ghd air Boutique

Today, ghd have revealed that on the 6th September at Vogues Fashion's Night Out they will be kick starting the tour of the ghd air Boutique; the world's first socially powered beauty experience that features hair makeovers with the ghd Style Team, model castings and a travelling airstream trailer full of absolutely everything ghd.

Following the opening on Fashion's Night Out, they will be hitting the road and visiting locations in and around the UK as directed by ghd fans via their social media channels. As well as having the opportunity to choose the next location of the ghd air Boutique on these channels, live Q&A sessions will also be taking part with stylists for you to ask any hair related questions you may have. 

In with the theme of Fashion's Night Out, ghd are also working with Select Model Management on a search to find a new model to sign with Select and model for ghd. A casting will be taking place at the opening of the air Boutique on the 6th with a shortlist of five models that will be chosen by Select from images uploaded onto Facebook. With everything being powered by the fans, they will also have the power to decide on the winner too.

I will definitely be making a visit to see the air Boutique and if you want to too, you can book an appointment via Twitter or Facebook for the ultimate blow dry. 

For more information regarding how to enter the ghd Select Model competition, to book a blow dry in the boutique or to decide where it travels to after Fashion's Night Out visit them on Facebook or Twitter and for more information surrounding the air Boutique and other events at Vogues Fashion's Night Out visit www.vogue.co.uk/fashions-night-out.

*This is a sponsored post

Lovely Dresses

Hello friends! We sure hope you are enjoying your week. Here are a few of our favorite new dresses at Meadow this week...

Isn't this polka dot dress pretty?

And a super cute blue dress...

This gorgeous lace dress with a lovely back...

See you soon! 

xoxo

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Powder Blush- Nectar

 Yes..another blush, but this time a blush in a pretty Pink shade rather than a Peach or a Coral.

It's Liz Earles powder blush in Nectar* and it's a little Rosy dream.

It's described as an Vibrant Rose Pink shade, and that it is. The vibrancy came as a shock to me as after having a look online beforehand, it looked slightly more muted and more of a darker shade. That's not necessarily a bad thing but if you are looking to buy any of the products, I would suggest looking online for photos or swatching at counters first.

I personally find that shades of blush on more of the Peach spectrum suit my colouring and base shades more than Pink do and so when I use this, I do have to be very subtle and light-handed with it to avoid looking Noddy like. I blend it into an almost barely there shade, but it completes my make up with a tiny little flush of colour which is nice.

Like the Cream blush in Nude that I blogged about here, this is also super pigmented. I'm really impressed with the Liz Earle make up that I've tried and swatched in stores, when they first launched them I must admit I was a little unsure whether they would work or whether they would just be a nice little expansion for the brand but I really am pleased. The colours are nicely pigmented and long-wearing which is fab.

This comes in a Liz Earle branded mirrored compact in a slightly bigger size of 6g compared to the Cream blush which is 2g, though for the same price of £16.50. The Colour collection is is available at counters and online here. 

Have you tried any of the Liz Earle Colour range? Are you a Pink or a Peach girl?

xx

What I'm Wearing

Studio Fix Fluid NC30

Liz Earle Natural Glow Bronzer

Liz Earle Powder Blush- Nectar

HD Brow Palette Rich Brown

Benefit They're Real

Nars Barbarella

After a very hectic bank holiday weekend, I'm spending today relaxing on the sofa getting on with some serious blogging. 

I am so absolutely exhausted from my weekend at Creamfields, despite the weekend being brought to an end early because of serious flooding and swamped tents, my boyfriend and I had a really good time and a fab little road trip. It's certainly taken its toll though and every part of my body aches horrifically!

I took a few photos of my camping experience, all of which are on Instagram (bellesboutique).

I had to pop out to do a couple of errands this morning, so applied minimal make up. In fact less than this, the lipstick and mascara was just added for photo purposes!

 I've just written a post about the Liz Earle powder blush that I'm wearing and that should be live within the next couple of days, I'm really impressed with the quality of their Colour range and think they're definitely worth a try!

I'm really loving how my hairs looking after using the Lee Stafford Big Fat Tong that I blogged about here, what do you use to achieve volume and body? 

I'm thinking of going lighter with my hair, but I'm worried it's going to take some serious bleaching out because of the Red tones in it? If you know anything about hair colouring or have any ideas I'd love to hear them!

I'm super tanned at the moment and back using Xen Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe, as the Dark Lotion that I have raved about for years seems to have stopped working on me. Either they have changed the formula or my skin has become immune to it- either way, I'm super disappointed as it's been my favourite tan for what seems like forever now. Absolute Luxe is more of an expensive option, but it's so so worth it and I managed to pick it up here in the Feel Unique sale which is a bonus.

I hope you're all really well and had a fabulous bank holiday weekend!

xx

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Special Edition

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish is my absolute go to cleanser and has been a part of my daily routine for a very long time now and this new special edition version from Liz Earle is a product that I'm most definitely going to have give a try.

Liz Earle has been working alongside and mentoring Rebecca Taylor- a young entrepreneur supported by The Princes Trust for the Tomorrow Campaign. This campaign was set up to inspire the next generation and paired six young people that the trust support with iconic mentors to each create a product that will be retailed nationwide in order to raise funds for The Princes Trust.

Liz and Rebecca worked together to give the classic award-winning formula a new twist and have added both Rose and Lavender essential oils to give the product a calming and relaxing feel, which is perfect for night time use. From each product sold, £2 is going to be donated to The Princes Trust, helping young people into jobs and training. 

This product will be available at counters and online on the 6th September. 

Is Cleanse & Polish a go-to product for you? Will you be trying this special edition?

Liz Earle recently won a CoolBrands award and to celebrate are offering free p&p on all UK orders now until 3pm on the 31st August. 

xx

Lee Stafford Electricals- My Big Fat Tong

   

In July I attended a rather fab breakfast event at Lee Staffords apartment, all in the name of his new electrical range. I blogged about the event here and mentioned that we was all given an individual hair prescription, which consisted of products and tools that would suit us and our hair needs. 

I'm always after a little bit of volume and up until now have been slightly roller crazy, in order to achieve a nice lift at the root and that slight wave that they give the lengths of my hair.

When Lee showed us the Big Fat Tong* and demonstrated how it's used on a mannequin, I was so excited and decided I needed it in my life. 

It's a giant curling tool that can either be used alone like a standard tong or similar to rollers, by immediately clipping each hair section whilst it's still hot and left to set like rollers would. I personally prefer to use it how Lee has in this photo, although I like to just use it around my face and on my roots through my parting to my crown, which is where I want the volume and bounce to form.

I find it's best used on day two hair or hair with quite a lot of product in it already, otherwise my hair falls quite quickly and realistically I want it to stay big for as long as possible.

The tool itself is pretty Pink and fabulous, and with the barrel measuring 50mm it's a lot bigger than any other tongs I have used in the past. It has an LED indicator that shows the adjustable heat settings, which heat up to 200°.  

I am such a fan of the Big Fat Tong and find it so quick to use to achieve great shape and volume to my hair without the need of rollers and backcombing. There is no need for me to panic when I'm heading out and haven't had the opportunity to put my giant rollers in, because this does the job in minutes and looks great.

This Big Fat Tong is available, like other Lee Stafford electricals here at Argos for a fabulous £34.99, which I think for a heated hair tool is really reasonable. 

Have you tried any Lee Stafford electrical range? Would you consider this for the lift your hair needs?

xx

Ojon Super Sleek Shampoo & Conditioner

Recently I have found myself quite content with having my hair straighter and centre parted with no real style or much effort needed. It makes a change from my usual love of absolute volume and backcombing and honestly, it's quite refreshing to have simple hair that when I go out it doesn't need major retouching and a simple brush does the job. 

I find that to get easy, manageable hair like this it's all in the product and I have been reaching for the Ojon Super Sleek Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner*.

The products are aimed to smooth your hair through, control frizz and any fly-aways you have and leave it sleek, smooth, shiny and all in all more manageable in both normal and more humid conditions. 

I normally put the way my hair ends up after a blow dry down to the serums, the sprays and the mousses but when using these products, it's been because I'm going for a "less is more" look and I am so impressed with how well they work on there own. 

I have found myself only using one a small amount of this each time, which is all thats necessary. A 50p coin size of product lathered into my hair is more than enough for a good clean and with the fresh scent, my hair is left feeling and smelling great.

Conditioners aren't really my thing but they are important, so I use a small amount of this through the ends and rinse off almost immediately, rather than the recommended one minute. Although these products work at making your hair more smooth and control your fly-away bits, my hair is super fine and I don't ever want to risk it really being too soft. The product on my hair does a fine job though and so personally I don't think I need to leave it on any longer. 

I often find some conditioners really weigh my hair down but this doesn't in the slightest and after blow drying, my hair oozes with shine and feels so light, sleek and smooth.

My hair really does look so healthy after using this and I put it down to the ingredients Ojon have chosen to use and the fact that these products are sulphate free. I don't ever really look into the ingredients of products and tend to just pay attention to the effects but sulphates pretty much strip your hair of any goodness, natural oils and moisture leaving it drier than normal- which for me would really not be a good thing!   

I've mentioned a few times that my scalp has been a little dry recently, but I have noticed that it hasn't been that bad and has been stayed calm when I've been using these which is great.

I'm finding Ojon products to be my favourites at the moment, I'm so sad I hadn't tried them sooner. For days when I do want bigger hair I'm still finding the Ojon Volumising range that I blogged about here to be my go to products.

These two products are available here on the Ojon website and cost £20 for the Shampoo and £21.50 for the Conditioner. 

Do you long after soft and sleek hair? Have you tried any of the Ojon ranges?

xx

The RC Boutique Market 'Winter Wonderland' launch event, Sun 29 July 2012

BESPOKE, HANDCRAFTED, ARTISAN
food, gifts, collectibles, fashion, décor, design, lifestyle, family
plus live music, performances & much more...

Since its very successful 'Winter Wonderland' launch at the end of July, the River Club Boutique Market will on Sunday 9 September 2012 again be offering visitors a little something different at its 'Spring is in the Air' event - a great excuse to come out of hibernation!

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the River Club (off Liesbeek Parkway, Observatory), this one-of-a-kind, indoor/outdoor themed bespoke, handcrafted and artisan market features the best hand-picked local exhibitors. Come and sample the offerings of some of the Peninsula's finest designer, handcrafted and lifestyle vendors. Visitors can indulge in the offerings to be found in the venue's sumptuous indoor area, or relax in the fresh air of the lush outdoor section.

To see which select exhibitors will be trading at the Market on 9 September, visit www.riverclubmarket.co.za

Added attractions for the whole family include live music and displays by popular local performers such as Matt Roux; plus a sheltered, supervised kids' activity area (including extras like a petting zoo, miniature train and loads of additional outdoor activities in summer).

R10 adults * R10 pensioners/students * children U12 free * free parking

50% of door proceeds towards Mamelani (www.mamelani.org.za)

For a chance to go into the Market's regular lucky draw, go and 'Like' the RCBM on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RiverClubBoutiqueMarket

RCBM LUCKY DRAW WINNERS FROM 29 JULY 2012

 

Congratulations to the winners of the River Club Boutique Market's first lucky draw:

• 1st prize - Diane McCullagh: A night's self-catering accommodation for two at Langebaan Country Estate worth R1,400
• 2nd prize - Martin Sherman: Dinner for two worth R250 at Players Cafe & Bar (River Club)
• 3rd prize - Natalie Gaertner: 2 rounds on the River Club Mashie worth R120

Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter by 'Liking' the River Club Boutique Market on Facebook, and by giving us your contact details at the entrance to the launch Market on 29 July.

To be in our next draw, please like our FB page (if you haven't already) and give us your contact info at our next event, the 'Spring is in the Air' Market on Sunday 9 September.

In case you're not already a fan, go and become one: http://www.facebook.com/RiverClubBoutiqueMarket and watch this space to see what great prizes will be available next time!

 

A gorgeous CT winter's day at the 'Winter Wonderland' launch of the RC Boutique Market 29 July 2012

 

Origins Clear Improvement Mask

I've become a little obsessed with face masks recently and so picked up a sample of this to try and work on my pores around my nose area and after using just half of the sample, I knew I had to purchase the full size. 

This mask works at drawing out all of the bad stuff that has got lost deep in your pores, absorbing all of the bad toxins and dissolving impurities. It's not like other masks that I have used in the past where immediately on removal your skin feels beautifully radiant and glowing but it doesn't claim to do that, this product works to clear your skin out and that is by no means is that ever with immediate effect.

As nice as it would be, I think it's nice to see a product gradually working especially with daily factors and enviromental toxins adding all the time, it's nice to go to it once every few days rather than stripping your skin completely each time, which would more than likely overdo it and leave my skin worse than before.

I use this product maybe twice a week after having a hot bath and only on my nose, paying particular attention to around my nostril area. This is where I suffer mostly with clogged mores and to be honest, a few weeks on from using this I really do feel they are a lot more clear and the area is considerably less oily which is great.

There is of course still issues going on, but I'm hoping that with continual use of this they will be drawn out for good.

This clay based mask doesn't dry as quick or as hard as others I have tried, it feels a lot more comfortable and although theres still the fun cracking bit at the end it isn't as tight drying as others. On application it's smooth and pretty similar to a lotion and isn't hard to work with in the slightest. A little goes a long way and I really enjoy using it.

I'm really becoming so trusting in Origins products and if you suffer with clogged pores then this is definitely worth a go.

It costs £20 for 100ml, which I think is reasonable for the size and quality and is available at Origins counters or online here. 

In terms of online shopping, I had a really good experience with Origins and would really recommend it, it was free delivery and although samples are available at counters, I got to choose five free good sized samples which I think is excellent. 

Have you tried this mask? What works best for your pores?

xx

Essie Then and Now

I was recently contacted by Then and Now who were very excited, as I would be, to have their very own Essie nail shade, named after and completely exclusive to their store.

The shade is named Then and Now* and is a really wearable Grey shade. It's very much a Mauve Clay toned Grey which I can see living on my nails, especially throughout the Autumn Winter period when my nail tones go a lot more to the dusty, darker, richer part of the colour spectrum.

To achieve the opaque colour I have on my nail wheel, I used three coats which each dried really quickly and smoothly. With one coat, the results are a lot lighter and more similar to how it looks in the bottle, though pretty sheer which isn't personally how I would wear it. I think it definitely needs at least two coats.

I really like this shade and so many other Essie products, but as I mentioned before, this one is exclusive to Then and Now and so is available here online for £10.50.

What do you think of Essie polishes? Is Then and Now a shade that you would wear on your nails?

 xx

Mini Blog Conference and Registration

We are so excited to announce the fabulous speakers for the September 29th Mini blog Conference happening at the same time as the Fall Boutique! 

We will have a ballroom for the boutique and a conference room for the blog workshops. So you will have the opportunity to enjoy both on the same day! 

Without further ado Let's get to know our amazing blog workshop speakers:

 

Andrea Howe

Workshop Title:

Discovering Your Blog Direction and 

Staying the Course

Andrea is a wife to her college sweetheart, and mother to a 7-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy, with a third on the way. In 2011, after 12 years of working in the fashion industry, she left her job to become a stay at home mom, but now feels even busier than before! When she’s not driving her kids around, she’s busy reading, cooking, eating, drinking chai tea lattes and plotting a way to get the craft room she’s always dreamed of. Andrea loves to blog about style, DIY's, her children, her 3rd and final pregnancy, and living a creative and inspired life.

Besides blogging at her 2 blogs; Four Flights of Fancy and For The Love Of, Andrea is a writer at Disney Baby and recently joined forces with her blogging partner in crime to start The Craft Cabinet, which looks to encourage women to turn their creative inspirations into 

reality.

Alissa Circle

Workshop Title:Finding Your Voice When Working With Brands 
Alissa Circle is the author of well known Orange County creative lifestyle blog, Rags to Stitches, She is the wife of one amazing and supportive man and mommy to two little ones, a daughter who just turned 4 and a son who is almost 3. Alissa loves to blog about life as a mommy, her faith and she is known for her Coffee Date Vlog link up on Fridays, where people come together and share their hearts over a cup of coffee.

As someone who prides herself on being knowledgable in the social media area, Alissa loves working towards building a positive community online. With both a degree and Master’s in Education, Alissa began her career as an educator before becoming a mother and starting her blog in 2007. By 2010 she was working with blogging agencies as both a blogger and Campaign Leader. Through working with brands such as Walmart, Levi’s, Smart & Final, KMart, and TCBY, she sought to pursue her passion to help companies grow their brand by teaming them up with other bloggers who love to spread the word about fantastic companies and products just as she does.

In 2012 Pollinate Media Group was formed and with over 400 bloggers in the Pollinate Community, they work with wonderful brands such as Cost Plus World Market, Child to Cherish, Fox/Universal Studios and People Magazine.

 April Perry

 Workshop Title:How to Make Blogging a Powerful Experience  April is the mother of four children, Alia, Grace, Ethan, and Spencer, and the wife to her best friend, Eric. They live in southern California, where life is full of laundry-folding parties, family jogging sessions around the park, and daily nap times. She received her bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in family science . . . just two weeks before her first daughter was born, and for the past five years, she has been devoting a large portion of her
discretionary time to building The Power of Moms.

April spends most of each day being “Mommy,” but she also enjoys actively participating in her church, writing, playing the piano, and organizing closets. The Mind Organization for Moms program is one of her key passions, and she loves helping other people feel giddy about their lists and files.

 As a mother, April is working towards achieving greater patience and living more in the moment. She appreciates the sweet, unexpected moments that pop up every day and make her work worthwhile, but she still feels that motherhood is a lot harder than anyone ever let on. Her hope is that The Power of Moms can help her and other mothers be the best they can be.

April blogs at The Power of a Family and is author of many articles on the Power of Moms website.
 

  Natalie Ensor

Workshop Title:  

Beyond The Screen: 

Using Your Blog and Shop for so Much More

Natalie Ensor, the creative force behind TAKE THE CANNOLI, is a twenty something (for just a little longer), wife to Micah, mama to two sweet babes; Elsie Pearl & Vernon Ribble, a Southern Californian girl, and a crafter of sorts. She is a lover of Jesus, coffee, all things vintage, the beach and pastries of course!

Nat sees everyday as a new day. Some days are fabulous while others require extra mascara to help accentuate the only thing she has going for her because she is rocking her pajamas all day. Though she has no idea what each day will bring she does know God is faithful and good.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says” Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are New Every Morning; great is Thy faithfulness”

And so she blogs about the everyday: the good, the bad and sometimes ugly. You’ll find touches of crafts, fashion and DIY projects. If she is feeling really spunky, she may even toss in a recipe here and there.

Through blogging Natalie has opened up about life as a stay-at-home mama (the joys and sorrows) and talks about both the struggles and triumphs she has gone through. This year has already been amazing for Nat and she has been blessed by new friendships and opportunities through her blog. She has gained perspective on who she used to be, discovered who she is now, and caught glimpses of the woman she is becoming. Out of this little ol' blog an online shop was born. Nat also owns a shop filled with hand-stitched lovelies (a.k.a embroidered hoop art) which started as her therapeutic outlet. The pieces in her collection are inspired by affirmations, scriptures and any other thing that brings joy along the way! Nat’s hope is that these hoops will be a blessing to others as they are displayed in homes and work spaces.

Through her blog and her heart to “give” Natalie has recently been appointed an Ambassador for the “Sole Hope” Organization in the SoCal area. Sole Hope provides closed toed shoes to children in Africa as well as training widows and homeless the trade of shoemaking. Natalie has been instrumental in hosting her own shoe cutting parties as well as facilitating numerous parties across the country.

How exciting to spend the day learning from these four amazing women who have so much to share! 

Registrations is now open!!!

Each Workshop is $10 

or you can purchase an all day pass for $35

Class Schedules are posted on the registration page.

CLICK HERE TO BE DIRECTED TO THE offical REGISTRATION PAGE

Allianz Summer Music

Like myself, Allianz are well and truly in the Summer Music mood and loving all things festival and to share their excitement they have created an app to both find out your music persona and put you in with the chance of winning some fabulous prizes including Luxury Family tickets to Bestival worth almost £800, iTunes vouchers, Beats by Dre headphones and so much more. 

The sweepstake for these fab prizes will be running from the 20th of August until the 24th August and for your chance to win, simply visit the Facebook App here and answer a few fun Summer Music related questions.

I had a go myself and of course, was named a Pop Partier. What about you? Are you more the Pop Partier or a Easy Listener? 

For more information in regards to both the Allianz Summer Music Competition, prizes and the Music Personality App, visit the Allianz blog here.   

*This is a sponsored post

What I'm Wearing

MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC30
Benefit It Stick

Liz Earle Natural Glow Bronzer*

Laura Mercier Peach Whisper

MAC Prep & Prime Translucent Powder

HD Brow Palette- Rich Brown

17 Va Va Voom Mascara- Black*

MAC Vegas Volt

MAC Fix +

I'm blogging from my sick bed right now, I'm not feeling too good and haven't been for the last few days really. Although I wasn't feeling too great, I popped out for a couple of drinks with a friend last night and so thought I would share the make up that I wore with you.

I wasn't really very pleased with my make up at all, but it was far too hot yesterday to mess around and take it off and reapply. It looked really heavy in some areas but dry in others, which wasn't very flattering at all. 

MAC Fix + saved the day a little bit and has done quite a lot recently. After purchasing it what seems forever ago, it's finally almost out. It's not something I reach for all of the time, but I find it brilliant especially at work to spray a little moisture into my skin and refresh my make up.

I got sent the Liz Earle Natural Glow Bronzer during the week and I'm really pleased with it. It's a really nice shade and to be honest, isn't far off how my usual bronzers look on the skin, which is great. I've only used it a couple of times, but expect to see a full review very soon.

My troubled chin issues are finally clearing up, I haven't really used anything different in my routine to clear it up other than using the fabulous Carolines tips of putting something super moisturising into my skin after a using clay based masks and trying to lay off the sugar. I've also been using the Origins Spot Remover Gel and Pads* which I didn't find made much difference at first, but after a few applications my spots have definitely started to calm down. All of these seem to have worked together well and hopefully, this troubled area will shortly well and truly disappear for good. 

I hope you're all really well and enjoying the sunshine that the weekend has graced us with.

xx

Boss Nuit Pour Femme

Boss Nuit Pour Femme is the new and sophisticated fragrance release for women created by Boss to compliment your little black dress and give you the perfect finishing touch to start your night.

As an ambassador and a true believer in what Boss offer, Gwyneth Paltrow has become the new face for Boss Nuit Pour Femme, bringing her successful, confident, feminine and of course sophisticated touch to the Boss campaign.

"I was so honored and very happy to be chosen as the face of Boss Nuit Por Femme. To me, the Boss woman is driven, ambitious, and goes after what she wants,  but she balances being strong and very feminine at the same time- characterics that I strive towards in my own life." Gwyneth Paltrow.

The perfumer tried to capture the anticipation of the night ahead through the top, heart and base notes of the fragrance. 

Top Notes- The juiciness of White Peach combined with the thrilling radiance of the wet aldehylic accord gives a fresh and sparkling effect in the scent. 

Heart Accord- Underneath the fresh and sparkling top note, lays more sophisticated notes of Jasmine and a White flower bouquet along with a touch of violet to add a sensual softness.

Base Notes- The base of the fragrance is laced with a more seductive edge that grows as your evening unfolds. It has vibrant Crystal moss to echo the dazzling characters of the top notes along with warm woods and creamy sandalwood to bring a more soft and gentle quality to the scent.

"For me, Boss Nuit pour Femme is a very sensual, feminine perfume. It's the perfect night time perfume because it's very alluring but very elegant at the same time."  Gwyneth Paltrow

The bottle itself has been designed to emulate the look of a little Black dress, similar to of which is worn by Gwyneth Paltrow in the ads (this dress is available in Hugo Boss stores)- very sleek, elegant and classic looking. The solid, weighty glass and luxurious gold finishes emphasise the sophistication to the fragrance whilst the Black colour echoes the sultry and mysterious atmosphere of the night.

The Boss Nuit Pour Femme collection is available at this week. 

Boss Nuit Pour Femme Eau de Parfum 30ml- £34

Boss Nuit Pour Femme Eau de Parfum 50ml- £47

Boss Nuit Pour Femme Eau de Parfum 75ml- £59

Boss Nuit Pour Femme Shower Gel 200ml- £20

Boss Nuit Pour Femme  Body Lotion 200ml- £22

Boss Nuit Pour Femme Deodorant 150ml- £20

*This is a sponsored post