Join Me on My Primary Blog

Dear Readers,

When I first started Mommy's Castle, it was my outlet to share everything under the sun--parenting, inexpensive fashion finds, rants, raves, and everything in between. At the time of this blog's launch, I was still running my primary work-at-home blog. I had initially wanted to slowly transition that blog into a multi-niche blog, but I never thought it would work. As it turns out, it did work, which is why I've kind of left Mommy's Castle in the dust.

Everything that I would be sharing here, I'm sharing over on Freelance Lady. Until I decide what I'd like to do with what's left of Mommy's Castle, I'd like to invite you to join me on my primary blog. I'm currently running numerous giveaways, providing reviews, and still sharing my sweet little life with the world. I truly hope that you'll come on over and see what's been happening.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. At this point, I believe it's unlikely that I'll "revive" Mommy's Castle, but right now, it's up in the air.

Best wishes to all and thank you for following me on this journey.

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FFF: Inexpensive Discount Clothing Stores

Forget spending over $50 on one outfit! With these inexpensive discount clothing stores, you'll be able to fill your wardrobe for less!

Forever 21
What I love most about Forever 21 is that their prices are fair to begin with, which makes their discounts even better! Check out the clearance section for some super cute, high-quality clothing with price tags you can afford!

Wet Seal
When I was first introduced to Wet Seal, I was fairly surprised by the prices. I always expected it to be a little higher-priced. With that said, the prices are comparable to Forever 21, but I would still recommend shopping in the clearance section for the best clothing deals.

5 Dollar Fashions
Unlike other $5 fashion stores, this shop carries items from other stores and brands, including Delias, Wet Seal, Wow Couture, and others. Everything is $5 or less.

599Fashion
Perhaps one of my favorite high-quality, low-priced clothing stores, 599Fashion has all that you need to design a killer wardrobe. Prices are $5.99 and lower.

Thrift Stores/Consignment Shops
I always recommend checking out your local thrift stores before spending excessive amounts of money on clothing. I've found some pretty amazing deals at the thrift store, such as dress pants for 69 cents! There are hundreds of deals just waiting for you to find them!

What's your must-have summer accessory?


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Hapari Swimwear Review ($100 Gift Card Giveaway)


Swimsuit season is finally here, and for some of you, it means buying that teeny bikini you've been eyeing at the mall. For me, however, it means finding a swimsuit that is capable of supporting the "girls" up top, and covering my tummy. I mean, let's face it. After two kids, my body simply isn't what it used to be.

* I received a free product from Hapari in exchange for a review.

Usually, swimsuit shopping is a drag for me, but when I saw Hapari's options, including swim skirts, board shorts, cover-ups, sarongs, and even underwire options, I was actually pretty excited to shop for swimwear. And for me, that is serious business. Oh, and did I mention that they also have swimwear for children?

After an hour or so of going through their super cute swimwear, I finally decided on the Black Plus-Size Tummy Tuk Swim Bottom, the Black Rainbow Plus-Size Sport Tankini Top, and a pair of White Plus-Size Cover Up Board Shorts.


The reason I decided on these three pieces of swimwear was because the Tummy Tuk bottoms would allow me to hide that "belly pooch" that many of us mamas have, and I felt that the tankini, since it was black, would help smooth out my mid-section. The board shorts are simply for cover-up after swimming. They could, might I add, be used to swim in, as they're made from quick-drying fabric.

I placed my order on Tuesday, June 17, and the order arrived on Thursday, June 19, so shipping was incredibly fast. The items were packaged individually, and everything was in great shape.


Upon closer inspection of the suits, I noticed that the detail was quite intricate. The floral Hapari logo was beautifully stitched into the Tummy Tuk swim bottoms and the Cover-Up Board Shorts. There were also small plastic buttons on the board shorts, which, I thought, was a nice added touch.




The tankini top had beautiful, bold, white floral designs, and rainbow-colored diagonal stripes, which turned an otherwise solid black swimsuit into a colorful, vibrant tankini top. On the back, the words "Hapari" were sewn into the fabric.


I've always loved the little details, especially when those details are functional. Remember how I mentioned that when searching for a swimsuit, I need something to "support the girls" (girls meaning breasts, for those of you who don't know)? Well, Hapari has supportive detail down to an art.

 
Above, you can see the built-in bra on the tankini top. You can also see that there is a bit of padding (not too much, might I add) which help add shape your breasts. And as if that weren't enough...


...the pads are actually stitched right into the top! No more worrying about pads slipping around and giving awkward shape to your breasts. Based on the detail of the stitching, these bad boys aren't going anywhere!

The moment of truth was when I tried this swimsuit on. From what I had already seen, I have to admit, I was a bit frightened that it was all too good to be true. Fortunately, that was not the case, and the swimsuit was a perfect fit, and for once in a long time, I actually felt sexy while in swimwear.

 

What I loved the most is that there were no obvious bulges, which have always seemed to accompany every other swimsuit I've purchased. The top itself was very flattering, and helped contained my "extra meat." My boobs weren't falling out or flailing all about which any top-heavy woman can appreciate.

The Tummy Tuk bottoms actually surprised me! Usually, swim bottoms require constant pulling and tugging in order to keep them in place, but not these! Walking, lying out in the sun, and running away from my son who was armed with the hose were no match for these swim bottoms! Not only did they do what they were designed to do (hide that tummy), they also lifted my behind, or lack thereof, quite nicely (hopefully these squats start paying off soon).


The board shorts were exactly what I'd hoped they'd be. They were enough to cover up, while also looking enough like regular shorts to be able to walk into a convenience store after swimming without feeling awkward. Seriously. Because who has time to get their regular clothes back on just to buy a bottle of water--especially after a long day of swimming?


Needless to say, I'm very impressed with the quality, design, and functionality of this swimsuit from Hapari. It's honestly the best swimsuit that I've ever had. With that said, I would recommend this brand to anyone and everyone looking cute, durable, supportive, high-quality swimwear.


And today might just be your lucky day!

I've partnered with this amazing brand to bring you, my awesome readers, a giveaway for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Hapari! The winner will be chosen by July 13, 2014 and will be notified by July 15, 2014. Winner must claim their prize within 48 hours, otherwise, a new winner will be selected. Please read all of the terms of the giveaway!

To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below! Good luck!

* I received a free product from Hapari in exchange for a review.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


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