Fabletics 2 month review with pictures-new Exercise clothes subscription! with Savings CODE! My opinion Ellie v. Fabletics

Posted on November 24, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

In October, a new Exercise clothing line subscription was released!! It’s called FABLETICS!! 

How it works:
  • Create Your Lifestyle Profile – Take our quick lifestyle quiz so we can get to know you better.
  • Receive Personalized Outfits – Each month, you’ll find new outfits hand-selected just for you and your workouts.
  • Shop! – Buy the outfits you love or skip the month altogether. There’s never any obligation to buy.

Complete outfits for VIP Members start at only $49.95, a savings of up to 40%. You can buy the outfits you love or skip the month altogether.
There’s never any obligation to buy.

Though our VIP Member pricing is not available to regular members, they’ll still enjoy exceptional quality and value compared to competing premium brands and can shop anytime. Shipping on orders over $49.95 is always free, and returns are easy too!


VIP membership perks:
  • Shop Your Outfits – On the 1st of each month, we’ll send you outfits selected just for you and your workouts. Complete outfits start at just $49.95 for VIP Members, a savings of up to 40%.
  • Buy or Skip – Purchase the outfits you love, or if nothing catches your eye, simply skip the month by the 10th.
  • Accrue a Credit – If you don’t make a purchase or skip the month by the 10th, you’ll be charged $49.95 for 1 member credit on the 11th. Each member credit can be redeemed for 1 outfit — use it to shop anytime.
SIZE CHART: 


http://www.fabletics.com/invite/18567553/
With my referral link, you can get any 2 piece outfit for $25.00 and FREE Shipping!!!
I signed up for the VIP membership so I can get special pricing and can cancel any time or skip any monthly collection. I actually signed up for multiple accounts using my other email accounts so I could take advantage of my special referral code. I have since cancelled my other email memberships except for one. (I didn’t want to have to remember to hold multiple accounts) You can’t cancel via facebook or email, only by phone-which is an absolute hassle but at least I got it done! 
Below are pictures of each outfit I got, links and my thoughts: 
OUTFIT #1:
SUKI CYCLE SHORTS
DETAILS:

  • Fabric: 88% Polyester/12% Spandex
  • Rise: Mid
  • Inseam: 9″
  • Leg Fit: Fitted

.

VAASA SPORTS BRA
DETAILS
  • Fabric: 55% Nylon/45% Polyester
  • Support: Light

MY THOUGHTS:
I really like the cycle shorts! I hate short shorts because I’m very self conscious of my big butt and thighs. I really like the length of these and they fit great! I love the little pocket on the side. 
I also like the bra. It doesn’t have padding or cups which I would have liked because I’m small chested, but its still a comfy bra! I LOVE the back detailing which is why I bought it. 
OUTFIT #2:

ASARO LEGGINGS
DETAILS
  • Fabric: 90% Supplex Nylon/10% Spandex
  • Rise: Mid
  • Inseam: 29″
  • Leg Fit: Fitted

UTOPIA TANK
DETAILS
  • Fabric: 89% Polyester/11% Spandex
  • Fit: Semi-Fitted
  • Length: Hip
MY THOUGHTS: 
I liked the leggings but they were a little big and long for me (I’m 5 feet 4). I’m in between a size large and medium according to the sizing chart so I ordered up not knowing how “flexible” the fabric would be. It would have been a hassle to exchange it, so I’ve just kept them. I like the detailing on the leggings. 
The tank top is nice. I like the pocket on the side and it comes with removable cups for the shelf bra. I got a size medium because I felt like the size large would be too big. The straps feel kinda tight up on my shoulders but the stomach area is a “flowing” cut so it hides fat and the stomach area nicely. 

OUTFIT #3:
NORWALK TANK
DETAILS
  • Fabric: 89% Polyester/11% Spandex
  • Fit: Relaxed
  • Length: Adjustable

CAMACAN CAPRI
DETAILS
  • Fabric: 88% Polyester/12% Spandex
  • Rise: Mid
  • Inseam: 20″
  • Leg Fit: Fitted

.
MY THOUGHTS:
I love the color and style of the tank but I HATE the length!! I feel that the the pics posted on the website are deceiving because they obviously have the shirt tucked under and not all the way out. Which you can do with this tank because theres a drawstring buttom. This length is good with covering the butt area and for yoga and stretching. 
The Capris are really nice and I love the color combo. I ordered a size medium this time. It fits in my waist area but tight on my butt and thighs area. 🙁 

OUTFIT #4: 

VASSA TANK
DETAILS
  • Fabric: 55% Nylon/45% Polyester
  • Fit: Fitted
  • Length: Hip

LIMA CAPRI
DETAILS
  • Fabric: 88% Polyester/12% Spandex
  • Rise: Mid
  • Inseam: 20″
  • Leg Fit: Fitted

ESPOO SWEATSHIRT
DETAILS
  • Fabric: 89% Polyester/11% Spandex
  • Fit: Relaxed
  • Length: Above Hip
MY THOUGHTS:
I Like the tank top. Ordered a size large so it would be more “roomy” and I’m glad I did because it does not come with a shelf bra. Its just a tank top so I’m wearing my fabletics pink bra under neath. I like the design and feel of it. 
Ordered size medium bottoms and fit good for waist but tight on butt and thigh area so will have to wait to wear. 
Loved the sweatshirt. I ordered a size large because I wanted it to be big enough over my tank tops. It looks and felt way to bit so I’ve mailed it back to exchange it for a size medium. This will also help in determining how good the exchange process is! 
FINAL OPINIONS:
*I don’t think the bottoms are very stretchy to accommodate curvy girls. Maybe it’s because I’m in between sizing. If they fit on my waist they are tight every where else. If I order up, than they are big around my waist and I have to keep pulling them up.  
*I like the tank tops but some of the stitching around the neck line doesn’t lay down completely. like its a little puckered up or something. They need to pay more attention to the detailing so their products don’t look cheap. 
*FAST shipping!! 
*Lots of variety every month with styles and colors. 
*Different pricing options for monthly subscriptions! You can spend $49.95 or more depending on what outfit you want.
*Points when you post reviews of the products you order. Once you get to 1000 points (either by referrals or reviews) you can get a free 2 piece outfit worth $49.95!! 
ELLIE versus FABLETICS??
I’m going to give it one more month to see how the clothes fit me and how they wash. I’m also still getting clothes from ELLIE-and I can’t afford to stay with both of them every month. I’ll probably pick and choose every month which subscription to do. 
So far, I’m loving my ELLIE bottoms and how they fit me better than FABLETICS. and I like the tops from FABLETICS better than ELLIE. 
Ellie’s shipping is super slow (2-3 weeks) and they only typically only offer 3 or 4 different tops and bottoms, with not alot of color or variety like Fabletics.  
Have you tried either subscription and which one do you like?? 
http://www.fabletics.com/invite/18567553/
Dont’ forget!! With my referral link, you can get any 2 piece outfit for $25.00 and FREE Shipping!!!
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Timeless Romance Anthology Collections-review of newest European collection and others by Heather Moore

Posted on November 24, 2013 by EmpowerMoms


A Timeless Romance Anthology: European Collection


MY REVIEW: (November 2013)
**War of Hearts by Annette Lyon: I found this story really hard to get into. I’m not sure why because I love this author and her books but I wasn’t drawn to this story. Its about a girl Anna who went to cover the winter war in Finland as a journalist and reunites with a ex boyfriend. 

**The Earl of Oaksey Takes a Wife by GG Vandagriff: I liked this story. It was like a tragic, misunderstanding love story. Melissa thinks her husband only married her for her money and is determined to shut him out, but gets really sick. 

**Gift of Love by Michele Paige Holmes: This story was SO good!! It was a tragic, mystery, romance! I loved it! The author was able to weave a believable mini mystery in the short time allotted and still created a great story with an unbelievable ending!! Amelia marries Ethan to take care of his daughter only to find out shes wife number 4! One of my favorites of this collection! 

**A Lesson in Love by Sarah Eden: This was a cute, funny read. Lucy and Reed get married only to discover they have different views about attending social events, which leads to family drama and the extended families trying to interfere and “help” them. Very funny and loved how they worked out their differences in the end.  

**An Ocean Away by Heather Moore: This was also a humorous, light, romantic read! Gina is an adventurous reader who would rather climb things and hide out to read, than go to social events with her parents. Until she meets the handsome Edmund who does not make a good impression with her parents. Very cute story and made me laugh alot. 

**What Happens in Venice by Nancy Campbell Allen: This was a good drama, mini mystery. Evangeline has to endure her stepfather and 2 step sisters until she meets a fellow painting lover in Venice- Conte Bellini. I liked that she was a strong character that could take care of herself and stand up for herself regardless of the circumstances. It was like a mini Cinderella story.   

This collection can be found here: 



OTHER REVIEWS I’VE DONE FOR THE OTHER COLLECTIONS: 


A Timeless Romance Anthology: Autumn Collection


MY REVIEW: (October 2013)

**A Hound Dog Named Elvis: Cute story with Kaitlin and Joshua and their two dogs. Obviously the author/characters in this book love Elvis. It was cute but not one of my favorite stories.    


**Eye for an Eye: This was intriguing-I really enjoyed this one about Mallory and her struggles and being accused of drugs by her family.

**In First Heist: LOVED this one because it has the same characters (Omar and Mia) from Finding Sheba and Beneath. Thrilling mystery read!!  
**Letter for Two: I love the Sophia and Ethan mail romance and how its obvious they like each other but they are both too shy. So cute they solved a little mail mystery together!!
**Silver Cascade Secrets: This was a GREAT mini mystery!! Kept me intrigued the whole time and wondering who to trust and who would hurt Jillian. Loved this one! 
**Chocolate Obsessed: This was a really cute romantic read. I love that they were both competing chefs but because of the competition and misunderstandings they couldnt get along. 

http://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Romance-Anthology-Collection-ebook/dp/B00E9V32H4/ref=la_B007HLYZ6A_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383178508&sr=1-7


A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection


MY REVIEW: (July 2013)
I have read the winter collection, spring vacation collection and now this one-the Summer wedding collection.
This collection consisted of:
Love Bytes by Melanie Jacobson;
Romeo and Julie-Ex by Julie Wright;
The Meltdown Match by Rachael Anderson;
Golden Sunrise by Annette Lyon;
Tide Pools by Heather Moore; and
A Regular Bloke from Stanmore by Sarah M. Eden.
I read all 5 short stories and I liked each one individually-I was trying to remember which one I liked the best, and honestly I can’t pick a favorite because they were all well written and each story was different.
Heather Moore’s book “Tide Pools” was about Lexi who visits Hawaii for a friends wedding and meets a wonderful guy named David but he happens to have a girlfriend! Of course it all works out in the end!!
All of these stories are a quick romantic read-would recommend!! Wonderful group of authors!!
http://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Romance-Anthology-Wedding-Collection-ebook/dp/B00CL4NGPY/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection 


MY REVIEW: (February 2013)
I love this second book of mini stories Spring Vacation Collection. The stories are long enough to introduce characters and have a plot but short enough for a fun one evening read. I am familiar with several of the authors in this collection, and their stories do not disappoint!
I really liked Heather Moores, “Picture Perfect” story. Its book two of her “Aliso Creek Novella” series, but the books don’t have to be read together or even in order to get to know the characters. I was a little surprised with the steamier kissing scenes because I’m use to very clean christian fiction books, but there wasn’t any sex scenes so it was still clean reading! I loved the little romance story and triangle with Gemma. I won’t give the end of the story away, but it will leave you saying “awwww, that was a great ending!”
http://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Romance-Anthology-Vacation-Collection-ebook/dp/B00B7TN8IE/ref=cm_cr-mr-title


A Timeless Romance Anthology: Winter Collection


MY REVIEW: (October 2012)
Loved this short story collection. I was only familiar with one author out of the six-Heather Moore-but everyone did a fantastic job!!
Curl up on the couch with your kindle and enjoy reading short stories from women from another time period. I personally love reading books set in another time period and reading what was “scandelous” behavior back in the day. Each story drew me in with the characters and drama. I love romantic feel good stories!
Reading each short story made me wanting more from that author-so I will now be looking up other books by these authors.
Great collection ladies and at a great ebook price!! oh, It would be great if this was published into paperback and not just a kindle version.

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Michelle Dozois NEW Cardio Strength Peak 10 Remix DVD review-advanced

Posted on November 19, 2013 by EmpowerMoms
Yesterday I did my first Michelle Dozois fitness dvd and also my first Peak 10 dvd. 
She has a complete Peak 10 system that I will also be reviewing later, as well as singular dvds that you can do before or after her system. 
They can be found here: http://www.michelledozois.com/shop/
Michelle sent me three dvds this month for blog review purposes, so I picked the Cardio Strength Peak 10 remix to do first. This is the 4th volume of strength dvds she offers. According to the Collage Video rating, this dvd is considered ADVANCED. 

Here is the description of her dvd according to her website: 

If you love workouts that sculpt lean muscle and get you in the best shape of your life, this program is for you.

This ALL NEW Peak 10 “Cardio Strength REMIX” workout is part of Michelle’s “Ultimate Fat Loss Program” that uses her unique “Climb to the Peak” system of Metabolic Circuit Training to help elevate your metabolism and change your body composition.  This workout features ALL NEWmetabolism boosting strength training and cardio sequences designed to get you in the best shape ever.  As each strength training circuit ends, you move immediately into a cardio sequence that will build up to an all out Peak intensity blast.  Your heart rate will stay elevated throughout the entire workout to help you BLAST FAT, BOOST YOUR METABOLISM AND BURN A TON OF CALORIES.
The key ingredients are our four signature Peak 10â Training Levels: “BASECAMP” is your recovery period that moves quickly into our “INITIAL ASCENT” where you begin to ramp up your intensity; the “CLIMB” pushes you to challenge yourself, and finally the “PEAK” is a full-out effort that takes you to a breathless state. The program takes you through these training levels multiple times throughout the workout. As you adapt to the Peak 10 program you will find your energy, stamina and strength increase dramatically while your body turns into a LEANER, STRONGER and more RIPPED version of your previous self.
Equipment needed: 2 sets of hand weights – one set lighter, one set heavier. We recommend weights ranging anywhere from 5-20 lbs depending on your personal strength.

Here are the chapter headings to the Cardio Strength dvd. 

The first chapter is the Introduction where she talks about the “climb to the peak” system of training levels. We start at Level 1 Basecamp, move to Level 2 of the Ascent, on to Level 3 Climb, and then finally the Leval 4 Peak. 
This dvd has (5) 10 minute blocks. Each block as (2) 5 minute rounds which includes strength and cardio. 
The first 10 minute block does not have the peak round but the other four rounds do. 
They have great bell sounds and graphics to help the transition to each segment easier. 
Single bells warn that a change in circuit is coming. 
Double bells guide us thru the Peak circuit. 
4 Bells signal the end of each segment. 
You will need 2 sets of handweights. Michelle said that the women at her health club used between 5-17 pounds and the men used 10-25 pounds. 
I personally used 3 and 5 pound weights. 

The next chapter is the Movement Review. 
In this section Michelle reviews the proper form and technique for: 
-Spin on burpee
-Side plank variation
-Power Row
-Push up slide variation
-Single Leg squat variation 
-Hitch kick variation

Level 1 Basecamp

Then the Ascent!
Then the Climb!
Finally the Peak! 
This lasts only about 30 seconds each time.
According to my dvd screen, it was 53 minutes to this point before the cool down.

Then it was time for the cool down which lasted exactly 5 minutes. 
I clocked the dvd ending at 58 total mins. 
The stretch was very good!!

My polar ft7 heart rate monitor stats

Overall Thoughts:
Like I said, this was my first Michelle Dozois dvd so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I really like her personality and teaching technique. Although this dvd was very fast pace, I still felt like she explained each movement so I could use proper form. and because some of the rounds repeated, I was able to catch on pretty fast to each circuit. I had to follow the Modifier girl on the right several times, but I was still proud that I lasted thru the entire dvd without stopping!! The music was good and upbeat which I enjoyed. I hate working out to loud obnoxious music or soft elevator music.  I really enjoyed this dvd and will definitely be doing it again!! 
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Color Me Rad Blacksburg, VA race recap

Posted on November 17, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

http://www.colormerad.com/

Last month I had the opportunity to drive to Blacksburg VA (about 45 mins away) with my husband to participate in the COLOR ME RAD 5k as a race blogger. This was my second “color run” this year.
First I’ll tell you about my experience with Color Me Rad and then compare it to my other color run earlier this year.

The day before the race, we drove up to Blacksburg to get our race packet which was annoying because it was kind of inconvenient having to drive there and back home for a less than 5 min experience. I should have taken that into account when I signed up for the race. We got our race shirts, bib numbers and sunglasses in our race packet. I loved getting sunglasses-that was cool! Of course I picked out purple because its my favorite color!

My husband and I got to the race over an hour before our wave was suppose to start. It was pretty chilly but I eventually warmed up by walking around the campus looking for a bathroom. We were able to start our race earlier instead of waiting for our specific wave to start which was nice.

The scenery was really pretty!! We ran thru neighborhoods and around the Virginia Tech college campus. I wasn’t impressed by the “spectators” and race helpers. Most looked like they were cold and or bored and didn’t want to be there. There wasn’t much cheering or enthusiasm which was disappointing. I would have been SO bored running it by myself!! This was my first race with my husband so that was fun to run with someone. A date together with no kids! Running together and talking and taking pictures was more fun than the actual race. The color dust didn’t stick very good- I think because there was a slight wind the entire time we were running. So I didn’t think we got very “colored” in this race. After we crossed the finish line (which was awkward because it crossed paths with people just starting the race) they had a couple tables with some snack bars and water. Quest nutrition bars also had a table set up so we got a free bar from them. I took some more pictures and then we cleaned up and went to my favorite place for lunch-Panera Bread!! YUMMY!!

Overall, it was an okay race. Didn’t seem very well planned. The waves were awkward and confusing because there were people just walking around waiting to start or just finishing and everyone started and finished in the same section. There wasn’t alot of music through out the race, and as I said the spectators and race helpers were pretty pathetic in cheering and directing. I would not have been happy if I had to pay for this race. I didn’t feel it was even worth my gas and travel there and back 2 times (race pick up and then the race).

Compared to the other color race (which I ran earlier this year), The Color Run was MUCH better organized, people were WAY more enthusiastic, music was upbeat, there was a clear start and finish line. The didn’t have any snacks though like Color me Rad did.

I glad I got to do my first two color races this year and I’m glad I got to run both of them to compare. Below you will see lots of pictures that I took of the race, because I love to take pictures!! 🙂

Before the race

Husband and I all ready to run!

The starting line

And we’re off! 

See?!! Not much color.. 🙁 

He got some more color than I did because he got dumped in the face. 
I covered my face going thru the stations because of my asthma. 

Ta Da!! The Finish Line!

The snack  and drink table

Felt like taking a clean pic of myself at Panera Bread… 

THE BEST SOUP EVER!! 

My race shirt

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Rimmel London Retro Glam Mascara-Influenster Vox box review

Posted on November 11, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

I received a Rimmel London Retro Glam mascara complimentary for testing purposes from my Influenster Rose Vox Box last week. 

I don’t typically use drug store mascara because it makes my eyes itch or doesnt work etc. but I was super impressed with this!! Not sticky or clumpy!! Went on easy, nice volume (not much curl though), stays all day, no flakes or clumps, no itchy eyes!! A+ for drug store mascara!! 



http://us.rimmellondon.com/products/eyes/scandaleyes-retro-glam-mascara

Available at Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and Meijer.

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