Apera Bag Review

Compensation - I received one Apera Bag Performance Duffel in Black 

Retail Price - $124

Website - www.aperabags.com

When I was approached a few months ago to receive and review one of these bags I jumped at the chance because until then, I had not had a real gym bag. At the time I was using a tote bag which was functional but awkward to use as it was too large for the lockers at my gym. I had checked out the website very briefly and liking what I saw I jumped at the chance to check this bag out. 

It was love at first sight.

Most bags claim to fit everything you need but this bag really did deliver. Here are some features I really liked:

-The side pockets for shoes are awesome. On one side I put my running sneakers and the other flip flops for when I go swimming.

-The two top zipper pockets that hold my Ipod and earphones on one side, deodorant and lip balm on the other (easy access)

-The removable drawstring bag that is also anti-microbial as is the inside of the bag itself. Great for dirty clothes or my damp swim gear until I head home. 

-PLENTY of inside pockets for items.

-TWO pockets for water bottles on the outside. 

Here is the Apera Bag video so you can see what I mean by how awesome this bag is.

I have "liked" a lot of running items that I have reviewed but this has been my favorite product so far. I am wildly possessive of it and will not leave in my car unattended. I am that protective of it. I would be crushed if I lost or damaged it. So.....It goes with me everywhere.

If you are looking for a great gym bag that is versatile, clean and helps keep your things organized then this is the bag you MUST have. 

Run Blue Doggy: Running Leash - Review

I purchased this product myself from the Run Blue Doggy Etsy Shop www.etsy.com/shop/RunBlueDoggy


I was pretty excited to come across this etsy shop on Facebook. I am not really sure how it happened but I think it was because another runner posted a link to the shop's Facebook offer that was running at the time. Regardless, after having a few runs with my now 3 year old Castle, I was ready for something that I could use that would allow me to keep me hands free. One reason I have started using the treadmill more was because I have had to run a lot more at night. Living in Vegas, well, I don't always feel comfortable doing that alone. I usually stick to parks but I always feel a bit anxious on my own. There is also the need to get Castle exercise too since I don't take him the the dog park like I used to.

A bit of info about the product. These are hand made and can be made to order through contacting the seller on etsy. I chose the Special Edition Camo version (for my manly dog - LOL) which cost $24.49 and just saw that they also have a key fob ($4.99) which I may pick up at some point. They are made of a sturdy nylon material and have a trigger hook which was also heavy duty.

This afternoon I took the Run Blue Doggy out for a trial run. It did take a bit for both Castle and me to get used to. He gets very excited when he first starts out so he was all over the place. I admit my right ankle is a bit sore from dodging him but once we both got the hang of it the rest of the run went well. I learned how to use my body language to keep him on one side and if he did stray I was able to maneuver without much effort. I felt zero rubbing or discomfort with the belt that was attached around my waist and was able to easily grab a hold of the leash if another dog  or person walked by.

We ended up running for 2 miles and I am planning on taking him out with this leash again for longer and longer runs. If you are a runner and would like to take your pup out for runs but hate the cumbersome feeling of holding onto a leash,  this is definitely going to be a product you will love.

Check them out on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RunBlueDoggy

Meaningful Beauty Review #MeaningfulBeauty

Product Website - http://www.meaningfulbeauty.com/products/products,default,pg.html

Note: I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

Meaningful Beauty - Crème de Sérum

Description per the product website: "This crème de la crème treatment takes a triple approach to combating the signs of aging with three powerful anti-aging ingredients: superantioxidant melon complex, anti-aging peptides and hyaluronic acid. Combining the power of a serum with the rich, moisturizing effects of a crème, this super-boost is designed to help protect, increase hydration and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."

Cost Per Bottle via Website: $39.95

Likes: Pleasant texture and smell. 

Dislikes: As with many beauty products it is hard to tell whether the product is working or if your regular regime, (diet, excercise, water intake) is causing your skin to appear clean and tone improvement. Unlike with my last review of a similar product I did not see any tangible results but I have only used the product for about a month.

Bottom Line: The jury is out. I cannot say either way whether this product is effective. 

Project #BareSelfie: Baring It All for @LancomeUSA and @SheSpeaksUp

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Lancome and SheSpeaks. Product was provided to me for review purposes. The review provided below was honest and without bias. 

It is tough for any woman to post photos of themselves without a stitch of makeup but SheSpeaks and Lancome challenged me to do just that in this product review of Lancome's DreamTone. I was provided a 1.3 fl. oz. bottle for Fair Skin Tones, which retails for $98. A bit pricey for many but my current regime is also on the higher end and retails in the same price range. I stopped using that product a few weeks before receiving DreamTone in order to give it a full and honest review. My previous regime was not color correcting but I made sure to just use a basic moisturizer for those few weeks while I waited for this product to arrive. 

In the interim, I checked out Lancome's website on the product and went through the information they provided on what the product's main goals were and what Project #BareSelfie was all about. I liked that they were so confident about their product that they encouraged women to post photos of what their skin looked like after 8 weeks of using DreamTone using the hashtag #bareselfie. 

Here are the bare facts provided by Lancome on what DreamTone is and what results they have seen so far:

About Lancôme DreamTone: DreamTone is the next generation in dark spot correction. This customized skin tone correcting serum is so powerful, 72% of women dare to bare their skin.* The new DreamTone is 3 barely-tinted serums formulated to visibly correct dark spots, color imperfections and give you a more even-looking skin tone. It comes in 3 serums customized for your skin tone: 1- Fair, 2 – Medium, 3 – Dark.

Their results:

IMMEDIATELY: 

• 74% saw glowing skin*

7 DAYS: 

• 70% noticed a more even skin tone*

4 WEEKS:

• 69% saw the appearance of dark spots reduced*

8 WEEKS: 

• 78% saw color imperfections reduced*

How to Use: For best results, apply the product twice per day, in the morning and evening under your moisturizer. 

Purchase Information: Lancôme DreamTone retails for $98 for a 1.3 fl oz. bottle and is available for purchase at Lancôme.com and department stores nationwide.

*All results based on global self-assessments of women of multiple ethnicities in an 8-week study. 72% reflects 8 weeks of use.

Bring on MY RESULTS!

Here is my #bareselfie from Day 1 and from today. 

 

As you can see in the above photo I did in fact see results. Prior to seeing this side-by-side photo I would have said that I did not see any real significant changes but looking at it now my skin is definitely smoother, and even has a bit of a glow. I did have some blemishes during use but I attribute them to changes in my hormone levels and at times when I normally saw those appear so I cannot out any of that happening on the product at all.


I did like the way that the product was packaged and also the smell and texture of the product going on was light and pleasant. One problem I have had with many other products is the need to use a lot of fragances in an effort to win the user over but in this case that was not an issue.

I give this product 4 out of 5 stars, with the only main drawback being price. Yet, if getting a little clarity in your skin is an issue for you I would recommend giving this product a try.

Ad. Love reviewing new products! Ran a 5k in them so far. Comfy.

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/fTHMqZxxZf/

Item Received was free to reviewer. 

Ad. Received this book in the mail. Going to be a busy gal this weekend. #bookreview

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/fBv2iGRxTr/

Item Received was free to reviewer. 

RIBZ Front Pack

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received RIBZ Front Pack for free from RIBZwear.com as coordinated by Deep Creek Public Relations.

Me wearing the RIBZ Front Pack

A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to test out the RIBZ front pack. Last weekend I took the pack out for a hike I was taking with my dog. This was an ideal trip to use the pack. I was by myself and I had to have a free hand, sometimes two, to keep my dog on track. I also did not want to wear a heavy back pack on a hot day (it was close to 90 degrees by my hike time) as it can wear me down and become quite uncomfortable.

Castle and I headed to Calico Springs, which is located next to Red Rock Canyon. The pack was definitely an asset. On one side I had my digital camera. Normally I have to put my camera in my backpack which makes it difficult to stop, take off the back pack and use the camera. With the RIBZ front pack I was able to use one had to unzip the pack and grab the camera. The pics you see here were all taken with my IPhone which I was able to safely store in one of the zipper pockets on the front of the pack.

Castle, loving his hike with mommy.

RIBZ Front Pack: Camera Fit Nicely

RIBZ Front Pack: Dog's Collapsible Water Bowl and Treats

RIBZ Front Pack:
Not shown were two water bottles I fit inside, you can also see
mesh side pockets inside as well for smaller items.

RIBZ Front Pack:
Two sides to the pack, each with a zipper pocket on front.
The front pockets zipper together, similar to a vest or jacket.
Can easily distribute the weight on each side. 

RIBZ Front Pack: Packs up in a nice water resistant nylon bag. 

Here are the details on the RIBZ Front Pack I received as seen above, per their website.

Fabric:
Cordura Brand water resistant ripstop
Capacity:
700+ Cu In
Weight:
11 oz.
Waist:
32-44 in
Model:
GRN-R
Shipping Weight:
1 lbs


Current Retail Price: $59.95


"A front pack is a pack or bag that allows for access of equipment from the persons chest. Front packs first and foremost allow for easy access of gear without the removal of any equipment. In many adventure outdoor activities it can be critical to the sport to have the ability to reach essential gear fast without the removal of a backpack. Simplicity is the foremost purpose of the front pack but there are many additional benefits as well"



My breakdown on the product:

Pros:

• Easily Accessible Pockets
• Easily Stored in Nylon Bag Provided
• Hands Free Capability with out a heavy back back, but allows you to use a backpack as well if need to heavy hiking, etc. 

Cons:

• Color Selection: I would like some more choices other than Alpine (what I received) Camo, Stealh and Grey
• Straps, the front sides were easily adjustable but I did have trouble with the back straps, not as much leeway there to tighten it. 
• Price - a bit steep for my budget 

Overall:

Despite the color selection, the strap issue I had, and the price, the product was super handy to have. If you are like me and hate being bogged down with a heavy back pack on hikes, especially of you have a dog, this item will be an asset to have at your disposable. I loved the easy access to things I needed. I also liked that I was able to have my hands free the rest of the time to hold on to my dog and to have fun with him too. Great product.