Blush Topless Undershirt Give-away

I like to look good, but you'll never find me in a self-sacrificial fad like big, heavy earrings or super pointed toe shoes. Ok, so my size 9 feet would probably keep me out of that shoe fad as well, but that's another story...

The point is, I like to look good, and feel comfortable doing it. Who doesn't?! That said, I really like the layered shirt look. Not only does it enable me to crawl through tunnels with my kids at the playground in an unrevealing manner, but I just feel like my clothes look better on me that way. The downside, it can get hot--especially in the summer, and especially if you've just crawled through a tunnel into a group of moms who already think you're a little crazy.

In my effort to beat the heat and keep my layers, I found the Blush Topless Undershirt. Made in regular and maternity styles, it's basically a tube-top you wear around your waist.

My three favorite things about the Topless Undershirt:

1) Love, love, love, love, love this for nursing in public places!!! All your clothes don't have to be button up shirts or strange nursing tops!! Yay!!

2) Lightweight: The soft material is lighter than a Shade tank top, but not so light you can see through it well.

3) Comes with a little bag made from the same material. When I'm not wearing mine, I keep it in the bag, hanging over the neck of a hanger in the closet. It's easy to find, and it isn't all wrinkled from being stuffed in a drawer.

The Blush Topless Undershirt will not hold your pants up when you're pregnant like a Belly Band will, but it also won't hold the heat in. Belly Bands actually advertise that they provide added warmth. Not particularly something I need when I'm pregnant, to be honest.

When worn over a cotton blend camisole, the Undershirt performed flawlessly and stayed in place. Over a silky camisole, there was a bit more slipping down, but it wasn't noticeable on the outside of my shirt. I think if I had folded the top over (as it can be designed to), it wouldn't have slipped as much.

Overall, it's nice for maternity and regular uses, but I'm particularly swooning over the idea of keeping my sad post-pregnancy belly from being exposed to the elements (and wandering eyes) while I'm trying to inconspicuously nurse my baby. Find it for $15 at toplessundershirt.com.

Who would like to try out the Blush Topless Undershirt? Enter by indicating what color you would like to win on this post by midnight August 19. One lucky winner will be randomly selected, and announced on Citrus August 20th. Shipping to Continental US only. Thank you Blush!

Crocs Makes Flip-flops!

My husband and I were at the edge of a public fountain while our little ones played in the water among a throng of other children. My husband squinted, leaned over, and said, "Our kids are the only ones here without a pair of Crocs on their feet."

Are my children the only ones left who know what it feels like to have mud ooze between their toes? Are mine the only kids running past the "no running" signs to spare their burning feet? The only ones who are slipping and sliding over rocks? Ok...so there's a reason for wearing protective footwear.

As for me, I used to wear Old Navy flip-flops. I don't mean sometimes, I mean I wore them all the time in the summer. I tried many different sandals that would hurt between my toes, or create that all-painful chafe location on the inside of your foot...you know what I'm talking about if you've ever worn a bad pair of flip flops. So the Old Navy flip-flops sound fantastic, right? They are lightweight, and you can't beat the price at $3.50. Read on...

Unfortunately, Old Navy flip flops (and the like) are what I can only categorize as deadly when mixed with a puddle of water on cement. Although I quickly learned to avoid puddles in my flip-flops, I would still have occasional near-catastrophic slips (it's summer...I'm going to be around water!!) My most recent near-spill was with my baby girl in my arms, and that was when I decided to say goodbye to an "old friend." Although I don't imagine it would be hard to say goodbye to a human friend who tries to kill you, my flip flops and I have been through a lot so I was sad to see them go.

I never thought I would go to Crocs. Until my search for new summer footwear began, I wasn't aware that Crocs promote circulation and are accepted by the APMA. And at the rate I can put down a pan of brownies, it's nice to know they have been raved about as beneficial footwear for diabetics. They are very lightweight, anti-microbial, and they are apparently so comfortable the wearer is unconcerned with how strange they look....that is, how they used to look.

My greatest discovery with Crocs is that I also didn't know that you can have it all with Crocs, minus the crazy appearance. I love my Crocs Capri flip-flops (pictured at top)! It has a "regular" upper, paired with the comfort of Crocs under your foot. I don't worry about slipping, or piercing the sole with a sharp rock, or any of the other worries of the common flip-flop. I recently walked an unexpected two miles to a Brewers game carrying my 10 month old in my Peanut Shell over one shoulder, and the Go Gaga Slide diaper bag over the other shoulder. I thought it would be a nightmare because on top of the extra 40 pounds, I was wearing flip-flops! Not just any flip-flops, though. My Crocs Capris pulled through and I'm pleased to admit that I could have happily walked twice as far with all my comfortable gear!

I still think the "classic" Crocs are terrible, but I'm loving where this company is going with its new lines... I could see putting my little boy in these Crocs. And heels that are comfortable?!!

image via surfanddirt.com

In case you're among the clog-wearing many, and you'd like to come to your senses with a better looking pair of Crocs, find out what to do with your old clogs in the video here.

You can find Crocs in retail sport supply stores or big mall stores, and with the end of the season near, you just might run into some great deals! If you can't wait, buy them online! The Crocs Capri flip-flops (my favorite) and other Crocs styles are on sale online at Bloomingdale's for between $23.99 and $27.99.

I love this summer skirt.....

I am not always a fan of the j.jill clothing line, but every once in a while I spot something I really, really like. This would be one of those things. j.jill is having a big sale right now and this skirt is going for $29.99- which is more than 50% off.
It is a great denim skirt- lightweight and perfect for a hot summer day. It is machine washable, doesn't wrinkle easily, hits at a cute length below the knee, and because it is denim- pretty much goes with everything....plus it has side pockets. I love pockets.
I have already worn it twice this week and will have to hide it in my closet somewhere for a while so I do not embarrass myself too much.
There aren't many sizes left in the "misses" category, but if you fall into the "petite" category there are a lot more options. One note: I think the sizing runs large. Order a size down from your regular size.