I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study forCollective Bias and their client.

You never really believe them (IDK who them really is) when they tell you that things change for the worst once you reach a certain age. I found this to be true once I realized that what I ate really determined my level of misery later that evening.

Naturally being miserable is not something I am willing to add to my agenda for the day, so I’m being proactive and taking matters into my own hands. The basics–more water and no red meat. I’ve really come to learn that the less cow I digest the happier my visits to the bathroom become!

42 capsules for $42.99 (that’s one dollar per pill)

But beyond those efforts, I was introduced this kinda amazing pill that does wonders (at least it did in 14 days). Say Hello to Align Probiotic. It does exactly what it claims to do–maintain a healthy, digestive balance. Besides, it’s actually dubbed as the #1 gastroenterologist recommended probiotic! Impressive huh? If that’s not enough for you I’m not sure what you want to hear.

The experts say that our bellies house more than 500 species of bacteria that help break down food, strengthen immunity, and ward off pathogens. The issue arrives when those good and bad bacterias are not in sync. Bacteria has this nasty reputation of causing diseases, so I was more than willing to try. Plus they say that taking probiotics lessen your stress, anxiety, and depression-related behavior! Since my mother passed I’ve snapped at all the customer service reps at Sprint (some would say for good reason, but still rude on my part) each time I’ve called.

COUPONS!! *does cartwheels*

I’ve really felt a little lighter. I haven’t weighed myself but I just feel different. Those oreo cookies seemed to go down a little smoother (I kid). The bonus of all of this might just be those $20 worth of coupons for other P&G brands! Awesomeness.. 

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The post Walk The Align: The Pros Of A Healthy Digestive System (with help) appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

Summer is only a few weeks away and I totally plan to make this one a blast (per my Summer Bucket List post!). But after re-reading my post, it had me thinking about all the awesomeness I’ve had in the past.

Each summer I’ve tried to out do the ones before. Whether it’s jamming to my favorite old skool hits at a 90′s party, my struggle camping session with the besties, or the night we shut Vegas all-the-way down—me and my girls make the best summer memories that I’ll never forget. 

Check out my photo diary of “Summer’s Past”.. feel free to be jealous and laugh at the captions! 

the one time my bff convinced me to go camping.. #EPICFail

the tiki barge in Baltimore was the best invention ever.. must find a comparable spot in NY

This U-2 concert will be hard to top.. but I’m gonna try my best with Justin & Jay this summer!

Vegas was never the same after we left!

Standing on tables and couches is an art form.. Only to be done on birthdays!

So what’s on your Summer agenda! Can you top my fab fun times?

The deliciously light taste of sorbet now comes in a bottle.  Introducing Smirnoff Sorbet Light. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. Made With Smirnoff Vodka Infused With Natural Flavors. 30% Alc/Vol. ©2013 The Smirnoff” Co., Norwalk, CT. Per 1.5oz serving: Calories 78, Carbohydrates 1.3g, Fat 0g, Protein 0g. * 25% FEWER CALORIES THAN THE LEADING DESSERT-INSPIRED VODKA.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Smirnoff via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Smirnoff.

The post Remember When: 5 Summer Memories I’ll Never Forget (PHOTOS) appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

So I’ve been holding on to this freaking amazeballs news for at least the last month. Inside I’ve been bubbling over with excitement and pure OMGness at the thought that people really read my blog… Enough to think I could be The Blogger Of The Year.

I am truly humbled and quite frankly in a super annoying sentimental mood. So much so that it’s oozing onto my keyboard right now. So I will keep it really short.

it’s a celebration!

Gwen DeVoe, Creator and Executive Producer of Full Figured Fashion Week®, has selected my little ole (somewhat fabulous) blog to receive the 2013 Full Figured Fashion Week® Fashion Blog of the Year Award. Say word… WORD!

Like in real life I get a reward for doing what I love. Girl.. look at GAWD! So on June 22nd I’ll receive an award at the 2013 Full Figured Fashion Week Retailer/Boutique Runway Showcase and Awards Ceremony. Aren’t those apples kinda delish!

Let me go find something to wear & get my thank you’s together! (kidding.. kinda)

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The post Bigger Big Huge News: I am The Blogger Of The Year for FFFWeek! (does fashionable cartwheels while sipping on a Martini) appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

IDK about you all but I am so ready for summer! I want to walk outside and say, “Gosh darn it’s hot outside!”

Hopefully mother nature will hear my prayers. In the meantime, I’ve started a Summer Bucket List. WHY? Because I plan to have a freaking blast this summer. I mean the kinda of blast that I may not remember! You get my drift. This past year felt a little like hell at times so I plan to get my revenge through this mega-list of “To-Do” things!

Hope you can join in on my fun, meet me there, email when you check something off–let’s just promise to have fun these next three months, K!

1. Stir Up Your Summer Event

We all like drinks right?! Well, next Tuesday I plan to get my nails did, meet up with my fellow bloggers, AND try out some new very tasty-sounding cocktails from Smirnoff.

2. Girlfriend Game Night

Bring a chair and a bottle of liquor and come over to my brand new Brooklyn apartment (which does not have furniture yet hence why you need to BYOC!). I’ve got Jenga, Monopoly, and we can even play Scrabble for all you smarty pants.

3. Find A Summer Romance

I already have a romance with my boo, so I plan to revive that this summer! You know fall in love again. Do the nasty all over the house! Play footsies under the dining room table (when we get one!)

 4. Go on a shopping spree

 I’m on a budget so my spree will only be worth $100, and I’ll be shopping at Forever21 so I can get the most out of my dough! Here I come accessories wall. 

5. Camping In My Backyard (with campfire)

Well actually my parents backyard because I live in the Big Apple. I went camping one time and I feel like I need a take two. But on my terms. I want access to the kitchen and the bathroom. Call it fake it you like. My list, my rules–LOL!

6. A Tour Of NYC

You see them all the over New York City. They are usually powered by some really hype foreigner who will tell you that you’re going to have the time of your life on that obnoxiously red double decker bus. Which I feel like with the right folks tagging along, could be true!

 7. Photoshoot Fresh With My Girls

Since my boo is a super-photographer, I plan to put him to work. I’m thinking #SATC style with my girls. Bells and whistles included… aka photoshop!

8. Have A Water Balloon Fight

I was a teenager the last time I had a water balloon fight and I vividly remember that punishment. Oh how it was worth it.

9. Make Ice Cream

My love for ice cream goes why back to when the cool spot in our town was still open. When the ice cream scoopers were made of real metal and soaked in hot water. I’m thinking this might be a task, but hey… we’ve got all summer right!

As a bonus, I am also thinking of some simple tasks to place in my Boredom jar. Here’s how it will work. Whenever I am bored I will pull something out and do the first thing I select. My boredom jar might have read a book, write a poem, or reorganize my nail collection.. get it!

Anyways, now you know what I am doing this summer, whatcho doing?

The deliciously light taste of sorbet now comes in a bottle.  Introducing Smirnoff Sorbet Light. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. Made With Smirnoff Vodka Infused With Natural Flavors. 30% Alc/Vol. ©2013 The Smirnoff” Co., Norwalk, CT. Per 1.5oz serving: Calories 78, Carbohydrates 1.3g, Fat 0g, Protein 0g. * 25% FEWER CALORIES THAN THE LEADING DESSERT-INSPIRED VODKA.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Smirnoff via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Smirnoff.

The post 9 Ideas for Your Summer Bucket List (& Mine!) appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

Since moving to New York, I’ve become quite the frugalista. One could say that I was inspired by my somewhat over-priced monthly rent payment, or perhaps it’s that astronomically priced metro card I have to get on the regular?!

Whatever my motivation is, I think it’s time that I bring my old school habits back to life and start saving some coins. I mean, I want a pair of Prada pumps too.

Here’s 3 tips to quickly save money!

TIP # 1: Let’s Make A Change

When I was younger my Dad had a huge bottle that he kept his “extra coins” in. As a kid, I remember the bottle being just as tall as I was. Can you imagine the amount of money that was in that bottle? And when I reached my pre-teen years, I would tip it over and steal the quarters and dimes for my corner store candy runs. I always got caught! It wasn’t until I had to get out on my own and pay rent that I realized how all of those pennies, nickels, and dimes added up.  

TIP # 2: Cut The Cable

Our generation is officially hooked on #RatchetTV! But I bet you didn’t realize how much money you could save if you cut the cable and subscribed to Netflix or Hulu?!

They seriously have a wide variety of shows for your viewing pleasure. And as long as you’re ok with watching it one day later (a small price to pay to save money) this might be your best decision yet! If giving up cable is just too much for you, switch back to basic. It’s the gen-pop (general population) of TV watching, but hey, it’s still cheaper!

TIP # 3: The First 48

48 hours seems so long, huh?! Well it’s just two days and plenty of time for you to think whether or not you REALLY need those new sneakers, or that bedazzled iPhone case. And in 48 hours if you still really want it… and it’s still there, it’s certainly a purchase meant to be, LOL.

Q. So do tell… how do you save your loot?

There to help you. That’s getting to a better State.

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by State Farm via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of State Farm”

The post 5 Ways To Save Money & Still Buy Those Prada Pumps appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

When I was 6, you helped me find my own style. You’d make sure my hair was always neatly twisted with matching bow ties and barrettes. Every look I wore had a theme. Sometimes, I was a sailor girl. Sometimes I was dressed like Jane Fonda with a bright headband, a colorful track jacket, and fluffy leg warmers.

For special occasions, I was dressed like a glazed porcelain doll with lace gloves and white stockings. Gosh, I hated it. Even my play clothes were frilly and froufrou.

When I was 13, you taught me not to steal. By then I had loved being a girl and wanted desperately to be a woman like you. I had found the perfect fiery red lip–problem was, it was in YOUR makeup bag. I built up the nerve to steal it, and I wore it for picture day. Of course you never told to me that red lipstick would stain your lips. Needless to say, I got caught and was on punishment for a few weeks. But I just wanted to look like you.

When I was 18, you taught me how to be a mother. We changed messy diapers together, and took turns getting up at 4 in the morning to warm up bottles. But when I wasn’t paying attention one morning, my son took his diaper off and smeared poop all over his crib. We laughed about that later in life. But back then, you taught me that he was my responsibility and that was my mess to clean up.

When I was 25, you taught me that I was great. Every idea I had was fabulous in your eyes. First, I wanted to be a nail technician, you said, “Go for it!” Then, I wanted to be a cartoonist, you said, “Well… you can draw really good, maybe you should try that!” Then I said I want to be a runway model like Naomi Campbell, you said, “You can be anything, all you have to do is DECIDE!” I finally became a writer. And when I found my newspaper clippings in your scrapbook bag, I knew that you were proud.

When I was 35, you taught me how to tackle problems with grace and elegance. I watched Cancer take over your body and steal your gorgeous grey tresses–but still… you smiled through every moment of that journey. Even when you were in pain, you held my hand and said that you would be ok.

Early Monday morning, you taught me that angels were real. The moon shined so bright that evening. I couldn’t sleep so I just stared at it for hours. When my head got heavy I finally closed my eyes and to my surprise you were right there. In dreams, you sat with me and we talked for a while. No one will be surprised to know that we even went shopping in my dreams. I woke up in tears because it felt so real. I walked out into the living room, only to find an empty bed.

It’s true, your body will forever be gone, but you’re always here with us. In our dreams, through our voices, and even in how I look. When people ask me am I ok, I promise to think about all the things I’ve learned and say, “I will be.” Because the most important thing you ever taught me was how to be a good person!

The post Things My Mother Taught Me Before She Died appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

There are tons of amazing WordPress features you aren’t using. Don’t worry, I am guilty too. As a blogger, I am always on the hunt to better my writing skills and use the tools I have to their greatest possibilities.

Out of the clear blue internet skies, I started getting these emails from VIP WordPress. Who the hell knew there was such a thing, but I thank them for assuming (what everyone else should already know) that I am VIP. Normally, ignore emails like this or I may Pocket It for later to read on the subway ride, but the headline was catchy and I wanted to test my own knowledge of WordPress.

27 minutes into the video, I realized I don’t know nearly as much I thought I knew. So, like the good blogger I am, I decided to share this with you. Because, who knows, you might not know either! 

The post BLOGGING 101: Top 10 WordPress Features You Aren’t Using – But Should Be! appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

The Samsung Smart TV event brought out a few superstars (Kate Upton, Eli Manning, and Flo Rida) to help unveil Samsung’s Smart TV this week in the Big Apple. And oh boy does Samsung know how to throw a party to celebrate their new money-making product. You beauties know GIG was there to bring back the scoop for you! 

The event, which took place in the financial district inside of the Museum of American Finance, brought out the industry’s who’s who in tech geeks, editors, and bloggers. NFL superstar quarterback Eli Manning, Supermodel Kate Upton, and rapper Flo Rida also made a cameo for the big unveiling. But the star of the night was definitely the new line of Samsung Smart TV’s, including their new diva, Samsung’s 85 inch 4K ultra high-definition TV–the S9. It will be available for preorder at the end of March for a whopping $39,999.

For those of you who don’t have 40 g’s, you know just laying around, another great option is the Samsung 7500 series which will only set you back about $2699 (60 inch model).

Here are three reasons you’ll want to have a Samsung Smart TV in your life:

♥ Ability to sync your Samsung tablet and phone so that everyone can partake in music playlist and games.
♥ Samsung Smart Apps! They will make your television an oversized computer so that you access your fave everyday apps like Facebook, Spotify, Hulu Plus and Skype (& yes there is a camera on your television)
♥ Most importantly the picture is amazing, crisp and the colors pop off the screen (warning Food Network will become even more difficult to watch while on a diet).

Click on any image below to start the slideshow.

Whose up for TV shopping? I am! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Miss Merli Estime is the creator of the fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog Miss Merli In NYC. A trained makeup artist and stylist, she works with clients at fashion shows, magazine photo shoots, and more enhancing the beauty of the masses. More than anything else she loves sharing life through her eyes via photography with the masses all day, everyday. Follow Merli on Twiiter: @MissMerli!

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The first blog post I ever wrote was about Naomi Campbell and a funny tee-shirt I saw. I didn’t know a thing about blogging, SEO, or what WordPress was or did.

In the beginning Gorgeous In Grey wasn’t even me! She was just this girl (formerly known as Hey Bella Blog–only my real readies remember her!) who wanted to find her space in the internet. She knew blogging was the next big thing, and wanted to be a part of it. Only thing was… she wasn’t clear on what she wanted back from it.

She was a hot mess! She wrote about celebrity sightings, gossip news, and threw in an occasional embed from a popular tv show. Somewhere along the way, she realized that gossiping on the web was not her cup of tea. Mainly because the crunch to get the stuff up first was a real struggle. And in that world, writing doesn’t matter as much. But who was the first to post it, does!

So back to the basics she went. Realizing that writing was her first love and that their was one subject she knew better than anyone else–hands down! She knew who she was. She knew the woman she wanted to be, and, she knew the woman she wasn’t. So Gorgeous In Grey was born! Just a simple online diary of the sh*t I love. 

That was three whole years ago! Today my blog is my crutch, my resume, my therapy couch–it’s my baby. There’s not a moment in the day that goes by where I don’t think about how I can use this platform I’ve created to express myself. I think about what I want to share with the world. Which is usually everything!

I’ve shared my move to the big apple, dealing with my mother having cancer, my new job–you’ve been there with me with each post. People ask me all the time, “How do you start a blog?”

Simple! Find your passion and write. All of the advertising dollars, free products, events, and other cool stuff will come if you create a genuine space for yourself. No one can teach you how to genuinely be yourself. That my dolls, you have to figure out.

So what I have I learned? That life will happened. People will judge you. You will get hurt. But what makes you a better person is how you react to life. What will make you happy is your reaction. I am having the time of my life. Simple because I changed how I thought about life.

Because I love you! And it’s my blogiversary! I’ve got a gift for you. From my good girlfriend Jennifer Quinn. It’s an amazing necklace (that I would totally rock) from Stella & Dot.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway is only open to US residents. Once the winner has been selected, I ask that you take a picture of you and your gift and post it to my facebook wall. XOXO & good luck.

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The post #GIGTurns3: Lessons, Goals & Other Sh*t (singing ‘It’s My Blogiversary!’) + A Giveaway appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

Valentine’s Day is like TOMORROW…  in real life. And not that I forgot, it’s just that the Mister and I have never really made a huge deal out of holidays. Especially Valentine’s Day. To us, every day is a gift and when we’re out and see something that reminds of us of our relationship–we buy it (or take a picture and send a text if it’s an off pay week)!

The question ‘How Do I Share My Love’ came up at work last week as all of my colleagues, who are still in the cute yet annoying dating stage, searched for Valentine’s day gifts. I suggested to my homegirl (who is broke) that perhaps she should make something, or get a little creative with her efforts. I mean, won’t he appreciate it a little more. Well maybe he would love a new Michael Kors watch, but it’s still a recession right.

So I wrote down six great gift ideas for him. I thought it would be amazing of me to share with you all! (Click on any image below to start the gallery)

The post 6 Ridiciously Cheap & Fun Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.