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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Happy Father's Day! June 15, 2014

Today, I'd like to take a moment and share an old post that I shared on my other blog, Freelance Lady. It was part of my "Thank You Thursday" series, where I thanked my father for all that he has done for me. I am resurrecting that post today right here, along with another "Thank You Thursday" post dedicated to my husband. They are both amazing fathers, and they deserve recognition today.


Thank You, Daddy!


It didn't take much thought to decide who I was going to thank today. It's a no-brainer.

From the moment I was born, this man has been there for me. When I scraped my knee, he was there to comfort me. When I was teased in elementary school, he backed me up and reassured me that I was an amazing person, no matter what anyone had to say. When I entered my rebellious teenage years and began pushing him away, he still stood by my side. When I gave birth to my son, he became a loving grandpa.

The man I am thanking today is my father.


Jess, me, and Daddy.
My dad has worked his ass off, doing his best to take care of us. There were good times, bad times, sad times, and joyful times, but no matter what we were going through, we knew we could rely on Daddy. Without him in my life, I don't think I would have ever learned the meaning of "common courtesy," something that still remains incredibly important to me. I don't think I would have known the meaning of "security." Without my dad, where would I be?

That is something I don't even want to know the answer to.

Daddy, I love you with all of my heart and I want to thank you for EVERYTHING that you've done for us. We love you.


Thank You, Justice. My Husband, My Love!

I've known my husband for almost 7 years now, and we've been together for 6 of those years, and married for 2. Throughout these years, we've had good times, bad times, highs, lows, twists, and turns. But we got through it all. We always do.

We've grown together---and we're still growing.

From the first moment that I met him, I knew that I had to get to know him. He radiated something that I had never seen before. A happiness that I longed to feel. That was all it took. I don't know what had gotten into us, but my sister and I walked right over and introduced ourselves. And he smiled. And I melted.



As it turned out, he was good friends with the guy my sister was dating (and still is with today), so we all started spending lots of time together. And the rest is history.

Even today, I see him as one-of-a-kind. I have yet to meet someone like him. He has this way of turning anything and everything into a laughing matter, or into an art form of sorts. He can turn a dreary Monday afternoon into a wacky family day that we all enjoy. When I'm feeling inadequate or down on myself, he knows exactly what to say to motivate me, and to make me see the brighter side of things. He knows how to turn an awkward situation into a lighthearted affair. He's brutally honest, but he knows just how to say things to avoid backlash. He's hilarious and full of character.

He's shown me---Mrs. Serious---that it's okay to take risks once in awhile. It's okay to laugh at yourself instead of beating yourself up.

He taught me that everything will be okay.

And for that, I thank him.

I love you with all of my heart, J. <3



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FFF: Inexpensive Online Shoe Stores

 

Last week for Frugal Fashion Friday, I discussed shoes, and how it used to seem impossible to purchase an entire outfit + shoes for less than $60. In it, I also listed four outfits, all fashionable, for less than $60 each, just to get you started on your frugal fashion journey.

Today, I'm still kind of stuck on the topic of shoes. As a matter of fact, I was "window" shopping online today, and I came across this super cute pair of jeweled sandals that I wanted. Simply by looking at them, I figured they'd cost around $20, with $40 being the most.



Cute, right? Yeah, well, the price tag isn't so cute. As a matter of fact, I lost all interest in those bad boys once I saw that they were $297.

*Gag* Not that cute anymore.

Anyway, I left behind the sandals and started browsing some more, when I came across a pair that looked incredibly similar to the ridiculously expensive sandals. That's when I decided that today, for FFF, I would share with you three of my favorite inexpensive online shoe stores.

BodyCentral.com

 


 
Body Central is amazing. I didn't discover this website until recently, and I was blown away by the deals available. In fact, there was a pair of black patent pumps for $5.80! That's what originally caught my eye. And then I saw a very cute skirt on sale for $3. It doesn't get much better than that when you're talking about brand new clothes and shoes. The shoe selection is quite incredible, featuring pumps, flats, sandals, flip-flops, and even boots. Unbeatable.
 
 

Payless.com

 
My second favorite shoe store is Payless. I've been a Payless fan since I was about 15-years-old, and my feelings about the store have only improved. As a matter of fact, the selection has improved, and they seem to be keeping up with current fashions. Here, you'll find pumps, sandals, flats, boots, and even tennis shoes at incredibly low prices. Occasionally, you'll find a $5 deal.
 
 
 

GoJane.com


Finally, I present to you "GoJane." While the shoes aren't as inexpensive as Body Central and Payless, they still have some pretty great deals, especially for such high quality shoes. My favorites are the fold-over boots, because at $30, it's a steal. The reviews on the products are pretty good, too, which is the main reason why I highly recommend it. There aren't many "casual" shoe options here besides boots, so that may be a negative aspect for some shoppers.

Websites with Inexpensive Shoes

Don't assume that the aforementioned websites are the only inexpensive shoe stores out there. As a matter of fact, there are plenty more, including 6PM, TB Dress, and Ippolitan, among others. Just keep your eyes peeled and your mind open to awesome deals, and you'll be good to go!


What's your must-have brand of shoes?

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Where to Get Free Products to Review

One of the many benefits of being a blogger is getting to try, test, and keep products for review. Providing honest, thorough reviews allows you to help your readers make more informed choices before purchasing certain products. Since I first started blogging back in 2011, I've received dozens of products for review, including Downy Unstopables, Schick Hydro Silk, Breyers® Gelato Indulgences, and UNREAL Candy.

I received the aforementioned products from the blogging communities that I participate in. These programs connect brands with bloggers to try, review, and generate buzz about products. Most of these programs require you to apply for the campaign, and you're typically accepted or rejected based upon your blog's stats.



Influenster

I receive most of my products for review from Influenster. Influenster is a blogging community that connects brands with bloggers so that they may try out new products, and spread the word via various social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, among others. Recently, I received and reviewed the TLC VoxBox.



Social CallOut

At Social CallOut, you sign up, fill out your CV for your blog, and then start applying for programs. What I like most about Social CallOut is that you're able to pick and choose which campaigns to apply for. For example, if your blog is about beauty and fashion, you can narrow down the "callouts" to only show campaigns in select categories.



Expo

I like Expo because you can apply for "Tryology" programs to review products, or you can simply review products that you already own in exchange for points. You can redeem these points for hundreds of items, including Amazon gift certificates, electronics, household products, food, clothing, and more.



Vocalpoint

This was the first "influencing" community that I joined, and I absolutely love it. The Vocalpoint community is very active, and everyone is incredibly friendly and helpful. You can earn badges (similar to Influenster) for tasks that you complete. The more badges you have, and the more active you are within the community, the higher your chances are to receive products to review, or to be invited to participate in different campaigns.

Alternatively, you may contact companies upfront. For more information on product review pitches, check out my other article entitled, How to Get Free Products to Review on Your Blog.

When pitching companies, you're going to want to have something to show them to prove that you're great at writing reviews. The best way to do this is to review products that you already own. Provide an open and honest opinion about the product, and be as thorough as possible. Some of the products I've reviewed (that I purchased on my own) include John Frieda Precision Foam Color, Fake Bake Flawless (a product I love), Kiss Stick-On Nail Strips, Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U, and Hot Designs Nail Art Pens.

I also review places. So far, I've reviewed Burr Oak Cabin in Glouster, Ohio, and Grand Lake St. Mary's in St. Mary's, Ohio. I feel that there is no limit on what you can review. If you've tried it out, then you have the authority to review it. I've even test and review online work-at-home opportunities on my blog, Freelance Lady.

No matter what your strategy is for getting products to review, you'll need to always have something to show off your skills. Whether it's blog stats, or reviews on products you purchased with your own cash, the experience is what matters.


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Breyers® Gelato Indulgences Review #GelatoLove

Triple Chocolate.

My family is a chocolate-loving bunch, so as soon as I saw the Breyers® Gelato Indulgences in Triple Chocolate, I had to have it.


Lucky for me, there was one left. The Breyers® Gelato Indulgences in-store display was completely bare, all except for this one lonely container of Triple Chocolate gelato. I thought to myself, it must be good. Just then, I saw another woman walking up to the freezer that I was eyeballing. No way I was going to let her have my Triple Chocolate! Time stood still...and then I reacted.

I swung the freezer door open, grabbed the container, threw it in my cart, and ran to checkout, with an adrenaline rush similar to the adrenaline created by Black Friday shopping.

Okay, so perhaps I over reacted. Oh well. I mean, got what I wanted.

When I got home, I didn't even unload the groceries before busting out the Breyers® Gelato Indulgences Triple Chocolate. I popped off the lid to reveal both dark and milk chocolate, with white and milk chocolate curls throughout. By this point, I was salivating.


I grabbed my handy ice-cream scoop and plopped two gooey balls of gelato into my bowl, plus two more in a separate bowl for my husband. I snapped a quick photo and prepared myself for the moment of truth. Was it really so good to leave the in-store freezers empty?


I smelled the gelato (I always smell food before I take a bite) and closed my eyes. Mmmmm! Yes! It was good. Perfectly smooth, somewhat of a frozen yogurt consistency. There were creamy swirls of white chocolate sauce that only added to the rich chocolate-y flavor of the gelato itself.

My husband, before taking a bite, remarked that "Gelato usually sucks." Despite this preconceived notion of his, he actually enjoyed Breyers® Gelato Indulgences.

While I was savoring every last bite, his remark made me wonder, What's the difference between gelato and ice cream? Seriously. Why is gelato so soft and smooth on your tongue, whereas ice cream is a bit more dense? Why does ice cream melt faster than gelato?

I honestly thought that "gelato" was simply the Italian word for ice cream--that there was no difference in consistency.

Apparently, I was wrong. While "gelato" is translated to "ice cream," it is not the same thing. Traditional American ice cream is made with heavy cream, and is mostly water, which is what causes it to melt more quickly. Gelato, on the other hand, uses more milk than heavy cream, which is why it has less fat. Gelato also has less air churned into it, as it is churned at a low speed, which gives it the "elastic" consistency that I have now come to love.

Have you tried Breyers® Gelato Indulgences? What did you think?

* I received Breyers® Gelato Indulgences for free for testing purposes via Influenster.

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FFF: 4 Outfits Under $60 Each

Shoes. I always try to avoid buying shoes (unless it's an amazing deal) because a pair of cute shoes can easily cause me to spend more than anticipated. It's frustrating. And most of all, it makes shopping for a full outfit more difficult. I mean, if you don't have shoes to match, what the heck is the point in buying the outfit?

Fortunately, not all shoes are created equal. There are companies out there that seem to understand this dilemma, and lucky for us, they carry reasonably priced shoes so that we can fulfill our desire of having shoes for every outfit.

Four Outfits Under $60


Today, I'm going to share with you four separate outfits under $60 each with shoes. Yes, that's right! Each of these outfits still has a price tag below $60, even with the boots, sandals, wedges, or what have you. Hopefully, you'll find something that suits you. Enjoy!


Above, you should see four outfits. The first outfit is kind of a "boho" style, the second is more soft and "spring-like," the third is simple and sultry, and finally, the last is "girly" and feminine. These outfits could easily be mixed and matched, and for all four (plus whatever outfits you could create with all of these clothing items), you'd pay less than $240.

1. Boho Style, $57.63

This outfit is perfect for spring, summer, or fall, as it utilizes the timeless cropped denim shorts, and a basic white cropped tank. The tribal cardigan adds a bit of character to the outfit, while the boots complete it.




Tribal Chiffon Cardigan, $14
River Island White Ribbed Crop Top, $8.37
Tokyo Laundry Women's Cara Denim Shorts, $20.45
Style&Co. Dylan2 Cowboy Booties, $14.81




 

 

2. Soft, Spring-Like, $55.86

What stands out most here is the yellow top. It's vibrant, yet soft, and the white pants make the whole outfit easier on the eye. The white sandals are comfortable and functional, and bring the outfit together. Alternatively, you could implement any other pastel color for the shoes.





Womens Thin Strap Jersey Cami Vest Top, $5.86
Slim Leg Jeans, $40
2B BeBe Zoe Sandals, $10

 

 

 

 

3. Simple, Sultry, $46.98

Chevron is in and I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon. Pair it with a solid black skater skirt and a pair of navy pumps, and you've got yourself a simple, yet noticeable outfit. As an added bonus, if you can find a blazer under $13, you can turn this outfit into a professional look while still staying under $60!





Chevron Print Racerback Tank, $24
Solid Scuba Skater Skirt, $12.98
Women's Karmen Pump, $10

 

 

 

 

 

4. Girly, Feminine, $59.48

This one is for all of the girly-girls. The simple, classic black and white polka-dot pattern paired with a more complex vibrant twist skirt makes this outfit feminine and sweet. Pair it with the pink wedges for a bit more of a "fun," fashionable feel.






Perfect Spot T-Shirt, $5.02
ONLY Twist Skirt, $24.47
CL by Laundry Ilena Cork Wedges, $29.99






As you can see, finding a full-outfit for under $100 isn't difficult, nor is finding a full outfit under $60! It's all about shopping around!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Let me know if any of the above outfits suit you, and if so, which one(s).

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My Influenster #TLCVoxBox Arrived!

On Monday, after three days of anticipation, I finally received my TLC VoxBox via Influenster!


The TLC VoxBox was given out to selected mothers of "Influenster Nation" so that we could try out the products, review them, share our opinion, and generate buzz.

The contents of the TLC VoxBox are as follows:

  • Neosporin® Neo To Go!
  • Breyers® Gelato Indulgences coupon
  • Ivory Bar Soap
  • AVON Anew Reversalist Express Wrinkle Smoother
  • Puffs to Go
  • Shell Fuel Rewards Card
I was most excited about the Neosporin® Neo To Go! because I like to get my kids out of the house often, and those play-dates at the park, and around the pool are almost never "boo-boo" free. And Neo To Go! is a no touch, no sting spray, that's convenient to carry along, everywhere we go. What's even better is that it offers protection from infection and pain relief, all with one swift motion.

The Breyers® was the most favorite product among my household, because we all love our frozen treats, especially the kiddos! This one is going to be a hit!

What I love about the Ivory Bar Soap is that it's not incredibly hard (like other bar soaps) and it's completely free of dyes and heavy fragrances. This is ideal, because sensitive skin seems to be a trend around our home.

As for the AVON Anew, well, I don't have many noticeable wrinkles on my fair-skinned, freckled face, but I did notice a slight line above my brows--probably from my refusal to wear sunglasses as a child, and instead squint my way through the daylight. The AVON Anew made the line even less noticeable, to where I could barely tell that it was even there anymore.

Puffs To Go are a lifesaver, especially for a mom who has a child with moderate seasonal allergies. He doesn't whine and cry about the puffs because they're "as soft as a pillow," and they don't "hurt his nostrils." Win!

Finally, the Shell Fuel Rewards card is fantastic! In a time when gas prices are at an all time high, it never hurts to save a few cents per gallon every now and then. And don't forget, the Shell Rewards card also allows you to save on dining and more. Cha-ching!

All-in-all, I LOVE my TLC VoxBox. It's the first one that I received, and I look forward to future campaigns!

* I received these products complimentary via Influenster for testing purposes.

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Yahoo! Mail is Down Again, 6/2/2014

When I'd tell people that I was still using Yahoo! after all of these years, they'd often ask, "Who uses Yahoo! anymore?" I'd say something along the lines of, "I don't much care for change," and we'd go on about our business.

*Sigh*

Today, I finally understand why so many people have switched.

Yahoo! Plagued with Errors


Yahoo! has had numerous problems over the past several months. Today, the problems seem to have resurfaced, with users receiving "Error Code 45" when trying to load their mail. Just when they believe that error has resolved, an "Error 4" pops up and prevents them from reading their messages.

Yahoo! Users Express Outrage


Users have taken to Down Detector to express their dismay. Small business owners are threatening to switch e-mail providers, as the constant problems are causing disruptions within their business.

I've been a loyal Yahoo! fan for many years, and I must say that as a blogger, the interruptions are nothing short of frustrating. Today, I've decided to wholly consider the switch, to Google's e-mail service in particular, as Gmail has been far less troublesome for me.

So far, I've heard nothing from Yahoo! in regards to this matter, and many of the comments I've seen on Down Detector say that the Customer Care Call Back line has been unavailable for weeks.

Unfortunately, it's not looking good for Yahoo!

Have you been affected by the Yahoo! Mail service disruption?


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Join the June Blog Hop via Bloggy Moms

Add your blog below to join the June Blog Hop via Bloggy Moms!



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Frugal Fashion Friday: Get the Look for Less



This week, Allison Williams stepped out, covered in Dior from head to toe.

Copyright © Clique Media, Inc.

Her outfit was incredibly chic, modest, and fancy, and she pulled it off with ease. For those of you hoping to copy her style, you may be disappointed to know that the entire outfit is worth well over $1,000. Fortunately, however, you can easily recreate this style for less than $200.

Items pictured above are as follows:

MJB Women's Corduroy Double-Breasted Boyfriend Peacoat Jacket, $26 to $32
Mela Loves London Lace Dress, $34.30
Pull & Bear Bowler Handbag, $49
Carhartt Casual Trouser, $45
Light Pink Patent Pointed Slingback Court Shoes, $30

See? All for less than $191! It is entirely possible to take a $1,000 outfit, and recreate it for nearly 80% less money!

What's your favorite copycat style?


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