Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 {Review}

Sometimes I like to make myself feel old by thinking back to all of the outdated products and technology from my childhood. The VCR that had a remote that needed to be plugged in, the telephone with the rotary dial... heck, I remember being so proud to have saved up money to buy a cassette tape with my favorite music.

These days, I try to appreciate the advancements that have made my life so much easier and more convenient. And, one thing that I know I have never once missed? Wires.

There are so many cords running to and from just about every device that they make me crazy. They're always tangled, being yanked on, catching on things, and, in general, just in the way. Can't every single thing be wireless?

Although that time hasn't quite yet been reached, at least I have now found the absolute perfect way to enjoy unparalleled music in top-of-the-line comfort, incredible clarity, and the utmost in cord-free convenience thanks to the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

Known for being passionate about inventing new technologies that truly benefit people, Bose's Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 were designed to deliver everything you expect — and things you never imagined possible.

Along with removing the hassle of wires (ugh!), these amazing headphones have a sophisticated, comfortable design, extended battery life, easy voice control, access to your choice of voice assistant, incredible noise cancellation, and much more. In short, they're able to turn every moment into an extraordinary experience by making your music come alive and your life more convenient and connected. There's nothing more that I could ask for!

Considering that everything I read about the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 made them sound like a spectacular pair of wireless headphones, I was excited to see them in person to give them a try.

Even before I had them out, the Bose Headphones 700 were making a great impression simply from the stylish and impressive box and inner case. I love companies that create packaging that not only keeps their products safe and secure, but also make users excited just from the way they look!

As soon as I removed these headphones, however, it was clear that Bose went much further than a snazzy box. The Bose Headphones 700 are all clean lines and classic design with the wireless, modernized, lightweight, stainless-steel headband and angled earcups to provide a comfortable fit for all-day listening.

My next step included downloading the Bose Music App and, in a matter of seconds, I had my headphones activated, connected, and was taking a virtual tour of their many amazing features.

Bose really couldn't have made these headphones any easier to use!

I adore that they came already charged and truly, I had my music playing within a minute or two. All that is left to do is simply adjust to your size and start wearing! The large L and R make it a no-brainer which direction is front and back...

...and the controls for volume, answering calls, talking to your voice assistant, skipping tracks, and more are, quite literally, right at your fingertips. Just intuitively swipe left, right, up or down on the right earcup and your music responds immediately.

Not to mention that the three dedicated buttons provide direct access to some of the headphones' most important features. Whether you are selecting just the right noise cancellation level for your environment (there are 11 so that you can maximize it to eliminate distractions, minimize it so you can hear everything around you or just choose from nine other levels in between) or jumping into Conversation Mode to pause the music and let surrounding noise in (perfect to order coffee, chat with a coworker or listen for your boarding call at the airport), the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 allow you to do it all with ease.

As well as features that one would expect with high quality headphones, Bose took things a step further by including their unique Bose AR. This new audio augmented reality technology and platform uses a combination of motion sensors built right in to superimpose sound on top of the real world.

So, while most AR efforts are focused on overlaying simulated visual information (virtual roller coaster, anyone?) Bose's AR products detect your head orientation and body movement while you wear them. Then, Bose AR-enhanced apps use this information along with location data from your mobile device to offer you audio content tailored to where you are and what you're doing. There is a whole slew of Bose AR apps available for iOS users to experience this coolness!

Overall, I love the power, sound, and comfort that the Bose Headphones 700 provide and I couldn't be happier not having to deal with the hassle of wires getting caught, twisted, knotted, pulled, and more. Add to that having the ability to wear these just about anytime, anywhere due to their lightweight feel and it's easy to see why these can go from work to play to sport with ease!

I have especially been enjoying the ease of controlling the noise cancellation technology, as a tap or two allows me to move from complete isolation to full awareness of my surroundings all without having to remove these comfortable headphones from my ears.

Plus, Bose didn't only include a single microphone into these headphones, there is an adaptive four-microphone system that automatically adjusts to the environment to isolate your voice from competing noises. No more yelling or wondering if the person on the other end can understand what you are saying!

Really, my only complaint is that everyone else in my household keeps trying to borrow these from me far too often!

After having had the chance to thoroughly try out the Bose Headphones 700, I'm clearly impressed with the comfort, fit and feel, as well as the convenience that they provide for all aspects of a busy life and the overall amazing clarity, sound and removal of distractions that they provide. No matter if I am relaxing at home, outdoors mowing the lawn, boarding a plane or just living day to day, these are likely coming along as well!

Whether you are shopping for an athlete, a commuter, a traveler, a music-lover or more, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 would make an absolutely amazing gift. Your recipient is sure to love the sleek look, custom fit, perfect balance of function and design, and all-around great sound no matter if they're going for a run, rocking out, flying across the country or jumping onto a conference call.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are available now for $399.99. For more information and to find out more about all of Bose's innovative and award-winning products, visit Bose.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

I was provided Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and compensation in order to facilitate my review. This post is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Stylish Durability and Quality On the Go: Machir Bags, Backpacks and Briefcases {Review}

Similar to selecting just the right pair of shoes to provide style as well as comfort, I've always felt that having a different backpack or bag depending on who I'm with, where I'm going, and what I'm doing is equally as important.

I'm talking about the optimal bag for the right occasion. One that will allow me to go hands-free, won't dig into my shoulder(s), provide versatile functionality, hold up to anything and everything, and more. Therefore, just being able to hike it up on my shoulder isn't enough. No matter if I'm in a store shopping, heading to a business meeting or trekking through the zoo, I want my belongings to be comfortably (and stylishly) held out of the way.

Picky? Yes. Yes, I am.

With all of my requirements, it goes without saying that finding a company that can provide my ideal bags can be extremely difficult. Am I destined to hem and haw at every photo after photo when the style, quality, size, and more just isn't striking my fancy?

And then I was introduced to Machir.

Born out of a desire for rugged, stylish, and durable backpacks, briefcases, and luggage-type bags, Machir bags and accessories feature premium quality fabrics, leather, and trims while keeping comfort in mind. These gorgeous bags were made for those with an active and adventurous spirit and provide comfort, quality, and functionality while not compromising style or price.

High quality construction, beautiful fabric choices, and immediate evidence that quality and care is put into all of their product lines? What more could you (or even someone as fussy as me) ask for?

Deciding which of Machir's amazing bags from their stylish collections were my favorite was no easy feat. But when they arrived? Swoon.

Depending on where life is going to take us, my family was now prepared for work, travel, and life without ever needing to think about what bag would come along again.

First up, the Executive Slim Briefcase in Walnut.

As I spend the majority of my days away from the business world, this incredible briefcase was my husband's choice and I couldn't have agreed more. No offense to anyone who carries a stereotypical briefcase, but I can't help but see that old fashioned rectangular design with those flip open clasps and just think that it screams boring and old.

Instead, Machir made the Executive Slim Briefcase the perfect size that it can easily carry a laptop and/or tablet, papers, and other office essentials without being too bulky. The modern design includes the two carry handles as well as a removable, adjustable leather shoulder strap for ease of use and I love the addition of the exterior and interior pockets (and removable padded laptop case) for full function and versatility.

Machir even lined this briefcase with a gorgeous plaid fabric that gives the whole thing an extra pop of youthful sophistication that appeals to men and women of all ages!

However, when he's heading out of town for a work trip and the Executive Slim Briefcase Executive doesn't provide quite enough space, the Flap-Over Backpack in Midnight steps in and provides my husband organization, room, and sleek styling instead.

There's something about business travelers lugging a bulky suitcase or toting along a ragged backpack that doesn't add up in my mind. Instead, the chic Executive Flap-Over Backpack incorporates all the features of a traditional backpack style, but taken to the next level of executive elegance.

The strong and durable nylon is accented with classic leather and silver hardware, while the contrasting lining is easy on the eyes. Along with the large interior compartment, this backpack includes padded compartments to hold a laptop and a tablet on the inside and four different zippered pockets for plenty of storage (and easy access) on the outside.

It really all comes together in such a professional, sophisticated way that is perfect for travel, a student, or simply in place of a briefcase. If you've never thought about carrying a backpack to work, this one just might change your mind!

Lest you think that Machir is all about business, let me introduce you to their Signature Small Duffle in Midnight.

I have yet to come up with a daily activity that the Signature Small Duffle does not work for.

Heading to the gym? The large main compartment has plenty of room for your tennis shoes and a sweatshirt and the waterproof interior pocket is just the place for a wet swimsuit or sweaty clothes afterward. Packing for an overnight? The combination of the large and (many) small compartments ensures that you not only have space for everything, but that it can stay well organized as well.

On our recent family vacation to Central America, Big Sister E confiscated this duffle as her own and adored the convenience of it as her carry-on (she altered between carrying it on one shoulder using the included padded shoulder strap and using both handles as backpack straps) as well as for keeping her belongings all contained in a new location.

As we have since returned from our trip, Big Sister E has yet to give Signature Small Duffle back, so I'm either going to have to sneak it from her room or order another one if I ever want to use it!

However, I can't complain too much about losing access to Machir's great duffle, as I have been more than happy with my own versatile, high quality bag, the Signature Military Backpack in Avian Millennium Dusk.

If you're thinking something along the lines of If you've seen one backpack, you've seen 'em all, then know that originally I was, too.

However, of the many, many backpacks that I've used in my lifetime, the Signature Military Backpack has out-performed them all. From the wide, comfortable straps to the extremely padded back panel to the huge interior compartments (with plenty of smaller pockets to stay organized and keep your tech gear protected), Machir has thought of everything.

It even has a built-in waterproof rain cover so that if you get caught in the elements, your belongings won't get soaked through!

Not to mention that any other backpack that I have used started to show signs of wear and tear by having the bottom corners chip away or a zipper begin to fail... but no matter what I have put the Signature Military Backpack through, it has proven its quality, durability, and thoughtful function without problem.

I carried this backpack nearly daily throughout our vacation and no matter what it went though, it stayed comfortable on my back and shoulders and kept all of my essentials safe and within reach. I couldn't have asked for more and have continued to use it since we have been back and love it just as much!

Whether you are headed on a weekend trip, leaving for another day at the office, going camping, hitting the gym or more, Machir has the bag that will prove to be the epitome of comfort, convenience, and durability just for you.

While their collections do retail a bit higher than what you might pay in a big box store, their products truly are your soon-to-be favorite travel/daily companion. Every piece is long-lasting, high quality, easy to use, simple to adjust, and designed with luxury and versatility in mind. No matter where your next adventure is taking you, Machir will effortlessly come along for the journey!

To find out more about these and all of Machir's fantastic items, visit Machir.com and see their drool-worthy photos on Instagram. You'll also want to connect with this innovative company on Facebook and their blog so that you never miss a new product release, travel talk, fashion trends, and more.

Other than the bags that I was provided by Machir in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about these products.

A Dream-Come-True Mermaid Transformation: Fin Fun Mermaid Tails {Review}

As Little Sister B's birthday began drawing near, I was met with my usual struggle as to what gift I could give her. Toys? Clothes? Accessories? Stuffed animals?

Well, sure. But...

What about something a little more unique? Something that I knew would make her eyes open wide and her jaw drop to the floor? Something that would hold her attention long past when her taste in one type of toy has changed or has long been outgrown?

That's why I was so excited to be introduced to the huge selection of high-quality mermaid tail designs from Fin Fun!

As I mentioned last month, Fin Fun offer a vast selection of mermaid tails to choose from, making it easy to shop simply by selecting one of the categories. For instance, the Fin Fun Mermaidens collection features tails based on the beloved Mermaiden Princess characters, each with a unique personality and story, which can be found on the kid-friendly FinFriends.com site.

Or, for a brighter, more eye-catching option, the Limited Edition collection combines fantasy with nature's beauty in spectacular designs that have a shimmery, shiny look and feel. I found that no matter which category I browsed, each of Fin Fun's tails were even more incredible than the next!

Which is why I couldn't wait for one to arrive and for Little Sister B to be just as excited!

Does anything warm a mother's heart more than seeing her child so happy?

Right away we were elated to see the Bali Breeze Mermaid Tail and accompanying Fin Fun Swim Monofin in their stylish packaging...

...and I appreciated that both pieces were ready to use right out of the box.

The Mermaid Tail itself is, quite simply, gorgeous. The colors are bright and shiny as they gradually change from yellow to green to blue scales down its full length and the whole overall effect is a shimmery, sparkly texture.

As the fabric is made from a high-quality, breathable, 4-way stretch poly spandex swimsuit material, there is no problem pulling this lightweight, stretchy tail right on!

At the same time, the tail is open at the bottom so that it not only aids in getting it on and off and makes it so young mermaids can shuffle/walk, but it also makes it possible for the Monofin to be pulled on and off with ease.

Simply pull the mermaid tail up enough to pop your feet into the Monofin holes and then stretch the tail down and around to complete the full effect!

Is it any wonder that Little Sister B is so enamored with her Fin Fun Mermaid Tail and Monofin that she hasn't worn it once without a HUGE grin on her face? When we were packing for our beach vacation she questioned me time and again as to whether I had packed it because she just had to have it with her!

I really don't know if she could love this any more than she does, both for the incredible, attention-grabbing, realistic way that it looks as well as for the fact that it allows her to glide effortlessly through the water when swimming with it!

From top to bottom, Fin Fun has impressed us from the start!

I appreciate the attention to detail that goes into their products as well as their focus on comfort, performance, and safety. I don't have to worry that Little Sister B cannot get the Bali Breeze Mermaid Tail or Monofin on or off on her own, and the tail itself can even be machine washed on gentle to keep it clean and ready for the next use.

It really isn't any wonder that Fin Fun's award-winning products have become a celebrity favorite, as well as the best-selling mermaid tail brand in the world!

Do you have a mermaid fan in your life? Fin Fun offers amazing options in sizes for kids through adults, so you're going to want to head over to FinFun.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to see their full lineup of incredible mermaid products.

While a complete mermaid transformation is a little on the expensive side (the Bali Breeze Mermaid Tail and Monofin retail for $54.95 each), I am quite positive that Little Sister B will be using these gorgeous pieces for years to come!

But, wait! Why not save a little on your purchase? If you have a young mermaid fan in your life that would love Fin Fun products just as much as mine does, enter the coupon code USFAMILY16 to save $5 off of your order today.

Other than the Mermaid Tail and Monofin I received from Fin Fun in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about these products.

Wireless Freedom with the JBL Everest 700 Headphones {Review}

Sometimes I like to make myself feel old by thinking back to all of the outdated products and technology from my childhood. The VCR that had a remote that needed to be plugged in, the telephone with the rotary dial... heck, I remember being so proud to have saved up money to buy a cassette tape with my favorite music.

These days, even though we've come a long way, I'm certain that many of the items we use now will someday also be obsolete dinosaurs. Will my own kids look back and scoff at having had a plain old toaster? A television that is simply flat? A car that doesn't hover?

For me, one thing that I already know I won't miss as more advancements are made is wires. There are so many cords running to and from just about every device that they make me crazy. They're always tangled, being yanked on, catching on things, and, in general, just in the way. Can't everything be wireless?

Although that time hasn't yet been reached, at least I have now found the absolute perfect way to enjoy music in unmatched comfort, incredible clarity, and the utmost in cord-free convenience thanks to the JBL Everest 700 around-ear wireless headphones.

Known for turning every moment into an extraordinary experience by making your music come alive, JBL's Everest 700 headphones are the perfect holiday gift for music lovers and iPhone 7 owners everywhere. Why deal with the hassle of wires (or wonder why Apple removed the headphone port) when you don't have to?

Instead the Everest 700 connect instantly to Bluetooth, deliver spectacular sound, are ergonomically designed to fit the unique contour of your ears, include a built-in microphone, and even feature Share Me 2.0 technology (enabling multiple pairs of Bluetooth headphones to connect to each other to share music, videos, and games). There's nothing more that I could ask for!

Considering that everything I read about the Everest 700 made them sound like a spectacular pair of wireless headphones, I knew that I needed to see them in person to give them a try.

Even before I had them out, the Everest 700 were making a great impression simply from the stylish and impressive box. I love companies that create packaging that not only keeps their products safe and secure, but also make users excited just from the way they look!

As soon as I removed these headphones, however, it was clear that JBL went much further than a snazzy box. The clean lines and classic design of the Everest 700 are highlighted perfectly by the crisp black all-over coloring (these are also available in a sleek gray) and the sculpted ear cushions are the softest that I have ever felt.

All that was left to do was charge these up (they have a 25 hour rechargeable battery, so one charge is all you need for quite a while!) and they would be ready to deliver my tunes.

JBL really couldn't have made these headphones any easier to use!

Once charged, it took less than 10 seconds for me to have them paired with my phone's Bluetooth — there are even simple voice instructions that come through to help out just in case.

Then simply adjust to your size and start wearing! The large L and R make it a no-brainer which direction is front and back...

...and the controls for power, volume, answering calls, skipping tracks, and more are right at your fingertips.

Although we don't own another pair of Bluetooth-enabled headphones to test out the ShareMe 2.0 option, I also love that the Everest 700 have the ability to connect wirelessly this way. I have no doubt that at some point in the future we will be using these to share audio with another set of headphones (of any brand) so that multiple people can listen in to music, movies, and more!

Overall, I love the power, sound, and comfort that the JBL Everest 700 headphones provide and I couldn't be happier not having to deal with the hassle of wires getting caught, twisted, knotted, pulled, and more. Add to that having the ability to wear these just about anytime, anywhere due to their lightweight feel and it's easy to see why these can go from work to play to sport with ease!

In fact, the only issue that I initially had problem with was the one second delay in the sound when watching movies or videos. No one likes it when the actors' lips don't match up with their words, right? Well, a simple visit to the JBL website to download an update to the firmware and install that to my Everest 700 and these now match the audio perfectly. I'm 100% thrilled!

Clearly, I've been extremely impressed with the comfort, fit, and feel of the JBL Everest 700, the convenience that they provide for all aspects of a busy life, and the overall amazing clarity and sound that they provide. I will never travel, work out or pump up the bass without them!

This holiday season, whether you are shopping for an athlete, a workaholic, a commuter, a music-lover, an iPhone 7 owner or more, the JBL Everest 700 around-ear wireless headphones would make an absolutely amazing gift. Your recipient is sure to love the sleek look, custom fit, and great sound no matter if they're going for a run, rocking out or jumping onto a conference call!

JBL Everest 700 headphones are available now for $199.95 directly from JBL or on Amazon. For more information and to find out more about all of JBL's innovative and award-winning products, visit JBL.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Other than the JBL Everest 700 headphones that I was provided in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Give the Gift of Positivity and Style: prAna Clothing and Accessories {Coupon Code}

Wouldn't it be nice if, when arriving at a website, there was a little meter that could answer the questions that you're really thinking?

How many times have you browsed online and wondered things like: Is this furniture going to fall apart after one month? Are these sheets going to turn out to be scratchy and rough? Are these toys truly safe for my children? Is that gadget going to be out of date by the time it arrives here?

I just want to know that a company cares — about their products, about the environment, about their customers, and about giving back. I want to know that they love what they do and are passionate about sharing that with the world. On top of that, I want their products to be well-made, high quality, and ones that I'm going to look at every day and be happy that they're in my home.

Is that all too much to ask? For a lot of sites, yes. But for prAna, that's exactly what you'll find in their stylish, comfortable, and gorgeous apparel, accessories, and gifts.

Focused on creating versatile, stylish, and sustainable clothing and accessories that you can wear during every activity, every adventure, and for every day, prAna makes clothing that looks good and plays hard. Plus, along with combining classic and urban style with sustainable materials, they are always mindful of where and how their creations are made.

Pretty great, right? I love that prAna offers sustainable, recycled, fair trade certified, and hemp items so this holiday season you can gift your friends and family (or yourself) something amazing that also shows love for our planet.

But not only that, prAna also makes it a top priority to give back to communities all over the world. From making a difference locally in their own community to sending aid to international charities and areas affected by natural disasters, it is easy to feel good about your purchase actually helping make a difference.

So even though I was already impressed with prAna and completely smitten with the look of the Annexi Pant and Stacia Sweater just from their pictures, seeing and feeling them in person still left me in complete amazement.

Crafted from 54% hemp (an incredibly sustainable and eco-friendly product), the Annexi Pant is lightweight, comfortable, and perfect from morning until night. Going to yoga? They'll take you there. Throwing on a pair of tennis shoes and running errand after errand? You'll look chic and modern while staying cozy. Curling up on the couch with a good book? You're all set.

Everything from the elastic leg cuffs to the relaxed fit to the addition of the back elastic waistband makes the Annexi the most versatile pair of pants that I own. They can easily be dressed up, worn to work, donned for a hike in the wild outdoors, and more. Each time I have reached for them I feel ready for anything and everything that life may throw at me that day!

But as much as I like the Annexi Pant, prAna's Stacia Sweater has easily been my new go-to sweater to keep me warm as winter has set in here in the Midwest.

This Fair Trade Certified sweater is made from extremely soft organic cotton and features Dolman style sleeves and an intricate stitching design down the front. I love the added detail that gives the Stacia just a little something extra!

While I wish that it were just a few inches longer, the relaxed fit has made this perfect for layering over just about any tank or top and this sweater looks great with leggings, pants, skirts, and more.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with prAna as a company and with their amazing apparel. They clearly care about the environment as well as with providing their customers high quality items that are safe from any unwanted, harmful ingredients... and that will surely provide style, comfort, and luxury for any age no matter what sort of adventure you may be going on.

Although the prices on prAna items are a little higher than I might normally pay (the Annexi Pant retails for $85 but is currently on sale for $59.50 while the Stacia Sweater sells for $89 but is on sale for $62.30), these are definitely items that feel sumptuously worth it. Not to mention that each time you reach into your closet and pull a prAna item out to wear, the feeling of having made a positive impact on the planet makes it feel just that much better!

This holiday season and beyond, head over to prAna.com (and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest) to see their full collection of organic, hemp, sustainable, and fair trade items that would make fantastic gifts.

But, wait! Who doesn't want a good deal? Simply enter the promo code TMHF16TMC at checkout and you'll receive a 15% discount off of your entire prAna order!

Other than the prAna clothing samples that I received in order facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about these products and this company.