April Bulu weight loss box and May Bulu box product reviews

April Bulu weight loss Box 

(got free box code from Chris Freytag facebook page)

*Chris Freytag 30 min today body HIIT workout dvd

"Fitness Pro and fellow Bulugan Chris Freytag leads you through his high intensity interval training (HIIT) workout. Melt away the pounds and improve your cardiovascular fitness with this 30 min workout." 

My thoughts: I have many and love all of Chris Freytag's workouts!! That was the sole reason I got this box!! Tough but doable workout! I love her enthusiasm!! 

*Click espresso protein drink

"Your morning coffee will wallow in shame. Click contains appetitute curbing protein, 23 essential vitamins and minerals and two shots of espresso. It's the perfect combo of flavor, protein and energy to ensure a healthy start to a productive day."

My thoughts: I don't use anything with caffeine, so I gave this product away without trying it. 

*Real Good Barre

"Created by two pro dancers searching for energy and substance to get through recital days. Real Barre is made with all natural ingredients-none of those additives we can't pronounce. At about 200 calories per bar, Real Barre is sure to be your guilt free, go to snack!"

My thoughts: I tried the dark chocolate cherry kind and it was really good! Alot thicker than I'm use to, but really good for a protein bar!! I will probably order a box online. 

*EBoost natural energy

"If you'd rather stick your hand in a tarantula cage than drink a calorie and sugar loaded energy drink, that EBoost is your solution! EBoost Natural Energy has no sugar and provides lasting energy with a vitamin boost for a healthy immune system. 

My thoughts: Gave this to my husband to try. Haven't heard back on how he liked it, so thats not promising. 

*ONNIT shroom tech sport

"Utilized by professional athletes in many disciplines, Shroom Tech Sport is a great way to get natural, clean ATP energy with no jitters or crash. A revolutionary pre workout sure to get you fired so you can burn more calories and shed pounds." 

My thoughts: Again, this product has caffeine, so I gave it to my husband to try this week. He said he didn't notice any difference with taking it two different times. 

*Dr Denese self tanning glove

"Give yourself a natural looking tan and look instantly slimmer with these self tanning gloves. unlike other self tan products, theses no yucky smell or stickiness!"

My thoughts: Still haven't used this yet. I'm not big on self tanners because my legs look "dirty". 

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

FAIL!! 

I'm glad I only paid shipping for this box since I only got 2 things I can use from this box-the Barre and Dvd!! 

May Bulu Box

 (got free code from girls gone sporty facebook)

*Fit n crisp bar

“Make a healthy snack decision-reach for a Fit N’ Crisp by Promax. Only 140 calories, 13g of protein and 0 artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup, it’s your perfect quell to the sugar craving storm inside.”

My thoughts: Tried a couple bites-it has the texture and feel of a rice crispy treat but very weird after taste. Couldn't bring myself to even eat half of it! ugh! 

*Plantiva AllerDx

"Boost your immune systems’ tolerance to the environment around you. By strengthening kidney health and calming over-active liver function, AllerDX calms histamine reactions and improves nasal airflow. Best part, it works in minutes!”

My thoughts: Gave this to my husband to try this week because he has worse allergy problems than me. Said he didn't notice any difference with taking these pills. Won't be trying them again. 

*Fitmixer Amino

“ Give your muscles fuel to burn longer and build stronger. By increasing nitric oxide production, the delicious Tri-Flow Amino Blend reduces fatigue and improves your muscle recovery.”

My thoughts: Will be trying this tomorrow before my 5k race. Will let you know how I like it! 

*Neocell beauty bursts

“A burst of nutrients with a gush of flavor. Collagen Types 1 and 3, found in NeoCell Beauty Bursts, promote smoother, more radiant skin, hair & nails. Try both super fruit punch and fresh mint chocolate. Treat yourself t0 delicious taste AND beautiful skin.”

My thoughts: Will be trying this tomorrow after my 5k race. Will let you know how I like it! 

*Artisana superfood nut butter

“Already love the delicious and nutritious taste of cashew butter? Now with 5 different superfood additives, Artissana Superfood Nut Butter is a perfect appetite suppressing snack for your taste buds and your body. Take control of your appetite and feel full longer.”

My thoughts: Haven't tried this yet. Hoping to try soon as a snack. 

*Online JCORE workout (20 mins)

"Join Jay Cardiello, celebrity fitness trainer and Shape Fitness Editor at Large, on this 40 day journey based on Rapid Muscle Response training to get in the best shape of your life in just 20 min/day, 4 days/week, using no weights or equipment. Try one workout free at jcorebody.com/video .

My thoughts: I would rather have a dvd than an upload. I tried to watch this tonight, and my computer connection kept freezing! I can't do a workout properly if the video stream doesn't flow continuously. 

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

FAIL!! 

I'm glad I only paid shipping for this box also. 

I had decided to try two different Bulu Boxes with two different months so I could hopefully do a more positive product review. 

As you can see, I am SO not impressed!! Cancelled both subscriptions and not looking back.

Turbofire day 1-90 pictures, my thoughts and product review!

I successfully completed 3 months of an intense high impact cardio program at home called TURBOFIRE!!

 

 

TurboFire^® is the intense 90-day cardio conditioning program that will help you get leaner with exercises that burn up to 9x more fat and calories than regular cardio.

Getting started with your first TurboFire workout is easy.
In the included Fire Starter Class, Chalene Johnson shows you the right form for every move you'll make. To help you get up to speed, TurboFire also includes two low-impact (but intense) workouts. Then, it will keep you moving with more than 20 smoking-hot music remixes through all 12 fat-sizzling classes.
So forget the excuses. Forget the gym. Now the hottest fitness classes come to you.

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/turbofire.do?code=TURBOFIREDOTCOM

About 2 years ago when I started my fitness journey, I did 30 days of the TurboJam dvd program which is made by Chalene Johnson. I love her!! She has such great positive energy!! My goal was to someday do TurboFire but I knew I needed to work up to it in order to have the stamina and ability and not get injured!!

I started the end of January and then joined the facebook TurboFire group called "Smokin hot in 90 days". Because I have been submitting my pictures I have now earned a TurboFire Water bottle!! When I submit my pictures to beachbody fitness I will also get a Turbofire Tank!! I can't wait!!!

I was very proud of myself that I didn't need to do any "new to class" options on the Turbfore dvds. The new to class option breaks the moves down slower and then gets back to the regular workout. It's like putting pause on the dvd, going thru the moves, then pressing play again. Because I've done 2 round of TurboJam, I was pretty familiar with the TurboFire moves-only they are more intense and longer workouts.

For the first 30 days, I did and felt awesome!! I wasn't sore, I got up every morning, DID NOT MISS A SINGLE WORKOUT ANY OF THE FIRST 30 DAYS!! That was HUGE for me!! There were some days that I was so tired that I didn't want to do my workout, but I had set a personal "prize" for myself that I would get if I completed the full 30 days exactly to the schedule and I did!! and then I weighed and measured myself. I did not lose anything. Nothing. I was sooooooo bummed!! I took my pictures and could see a little bit of progress in my stomach area but thats it.

Started month 2 very discouraged. Now keep in mind, I have't lost any weight in the last 6 months. Previous to this workout I did almost 4 months of Les Mills Body Pump. Didn't lose weight during the program but I lost inches and went from size 12 to 10. So I had high expectations starting the TurboFire program because I've been working up to doing it for at least a year, and I kept seeing amazing weight loss stories online. I've been trying to lose the same 3 pounds to get under 150 which would put me at "normal" weight for my height and my goal of 100 pounds lost since birth of baby number 2 almost three years ago.
So I totally slacked off in month 2 because I was so upset about lack of progress in month 1. I missed alot of workouts and I stopped doing the resistence band TF workouts because the band was irritating my neck. By the end of month 2, I felt terrible with myself for not putting 100% into my workouts. I actually gained inches back by NOT doing strength training and couldn't wear my size 10 jeans for about 2 weeks because they felt so tight. Again no weight loss for month 2.

Started month 3 with new determination to finish strong no matter what. I did miss a couple workouts but very few this time. I added the strength training back in, along with some family walks at the park a couple times a week. I lost the inches and was able to wear my jeans again. I cut back on my bread products and sugar. I continued to count my calories and log my food into "myfitnesspal".

So I finished up about 2 weeks ago, took picures and measurements to review my progress.
No weight loss or inches lost. seriously!! In 3 months how is that even possible??!?!!
In looking at my pictures, I can see more stomach definition but I feel like I lost some of my arm strength I got from doing Body Pump. I was SO tempted several times during this program to start dong supplement shakes or pills or something because I hate I haven't made any weight loss progress!! ARGH!! I did Love this program even though after 90 days I'm so sick of doing the same things over and over again!! I prefer 30 or 60 day programs. But I would definitely do Turbfore again but do a Body Pump Hybrid schedule with it so I get the intense cardio as well as weight listing.  My favorite TF dvd workouts are Fire 45 and Fire 55ez. I also have the advanced set that I will be trying in the next couple of weeks.

So I would give this workout and my experience a grade B.
I'm so proud of myself for starting and completing this intense 90 days program! I'm proud of myself that I stayed within 1600-1800 calories every day and logged my food. I'm proud of myself that I'm currently wearing size 8 capris (NEVER been in size 8 before, but still in size 10 jeans). And I'm proud of myself that I stuck with it even though I didn't see the results I expected.

This is the healthiest and most fit that I've ever been in my life. Yes, I still have more weight to lose and alot more toning before I'm really pleased with my body, but overall when I look at my weight loss journey since the summer of 2011 I'm really pleased with how strong physically and mentally I have become!!

So below are the dreaded pictures!!
Please excuse the day 60 pictures-my 11 year old son took them right when I got up that morning. ugh.

Oh-If you would like to check out more of my turbofire workout pictures/HRM pictures of calories burned, I posted collages almost every day on my Instagram account. (rdevaughn4)


Front pictures

Day 1 / 30

 Day 60/ 90

Side pictures

 Day 1 / 30

Day 60 / 90

Back pictures

Day 1 /30

Day 60 / 90

Side pictures

Day 1 /30

Day 60 / 90

Front pictures

Day 1 / 30

Day 60 /90

Julep maven subscription nail polish box review

Last week I got to try my first Julep nail subscription box!! I found a free box code online, so I figured why not try it. If I don't like it, I'm only out a couple dollars for shipping and I'll cancel future shipments.
Well, after getting my first box I LOVE it!! I don't know as I will keep doing it every month because I don't need that much nail polish, but the packaging and quality seems really good so I was really pleased!!
Here are the specifics about the program and then my pictures of the actual box I got!

How it works:

Steps to becoming a maven (www.Julep.com)

1. Take our fun quiz. Take the Julep Maven style quiz. It’s quick, free and helps us pick the colors that are SO. YOU.
2. Discover your style profile. Then check out your first Julep Maven Box with at least two gorgeous polishes and other beauty favorites chosen just for you.
3. 

 

Congrats! You're a Maven Welcome. Your introductory box will ship within three business days—it’s just the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Becoming a Julep Maven gives you exclusive access to COLOR. Each month we hand-pick trendsetting new nail colors, cult faves and cutting-edge beauty products that are just right for you. Commitment shy? No problem. YOU decide how often to receive your Julep Maven box, and you can cancel at any time.

Styles change, and you can too

We'll send an email previewing your upcoming Julep Maven Box on the 20th of each month. Love what we've chosen for you? Do nothing and your box is on its way. Want to try a new style, send your box to a friend or skip the month (and the bill)? Just log into your account between the 20th and the 24th to submit your request. We start shipping your Julep Maven Box the same day you're charged, on the 27^th of each month.*
* Mavens who sign up for their introductory box after the 18th will be charged for their first monthly box on the 27th of the following month.

Make the most of being a julep maven

Earn on! Earn Julep Jules for referring friends who become Mavens.
Enjoy 20% off all products plus free shipping.
Send your monthly box to a girlfriend! Maven Boxes make perfect gifts.
Satisfaction Guaranteed: If you're ever unhappy with your Julep Maven box, email maven@julep.com or call 1-877-651-3292, and we will personally take care of you!

 

***Get your first box FREE

(just pay shipping and handling)

by using code

FREEBOX or FREEMAVEN***

After you follow the steps above to become a maven, you will get a choice of 4 intro boxes for your free box.
I choose the BohoGlam one.

What you'll get in your introductory Boho Glam Maven Box:
Lena: Teal with gold shimmer
Stefani: Gold flecked grey metallic
Glycolic Hand Scrub: Double exfoliating treatment reveals softer and younger hands after one use

Here are my pictures of my Boho Glam Julep subscription box:

 

 

Hand scrub, file and sample nail polish remover pad.

My nail polish!!

 

"Lena" color

 

 "Stefani" color

 

 

Pictures of Boho Glam intro box from off the website:

 

The teal Lena color is SO pretty!! It was thick (which I like) so I only needed to do one coat on my thumb to see what the color looked like.

 

The other color Stefani is a pretty gray and was thinner, so I did two coats on my thumb.

 

I also tried the hand scrub and wow it was nice!! It was gritty so it would exfoliate but I didn't feel like I was stripping the skin off. It had a very very light nice scent. Will definitely be using this product several times a week!!

 

I give this box an A+ and can't wait to try another subscription box to see if its worth the full price $19.99 subscription cost!

Product review for "Total Body Balance" dvd with Jessica Smith

So I am officially done with 3 months of my TurboFire workouts!! Whoohooo!!!

I will be posting a recap and pictures about my experience here on my blog later this week.

 

In the mean time, I decided to start going through my "stash" of workout programs and start doing personal reviews on them.

***I have bought all of my dvd programs, so all opinions and thoughts will be my own and from my own workout experiences. ***

 

Today I wanted to do a

Product Review for "Total Body Balance" workout dvd with Jessica Smith

 

 

 

 

Here is the write up:

A body in balance is a body that feels as good as it looks! This series of routines designed by certified instructor Jessica Smith will help you create a well-rounded program that can be done on its own, or coupled with other additional workouts you may enjoy doing. Remember, fitness should be fun! Find movement that you love and that makes you feel good, and you'll never have to "work" out again. So, kick off your shoes and let's have fun getting fit!

Workout include (sessions are all approximately 20 minutes):

Cardio Flow -- This flowing, feel-good cardio session combines various styles of movement -- all done barefoot for maximum freedom and energy flow.

Sole Sculpt -- Sculpt everything from your head down to the soles of your feet with this barefoot sculpting routine that never stops moving to elevate your heart rate while you strengthen and define your entire body. This low-impact session can be done in a small space with a set of lightweight dumbbells or just your own bodyweight.

Core Stretch -- Build flexibility and core strength with this targeted series of stretches and core work to help you improve your posture. Do it at the end of a workout or on its own for a stretching session that's sure to leave you feeling a little taller and lighter.

Cardio Dance Sculpt - Grab a sturdy chair for this dance-inspired, total body cardio toning session. And not to worry, even if you have two left feet you can keep up with these simple, but fun, moves!

 

MY THOUGHTS:

 

Last week I did the Cardio Dance Sculpt.

I grabbed my office chair which has wheels and was doable for this workout, but next time I will use a sturder chair!! I loved this workout-wish there were more "moves" with using the chair though but overall I liked the flow and dancy/ballet moves. According to my polar ft7 heart rate monitor I burned 149 calories in 21 mins.

 

Yesterday I did the Cardio Flow and then the Sole Sculpt.

First let me say, that I LOVED that they filmed this dvd outdoors. I love the brightness and clear openess feeling-it makes me happy to workout while seeing it. Jessica has a helper with her for both of these workout who show you harder moves. I followed Jessica because it was challenging enough for me. I loved that these workouts were done barefoot. Some days I just want to skip my workout sneakers, and yesterday was one of those mornings!! I felt very "elegant" and "flowy" doing the cardio flow dvd and was able to keep up with what  she was doing. She talks through out the whole workout which has never bothered me and helps to cue whats coming up next and demonstrates how to do the moves properly. I burned 120 calories in 21 mins.

Next I did the Sole sculpt using my 5 pound dumbells. Towards the end my arms were getting tired and some of the moves felt awkward for me, so instead of moving my feet and arms at the same time, I just moved my arms so I would still be getting a good strength workout. I burned 113 calories in 22 mins. 

I have NOT been able to do the Core stretch yet which is also on this dvd, but I have done other stretch workouts with Jessica Smith so I'm sure this workout is effective like her other ones.

Overall, I really liked this dvd and will be doing back to it again in the near future!! Check out the links below to find out more about her videos-both for sale and free!!

***She also has a summer challenge coming up next week, so look for details about that!***

 

You can buy the dvd here on amazon:

 http://www.amazon.com/Total-Body-Balance-DVD/dp/B00B2TWDWG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1368547254&sr=8-4&keywords=jessica+smith

You can also find FREE full length workout videos on youtube from JessicaSmithTV:
http://www.youtube.com/user/jessicasmithtv?feature=watch

And check her out on facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/10-Pounds-DOWN/142506209147223?fref=ts

Ellie Coral Crush April clothes shipment product review and pictures!!

Another ELLIE clothes review!! 

Make sure you check out my other blog posts for more monthly pictures and descriptions. 

You can click on this link to get 20% off your first month subscription (making it $39.96) or you can click on my side toolbar as well.

http://ellie.evyy.net/c/48928/58557/1664

Make sure to pay attention to the sizing chart since it runs small in my opinion!
I currently wear size medium tops and bottoms in my athletic clothes from walmart, target, kohls and victoria secret. However, I've found I need to wear mostly Larges in Ellie brand, some medium tops.

Here's the sizing:

XS (2-4) 32in bust, 24.5in waist, 35 in hips
S (4-6) 34in bust, 26.5in waist, 37in hips
M (6-8) 36in bust, 28.5in waist, 39in hips
L (8-10) 38in bust, 30.5in waist, 41in hips

Here are my pictures from my two April shipments:

Black Swan Tank (size L) and Electric Love Capris (size M/L)

I was waiting on this tank from last month and now that I've gotten it I'm disappointed. The cut is very low and I had to constantly pull it up during my home workout so my breasts wouldn't spill out-and I'm not very big up top. Contacted the company to send this top back but haven't heard back yet.  

 I love the detailing on the blue capris!! However, my hubby said when I bend over-thus stretching the fabric-it shows my underwear. So probably not something I want to wear in public or with people around. :-( 

From the new CORAL collection!! 

Wicked Attraction tank (size M) and Double Decker Capri (size L)

Love the straps and detailing on the tank top!! 

Loved the pink flap on the capri band but don't really see a purpose to it!?? 

Wearing To Dye For Capri (size L). These are navy blue-you can't tell from the pics online. I love the tie dye colors down the side. 

I'm pleased with my coral collection that I got in the month of April. They didn't release the products to order until the 3rd week instead of the 1st of the month because they didn't want any shipping delays like last month. Good move!! After I placed my two orders I got a shipment notification the NEXT DAY and received both packages one week later!! (coming from CA and I live in VA)

I think I'll give Ellie another month or two before I decide to continue... I'm concerned about the fabric quality with the see thru stretchy-ness. (is that a word??) I'm glad they are stretchy but I don't want to keep products I can't wear outside my home because people can see my cleavage or underwear...