7 ways to wear Red Plus Size Pants Lands End Chino

August 30, 2012 superexhausted 20 Comments

When Lands Ends contacted me to review there chinos I jumped at the chance. I wanted to have a pair of red pants. so What do I love about Lands End Chinos. I am a size 22 and 5’10″+ so length and fit are really important. So I order off of my measurement. The pants fit perfect the the other thing is I have a bit of a tummy so a little support is important to me. The Lands End chino I choose was Women’s Plus Size Exhale™ Tummy Control Stretch Chino Boot-cut Pant

As a big girl, I was always told don’t wear bights on the bottom, it will make you look bigger. These pants were designed with a bigger girl in mind, they look current fresh and flattering such a change from always wearing black. They fit great, they have a built in tummy (exhale) control panel, it is like shapeware in your pants. The Exhale tummy control, gives you a smoother shape, which makes you look thiner. Smoke and mirrors for you gut. The pants came up high enough to avoid the roll top (muffin top). The length was perfect. which is huge for me, Lands End hems the pants for you just provide your inseam. The Cost of the pants is $75, hemming is included. These pants are sure to be a staple for me this fall.

Here are 7 ways I show my personal style with the Lands Ends Chinos: Using some of the items in my own closet, and pairing them with the red chinos.

Flowered chiffon shirt, brown leather sandals, brown leather purse, gold and wood jewelry I cant wait to wear this outfit when I got out for lunch.

This is my wear around town, tan trench, red and off white striped knit top, gold jewelry, paired with a nude wedge.

This is a great outfit for going to event in the City.

This is my boyish look with a boyfriend shirt, plaid tie, yellow purse, and black sneakers.

This is my Fabulous 40 and sparkle- the older I get the more sparkle I want. I love the pop of color of the chinos. I am wearing a sparkle tank , Black sweater, black patent leather pumps, with sparkle on the base. The clutch matches the shoes. I choose silver jewelry. I can see me going out for cocktails in this outfit.

This is my labor day outfit, my American look. Navy and white tanks, gold circle, and my could not resist USA shoes waiting
for the perfect outfit.

The shoes finally found the right pants.

the red pants paired with a Grey Cami, a teal cardigan, gun metal necklace and earrings, and ultra suede shoes.

So this late fall when we head out for looking a leaves my red chinos paired with my oversize sweater will be a great for autumn rides through the country.

Here is my video review of the Lands End Chinos so you can see how they look.

I had a chance to preview some of Lands Ends new plus size collection at blogher and I am really excited about the new styles. They even have big girl boots with wider calf. My advice to you is start building your style with Lands End and buy a pair of Lands End Chinos, they will make you feel great and confidant because you are the girl in the red pants!

Disclosure: Chinos were provided courtesy Lands End, the opinions stated are my own.

LIfe, Parenting, Philadelphia

GO ORANGE on September 6 to Speak Out Against Hunger #HungerAction

August 29, 2012 superexhausted 8 Comments

So today I attend a Feed America Twitter party. The reality is anyone of us could need the help of Food Banks it could happen just like that.. then before you know it. You are there. For me, My husband lost his job over 2 years ago. I can understand choices and and lack of options. No American should be hungry. Period. So take the time and read this entire post, I ask you as one American to Another.

The following are tweets by people on twitter.

The some of FACTS about American Hunger

@foodbankccs: This September Speak Out Against Hunger on behalf of the 49 million people in America who face hunger. #hungeraction

DresdenPlaid: My family was one of the 49 million families food insecure. I’m involved with #HungerAction so others know that they are not alone.

nokidhungry: At #NoKidHungry, our goal is to end childhood hunger in America by 2015.

CTECA: @feedingamerica It makes sense, right? They’re not focusing on learning when their bellies are growling.

@nokidhungry: It’s going to take all of us across the country to end hunger. Follow advocacy groups, share, educate.

@foodbankccs: Share information about #HungerAction Month like this video of Hungry Kate, Girl With a Belly Ache http://t.co/ZlTK8ILf

What can do to help end Hunger in America?

@JRin3words: You can start by getting involved at the local level: http://t.co/PMU9AfvJ

@foodbankccs: Asking local businesses to hang a #HungerAction Month banner or post.

@JRin3words: Also, donating to @FeedingAmerica helps bring 8 meals for every $1 to its network of food banks as well!

@nokidhungry: Dine Out For #NoKidHungry happens in Sept w 1000s of restaurants: http://t.co/oIJR89it

@foodbankccs: Get involved by downloading the 30 Ways in 30 Days calendar http://t.co/ZlTK8ILf

@VolunteerSpot: What r some donation guidelines for giving 2 foodbanks? http://t.co/BTj05gAM

@DresdenPlaid: Yes! My blog will be orangeplaid. Bloggers: heres how to help with #HungerAction http://t.co/GR0RkJZs

@foodbankccs: Go Orange in September. http://t.co/qC2uEHcY

Here are the People who are doings Something!

@imstephdotcom We used to donate snacks @ school for kids who came in w/o breakfast. Not their fault.

@mrlady: First thing is teaching my kids to help, donate, give, and show kindness to those in need.

@couponschange: By using 3 coupons on our site, we will donate a meal to a hungry child CouponsChange

@suebob: I’m lucky enough to have an employer who matches my contribution to Feeding America.

@nokidhungry: We also teach families how to cook healthy, affordable meals through @cookingmatters

@mrlady: We had one mom in our ‘hood who cooked breakfast for any hungry kid 1X/month. That woman changed my life.

@Kat4Obama: In my house we donate what we can every month to our local food bank.

@Tote4Pgh: Garage is now empty. 3 boxes of backpacks go to @Glccpgh and we wrap up summer! Here we come #Hungeraction month! #Totedrive

The Truth for all Americans!

AdaOrie1: When one person is hungry it impacts everyone one of us.

@mrlady: When you donate food, donate REAL food. Give people a chance to have real meals. Give the best, not the leftovers.

@DresdenPlaid: Pay attention. Donate without being asked. Help others let go of shame. GET INVOLVED. Feed America Facebook page

@mrlady: HONESTLY talking about hunger issues, trying to take the shame out of it.

@mrlady: You wouldn’t believe the difference giving a child a real meal can make in their whole lives.

@Babypop: We can not shy away from hungry it is in our towns and our schools Act ! http://t.co/E8aCzPEV

I know I spoke of NoKidHungry on my blog in april and I am asking you again do something with your family to change someones lives, teach good food not the old cans no one wants. Donate money that can help, consider the cost of one meal eating out. Or Dine cause .. Wear Orange on September 6th. and tell others why you are. Small steps can change America.

Everyone can visit http://www.hungeractionmonth.org to get involved.

Parenting

HERSHEY’S CAMP BONDFIRE & RECIPES

August 28, 2012 superexhausted 8 Comments

Crackling fire, smell of sweet marshmallow, and smooth HERSHEYS chocolate. That is the smell, taste of outdoors for me, every since I was a little girl camping with my family. I always know I have arrived in the woods for relaxation and good times, once the HERSHEYS hits my mouth.

I prefer a s’more cooked to my prefect specifications which are: the hot golden toasted marshmallow, laid on a cold firm just taken out of the cooler HERSHEYS chocolate bar. When I bite my bonfire creation; it is the crunch of the gram cracker, the goo of mellow and firm snap of the HERSHEYS. My mouth is drooling at the thought.

My daughter she loves to blacken the marshmallow (catch on fire) then blowing out the flames, then walks toward me for the assembly of her smore with 4 squares HERSHEY enough to cover the entire gram cracker evenly. She will always make more than she can eat.

My son eats traditional style smore but only one and then goes straight to eating the only the HERSHEYS chocolate .

My Husband smores? hold the marshmallow and gram cracker. Nothing but HERSHEYS

This summer I had the pleasure of camping with 16 families or 61 people. It was the annually church camping trip. Their were 30+ kids with hot pokers all dying to make HERSEYS s’mores. I was in my camping zone, many kids so everybody was entertained and great bonfire for all. We had 7 bags of marshmallows , 6 boxes of gram crackers, and 12 packages of HERSHEY chocolate. There was also was alot of sticky hands and over sweetened kids, nothing like a sugar high 9 o’clock at night. Here are some pictures:

The weekend was amazing many smiles and happy kids..also many tears when we left. One of the little kids came up to me the next few week later and asked

“Mrs. Sherry when can you takes us camping again? So we can have some more s’mores?”

Here are some add on recipe ideas for your HERSHEY smores;

peanut butter, chocolate, marshmallow and gram.
instead of gram crackers use chocolate chip cookies
add a pinch of seal salt to the chocolate
add caramel on top of the HERSHEY then the marshmallow and gram
add a slice of a fresh cut strawberry to your smore
a slice of kiwi in the middle

How do you like your Smore?

Thanks for a great HERSHEY’S CAMP BONDFIRE

#smores or #CampBondfire

This post is part of my participation in the HERSHEY’S CAMP BONDFIRE campaign. All opinions expressed are mine

Cooking

Pickled Squash and Pickled Onions

August 28, 2012 superexhausted 1 Comment

So when I Pickle I tend to do multiple things. I had a squash and zucchini that need to be cooked So I made Pickeled squash. Zucchini and Yellow squash are so avaible this time of year so having a new way to serve them is fun. Pickling them in a sweet and salty juice makes for a savory side dish to bring to a picnic or have at home. The trick is not to over cook them. I also made Pickled onions, because if you made the juice use it the onions are great to top and add to burger.

Pickled Squash

3 squash (zucchini and yellow squash)
1 shallot thin sliced
½ cup white vinegar
¾ cup of apple cider vinegar
1 cup of water
2 tablespoon of salt
2 tablespoon of honey
¼ teaspoon of thyme
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoon of garlic

Slice the zucchini / squash one of 2 ways strips thing Juliane or slices -set to side
In a pot bring the garlic vinegars, water, salt, honey,
Add onions after boil cook for 3 minutes
Add squash (cook 2 minutes for squash strips, or 5 minutes for sliced squash)
Spoon out into a dish with slotted spoon and refrigerate for 1-2 hours (Reserve liquid for other picking ) see below
Sever as a side

Pickle Onions

Used reserved pickled broth
cut up 2-3 onions

cook onions for 4 minutes
Spoon out onions to stop cooking process Refrigerator
Allow liquid to cool then add to chilled onions

Bot the pickle onions would be great on a burger to replace pickles or on a salad. try some today.

For a printable version of these recipe Pickled Squash or the

Giveaways, Philadelphia, Travel

How to Train your Dragon Stage Show & Giveaway!

August 26, 2012 superexhausted 27 Comments

Did your kids and You Love the Dream Works movie How to Train a Dragon! So when I was in NY for Blogger her I met some of the wonderful people from How to Train Your Dragon Stage Show. The show is produce by Dream Works live! It is coming to Philadelphia! in September 12-16th, 2012.

The How to Train a Dragon Stage Show show features 23 dragon who sore over head with a wing span of up to 46 feet! Also some are fire breathing. Viking warriors and world-class circus artists and acrobats, to perform against a state-of-the-art, wall-to-floor immerse projection measuring more than 20,000 square feet. They have state of the art animatronics and that are sure to wonder your entire family. My kids are looking forward to this fantastic show

The production will use the entire Wells Fargo Center. So it will be sure to amaze the kids and you!!!

To Purchase tickets for How To Train your Dragon in Philadelphia

Discount code is MOM — that’s good for 25% off to all shows.

WANT TO WIN TICKETS!

I am giving away 4 tickets for How to train your Dragon at the Wells Fargo Center Enter from Aug 26-6th, 2012

Note: giveaway is for you choice of the following show times only Wednesday Sept 12 at 7, Thursday Sept 13 at 7, or Sunday Sept 16 at 6pm.

How to win: So you want to go enter to win my giveaway for 4 tickets below.

Be sure to leave a comment in the comment section on my blog telling me What you would name your dragon (Mandatory to win)
Then sign into in rafflecopter confirming you did so. (mandatory)
Also you can earn additional entries. on the rafflecopter forms
you also can tweet daily!
Winner Announced and notified via email Sept 7th

Please note that entries that leave a comment and confirm comment in Rafflecopter will be consider to win. Winner will be selected using random rafflecopter winner.

The giveaway is only for the Philadelphia Show
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tickets are provide by Comcast Specator- superexhausted.com is providing this giveaway but not responsible for seating option choices at the event ticketing is handle with Comcast and will be provide upon winning.

Disclosure: I have received tickets in exchange for this post. All the opinions in this post are my own and I cant wait to see the dragons!!!

Travel

Duran Duran Live this Saturday in AC

August 23, 2012 superexhausted

Duran Duran is one of my favorite band of all time. I was luck to see the Duran Duran last year. Guess what I am heading to see them again. They are playing at the Revel Resort and Casino this Saturday night Aug 25th . Duran Duran is one of the best bands live they play all the music you want to hear from Rio to wildboys .. I love to hear them live.

Want to meet me there we can dance to Rio together. Come see Duran Duran Live get the Duran Duran tickets here.

Cann’t come to the concert Tweet along with me #duranlive

Parenting, Philadelphia, Travel

Take me out to the Ball Game #wordfullWednesday

August 22, 2012 superexhausted

Last night we went to the Camden Riversharks game just over the river from Philadelphia. If you have not been it is a lovely family ball park to go to and local. We had a great time with friends. The park is small and just the right size to show your kids what a real game is like. I love minor leagues and different sports for this reason. They are reasonably price and geared for a fun night. Plus the RiverSharks have a great view of Philadelphia. The stadium was very easy to find, just right over the Ben Franklin bridge from Philly.

TIP: I noticed on Sept 10th RiverSharks Community Night bring 3 school supplies to the box office and get a free entrance to the game (free ticket) the schools supplies are donated to EducationWorks. Plus if you come at 6:05-7:05 kids under 12 get a voucher that can be redeemed for a Hot Dog,Chips, and water.

For more info about the night contact Kristin Segers ksegers@riversharks.com (that is what the flier said in the bathroom)

Even my husband was in attendance- the game went 10 innings and the Camden Riversharks one.

This was my 1st time going to a Riversharks game. My family has been one other time without me. It is a fun game I loved going with a large group. each kid had a friend and I felt comfortable with them going to bathroom in groups or getting a drink (my son is 11). I like that about this stadium, I could see them from where we were sitting. We also had space to spread out, we were there mid week. I was a great experience and I highly recommend it.

Product Reviews, Travel

Back to School With Lands End

August 19, 2012 superexhausted 1 Comment

I recently had the opportunity to attend a Land End back to school event. During the event I learned about how makes there products safe and of high quality for our children. One area of focus was the Lands End Back Pack, they offer several different types depending on the age and weight of books kids carry. Lands end also test the backpack so they have our child’s health in mind with the amount of weight out children’s carry weight in the books.

I am no stranger to the Lands End Back pack, My son has had his Lands End pack pack since kindergarten. The backpack is still being used this year as he enters 6th grade- 7 years and it still is in great shape. The thing is if it wasn’t Lands End unconditional guarantee they would replace it. My son told me tonight he want to carry it to he finishes high school.

We also learned about Lands End jeans are tested to make make sure they last up to 50 washes with out the knees wearing out. I have a boy so his knees are always a big concern. I want to make sure that my kids jeans last through out the entire school year.Check the abrasion test they do to make sure the jeans are up to the beating of your typical child.

The night was topped of with a celebrity chef Sam Talbot educated us on healthy lunch option for kids. Sam was nice enough to show us how to make the following healthy lunch options for kids:

Turkey wrap with avocado and apricot:

2 six inch organic whole wheat tortillas
4 slices freshly roasted turkey breast
1/2 cup of shredded Romain lettuce
1/2 avocado sliced length wise 1/4 thick
2 tbls of mustard
2 tbls of apricot preserve
drizzle of olive oil

Directions: place tortillas town spread mustard and apricot preserve. Lay the turkey down, then avacado. Finish with a drizzle of oilve oil then roll it up. slice ten store over night in refrigerator. Yummy

Then the clothes the Lands end clothes for the kiddos this season are classic lands end but fun and funky. Have a look.

Disclosure: I attended a party sponsored by Lands End for this post, the opinions stated in this review are my own.

Fashion, Product Reviews

Rivet and Sway Eyewear Review

August 18, 2012 superexhausted 6 Comments

Recently I was asked to review Rivet and Sway‘s online prescription service. So what did I thin? I loved it it was so easy and simple to use. The eyewear glasses I ended up purchasing was not the glasses I though I was going to go for initially.

The reason is I think for the major change in my glasses style after 11+ years of wear square small glasses? Was when I have time to make a glasses purchase in my home, I choose what is best. Rather then going with what the eye wear person says looks the best in the store, or what you might think is the best, based on lighting or past choices. I choose what was the best what showed off my eyes.

There where other bloggers doing this same review and I noticed they put the glasses up to a vote, on facebook and got others opinion which I think was great, because you do not normally have many opinion when you choose. I was lucky that week I my pair, I happen to have 2 really close friends come visit and they gave me there opinion. It was so much better than asking some person in a store, that I have no idea on there taste level is. I am thrilled with my choice

Here is my video of the process of purchasing on Rivet and Sway.

Steps:

Go online to Rivetand Sway.com
Choose 3 try on pairs
Provide your credit card for a deposit they charge .99 (they are shipping you several hundreds of dollars in glasses)
The 3 pairs TryOn glasses arrive at our house- for to you choose glasses
Ship back on the try on pairs in 3 days after you made your choice
Enter your prescription and choice of frame
Pay $199
Then in 3-4 days you have your new glasses.. basically the whole process takes 1 -2 weeks or less.

The Glasses are amazing

High index lens if needed
anti glare
scratch resistant
quality eyewear frames
Top notch customer service they follow up to make sure you are happy.

I have to recommend this RivetandSway.com the way to purchase frames, for me going forward the result was so amazing. Just look :

Disclosure: I received glasses from RivetandSway.com for the purpose of this review, the opinions stated in this review are my own.

Parenting, Product Reviews

Zylie the Bear Review

August 16, 2012 superexhausted 13 Comments

Recently I was sent to review a Girl Teddy Bear from Zylie the Bear. Zylie the bear is a styles 18″ bear which is a great gift for all those Teddy Girls (teddy bear Boys) in your life that are not into doll but love stuffed animals. Zylie the Bear is a high quality dress up bear reviling that of a top stuff animals made in Europe. Zylie the bear is a amazing. She comes full dressed in high quality clothes. She is complete with her own story book and accessories.

Once my daughter opened the box I knew we found a jem in Zylie the bear. My daughter is not a doll girl she always wants stuffed animals so the Zylie the Bear is ultimate stuffed Teddy Bear Doll companion for her.

Zylie the Bear’s story is about her adventures all over the world. She is a metropolitan bear, living in New York City with her aunt. The creators of Zylie were sure to make a real story behind the bear. So your child can relate and base there play with a starting story then your child can add to the adventure with Zylie. Zyile also had a friend Shen a Panda bear she meets on her travels to china. Both bears come with there own chapter book.

The books are great they help to open your child’s mind to enjoy the hours of fun imaginative play that Zylie and Shen with explore with your child. There are many tea parties occurring in our house since Zylie adventure has led her to our home. The Zylie bear web site offers color pages and many other activities, be sure to check it out.

My daughter Video review of Zylie and Shen:

The bears features are lovely, the quality is that of a Steif mixed American girl. Here are some of the features:

Both bears:

Legs jointed parts as high quality tufted fur
Their own Story Book (2 different book one for each teddy)
Pas port
Packaged in there own keepsake box so the bear can be store properly- overtime these teddys are a heirloom teddy

Zylies the Girls Bear

Zylie’s jacket is lined with a lovely satin
Jacket us a love wool fabric, that the collar has an underlining of a cotton for a truly finished quality
The printed pattern of Zylie’s shirt was great modern feel.
Zylie’s skinny jeans are made beautifully with button details at the bottom
Her purse was made of 2 different fabrics
Her notebook/diary was actually stitch together
She also has a passport and map- which my daughter loved she kept open and closing it use them as props in her play.

Shen’s the Boy Bear

Leather like jacket so well made with the closure details
Shen’s shirt is modern touching on the current color-blocked trend complete with buttons
His khaki were right off the runway
I was most impressed with the detail on Shen’s backpack – complete with zipper, 2 different fabric and bungee cord.
Shen Drum sticks were perfectly to scale and feel of real drum sticks

Details, Details, Details of the Zylie and Shen are amazing. I spent 20 years in high quality apparel design and manufacturing in my former life, so I understand making garments. I was very excited to see the quality of these Teddy Bears. No detail was left off by designer Katie Fong in either Shens or Zylies outfit. You can also add to these your Girl Bears (or boy) for both Zylie and Shen additional other outfits to have a more complete wardrobe. Like Zylie has a My Fair Linen outfit that I can’t wait to get my daughter. It will be fun to build her collection for birthdays and holidays.

Tip: Also because Zylie and Shen are 18″ teddy dolls they fit in to all your American Girl and other 18″ doll clothes so they are interchangeable if you already have a collection of of American Girl, the clothes will get additional use.

Age: The company recommends 3+ I think that 6 and up is appropriate because of the changing of the clothes, to help promote independent play.

Price:

Zylie is $50 for the start kit it also is currently on sale on Amazon for under $35.69 Zylie the bear.

Zylie’s clothes run about $20 outfit.

Shen the bear is $50 currently on amazon.

I would high recommend Zylie the Bear and Shen as the a great holiday birthday gift, I would buy early to make sure you dont miss out on this amazing friend for your child.

Search amazon now for the Adventures of Zylie the bear

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that help to support the cost associated with the publishing of this blog. I was given these bears, the opinion in this post are all my own.

Superexhausted

Monthly Archives: August 2012