Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. Are you looking for ways to celebrate it, or maybe you're anti-Valentine's Day and want to find a way to escape that day?  

Whether you acknowledge Valentine's Day with a valentine or "Palentines/Galentines," Bellyard Hotel in West Midtown Atlanta is the place to go!

Bellyard Hotel has plenty of offerings to celebrate your way. Bellyard is not like those other cookie-cutter hotels; this unique boutique hotel is a place to stay, work, meet, play, and everything in-between. Bellyard is a place to experience a creative and inspiring environment.

So, come to a place that is warm, welcoming, making you feel right at home, plus enjoy time with other like-minded individuals as well in Atlanta's hottest new neighborhood, The Interlock.

Here's what offerings Bellyard has for Valentine's Day:

• Couples can book the Couples Getaway package for an unforgettable, romantic stay, including breakfast for two, one bottle of champagne, a bouquet of flowers, and late checkout.

• Those looking for the perfect Valentine's date night spot in Atlanta can look no further than Drawbar for romantic views of the city and a divine dining experience.

• Palentines can get tickets for $100 to the Galentine's Charcuterie Workshop where friends can build a charcuterie board with a live step-by-step tutorial from Charcuterie Chick and enjoy a complimentary cocktail from Drawbar Sunday, Feb. 13 from noon - 1:30 p.m.  The hotel is also partnering with ASW Distillery for Love on the Rocks, an anti-valentine-themed mixology class on Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., where attendees will make three Anti-Valentine sessions' day cocktails, enjoy complimentary light bites, and 20 % off at Drawbar.

Do you love staying in boutique hotels? Then, make sure to check out these I stayed in. Also, check out these Valentine's Day gift ideas you both would be sure to love!

Photo Credit: Tomas Espinoza

Long holiday weekends lead to people taking more time off, and retailers have a response: deals! So on Monday, Jan. 17, celebrate and educate yourself on Martin Luther King Jr.’s achievements. And if you’re in the market for a new buy, check out some of the great sales happening gathered and listed below by RetailMeNot, including deals at some amazing Black-owned brands.

Sales at Some of Our Favorite Black-Owned Brands

Black Girl Sunscreen: Save 20% off your first order when you subscribe to Black Girl Sunscreen’s newsletter, which gives you first dibs on promotions, sales, and events.

Briogeo: Save up to 30% with select limited-edition value sets for a limited time. Hurry, these sell out quickly!

Butter by Keba: Join their email list for 15% off your first order. Plus, shipping is free on purchases over $65.

Femi: New customers can purchase a six-month or one-year premium Femi box subscription and get the first month free!

KAZMALEJE: Join the Kurl Krew to get an instant 10% off promo code, plus access to sales, news, and tips!

Lowe’s: Shop select appliances with special value pricing, and get an additional 10% off when you buy clearance or open-box major appliances until Feb. 2.

Nubian Skin: During their winter sale, you can save big on select items when you shop online, plus get free shipping on orders of $100+. Nubian is known for “nude” lingerie and hosiery for women of color.

Pat McGrath Labs: Shop XCLUSIV” offers up to 60% off luxury beauty products from this celebrated editorial and runway makeup artist.

Pear Nova: Get free shipping on your order of $70+.

Rich Girl Candy: Shop accessories and clothing, and you can save up to 80% off the entire store for a limited time. But note that due to COVID-19, shipping may be delayed.

River Birch Candles: Last year, you could get 15% off fall and winter candles, which are their signature seasonal scents.

The Ronnie Shop: Shop shampoo, conditioner, and best-selling hair oil that you can use to maintain the health and vibrancy of your hair. They are offering free U.S. shipping on all orders of $60+!

Savage x Fenty: Get two bras for $29 and 50% off all other items sitewide.

So Supple Organics: Get free shipping on orders of $150+ to the U.S. and Canada, no code necessary.

The Sip: While supplies last, you can get 25% off your first box of sparkling wines and champagnes with an annual subscription — that means you get a $125+ value box for as low as $54.95.

Trill Paws: Buy one pet tag and get a second 25% off with the code TRILLPAWS25. You can also get 10% off your purchase when you sign up for their emails.

Viva La Silk: Enjoy free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIPPING in January.

Home Deals

AllModern: Get up to 30% off sale items for a limited time.

American Mattress: Get a free box spring when purchasing any mattress $749+.

Ashley Furniture HomeStore: Shop sofas, beds, dining furniture, and more on clearance, and get an extra 10% off select items with the code NEWYEAR10.

Bed Bath & Beyond: Shop the Winter Clearance Weekend Sale for up to 50% off select vacuums, bedding, dining, and more.

Brooklyn Bedding: Get 25% off sitewide with code WINTER20 and 50% off all sheets through Jan. 11.

Casper: Save up to 15% off select mattresses and 10% off everything else until Jan. 17.

Crate & Barrel: Take 50% off during their Big Winter Clearance Event.

Hayneedle: Get up to 25% off and free delivery.

The Home Depot: Get up to 30% off select furniture and 40% off select tools and accessories. Plus, special buys on select appliances.

Layla Sleep: Lots of deals! Shop the memory foam mattress for $150 off and two free pillows; get the hybrid mattress for $200 off, plus two pillows; and the kapok pillow for BOGO half off; and lots more.

Macy’s: 48-hour sale! Get 40% to 60% off all clearance. You can also get cash back and more deals with RetailMeNot.

Nest Bedding: Get 10% off sitewide during the entire month of January. No minimum spend is required.

Overstock.com: Get 70% off thousands of items, including furniture, rugs, mattresses, and storage must-haves, during their New Years Home Sale. Plus, enjoy free shipping and cash back with RetailMeNot!

Pier 1 Imports: Get up to 80% off with an extra 20% off with code TH7K99. Plus, get $25 off purchases of $100 or more with code 25TSWC.

Plow & Hearth: Shop and save up to 60% on winter clearance.

PlushBeds: Get 20% off all toppers and bedding and $1,200 off all bedroom mattresses, plus $549 in free bedding.

Pottery Barn: Get up to 20% off during The Big Refresh sale on bedding items. Plus, they will ship for free!

Restoration Hardware: Save up to 70% off hundreds of clearance items. RH members save an extra 20% off.

Select Blinds: Take up to 30% off all products, plus an extra 15% off everything.

Wayfair: Shop the Markdown Roundup with items starting at $9.99, bedding under $75, and storage from $9.99.

West Elm: Get 20% off bedding and bath, 40% off in-stock furniture, and free shipping.

Yankee Candle: Check out the Yankee Candle Semi-Annual Sale for up to 60% off.

Apparel Deals

Aerie: Save up to 50% off sweaters, sweatshirts, and cold-weather accessories. Plus, get up to 60% off their Aerie collection. You can also get 10% cash back with RetailMeNot.

Aeropostale: Shop up to 80% off clearance items! They’re also offering 50-70% off sitewide, free shipping on orders of $50+, and BOGO jeans.

Anthropologie: Get 50% off sale items — their biggest event of the year!

American Eagle: Take up to 60% off clearance. This includes 20% off jeans and joggers! You can also get cash back and more deals with RetailMeNot.

Ann Taylor: Get 30% off tops and 40% off sweaters with the code TOPTIER. Plus, get cash back and deals with RetailMeNot.

Banana Republic: Get an extra 60% off sale; no code needed.

Belk: Get up to 75% off activewear, fitness, wellness, and more. Plus, score a buy one, get two free deal on mix-and-match apparel.

Coach: Save up to 50% off sale styles, including bags, wallets, and shoes.

Express: Get an extra 50% off on 60% off clearance online and in stores. They’re also offering a buy one, get one 50% off deal on select styles. There are even more deals and cash back with RetailMeNot.

Forever 21: Get an extra 50% off almost everything for a limited time.

Kohl’s: This retailer is offering sales galore right now, including an extra 20% off in-store and online with promo code SAVE20.

Kmart: Take 30% off all fitness and exercise items, including 30% off sneakers and 40% off activewear.

Lands’ End: Receive up to 70% off your order with the code SNOWING.

Nordstrom: Enjoy up to 60% off thousands of clearance and sale items, including designer brands!

Nordstrom Rack: Enjoy up to 65% off cold-weather gear, designer accessories, home goods, and more until Jan. 20. Also, take advantage of cash back with RetailMeNot!

Old Navy: Up to 75% off clearance and up to 50% off storewide. There’s also cash back and deals with RetailMeNot.

Ralph Lauren: Enjoy 40% off during their designer sale and up to 40% off all sales.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Take up to 70% off designer selections.

Spanx: Save an extra 30% off hundreds of newly added sale items with code SALE.

Target: Shop women’s and men’s activewear starting at $10, 20% off select fitness gear, and BOGO 50% off vitamins and nutrition items.

Tory Burch: Take an extra 25% off all sale items during their semi-annual sale online and in stores. You can also get 1% cash back with RetailMeNot!

Tommy Hilfiger: Save an extra 70% off all sale styles during their end-of-season sale through Feb. 1 and get free shipping on orders over $100. Stack your savings with more deals, including cash back, when you shop with RetailMeNot.

Shoe Deals

Keds: Enjoy an extra 20% off on-sale styles with the code SAVE20.

Famous Footwear: Get up to 25% off select Crocs, up to 70% off select Dr. Scholl’s shoes, and free shipping on orders of $75+.

Rockport: Get free shipping on orders of $85+.

Reebok: They are offering 50% off markdowns with code GETDOWN.

Shoe Mall: Save 30% on orders of $30+ with code FLASH30.

Sorel: Get up to 25% off most fall styles and free shipping on all orders. Plus, get 1% cash back with RetailMeNot.

Outdoor and Sporting Gear Deals

Bass Pro Shops: Save during their Gear Up for the New Year sale until Jan. 19.

Cabela’s: Save up to 40% on clothing and footwear, up to 33% off hunting gear, and 20% off fishing gear.

Dick’s Sporting Goods: Up to 50% off select clearance.

Finish Line: Shop thousands of fresh markdowns up to 50% off. You can also get cash back and deals with RetailMeNot.

High Sierra: Buy two or more and get 20% off with code NYE20.

National Parks: Enjoy free entry on MLK Day!

Beauty

Bath & Body Works: Right now, get up to 50-75% off select items during the Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sale.

Bluemercury: Starting on Jan. 14 and running through Jan. 16, shoppers can get a 30 pack of the bestselling M-61 PowerGlow Peel ($68 value) for free when they spend $150+. Even better, this offer can be combined with their ongoing Wellness Gift with purchase ($200 value).

GNC: Save 25% on Alani Nu favorites and buy two, get one free select weight management support supplements.

Perfumania: Online and in-store, buy one, get one 50% off when you mix-and-match select perfumes. Plus, shop their clearance sale for up to 70% off select items.

Ulta: Get 50% off during their Love Your Skin Event, plus free shipping on orders of $35+, until Jan. 22.

Vitamin World: There are tons of ways to save! Buy two, get three free Vitamin Worlds brand items, buy two, get one mix-and-match vitamins, get 25% off health management items, and take advantage of their great doorbuster deals.

Electronics

Best Buy: Save up to 50% on clearance and open-box items during their Outlet Event until Jan. 16.

eBay: You can get up to 50% off fitness gear and deals on apparel, laptops, outdoor jackets, tools, smart electronics, and more.

Lenovo: They serve some fantastic deals on PC and tablets, phones, smart devices, and more. Plus, get 8% cash back for online purchases with RetailMeNot.

Wellbots: They offer very low prices on two of their best-selling vacuums. Get $250 off the iRobot S9+ Robot Vacuum ($1,099 $849) and the iRobot J7+ Robot Vacuum ($849 $599), plus free shipping. Just use the code RMN250 at checkout to save!

After getting my chemical peel, I started my healing process by using skincare products that are clean, natural, and eco-friendly. Having a chemical peel is a very intense process, and I needed to get my skin back on its balance, and using a skincare product that isn't harsh with harmful ingredients was vital for my healing process.

I recently started using APTO Skincare, a genuinely vegan brand, using clean ingredients, cruelty-free, sustainable packaging and made in America.  

APTO Skincare is known for its minimalistic products that are simple to use, not a whole bunch of steps that'll have you wanting to toss away your skincare products. Plus, APTO Skincare is affordable, not costing you more than your monthly cell phone bill.

The first thing you'll notice is the packaging. Colorful and eye-catching. Not only are the products simple to use, but that packaging has a simplistic look that's on-brand with what APTO Skincare is all about, minimalism.

About APTO Skincare

Marta Cros founded APTO Skincare in 2015 to create effortless, effective, and accessible skincare for all. Spanish for "suitable," APTO's highly edited and obsessively refined collection of seven skin essentials—all priced at $20 or less—works beautifully for all skin types and concerns. 

Meaningfully minimalist, APTO's range has been developed with intention, relying on ethically sourced, raw ingredients like witch hazel, turmeric, orange blossom, and grapeseed oil to drive results.  

APTO is proud to have complete control of its formulation and manufacturing process in their quest to simplify and streamline: all products are made at the brand's family-run facility in New Jersey.  

APTO is an eco-conscious brand that uses recyclable aluminum packaging and eschews wasteful elements like carton boxes to promote a more sustainable economy. To uphold its mission to support the Earth and all who inhabit it, APTO collaborates with an array of like-minded organizations, including Project Beauty Share, to help women in need and limit beauty waste.  

After using the APTO Skincare line, you'll notice right away how refreshing and dewy your skin is. It's like my skin looks lively, youthful, soft, plus healed well from my chemical peel procedure.

Take a closer look at APTO Skincare's easy-to-use seven staple products.

Orange Blossom Cleanser: This cleanser is the first step with the skincare routine. It's for all skin types to help wash away impurities and deeply nourish the skin without drying it out. The cleanser is lightweight, and all that is needed is a small amount. In addition, the cleanser has a light orange scent that awakens your senses. After washing your face, your skin feels refreshed, smoothing, reviving.

Turmeric Mask: Turmeric has been all the rage this past year. Turmeric contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that bring out a natural glow to your skin. After washing my skin, I apply a thin layer of the Turmeric Mask all over my face and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then, I wash off the mask with water. Turmeric is a sunset-yellow spice that does cause a bit of a stain on your nails and sink, but it will fade away; make sure to clean your sink afterward and wash your hands immediately. The mask left my skin with a soft, tingling feeling that was calming and had my skin looking brighter. Using this mask regularly will help fade away from my dark marks.  I only use this mask twice a week.

Coconut Water Toner: After cleansing and using the Turmeric mask, I apply the liquid toner to a cotton pad and wipe away any bit of mask that is left on my face. Not only does toner clean away debris that may have been left behind after cleansing, but it also brings your skin PH balance back, restoring your skin.

Kakadu Plum Serum: The purpose of serums is to nourish, protect, and hydrate your skin after cleansing. I notice right away how the texture of my skin has improved by being firmer and smoother thanks to the vitamin C content in the serum. The serum is excellent to use mornings and nights before moisturizing.

Pomegranate Moisturizer: This lightweight moisturizer is the last step with the skincare routine. The moisturizer is a skin barrier that keeps the skin hydrated while protecting it from cold climates that cause dryness and wrinkles. It is vital to use a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated, so it should be used twice daily.

Orange Blossom Lip Balm: Can't forget the lips; they need some care too! Lips need lip balm year-round to help keep them moisturized, nourished, and plump. The lip balm glides on like silk and will have your lips super soft with incredible shine! In addition, the lip balm can be used throughout the day when needed.

Cotton + Bamboo Reusable Pads: You know how regular cotton pads can be so wasteful since they can only be used once? APTO Skincare has a solution for that! With these reusable soft pads, you wet it with water, apply your product like toner, and remove makeup or cleanse the skin. After use, wash the pads inside the mesh bag and then lay flat to dry. The reusable cotton+bamboo pads come with 10 pads, a mesh bag, and a storage box.

Using APTO Skincare products twice a day helped heal my skin weeks after my chemical peel, relieving the redness, dryness, and itchiness. The products whipped my skin back into shape with a smoother, healthier glow. My skin no longer has dry patches due to my weight loss, and when applying makeup, my skin has a more flawless application.

Disclosure- I was provided these PR samples for review purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The new year comes with new challenges you would like to achieve.  Whether it's accomplishing your fitness goal or eating better to help treat your body, there are ways to find motivation through movement, nutrition, and self-care with these Top 11 Best Wellness Brands to help you hit your goals.  You don't want to miss out on these deals, check them out below.

1. DICK'S Sporting Goods-  DICK'S Sporting Goods is your one-stop-shop for all things fitness.  From gym wear, exercise equipment, fitness accessories, and even supplies for your yoga studio.  DICK'S get you connected to your workout.  Don't miss out on their End-of-the-Year Clearance sale, and get up to 70% off.

2. Freshly Fit- From family-favorite Freshly delivers ready-to-eat meals built on whole-food ingredients. Get $10 off today!

3. Jane's Fitness Boutique- Jane's fitness boutique is open! Find great deals on chic workout essentials for sweating in style.

4. Old Navy- Old Navy has fresh activewear in pop-y hues, starting at just $8, plus save on sweats.

5. Lululemon- Lululemon's high-quality, iconic athleisure is the perfect motivation to get moving this year.

6. Noom- Noom's award-winning weight-loss program has been scientifically-proven to create real results.

7. Aerie- Aerie's famously comfortable leggings, tops, and even sports bras are on sale!

8. P.volve- P.volve is a proprietary fitness method to transform bodies, improve performance & reduce pain.

9. Hello Fresh- HelloFresh combines healthy eating with convenience — get $80 off, plus free shipping!

10. Nordstrom Rack- Nordstrom Rack's Active Shop takes up to 70% off designer gear for all wellness types.

11. Athleta- Athleta's best-sellers and new favorites, from leggings to masks, are marked down online now.

It's essential to manage your health and wellness for your well-being to reduce stress mentally and physically, plus lessen your risk of illnesses, for a higher quality of life.  

This year, get in the habit of making sure of keeping your body in tip-top shape by doing physical activities, having the proper nutrition, and maintaining a positive mindset.

This year is a great time to start working on your health and wellness goals. Whether exercising more, eating healthier, cooking more at home, saving money, learning a new skill, getting organized, etc., these 10 brands will help you kickstart your New Year's Resolutions.  Also, make sure to check out these wellness brands to hit your goals.

Blue Apron wants to make your new year's meal prep easy and delicious! Get $140 off your first five boxes + free shipping on your first box.  

Blue Apron's mission is to make incredible home cooking accessible to everyone. Launched in 2012, Blue Apron is reimagining the way that food is produced, distributed, and consumed, and as a result, building a better food system that benefits consumers, food producers, and the planet. The company has developed an integrated ecosystem that enables the company to work directly, coordinatedly with farmers and artisans to deliver high-quality products to customers nationwide at compelling values.

Obé Fitness wants this to be the year you crush your workout goals! So join now and get two months for $2 with code 2FOR2. Valid for new members only.

Obé is a premium lifestyle fitness network and community, streaming over 100 live fitness classes/week through their proprietary mobile app and website. The daily live classes complement a library of 4,000+ on-demand workout videos.

Rack Room Shoes' New Year, New Shoes Sales Event is on now. Save $10 off $89 with code FRESHSTYLE. Plus, don't miss BOGO at 50% off.

Great shoes for men, women, and children in comfort, dress, casual, and athletic categories make Rack Room Shoes the family footwear retailer of choice. The company offers a wide selection of nationally recognized brands known for their quality. In addition, Rack Room Shoes also offers an assortment of exclusive private brands commissioned from the best manufacturers in the business. Their private brands offer customers great styles and outstanding values, resulting in satisfied, loyal, repeat customers.

Bed Bath & Beyond has everything you need to feel refreshed in the new year. Take 25% off sheets, towels, bedding, and more! Free shipping on orders $39+. 

Bed Bath & Beyond offers one of the largest selections of products for your home anywhere, at everyday low prices. The tremendous selection of merchandise includes bed linens, bath accessories, kitchen electrics, cookware, window treatments, storage items, and much more! You'll always find brand names you know and trust such as Wamsutta®, Cuisinart®, Croscill®, Braun, J.A. Henckels, Oneida®, Krups, Mikasa, and All-Clad. Bed Bath & Beyond's Nationwide Bridal & Gift Registry is also available to customers online.

Jane has 22 Deals for the new year and the Best Deals for Under $22. Shop workout gear, water bottles, chore charts, and more—all for super low prices!

Jane is a curated marketplace that brings small boutiques and big brands together, featuring trends in women's fashion, home decor, children's clothing, and so much more. Every day there's a new drop of irresistible offers that only last 72 hours.

Sam's Club has everything from travel accessories to everyday essentials for the best year yet. New memberships for $45 + get a $45 gift card! 

Whether you're shopping for household items or your business, a Sam's Club Membership more than pays for itself. With exclusive savings on the things you need, the things you love, and on all sorts of unexpected things. Sam's goal is to bring its members the highest quality products and services at an exceptional value. SamsClub.com also offers "wow" items for an everyday low cost that you won't find in the clubs.

Old Navy has up to 50% off storewide on sale now + activewear for the whole family starting at $12! Also, styles to get you moving this year are priced from $9! 

Old Navy makes current American fashion essentials accessible for every family. As one of the largest apparel brands globally, they offer customers fabulous fashion online as well in their 1,000+ stores around the world.

Under Armour's Semi-Annual Biggest Sale of the Year is happening now! Up to 50% off 1000's of top-selling items. 

Under Armour's mission is to make you better. That means everything Under Armour makes—shoes, apparel, accessories, athlete recovery sleepwear, and connected fitness gear—actually does something. So whether it's a T-shirt that keeps you cool, a jacket that adapts to your body temp, or innovative cushioning that feels like zero gravity for a whole new running experience, Under Amour inspires you with performance solutions you never knew you needed but can't imagine living without.

HelloFresh has your easy meal prep for the new year! Get 16 free meals + three surprise gifts, + free shipping when you sign up today. Use code HELLOFRESH16. 

HelloFresh is America's #1 Meal Kit! 27+ chef-curated meals to choose from each week, and you have the option to easily change your delivery days, the number of recipes per week, and food preferences.

P.volve wants you to transform this year with 25% off all workout kits. Plus, use code NY30 to get the Ultimate Kit for $99. 

P.volve's streaming service offers an extensive library of videos, including structured workout plans and new videos updated weekly. In addition, users can stream to sculpt, tone, and define anytime, anywhere from any device!

I can't believe how far I've come along this year! 2021 was the year of my most significant financial gain with my blog ever! In addition, I started healing my mind, body, and soul by going on a health and wellness journey.

As I mentioned during my birthday, that there are some health issues I started focusing on this year, and my doctors wanted me to start making some lifestyle changes, or my health would start deteriorating as I get older.

So, I started cutting back on a lot of things. Not only did I start eating better, cooking more at home, and going to the gym regularly, plus cutting back blogging, but I also went on social media less, cut down on tv watching, and started living in the moment more.  

It's like I see life with so much clarity now. I feel happier, stronger, and ready for what life brings me.  

After my diagnosis, I found a new respect for life and what's important. But, unfortunately, I was headed down a downward spiral, not taking care of myself, and God had to show me the direction I needed to lead.

I prayed, letting my blog be part-time while I worked on myself. And God rewarded my continuous effort throughout this year by making the most money I've ever had, beating out my 2016 year. 

I guess the saying goes; less is more. And also, all the work I put into my blog from the beginning paid off to where I can focus on other areas of my life.

Since I focused on my health, I refurbished old articles, making them refreshed and reshared to my readers. As a result, there is no need to write only new articles. Google likes articles that got some age to them and when regularly updated. So, resharing old articles helped me when I didn't have new content to share.

Also, I turned down going to some events, letting go of some partnerships that no longer suited my lifestyle. It felt great to say no!

Plus, you lose your exclusivity if you're always saying yes to everything. And you burn yourself out. I didn't care if I hadn't posted on social media for weeks; my health and insanity are more important than keeping my social media updated. My followers know where I am, and that's here.

Although I made some cutbacks on blogging, there were moments worthy of praise.

For example, I did my Mother's Day social media campaign with Cantu, and they paid me the proper amount for my work instead of trying to undercut me as several other brands have. It was a pleasure working with them, even though they didn't know I was in a dark place, waiting to learn from my doctor if I had thyroid cancer or not.

Then, you got some brands who think you're worth only pennies, but yet, they were the ones contacting me to promote them.

I guess the brand failed to realize that they need me more than I need them. I know my worth and won't work for them if they lowball me.  

That's why I'm thankful for affiliate marketing. I can write about whatever brand I want and get paid with my writing and videos. That's how I can lay back and put my focus elsewhere—got to work smart!

I can't forget about writing my first article on another website, Cafemom, sharing about my girls showing me the beauty of natural hair. That's a piece I'm proud of and happy to share on a higher platform.

The Best Car I Reviewed is...

Due to the virus, there have been many setbacks with many people, including the auto industry.  

If you notice, I didn't review as many cars as years prior, and that's due to the chip shortage. However, I shared more details about it in a recent post. 

But, all was not lost; I reviewed a few cars this year. And the one that stood out to me the most was the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime Limited due to the dual options of both gasoline and electric. We're headed in the direction of fully electric cars, with gasoline fading out. Hopefully, I'll review more electric-only vehicles in the future.

Thank You 2021 for the Growth

I don't know what 2022 has in store for me, but at least I'm entering the year healthier. My health and wellness journey will continue, and I will continue to take it each day at a time.

Oh yeah, I've lost 30 lbs. and hit my doctor's goal for me to lose 25 lbs. I'm proud of my consistency and dedication. I've always been a goal-getter, and I'll continue reaching for the top!

Also, I like only blogging a couple of times a week; I think I'll continue doing that as well.

End of the Year Trip Changed

Oh...you know how we do our annual end of the year/beginning of the year trip?

A change of plans happened with Mr. M wanting to make our trip over the Christmas holiday instead.

So, we returned to Orlando for a four-day shopping getaway, so the girls could spend their Christmas money at their favorite stores in Florida.

We booked our stay at the Marriott Harbour Lake, another condo resort, right across the street from the other Marriott condo we stayed in during Lauren's birthday trip in October.

Marriott Harbour Lake is different from Marriott's Cypress Harbour Villas because Marriott Habour Lake is a much smaller resort that caters more to families with young children and teens. The condos are smaller inside compared to Marriott's Cypress Harbour Villas but still have ample space for large families.

Marriott Harbor Lake grounds gives off the setting of being in Key West, FL, a place on my travel bucket list.

Beautiful grounds and peaceful. I managed to do several laps around the resort during my morning walk and admire the tropical beauty. And even on vacation, I squeezed in some gym time.

Once again, thank you for continuing to support me all these years! Because of you, this is now my sixth year working for myself full-time.

I pray for continued success, good health, and blessings into the new year and beyond!

There was a significant boost in sales this holiday season online, meaning consumers were spending more money on gifts for their loved ones on the internet instead of in brick-and-mortar stores.

Did you overspend over the holidays?

I recently had my first chemical peel, and I would like to share my experience with you all.

I got a chemical peel because I started having a lot of dead skin on my face due to my weight loss; I also wanted to fade the dark spots I have due to acne scars throughout the years. 

My esthetician's recommendation was to do a light peel to help combat those two issues, so I decided to give it a try.

It's not recommended to get chemical peels during the warmer months due to avoiding the sunlight after treatment, so I opted to get it at the end of the year when it's colder.

What are Chemical Peels, and How does it Work?

Chemical peels range from superficial peels to deep chemical peels. Both kinds of peels are designed to improve the texture, tone, and appearance of your skin, stimulate collagen production and diminish fine lines and pigmentation.

Before getting a chemical peel, avoid using any exfoliating products, and also avoid using products containing retinol, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), or benzoyl peroxide a few days before facial service.

Who Should Not Get Chemical Peels

Not everyone can get chemical peels, and the esthetician will ask you about your medical history and if you're currently on medication. People who should not be treated a chemical peel are:

• Patients with active cold sores or warts, open wounds, sunburn, excessively sensitive skin, dermatitis, inflammatory rosacea, and a history of herpes simplex.

• Patients who have taken Accutane within the past year.

• Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How Much Do Chemical Peels Cost?

Chemical peels price depends on what type of chemical peel you do. Light peels price range from $100-$300. Medium chemical peel price ranges from $1000-$3000, and a deep peel can go upwards of $6000.

Since I have a membership with my Med spa, I only paid $55; however, if I didn't have the membership, I would've paid $110.

My Chemical Peel Experience

Day 1

During my chemical peel process, my esthetician laid me down on a chair and shared her steps during my chemical peel process.

Step 1: First, she cleansed my skin to remove dirt and impurities. 

Step 2: Second, she layered the chemical peel using a brush every five minutes three times all over my face. I held on to a small fan to keep my face cool because the chemical peel leaves a burning sensation for a few minutes after every chemical peel layer.  

Step 3: Third, the esthetician gave me instructions on my after-care.

The process of my chemical peel was about 15 minutes, so not long at all.  

While the chemical peel was on my face, it made my face red and tight. And, I had to leave it on for five hours before I could wash it off.

Most importantly, I had to make sure my face stayed moisturized with sunscreen and wash my face morning and night daily.

Day 2

By day two, my face was very red with rashes, irritation and was so itchy! It became very bothersome.  

There was no peeling yet on the 2nd day. So I was able to go out and run errands. 

Day 3

Day three is when I woke up to the bottom half of my face peeling. I believe the outer part of my mouth started to peel first because of my mouth movements. Then, gradually, the skin peeling started to move up to both sides of my face.

Day 4

Day four is when my face really started to peel! My face was a flaky mess! Think of it as your skin starts to flake days later after having a sunburn. Every time I would apply moisturizer or wash my face, dead skin would wipe off. On top of that, I was still having rashes, redness, itchiness, and irritation. Day four had me wishing I didn't do the chemical peel at all.

Day 5

On day five, much of my dead skin was already washed away, so I could see I was near the finish line. And what was left was a bit of old skin on both sides of my face and forehead. Still, my face was red and irritated, but the itchiness started to subside. Also, I was able to resume using my regular skin products like my toner and vitamin C serum.

Day 6

Now on day six, the majority of my old, dead skin was gone. However, I was still rashy and red. My dark spots were still there, but just a hint lighter. I would need at least three more chemical peels to see my dark spots completely fade away.  

And honestly, I don't think I want to do that. I'm not up for doing it again anytime soon from dealing with the redness, irritation, dehydrated skin, and downtime.

Chemical peels are not for everyone. Some people like getting them, and some do not like the experience.  

As for me, I'm in the middle with it. The chemical peel did its job when it came to removing dead skin; however, I didn't like the irritation and itchiness. It'll take another week or so for my face to fully heal from my chemical peel.

The Products I used During my Chemical Peel Process

These are the skincare products I used during my chemical peel process:

Wash Face Morning and Night: Image Skincare Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser. It's a mild yet refreshing gel cleanser that's gentle on the skin.

Day Time Moisturizer: Image MD Restoring Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 50. It's a moisturizer and sunscreen in one. It's lightweight and non-greasy that offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Night Time Moisturizer: Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital Night. It keeps the skin moisturized throughout the night and brings you soft, glowing skin in the morning.

These are what I started using on Day 5 and Day 6:

DERMA-E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum- This serum helps support collagen health and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.

DERMA-E Microdermabrasion- This fine-textured scrub buffs away dullness and roughness, smoothing out the skin.

After reading this review, and you think getting a chemical peel is not suitable for you, I highly recommend getting a Hydrafacial.

Hydrafacial is a medical-grade hydradermabrasion device that carries out a patented three-part regimen: cleansing, exfoliating, and then infusing skin with intensive serums. After treatment, you will notice a significant difference with your skin, revealing smoother, healthier, youthful skin. 

Hydrafacials are non-invasive and can be used by teenagers with ance, adults like me with dark marks, older adults looking to smooth out their wrinkles, etc. The facial itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Make sure to check out my post about Hydrafacials.

5 Tips for to Keep Your Skin Healthy

1- Apply moisturizer daily. Moisturizing helps keep your skin looking young and vibrant.

2- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily. Stay away from sugary drinks.

3- Use sunscreen daily and reapply throughout the day when needed to protect skin from UVA/UVB sun damage.

4- Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

5- Get plenty of rest.

Candy Cane-tini

• Cascade Ice Cranberry Pomegranate

• Vodka

• Lime

• Mini candy cane

Enjoy this treat while appetizers are served. To mix, use 3oz of Cascade Ice Cranberry Pomegranate, 2oz of vodka and the juice of a lime. Stir the contents in your shaker with a handful of ice and garnish with a candy cane and crumbs.

Poinsettia Punch

• Cascade Ice Pomegranate Berry

• Club Soda

• Fresh Mint

• Lime

This is a great alternative to traditional party punch. Simply pour 4 parts Cascade Ice Pomegranate Berry over ice. Then, mix mint leaves, the juice of 1 lime and 1 part club soda together and you're ready to serve!

Santa's Sparkler

• Cascade ICE McIntosh Apple

• Apple Juice

• Small Apple Wedges

• Cinnamon Stick

This one's for the kids! Instead of serving soda for dinner, try their Santa's Sparkler. Simply mix 4oz of Cascade Ice McIntosh Apple and 2oz of apple juice in a glass with ice. Add a green apple wedge and a cinnamon stick to complete the yummy drink.

Right click, Save, and Print Recipes

About Cascade Ice

• Cascade Ice waters are free of unnecessary and unhealthy “extras” found in other flavored waters like calories, sodium, caffeine, gluten and sugar. Compared to many popular soda brands which can contain upwards of 38 grams of sugar, Cascade Ice beverages are sugar-free and full of flavor.

• Cascade Ice has 21 delicious and unique flavors including Cranberry Pomegranate, McIntosh Apple and Orange Mango in addition to the line’s three newest flavors, Strawberry Banana, Coconut Mango and Coconut Pineapple. The sparkling waters have a delightful “fizz” combined with natural fruit juices.

• Cascade Ice is available for purchase in all 50 states, at retailers such as Albertson’s, Safeway, Ralph’s, QFC, A&P, Raley’s, Coborn’s, HEB, Market Basket, Shoprite, Food City and Price Choppers, among many others. Click here for a full map of retailer: http://cascadeicewater.com/wtb.html

Do you drink festive holiday drinks during the holiday season? If so, what are your favorites?

Are you looking for travel-friendly skincare products to keep your skin refined, brighten, and hydrated while on the go?

DERMA-E has mixed holiday bag sets to keep your skin healthy throughout the holiday season into the new year.  

There is no need to bring along your full-size skincare products during your travels when DERMA-E has their best-selling, dermatologist-recommended products in a ready-to-go pouch.

I received the top-sellers in this to-go bag that included the Deluxe Microdermabrasion Scrub, Deluxe Vitamin C Concentrated Serum, Deluxe Hydrating Day Cream, plus pocket-size mirror.

With these products used together, it will help buff away dull skin, even your tone, and improve skin's appearance of dark spots, all while helping to replenish skin's moisture of healthy-looking skin.

Check out below what these DERMA-E products are and how to use them.

Microdermabrasion Scrub is an award-winning salon treatment alternative that buffs out the skin while helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars.

How to use Microdermabrasion:

1. Apply to clean, wet skin and gently scrub in a circular motion for up to 1 minute.
2. Avoid the eye area.
3. Use less pressure when scrubbing if you have sensitive skin.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat skin dry.
5. Follow up with your preferred DERMA-E moisturizer.
6. Use twice a week.

Vitamin C Concentrated Serum is a fast-absorbing, high-potency serum that penetrates deeply to deliver antioxidant protection and essential hydration.

How to use Vitamin C Concentrated Serum:

1. Apply onto a clean face and neck.
2. Use in the morning and evening alone or combine with your favorite DERMA-E moisturizer.
3. Use to brighten skin and visibly improve the signs of aging.
4. For best results, follow up with their Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer.

Hydrating Day Cream thoroughly moisturizes and plumps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to use Hydrating Day Cream:  

1. Use in the morning after cleaning your face with your preferred DERMA-E cleanser.  
2. Apply a rich layer onto the face and neck and gently massage the skin until the cream is absorbed.  
3. This day cream works well under makeup.

DERMA-E has a variety of Limited Edition skincare kits that suits your needs. Not only are they great for travel, but they make the perfect gift for beauty lovers.

These kits make it easy to give the gift of beautiful, healthy skin.

Give the Gift of Good Food from Dantanna's

Celebrate this holiday season with the gift of good taste courtesy of Dantanna’s Butcher’s Market. Dantanna’s Executive Chef Brad Parker has created Butcher Market Baskets for those who appreciate fine dining. The menu includes The Lean and Mean Basket, The “Man I Love Meat” Basket, The New Yorker Basket, and The “Hunger Heffer” Basket available in portions 2, 4, 6, or 8. Each basket offers two vegetable sides, one pound loaded baked potato, Dantanna’s mouthwatering Chocolate Bourbon Pie, and a choice of meat. Guests have the option to order baskets while dining in or can place an order to take home. Detailed reheating instructions are also provided for those who choose to have the Chef prepare it in advance. Cigars from the Buckhead Cigar Store can be added to basket orders and are best after a steak dinner. Dantanna’s is located at 3400 Around Lenox Rd. NE #304 Atlanta, GA 30326 at the Shops Around Lenox in Buckhead. Browse Dantanna’s Butcher’s Market Menu at https://www.dantannas.com/butchers-market-menu. For more information, please call 404.760.8873 or visit www.dantannas.com. Follow @Dantannas on Instagram and Twitter to stay connected.

The Gift of Fine Dining at STK Atlanta

Express appreciation and gratitude towards friends and loved ones through the taste of upscale cuisine. Deluxe dinner connoisseurs can be treated to the highest-quality marbled steaks, exquisite cocktails, wide seafood selections, and heavenly desserts at STK Atlanta. Collect an additional $10 Bonus Dining Dollars after a $50 gift card purchase or an extra $25 after a $100 gift card purchase. Go the extra mile by gifting steak aficionados a package from STK’s meat market filled with superior cuts. STK Atlanta can be located at 1075 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30909. For more information, call 404.793.0144 or visit www.stksteakhouse.com. Follow @EatSTK on Instagram and Twitter for updates and to stay enlightened. 

‘Tis the Season at TWO urban licks

Alas! The season of giving and receiving has finally come back around. TWO urban licks offer a very merry deal for those who purchase holiday gift cards from now through Monday, Jan 31. TWO lovers can load the gift cards, and for every $100 put on the cards, they will add $20 more. Give the gift of good food with TWO’s fiery American cuisine such as their fan-favorite Salmon Chips, signature Rotisserie Chicken, sweetly tart Lemon Cupcake, a refreshing The Aztec cocktail, and much more. And, as always, guests are welcome to take their food TWO go. Gift cards can be purchased at TWO urban licks, located at 820 Ralph McGill Boulevard, Atlanta GA 30306, or online at https://concentricsrestaurants.cardfoundry.com/giftcards.php. For more information, visit twourbanlicks.com or call 404.522.4622. Stay connected through Instagram @twourbanlicks and Twitter @2urbanlicks.

Six Packs, Swag, and Support ATL with Red’s Beer Garden 

Crack open a cold one with friends and family this holiday season! From over 300 types of beer to unique apparel, there is something for all kinds of beer-lovers in your life at Red's Beer Garden. Build your own beer pack and choose everything from a Monday Night Dr. Robot to a Brasserie Dupont Sassin to a Miller High Life. Surprise a loved one or let them decide from Red’s self-serve refrigerators...all that is missing is the bow! Finally, add a Red’s T-Shirt, hat, or koozie to support a local small business or rep the Atlanta area. Red’s Beer Garden is located at 1328 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, Ga 30315. For more information and to see Red’s beer menu, visit https://www.redsbeergarden.com/ or call 770-637-2299. 

Give the Gift of Fun at Puttshack

’Tis the season of gift-giving, and there is by par no better present than a good time at Puttshack Atlanta. Fill someone’s day with mini-golf, good food, and tasty beverages with a Puttshack gift card. Send a gift card instantly via email for a stress-free buying process, or come in for a game to experience the fun too and purchase the physical gift card to take with you or to mail with a personalized message for that special someone. Puttshack Atlanta can be located at 1115 Howell Mill Rd. Atlanta, GA 30318. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit Puttshack.com or call (404) 738-7888. Stay connected via Instagram & Twitter @Puttshack.

Magical Flavor and Dinner by the Firepit Pizza Tavern 

Give the gift of magical flavor and gather friends and family for a trendy and comfortable dining experience at Firepit Pizza Tavern, located in Grant Park. Known for its one-of-a-kind tavern-style pizzas and homemade ingredients, Firepit also offers its Unicorn Wing Seasoning. This in-house dry rub features a variety of spices that create a perfect combination of tangy, spicy, and savory to compliment wings, burgers, pizzas, and more. Pick up the seasoning or buy a gift card so loved ones can gather around the fire pit this holiday season. Aside from pizzas, Firepit also offers a variety of starters, freshly made sandwiches, and salads. Firepit Pizza Tavern is located at 519 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, Ga 30312. For more information, visit http://www.firepitatl.com/ or call 404-495-4777 to make a takeout order. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook @firepitatl and Twitter @Firepitpizza.

Recently, my auto group and I came together for a fun night to celebrate the end of the year at Top Golf.

Top Golf is a casual but premier entertainment facility held in outdoor climate-controlled hitting bays. 

Since family and friends were allowed to join in on the festivities, I brought along my girls to meet my auto group crew and practice on our golf swing.  

Plus, this particular Top Golf location recently opened up near my house, so we had to check it out.

It was our first time visiting Top Golf and playing golf itself.  Well, I take that back; remember when we visited St. Augustine years back and visited a golf museum?  We played a little bit of golf together back then.

Who knew Top Golf would be so fun!  I guess the saying is true, "Golf is fun to play, but boring to watch."

I was killing it, getting my balls in several outfield targets. However, it took some missed hits to get the hang of swinging my golf club correctly.  

And Lauren wasn't too bad herself. But, on the other hand, Michelle tried a couple of times and quit. So she instead watches Lauren and I compete, plus chow down on some food.  

Well, our time wasn't all about golf; it was a time to reconnect and network with fleet managers discussing our year and what's to come.

This year, I didn't review as many cars as years prior due to the chip shortage, which created a car shortage. Hopefully, next year we'll see more inventory. And with the drought, used cars were more in demand this year.

I was chatting with a representative from Nissan and was told despite fewer cars on the lot, their car sales were good this year. That's great news to hear!

However, with the new cars that dealerships did have, the price was marked up, making the new cars cost more than it was worth.  So basically, price gouging.  With fewer cars, automakers need to make up for the loss.

But the growing trend I'm noticing in the auto industry is electric vehicles.  Those are what consumers want now. So there is no need to worry about rising gas prices and have the convenience of charging your car at home.  

Still, even though you save money when it comes to gas, I'm seeing electric cars' prices skyrocketing too.  It's like everything is going up in price!

However, if you need to buy a vehicle, an electric car is the best option.  

And did you hear the news about California banning gas-powered cars in 2030?  I have a feeling other states will follow suit.  Electric cars are the future, and we're a world that is constantly introduced to new technology that makes life easier.  Out with the old, in with the new.

If you're not ready to jump into having an all-electric car yet, there are both gas and electric hybrids, like the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime Limited I reviewed this year.

Make sure to check out other vehicles I previously reviewed.

Do you know the saying, "TikTok made me buy this?" 

Well, Facebook made me buy tickets to the new SeaQuest at Stonecrest Mall that recently opened up here in the Atlanta area.  I was curious how it would be different from our famous Georgia Aquarium and Atlanta Zoo, so my girls and I took the quick trip there over the Thanksgiving break.

SeaQuest has over 20,000 square feet with animals from five continents. 

Definitely differences between the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Zoo, and SeaQuest; for instance, SeaQuest is more interactive, meaning you get to feed, interact, and touch the animals. I booked the VIP Interaction Bundle, which features the three best Animal Interactions with a tour guide that gave us artifacts about the animals we were interacting with. 

When it comes to the VIP Interaction Bundle, it must be booked a day in advance, and you select the time you want to do your tour.  You have about 10 minutes with each animal exhibit.

We hung out with sloths, crested porcupines, wallabies, and many other animals during our tour!  

I was very impressed with our whole experience at SeaQuest!  We had a great time getting close to the animals and learned some cool facts from our knowledgeable tour guide.

Here's a fact that I didn't know that porcupines do not shoot out their quills; however, quills do detach easily when touched. So, unfortunately, we didn't get to feel the porcupines but did get feed one of them interested in getting fed.

Unlike Georgia Aquarium and Atlanta Zoo, SeaQuest is not overwhelmed with people, so you feel like you have more time to browse around and see everything, with no rush feeling.

Also, the animals are not forced to interact with people and are given breaks throughout the day.  I noticed that the majority of animals we visited quickly came to us, wanting food.  I'm told they are provided meals in the morning and night, and during the day, guests feed them.

Also, being a lover of animals, I had to ask where these animals came from?  I want to make sure that these animals are well taken care of and not abused. 

From what I've been told, most animals at SeaQuest are rescues or from other SeaQuest locations, and some came from pet owners who couldn't take care of their pets anymore. However, from my observation, the animals look healthy and happy.  Hopefully, the excellent care will continue, and the employees there make sure guests handle the animals with respect.

My only complaint is that I wish SeaQuest was outdoors so animals could get fresh air and sunlight; their exhibits need to be bigger as well.

SeaQuest is the best family adventure in Stonecrest.  Go and experience the 5 continents with your family.

By the way, next door to SeaQuest is FunQuest; it's like miniature golf.

To save on tickets, I suggest using Groupon.  I didn't do it but wish I did.  

Have you ever been to a place where you get an up-close interaction with animals? 

This box is made with soul, Seoulbox, that is!

My daughters and I got a chance to check out Seoulbox, authentic Korean Snacks, and goodies that shipped directly to your doorstep. Each month, Seoulbox curate a box full of snack items and merch from the streets of Seoul quickly sent to their members.

The box's theme sent to us was about what you would find in Korean coffee houses with coffee and chocolate treats. Other featured goodies inside were sweet and savory snacks, mealtime snacks, a Kpop doll, and a vegan cotton mask. 

Coffee cafes are popular worldwide, especially in Korea. But what makes Korean cafes different from the rest?  

Korean cafes are so cutely designed, with a lovely aesthetic. Instantly when you step inside one, you'll notice how welcoming, warm, and cozy it feels, and you'll be ready to settle down with a coffee and treat. Whether you go with friends, by yourself, or even study, you'll notice you'll not want to leave spending hours at the cafe.

Here in the US, I visit Korean cafes often. The vibe is laid back, the staff is friendly, making sure you have a great experience. Plus, the drinks are tasty too, with rich flavors.

With the Seoulbox, you get to immerse yourself in the Korean culture, getting a taste of what Koreans enjoy when it comes to snacks and goodies. There is no need to spend thousands of dollars on flights and hotel stays to experience Korea; you can appreciate the culture from your home.

Not only do you get snacks and other fun items monthly, but also a small magazine with a tasting guide describing what the snacks are and cultural insights to learn more about Korea.

How Seoulbox Works

First, you take a quiz, so Seoulbox helps you find the perfect box of unique Korean snacks and goodies.

And, don't worry about shipping because these boxes ship to your house quickly. I was pretty surprised how fast my box came directly from Korea within a week. Impressive!

• Seoulbox Signature Box is $35

• Seoulbox Signature 3-Month is $99

• Seoulbox Signature 6-Month is $192

• Seoulbox Signature 12-Month is $384

Check out the snacks and merchandise I received below:

Potato Chip Hot Gobchang

Myeong Ga Seaweed

Dinosaur Egg Chips

BTS Hot Brew Vanilla Latte

Five Grains Cocoa Balls Bar

Coffee Peanuts

Nature is Tasty Hong Myun

Jeju Tangerine Chocolate Pepero

Margaret Baked Mocha Cookie

Maxim Mocha Latte

Dream Cacao

Mon Cher Cake Salty Peanut

Arabica Coffee Gum

Binch Caffe Mocha

Jaws Watermelon Jellies

Propolis Ener-G Ampoule Mask

Kpop Plush

I am delighted that I discovered Seoulbox! It's like opening a box of Christmas and birthday gifts monthly, not knowing what surprises lie inside. You get a wide range of snacks and goodies, plus a magazine that explains what you got and facts about Korea.  

Not only is Seoulbox an excellent snack box subscription, but it also makes a beautiful gift to give someone else. 

My daughters enjoy bringing these snacks to school and sharing them with their friends. These treats make excellent conversation amongst one another and help them learn more about this beautiful country, not to mention the obsession with Korean music and dramas.

Make sure to check out other snack boxes I reviewed.

Disclosure- I was provided this snack box free to do a review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Post contains affiliate links.

My Top 10 Favorite Paid Online Survey Panels:

What are Paid Online Surveys?

What Type of Paid Online Surveys Are There?

Who Can Join Paid Online Surveys?

How Much Does Paid Online Surveys Pay?

Help that remarkable woman in your life take their fitness and healthy lifestyle to the next level by gifting them the fitness items they need to reach their goals at home or the gym.

Since I've been on my health and wellness journey for over a year now, I know a thing or two about the best fitness gifts since these are the gifts I would like for myself or already have.

Below, I have listed great gifts that women can use now and who are starting their fitness journey at the start of the new year. So give the gift of health and wellness, and even for yourself!  Help her build muscle, lose weight, work on balance, coordination, and help increase her quality of life.

Activewear for Her

With activewear, you can work up a sweat while keeping yourself dry.  Having the perfect fitted workout clothes can make a difference during your workout routine.  Not to mention, it makes you look great in them.  Check out these workout pants, joggers, sports bras, and hoodies.  And did you know, athleisure wear is one of the most popular outfits women are wearing today? Even if they are not into fitness, it is comfortable yet chic.

Footwear for Her

Having the right shoes while working out is vital.  You want to keep your feet comfortable, dry, and not slip off while running on the treadmill.  These shoes are great for physical exercise, plus for everyday wear too.

Fitness Equipment for Her

There is no need to pay for a monthly membership at the gym when you have your own equipment at home. Instead, give the gift of fitness types of equipment like treadmills, weights, workout mirrors and exercise bikes.

Fitness Stocking Stuffers for Her

Don't forget the stockings!  Stuff those stockings with athletic socks, water bottles, weightlifting gloves, massager, and personal care items.

These gifts active females will totally love on your list!  She will head into the New Year ready to crush her fitness goals, thanks to you!  These gifts are not only great to give over the holidays but also as birthday gifts, or just because she wants to start on a health and wellness journey.

After filling yourself up on turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, time to burn those extra calories you ate. And the best way to do that is to get your body moving, so don't slump around; you may miss the best sales of the year!

Black Friday is here, so you know what that means; time to get great deals on gifts for your loved ones, friends, and even for yourself! So I gathered up the Top 22 Best Black Friday Holiday Deals you don't want to miss out on!  Also, check out more holiday gift ideas.

zulily's Holiday Shop delivers joy to all this season. Find your perfect gift + HUGE savings with zulily's Gift Guides! 

HSN has holiday gifts on sale for everyone in the family. Plus, save big for you! Makes for an easy and affordable holiday. 

H&M's Pre-Friday Black Deals are happening now. Up to 50% off select styles. Hurry, the hottest looks won't last long!

PUMA's Early Black Friday Sale offers 30-50% off select styles. Perfect time to grab discounted hoodies, shoes, pants & more!

Joe's New Balance Outlet Sale of the Season is happening now! Shop More, Save More with 15% off orders $50+ and 20% off orders $100+.

Macy's Black Friday Sale is happening now! Up to 70% off Specials + Extra 20% off with code BLKFRI. Runs through 11/27.

Oakley wants you to save big for this Black Friday Week. Get up to 50% off sunglasses, goggles, and all apparel.

Proozy's Warehouse Sale is happening now with up to 80% off top items. This is your One-Stop-Shop to get everything!  

Wayfair wants you to get READY! Black Friday Flash Deals begin today, 11/25, on the Hour, Every Hour! Set your timer and log in for tremendous savings & fun! Hurry, this ends 11/27. 

Cheryl's has your Exclusive sale! Get 15% off on orders $75+ with code BC15OFF at Cheryls.com! Runs 11/23-11/30. This offer cannot be combined with Promotion Codes & Reward Cards.

HOMER LEARNING has the gift of playful learning with 35% OFF HOMER Annual Plan + Kids Tablet Bundle for $149.99. Free Shipping to US/Canada. Ends 11/28.

JCPenney has Black Friday Deals Happening Now! Choose from 1000's of Items while they last. Huge Savings on winter coats, kitchen appliances, jewelry, and more!

New York & Company has 50% off absolutely everything this week. So the time is NOW to grab the best holiday looks. Free Economy Shipping on Orders $50+. No Code Needed.

Elizabeth Arden offers 30% off any $100 purchase + 30-piece Advanced Ceramide Capsules with code EACYBER. Perfect for stocking stuffers! Valid 11/23-12/3.

Motherhood Maternity has 60% off sale styles. Plus, a Free Tote with any order. Save 30% off with code THANKFUL on full-priced items! Runs 11/23-12/1.

Bloomingdale's Thanksgiving Sale takes 25% off sitewide. Shop Luxe Gifts, Gifts Under $100, and Stocking Stuffers for the best gifting options. Runs 11/23-11/28.

Gap Factory has Early Black Friday Sales happening now. Shop Doorbusters for deep savings on all your holiday gifting options.

Macy's has 60% off winter coats + 50% off fragrances + cashmere starting at $39 + so much more! Runs 11/23-11/27.

Michaels has 60% off all Christmas Trees. Plus, stock up on holiday décor and gifting options today. Runs 11/21-11/27.

Champion has up'd its game with a Cyber Pre-Game Sale: 20% off $100+, 25% off $150+, 30% off $200+! Discount applied in cart.

Kate Spade Surprise's gift shopping starts now. Shop the Deal of the Day for huge savings. Ready, Set, Shop all the most wanted items!

Woot! has up to 65% Off Ray-Ban & Oakley Sunglasses (for sunny vacations!), $43.99 - $76.99. Runs 11/23-12/12.

I love immersing myself in the Japanese culture, especially when it comes to their food. Even though I have never visited Japan, I love experiencing Japanese cuisines here in America. From miso soups, seafood, and sushi, all are such flavorful dishes that I enjoy.

Also, I love eating Japanese snacks, more of the ones you would find at tea houses.  

Have you ever tried authentic Japanese snacks, sweets, and teas?  

There is no need to hop on an expensive plane ride to Japan to get a taste of all their sweet treats. Instead, you can have Japanese snacks shipped to you right to your doorstep.  

You can explore new authentic Japanese snacks every month with Sakuraco.

Sakuraco is a monthly subscription box full of 20 different traditional Japanese sweets, snacks, and teas sent to their subscribers worldwide every month. It’s their passion to share the experience of authentic Japan throughout the world. 

Sakuraco boxes come with a different theme every month, allowing you to discover various sides of Japanese culture year-round!  Sakuraco features 100% authentic and artisanal snacks.

They are based in Japan and take great pride in their product, carefully selecting and curating traditional Japanese snacks sourced directly from local makers. So, you will only find high-quality and artisan snacks and won’t find dagashi, chips, or snacks that you can easily find in Japanese convenience stores.

This month, Sakuraco sent me their Hokkaido Winter Festival snack box.  

The December-themed box takes you on a winter culinary journey of Hokkaido. Hokkaido is in northernmost Japan and is well known for its unique foods and fish.

Hokkaido is a popular vacation spot even for Japanese people because of its beautiful scenery year-round. However, wintertime is the most magical time in Hokkaido, with the beautiful snowfall that blankets the whole prefecture.

Even though it may be cold, that doesn't stop the residents from having outdoor activities. And after a day of play outdoors, people come in and warm up with a hot cup of tea and delicious sweets made with rich Hokkaido dairy.

With the Hokkaido-themed box, you get the flavors of northern Japan from creamy butter, refreshing melon to local seafood and corn. My daughters and I celebrated Hokkaido Winter Festival right here, in our home. So check out what's included in the box.

When I first opened the box, a pamphlet shared the history of the Hokkaido Winter Festival and Snack Guide of what snacks are included in the package. Also, you get a look at how some of the snacks were made by the locals.

What I loved is that the booklet shares common allergens of each snack and if it's vegetarian-friendly. Plus, it shares detailed information about each snack inside.

Also, I received a warm winter greeting from the creator of the Hokkaido box.

This box of winter goodies was tasty and so much fun! My daughters loved everything they received. It's definitely was a conversation piece that had us discussing the snacks we tried out. The girls couldn't wait to bring some of the snacks at school to share with their friends and teachers.

Corn Potage Senbei

Yamaoyaji Senbei

Red Bean Pudding 

Yuzu Kuzumochi

Scallop Senbei

Shrimp Curry Rice Snacks

White Chocolate Noir Cookies

Hokkaido Cream Bread

Kobukoro Mochi 

Walnut Mochi

Matcha with Genmaicha

Ichimatsu Sake Cup

Hokkaido Milk Karinto

Vitamin Castella

Yubari Melon Chocolate Sandwich Cookie

Banana Baumkuchen

How does Sakuraco Work?

Sakuraco works like any other subscription box out there; customers subscribe to their chosen plan, and then Sakuraco delivers their packages to them every month as long as their subscription is active. So, for example, customers must subscribe before December ends (in Japan Standard Time) to receive Sakuraco’s January box.

Sakuraco Price

Sakuraco box has a Monthly Plan and several Prepaid Plans:

• Monthly: $37.5 per box, charged every month

• 3 Month Prepaid Plan: $35.5 per box, charged every 3 months

• 6 Month Prepaid Plan: $33.5 per box, charged every 6 months

• 12 Month Prepaid Plan: $32.5 per box, charged per every 12 months

Prepaid Plans are cheaper than the Monthly Plan, and it’s also more convenient because customers won’t have to worry about renewing their plan every month!

And, did you know that Sakuraco has sister companies too? I got to review some of them, and they're worth subscribing to. So, make sure to check them out as well. They make perfect gifts for everyone!

TokyoTreat

YumeTwins

nmnl

Disclosure- This post is sponsored by Sakuraco.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

You all know about Rakuten, the top cashback website for shopping online. But did you know that they now have a market research panel where you can earn money for your opinions? 

This new panel is called Rakuten Insight, and they are looking for consumers like you to share your feedback on various topics and experiences and get rewarded for your time.

What is Rakuten Insight?

Rakuten Insight Surveys is an online survey platform operated by Rakuten Insight Global, Inc.

Rakuten Insight Global serves business organizations, universities, and entities worldwide, primarily from Europe, the U.S., and Asia.

They share responses from millions of members worldwide to provide critical insights that guide the development of new products and policies and pay members with rewards for taking online surveys.

How Rakuten Insight Works?