Small Business Spotlight: Got Nails? Houston Based Nailtique

 Hey Butterflies! I normally don't get nail overlays/nail extensions because I use my hands a lot through out the day (typing, cooking, cleaning, working out etc.) and my natural nails grow too quickly but this time I decided to try something different. (yay me! lol) I recently had the pleasure of visiting Houston based nailtique, GOT NAILS and I had a really amazing experience. Coco the owner of this unique establishment was so very professional and down to earth as well as Angel (the technician that designed my nails). As you can see I went with the pointy nail trend and I must say it turned out pretty awesome! I left them on for about a month before I removed them and didn't have any issues with chipping or breaking prior to taking them off. The top right photo is of my natural nails before and the bottom right is a photo of the nail overlays after about a month. If you’re looking for a new nail shop in Houston, make an appointment and try them out for yourself, the shop is located at 2715 Bissonnet St #410, Houston, TX 77005.

Bargain Shopping: Sparkle Paper Towel $1.45 for the 6pk TODAY ONLY at Family Dollar

You can print a  $2.00/1 Sparkle Paper Towel 6ct coupon at Family Dollar for TODAY ONLY. You have to PRINT and USE it today, 8/29/13, for this deal. It will also stack with the $1.00/1 Sparkle Paper Towel 6ct Manufacturer coupon!

Buy (1) Sparkle Paper Towel 6ct – $4.45
Use $2.00/1 Sparkle Paper Towel 6ct FAMILY DOLLAR printable AND...
Use $1.00/1 Sparkle Paper Towel 6ct Manufacturer printable
Final Price: $1.45 + tax


Check out our other Family Dollar deals HERE!

Music: K-Ci & JoJo's New Song "Knock It Off"

 

                                                K-Ci & JoJo - Knock It Off (2013)

Alright 80's babies K-Ci & JoJo of the R&B group Jodeci are back with a new track titled "Knock It Off". I use to listen to their music a lot growing up but they pretty much disappeared for about 10+ years. I get it though, it's LIFE I took a much needed hiatus in 2011-2012 so yea I understand. My favorite K-Ci & JoJo album to date is Love Always, (true story) it was because of Last Night's Letter that I started signing all my intimate letters (family, friends, beaus, crushes lol) "Love Always - Mika".
 
Anyway, remember these K-Ci & JoJo hits? What's your favorite K-Ci & JoJo song?

 

K-Ci & JoJo - Last Night's Letter (1997)

K-Ci & JoJo - Tell Me It's Real (1999)

Check out more videos from the official K-Ci & JoJo YouTube channel.

Bargain Shopping: Fab Laundry Detergent only $.75 at Family Dollar!

You can print a high value $1.25/1 Fab Laundry Detergent from Hopster which makes for a awesome match up deal at Family Dollar this week!

Buy (1) Fab Laundry Detergent $2.00
Use (1) $1.25/1 Fab Laundry Detergent
Final Price = $.75!

Tech Tip: Custom Domain Email w/ Blogger & Gmail

There are many benefits to creating a domain specific email address; not only does it adds to your credibility but it also gives your company a more professional look.  It is very important for business owners as well as bloggers to use a custom or personalized email domain address. I know way too many "professionals" that have a custom domain name, but are still using a public email address like @gmail.com @ymail.com or @hotmail.com which could be harmful to the success of a business or blog. I suggest something like yourname@yourdomain.com.  For example, I have ButterflyLifeStyle.com as my domain name and I created the email address blog@butterflylifestyle.com for my official work email.

Did you know you can get a custom domain email address from Google apps? The process of getting your custom domain email address is simple. Just sign into your google site's admin page, go to emails and you can set up multiple custom domain email addresses with your domain admin account. Go to admin.google.com,  sign-in, click user tab, then select create a new user and a pop up box will appear for you to create the new user account and email. Voilà!

Movie: TEACH Documentary | on CBS September 6th

This is a sponsored post.

How many inspiring teachers have you had in your life time? Like myself you probably can count them on one hand. Personally, I believe you have to have a true passion for something or at least a pre-planned mission to be successful at anything you do and this is very true for teachers. I grew up in one of the largest public school systems in America so I know first hand how important the job and impact of teachers is. The educational lessons taught by a good teacher may or may not seem as important or useful to you once you're an adult living in the "real world" (besides the basic skills: math, reading, writing) but a great teacher's impact on life is forever whether you realize it or not. Today I can only remember about three teachers when I was in school that left their mark on me and truly inspired me to do better and be better everyday (and still do), which is kind of sad when I think about it because inspiration for success should come from every teacher.

Music: Katy Perry - Roar

Katy-Cats, she's back! Check out Katy Perry's newest track "Roar". If you know me you know I'm a sucker for anything inspirational, motivational or uplifting and this track is defiantly a "pick me up" for your ears and I'm really loving it! I feel a ring-tone change coming my way.

Lyric Excerpts:

"I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath, scared to rock the boat and make a mess. So I sit quietly...agreed politely. I guess I forgot I had a choice, I let you push me past the breaking point."

[...]

"Now I'm floating like a butterfly, stinging like a bee I earned my strips."

                                             Katy Perry - Roar    2013

Remember this Katy Perry hit from a few years ago?

                                             Katy Perry - Firework    2010

Check out more videos from the official Katy Perry YouTube channel.

In the Kitchen: Southwest Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

6 bell peppers (I prefer green but you can pick your favorite)
2 chicken breast
1 cup of cooked rice (whichever you prefer)
1 Tbs olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 14oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese

Finance: Card.com Prepaid Visa Card w/ Designs | The Bancorp Bank

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

CARD.com, a Bancorp Bank company offers prepaid Visa cards with personality and I must say I really enjoy using it. To me the best part was how easy the getting started process was and looking through all the cool designs they have to offer (which made it very hard to decide). I didn't have any trouble getting the card, the only issue I had was trying to access my account online after I set it up. I thought I created a password for my account during the setup process but apparently I didn't because my password was still set to the pre-selected one, so I had to request a reset (which was very quick and easy) to access my card history and account information online. In general I think it's a good product and a very nice alternative to a traditional checking account. If you know you'll be direct depositing at least $800 a month I would defiantly recommend this company.

Getting Started

To get started you just go to Card.com, browse through all of the card designs they have to offer and select the one you like most. I went with the "Made in the 80's"design because.... well, I was and I liked the retro look. Once you have chosen your card the next step is applying for your card and setting up your account and that should only take a minute or so. They do require a valid SS# to get a card so be ready to enter it.. After that, your card will be processed and shipped to you if there are no issues with creating your account. 

Receiving Card

The shipping for the card was simple and really quick! It took less than a week (which is really good compared to most card companies) for me to receive my card and there was no issues with getting it delivered. The card comes in a very discreet envelope with all the information you need to know about using your card including a semi-pre-filled direct deposit form.

Activating & Using

There is a easy to use 800 # listed on the card for you to activate your card. You may also go online to active your card but I chose the phone method. Just like with a regular bank, the card comes with a checking account # and a routing # (cool right?). There is a $6 monthly maintenance fee for having this card which is waved each month if you have a direct deposit of at least $800. Also you can load funds to your card using the Card.com website, Western Union or Green Dot MoneyPak.

Some Card Features

• No overdraft, late or penalty fees
• No minimum balance
• Access to ATMs worldwide
• Free direct deposit
• Funds are FDIC Insured

Beauty Trends: Pixie Cut or Bob...Which Would You Rock?

Butterflies, are you considering a big chop? Well join the club, Texas born and raised musical artist Beyoncé hair has been the the topic of discussion for many of her fans (and critics too) because she recently debuted a new hairstyle. There were a few pictures posted to her Instagram about two weeks ago that got everyone talking hair, it's like the biggest thing since the whole natural hair movement began (but not really lol). I did a big chop a few years ago prior to starting my natural hair journey and I loved how convenient my pixie cut was, it was actually easier to maintain than natural hair is contrary to what people believe. 

Anyway, I guess everyone is so use to seeing Beyoncé with her long/curly hair that they're in shock she decided to change it up, the picture (below) is a photo of Beyoncé rocking a short  "pixie cut". Just a few days ago more photos were posted to Bey's Instagram, this time of her rocking a "bob cut". I think they're both cute! Anyway, which would you rock?

In the Kitchen: 9-Piece Numbers Cut Outs Cookie Cutters Set Only $1.59 Shipped!

Butterfly LifeStyle Mommies!!! Check out this great Amazon.com deal on cookie cutters. Get a 9-Piece Numbers Cut Outs Cookie Cutters Set for only $1.59 with FREE shipping! Great for teaching at home, birthday parties, or just family time fun. Click HERE to get yours today!

Personalized Gifts from Makit.com

Salut Butterflies! If you’re looking for something special and sentimental to gift, check out the Make A Plate Art Project. I’m looking forward to ordering from this site and if you would like to try it out as well you're in luck; Butterfly LifeStyle readers can save 30% on their Prepaid Art Plate Kit (that’s a savings of over $5!) - USE PROMO CODE: USFAMILY at http://www.makit.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductCode=K1100PP

  

Makit has been in business for over 40 years. Make A Plate kits allow children to let their creativity soar in crafting a lasting gift for Mom, Dad, Grandparent or teacher. All Make A Plates are nontoxic, BPA-Free, dishwasher safe and proudly made in the USA.

Wellness: What is BPA? & Why Should We Buy BPA-Free Products?

Butterflies, I just recently (this year) came across a ton of information about BPA and BPA-Free products. I know you're like where has this chick been, under a rock? Well yea, I guess you can say that. It was my FunBites Review (FunBites is a BPA-Free product) that got me interested in BPA-Free products and I've been reading up on it ever since.

BPA ( Bisphenol A)  is a non-natural, chemical formulated, carbon-based artificial complex used to make plastic. BPA-based plastic is clear and tough, and is used to make everyday household items such as baby bottles, water bottles, food containers, food packaging, CDs and DVDs. For years there has been this whole BPA-Free movement (I had no idea) because products made with BPA are said to be hazardous to our health due to the possible chemical transfer into beverages and food items.

So basically "BPA-Free" is any product or product packaging that is made without the use of Bisphenol A (BPA). According to the FDA, BPA products are still safe to use and only contain very a small amount of BPA, however the use of BPA in infant formula packaging has been discontinued. In addition, a number of companies have voluntarily decided to not use BPA in their products. My thinking is if I can do (or not do) something to increase my longevity here on earth then I'm going to at least try it. I'm curious though, what are your thoughts? Please share in the comments below...

Wellness: KeVita Probiotic Drinks - Lemon Cayenne Cleanse

This is a sponsored post.

I recently tired two of the KeVita brand Sparkling Probiotic certified organic vegan beverages; the Strawberry Acai Coconut and the Daily Lemon Cayenne Cleanse. They retail at about $3 or $4 per bottle and are pretty hard to find, but not really. The closest store to me that carries the KeVita brand was a store that I don't really shop at that often and is ten + miles away. I found this product near the produce department.

Anyway, on to the good stuff; the Strawberry Acai Coconut was first up and I have to say it has a surprising taste. If I had to compare it to something I guess I would say it tastes like a lightly flavored club soda (if that makes sense). There are several things I love about these drinks such as the fact that they're handcrafted, gluten free, only five calories, Non-GMO, contains four strains of live probiotics and Blue Ocean Full-Spectrum Minerals. The only thing I didn't like about these drinks at first is the taste (takes some getting use to) and having to drive all over town to get them.

I was really ecstatic about trying the Daily Lemon Cayenne Cleanse. I researched the lemon cayenne master cleanse a few years ago (it was a huge weight loss/management trend then) and I was really interested in trying it but never did. Similar to the Strawberry Acai Coconut drink, the KeVita Daily Lemon Cayenne Cleanse also has the club soda taste with a hint of lemon and a lot of cayenne. The cayenne in the Daily Lemon Cayenne Cleanse actually burnt the back of my throat a little at first gulp.

Check out my KeVita Probiotic Drinks YouTube video below!

Click HERE to locate your nearest KeVita retailer.

Wellness: UGLee Pen | An Ergonomic Pen

I'm a writer by nature so I write A LOT; sometimes that can be a good and a bad thing if you know what I mean. Anyway, Out of the ten million pens in my home (that I have no idea where they came from or where to find one when I need one) the UGLee Pen is by far my new favorite. In case you're wondering (I know you are) the UGLee Pen gets it's name from it's design; it's a Ultimate Grip, ergonomic pen designed by Dr. James Lee to aid in comfort and hand pain relief when writing.  

To me it's just a pen, ink comes out of it like it's suppose to when I write so I give it a thumbs up for that and the glittery gel grip feels really great when writing so that's a +. This super comfort pen comes in seven different colors and retails for about $20.00 for a pack of three. This product can be found on Amazon.com. Like UGLee Pen on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more information and product updates!

Check out my UGLee Pen YouTube video below!

Wellness: Woolzies Dryer Balls - The Natural Fabric Softener

Woolzies Dryer Balls are 100% eco-friendly handmade chemical free from 100% pure New Zealand wool and are hypoallergenic which is great for those who suffer from allergies. Woolzies do everything that conventional fabric softeners (soften and reduce drying time, static, and wrinkles) do plus they reduce drying time by 25% which will of course help reduce energy use and save you money and they are noise free (always a plus). They are money back guaranteed to last for at least 1,000 loads and designed to be safe for people with wool sensitivities. I've been using them for a couple of weeks now and I think it's a pretty decent product. The only thing I didn't like is the smell, OMG they smell like a petting zoo. The six pack Woolzies (recommended for large loads) retails at about $40. This product can be found on Amazon.com.

Book: How to Keep A Job - By. Naija Job Hunt

This is a sponsored post.

Keeping a job should be a priority for anyone who wants to live comfortably and the way that cost of living continues to increase its critical to our survival.  

Authored by the founders of NaijaJobHunt.com, “How To Keep A Job” is a six page (yes, six page) guide to keeping a job. This guide covers five very obvious but very important tips for staying employed. Visit naijajobhunt.com for more information about the booklet.

In the Kitchen: Cooking with Home Canned Foods - Kindle Book Review

Disclosure: This is a sponsored review, I was invited to try this product in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts, opinions and expressions below are my own.

Written by Rhiana Jones; Cooking with Home Canned Foods features about 30 recipes which are categorized into ten different easy to read chapters. This e-cookbook severs up more than a plate full of yummy cooking inspiration especially to those looking for interesting ways to use up those canned foods in your pantry. The recipes in this book work with foods you've canned yourself just as well as with canned foods from the grocery store. This book has something for everyone; from Soups to Cobbler, all of these recipes are made with easy to find, inexpensive ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Before I actually read the book I thought it was a book about canning and using what you canned judging from the title and cover photo only but to my surprise it's not ( I guess that's why they say never judge a book by it's cover). If you're looking for a book about canning, this is not the book for you but if you're looking for a book with recipes for using foods you've canned then this is the book for you. Personally I think there are some really great recipes here; I'm still working through the book and trying out all the recipes but so far the Black Bean Quesadillas and Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup are my two favorites for now. I'm looking forward to trying them all.

Click HERE for more information about the book and/or to purchase and download your e-book copy. 

Mom Life: Princess Ruby's Make-Up Ballet Class Kindle Book

This is a sponsored review.

Excerpt from Princess Ruby's Make-Up Ballet Class: "Princess Ruby and Queen Jacaranda were quietly enjoying high tea in the royal tea room when Princess Ruby suddenly looked up at her mom and exclaimed, "I can't do it!" Surprised, Queen Jacaranda asked, "You can't do what?" "I can't go to the make-up ballet class," responded the princess. "I'm just too scared." And she started to cry."

In this princess tale about over coming fears, author Deborah Bradley uses well illustrated pictures along with great writing to shows how kids (princesses too) must face their fears everyday. In Princess Ruby's Make-Up Ballet Class, Princess Ruby is faced with a new situation that to her seems impossible to get through but in the end she learns what it really means to be brave in everyday life.

Overall I think this was a excellent read; my kiddo/princess loved it! Princess Ruby's Make-Up Ballet Class is not only full of entertainment, this book is very educational as well. This book is a great way to help children gain a healthy perspective on things that are new and uncomfortable; hence teaching them to be brave and that it's ok to try new things. The e-book includes a Glossary Of Dance Terms used by this princess ballerina and even sweeter, this book comes with access to a free audio-book bonus, how cool is that?

Click HERE for more information about the book and/or to purchase and download your e-book copy. 

Bargain Shopping: Shop the Children’s Place $4.99 Sale + FREE Shipping on ALL ORDERS (TODAY ONLY)!

Shop the Children’s Place $4.99 Sale!

The Children’s Place's back to school sale is in full swing! You can snag graphic tees, shorts, leggings, active wear and more all discounted to just $4.99 and when you stack with code H6G531 you get an additional 20% off. That drops the prices down to just $3.99! Plus today only (8/12 you get FREE shipping no minimum! Also there are also some great savings in their clearance section and you can earn $20 in “place cash” for every $40 spent. SHOP NOW to score these savings!

Sexy Vibes: Online Plus Size Lingerie Boutique

Hey my Sexy Butterflies! Just wanted to share this really awesome online plus size lingerie boutique I recently discovered...PlusSizeLingerieBoutique.com!  

I'm so in like with this site; there are tons of items to choose from for intimate nights or to add some sexiness to your costume this Halloween. Shipping was pretty standard and the product is of good quality for the price. The only thing I would suggest is that when ordering you might want to go up a size (or two) from what you normally wear because some of these items run small. 

If it caught your eye, the link to this particular product (the one I ordered) can be found here. Also check them out on Facebook and Google+.

This is a advertisement post, I maybe compensated for my time/services either monetarily or in products/goods.

Tech Tip: Mobile Clean & Go Review

Disclosure: This is a sponsored review, I was invited to try this product in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts, opinions and expressions below are my own.

Overall I think Mobile Clean & Go is an awesome product. The things I like most about it is it's slim compact design, its easy to use and the fact that it's TSA compliant for travel. The cleaning cloth is sort of small (because of the on the go design) so if you have huge hands like me then you might struggle a little when cleaning your gadgets but it still gets the job done. Check out my review video below and for more information about this product please visit their website at www.mobilecleanandgo.com.

 

    

Finance: Save on Textbooks with CampusBookRentals.com

Hey Fellow College Students! Check out this money saving alternative to buying your books on campus. CampusBookRentals.com lets you rent your textbooks without the risk of your books becoming devalued by the end of the semester (don't you just hate when that happens?) from the comfort of your own home. Even cooler than saving money you can also donate to charity with each rental. CampusBookRentals donates to Operation Smile with each textbook rented. You can find more information about Operation Smile by clicking HERE.

Some CampusBookRentals perks are:

• save 40-90% off of bookstore prices
• free shipping both ways
• can highlight in the textbooks
• flexible renting periods

Also check out CampusBookRentals.com's newest program, RentBack! RentBack is a new initiative that allows students to rent their textbooks to other students which is awesome because it makes them more money compared to what they'd make through buyback options!


How does it work?
 

Pink Punching Tower - Only $9.99!

Punching Tower (Red or Fuchsia) Only $9.99!

Take your home workout to the next level with this Punching Tower! It's available in Red or Fuchsia and is just $9.99 (reg. $39.99) at Tanga.com!

 

Wellness: Noxicare™ Natural Pain Relief Cream

This is a sponsored post.

Noxicare™ Natural Pain Relief Cream is a natural pain relief cream developed by Dr. Reza Ghorbani to help relieve joint, muscle, and nerve pain. Noxicare™ Natural Pain Relief Cream was formulated using natural herb extracts. When I first researched this product I was immediately drawn in by the fact that it's a natural product. I also really like that this product is Natural, Non-Greasy and Paraben-Free. 

The cream has a very lite school paste sort of smell, with a yellowish color. According to the package you're suppose to apply the cream generously to the problem areas and rub the cream in completely, 2-3 times per day and the cream is suppose temporarily relive pain caused by joint and muscle inflammation, nerve damage, and fitness/sports injuries.

For years I've had really bad arch and lower back pain after I finish working out so I thought it would be a good idea to try the Noxicare pain relief cream on these areas. I've been using this product daily for about two weeks now and I did notice a difference in the intensity of my pain within a few minutes from applying the cream. As of today I don't have any complaints about this product and will continue use.

Like Noxicare™ Natural Pain Relief Cream on Facebook!

Follow Noxicare on Twitter Here

Visit the Noxicare Website Here

Bargain Shopping: Low-Priced St. Ives Apricot Scrub at Walgreens!

For the most part I prefer natural DIY type facial scrubs but I've been a major fan of the St. Ives brand since my cosmo school days when I was 15; the St. Ives Apricot Scrub is my favorite. Right now you can score St. Ives Apricot Scrub for just $0.84 at Walgreen's! Plus, Walgreen's is offering 2,000 Bonus Points when you buy 2 participating St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Combine this offer with printable coupons below to pick up TWO (2) St. Ives Apricot Scrubs for under $1 EACH!

St Ives Apricot Scrubs are about $3 ea. + Get 2,000 Bonus Rewards Points wyb 2 participating St. Ives products.

Printable Coupons

$0.75/1 St. Ives Apircot Scrub printable coupon
$1/1 St. Ives Apircot Scrub product coupon

Fashion Trends: Leopard Pattern Shawl Scarf Wrap for Women + Free Cable Tie & Free Shipping

Look at this cutie! Score this Leopard Pattern Shawl Scarf Wrap for Women + Free Cable Tie only $2.99 with free shipping on Amazon! 

Also if Leopard Print is your thing check out this Leopard Grain Heart Charm Bracelet!

Finance: Texas Residence Get Two Months of Free Electricity from CurrentChoice!

Salut Butterflies! If you're a Texas Resident check out this awesome opportunity! CurrentChoice is offering 1 new subscriber the chance at up to $1000 to pay your July and August electric bills. How awesome would that be?! CurrentChoice has teamed up with Butterfly LifeStyle to share this awesome event with you!

What is CurrentChoice?

CurrentChoice gives you options for your energy supplier. You can choose the best electricity plan for your family and it helps you save money! You can shop around for the best prices and terms, just like with your telephone service, except no one will come to your house to hook up any new wires. There is just no better feeling than making a decision that's right for your family and it saves you money.

Enter to WIN up to $1000 towards your July/Aug Energy Bills!

CurrentChoice has now launched in Texas! They'd like to kick off their launch by offering 1 new subscriber up to $1000 to pay off their July and August energy bills. So if you are a Texas resident, all you need to do is enter via the Rafflecopter below. You'll subscribe to the CurrentChoice newsletter and then have optional bonus entries as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

No purchase necessary. Winner will be selected randomly on 9/1/13 from all new subscribers. Must be a Texas Resident to win. All visitors that sign up will receive the CurrentChoice newsletter. Email may be used to communicate additional CurrentChoice.com information to you. You can be sure that we will keep your email confidential. CurrentChoice Privacy Policy

Mom Life: Princess Sophia and The Frog (Educational Children's Book Collection) - Kindle Edition

This is a sponsored post.

Excerpt from Princess Sophia and the Frog: "The princess was bored and all alone, sat grumpy on her golden throne. One day a little frog hopped by, cracked a smile and asked her "Why?". "I would feel better really soon, if I could go and see the moon!" answered Princess Sophia."

In this fairy tale princess story the author Suzy Liebermann uses enough pictures and bright colors, to drawn the attention of kids especially little girls, I mean what little girl hasn't dreamed about being a princess and living a life of royalty? Many pyp books, such as this one help with character education in young children. This children's book about happiness and friendship is written in a rhythmic format and because of this the author focuses really hard on keeping the rhyming going. 

Sound Better at Karaoke with Digital Voice Lessons

This is a guest post written by Lisa Mason of Social Media Satisfied.

Karaoke has been hot for a few decades now and the trend doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. You can find a karaoke bar on just about any bar on any corner of any city in America. One of the bad things about karaoke is listening to all those untrained voices screeching some rock or country song out of tune. If you want to be the karaoke king or queen, you can do some things to make your voice better by taking digital voice lessons. Below are some things you’ll do during your lessons and what you’ll get out of it.

Scales are Vital

The first thing you will learn with digital voice lessons are the scales. You have to do scales in order to hit each note perfectly so be prepared for this. You’ll do scales until you think you will be singing them in your sleep. The benefit of scales is that you learn how to hit each note every time you sing it. When you go to karaoke, these scales will come back to you as many songs are written with the vocals following certain scales. Once you can hit all the scales and know where your range is, you can move on to bigger and better things.

Breathing

Did you know that most people don’t breathe correctly when they are singing and this is one of the reasons that they cannot hold notes for very long? It’s true. There is a muscle in the stomach called the diaphragm that controls the breathing. When you push to use the bathroom this is also the muscle you use. When singing, this muscle is vital as you can use it to hold notes and to push for a fuller or louder tone or hold a softer tone longer. Basically this muscle should rise every time you take a breath and you should flex it when you sing to produce certain vocal qualities.

The Soft Palate

The soft palate is located in the back of the throat just behind the hard palate. The hard palate is also known as the roof of the mouth. When you yawn, the soft palate opens up and allows more air to flow through the throat and into the lungs. When singing, this palate can help you to hit higher notes and is where the falsetto voice comes from. It also produces a purer tone for all your notes and should always be used when singing. You will learn how to control the soft palate to have a better voice for karaoke.

When it comes to karaoke you don’t want to be the person that everyone walks away from when you’re singing. While there are some pretty bad karaoke singers, there are also a great many people who really sound great and you want to be one of those people. Learning how to sing properly and well does take some time but with digital voice lessons you will always be the one people want to hear sing!

In the Kitchen: Wine Wear...Fashion Meets Wine

Salut Butterflies! Check out this awesome new alternative to buying wine gift bags. Wine Wear Inc. offers a fun new way to present wine; in the form of wine bottle sleeves, wine bottle fashion wear, and wine glass decal stickers. There are a variety of Wine Wear designs to choose from that can be used throughout the year for any event, holiday, occasion or just for fun. What a neat idea right? Just browsing their site makes me want to host a party and I'm in like with all the really cute wedding wine goodies too.

Bargain Shopping: Prevacid Perks Spam Email - Mark As Spam and Delete

If you're a frequent reader of Butterfly LifeStyle then you probably know there is/was a really awesome deal on Prevacid over the past week and if not click HERE to go to my post about it. Anyway, on Monday I received a email from the email account below saying that they were unable to redeem my perks; I was like wait a minute I know I did everything correct (I'm pretty tech savvy if you know what I mean) so I opened it from my phone and tried to click on the images in the email but nothing happened. So when I tried to open it again at my desk top a screen popped up (sorry no photo of that one) and asked for my username and password. What? Uhh...I don't think so! At the time I wasn't paying attention to the email address it was sent from which would have been a dead give away, most businesses don't use free email accounts such as Gmail, Ymail, Hotmail and etc. Needless to say I marked it as spam and deleted it and guess what?

Yesterday, I received the email below from the actual Prevacid Perks program and was able to load my Starbucks reward right to my card. So just a FYI if you do receive a email about your perks from a strange email address don't open it but if you mistakenly do don't enter your personal information. Mark it as spam and delete it.