Why Not White?

Many of my friends, especially those on Facebook know that I L-O-V-E freebies. I'm constantly posting pictures of all my hauls and goodies. I have been a fan of a website called Crowdtap since last year. They help bring you and your favorite brands together, sometimes with an opportunity to receive a free product. I've been fortunate enough to participate in multiple giveaways and brand challenges. 

I was recently accepted for an Old Navy Sample and Share for their White Denim.

 In the past I have always had a blast with Old Navy samples. It had been quite some time since I had been selected so when I got the word I was in I was beyond excited! Come on now, a FREE pair of jeans for myself and a friend?! You know you'd be doing the happy dance too.

I decided that I would take my oldest daughter Kailey with me and let her grab a pair. As for myself I was a bit anxious about wearing white on my bottom half. I've gained alot of weight over the past few months (thanks to my inability to resist junk food) and am self conscious about it. They say painting a room white makes it appear larger and more spacious so I could only imagine what it would make my badonkadonk look like! 

We got to the store and immediately saw the selection of white denim with all the various styles. I picked up all of them in a 12 which is my typical size for there. I had read some of the other reviews and it seemed the Rockstar Skinny and Flirt Skinny fit was a flatterer for all shapes so that was my first choice. First thing I noticed about both was the fabric, they were more of a jegging than denim. Yikes. But I pulled them on anyways. They were soooo NOT working for me. You could see every flaw. While we all enjoy dimples in a smile, believe me when I say that seeing all the cellulite dimples in my thighs was not cute. Off they came with a quickness! I saw online that the Flirt also came in a bootcut opening, but my store didn't have that style on hand. 

Next to the plate was the Boyfriend Crop. I felt comfortable in them for the most part since they were a more relaxed rather than hugging fit. However, I gave them a pass since I wasn't a fan of the hole in knee effect. Just a tad too casual for work which is where I was hoping to flaunt them. 

The Sweetheart for Curvy CROP wasn't something that impressed me, but the Sweetheart regular jean I really liked. The 12 was a smidge too tight so I went seaching for the next size up, but alas, in  cruel twist of fate they were out of stock. Noooo! *sniffle* C'est La Vie and just my luck. 

By this point my excitement had deflated like my grandmas boobs. Having to face the mirror was bad enough, but then seeing how much my body had changed...and how obvious it was in white had me on the verge of tears. I'll be sticking to my tried and true love of dark washes. At least in that color, I can still feel like a hot momma. 

Kailey felt like she hit jackpot since she knew I wasn't gonna let that coupon go to waste, so she scored both freebies. She is only 11 but is in that pre-adolescent stage where her body is just a hot mess, LOL. Long skinny legs with the makings of a high bubble butt and a lil pudge in the middle. She ended up choosing the Boyfriend Crop which I have to say looked young and fun on her and the Rockstar Skinny. Girl has legs a mile long (this was said with envious awe).

Left Picture: Rockstar Skinny "I mustache you a question, do I look like a rockstar?"
Middle Picture: Had to add the arrow cus I didnt want people to think I meant the dog ;)
Right Picture: Stylin in the Boyfriend Crop

While we were browsing, in line, and checking out there were people who were curious about the coupons. CONFESSION: I may have left them in the open to be seen and dropped lines about the website and all the wonderful goodies I've earned. Sneaky me, huh? I came prepared though with a tiny notebook that had the link to Crowdtap to join- which of course was my referral link! Hoping to see something come of that. 

All in all I'd have to say that the Sample and Share was a success. The products themselves are cute and well made. Any of them have tons of pairing options and the white color is perfect for Spring and Summer. If you're confident with your body whatever shape it is, then they are worth taking a peek at. For me though it will have to wait till some of this jiggle disappears!

Fatal Heat

Today I endured 5 long, brutal hours of sweltering heat while attending a swim meet for my 2 oldest children.   Let me just say I have no tolerance at all for heat, I wilt like the delicate little flower I am (snickers).

As I was sitting there roasting like a hot dog wiener on a fire pit I got to thinking about some of the news stories I've heard of recently. Sadly, every summer this topic is in the news and it always lights a fire under my britches because I just don't understand how people can be so careless- whether accidental or intentional. The ones that are intentional though, whew son they make me wanna open up a can of whoop ass on the person. Fo sho.

So what has my panties in a wad today? The fact that every year we hear about child deaths that are caused by irresponsible, idiotic people leaving them in HOT CARS! I know that we all have out parenting fail moments, but this is just inexcusable! To forget your child in a car is bad enough, but when its during the summer and as soon as you step outside the heat blasts you...you'd think the smart thing to do would be to take the extra time to check after yourself. And the backseat! 

My heart breaks every time one of these stories is mentioned. Many of these children are under the age of 2 yrs old! Completely defenseless and unable to get help for themselves. They depend on us to protect them, and in these cases the parents are the ones to do them harm. Sad irony. 

In many of these stories it is an accident or oversight. In others a parent actually makes the conscious decision to leave their child unattended while they go do what they want. Umm hello?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 'a locked car sitting in the summer sun quickly turns into an oven,' and 'temperatures can climb from 78 degrees to 100 degrees in just three minutes, to 125 degrees in 6-8 minutes.'

This one is so sad, the child attempted to get out of the car :(

These two aren't heat related but serve as a prime example of why some people shouldn't have children!

 

Mom leaves kids in car while she shops!

Here are a couple of the websites I visited to get an idea of the numbers related to this topic. Such a shame that we see a steady number or an increase instead of the opposite. Be aware people! Keep a lookout when in a parking lot. If you have small children put a "baby on board" sign in the window in case you have a forgetful moment, God forbid. 

http://www.kidsandcars.org/heatstroke.html

http://ggweather.com/heat/

This gives you an idea of how quickly a car can heat up!

For all the little ones that have passed and are missed by their loved ones <3

Upcoming Giveaway

Keep your eyes open for an upcoming giveaway being hosted by A Gal Needs and A Thrifty Diva running July 16-Aug 6!

If you're looking for a low impact and soothing way to unlock tight muscles and work towards a leaner body then Classical Stretch- The Esmond Technique could be for you. 

Classical Stretch Season 8 ( 2011 TV series ) from Esmonde-White House on Vimeo.

More information to come soon! In the meantime visit Thrifty Diva's Facebook and become a fan!

Feel free to let her know that I sent ya!

Thena

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