How to Pick a Maxi Dress for Any Shape

I love the way that Maxi dresses look...on other people!  My short stature has made me afraid that pulling of this look would be too difficult.  Which got me thinking, what style maxi dress would look best on my body type?  After researching a few articles, I came up with a list of the top tips that I thought I'd share with you all.

Petite

Image credit JCP

Pick a high waistline and avoid large prints that would overwhelm your size.

Apple

Image credit jcp

This is where I fit in.  Eye catching prints will help slim the tummy area.  I don't know about you but slimming my tummy is a plus!

Busty

Image credit jcp

Definitely pick a v neck dress to balance out your top half.

Plus size

Image credit Lane Bryant

Look for wide straps or cap sleeves in a v neck style.  Avoid clingy fabrics, but not too big.  Don't be afraid to show off your curves.

Boyish

Image credit Piperlime

Look for a Maxi that has a gather at the waist or belt to create the illusion of curves. Or, rock a fitted dress.

Pear

Empire waist lines will accentuate your slim part while flowing over your bottom half.

Hourglass

Image credit jcp

Well, lucky you.  You can wear just about anything.  Fit and flare type dresses look great on you.

I'm adding a Maxi dress to my Summer wardrobe wishlist.  How about you?  What dress would look best on you?


Source : redbookmag.com, ivillage.ca, luckymag.com

Update Your Bathroom with Waterpik - A giveaway

Now that Spring has finally arrived, in in the mood to redecorate/ redo my house.  As I have stated before, there are easy, inexpensive ways to update your home this season.

But just where do you start?  Stacie Sayz So has teamed up with Cassandra Lavalle  founder of Coco+Kelley, to hopefully answer some of your home improvement questions.

Take it away Cassandra!



Thanks for those awesome tips!  Painting my kitchen and bathroom are #1 on my to-do list.  I'll let you know how that goes ;)

Last year, we updated our old shower head with a Waterpik and it made a wonderful difference.  Plus, it was super easy for my husband to install.

Waterpik facts:

* Installation is simple and takes about 5 minutes – no plumber or special tools needed.
* Choose from 7 high performance spray modes from  invigorating full body coverage to relaxing pulsating massage. 

This is an example of what I received.

In celebration of Home Improvement this month, Waterpik would like to send one Stacie Sayz So reader a fun home improvement basket that includes the Waterpik Rainfall shower head ($100 value)!  Your gonna like this one, if I say so myself!

Leave a comment telling me how you plan to improve your home this Spring.  For extra entries, use Rafflecoptor.  Giveaway ends 5/31. Winner will be chosen shortly after.  Hope you win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a Waterpik gift basket in exchange for my post.  Opinions are all mine.

Bread & Wine Book Review

I received an advance copy to review of the book called "Bread & Wine - a love letter to life around the table with recipes".  Author Shauna Niequist does a good job telling her life stories while mixing it with intriguing recipes.

I love reading recipe books.  I think I get that from my Grandma.  However, I was a bit disappointed that this book didn't have pictures of the recipe results.  That a must for me.  I need to see the vision clearly!

There are a few recipes that I would be willing to try like the Basic Vinaigrette which seems easy enough for me to learn.   Or, Annette's Enchiladas that are made with chicken, sour cream, and green chilies.  Sounds spicy!  And the Farmer's Market Potato Salad has olives in it.  Ooh, yummy.  Dark Chocolate Sea Salted Toffee sounds the best one yet.  I think I'm actually going to try this one.

My thoughts

I would have preferred that they sent the actually corrected book than the uncorrected advanced copy.  It's hardcover and I got a paperback.  There were also a lot of reading which I don't care for in my recipe books.  Nevertheless, I think I may try a few of these recipes.

Disclosure: I received this copy in exchange for my honest review.

My Influenster Spring Fever Voxbox

Earlier this week, I received the latest Influenster Spring Fever Voxbox.  I received the Aveeno Voxbox a few weeks ago and was thrilled to get another one!

Here's what was inside.

Watch this video for my unboxing.




I'm most excited about trying deodorant, nails, and lip balm.  I'll let you know soon how they worked for me.   Did you recently get something from Influenster in your mailbox?

PS Don't Forget The Cake with Private Selection Upside Down Cakes

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Private Selection for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

In my house we have  a sweet spot for deserts.  There really isn't a night that we go without it.  There's just something about adding dessert to a meal that makes iy more special.  Last week I even made a Red Velvet cake.  But most nights, I try to keep it simple by grabbing something from the store that is quick and easy to prepare.  Especially on weeknights when our schedules are way more busy.

Have you ever been asked to bring food to a potluck or church dinner?  I have on many occasions.  And what do you think I bring? Dessert of course!  It's just easier and most people love a sweet treat.  

That's where Private Selection Upside Down Cakes comes in.  They're super easy to prepare.  Just warm, flip, an serve!  Plus they're made with premium ingredients without the premium price.  They come in 3 distinctive flavors.  German Chocolate Fudge, Double Chocolate Molten, and Amber Honey Apple Spice.  You please any pallet with those choices!  Plus they taste like homemade because they only use the best ingredients.  Private Selection is exclusively found at Kroger stores including Baker's, City Market, Dillon's Fry's, Gerbes, Pay Less, QFC, JayC, King Soopers, Owen's, Ralph's, Smith's, and Fred Meyer.

To sweeten the deal, you can choose between a $1 or $2 through facebook.  Private Selection Upside Down Cakes coupon

Disclaimer: Coupon ends 6/2/13.  Official rules.  In order to load these coupons to your card, you will need to sign into your Kroger account, or set up a Kroger account and enter your card number.  Limit one use per digital coupon.  Digital offers are not eligible on Manager's specials, cannot be combined with manufacturer paper coupons on the purchase of a single item, and do not double.  Not all items are available in all stores.  A limit of 150 coupons can be loaded per household at one time.

Be sure to like Private Selection on facebook. Private Selection Upside Down Cakes on Facebook and follow Private Selection on Pinterest. Private Selection Upside Down Cakes on Pinterest

Go here to find out where to purchase Private Selection and don't forget the cake!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going Greek with Fage Yogurt

I'm sure most of you have tried Greek yogurt by now.  It seems to be the latest trend in healthy eating.  A few weeks ago I was invited to try Fage Greek yogurt through Bzzagent.  They sent me a coupon to keep and two to share with a friend.


A few facts:

* The #1 yogurt brand in Greece, FAGE is the only authentic Greek yogurt that is truly made with 100% natural ingredients

* Rich in protein, low in calories and fat, you can enjoy FAGE Total as a healthy part of your diet

* Approximately 4 pounds of raw milk are used to make one pound of thick, creamy yogurt

* One of the more versatile ingredients you can add to your kitchen, FAGE Total works perfectly as a snack, a meal ingredient or the basis of an indulgent dessert

* Available in 0% non-fat, 2% low-fat and Classic in sizes including 6oz, 7oz, 17oz and 35oz containers for cooking


Doctor Oz has been raving about the benefits of Greek yogurt and the alternatives you can use it for.  I was excited to try it on my tacos in place of sour cream.  But what would my family think?  Well, my husband ate it up until I mentioned that it was yogurt.  Then, all of a sudden he didn't like it.  Next time I won't say a thing!

My thoughts

I had tried the Honey flavor before, but I didn't care for it.  Probably because I don't really like honey, but I had a good coupon and that was all that was left.

This time, I decide to make my own yogurt parfait by adding fresh strawberries, bananas, and granola.  It ended up being pretty good.  It was still a bit tart and it does take some getting used to.  However, I'd still purchase it to use in place of sour cream.  Greek yogurt is also more expensive than regular yogurt  so I would probably only purchase it it with a high value coupon.

Disclosure: I am a Bzzagent and I received a coupon to try and share.  Thoughts are my own.

We Have A Winner!

Announcing the winner of the Big G cereal giveaway!

#105 Laura  Congrats!

Thanks to everyone for playing along and be sure to stay tuned for another great giveaway soon!