{Go Red For Womem} Celebrating 10 Years of Saving Lives

Posted on January 29, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

I have always been involved with the American Heart Association. As a child I participated in jump rope for heart, learned CPR with my girl scout troop, and in college I volunteered with the Twin Ports Go Red Chapter. My family has been supporting the American Heart Association since the day a little girl named Emma came into our lives. Emma taught us that life is cruel and even thou we are small we must play the hand fate dealt us.

Emma was dealt a shitty hand right from the start. You see she came into this world with a broken heart. Emma was the fist infant in Minnesota to receive a heart transplant. With that transplant we were filled with hope for a brighter day. Emma was one hell of a fighter, she gave life her all until the last breath left her body on December 29th, 1995. Emma was 3 yeas old when she left this world. Her father was robbed of the chance to walk her down the isle, and her sisters were cheated out of a best friend. From that moment I was committed to the mission of saving lives.

Fast forward a few years I was away at college in the north woods of Wisconsin far away from my family. On February 8th 2002 I called home to speak to my father. Instead of a conversation, I found out that my father was fighting for his life. I hung up the phone, my knees hit the floor and I prayed to God to take me instead. My father gave it his all, he’s an angle with one wing in the fire and someone up there was looking out for him that day. The mayo clinic fixed his heart and he was able to see his daughter graduate from college, get married, and watched her find herself. Mostly he got to stand by his daughter’s side as she recovered from a stroke.

Emma and my father were to very good reasons to volunteer with the American Heart Association. Little did I know that at 26 I would become the very survivor I was advocating for. On October 22, 2009 my life changed forever. Five days before my 27th birthday I became a pulmonary embolism with infarction and stroke survivor. I have no side effects or disabilities from my stroke. I am one of the lucky ones. I received the life saving clot busters in the nick of time and excellent care. One thing is for certain I will never look at birth control the same way again.

I went on birth control to regulate my hormones in hopes that I would become pregnant. The doctor recommended the Nuva Ring and said I should use it for a year and then try to conceive. Sadly I was on it for less than a year. Instead of a child, I had the rug ripped out from under me. The Nuva Ring took the very thing I wanted out of the equation. I want more than anything to look into a child’s eyes and know that I brought them into this world. The odds are stacked against me and the risks are far to big. So I settled on the notion that I would never be a Mom.

I know the odds, yet I am not able to quiet the desire. I love being an Aunt, heck being an aunt has made my thirst for motherhood grow. I did a lot of soul searching and faced the sun. Then one day it hit me and I knew there was still an option. The Nuva Ring may have taken my ability to carry a child away, but it will (mark my word) never take away my option to adopt a child. An that is exactly why I am going Red this year.

Left: 2009 / Right 2013 Looking back and celebrating 4 years of Survival

I am going RED for all of the survivors who are now mothers and for all of our sisters who never got the chance to be called MOM. Because of donors like you women like me are getting the chance to be Moms. We are getting the chance to go to college, to fall in love, to get married, and to have families of our own. 10 years ago our futures looked bleak and now, now they are so bright it will set your heart on fire. Every day we are saving 330 women, every day 330 women are getting the chance to live. Young survivors are thriving, the old are spreading their wisdom, and together we are making a stand. A stand against the number one killer of women.

My dream is to one day put away my red dress and to live in a world free of stroke and heart disease. Mostly I want to look into my child’s eyes and love them with every inch of my surviving heart.

{Ipsy} “19 Reasons” – January 2014

Posted on January 20, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

The Bag

I received my very first Ipsy glam bag in December and it was an absolute hit. I was in love with the quality of products and the bag was very cute. My bag was over flowing with a lot of great make up and accessories, such as fake lashes and an eyeshadow brush. The January sneak peeks did not disappoint and I couldn’t stand the wait. Lucky for me my glam room updated before my bag shipped so I was able to see all of the products I was getting.

So What did I get in my Glam Bag? “Oh! I am so glad you asked, let’s find out!”

19 Reasons

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask: Repair and treat dry, damaged and breaking hair with Don’t Despair, Repair!™ deep conditioning mask. Fortified with ultra-hydrating avocado, sweet almond & argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, power-conditioning rosehip oil, soothing aloe, and super hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, E and biotin. This unique complex of targeted ingredients helps increase hair elasticity and moisture to prevent breakage, promotes healthy shine and luster, and replenishes strength.

Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow, in Pearl: The ultimate gel pencil that’s smooth like butter and packed with deliciously creamy colors. These velvety pencils glide on with ease, and contain just enough shimmer.

MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm, in Fiesta: 24 hour Tinted Lip Balm conditions your lips without smudge while delivering sophisticated finish. For a sheer wash of color, one swipe is all you need.

Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads: are a convenient, single-use, no-rinse peel pad that can instantly boost your skin’s glow and radiance. The pads help remove dead skin cells to unclog pores and remove dull layers to reveal newer, smoother, more even toned skin. With just a few quick swipes you can help fade away post acne dark marks, reduce the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores.

I am very happy with January’s bag. I am glad that the focus was on skin care and now I have many new products to try. Healthy skin is the foundation for beautiful makeup, so it is important for us to take care of the beauty that lies under the makeup.

Do you want an Ipsy Glam Bag of your very own? Well the, for $10 a month (shipping is free) you will receive a Glam Bag filled with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. If you want a bag of your very own or more information please visit http://www.ipsy.com/r/1w1i Trust me you will be glad you did!

***I was no compensated for my post. Opinions are my own***

{Birch Box} GO TIME ~ January 2014

Posted on January 20, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

GO TIME

Ever since I had a chat with a Birch Box customer service rep the products in my box have greatly improved. I can’t remember her name, but she was great. The Rep took the time to help me create my profile, she said the trick to he Birch Box profile is “less is more.” Checking everything is like saying “oh give me any old thing you have.” Less helps them pin point the exact products that will benefit your lifestyle and beauty routine. I am very happy with my samples this month.

The Birch Box theme for January 2014 is GO TIME. “In 2014 we are taking on more: more things to try, to conquer, to integrate into our lives. New products—in the form of this month’s samples—are just the beginning. We’ll be bringing you plenty of inspiration, from a 10-minute workout you can do anywhere to the top beauty trends to try right now.”

I must say that’s a pretty great theme to start out the year with. I always look at the start of the new year as an empty book. Each minute and each hour of every day are filled with moments that will line every page of my newly opened book. Will it be an incredible year or a terrible blunder, only fate knows that.

Back to the Box! I am super excited to share the fun I unboxed this month!

GO TIME:

100% Pure Reparative cream, Smoothing Night Cream & Organic Eye Cream:This moisturizing trio diminishes lines, plumps, brightens, and smooths.
——————-> Earlier in the week my face was very dry from the harsh winter weather so I gave the Reparative cream a shot. I went to bed with scaly dry skin and woke up to a beautifully smooth and soft face. No flakes, just flawless skin! That’s a win win in my book.

Fekkai Brilliant Gloss Crème: Rich in olive oil, this creamy frizz-tamer gives strands all day shimmer.
—————-> Truth: I keep forgetting to try this and I am kicking my self in he tush for it. This product has rave reviews and it is now safely sitting in my shower rack.

INIKA Mineral Eyeshadow in Eternal Marine: Packed with certified-organic ingredients, these natural pigments stay vibrant for hours.
——————-> The shade I received is beautiful, however it is to dark for my fair skin.

Nail Rock Glitter: The UK brand’s two-step system for your sparkliest mani ever.
—————–> I received the ruby red polish and matching glitter. This polish was a little complicated for my tastes so I handed it off to my coworker Renae. I am pretty darn sure she will put this very pretty polish to good use.

LifeStyle Extra: Ahmad Tea London

All in all January’s box was awesome and I cannot wait to see what Birch Box has in store for February!

Birch Box is a beauty and lifestyle subscription box program that costs $10.00 per month. For every box ordered or every $10 spent in their shop you can earn 10 points. 100 points will get you a free birch box or $10 towards a purchase in the shop at birchbox.com. I know you’ve got friends so why not refer those friends to Birch box and earn a few points for doing so. If you would like to learn more and get a Birch Box of your very own go to http://www.birchbox.com for more information.

***I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are my own***

{Honest Company} Essential Bundle

Posted on January 12, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

One day you wake up and realize that you do not need to follow the status quo. That there is a better way of living and that your body could be healthier. You put down your chemical cleaning spray, throw out that processed meal, and say hello to the possibilities. Green should be my middle name, instead its Geneva. I drive a Prius, buy local whenever possible, and do my best to keep chemicals out of my home. Being green isn’t a fad, it’s a lifestyle choice. Sure its a little bit more expensive, yet a healthier you is priceless. You cannot put a price tag on your health.

The FDA is giving companies until 2016 to prove that antibacterial hand soaps and products are beneficial to our health. If they can’t prove it, then they must pull their products from the market. Did you know that a lot of household cleaning products have formaldehyde as a main ingredient? Last time I checked formaldehyde was for a corpse and not my multi-surface cleaner and nail polish. Formaldehyde is in everything these days and that scares me. So many products are laced with bad chemicals and as of right now the FDA is doing nothing to regulate the ingredients of household cleaning products.

There is a better way. A greener and healthier way. One that is filled with possibilities and hope for a better day. I am a fan of J. R. Watkins and Ms. Meyers products. The scents are heavenly and the products are free of harsh chemicals. However they are a tad pricey. As you know I have been on a mission to find the best subscription boxes on earth. Enter in the Honest Company. The Honest Company has a monthly subscription service that they call the essential bundle. For $35.95 you get to select 5 different products from their line and you can add 3 additional items. If you add 3 items you can take an extra 25% off of the purchase price of each item. Which is an amazing deal. I took the bait and signed myself up.

The Honest Company has the best customer service ever. I received my first bundle on January 9th and was really excited to start using my products. Mother nature had other plans for me. You see Minnesota was at the heart of the polar vortex and well FedEx trucks are not heated. All of my items froze solid and some of the containers cracked down the sides. The box was a mess and I was a tad sad. I gave The Honest Co. a call and spoke to Diana. A very sweet and helpful customer service rep. We talked about the cold, my frozen items, and that they were going to replace all items that were cracked. Plus she gave me an addition 15% off my next bundle. As of Friday my replacement items are on a FedEx truck headed to MN, fingers crossed nothing freezes this time around.

“What did I get in my Honest Co. Essential Bundle?” OH! I am so glad you asked! Let’s find out!

Honest Liquid Laundry Detergent: Naturally clean stubborn stains & life’s unexpected messes without toxic chemicals or synthetic scents. Perfect for babies & sensitive skin and ALL your laundry needs.
————————–> I used the laundry detergent for the first time this weekend and all I have to say is “Wow!” I never knew my clothes could be this clean. It literally cleaned stains from hand towels that have been set in for months. So long Tide, Hello Honest Co.

Honest Oxy Boost Pods: The extra BOOST for your in-wash cleaning — naturally-derived ingredients use oxygen for destaining & deodorizing — attacking & breaking down stains, grease, and dirt.
————————> I loved that the pods dissolved quickly in the water and that they did not leave a powdery residue on my clothes. My clothes were visibly brighter. I used the pods in conjunction with the liquid laundry detergent. In my mind they are a perfect pair and should be in everyone’s laundry routine.

Honest Wet Dryer Cloths: the eco-friendly “WET” Dryer Cloths naturally infuse plant-based softeners directly into fabrics as they dry. Enjoy soft, static-free laundry without toxic scents!
———————–> What got me hooked was the fact that you can get two uses out of each cloth. Two uses folks, how cool is that. Out of a 32 cloth pack you get 64 loads of laundry. That is something to smile at. The cloths left my sheets feeling super soft. I loved the fact that when I reached into the dryer I was not greeted with an over baring perfume smell. Instead I just got really clean laundry.

Honest Dish Soap in Lavender: This plant-based powerhouse easily penetrates grease, grime, gunk, & icky-sticky, caked on messes. Ultra-concentrated. Extra sudsy. Downright delightful.
———————-> The smell is amazing! I am in love with the dish soap. It cut through grease like a hot knife through butter and did not leave any residue on my dishes. Plus the bottle tells me I can use the soap to wash my dog and my car.

Honest Multi-Surface Cleaner: A naturally fresh way to safely clean and remove dirt & buildup from virtually all surfaces and items in your home.
——————–> I am not a huge fan of grapefruit scented things. However its a different story with the Honest co, I love the scent. This spray makes me happy, I can clean everything in my home and not have to worry about exposing the muppet like dog to harsh chemicals.

Honest Healing Balm: All natural, certified organic oils + extracts + beeswax = the BEST balm ever! Super versatile & safe to use on diaper rash, irritated skin, eczema, minor cuts & scrapes & much more!
—————-> The polar vortex has done a number on my skin. I waited for the balm to thaw and once thawed I used it the night I got it. My legs were severally chapped from the cold. The balm soaked in beautifully, it didn’t feel greasy, and in the morning my legs were back to their normal glory. Sadly its cold in Minnesota right now, so cannot show off my pretty legs. I also used the balm on my hands and elbows.

Honest Dish Brush: Beautiful renewable bamboo paired with recycled and plant-based bristles – it’s a kitchen cleaning match made in heaven! Use less soap. Have more fun. Love the scrub!
—————> It works great and gets the job done quickly.

I loved every product I got in my essential bundle and I am now an Honest Company fan girl for life. I can’t wait to try every product in the Honest Company Line. Sophia is going to be a trooper and give the Honest Company disposable training pants a try. The designs are super cute and I am really excited to teach her mama how to live a greener life.

Do you want to take a leap to the green side? I know you do! To get an essential bundle of your very own and to find out more about this great company please visit: http://www.honest.com

**I was not compensated for this post. Reviews are my own.**

{Julep Maven} Julep’s Winter Warehouse Sale

Posted on January 9, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

I had heard a rumor that Julep would be having a warehouse sale with deeply discounted polishes and beauty products. The January Julep box was filled with pretty colors however none of them grabbed my eye and the beauty product was so so. I decided to save my $20.00 and waited for the Winter Warehouse Sale.

Boy am I sure glad I decided to skip January’s box and partake in the warehouse sale. The polish and beauty product selection was off the charts. Polishes were as low as $2.99 and the color selection was mind-boggling. I pursed the sale for about an hour before I nailed down four colors that I needed in my collection.

I have always been interested in Julep’s special effect polishes. Interested but not willing to fork over $14.99 each to try them. However with the warehouse sale going on it was a different story and most of the special effect polishes were marked down to $2.99. $2.99 ladies, $2.99 is a steal. I could not pass up the low price point and forked over my credit card.

“So what did I get at the Julep Warehouse Sale?” Oh I am so glad you asked! Let’s find out!

Kai – Sea salt finish: A baby blue sea salt polish with a textured finish and sparkle.

Sabrina – crackle finish: a zesty orange shimmer crackle polish

Wendy – Rock Candy Glaze: a sheer watermelon red jelly nail glaze

Angelica – Rock Candy Glaze: a sheer minty green jelly nail glaze

I purchased four special effects polishes for $2.99 each for a total of $11.96. Normally the four polishes would have cost me a whooping $59.96, but with Julep’s incredible warehouse sale I saved $48.00. How awesome is that! That’s like 2 months worth of Julep Maven plus an add on. I am so glad I believed in the rumor and skipped the January Maven box for the sale. Now I have four pretty polishes to try.

Polish isn’t the only thing I bought at the sale. I also purchased a lip gloss. What can I say I am a sucker for lip gloss and had to have it. I got the lip vernis for $4.99 it normally sells for $18.00. I saved $13.01, which is totally awesome!

Julep Lip Vernis in Peony: a nude blush creme. This ultra-creamy, long-wearing gloss has a mirror like finish.

In total I saved $61.01 by shopping the Julep winter warehouse sale. Wow, that it totally freaking awesome! God I love a good deal and saving money on quality products.

Julep Maven is a $19.99/month monthly nail polish & Beauty box subscription service. Each box features over $40.00 worth of never before released polishes, cutting edge treatments, and a bonus sample sized product. PLUS when you are a Maven you get free shipping and 20% off of all of the products at http://www.julep.com.

Becoming a Maven is easy and each box is put together like a beautiful present. I love being a Julep Maven and I want you to get in on the fun too! Use code “FREEBOX” to get your first box for only $3.99 (Shipping charges).

** Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this post**

“What Will You Gain When You Throw OUT The SCALE?”

Posted on January 5, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Photo by Stephanie Ryan Photography

I always dread the end of the Christmas season and find myself counting down the days to wait for it, wait for it….. WEIGHTLOSS SEASON! Every January my TV is filled with commercials spouting “What will you gain when you lose” or meet the new you. There are commercials for every gosh darn weight loss pill, program, and so on. My favorite tagline from an ad is for Lipozine “Why does it work? It cost $300.00. That’s why it works!” Really a $300.00 bottle of pills is going to help me lose weight? I don’t think so. My biggest beef is with Kellogg’s Special K cereal. Their ads always start out empowering with statements such as “You are more than a number.” Then they quickly go down hill.

As a society we have become so focused on the little box that sits on our bathroom floors. We let it guide our self-worth and our lifestyles. I can tell you that I too once lived a life powered by my bathroom scale and counted every God damn calorie that I shoved into my mouth. I ate rice cakes, 100 calorie packs, and many unappetizing low-calorie microwave meals. My life had become “Count, eat, sleep, gym, morning weigh in —– repeat 24/7 365. Then one day I ate a cupcake, I didn’t dare figure out the calorie count, and for once I was ok with it.

As I was learning to love my body, my bathroom scale began to gather dust. I stood one night and looked at myself in the mirror. As in really looked at myself, I saw my body from a grown up perspective. I was reminded that I get my facial features from my Aunt Cherie Leigh, I have her freckles, large forehead, and high cheek bones. I noticed that my collar-bone sticks out and that my boobs are still holding their own. My back fat, (yea, I’ve got it too!) curves, and dimpled backside no longer bothered me. Instead of flaws I saw strength.

For the first time in a long time, I smiled into the mirror. I am not a size 8 or even a 10, yet I am happy in my size 12/14 jeans. I no longer strive to be like the girls in the magazines. I want to be the best possible me. I need to take care of the body that God gave me. The flaws disappeared, instead I focused on the fact that my body survived a pulmonary embolism and carried a child for a short while. The scar on my lower abdomen is a reminder of my bladder reconstruction surgery and to have hope for a better day. The scars on my knee remind me to keep on walking until the road before me ends. My curly hair, I finally love it and no longer wish for straight hair.

My big flat feet proved to be the perfect canvas for a tattoo. Tattoos, I’ve got two! One on my foot of four bear paws to remind me that my son Alucious is always with me. I have a book-worm studying a law-book on my lower right back (Ha! You thought it was a tramp stamp!) it reminds me to never stop fighting for justice.

You see I no longer want to spend my life looking at a scale. Instead I want to celebrate all of the above things and live a life full of worth. A life filled with white frosted cupcakes, walks with my dog, and backyard BBQs. I don’t need to be a size 2 to be beautiful. At a size 12/14 I am the healthiest I have ever been in my life. I no longer need those 100 calorie packs, rice cakes, and crappy low-calorie microwaved meals to eat “healthy”. I learned how to eat healthy, as in real fresh from the farm foods. I cook more and actually get excited about eating. I have more will power than ever before, I can pass up the bakery, cookie, and snack isle in the grocery store. I am not missing out on the treats, instead I buy just one cookie or cupcake to satisfy my craving. That’s all I need.

I do not need a low number to tell me that I am empowering, joyful, healthy, beautiful, or sexy. I will never let the number on my bathroom scale define myself worth again. I just wish Special K cereal would changer their ads and make women feel empowered in their current state and not ask them “What will you gain when you lose?” Because really the true question is “What will you gain when you throw out the bathroom scale?”

Have Bear Will Travel

She had to break, so I could shine

Monthly Archives: January 2014