Edge of Insanity: June 2017

Ponytails vs Divatress - bringing out the diva in you!

This post is compensated. All thoughts/opinions belong to the writer. Your experience may differ.

When it comes to bringing out your inner diva, hair is important... Well, it is for me. Minus work outs and just general day-to-day ponytails, I always try to have something a little more going on when I feel like looking nice or just add a little more oomph (especially when my hair is feeling particularly flat that day).

Ponytails are always a good choice. They are easy, quick, and there are actually a lot of different ways to do a ponytail. My favorite has always been the swept-to-the-side ponytail. It's so elegant-looking but oh-so easy!

Updos aren't so easy and quick but they can pack a punch! You can find lots of tutorials and ideas on YouTube. (This one is awesome!!)

But for when I want to wear my hair down, my go-to arsenal are half-wigs, and Divatress's sensationnel line of lace front wigs and half-wigs are not only pretty, but they're affordable!

My favorite is the Sensationnel Instant Weave Half Wig – TUSCANY. It comes in 8 different colors and the medium brown almost matches my hair perfectly! Since I have trouble getting texture in my hair to stay, a half-wig like the Tuscany would make it a lot easier - all I would have to do is style the front! I always likes that wavy look but because my hair gets flat so easily, styling my entire head and keeping it that way is more work than it's worth (and that makes me sad). So this would be a great option for those who are in the same boat!

Even for those with long hair who have trouble getting it styled and keeping it that way for any length of time, it's a battle - most often, a losing battle. Don't let the diva stay inside - maybe Divatress can help you bring it out!

Jason's Deli is helping cancer research (and it's delicious)

Thanks to Jason's Deli for the partnership. All thoughts/opinions belong to the writer. Your experience may differ.

564,800 Americans are expected to die of cancer this year, which means more than 1,500 people a day.

Thankfully, not everyone who gets cancer does not become a statistic.

June is National Cancer Survivors Month and since 2013, Jason's Deli and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas have teamed up in support of cancer research, by educating people through showing how important nutrition is for treatment and prevention with their new healthy Salmon Pacifica Salad.

The Salmon Pacifica Salad is made with healthy omega-3 wild-caught sockeye salmon, potassium-filled avocado, grape tomatoes full with lycopene, fire-roasted Piquillo peppers, pickled onions, cucumbers, and organic field greens with a cucumber-dill vinaigrette.

Cancer has touched many lives, including my own. I lost an aunt to stomach and bladder cancer in 2005 and I also have a relative who is currently battling leukemia. Believe it or not, I have an aunt who just beat Stage 2 breast cancer, so supporting cancer research is important to me.

I was able to go to Jason's Deli, try out the Salmon Pacifica Salad, and find out more about this important partnership.

Did you know that 50 cents from every Salmon Pacific's Salad sold goes to cancer research, and since 2013, they have raised over $713,000? (They also create or switch a new salad every 6 months!)

For the Salmon Pacifica salad, at first glance, is a surprise. You can see chunks of salmon, avocado, and the fire-roasted Piquillo Peppers on a bed of greens. Everything tasted so fresh, and each ingredient added another level of flavor. I've never had Cucumber-Dill vinaigrette before, and the tanginess on top of the Piquillo Peppers, pickled onions, and avocado brought all of the flavors together.

What made the experience even more was the General Manager, Chad, came by the table as we were eating and talked to us - not only about the partnership, but his history with Jason's Deli and the company as a whole.

Jason's Deli not only cares about their own people (which was why the partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center originally started), they just care.

FAVE Juice is runner-approved!

This post was compensated. However, all thoughts/opinions belong to the reviewer. Your experience may differ.

Juice. It's everywhere; apple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, prune juice, grape juice, V8... A lot of times, though, it's not very healthy - it's filled with sugar and preservatives. Don't get me wrong - I love juice! A nice big glass of cold OJ in the morning with my cereal? Yep! But all that sugar just makes me feel sluggish. What if there was a way to get your fruits and veggies without all that sugar (or sodium) and without sacrificing that delicious taste?

There's a juice called Fave Juice! It's an all natural 100% fruit and vegetable juice with 3 FULL servings of fruits and veggies with each 8oz glass! Seriously - if you're having trouble chowing down on fruits and veggies (because there are times you just want to scream if you eat another piece of broccoli), why not try a juice that gives you the fruits and veggies you need? (Just don't forget to still eat your fruits and vegetables. Those are important!)

Nutritional Value for Strawberry-Banana-Kiwi

Even better, there is less than 45mg of sodium and 60 calories in each serving. For a runner who is trying to watch her sodium content due to the fact that I gain water weight really easily, this is a no-brainer for me.

Fave Juice also comes in 3 delicious flavors (check out their ingredients!) - Strawberry-Banana-Kiwi, Pomegranate-Blueberry-Goji, and Tangerine-Orange-Pineapple. Yum!

It's a great alternative to fruit juices and soda, and it's also great for kids!

Be sure to follow Fave on Facebook! You can also check out their store locator to see where it is available. (You can also purchase FAVE on Amazon.)

Ready for the taste test?

I love fruits and vegetables. But I also love juice. Where my Dad worked, he was able to bring home juice all the time. Granted, it wasn't the healthy kind, but it was still juice. Once I realized I needed a healthier alternative to those unhealthy juices and soda (which I still drink occasionally because I'm a Texan and Dr Pepper is life!), I went on a search.

Strawberry-Banana-Kiwi

I came across Face Juice and knew I had to try it! The first flavor I tasted was Strawberry-Banana-Kiwi, all 3 flavors I love... Never had them combined but it was worth a shot. You can definitely taste the veggies, which isn't a bad thing! You want to taste the veggies. But then you get that taste of strawberry, banana, and kiwi... I liked it a lot, especially VERY cold. It ended up being my favorite of the 3 flavors and I'll normally drink it after a run or workout.

Orange-Tangerine-Pineapple (with ice)

The Orange-Tangerine-Pineapple was definitely a combination I would have loved as a kid who always had juice with her morning cereal! It has become my go-to morning drink, after coffee, when I eat cereal in the morning. It's like drinking a glass of OJ, just a lot healthier and much more tasty. (Did I mention it also less sugar so it doesn't taste like you're just drinking a cup of sugar?)

Pomegranate-Blueberry-Goji

As for the Pomegranate-Blueberry-Goji, that was a combination I never would have through of, but they go so well together! Kind of tart but with a sweetness behind it. If I didn't eat healthy that day, I'll relax at the end of the day with a glass of it and promise myself to do better tomorrow... Or the next day...

Fave Juice - runner and taste buds approved! (And can I just say that mixing the OTP and PBG flavors is awesome? Yeah, it is!)

An Early Access Look at Tanzia

Thanks to Aracnity, Inc. for the partnership. All thoughts/opinions belong to the reviewer. Your experience may differ.

Tanzia is an old-style RPG set in a 3D open world currently being developed by Arcanity, Inc.

Arcanity Inc.'s first title, Tanzia is currently available in beta testing on Steam and Leigh, who recently reviewed Guardians Of Ember, got a chance to play and test out what is available in the game (which is still being developed).

(Much thanks to Leigh for the review!)

Tanzia happens to be one of my favorite genres of games RPG. Although it is an RPG and single-player, it gives you the feel of an MMORPG. The concepts and controls of the game are unique for a single-player RPG, because unlike other RPG’s where you either have a turn based fighting system or a hack and slash fighting style, you have a 10 slot spell bar and complete freedom of movement. Although your character has a staff to do melee combat with, the game does flow around a spell casters play set, at least until you unlock the ability to turn into a bear.

Storyline

As far as the storyline goes I am still trying to finish it because the game is still unfinished and the storyline is not complete, but the storyline as of now seems to be a good one so I am really anxious to see what happens next. The story so far is a narrative one - it is filled excitement, it keeps you hooked, and gives you the want to play on so you can hear more of it.

Gameplay

As far as the gameplay, I find it challenging and very enticing for you to explore and want to find out all you can about the areas and what things you may discover. Each new area has a lot to explore and some things are easy to miss if you don’t go looking for it.

Even the quests help you learn how to play a MMORPG in a single-player environment. They even have a tutorial quest to teach you how to “kite” enemies to where you can take them down without receiving damage. In regards to the quests I only have this to say: I wish they either used the MMORPG style where quest givers had something saying they have a quest for you or you are ready to turn in a quest such as a Gold or blue exclamation point or had name plates above the NPC’s head so you can find who it tells you to find in the quest just so you don’t have to run around talking to everyone just to find who you need.

With the spell list I think it’s perfect; I just don’t know how to level up the individual spells to level 2 or higher, but that could be because ether it is not currently implemented or I just missed something.

Controls & Graphics

The controls are originally set up in MMORPG style but for me that was way too difficult to play because there is no auto attack like in most MMORPGs so you have to hit “1” a lot just to use physical attacks and with all the “kiting” needed it makes it difficult to do so and get a good spell rotation done, so because of these difficulties I decided to use a controller for the game which made it a little easier on the handling.

The graphics are amazing for the comic book style they chose for the game. The storyline is told comic book style with no real CGI animation scenes but with this game, I like it.

Overall

Overall I would give the game a 4 out of 5 and the only reason that is, is because I hate waiting to finish storylines but I am confident that once it is complete, it would be 5’s across the board and I can’t wait to see what the developers do next.

Tanzia is currently in beta testing on Steam for $14.99. Developers are looking for feedback on quests and gameplay.

What To Expect At The Bowen MusicFest!

The Bowen Family Foundation, a foundation set up by the Wade Bowen family to raise money for kids in need and charitable organizations that are close to their hearts, host what is called the Bowen MusicFest at the first of June every year. You get to hear great music from some of country's best artists, hear amazing stories about how the Bowen Family Foundation has helped local people, and just have a great time supporting some great charities.

Charlie Daniels!!!

This year, I really wanted to go. Charlie Daniels was playing and being raised on his music, I really wanted to go! But unfortunately, I couldn't afford tickets so I thought "Well, there's always next year.", even though the headliner will be different next year.

Then Sunday morning, on June 4th, we get a call from our aunt. She had originally purchased tickets for her and her husband but because her back went out, she wasn't able to go. She offered us the tickets! This year's line-up included the Charlie Daniels Band (of course), Kip Moore, Holly Tucker, Roger Creager, Flatland Calvary, Shinyribs, and a whole lot more so I was gladly to accept those tickets! (Speaking of which, you can buy your early-bird tickets for $25 or pay $30 at the gates. VIP wristbands are also available, though I'm not sure where or how you get them.)

The Voice and "Dallas On Your Boots" singer Holly Tucker

The gates opened at 1pm but the live music didn't start until 2pm. I got there just as the gates were opening... I should have left that morning because the lines to get in were long! When you first walk in (after getting bags checked and tickets scanned), you're bombarded by the smell of food and beer and by the sound of music being played over the speakers.

You can bring lawn chairs and I suggest finding a great spot in the grass early because if you want to be able to see the live music without standing in front of the stage because after a few hours, even finding a suitable spot will be difficult.

Normally at most kinds of music festivals, cash or cards is used. Well, cash is still used at the Bowen Music Fest, but you use that cash to purchase carnival-like tickets when you want to buy food or drinks. (You could only use cash for alcohol and souvenirs.) The money used to purchase tickets went towards the Bowen Family Foundation, so while it threw me off, I thought it was a great way to bring in more donations. C'mon - food trucks, country music, and beer? That's a Central Texas music festival!

Texas Country artist Mike Ryan

There really aren't any activities for adults (but it's live country music and beer - what more could you ask for), but they did have a kids play area. There generally aren't a lot of children at the Bowen MusicFest, however, but if you do bring your kids, there's an area for them to play, but it does close down pretty early, around 8pm or 9pm, even though the festival isn't officially over until around 10pm.

The live music is pretty much all day, with recorded music being played between artists. The live music during the day before the headliner features smaller country artists and bands. The headliner usually performs about 6pm. This year it was the Charlie Daniels Band. (I totally fan-girled!) But at 8:30pm, Wade Bowen is joined onstage with some of Texas's biggest country stars called the Wade Bowen Jam. This year's Wade Bowen Jam featured Kip Moore (who sings Something About A Truck), Roger Creager, Stoney Larue, and quite a few others.

One more of the legendary Charlie Daniels... I couldn't resist!

One more thing I suggest: sunscreen. You can't bring it in with you, so apply before you arrive. You'll need it.

So to recap what to expect if you're going to attend the Bowen MusicFest next year:

Early-bird tickets are available, which you can print from your computer or have it scanned from your phone. VIP wristbands are available... Somewhere.
Get there early so you can find a good spot on the lawn for your chairs.
You use cash to purchase carnival-like tickets for food and drinks. (Alcohol and souvenirs are cash only. Cards are not accepted but there is an ATM available.)
Live music will be playing all day. Headliners start around 6pm with the Wade Bowen Jam starting about 8:30pm and lasts until 10pm.
There is a kids play area.
Sunscreen. Need I say more?

I cannot wait to see who will be at the Bowen MusicFest next year!

Need daily outfit ideas? Check out Cladwell nifty iOS app!

I cannot tell you how many times I've looked at my clothes and thought "What the hell do I wear today?". I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, so that's what I'll normally put on. However, there are times I just want to change it up, even if it's a blouse or the shoes I want to wear. But to be honest, I'm not all that good at choosing different outfits.

Cladwell helps you maximize your closet and get the most out of your clothes by giving you expertly styled outfits, sent to your phone every morning, using the clothes you already own through their nifty iOS Cladwell app! It helps you maximize your wardrobe by seeing all the outfit possibilities in your closet.

How do you get started on Cladwell?

Head on over to Cladwell and sign up for their free 3-day trial. Monthly subscriptions start out at $7.99. (Or you can save 60% by signing up for a yearly subscription. What woman doesn't like saving money?!)

Then head over to iTunes and download their app. If you already signed up via iTunes, you can login and manage your subscription.

How does Cladwell work?

You add items that are similar to the ones you own.

See every outfit possibility that are appropriate for your current weather, or see every possible outfit. (Who wants to wear wool in the middle of summer??)

Log the outfit you love and with each day, you get more insight into what you love and don't don't like.

Because we all have clothing we don't wear, you can declutter, making room for what you really want to keep.

Add only the items that give you the most outfit possibilities. Trade impulse buys for items you love and you know you will wear constantly. (My Dr Pepper shirt stays!)

So for people like me, with way too many shirts and bottoms to choose from, I'm kind of digging Cladwell!