Holiday Gift Guide: ANATOMIE Designer Activewear Review

As the mother of two very rambunctious kiddos, I am constantly on the move. Between cooking, cleaning, playing, chasing, and everything else I do on a daily basis, I find that my sense of style really pays the price.

I have always been very passionate about my personal style and focused a great deal on how I looked(not that it helped much). In my mind, I am still that way, but my appearance certainly does not reflect it. When I am just staying around the house, it is a miracle if I am not in pajamas or sweats.

Part of the reason I don't try to wear nice clothes around the house is because every day without fail I end up getting covered in something. Whether it is food that I am cooking, the mess I am trying to clean, the cleaner itself or one of the various unidentifiable sticky messes transferred to me by my kids, one thing is consistent, it is never good for my clothing.

As bad as it is that I usually look like a bum in my own home, if I was to wear all my "nice" clothing here, it would all get ruined and I would look terrible even when I did try to "dress up".

Another very important reason I wear such frumpy clothing at home is comfort. Not so much that I need to feel cozy or anything like that, but I need to be able to reach and bend and carry and chase and everything without my clothes being a hindrance.

and lastly, I stick to my "mommy clothes" in order to remain demure. The last thing I need is to bend over for one of my kiddos only to have something pop out. Too many times "nice" clothing also means revealing, and not only do I not want that image for myself, I also feel very uncomfortable in clothing like that.

I have been feeling bad about how I let my style slip away from me, right now especially. It is the time of year that is the most hectic with school, holidays, entertaining, etc. As if the chaos of this time of year wasn't enough, it is also the time most focused on family gatherings and photos, making it that much more important to look your best.

Having said all that, I realized that there had to be better way to fit my functionality needs as well as my style wishes.so I did some searching, and I actually found it. ANATOMIE Designer Activewear.

Just as the name says, ANATOMIE is designer activewear. Meaning it is every bit as stylish as runway fashions and infinitely more practical. The ANATOMIE philosophy is "Functional Fashion", and it fits perfectly. I couldn't describe it any better than that.

As soon as I saw the gorgeous pieces on their website, I knew that ANATOMIE was perfect for me. If I did not know that these were functional items, I would assume it was just another stunning designer collection. The fashion certainly does not suffer in order to balance the function.

I got a top and a pair of pants, and they are both fantastic.

Monte Carlo Long Sleeve Top(in Navy):

The "white" part is sheer, so this is to be work over a tank or camisole. Whit the shirt being partially sheer, I was a bit concerned that the shirt would be stiff or flimsy feeling, but it actually feels amazing. It is soft and slightly stretchy so it moves with your body and looks flattering even if you can't be posed like a Barbie doll.

I really like that is is ling(but not too long) I don't like worrying that my whole shirt will ride up if I bend over or life my arms. I also love that it is high cut over the bust, but the neckline is open enough that it does not look to stuffy. 

Madonna Stretch Woven Cargo Pants(in Navy):

These pants are fantastic. They are my new favorite pair. They are so comfortable. The stretch so they form fit without being too tight. They stay up, which seems like a given, but is quite rare. Almost all the pants I would give a little show if I bend over, these stay exactly where they are supposed to be.

I love the zippered pockets, it is just a little extra detail to make these look more stylish and give them more of a younger feel than a dress style pant.

The wide flare at the bottom is what I love most though. I adore flared pants, and these are very nice. They are not overly large, but they are not too small either(many so called "flared" pants look like boot cuts).

These are on the level of yoga pants in terms of comfort and flexibility. I can do anything in these pants. I could even do a split.

What is best about these two pieces, though, is how fabulous they look together.

It is a demure, yet stylish and feminine look. Good-bye "hobo" look, hello ANATOMIE style!

Best of all, even my husband noticed and said I looked fantastic. He even wanted to take a photo of his own.

It's not like he never compliments me, but it is rare that he will say something specifically about an outfit. Most compliments are usually toward me in general. When he emphasizes something specific, it is a big deal.

Now my only problem is I need some more ANATOMIE items to complete my wardrobe, because I am totally hooked now.

If you are in need of functional fashion or just fashionable fashion, then ANATOMIE is perfect. With the holidays on our heels, check out ANATOMIE for fabulous gifts or gorgeous clothing that will make you the center of attention at any holiday gathering. With style like this, though, any day will feel like a holiday.

*Although I received these items at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own*

Make the Holidays Brighter with LG OLED From Best Buy

Are you looking for the absolute most amazing holiday gift for a very special someone on your list, or even for the whole family? Are you looking to treat yourself to something you have always wanted, even if you didn't know you did?

Maybe you are trying not to focus on gifts right now since Thanksgiving has not even passed yet. If that is the case, I totally understand. You are probably focusing on the delicious meal, wonderful family togetherness and, if you're anything like our family, the Thanksgiving day football game.

The only thing that could be better than watching the game on TV is being there in person, right? That's what I always thought, but it turns out that there is something better. Instead of fighting traffic for hours, listening to the opposing fans chant and cheer, paying $8 for a bottle of water and possibly contracting frostbite, you could be at home, eating turkey on the couch with the heat on, watching on the LG OLED TV.

Now I know I just said watching on TV is not the prime game-watching experience, but the LG OLED is not TV, not by any current definition anyway. LG OLED is the ultimate display. Boasting infinite contrast ratio and stunning color to deliver a greater sense of realism and depth and enhanced color range and accuracy, it really is like being there(without all the hassle).

The authenticity of the experience is not the only area that LG OLED TV excels in. The super thin(literally the thickness of a pencil), CURVED, design makes it more aesthetically pleasing(to watch and to look at in the home) and easier to accommodate in any space. The intuitive webOS™Smart TV interface allows you to find content faster and enjoy more longer.

Honestly, words cannot describe just how incredible the LG OLED TV is. It's almost unfair to even compare it to TV, because it is so much more realistic. From the 4 color pixel that is EXCLUSIVE to the LG OLED to the remote that responds to voice commands, this is so far beyond just "TV" that it deserves a new word.

My husband is obsessed with TV. He is not cheap by any means, but my husband does not like to spend money on things he does not need very often. However on TVs, he always chooses the best. Of course he is not going to pay more for something when he can get it somewhere else at a lower price. Enter Best Buy, with their unbeatable prices on EVERYTHING including, of course, the LG OLED TV.

No matter the cost, this is an incredible TV that is worth every cent, but when you can save $500(Best Buy's every day low price is just $3499.99) just by shopping at Best Buy over any other retailer, you'd be a fool not to take advantage of that, especially when Best Buy also has better service than any other store.

While it still may not be shopping season for you just yet, it is most definitely hinting season. If you have not made your list for "Santa" yet, I bet I can guess what the first item will be. I know what is at the top of my list. Actually, the LG OLED TV will certainly be atop hubby's list, and I will be thrilled to get him such a gift(as I will enjoy it just as much.)

If you are laying hints, just make a run to Best Buy, they will have everything you may not even know you want(until you see it) at prices no one can touch, and their friendly, knowledgeably service guarantees you will get help if ever you need it.

What are you waiting for? Start dropping(and looking carefully for) hints now. And when you are ready to shop, head to Best Buy. When you realize you won't need to visit any other stores(since Best Buy had everything you wanted and more, at the best price) you can come back and thank me.

What are you hinting for this year? Do you normally hint or outright tell people what to get you? Do you pick up on hints, or plan gift entirely on your own? Who is the biggest hint-dropper you know?

*The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.*

Open Your Home to Family - Not Bugs

The holidays are right on our heels. Especially Thanksgiving. can anyone believe that Thanksgiving is ONE week away? Before I can blink I will have practically every one I ever met at my house for some holiday function or another.

I love entertaining, so while there is a lot to plan, I am very excited. There are a few details, however, that seem to stress me out every year. The biggest of which is pests. That is why I jumped at the chance to write this sponsored post for Hot Shot® Insecticides.

I hate to even admit such a thing to the world like this, but unfortunately, my home is not immune to bugs. In fact, the horrible heat and humidity in Florida, are the perfect conditions for roaches, which is not even close to perfect for me.

I despise roaches. Having roaches in my home is never pleasant, or even acceptable, but when I plan to have guests it is something that absolutely cannot happen. Imagine a gorgeous table, overflowing with a beautiful, bountiful meal and then a roach crawling on(or near) the table. That is appalling and incredible stressful.

That is why I am so glad that Hot Shot® Insecticides actually work- on contact. I use it every time I even think I see a roach, and it kills all those nasty pests and keeps them away. It repels for 4 MONTHS. It even kills the germs left behind by the bugs. I know my home is protected during the holidays, and all year long, thanks to Hot Shot® Ant& Roach Plus Germ Killer.

 As if ants and roaches are not bad enough, they are not the only pests that like to pray on cozy homes. Spiders are devious little things that I often find lurking in my corners. Thankfully, one thing I do not have to worry about in Florida is scorpions, but if I did, Hot Shot® Insecticides would have me covered there too, with Hot Shot® Spider & Scorpion.

I still have a million things to do before the holidays, and I know I will be stressed and mess things up, but I know I have the pest situation under control, thanks to Hot Shot® Insecticides. My home will be open to one and all, with gratitude and a warm, loving reception for all. For everyone that is not a roach, ant, spider or scorpion.

I wish you all a happy and pest-free holiday. I know mine will be.

*This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hot Shot® Insecticides.*

Pampers Mommy Memory Match Sweepstakes!

“This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Pampers. I was provided product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine."

With several of my close family members and friends being pregnant, I have been thinking a lot about babies lately. I always think about how much I would love a newborn baby, and how sweet and cute and loveable they are. Of course I adore my children, but having one that does not talk back or think they are "too old" for hugs is quite nice.

While another baby is not something that will fit in with our currently plans, and most likely, at at any time in the future(if we can help it), I still wish for that baby experience sometimes. Usually though, I forget just how stressful and worrisome new babies can actually be.

Looking back, it is especially difficult the first time. You want to do everything right, but you have never had any practice. You want to take all the advice you can get, but it is so often contradictory. You want to trust your gut, but you want to be informed. There is so much to worry about and to learn.

I wish I had a parenting handbook or a magic wand to get me through all the firsts of my son without having to completely drive myself crazy worrying about every little thing. I wish there were more(reliable) resources, and that they were easier to find. I know that all expecting and new mothers probably feel the same way.

That's why I think it is so great what Pampers is doing. They have created resources for new mothers to help make the transition into motherhood as easy as possible for mom and for baby. When mommy is better informed, baby is better taken care of, and mom and baby can be more relaxed together.

With these resources, new mothers are able to see the symptoms and causes of diaper rash, and the ways to remedy it. The Stool Color Guide also helps mothers see what is normal and what is abnormal(and cause for concern) in infant stools, which is something that is very important and generally not common knowledge.

With information from Pampers, protecting newborns from diaper rash is easier than ever. Pampers products certainly provide help in that department as well, since they are effective but incredibly gentle. 

I never trusted any other brand for my babies, and Pampers is the only brand I trust for shower gifts, like this gift, for my SIL, who is due in December.

One can clearly manage not having some of these items, but there is one baby item that is a necessity. Diapers are unavoidable, and since they are your baby's primary protection from rashes, they need to be absorbent and gentle, which Pampers undeniably is.

As if having trustworthy products and a wealth of vital newborn care information, Pampers is also incredibly generous. Pampers is giving 1 person a six month supply of diapers and wipes in their Mommy Memory Match Sweepstakes. There is also a chance to win instant prizes in the form a 1 month of free diapers and wipes or a free Pampers T-Shirt every day.

On top of that they are also giving one of you very lucky readers the chance to win a prize pack of the items show above-a $100 value! Enter below for your chance to win this amazing prize.

Check out Pampers on Facebook and Twitter.

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