Father’s Day Giveaway – SOL REPUBLIC Jax Headphones

May 23, 2013 By 13 Comments

sol republic jax in ear headphones

“Sound as good as headphones that cost twice as much.” – CNET, May 2013

SOL REPUBLIC launches Jax in-ear headphones, amazing signature sound for under $40. The Jax in-ear headphones are designed to put high quality sound and style within reach.

Perfect for your iPhone, iPod, iPad or whatever electronic device you have! I love these headphones because they actually fit in my ears and STAY PUT, plus the sound quality is unsurpassed. Absolutely the best in-ear headphones I’ve ever owned!

Features:

  • – i2 Sound Engines
  • – 3-Button Mic + Music Control
  • – Tangle Free cable
  • – 4 Ear Tip Sizes

We teamed up with SOL REPUBLIC to give our readers a chance to win a pair of these headphones just in time for Father’s Day! Win these for your dad or hubby, or keep them for yourself. Whoever gets these headphones is sure to enjoy them!

Enter To Win

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ALL ENTRIES WILL BE MODERATED! Do not enter this giveaway if you are going to cheat and not follow the rules. Your entries will be removed and you will receive a warning. If you are a repeat offender, you will be banned from this website and all future giveaways! Please do not waste our time!

Filed Under: Apps & Technology, Entertainment, Gift Ideas, Giveaways, Holiday Features Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Comfortable Sandals for Women with Problem Feet

May 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Not everyone can wear stilettos and high heels all day long! They are pretty and all, but let’s face it, most of them are pretty darn uncomfortable! Don’t worry, there are comfortable shoes in the world. You just have to know where to look.

When I was pregnant, my feet grew (swelled) almost a whole shoe size and none of my shoes fit. I pretty much lived in flip flops for my entire pregnancy because it was the only thing that would fit on my poor, fat feet. They weren’t very comfortable though, nor did they provide any support. Pregnancy does a lot to your body and wearing comfortable shoes or sandals during that time is quite important.

Pregnancy isn’t the only time comfortable shoes are a requirement. If you have young children you need to chase around all day, chances are you opt for comfortable sandals during the summer. And yet if your kids are all grown up and you are over 40, you probably have trouble feet and can’t wear those pumps anymore anyway.

Whether you suffer from diabetes or just have problem feet with issues like corns, bunions, custom orthotics or have recently had foot surgery, you need a comfortable pair of sandals you can wear all summer long. We found JUST the pair!

Drew Milan

Drew Milan

Drew Shoes
Women’s Milan Sandals

diabetic shoes hub

Slip into the Drew Shoes Milan in brown, the new double depth sandal from Drew and your feet will thank you. With two Velcro brand adjustable straps, removable cork footbed with memory foam and steel shank, the Drew Milan diabetic sandal for women is Drew Shoes’ most innovative sandal yet. Great Euro styling with a wide shank and oblique toe. The Drew Milan is fully leather lined. Velcro brand fastened footbed to ensure placement in the womens sandal.

Features Include:

  • Two adjustable Velcro® brand straps
  • Double depth
  • Thick, removable soft cork footbed with memory foam and a Nova suede cover to wick away moisture
  • Full leather linings
  • Broad, oblique toe shape
  • Lightweight, high abrasion, dual density, durable EVA outsole
  • Tempered steel shank
  • Velcro® brand fastened footbed
  • Accommodates prescribed orthotics

My Review:

DiabeticShoesHub.com specializes in offering a wide selection of comfortable footwear for people with problem feet. I had the opportunity to review the Drew Milan Sandals and I found these shoes to be supremely comfortable. Not something I would wear everyday because they aren’t the most fashionable shoes in the universe, but if you are looking for comfort, support, ability to adjust and customize the fit as well as narrow and wide widths, then these are an ideal pair.

The casual style makes them versatile and easy to wear with anything in your wardrobe. The other day I wore them with my leopard print jeans rolled up, a white tank and a chambray button down shirt. I wore them all day and was amazed that I completely forgot they were even on my feet! I definitely recommend these sandals to anyone who is looking for supreme comfort this summer.

Find more Shoes for Problem Feet over at our friend Kirsten’s blog – BarkingDogShoes.com.

Filed Under: Recommended, Reviews, Shoes Shoes Shoes! Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Spring Color Trend: Mint Green

May 22, 2013 By 2 Comments

While summer will be here before we know it, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy everything that spring has to offer – including the gorgeous colors! This season, mint green has made a huge comeback and you can find this hue on everything from jewelry to handbags. If you want to try this shade on for size, give one of these fab pieces a try.

Spearmint Bauble Bib, $36, baublebar.com – Bib necklaces make a huge statement, and this mint green stunner from Bauble Bar will jazz up any dress or casual ensemble.

VIBRANT Mint Ballet Pumps, $32, Topshop – Sweet bow detailing adds a flirty and feminine touch to these comfortable ballet flats. They’ll look great with a white cotton skirt and flow-y blouse!

ASOS Weave Hobo Bag, $63.63, ASOS – Gold-tone detailing, a leather-like look and a pretty woven design makes this mint green shoulder bag from ASOS a clear must-have. Plus, it’s got plenty of room to stash all of your essentials.

Errand On The Side Of Style Top, $34.99, ModCloth – This adorable top features a cute button-up front and collar while the sheer fabric allows skin to breathe. Pair with a camisole to avoid showing off too many of your “assets.”

Are you coveting the mint green trend? Which pieces would you want to include in your wardrobe?

Filed Under: Fashion Advice, Spring Fashion, Summer Fashion, Trend Alert Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Tips & Tricks for Sunless Tanning & Bronzers

May 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

oompa loompaIf you are like most women, you’re probably afraid to try sunless tanning. Why? Fear. Plain and simple! No one wants to look like a streaky, orange oompa loompa.

There is nothing worse than a faux tan that looks fake! This kept me from using sunless tanner for years. I gave it a fair try half a dozen times and was left very unhappy with the results and wearing maxi dresses for a week, waiting for the color to fade. Not how I want to spend my summer!

Fear no more ladies. Not only are there much better sunless tanning products on the market now but I discovered this nifty little products called The Bronze Buffer.

bronze buffer

The Bronze Buffer takes the stress out of faux tanning by giving you the power to refine results—even after color has developed—leaving you with a flawless, natural looking golden glow. With the Bronze Buffer, the days of waiting for a bad self-tan to fade are over.

Bronze Buffer is a soft cushiony sponge with no added ingredients or chemicals. With just a little water, Bronze Buffer’s gentle abrasion removes unwanted self-tanner on the uppermost layers of skin. From streaks to application mishaps to color buildup, Bronze Buffer will leave you with a flawless finish. Use it on specific trouble spots like elbows and knees or all over to tone down a too-dark tan, and the “points” are ideal for small areas like between the fingers and toes.

  • Evens out streaks
  • Eliminates stained palms
  • Removes buildup on knees and ankles
  • Lightens too-dark color
  • Gets between fingers and toes
  • Removes deodorant from clothing when used dry

Price: 2 sponges/$10
Availability: www.bronzebuffer.com

Tanning Tip: You may have to try a few self-tanners before you find the one that works best with your skin’s unique tone and pH.

Sunless Tanners On Our Radar

brazilian bronze

Brazilian Bronze is said to be the best self tan mousse on the market right now and according to the numerous reviews I’ve read, I would say it probably is! Click here to purchase online today! ($39.95)

Check out Vani-T’s complete line of celebrity-worthy and highly acclaimed products here.

jergens

Celebs like Brittany Snow, Catt Sadler, Louise Roe and Nina Dobrev trust the newly reformulated Jergens Natural Glow collection. These a-list insiders all turn to Natural Glow for a red carpet-worthy glow without the downside of sunless tanners, from streaky color to those orangey hues and gross sunless tanner smell. Thanks to an all-new odor-blocking technology, the Jergens collection delivers a natural-looking, healthy tan you need for spring and summer!

Find the Jergens Natural Glow Collection at most retailers like Target, Wal Mart, Walgreens etc and online at Drugstore.com and Ulta.com

beautisol

And last but not least, my personal favorite is Beautisol. If you are looking for that perfect glow, you should definitely try Beautisol self-tanner. Paraben-free, vegan, and packed with anti-aging ingredients! Available on HSN and www.beautisol.com

Do you use self tanner? Why or why not? We’d love to hear how you get your summer glow!

Filed Under: Beauty, Budget Beauty, Sun Protection, Tanning & Bronzing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Importance of ‘Me Time’ for Moms

May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment

super mom

As a mom, I find myself being an overachiever. I try to wear all the hats, put lots of things on my plate, get everything done, plan too many projects at once and be superwoman. One of the things I’ve always struggled with is making sure I schedule ‘me time’. I feel guilty taking time for myself and being away from my kids, but one thing you learn (or you HOPEFULLY learn) is that ‘me time’, even if it’s only once a month, is essential to you being the best mom you can be.

One of the things I do for “me time” is schedule myself a leg and bikini wax when I can afford it. I find the time relaxing and peaceful and I’m rewarded with beautiful smooth legs that my husband certainly appreciates too. It’s a win win! Another thing I do to take care of myself is schedule a hair cut at my favorite salon.

Now that my youngest child is almost 3 years old, it’s a little easier finding a moment alone during the day. I’ve started getting up at 6:00am now so I can have a cup of coffee in peace and enjoy the morning sun on my front porch before the kids wake up. It’s been a great way to start the day which helps me keep a better attitude for the rest of the day. If I’m really ambitious and the kids sleep in, I can get some Yoga in or at least 10 minutes on my stair stepper. It’s hard to convince myself to take care of myself in this way since I feel guilty that I’m not forcing myself to sit at the computer and catch up on work emails, but I’ve learned that I really need to take time out for me in order to be the best mom I can be. It’s one of those hard things that every mom needs to learn!

Whether it’s spending time with your girlfriends, shopping or working out, how do you find me-time as a mom? Describe what your favorite things to do are and share your best tips with us!

And if you want to feel like the best mom in the world, just watch Lifetime’s new series, Pretty Wicked Moms, set to Premiere June 4. This series follows 6 competitive Atlanta Moms that break all the molds of traditional motherhood. And that’s putting it nicely…

Watch the trailer to see what I mean.

I think you would agree that this show is definitely not to model ideal examples of good moms, although you could probably tell that from the name of the show.

After watching the trailer for the show,
please share in the comments what you think!!!!

Being a mom myself, I know it’s hard not to judge other moms. We all like to think we’re doing what’s “best” and we all have our own ideas of ideal parenting. I have to keep in mind that at the end of the day, we all do what we have to do and our family is still number one. (Or at least it should be!)

Still, I have to say that I can NOT relate to the moms in this show! Oh. My. Goodness. Wait till you see it… I can say that the 6 moms in this show are all definitely fashionable and beautiful, but ideal moms? Not so much! At least not in my opinion. Most of them act like teenage mean girls who have NO idea what being a mom really means.

It’s hard to decide which side of the fence to fall on… Torn between, “Wow, I’m totally boycotting this show because I don’t want Lifetime promoting such disgraceful parenting and lifestyles.” OR “Wow, these are moms are so bad that I feel a lot better about myself and my own shortcomings of as mother so I will keep watching it.”

Or???

What do you think? Sound off in the comments!

About the Show:

Ah, the cut-throat, crazy world of competitive mothering…and for six feisty Atlanta mothers in Lifetime’s all-new unscripted comedy Pretty Wicked Moms, it’s a raging, raucous mommy war. Jockeying to be the ultimate mom, this perfectly coiffed and manicured clique will stop at nothing to one-up each other. Whether it’s extravagant birthday parties, devising a strict vegan diet for their one-year-old or masterminding their baby’s social climb (or should we say crawl?) to the top, there’s no end to their plotting and scheming. Knowing the competition among them is fierce, these swanky mothers take motherhood and mischief to an entirely new and outrageous level. As one Pretty Wicked Mom claims, “They all want to be the prettiest, the thinnest, the richest; and their kids to be the smartest.”

The Pretty Wicked Moms, with their adorably fashionable children, high-end lifestyle and hilarious views on motherhood, will grace the small screen on Lifetime, starting Tuesday, June 4, at 10:00 pm ET/PT, immediately following Dance Moms.

Disclosure: The Fashionable Housewife’s number one goal is to provide unbiased editorials for our readers. However we occasionally receive free products or other compensation from companies for blogger reviews.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Home Life, Moms On The Go, Parenting Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Essentials of Buying the Correct Plus Size Bras

May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment

When buying plus size lingerie, it is important to keep in mind the aspect of fitting. Proper fitting is the key to comfort when it comes to lingerie, especially if it plus size. Many designer brands are now looking into the aspect of combining high quality design as well as comfort when it comes to plus-size lingerie and bras are no exception to this trend. However, before opting for a particular size of bra, one must also consider cup size, fitting as well as volume. Depending on the type of coverage and volume, the size of the bra might differ from a person’s expectation. Finding high levels of comfort in plus size bras is very important for the buyer.

plus size braThe size and volume of a bra are quite different and can differ from one brand to another. While for a particular type of size and design of bra from one brand might offer full coverage another brand might not have adequate coverage for the same particular type of design and cup size. Therefore, it is always better to be sure of the fitting while opting for bras with larger cup size and volume. Squeezing into a smaller size might seem attractive but it can turn out to be highly uncomfortable. Therefore, spending or opting for the correct size is essential when it comes to bras.

Another important aspect with respect to bigger bras is to ensure a wider strap. The width of the strap of a bra should be proportional to the size of the bra as well. Although the underwire and the band of the bra offer support, it is important that the strap of the bra is wide as well to minimize the weight on one’s shoulder. Narrow straps on a bra of plus size can leave behind marks on the shoulders. Moreover, this extra pressure on the shoulder due to narrow straps will lead to further discomfort.

In addition, narrow straps on bras of plus size is similar to a disaster about to happen. Malfunction or breakage is a common issue with such straps and therefore, it is important to opt for additional support or wider straps when opting for such bras. Opting for bras, which offer double back wraps will eliminate such risks and will add to extra comfort. The greater the support one gets from their bra the greater comfort one will experience. The correct size and support is essential for any good lingerie and for the plus size ones, it is of utmost importance.

Opting for a bra, which is machine washable, would be a good choice since washing them should not turn out to be a hassle. Moreover, one must also ensure that the material and the structure of the bra do not cause any kind of unwanted bulges. If the underlying bra causes unwanted bulges then the dress worn on top of it will not be holding on to its structural or design integrity. Overlooking the design aspect should never be an option when shopping for plus size bras and one must always try to find variety of designs. To learn more, click here.

Filed Under: Body Shapes, Lingerie & PJ's, Plus Size, Undergarments Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Del Sol Color Changing Nail Polish, Tees and More!

May 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

 

companyLogo

Disclaimer: The Fashionable Housewife received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

I was fortunate to be able to review 2 Del Sol Products.  Del Sol Stores are found primary on Caribbean Islands and US coasts, however have started popping up in popular vacation destinations around the world.  If you have gone on a cruise ship, you probably know of Del Sol.

Founded in Utah in 1994, Del Sol opened their first cruise port shop in St. Thomas in 1997.  Del Sol is the world leading brand in color-changing items.  Del Sol is also “the number one promoted merchant onboard Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Disney, Celebrity, and Norwegian Cruise Lines.”

Del Sol has a very unique product line.  Each of their products change colors in the sun.  For example, indoors your nail polish will be pink; outdoors it will change to purple.  So, make sure you like both colors.  T-Shirts indoors are black and white, however when you step outside on a sunny day your shirt will magically transform into beautiful vibrant colors.

Nails 1

 

Nails 2

 

Nail Polish WITH Sun

 

 

 

 

Nail Polish without Sun

 

 

shirt

 

 

Shirt without Sun

 

 

 

 

 

shirt 2

 

 

 

Shirt WITH sun

 

 

 

 

Not into t-shirts or nail polish?  No Worries!  Del sol has a huge variety of color changing products for everyone!   Including hair accessories, sunglasses, necklaces, sandals, tote bags, and so much more!

Del Sol uses a proprietary technology call Spectrachrome.   Basically with organic dyes, Spectrachrome crystals activate when you get out into the sun.  When you get outside it generally take about 30 seconds to completely transform the color.

Can I wash it?  YES! You can wash Del Sol products with your regular wash.  Del Sol mentioned not to use any bleach, as it will ruin the color changing ability.

I really enjoyed reviewing the “Foxy” Nail Polish and the “Lady Pirate” women’s T-Shirt.   They are lots of fun and fantastic gifts for family & friends.    Check out my pictures on Out and About Cruise Planner’s Facebook site!

Next time you head to an island or hop on a cruise ship take a few minutes and go to the nearest Del Sol Store.  Not planning a trip soon?  Check out their website at delsol.com

Filed Under: Jewelry, Reviews, Shirts & Blouses, Shopping Tagged With: , , , , ,