Rants and Raves of a Bum: June 2015

This post was created in partnership with eAccountable. All opinions are my own.

Gaiam -- a company provides fitness products and media, including products relating to yoga, fitness and wellness, was created as a fusion of the words Gaia — the name for Mother Earth in the Minoan civilization and “I am.” It symbolizes the interconnection of the Earth and all the life it sustains.
Gaiam was founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1988 by Jirka Rysavy. Rysavy's ultimate vision was to serve the "conscious consumer", a group of educated consumers who make purchasing decisions based on their values.

As a dedicated to providing solutions for healthy and eco-conscious living, Gaiam recently announced a 3-year partnership with the Give Back Yoga Foundation, a non profit organization that believes in making yoga available to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to cultivate a regular practice- including veterans with PTSD and at-risk youth. They aim to support and offer teaching of yoga to the underprivileged communities and has inspired social change throughout the years.

With this partnership, Gaiam is making a special donation to the Give Back Yoga Foundation's "Light the Way for Heroes", a campaign that is designed to help fund and provide the right yoga toolkit to the veterans in need so they can practice and use yoga as a means of coping with their life after war which will help strengthen connections with loved ones and improve quality of life.

Want to know how you can help? Customers can support the cause by contributing $2 to Light the Way for Heroes with every purchase on Gaiam.com online shop. All donations through Gaiam.com will help provide veterans the therapeutic yoga tool kits that includes practice guides, Gaiam yoga mats, and meditation audio. Every donation collected will be given to Give Back Yoga -- 100% percent guaranteed.

So what are you waiting for? Get started to be fit and be a blessing to our great Heroes!

Visit Gaiam now to check out their products.

Happy Shopping! :)

No comments

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.*

Summer is a great time to give your hair a break from machine heat and hand over the drying and styling to nature. Here are a few easy-to-follow techniques for getting straight, wavy, or curly hair naturally - and perhaps with a little help from some styling products.

Straight to Wavy or Curly
If you have straight hair and want to create some beach-ready boho waves, here are some ways you can achieve the look without using heat:

Mousse: Use a palm-sized amount of mousse and gently massage it into the ends and mid shaft of your hair. Then, just flip your hair upside down and scrunch it with your hands going upward toward your scalp. Beach waves will be created once your hair is all dry.

Twists: To get your naturally straight hair to curl, wait until your hair is 60% dry, then add a palm-sized amount of mousse to your hair. While it’s still damp, start from the top of your head and twist each strand until it starts curling up toward your scalp. Once it’s pressed against the scalp, pin the strand. Repeat steps until all of your hair is twirled and pinned. Let your hair air dry for about an hour and take out the pins.

Coily, Curly, or Wavy to Straight
Hair Mask: Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of honey and apply it all over your hair. Let the mixture sit for about an hour, then rinse it out. Let your hair air dry at 60% and use the sun or the cool setting of your blowdryer to dry the rest of your hair. The mixture makes your hair follicles smoother, and therefore easier to dry straight.

Bobby Pins: Right out of the shower, towel-dry your hair and detangle it with a wide-tooth comb. Then, separate your hair into two sections with a side part. Clip the smaller section back, and start bobby-pinning small strands of your hair until it lays flat on your head. Keep pinning in a circular motion around your head until all of your hair is pinned. You can either wait a few hours for it to dry, or sleep with it in a satin scarf overnight. Then release your hair by taking out all the bobby pins, and your hair will come out straight and silky.

Coily or Curly to Wavy
Braids: Wash your hair, detangle it with a leave-in conditioner, and finger comb it. Next, let the warm summer air dry your hair. Or, if you're in a rush, blowdry your hair on the coolest setting with a straightening balm or serum. If you want extra volume, blow-dry upside down until your hair is 70% dry. Next, separate your hair into two sections and braid tightly on both ends. You can also do this at night and sleep with a satin scarf on your head and wake up to naturally wavy, gorgeous hair!

Free shipping on new Madison Reed styling products through 6/26.

Now through June 26th, you can get free shipping on new Madison Reed styling products when you use code STYLEHAIR at checkout. So stock-up on products and try out some of these no-heat hair styles!

No comments

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.*

Even though school's out, summer is a busy time for kids and parents alike. There are trips to take, activities to plan and adventures to be had! And no one wants to be pulled away from the fun because of lost or misplaced items. With a little help from Mabel's Labels, you can focus on the fun and not on the finding.

Three popular summer activities that are made much more fun with Mabel's Labels include: beach trips/pool parties, camping and barbecues.

Beach Trips and Pool Parties - Use Mabel's Labels custom clothing labels on everything from flip flops to sun hats so there's no confusion over which clothing items are whose! And Mabel's Labels' Bag Tags are perfect for making sure the right towels, snacks, sunblock, and sunglasses find their way back into the right beach bag.

Camping - Having all camping items labeled before and during the trip will save everyone a lot of time and frustration. For example, Storage Bin Labels make it much easier to know which bin holds all the camping gear. And Mabel's Labels Pantry and Kitchen Labels make it easy to see which container holds the marshmallows and which ones hold the chocolate and graham crackers!

Barbecues - There's nothing that says summer like the smell of food on a grill. Mabel's Labels Spice Jar Sticky Labels will help the grill-master know which spices are paprika and which are cayenne. Their Mini Custom Name Stickers are perfect for helping guests keep track of their drinks and Wash Away Labels are ideal for knowing which potluck dish belongs to which guest. Plus, they are microwave safe and literally wash away in the dishwasher or running water with no sticky residue.

Whatever fun activities you have planned this summer, let Mabel's Labels help you keep track of all your items so you can focus more time on having fun and less time trying to keep things safe and organized. Customize your labels today at Mabel's Labels!

As always, remember - Mabel's Labels offers free shipping to the US on all orders!

No comments

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.*

Wedding season has come! Now, it’s the right time to get that perfect dress for the occasion. I know it can be tough to us women if we are attending several wedding events. We had to buy new dresses or re-wear it to save some money. But, why buy those dresses that you will only wear for a few times or re-wear them all over again when you can get the dream dress that you want for a low cost and leave a stunning impression with everyone.

Worry no more.. Rent the Runway is the answer. You can now get that prefect dress from Rent the Runway with their variety of dresses that you can choose from. Napa/Vineyard Wedding? They got the wardrobe fit for you and the wedding!

As we all know, this year’s trends for Napa/Vineyard Wedding Attire are maxi dresses. Designs that you can consider with the dresses are Boho & Flowy, Lavender & Lace and Wildflowers & Natural textures. A few of the designers that I can suggest are Badgley Mischka, Alberta Ferretti.

I am sure you will love the dresses at Rent the Runway. I actually had a hard time to pick one. I might attend a wedding or two this year and it will be less stressful for me now to shop for my wardrobe. Thanks to Rent the Runway I can get the style that I want for less by renting it and then shop for more dresses that I like to wear than buying it for a huge retail price.

Shop now at Rent The Runway and Get $25 off your first rental of $75+ with new code FIRSTRTR25X75X

Here are some of my favorite dresses that I choose from Rent the Runway:

Water Lilies Maxi Dress Badgley Mischka

My favorite among the three styles. I love the color and the material seems comfortable and perfect for an outdoor wedding.

Violet Dressnha khanh

This violet dress is beautiful and would help compliment your legs. Comfortable and romantic.

Graze Maxi Vera Wang

This Graze Maxi from Vera Wang gives a whole other level of sophistication. It looks fab and classy!

No comments

This post was created in partnership with eAccountable. All opinions are my own.

Elimidrol is an opiate withdrawal relief supplement with powerful ingredients designed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and fight urges. It is the #1 rated withdrawal supplement; and only withdrawal supplement guaranteed to reduce symptoms. Detox is tough, but Elimidrol is there to help you fight the battle from day one.

What is Elimidrol?

Elimidrol is a blend of powerful ingredients designed to support you during your toughest struggle. The ingredients in Elimidrol were carefully selected to form a proprietary blend that maximizes effectiveness. Nothing was left to chance. The ingredients selected form a highly potent supplement that will reduce symptoms and create a more effective detox.

Why do you need Elimidrol?

Elimidrol provides the relief you need during opiate detox. Withdrawal symptoms drain your energy and mood. They get in the way of family time, work schedules, and personal relaxation. You can’t afford to miss out on those. Elimidrol gives you the ability to fight back against your symptoms. Elimidrol is so powerful you can feel the effects from the first dose. You won’t waste time wondering if this product is working, because you’ll know it.

Elimidrol provides the comfort you need to make it through detox. Elimidrol is an effective powder that is delivered in a Daytime and Nighttime formula. It is designed to give you around the clock relief, so you can live your life more comfortably and ensure your best chance for a successful recovery. You’ll take a scoop every morning and night. On days when you need more relief, you can take extra servings. Combining the Daytime and Nighttime formulas yield even larger benefits.

Daytime Formula

The Elimidrol Daytime formula keeps you in a positive mood, reduces mental and physical symptoms, and ensures a calm sustained energy level. Use your new positive outlook and balanced energy levels, to excel at your day to day life.

Nighttime Formula

With the Elimidrol Nighttime formula, you’ll experience the relief of a deep restful sleep. A good night’s rest will allow you to recover and wake up stronger every day.

Can it help you?

Elimidrol provides symptom relief from all opiates and opioids. That includes Oxycodone, Heroin, Percocet, Vicodin, Opana, Dilaudid, Methadone, Suboxone, Subutex, Oxycontin, Roxicodone, Fentanyl, Morphine, Hydrocodone, Lortab, Hydromorphone, Oxymorphone,

Codeine, Opium, Ultram, Tramadol, Buprenorphine, Ms-contin, Demerol, and Meperidine.

Non-Habit Forming

Elimidrol is a non-habit forming and non-addictive supplement. The one of kind formula is the answer to opiate withdrawal symptoms. Elimidrol allows you to try the product risk-free with their 100% money-back guarantee.

Click here for more information about Elimidrol!

No comments

This post was created in partnership with eAccountable. All opinions are my own.

A company with humble beginnings, Street Moda was founded by Matt Kubancik, a business oriented man even when he was a kid, noticed that the demand for urban wear and designer apparel was increasing in popularity and in cost. He was only 18 when he founded the company, grew up always wanting the latest and hottest designer gear but could not afford the retail cost. Because of that, he was inspired to create Street Moda which aims to let others have access to the latest designer brands at a low price.

What's more admirable to this company is that Street Moda pride itself with customer satisfaction, financial growth and employment stability, but also the company is dedicated to a variety of national charities, community events and non-profit organizations. Recently, Matt Kubancik Center, was constucted which will be used for Safe Place Services as a youth development and educational center to help teens transition into professional adulthood. You buy from Street Moda to be in fashion and you also help through Street Moda's charity recipients at the same time! I just love the idea of it!

As an online retailer of top street wear-branded footwear, apparel, and accessories. You can rock the latest and hottest looks at 50-80% off normal retail prices with StreetModa.com. As one of the largest independent footwear and apparel retailers on the web, StreetModa.com carries the top brands juniors live for: True Religion, Steve Madden, Juicy Couture, F.U.S.A.I., Rocket Dog, COOGI, Ed Hardy, and many others. From shoes, hoodies, hats, and outwear, to jackets, jeans, tops, and handbags, StreetModa.com has its coolest customers covered in style—for far less than other retailers.

The main thing that separates Street Moda from all other online companies is the massive inventory of authentic brand name footwear, apparel and accessories at prices that can't be beat on the street. Street Moda constantly gets rave reviews on the new merchandise, which is received daily and the personal one-on-one relationship with customers. The ability to hook customers up with the newest fashions for 50-90% off original retailer price/MSRP is what keeps the company ahead of the game.

Check out Street Moda for the top street wear at savings of 50%-80%!

Here are some of their current promos that you can avail of:

No comments

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.*

Did you know that your signature hair style actually says a lot about your personality? According to Madison Reed's Color Crew, a team of certified colorists and professional stylists, certain styles convey that you're a dreamer, while others that you're detail-oriented or have a confident attitude.

Who knew? Well, the experts at Madison Reed, of course.

Here are a few popular styles, what they exemplify, and how (if you're feeling adventurous) you can take your style to a new level.

The Short Cut - A short haircut says poise and self-confidence. It's both no-frills and elegant. It's avant-garde and classic. Short hairstyles can complement both a fashion-forward twenty-something, as well a refined, classy woman.

How to take it up a notch
If you usually wear your hair sleek against the head, try tousling with a lightweight styling cream to create edgy texture.

Curly Hair - When it comes to naturally curly hair, you understand one very important principle of personal style: If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Embracing your curly hair is a declaration to the world that you are confident and true to yourself. Whether you wear your curls short, medium, or long, you make it clear that you’re an original who knows a thing or two about personal style.

How to take it up a notch
Keep your curls touchable, soft and smooth with a finishing treatment that fights frizz. You can also maintain more volume by focusing shampoo at the roots and conditioner at the end when washing hair.

The Braid - If a braid is your go-to hairstyle, it shows that you balance attention to detail with an unaffected grace. A braid adds visual interest to hair, and can be worn simply or elaborately, depending on the occasion.

How to take it up a notch
Keep your braid simple for a laid-back seventies look. Or, if you have medium to long hair, try something more intricate for a clean, modern twist. For example, tuck the end of a classic French braid underneath your hair at the nape and pin it into place to create a romantic hairstyle that complements sundresses and gowns alike.

Beach Waves - Loose curls and big waves are an instant call to an easy, breezy personality with a romantic spirit. If you wear your hair in this style, you’re a dreamer who sees infinite possibilities in your day-to-day experiences.

How to take it up a notch
Add an subtle upscale touch with a thin metallic headband to add a hint of modern shine amidst the bouncy waves.

Want more ideas or suggestions? Reach out to the Color Crew at Madison Reed. They love learning about your hair and signature style and have great insights for how to help you look your very best. You can also build your own Hair Profile at MadisonReed.com.

No comments

This post was created in partnership with eAccountable. All opinions are my own.

Are you worried that you have allergies, but know that a doctor’s visit, testing and follow-up will be too costly and time consuming? Instead you suffer with the sniffling and sneezing, hoping that it's just a seasonal thing. Or maybe you're concerned about exposure to STDs, but want a discreet and less expensive way to get peace of mind. Perhaps, you're in need of a pregnancy test or a complete female health checkup. Maybe, you want to check on that fatigue, or the effect your stressful job has been having on your body.

Busy Americans are finding new ways to be frugal, but at the same time there is more emphasis than ever on preventive medicine. However, people also know that it can be costly to do all the testing necessary to properly diagnose health issues before they become serious problems.

The SmartGlobalHealth.org estimates that by 2030, the number of people with Diabetes (currently more than 180 million worldwide) will double to 366 million. Cancer incidence increased globally between 1990 and 2000 and is projected to increase further by 50%, to more than 15 million new cancer patients by 2025.

Traditional lab testing can be a very time consuming and costly process (source: debt.org) It requires a visit to a doctor, the doctor ordering specific tests, patients then taking those orders to a lab facility to be completed, and then patients scheduling another follow-up visit with their doctor to get the lab results.

Personalabs provides consumers with an improved, alternative way to get those results, while saving money and time.

Personalabs management service allows patients to go their website (Personalabs.com), find the test they are interested in (more than 300 tests available), place their order and Personalabs will send them a doctor's order within 60 seconds. Questions or concerns? No problem. There are Customer Care Specialists standing-by to help.

Personalabs has doctors registered in 50 states. You print the confirmation order and take that to one of the 1,700 lab facilities located nationwide. The lab takes your sample (whether it’s blood, urine, stool or semen) and you can leave knowing that you’ve completed your part and Personalabs has you covered the rest of the way! The lab tests your sample and within 24-48 hours (some tests are more extensive and may take up to 7-10 days), you will receive an e-mail advising that your results are ready. You then sign into our secure Personalabs Patient Portal to view your results.

Benefits of using Personalabs:

If you require discretion, Personalabs offers a 100% confidential service-Your results are sent to your private account, viewable only by you.
If you need results quickly-You can place your order using a computer, mobile device (iPad, tablet or cell phone) or by calling 1-888-438-5227 to place your order with one of our Customer Care Specialists. You can visit the lab immediately and your results become available to you directly.
If you have little time-There is no waiting time, you do not need to book an appointment as they are not necessary. You just go to one of the lab testing centers with your confirmation order and get tested.
If you need to get the results to your doctor-Personalabs offers a service whereby you can share your results directly with your doctor, if you wish.
Using this service as part of your regular healthcare-Don’t wait for small issues to turn into big issues. Take an active role in managing your healthcare.

Personalabs accepts all major credit cards, PayPal (including Buy Now, Pay Later), Amazon Checkout, FSA cards and all pre-paid gift cards.

Personalabs currently does not accept any form of health insurance as their blood test prices are the lowest available on the market. Personalabs saves you money and is cheaper than the actual premium you would pay to your insurance provider. They do, however, offer the ability to provide you with an insurance admissible receipt. You can use that to claim back funds from your insurance company.

What are you waiting for? Take an active role in your healthcare. Get the blood tests you need and results quickly for much less than traditional testing.