Unique Natural Products Review + GIVEAWAY!!

Our cat Scout is 18 years old. She is getting old and a little crazy in the head. Lately, she will only drink water out of a cup that now lives on our bathroom vanity. Yes, I know we shouldn't tolerate that but because of her age and her physical condition, we do. We even bought her stairs so she can easily get on the vanity. Sigh.

I have long thick hair. I lose a lot of hair. Most of it goes down the shower drain and some goes down our bathroom sink. You are probably wondering why am trying to make a connection with these two facts. Well, there are times when my bathroom sink gets clogged because of my hair. And I have to be careful about what I use to unclog it because Scout drinks her water from our bathroom vanity.

It is difficult to find products that are pet safe. That is why when I had the opportunity to review Unique Natural Products, I did. I wanted to see if their products were safe enough for me to use around Scout.

I was sent a few products including the Pet Odor and Stain Eliminator, Carpet Shampoo, and Super Digest-It Drain Opener.  I have only reviewed the Super Digest-It Drain Opener.

I tried it on the bathroom sink because I do not dare use Drano. I am afraid that Scout will be on the vanity and go over to the sink and lick any water that might be there. I was glad to see that the Super Digest-It was pet safe.

Here is a little info about the Super Digest-It:

Super Digest-It is an effective and safe drain cleaner and opener. This all-natural, green, drain opener will unclog most drains overnight without using any harsh chemicals that could injure your family or the environment. If used as a drain maintainer you'll have perfectly running drains without any hassle. You can use this safe drain opener in your garbage disposals, bathtubs and toilets without fear of damaging your plumbing. This concentrated, bacterial, cleaner is safe enough for your home but strong enough for the toughest jobs, making it ideal not only at home, but also for commercial use. Unique Super Digest-It is a guaranteed, effective, safe and organic drain cleaning product. Perfect for hotels, motels, restaurants, apartments, condos, and your home!

I used it according to the instructions and was happy to see that Scout did not get near it but if she had, she would have been okay. As for the drain, the next day it was clear and the water was running through it fine!

Unique products are all natural and safe for your kids and pets. Unique products remove stains and odors. The products us bacteria and enzymes. And he price is right!

I love that the products are natural. I am always trying to switch out my chemical products for more green and earth friendly ones. It makes a difference. Not only in my life but to the overall health of the Earth. I am glad I have switched out for these products.

Thanks to Unique, I have a prize pack for one lucky reader that includes: Pet Odor and Stain Eliminator, Carpet Shampoo, Super Digest-It Drain Opener and the Wine Stain Remover.

To win, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Monsters University opens June 21!!

I loved Monsters, Inc. and now I am excited for Monsters University!! It opens on June 21 and I know I will be there with bells on!! WOO! 

“Like” MONSTERS UNIVERSITY on Facebook: http://facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity

"Follow" Disney/Pixar on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DisneyPixar

Visit the website: http://www.Disney.com/MonstersU

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY releases in theaters on June 21st!

Disclosure: I am sharing this because I LOVE Monsters, Inc. 

Nutrisystem Nation Week 5 Update! #spon

It's my weekly update on my weight loss. I am down less than a pound. I have no idea why I am stalled but I think with the cold I caught and the medicine I had to take, my body has not been cooperating. I had so many throat drops and cough drops that I am sure I was all sugared up!

This past week I actually went back on the Nutrisystem plan somewhat because there were times that I just wanted to eat soup or toast and not the meals. The meals are good but when you are sick, you want comfort food. I also ran out of the Nutrisystem soups, which made me sad but I ate them all!

I think my main problem has been 2 weeks of no exercise and I need to get back on the treadmill. Last week, I was still a little sick although I actually felt so much better than when I was really sick. So I passed on the exercise. This week is time I get back. Even if I only do a mile, I am jumping on the treadmill today.

On Monday, I went to Charlotte with my husband to run an errand. That meant lunch out but I am getting really good at lunch out. When push comes to shove, I choose the salad with dressing on the side. We went to eat Mexican food, which can be deadly for me, but I ate a chicken salad and even asked them to hold the beans, chips, sour cream and guacamole. I was proud of the better choices I am making.

I am also loving the Nutrisystem food. The daily shake is something I look forward too. I have it when I am feeling hungry and it helps me curb my hunger. Other times, I have my shake with dinner so it is a treat. It is especially great when I am having my Nutrisystem burger. I feel like I am having a great diner meal!

So there we have it about half a pound down this week. I am hoping when I start exercising again, the weight falls off a little faster. But I have to keep in mind that the Nutrisystem program allows for slow weight loss the right way. So a pound or two a week is normal.

Have a great week and wish me well!

Total weight loss to date: 6.5 pounds!

If you want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting the Nutrisystem site.

Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing me with a complimentary Women’s SUCCESS Select Program. No other compensation is given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Taste of Disney Event Recap #disneydining

As you know, I was away on my birthday week on a Disney Media event. I have posted my recaps on my personal blog but I am also making it easy for my readers here to read up on my adventures. Also, remember to enter my Disney Gift Card Giveaway.


I was invited along with other Latin American journalists and media to experience the dining options Disney has to offer. It was fantastic. I honestly had no idea about how many and how delicious Disney dining options were. When we visit Disney, we usually eat fast food at the parks and then try to grab a good meal at the resort we are staying at.

We are foodies at my house and love to eat. Many times when we travel, we go out to a really nice celebrity chef restaurant and have a nice meal. It never occurred to me that I could do that at Disney. The next time we decide to visit Disney World, I am going to make sure that our itinerary includes a few fine dining options. Since we do this already especially when we go to NYC or Las Vegas, it makes sense to do it at Disney as well.

On my first night, we ate at Jiko ~ the Cooking Place. Jiko's menu is African-inspired and it was delicious. If this restaurant was in a big city, it would be a huge hit. On my first full day at Disney world, we headed over to the Magic Kingdom. We ate at the new "Be Our Guest" restaurant in the New Fantasyland. It was delicious. It was also an experience. If you are a fan of Beauty and the Beat, then this is a must do dining option. You will not be disappointed.

For dinner that first day, we headed over to the Wilderness Lodge and at at Artist Point. What a wonderful experience. I went all foodie and ate everything they put in front of me. That included scallops, which I had never ever eaten. I loved them. I also had buffalo meat and it was delicious.

After dinner we went on the lake and watched fireworks with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. I have included links in this post if you want to go see more photos and read a detailed account of my adventures.

I will keep posting here with updates of my trip if you want to read them.

 Disclosure: I’m was invited to attend this all-expenses paid trip by Disney. Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and are based on my experiences.

$25 Disney Store Gift Card Giveaway!! 2 Winners!!

Because I had an amazing time at the Taste of Disney event that I attended, I decided to share the wealth and give away a $25 Disney Store gift card to two lucky readers.

I had a great time and I ate some really good food. I drank some delicious wine. I had a lot of fun at the parks and I celebrated my birthday there as well. It was one of the best birthdays I ever had!

So it's really easy to enter. Just tell me your favorite Disney memory or whatever you want to tell me about Disney. I am also trying to drive a little traffic over to my personal blog. So you can go over and leave a comment on my Disney posts, you get an entry. If you subscribe to my personal blog through email or GFC, you will also get entries.

I want my readers here to get a more personal insight on my life through my personal blog. I share here but I share more there. Plus, I want thank all you amazing readers who I know come and enter every giveaway and support me. I do appreciate you!!

Good luck!! You know the drill, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I am giving these cards away because I rock. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes because I am a huge giant slacker.

Nutrisystem Nation Week 4 Update! #spon

Week 4 and I am down one more pound. But I have to admit it is not because of Nutrisystem. It is because on my way back from Disney, I caught a bad cold. I mean a really bad cold.

I was okay Saturday when I returned. On Sunday, I got a little scratch in my throat and by Monday, I was out. Fever, chills, nausea and then a runny nose, watery eyes, body and head aches. Then it went to my chest and I got hit with the coughing.

But only in my universe, do I NOT eat for a week and only lose 1 lousy pound. What the heck? I lost more when I was eating Nutrisystem food and I was eating well and actually full most of the time. I can't win. So I am back on the plan so I can lose more than one pound!

This week, I am a little better and am back on the plan. I can finally eat although I don;t really feel like eating which is totally weird for me. I am glad Nutrisystem has soups and some comfort food like meatloaf and mashed potatoes because that is what I will be eating and then, hopefully, I will go back to eating the veggies and salads along with my meals.

So I will update you again next week and let's see how much I lose because I am not exercising yet. I still have a little chest tightness and cough. I do not want to push it because the last thing I want is to get sick again. UGH It's the pits.

Have a great week!

If you want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting the Nutrisystem site.

Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing me with a complimentary Women’s SUCCESS Select Program. No other compensation is given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Cover Girl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss Review and Giveaway!

I was recently sent 3 shades of the new Cover Girl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss collection to review. I don't use nail polish often enough. I stopped using nail polish a few years ago when I started my garden. My nails were ruined with all the dirt and planting that I put away my nail gloss and never looked back.

I know that sounds crazy but that happened. I forgot how much I love having my nail look pretty when I tested out the new Cover Girl nail gloss.

I was sent 3 shades: Peaches & Cream, Go Go Mango and Megawatt Mauve. These are so pretty. I loved the Peaches & Cream. The Go Go Mango will be perfect for summer. But my favorite is the Megawatt Mauve.

I love that the polish looks natural. The nail gloss is shiny and looks great. I wore it for about 4 days before one nail chipped. But on the 5th day, it was still looking good.

The other thing I liked about the Cover Girl Nail Gloss was it dried pretty fast. I used 2 costs to cover. The first coat was dry almost right away and I think the whole drying process took less than 15 minutes.

I would totally recommend Cover Girl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss to anyone who loves to do up their nails whether it be for work or to go out! Since I haven't bought nail polish in so long, this will now be my go to brand!

I have a treat for 2 of my lucky readers. Cover Girl has given me 2 sets of the 3 colors I received to give away!! Yay! That means 2 of you will have beautiful nails like me! You know the drill. Enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Master Lock's Love Lock Giveaway + Win a Trip to Paris Sweepstakes!

To celebrate American Heart Month, Master Lock is offering you a chance to win a trip to Paris for two and do some good! Visitors to www.MasterLoveLock.com can create and send a virtual love lock and be entered into the sweepstakes for the trip as well as other prizes.

For every love lock sent, Master Lock is donating $1 in addition to its $10,000 donation to the American Heart Association! So, you enter to win a trip to Paris and also help a great organization. WOO!

To enter for a trip to Paris, just head over to the Master Lock site and send your sweetheart a lock. Once your lock is accepted, you will be able to enter for the trip which includes flights, hotel accommodations and spending money for two guests. While in Paris, the couple will have the opportunity to witness the love locks tradition in person at the Pont de l'Archevêché.

You can also win additional prizes including a $1,000 Visa® gift card; Valentine’s Day themed gift packs filled with flower arrangements, luxury candles, chocolates, romantic DVDs, the Master Lock 1509DLOV Love Lock and more.

You can enter the sweepstakes daily and all entrants will automatically be eligible for the grand prize pack valued at approximately $7,500 to be drawn on or around March 1. The contest ends February 28th, so ENTER NOW!!

And, I have a special lock for one lucky winner. Master Lock has given me a special edition Master Lock heart-studded 1509DLOV lock to giveaway. This is so adorable and practical.

So remember to go and enter the Love Locks getaway and enter here for this fun lock! Just enter below on the Rafflecopter widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Free Country Winter Coat Review!

Let's be honest folks, I hate winter. I really do. I do not like the cold, hate snow and long for Spring and Summer when I can wear my sandals and shorts and not feel cold all the time.

But I live in the mountains of Western North Carolina so I have to put up with winter. It hasn't snowed much in the last two years but we recently had some snow. It does get very chilly though even when it does not snow. So I stock up on the winter clothes.

I have a winter coat that is a few years old. It is out of style and not very warm on those cold winter mornings that hit 7 degrees. So I was excited to get an offer to review a winter coat from Free Country.

Here is a little info about Free Country:

Since 1990, Free Country has manufactured casual outerwear and active wear inspired by a modern, active lifestyle and has emerged as a power in the apparel industry with a look and spirit that stands on its own. We take a different approach to outerwear by creating compelling designs through a fusion of active performance and fashion. The driving force behind Free Country’s success began with its founder, Ira Schwartz, who found inspiration in his own active lifestyle of outdoor sports and especially skiing.

From the beginning, Ira had a vision “to market and merchandise a lifestyle which reflects the philosophy of doing one’s own thing – creating authentic outerwear with a not-too-serious attitude, that people will have fun wearing.”

I will be honest and say I never heard of Free Country until I was contacted by the company. When I went on its website, I was impressed. They had so many items to choose from. They have outerwear for men, women, children and they even offer swimwear as well.

I loved that they had plus size clothing for curvy girls like me. I choose the Women's Plus Size Zephyr Power Down Jacket in Fossil to review.

It looked cute online but I wasn't sure what to expect. But once it arrived, I was thrilled. The outer shell was soft and silky. The coat is filled with natural down feathers so it is not heavy at all. But it is really soft and comfy. The quilting is excellent.

The coat comes with a detachable faux fur trimmed hood. I love fur hoods. It also has the softest lining that is called butter pile lining. It is very soft. The coat has a double zip front closure and airtouch bib. It also has two side pockets with a snap to keep your valuables inside.

This is a great coat if that is all it had but there is more. The sleeves are lined with the same soft butter pile and end in hand gaithers that you can slip you hands into to keep warm. I LOVE this feature. It's like having half gloves. This will keep my hands super duper warm when I am out in the cold.

But wait, there is more. The coolest features of this coat are on the inside. It offers a phone pocket, music pocket and a basket pocket. I love these features. The basket pocket is large enough to put valuables and it has a phone pocket attached to it so you can slip in your phone and keep it safe and sound.

The music pocket is higher up near the breast area of the coat. You can slip in your iPod or other device and the coat offers a cord outlet so you can run your earphones through. It also has a cord loop to keep the cords from getting all tangled.

The coat is wind and water resistant. I was able to try my coat out in the snow. Snow fell on the coat and it dried pretty fast. It was so warm and comfy as well. I loved the fit of the coat as well. I love the coat length. I like the waist can be cinched if needed.

I stayed super duper warm outside and it was about 28 degrees. What can I say? This is a great coat. The price is only $90 because it is on sale from $170. Even at $170 it is a great price for this coat. I might hate winter but now I will stay warmer and be stylish this winter with my new Free Country Zephyr coat.

Check out the selection of outwear at the Free Country site. You can also like them on Facebook and follow them on Pinterest!


Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Taste of Disney Event Recap #1

As I mentioned before, I was away last week at Disney World on a media trip. The event featured some wonderful Disney Dining options and, let me tell you, I ate!

I was good because as many of you know, I am on the Nutrisystem program. I ate in moderation. But the food and company was fantastic. I am recapping my trip on my personal blog: Carolyn in Carolina.

If you want to see my first post, please visit my blog and read all about my adventures. I will have A LOT of posts because our week was filled with so many dining experiences plus other cool stuff. I will update this blog so you can click over.

Please feel free to leave a comment on my other blog because it might come in handy in the future when I give away a Disney gift card on this blog!

Have a great weekend!

Disclosure: I’m was invited to attend this all-expense paid trip by Disney. Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and are based on my experiences.

Windex Touch Up Review and Giveaway!

I hate cleaning. So when I do clean, I want to make sure my house stays as clean as possible before i have to clean it all over again. I always do touch up cleaning here and there. And now SC Johnson has made it easier for me.

There is now Windex® Touch-Up Cleaner - a new antibacterial cleaner meant to stay out near the action in the bathroom and kitchen. This handy dandy cleaner comes in a great little container that can be placed by the kitchen and bathrooms sink.

The Windex container is actually a pump that you push down to apply the formula. You take you paper towels, tissue, rag or sponge, push down and you are good to go. It makes it easy to clean up spills and messes. Plus, since it has an antibacterial formula, it cleans and sanitizes your kitchen or bathroom. The scent is subtle and not overpowering as well.

I love this because as a wannabe chef, I am always cooking. I am also always making a mess in the kitchen. I hate to have to pull out my cleaning supplies. The new Windex Touch Cleaner helps me clean up in a breeze. It's easy to use and because it is the Windex brand. I know it is cleaning.

It is great in the bathroom as well. Our cat scout has a bad habit of jumping up on the vanity and knocking things over and/or drinking water out of the sink. So the Windex Touch Up allows me to grab a tissue and sanitize the area she thinks are hers. Crazy cat.


It's convenient and the pump up design is perfect because I never have to touch the bottle like I do when I am am pushing down on the pump. I would recommend this to anyone who likes to have his/her kitchen and bathrooms clean. And to people who, like me, hate cleaning and know that touch up cleaning makes you clean less!!

I have a set of this handy dandy Windex Touch Cleaners for one lucky reader! YAY! Just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Testing my culinary chops!

Last week I attended the Taste of Disney media event. It was fantastic. Disney invited Latin American journalists and media from all over to come and experience the dining options Disney has to offer.

You all know that I am all about food. I love cooking and I love eating. This was the perfect event for me. I experienced so many new flavors and foods as well. I ate myself silly!

I don't eat seafood but last week, I tried scallops, tuna, calamari and octopus. I would so eat tuna and scallops again. I am not sure I would eat octopus again. It was actually tasty but the texture was really strange and I could not get over that.

I also ate buffalo and wild boar meat. I never thought about eating buffalo but it was so well cooked and delicious that it is another food I would try again. I figured boar was like pig, so I was all over that.

I also experienced some new spices and sauces. One of our fish dishes at Jiko in the Animal Kingdom had a very tasty and spicy sauce. I decided I was missing out not trying more varieties of food.

I am now on a mission to try different flavors to use in my culinary adventures. I have been looking around the Internet to see if I can find exotic spices, chili sauces, herbs and other products to enhance my cooking.

My trip to Disney taught me that although I am a pretty good foodie, I need to broaden my horizons and expand my knowledge of food. It is the only way I can possibly become an accomplished food and a sort of good chef. I am pretty good right now but a little more experimenting wouldn't hurt.

I will be posting some of my Disney adventures here but mainly you can find all of my pictures and stories on my personal blog: Carolyn in Carolina. Go take a look!

Nutrisystem Nation Week 3 Update! #spon

I was dreading getting on the scale this Monday. Last week, I was at the Taste of Disney media event and all we did was eat. It was so wonderful but I knew that this might mess with my weight loss. But, lo and behold,  I stayed steady at my current weight!!! I didn't lose but I didn't gain and that is huge.

I was good though. I tried everything they put in front of me and sometimes ate it all. But, for the most part, I ate in moderation. This was difficult especially when dessert came around. It was tough to put aside the chocolate mousse, cupcakes, grapefruit cake and all the other goodies.

The one thing I have learned as being part of the #NSNation Nutrisystem program is portion control. Luckily, we were not served outrageous portions. I loved that about the more upscale restaurants at Disney. They gave us normal sized portions so it was easier for me to eat less.

It was also easier for me to see how much exactly I should be eating. So I would look at the dish and try to remember the size of Nutrisystem portions and go from there.

It also helped that the food we were served was fresh and not processed. And when I did have to eat fast food at one of the parks, I opted for a salad with water instead of a burger.

It also helped that for about a week, I was doing much more exercise than I do at home. Walking around Disney was probably my saving grace because I got a lot of walking in. That probably balanced everything out.

Now I am back home and back on the plan. Well, I have been sick so I haven't been eating but when I can, it's back on Nutrisystem to continue the weight loss!

I am proud of myself because last week could have been a lot worse than it was. Portion control and moderation is the only way that I will keep the weight off. Wish me luck for next week!

If you want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting the Nutrisystem site.

Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing me with a complimentary Women’s SUCCESS Select Program. No other compensation is given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Sorry I have been MIA

Some of you might know that I was at a Disney Media event last week. That's why I have been MIA on this blog and have not posted anything new.

I am back and I hope to have a few good reviews and giveaways coming in the next few weeks!

To see my adventures at the Taste of Disney event, head over to my personal blog: Carolyn in Carolina. I will be posting lots of pictures and stories.

I learned a lot about the Dining at Disney and let me tell you, it was fantastic! I ate a lot of good food. But now I am back on the Nutrisystem plan. I already lost 5 pounds but I might have gained it back last week.

So, keep an eye out because when I post on my other blog, I will let you know here!

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Red Envelope!

It's almost Valentine's Day and that means buying something special for your someone special.

One of my go to places for Valentine's Day shopping is Red Envelope. Red Envelope has such great gifts for your spouse, siblings, parents, friends or anyone else on your gift list.

This Valentine's Day, I am doing a little shopping for me on Red Envelope. Hubby is not the best gift giver. I drop hints. I cut out pictures of what I want. I even send him links for inspiration but he never seems to get it. So I have to take matters into my own hands.


I was recently given the opportunity to review an item from Red Envelope. Now I could have been nice and bought something for hubby but I decided against that because of all the great gifts Red Envelope offers. I was a little selfish and decided to get something for me.

Red Envelope makes it easy to find gifts. The site is easy to navigate. It is split up by categories: Occasion, For Him, For Her, Kids and Babies, For the Home etc. Because there are so many items to choose from, it makes it a lot easier.

I looked around for the site. I found so many cute gifts I couldn't decide. They had the cutest leather clutch and the Valentine's Day pillows were adorable. But after looking around,  I kept coming back to the Kitchen section. I love anything that involves cooking or the kitchen. I found the perfect gift. I love cooking and I found a casserole dish that would be perfect in my kitchen! It is red and it comes personalized.

That is another thing I like about Red Envelope. They have tons of personalized gifts. A personalized gift makes the occasion more special. I had my first initial and first name engraved on my casserole dish! I cannot wait to use it.

The best part is that I was able to find a discount coupon for my purchase. I saved over $13 dollars! Woo. Remember to always check out the Red Envelope coupons that are available! If you are going to shop online why not get a discount for doing it!

Remember, if you need a special gift for anyone on your gift list or for any occasion, stop by Red Envelope and look around. You will be able to find the perfect for any loved one!


Disclosure: I was given the chance to review a complimentary product from RedEnvelope.com. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy Birthday to Me!!! I am 49 today. Luckily, I feel like I am much younger. And, I act like I am 15 sometimes, just ask husband. He'll vouch for that.

Nutrisystem #NSNation Week 2 Update! #spon

As you are reading this, I am at Disney World at a food event. Oh so bad!

But before I left on my trip, I weighed myself on Monday and I was down another 2 pounds!! This makes my total 5 pounds in 2 weeks.

But this week will be about portion control and making better choices. It will be hard since the event I am at is called the Taste of Disney and it revolves all about the food at Disney. I will need to take control and only have a few bites or only eat half of my plate and then stop. I say that but who knows. I LOVE FOOD!

But this is something that I will have to face after I am off the Nutrisystem program. Actually it is something I have to deal with everyday of my life even when I am on the program. The other day I was at the grocery store and I kept walking past all my favorites: ice cream crackers, bread, frozen foods.

I kept thinking, heck I could buy this or that and eat it right? But I didn't. I walked past and kept walking. I am making better choices for hubby as well. I am checking labels and calories. Whether he likes it or not, I am learning to cook healthier.

It's all about the choices you make. It's the same for exercising. I sit around and think I should exercise and then I start talking myself out it. It is so easy to talk myself out of it. But then I get up, put on my exercise clothes and do it. It's hard.

I am hoping we will be doing a lot of walking at Disney. I am going to miss my exercise routine and I am not sure I will have time to hit the gym.

So one more week and few more pounds down. Let's hope I can say that next week after my event.

If you want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting the Nutrisystem site.

Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing me with a complimentary Women’s SUCCESS Select Program. No other compensation is given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

My Magical Birthday Week at the Taste of Disney Media Event!

This week I am celebrating my 49th birthday. Wow, one more year of being in my 40's and then it's the big 50! Sigh.

I will not be celebrating my birthday at home though. But, I will be having a very magical birthday though!

As you read this, I am hopefully on a plane headed to Disney World! I will be attending the "Taste of Disney" Media event. It will be four days of experiencing all the Disney dining options and behind the scene experiences that involve food.

This is a dream come true for me because what is better than Disney and Food? Really, tell me. You all know I am a fiend about food. And, I am a total Disneyphile. Now, I will be able to enjoy these two things at one time! WOO!

I am so excited and, rest assured, that I will be posting pictures here and on my Facebook and Twitter feeds. So you might want to follow me there so you can see what I am up to. You can also visit my personal blog, Carolyn in Carolina, where I will be updating.

Now you all know I am on the Nutrisystem program so this will be a tough week for me. The problem is the event is all about food. But I am hoping that one thing I have learned is portion control! I think I will be fine as long as I don't hoark down every single thing that is put down before me. Check back on Wednesday though where I will let you know how much I lost on my second week. My third week might not be so pretty though but I am hoping that with a little portion control and lots of walking, it evens out.

I am sad hubby will not be coming with me but I am sure we will go back to Disney World together at some future date. But, I am very excited about learning how Disney does food. I am also excited that we will be visiting the New Fantasyland and eating at the new restaurant here, Be Our Guest!

I am also excited to be staying at The Grand Floridian. We never stayed there when we have visited Disney because it was just a little out of our price range. So I am thrilled to be able to stay there at least once in my life!

Dreams do come true because, at least for me, Disney and Food = Heaven!!!

Disclosure: I’m attending The Taste of Disney Event. Disney is covering my flight, accommodations, and extras.

Tips for preventing the Flu with Clorox + GIVEAWAY!

It's Flu Season and I hope you are taking care to prevent it. This year it has been bad. I know at least 7 people who have had the flu and one of them had to go to the hospital. The flu is serious business. I know many do not think it is but you can get seriously sick. Why get sick when you can prevent the flu with a few simple steps?

The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. I had a flu vaccination in November when I went to the my yearly doctor's visit. She gave me the facts and I decided to take her advice and received the shot. Getting a vaccine doesn't guarantee you will not get sick but it's a start. However, there are a few things you can do to avoid getting sick!

Flu Prevention Tips for the Home

* Wash Hands Frequently: Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).

* Disinfect Germ Hot Spots: Hunt down and disinfect germ hot spots around the house that are touched most frequently – like doorknobs, light switches, TV and game controllers, faucets, high chairs or plastic toys – with Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes.

* Do the Elbow Cough: Cough and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands to help prevent the spread of germs by touch.

* Follow Good Health Guidelines: Eat right, exercise and get plenty of sleep to help boost your body’s ability to fight the effects of colds and flu.

These are common sense tips that anyone can follow. I always wash my hands a few times a day and I keep hand sanitizer in my house and car.

I also keep Clorox Wipes in my home and I make sure hubby takes some to work because he works at a university and there are always kids around who are sick.

It is important for me to keep healthy this flu season, so I take all precautions in order to prevent the flu!

To help you keep healthy this season I have a wonderful care package for one lucky reader. The care package includes hand sanitizer, Clorox Wipes, tissues, cough drops and Burt Bees Rejuvenating Lip Balm! What a great prize pack especially for this time of year! You know the drill! Just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.