Review: Adventure Hat-

Whoever said that you had to have a completely messed up hair day to wear hats? NOT me, that’s for sure. Hats are an amazing way to dress up a regular old outfit and make it look classy. Whether you like beanies, caps, berets, or sun hats, or are looking for a great winter hat you can find just what you're looking for at Adventure Hat.

I was extremely excited to be able to work with Adventure hats, they have a huge selection of the cutest hats for very cheap prices. The only problem was actually choosing. I was going back and forth between a couple different ones, thinking about how they would look, what I could wear them with, and how adorable they would be.

These are styles that will flatter any outfit. Whether you’re looking for something to help you dress up, dress down, or just add to your overall look- they have just about everything! ALL with very reasonable prices.

Winter was approaching when I contacted Adventure Hats and asked to work with them, so I was very interested in the winter hats. I STILL want a fedora SO bad, but I’ll buy one later on. The first hat I want to tell you about is the Can’t Stop Smiling Beanie Cap by Cov-ver.

This is actually a hat that can be worn in the winter, fall, summer, OR spring- so it’s versatile. I liked the crochet look when I was searching through the site, which is why I chose the hat.

They have this in 3 different colors; white, pink, and brown. I chose the white because I like to have accessories that will work with any outfit that I choose to wear. This is definitely making anything I wear look good.

I love this hat and it goes AMAZINGLY well with my new haircut! I love it. It is made with crocheted cotton, so it’s very comfortable. It fits perfectly. I don’t have to worry about it slipping off my head if I’m out and about.

I also love that I can just toss in the washer and get it clean. I let it air dry, but it’s cool that the hat can be washed without it coming undone. The quality on this is 100% top notch. I love this hat!

I don’t know how many times that I’ve gotten complimented on the hat and asked about where it came from. I think it’s charming and sophisticated while adding fun to any outfit, whether it be a skirt, dress, or jeans!

BUY IT: You can buy the Can’t Stop Smiling Beanie Cap by Cov-ver for $19.99

The second hat I got was a true winter hat, the Snow White Beanie Scarf  by Cov-ver. This is a one size fits most hat, so no matter what age or what size head you have- this will fit!

it looks the part of a winter hat. It is so adorable and has a built in scarf. It isn’t only comfortable, it’s REALLY warm. I hate cold days when the wind’s blowing right in my face. The wind just seems to make the air even colder. That’s the reason I love this hat. I can wear the scarf or not.

I can wrap it as many times as I like or leave it slack. It looks cute no matter which way it’s thrown over the shoulder. When it’s really cold I can wrap the scarf part really close to my neck and have it cover my face as well. SOOOO warm.

I love the white and the fact that I can wear this with any assortment of hoodie, sweater, or jacket and it looks perfect and keeps me sheltered from the cold weather.

If you’re on the lookout for a cute winter hat, this is the ONE!

BUY IT: You can buy the Snow White Beanie Scarf by Cov-ver for $29.99

Connect with Adventure Hat on Facebook and Twitter

 

Jessica Renee

Review: Sharpshades- Designer Inspired Shades

Sunglasses aren’t meant for the sole purpose of protecting the eyes, they are fashion accessories as well. If they weren’t we would all be walking around wearing something similar to the picture below, now wouldn’t we?

Although, I’m pretty sure if I HAD to wear something like that, I’d just let the sun blind me. They are quite ugly, if I do say so myself. Shopping for shades are either done at a high end boutique or website where you’re paying close to $150 for a cheap pair, or at your local convenience store down the street because you know they are going to end up lost or broken anyway.

That’s why I was super excited to be able to work with Sharp Shades. They have very high quality replica designer shades for under $10. They have more than just that- they have just about any kind of sunglasses you’d ever think to want- but my interest steered toward the designer replicas.

They had such a huge selection; Gucci, Nike, Ray-ban, Armani, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Coach,Calvin Klein and more. What I loved best was that there were many color choices for each pair of glasses too. I thought that was pretty cool.

I had tons of fun looking through their site. It was very hard for me to choose, because I wanted one of basically everything they had! They are amazing quality. They are originally almost $20, and right now you can get them for $9, that’s a great discount!

They ship the exact SAME day that you order them, so you know they’ll be there before you know it. I bet it wasn’t even 2-3 days from the time I chose which glasses I wanted to the time they arrived at my house. That’s FAST!

I ended up getting to choose 2 different pairs of sunglasses. The first one is inspired by Louis Vuitton. They come in 4 different colors; Black, Brown, Spotted Brown, and White. I got the black pair, because it goes with everything! The name of the sunglasses are: Inspired by Louis Vuitton 5099.

Like my new haircut to go with these awesome shades? Got it done on Friday. She added lots of layers to it. I’ve been sick, so I haven’t had a chance to curl it or anything- I bet it will look amazing flipped out. BUT anyway- the sunglasses came looking just like they did on the website.

They have UV400 protection that block from UVA and UVB rays. I wear sunglasses even in the winter. Last week I was driving through town and the sun was EVEN brighter now then it was in the summer. It was gleaming off the dew on my windows, so I was driving about 15 in a 45 for a minute until the sun was out of my eyes. The sunglasses were forgotten at home in a rush. I really wish I had them, and I bet the drivers behind me did too.

I love the classic black look to these shades, and the fact that the symbol on the side hasn’t worn or faded one bit since I got them. The plastic is high quality as well, they haven’t managed to want to snap or break being inside my purse which is a plus!

The second pair I got were inspired by Armani. These have amazing quality as well. They have the etching of “BJ” on the side. They come in 4 different colors; Black, Blue, Brown, and Cream.

I chose the black, of course. I am all about accessories that can be worn with anything. These are a tad bit heavier than the others because they have a harder type of plastic. These are called the Inspired by Armani BG227

Here is a closer inspection of the side of the glasses. The screws have ALL held together.. which is more than I can say for a few other sunglasses I’ve owned.

The screws came loose EVERY single day and finally I ended up losing the small screws. These are VERY tightly in place though, which I am thankful for. I’ve had these glasses for awhile and they have NEVER once failed me.

Both pairs of glasses look amazing and pep up any outfit that I wear. I LOVED getting a chance to work with Sharp Shades, they are a brilliant company! They have some beautiful women’s sunglasses.

If you are looking for Men’s Sunglasses, Kids Sunglasses, or Clip On Sunglasses if you wear glasses, they have a huge variety of these as well. If you haven’t done all your Christmas shopping and are looking for unique Stocking Stuffers, this is definitely a site you should look into.

They are having an Amazing holiday sale where you get 20% off everything on the website. Like I said before- the sunglasses are usually almost $20 and you can get them for less than $10 right now. I am half tempted to buy me some more. LOL

Connect with Sharp Shades on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, & The Blog

 

Jessica Renee

Review: Jean Straps

I have to say that I am a boot hoarder. There is actually no way to tell how many pairs are in my closet (too many*) . The problem that I was having with my knee high boots was that my jeans would bunch up on the sides or come out completely if they weren’t skinny jeans.

I would try and fold my regular jeans up so that they might stay put. but there was still the really big  bunches by my ankles that made it look like I had cankles.

Jean Straps can prevent all that. No bunching, no grunting, sweating, tucking. pushing, and pulling to get those jeans in there just right. They made pulling my boots (no matter which boots I was putting on) on over my jeans WAY easier.

They are removable stirrups for your jeans. The jeanstraps hold your jeans within your boot so they aren’t bunching up at the knee and coming out. They also saved me the hassle of looking like I had extremely fat legs (to where my boots wouldn’t zip). Which is why I always had to wear skinny jeans with my longer boots.

These are flare legged jeans too, so they should have been even harder to get and keep them tucked into the boots- but they weren’t. I wore them all day at shop- walking around, moving stuff around, and never once did the straps hurt my feet.

If you don’t any skinny jeans and have boots that make your pants unbearable to wear with them- here is the answer. There aren’t any bulky metal clips, so they stay comfortable no matter how long you wear them.

Jean Straps was created by women who found a practical solution to the challenge of wearing jeans tucked into boots. These removable and adjustable stirrups minimize bunching and make pulling on your boots over your jeans a breeze. They keep jeans tucked into boots all day, maintaining your comfort and fabulous style.

Right now they are having a holiday special.. so I’d grab it before it’s gone!

Each order contains two straps and is only $10 for any set of Jean Straps

Connect with Jean Straps on Facebook & Twitter

 

Jessica Renee

 

Review: Acure Organics- Lemongrass + Argan stem cell Shampoo & Conditioner

I have tried many many different natural shampoo’s. Most of them didn’t really “clean” my hair. I’d wash it and then an hour later it would look like it had never been washed. Hardly any of them actually gave me a clean that I could handle.

I know it’s because I have naturally oily hair, but I want even a natural shampoo to clean my hair the way I want it. I had never really been happy with a natural shampoo because they didn’t lather up and make my hair feel “clean”.

The natural shampoos do not lather up nicely, they feel more like putting lotion on the hair. My hair was always easy to tangle WHY the shampoo was in my hair and after it was dry even if I wore conditioner. I wasn’t happy with natural shampoo’s until NOW.

Acure Organics have some amazing choices with natural shampoo’s and conditioners. I ended up getting a chance to review their Lemongrass + Argan Stem Cell Shampoo and Lemongrass + Acure Stem Cell Conditioner.

This is a clarifying shampoo that is safe for everyday use. If you aren’t sure what a clarifying shampoo does- it cleans the hair from all the build-up from hair products and conditioners. Hard water, mineral deposits, and even your other shampoo can also cause buildup. Clarifying shampoo strips the hair of all those unwanted products that build up on the hair leaving it lifeless, dull, and greasy.

Most clarifying shampoos can only be used once a month or maybe twice, not more. This is gentle enough to take on as an everyday shampoo. It’s also fine to use on color treated hair, which I have. I needed a clarifying product but not one that would wash my hair color out as well.

This really does leave my hair not only soft and manageable, but tangle-free and SO shiny. This takes it up a notch on the amazing level though, because of all the other “corresponding” ingredients.

Avocado Oil provides vitamin B12 and moisture. Organic Argan Oil Argan Stem Cells CoQ10 help support hair keratin and strengthen the follicle connection. The lemongrass cleanses and clarifies. So all of these ingredients work together to make an AMAZING smell and product! I LOVE it!

I love the refreshing, invigorating scent of lemongrass. I love that they have a quirky saying on the back with the directions “Feel free to belt out some horrible 80’s tune that you listen to when nobody’s around.”

The conditioner is very moisturizing and just adds to the silky shine that the shampoo gives me. It’s gentle enough that I can use it on my 3 year old daughter with no complaints.

You can buy the Lemongrass + Argan Stem Cell Shampoo and Lemongrass + Acure Stem Cell Conditioner. for $10.99 each on the Acure website.

Connect with Acure Organics on Facebookand Twitter

 

Jessica Renee

Book Review: Indiscretion by Charles Dubow

WOW! Really. This book draws you in with the first page and doesn’t let up until the very last. It is such a captivating story, told amazingly well by a “narrator.” The narrator has been a friend of the family that is within this story for all of his life, childhood included.

This book is definitely about the journey within themselves and the choices that were made. The narrator, Walter, is a well-heeled lawyer, and best friends to the wife in this novel-Maddy Winslow, and godparent to her young son, Johnny.

Harry (Maddy’s husband) is an admired and successful writer who is working on his third novel, having some slight issues getting started. Harry is one of those “loved by everyone” characters. Athlete and writer in school, charismatic, and captures the attention of everyone by his ability to make them laugh.

Enters Claire- who is young, radiant, and fun-loving. She meets them when her so-called boyfriend takes her to a party at the Winslow’s house. She is immediately drawn to them and their way of life.

Walter is the longtime admirer of Maddy. He has wanted to be with her since they were very young, but she NEVER looked at him like that. So, the best thing in his mind was to be the best friend. At least he’d still get to be a part of her life that way.

Maddy is the stunning beauty who captures everyone’s eye even in her youth, although doesn’t realize her beauty. She isn’t mean spirited when she declines boy’s/mens offers of dates, just simply says no. Walter has always admired her beauty, kindness, and brains.

When Maddy marries Harry, she becomes a great entertainer, amazing cook, loving wife, and devoted mother. She wraps her world around the two guys in her life that mean the most to her.

Claire ends up falling for Harry’s charm. She ends up telling him about her love, but he brushes her off. They end up running into each other at a party in the future and somehow a relationship blossomed from it.

She had absolutely no regrets when it came to the affair and the despair that it caused Maddy. She even goes up to her and admits the fact that it was HER that was the “mistress”. Maddy withdraws into herself, not knowing what to do or which road to turn down.

The timeframe within the novel shifts from childhood to present with extreme ease. The telling of the history of Maddy, Harry, and both of them together really create the realness of the relationship and how much time they had spent very happy before Claire.

I don’t really want to give away the plot of the story, but this is one book that WILL stay on my shelf. Most books come and flow throughout my life.. but I loved the pace, the plot, and you can’t help but to fall in love with the characters in this book. It has happy, sad, anger, and everything in between. Dubow is very GREAT at showing emotion and detailing everything so that it’s like we are RIGHT there.. walking down this journey with them.

is a story of love, lust, greed, power, and, ultimately, betrayal.  Told through the eyes of an outsider, this unconventional, sexy thriller will have you on the edge of your seat. Questions will run through your head, and the twists and turns will always keep you guessing as to what will happen next. Dubow is not afraid to make his readers uncomfortable as they question their own understandings of loyalty, faithfulness, deception, infidelity,  and what it takes to get what you want. This book does not play it safe, and that’s what makes it an irresistible read.

Young, spirited Claire finds herself amongst the most glamorous when she arrives at a high-society party and is introduced to the hosts, Harry and Madeleine Winslow.  Instantly, Claire recognizes Harry as the National Book Award-winning author who is on the cusp of greatness.  She is immediately taken by the couple and their charm and wisdom, and they quickly take her in as one of their inner-sanctum.  Walter, one of Madeleine’s oldest friends and our narrator, remembers vividly the day Claire sauntered into all three of their lives, but never could have predicted how it unfolded.  What starts as glamorous summer fun swiftly devolves into something dangerous as Claire becomes increasingly envious of Harry and Madeleine’s  lifestyle of love and wealth.  By Labor Day, she is no longer content with simply being a hanger-on, and destructive desire takes over.

If you want something fresh and engaging to read this weekend, then this is your book! You absolutely do not want to miss the chance to check out INDISCRETION!

Release Date: February 5, 2013

Book Jacket:

We’ve all been around a couple who can engulf the attention of an entire room merely by occupying it. Harry and Madeleine Winslow are that set; the natural ease between them is palpable and their chemistry is almost tangible. He is a recent National Book Award winner with a promising career ahead of him, and she is blessed with family money, but radiates beauty, elegance, and humility. Whether they are abroad in Italy after he receives the Rome Prize, in their ambrosial East Hampton home, or in gritty Manhattan, they are always surrounded by close friends and those who wish to penetrate their inner circle. During a summer spent at the beach, they meet 26 year-old Claire and, as the summer blazes on, she is slowly inducted into their world. Claire can’t help but fall in love with Harry and Maddy and at the end of the summer, it is no longer enough to just be one of their hangers-on. Told through the omniscient eyes of Maddy’s childhood friend Walter, Indiscretion is a juicy, page turning novel with writing that is sophisticated and lyrical. Deeply textured, full of light and darkness, and overwhelmingly sensual, this book will be the sexiest, most intimate story you read all year.

You can pre-order Indiscretion: A Novel for 14.60

 

Jessica Renee

Review: Thymes Mandarin Coriander Lotion, Hand Soap, Bar Soap & Candle

 

 

 

 

 

I chose to review the Mandarin Coriander Kitchen Caddy. I don’t think they had it in stock though because it didn’t come with a caddy or the dishwashing liquid. I ended up getting a Hand wash, lotion, candle, and bar soap in Mandarin Coriander.

This one-of-a-kind herbal and citrus blend is a lively cacophony of cold-pressed mandarin, grapefruit, lemon balm and sweet orange peel. These vibrant citrus notes fuse with sweet marjoram, coriander,rosemary leaves for a soothing herbal zen. Behind these bold notes is a deep, cozy bed of Irish moss, Atlas cedarwood and ivy.

This candle just smelled SO crisp, fresh, and so clean. It has such an alluring and appealing. I love burning this in my house because it gives an instant “brightly clean” smell. It is just so inviting and alluring to others.

This candle never disappointed me. It always burned evenly, never blackening up the glass. It smells like a mixture of vanilla, coriandar, lemon, vanilla, and orange. It smells lovely without being overpowering.

You can buy the 9 oz. Mandarin Coriander Candle for $27.00

The Mandarin Coriander Bar Soap is triple milled and has an all vegetable formula that lathers up really really well. Again, it has such an alluring fresh scent that makes it great for a bath or hand soap.

I love the color of this soap, it really adds vibrancy to any sink or bathroom. The hand cut shape is the perfect size for the palm of my hand. I don’t have to worry about it slipping around or me dropping it because it’s too large.

This has become my husbands favorite soap. He loves that it doesn’t smell “girly” and lathers very nicely- so it helps wash all the tree dust and stuff from working all day off without an issue.

I love the way it leaves my hands feeling moisturized after I use it. I don’t use bar soap to take a bath, but it DOES make an awesome hand soap as well.

You can buy the 7 oz. Mandarin Coriander Bar Soap for $13.00

The Mandarin Coriander Hand Wash is amazing. Everybody that uses the bathroom at my house has asked me where I got this. They love the scent and the fact that it’s great for both women and men. It isn’t fruity, floral, or too girly so it’s perfect for men to use too.

This is also perfect for sitting by the sink in the kitchen while I’m cooking dinner. It keeps my hands clean, smelling great, and feeling moisturized. I really like. A little bit goes a long way because it bubbles up so easily.

It rinses away all the dirt and germs without over=drying the skin. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike. The vegetable protein and extracts of lemon balm leaf and parsley power away odors.

You can buy the Mandarin Coriander Hand Wash 17 oz for 17.50

This Mandarin Coriander Hand Lotion is absolutely perfect. You all know how much I hate having dry hands. I can’t touch anything if I feel like my hands are dry, it freaks me out. So I am constantly carrying bottles of lotion in my purse, have several bottles in my bathroom for after shower/bath use, and some in my bedroom to use before bed.

This is lightweight and non-greasy with just a hint of fragrance. It isn’t overwhelming with the scent OR oil. I hate lotions that make me feel like pens are just going to slip out of my hand and stab me in the eye. This is moisturizing without the grease.

This is refreshing and invigorating, so it’s perfect for all day use. I am thinking of getting a second bottle and putting it on the desk at the shop so that when I crochet or sew my hands will always be moisturized. I can’t risk using a lotion that has too much grease or oil in it around yarn or fabric for reselling purposes. It might leave marks.. so this is the BEST!

You can buy the Mandarin Coriander Hand lotion for $15 for 8.25 oz.

"Our formulations are proprietary, and developed right here in our own lab. Our chemists are all women, giving them invaluable insight into what other women look for in skin, body and home care, making them uniquely able to develop products that meet those needs and desires.

Over 200 hours of scientific and technical expertise goes into the development of each product. We use essential oils and natural, botanical ingredients whenever possible. Our products are meticulously tested for safety and effectiveness, by us and on us. But, never ever on animals "

Find a Thymes near you here or purchase their fabulous products on Thymes.com

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Jessica Renee

Review: Alexander Del Rossa Sleepwear

Alexander Del Rossa is an online store specializing in men and woman's sleepwear. When I contacted them and they said YES! I was ecstatic. Everybody deserves to sleep in something beautiful & luxurious. In this economy it’s hard to find luxurious without a luxurious price tag to go with it.

Now you can, Alexander Del Rossa has such an amazing selection of luxurious bathrobes and pajamas for men and women. I had so much fun looking through the website and picturing what would be best for me.

I ended up choosing the 100% Silk Cross-Over Wrap Top Pajama set in black. In the winter months I don’t wear shorts or a tank top or even lingerie to bed because I am one to FREEZE in my sleep, no matter how many blankets I have.

I decided that the longer sleeve and full pants would keep me warm. They came within just a couple days of ordering, so I was super excited to see this waiting for me when I got home.

I couldn’t wait to relax in a hot bath and then add to the comfort with these amazing looking pajamas. I pampered myself that night and put on the pajamas for the first time. MY skin instantly fell in love with the silk fabric on my skin.

My recently shaved legs were loving it even more. I actually felt quite glamorous in a pajama set. I’ve never heard myself say that before. Gone are the everyday sweatpants and tee. Now I can indulge my body and my love for silk whenever I want.

I ordered a small and it was absolutely true to size. It wasn’t too big or too small. It was absolutely perfect. Shhh—don’t tell but I’ve been known to lounge around the house in these ALL day.

Del Rossa is a family business who, despite rapid growth, has remained loyal to their original hallmarks: Quality, Value, Ease of Ordering, and Integrity.

Check out their website at http://www.delrossa.com/ to see their huge selection of sleepwear! With hundreds of great styles, at affordable prices, finding a gift for that special someone (or yourself) is easier than ever!

Connect with Alexander Del Rossa on Facebook & Twitter

 

Jessica Renee