Category: Lifestyle
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
1. Breaking Bad (Streaming on Netflix)
This show is about meth. Basically, a high school chemistry teacher and his former student start making meth in New Mexico so that he can make money for his family before he becomes too ill with cancer. I’m just starting season 3 and the drug theme reminds me of the show, Weeds, but this show is slightly more hardcore.
2. B-12 Vitamins
I love my B-12 vitamins. Good for your metabolism, mental & physical energy, central nervous system health, and optimal digestion, these pills help me feel more energized and balanced.
3. Fitbit Flex
You all know how difficult it has been to find one of these fitness wristbands. I’ve been loving mine and all the data it’s tracking for me. From steps taken to sleep patterns — this wristband tracks it all discreetly and comfortably. See the complete review HERE.
4. The Killers – Battle Born
This is my favorite album from The Killers and I’ve been listening to it on repeat all month long. See my posts from the concert in San Francisco HERE.
5. Sharpie Felt Tip Pens
I love the way these write. No frills, no guessing, no bleeding; just crisp black ink gliding across you paper.
6. Pura Vida Bracelets
I posted my pack of bracelets a while ago HERE, but I didn’t tell you about the company. Pura Vida Bracelets provides jobs for 30 Costa Rican artisans and it donates 1% back to The Surfrider Foundation through 1% for the Planet. In addition to that, Pura Vida Bracelets also makes special Charity bracelets to support different causes. So, not only can you mix and match these fun bracelets, but you’re also supporting a good cause too.
7. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
This palette is my go-to everyday palate. With 12 different neutral, yet shimmery colors, you’re sure to create a beautiful look for day or night. See my complete review HERE
8. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
I wanted to read the book before the movie comes out in November. I downloaded it on my phone and finished it in a couple days. Definitely worth the read although slightly disturbing :/
9. Tom Kha Gai Thai Soup with Jasmine Rice
If you like Thai food, you have to try this soup. Make sure you add a little extra spice. This coconut and chicken soup is my absolute favorite! I’ve even found a few recipes online (HERE, HERE, and HERE)so I can make my own. I’ll let you know how that turns out.
10. Nike+ Running App
I’ve told you about this app BEFORE. It’s a great way to track you runs by distance, speed, and pace. Challenge your friends or yourself while listening to your own playlists or feedback from the app. Check out the new Nike Coach Update!
What have you been enjoying this June?
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I am so excited! I stopped by Target to pick up a few things and do my routine check to see if the Fitbit Flex had come in, and today I found it! So, of course, I picked one up and cancelled the order I made online.
They only had the black color available, which was my first choice anyway. They also had the extra wristband colors available in the three pack which I might consider later on.
***Update: I got the new Fitbit ChargeHR — see my first impressions here!
Once you unbox everything, you’ll need to go to fitbit.com/setup. Select your device, the Fitbit Flex, and it will download some software onto your computer. I’m doing all of this right now so you’re getting the first impressions.
Plug in your USB connector with the Tracker and Set Up a New Fitbit device. From there, you can set up a new Fitbit account or log into your existing one. I’m creating a new account.
Once you’re all set with your account, it’ll prompt you to plug in the Wireless Sync Dongle.
The Wireless Sync Dongle does a quick search for your device. Once it finds your device, you’ll have to double tap gently on the Tracker to “confirm” syncing.
Now, whenever your Fitbit Flex is within 20ft of your Wireless Sync Dongle, it’ll automatically sync. So cool!
Fitbit Flex 101
Charging
Your tracker battery lasts for about 5 days. To charge it, remove the tracker from the band and place it in the charger until all 5 lights are solid.
Syncing
When your Flex is within 20 feet of the Wireless Sync Dongle, your Flex will sync automatically with your Fitbit account. You can also sync via your smartphone if it supports Bluetooth Low Energy (4.0). Learn more about Supported Devices or about Syncing.
Wearing
Your Flex tracker should be placed inside the included wristband and worn on your non-dominant hand for best results. Flex is water resistant and can be worn in the shower and out in the rain.
Goals
On the dashboard, see your progress towards goals for:
- • Steps
- • Calories Burned
- • Distance
- • Very Active Minutes
Goal Progress
Each light on your Flex tracker represents 20% of your goal. When you reach your goal, Flex will buzz and flash in celebration of your achievement.
Changing Goals
To choose which goal is shown on your Flex display, go toDevice Settings in your account. You can change a goal amount on the corresponding Dashboard tile.
Tracking Sleep
Sleep tracking can be turned on by tapping the top of the Flex display area until you feel the motor vibrate and the 2 outer lights turn on. Once in sleep tracking mode, the Tracker will show two lights moving side-to-side.
Forgot to turn on sleep tracking?
You can add a sleep log on the website or mobile app. Go to the Sleep section and add a sleep log. Need help? Learn More.
Silent Alarms
Set a Silent Alarm from the Devices area of your account.
Overall, I’m impressed with how small and lightweight the wristband is. The tracker came 80% charged, so I’m just waiting until that fifth light stays solid before I start wearing the device.
See my updated review HERE
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Despite it being back ordered, I ordered my Fitbit Flex. I ordered the Slate color which was only back ordered 4-6 weeks (instead of the 8-10 weeks for the Black).
I hope it ships sooner than that. I’ll keep you updated!
UPDATE – I found one; see my first impressions
UPDATE – See full review
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Me gusta Español mucho, pero es difícil para mi porque necesito aprender mas.
So to help me with my Spanish, I have been using Fluenz.
Fluenz is a software program that will teach you Spanish (Latin America or Spain), French, Italian, German, or Mandarin.
Similar to Rosetta Stone in that there is a “flash card” segment where you match the picture to the vocabulary word, but Fluenz offers so much more.
I like Fluenz because your teacher, Sonia, explains why things are in a way that is easy to follow. She will guide you through the beginning narration and teach you the logic behind the translation. You are then able to understand and create your own sentences. With Fluenz, it’s all about learning rather than memorization.
There are 5 levels of Fluenz available so you can build your way to fluency.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I’ve been a Beauty Insider at Sephora for years which has been cool because, for every dollar you spend, you accumulate one point and you can purchase “perks” with your points. There are perks for 100 points and 500 points and you’ll get a complimentary birthday gift.
Lately though, none of the perks have seemed that interesting to me and my points have been accumulating. On my last trip to Sephora, I was offered a 1,000-point perk — a 20% off coupon to use on my next purchase. It seemed cool at the time so I accepted.
But is 20% off really worth it? A one time use coupon — to reward me for spending over $1,000? I love Sephora and they have most of the brands that I’m looking for — more of a selection than say Ulta, who also has a similar loyalty program. The differnce between Sephora and Ulta’s loyalty programs though is all in the rewards. I get dollar-off discounts on my purchases at Ulta when redeeming my points and I regularly receive 20% off coupons in the mail that don’t cost me any points at all.
Plus, with all my spending at Sephora, I’m a VIB (I spent at least $350/year) , and as a welcome, I got a 10% off card. That’s awesome, but for spending over $1000, I’d like to see a little bit more than 20%.
What do you think? Is the 1000 point perk worth it?
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I decided to start using my Jack LaLanne Juicer again and I don’t know why I ever put it away.
Very easy to use and easy to clean. I made carrot and apple juice today! Delicious!
Let me know if you have any recipes; I’m excited to try out new combinations!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Looking for a way to unwind? There is no better way to relax than to take a nice, long bubble bath. And nothing is better than a Lush bath!
Lush Cosmetics makes a variety of amazing bath bombs, bubble bars, and bath melts.
All of their products are cruelty free and handmade — so great (if you’re into that).
My favorite products are:
- The Comforter
- Creamy Candy
- Sex Bomb
- Think Pink
- any of the Bubbleroons
These two make the most perfect bath ever. Sex Bomb and The Comforter will give you the most wonderfully fragrant and silky bath you’ve ever had.
Lush products can be a little bit expensive, so you’ll want to break your bubble bars into smaller pieces. They’ll still produce tons of bubbles, but you’ll get many more uses out of one bar.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
If you enjoy Starbucks and go there often, you should definitely register for My Starbucks Rewards. For every purchase you make with your registered Rewards Card, you will earn a star. With just one star, you’ll be able to get a free drink or food on your birthday. How awesome is that?!
Once you’ve earned 5 stars, you are a Green Level. You’ll still get the birthday drink or food, and you get free refills on certain drinks during your visit.
After acquiring 30 stars within a year, you’re Gold Level — VIP! You’ll get a fancy “gold card” in the mail and, for every 12 stars you earn, you’ll get a free drink or food! Definitely a nice treat — just make sure you let them know you have a free drink/food before you show them your card. Your barista won’t know you have a free item waiting unless you tell her. You can redeem your rewards whenever you want before their expiration date for any food or drink. It’s a better value to redeem for a drink than a food item and size doesn’t matter either — I always get a trenta size when I redeem my free drink.
Sometimes Starbucks has special bonus star promotions — like earlier this year when they gave an additional star when you bought a Refresher.
It’s really easy to manage all of your stars through the Starbucks app for iPhone as well. It lets you see how many stars you have, how many you’ll need until your next free drink, and lets you add funds to your card. You can even pay directly from your phone at Starbucks or you can use the Starbucks Passbook app which I prefer.
It’s a fast and convenient way for you to get rewarded for buying drinks you’re already going to buy.