Shaklee 180™ Program Month 5 Update: BlogHer '13 {#ShakleeBlogger}

 

With five months down (and only one left to go!) of the Shaklee 180™ Program, I no longer feel as though this is actually a program at all.

I don't wake up and think to myself that I'm doing something out of the ordinary by reaching for my Shaklee 180™ smoothee, it is, in fact, the other way around. If there are days that I am away from home or we are out of milk, I find myself... at a loss. Now what?

While in the past that would have most likely led to overeating, I can now be proud of myself that Shaklee 180™ has taught me how to make (for the most part) healthier choices.

Proven yet again last week while I attended BlogHer.

While I adored being able to gallivant around Chicago with some amazing friends that I don't often get to see in person, there was no shortage of high calorie temptations that awaited me in nearly every venue. Appetizers, desserts, drinks, full-fledged meals... coming back after this trip without gaining weight was clearly going to take some major willpower.

Fortunately, increasing my exercise amount wasn't difficult, as traipsing back and forth (and back and forth) across the city increased my typical amount of steps taken each day fivefold.

I am fairly certain that I have never walked 7.27 miles in a single day in my entire life.

So although I was still a bit scared to step on the scale after the conference was finally over, all I could do was cross my fingers, take a deep breath, and hope that the number would be pleasantly surprising.


I'm trying to say goodbye to my Before and am ready to say hello to my After with Shaklee 180™. If you'd like to find out more about the program, connect with them on their website, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

You can also find out more about all of Shaklee's incredible products for healthy nutrition, home and beauty by connecting with Shaklee Corporation on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

This is a sponsored post as part of the Shaklee Corporation blogger program. I have received free products, online support and incentives for participating in the Shaklee Corporation blogger program. My opinions are my own. I am also a Shaklee Independent Distributor.

People following the weight-loss portion of the Shaklee 180™ Program can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

My Time as a Hansen's Social Media #StyleSuite Correspondent at BlogHer12 {Case of Hansen's Soda Giveaway!}

As BlogHer tends to be a whirlwind every year, it didn't surprise me that 2012 wasn't any different. In fact, the five days that I spent in New York City somehow seemed an even more chaotic jumble of activities, speakers, parties, cabs, walks, outfits and delayed flights home than usual.

While The Big Apple is, without a doubt, an absolutely incredible city...

...is it really any wonder that, after going, going, going from early morning to late at night, I feel as though I might need to sleep for the next few weeks to fully recover?

With that said, out of all of the fun events that I attended this year, one of my top few favorites was the third annual Style Suite, hosted by Savvy Sassy Moms and Momtrends. Aside from being extremely stylish themselves, Andrea and Nicole know how to put together an amazing party!

While I was looking forward to seeing the gorgeous CAbi Clothing and the Stokke baby products represented, I was also excited about the opportunity to sample and learn more about a third sponsor: Hansen's Natural Soda.   

Known for saying goodbye to high fructose corn syrup and hello to real cane sugar, Hansen's Natural Sodas have always been free of preservatives, caffeine, sodium, artificial flavors and colors. After hearing that there are 30 real fruit and spice soda flavors of Hansen's Natural and Diet Sodas, I couldn't wait to give one a try (as well as see the reaction of others) at Style Suite.

I knew that the Penthouse of The London Hotel was going to be gorgeous...

...but stepping into a beautifully decorated room and finding Hansen's was the perfect accompaniment to the breathtaking view.

 As well as the adorably fun decorations...

...there were plenty of Hansen's samples to go around. The hardest decision was figuring out which flavor to try!

The reactions to Hansen's was overwhelmingly positive from all of the bloggers that came by...

Thanks, Liz and CanCan!

...and, along with the great tasting flavors of Hansen's on their own, I loved that they offered unique and inventive recipe ideas to turn a can of soda into Sparkling Ginger Ale Lemonade, Tropical Citrus Punch and more!

Talk about perfect for a party!

With options (regular and diet) including Cola, Mandarin Lime, Creamy Root Beer, Kiwi Strawberry, Pomegranate and many more, Hansen's Natural Soda has the exotic, spicy, tangy, tart or sweet flavor that your whole family is sure to love. Considering that it is free of all of the preservatives, caffeine, sodium and high fructose corn syrup that traditional sodas include, there is no reason to not crack open a tasty can of Hansen's instead!

Hansen's products are currently available at local grocery outlets, corner convenience stores and other participating retailers as well as online at Amazon.com. Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be sipping the sweet flavor of real cane sugar as well, because...

One lucky person will win a case of Hansen's Soda!

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received compensation and product from Hansen's for my time as a Hansen's Social Media #StyleSuite Correspondent. A big thank you to Hansen's for also providing a case of soda for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Can I just admit that I'm fashionally-challenged? {I need a #Windowstyle makeover at BlogHer!}

You know the feeling in elementary school when you think that your sweater or jeans or shoes are the coolest and you just know that everyone is going to love them? And that clearly you have the best sense of style and it's just a wonder that your classmates aren't spending all day every day raving about how great you look?

But then do you also know the feeling where, 20 years later, you look back at photographs of the outfits that you actually wore to elementary school and you wonder what in the world was I thinking??

No? Well, I do.

These magenta pants are nowhere near as bad as the knee high green and white striped socks that I seemed to wear throughout my childhood... and don't even get me started on the tie-dyed neon leotard that I wore with bright pink striped tapered stretch pants in fifth grade. Consider yourself lucky that I couldn't find a photograph of that whole getup.

But, really. I look at the choices that I made and I just shake my head. Pleated jeans with a turtleneck and vest tucked in? Why did I think that was remotely fashionable?

And the fact that I went to a party that required a dress and purposely chose this? I just... I don't... no. Just no.

Before I dig out any other embarrassing photos from my youth, I should stop and point out what the actual problem is: this non-fashionable issue isn't one that I've outgrown.

While I somewhat make an attempt to follow the trends, my current style leaves much to be desired. Considering the fact that I'm a mom that works from home, there are days that I change from pajamas into sweats simply because they're comfortable (that's assuming that I actually change out of the pj's, of course).

When I do leave the house, I don't tend to go places that would require 4" stilettos, but does that mean that I have to throw on the same pair of jeans and t-shirt that I did the day before? While my closet is plenty full with clothes, there are many that haven't been off of the hangers in years, yet I can't bring myself to get rid of them. I tell myself that either they'll fit someday... or that I just haven't found the right top or bottom to accompany them... or... or...

What it comes down to is that I just don't know how to make fashion work for me. I've watched enough episodes of What Not To Wear and How Do I Look? to realize that I'm not doing my body as big of a disservice as some people out there... but I still sure wouldn't mind being on the show. Somebody help! Tell me what looks good with what and, more importantly, how to pick out the pieces that will make me feel good wearing them.

Really? Overalls? When were those ever a good fashion choice?

Clearly a wardrobe makeover is in order. It's evident that I don't know how to shop for myself (I tend to focus on my kids anyway) and have no clue what to even look for in the store. I leave empty-handed most of the time... and, on the chance that I make a purchase, it never seems to be the kind that works with anything else that I own.

However, in my case clothing is only half the battle. Looking back through photos in the past, there are far too many that I'm either not in (because I'm much more comfortable behind the camera) or, if I'm actually pictured, I'm sporting the ponytail.

The same old, same old ponytail that I've had for decades that I throw my hair into far too often. Color? Style? Length? It doesn't matter, it all ends up pulled into the boring ponytail.

You couldn't have done something better than the ponytail for your own birthday party?

I'm not asking to be a rock star and I don't need a closet filled with cocktail dresses and a haircut that is on the cutting edge of hip and trendy. But I would like to get up in the morning and know that no matter if the day's plans include a trip to the park or a night out on the town, that I would be able to feel good about the way I look.

It's time to find the happy medium between looking cute, being comfortable, and feeling like me. Or at least a nicer version of me that knows how to dress, do her hair and wear some makeup. Is that too much to ask?

In writing this post, I'm entering the Microsoft Windows Style Makeover sweepstakes for a chance to win a head to toe makeover!

Mom Central, Infantino and Step2 Afternoon Playdate at BlogHer '11

Disclaimer: I suck at remembering to take pictures and this event would be nothing without photos to show off the fun. A huge thank you to Lolo at Crazy About My Baybah for her extreme photography skills and for allowing me to display them here. This is one mama that knows how to wield a camera!

Has it really been three weeks since the hectic, crazy, entertaining events of BlogHer? With so many events, so much walking, and so much beauty found in San Diego, it really does take about that long to recover.

One of the activities that I've been able to look back on fondly was the afternoon playdate hosted by Mom Central, Infantino, and Step2. With a trio like that teaming up, how could you go wrong?

Held on beautiful Coronado Island, we arrived to find an amazing home filled with fun decorations, cute activities to take part in, and innovative new products from two brands that know all that there is to know about children.

After browsing around the home and enjoying the fun of rubber ducky-decorating, drawing on chalkboard tabletops, and sipping strawberry lemonade, I had to make sure that I spent ample enough time visiting the delicious candy bar.

Yum! I even filled up a colorful to-go box so that I could bring home some of these tasty treats for my girls... although there's a distinct possibility that not much actually made it back due to my delayed flights and my mindless snacking in the airport. At least the thought was there though, right?

Then it was time for a preview of the innovative upcoming products from Infantino and Step2, and, to no surprise, they did not disappoint.

Infantino's new Kimono Easy Wrap Carrier will be debuting this fall and is designed to make using a wrap easier for parents who are either new or veteran baby-wearers. Having tried a large variety of wraps and carriers over the past few years, there are a lot of great features that Infantino has included to make this one easy to use and versatile while providing plenty of safety, security and support for your baby.

©Step2

Along with this unique carrier, we were able to check out the Infantino Right Angle Tummy Triangle, which was developed in collaboration with a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Not only does this Triangle make tummy time more entertaining, but the incline was designed to help babies develop upper body strength and promote their sense of balance.

With the addition of the peek-a-boo mirror and crinkly busy bee, little ones are encouraged to reach and grab while working on head control, neck and arm strength, and more. What a great idea!

Finally, Infantino's new Comforting Play Collection was on display and seeing all of these adorable characters in person was a lot of fun.

Designed to calm and soothe babies and promote development in a relaxed and comforting state, these rattles, crib toys, plush friends, and more have a gentle, peaceful feel to them. Infantino allowed us to get up close and personal with each of the characters with their Build a Gift Basket area and it was easy to see just how perfect they are for gift-giving.

©Infantino (That's me over on the left showing off my creative gift basket skills)

Along with marveling over Infantino's new products, Step2 has a variety of wonderful items up their sleeve for the future and we were able to have a sneak peek at what was going on in their world as well.

Inside the house we checked out the cool features of the upcoming Legacy Kitchen...

...while also having a chance to view blueprints for future kitchens that are still in development. As some of these kitchens included aspects that I've never seen before in a play kitchen (that are really cool!), it was great that Step2 wanted our suggestions on which items we liked and which we didn't to get real moms' opinions. Love that!

We ended the playdate out in the backyard, where we were able to see a few more fun Step2 products, including the Up & Down Elephant, Wild Side Giraffe and Zebra, Block and Store Activity Table, and Grand Walk in Kitchen, all of which look really entertaining for kids of all ages!

All in all, it was a really fun afternoon and a great way to kick off BlogHer for me. Infantino and Step2 proved that they are yet again on the forefront of the products that moms, kids and babies like, want and need, and Mom Central knew just how to put it all together. Add in the fact that I was there with wonderful friends and this playdate is clearly one to remember!

Thanks to Kailani for this cute photo of us!

(Other than an afternoon of fun and a few adorable products that I was able to take home, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this post in any way. This recap is solely my opinion of these companies, their products and how awesome other people's photography skills are.)

BlogHer '11: The Conference, the People, and the Endless Walking of San Diego

There was this little event that happened recently. A small gathering where a few people were planning to get together and have a relaxing time sitting and chatting about their hopes and dreams and passions.

Whatever that was, it sounds pleasant. But I wasn't there.

I was at BlogHer, the biggest of the big blogging conferences, in beautiful San Diego.

Thanks to Melissa of Sippy Cup Mom for letting me be lazy with my camera and instead use beautiful pictures like this one of hers

As I mentioned before the conference, I was pretty certain in my hunch that things were going to be a little wild and crazy. With so many places to be (many all at the same time) and people to see, how could it not be?

Last year when I showed up that first morning at breakfast, everything was new and exciting and I felt the need to do everything possible to try to get the BlogHer experience "right." I dutifully attended informative sessions, I made connections with each PR contact I came across and I attended both the public and private parties that happened all across New York City. Did I have fun? Absolutely! But did I take advantage of it all? I'm not so sure... because I was probably thinking about it all a little too hard.

This year I had the benefit of being less stressed about it all. I had my handy dandy little schedule all typed out ahead of time and figured that I would make it to as many things as possible, but if something was omitted? Then that just must have meant that I was enjoying myself enough elsewhere, I suppose.

And enjoy myself, I did.

Post-conference last year I felt at a loss for words as to know where to begin to describe something like BlogHer and, sure enough, I feel the same way this year. Do I write about the business meetings that I had? The parties I attended? The there's-one-in-every-bunch drama queen blogger that I had a chance to see in action who made my skin crawl?

Eh.

What mattered the most then and what matters the most now are the friendships, because those are what I hold the most precious from blogging anyway.

I got to spend my first afternoon (and much more time later) with the amazing Kailani...

Thanks to Kailani for this picture of the two of us and our lucky (or, actually, unlucky) ducks. We later had manicures together, which was only appropriate after we had pedicures together last year!

...chat and walk and laugh and spill my guts and walk some more with the incredible Liz (better known as Blueviolet to her abundance of adoring fans)...

...and enjoy every moment that I got to spend with the warm, caring, adorable, friendly-beyond-words Melissa...

Thanks to Liz for snapping this picture of us dancing away at Sparklecorn!

And those are just a start. I spent time with Alissa, Cathi, Debra, Leanne, Laurie... and, oh man, these are awesome ladies but there are so many more. How did the blogosphere get to be filled with such great people?

But even though I was a veteran BlogHer attendee this year, I'm pretty sure that the main lesson to be learned was exactly what it was last year: if you tailor the many possibilities at a blogging conference of this size to be the most beneficial for you, then you've done the best you can.

I was less worried that I was going to be missing information of the utmost importance somewhere and instead knew that doing things like having breakfast with Bob Harper or lunch with a California Raisin...

Yes, we planned ahead of time that he would color-coordinate with my awesome Tea dress

...was going to be just as good for me. Yes, I could have been in an in-depth session learning all kinds of things to implement to make my blog better, but if that meant that I would have had to miss meeting the gang from Sesame Street, well, then I'm glad that I did.

Thanks to Sesame Street and Playskool for this one. I look a little freaked out because, Hello! This was the real deal! These weren't stand-in characters or backup actors, these were the true Sesame Street stars from my childhood! Talk about celebrities!

In the end, I arrived home after a long day of travel (I'm pretty sure that there is a certain airline out there that just gets kicks out of sending me to random cities and leaving me sitting there for hours just for fun) completely exhausted but with a lot to think about. Changes, improvement, direction, balance... someday it will all work itself out, right?

Of course I have to say a big thank you to Invitation Consultants for their wonderful sponsorship and CleanItSupply.com for their generous support as well to help make the trip what it was. I love companies that see the value in bloggers and support us as we continue to type our way into the future!

Would I do it all again? Definitely. As always, there might be one or two things that I would go back and change, but the overall experience was another one for the memory books. Which brings me to BlogHer 2012 being back in New York City - who's coming with me this time?

BlogHer 2011: The conference, the events, the friends

When I hit publish on my first post back in July 2009, I had no idea where Thanks, Mail Carrier would take me.

Would anyone ever read what I wrote? Would I ever get a single comment? How much work was this all going to take, anyway?

Two years later I look back and can only see how much life has changed since that day.

The ups, the downs, the travels, the forums, the ambassadorships, the sponsorships, the friends... who knew that it all was there waiting behind my computer screen?

I've said it before, but the blogging world is a big place. A huge place. A massively large how in the world did I just come across 73 blogs today that I didn't know existed? place that continues to grow and adapt and surprise me every morning when I open my computer.

The number of women out there that have lives and stories and passions to share is always increasing and the knowledge that we can all gain from each other is unlimited. It doesn't matter if you write about food or fitness or eco-living or reviews or your family... what makes blogging great is that there is room for all of us.

Due to the virtual aspect of writing a blog, getting to meet the writers behind so many of the sites that I visit is something that doesn't happen all that often... but when it does, you know it's going to be a whole lot of learning, collaborating, and downright crazy antics. Which is exactly what I expect to happen this year in San Diego at BlogHer '11.

With more than 3,000 attendees gathering from all over the world to share hands-on learning, rich discussions, opportunities to meet with the brands that support them, and plentiful networking opportunities, BlogHer is the conference that reigns supreme.

Last year in New York City, BlogHer '10 opened my eyes to the informative sessions that had me scribbling notes to implement for my blog, making PR contacts of all kinds, public and private parties, and everything in between. I made new friendships, strengthened old ones, and chatted with complete strangers that I otherwise would never have had the opportunity to meet.

And that's exactly what I'm hoping to accomplish this year as well.

Thanks to gorgeous clothing from Tea Collection, I am ready to start packing my bags (what? You think I pack in advance or something?) and thanks to the generous help of CleanItSupply.com and the amazing Invitation Consultants sponsorship, this trip is ready to begin.

I hope to come back with new-found ways to further my blog, whether that be tips on writing, new companies to work with or just having had such a great time that it will have reinforced that this, this whole thing right here that I spend so much of my life on, is worth every minute.

If you're attending BlogHer this year, I hope to see you there! If not, there's always BlogHer '12, right?

Tea Collection: Gorgeous Apparel for Women {Review}

Shhh! Don't tell every other clothing brand out there, but I'm pretty sure Tea Collection is my favorite.

It's not to say that there aren't other places to find children's clothing that will result in my girls looking fashionable... but there's just something special about Tea. From the modern styling to the great use of color to the overall unique and high quality look, it's like their clothing can sometimes come to life on its own through the texture and hues.

But as much as I fell in love with each piece of girls' clothing (and even some boys' clothing) that my daughters have worn, I was equally as impressed and awed when given the chance to write a Tea Collection women's clothing review and see the flattering lines and shapes of this collection in person.

After thoroughly enjoying the comfortable fit and the unique style (and the endless compliments) from that review, when it came to deciding what apparel I was going to wear to BlogHer in San Diego this year, there was no doubt in my mind that Tea Collection would be able to outfit me in a look that blends casual and beautiful just right.

When the La Rambla dress and Blanket Plaid Scarf (currently unavailable) arrived, there was no doubt in my mind that I was right.

Available in the Black Plum color that I received or an Olive Drab green tone, the La Rambla dress combines so many of the features that I look for in clothing. The soft, 100% cotton has the ability to drape and flatter while hanging on the body, while not clinging to any areas that I would rather keep hidden.

I love small details that Tea included with this dress, such as the ability to button the rolled sleeves and the way that the fabric has a texture to it, so when you're up close you can see the high quality uniqueness to it.

Tea does note that this dress runs slightly large, so I took that into consideration when choosing a Small instead of a Medium. The result? Perfection!

Whether worn loose or more fitted with the removable tie belt (or any belt, really), I can't wait to customize this dress to fit me perfectly and wear it at BlogHer to feel great while interacting with thousands of other bloggers, companies, and more.

As I've been hearing about the cool weather that San Diego has been experiencing, I'm so glad that the Blanket Plaid Scarf will be making the trip with me as well, as the combination of the soft colors and the luxurious feel of the cotton is going to make it come in handy for multiple times of day.

Measuring around 79" x 44," this isn't a small scarf that can only be used as a fashionable accessory (even though it truly is). It can be tied, draped, wrapped and more and the lightweight 100% cotton will continue to feel great against your skin and add color to your outfit.

I plan on having it handy to pull out to throw around my shoulders as a shawl with my La Rambla dress to make the outfit even more complete as well as add warmth when the air conditioning gets too high in the conference or when out in the evening...

...as well as being able to use it more as a scarf to add style to any outfit that I put together for the day for this trip as well as beyond.

I couldn't be more excited to get to show off the fashion and style that Tea Collection is known for! Both of these pieces are machine washable, so I don't have to worry about doing anything special to take care of them, and due to the high quality of all of Tea's pieces, I know that they will hold up and last for season after season to come.

Everything from the extra details and small touches to the ability to wear their clothing to just about any occasion and look put-together is something that I appreciate about Tea and love for my children as well as for myself. They know how to make distinctive, beautiful clothing that works for all ages!

That prices at Tea are on the higher end of the scale (the La Rambla dress retails for $98 and the Blanket Plaid Scarf was originally $88), but I truly do believe that they are worth it just for how great I feel when I'm wearing these and any other item from the Women's Collection. They're just that amazing and I couldn't have asked for anything more for the upcoming trip!

For more information about Tea Collection, visit their website and follow them on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date on their latest and greatest. I love checking back to see what's new, as I don't think I've come across a single piece I haven't found beautiful!

(Other than the dress and scarf from the Women's Collection that I received from Tea Collection in order to facilitate my review, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this company and their amazing clothing.)

Shabby Apple Women's Dresses {Review & Coupon Code}

As summer has arrived in full swing, that means all sweatshirts and flannel pajama pants have been moved into storage and it's time to pull out the shorts, tank tops, and light dresses.

For me (and about 3,500 other women), that also means that the annual BlogHer conference is drawing dangerously near and all thoughts are on business cards, large suitcases, and, most importantly, what to wear.

So, in my efforts to look stylish and confident this year, I turned to one site that knows all about fashionable women's dresses: www.ShabbyApple.com.

From classic black dresses to unique, vintage dresses to bridesmaid dresses that are sure to be a hit on your big day, Shabby Apple has a gorgeous collection of simple yet extremely stylish and versatile clothing.

With BlogHer being in sunny San Diego this year, I knew that I wouldn't be content in clothing that required multiple layers (whether underneath or on top) to complete the look or make me feel sufficiently covered. Instead, Shabby Apple makes getting fashionably dressed simple with pieces that are well-made, comfortable and beautiful all on their own.

When the Ahoy! Sage Voile Dress arrived, I knew that the turquoise color and unique style would be perfect for my upcoming trip as well as beyond.

From the pictures on the Shabby Apple website, I was already liking the cool, ocean color and the way the pleated collar of the Ahoy! dress gave it a tailored look. The description mentioned that it was a double layer of green cotton voile with a bright turquoise lining and bow belt and the pictures showing the "nipped waist" caught my eye. What woman doesn't want a dress that flatters as much as possible?

What a great dress! I took note that Shabby Apple mentioned that the Ahoy! fell into their Fits Generously category and ordered a Small instead of a Medium, and was glad that I did. The single zipper on the side closed perfectly and the lightweight, cotton fabric felt as though it could be worn for day or evening.

I promise that if you see me at BlogHer wearing this dress that I will have actually combed my hair with it as well.

Each time that I've worn this dress around, I've been impressed with how I'm able to stay cool and comfortable and that it manages to work for such a variety of occasions. The pleating detail on the top and waist give it visual appeal and I do find that putting the belt right at the smallest part of my waist gives a slimming effect.

I love the idea of being able to wear this dress throughout spring, summer and even fall and know that I'll feel comfortable while looking chic. Whether for a special occasion or everyday life, this can be dressed up with jewelry and heels or dressed down with flip flops or flats - it's the perfect combination of stylishness, high quality and great fit that every woman looks for! And, if turquoise isn't your color, it is available in a white/butter yellow combination in their Lighthouse dress.

With many different styles of dresses available (including maternity dresses and girls' dresses), Shabby Apple is sure to have multiple items that you'll love. You can even complete your look with their fashionable accessories such as jewelry, shoes and bags or get ready to hop in the pool with their swimwear.

Although prices at Shabby Apple are on the higher end (the Ahoy! dress retails for $89), they aren't really that much more than what you would find in department stores or boutique shops. However, if you're looking for a deal, there are also some great finds in their Sale section that will have you looking great for less. Plus, you can take an extra 10% discount when you enter the coupon code thanksmailcarrier10off at checkout (expires 8/21/11)!

For stylish clothing you'll feel comfortable wearing, Shabby Apple has a dress (probably quite a few, actually) that you'll love. You'll also want to connect with them on Facebook, as a Like will get you special promotions and discounts that you won't want to miss.

(Other than the Ahoy! dress that I was sent from Shabby Apple, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this website and their beautiful items.)