Work It Out at Kohl’s

Getting into shape is “one of those things” that many of us struggle with daily.  We all want to look and feel great, but many of us weren’t born with perfect genes or a great metabolism.  Couple that with the junk that is pumped into food these days (yes, yay for technology) and busy lives, and it’s just not easy, is it?  It’s no wonder why so many people make losing weight or personal fitness their New Year’s resolution.  Did you start off strong in January, but now that February is here, you are wavering a little?  Kohl’s has your back.

WP_20150222_15_33_40_ProThey have great sales on everything you need to lose weight and get into shape (without breaking the bank).  I love all the bright colors as well- with a winter that seems like it will drag on for all eternity, it is nice to at least wear the colors that the outside world is missing, yes?

WP_20150222_15_34_06_ProI belong to a local gym, which is helpful for me, because I really dislike this cold weather, and I promise you I would not be out in it much for walks or whatnot.  I am outside as little as humanly possible right now, so I am grateful for that membership!  Another option that I utilize is at-home workout DVDs and yoga.  Kohl’s has a fairly wide variety of both DVDs and workout equipment, from weights to yoga mats and more.  They carry all the brands you know, trust, and love, as well as the DVDs with trainers you really want to watch. Even better news- they are all on sale.
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French Toast For All Your School Uniform Needs

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate my post. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

My son is growing like a weed, which is both awesome and sickening.  His shoe size is almost the same as mine, and he is only 7.  Gross….but at the same time, it’s amazing.  Mommies….can’t stand for their babies to grow up, ha.  He attends a school that requires uniforms, which honestly makes getting dressed in the morning all that much easier.

french toast uniformsHe looks like such a big boy! Everything  he is wearing is from French Toast, the clothing and school uniform company. We did shop around, and I can say without a doubt that this is the fastest, easiest, and least expensive way to get his uniforms. I think it is also the best, and though this year his school is not registered with French Toast, I hope to encourage them to to so by next year. I was not thrilled having to go to a store 25 minutes away, stand in line, make my order, then wait 30 minutes more to have it filled just for a few things that needed to be embroidered. VERY annoying. French Toast does it all- plus faster, less costly, and delivers to my door with the same school uniform quality you would get in the pricey store. BLAH.  I told them about French Toast and gave them a catalog- so lets hope they come around.
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prAna Winter Style and a $250 Giveaway

Winter is far from my favorite season; the cold, the snow, the slippery roads- you can keep it.  The only good think I can think of about winter is the adorable clothes that you get to wear.  There really is nothing like a warm, snuggely sweater on a chilly day, or cuddling up on the couch in something soft and toasty when the weather outside is frightening.

If you are looking to spruce up your wardrobe this season, make sure you head to prAna.  This is a pretty cool company, and they make some really cool clothes.  (Soft, too!)  Prana is Sanskrit for breath, life and vitality of the spirit.  As you might have imagined, the company began by selling clothing for yoga and a meditative lifestyle.  They now sell clothing that works well in all the parts of your busy life.

fair trade clothingThey are a conscious company as well, taking steps to be aware and mindful of the environment and people.  They use fewer toxins and chemicals when manufacturing, and work to use as little energy, water and chemicals as possible. They avoid using processes that can cause harm to people or the environment, and create their clothing with organic cotton, natural fibers and recycled materials. Additionally, prAna helped pioneer Fair Trade Certified apparel and became the first major company in North America to produce and market Fair-Trade Certified styles.  How cool is that?
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Pack Light With Land’s End

Disclosure- Some of the products in this post were given to me in order to facility this review, others were my own.  All opinions are mine and honest.

6 20 14 and waterparks 217Recently, we went to Europe for a few weeks.  I had to pack light, and be able to make what I packed count.  No one wants to be lugging many suitcases around, and it’s best to make everything that you bring able to mix and match, getting the most from each garment. One of my favorite places to shop has always been Land’s End, because clothes are versatile, durable, and long lasting.  They are also great with exchanges, so if you don’t like an item it’s easy to return- even if you have worn it. I love that about a brand, because so often you don’t know how things will fit or wear properly until you actually wear them.  Catch 22, but Land’s End makes it easy and worry free.

Norway, Packing, Products (canon small cam) 033I exclusively packed Land’s End clothing for my trip.  With the exception of my sneakers, walking sandals, and bathing suit, it was all Land’s End, all the time.  Sticking with the brand made it easy, since all the colors matched, the fabrics worked well together, and I really do like the durability they commit to for travel (and everyday wear as well, but I can be abusive to things when I travel).  I chose to stick with the primary colors of navy blue and black, with colors and patterns that matched the basic items I already owned or purchased.  I was also given several new review items from this season’s new line, which complimented what I already owned beautifully. All of the items are well made, pretty, easy to wash and wear (even on the go), and fully functional as well as classically stylish.  Very easy to love, and the reasons why I come back to Land’s End again and again.
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Pack Light With prAna

Thanks to prAna for adding a new dimension of style to my summer wardrobe and for inspiring this post.

I tend to get a little excited about the changing seasons, not only is a change in temperatures good for my soul, but the change in my wardrobe is good for my self esteem and overall happiness levels. Admit it, there is just something borderline magical about new clothes and busting out seasonal favorites is simply fun.

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All packed up for tw0 and a half weeks out with mom!

I can always count on prAna for cute clothes that are comfortable. I had the chance to try out 3 pieces from their collection that are ideal for summer looks and that are sure to become seasonal favorites.

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First the Dahlia Womens Skirt in Boysenberry. I loved the clean lines and versatility of this A Line skirt. I can wear it shopping, out to dinner or even just around the house. It is made with 100% organic cotton and is Fair Trade Certified. I love knowing that every skirt sold helps to end poverty in the community that produced the skirt. Retailing for about $55, the Dahlia Skirt is timeless and will be a great addition to your wardrobe.
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Bandelettes keep thighs from chafing

Disclosure- I received the below  in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. Please see “Disclose” tab for more info.

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I love to wear dresses and skirts.  The only problem for me is that my legs chafe- and that’s not fun for anyone.  I use plenty of shorts and stockings, but shorts can “cut you” in strange places and can leave not-so-pretty bulges, and it’s not always the right weather for stockings.  I recently was able to try new Bandelettes, which look a bit like the garter you wore under your wedding dress.

“Bandelettes (www.Bandelettes.com) — the solution to keeping thighs from chafing; the lace Bandelettes fit all size thighs and stay in place…and can match nicely to your under garments.”

The way they work is like this- they have a no slide, plastic-y coating on the back so that you can get them to hold their place on your thigh where you put them.  They stay in place (even when it’s hot) and keep your legs from uncomfortably rubbing together.  You can get them in several colors and sizes to match every outfit and fit every size.  One odd thing- you need to measure your thighs to get your correct size, which is both a bit pesty and also not exactly pleasant-  No one likes to know EXACTLY how big their thighs are, LOL. I hope they find another way of figuring that out!
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Head To Kohl’s To Update Your Summer Wardrobe

Disclosure: The below was provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

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I don’t like to spend a lot of time going from store to store to get what I need.  As a busy working wife and mother, I have a lot of hats I wear on a daily basis, and any way I can trim time I spend doing those “must do” activities is a bonus for me. That’s one of the many reasons I love shopping at Kohl’s- whether you shop in stores or online, it’s a one stop shopping experience that you don’t need to spend tons of time and energy on.  Bonus?  The prices are great- you can catch amazing deals, get rewarded just for shopping and buying what you need to (with Kohl’s Cash, good for anything in the store) AND they constantly mail out money saving coupons in the weekly mailers, snail mail, and the best ones come via email when you sign up to receive promotions.  Really, you should- there is not a reason in the world not to.  They only send you deals and updates, Kohl’s is not one of those places that bombard you with useless emails 300 times a week.

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While I usually enjoy shopping for me, shopping for my husband and son can be a less then fun experience, and one I prefer to either do alone or online.  My son is OK if he’s with me, but if daddy is also with us, he turns into a whine machine.  I don’t know why that is, but the quickness and ease of shopping at Kohl’s and getting what I need to for everyone in the family with no fuss is VERY appreciated by this mommy, let me tell you.  Maybe it’s a guy thing- but they just don’t make shopping fun, and it’s great to go in with a list, sizes, and be done with it.  Shopping online at 2 am is another great standby.  No one annoys me then, and since they are both dudes?  They don’t care what I buy them as long as it fits, and for the kiddo maybe has an Angry Bird or two involved, haha.
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Ready for Summer With Fresh Produce

When I’m looking for something easy to wear, I head for my Fresh Produce Harbor Dress. It’s become a favorite of mine, because it’s easy to dress up or down, it’s really comfortable, machine washable, and has pockets. The pockets don’t bulge out or make me look bulky in all the wrong places, which is a bonus. I often pass up dresses and skirts with pockets for that reason, but this pleasantly surprised me.

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Fresh Produce makes some seriously soft clothes that wear well. I like to be comfortable, and am not one to sacrifice comfort for fashion. Why, when you can have both? Makes no sense to me. This dress is cute, fun, and feels nice- the material is smooth and supple, and didn’t pill after I put it in the washing machine. (I hung it to dry.)

A bit more about Fresh Produce-

Fresh Produce has delighted women, for nearly three decades,  as a lifestyle brand known for its original prints, vibrant color and stylish, comfortable clothing.Today, Fresh Produce designs, manufactures and markets a leading women’s and children’s lifestyle brand of clothing that is primarily made in the USA.

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