Mazdas, Boots, & Pet Peeves [Week in Review]

Saturday, August 31, 2013


In case you were busy this week, here's what you missed on Ask Away!




My Happiness Project - August - Contemplate the Heavens - COMPLETE!

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.


My Happiness Project for the month of August was to Contemplate the Heavens.


Ways I did this were:
1. Keep a Gratitude Diary
2.  Read Books about Tragedy
3.  Be grateful for the people in my life.
photo by www.pablomontt.com (soon!)via PhotoRee
1. Keep a Gratitude Diary
I kept a small notebook at my desk at work and everyday I came in I wrote down 3 things I was thankful for. They were anything from fair weather, someone holding the door for me that day, my health, a specific friend, and just a simple material object like my favorite shirt. It made me realize everything I have in my life and how lucky I really am.
2.  Read Books About Tragedy
I highly suggest you read the book The Best Worst Thing by Kristen Brown. I did and it changed my life. Kristen lost her husband suddenly at a young age and I am telling you that if you read this book it will have a huge impact on the way you live your everyday life! Just trust me.


3. Be Grateful for the People in my life.
Recently, I went through some very trying times and man did it open my eyes to how supportive people are to me and how loved I really am. But that's not enough...nope. For me, I needed to show them as part of this project. I made sure to tell them all how much I was blessed to have them help me through some of the darkest times in my life.    Simple as that!
Check back tomorrow for September's Happiness Project which is to Pursue a Passion!
 photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png

Coldfront Review & *Giveaway* Ends 9/6

Friday, August 30, 2013

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.
I stumbled upon a company called Coldfront in the funniest way! I was googling about the weather and was looking up weather terms when I saw a website that offered an amazing product that I certainly need!   Being a fashion lover, sometimes I don't wear the most comfortable shoes.... and sadly that can sometimes leave my feet swollen and inflamed and very painful.    I always say at work "I wish I had an ice pack with me".... and now I can.... because Coldfront is basically just that.  It uses patented Recool Technology to be an on-the-go cold pack that can relieve heat and pain without any mess or interruption in your day.  It's safe, easy to use, and can be carried in a purse.  If you suffer from heatflashes, this is a great product for you!!    It's excellent for burns and it's also great for sore muscles.   Plus.....   it lasts for 12 hours!!!!    ANd it won't be all messy and sloppy after the first few minutes of use so right there, it's a one of a kind product!    
 You wanna know another awesome way you can use coldfront?   If you ever had a tattoo, you remember the itchy phase when it's healing.  It's not hard to stop the itch of a new tattoo when you have a mini cold pack you can hold on it.   The cold dulls the itch sensation.   

Here's how you use it: 


And here's the coldfront I received: 





I was thrilled to receive this.  I love that the case it comes in is easy to open and close with the zipper, and also very durable and harder to protect whats inside.   The little net pockets hold to cold packs and the bags you can put them in.   The case is so discreet that no one will know what you are doing if you don't want them to.   

I can't believe how amazing this felt on my feet at work.   I just slid these in my shoes and let my feet sit inside them against the cold pack, while I worked at my desk.  I felt so much better by the end of the day walking out to my car in my work shoes.   This product will work wonders for so many people!  



And one winner will get a coldfront pack of their own!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png

My Behind the Wheel Experience in the 2013 Mazda5

Thursday, August 29, 2013

My week with the 2013 Mazda5 was a great one and I loved so many of the exterior/interior features of the Mazda5 as well as the engine of this minivan!   So here's how it was for my behind the wheel!


Handling


Of course I had to see how this minivan handled the PA back roads, and let me tell you it hugged every curve and to my surprise, stuff wasn’t flying back and forth on the floor at every curve or turn.  

It handles sharp turns like a pro!



Ease of Driving


I assumed that the Mazda5 wouldn’t accelerate like a typical vehicle and I would have to drive it like a grandma, but I must say, when I needed to merge onto the highway or speed up to pass someone, this vehicle was quick and steady.  

My Honda Civic Got Some Accents!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013


My Honda Civic is my pride and joy, and she's been paid off for almost a year now. So 
of course it's only natural that I want to make her look just a little bit nicer than she already does. So, I decided to plasti-dip her emblems black.







Isn't she beautiful? :) Hey, she's paid off so I can do whatever I want to her now!



 photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png

4 Popular Pet Peeves for Guys in Relationships (From Actual Guys!)


That's right... I asked real guys that I know to give me some of their biggest pet peeves when it comes to relationships and women. 

INTERRUPTING

Why:
Guys aren't as expressive as women are so when they are talking, they really want to get their thought out and be heard.   It's frustrating when they can't fully vent to you or explain their side of a situation because they keep getting cut off.

How you can stop doing this:
 Shhhh, LISTEN.   Just listen.....  even if you already know what he's going to say or you already want to counter a point he justmade, just be quiet and listen and then take a deep breath before you begin to speak.

PHOTOSHOPPING PHOTOS OF THEIR FACES

Why: 
They know they admire photos of supermodels in magazines, but that doesn't mean they want to date one.   Face it, we fall for people because we were attracted to them and seeing a blemish on someone's face in a photo isn't going to make anyone instantly disgusted and repulsed by you.  Men love a girl that isn't afraid to show her confidence with a yoga pants, no makeup, non-instagram editted photo that they get in their text messages. 

How you can Stop doing this: 
Stop trying to hide every little imperfection! Remember, after you meet someone you will always recognize their face and see it simply as THEM!   No guy ever sits there and says, "Hmm her one piece of hair is out of place, and she needs to fix her eye liner on her one eye."  

Henry Ferrera Brings us Some Stylish Rain Boots for Women

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

It is not always easy dressing on rainy days. Some rain boots lack style and are not shoes that the everyday woman enjoys wearing. Henry Ferrera has several styles of rain boots that can change your outlook on rainy days for good! Infinity shoes carries three different styles of stylish shoes for women. The first pair is the Henry Ferrera Thunder these are a classic rain boot style. The boots come in all black and they have a 1-inch heel, are slip resistant and made of all vegan material. Infinity shoes also carries a very similar black rain boot with a 2.5 wedge heel. These boots are great for adding style and sophistication with the wedge heel. The third style of rain boot is the Oxford. This boot also comes in black and features a decorative red toggle-and-loop feature. The construction of the boot is rubber but the boot does not appear to be rubber at all. These boots are great for rainy days when you want to wear rain boots but not feel like you are walking on rubber. These boots are an absolute must throughout the year and will make a great addition to your wardrobe.

 photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png

May Designs Review & *Giveaway* Ends 9/4

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.


May Designs is a brand that got sick and tired of ugly boring plain notebooks so they decided to let people create their own using the most up to date and trendy pattern options, designs, and customizations.   The patterns are beautiful, bright, and fun, and you can basically make your notebook exactly how you want it. 

Whether you have a reason for a notebook, or you just want to have one on hand, this is a great, affordable way to get one you'll actually enjoy using.  Plus, this makes a great gift for practically anyone!  There were such fun designs including zebras and bumblebees!





Outfit of the Day: Kickin' Out Summer in Basics & Boots

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

 To help transition into Fall but still embrace the hindering Summer temperature I decided to dress casual and keep it basic with a white shirt and some dark wash denim jeans.   

White Tee Brown Boots Outfit

This way I can keep cool with a lighter color, but can still have my legs covered on the breezier days. 


These Lapaz Boots from JustFab are exactly what I needed for Fall.  They are fantastic Faux Leather Boot in Taupe and they are a great neutral color for any outfit combination. 

White Tee Brown Boots Outfit



Jeans: J Brand
Boots: Lapaz from JustFab
Shirt: Express

 photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png

3 Benefits of a Clothing Fund in Your Budget



If you haven’t even thought of controlling your spending through an envelope system,  it’s not too late to start.  Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t buy anything for yourself.  When I originally wrote about it in My Guide to Being on ABudget  I made sure to explain that one of my expenses I allow myself each month is clothing.


Using a clothing envelope has many benefits:

It forces you to plan your spending.
If you only get $100 for each season, you will pretty much map out where you wanna go and what you need to buy that your wardrobe lacks.     Think about it….have you ever bought multiples of the same type of shirt or jeans?   If you only have a certain amount available to spend, you are much more likely to skip over that nice black tshirt, considering you already have 3 at home.  You would much rather spend your money on something you don’t have.

You will make smarter spending decisions. Instead of buying those $80 shoes, you’ll notice that you start looking for the best deal on a particular style of shoes.   This means less impulse buys.

You will use coupons.
Next time you see a coupon for 20% off an item from your favorite department store, you are more likely to take advantage of it and really think before you decide what item to spend it on.


Have you started using a clothing envelope yet?


 photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png

2013 Mazda5 - A More Technical Look


Last week I gave you a basic rundown of the interior and exterior features of the 2013 Mazda5 , so today I  wanted to go over some more technical features, like security & safety, engine features, etc. 

Fuel Economy

The 2013 Mazda5 gets 24 MPG, with 22 in the city and 28 on the highway.  Basically 4.2 gallons can give you around 100 miles.   And I certainly noticed this was true, since I received this vehicle with a full tank and I barely used any gas even though I drove it a lot! 



Engine/Mechanical Features

The 2013 Mazda5 has a 2.5L DOHC 16-valve engine.  It’s a front wheel drive vehicle with an electronic hydraulic power assist steering system.  


Don' t Break the Bank for A Ring

Monday, August 26, 2013

Engagement rings are a critical component of any marriage ceremony. They are the first element of the proceedings, since they always come with the proposal of marriage. This makes them something that's very important to get right; everyone wants to start a marriage with their best foot forward. The best thing you can do to make sure you're getting the best ring is to do your due diligence and look into what's available within your budget. More recently, people have taken to looking online. This has advantages and disadvantages.

The primary advantages of looking online are variety and affordability. You can find affordable diamond engagement rings at SkydellDesign.com and similar online jewelers. These tend to be more affordable than purchasing them in person owing to the lower overhead costs of operating a website as compared to running a local store. Online sources will provide you with more options to pick from, and also allow you to comparison shop for different prices.

However, the disadvantage to shopping online is the way it separates you from the product itself. Ultimately, you won't be able to see the ring in person, and will have to rely on photographs. For something sentimental that relies largely on subjective qualities for its aesthetics, having to rely on a stylized picture taken in a studio isn't necessarily the ideal circumstance to judge a ring under. 

Shopping online is viable for engagement rings, but it does come with a tradeoff. All the same, everyone can benefit from at least a cursory glance at what's available on the web.


 photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png

How A Hat Can Make an Outfit

If you're getting ready to plan a fantastic Halloween party, rest assured that there are many ways you can make your party one to remember. You'll want your party to be absolutely flawless from the decor to the food to the costumes in order to make it something your friends will be talking about for years to come.

First off, get a caterer. Don't try to make all the food by yourself. That's a fast way to get stressed out and to forget important details about the important. Interview caterers a few months in advance to start finding someone who will make your food the way you want it.

Next, choose decorations that are scary and exciting. You might even consider having a themed party. For example, you could have a mummy-themed party and have everyone come in Egyptian costumes. Another option would be to host a zombie-themed party and have everyone come dressed in their best gory outfits.

Finally, make sure you find the perfect outfit for yourself. After all, you're the host. Everyone will remember what you wore and how you wore it. You can shop safari hats at KillerHats.com to accessorize even the simplest of outfits. Remember that elaborate isn't always better. In fact, some of the most memorable costumes are the easiest to make.
 photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png

Summer Accessories you can carry over into Fall

When it comes to accessories, you don’t have to forget about them during the change of the seasons.  The below accessories can easily be transitioned over for Fall!

A Wristlet


You may use a Floto Milano Leather Wristlet from Silvia’s Handbags in Summer for less bulk, but it’s still great to keep one in your large handbag during the Fall.  This way, if you need a less bulky way to carry your accessories if you are going out in the evening and wearing a light jacket, you can simply pull your wristlet out of your purse, transfer some items over and be on your way!   Silvia purse


Work Out Pants

Essential Workout Leggings like these from Feel Fit Wear, may be lightweight for summer but they are great for Fall when the air gets crisp and you take your workout outside.  If you invest in a quality pair, it will be well worth it and you won’t need to keep getting new pairs for each season!

Calf Length Shapewear



You can wear cropped pants in the fall, which means you can easily hide the Ultimate Full Body Lift from Wink Shapewear since it’s calf length.   This is great for a work outfit or if you are wearing it anywhere and need easy access to go to the bathroom, have no fears because they have made room for that as well.   No wonder they call it Wink ;-) Shapewear!

Trendy Scarves and Wraps

As long as you have a Pashmina Wrap from The Trendy Boutique, you can always use it in different seasons.   It may look fashionable and stylish in the Summer, but it’s a great way to keep your shoulders and neck warmer in the Fall, all while looking fab!


Flats that you wore in summer


As long as you are using SummerSox to keep your shoes smelling fresh and not growing bacteria, you can continue to use the heck out of your flats, and no need to wear socks yet.  Socks can feel bulky even in Fall, so invest in a reusable, washable pair of SummerSox for your shoes!




 photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png

Giveaway: The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat Pirate Cruise Ends 9/2

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.


Did you know that Thursday, September 19th is International Talk Like A Pirate Day? Ay, it sure is! And you can enjoy it with the whole family OR you can enjoy it in an ADULTS ONLY setting on the Talk Like a Pirate Day Cruise on the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat! 

It's basically an Adult Cajun Party! It runs from 5:30pm to 9:30 PM. The boat is docked from 5:30-7:30 and then the sunset cruise is for an hour at 7:30. Once you come back to shore, you get to party for another hour before going home and resting up! The life of a pirate is fun but exhausting! 

The regular cover price is $20 and for that amount you get: 

LIVE Music and Dancing for entire event! 
1-Hour Sunset Cruise Raffle ticket for prizes 
Entry into Pirate Costume Competition 
There will be a FULL CASH BAR and Special Authentic Cajun Foods Available, as well as drink specials! 
Best Pirate Costume Competition! Best Captain Morgan impression Best Male Costume Best Female Costume Best Couple Costume



The Pride is handicapped and wheelchair accessible. Restrooms are available onboard.

Tickets are $20 per person. 

Here's How to Enter:

1. Like The Harrisburg Riverboat on Facebook here.
2. Leave a comment on this post with your name and email address.


Bonus Entry: (must complete the main entry first)
 **LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH BONUS ENTRY YOU COMPLETE**
1. Follow The Harrisburg Riverboat on Twitter here.

2. Sign up for The Harrisburg Riverboat email blast here.(You Get A $2 coupon!)   
3. Tweet the following:  
I entered to win a free ticket to the Talk Like A Pirate Day Adult Cruise from @Pride_Riverboat and @Ellen_ross1!  
4.  Share this giveaway on Facebook.

The giveaway will end on Friday,  September 2nd at 11:59 PM EST and a winner will be chosen via Random.org. 



 photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png

Embracing Minimalism in Your Closet

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

Embracing Minimalism with my Wardrobe

I recently wrote about how I began embracing minimalism in everyday life.   I even got rid of my DVD collection(well most of it). Of course, the hardest thing for me to do would be to get rid of some clothing through minimalism, but once I started I realized it actually made life easier.

Somedays I feel like my closet just isn’t big enough, but then I feel like it has too much in it because I have to search through all my clothes and then I end up wearing the same selection of outfits.  When I first read about embracing minimalism with clothing I thought it would be impossible…. Until I started doing it.  I am so glad I did because it saves me space, time, and money!

The first thing I did was to look at all that I had since it was already organized for me (Link to Closet organizing post).   I noticed there were several pieces I had multiple of.  Do I really need 4 black tees? No way!  So I simply got rid of the 2 older tattered ones.   Simple as that!

I looked at my shoes and asked myself how many pairs of sneakers I need?  I have an old pair for yard work, a hiking pair, a casual pair, and a running pair, so I took all others and donated or sold them on ebay (only the ones that weren’t really worn were sold on ebay). 


photo by Ben.Millettvia PhotoRee

I looked at my jeans….and I tried them all on.  If they didn’t fit, I sold them on ebay.   My drawers has so much more space, as did my closet.

I put a new rule in place for myself… one in – one out.   If I get a new shirt, pair of jeans, etc.  I have to get rid of 1 thing in my closet.   No need to have so much.   I have about a months worth of different outfit options without repeating, so there’s no need to even get anymore.   Instead of buying more, I now find myself trying to figure out new outfit combos from what I already have!

I also went through my underwear drawer and got rid of any older, tattered pairs so that it’s easier to find my favorite pairs when I dig through.   My closet still looks a little full, but as time goes by, when I can get rid of stuff I will…. Without adding anything new.

I also have to say that it’s so much easier to put an outfit together in the morning now.  There’s less clothing to dig through and it saves me so much time!

Here’s my best tips for embracing minimalism with your wardrobe:

Get rid of multiples by tossing the oldest and most worn.
If you never wore it, get rid of it.
If it doesn’t make you look good or feel good when you wear it, get rid of it!
Don’t add anything new unless you get rid of something old.


What can YOU get rid of from your closet?

 photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png

Husky Liners WeatherBeater Floor Liners Review

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

 I have always looked at my car as an investment so I take pride in always keeping up to date with the maintenance and service, as well as keeping the interior in clean crisp condition.   Husky Liners understands how much the interior of my car means to me and that's why they offer a fantastic line of products for your automotive needs.  They have cargo liners, front and back seat floor liners, heavy duty floor mats, mud guards, tailgates, under seat storage boxes, protection films, and more! 

Their liners are custom fit for your specific vehicle and come in different colors to match your interior.   Floor Liners are such a great idea for all different lifestyles of the people driving cars.  If you have a job where you get super dirty, it's okay if you track dirt and mud into your car because these liners are easy to remove and clean.   If you love being outdoors and camping and hiking, it's okay if your dirty camping gear is in your trunk, because the protective liner ensures your carpeted area stays clean!


I received a full set of WeatherBeater Floor Liners from Husky Liners.   I chose grey to match my car and I even got a trunk liner!


 My trunk looks so much nicer with this floor liner, plus it's much easier to clean it by simply wiping it down or hosing it off.   And I no longer have to worry about liquid spills from groceries!

McInc Soda Bottle Wasp Trap Review

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

McInc offers a line of innovative and useful products for every aspect of your life.  Whether it’s useful items around the home, or even outdoors, McInc has a wide variety to choose from.  In their outdoor line, they offer some really neat Bird feeders that you can make from a soda bottle.    I love stuff like that, and I love anything outdoors.  There is one thing I don’t like and that’s wasps!! They scare me and I am outside less when I know they are around.   But McInc just changed that for me, with their Soda Bottle Wasp Trap!

Great Advice, Crabs, and Minimalism...[Week in Review]

Saturday, August 24, 2013



In case you were busy this week, here's what you missed on Ask Away!





  • We took an in depth look at the inside of the Mazda5 car I'm reviewing.


  • Next week I will have a fun fashion post as well as some great relationship advice. 

    Have a great weekend!



     photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png

    Foxers Review

    This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

    Foxers are women’s underwear that have the waistband of men’s boxer shorts.   It’s more comfortable than typical women’s underwear, but it still looks sexy and makes you feel fantastic.  It’s literally our own version of boxers!  The waistband is the key to the comfort because it’s snug and stays in place but it’s not itchy and it won’t move around like the typical thin panty waistlines that most of us are used to.  The designer, April Spring, was inspired to create Foxers after she realized that she enjoyed wearing soft cotton boxers as loungewear and could possibly make a women’s version!   They are made from 100% cotton shirting fabric and they can be machine washed.  Unlike typical women’sunderwear, Foxers are durable and you can even iron them!


    I received the Black Baby Doll Chemise Nightie and the Rose Over Blue Lace Foxers.   First of all let me tell you that I never thought the Foxers could be so comfortable, but they are.  My lace Foxers even have a liner so you literally can wear them as your underwear.  This is perfect for sleeping. They are so soft and comfortable, don’t irritate me, and they look fantastic.  It’s great for wearing something super light that keeps you cool at night, not to mention, my boyfriend is a huge fan of them. 



    The Black Baby Doll Chemise Nightie is super playful and comfortable.  Obviously, my boyfriend loves that one as well.  It’s very form fitting and it flatters my body in all the right ways.  Unlike other nighties I’ve worn, this one doesn’t itch or rub my skin the wrong way.  It’s a nice little piece to wear in the evening or to actually sleep in overnight.  It seriously looks and feels like a luxurious ritzy piece of lingerie but at a fraction of the cost.


    Foxers make a great gift for girlfriends, friends, and even just for yourself!

     photo Newsig_zps7e5a1ccf.png