Upgrade Your Beach Style at OLD NAVY!

Shore-ly a Beach Party in Old Navy Beachwear!

     

     So everyone knows I'm obsessed with Old Navy it's hands-down my favorite store, but let me tell you- there's nothing as exciting as summertime at Old Navy.  They have so many bright colors, awesome prints, different summer items that are a must-have for the whole season- from beach towels, jewelry, flip flops, swimwear...even beach towels!  They have literally everything you need, which makes for a great one-stop shopping day before taking your family out on the beach!  You can imagine my excitement as a lucky member of the stylish and influential Old Navy Style Council, when I was chosen to host this party to "Upgrade Your Beach Style" at my local Old Navy!  It was the best day ever!  

   

So what was included in our beach party?  This is where it gets good (good is an understatement!)...Myself and 3 friends (I took my best friend, and my two sisters) were each able to pick out a to-dive-for swimsuit, pair of flip-flops, beach bag, AND beach towel to complete our looks!  Yes, we each received an entire beach ensemble from head to toe!  

Old Navy has the best variety of swimwear for anybody and everybody...from string bikini's, tankini's, to one-piece and special suits for individual needs (ie: control max, to tame tummies).  They have everything.  My favorite suit is the "Control Max Underwire"...that swimsuit is amazing.  It has supportive lining to help hold you in where you need to be held in, the very adorable balconette cups are ruched-making it that much more adorable!  This is for so many reasons, the swimsuit I chose to buy with my coupon :)

 This is the bundle I received with my coupon...the "Multi-Stripe Straw Tote"- is SUPER cute isn't it!?!?!?  I'm in love.

We had such a great time at the party!  LOVE LOVE LOVE being a part of Old Navy's Style Council with Crowdtap It's amazing.  My favorite brand...hands-down.  And how cute is my new get-up from there?!?!?  I'm SO ready for the beach, who's coming?  

Disclosure: As a member of Crowdtap and the Old Navy Style Council, I received coupons for myself and 3 friends to each get a swimsuit, towel, beach bag, and a pair of flip-flops from Old Navy.  All opinions expressed are my own.

It's Tee Time at Old Navy!

It's Tee Time at Old Navy!

So as everyone knows, I'm obsessed with Old Navy's Basic Layering Tops, they're the best thing lineup of clothing to ever hit the racks- seriously!  I think I own pretty much every color from each style (Vintage & Perfect!)  Anyhow, as a lucky member of the stylish and influential Old Navy Style Council I was chosen to sample & share their "Women's Best Tee", two tees for me and two tees for a friend.  This is the coupon they sent me, it's always super excited when I get one of these coupons in the mail... 

Alright you guys, so Old Navy's tee's have been improved (and the improvements are remarkable!) and they're available in both "Perfect" & "Vintage".  So here's the scoop on "Vintage Tees and Perfect Tees"...

Perfect

~A universally flattering fit

~Classic Ribbed Knit

~Now come with added stretch

Vintage

~Old Navy's most relaxed fit

~are "Heathered" for a worn-in look & feel

~Super soft 

My favorite (if I have to choose) is the Vintage line...the Vintage Crew-Neck, and the Vintage V-Neck are staples in my closet...I literally own every color from both collections. It's safe to say that I'm obsessed.

This is the Vintage Crew-Neck...
~rib-knit crewneck
~short sleeves
~tag-free for added comfort
~soft, medium-weight jersey
~heathered for a worn-in look
~super soft

 This is the Vintage V-Neck...
~rib-knit v-neckline
~short sleeves
~soft, lightweight jersey knit
~tag-free for added comfort

Here are my two Vintage Perfect Tees...

Here I took a close-up of the material, to show the "heathered" look up-close.  It's really got a "worn-in" feel and look to it that I absolutely LOVE!

 Here's a (not-so-great) photo of me post-shopping after my sister & I arrived back home.  I love the charcoal colored tee, it will virtually go with any bottoms...dress it up or down. Love it.

My sister had a great time, and as always the store associates rocked.  Love Old Navy for so many reasons, these Perfect Tees being of them.  If you haven't checked them out...do so, now!  It's the perfect weather for these too!  And the best part? You can wear them all year round, with cardigans and hoodies from Old Navy also...so versatile!


Disclosure: As a member of Crowdtap and the Old Navy Style Council, I received a coupon for me and a friend to get two free "Women's Best Tees" from Old Navy.  All opinions expressed are my own.

WooliteWashed In-Home Boutique!

My WooliteWashed In-Home Boutique was so much fun!

Most recently I was chosen to host a "WooliteWashed In-Home Boutique" party courtesy of Crowdtap.  For this party, they sent me:

~10 Woolite Samples

~A Party Booklet

~Gift Card for buying party supplies

The plan was to gather my friends and their gently used wardrobe pieces that they no longer wear and have a sort of swapping party.  You know that old saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure"...this is a bit like that only no women thinks her clothes or accessories are trash, we simply get board of them or they no longer fit us right ;)  Anyhow, each of my friends brought a few articles of clothing as well as a few accessories- some brought earrings, some scarves, shirts, necklaces, the variety was great! 

  Oh and most of them even brought their husbands...not to trade, just so they could keep mine company during our party haha!  It really was a great time.  I had a nice turn out, and we had quite a bit of clothes to dig through!  I had things hung up by size. 

After the girls tried tried on their stack of items they would toss them onto the shelf...at one point it looked pretty crazy, and I did get a photo of how messy things got!  You know how girls are when we try on clothes to find the "one outfit"...things pile up fast!  

We had a huge mirror set up so we could do a catwalk and everyone was taking photos with their cell phones- it was quite the party.   

I served finger foods...veggie pizza, little weenies, and sangrias.  It was awesome!  At the end of the day, I ended up with 2 new dresses (old to them, NEW to me :)  a nice handful of jewelry, and a few shirts!  My brother even swapped out some of his ex's clothes and jewelry hahahahaha...got his new girlfriends some cute new stuff- as I'm sure she's going to appreciate this stuff more than she was appreciating his ex's old stuff laying around his house ;)  

This was one of the most fun parties I've thrown...it lasted well past the time I had planned for it to, and everyone who left couldn't believe the stuff they were walking out with.  Everyone loves their samples, and loved that they get to go home and use them on their new stuff.  Awesome party, definitely.  LOVE LOVE LOVE Woolite...was so glad to host this.  Epic.

"A big thanks to Crowdtap and Woolite for choosing me to be one of their Wooliteers.  Also for providing me with the samples to try for myself as well as all of my friends who attended my party, free of charge.  I was given the samples and gift card by Crowdtap, to spread the word about Woolite and their wonderful line of product. All of the photos and thoughts shared are my own."

Durex Sexploers Sample & Share (R-RATED!!!!!)

Durex Sexplorers- Sample And Share (R-Rated!!!!)

 

So I was chosen by Crowdtap to be a Durex Sexplorer.  I had no idea what was in store, until I was then chosen to take part in the Durex Sexplorers Sample And Share.  I was so excited!  I already am a huge fan of Durex, I’ve been a loyal fan for many years.  Durex is committed to bringing couples together, and in my eyes- keeping them together.  The package that arrived was way beyond my expectations!  It included a great variety of Durex products  that allowed for me as a “Sexplorer” (A “Sexplorer” is someone who values their partner’s pleasure as much as their own to help them both achieve their ideal sex life.) to “Sexplore” new possibilities with my partner both inside the bedroom and outside.  I feel this is all important in maintaining a healthy, thriving, and strong relationship in the long haul.  Anyhow, enough about that…let’s talk about how great this package was!  There were so many amazing samples to share, it was unreal!

 

 

My sample pack included…

 

*2 boxes (3 condoms in each box) of Durex Performax Intense Condoms: Designed to speed her up and slow him down.  Shaped & textured to intensify sensation.  Delay lubricant to help prolong sexual performance.  A more intense experience for you both.

 

*2 boxes (3 condoms in each box) of Durex Extra Sensitive Ultra Thin Condoms: Made with extra lube for heightened sensitivity.

 

*10 boxes of the new Durex “Play Vibrations Variety Pack”:  Each box included a vibrating ring, 4 lubricant packets (Pina Colada, Tingling, Cherry, Warmer), and 4 premium lubricated latex condoms (Pleasuremax, Extra Sensitive, Extra Sensitive Ribbed and Tropical).

 

This was one of the most generous sample packages I’ve ever received; I could not wait to share this with my friends and a few select family members!  I used our “Mommy & Me” play date time to share with my fellow mom friends this sample & share.  Many of us are married, and have been with the same partner for many years- as well as having multiple children.  We all know what it’s like to live a chaotic life where our sex lives are put at the bottom of the “to-do” list, quite literally.  My friends were so excited to try out these samples, and I was so excited myself to put them to use!  I’m not going to lie, with a husband who works 60 hours a week and who children at home…this sample & share package was just what we needed to add a touch of spice to our lives! 

 

This sample & share from Durex wowed me (and him).  I was so happy with the results from our sampling…

 

The new “Performance Intense” condoms that are designed to “speed her up & slow him down” do that and some.  These are wonderful.  These are ribbed perfectly, and the “delay lubricant” definitely delayed!  We had a much longer “session” than the norm.  I would definitely recommend these to everyone! (And no extra lube was needed with these)

 

The Durex “Extra Sensitive” condoms were amazing.  They’re super thin and offer a great natural-like feel that most condoms on the market do not.  Seriously, these were one of the thinnest condoms I’ve ever used- you couldn’t tell there was one on…with the exception of the lube being on them (which was an added perk).    I would recommend these to anyone who is looking for the most natural feeling condom on the market- these are definitely it!

The “Durex Play” variety boxes were amazing.  There were flavored lubricants, tingling, and a warming lube…as well as a handful of condoms, and that amazing little vibrating ring (that’s an understatement!).  This box had it all, seriously.

The flavored lubes were great smelling, and tasted decent- not too strong, actually quite subtle.  I’m not a huge fan of flavored lubricants for the fact that I’m biased in that I’m a huge fan of tingling and warming lubricants ;)  For this reason, I was very excited to see what Durex had to offer.  I was very happy with the results!  The warming lubricant was hands-down the best one I’ve tried on the market, and I have tried many.  The tingling was good too, but I would have liked a bit more tingle action.  Other than that, they both worked wonders for both my husband and I- we enjoyed them equally.  Which is rare, it’s usually me who has a lot to say about a product ;) 

As for the condoms that were in the “Play Vibrations Variety Pack”, they were 4 of the best condoms I’ve used!  I could not say enough great things about Durex and the products they offer.  These condoms rocked.  There was one of each: Extra Sensitive, Extra Sensitive Ribbed and Tropical, and Durex Pleauremax.  In fact, my husband said we will be buying the Pleasuremax’s next time we go to the store!  Again, they must be great for my soft-spoken husband to share in insight. 

As for that vibrating ring…I’m not sure where to start.  This was the highlight of the package.  We are into toys, we love props, anything to spice it up- we have tried hundreds of products on the market similar to this ring.  This ring was the best of its’ kind.  We seriously enjoyed it a great deal.  We have used several of these vibrating rings, from various other companies and not one stood up close to this one- this seriously stole the show and I haven’t wasted any time telling my friends both online and in person of this little guy!  This ring fit perfect, snug just as it should- no worries for slip offs on my end.  My husband said it was comfy, as well as he really enjoyed the vibrations it sent off.  The on/off button is easy to use, and the vibrations themselves were phenomenal.  Super strong.  So much power in this tiny little vibration ring, I couldn’t believe it!  We loved it so much; this too has been added to our shopping list for next week!  We love love LOVE it.

A big thanks to Crowdtap and Durex for choosing me to be part of the Durex Sexplorers panel, and for providing me with the samples to try for myself and to share with my friends and select family members free of charge.  I was given the samples from CrowdTap for free, to spread the word about Durex.  All of the photos and thoughts shared are my own.

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Sweat It Out in Old Navy Activewear

Sweat It Out in Old Navy Activewear!

So I was lucky enough to be a chosen member of the Old Navy Style Council over by Crowdtap to try out Old Navy's newest line of Activewear!  Not only did I receive a coupon for myself, but one for a friend.  We each received one of Old Navy's Active tops and bottoms...yes, one of each- for each of us!

Amazing right?  Yep, I thought so.  (If you're not already signed up, you should hurry over to sign up to be a member yourself!)

I'm a huge fan already of this lineup from Old Navy, as previously I was the biggest fan of similar lines from other brands which cost twice sometimes even three times as much for the same articles of clothing.  I've found that Old Navy offers high quality at affordable prices, especially in this line!  I'm a sucker for cute workout clothes, so I was in heaven when I walked in to our local Old Navy with my sister.  Right away I was drawn to the Women's Active Control Max Fold Over Pants...they rock, and I'm a huge fan (prior to the coupon)- so I grabbed up a pair knowing I couldn't leave without getting another pair for my collection.

 How cute are these thumb holes!?!?!?!?  I'm obsessed.  This is the Women's Active GoDRY Running Top in "Neon Green Extreme"....I can't get enough of this color, and certainly can't get enough of the thumb holes.  These tops are super comfortable, and so SO cute!  My sister ended up buying this, and well...I already own the "blackjack" and "retro violet"!  Seriously, these shirts are amazing.

As for me, after trying on one in every color- I chose the Women's Active Compression Jacket in "Carbon 2".  Like the awesome line of running tops, these jackets also have those cute little thumb holes!  I'm a huge fan of the "Carbon" color too.  It's more of a dark heather-gray...and goes well with black, carbon, or any bright color pant, legging, short, or shoe!  It's seriously the perfect jacket.  I just love the mock turtleneck, love that it's made with just the right amount of spandex for that perfect fit, and the breathable mesh side panels pretty much rock when it comes to a good day at the gym.  I can't say enough great things about this jacket...it's hands-down my favorite item from the day.  

DISCLOSURE:  As a member of the Old Navy Style Council on Crowdtap, I received a coupon for a free Old Navy Active top and bottom for myself and one to give to a friend. 

Old Navy’s Dress Event

I love when I get the opportunity to try on new items at Old Navy, it's hands down my favorite store!  Well I got the offer to do a sample and share yet again, only this time for their dresses!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE their dresses.  They have a fit for every body type, every shape, and every style.    I received one coupon for me, and one for a friend to each get one full priced dress- on the house.  

I took my little sister with me for this sample and share, as she desperately needed a holiday dress for this Thanksgiving.  I myself, was out to find something that looked great...for any occasion.  I found just that in the lineup of Old Navy's Jersey Wrap Dresses...I love them all.  I especially fell hard for this one,  in "Pea Shoots" green.  Super cute.  My sister actually disliked it, and then ended up getting the same one for herself after I made her try it on!  It would have made for a super cute photo, but she refused.  Perhaps after the holiday photos are done, I'll be able to report back and share with you guys a photo of the two of us in our matching dresses :)  Or better yet, maybe that will be this years' holiday card photo hahahahaha!  She would love that.  Anyhow, super cute dress.  

The dress was on sale for $28 (originally $32.94) and we each got it for free- super deal!  It's 100% Rayon, so it's very light and comfy.  The jersey material is my favorite, it has just the right amount of stretch.  Love it.  And the 3/4 length sleeves I find are very flattering, as is the belt at the waist- that wrap effect does wonders for the waistline!   Hurry over and check out my dress here, and get one for yourself...I swear you won't be disappointed.  It's a huge two thumbs up in my book, and my sister's!

Thanks to CrowdTap and Old Navy for choosing me to be a part of the Old Navy Style Council, my girlfriend and I were able to each take one Old Navy dress home free of charge.  All opinions are mine alone based off of my shopping experience and the dresses I reviewed.

Chris Mann "Roads" Debut Album

Chris Mann's Debut Album "Roads"

I've been fortunate enough to get the chance to review Chris Mann's debut album "Roads", prior to its release today Tuesday October 30th, 2012.  Let me tell you, this album is hands-down one of the best albums I've heard to date.  It's such an original, and beautiful sounding  lineup of songs.  From Italian classical, classical pop, to remakes of country and rock songs...this cd literally covers it all.  It's awesome, I just can't think of any more ways to describe it.  I'm in love.  (Oh, and did I mention that Chris Mann is as beautiful as his music?!?!??!)  Oh goodness...read on.

Songs on the album "Roads" (Genre: Classical Pop)  

1. Roads
2. Need You Now (Produced by Keith Thomas: Charlotte Church & Heather Headley)
3. Cuore
4. The Blower's Daughter (From the film "Closer", Produced by Marius de Vries: Jackie Evancho, Josh Groban, PJ Harvey)

5. My Way

6. Unless You Mean It
7. Always On My Mind (Produced by Walter Afanasieff: Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey)
8. On A Night Like This
9. Ave Maria
10. Falling
11. Viva La Vida

(this albums' 11 tracks total time is just under 1 hour in length)

Produced by Keith Thomas (Amy Grant & Vanessa Williams) Executive Producer / A&R:RON FAIR for Faircraft Records, Inc./ Management: Susan Markheim:Azoffmusic Management/Front Line Management

***** Preview 4 songs from the new album here *****

I became a fan of Chris' on NBC's The Voice last season, as he was the 3rd runner up and part of my idol- Christina Aguilera's team.  Although he didn't win the show, he did strike up an amazing deal with Faircraft/Universal Republic (headed by A&R executive Ron Fair).  Thank goodness too, I have been dying to get my hands on an entire album from him since I witnessed the first line of words he sang on that show!

I was drawn to Chris for his vocal abilities combined with his shared love for Sinatra, Robbie Williams, and Luciano Pavarotti. His voice is just an amazing mix of classically trained meets contemporary pop with a dash of country, rock, Italian Opera, and soul.  I don't know if there's an accurate way to label him and/or his music- he's simply brilliant from every angle of the spectrum.  Cee Lo Green hit it on the nose when he said, "He is by far one of the most incomparable vocalists I have ever heard."  It's so true.  Every song he delivers is just so warm, inviting, and nostalgic.  It's seriously breathtaking...hands-down incredibly beautiful.

Many of the songs on this album are covers, but done in such a way that you would almost never know it.  The tracks include "Always On My Mind" (Willie Nelson), "My Way" (Paul Anka's also known performed by Frank Sinatra), "Viva La Vida" (Coldplay), "Need You Now" (Lady Antebellum), and "The Blower's Daughter" (Damien Rice). They sound so original, yet they still paid so much respect to the originals; they just showcased Chris Mann's epic talents both vocally and artistically on so many levels.  Chris Mann has such a powerful voice, yet it's so controlled- he has seriously been blessed.  Christina Aguilera stated on The Voice, "I feel the heavens open up when you sing" and I couldn't agree more.  It's so very true.

This album also highlights Chris Mann's writing skills, as he co-wrote tracks "Falling" and "Cuore".  "Cuore" really showcased his love and passion for classical music.  It's smooth, sexy, strong, and addicting.  Despite the fact that I don't know what the lyrics are (sadly, I barely made it through Spanish as a second language in high school) this song is one of the most beautifully arranged songs I've ever heard.  The lyrics, the sound, the
pronunciation of the words...it all just blends like something out of a story book.  It takes you to another place, at another time.  It's soul warming, and it awakens your emotions every time you hear it.


Literally each one of the eleven songs on this album are amazing.  Track number four "The Blower's Daughter" is a duet with his mentor Christina Aguilera, and as you may already know from witnessing their duet to "The Prayer" on NBC's The Voice last season- those two voices together are something out of this world.  It may just be my favorite on this album.  "The Blower's Daughter" was originally done by the talented Damien Rice, and is one of my all-time favorite songs.  The two versions are so different from one another, yet both delivering that hunger to just keep listening.  This song is so deep, so warm, so beautiful.  Just when I had thought I couldn't love this song anymore than I already had...I heard Chris' take on it, simply amazing.     I was completely moved by this song, yet again.

I'm a huge fan of classical, pop, country, jazz, really any music that makes me feel something is what I love to hear.  What Chris Mann does is above and beyond that, he takes his music to places that most artists today don't.  He really is on another level, and so far from being comparable to anyone else.  He has been blessed with his voice, and with each song he sings for us to hear- I consider a gift to be able to listen to it, to feel it, and to experience it.

This album was just released today, so hurry over to Amazon and be one of the first to get it!  You can also download it on iTunes.  Trust me, this is an amazing album...and just in time for the holidays- this would be a perfect gift!  I swear anybody and everybody will appreciate this album. This is one of those albums you can not pass up, it's a must-get.  It is perfect for anytime of day or night.  It's the perfect backdrop for a warm night out by the fire, or a cold winters' night curled up with a glass of Merlot in front of your fireplace.  I have listened to this several times already, and I've only fallen more in love with it each time.  Amazing.

You can fan/follow/listen to Chris Mann via... Twitter (@IamChrisMann), Facebook (www.facebook.com/ChrisMannMusic), and his Youtube Channel (/ChrisMannMusic).  You can also check out his website www.ChrisMannMusic.com for the latest news, media, concerts/tours, merchandise to buy, etc.  

Disclosure: “This is a review post from One2One Network. I was provided with a copy of this album in exchange for my review,and I am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in this review are honest, and are solely my own."