Live Below The Line

Good evening everyone!

I'm just going to get straight to the point.  I would like to address an important issue that affects approximately 3 billion people in the world: POVERTY. According to globalissues.org over 3 billion people in the world live on less that $2.50 a day and 80% of humanity live on less than $10 per day. This saddens me more deeply than I could ever express. On top of this shocking statistic, according to UNICEF 22,000 babies and children die each day due to poverty. This is absolutely horrible. For those of us that don't DEAL with this issue on a daily basis, it's hard to recognize it, however I personally find it very important to have awareness on what is going on in the world. Poverty is a serious issue that may not effect us personally or even those that we know, but as humans it is our duty to take care of one another, help each other when it's possible, and take care of our earth.

With all of this being said, I would like to introduce you to a great cause called "Live Below The Line." Live Below The Line is a campaign that is currently making progress in the fight against extreme poverty. The campaign is challenging individuals and communities to eat and drink on only $1.50 per day for 5 days starting globally April 27th and ending on May 1st. (Unfortunately I didn't get this posted too far in advance, so feel free to start at your conveniece.) 1.2 BILLION people in the world are living below the poverty line, meaning that they are facing EXTREME poverty, living off of sometimes less than $1.50 per day, forcing them to be faced with choices that a lot of us don't even have to think about at all. The point of the campaign is for us to gain understanding of what it’s like to live in poverty like billions of people in the world are forced to do on a daily basis. Here's my thought: We will live below the line for only 5 days, then go back to our normal routine, unlike those 1.2 billion others who don't have the option, and live with the challenge on a daily basis. So is 5 days really so bad? Please take the challenge!

BzzAgent is partnering with the cause so if you're a bzzagent, you can sign up there. If not, you can sign up at HERE It's easy to sign up, takes less than 2 minutes, and you're not required to donate in order to sign up. After sign up, you can choose from multiple CHARITY partners whose goal is to end extreme poverty and begin fundraising. I am teaming up with Heifer International, whose mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. You can learn more about this charity at HERE. Every little bit counts, so I ask that you join thousands of people across the world in uniting against extreme poverty. If you don't want to start your own page, but would still to make a donation you can do so at www.livebelowtheline.com/me/angimae2007. So far I've raised $5 for my chosen charity. Let's come together and help end world poverty!‪ #‎BeHumbleBeKind

Influenster VoxBox: Carefree Actifresh

 

I recieved a pack of CareFree Actifresh pantiliners for free in a VoxBox from Influenster.  I've actually always purchased CareFree Liners even before recieving this pack, but I am so happy I got to try these for free.  I absolutely love these liners.  First of all, they're nice and thin, yet suprisingly absorbent.  The liners stay in place for hours and honestly I sometimes forget that I'm even wearing one.  Another thing I love about the actifresh is that I actually do feel fresh when wearing these, and that's even after having gone to they gym for an intense workout.  Plus, they really are affordable.  I will continue to purchase CareFree liners, probably for the rest of my life.  I highly recommend this product.  You can purchase them HERE, or at your local Walmart, Target, or my personal favorite, Walgreens.  Hope you like them!  Shout out to Influenster for allowing me to participate in the Carefree VoxBox!  #FreshIsFierce










"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

#ItsNotMe, It's My Razor!

Attention Ladies!!

   I think I can speak for every single one of us when I say that shaving is one of the most dreaded steps in our beauty routine.  I have tried it all!  Different razors, sprays, and creams.  Yes, they all do the job to some extent, but not all do an excellent job.  I thought I had it all figured out with razors when I stumbled upon the Schick Hydrosilk, but then along came Gillette Venus with the Embrace Sensitive to steal my heart.  

   Of course I have heard of Gillette Venus, who hasn't?  I was just one of those people that didn't want to shell out the extra bucks to try it.  Luckily, I am a proud member of Influenster and received a free Venus Embrace Sensitive Razor.  When it arrived in the mail, I was like a kid on Christmas morning, aggressively ripping it out of it's packaging as if I were running out of time.  I hopped in the shower, prepared my legs with some shaving cream, and began that once dreaded task.  I don't think I have ever had such a smooth shave!  The way the Embrace glides effortlessly on the skin, is just phenomenal.  This razor does not miss a single hair.  It is beyond effective and just like it's name, "sensitive."  Normally, I would have a few nicks or dry patches from the razor, but not with this little baby.  Does the shave last?  Yes.  Pure and simple, yes.  Don't get me wrong, it's not gonna last forever, but trust me when I say you want this razor.  Especially if you have a romantic escapade planned anytime soon.  Thank you Gillette Venus.  The search is finally over and I am a loyal customer with very soft legs.  ;)

PinchMe

   I don't know about you, but I love FREE stuff and any chance I get to receive Free stuff, I take.  PinchMe is a lovely little site I came across that offers FREE samples of products every month.  Basically, you choose the samples you want to try, try them, fill out a survey, and earn points.  The more points you earn, the more chances you will have at receiving prizes and being entered into drawings and sweepstakes.  Check out my latest sample below and be sure to sign up for your own free samples HERE!

Sincerely,

Wellness Wednesday

   Today I am starting "Wellness Wednesday" in honor of my good friend Bonnie, her mother, and her sister.  They have struggled with their weight and are striving to live a healthier, more active lifestyle.  I believe it is important to support each others goals and encourage one another as much as possible.  It is inspiring to know three women that have the drive and courage to make such big and positive changes in their lives.  That being said,  on "Wellness Wednesday,"  you can expect to read about anything involving health and wellness, whether it be tips for your diet, healthy recipes, or workouts.  Today I am going to share one of my favorite HIIT workouts from fitness blender, that I currently use.  Check out the video here and the entire workout in text below.

Fat Burning HIIT Cardio

5 Minute Warm-up (30 seconds per exercise)

• Boxer Shuffle
• Up & Over Lateral Steps
• Walkdown Plank
• Torso Circles
• Jog in Place
• Squats
• Alternating Lunges
• High Kicks
• Butt Kickers
• Jumping Jacks

12 Minute HIIT (20 seconds on, 10 seconds off per exercise X 4 rounds)

• Broad Jump + 2 Jumping Jacks
• Pop Squats
• Front Kick Burpees
• Switchfoot Jumps + Reverse Lunge
• Squat Jump Slides

Cool/Down Stretch (20 seconds per stretch)

• Jog in Place
• Lateral Steps + Row
• Toe Touch Circles
• Inside Thigh Stretch 
• Toe Touch Stretch
• Inside Thigh Stretch (opposite side)
• Quad Stretch
• Downward Dog
• Pigeon Pose (alternate sides)
• Plank Calf Stretch
• Cobra
• Child's Pose
• Deep Glute Stretch
• Full Body Stretch

Sincerely,

12 Years a Friend

  When you hear the word friendship, what goes through your mind?  For me the question isn't easily answered.  A number of thoughts swim in my head.  Passing notes in class, critiquing each others attempt at poetry, bowling alleys, and arguments over boys to name a few.  Real and true friendships aren't that simple however, at least mine isn't.
   It began our freshman year of high school, and as far as I can remember we hit it off in "Mrs. Umm's" science class.  Remember those notes I mentioned?  This is where they happened.  Sitting either behind or in front of one another hardly paying attention to the lesson being taught.  It was then that we realized we needed each other to survive that place.  We fueled one another, stood up for each other, and spoke our minds to everyone.  On the weekends, we spent our time at the bowling alley either having a great time or being the victim of some boys terrible attempt at a kiss.  We talked boys, listened to SPM (the south park Mexican for those who don't know), and laughed our butts off at basically everything.  I don't think either one of us really realized back then how special our friendship really was.  We were inseparable, until we weren't.
   It was gone like the snap of a finger, drop of a hat, or whatever other metaphor you want to use.  She dropped out of high school after freshman year and I made new friends.  No friendship was ever as easy or meaningful after that though.  Fast forward a few years, well quite a few more than just a few. Try about eight years to be precise.  We didn't speak, write, or send post cards.  What we did do was miss out on each others lives.  I missed her marriage and the birth of her two children and she the birth of mine.  We missed out on having each other for support through heart aches and disappointments.
   I don't think either of us thought we could ever pick up where we left off, but we did.  It really was that easy.  We trusted each other with every secret, every mistake, and every flaw.  See, we had both grown so much since we last saw one another, but the bond never changed.  We talked about our lives, our loves, and our dreams, always laughing in the process.  No more bowling alleys or passing notes, but a lot of heart to hearts, dinners, and invisible ninjas.  We helped each other through hard times, always being honest and empathetic toward each other.  We saw each other at our worst and at our very best. 
   We hit a very big rough patch in our friendship about seven months ago.  We saw the very worst in each other then, and today I still don't know if we will ever be the same.  After everything we've helped each other through and as much as we've believed in each other, I truly feel that no one will ever take her place.  We could go years without speaking again, but in my heart I know we would pick right back up where we left off.  Bonnie Jo Wilson, you are and will forever be my best friend.  No matter how bad we may have hurt each other, we have helped and loved each other way more.  Though it brings tears to my eyes, I know that a bond of friendship between two souls can never be broken.

Sincerely,
Angie

My Top 20 Best Dressed Celebrities

   Almost everyone has their own opinion on which celebrities are the most fashionable.  My personal opinion is based on those celebrities, man or woman, that are consistent. That being said, here are my top 10 fashion icons: 

20.  Bradley Cooper

It doesn't matter where he is, Bradley Cooper is always looking dapper.

19.  Mark Wahlberg

From his modeling days to his acting days, Marky Mark has maintained his classy style as well as his good looks.  This man looks good on and off the screen.

18.  Colin Farrell

This bad boy sure is well-dressed.  From his tuxedos to his v-neck shirts and beanies, Colin is one sexy man.  That irish accent of his doesn't hurt either.

17.  Zac Efron

 Ok, so maybe I have a little bit of a crush on this boyish hunk, but putting that aside he is well dressed.  It doesn't hurt that he looks great without a shirt too ;)

16.  Taylor Swift

Taylor made my list because she always looks amazing.  Whether it be on stage, out and about, or on the red carpet.  This lady has a wonderful sense of style and always looks very classy.  She can pull off anything whether it be high fashion, vintage, or casual. 

15.  Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson always looks so beautiful.  Her gorgeous gowns on the red carpet never fail to get her noticed.  

14. Heidi Klum

This lovely lady sure knows how to carry (and dress) herself.  She always looks fantastic, whether it be on the runway or on the red carpet.

13. Reese Witherspoon

Reese is one of my favorite celebrities of all time.  She is the girl next door, always looking classy and laid back.

12. Kristen Stewart

KStew made my list because she has a very unique style and she is a trend-setter.  She has this rock-chic style that's hard to igore.  Another thing that I personally love about her, is the fact that she has a very pale skin tone (like me) yet isn't afraid to show it off.

11. Zooey Deschanel

Zooey is the cutest quirky celeb EVER!  She has this classic style that is to die for.  She always looks adorable!

10. Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is by far the biggest fashion icon in country music in my book.  She is always looking beautiful on and off the stage.  Her gorgeous dresses never fail to impress and she can pull off a pair of short sorts very well with her fabulous legs.

9.  Michelle Obama

Politics aside, this is one fashionable lady!  Michelle always looks so classy, never showing off too much skin.  She always dresses for the occasion.

8.  Usher

Putting the sultry voice aside, this man can pull off black on black like no other.  On top of that, he sure knows how to wear a white tee!  One of my favorite things about Usher, is his constant need to wear bright colorful shoes.

7.  Johnny Depp

Who doesn't love Johnny Depp?!  This man can pull off a striped suit better than anyone, as a matter of fact, I don't think anyone else could pull it off.  Depp is always getting attention for his fashion choices.  You can count on seeing Depp in either a hat, sunglasses, bearing a few or more bracelets, or a combination of all.  There's no way Johnny wasn't making my list.

6.  Justin Timberlake

Mr. Timberlake is definitely on my list of fashion icons.  He has a very classy sense of style and never fails to pull off a fancy suit or a pair of jeans with a classic blazer.  On top of that, he sure can rock those leather jackets.

5.  Beyonce

As we all know, Beyonce has curves, and man does she know how to flaunt them!  Beyonce always looks fabulous in her evening gowns, stage ensembles, and street wear.  This hot mama can pull off every look from long flowing dresses to sweatpants and hightops.  #Diva

4. Rihanna

Call me crazy, but my girl RiRi has style.  This girl is not afraid to take risks and she proves that with her outfits, hair, and bright red lipstick.  Rihanna can go from evening gowns to combat boots and still look phenomenal.  She can rock any look, and that's why she's on my list.

3.  Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez has always been fashionable.  She can pull off elegant gowns, short dresses, her famous body suits, and even casual sweatpants and tennis shoes.  Jenny from the block can basically pull off any style and any print.  I absolutely love her style.

2. Marilyn Monroe

Do I even need to explain this one?  Marilyn Monroe had such a sexy classic style.  Her smile was contagious and the fact that she was proud of her curves makes her a fashion icon in my book.  

1. Elvis Presley

 Why is Elvis number one on my list?  Here's why, he made a statement with his stage ensembles.  That statement being "I am the king."  Enough said.

Sincerely,