Saturday, November 23, 2019

Nadine West - 7th Shipment

Hello, lovelies. It's that time again. My favorite review of the month. I just love getting to see what my Nadine West stylist has chosen for me. It's like Christmas every time. So, let's just dive right in, shall we?


This shipment was awesome. I say that practically every time, and every time it's true. As the last two shipments, the theme seems to be fall/winter, which makes sense this time of year. What I like is that these will work for cooler weather, but they are not so "wintery" that they won't work in warmer weather too. Living somewhere as warm as Florida, that is quite important.

So first, I got this adorable yellow tunic style dress. It is 3/4 sleeves, and perfect for fall with some leggings, and would be great layer with a cute blazer or cardigan for winter, too. I love that it is still colorful, but it is just rich enough to work for fall/winter. And, you can't see them, but it has pockets! We all know how important that is.


Next is another super cute dress. This one is a little more fitted, and it has short sleeves. It is casual but oh so adorable. It has pockets too, but you can clearly see them. They add to the style. The stripes are cute and not unflattering. I love the color. (Sorry it blends in the with background.) And since it's a little longer and less flowey, I can wear it without leggings.


Next is the shirt. The only shirt in this shipment. There were meant to me two, but one somehow got left out in packing. The company was great when I told them about it, though. Anyway, it's also 3/4 sleeves, the fabric is light and kinda chiffon-like. (I am so bad at describing fabric.) I love that it's black so it will go with almost everything, but the design makes it more fun.



Moving on to bottoms, we begin with these adorable leggins. They remind me of a sweater pattern. They are amazingly soft, thick and stretchy. Just super comfortable. The colors are great. They feel kind of wintery too me, so I'm not sure how much I'll wear them out during the spring/summer, but I will live in them this winter and wear them around the house any time.


Next is these black dress pants. I guess that's what to call them. They are fitted and skinny leg. They have a nice buckle detail and they will go with any sort of dress top. The have some stretch, too, so they fit great and are more comfortable than a lot of slacks.


Last but not least (for the clothes), is these fabulous "jeans". They are soft, stretching kind of sweatpants material. They basically pajama jeans, but they look so good. I am in love with them. I want to wear nothing but these forever now.


Since only one shirt made it, the amount of outfits possible from this shipment is basically cut in half. But there are still two super cute outfits to be made (and you really could wear the yellow dress with the jeans, actually).


Before we move on to the final look, we can't leave out the jewelry. Two lovely pieces, as always. The necklace is so cute, I love the length and the multi-metal look. And the bracelet is actually multiple bracelets, like one I got in a prior shipment. I love the layered look and they could be worn individually as well, for astounding versatility.




Now that you've seen all the goodies, I'll show you how the outfit looks in real life. Any clothes can be cute on a model or on a hanger, but to actual fit real curves and imperfections is important. So, I'm not the best model, but that's part of the reason it's important for me to do it.


So, that brings this joyous time to an end, for now. I will be back next month with a new shipment to explore. And maybe you will tell me all out your as well. Because if you have not tried Nadine West already, now is the time. Get a new outfit for the holidays. And if you don't find something you like, just send it back and pay nothing. With Nadine West you never pay pay fees or anything. You literally only pay (they super affordable price) for the items you keep.

*Although I receive my shipment at no cost, to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Sales Tax Compliance

If you have ever thought about starting your own business, I am sure you have (had) a lot of questions, and have probably done quite a bit of research. Everything from business loans to shipping costs to lease agreements to construction permits. I am sure you answers to questions I don't even know I have.

But there is one thing that I just became informed on that I would have never considered, so I thought I should mention it. Sales tax. It may seem pretty straight forward, but there are over seven thousand taxing jurisdictions. Many of them have their own unique rules and regulations in regards to how tax works.

Sales tax compliance is extremely important. If you do not tax your item or service appropriately, it could lead to huge revenue loss (and much time and stress) later own. Even just one year of failing to tax appropriately could lead to thousands of dollars lost, not just in the tax that you didn't account for, but in interest and penalties.


The best way to avoid this kind of issue is to make sure you know every in and out of the sales tax regulations surrounding your business. The best way to so that is to get help from people who know better than you. Someone who's job it is to know. Tax Connex is a great place to start. They have all the knowledge to guide you through the wayfair sales tax exemption.

I tried looking into this on my own, as I lofty dreams for an idea that is still in its infancy, but I was quite overwhelmed at how different tax laws can be. How goods can be taxed differently from services and how some business are tax exempt, and others are not. It was more than I could handle alone.

Look, I know that we always like to do it all ourselves. But being "self made" doesn't mean you shouldn't get guidance from people who have done it before. If there is one thing you don't want to worry about with your business venture, it is the IRS. Besides, you have enough to do with supplying the genius idea and the talent to back it up.

So, as you stride off into brilliance, never to look back, make sure you do so with a "crazy" dream, realistic standards, a solid foundation, and the willingness to seek support anywhere and everywhere you might need it. Because your dream is too important to let something as silly as pride, or even absentmindedness, get in the way.

At the end of the day, what I know we all want is to get our "thing" out there into the word. Weather it is art or gourmet donuts or fabulous hairstyles, or anything else, it is our creativity and passion and ambition, and we need to foster it in every single way that we can. I think it is so cool that we can put every bit of our heart and soul and mind into the vision and let someone else think about the taxes.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Discover The JLab #1 True Wireless Air Family of Earbuds

*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.*

If you don't know already, I am a music junkie. I get really into my music. Obsessed, even. I am always sad when I have to go somewhere and can't play music on my phone, but I hate cords, so earbuds usually annoy me. So, when I discovered the JLab #1 True Wireless Air Family of earbuds, I got really excited.

Wireless earbuds are nothing too new, but I've had quality/performance issues in the past, and the "big name" ones are ridiculously overpriced. But JLab is a brand I know and trust. Their products always deliver. The features on this new lineup are so good.

First of all, they have a rechargeable battery that gets up to 6 hours of usage. Did I mention I love music? Nothing is worse than putting in your earbuds, turning on a great jam, and then your batteries being dead. Six hours is plenty, even for me. Use them all day, charge them at night, repeat.

The in-ear design fits securely and directs the music into your ears, so full, uninterrupted audio. I hate earbuds that get loose or fall out. The stereo design delivers crisp tones. Hearing music is great, but when you really hear it, it's so powerful.


The JLab family of wireless earbuds is also sweat resistant. I life in Florida, so that is a must. That makes the great for working out, hiking, cycling, etc. But, in the Florida heat, you can work up a swear just checking the mail, so this feature is vital.


The bluetooth interface allows you to connect to any bluetooth enabled device. And it is easy. I once had a pair or wireless earbuds give me so much trouble and never stay connected. I use my phone 90% of the time and it would be so simple to just connect it and jam. I love simplicity.

The most impressive feature (to me) is the dual connectivity. In the Air Icon model, you can use the earbuds together (of course) or you can use the two of them independently. So you could listen to two different things at once. That is pretty awesome.


I would not be able to process two things at once, but it is amazing for sharing. We went on a trip a few months ago, and I was sharing a pair of wired earbuds with my daughter, and listening to the songs she picked, since we could only pick one thing. Never again!

The whole JLab family of wireless earbuds is under $100! That is crazy for the type of quality ad features that you are getting. Honestly I would pay more for the dual connectivity alone. These should be under every Christmas tree this Christmas. I know what one momma is getting herself. And where else but at Best Buy (my favorite tech store).

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

The BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max, Available At Best Buy

*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.*

You know you've reached peak "boring" adult status when you get excited about something like a vacuum cleaner, but I am old, and I am excited about this BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max. I don't even feel lame for being excited, either, because this vacuum is just so cool.

What makes it so exciting (and sets it apart form other vacuums) is all the awesome features. Like all cordless vacuums, you can clean without the cord, but the 36V lithium Ion Battery allows for up to 30 minutes of use, where most other cordless models (especially full size ones) last for only around 15-16 minutes.

In addition to ditching the cord, you are also ditching bags. I know that is not super rare these days, but a bagless experience is a must for me. What IS super rare is that not only does the BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max deliver brilliant dry cleaning, it also offers wet cleaning. That is unheard of in a cordless. And, it has a dual tank system, so you never clean with dirty water.


It's not just "wet or dry" the BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max works on virtually any surface. Tile, sealed wood floors, laminate, linoleum, rubber floor mats, pressed wood floors, and more, clean it all with the BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max. Improved Edge cleaning helps get hair around baseboards and such. That is huge since we always have hair all over the house.


Plus, it has a self-cleaning feature! What? My vacuum helps keep itself clean? Just take all my money right now. And, it's even WiFi connected, so, along with the BISSELL Connect App, you can get maintenance tracking, usage tips and helpful alerts. Not that I need something else telling me I need to vacuum, but when it's that easy, who cares?

Best of all, this fabulous vacuum is available at my Best Buy, my favorite place to get any appliances or home gadgets. They always have the best prices and most helpful associates. I know what mamma is getting herself for Christmas. Peak adulting. No shame.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Nadine West - 6th Shipment

I just received my 6th shipment form Nadine West. I love getting these shipments, it's one of the high points of each month. They are always so fun, and I end up with great pieces that I would never find myself.

This month might be my favorite one to date! That is a tall order, too, because I have had so many good ones already. So, lets dive right in and see what made this shipment so favorable for me.


So, it's fall in most of the country (Florida does not participate), so the shirts they picked are long sleeve. Long sleeves are not usually my favorites, but these are super cute, and I am excited.

This gray shirt is so cute. I love the cutouts in the sleeves and the fabric is soft and has nigh stretch. Perfect shade. It will go with everything.


This one is very cute. The picture does not show the true green tint that it has, but it's still neutral enough to go with many things. I love the red, white, and blue detail on the sleeves. Gives it kind of a "pretty" vibe. Super cute.


Another fun, cutout design long sleeve shirt. I love the color. It's a lovely burgundy color. The rouching on the sides is super cute, too. This is perfect for jeans/jeggins just will also look great with leggings. I have several outfits in mind already.


This is cute, but it's my least favorite thing from this shipment. It is hard to capture the color, but it is a deep purple, which is so pretty. The fabric is not as much my preference and it has a high neck and seems like it will fit me kind of boxy. I still like it, though, and it may end up looking better on me than I expect.


Next is this super cute dress. I love the color and the 3/4 sleeves. I am not into shorter dresses, as I am self-conscious about my legs and also because I am just to hectic and unpoised to not worry about having a wardrobe malfunction in them. So, all that to say, that I will wear this with leggings, more like a tunic. It will be so perfect for that. Totally my style.


So that is the tops, lets move on to the bottoms. Bottoms are usually my favorite pieces, since I wear a lot of band tees. This shipment had 3 pairs of bottoms, which was already exciting, and they are all exactly my style. I love them!

These leggings are so cute. I love leggings, and I love fun prints, but I don't like them so flashy that they look like a costume or something. These are perfect. They are so soft, too. And comfortable. Plus they fit great and the pattern does not distort, nor are they sheer at all.


Next are these super fun jeggings. Actually they are more like leggings with a jean design. They don't have a denim feel to them and are not like stretch denim. The color and "wash" is great, though. I totally thought they were jeans upon just seeing them in the bundle. And they have REAL pockets on the back. Small, butt pockets, but still. I adore these.


I saved the best (aside from the jewelry) for last. These are so perfectly me that it's scary. I got these same style in red/black in my 2nd shipment, and I wear them at least once a week. These give me an "emo" vibe, and I am so into it. (Especially awesome since MCR just reunited. And I know that is basically unrelated, but I am way too excited about it.) Anyway, these fit great, are comfortable and such a fun style. They will match my many, MANY black & white band tees, and many other tops.


Aside from getting basically my favorite pants (along with the red ones from before) what I love about this shipment is that so many of the pieces can be worn together. It's easy enough to add in old wardrobe pieces and still have a full look, but it's so cool when you get items that are already paired. Here are a few outfits I came up with, but there are more combos that would be great, too.


Of course, I "modeled" (I use that term very loosely) one of the looks, too. But first, look at the lovely jewelry that I got in this shipment. Both pieces are great, but that bracelet is especially cute.


Okay, so we've reached the end of the treasure chest. Now, have a look at what these fabulous clothes look like on a real (and very flawed) body. I look weird, I know. I still have not learned how to take a photo where I don't look awkward.


So, if you are till on the fence about Nadine West, I would highly suggest giving it a try. You only pay for what you keep, and the prices are so affordable. The spotted leggings are only $11.99, my fave checkered pants are $17.50, the Jean Leggings are $13.19. Truly fabulous prices and really awesome styles.

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