The Ultimate Mount

Have you ever tried to use the GPS on your smartphone?

I use mine almost weekly.

I have no sense of direction. I get lost more than anyone I know. 

It's horrible. 

I got lost driving home from a football game my senior year of high school. I had been living in the same house for 9 years. That's pretty embarrassing. Especially since I ended up in a field. Off of the pavement. I still can't tell you how I got there. 

The scar left behind from my old GPS

I used to have a GPS mounted in my car, but once I got a smartphone I stopped using it. 

But then I found a new problem...

How do you drive and look at your phone? 

Quickly. 

In a car that has a manual gear shift.

The only place I can prop it on the dash is in front of the speedometer. That is too risky because I can't tell how fast I'm going and it could slide off.
I have tried putting it between my legs. But then you can't see it or hear it.
I have tried putting it on the seat next to me, but that's worse than in between your legs. It makes left and right sound the same.
I have tried putting it in the cup-holder, but then I can't glance at it.
I have tried holding it, but then I accidentally touch the screen and exit out of the GPS.
I usually resort to laying it on my thigh. And it usually falls off. It ends up between my legs, under the seat, by my feet, or stuck in the black hole by the console.

Finally, I got something that fixed all my problems. 

A mount for my phone.

It is perfect because it just attaches to my air-vent. It doesn't attach to something that will permanently scar your vehicle like my GPS did. 

There are actually 2 different slits in the back. One for air-vent flaps that are large, and another for ones that are small. 

It can hold your phone vertical, horizontal, or angled. It can rotate 360 degrees, but I don't know anyone that uses their phone upside-down. 

It can hold any smartphone that's 2.1" - 3.55"  That is practically every smartphone. It can even hold my Galaxy S3 that has a wallet case on it.

Had to use my phone to take the pic, so it's just the case...

It is so EASY to attach your phone to it. And it is even easier to attach to your car. 

I love that it holds my phone so securely. It never falls, slips, or slides. The spring in it is super strong.

The round release is easy to grip and pull for insertion and removal.

My favorite aspect of the phone mount is that I can keep both hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road.

It makes it as quick and easy to double-check the map as it is to check your speed.

Plus, the mount can be turned into a stand for your phone while on trips. All you have to do is slide in a credit card where it normally attaches to the vent and you've got yourself a kickstand. Now you can watch movies on your phone at the desk.

Or you can use the small and convenient kickstand that comes as a bonus with your mount. It is so tiny. It folds up and can easily fit in your wallet. If you throw it in your purse then be sure to put it somewhere you can find it. I swear every woman's purse is like a magician's hat. Things go in and vanish. I keep my purse quite clean and orderly and yet I can never find what I'm looking for. Maybe they are more like a time portal because I usually end up finding that item days, weeks, or even years later. 

Don't mind the fact that my phone is broken. oops!

Check them out on Amazon. 

They are worth it. I am so happy that I can drive safely and get where I am going now. 

It is so dangerous to take your eyes off the road and every second counts. 

Don't risk your life or anyone else's with a floating phone. Secure it with The Ultimate Mount by 75Degrees.

I received this product in return for an honest and unbiased review. These opinions are 100% my own. And I do support this product.

Bamboo Crib Mattress Protector

As a Mother, I am constantly considering everything I do for my baby girl.

I bathe her with organic soap.
I avoid BPA, sulfates, chemicals, preservatives, formaldehyde, parabens, etc.
I have banned sugar for her first year of life.
I watch what I eat so that I can provide her with the most nutritious milk I can.
I won't let her try honey until she's one.
I wash all the toys with bleach.
I keep choking hazards put away.
I plug all of the outlets with plastic.
I say our prayers each night.

But what about her bed??

I thought it was safe. I thought it was clean.
But I was wrong.

I wash her sheets 1-2 times each week. I keep a mattress pad on at all times. I actually have two layers (mattress protector, sheet, mattress protector, sheet). It helps for blowouts, spit-up, or sickness in the middles of the night.

But the mattress is really old. It has been passed down through quite a few babies. My oldest daughter even used it as a baby. She was constantly sick as an infant. She has sensitive skin and really bad allergies which have also caused severe asthma attacks. I bought special laundry detergent, an air purifier, etc. I thought I was doing everything to protect her...

but I was wrong. 

I should have gotten a Bamboo Mattress Protector!

Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial. It prevents dust mites, bacteria, and mold from breeding in your child's mattress. You can rest easy, knowing your baby is sleeping on premium fabrics, designed specifically for their safety. 

Bamboo viscose is highly breathable. It naturally keeps your baby warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The surface is soft and gentle on your child's skin. The bamboo mattress protector I tried is 100% Phthalate, Lead, and BPA free.

It draws moisture away from the skin faster than other materials which allows for a more comfortable night's sleep. And the TPU membrane is 100% waterproof so it's not going to leak through to the mattress.

Bamboo viscose is super absorbent. It is actually said to be one of the most absorbent textiles available. This means that those leaky bottles, over-full diapers, or even failed potty training nights are not going to ruin your mattress.

The Pure Guard Bamboo Crib Mattress Protector made by Swaddlez is made to fit! The 9" deep skirt is guaranteed to fit all 52"x28" crib and toddler mattresses. It fits tight and snug, but not so much that it is a struggle to get on. I have had mattress protectors that barely hang onto the edges of the mattresses and make me feel like I'm in a wrestling match just trying to get them on. I have tried mattress protectors that don't have fitted egdes, but they don't cover the entire mattress. And if you have children then you know how much they move when they are sleeping! This one is better than any other kind that I have tried. I love it!

And I love that they offer a guarantee. Here's what they say on their Amazon page "If this mattress protector does not meet your needs for any reason, return it and get every penny back, no questions asked." The Pure Guard Bamboo Crib Mattress Protector was actually designed by parents! They have had a ton of experience with other protectors and knew what was needed to make a better one.

If you are a parent, plan on becoming a parent, or need a gift for a baby shower this is definitely the way to go! I love mine! And I have a feeling that I am going to love it even more over the next 2 years!

I have truly had an amazing experience working with this company! I know that if you have any questions or need any help they would be more than willing to help you out. Just message them on Amazon.

I hope you love this product as much as I do.

Sweet Dreams! 

I received this product in return for my honest and unbiased review.

Baking Wizards Silicone Baking Mat

If you know me then you know that I really like Earth-friendly products. 

And if you Really know me then you know that I love baked goodies!

But I hate the clean-up. 

Like a lot.

And the perfectionist in me hates stains on my pans. 

And I try to save money whenever and wherever I can.

I used to line my pans with parchment paper, wax paper, or aluminum foil every time I used a pan.
That's not only bad for the environment, but those pennies add up.

Then Baking Wizards sent me their silicone baking mats to try out.

Oh my Word!!!

Why did I not get these sooner!?!

They have completely changed my world.

I use them for everything now.

I not only use them to make my sweet treats, but pretty much everything that I stick in the oven. 

They have worked for everything I've put on them. 

And the clean-up is wickedly fast and easy.

I don't ever have to scrub. I just run them under the water and wipe them off. This is a lifesaver because I don't have a dishwasher. Any elbow grease I can save helps.

I was literally dancing in the kitchen the first time I used them and cleaned them.

They are FDA and LFGB approved. And they are high quality and BPA free which is extremely important when applying heat. So I know that they are safe to use for my family.

Here are a couple of the foods I have made with my Baking Wizards Silicone Baking Mats:

If you want to give them a go for yourself you can check them out on Amazon.
Here is the link:
Baking Wizards Silicone Baking Mats
And if you doubt their abilities, then no worries - they have a LIFETIME GUARANTEE!

Try a recipe and let me know which one is your favorite!

You can check out my Youtube review as well, but it's not as enjoyable as these cookies.
I received these mats complimentary so that I could test them out.

10 Benefits of Using a Massage Body Stick Roller

Have you ever been sore?

I'm guessing that's a resounding "Yes!" I hear out there.

I know that I have been sore a lot. Sometimes on a regular basis. Between 5k's, half-marathons, full-marathons, Ragnar, bikini competition prep, weightlifting, bike-riding, hiking, swimming, roller-blading, skating, at-home workout videos, playing at the park, and just being a Mom I get sore a lot. I mean the list is endless. I've even gotten sore just from sitting in a car on a road trip.

The first time I ever saw a massage body stick roller was when I ran my first Ragnar. One of the other girls had brought one with her. It was a lifesaver! After each one of us ran our leg we took a turn with the stick. If you plan on running Ragnar this massage roller is a must! Running 3-8 miles and then immediately having to hop in a van and sit for the next few hours until your next turn is not good for your muscles. A lot of people end up with injuries because they do not stretch enough during Ragnar. But we were able to stretch while sitting in the car because we had a stick roller. 

A lot of people tried bringing foam rollers to use while running Ragnar, but you can't use them while riding in a vehicle. And they are huge! Six people sharing one vehicle for 2 days and needing 4-5 outfits and plenty of fluids and food means that you don't have a lot of room for a huge foam roller. And most pit stops are only long enough to get out of the vehicle and hop back in. You don't have time to lay on the ground and roll out all your muscles.

Even if you're not a crazy athlete, a stick roller can be very beneficial for your body. 

You may not think you have sore muscles, but you do. Try rolling them out with a stick and you'll notice immediate relief. It is amazing how much better you feel after using one even when you don't think you need to.

How it works:

You press the stick against a body part, like the thigh, and add pressure. You then run it along the muscle. The stick is comprised of a bar with rollers about 1 inch thick attached. This allows it to glide smoothly across your body while conforming to shape slightly. It stretches the muscles and ligaments. You can use it on any relaxed muscle.

Benefits of using a Massage Body Stick Roller:

1. Flexibility - The stick rolls out and stretches the muscle fibers, tendons, and ligaments. If you stretch the muscles while they are still warm after a workout they are less likely to get tight and shorten.

2. Circulation - As pressure is applied and rolled forward it creates a suction in the veins. Which helps to draw in more blood that is fresh and full of oxygen and nutrients. 

3. Pain Reduction - You can pinpoint knots, and sore muscles with the stick. By rolling out these sore areas pain is relieved.

4. Sleep Improvement - Massage has been known to improve the quality and quantity of sleep a person can achieve. Relaxation is crucial for REM sleep.

5. Energy Conservation - Most stretching to warm up the muscles is done by light exercise. This means that you have to use valuable energy stores prior to the race. If you use a body stick to warm up your muscles then you will have more glucose readily available in the blood. That means you will be less likely to break down your muscles to provide energy.

6. Fewer Injuries - Using a stick before exercising allows the muscles to warm up and prevent injury. Think about your muscles like a rubber band. Leave it in your warm car and it can stretch and bend easily. Then go out on a cold morning and try yanking on it and it is most likely going to be tight and snap.

7. Muscle Growth and Repair - Greater circulation provides more nutrients to the muscles. In order for muscles to grow or repair they need glycogen. Blood flow can be restricted post-exercise due to trigger points and tight muscles. Fresh blood provides necessary glycogen to the muscles. Try taking a nutrient-dense drink 20-30 minutes before massaging to provide the most amount of nutrients possible to your muscles.

8. Lactic Acid Removal - Using a stick to roll out your muscles after exercise encourages lactic acid removal. The lactic acid is then sent to your liver and turned into glucose.

9. Breaks Down Soft Tissue Adhesion - When you do a lot of training, competing or do intense sessions sometimes it leads to the development of adhesions - where muscle, fascia, and other tissues stick together. Massaging and rolling out these areas can help correct this issue.

10. Better Mood -  Let's face it, when your body feels good you feel good. Relieving stress, aches, and pains, and adding in better sleep and more oxygen means you will most likely experience a better mood. Which is better for everyone.

There are so many benefits from using a Massage Body Stick Roller. 

It is great for athletes, those with desk jobs, and people with muscular injuries. 

The stick roller is amazing because it is small, light, and portable. You can throw it in your gym bag, carry-on,  or keep it at your desk.

And you can use it practically anywhere. It's only 19 inches long and 2 inches thick. 

You can do it yourself or have someone do it to you (unlike foam rollers).

You can use it while standing, crouching, kneeling, sitting, or laying down.

It is small enough to do all of your body parts without it being awkward.

When you're not using it, it is not a huge eyesore taking up space. 

It will last forever. Foam rollers tend to compress and break down after awhile. Not to mention they can start to collect dirt and sweat. You can easily wash off your stick roller if necessary.

If you want to check out the one that I use then you can find it on Amazon.

It is made by a company called Styles II fitness. I have been thoroughly impressed with their product and trust this company.

If you want to increase your strength, speed, and endurance as an athlete then I highly suggest investing in a Massage Body Stick Roller for yourself.

I was given this product in return for my honest and unbiased review.

"Falling" by Rachel Burgess Giveaway

EnvyDerm Lip Gloss and Mascara

Alrighty, so a little while ago I told you about the fantastic $300gift card giveaway from EnvyDerm. Well, today I'm finally telling you all about their fabulous products!

I tried the lip gloss first. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not because it is Red. I am more of a pink girl myself. Most of the time my face looks exactly the same. I don't go crazy and do plums, reds, blues, or crazy rainbow styles. I am a neutral girl. It has taken me like 13 years to find a look that actually compliments me. But I see girls pulling off bold looks that change daily and they always look amazing! 

So why can't I?!

So I tried red lips. More precisely, I tried Je T'aime. The color of love. It's a strawberry red. And it really is a gorgeous hue. It's not too crazy bold. It's more of a sheer shimmer. It's perfect to wear alone or over your lipstick. But if red isn't your thing they have 10 beautiful and different shades to choose from. 

And it's not sticky at all. My lips felt great afterwards. They actually felt healthier than they did before I applied the lip gloss. EnvyDerm's lip gloss contain 13 organic moisturizing oils, vitamins, super fruit berries, and extracts for softer and more rejuvenated lips.

There is absolutely no burning or stinging pain. You will experience a tingling sensation. It's a feeling that I actually enjoy. I believe it is from the blood circulating into your lips. And blood circulation is a good thing. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients. If you have more blood circulating to an area that could explain why it actually seems healthier after. 

EnvyDerm's lip gloss contains peptides and tripeptides to boost lip collagen for fuller, plumper lips. You'll experience immediate results which is fantastic. 

Up to 37% fuller and voluminous lips. 

But even better than that, you'll have lasting results if you continue to use the gloss for at least 4 weeks! 

Can your lip gloss do that?!

I love their lip gloss! I have had amazing results! The next color I want to try is Lola. 

So pretty! 

And then there's the mascara...

It instantly increases lash definition, volume, and curl. 

It contains polymer and nylon to add volume and definition. 

The natural waxes form an elastic veil over your lashes to help sculpt and curl them. 

And the unique hourglass shaped brush separates and lifts each lash to create definition and volume.

I loved this mascara because it didn't clump like my other mascaras do.

And it didn't flake, smudge, or smear!

EnvyDerm'smascara is designed to promote length and thickness with continued use.

It is made with hydroplat specialized peptide combined with hydrolyzed keratin to promote keratin production. 

It is also made with Moroccan Argan Oil, Minerals, Vitamins, and Amino Acids to fortify and nourish your lashes while providing shine.

If you want dramatic results I would suggest their Nighttime Serum. In order to stimulate growth you have to provide nourishment to the lash line along the skin. Hair grows from the root, not the shaft. The mascara provided excellent volume, but if you're looking for extreme thickness immediately then I would apply a thick mascara on top of their mascara so that your lashes are still getting nourished. 

Overall, I loved their products! I can't wait to try more.

I received these products in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. 

Inspired Fitness Gear Jump Rope Review

It's that time of year again....

Dun. Dun. Dunnnn!!!

Bikini Season

Cue the shrieks of terror. Is this as scary for you as it is for me? I was already forced to hop in a bathing suit twice this month. Once because family was visiting and once for a 3-year-old's birthday party. You never know when one of these horrific events will attack. These both snuck up on me out of the blue. I barely had time to shave before I was victimized. 

Don't let this happen to you!

If you are like me then finding the time to exercise isn't your only battle. Trying to find money in the budget to pay for the gym... finding a babysitter to watch the kiddos while you workout... searching for a safe running route... buying new tennis shoes... obtaining all of the necessary home equipment... figuring out which at-home- video series you'll actually like... fitting into your exercise clothes....

These are only a few of the hurdles you have to leap over before you can even begin to get in shape.

Well, not exactly. Have you tried jumping rope?

• You can do it at home.
• You can do it inside or outside.
• You can do it in your pj's.
• You can do it naked! (Not recommended. If you mess up as much as I do then you don't want welts in the clothing optional areas...)
• Your kids can do it with you.
• You can do it barefoot. 
• You can do it without anyone knowing you're doing it.
• You can add variety to your workout.
• You have a lifetime subscription that costs less than a water bottle!

To participate at the local gym near me you have to pay start up fees ($49-$99), annual fees ($39), monthly dues ($9.99-$79.95), and daycare fees ($20 per child). That adds up! I cannot afford to be a stay-at-home mom and a gym-rat. That is why I have fallen in LOVE with jumping rope. 

I am not a pro by any means, but I hope to get better. And while I'm practicing I'm having fun.

It's a full body workout and one of the best cardiovascular exercises you can do. You can do a killer workout in just 10 minutes! And there are tons of free routines online. Here is one of my favorites:

Do you feel the burn?

K, if you're still sitting down and staring at your screen then probably not. But try this one out and you definitely will! 

Don't have a jump rope? 

No problem!

Here is an awesome one:

Inspired Fitness Gear

and you can get it for $9.97 on Amazon. And if you have a Prime Membership then it's also free 2-day shipping.

If you really want to start jumping rope then you need a good jump-rope. Trust me, some are better than others. These aren't your old macaroni noodle ropes from elementary. They are legit. 

They have specialized double ball bearings. These are meant for speed. But if you're a beginner don't worry because they'll just make it easier for you to spin. They don't catch or snag like plastic jump ropes.

And the rope is actually a lightweight wire. It makes it so that this baby can whip around as fast as you want it to go. Please don't whip your husband or children with it. Plus, it makes it kink-resistant. No funky bends in your rope.

And it is one of the easiest jump-ropes to adjust. You don't need pliers, screwdrivers, or scissors like some other types of jump-ropes require. You can just use your fingers to twist and change the length. That means you and your partner in crime can share a rope instead of having to buy multiples. 

It's a rope. You can wind it up smaller than your makeup bag. That means you can take it on vacation! And it won't add extra weight to your luggage. Amazing! 

You also get 2 Ebooks with your rope. One is a 15 Minute Fat Blasting Skipping Routine. Just in case you need something to follow. And the other is 13 Yummy Paleo Dessert Recipes. 

Healthy sweets? Heck yes!

Hopefully I didn't sound too much like a salesman there. If not, then I will now. They also offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you don't like your new jump rope then they will refund your money. 

What's there to lose? Except, those love handles...

I received this product in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. These thoughts are completely my own and true. 

I'll be posting a few routines of my own in the future. So stick around!

Now time to go bikini shopping...

Bella Organics Vanilla Mint Deodorant Creme

Have you heard the claim that antiperspirants cause cancer?

Have you heard the claim that it's just a rumor and is false?

As of right now they're both just rumors. It has not been proven one way or the other. The government is standing in neutral territory right now. They cannot say that they cause cancer and hurt businesses that bring in revenue without enough solid evidence. And they cannot say that they pose no cancer risk unless they are 100% sure because of the backlash they would receive from society if this was proven wrong one day. So, they will do what they do best in this situation.... nothing.

It is up to you as the consumer to educate yourself and make your own decision until the facts are in. Most of us might be dead or really old by the time that happens. So, it's up to you to decide for yourself right now.

This post is a little hard to do because I don't want to step on any toes or create any false impressions. This is just what I have concluded on my own. It's purely my own understanding of the topic. 

Do you know what the largest organ is in the human body?

Technically, I should probably say "on the human body" because it is the skin. Yes, your skin is an organ! Just like your heart, lungs, and brain serve a purpose so does your skin. Probably one of the most neglected and abused organs overall. But also one of the most important.

The skin is a shield. It protects the other delicate organs from infection, abrasion, and ultraviolet radiation. It is also holds us together and keeps us from evaporating. It protects us from extreme temperatures and holds us together. It connects us to the outside world with its nerves that allow us to sense and feel. But it also has a very important role - sweating.

Sweating isn't just a side-effect of having a body. It's more than a nuisance we have to deal with. It is purposeful. We sweat to keep our bodies temperate and in a homeostatic state. We also sweat to excrete waste products and create scent. Let me hurry and break it down for you...
There are two types of sweat glands located on the body. The one type serves to keep your body at a safe and normal temperature. It pretty much just secretes salty water.
The other kind does not develop until puberty. They are the reason we have to be subjected to those humiliating maturation classes in fifth grade. They excrete waste products and smell. The stink comes from bacteria breaking down the compounds in sweat rather than the sweat itself. So what you're actually excreting is probably more like pheromones.

And do you know how important pheromones are?! They are insane! I once read a study about how the smell of sad tears from women actually reduced the testosterone levels in men. They instinctively know that if the wife isn't happy then they aren't getting any (and by "any" I mean you know what).

That's why I blame antiperspirants for high divorce rates. Jkjk. 

But if you think about it your antiperspirant is probably hindering you more than it is helping you. How is your perfect mate supposed to smell you and find you? You also have apocrine sweat glands in your nether regions, but unless you have a lot of guys sniffing your crotch then good luck! That's why it is so hard to find Mr. Right. We all use antiperspirants and so we're left to find him using our brains and that's why you're going to get divorced if you use deodorant. Hahaha! Ok, I hope you know that was all in jest.

If it's not safe to use when you're sick then should you really be using it when you're healthy?

But here's what I do know - anything that prevents an organ from functioning properly is no bueno. 

We do have vestigial (useless) body parts, but the skin is not one of them. And stopping it from performing correctly could be dangerous. 

There is a difference between antiperspirants and deodorants. Antiperspirants stop you from sweating. Deodorants just cover up or remove the smell. Whether or not you are sweating, there is always substance found in your apocrine glands. And if you don't let it out every once in awhile it's probably going to do what a sweaty gym sock does when it is forgotten in a gym bag for a few months.... It is going to kill the first person that opens the bag and gets a whiff of it! And it will destroy that gym bag forever!  That might be a slight exaggeration. But if it's a waste product trapped inside your body then you're going to have repercussions. Your body needs to get rid of it. That's why if you must choose between the two then choose deodorant. 

Most deodorants you purchase at the store are made from chemicals though. And slathering yourself in man-made yuck isn't very smart either. That's why I was thrilled to try a natural deodorant made from Bella Organics. They use natural, chemical-free, organic ingredients.

You can actually recognize the names of the ingredients listed on their label. Try and do that with your AXE, Dove, or Secret! In the sample I received they used:

• Organic arrowroot powder to absorb wetness naturally.
• Organic shea butter to soothe and moisturize your skin.
• Organic virgin coconut oil to soothe and condition the skin, as well as for its natural antibacterial properties.
• Organic peppermint oil for its scent, and antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
• Organic tea tree oil for its germ-killing antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Just reading those safe and healthy ingredients makes me feel all warm and cozy inside!

Since they are all natural and earth friendly ingredients there is a shelf life. It is good for one year. I'm pretty sure we all use a stick of deodorant in less than a year though. 

If you have razor burn don't apply this directly afterwards either. I made that mistake. It's the same way with normal deodorant as well though.

I wish it rolled on easy like the bad stuff, but it's not that big of a deal.

And it does come with a warning - you might stink upon initial use if your body hasn't already been detoxed. I stopped using antiperspirant a long time ago because of its negative side effects and so I didn't have any issues with detoxing or odor. It's that dirty gym sock thing I was telling you about! 

So if you're ready to let your armpits go free and try the all natural way here is a great brand that I've thoroughly enjoyed - Bella Organics. I tried the Vanilla Mint Deodorant and absolutely loved it! I smelled like a candycane you just want to lick! Almost. Please don't lick my armpits... But they have other flavors (yes, flavors. Not scents. jkjk) that you can try out as well. You can see them all here. I want to try the Iced Lemonade next. I doubt it will be better than my Vanilla Mint though. I lOVE mint scented and flavored things. But lemon is usually right up there on the list of favorites next to mint. I'll try it out and let you know which one wins the battle. I have a feeling that mint will be a better deodorant though. 

Go to my contest page for your chance to win a sample for yourself!