Vega Sport Protein Review

I received the opportunity to review Vega Sport Protein which I am so excited to share with you. Before I begin to tell you about my experience, let me tell you a little about Vega Sport & the protein I was given.

Vega Sport offers a wide variety of sports performance products that are clean, plant-based, natural, and of course, Informed Choice certified. They have different lines of products to help you perform at your best before, during, and after your workouts. Their products include: pre-workout energizers, electrolyte hydrators, energy bars, endurance gels, performance protein, protein bars, and recovery accelerators.

Of all the products Vega Sport offers, I was most interested in trying the performance protein. I am always searching for a great protein powder that can aide in my workout recovery as well as giving me essential protein to fuel my muscles.

I was sent the vanilla flavor protein powder. I have to be honest, I was somewhat disappointed because I would much rather have tried the chocolate. The first protein powder I mixed with water, nothing else. It was okay - the texture and taste weren't too impressive. I was impressed however by the nutritional information - 26g of protein in just one scoop combined with 0.2g of fat and about 4g of carbs!!!! Those are some nice ratios if you ask me! =) For my second protein powder shake I had reached out to Vega Sport via Twitter and asked them what to mix in with my vanilla protein to "flavorize" it a bit. They promptly replied and said a popular combo is mixing the vanilla protein powder with a non-dairy milk. So I tried chocolate almond milk and I also threw in a frozen banana for some extra flavor. It was really good! The texture and taste were way better and I enjoyed my protein packed shake! I took my shakes after some weight lifting and running at the gym, and I honestly can say that I did feel replenished and energized after my protein shake.

I think Vega Sport is hands down, the best option for anyone who is looking for a plant-based protein, or any other type of sports performance products. I, myself, who will also eat other types of proteins, loved the Vega Sport protein because it had low amounts of fillers. With 33g per serving, and protein consisting of 26g, that leaves 7g of fillers which is a great source of lean protein in my book!

As part of Vega Sport's Fuel Your Better campaign, here is the main reason why I wanted to try the performance protein.

What's your reason? Check out Vega Sport's "Fuel Your Better" campaign here.

July 2014 Stitch Fix Review # 4

Oh man, I'm so glad I scheduled this fix that I was on the fence about (although my husband probably isn't all that glad) because I LOVED it! My second fix, which you can read about here, had been my favorite fix before today's. My third fix, which you can read about here, was just okay. Maybe it was partly my fault for not giving my stylist enough detail on what I wanted. So this time around, I was not shy with my requests. I went on Pinterest and literally picked out 5 of my favorite tops to request. In the notes for my stylist, I copied the exact shirt name and description and gave her a little reason why I loved the shirts so much. Well, of the five requests, I got ZERO. That was okay because what she did send totally made up for it! The funny part is that my stylist gave me a note that read, "I did find a top that was featured on your Pinterest that I hope you will like. The Pomelo Dory Tank for your everyday tank." Well, turns out, that was my LEAST favorite of the tops. Haha.

[one] Pomelo Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse. First off, I am a huge fan of the color black. You can dress it up so nicely for a night out or you can wear it casual without looking like a slob. I could definitely wear this top with a pair of skinny jeans and flats or heels, depending on the occasion. The gold stud detail makes the shirt and I also love the fit of the shirt & the soft material. I'm just not sure if I should get it or not. It's $58.00.

Verdict: Unsure 

[two] C. Luce Teresa Colorblocked Sleeveless Blouse. I LOVE this color combo. I had done a google search for this shirt and saw it with two different color options but didn't see this one. Well, of the three color options I saw, this one included, the pink and white combo I received was by far my favorite! I was so happy!! This is one of the downfalls to Stitch Fix.... Because someone else is picking out the clothes for you, you don't get to decide which color they send you in which tops. I got lucky on this one! Also, I love the gold zipper on the back and the high slitted sides of the shirt. It adds the perfect amount of fun to the shirt. 

Verdict: Kept

[three] Under Skies Clarissa Lace & Crochet Detail Cotton Tank. I had requested a white tank/shirt and I loved this one I received. It is totally me and a shirt I can wear everyday. Only problem, it's white and I have two little boys. Oh well, I'm up for the challenge! I love the way white and jean shorts/pants look together. This shirt sorta blows the eShakti one I got out the window. =) hehe 

Verdict: Kept

[four] Mystree Bessie Crochet Overlay Striped Tank. Hands down, my favorite Stitch Fix item EVER received! This tank is so cute. I love stripes and I love how this tank has two different patterns of stripes! The crochet overlay adds the perfect bit of fun to the shirt too. Basically, I love everything about this shirt. I think this shirt was made for me. =) And look at that detail?! Gorgeous.

Verdict: KEPT!!!!!!!!

[five] Pomelo Dory Braid Detailed Striped Tank. This top is just okay. It is the cheapest top in my fix (of course) and my least favorite. This is the top I had pinned on my pinterest board but in a different color. The fit isn't the best and it's a little shorter than I would like. If I keep all the other four shirts, this shirt would be free because of the 25% off discount I would get for keeping everything. Thoughts?

Verdict: Unsure

If you were me, what tops would you keep? Which would you send back? Would you like to try Stitch Fix out? Head over HERE and create a profile. Then you can schedule your fix whenever you would like. It's that easy. Warning: very addicting!! =)

Tuna Casserole Recipe

I am so excited to share this recipe! I found something similar on Pinterest and when I tried it, it was an instant hit with my husband and two little boys. We do all like tuna, however, I'm not big into all the mayo that is usually associated with tuna. SO - the best part about this recipe, NO MAYO! Just lots of cheese and noodles =) For all my AdvoCare friends, this is definitely not on the list of advo friendly recipes, but definitely give it a try!

Ingredients

• 16 oz of egg noodles
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter 
• 4 tablespoons of flour 
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 2 cups of milk (I used whole milk)
• 3 cups of cheese (I used a blend of cheddar, mozarella & monterey jack)
• 2 cans of your favorite tuna ( 7 oz cans)
• 1 cup of peas (I used frozen)

Directions

1. Cook egg noodles, drain & set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
3. In a sauce pan over medium heat, combine butter, flour, salt, and milk. Stir constantly until everything melts and sauce thickens. 
4. Add 2 cups of cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until cheese melts completely. 
5. In a large bowl, combine egg noodles, cheese sauce, tuna and peas. Mix together so that the cheese sauce is evenly coated throughout and the peas and tuna are mixed in w/egg noodles. (Note: I used frozen peas and rinsed them prior to combining them w/mixture)
6. Pour mixture into a 13 x 9 inch baking pan and bake mixture uncovered for 20 minutes. 
   
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese ontop of the mixture and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. 
8. Enjoy!

I forgot to take a picture of the finished product so here is what it looks like half eaten =) Best part about this recipe is how great it tastes reheated. 

eShakti - Women's Fashion Review

Have you heard of eShakti women's clothing? I hadn't until about two weeks ago when I received an email asking if I would be interested in reviewing them and writing about my thoughts on the women's fashion line. Oh, and they threw in a free clothing item. =) I was so excited, my first surprise email asking for me to review something. YAY!

Here is a little background about the company: eShakti is ranked number one in women's custom clothing. They can make fashion items to fit you, the customer, based on your size and style! They also have standard sizes, everything from 0-36W. Check them out on their website here.

I immediately went on their website to see what they were all about. I have to admit, it is not my style. At all. I love the layout of the website, it's ease of navigation, and all the clothes are bright and fun. I felt like the clothes were a bit to "old lady-ish" if you will, and "girly" for me. I had a hard time picking a clothing item that I loved so when I saw the floral embellished white cotton tank, I figured it would be the closest to my style as it was going to get. I was really excited about it because I could really use a new tank top in this summer California heat, and I don't have much white in my wardrobe (maybe because of my messy boys). Here are some pictures of the shirt.

The shirt retails for $54.95, which is high for the type of shirt it is, in my opinion. It is pretty cute but the fit isn't the best. The top of the shirt is a little to tight for me and hugs my armpits. And the chest part could be bigger too. Then the bottom half of the shirt is really flowy and poofy (are these even words I'm using, lol) which is cute but side view, makes me look bigger than I am. 

Overall, I am grateful and appreciative that I had the opportunity to review eShakti. I love the concept of custom clothes for women, depending on their sizes & figures. But I have to say, I probably won't be visiting their site anytime soon - maybe in 20 years! =) 

Disclaimer: I was provided with a complementary shirt courtesy of eShakti.  I was asked to give an honest review and I was not required to provide a positive review, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Deals & Steals No.1

Who else out there LOVES to bargain shop? I absolutely LOVE getting a deal! It's more than just buying a new item; it's the rush of excitement I get when it rings up way cheaper than the price tag says (I know, I'm a nerd). Due to my recent decision to lay low with stitch fix for a bit, I wanted to share with some of my "deal-loving" mommy readers where I get my deals & steals! My biggest secret is called MACY'S. They always have coupons - spend $50, get $20 off.... that is 40% discount right there! And to top it off, I can find some really cute stuff already discounted so when I use the coupon on top of the already marked down item, I'm looking at over 50% off. Here are some of my most recent finds.

one] Volcom Jacket - Original Price: $79.50, My Price: $22.90. Savings of 71.2%. This jacket is so cute and I love it. A definite keeper! Now the weather just has to get cooler so I can wear it =)

two] Roxy T-Back Crochet Back Cover-Up Dress - Original Price: $38.00, My Price: $16.15. Savings of 57.5%. I really need a new cover-up but not sure how I feel about this one. It's something - that's how I look at it. I usually just throw on jean shorts and a tank top over my bathing suits but thought I could use a dress. I think the back is super cute but the front is just whatever. Do you think it's a keeper & worth what I paid?

three] Rebellious One Dress - Original Price: $39.00, My Price: $11.99. Savings of 69.3%. Remember my second stitch fix when I was sent a maxi dress for about $80? I ended up not keeping it because it was too expensive for a dress I probably won't wear too often. Well, how about this deal I got?! This maxi dress is a little more me and WAY more affordable.... especially considering I'm not really a long dress girl (probably because I'm so short and I feel weird in long dresses). Anyways, I think I have to keep this one for the price, even if I only wear it a few times. I love the detail on the straps/back of dress! (And I have to mention that it actually is the perfect length) (btw - sorry for the crappy pictures... I still need a nice camera =/)

four] Becca Side Tab Hipster Bottom - Original Price: $58.00, My Price: $17.50. Savings of 69.8%. This bathing suit bottom I bought at Everything But Water about a month ago. I needed some new white ones and these were a steal! They were marked down to $34.99 and then, were an additional 50% off. Cute, huh?

five] Pink Rose Striped Back Zipper Tee - Original Price: $34.00, My Price: $16.32. Savings of 52%. I LOVE this top! I wore it the first day I bought it (Sunday)! It is a great fit and has a super cute zipper back.... not to mention my favorite - stripes! I'm drawn to stripes, it's crazy.... I don't even realize it but, everything I tend to gravitate towards, is stripes. The material of this shirt is awesome too. Sorry but the picture below is the only one I have of the shirt --- check out the back view here! I think I want to buy another color online.... Along with this shirt & this shirt.... ummmm $4.99? STEALSSS!!!! And I just saw a couple other cute ones but I won't list the entire department =)

I would love to hear from any other bargain shopping ladies out there about their deals & get some more ideas of places to shop. And for those of you non-bargain shoppers, I hope I have encouraged you to get out there and don't overpay for cute clothes! Happy Bargain Shopping =)