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7/13/2017 0 Comments Tai Pei asian foodThis post was sponsored by Tai Pei as part of Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.  It’s that time again. Moving season. I’m sure a lot of you know the pains and stresses when it comes to moving. There’s a lot of things you don’t anticipate and a lot of things cost money when it comes to moving. With my whole kitchen packed up I wasn’t able to prepare dinners anymore, forcing us to eat out a lot. It’s fun for the first few days, but after a while it gets tiresome and quite frankly expensive. With the help of Tai Pei’s single serve entrée; I was able to bring dinner home that everyone enjoyed!  The all-new Tai Pei single serve line of Asian inspired frozen entrees, are made with real, quality ingredients. There’s none of the bad stuff, just pure and delicious goodness. There are a variety of options that my whole family got to choose their favorite. My kids really liked the Peppered beef entrée, while my husband raved about the flavors and taste of the sweet and sour chicken. I had the Shrimp fried rice, and it was honestly surprisingly tasty.  The packaging is simple, inviting, and easy to prepare. Just pop it in the microwave and voila, your meal is served. No mess, no plates required. There are a wide range of choices to include both entrees and appetizers. These are the perfect go to meals for anyone who’s got a busy schedule and doesn’t want to cook some nights, but is also on a budget. Or if you’re in a moving situation like me, these could be a lifesaver in a chaotic and stressful time. Included down below is the Tai Pei website where you can read and learn more about their products.
 The Tai Pei Asian inspired entrees were a huge lifesaver and a big hit amongst my whole family! If everyone is satisfied, then mom is happy. Try yours out today to find out which becomes your favorite flavor! Xoxo, Sam
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6/23/2017 0 Comments Summer TravelSo you’ve got that family summer trip planned and are feeling overwhelmed at what to pack, what to bring. I’ve traveled a lot over the years since my babies were born. Now being 5 and 3 years old I’m still learning what works and what doesn’t. Here are a few recommendations to make both mommy and baby happy while traveling. 
Kids rolling backpack: I've taken these on a plane, and a road trip. They are a cute way to get your kids excited about traveling and keeps their own belonging seperate from each other. Super cute and durable! 
Foldable blanket: These are a lifesaver, and are my kids favorite! This blanket is especiallly helpful on the plane where it can get super cold at times. Fold them tucked away and they double as a pillow! 
Mom's bag: I usually go small and compact when I travel especially with kids. I need to have all hands available and like to feel light with out a lot of stuff holding me down. I just pack the essential's leaving me free to enjoy our vacation! The special treat: Thanks to Influenster, I received their summer breezy VoxBox that included their Sour Punch treat. Traveling can be stressful on both child and mother. My kids rarely get to eat candy like these, so it's a safety net to pack in my carry on and special treat for them for traveling so well! Have some safe family fun this summer! Xoxo Sam 
* I received some items complimentary thanks to Influenster, Opinions and thoughts are my own
5/30/2017 2 Comments Saying goodbye: 400th Barre Class Yesterday marked my 400th barre class at Xtend Barre By the Sea. This gem of a studio has been the place that transformed my body, my stress reliever, my friend, and honestly a second home. It’s the place where I was able to get out of my comfort zone, meet some amazing people in the community and develop long lasting friendships. Now it’s time to say goodbye.  One of the best and worst parts of military life for me is moving. While it was adventurous and exciting in the first few years, you begin to develop roots everywhere you go and in this moment, this move will be the hardest yet for me. I’ve met so many great people, had so many laughs, and sweated along side with my friends, all thanks to this studio. It was our common ground that allowed us to develop relationships beyond just working out.  So now, 2 years later, 400 classes down, I must close this chapter in my book. Thank you for all the plies, planks, and fold overs, encouragement, and laughs, it truly has transformed my body mind and soul. Those of you know, you will always have a special place in my heart. Who knew that the first day I walked into the studio it would be the place that made me feel at home, made me belong, and made me happy. Cheers to the best little studio in town and off to the next great adventure! Xoxo Sam  5/11/2017 0 Comments My Mother's DayIt’s that time of year again, a time where we celebrate a special person, on a very special day; mother’s day. When I think back on mother’s day growing up, I remember making my mom home made cards and making her breakfast in bed. Fast forward all these years later, and now I am a mom; a mom to 2 beautiful kids. The homemade cards have started, though the breakfast in bed may have to wait a few more years till they can operate a stove by themselves! Lol.  Mother’s day has so many different meanings to everyone, but to me, on this day, I feel pride, I feel joy, I feel accomplishment, and I feel fulfilled, all because of my kids, who made me a mother and able to celebrate this day. I never thought motherhood would bring me down this path, a path to where I am able to stay home with them and be there for them whenever they need. It’s not what I had envisioned before becoming a mother, but now I can’t see it any other way since becoming a mother, and I’m proud of that. Whether we are working moms, stay at home moms, part time moms, or single parent moms; I think we can all agree that whatever struggles, joys, tears, or fear we deal with in our daily lives; it’s worth it. Worth it to see our kid’s everyday, to see them smile and to hear those magical words ‘I love you mom’.  Happy Mother’s Day!! Xoxo Sam 4/4/2017 0 Comments Origins My perfect world event* I received products complimentary thanks to Influenster. All thoughts and opinions are my own This Past weekend I was invited to attend the Origins VIP event celebrating the launch of their new Products. The event included exclusive VIP access to a FREE mini-facial, on site tealeaf reader, some yummy refreshments and treats, along with a swag bag and 20% off everything in the store! 
Upon entering the store, there was lots of excitement, lots of pampering and lots of chatting. Not only did I get to sample some of my favorite products, but I also got to mingle with fellow bloggers and beauty lovers alike. The store set up is gorgeous, playing off the natural and botanical oils that the brand is known for. Each category is clearly marked sectioned of by face and body. Some of my favorite products I use from the brand include the active Charcoal Mask, and the drink up intensive overnight mask. I also love the ginger soufflé and body lotion! 
This event was lots of fun being pampered, hanging out some friends, and scoring some of my favorite iconic masks! Thanks to @Influenster and @Origins for the exclusive invite. Can’t wait till the next one! Xoxo Sam 
3/23/2017 0 Comments Finding your fitness Let face it, sometimes we just can’t make it to they gym, life takes over and our physical fitness can take a back seat. Or we just don’t have access or the ability to go to a gym, which for me is the only way I can be accountable and be motivated to complete my work out. I’ve tried and am trying to do the at home work outs, and while it’s good in the fact that I can do it in my own home, it’s just not the same. I get distracted too much, my kids are constantly interrupting my session, and I just get lazy, I’ll admit it. So instead of me feeling like I have to complete a full one hour workout everyday, which is just not a realistic schedule to stick to for my lifestyle at the moment, I’ve started finding ways to make what works for me. Here are some of my fitness reps I like to do, working it in to my day.  Planks: I use to hate doing these! It hurt, it was uncomfortable, but there’s a reason for that. It works! This move is a whole body workout that uses your core, builds upper body strength and tests your mind and will power to hold it. Squats: They start off easy at first, but don’t be fooled. This little move burns baby burns! Lol but oh does it work so well! Push-ups: I never could do a push up until I started TRX. This whole body workout requires you to resist gravity and use your own body weight against you.  So the next time you find yourself feeling guilty and unhappy that you couldn’t get in a full hour workout, take a step back, find other ways to still be physically active throughout the day and work it in where you can. It’s all about balance right! Xoxo Sam  3/1/2017 0 Comments Protect my shoes“It’s the little things that make life that much sweeter”. That’s the thought behind the brand Protect my Shoes. These are the perfect little shoe stuffers and your shoes best friend! Founder Olivia Hollaus created this concept after personally becoming frustrated with those paper stuffers that wrinkle and shred up soon after your purchase.
These patent pending shoe stuffers are one-size fits all, handmade with 100% cotton fabric, filled with raw organic cotton, and machine-washable. These are the perfect little addition to my shoe collection, keeping my luxury shoe collection looking good at all times. They come in an array of fun prints and colors. They are dainty and elegant, making it the perfect gift for anyone who loves shoes!   Shop now and get 25% off with code: THISLOVELIFE. Offer valid until March 6, 2017. https://www.protectmyshoes.com Xoxo Sam 1/29/2017 0 Comments How to stay motivated - FitnessAs the first month of the year comes to an end, many of us have made some New Years Resolution, especially when it comes to fitness. So how many of you have kept to it? Setting a fitness goal whether it is to lose weight, be healthy, or just to make a change in your life can be hard to stick to. Today I’m giving you my personal tips that I’ve used to keep me motivated, dedicated, and taken me on a path that I am happy with.  Firstly, my fitness journey started after my second child was born. It had almost been a 3-year hiatus from any scheduled physical fitness, due to me being a new mom, juggling two toddlers at home and no childcare. Then, one day I finally decided it was time. I had seen a new popular workout called Barre everywhere, so I googled the nearest and best studio and signed myself up. Tip #1: Go for it. If you’ve always wondered about a certain workout/studio, step out of your comfort zone, take the plunge and sign yourself up. If you question yourself, have self doubt about what if you’re not good at it, fear will set in, take over, and you’ll never get to go where you want.  If I had never taken the chance and tried out the Barre studio, I would never have found such a rewarding and physically transforming body workout. Not to mention I’ve met some great people, found my sanctuary to refuel my mind and body and made some long lasting friendships. Tip #2: Go in pairs. Take a friend with you. Having a friend to take the journey with you can make things more comfortable; keeps things fun, and keep each other accountable. Or grab your significant other and turn it into a date night activity!  Tip #3: Investment. Workout gear can be expensive, believe me I know. I am a Lululemon addict and will admit it, but to me, sometimes having a cute outfit, something that makes you feel good is worth it. To be comfortable with what you are doing starts with being comfortable in what you are wearing. Splurge on a good pair of leggings that’ll make you feel slimming, confident and happy. I love my apple watch to track my workout progress, and will let me know if I’ve met any goals I set for myself. These things all cost, but these are the things worth the investment for me personally to keep me going.  Tip #4: Have Fun! No workout is worth doing if you are not having fun. Beyond seeing the physical change and losing weight, if you don’t enjoy what you are doing, chances are you won’t stick to it. Find a workout that works for YOU. I know that running is the fastest way for me to get into shape and lose weight, but I don’t enjoy it. I like to find different workouts that are fun, enjoyable, and are challenging. These are the key things I use to make sure I maintain to keep me focused and motivated.  Whether you started a new journey this New Year, or are continuing your dedication on, I hope these tips can help you stay focused, and wish you luck on any personal journey you are on! Be happy, keep smiling, and stay motivated! Xoxo Sam 12/30/2016 0 Comments Closing 2016 In these final days of the year, I like to look back and reflect on what the year has brought me, and how it’s made me who I am today. This year was a year of changes for me personally. Physical fitness played a hug role in my lifestyle, finding passion in barre and yoga. I enjoy staying active and taking the time for myself to decompress and release any stresses or worries I have from the normal everyday life. I’m thankful that I’m able to continue to push my physical fitness beyond my limits.   As I write this final post for 2016, I’ve almost come a full year since starting this blog. This Love Life has been a platform for growth, a chance to share with others what I love, and a true passion I never knew I had. My hopes for the next year are continued growth, expanded opportunities and learning through my craft and those around me. Thank you to all of you who have followed and supported me through out my journey. Wishing you a Happy New year full of love, health, and happiness! See you on the blog next year! Xoxo Sam  11/23/2016 0 Comments Skip the lines, shop online!
This time every year is always an exciting one! It's time to reflect back on the year, be thankful and gather around those who are dear to you. It is also a time for my inner 'find a good deal' self to gear up for all the sales. It seems like this year, most retailers are starting early, which means sales are going on NOW! I've always been a fan of online shopping, but it's especially important this time a year, when you don't have time to stand in the enormously long lines. Instead, grab your computer, grab your phone and start browsing away. Some of my favorite stores to shop online are big retail stores. They are just too big and carry too much in stores for me to make grounds fast enough to grab the good deals. Instead I can browse or search exactly what I'm looking for wherever I am. Click the banners below to check out some awesome deals happening right now and through the weekend. So in between meals tomorrow, or when you have a rest during a Thanksgiving feast, check out some sales at these retailers, I mean who doesn't love a good deal! Happy Thanksgiving! Xoxo Sam
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