List :o).

Oh, and don't forget, you can always count on Amazon to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list!