Amber is very picky when it comes to clothing.  It must be this color, or that design.  It can't have ribbons, or bows.  And definitely NO PINK.  Through Twitter Moms, I found a fabulous site for her, where she can design her own clothes, and can get just what she wants, it's called Fashion Playtes.

 

 

We sat on the website and designed a hoodie.  It was so much fun and easy too.  The colors are fantastic (even for a picky kid!) and the appliques are cute.

FashionPlaytes.com offers gift certificates and would make a great gift for a young girl on your list this Christmas. That way the tween you need to buy for will get exactly what they want, no gift receipts needed! They will receive their customized product in less than 3 weeks too.  There are plenty of items to choose from besides tops and bottoms, including belts, headbands and bags.

Here is a special discount for $15 off your first gift certificate or custom outfit purchase of $25 or more– use TWITTERMOM15 at checkout.

 

I have a lot of things on my list every year that I want for Christmas, sometimes I get them, sometimes I don't, but they are on my list every year.

 A few years ago, I started adding more "comfort" things to the list.  Items that were fuzzy, warm and comfy.  My family knows that they will have a happy girl on their hands if a gift contains all three of those things.  So imagine my delight when I was asked to review the Chenille Lounge Socks from PatientStyle.com.

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I admit to not having "tough" laundry loads. Meaning that except for food stains (I do have sloppy eaters in my home), I don't have a lot of outdoors or grease type stains to deal with when I do laundry. Maybe that's why laundry is my favorite household chore! It's always a good thing when I can find a detergent and stain removal products that don't just work and smell good, but are also friendly on the environment.

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This year has been an exception to the rule - the thermometer has stayed above 32 degrees for November which is almost unheard of here in the Northern Plains (I'm not complaining by the way!). Most years we have already broken out the winter weather gear in early November, and the winter coats and jackets are usually for sale early in September. Of course most of you in the Midwest are nodding your heads along with me.

 

Since we migrated South from Canada, I know what cold is. Even here in South Dakota the winters aren't nearly as brutal as the winters that I grew up with. Whenever Amber complains about how cold it is she gets the "we walked to school uphill both ways in 2 feet of snow...." Well okay, not entirely true, and even it were, I had numerous Rothschild winter jackets growing up. Yes, it's true, the Rothschild brand has been around for that long, actually it's been around for over 125 years! So chances are, it's possible that even my Mom wore a Rothschild coat when she was younger!

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Starting with Thanksgiving, a lot about the holidays and the gatherings is about food.  I still try and watch what I eat, but not nearly as much as other times.  I want to enjoy the goodies that others and myself have prepared.

 

Of course that sometimes means that by Christmas, some of my clothes, don't quite fit me the way I want them too.  Do you have that problem?  If you do, you might want to look at a body shaper from Amon Maternity.
This is not your grandmother's girdle.  This is so comfy to wear.  Underneath the pants and skirts/dresses it really does slim you down and makes the buttons and zippers easier to close!

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I am a laundry freak.  By that I mean I ♥ doing laundry.  Yes, it's true.

I first heard about Soap Nuts about a year ago, and they thoroughly intrigued me.  I just never got around to ordering any, because quite honestly, I like the "artificials" that give me the "scent" when doing laundry.  I know in my head that no scent means clean, but my nose needs more convincing.

Then I got the chance to review a number of products from NaturOli (pronounced like naturally), and I no longer had an excuse to not try them.

Soap Nuts do really grow on trees!  When they get wet saponin is released and that makes them a good cleaner.

4 to 5 soap nuts in a muslin bag is all it takes to clean a load of laundry.  I did add some essential oil on the bag to "fool" my nose, but I guess either I didn't add enough, or it wasn't really essential oil, because the clothes came out clean, but with no scent.  That's right no scent (cuz they were clean ☺).

These same nuts can be used again, anywhere from five or more times.  Just keep them in the muslin bag and let them air dry.  When they stay mushy, it's time to put some new ones in the bag.  Oh and don't let the vinegary scent turn you off, your clothes won't take on that smell.

Since they also soften your laundry, no fabric softener is necessary.

The next product is what I like to refer to as Phenomenal Cleaning Powers - itty bitty bottle.

The EXTREME 18X Soap Nuts Laundry Soap and Green Cleaner is produced from pure soap nuts liquid extract.  Just 1/2 a teaspoon (seriously that little), in an HE washing machine will clean a medium load.

I found it a little unbelievable, but after doing 5 loads now with about 1/2 of my 12 load bottle left, I'm a believer.

Personally I'm a fan of this more than the actual nuts in the muslin bag for two reasons.  1.  I don't really want to dig through my wet laundry (yeah I grab and toss into the dryer), to look for the bag and then dry it out and 2.  This is going to be awesome for traveling.

Again no scent to this when the clothes are finished their wash cycle, and really the scent of the product is bearable even in liquid form.

The third product I got to review was the Soap Nuts & Olive Soap Bar.

Well the scent of this product does have something to be desired, but it's not made to be a chain store bath product (if you know what I mean), so for rich, healthy oils in a natural product a compromise on scent might have to happen.

It lathers nicely but without the chemicals that produce lathering in traditional soaps. We have very hard water where we live and I was pleased with how little I needed to get a decent lather on my cloth.

The EXTREME 18x was definitely my favorite of the three, and in difficult economic times that product and the Soap Nuts definitely make sense to purchase.

Price wise they are a great bang for your buck, plus they are all natural and safe for your family and environment.

All of these products and more are available in various sizes at NaturOli.  If you would like to try the three items that I received to review, it is only $8.50 for a sample pack.

I was provided complimentary products of the items noted in this review from NaturOli to use and formulate my own opinion for the purpose of this post.

I have to say I am really amazed at how many clothes I see in the stores that flip me back to the 80's, and I can't say I mind it.

I was in Jr. High back then, and some of my favorite items to wear were preppy polo shirts (with the collar up of course!).

When I had the opportunity to review a polo from TommyWants for Amber, I was ecstatic! It's kind of like reliving those years through her lol!

I chose to receive the Buoy Blue (how great are the coastal/ocean inspired color names ☺), since Amber's not big on pink.

I'm telling you this is a shirt she can wear all the time. Casual with jeans or dressed up with black pants or (gasp!) even a skirt.

They are purposely cut slimmer than most children's tops.  This is the type of style you will find in high end brand name polos.  And who wants an alligator on their shirt when they can have a crab instead?

The quality and softness of the cotton belies the price tag of $29.50 though (truly these are the types of tops you would buy in Nordstrom's and department stores like that).

If you like dressing your kids similar, this is a great place to get matching tops for the "he-crabs" and the "she-crabs", and when you spend $100 or more, the shipping is free.

Amber loves her shirt, and I like their mission statement of "Get Up, Get Your Shell On, and Swim Against the Tide!"   (That may just be my new wake up call to Amber in the mornings!)

Fun, preppy and comfy TommyWants is a little bit of the Outer Banks no matter where you reside.

To enter the giveaway visit TommyWants and tell me what item you would choose.

For extra entries you can

1.Become a Fan of TommyWants on Facebook
2. Follow TommyWants on Twitter and tweet "@threedifferent @tommywants TommyWants giveaway http://bit.ly/2Cf2Ba Premium, fun polos and belts for he & she crabs!"  (you can do this daily!)
3. Subscribe by email or reader to Three Different Directions.
4. Blog about this giveaway with a link back.
5. Become a fan of Three Different Directions on Facebook

Open to US & Canadian residents, ages 18+,  ends November 23, 2009 at 11:59 pmcst. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will bechosen. Email must be incomment or available in profile.  By entering this giveawayyou are stating that you have read my **About Reviews and my Privacy/Rules statements and agree to them.

I received a complimentary TommyWants Polo for the purpose of this review.

Est. 2004
Founded by designer & artist Shanda Chiumento. Sugar Apple Design focuses on translating the fun and nature of the Caribbean onto wearable art...from
tees & tanks to plush bathrobes & beach towels.

I love the Caribbean.  Two out of our last three vacations we've visited St. Thomas USVI where Sugar Apple Design is located.  The items that Shanda has are so reflective of the islands and the nature surrounding it, and when I received my tee in the mail it did not disappoint.

I received the Palm Tree tee as pictured here. 

Now not only does this tee mean something to me because I have been to the islands and it reminds me of our great vacations whenever I wear it, but my name Tamara is a Hebrew name meaning Palm Tree.  Very fitting.

The shirt itself is cut slightly narrow especially in the shoulders. If you're a tiny one like me, you probably won't notice, but if you prefer your tees not quite as fitted order a size up.  The construction of this tee is quality.  The seams are sewn straight (you know how sometimes on tees with the type of knit they are they can tend to curl), and there were no loose threads and the serging is professional.  (That's important to me, since I have to roll all my sleeves up due to the very short length of my arms lol!).  The fabric is a nice weight, not too heavy to wear on a summer evening, but cozy for northern winters too.

It feels comfy when you wear it. This shirt is really perfect for everything: workouts or casual wear. What's extra nice about it is this is not something you'll find at your local chain store so you will be very unique when sporting it!

So if you are looking for something unique for yourself or for a gift check out Sugar Apple Design for products reflected from and made in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

I was provided a complimentary tee from Sugar Apple Design for the purpose of this review.

The peeps over at Purple Pig Shirts (same peeps who run Crazy Dog Tshirts, those ones built by robot dogs...) sent me one of their Love Life t-shirts to review.  Seriously, this shirt has fast become one of my favorites in my closet.  It is very comfy to wear.
Inspired by health and wellness, these shirts are perfect for wearing when working out in whatever wellness activity you partake in.  They are super soft, and form fitting.  I am very tiny and received a small, and it's snug, so I suggest if you prefer something that doesn't
"cling" that you order a size up.  The lack of tag at the neck is always a welcome sight and feel in shirt also!

Purple Pig Shirts offers men's and women's shirts right now.  But soon they will have kid's shirts and will also expand their offerings to include long sleeve burnout t-shirts and sweatshirts.

Back to the shirt I received.  The screening is done very well, and I love the message on it.  It’s available for $29.99 and comes in sizes Small to XL.  There are so many styles to choose from, for many different personalities. This particular shirt also comes in a long sleeved brown style with pink print.

So if you're looking for a shirt to sweat, laugh and just hang out in visit Purple Pig Shirts for some of the softest tees around.

I was provided with a complimentary shirt from Purple Pig Shirts prior to writing this post.

Makes Your Washing Machine Smell and Look Great

I am on my second front loading washing machine. After a couple of months with my first one ten years ago, I soon learned that if I did not want my laundry room or clothes and towels to smell all mildewy, I had to leave the door of the machine open after washing.

Front loaders are great at saving water and not as tough on your clothes as a top loader, but the design lends itself to trapped water and residue on and in the door and gasket.

I have never thought of "cleaning" my washing machine. That seems sort of oxymoronic doesn't it, using a washing machine cleaner? I mean by default shouldn't your machine be getting clean each time you use it? Unfortunately not. Detergent and fabric softeners leave themselves behind, the dark damp environment is perfect for mold growth, and then (ick) we throw our clothes in there, and they pick all that up when we're "washing" them. Kind of ironic in a way.

In any case there is a better way to keep that scent and growth at bay then my solution of just leaving the door open and that's Smelly Washer.
To start on a washer that has never been cleaned - take one level cap of Smelly Washer and use your hottest water setting.  (Of course make sure your washing machine is empty first).  Agitate for two minutes and then turn off.  Let it sit overnight, and then in the morning complete the cycle.

Now I didn't have a mildew smell from my washer, since I always leave my door open when it's not in use.  But, I did have some pretty unsightly residue on the inside of the door.

One use of Smelly Washer as detailed above and....

Now to keep a cleaned washer clean you use just a teaspoon in a hot wash or soak cycle monthly to remove any accumulated residue.  Easy peasy.

A bottle of Smelly Washer runs $16.99 plus shipping, but that has 24 uses in it.  So that's less than a dollar a use which I think is worth keeping your laundry from stinking.  If you use the code differentdirections you will get 10% off your purchase. It's also an all natural product so you know there isn't any additional chemicals being put in your machine.

To enter leave a comment letting me know you would like to be entered to win.

For extra entries (the above must be done first) you can:
 
1. Subscribe to the Smelly Washer Blog feed.
2. Become a fan of Three Different Directions on Facebook

This giveaway will end on November 8, 2009 at 11:59 pm cst and open to U.S. Residents ages 18+. The winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the e-mail or an alternate winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you are stating that you have read my **About Reviews and Privacy/Rules declaration and agree to them.

I received a complimentary bottle of Smelly Washer to use and formulate my own opinion about prior to writing this post.

You know clothes are going to be liked by your daughter when they have been designed by girls much like her. And that's exactly how Igloo Island came into existence.

Mom Sandra and her two pre-teen daughters Brittany and Cailin created Igloo Island when the girls complained they couldn't find any fun and stylish clothing. With their creative ideas and a circle of friends who test market each product, plenty of fun and stylish clothing options in sizes XS-XL (4-6x up to size 14) are to be had.

Amber and I were sent the Denim Lurex Jumper to review.

Truthfully I have found in the past the words denim and jumper combined together conjure up images of farmers, school marms or mechanics. None of which (thankfully!) describe this piece from Igloo Island.

This jumper is really cool, with its stand out gold threading and the 2 oversized pockets (which can store lots of treasures, change or candy!).

It is very well made in my opinion, and can span all the seasons with either a tanktop or long sleeved shirt to go underneath it. Pair it with an adorable pair of tights and you have an outfit for school. Add something with a bit of lace and additional "sparkle" and you have something fancier for a holiday or special event. I'm excited because this jumper will serve Amber well for both casual and dress up dinners on our next cruise.

The jumper is stylish yet modest, a definite plus for me. I want my daughter to be able to wear clothes that are fashionable, yet still have her look 13 not 18 when she walks out the door ☺.

Amber is about 4'10" and weighs about 90lbs and the XL size fits her.

I have not doubts that your child will get complimented on her outfit while wearing it!

The fall 2009 line has lots of variety. Here are a couple more favorite pieces.....

Igloo Island clothing is sold at MyTinyCloset.com, go and check them out!

One of my favorite things about cruising is dressing up for dinner. The little black sleeveless dress and high heels, really make me feel special. One of my least favorite things is that the dining rooms are always cold. I suppose they need to keep it that way when you have so many people in the room, but somehow the goosebumps and stand up hairs don't go well with the look I'm trying to achieve .

Packing space is always a premium when we travel, and sweaters are bulky and take up too much real estate in my suitcase. What to do, what to do?

I came across Nimli in my daily jaunt across the internet a couple of weeks ago. They seemed to be the solution to my dilemma.

Nimli offers clothing, accessories, home décor, beauty products and much more from independent designers.

One of the brands Nimli carries is Azuri. Azuri makes scarves and shawls in many fabric and color choices. I received an Azuri Wool Wrap to review courtesy of Nimli. I chose a neutral color so that I would be able to pair it with any outfit.

I had the perfect opportunity to try it out last week. You see, I think our church has a colony of penguins that they are giving sanctuary to. I have come to that conclusion because  on Sunday mornings it is frigid in there . I have a number of sleeveless dresses that have been hanging in my closet all summer collecting dust, as it is just too chilly to wear them to worship.

So last Sunday I donned one, and brought along my Azuri Wool Wrap. Not ten minutes into the hour and I was positioning it around my shoulders and arms. I stayed cozy and warm for the remainder of the service. The nice thing about it is that it is not oppressively heavy.

Folded up this shawl takes up a fraction of the space a sweater does in a suitcase and it is the perfect accessory to take with on any vacation.

Visit Nimli to view all of the different Azuri items they carry, as well as a whole host of other natural and organic products.

If you are looking for opaque tights, We Love Colors is your one stop shop. The styles of hosiery they offer are exciting and fashionable. You can choose natural shades or step out in something bold, since We Love Colors is true to their name and carries over 50 colors!

September has arrived and soon the tights will be broken out not just for a fashion statement but to keep our legs warm too!

Hosiery can be expensive, and it can be helpful to know the quality of a brand before you buy, so you don't wear the item once and then have to toss it.

This is where (or wear!! lol) my review comes in  .  We Love Colors sent me a pair of tights to try out so I could tell you how they look, feel and fit!

I wore my Mocha colored tights for a couple of days before writing this review.

The 80 Denier Nylon/Lycra MicroFiber content of these tights has a wonderful feel to them.  They are so comfortable which makes them perfect to wear all day and night.  I had not "slouching" of tights down my legs which is generally an issue for me since I am very short and usually fall under the height range (in this case I did as well, I am 4'9" and the starting height in the s/m size is 4'11").

The mocha color was perfect throughout, which if you're looking for colored opaque tights is important.

The footed tights are constructed well, though they have a seam at the toe, and as much as I tried I could not get hat to stay in position at my toe line  .

They kept my legs warm and I'm pretty sure they'll last me the entire fall/winter season. They'll be perfect paired with a pair of boots and a knee length skirt!

Don't miss the other great products We Love Colors sells. Take a look at these fun socks.

If you already own products from We Love Colors take some pictures and send them to emem@welovecolors.com, you just might show up on Their Friends blog!

To enter visit We Love Colors and comment with which product you would love to have.

This giveaway will end on September 17, 2009 at 11:59 pm cst and open to U.S. Residents. The winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the e-mail or an alternate winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you are stating that you have read my **About Reviews statement at the bottom of this page and my Privacy/Rules declaration and agree to them.

Using my thesaurus to find alternate words to the hip trendy witty tagline that Trendy Tadpole uses, I came up with fashionable stylish clever. And their clothing is their tagline, my synonyms and so much more!

Last year I had won a contest on another blog and picked out the King of the Playground long sleeved tee for my 2 year old nephew. So adorable it was, and I'm pretty sure he draws crowds whenever my sister dresses him in it.

What I didn't know until just recently was that Trendy Tadpole even sells tees for us grown ups! I was generously given one to try out and wear and chose the Japanese Bird.

These tees run small and the site does suggest ordering a size up. I normally wear an x-small or a small and ordered a medium, and indeed it fit. I like my tees fitted, but if I had wanted it a bit looser, even a large would not have been too big.

American Apparel tees are used and they are super soft. The designs available are so unique, and will have people stopping and looking. I had a couple of people ask what my shirt said (good thing the shirt's description on the site says "chirp" since I don't read a lick of Japanese! I must have looked so smart answering those people! Thanks Julie!).

If you are looking for a unique gift for a baby, or birthday, or want to get matching shirts for the kiddies and you, check out the many hip tees available at Trendy Tadpole, and know that you've done good by supporting a small business, shopping American made and being super stylish!