How did it go? (and $250 Best Buy Giveaway!)

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Intel.

**Giveaway Closed!  Thank you for entering!! The winner of the giveaway is Peace Love and Pets!!  Congrats!**

I recently told you about the laptop that BlogHer sent me that was powered by the Intel® Core™ i5 processor and I'm back to tell you my experience with it! I can honestly say that it's pretty awesome! I've used older PC's before and I always noticed a lag time when opening programs and working on large spreadsheets but this laptop with the new processor definitely made a difference. For work, I was able to work on several spreadsheets at once and then even edit photos with those spreadsheets open and everything went quite smoothly! My screens didn't freeze and I didn't have to restart at all. I mean, if you've used a PC before, I'm sure you've had to deal with that at least a few times! I really liked how well the processor work because that meant that I could get my work done faster and spend more time with my husband and dogs!

Some info about the Intel® Core™ i5 processor:
Thanks to Intel® Turbo Boost Technology,1 the Intel® Core™ i5 processor automatically adapts to
whatever you are doing on your PC, dialing up speed to respond quickly to your needs. The Intel®
Core™ i5 processor: that’s smart performance with a speed boost. The Intel® Core™ i5 processor
also features Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology,2 which enables each core of your processor to
work on two tasks at the same time, delivering the performance you need for smart multitasking.
Don’t let too many open applications slow you and your PC down. Get smart performance now.


I also had a lot of fun using the Intel® Wireless Display which let me pull up my screen on our HDTV! It was actually a lot of fun sitting on the couch and reading through my favorite blogs through our TV instead of the laptop screen. Not sure my husband enjoyed it as much though. LOL!


Don't forget that you have a chance to win a $250 gift card to Best Buy!  All you need to do is to leave me a comment and tell me what you do help you multitask better or faster! And for an extra entry, tweet or blog about this giveaway!

Giveaway rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) Follow this link and provide your email address and your response to the sweepstakes prompt

Sweepstakes ends at 5 PM PST on December 22, 2010

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw from the comments from this post and the one dated 11/17 and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Also, don't forget to check out the BlogHer.com exclusive offers page for more chances to win $250 from other bloggers and 4 chances, one every week, to win a new laptop!

◊1 Intel® Turbo Boost Technology requires a system with Intel Turbo Boost Technology capability. Consult your PC manufacturer. Performance varies depending on hardware, software, and system configuration. For more information, visit www.intel.com/technology/turboboost/.

◊2 Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) requires an Intel HT Technology enabled system, check with your PC manufacturer. Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware and software used. Not available on Intel® Core™ i5-750. For more information including details on which processors support HT Technology, visit www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading/.

Multi-Tasking Queen

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Intel.

**Giveaway Closed!  Thank you for entering!!**

Life gets so busy sometimes and I've had to learn the art of multi-tasking in order to get all my check lists, checked off.  In between my day job of being an HR Director, to my part time job of being a wedding photographer and my wonderful hobby of being a blogger I am pretty much always on the computer and multi-tasking on the computer is just as important as any other tasks.  In between spreadsheets, editing photos and writing posts, I always have multiple windows open doing multiple things that are sometimes related but most often not.

When BlogHer offered to send me a brand new laptop powered by the the Intel® Core™ i5 processor, I figured they must've been reading my mind when I was thinking that I needed a computer that could keep up with everything that I do on it. The new processor has Intel® Turbo Boost Technology allowing you to “get more done in less time” which, really has been my motto for the past year or so. Anything that allows me to do more in an efficient manner is a friend of mine! They also provided me with an Intel® Wireless Display adaptor that allows me to use my HDTV as a monitor. How cool is that! I love being able to see my computer on a giant screen and it allows me to keep more windows open and see them all at once.

I've just started using the laptop, so I'll be posting an update later on to let you know how it's working out for me!

I really wish I could share my new laptop with all of you but I can offer you something close... a $250 gift card to Best Buy!  All you need to do is to leave me a comment and tell me what you do help you multitask better or faster! And for an extra entry, tweet or blog about this giveaway!

Giveaway rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) Follow this link and provide your email address and your response to the sweepstakes prompt

Sweepstakes ends at 5 PM PST on December 22, 2010

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw from comments and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Also, don't forget to check out the BlogHer.com exclusive offers page for more chances to win $250 from other bloggers and 4 chances, one every week, to win a new laptop!

And come back on Monday to read my review on how I liked the new processor and you will also get another chance for more entries for the $250 gift card!

Bling it on!

I love giving (and getting) jewelry as gifts and I've been a lucky recipient of a few pieces that I just adooore and had to share.  I can never get enough of jewelry though so am always shopping around and figured that I'd share with you guys what I found and what I like since I know we're all in that place of trying to find gifts!  I've rarely met a woman who hates jewelry so I figure it's usually a safe bet to give some kind of jewelry as a gift!  (and Hubs is well aware that jewelry is always okay to give as a gift to me.  LOL!)

The lovely team over at Kendra Scott sent me these gorgeous earrings awhile back and I've worn them a few times already but they've yet to make a lookbook!  Hopefully soon! But I had to share these beauties as they are so pretty and make quite the statement!

I own a few other pieces from Kendra Scott and have always loved her designs.  The earrings above are the Aiden style.  A few other favorites of mine:

Kendra Scott Laudette Necklace

Kendra Scott Yuri Earrings

Also, if you sign up on their website to get their emails you'll automatically get $20 off your next order!

I have been a fan of Marika King jewelry for awhile now, you've probably seen me wear quite a few pieces of hers in my lookbooks.  She's all the way in Australia but she ships for free worldwide!  Marika was kind enough to gift me with a few pieces and I love them.  You'll be seeing them in my lookbooks soon! 

You can get my cuff here and the earrings here.  I'm also loving these pieces... (click on the pictures to take you to their links)

I think I need those matching earrings.  And how gorgeous is that headband?

Rebecca at DiViene.com introduced me to their site and let me pick out a piece and I chose this pretty citrine pendant because I loved the color.  I just got it yesterday and wore it all day.  It's a beautiful delicate piece that adds just the right touch when you don't want something too dramatic or showy. 

They carry really beautiful gemstone jewelry and the prices are very reasonable for the quality.  This is definitely the place I'd go to for nice jewelry for my mom and sister and I know that they would love it!

14K Yellow Gold Pink Tourmaline Gem-Studded Barrel Roundel Pendant

14K Yellow Gold Marquis Multi Sapphire Gemstone and Diamond Earrings

If you are more into fun and unique jewelry, I stumbled upon Kris Nations who has some really great designs that I don't think you can find anywhere else!

I absolutely love this necklace

Large Dahlia Double Chain Necklace  

I'm a sucker for friendship type bracelets.  I just think they are so fun to add to an outfit and to give to your friends!  These are so cute with the crystals.

Crystal Adjustable Bracelet 

And last but not least, Kimberly Baker is my favorite jeweler in Seattle.  Her designs are amazing and whenever I go to her shop or even just walk by and window shop, I want every single piece that I see.  When I was away on a business trip, my husband stopped by her shop and picked out a pretty ring to surprise me with when I got home. (Isn't he the best?!) But I can't say enough about her line, every piece that I have has lasted for years. 

This is the ring that hubs surprised me with!  It's such a cool ring isn't it?

Also eyeing this necklace...

You know me and my big rings, I love them!  I'm completely obsessed with this one that looks like 5 rings stacked on top of each other.

Now, the only problem that I have is to where to store my overflowing jewelry collection?  I need more space! :)

I've got some fun weekend plans and hope you all do too!  See you on Monday! 

*Please see my disclosure on product reviews/gifts from companies* 

Lookbook: Bows and Bling

You know I couldn't stay away for too long right?  I missed you guys!  I'm not back full time but wanted to share this lookbook and a great deal that I have for my readers.

What I'm Wearing:

Top: from Anthropologie

Cardigan: J. Crew

Skirt: H&M

Shoes:Dior

Nail Polish: OPI We'll Always Have Paris
Ring: Gift from Ice.com**

I stopped by Anthropologie this weekend as I saw this cardigan on sale online and had to see if they had it in the store as I wanted to try it on.  While I was browsing, hubs is looking at a rack and says "How about this top? This looks like you." and I agreed and brought it home with me.  Good pick hubs! (I did end up getting the cardigan, in both gray and pink, it's really cute!)

 

Wanted to show you the cute bows on the top, what a fun detail!

 

We stopped by Uptown Espresso for a latte and walked around the area to enjoy our drinks.  BTW, my ring finger is painted with a glitter top coat, it's cuter in person, the picture makes it look weird. :)

And thank you to ice.com for my pretty Tanzanite ring.

For my readers, they are offering a 20% sitewide discount (excluding watches, engagement rings and sale items) plus $1 shipping.  Use the code: FBFAL  Check out their Fall Style Guide according to these four trends to find something perfect for you.  My ring is from the "Drama Queen" collection, which I love the mix of the black with the jewel tones of the collection.  Make sure to check them all out!

---

Shop the Lookbook:

Banana Republic silk bowtie top

I can't find my top online but this one is pretty similar and cute!

or love this little bow tank and check out this hello kitty tank, so cute right?

Topshop panel bodycon skirt
I really like these slim skirts that you can wear with flowy tops.  This one with hearts on it is adorable!

Miss Dior Pumps

Did you see these Steve Madden Caryssa pumps?  They are the perfect shade of blue and love the height!  And they are on sale!

** Please see my sponsors and reviews disclosure**

The Little Black Dress Experiment Sponsors

I just wanted to take a moment to thank Society Stylist for letting me part of the Little Black Dress Experiment!  It was fun to be a part of and am flattered to be chosen.  I also wanted to thank the sponsors that were involved that sent us some fabulous things! I recommend all these products and invite you guys to check them out too.

Society Stylist Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/SocietyStylist

Society Stylist Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/societystylist

Sponsor Facebook Pages

• SPANX: http://www.facebook.com/SPANXInc 
• ANN TAYLOR:http://www.facebook.com/AnnTaylor
• MICHELE: http://www.facebook.com/MicheleWatches
• SADDLEBACK LEATHER: http://www.facebook.com/saddlebackleather
• HEELY'S: http://www.facebook.com/heelys
• DONNI CHARM: http://www.facebook.com/DonniCharm
• HARD NIGHT GOOD MORNING: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hard-Night-Good-Morning-Skin-Care/149917134210

Sponsor Twitter Pages

• SPANX: http://twitter.com/spanxinc
• ANN TAYLOR: http://twitter.com/anntaylorstyle
• SADDLEBACK LEATHER: http://twitter.com/saddlebackbags
• HEELY'S: http://twitter.com/heelysworldwide
• DONNI CHARM: http://twitter.com/donnicharm
• HARD NIGHT GOOD MORNING: http://twitter.com/hngmskincare

Shabby Apple Giveaway - CLOSED!

Continued from this post...

I chose this cutie "Sophistique" dress to giveaway as it looks perfect for the summer and then you can toss a blazer over it to warm it up for fall.

It's easy to enter, here's how:

• Go to Shabby Apple and pick out your favorite dress and then come back here and let me know which one in the comments. (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Shabby Apple's blog and come back and comment here that you did.  (+1 entry)
• Follow I am Style-ish (not this reviews blog) through google friend connect, subscribe to my blog through RSS reader or email (see the box on the right sidebar) and leave a comment letting me know which one you did or already do! (+1 entry)

Up to 3 entries total!  It would be super helpful if you could leave a separate comment for each entry, that will make my life much easier when choosing the winner.

Comments will close on Wednesday 8/25 at 6:00PM PST.  Winner will be chosen by random draw.

Thanks all and good luck!

Ritz Crackerfuls - Win a $100 Visa Gift Card! COMMENTS CLOSED

The winner of the gift card is: Really Petite!

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Ritz.

Ever since I started working, I have always worked in an office and am used to a regular schedule, taking lunch breaks etc... but I recently started a new job where I don't go into an office.  I spend most of my time traveling and visiting clients but when I'm at home, I work from home.  This is a big change for me as when I'm at home, my schedule is quite varied as I can go from having conference calls to running to the post office and then stopping by the grocery store to pick up ingredients for dinner.  I often mix up personal and business when I'm at home but then I get so caught up on everything that I'm doing that I can forget to do normal things like take breaks and eat.  My husband who works from home as well, is much better than me at keeping track of those things so he will often come check on me and make sure that I actually take breaks from all the millions of things that I'm doing.  We often take our dogs on walks to break up the day and it's so nice to go out and get some fresh air after I've been buried in spreadsheets all morning.  During these breaks is also when I try to get something small to eat as I don't often eat lunch, I usually just try to eat something that will satisfy me until dinner.  When BlogHer asked me to review Ritz Crackerfuls, it seemed like the perfect fit for me as it sounded exactly what I like to snack on during the day.

I got to try the Classic Cheddar and the Cheddar Cheese and Bacon.  To be quite honest, I didn't have high hopes for the bacon one as I thought, "bacon in a cracker?"  I just didn't know what to make of it.  I tried the Class Cheddar and thought it was quite good!  My husband however, was intrigued with the bacon flavor so he tried that one and then proclaimed that I better do my review right now or else he was going to eat the entire box.  LOL!  So I trusted him and tried it and it indeed was delicious!  The flavor is just a hint of bacon and cheese and the crackers are nice and crispy, just what I like.  These crackers don't seem like much, but they really do keep me satisfied throughout the day.  It's great that the crackers are made of 6 grams of whole grains and real cheese, which makes me feel good about what I'm eating.  The other thing that's great about these is that they are individually wrapped so I just keep one stashed in my purse and when I get hungry I don't have to worry about not having anything to eat.

Giveaway Details

Now for the fun stuff!  BlogHer and Ritz Crackerfuls is giving me a chance to give away a $100 visa gift card to one of my readers!  All you need to do is to leave a comment here before July 31st letting me know how you break up your busy day!  What do you do that helps you relax a bit during the day?


After you leave your comment here, go check out the BlogHer.com special offers page to read other blogger's reviews and a chance to win a $100 gift card from one of them.   (They are 16 other chances so make sure you stop by!)


I know you are wanting to try out these delicious crackers, aren't you?  Let me help you out with a $1.00 off coupon.  Click here for your coupon!
 
To get more info, visit the official Ritz Crackerfuls site. 

Official Contest Rules