Smiley 360 recently did a campaign for military families to help get the word out about how great the commissary is! If you do not already know, the Commissary is a store for military families that not only offers great prices, but also great perks for being a part of serving this great country!

To participate in this program I received a little care package to show what kinds of things you can get at the commissary as well as some coupons to make things even better! As you can see below I received some Folgers samples (the Vanilla Biscotti Coffee is amazing!), some Tabasco samples, Smuckers samples (my girls flipped over the strawberry post it notes!) and of course some gift cards to use at the Commissary.

I have friends and family that are in the military and it is always nice to check out what perks they can get, as well as share different perks with them that they may not have known about. They have a campaign running now until July 9th where Military and their dependents can enter to win $100 DeCa shopping spree! So if you or someone in your family is in the military be sure to have them check out the commissary and check out what perks they can get! Also be sure to let them know about the giveaway! They can enter here. You can also check out current Commissary deals and news here.

**Disclaimer** Star Focal received samples of the above product in order to facilitate a review. However, we were in no way paid, or obligated to give a positive review, or a review at all for this company. If you would like to read my full disclaimer for reviews you can find it here.

No matter how hard we try to love every single part of our bodies, there is always that one part that it’s just too hard to love. Sometimes that’s okay, just like we can’t love every flavor of ice cream, we can’t love every last thing about ourselves.

If there’s a part of your body that you just can’t seem to get past, don’t beat yourself up about it, you’re not alone. While some hang-ups can be dealt with through lifestyle changes, others need cosmetic surgery.

A few years ago, cosmetic surgery was seen as being controversial and something that was only for celebrities. Today, that’s all changed, cosmetic surgery is much more accessible and is something that anyone can opt to have done.

Photo from Flickr

If you have decided that cosmetic surgery is the right option for you, the first thing you need to do is choose a surgeon.

To help you find the best plastic surgeon for your needs, here are our top tips:

Get recommendations

The best way to start your search for a surgeon is by asking friends, relatives and colleagues for recommendations. You can also book an appointment to see your doctor and can ask them who they would recommend using for your procedure.

Another way to find a good plastic surgeon is by having a look online at the clinics in your area and reading up on each one. Most cosmetic surgery websites like http://www.drpeterlaniewski.com.au will have a section for reviews. You can use these sections to get an idea of how good the surgeons at each clinic are.

Choose a specialist

Don’t just opt for any cosmetic surgeon, look for someone who has specialized in the area of cosmetic surgery that you are having. For instance, if you want breast implants, it’s a good idea to look for a surgeon who specializes in breast procedures.

Ensure they are board certified

As well as picking a specialist, it’s also important to opt for a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The easiest way to find out if a surgeon is certified is by visiting the American Board of Plastic Surgery’s website.

The reason it’s so important to check that a surgeon is board certified is because legally any surgeon can do any procedure. That means that a doctor who has specialized in heart surgery could perform a breast augmentation. However, the results would be of a low standard. A cosmetic surgeon undergoes three years of general training, as well as three years of cosmetic training.

Choose someone you feel comfortable with

Once you have found a couple of cosmetic surgeons that you like the sound of, the next step is to meet with them. It’s important to meet with each cosmetic surgeon so that you can get to know a bit about them and see whether they are suitable.

When it comes to your cosmetic surgeon, it’s crucial that you choose someone who you feel comfortable with. As this will make you feel much less nervous and more relaxed about your procedure.

Sometimes it can be tricky finding a cosmetic surgeon, but by following these tips, you can make it much easier for yourself.

None of us is getting any younger. We are all ageing, and our bodies and faces seem determined to give our ages away! Of course, there are plenty of creams and treatments available to help hide our true age. The trouble is knowing which one is right for us right now.

After our teens, we may be enjoying flawless skin. The wobble of hormones has settled down, and the stress of exams is behind us. In our early twenties, we are often at the start of careers and enjoying a carefree life with few adult responsibilities. Of course, we may have the odd midweek night out, and a few wild weekends per month, but that’s what our twenties are for, right?

In our twenties, we can feel a little bit freer than at any time of our lives before or after. We can binge on junk food and alcohol, and not bother with much of an exercise programme or skin care routine. It doesn’t seem to make a difference. We seem to get away with it.

This image was provided by Flickr

What you might not realise in your twenties is that this lack of due care could catch up with you. In your thirties, the signs of ageing are all there. Add excess sun exposure, alcohol and smoking to the mix, and you may be looking even older. Night creams in addition to a good daily moisturiser can help at this age.

Once you hit your forties, gravity has become your enemy. Your face may have deeper wrinkles and bags under the eyes. Your body may be less perky than before, especially if you have had children. It is harder to keep trim and shapely as your hormones start to change on you again. It is usually around this age, or your fifties, that you think about surgery to counter the effects of time.

A facelift is quite effective at hiding the effects of time on your face. Jowls, double chins and wrinkles can all be ‘lifted’ out with this surgery. This helps create a more youthful look to your face. If you can spare the time for this kind of surgery, it can be a great way to appear youthful with very little effort on your part.

Your body will change shape, especially if you have children. As you age, gravity makes skin sag and changes where fat tends to store. Your stomach may bear the most change, and it can be very difficult to flatten this as you get older. Some people go for tummy tucks while others look to control top underwear to give a more youthful shape.

Ageing is inevitable, but looking after yourself in your earlier years can help keep some of the signs of ageing at bay for longer. Diet and exercise play a huge part in how youthful you can look. Genes too can determine how your body responds to ageing. Whether you choose to grow old gracefully or fight every sign of age that you can, your body needs to serve you for the rest of your life. Take care of it every day.

Kelly Sue DeConnick

Every wedding is a special day. It helps a couple to cement their relationship in front of their family, the law and whichever deity they worship. No two weddings are exactly the same, but if you’re planning yours, you might feel that you need to do something extra to make it unique. It could be something huge, such as getting married in an unusual location, or it could be something small, such as choosing interesting flowers. If you want to make your wedding special, here are some ideas that will help you stand out from the crowd.

Choose a Fun Theme

A lot of people choose colors for their wedding, but they don’t always choose a central theme. Instead of just deciding to use jade green or baby blue, think of a wider subject to inspire you. You could choose a period, such as the 1930s or 1950s, or you could pick an interest that you share with your intended. It might be classic Hollywood movies, Italy, log cabin vacations or anything that you both love and enjoy together. When you have a theme, you can use it to inspire all the smaller details, from the venue and decorations to flowers and food.

Have a Destination Wedding

Are you finding your hometown completely uninspiring? Maybe all your friends have got married there, and you’ve already been to several weddings in the three venues that are both available and decent. Perhaps all your family are across the country, and it’s easier to go to them than it is for them to come to you. A destination wedding is not only more exciting, but it can also be more practical. As well as other locations in the US, you could also consider getting married abroad. For one thing, it’s an excellent excuse to keep it small and limit the guest list. But you can pick just about any place you want to marry. If you want to make things easier on the legal side, have a small ceremony at home to seal the deal, then have your “official” wedding abroad.

Make It Interactive

If you want your guests to be as involved with your wedding as possible, there are lots of ways you can get them to join in. If you choose to have a small wedding, one of the things you can do is get your guests to provide the food. Instead of ordering catering, host a potluck that everyone can contribute to. Just make sure your guests can cook first! There are other ways to make the day interactive too. You could create a flower arranging station for people to create their own bouquets, corsages, and buttonholes. A cupcake station for dessert is also an excellent idea. Set out cakes, frosting and lots of decorations, and let everyone make their own dessert.

Remember not to stress too much about making your wedding day unique. You can add some fun ideas, but what makes it special are the reasons you and your partner have decided to stand at the alter.

As some of you know, I have been on a weight loss journey for quite some time. I have not had too much luck in that department and recently I have decided to try it again in hopes of making more progress. One new thing I wanted to share with you is my FitTea Review. FitTea is a 28 day detox tea that not only helps you lose weight, but helps you become healthy at the same time. I was so excited that I immediately started using FitTea when I got it!

FitTea has Organic Green Tea, Oolong Wu Yi, Organic Rooibos, Ginger, Pomegranate, Guarana, Birch, Stevia, Corn and Honey Powder. Not only do these ingredients make the tea taste great, but they also help promote fat burning, boost your immune system, promote and soothe digestion, promote loss of body weight and it also is found to have antimicrobial properties. FitTea is known for saying, “Give us a few weeks and we’ll give you a new waistline”. Which I totally agree with, I just wish I had done it sooner!

I have tried a few detox teas and this by far is my favorite. Most of them are about the same, but I think presentation and results are the most important! Even though FitTea is about the same or even cheaper than the other brands, it is so much easier to use. The other teas I have tried not only need a separate infuser or strainer and you have to mix up the tea yourself to make sure that you get a little of all the ingredients at once instead of one thing at a time. This tea comes in it own little bags and is premixed for you so that you can just throw it in your cup and go!

FitTea helps boost your weight loss by increasing your metabolism by detoxifying your body and acting as a appetite suppressant. I love that I can drink this in the morning and eat less than I used to while still feeling full and have more energy than I used to have from drinking energy drinks. It helps me stay focused so that I can power through my work out instead of dreading every minute of it. It really does help me feel a lot healthier and helps me from eating too much during the day. I love that this tea also boosts your immune system so that you don’t feel as run down and you are less likely to get sick, which for me is awesome so that I am not catching the colds that my girls are bringing home from preschool.

I may not usually have problems with my digestive system, but when I do start to diet my body tends to reject it completely. This tea helps regulate those problems so that I don’t feel like my body is rejecting what I am doing to it. Nothing is worse than trying to make yourself a healthier person when your body is trying to tell you that you are sick all the time. It also has antimicrobial properties that help your mind and body stay healthy, which is great for me and helps keep me on track with what I am doing.

Okay, so on to the best part: My FitTea results! Since I started using FitTea I have lost about 5 pounds and have also lost a couple inches on my waist line. While this may not seem like much, I have only been using this product for a little over a week. Which I would say is a great accomplishment! In addition to drinking this tea I have also been making sure to make healthy choices when eating and excersizing at least 4-5 days a week for about 30 minutes. Between all three of these things I am finally getting on track with making my goal weight happen. I am very happy with my transformation so far and I cannot wait to see what happens the longer I stay on this journey.

I started this journey not only to lose weight, but to help get me healthy and ready for anything life throws at me. Since starting, I have received many compliments and I have noticed it in my girls eyes as well. They have been excersizing with me and have loved eating all the healthy meals I have been cooking. It makes me very happy to not only be fit and happy, but to also help my girls stay fit and healthy for their lives as well. Thanks to FitTea and Markerly I am well on my way to where I need to be and my family is very happy about it as well. I hope I can stay on this path and reach my goal weight.

You can find out more about FitTea and it’s wonderful products here.

Nowadays you have to have a cell phone or you will be shunned from society. Even some jobs will use texting as a way to communicate to employees a number of things including; when you are working, to-do lists and so much more! For some getting that much needed cell phone can be quite the task. You can either sign a contract and basically sell your soul for 2 years to an overly priced cell phone company, or pay a little more up front and still have a decent sized bill every month and worry about paying it the day it expires or you could lose service, or worse, your phone number. With Solavei, plans start at just $29/month for unlimited talk and text and for every person you refer to their service you get a portion of your bill.

I think that the thing I hate most about switching a service provider, especially when using prepaid providers, is loosing your old phone. When you have prepaid it is awesome to be able to change providers just because you feel like it and most will even transfer your number over for you. However, a lot of the time the different phones are not compatible with the new network. So all the money you spent a couple of months ago to finally upgrade your phone is now gone and you have to start all over. Even worse, you might even lose all of your contacts and pictures in the process. Solavei lets you keep your old phone and just connect it to their network. Check out their commercial here!

The best part about Solavei is that you have the opportunity to earn free service. For every person you refer to Solavei, you get one step closer to free cell service. What I love about this is that unlike most companies with referral programs, each person you add will continue to save you money as long as they keep the service. So if you have 6 friends looking for cheap cell service you can refer them and if all 6 stay connected with Solavei you will continue to get free service. The more you refer the more you earn. They offer different plans that are also eligible for free service as well as the opportunity to be paid every month for the extra referrals. There is even a business plan that you can start to earn even more money. You can learn more about these plans here.

Solavei is growing extremely fast! They have had over 300,000 members enroll in less tan 2 years and has paid out over $29 million to their members in revenue. Now is a better time than ever to get free service and Solavei is definitely the place to do it! Check them out on there website here, or check them out on Facebook and Twitter!

Here is some extra information about Solavei and it’s great service:

Latest Social: http://livingliberated.teamsolavei.com/hangout/

Solavei Marketplace: https://support.solavei.com/en/Solavei%20Marketplace

No matter how hard we fight it, age is going to catch up with us one day. And do you know what? Sometimes that’s okay. It’s fine to embrace getting older as a part of life. It’s good to embrace the aging! However, we don’t always want to embrace the signs of aging. Not because we want to slow down time. But because we want to keep ourselves looking fabulous. If this sounds like you, then you’ll love these top tips.

Image from Flickr

1. Turkey Neck

Our skin loses quite a lot of elasticity as we get older. Which leads to the dreaded turkey neck! Wearing the right clothing and accessories can draw the eye away from your neck, if you’re not keen on getting Botox. Wear a long necklace or go for tops that have bold prints, to keep the attention focused elsewhere. You can also use moisturizers with peptides, that will help tighten things up.

2. Droopy Breasts

After breastfeeding you’ll find that your breasts are nowhere near as perky as they used to be. As you get older, gravity takes hold too. Unless you’re planning on undergoing surgery, there is no way they’ll ever get back to their former glory. However, you can make it look as though they are! Go to a store and get a proper bra fitting. The right bra can make all of the difference.

3. Age Spots

You tend to get brown spots as you get older, which is a sign of sun damage over the years. While you can’t turn back the clock and wear more sunscreen, you can hide those age spots. There are specific makeup products on the market designed for this sole purpose. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of dark shades of eyeshadow and nail varnish. This can make them stand out more. Keep applying that sunscreen to prevent further damage!

4. Thinning Hair

Stress and childbirth tend to leave most women with temporary hair loss over the years. However, as we get older that thinning hair can be more permanent. Companies such as Xandrox sell products that can help slow down the process and thicken your locks up. Also, go for hair care products that specifically add body and shine. You’ll find that they hide any hair thinning problems you may have.

5. Cracked Feet

Most of us will have spent years wearing high heels to work and parties. The amount we’ve put our feet through, it’s no surprise they’re cracking. Invest in a good moisturizer and apply it to your feet every evening. Try to avoid wearing heels where possible!

6. Wrinkled Knees and Elbows

Most of us can deal with the sudden appearance of crow’s feet – we knew it was coming! It’s the wrinkly knees and elbows that are a real pain, however. Taking up exercise classes like yoga can actually help with this. You should also look for moisturizers that contain a tint. This will take the focus off of the wrinkly knees and onto your seemingly all-year-round tan.

These are some of the worst signs of aging that can make us feel less confident. A few small changes here and there can help make every woman feel youthful again. Which is never a bad thing!

Recently, my youngest daughter has expressed an interest in photography. She has an amazing flair for creativity, so I wasn’t surprised when she became interested in photography.

While most parents encourage their children with academic skills, I have always believed creativity is just as important. And even though I wasn’t sure if my daughter was too young to take up photography, I wanted to make sure that I supported and encouraged her.

While I didn’t know the best way to do this at first, after some Googling, I realized that there were plenty of ways I could support her. I also found out that many children, most much younger than my daughter, take up photography and are successful at it.

Credit for image

In case you are in the same boat as I was, and don’t know how to approach your child’s new hobby, here are a few tips I have learned:

There’s no such thing as too young

While, as a parent, it’s your job to assess whether your child is ready to learn about photography, most kids are ready by four or five. It might seem young, but young children can be amazing photographers.

If your child is younger, then they are probably too young for a professional camera, but a child’s camera would be ideal.

Book your child lessons

That’s right, photography lessons for kids do exist. While you can teach your child a few of the basics, it’s best to leave the more complicated stuff to a professional.

To show my daughter that I supported her, I booked her in for one group lesson and one private photography lessons each week. I couldn’t afford to book two private lessons, but group lessons are just as good.

Buy your child a camera

How much you spend on your child’s camera is up to you. However, for their first camera it’s a good idea to choose something basic so that it is easy for them to use. Once your little one gains more skills and knowledge, you can then invest in a better camera for them. But until then, a basic camera should be just fine.

The only thing I would say is if your child is having lessons, ask their teacher what camera they would recommend. This is especially important if they have already been learning with a certain type of camera in class.

Book a photography trip

Once your child has shown you that they are serious about their new hobby, why not book a photography trip for the two of you? For unique photography holidays that are suitable for children, have a look online.

Planning a special trip around your child’s new hobby is a fantastic way to show them how much you support them. Plus, it will also give you and your little one some time together to bond. When I booked myself and my daughter onto a special photography holiday, she was over the moon.

While most people think of photography as being an adult hobby, kids can be amazing photographers. As long as they are patient and willing to work hard, photography can be the perfect childhood hobby.

Getting a tattoo is not a decision anyone makes likely. But I love them, and here are my top reasons why you should get a tattoo!

It’s a Great Form of Self-Expression

There’s no better way to express yourself as a person, all your feelings, thoughts, and loves, than getting a tattoo. And the best kinds of tattoos are those that represent something that is of importance to you or are the result of your own self-expression.

That’s why you have to think very hard before making your final decision on design. It should be something that’s personal and full of meaning. The tattoos that most people regret are ones that are random and meaningless or those that mean nothing a few years later.

Image Source

They Make You Stand Out from the Crowd

Who wants to look normal or conventional? That might be for some people, but for a lot of us, it’s not. A great tattoo can give your look, no matter what you’re wearing or where you are, a new edge and a touch of individuality.

When it comes to fashion and style, having something that no one else in the world has too can be vital for you. Even if you go to a party and see someone wearing the same skirt as you, you won’t see anyone with the same tattoo!

You Can Make Your Memories Eternal

The permanence of tattoos is both good and bad. It means that you want to be absolutely 100% sure of your decision before you go ahead and get the tattoo done. Because once it’s there, there aren’t many easy fixes to get rid of it.

But it also means that those memories and experiences that you pick up as you go through life can be made permanent in the form of a tattoo. And a memory or experience related tattoo are not the kind that people regret because everyone wants to immortalise their happy times.

It’s Art!

If anyone ever criticises your tattoo, you have a great defence. You just tell them that it’s art, and it’s true! Over the years more and more people have come to accept tattoo art as a legitimate form of art. Some people create designs on paper, and other have them on their skin!

And what better canvas for art is there than our own bodies? They’re with us for all our lives, and none of us can escape our skin! Who cares if people don’t like the work of art that you choose for your body? It’s your opinion that matters.

They’re Easier Than Ever to Get Removed

Nobody wants to have to have their tattoo removed. We like to think that they’re going to last a lifetime when we get inked. But the fact of the matter is that some people do inevitably regret their tattoos.

I hope that never happens to you, but if it does, it is possible to get it removed. You should go to a reputable removal company like Vamoose Tattoo Removal. They’ll be able to get rid of the tattoo that you no longer love without much fuss.

If you’re wondering whether to get a tattoo or not, hopefully, these points will have helped you out!

Everyone loves eating at restaurants, right? Restaurant.com is celebrating 20K partner restaurants across the nation with the Plates of Thanks Sweepstakes! Twenty (20) winners will be selected randomly to receive a free party for up to six people at a participating Restaurant.com restaurant. Check out how to enter below!

How to enter:
(1) During the Promotion Period, visit www.restaurant.com/sweepstakes
(2) Social media: To enter the Sweepstakes, go to the Restaurant.com Twitter page to follow them, or go to the Restaurant.com Instagram page to follow them. After you follow Restaurant.com, snap a photo dining out, tagging either Restaurant.com’s Twitter or Instagram with a caption that indicates the photo is part of the Sweepstakes for an attempt to win a prize. All entrants must use #PlatesofThanks in their photo caption to be entered to win.