Monday, March 23, 2020

Caution! - TVStoreOnline Meets Harley Quinn

You all probably know by now about my love affair with TVStoreOnline. I am a huge nerd and pop culture is basically my whole life, so it's only natural that I want to dress the part. That's where TVStoreOnline comes in. They have all the fabulous clothes and costumes to feed my pop culture addiction.

Currently, I am head over heels for my new Harley Quinn cosplay pieces. Harley Quinn has always been one of my favorite characters. I've always wanted to be her. She's damaged, of course, but so am I. And she is also strong and beautiful, and crazy. I love everything about her. Especially her style. Ever since I saw Birds of Prey, and even before that, I have been drooling over her outfits.


Now, thanks to TVStoreOnline, I can have a few of her fabulous fashions for my very own. I am really excited about all of them, but my absolute favorite is the iconic Caution Tape Jacket. I also have the super cool, coordinating, Harley F---ing Quinn Shirt, also from Birds of Prey. I was tempted to get the matching shorts, for a complete look, but something else caught my eye just a bit more. And I have fat legs anyway, so I guess it worked out.



These cosplay pieces are so awesome. They are excellent quality, like everything that TVStoreOnline sells. The fit is great. I love these so much. I can't wait until I can wear them somewhere fun, like Comic Con, but right now that will obviously be awhile. I sure enjoy playing dress-up while Social Distancing, though.


So the other item that caught my eye was the gorgeous Sequin Chemise from Suicide Squad. I have been in love with that dress forever. It's so vintage.

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I just love these pieces. They make me happy. TVStoreOnline has a lot of other great Harley Quinn pieces that I am drying to get, as well as so many other heroes, villains, movie and TV characters, bands, and much more. If you love these pieces, or anything else on the site, it's your lucky day. TVStoreOnline has been kind enough to host a giveaway. One lucky winner will get their choice of any one (in-stock) item form TVStoreOnline. Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Organize Your Closet Like a Stylist

Stylists always seem to have their lives together, and part of that is because they keep their closets organized. That way they easily and with little stress choose what outfit and accessories they're going to wear every day. How does a stylist organize their closet? Read on to find out.

Image via Flickr by Aninha Miranda

A Professional Organizer's Opinion

Stacey Agin Murray, a professional organizer, says that most of us only wear 20 percent of what's in our closet. She suggests donating, selling, or throwing away anything that isn't used often, then putting every day clothes in the middle of the closet, with weekend and special occasion clothes around the edges. She recommends high-quality hangers and says to never use the wire hangers from dry-cleaners. Those can permanently damage sweaters by leaving dents. She says to leave some breathing room between hangers. Squishing your clothes together too tightly can cause them to lose their shape. Murray also says don't forget your socks and underwear. Organize them by style and color, and make sure they're easy to reach and visible.

Andrea Rapke, an organizational blogger, recommends hanging everything if you have the space. Not only will that make everything visible, but it also keeps shirts wrinkle-free. She organizes her jeans by color, from light to dark. You can also organize them by cut.

What Stylists Recommend

Personal stylist Amy Salinger recommends organizing by silhouette rather than by color. All the pants go together, then by wide-leg, boot-cut, skinny, etc. Salinger says to not store your shoes in shoe boxes. Make sure everything is visible. You can use clear storage bins for accessories, but make sure you know what's inside each bin.

Jenny Gering, the stylist for the TV show The Americans, agrees with Salinger's recommendation. She organizes clothes by style and then by color within those styles, so she can reach right for her blue turtleneck. She also protects vintage items in plastic garment bags. The older the item, the more delicate it is. There are clear garment bags, but you can use solid-colored bag with labels so you remember what's inside each one. Gering uses a muslin sheet with Velcro-ed canvas tags to hang her necklaces, which is a good space saver for small closets.

Making Your Closet Work For You

Tan France, the style expert for Netflix's "Queer Eye," uses every inch of space to its maximum potential. His closet is an odd shape, so he had to be creative. He added shelves to maximize the floor space and hanging racks for the vertical spaces. He keeps his clothing and accessories separate. He added a floor-length mirror to create the illusion that the space is larger than it really is. He can also check out his reflection right there while getting dressed!

The most important thing all stylists agree on? It's about maintaining the space. Keep it organized by putting everything away every day. A place for everything and everything in its place will keep your closet beautiful.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Productivity from Uncertainty

We all find ourselves in the midst of uncertain times. While we adapt to the changes in our every day lives, we must try to find the good. It is important that we not let our spirit be dulled by any "missing out" mentality. Instead, we should focus on all the ways that we can benefit from the time away from work and other other social situations we would otherwise be in.

One of the best ways I can think of, besides finding ways to help others, is to complete tasks we have otherwise been putting off. For me, that is home improvement projects. It is the perfect time to organize, de-clutter, deep clean, decorate, or renovate your home.

I have a significant amount of de-cluttering and deep cleaning to do. I will be sorting through our surplus of toys, clothing, and more, thinning the herd and deciding on what we can donate. I love to donate anything we don't need. Not only does it help me keep our home less cluttered, it makes me feel a little better knowing that just maybe something we donated can help someone else, even if only slightly.

Once I finish the de-cluttering, organizing and deep cleaning, I plan to seek out other home projects to keep me busy and productive. I hate feeling aimless, even if I usually love to procrastinate, too. I am odd in that way. Anyway, some other projects I have in mind are finishing our front porch. It is "completed" already, but I feel like I could make it much better.

Specifically, I would love to fully enclose it, and add a screen. And then of course add tables, chairs and the whole lot, to make it a nice gathering area. We gather out there all the time as it is, but I would love for it to feel more cozy and inviting.

After the front porch, I would love to do something to the back porch. It is not enclosed at all, but it is set up perfectly to add a deck or something. We already have a lot of deck & dock supplies, so we wouldn't need much to begin. I think having that kind of added space in the back would really open it up and make it another nice gathering area. As it is, we don't use the back yard much, but it is quieter (since our front porch is closer to the road) and larger. Once we get it overhauled, I know it will be wonderful.



And of course, I, as we all should, will use this time to work on myself. To think of the ways I can be there for others, build my children's' character and self esteem, to teach them life skills and make memories and be grateful for all the things we have. I will use the time to appreciate my family and all the blessings we have. To be proud of the people they are and to try to be proud of the person I am. We will get through this, and we will come out stronger than ever. Take care of yourselves.

5 Reasons Why Golf Will Improve Your Health


The Great Game of Golf

If you are looking for some leisure and freedom, you might consider golf to fill the void. It is good family fun and you will appreciate the added health benefits aswell. Golf and good health tend to go together. It may surprise you to know that the game of golf will reduce your stress level and give you added serenity. There are many more health benefits that are associated with playing golf. Golf is more than a sport because it has much to offer in terms of benefits to your health and your frame of mind.

Five Reasons: Golf Leads to Improved Health

It may surprise you to discover that the average game of golf will leave you feeling invigorated and more energetic at the end of the game. If you are looking for reasons to add quality activity to your life, you will be interested in the list of health benefits that involve golf. It is safe to say, playing golf has the ability to improve your health in amazing ways. Here are five good reasons to enjoy a great game of golf:

1.  Added physical movement

The game of golf involves much physical movement. The golfer will enjoy a higher physical fitness level. Keeping your joints and muscles moving will only benefit you in the long run. The moving and swinging will add strength to your body while incorporating better overall balance. A golfer has better mobility because their muscles and joints are being used and gain more strength in the long run.

2.  Weight loss

If you are looking to shed a few pounds, count on golf to foster weight loss and get you back to a healthy weight. The physical movements will take a few pounds off the scale if you play on a regular basis. A healthy weight may reduce your visits to your doctor. A lot of people assume that golf is a low-calorie burning sport however you would be surprised to know that the continuous walking and swinging are great exercises for the core and legs and a great way to shed some extra pounds while having fun.

3.  Improved sleeping patterns

After a game of golf, addition to added physical movement and weight loss, you can expect improved sleep because your body is going to demand a regular sleep routine. After a great game of golf, expect to sleep better and feel better. According to research at Golferpros.com, physical exercise releases endorphins and these are like a cocktail or hormones in your body which lead to great sleep.

4.  Better mental health

when you are outside in nature, your mental health improves because peaceful surroundings ward off anxiety and depression. The added movement will keep your mind from drifting into unhealthy thoughts because you will need to stay focused on your game. Fresh air and green surroundings add peace and tranquility aswell.

5.  Social engagement

You are sure to meet other golfers who are going to enjoy lively conversations, friendly greetings and shared interests during a day of golf. Added social engagement will impact your mental health because new friendships keep people feeling connected and involved in life. It has been scientifically proven that interacting in group sports help people with stress and anxiety and are a great part to a balanced life since we are as humans social creatures.
These five reasons ought to convince you that golf has the ability to improve your health in many grand ways. There is more to know about playing golf and the improvements it can weave into your life.

A Clear Focus and a Game of Golf

Golf involves exercise which has proven to add benefits to you health. There is more than just physical exercise in a game of golf. Consider incorporating added concentration and focus into your life with a game of golf. Your brain will start to get into shape because playing golf requires memory skills, concentration skills and added focus. This will challenge your brain in wonderful ways. Expect to prevent mental decline as you age. Brain exercise is just as important to your health as physical exercise. Enjoy a clearer focus with a great game of golf.

Golf and a Happier Life

When you are healthier and your mental health is up to par, you will naturally enjoy a happier life. Golf is much more than a game. The great game of golf can add many happy years to your life.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Sending Smiles

I know that things, right now, are more bleak than they should be. People are on edge. You can't just go and visit people the way you would normally be able to. But it is still spring, the world is still beautiful, and you can still make sure that people know that you care about them and that you are thinking about them.

One very simple way is with a phone call, email, or text. But especially a call. Nowadays communication has become less personal. It's only natural, we are all busy, but if you find yourself stuck with time on your hands, pick up the phone and tell someone you miss them. Talk about nothing and everything and just enjoy their "company" on the other end of the line.

Another way is to send letters, care packages, or gifts. Especially with Easter coming up. One of my favorite things to send in the spring is a flower delivery. They are so beautiful and symbolic during this time. Especially right now, with the current "trapped" feeling many are experiencing. Having something to remind us of the beauty that still remains out in the world is very reassuring.

I love to support local businesses, so finding the best NYC florist was important to me. Plantshed's arrangements are so lovely, and their services is impeccable. The balance of sophistication and whimsy is magical. I am so in love with all of the arrangements. I want them all for myself.


Of course, gifts are not what really matters in this difficult time, or any time, really, but it is nice to send something special to let your loved ones know how much them mean to you, and to share a glimmer of beauty in a world that is a little too dim at the moment. We'll get through this, together, and we will blossom from it. We will bloom. Stay well. Take care of each other.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

New Slot Releases From NextGen Gaming

If you ever wanted to find a developer that is constantly looking forwards to the next generation of gaming titles, then look no further than the appropriately named NextGen Gaming! We have played a lot of online casino games from their catalogue and even have a few in our fave five, so words cannot describe how excited we get when we hear of something new on the horizon!

2019 has been a grand year for a lot of developers out there, NextGen Gaming — otherwise known as NYX — especially. If you are looking for a new slot to play, or are just interested to see what’s out there, then boy, have you come to the right place. Check out our list of the best new releases from NextGen Gaming below!

Pillars of Asgard

A pillar of not only the ancient city of the gods, but a sure-to-be pillar of the entire genre in our humble opinion. Pillars of Asgard is a giant of an online slot, one that plays out across 6 reels and features a whopping 1,000,000 paylines maximum! Pillars of Asgard offers anyone brave enough to spin plenty of exclusive bonuses as well as a 96% RTP percentage to-boot! If you are a fan of Zeus and everything god-like, why not take a trip above the clouds in this one.

Merlins Moneyburst

A slot that came out a little while ago, Merlins Moneyburst is a NextGen Gaming title through and through, the sort of slot that lets you conjure massive wins on a frequent basis. You get to be the sorcerers apprentice in this 5 reel by 60 payline game. Expect cartoon graphics, and even wackier features to be known in this one; don’t be a muggle, check out Merlins Moneyburst today and start earning!

Foxin Twins

The Foxin series is definitely one of the more popular franchises in the NextGen Gaming playbook, which is why they have definitely come out with this 5+5 reel by 25+25 payline slot. Hands down the best thing about this entry in the series is how it elevates every minor detail tenfold! Yes, this is a slot that you can play from mobile devices so there should be no excuses as to why you can’t spin!

Volcano Eruption Extreme

An explosive online slot to say the least, one that deals with molten lava on 5 reels and 5 paylines with an RTP percentage of 95%. Volcano Eruption Extreme is definitely pleasing on the eyes given how bright and bold the colours are here; normally you’d run away from a natural disaster like this but NextGen Gaming are clearly telling you the opposite. Ignore the hazards, check out Volcano Eruption Extreme today!

New slot games From Eyecon

It’s hard not to think of the word ‘iconic’ when playing an Eyecon online slot — in fact, many of the games in their catalogue are worthy of a hall of fame wing in the world of online slot gaming in their own right! We are always excited to see what is coming from the Eyecon camp since they are so frequent with their new releases - find out more. Eyecon is definitely in the conversation of the best right now, here are some of the best new games out in 2019:

Lucha Rumble

Hola amigos, are you prepared for one of the grandest contents the world has ever seen? Welcome to Lucha Rumble a 5 reel by 4 line game that packs all the punch of the infamous lucha libre style. It doesn’t help to play in a wrestling mask, but if you care about immersion we’d definitely recommend you don your new identity! There’s plenty of additional bonuses here on offer too, so the more you play, the better your winnings will be!

Champions of Valhalla

The viking raiders are afoot, here to take you on an adventure at high seas, you’ll battle monsters, drink ale and visit Asgard all alongside the Champions of Valhalla! Odin’s warriors get to keep all the spoils of war, so if you enjoy living a life on the road (or sea) you best tell your other half you won’t be home for tea. Free games should be considered mandatory for those spinning this one, since this feature will add boat-loads of cash to your pockets.

Crystal Lotus

A trippy slot that utilises various kaleidoscopic colours and patterns to keep you spinning for hours on end. This beautiful 10 line game is one that gives you plenty of features to play around with to find your footing. Try not to stare too much at this one as you might find yourself getting hypnotised into spending more money (not like that’s a bad thing when this slot is so good…) — Crystal Lotus is mobile compatible too so you can take it on-the-go with you!

Vlad’s Castle

Put it this way, this isn’t the sort of hotel you’d want to visit if you knew what’s good for you, but because there’s plenty of cash on the line here, you’ll still risk coming here regardless! In Vlad’s Castle you’ll catch chills in one of the most atmospheric slots that Eyecon has ever made. This is a 5 reel by 25 payline game, one that comes with a portrait prize pick feature that can multiple your scores tenfold, you can actually win up to 100x your initial bet here.