Style

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: For Him

February 9, 2017

Are you a planner for Valentine’s Day? Or are you scrambling at the last minute?

I fall somewhere in between for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, Christmas, and anniversaries. Sometimes I plan ahead well and other times I send people birthday gifts late… really late. Or I’ll be on my game and get a cute anniversary card weeks in advance and then keep it in my purse for 2 months past the anniversary.#theworst.

Well, if you are still trying to figure out what to get the guy in your life check out this list Price created to help you out do some shopping.

-Bath and Body-

Shampoo and Conditioner – American Crew $20

A sure way to kick start his day is with a refreshing shower with this favorite shower products.

Shaving/grooming products – Art of Shaving $20-$100

Grooming and shaving does not have to be the same old thing. Mix up his habit with some great smelling products that will last all day.

A cologne you both will love –$50-$120

Spend some dough on a dope scent! Fruit, floral woody, spicy? Have him mix things up from season to season or for a special night out.

-Technology-

Headphones – Skullcandy $80

These headphones have a great rating, and they don’t break the bank. Plus, Bluetooth = no wires = no mishaps

Firestick – Amazon $40

For those moments or days when you want to find the right thing to binge-watch. Get on it! You might as well, considering your cable bill is twice a much each month.

-Food and Drink-

Ice Cub Trays – glacio $15

Regular ice is for regular drinks. Make any drink special.

His personal (and awesome) can/bottle coozie – Yeti Colster – $25

He will invite friends over just to show this off. You’ll be the hero for keeping his hands warm while keeping his drink cold. They make an amazing stainless steel drink holder as well. You cannot go wrong with either one.

Meat and Cheese – Murray’s ($120)

For the fromageophiles in your life, any of Murray’s gift boxes would be a great option. Prices range from $50 for a Bacon Me Crazy box to the $120 French Connection box (pictured) to the $275 Weekend at Murray’s.

-Staying Active-

Running Shoes – Adidas $40

Shoes are a tough sell but at least you’re expressing interest in his shoe-game and getting his old shoes left in the garage or used for mowing the lawn.

Cooling Towel – Ergodyne $7

Speaking of mowing, he might need this for any outdoor activity. At less than $10 it’s an easy thing to keep in his car, truck, or boat and can be used any time.

Fitness Membership – Orange Theory

My husband has been attending classes at Orange Theory and has really been enjoying it. Yoga classes, spin classes, or rock climbing certificates are great ideas too so that your man can keep moving, gain strength, and gain confidence.

-Tools-

Multitool – Victorinox $93

These little things are really great for…well everything! You never know what you can use it for on the weekend, loose screws or cutting open a bag of carrots, this can handle it.

Portable Battery – Car Jumper $50

Considering how easy it is to get a dead battery, this is always a good option to have stored on the spare tire area or trunk. For $50 it’s piece of mind he’ll make it home or at least the auto parts store 🙂

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What are you getting your special guy this Valentine’s Day?

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Stitch Fix – July 2016

September 22, 2016

I was so excited to get this latest Stitch Fix!

My recent boxes have been great so I was looking forward to getting more awesome items to add to my closet.

I received this box in July and have been rotating my goodies in my wardrobe since.

Conor Eylet Detail Top from Skies are Blue for $64.00 (Size S)

I have been telling my stylist that I don’t really want long sleeve shirts since I live on the surface of the sun. So for a brief second I was bummed I got one, BUT I chilled out quickly since it’s cotton and breathable. Plus it’s white. Totally doable in Florida.

I decided to keep this rather quickly since I liked the fit,

I’ve worn there to work once and several times on the weekend with jeans, as pictured above. It’s a nice neutral top so I typically accessorize it with bright sunglasses for a fun contrast.

Mula Knit Tank from Paper Moon $38.00 (Sized S)

Stripes! I totally dig the stripes on this top since they vary in color and size.

I’ve worn this more often on the weekends since I think it’s more casual than dressy but I’ve worn it to work with a black skirt, to go with the black striping.

Levi Ponte Dress from Brixon Ivy $68.00 (Sized S)

I could go on and on and on about how much I love this dress!!

The shape, the material, the stripes, the color… it’s all fantastic.

And then there is a price, which is great for a dress like this.

And then there are the pockets. Pockets are life with a toddler who hands me stickers, chapstick, toy cars, 24/7.

I want to order a back up dress since I have a feeling I’ll probably spill something on it and then have a freak out.

Plus, I don’t have to wear a bra with this dress. A total win!

Alanzo Split Neck Cotton Tank from Skies are Blue $48.00 (Size S)

This top is similar to the button down tank I received in the Fix that arrived in April, which I thought was a bummer. But then I put it on and realized that I liked it so much more than that top in April. (Can I send that one back?! jk!)

I really like the detail in the neck line. It’ s simple but adds to the top to elevate it from just a plaid top to one that can be dressed up for work as it’s more tailored.

I like the fit and style of this top a lot. Plus, it’s cotton!!

Vilia Lace Detail Knit Top from Papermoon $48.00 (Size S)

I don’t love this top that much. It’s a seems like I could get it from Forever 21, but it’s nice. I’ve already worn it several times. I guess, I don’t like the price of it more than anything since it looks like a top from Forever 21.

But the fit is great (loose), I like the detail (lace), and the color (pink!) so it works.

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Merchandise Total: $266

Buy 5 Discount: 25%: -66.50

Styling Fee Credit -$20.00

Total $179.50

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I decided to keep all 5 items from this Stitch Fix box. It was a real winner!

I just scheduled my next fix, which will arrive in a few weeks.

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Capturing Time with JORD Watches- AND A GIVEAWAY!!!

September 14, 2016

I think the hardest thing about being a parent is time.

Time is constantly against you when you are a parent.

It starts when you are pregnant- how many weeks are you? how much longer? how far apart are the contractions?

Then on maternity leave- really? you can’t sleep while I try to take a 2 minute shower? When is your father getting home from work? It’s already been 10 weeks, I can’t go back in 2 weeks. I’m not ready. We’re not ready.

And it goes from there.

“The Days are long, but the years are short.”

That saying is so true. It really is true when you kid wakes you up at 4.35 and you are exhausted at work watching the time slowly creep along.

It’s true, when you have 2 minutes before you need to leave for work and daycare and you ask your kid to get their shoes on. And 2 minutes later you’re kid is still screwing around and there are no shoes in sight. Or when you are stuck in traffic. There always is traffic.

Or when you are counting down until they go down for a nap or go to bed.

But at the same time I can’t believe that the weeks, months, years have flown by. Where has my itty bitty baby gone? I have an incredible, energized, talkative, loving daughter who is almost 3. That seems impossible to me!

It’s not fair how little they want to snuggle at times. I swear my kid gives me 2 minutes when I could lay there for hours rubbing her back, giving her butterfly kisses, and breathing her in. (But of course, she only wants that when I am trying to get the dog out who refuses to be house trained… come on Brinkley!!)

No mater what, I am constantly checking the time to see when we need to get out the door, when is it snack time, is time to get to the pool, or is TV time over.

Or is it just time to head over to a friend’s for a BBQ. That is one of the best reasons to rush out of the house. Especially when there are margaritas.

Since I am always looking at the time, I was so excited to get this JORD watch.

I was always saying ‘I’m not a watch person. My phone tells me the time.’ BUT when you have a kid that wants to watch Clifford/sing to the Banana Phone song/Draw/anything on your phone, you hide it so they are not glued to it draining your precious battery. So when I am at home, I do my best to keep it hidden or out of reach and rely on a watch.

So it might as well look damn good.

This watch is so cool. It’s made out of wood, sized to fit you, and has an overall great style. There are options of faces, kinds of wood, tones of glass. It feels like its luxurious without the insane price tag.

I selected the Koa and Ash watch from the Frankie Collection. There were so many options, but I felt it was more classic than picking out a watch with a pink toned face. While I love fun pops of color in my wardrobe, I wanted something to be more classic and neutral, to go with everything from a white top, to a plaid one, a striped dress, or a black wrap one. It can go with you large Dunkin’ cold brew, or your PSL, or a margarita. ha!!

I am contemplating getting the Frankie 35 in Zebrawood and Navy. The navy just gets me. Like that will go with my obsession for all things preppy and nautical in style. It would just look so good with my lobster print skirt, or my anchor tunic, and my other anchor dress, or that other anchor print dress… I have a problem.

Check out all the awesome wood watches from JORD

Click on this LINK to enter a $75 e-voucher from JORD. Best thing is that everyone wins… everyone who enters gets a $20.00 e-gift card (excluding the winner).

The contest is live now, and will end Sunday 9/25/2016.

Luxury Wood Watch
//www.woodwatches.com/widget-article/iamahoneybee

Stitch Fix- May 2016

July 3, 2016

I’m happy to report I had another great Stitch Fix shipment.

So I held off on posting it since I typically post about it right after getting it but I don’t get to then chime in about how much I have been using the things or what is working and isn’t. Just decided to change it up this month.

Unfortunately, I didn’t keep the receipt and I don’t have the descriptions and prices of the items from the shipment. And Stitch Fix is lame and doesn’t keep a record of it on line for you. I might just have to call them and big them about this!

But let’s dive in, shall we?!?

Waters Printed Maxi Dress from Papermoon $68 (Size S)

I typically struggle with getting maxi dresses to fit since most of them are made of Amazons, (I’m looking at you Old Navy!) but this was perfect for my height. That was a big selling point to me. Plus, it was just great looking! It was flattering and fun with the colors and pattern on it. This felt like a great option for the summer to wear to work on a Friday with some fun accessories to dress it up or just out and about on the weekends.

I’ve work this several times at work and on the weekends. It’s so comfy. I am going to be careful washing it as I think it will be an item that pills over time.

This dress, oh this dress!!!

I loved this dress the moment I took it out of the box.

I love the pattern and the fit. I like the length. I like the material. I like it all!

I have worn this repeatedly.

Since I decided on the dresses mentioned, one of which is significantly more money than I would normally spend on a dress, or on a Fix, for that matter, I decided that I would have to be more selective on the other items I decided to keep.

Of the remaining 3 items, I decided on keeping this shirt.

I loved the fit, the pattern, the styling options. A clear winner

I wore it to Everything Food Conference in SLC (hence why this picture is different than the rest) and when I got home washed it and something in the wash attacked it. It has tiny red splotched all over it. WTF. I have put it through the laundry several times since hoping to get it out but no luck… yet.

I swear I am just cursed with my Stitch Fix stuff. UGH!!!!! I am seriously so annoyed about this. I can deal with shrinking my March Fix since that was my fault, but NOTHING was in the wash that could have caused this.

I liked the lace pattern on the top but I felt it was too casual. I typically save my Stitch Fix clothing for work stuff, or it has to be pretty awesome otherwise, since I

While I liked this shirt I didn’t think it was too flattering. Plus, I felt the quality of the material didn’t justify the expense.

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I have another Stitch Fix coming in a 2 weeks. I am already looking forward to it!

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Have you tried Stitch Fix before? Do you love it? Hate it?

If you haven’t tried Stitch Fix before and are interested in giving it a try then please use my referral code: 3059041. Thanks!!!!!!!

My new spring fling glasses {and a Giveaway!!!!}

May 23, 2016

I was just a Everything Food Conference in Salt Lake City this past weekend. It was so much fun.

It was wonderful to learn so much from amazing teachers who shared their knowledge and passion from live streaming, photography, and how to best utilize various social media platforms. I met so many great people at the conference. I got a real kick out of people who recognized me because of my bright glasses. For real.

I have previously shared my love for glasses in the past as they are a great way to accessorize your outfit or to match your mood. They have become part of my identity at this point.

My new green and white framed glasses from Firmoo are so fun for spring and summer. They are matching a lot of my light colored outfits that fill my wardrobe.

Plus, it feels that they match my happy mood since moving to Florida.

Obviously, I needed new glasses in honor of the move.

I browsed the wide section of frames that Firmoo had to offer and eventually picked out these green frames as I tend to go for rich brown tones and I wanted to add a pop of color to highlight my sun kissed Florida tan.

Glasses tend to be so pricey but Firmoo offers glasses at an affordable price- often frames at just $19-$39. And the add on for prescriptions are affordable as well. I’ve spend as little as $60 for new glasses. So reasonable for glasses.

The glasses can take a few weeks to arrive so just plan for that, or pay for the expedited shipping- I did that for these babies! Just plan accordingly

Why just get new sunglasses for summer? Get some new eye glasses frames too!

**ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!!!!**

1 winner will win one pair of glasses with 1.50 index lenses from this page: http://www.firmoo.com/collection-for-bloggers.html. Any other add-ons or upgraded lenses will be charged at an extra fee. Open to US only, includes free shipping.

Give away runs through 5/30/16 at midnight

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Thanks to Amanda for taking these pics!

Stitch Fix- April 2016

May 6, 2016

Well, wouldn’t you know it’s time for another Stitch Fix review!

I liked my March Stitch Fix so much that I decided to schedule another Stitch Fix for April so here is my review of that box from April.

Ahleya Eyelet Dress from London Times $88 (Size 4)

Love it! Kept it!

I love the color, fabric, design, and silhouette. Such a winner. I knew once I opened up the box that I’d keep it. Perfect

Also, Autumn felt like joining in these photos. Aren’t her Old Navy PJ’s just the cutest?! They are actually boys PJ’s but they are a winner in our house since they have “Twinkle Little Stars” on them. ha!

Trinka Blazer from Skies Are Blue $74 (Size S)

I really liked then when I took it out of the box but it was way too tight. Not just snug but could not button at all and it was way too small in the bust too. Not only that it was too long in the sleeves. Just not right for me. Oh well.

Evella Boatneck Top from Market and Spruce $64 (Size S)

I liked this top but I didn’t see the value in the cost and getting another long sleeve top while living down here in FL. It’s already in the 80’s so this would not be touched for months until things cool down again. Cute, but bad timing.

As well, I don’t like tops that are layered already. Just a weird personal preference. It seems weird to me. Whatever.

Athenia Button Down Top by Aratta $54 (Size S)

My biggest pet peeve with Stitch Fix is that they don’t often include things that are made of cotton so when I took this out and saw it was 100% cotton I did a little jig. It is soft but sturdy. And I liked the plaid pattern on the top. It is great for summer so I kept it.

Jafar Peplum Back Cardigan from Sweet Grey $68 (Size S)

I wasn’t too sure when I took this out of the box because of the material but I liked it once it was on because of the peplum detail in the back.

In the picture above, I paired it with a skirt from Hately (Size 4) and a white tank.

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Merchandise Total $210

Styling Fee Credit -$20.00

Total $190

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I decided to keep 3 items from this Fix. Not too bad.

I have had these items for a few weeks now and I have worn everything, some even 2x, so I think that getting these items was smart decision since I can see wearing them often in the future as well.

My next Fix will arrive in about a week. I requested that I don’t get items with long sleeves or are heavy since it’s already in the 80’s here and I can’t imagine wearing stuff with long sleeves when it’s even going to get warmer. Plus, I emphasized getting more stuff made with cotton. I am hoping for another great shipment from my stylist.

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And some bloopers just for fun!

Stitch Fix – March 2016

April 21, 2016

I stopped getting Stitch Fix after I was pregnant for a period of time since I was more focused on buying diapers than new clothes. Plus, I was loosing a bunch of weight (thank you breastfeeding!) so I didn’t feel like investing in in-between sizes as I was quickly transitioning into and out of sizes. For example, in the first 18 months after having my daughter I dropped 60+ pounds. So yeah…

That being said, I did start Stitch Fix up again recently but I’m just now getting around to sharing my experiences again.

Here are my goodies from my 16th Stitch Fix that I received in March!

Millie Textured Dress from Pixley $78

L-O-V-E!

I love the style, fit, color, and pattern for this dress.

It was love at first sight when I opened up the box since I liked that the pattern was reminiscent of a honeycomb which is such a fun pattern. I’ve now worn it a few times and I love it more every time.

Dauna Trapeze Party Back Knit Top from Pixley $54 (size S)

I don’t normally like these swoopy back shirts since they just seem trendy but I thought this was fun. I really liked the stripes and the color in the back as well. I thought the price was high for the quality of the material, which is a general trend that I feel with buying from Stitch Fix.

Broderick Cut-Out Detail Top from Fun2Fun $48 (Size S)

The color is so fun. It reminds me of spring and the tropics and it just felt perfect for my new life in Florida!

I like the weight of it as it’s still airy and such a great color. I even got a compliment from a total stranger on the street when I wore this. Awesome!

It does wrinkle a lot throughout the day, as evident in the photos, but I still like it.

Magnolia Split Back Blouse from RD Style $68 (Size S)

I was not really in love with the split in the back but I liked the other aspects of the shirt from the length of the sleeve to the material and the pattern to the color.

I like tops like this but I wish that Stitch Fix would include more cotton based items instead of this fakey stuff.

PS. It should be noted that I Honey I Shunk the S H I T out of this top. Such a bummer since I did liked it more the first time I wore it than when I tried it on. And then I went and shrunk it. A LOT. So here I am wearing it and not breathing… I’m an idiot.

Ortega Open Knit Perforated Cardigan from Skies are Blue $48 (Size S)

Cardigans like this are so versatile since they can go with jeans or with black dress pants or dresses. I like the color, texture, and the weight of the cardigan. This is great with the Textured Dress that I have already worn several times already. I think I can play around with it more than just wearing it like above, but maybe I can layer a belt over it. We’ll see what I do with it over time, but I expect heavy rotation in my wardrobe.

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Merchandise Total $296

Discount for purchasing all 5 items (25%) = $222

Styling Fee Credit -$20.00

Total $202

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I decided to keep all of the items in this Fix.

I have never kept all the items before so I guess I really liked the shipment. At the moment I think it was a good decision, but looking back, I think I jumped at the chance for some new clothes without having to go shopping since I have been so busy lately. I am so glad I kept the dress, turquoise blouse, and cardigan, but I wish I would have returned the striped shirt and polka dot one. I actually wear the striped one a lot since it’s comfy but I just regret spending so much on it for the overall quality.

Overall, I think it was a good fix, I like the stylist that I have been getting, so I will stick with her, but in the future I will be a bit more picky in what I keep.

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Have you tried Stitch Fix before? Do you love it? Hate it?

If you haven’t tried Stitch Fix before and are interested in giving it a try then please use my referral code: 3059041. Thanks!!!!!!!

New Year, New You, New Glasses

January 4, 2016

The New Year is here!

It is time for some change! Time for some resolve to start something new. It’s time to see things differently. It’s time for whatever you feel like it!

I enjoyed 2015. There were so many things that we had a blast doing, so many places that we visited, and a lot of things that I took on that feel great that I accomplished. We went on a Caribbean cruise in January and visited Maine this past summer. We stayed plenty busy with other local things too, like visiting P-Town and stayed on The Cape for a week. And one can’t forget that I got married!!!!!!! Yay!!

The biggest thing that I feel proud about is that I hit the 65 pound weight loss mark after a year and a half journey in redefining my diet and approach to exercise after having my daughter, Autumn. In the spring I completed 2 Whole30’s and starting spinning classes, even completing the Earn your Slash Challenge at a local studio. I still enjoy perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe and an occasional glass of wine. And Cheez-It’s will always be my greatest nemesis!

I am not exactly refining a specific resolution for the year since we have a lot planned like moving from Boston, MA to Tampa, FL and I just want to get through all of it and being open to our new home, jobs, and everything in between.

So maybe my resolution is to be open?

Truthfully, I feel like it needs to be to take better care of my skin and wear make-up more often but I think ‘being open’ is fun and optimistic.

No matter what you resolve, I think that it’s a great time to treat yourself to something new so that you can take on the New Year with a fun look. A new pair of glasses will help you have a fresh look and, hopefully, a new outlook!

I love changing my glasses up to match my outfits and moods. And I am happy for the upcoming year so I picked out a fun new pair from online glasses retailer, Firmoo for the New Year.

I had a tough time since Firmoo has so many fun frames. They have new frames on their site every day! It might be intimidating to select glasses online but they make the process easy by having many different ways to sort for frames that will work for you. Plus, they are super, super affordable with most frames coming in at $19, and are no more expensive than $39.

I narrowed down my options to 3 different frames, including a clear frame, but ultimately picked out these (#D62142) that feature a fun, colorful pattern of dark pink, light pink, and teal on the inside of the dark frames. I have several dark frames but selected these ones as they are thinner than my others, plus they have subtle amber color flecks in them. And don’t forget that fun peek-a-boo pop of color on the inside.

I hope that you have a great New Year and that you are successful in any resolution that you make!

Let’s all make 2016 rock!!!!

Firmoo offers a very, very large selection of frames for all face shapes and sizes. Their frames are really affordable and the process of selecting glasses is really easy.

Check out my previous posts about how to shop and select frames for your face and why sunglasses are so important. Proper eye care is so important, plus it has to look good!!

**ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!!!!**

Give away runs through 1/11/16 at midnight

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Also, big thanks to Price for taking the pictures and for Autumn for playing dress up and being a good sport about the afternoon activity. I’m sure it didn’t hurt that stole my lipstick while I was putting on mascara and we had a little “Let it go!” dance party too. xo

The Fall Sunglasses {& a Firmoo Sunglasses Giveaway}

October 15, 2015

Sunnies aren’t just for summer!

Just like how your everyday face lotion has SPF, your eyes should have protection every day. Don’t just think that sunglasses are for hot summer days. You need to protect your eyes during the winter when there is glare off the snow, on cool spring days, and brisk fall days as well.

Why I am telling you this?!?!

Well, it’s really important!!! You need to treat your eyes with care, just like how you do with your skin.

Truthfully, I haven’t been the best example at proper eye care. I have had classes since 1st grade but since I wear them 24/7, I don’t think about switching them to sunglasses as often as I should. I tend to forget my sunglasses case in bag, at home, or in the car, so I don’t wear them when I run out to take the dog out or run an errand, but I am vowing to change that.

For years my dad has a nevus in his right eye monitored. A nevus is a common, benign, pigmented growth in your eye, similar to a mole on your skin. While it’s rare, it unfortunately can become cancerous. In my dad’s case it became cancerous this past year. He was diagnosed this spring, right before my wedding, and in the beginning of September, he had surgery to treat it.

Specifically, he had Plaque Brachytherapy, aka Radiation Plaque Therapy, to treat his Choroidal Melanoma. While he stayed in a lead lined room in a hospital for a week he had something similar to a seed put behind his eye that contained radiation in it to treat the cancer. He even had a patch. ha! Thankfully his treatment was successful, but he is still experiencing pain and double vision, which prevents him from driving. All minor things in the grand scheme of things but cancer is cancer non the less!

My dad has worn sunglasses but he still developed this, just like people who wear sunscreen can develop skin cancer, but you should try your best to wear them to help prevent this, as well as other eye issues, like cataracts.

I reached out to the great folks at Firmoo this summer to work with them again this year as a Brand Ambassador because glasses and proper eye care are topics that are so important to me. I wanted to be able to share some great news about new trends, styles, and care while doing awesome stuff for you guys>>> giveaways!!!

I picked out these glasses to work for my fall and winter wardrobe. The frames are a dark brown and I picked matching dark brown frames that coordinate with darker fall and winter clothes. I absolutely love them.

Firmoo has a wide selection of glasses and sunglasses that will work for your face shape and style preferences. And even if you don’t love the options they offer for sunglasses you can easily change any pair of glasses to sunglasses just by changing the tint of the lenses, that all have 100% UV protection.

**ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!!!!**

Finding yourself, a dress, and a perfect fit {an eShakti dress review}

April 2, 2015

Wanna know what’s so great about losing over 60 pounds?

All the shopping you get to do!!! For real!!

Since having Autumn in November of 2013 I’ve lost over 60 pounds. Just about 65 actually. And I’m not talking baby weight either. That’s a whole other story. But the point is when you put in the hard work you need to reward yourself. Plus, nothing else fits anymore.

And I fall into the super special category of women that are short (5′-1″ish) with curves. Curves= big butts and hips. It’s the Italian genes I have. I used to have boobs but I tend to lose weight on the top first so they said ‘bye-bye’ after nursing.

Anyway, what does that mean for me? It means that I get the pleasure of struggling to find clothes that fit. Petite pants are great for length but don’t handle the curves well. And then regular pants are too damn long. Like I’ve gotten 6″ hemmed off pants before. Damn you tall ‘normal’ people!!! And dresses are a pain too!! Man, don’t even get me started on Maxi dresses! Who are these amazon women that they make these dresses for?!?!?

And tailoring is a pain. A royal pain to go to the tailor, try stuff on, get measured, wait, go back, and test it out there. Plus it’s expensive. It can be $8-12 to get pants hemmed and $15+ for dresses.

But I’ve discovered a solution to all of that! eShakti!!!

eShakti dress review-7

eShakti is an online retailer that has a large selection of dresses, pants, and tops that you can customize. For example, you can change design elements of dresses, like add pockets, change the style of the neckline or sleeves. You can take that all a step further by providing them with your measurements, which they keep on file, to get the clothes to fit your perfectly.

I really enjoyed the process of shopping for a dress as there were so many to pick from. I was on the look out for summery dresses as I don’t have many of those that fit me anymore. I cam across “Her fifties piped trim dress” ($59.85) which seemed like a great shape for me, it has great detail, and would be a great dress to wear to work or just around Boston in the summer. It would be a great summer time staple.

I had considered doing the custom measurements but I wanted to test out the ‘standard’ sizing to see how it fit me. Plus, I as doing Whole30 program at the time , which specifically says not to weigh or measure yourself during the 30 days so I was committed to sticking to that. The risk paid off as the size I ordered fit me well, especially since it has no stretch as it’s 100% cotton. I actually could have ordered a size down, but that’s basically only as a result of completing the Whole30. I will order the next size down for future orders.

I did make the dress shorter as it was designed to sit “below knee-length”. I think $7.50 charge is well worth it because you can get something that fits and looks great on you. I decided to go with “knee-length”, which I think works well for me.

I am so happy with this dress as it fits me well, looks flattering, and is made really well. It made me feel great wearing it. And I think that is pretty important.

The construction of the dress is really good with neat seams and piping. The ‘piping’ actually is made from a serger with the stitching pretty tight. From afar it looks like piping but in reality it is not, this might annoy someone but I have no problem with it. Plus, it’s cotton. I love cotton dresses. It’s breathable and wears well.

I’m actually ordering a Maxi dress next. Those are the toughest for me to shop for as, I said before, I am just a smidgen taller than 5′-1″ so they are generally way too long for me as things are designed for woman 5′-4″ to 5′-7″ (according to eShakti’s site). By giving eShakti my measurements I will get to avoid all that. Super excited.

Now it’s your turn to get SUPER EXCITED!

Here is a coupon code ‘iamahoneybee’- exclusively created for you guys to get 10% OFF when they shop at eShakti – valid from 04/01/2015 – 05/01/2015!!!!

Please note:

Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box. It is not case-sensitive.

Code can be used any number of times until the validity period.

It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.

This discount code is not applicable on clearance / sale, gift cards & overstock categories.

Not applicable on previous purchases.

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I received this dress from eShakti free of charge in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.

The Gift of Glasses {A GIVEAWAY!}

December 10, 2014

The cool peeps at Firmoo reached out to me recently to see if I’d like to get another pair of glass for another review OR if I’d like host a giveaway.

While I love fun glasses to coordinate with outfits, I figure in the spirit of the holidays I would give a pair of glasses away.

So much fun!!!

I previously reviewed Firmoo’s site, ordering process, and their glasses when I picked out some new glasses this past summer. They have plenty of glasses to pick from ranging in shapes, sizes, and colors, which are well organized and searchable. I wanted something nerdy-ish so I got these black frames (pretty tame compared to some of the other bright glasses I’ve had in the past) and fell in love with them instantly.

The best part of all of this is that you can win your own pair of glasses now. It would be such a fun way to welcome in the new year. A new year, a new pair of glasses, a new you!

So how can you win?

1) Comment! Leave a comment saying which frames you like from Firmoo’s site.

2) Tweet ” I want to win a pair of glasses from @firmoo and @iamahoneybee. A new year, a new pair, a new you! http://wp.me/pzEAP-57e” come back and leave ANOTHER comment.

3) Follow @Firmoo and @iamahoneybee on Twitter. Leave Another comment.

Do 1 or do all 3 for great chances to win!

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The fine print…

Winner gets one pair of Firmoo glasses storewide with free shipping to US. Sunglasses excluded. Glasses include the frames, standard 1.50 index dingle vision lenses. Upgrade lenses and add-ons will be charged for an extra fee.

Giveaway ends Dec 24th at midnight.

Good luck!!!

My New Glasses & How to Buy Glasses Online

September 3, 2014

You guys I got new glasses!

This is a big deal since I have had the same pair of glasses for about 5 years. I had actually gotten an eye exam 2 years ago but never got new glasses. They wrote down the prescription for me but then I stalled. I actually wanted to try Warby Parker but I kept pushing it further and further down the to do list as ‘important’ things always became priority. What, weren’t my eyes priority? My eye sight should be important to me! But sadly, I then just lost the prescription and forgot all about getting new eye glasses.

That is until the nice folks at Firmoo.com reached out to me to see if I’d like to try their service… umm sure! So that kicked my butt into gear and I got an eye exam (Price did too!) and then I was all set to get a spiffy new pair of glasses. I said spiffy. I’m lame.

Firmoo has a great feature where you can upload your own picture to virtually ‘try on’ glasses to make the online shopping experience easier. I honestly should have tried that but I’m still old school about some things so I took a different approach.

When I was waiting for Price as he was getting his eye exam, I tried on glasses at the optometrist’s office. The woman there was soo friendly and helpful. In fact I learned A LOT from that process that will help me shop for glasses until the end of time.

Have you ever looked the writing on a pair of glasses? Have you ever wondered what it all meant? I’ll fill you in…

Some of the numbers has to do with the brand’s model number and color, but the important numbers were the ones that told me about the size of the glasses. The first number relates to the width of the lens and the second number relates to the measurement across the bridge of the glasses. The ‘height’ of the lenses is not written on the frames, but I was told that information could be provided just by them looking it up or measuring it. I did check my older pairs of glasses and they don’t include the temple length, but Firmoo does on their frames.

While I was trying on glasses we discovered that the glasses that looked the best on me had a Lens Width value of 49-51mm and the Bridge Distance of 17-19mm. That helped me select the glasses as I knew the proportions that would fit my face well. Firmoo has different categories to help search for glasses, such as Frame Shape, Material, and Frame Size.

So I ultimately picked out my glasses based upon the look I was interested in and the sizing that would proportionally fit my face well. I selected the #F042 in Color C1, which is black, ($36.00) and went on to order them on Firmoo site with the information that my optometrist provided me.

I was getting a prescription…

for single vision.

If you don’t know how to read a prescription then they have tools to help you as well.

Then I just needed to enter in my prescription. So simple! BUT it is SOOOO important to enter in the correct format: – OR +. I triple checked it.

But now I don’t have to worry about messing up in the future as I can pull up this prescription later on. (I put my name with the date in which my prescription expires to help my out in the future.)

Okay, so I’m super blind. That makes the lenses really thick, so I can’t use the standard 1.5 thickness. They suggested using their Ultra Thin lens ($62.95), but I knew the frames where pretty thick so I wouldn’t have to worry about a lot of lens being visible from the sides of the frame. I debating doing with the Ultra Thin but just took the risk of using their Thin and Light lens ($9.95).

As my glasses were just being used ‘daily’ use I didn’t want them tinted, like for sunglasses. I could have gotten photochromic but I have never tried them before and I didn’t want to do that without first trying them out. So I just skipped this part…

Anti- scratch is included and then I added on Anti-Reflective/Anti-Raditation and UV Coating to my lenses because I wanted to have the added benefits of each feature. (FYI- At the time I was ordering they had a sale on the Anti-Reflective/Anti-Raditation feature.)

Time to review it all!

The best part at this point was seeing the ‘grand total’. The cost of the glasses was very affordable. If I had gone with the suggested lenses it would have been an additional $53, which still wouldn’t not have been bad.

Then select your shipping method and pay! I did standard shipping and the glasses arrived in the anticipated time frame, in fact, closer to 6 days than 10 days.

See that was super easy so don’t be afraid (like I once was) to order glasses on-line.

I was so excited to get my new glasses from Firmoo!!! They didn’t disappoint at all. They came with a case, cleaning wipe, and a mini screw driver key chain, which is really helpful since you really never know when our glasses might need adjusting one day. The glasses fit perfectly from the start, no adjsuting needed, and look great, even with my Thin and Light lenses. 🙂

This process was so easy and in the end I have great looking, quality made, affordable glasses. I can definitely see myself ordering another pair from Firmoo.

And here is the best news yet!!!

Firmoo is celebrating their 5th anniversary this very week so they are giving a 40% off discount to your glasses order if you order by Septermber 10th. WOOHOO!!!

Just be sure to use this awesome code: FIRMOO5Y

Have fun guys!

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While Firmoo provided me with my new pair glasses in exchange for a review, all opinions are my own.