Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Nutrisystem - Let the 2013 Journey Begin...



Featured Sponsor


My new journey begins... and SOON!  I am completely thrilled to once again be a part of the wonderful  Nutrisystem blogger program.  As I am very excited to be a part of this program, I am equally as nervous. Change is difficult, but I am ready to do it!

There are a variety of programs to choose from when joining Nutrisystem, something to fit everyone's lifestyle and budget. I have chosen the Women’s SUCCESS Select Program that include the options of Nutrisystem favorites or the ability to handpick each of the food items to include in the meal plan. I used the favorites as a guide (It's their favorites for a reason, right?!) and handpicked some others that I thought sounded and looked delicious. 


Here's what I will get:
  • 18 days of ready-to-go breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts (yum)
  • 10 days of fresh-frozen breakfasts, lunches, dinners and (more) desserts (Shipped separately)
  • Daily Tracker to help you plan and track your meals
  • Resource Guide with all the need to know info
  • Online support and tools (including a convenient Nutrisystem app)


Do you sense a theme here? I do like LOVE my desserts! See what the typical day on Nutrisystem looks like below:


My food will be shipping shortly and therefore I've been working diligently to make room in my pantry and freezer! I can't wait to share with you, what I get... (the anticipation is killing me!)

When my journey begins, I will share with you, my readers, how the Nutrisystem program works and what it is doing for me. My hard-times, changes, happiness, struggles, weight-loss and most importantly, my victories will be posted weekly. I hope you will join me for the updates and lend your support to me. I will certainly need and appreciate it! My weekly weigh-ins will begin (eek!)... next week. 

In the meantime, I have joined the Nutrisystem community, which is FREE. Lots of good stuff, Food Diaries to track your progress, weight loss news and articles as well as other members' success stories! 

Like I mentioned earlier change is difficult, but I am definitely up for the challenge. As the new year continue, I will be well on  my way to a healthier and happier lifestyle. Can't wait!

Be sure to check back for the updates. *Thanks* for ALL your support!

Disclaimer: I have been selected to participate in the Nutrisystem blogger program. For the next several months, I will receive the food free of charge to help facilitate my honest review. No other compensation will be given. Interested in learning more about Nutrisystem, visit HERE or call 888.853.4689 for more information.
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Monday, January 28, 2013

American Girl's 2013 Girl of the Year *Saige* Doll {Review & Giveaway}




Ever since the holidays, the girls, {a} and {e}, have become completely obsessed with their gorgeous American Girl dolls. They have been playing with their collection of dolls and accessories non-stop. Thankfully, with the new year, we were introduced to American Girl's 2013 Girl of the YearSaige. The Girl of the Year arrives every new year and is only available for the year she is introduced. That's it... ONE year only! This February, my not so little {a} will be celebrating her DOUBLE DIGIT 10th birthday and what a perfect time to surprise her with Saige. She's been religiously saving her money to get her, but thanks to my WONDERFUL friends at American Girl... she will be completely surprised when she opens up this adorable NEW doll on her birthday!


About American Girl 

If you haven't heard of American Girl, I would be SUPER surprised... but in case you don't know much about this uhhhh-mazing company, let me tell you a little about them.

American Girl is "Helping girls become their very best!" At American Girl, they celebrate girls and all that they can be. That's why they develop products and experiences that help girls grow up in a wholesome way, while encouraging them to enjoy girlhood through fun and enchanting play. {These are a few reasons why I LOVE American Girl.}

American Girl offers a wide variety of different products that are suitable for just about everyone. The American Girl character feature historical characters that highlight important past dates of America's past. My American Girl™ dolls are dolls that are created especially for every girl. Bitty Baby® are adorable baby dolls that promote nurturing play among girls and are perfect for ages 3 and up. In addition to dolls, American Girl also offers American Girl magazine and Books that are written to help girls every step of the way. 

ace and friends thoughts

I was thrilled to see that Saige was the Girl of The Year (as was {a}). American Girl's  2013 Girl of the Year is a a spirited girl who draws on her passions to inspire actionThe Saige doll is 18" tall, with bright turquoise eyes that open and close. She has long auburn hair that can be brushed and braided, and comes with both pierced ears and an artsy ring!

The story of Saige Copeland, tells of a young girl who loves the arts and her horses. But when both of her passions are threatened, she turns to her creative side. With imaginative solutions, she proves that one girl can certainly make a difference!

Saige Copeland loves spending time on her grandma's ranch, riding horses and painting. Her school made the tough choice to cut art classes, which means she's lost her favorite subject. So when her grandma decides to organize a "save the arts" fundraiser and parade to benefit the school, Saige jumps on board. She begins training her grandma's beautiful horse, Picasso, for his appearance in the parade. Then her grandma is injured in an accident, and she wonders what she can do to help. Can she ride Picasso in the parade and make her grandma proud? Can Saige still raise money to protect the arts at school?

Saige, the doll itself, is even more adorable in person. She is dressed in an indigo knit dress with cropped sleeves, geometric embroidery reminiscent of southwestern art, and a tiered skirt. Complimenting her sweet dress are tall leather-look boots with wrap straps, a turquoise-colored ring to bring out her eyes, plus fun earrings and blue cotton underwear.

Along with the doll is the Saige paperback book—an engaging story that will inspire girls to act on their passions!
As with other American Girl dolls, Saige does not disappoint. Her body is made of a soft cloth and the head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl. These dolls are extremely well made and will give the little girl in your life many years of enjoyment. You can pose each doll, including Saige and you can also easily style her hair with The Doll Brush or Sparkly Hair PickIn addition to American Girl dolls being extra cute, I truly love that they encourage reading and inspire girls to reach for their goals, one day at a time.

Finally, I cannot wait to see {a}'s reaction at her birthday celebration. She will definitely jump.... for joy! After her party, I will certainly post some birthday pictures! 

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Buy It

2013 Girl of the YearSaige along with many other American Girl products
can be purchased HERE.

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Win It

Thanks to American Girl, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win a
*2013 Girl of the Year Saige Doll* of their very own!

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Friday, January 4, 2013

Follow Along With Me On My 90-day Weight Loss Challenge With Creative Bioscience




Recently I was introduced to Creative Bioscience, a Diet & Weight Loss Supplement Provider, that offered me the opportunity to take a 90-Day Weight Loss Challenge. In the famous words one of my favorite characters Barney Stinson, “Challenge Accepted.” 

{Bloggers, see below on how you can sign up too!}

Although I work out regularly and am not hugely overweight, I could certainly stand to lose some weight. With the New Year always bring some new weight loss and healthy lifestyle goals for myself. This is a great chance to do just that over the next 90 days (and beyond).
Talking about weight for many women (including myself) is sadly hard to do as well as admit to others.  But 2013 will be the year that I WILL NOT lie to myself because moving forward I’m hoping there will no need to do so.

In the past, I’ve blogged about other fad diets and of course, I lost wait, but over time, my inability to *stick with it*, eventually led to my DIET FAIL. Sad, I know!

Currently, my weight is 120(ish) give or take, depending the day. Now to some, that may not seem like a lot, but for someone who is only 5’ 1”…. I could DEFINITELY stand to lose some (sigh).

I would certainly love to lose (ideally) a good ten pounds… which may be easy for some, but a struggle for me. Slow and steady is what wins the race and as I said earlier…. I’m up for the challenge!

I enjoy going to the gym, not only for the benefit of exercise, but for the social part of it too… there’s something about the camaraderie of friendship there as well. Since I can’t always make it to the gym, I need some additional assistance at home and that is where I believe Creative Bioscience will help me the most.

Creative Bioscience allowed me to take a look at their line of products and choose one for THE CHALLENGE. Su-weeeet…. but which product and what would I benefit the most from during my ninety days?


I honestly struggled for a few days trying to decide which product would be best. I made a very conscious effort to read each product description carefully, making note of the benefits of each one. After debating between two products, I decided to give the Green Coffee Bean Extract a try. Line one in the product description… *Burn fat fast* - SOLD!

I have read a few articles touting the benefits of Green Bean Coffee extract as well as heard it discussed on health related television shows and figured there has to be some advantages to taking this supplement.

Although Creative Bioscience has some other interesting and intriguing products, the so-called dieting portion of it didn’t really get me excited. The idea of additional fat burning created by the addition of Green Bean Coffee Extract fit into my lifestyle perfectly. My goal is to stick with my regular workout routine, keep a food journal and compliment this with my supplement choice.

Your Chance to Win! I will be posting monthly during this challenge and following my completion; one of you will have the chance to win a 90-day supply of product of your choosing.

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Buy It

Creative Bioscience's Green Bean Extract along with various other diet and weight loss supplements can be found HERE at 15-60% off retail.

Special ace and friends COUPON Discount

Get an additional 15% off your purchase by using the coupon code: ACE

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Attention Bloggers: Up for the Creative Bioscience 90 day Challenge too, make sure to visit HERE for additional information.

Thanks you Creative Bioscience – my year of healthy living is off to a great start! 

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]
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Thursday, January 3, 2013

A Beautiful Lie by T.E. Sivec Available TODAY {& Giveaway}




A Beautiful Lie
{Playing with Fire #1}
by T.E. Sivec


Now Available


{at}



He saw her first, but his friend made the move.

She settled for the safer choice, but her heart knew the truth.

They love, they crave, they lie.

Garrett McCarthy, Annabelle Parker, and Milo Roberts were as close as friends could get. They shared in each other's joy during graduations, promotions, and engagements. They consoled one another through heartache and loss.

When one of the friend's life is tragically cut short, it's up to the two left behind to pick up the pieces and find out the truth - no matter the cost. As they slowly start to uncover the nature of his deception, and the very powerful people behind it, they begin to question everyone and everything, even themselves.

Everyone has secrets - some do it for love while others do it for power. Those secrets can change perceptions, alter reality and sometimes destroy lives.

What do you do when you find out your whole life has been a lie?





As a Tara Sivec fan, I was thrilled at the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Beautiful Lie. Tara has an amazing writing talent and this book was certainly an example just that and more. Although this book was completely different from her popular Chocolate Lovers series, it was certainly a read that I couldn’t put down. If you are a fan of romantic suspense books, I have a feeling that you will absolutely enjoy this book. Make sure to stop back on January 11th to catch ace and friends on our stop of A Beautiful Lie Blog Tour!

Here's A Bonus Snippet from A Beautiful Lie

"If you were mine, I would never be able to walk away from you.  If you were mine, I’d worship every inch of your body with my hands, lips, and tongue.  If you were mine, I wouldn't be able to stand in the same room as you without running my hands over your skin and tasting your lips.  If you were mine..."


About The Author



T.E. Sivec is the pen name for Tara Sivec.  Under T.E. Sivec, she delves into a more serious genre that is her absolute favorite to read - romantic suspense.  She loves reading a book and feeling her heart speed up with anticipation and wanted to be able to give that feeling to her fans.

T.E. lives in Ohio with her husband and two children, living the dream of being a full-time writer.

Connect with Tara







Giveaway


TE is providing a prize pack, which include swag that pertains to the book, as well as signed paperback copy of the book. 






[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]
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