Running Armband for Samsung Galaxy S5 S4 S3 Review

i2 Gear Armband for Samsung

I have been looking for a case for my smartphone.  I was happy to be able to try out this i2 Gear sports armband.  The armband arrived quickly and well packaged.  There is a reflective band to help people see you at night.  I really like the bright pink color.  Great so you can keep track of it in your workout bag or noticeable at home so you don't forget to workout.  It's like a little pink beacon tat reminds me that I need to get out of the house even on cold mornings and get some needed exercise.  Winter has not been kind to my diet.  

My Galaxy 5 slides easily into the back of the case.  The stitching is really solid and even.  I like that there are solid plastic pieces where the velcro strap folds over on itself.  This keeps the whole armband laying flat and gives it a longer life.  The velcro itself is solid and has the whole arm band in velcro for ultimate adjustability.  The other great part about the adjustment is that there are two threading holes to get great stability along with adjustability. Also on the back side where the phone is inserted there is a bit of rubberized paint to keep the slit for the phone fused together so the material does not pill up or unfurl.  There is also a slot to store your house key or a small car key.  They really did think of everything for the comfort of long term use.  

#samsungarmband

Well I have been happy from day one with this armband.  Wearing the i2 Gear armband is so comfortable when out and exercising.  The neoprene sleeve that is the side facing your skin is smooth and there are no burs or sharp edges that can become very irritating to skin.  The clear plastic sleeve is large so you can use your full touchscreen and I have not had any glitches when using the phone while in the sleeve.  

At $7.99 for this armband I did not have really high expectations but I am super happy with this and recommend it to everyone.  

From the Company

Samsung Galaxy S5 Sports Armband by i2 Gear

If you've ever been out running and tried to listen to music or send a quick text while taking a breather you know its almost impossible to use your phone without covering it with sweat or worse dropping it along the way! Now with this armband you can safely interact with your touch screen and listen to your favorite music :)

Compatibility and Use
Use your armband with the new Galaxy SII, SIII, S4 and S5 from all carriers. You can wear it over your biceps or on your forearm. The night reflector provides additional visibility for outdoor early morning and evening runs. There is even a slot for your house key which we all know can be a lifesaver. This armband is also great for high intensity workouts, spin class, yoga or even casual walking or outdoor activities.

Precision and Protection
The touchscreen is fully accessible through the plastic cover. The armband pouch and cover keeps your phone safe from impact and moisture while working out.

Size
This armband is lightweight and accommodates arm sizes from approx. 9 to 17 inches. Also we recommend that you use this armband without a case.

Material and Care
Made of nylon, velcro and neoprene materials. This armband can be safely hand washed and air dried after use. We do NOT recommend machine washing your armband as this could cause damage.

I received this product in exchange for sharing my honest, unbiased opinion. This post may contain affiliate linking.

Well thank you for reading and have a great day!  

2 Dream Essentials Sweet Dreams Sleep Mask Review

#dreamessentials

I am often traveling and do not always have the luxury of sleeping in a quiet dark room.  Often I am on a plane or airport, or guesthouse.  Sometimes I am traveling with others and therefore sharing a room.  All these locations make it pretty difficult to get to sleep quickly.  

This Dream Essentials sleep mask is fantastic.  Really, the best sleeping mask I have had.  I like how soft the mask is on my face with almost complete light blocking.  The molded nose is able to keep from pressing the mask too tightly against my head  Also the adjustable velcro straps are wide so there is no pulling like elastic bands can sometimes do.   I found there was no pressure when using them to sleep on my side or on my stomach.  Like normal face masks This sleep mask came off while I was sleeping.  No problems not getting a good night's sleep.  

This sleep mask comes with a set of earplugs and a travel bag.  The sleep mask 
folds over and fits in the small carry pouch.  Very convenient.  

From the Seller

• Breathe's extremely well, this sleep mask is slim-line and very stylish great value for it's price
• Allows for uninterrupted rapid eye movement (rem) mask contours away from eye and lashes
• Comfortable, wide elastic strap has a quick release closure
• Made of comfortable closed cell foam and nylon that is washable and quick drying
• A free pair of soft foam earplugs and drawstring carry pouch included with every mask

I received this product in exchange for sharing my honest, unbiased opinion. This post may contain affiliate linking.

PopSugar Must Have January 2015 Review

I received my second PopSugar Must have Box and I am still happy with this subscription.  PopSugar has items for beauty, skin care, beauty, sometimes fitness, and always some sort of tasty treat.  The January box was well in the full theme of winter.  I like when a whole box seems joined together and flows so you can envision using all  the items in a month.

• The first item I looked at is a full tub of Ultra Repair Cream by First Aid Beauty($28).  I am amazed by how moisturizing and repairing this cream is.  I see that it can be used for the face as well as everywhere else.  I have been using this cream on my hands and elbows.  the cream is non-greasy and long lasting.  I like that I have (with other treatments) seen a reduction in cracked cuticles; a problem I have in cold dry weather.
• The next item is the Keep Cup($26).  Basically a travel cup but nothing like a travel cup!  This reusable cup was designed by baristas in Australia and they really took the time to create something that is really functional while fashionable.  The cup is tempered glass and 12 oz.  A removable rubber cuff that is pretty tightly on.  An awesome lid that is tight fitting with a great ergonomic drinking spout.  The more I read and use this cup the more I love it.  It is slosh proof and fits in car holders.  The Keep Cup has markers for 8 oz. and the full 12oz so baristas can make drinks accordingly.  This is a new staple for on the go.
• My next item is the eye gel pads by ToGoSpa($12.50).  I love eye gel pads!  I have used eye pads for years and like the cooling/soothing feeling on my delicate under eye area.  This comes with 3 pairs.  A great addition for cold dry weather.  I like to keep mine in the fridge so I get additional cooling effects.  I found these pads to be pretty slippery so it is better recline on your back to keep these from sliding down your face.  Just read, light a candle, and let it go.  Also the foil was a real pain to peel back so open the package before you do anything that would make your hands a bit slick, like using hand cream.
• Okay you have pampered yourself so now you need to calm by heating up with some hot yoga of a good workout.  The sQua Hand Towel by Manduka($16) is there to help you keep your poses from slipping due to sweaty hands.  A real problem for me.  I like this for vinyasa yoga so I can keep my hands in place.  
• It's cold out so you had better cover your head when going outside.  the Pom Pom hat by Jack + Lucy is just what you need.  It is soft and slouchy with a imitation fur pom pom.  I have a ton of hats after living close to North Korea for 3 winters so I will probably put this in a giveaway.  be on the lookout! 
• So now you are feeling great and these Skin Jewel Tattoos($18) will let you think about the warm weather that is right around the corner.  You get two sheets of fun designs of metallic temporary tattoos.  These temporary tattoos are perfect for a little highlight at the beach or music festival. 
• Finally you have the chance to refuel with a full bag of Nature Valley Protein Granola($3.68).  This tasty Peanut butter & dark chocolate is great for snacking and you get 10 grams of protein in every serving.  Enough to really feel like the nutrition is there.  Plus it is super tasty.  

Well I hope you enjoyed this review.  You can subscribe HERE  by entering (affiliate link) and take $5 off your first box by entering the code:  MUSTHAVE5 or simply look at the website at www.musthave.popsugar.com.

#Giveaway

 I will most likely purchase the Ultra repair cream again and probably a Keep Cup for Mr. Man.  

Thank you for reading and have a great day!

PopSugar Must Have December 2014 Review

PopSugar Must Have Box

I can't believe that I just late last year discovered subscription boxes.  The value! The surprises!  The cattiness of the review comments!  My love of receiving mail coupled with beauty and home gifts got me sucked in very quickly.  I used sub boxes almost exclusively this past Christmas and I know that these boxes will provide gifts for myself (and friends & family) for another year at least.

I got a great 6 month deal for PopSugar's monthly box.  They are monthly $39 including shipping & tax and have discounts for 3.6.& 12 month subscriptions.

My first box was the December box and I was not disappointed!  It arrived boxed up with  an information card to give details about all the items.

• The scarf is a soft grey with gold paint splattered throughout.  It is shiny on the one side and a soft silvery matte on the reverse.  The scarf is long enough to wrap around the neck twice.  It is a tight enough weave that it will block out wind but still more of a fashionable rather than functional scarf.  
• There was also a lovely SparklePop necklace with a large diamond pendant.  The chain is delicate but still looks proportional to the pendant.  I am not much of a costume jewelry person but really love the long length of this necklace.  It does not look at all junky and I have received compliments every time I wear it out.  Great with a solid turtleneck due to the length.  
• There is a packet of dusty blue card tags.  Um, okay.  Nice but it will most likely spend the next decade in a junk drawer if not given away.
• I next pulled out the Smashbox lip lacquer in Bordeaux.  A great bright long wearing color.  You can paint it on for a bold statement, but I like a softer lip so I was happy that I could wipe it and blot and it becomes a soft stain with still a pretty berry color that lasts.  
• I loved the food item that was Williams-Sonoma cupcake mix.  I hate cake but I love having a great housewarming gift on hand for unexpected gift giving.  
•  The last item that I pulled out was a cute ceramic bowl with a shiny platinum inside.  It is perfect for a small nut or candy dish or can be used unfilled as a decorative item.

Overall I was happy with this box.  I'm so happy that the only meh item is a small package of tags and have gotten use out of everything else in this box.  The total retail value of all the items is $182!

#popsugar #musthave

I liked this box so much I purchased another so I could have gifts for others.  I will be giving away one of the items soon so be on the lookout.  You can subscribe HERE (affiliate link) and take $5 off your first box by entering the code: MUSTHAVE5 or simply look at the website at www.musthave.popsugar.com

Well thank you for reading this overview and have a great day! 

Women's 100% Rayon Low Cut Halter Top With Lace Review

VenJoin Halter Top

I like the look of this VenJoin rayon & knit halter top. The color is a nice eggplant and cream color with cream knit panels. The bust panels are double layered so they are not see-through and provide a bit of support as any bra would be noticeable underneath due to low cut sides. The adjustable ties for the halter are long enough so that after tying the bow will lay flat.  The stitching between the bust and knit lace has French seams so you do not see the seams at the top. The back is an elasticated wide band so there is a lot of comfort and some adjustment in the size.  The back also is very low but with the elastic there is no worry of slipping.   The bottom hem has a stitched edge and does not curl at the ends.  

#RayonHalterTop

My only issue is the bust size. This is my genetic fault and not really the fault of the top. I am very well endowed and with the low cut sides and plunging neckline there is no way I can wear this top even with a cardigan or blazer. I can wear a lot of halter tops but the cup coverage in this top it just too small.  I ordered a size Large so hopefully there would be more material in the bust but I don't think that there was. I would imagine that this top will probably fit C cups and smaller. I think this top will be a great addition for most ladies in the summer as it seems perfect for outdoor music events or the beach. I like that this top is lightweight and believe most people will enjoy wearing this top with a skirt or shorts. I like that this is also machine washable, though I would use a satiny laundry bag and add salt or vinegar to the first washing to keep the color from running.

I received this product in exchange for sharing my honest, unbiased opinion. This post may contain affiliate linking.

Luck Of The Irish Giveaway Hop

Thank you for your interest in "Luck Of The Irish" Giveaway Hop. Please read thoroughly and sign up using the linky below.

• This Giveaway Hop will run from March 10th, 2015 {12:00 am EST} through March 24th, 2015 {11:59 pm EST}.
• Each blog in this Event will have at least 1 prize per winner. You may have more than 1 prize but you may have only 1 spot on the linky per blog.
• Each blogger is responsible for obtaining his/her own prize.  Prizes can be sponsored or self-sponsored.
• This is an OPEN themed Event – but your prize should be family friendly!
• To sign up for this FREE Event, please use the linky at the bottom of this post.
• Prize minimum value of $15 please.
• There will be a #LuckOfTheIrish Twitter Party on Thursday, March 19th, 2015 at 12:30pm EST - feel free to start teasing it! 

• PAID OPTION: For a $10 fee you can co-host this event. You will receive:
• Be listed as a "co-host" for this event and be in the first 10 of the giveaway linkup.
• A link to your blog will be included in the opening paragraph listed on everyone's giveaway.
• Limited spots available! There are only 8 spots - first come, first served. Once these are full, the Google Form will stop accepting submissions.
• You will need to be sure to report your link BY March 8th, 2015 to ensure your spot on the linkup.
• Sign up here: http://goo.gl/forms/6AXAp9Rol5
• Co-hosts must post the giveaway hop signup announcement on their blog. You can find the announcement HTML by clicking here.

Blogger Requirements:

• Please join our Facebook Groups "Up All Night Blogging" and  "The Hopping Bloggers", which are dedicated to this Event and all upcoming Events. A lot of information will be shared there.
• Approximately 2-3 days prior to kick-off, an email with HTML code will be sent to each blogger. This HTML must be posted in your Giveaway Post. Giveaway Post must be live by 12:01 am on March 10th, 2015 or you risk removal from the hop linkup.
• In that email, will also be a Google Doc where you will need to submit your post URL - First Come, First Serve style - meaning the sooner you submit your link, the higher up you are on the Giveaway Hop Linkup (unless you are a paid co-host).
• Please keep your giveaway at 1 or 2 easy mandatory entries. There is no limit on extra entries.
• Sign-Ups will close on March 7th, 2015 at 11:59 pm EST.
• Posting about this Event, whether by including the button (below) in your sidebar OR by writing a post is not required to join (unless you are a paid co-host), but we’d love it if you did! You can use #LuckOfTheIrish when advertising. You can find the announcement HTML by clicking here.

To sign up for this Event, add your information in the Linky Below!

Please include your Blog Name as the "Name" along with the link to your blog homepage. This is just the sign up. You do not need to know the giveaway you will feature yet, but start thinking about it. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at TheHoppingBloggers@gmail.com.

Delicates Laundry Bags Review

#laundry

Laundry Bags

I really like these laundry bags. The large size ones are quite big and good for socks and underwear as it gives plenty of room to move around but still keep socks together. I use the big bags in the dryer as well and have not had any problems with the socks not drying at the same rate as normal. I have been using these bags for several weeks and the bags have kept in great shape.

The zippers stay closed throughout the wash and dryer with the security elastic tab for the zipper.  the zipper tab is made of plastic instead of the normal metal zipper but they are plenty sturdy.
I use the smaller size bags for my sports bras so they do not move around too much and the underwire does not get bent. The lack of mesh holes means that the bra hooks do not poke out and get caught in other clothes or just wound around the inside of the bag which happens a lot with holed mesh bags. I plan to use the larger bags for travel to keep the dirty clothes all together to help with packing and sorting.
The bags are well made with the seams sewn over with additional material so the seams do not pull apart during washings.  I think this is a well made bag that will hold up for several years.  
I recommend these bags as they are holding up well and are great sizes
I received these bags in exchange for my honest review.

InsideSmarts

1) Delicates Laundry Bag Perfection.
If you've tried any ordinary laundry wash bags, you'll notice the InsideSmarts difference in no time. These #1 Rated Wash Bags are made of premium-grade mesh that makes them as strong & durable as they are luxurious & smooth.

2) Everything in its Place.
This popular lingerie wash bag set ships to you with 4 Luxury Wash Bags (2 medium, 2 large). Keep like-colors separated using the 3 white wash bags for light-colored loads, and the 1 large black bag for dark-colored items.

3) Every Wash: Quiet & Safe. 
Zippered mesh laundry bags can be noisy, but not this new, 2015 Delicates Wash Bag design. Slip the rustproof zipper under the smart zipper guard to protect & ensure a quiet, snag-free wash.

http://insidesmarts.com/

I received these bags in exchange for my honest review but my review has not been influenced in any way.