Bra Strap Clip Review

I am slow at getting some of these clips to help conceal bra straps for some of the trendier shirts I own, but I have finally purchased some.  The pack I bought came with 9 clips - 3 in white, tan and black.  They are basic plastic construction made simply to pull both shoulder straps together into the middle of one's back to change the direction the straps run and therefore conceal them.

They seemed pretty self-explanatory, but the package came with instructions anyway, so after reading through them I attempted to follow the steps.

 The first step was pretty simple, once I determined which way was up.  Just slide the clip onto one strap, easy enough.

 From there, it got a bit more complicated.  Directions are to slide it over your shoulder to the middle of the strap and then attach it to the other strap.  Easier said than done.  However, after some struggling and contorting as well as some irritation at the clip getting hung up on parts of the bra strap, I got it into place.

 I couldn't get the straps to sit flat once pulled together, but hoped in the middle it wouldn't matter.  Shirt back on, and the clip definitely did the job of hiding the straps.

Moving forward, should I wear any of my more revealing racerback shirts or such, I will probably get my husband to give me a hand with these clips, it was kind of a pain to get straight behind my back.  However, the clips do their job and stay in place all day.

You can find these clips here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Mamaway Far Infared Nursing and Sleep Bra

Stocking up for pregnancy #4, I knew more sleep nursing bras were in order.  I found this one and wanted to give it a try.

 The Mamaway Far Infared Nursing Bra is your basic sleep nursing bra with a cross over pull down design for ease of use at night.  It is made of polyester with spandex and "Far Infared" nano fibers.  It claims these fibers help increase blood circulation and therefore help encourage milk production.  I cannot speak to any of those factors, and it seems a bit of a stretch to me that your basic nursing bra could do that, it is after all just fabric.

 Those claims aside, I found his bra has hooks in the back, so it is worn like your regular bra with need to hook/unhook.  My current sleep nursing bras slip over like a sports bra, which I much prefer.  However, I found I can do the same with this one without unhooking it, so though I would rather the hooks not be there at all, I can deal with it.

 The bra has a cross over v design so that either side can be pulled down for access without undoing hooks or clasps at night.  This feature works as expected.

 The back dips down where the hooks attach the sides.

 Another thing I am not a fan of is the boning on either side of the bra.

 The thin strip is fairly bendable, but is still boning that can be hard as well as deform after washing and use as is usually the case.  Again, I would prefer it not be there and it seems unnecessary for a sleeping bra.

 The bra is claimed to be lavender - I would say pink.  If one would call it lavender, it would be a very light lavender.  To my eyes, this is a basic baby pink.  Color really makes no difference to me, but if you want lavender be aware this is far from purple.

Over all, I'm not super excited about this bra and its definitely not better than what I have already.  It is comfortable to wear, soft and easy to use, but the milk production claims leave me questioning validity and the design with hooks and boning detract from my love of the bra.  It's ok and will work just fine, but I'm not singing it's praises as the best out there, at least not for me.

You can find one of these here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Mamaway Nursing Bra Review

Pregnant with #4 while still nursing #3, I have lots of experience trying out different nursing bras over the years.  I am pretty particular and thought I had found one I really liked - until I tried this nursing bra.

The bra comes packaged very simply in a plastic bag, no hangers or fuss.

This is a completely wire free bra that is elastic and spandex with cups designed to stretch and grow through pregnancy, up to 3 cup sizes the seller claims.  There is plenty of stretch and give, but also loads of support and security

The back has 4 rows of 3 clasps for a secure fit.  The straps are fairly narrow in my experience with nursing bras.  This worried me a bit because I had read a description claiming wide straps.  However, once I put it on, this was no big deal at all and I preferred the thinner width than my current bra that always seemed to hang out under clothing and draw attention.  These do not cut into my shoulders or cause any discomfort at all.

The bra opens simply with one hand clasps on the front.

Narrow straps on the inside help attach the shoulder strap to the lower part of the bra when the front is opened for security.

The sides of the bra have tons of stretch and give for pregnancy growth, a design sewn on the side panel gives a little decor.  This is not your cute, frilly, fun bra, but is sure is comfortable and functional.

There is padding in the bra that is easily removable.  The padding is shaped so that it only fits one way.  The bra can be worn without the pads too, it is comfortable either way.

I am loving this bra and saving my money to buy more because they are worth it!

You can find it here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Working Class Lab Coat Review

One of my littles is in 4-H and will soon be needing a lab coat for showing her animals.  When I came across this Working Class lab coat in my search, I bought with high hopes.

My child just turned 6, and tall for her age, but I went with the coat for ages 4-6 because I figured if it didn't fit it could be great for dress up play, and because I was afraid the next size up would have her swimming in it.  The coat comes folded and wrapped in a plastic bag, well protected and kept clean during shipping.

 The coat is made of a really nice, heavy quality material, not at all cheap feeling.  It feels like the real deal, and more expensive than it really was.

 The coat closes with three large buttons, easy for younger hands to manipulate.  It has two front lower pockets and a third upper chest pocket, plenty of space for storing whatever little scientists, doctors, etc. might need.

 Surprisingly, the coat fit my child really well, and with plenty of room for her to grow into it yet this year, we even rolled the sleeves up a bit. I am glad I decided to go with the size true to her age.  She is excited about her new lab coat and wears it all over the house.

When the time comes that I need a bigger size, I will definitely be returning to Amazon.com to purchase another Working Class lab coat.

You can find them here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Cheap Chic

Cheap Chic: Hundreds of Money-Saving Hints to Create Your Own Great Look

by Caterine Milinaire and Carol Troy

The 40th Anniversary Edition of Cheap Chic has recently been released, with a Foreword written by Tim Gunn.  This book was originally published in 1975 and looked to as a classic guide for finding clothes to make one feel comfortable and fashionable, regardless of where the clothing items are purchased.  Forty years later, it is promoted as providing advice to build an affordable wardrobe that can help one make their own fashion statement without breaking the bank.  Original vintage photos along with advice from noted fashion icons fill the pages.

I was interested in this book because I do not have the income to afford new clothes and seldom have the opportunity to shop for clothing at all.  I was hoping to find money saving options and advice to help me fit in the world of fashionable clothing without needing to start over.  Sadly, I am very disappointed in this book.  I am admittedly not a fashion world follower, nor am I one to follow trends.  However, I read the pages of this book hoping to find those tidbits of helpful information as the book claimed to help guide the wardrobe regardless of where the item was purchased, even thrift stores.  

Essentially, the outdated pictures detract from the information, and it felt like I was flipping through an old magazine at my grandma's.  What I learned was what I already knew - dress in what makes you feel comfortable, define your own style and shop within your means.  So, no big revelations there.  I can't say that I learned anything about how to look fashionable and I definitely did not discover "hundreds of money saving hints to create my own great look".

This book is a huge let down for anyone who is not into fashion models and designers.  A waste of my time reading it and a book headed to the thrift store itself.  Don't waste your time unless you are a contestant on "America's Next Top Model".

If you are interested in checking it out, you can do so here or through the publisher.

I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review, thanks to the Blogging For Books program.

#XOVoxBox

I just received my latest VoxBox in the mail, and when I opened it, there were many wonderful surprises!

q/

Adore Me

Adore Me is a subscription-type website for lingerie.  Each item is priced at $39.95, but as a VIP Member the price drops to $24.95.  As a part of the #XOVoxBox, I got a code that provided me with one free piece in exchange for signing up to be a VIP Member.  This is an option that provides free shipping and a discount, but also requires you to be vigilant.  Each month, a new "showroom" is sent to you, with the option to purchase an item from that showroom.  The customer then has to either purchase, pass by the 5th of the month, or be charged $39.95 that then becomes a credit for a future purchase.  Once I am finished with this mission, I will likely be canceling so I do not get charged.  While this is nice lingerie, I cannot justify spending $25 or more a month, nor do I need to buy it that often.
#ILoveAdoreMe
Find Adore Me on Facebook 

Tide Pods with Febreze

New to the Tide Pods family, the pairing has been made with Febreze for lasting freshness between washes.  The scent is pleasant, and the Tide Pods are so convenient for tossing in the wash, as opposed to measuring out liquid.  They do a great job of getting my laundry clean and keeping it smelling fresh.
#TidePods
Find them on Facebook

Skinfix Hand Repair Cream

I received a small tube of this lotion to try out.  So far, I like it.  Texture is nice, not too thin or oily, nor thick and greasy.  It keeps my hands soft and has definitely "fixed" my dried out, cracked hands in the few days I have been using it.  I wish I would have gotten a full bottle!

#SKINFIXED

Lands' End

Lands' End is not generally a clothing line I purchase, due to financial conditions and the fact that I stay home and rarely update my wardrobe.  They have quality clothing, for sure, but prices are on the higher end.  I received a code for $25 off my order of $100.  Not likely I will be using that code, but they sure have some cute outfits and pieces I wouldn't mind wearing.  The first 25 people can get in on the $25 off discount by entering the promo code: VOXLOVE at checkout!

Check their new video here
#LandsEndLove

Colgate Optic White Toothbrush + Built-in Whitening Pen

Colgate Optic White Express White 3oz Toothpaste

The toothbrush with built-in pen is pretty cool.  I'm new to tooth whitening, so this will be an adventure to me.  I'm not sure how I feel about the whitener being included in the brush, but I guess it is convenient if one wants to whiten at each brush.  

The toothpaste I am very excited to use and hopefully see results.  I trust the Colgate name and have heard much buzz about this line, so as the days go on, I am interested to see if there is a noticeable difference.

#brilliantsmile

John Frieda Beach Blonde Collection

I wish I could say I was happy about this part of the box, but it won't be much use to me.  I am a dark brunette, no blonde in my future.  This set of samples I will be passing on to a friend.  Bummer, because no doubt it is a great line of products!

#LoveMyJohnFrieda

- Shampoo

- Conditioner

- Sea Salt Spray

- Luxurious Volume 7 Day

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes