BAMR Bands review and GIVEAWAY!!

This month Katie sent me 2 of her BAMR bands for me to try for a blog review and giveaway. I couldn't have picked better choices myself!! I LOVE the autumn Mickey and Minnie mouse!! ADORABLE!! and of course the pink chevron band matches anything!!

I love the different styles and colors to choose from and I love that they are hand made in the USA! They dont slip around on my head and I can wear them while working out with confidence that they will stay put!! I've worn them several times through out the month and posting other pics on my instagram page: rdevaughn4.

Here's her website for more info:

http://www.katieheddleston.com/bamrbands/

ABOUT BAMR BANDS

BAMR Bands, Bad Ass Mother Runner Bands, are 7/8 inch non-slip fitness (and fashion) headbands for a cause! One dollar from every headband purchased goes to the charity, Every Mother Counts – a charity aiming to “end preventable deaths caused by pregnancy and childbirth around the world. Every Mother Counts informs, engages, and mobilizes new audiences to take action to improve the health and well-being of girls and women worldwide.”

BAMR Bands was founded in January 2013 by me, Katie Heddleston! I pride myself in choosing fun ribbon for my headbands, that you can enjoy wearing while working out or out-and-about! Each headband is lined with a velvet ribbon that helps cling to the hair, making them non-slip. I created BAMR Bands for a few reasons 1) I felt like there was a void of fun fitness headbands on the market, 2) I wanted to start a company that I could do from home, and 3) I felt the call to help EMC. I honesty LOVE this business and am so thankful and blessed to have you as supporters.

For inquiries about BAMR Bands, please email BAMRbands (at) gmail (dot) com.

Ready for a FREE GIVEAWAY??!!! 

Enter below!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Empower Fitness Portable Pilates Studio kit and dvd Review

I'm an Empower Fitness Blogger reviewer which means periodically they send me a product to test and review for my blog complimentary.

A couple months ago they sent me their Portable Pilates Studio kit and I LOVE IT!!!
Here's the link from their website:

http://empowerfitness.com/portable-pilates-studio-long-lean-workout-dvd

Description of product:

Lose inches & Burn Calories Fast!

The Portable Pilates Studio is one of those pieces of equipment that makes you say, "That's genius! Why didn't I think of that?" –Girls Gone Sporty

Sculpt, tone, and strengthen in minimum time! The affordable Empower Pilates training system provides an amazing total body toning workout in the privacy of your own home! Get slim and sexy with our simple and effective Pilates routine. Sculpt your legs, arms, buns, and thighs while targeting your abs with every move. Lose pounds and inches while achieving that long and lean look!

• Lightweight and portable-easy to be used at home or in a personal training studio
• Can be used for Pilates training as well as upper body strength training
• New power cords are a safer alternative to resistance tubing
• Bar disassembles for easy storage
• Includes 36" Pilates bar with two 30" power cords with attached foot loops on each side if the bar, follow along 35-minute workout DVD with bonus upper body strength workout

3 incredibly fun, effective workouts for all fitness levels designed for fast results! This customizable workout , developed by fitness professional Gin Miller, is both efficient and effective.

• Burn Calories
• Lose Weight
• Lose Inches
• Look & Feel Better

This is what the product box looks like when it came in the mail. 

It comes in two pieces. Super easy to put together!! 

Comes with DVD workout and poster. 

Then it looks like this! 

Menu Guide-thee are 4 sections to choose from.  

Section 1

Section 2

This was tough but felt GOOD!!! 

Section 3

Section 4

I included the dvd time with each clip because the dvd cover does not state how long the workouts are. I always have to know how long a workout is before I start it... :-) 

I thought since it was pilates, I wouldn't need shoes. I tried it briefly and then put my shoes on because I needed shoes because of the straps. The instructor and other girl are always wearing shoes so I recommend it. 

Having the bar helped tremendously with my pilates posture which was awesome!! The first segment was pretty easy for me but when I got to the second... wow... things got harder and I felt the burn!!! 

Now that I've used this bar, I enjoyed Pilates alot more and will be using this again!!  

The instructor supervised over the girl by showing how to do each move properly and explaining each step. She was very specific and went slow enough for me to follow along. I was pleasantly surprised with the instruction of the workouts.  

For the price, this is a great piece to add to your personal gym and its very portable and light! 

You can buy this product here: 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NG9YFW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001NG9YFW&linkCode=as2&tag=empowerfitnes-20

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1129923/empower-portable-pilates-studio.jsp

Bare Minerals-Bare Escentuals Crystallized Sephora exclusive holiday 2013 kit review

Exclusive to Sephora!

Limited Edition 

Bare Minerals/ Bare Escentuals Crystallized 

Full Face Collection

$54.00

http://www.sephora.com/crystalized-full-face-collection-P383035?skuId=1554963

What it is: 
Eight makeup wonders featuring shimmering crystallized color in a keepsake tin. 

What it does: 
Bring on the bling with jaw-dropping, head-turning, crystallized color like you’ve never seen before. Holographic hues, explosions of iridescence, and mesmerizing shine all come together in one incredible collection for shimmering smoky eyes, radiant cheeks, and glitzy lips guaranteed to create a lasting impression. 

This set contains: 
- 0.01 oz Mesmerized Liner Shadow in Dark Charcoal 
- 0.02 oz Steam Eyecolor in Metallic Silver Shimmer
- 0.03 oz Golden Gate Radiance All-Over Face Color
- 0.09 oz bareMinerals READY® Eyeshadow 2.0, The Magic Wand in Presto (almond satin) and Abracadabra (shimmering slate) 
- 0.12 oz. Marvelous Moxie™ Lipstick in Break Away (luscious mauve) 
- 0.07 fl. oz Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Hypnotist (holographic violet-peach) 
- 0.37 oz Lash Domination™ 10-in-1 Volumizing Mascara in Intense Black 
- Double-Ended Shade and Line Brush 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
- Parabens 
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates

My personal pictures of the collection I got last week: 

(these items are all FULL sized) 

The tin is so pretty and I love the color purple!! 

I'm not sure how long the hinge on it will last, but it will hold alot once I take out the plastic insert piece. 

Liner Shadow-Mesmerized

Eyecolor-Steam

All over face color-Golden Gate Radiance

Ready 2.0 color palette-Presto and Abracadabra

Moxie lipgloss-Hypnotist

Mascara-newest formula called Lash Dominiation

Double ended shade and liner brush

Moxie lipstick-Break away

MY THOUGHTS:

I used some of these pieces this week, not all of them yet. 

I LOVE the lipstick! Its the perfect color for me and went on nice and smooth. I will be using this alot!! 

The lipgloss is super cool with the reflecting colors and love it too. It goes on smoothly and isn't very sticky. 

Used the mascara-not one of my favorites but its okay. I like my Mally mascara or the BE flawless definition mascara better!! 

The ready 2.0 palette is beautiful but alot lighter than I thought! I used Presto as my lid color and Abracadabra as my crease color. I ended up applying a BE eye liner pencil  because my eye lid was really light and I needed more "eye pop" besides the color and mascara. Next time I will try Abracadabra on my eye lid. It looks like it would be too dark, but I think it will be okay to use.  

I used the eye color steam for under the eye brow color and its such a pretty white highlighter color! love it! 

Hope to use the other products soon. 

The new QVC TSV BE kit is on its way!! Can't wait to try those new colors also!! I try to only treat myself 2 or 3 times a year with a new makeup kit, so will post colors when I get that soon.   

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

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/knowledge-size.htm

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

http://www.fabletics.com/index.cfm?action=shop.viewproduct&featured_product_location_id=0&product_id=644566&psrc=shopping_pages_bottoms&master_product_id=644551&original_master_product_id=644551

.

VAASA SPORTS BRA

DETAILS

• Fabric: 55% Nylon/45% Polyester
• Support: Light

http://www.fabletics.com/index.cfm?action=shop.viewproduct&featured_product_location_id=0&product_id=581731&psrc=shopping_pages_tops&master_product_id=581722&original_master_product_id=581722+

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

http://www.fabletics.com/index.cfm?action=shop.viewproduct&featured_product_location_id=0&product_id=581011&psrc=shopping_pages_bottoms&master_product_id=580996&original_master_product_id=580996

UTOPIA TANK

DETAILS

• Fabric: 89% Polyester/11% Spandex
• Fit: Semi-Fitted
• Length: Hip

http://www.fabletics.com/index.cfm?action=shop.viewproduct&featured_product_location_id=0&product_id=580756&psrc=shopping_pages_tops&master_product_id=580744&original_master_product_id=580744

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

http://www.fabletics.com/index.cfm?action=shop.viewproduct&featured_product_location_id=0&product_id=644119&psrc=shopping_pages_tops&master_product_id=644107&original_master_product_id=644107

CAMACAN CAPRI

DETAILS

• Fabric: 88% Polyester/12% Spandex
• Rise: Mid
• Inseam: 20"
• Leg Fit: Fitted

http://www.fabletics.com/index.cfm?action=shop.viewproduct&featured_product_location_id=0&product_id=643795&psrc=shopping_pages_bottoms&master_product_id=643780&original_master_product_id=643780

.

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

http://www.fabletics.com/index.cfm?action=shop.viewproduct&featured_product_location_id=0&product_id=644209&psrc=shopping_pages_tops&master_product_id=644200&original_master_product_id=644200

LIMA CAPRI

DETAILS

• Fabric: 88% Polyester/12% Spandex
• Rise: Mid
• Inseam: 20"
• Leg Fit: Fitted

 http://www.fabletics.com/index.cfm?action=shop.viewproduct&featured_product_location_id=0&product_id=643564&psrc=shopping_pages_bottoms&master_product_id=643549&original_master_product_id=643549

ESPOO SWEATSHIRT

DETAILS

• Fabric: 89% Polyester/11% Spandex
• Fit: Relaxed
• Length: Above Hip

http://www.fabletics.com/index.cfm?action=shop.viewproduct&featured_product_location_id=0&product_id=643867&psrc=shopping_pages_tops&master_product_id=643855&original_master_product_id=643855

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!!!