Showing posts with label Holiday Gift Guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday Gift Guide. Show all posts

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Aurorae Has Your Last Minutes Gift Needs

If you are like me you probably still have people on your list to buy gifts for. Thankfully with two day shipping on Amazon and the wide range of selection from Aurorae the options are vast. The Aurrorae Spa line has options for all of yogi friends as well as options that will make anyone happy.

I've never met a woman who did not love candles, scented candles preferably. For that matter all the men I know always comment on how nice my candles make my house smell. The Aurorae Spa line has candle in a variety of options.   

The soy pledge candles come in 6.8 ounce, 26 ounces, or tea candles that burn 6-7 hours. I think the tea candles would be a perfect gift as they would turn any bath time in to a relaxing meditative time. While the larger 26 ounce candles are wonderful for scenting the whole house, as I need to do often since I have a lot of dogs. 
For this holiday season I ended up with my own 6.8 ounce pledge candle. These are the perfect size for meditations and even room scenting. I love that they are soy, which makes them renewable and free from the carcinogens that can be found in other candles. It helps you to breath easier knowing that the lovely scent in your space isn't toxic. 

They come in fifteen scents and are designed to help you focus on a state of mind. What a scent makes us think if is all very personal so I recommend you use your own experience when choosing which scent to guide your intents with. The scents are gentle and soothing, I love that they are strong enough to give you the desired effect, but not overpowering. It only takes about five minutes for the scent to fill your space as well which is a great time, as that is usually about how long it takes me settle in and push away the world. I also really like the tin they come in. In addition to it being recyclable you don't have to worry about shattering as I have had happen with glass candle jars. 

If you are looking for something truly unique I also had the great pleasure of try the Yoga Mat Flip Flops! Seriously how cool is that? It is a dreamy comfortable feeling for your feet as you might imagine, probably more so than you imagine. These are the most comfortable flip flops I have ever worn, and being from Florida I have logged many hours in flip flops. 

They are made from yoga mats, and extra thick so you get all the same support and comfort that you get from your mat. There is also a vegan friendly strap that is lined with comfort in mind. You get the same eco friendly, toxin free safety that you get with the Aurorae mats too. And let me mention again they are comfortable, the extra thick foot bed is so cushy.

Please hurry though so you can get your last minute gifts shipped in time! As an aside I will personally be giving pledge candles to the hostess of the New Years party I am attending too, so make sure you order extra candles because they make lovely thank you gifts for all the hostesses and people who make your holiday season special.

Aurorae sells the best reviewed yoga mats, yoga apparel, and yoga and meditation accessories online. You can browse their yoga mats, yoga bags, yoga apparel and other yoga accessories here.

You can connect with them on all your favorite social media sites as well. FacebookTwitterPinterestGoogle+, and Instagram


Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, December 11, 2015

Aurorae Northern Lights Yoga Mat

Some people can be harder to shop for than others but Aurorae has something special for the yoga enthusiast that promises happy smiles when unwrapped. You know I have been practicing yoga for many years, and as such, I may have a few mats, all from Aurorae.

There is something beautiful about giving a new mat for the holidays. This is the time of year we often think of new beginning and everything seems possible. A new yoga mat is also a strong symbol to me for new possibilities. A mat speaks to me and the Northern Lights collection has designs that will speak to you and your gift recipients.

The beauty and meaning of the designs made it really hard for me to settle on just one. Let's be honest, I will probably get more than one when it is all said and done. As a creative one who stays up late plotting books, the Midnight Moon spoke to my soul. I often do plot while stretching so it seemed like it had been made just for me.

Now aside from the aesthetics and beauty, there are sound reasons that makes these mats the perfect gift. The first thing I noticed was that it was long enough. I am five seven and often I find mats can be a little on the short side. However this mat was not. I had all of the room I needed for floor work.

Most of the time I have a very mellow routine but I also like to throw in something a little more intense on occasion and I am happy to say that this mat was slip proof for me and it gripped the floor nicely even when I was moving around like a wild woman.

If your yogi has eco leaning tendencies like me, they will be pleased to know that this mat is made using eco friendly materials, is biodegradable, and free of toxins. It is truly more than just a pretty face.

I enthusiastically recommend this beautiful mat as a thoughtful gift for the yogi on your list. In fact, I recommend you browse all of the wonderful things available from Aurorae and make sure you keep your eyes peeled next week when I will tell you about stocking stuffers and smaller gifts from Aurorae.

Aurorae sells the best reviewed yoga mats, yoga apparel, and yoga and meditation accessories online. You can browse their yoga mats, yoga bags, yoga apparel and other yoga accessories here.

You can connect with them on all your favorite social media sites as well. Facebook, TwitterPinterestGoogle+, and Instagram

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Stunning Holiday Gifts from Jord #jordwatch

There is always someone on our holiday shopping list that is hard to shop for. Fortunately, I have a great gift idea that most would love! A wood watch from JORD is sure to awe anyone who receives it. Jord watches are the type of item that you see online and say, "Wow, that sure is pretty!" Then when you see it in person you say, "WOW! That is absolutely stunning!" No picture does these watches justice, they are gorgeous works of art! Even the boxes that they come in are beautiful!


The watch my boyfriend chose is from the Delmar series and is in the color scheme Dark Sandalwood & Blue Carbon. This watch is beyond stunning and my boyfriend absolutely fell in love with it! These watches really are luxury style and quality without the luxury price tag. It is a great way to pull together a casual look and would make a great gift this holiday season!


If you have someone on your list that would love this watch, or any other watch from JORD, I am very excited to tell you that JORD has partnered up with us and is offering you guys $25 e-gift cards! Be sure to grab yours fast though, because quantities are limited! Entering is easy; click THIS LINK - it will ask you for your email and your favorite JORD watch. Once you hit enter, your code will be emailed directly to you!

To top it off, JORD has free shipping and if you order before December 19th, it is guaranteed to arrive before Christmas! Enjoy! Check out the JORD website to see all of their watches. Also, follow them on Facebook and Twitter to never miss any news!


Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers. My Empty Nest is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Best Holiday Gifts are at Best Buy


Do you still have last minute shopping to do? I know I have few gifts left to pick up. Some people on my list are harder to shop for than others. Thankfully there is a huge and varied selection at Best Buy. They really do have something for everyone. 

My husband loves his games and I found a great deal on the XBOX One at Best Buy. What is Xbox One? Xbox One was built by gamers, for gamers. With the best exclusive titles (Halo, Sunset Overdrive), the biggest blockbusters (Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty) the hottest sports franchises (Madden 15, FIFA 15, NBA 2K15) and top family titles (Fantasia: Music Evolved, Just Dance 15, Skylanders), Xbox One takes gaming to a whole new level.

In addition to being a great gaming console, Xbox one connects consumers unlike any other device.  Xbox One enables access to the latest TV shows and movies through your favorite apps.  With Xbox One all of your media is at your fingertips when you want it.

For my techy buddies Best Buy has awesome JBL deals too, like the JBL Charge 2. Between the twin passive radiators for deep bass, the massive 6000mAh battery and the hands-free conference speakerphone, the key benefit is the Bluetooth Social Mode which allows up to three different users to take their turns to play their own playlists on a single speaker.

JBL Flip 2- Aside from the dual performance-tuned JBL drivers and a built-in bass port, the key benefit of the JBL Flip 2 is the SoundClear echo and noise cancellation combined with the state-of the art microphone system to pick up calls on the speaker.

JBL Reflect Earbud headphones-  Sweat proof ergonomic design.  With a 5 hour rechargeable battery and a reach of about 40 feet, the JBL Reflect BT’s key benefit is the design of the ergonomic eartips along with the built-in magnets which keep your buds on standby without loose cables.

And they even have something special for that extra hard to shop for friend like the Garmin and TomTom

Feauting bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, traffic and weather updates.  Lane assist, Lifetime traffic and map updates and Voice Recognition Technology.  

The Garmin 52LM features: 5.0” display, maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates, lane assist with junction view, displays speed limit and accurate arrival time, easily find addresses and millions of points of interest, and spoken turn-by-turn directions. 

Or you might like the Garmin 2597LMT which features a 5.0” display, maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates, lane assist with junction view, displays speed limit and accurate arrival time, easily find addresses and millions of points of interest, and spoken turn-by-turn directions.  

They also have the TomTom Go 50s with lifetime TomTom Traffic: Drive with TomTom Traffic for the lifetime of your device, lifetime Maps (US, Canada, Mexico): Always drive with the latest map
3D Maps. See buildings and landmarks in stunning 3D 5" touchscreen with advanced lane guidance. 

No matter what you are looking for make sure you check Best Buy first! 

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. 

Monday, December 15, 2014

Find the Cannon You Want at Best Buy #CanonatBestBuy #HintingSeason


I know I have told you in the past how important pictures are to me. I really love being able to capture the moment perfectly. To be able to capture that moment, you need the right camera and now is the time to start hinting to your family about what you need/want.



While you are hinting, you might want to let them know that Best Buy is the ultimate destination for the latest cameras to capture your holiday memories. Of the cameras at Best Buy, I have really been eyeing the Canon EOS Rebel T5i. It is one of the best-selling DSLRs for a lot of reasons.



This camera makes advanced photography easy and fun, and gives you exceptional image quality, along with a host of features to enhance your creative expression. You can capture Hollywood caliber full HD video. Plus, it has continuous auto-focus while taking HD video. For pictures, it features an 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 5 image processor to ensure vivid, crystal-clear images.



One feature I really love, since I am bit challenged with interface, is the 3" vari-angle touch screen which simplifies navigation. Right now you can save $150 on the Canon EOS Rebel T5i at Best Buy*. Visit Best Buy to learn more. *offer valid 12/7-12/20

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. 

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Perfect Gift From Best Buy #CamerasatBestBuy #HintingSeason

You may recall I hinted before about something I wanted from Best Buy. Well, I am here to hint again because Best Buy is the ultimate destination for the latest cameras and camcorders to capture all my best holiday moments. There are three I want to tell you about in particular, hint, hint.

You know that I love to take pictures and I really do pride myself in capturing that perfect moment. These three cameras from Nikon, Sony and Samsung, all come equipped with built-in Wi-Fi so you can share amazing photos with ease. Upgrade your camera in time to capture precious holiday memories.

The first on my wish list is the Nikon D5300 DSLR w/18-55mm VR Lens.

This stunning DSLR has built-in Wi-Fi so you can capture high quality photos and share them instantly. It also comes with an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens that enables you to capture sharp photos and video footage. Optical image stabilization helps prevent blurring to ensure image clarity. Plus, it is also available in red or gray. Just looking at it makes my heart flutter. You can find out more details on BEST BUY.

Next is a compact system camera with the World’s Fastest Autofocus. I do think having a compact is important for times when just can't have a bigger camera and there are also times I just like to have a camera in pocket ... just in case. For those times I am dreaming about the Sony Alpha A6000, which features a 24.3-megapixel, Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor that makes it easy to shoot scenes in stunning clarity. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you share stored content across devices. It is also available in White or silver. You can find out more about this beauty HERE.


The last beauty I want to tell you about, so you can drool with me and get your hints out in time, is the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2. This digital camera that allows you to shoot, share, and use Android Apps. It's 16.3-megapixel, 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor allows you to capture sharp images and high-definition video footage. The 4.8" touch screen simplifies operation, and built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing stored files easy. You can find the full details HERE

While you are there make sure to visit the Best Buy Holiday Gift Center to see more great cameras, whether you’re giving as a gift or upgrading for yourself.

Never miss a moment. #CamerasatBestBuy

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. 

Friday, November 21, 2014

LG OLED is a great gift this season from Best Buy #HintingSeason #OLEDatBestBuy

My husband and I spend our evenings cuddled up watching TV shows just before bed. It's a time we both look forward to, so as the holidays approach I was thinking a nice gift might be a really special TV. Something like the LG OLED TV would be perfect! 

Have you seen the awesome display? The stunning design of LG OLED TV is only 0.21" thick at its thinnest point. Picture quality is spectacular, with Infinite Contrast that ranges from the most blazing whites to the deepest blacks. And, LG's exclusive 4 Color Pixel technology delivers bright, vibrant colors. 

What makes it so special is deeper and richer colors, stunning contrast and ingeniously curved screen. It is unlike any technology you've ever seen and it delivers a picture that exceeds your wildest imagination.The 4 Color Pixel technology enhances color range and accuracy. Plus, you can find content faster with webOS. 

Do you have a love for watching TV in brilliant life-like colors? Or maybe someone special on your holiday list does? You should really check out the awesome display on the LG OLED. Learn more here: LGOLEDatBestbuy.com Best Buy’s everyday price for this fabulous TV is $3499.99, which is a savings of $500. 

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. 

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Hip Mountain Momma

Every once in a while on my journeys, I stumble upon a business that stands for all the right things. Hip Mountain Mama is just that business. They are a small, mom and pop business that offers unique and fun products while spreading peace. They only sell products made in the USA or by Fair Trade in India and Nepal. Also, since they love supporting other mom and pop shops, you can often find Hip Mountain Mama offering products that are made by other small businesses.  


Also, as a company started by a stay at home mother, they support natural parenting techniques like breastfeeding and baby wearing. They  promote green, reusable, and natural products including organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp. On top of this, they reuse and recycle everything that they can and do their part to help environmental causes by monetary and time donations. I love finding companies that do their part to help keep our Earth beautiful and spread a good message!


From Hip Mountain Mama, I got the chance to try out a pair of knee-high socks made by a small, woman-owned business. I picked the Unicorn Love socks and I absolutely adore them! They are so soft and comfortable and did I mention, cute?! I absolutely love the design and how a little bit of the rainbow pops out if I want to wear them with my boots!

I love the socks that I received from Hip Mountain Mama! After browsing their site for a little while, my wishlist has grown to be quite extensive and I know yours will too! How could it not with such awesome products? Plus, you can feel good about a company that supports some many awesome causes! Be sure to check out Hip Mountain Mama's website and see everything they currently offer. Also, follow them on Facebook and Twitter to never miss anything new!

Come on back though, because it is giveaway time! One lucky reader will win a $25 giftcard to Hip Mountain Mama. Enter using the Rafflecopter below. Open to US residents, 18 years and older. Winner has 48 hours to respond before another one is drawn!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers. My Empty Nest is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Epson Expression Premium XP-620

I am sure you guys remember Diana talking about her awesome Epson printers and I have to admit, I was pretty intrigued myself! After reading about how much she liked them, I knew I had to try one for myself. I got the chance to try the Epson Expression Premium XP-620 and I absolutely love this little printer! It can do so much and has some really awesome features that has completely sold me on Epson printers!


This little guy can do a lot! It helps you save time and paper by using auto 2-sided printing, you can print borderless photos up to 8" x 10", and it can print 4" x 6" photos in as fast as 20 seconds. It also has wireless features allowing you to print from devices like your phone and tablet and there is also built in memory card slots for PC-free printing. You can also scan directly to Facebook and the Cloud for easy photo sharing. 

This printer uses the Claria 5-ink system which means you can replace only the color you need to and not waste any ink. I love this ink. It is such good quality and produces vivid pictures and crystal clear text. You can also print on all different kinds of paper and multiple sizes of paper. You can even print onto CDs and DVDs! I think it is really awesome to be able to print lab quality 4" x 6" photos at home that are smudge, scratch, water, and fade resistant!


The Epson Expression Premium XP-620 also has a 2.7" color, LCD screen for easy navigation and dedicated photo and CD/DVD trays. This printer can do almost anything you need it to do. In fact, it has been able to do everything I have needed it to do and so much more. Exploring all of the features is so much fun and I love seeing all of the beautiful photos and documents that I can create with it!

I think that the Epson Expression Premium XP-620, or any printer in the Expression Premium series would be a great gift for the holidays. Be sure to check out Epson's website and see all of the great products that they offer. Also, follow them on Facebook and Twitter to never miss any news!


Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Holiday Shopping? Head to Best Buy For the Full Line of GoPro Cameras

It's time to start thinking about holiday shopping. Of course, that is if you haven't already started. My favorite go-to store for my technology gifts is Best Buy. They never fail to have what I need and they also the most helpful staff.

You all know my husband is Mr. Adventure so I wanted to get him something that would fit with his active lifestyle.We also both really love photography. When I think active lifestyle and photography, I think GoPro and when I think GoPro, I know Best Buy will have what I need. Best Buy is the home of the latest cameras and camcorders, including the full line of new GoPro cameras, plus a broad assortment of accessories.

In addition to the adventurous people like my husband, GoPro cameras make perfect holiday gifts for everyone, from kids and teens, to gadget gurus. GoPro’s new line of cameras allows you to beautifully and authentically capture and share the experiences that bring purpose, adventure, and joy to your life.

The three new cameras from GoPro are:

·         GoPro HERO4 Black: the most advanced GoPro ever, featuring improved image quality and a 2x more powerful processor with 2x faster video frame rates1, HERO4 Black takes award‐winning GoPro performance to a whole new level.



·         GoPro HERO4 Silver: the first-ever GoPro to feature a built-in touch display. Controlling The camera, playing back footage and adjusting settings is ultra-convenient—just view, tap and swipe the screen. With 1080p60 and 720p120 video, and 12MP photos at a staggering 30 frames per second, HERO4 Silver combines powerful, pro-quality capture with the convenience of a touch display.



·         GoPro HERO: Featuring high‐quality 1080p30 and 720p60 video, and 5MP photos up to 5 fps, HERO captures the same immersive footage that’s made GoPro one of the best-selling cameras in the world. 12x more powerful processor with 2x faster video frame rates



To learn more about these great cameras visit www.bestbuy.com/GoPro or visit your local Best Buy to check out the latest cameras in person. Then on your next family adventure you or your gift recipients can capture pictures as clear as the ones shown in this post. 



Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide - For Her/Him/Kids - Berkshire Blanket

Reading on the couch is one of my favorite winter activities. It is made all the more relaxing when I have a cozy fire in the wood stove, a dog (or four) curled up by my side, and a warm blanket. The picture really isn't complete without the blanket. It adds that final luxurious touch that cues me that it is time to let go and relax.

Finding just the right blanket can be a task. I know you may be thinking there are so many blankets available that finding one is easy. It’s not, sure finding any blanket is easy but not finding the right one. Many blankets are okay, some are okay until you wash them and some are just fabulous. I want one that is just fabulous.

The Extra Fluffy Throw Blanket from Berkshire Blanket is one of those blankets that is just fabulous. What makes this blanket special is the extreme softness. It really is the fluffiest blanket I have ever felt. From the first time I touched it I knew I wanted to curl up underneath it and relax. And as soon as I curled up under it I instantly felt like I was ready to relax, read and even drift off to sweet dreams.

The throw is a roomy 50 by 60 and is made from 100 percent polyester, which sort of shocked me because I never really thought of polyester as decadent but it sure is. Maybe it is the polyester that lets it keep it’s fluffyness even after logging some serious hours on my couch with me, and being thrown in the washer. 

Speaking of washer I’m happy to report this throw can go in the washer and dryer with no ill effects as long as you follow the directions carefully and wash in cold and dry on air-fluff. You don’t want to risk losing any size or plushness by using heat. 

To find out more about the Extra Fluffy Throw and all of the great blankets at Berkshire blanket visit the Berkshire Blanket site. You can also connect with them on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with news and special offers. Once you are done browsing come back here for a chance to win your very own Extra Fluffy Throw in the chocolate shade just like the mine! 

Open to US residents 18 and older. Please use the rafflecopter below to enter. Winners have 48 hours to respond before another winner is drawn. Good luck everyone.  
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers. My Empty Nest is not responsible for lost or misdirected mail.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide - For Kids - Build-A-Bear Workshop

We all know that children love stuffed animals. That's a given. What we all may not know is that all stuffed animals are not created equally. When you take your child to Build-A-Bear Workshop, you aren't just giving them a stuffed animal. You are giving them a one-of-a-kind experience. They get to make their own lifelong friend. They choose their friend, stuff them, give them life by making a wish upon their heart, and finally choose what their new friend will wear from seemingly endless options.

I was extremely excited when Build-A-Bear Workshop offered to send my little ones their very own special friends. From their 2013 Holiday collection, we chose Pinky the Penguin and Pengy the Penguin. Both came dressed nice and warm and ready for winter fun and activities! I was pleasantly surprised to feel just how soft these stuffed animals were. I must admit, I cuddled with these for a few minutes before exploring their outfits. Both of the stuffed animals and the outfits are such high quality. Nothing about these penguins feels poorly made. The clothes feel like clothes that you would buy for your children to wear.

My daughter was so excited to receive Pinky. When I finally took her out of the box, Isabella could barely contain her excitement (which you can kind of see by the blurry picture!) Pinky came dressed in a pink snowflake sweater, a white faux-fur puffer coat, and white faux-fur boots! Immediately, Isabella was attached to Pinky. She made sure that right out of the box she had hugs, kisses, and cuddles. I can tell that Pinky will be at her side for many years to come.

My son, Gabriel, was pretty happy to meet his new friend, Pengy, as well. He was very distracted by all of his friend's awesome clothes and, as you can see, his eyes! Pengy came dressed in a skull sweater, blue varsity jacket, blue newsboy hat, and a pretty awesome pair of canvas high tops! I can't wait to get pictures of Gabriel and Pengy in their matching high tops when Gabriel's shoes fit him! 

One thing that I love about Build-A-Bear Workshop stuffed animals is that as the seasons change and your child's tastes change, you can buy them new outfits. You don't have to make a commitment to one outfit for the life of your child's friend. This can also come in handy if your children decide to lose a piece of their outfit or get a stain on it.

The Build-A-Bear Workshop experience is truly one in a million. Head on over to their website HERE and pick out a friend (or friends) for your little ones! While you're gone, be sure to follow Build-A-Bear Workshop on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube. Hurry back though because the lovely people at Build-A-Bear Workshop are hosting a giveaway for you guys! One lucky reader will receive a $25 gift card to Build-A-Bear Workshop; Good towards any purchase of a new friend for your little one!


Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers. My Empty Nest is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide - For Him/Her - Zipz Shoes

I am pretty convinced that as a woman, a love of shoes is just naturally ingrained in my brain. A sad fact about shoes though, is that from pair to pair the only thing that really changes is the design. A boot is a boot, a heel is a heel, and a wedge is a wedge. They may change colors and fabrics but deep down, that is the only difference. All of that being said, I actually found a different shoe! Zipz shoes may look like a normal pair of canvas shoes, but a closer look reveals something so simple, yet so ingenious! 

Zipz is an interchangeable shoe system. Yes, you read that right; interchangeable. There is a zipper that goes around the whole shoe where the canvas "cover" meets the rubber "soul". This zipper allows you to mix and match covers and souls to create a shoe that is perfect for you and your individual style.

I know this might sound a little silly and unnecessary, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that there are plenty of instances where this design could be useful. Did your shoes get dirty? Simply zip off your covers and wash them. While you are waiting on those to get clean, zip on another pair of covers! Plus, you don't have to hear that horrible clunking around in the wash! Do you like to match your shoes to your outfit? No problem! Buy one pair of Zipz then just buy covers to match all of your outfits! A huge plus to buying multiple covers instead of multiple pairs of shoes is the money and space you will save. A pair of covers is about half the cost of a pair of shoes and a will not take up near as much room in your closet.


When I received my shoes and covers, I was completely surprised to feel how sturdy they were. The soul is quite possibly the best soul I have ever worn on a pair of canvas shoes. This soul is thick, supportive and comfortable. I work at a grocery store and I am on my feet and walking for a majority of my day. After work, I noticed that my feet didn't hurt like they were with my other pair of sneakers. As you are wearing Zipz, you can't tell you are wearing a shoe with a zipper. You can't feel the zipper, nor can you hear the zipper-pull jingling as you walk. 

Changing the covers out was much easier than I expected it to be as well. The zipper glides easily around the shoe. The only part that takes a little getting used to is starting the zipper. It is the same start as a jacket and once you do it a few times, you can change your covers in a minute or less. 

Overall, I love these shoes! They are very high quality and are not expensive. The idea that you can have multiple pairs of shoes with a single soul, is an awesome money and space saving idea. Want to stay updated on all of Zipz new collections? Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, they were nice enough to host a giveaway for you guys! One lucky, US based, reader will win 1 pair of Zipz, of their choice, from their current look book.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers. My Empty Nest is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide - For Her/Him/Kids - Big Feet PJs

A lot of you know that I am t-shirt type of gal and that really is a comfort thing. However when it comes to a comfy day inside, nothing beats an over-sized pair of PJs, especially on a chilly winter day. I've been known to spend all day in PJs curled up on the couch with a good book and the dogs.

Over the years I've found a lot of things about PJs that can be annoying; legs riding up, having to get almost naked in the cold night air to go to the bathroom, the sizes fitting too snug… etc, but now I have found the most perfect pair of PJs ever, and they are designed so that they have none of those annoying features.

My footed pink camo PJs from Big Feet PJs came just in time for the nasty cold front, so I was able to put them to the test with some of those all day in my jammies days. In fact I am having one of those days today and am writing this in my Big Feet PJs.

Let’s talk jammies, for starters just look at how awesomely cute they are. I mean seriously what girl doesn't want pink camo footed pajamas with a butt flap? The second reason you need these is because they will keep you warm. I had them on while I was watching the snow this morning and was perfectly comfortable. These would be so great on camping trips. They are made with a durable micro polar fleece and it is just like wearing a fleece blanket.

These don’t have the leg riding up issue because they are footed, and unlike most footed PJs they have big feet as  the name suggests. I love that because for a lady I have big feet and often find footed PJs to be too small in the feet. In fact the whole thing is bigger and more comfy than average Pjs. They are cut for comfort!

They button up the front which might mean getting naked to go potty but these also come with a butt flap on request which sorts that issue out nicely! Without sounding fresh I hope I want to mention that they are roomy enough that you can easily maneuver your underwear down without any issues as well.  Also, as I have admitted before, I am clumsy and these have non-slip bottoms to help me stay on my feet.

For cleaning these can go in the washer on cold and in the drier on fluff or you can hang them to dry. They will shrink but I still recommend ordering your size because even after two washings these are still bigger than a typical onesie of this size.

Take some time to browse the Big Feet PJs site and grab a pair for the whole family. These would make great fun Christmas presents for everyone. They even have styles with hoodies! If you use the code BEAR134 you can get 15% Off now until Christmas and there is free US Shipping on all orders over $100. You can also connect with Big Feet PJs on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with specials and new styles.

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.