Who am I?

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Hi, I'm Cameron (aka Iffy), a stay at home mother to 4 beautiful children. My family is my life! I am not crafty by nature....but I am learning =D I will share my experiences with you(good & bad) with crafts, DIY, cooking, and life. I say what's on my mind, and remain honest, it's just who I am. Love it or leave it =D So follow me and see my progress as I document my journey, and If All Else Fails....at least you have gained a friend and gotten some great tips or maybe learned something new along the way!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Dining Room Makeover Part 1 - Benjamin Moore Aura Paint

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Hey guys, I just wanted to post some before & after pictures of my dining room makeover real quick.  I know I have been absent from my blog here lately, but I have been dealing with some health issues. I am going into surgery tomorrow & will be down 2-3 weeks. I will post as soon as I feel well enough, so please be patient. I am going to post a bunch of giveaways in December (hint: it's going to be a countdown to Christmas thing & you won't wanna miss it). 
OK, so now I get to show you my Dining Room before & after
I am so excited to show off this amazing new paint by Benjamin Moore called Aura.
(I will be updating more pictures over the next two weeks-so check back)
This was one coat!
It made my dining room take on a whole new feel-one of life. I love the color I chose- Atmospheric. The new Aura Paint by Benjamin Moore is the best paint I've ever used-hands down! It goes on so smooth & even. Look at how rich this color is, and that's another thing, their colors to choose from are unreal. Honestly it was hard narrowing the color down, but I LOVE the color! !

OK that's all for now....it's a work in progress but I will post more details on this post, and also in another post once the dining room is complete.

Please keep me in your thoughts & prayers as I am healing.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving & I will be back as soon as I can!
Much love
~Cameron~

I was provided a gallon of Benjamin Moore Aura paint to review since I am a BzzAgent.  
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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Giveaway #33 ~TruKid All Natural Body Care For Kids~NOW CLOSED

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Good morning everyone, this giveaway is for anyone with children, so stay tuned
after my review for details. It's so hard as a parent to make sure the products you use with your children are truly safe for them, without hidden toxins.
TruKid stands out from the rest!
This giveaway is now CLOSED! Congratulations to the winner, Megan! Thank you
for being a dedicated reader of Stay At Home Nation! And a very special thanks to TruKid for sponsoring this giveaway.
XoXo


I have tried many all natural/paraben free products for both myself & my family, and most
of the time they just don't deliver for all of the qualities I look for & prefer.
There are a few exceptions, but most of the time they are just a big let down. I tried the
Silly Shampoo with my little ones and LOVED it! 
It lathers up really well, surprisingly because typically
products that are as toxin free as the TruKid products lack the lather ability.
Lather is a must for me personally because when a product (shampoo especially) does not lather, it doesn't seem to spread as well, thus causing you to use more product to feel clean. 
The Silly Shampoo by TruKid smells fantastic too, and comes in a pump bottle which is great so you don't use too much. My 3 year old daughter's hair is down the middle of her back & 1 pump is all I need with her. It is gentle on their eyes too & doesn't sting at all.  

I also tried the Sunny Days Sport Sunscreen.
It has an spf 30, it's water resistant, and it's unscented. It is so gentle & since it is a lotion, it goes on easy for complete coverage. All four of my children have some sort of sensitive skin, but the Sunny Days Sport did not irritate any of them. I used it on their faces too(even though it's not listed for face), but it didn't cause my 13 year old to break out from it either, which is a definite plus!
If you are eager to try out these wonderful products, there is a Back to School Bundle that is on sale currently, so now is a great time to try them out.

In addition to the Silly Shampoo & the Sunny Days Sport, there is also their Cool Conditioner, Bubbly Body Wash, Happy Face & Body Lotion, and the Sunny Days Face Stick -all for $58.00 - Here  Plus you get a free water bottle too!
I love this line & am eagerly awaiting hair & body products for adults too! (hint hint) 
They do carry baby & adult sunscreens as well.

Also, right now when any of you spend $30 on TruKid products, enter the code
bubblymom to receive a free full sized bottle of  Bubbly Body Wash-1 per customer.

One of my lucky readers will be chosen at random to win
both the Sunny Days Sport Sunscreen and the Silly Shampoo from TruKid!
All you have to do is follow Stay At Home Nation publicly on gfc & enter
through the rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only,
and will run for a week until 11/02/12. Please be honest with your entries, as I do verify the selected winner's entry.
I will contact the winner, via email by the following Tuesday & also post it through rafflecopter. 

There are many easy ways to enter, so your chance of winning is high, but you can't win if you don't enter. So enter below & good luck!
~Iffy~
A very special thanks to TruKid for hosting this giveaway! I was 
provided the two products for review, but all opinions are 100% honest & mine.

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Friday, September 28, 2012

Giveaway # 32 ~ HBL Haircare ~NOW CLOSED~

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Thank you again to everyone who entered, sorry for the delay in the announcement
of the winner, but Sydney was sick from school this past week with an ear
infection. Needless to say my blog fell a bit behind, but here I am now & I promise a ton of great
tutorials, recipes, & DIY for Halloween-oh & some more great giveaways too all before
the end of October! Yes, I'm trying to make up for my
absence from Stay At Home Nation, so I hope you're ready!
Alright, but now let me say congratulations to Katherine, the winner of the HBL
haircare kit! Check you email for further details.
Have a great week!
~Iffy~

This week, I want to share with you a wonderful new to me
 beauty product line for your hair.
It's hbl

Now, anyone who knows me, knows I like to dye my hair all sorts of fun colors
& am always changing it up. The downside to it, is that it takes a toll on your hair.
Especially if you bleach your hair, then that absolutely fries your hair!
I have been my natural hair color for the past 4 years, since I was first pregnant with #3 (Michaela) until just recently. That's when I decided I was ready for a change.  After the second time bleaching, my hair felt horrible as I washed out my hair. I was a little scared honestly. I thought I had really messed my hair up. I knew I needed
some major repair, and fast!
I had received three full sized products from hbl and they were supposed to be wonderful
for dried out hair. So I did what any girl who knows they may be in a pickle & reached for help,
which in this case was the kit from hbl.

It consisted of  the Hydrating Shampoo ($29.95 value)
This is a ph balanced shampoo(ph 4.5-5.5) that gently cleanses, moisturizes, & straightens all types of hair. Plus it is safe on colored hair & actually prevents fading, so make your color last much longer!
Unlike most ph balanced shampoos, this one actually makes a nice, rich lather. I wash my hair with this, then rinse, then shampoo again but with just a dime sized amount & it lathers up beautifully!

Hydrating Conditioner ($32.95 value)
The ph of the conditioner is 3.5-4.5, it smooths, moisturizes, & protects hair without weighing it down. This conditioner closes the cuticle & makes your hair stronger, preventing breakage & color fading. Contains Keratin Amino Acids, silk protein, chamomile leaf extract, & vitamins A, E, & C.

Straight & Style ($33.95)
Straight & Style lets you smooth, straighten, & create frizz free hairstyles while
allowing you to flip, curl, & style all in one fabulous product! It contains Panthenol, Guar, & Glycerin to help thicken & smooth your hair with ease. The ph is 5.0-6.0, and ladies,
this product is amazing! It makes me want to try their Hair Masque, Spray Mouse, Texture & Styling Cream, Thermal Spray, & Shine & Seal!
They have so many products, you will find the right fit. They even have a Product Recommender to help you find the right products for your hair texture, condition, & style.

With the HBL Straightening & Styling system, easily cleanse & condition, while smoothing your hair.
"Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner moisturize parched tresses while Straight & Style creates smooth,  straight, & frizz-free styles almost effortlessly."
HBL products are free of harsh(cancer causing) ingredients, and will make you love your hair again!

So if YOU would like to win a 3 piece, full sized kit from hbl like the one I reviewed above(1 Hydrate shampoo, 1 Hydrate conditioner, & 1 Straight & Style product)
then enter below, through the Rafflecopter form
&
Good Luck!
Also, if you can't wait to try it, or don't win this giveaway, then receive a FREE Straight & Style($33.95 value) when you purchase HBL Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner! Here
The shampoo & conditioner did have a strong chemical smell that I didn't care for (but my nose is super sensitive). The product's performance makes up for the smell, but I still needed to mention it.

Thank you again to HBL

I was provided a 3 piece full size kit of the same items listed in the giveaway but all opinions are 100% mine & honest.
Much love
~Iffy~
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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Great Giveaway Roundup ~ September

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Hello, I hope you are all having a nice start to your week :)
The weather was so cool this morning, I LOVED it! I am not a huge fan of Winter weather(unless it's snowing) but I absolutely cannot wait for the cool Fall weather! Perhaps it is because we really didn't have much of a Winter or maybe because the summer was just so humid. Anyways, I am excited to start cooking & baking all of the cooler weather recipes I so adore. Keep a look out for them soon!

With my birthday fast approaching, I wanted to mention some really awesome giveaways out there right now that I have entered & am keeping my fingers crossed that I win something at least, because I never do. 

Here we go:
Delightful Design Ideas is a new blog I stumbled upon from TipJunkie(love that site too) ;)
I absolutely, positively am in love with this Kate Spade bag
I would be a very happy girl, if I were to win! I think this bag is just adorable, from the color to the straps & the size. Plus it has a shimmer-swoon!  Enter here for your chance to win.

Just in time for back to school, Safety Tat is the award winning temporary ID for children & adults alike. 
These are comfortable to wear, easy to apply & remove, great for field trips, alerting new teachers/babysitters of an allergy or medical condition, and could also be used on the elderly! This is such a great product & certainly a must have for parents. Now of course I didn't enter this giveaway because I am hosting it, but I had to mention it. Be sure to enter, but hurry you only have a few more days left! You can read my review & enter here.


I will be posting more as I find/enter some really great giveaways so check back throughout the week!
Much love
Good luck!

~Iffy~

Please take the day to cherish the ones you love & hold them close. My thoughts & prayers
go out to all of those who lost or had a friend or loved one injured during the horrific 911 terrorist attack. God bless.
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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Giveaway # 31 ~ Safety Tat ~NOW CLOSED~

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This giveaway is now closed & the winner has been contacted.  Thank you for entering!

Good morning! Today I have a really great giveaway for you all from
With school starting back, there can be a lot of anxiety for both parents
& children. Safety Tat is a great solution for children who are starting school, daycare, or 
recently moved.  There is no worry or stress about a child who misses their bus, or can't remember their parents phone number because it is right there on their arm.

Safety Tat is an award winning, temporary tattoo that is sweat & waterproof, that come in a variety of designs from butterflies, to dinosaurs, to tat kisses. The Original Safety Tats are applied with water & last 1-5 days, where as the Quick Stick Safety Tats last 1-3 days.
Removal is simple too, Original tats use baby oil & for quick Stick Tats just grab a corner & pull "slow & low".
 Safety Tats come in the Original (which can be customized 1 or 2 lines)
Write-On!(which comes with a marker)
Custom Quick Stick (you just peel & stick)

Alternately, I think this would be an awesome investment for schools across the nation  for when
the students go on field trips.  Ease your fears, with customized labels with the school's name & phone number, just in case your child gets separated from the rest of the students. 
There are also tats for medical alerts
or

And a MUST for anyone with a child with an allergy to a food like
peanuts(which can be deadly). This would be great for the first couple of weeks of school or daycare
for the teachers & staff as a little reminder. Or even to keep on hand when you send your child to a Birthday party.
If you have a smartphone, they even make a Safety Tat QR
They also make ones for older children

 So in Celebration of back to school, Safety Tat would like to give a Quick Stick Write-On! Multi 6-pack (which lasts up to 2 weeks) to THREE of my lucky readers (open to U.S. & Canada)! That's right, enter below with the Rafflecopter form, & three winners will be selected at random on September 13, 2012. You can check out my past review on the Quick Stick Write On! Safety Tats Here.
Anyone interested in purchasing these parent, grandparent, and school must haves,
will receive 10% off their order of $15 or more when you put in the discount code
StayatHomeNation2
Which must be entered exactly as seen above(case sensitive) & is good now through Sept 14, 2012.

I recently tried the Custom Quick Stick & they are so convenient, as you can keep them in your purse or diaper bag.  I will certainly be using these on my kiddos when we go to the pumpkin patch in the Fall & especially when we go trick-or-treating. 
Much love
&
Good luck
~Iffy~
I was provided a pack of Custom Quick Stick Safety Tats for the purpose of this giveaway, but all
opinions are 100% honest & mine.  A very special thank you again to


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Monday, August 27, 2012

Simplify Life ~ Making Barbie A Little More Modest

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I know there are many of us out there who wish we had
Barbie's body/figure.  Although, as flawless as it may be, 
 I still don't want to be stepping over naked barbies all over the floor. 

For some reason once her clothes come off, they rarely go back on......
perhaps she is a free spirit, a nudest, or maybe it's the fact that her clothes are so tiny & tight
that my girls have a hard time putting them back on or like Michaela, just don't care to dress them.

One day as I was browsing Ucreate with kids & saw a post entitled
Modest is Always Hottest from The Merrifield Family blog. (Ironically my in-laws have that last name
but no relation- I don't think) 
Anyways, it was this post where I came across the brilliant idea to help Barbie
out because she cannot get dressed herself. 

Here's what you need:
Naked Barbies (or any hard plastic dolls that are well endowed or that you want to cover)
Sharpie-black (or any color you wish to make her undergarments)
Simply draw & fill in a bodysuit, or a 2 piece bathing suit, tube top, shorts, whatever you would like to cover barbie up. You could also use acrylic paint, but I used a black sharpie in these 2 designs(no straps) because it was quick & easy. Plus they don't show under Barbie's clothes(when they decide to wear some)
Look, it's not that I don't think the human body is a beautiful thing, and amazing
because it is. 
There is just a time & a place for nudity, even if it's a doll. With two growing girls,
I do not want them ashamed of their bodies, however I don't want them prancing around stark naked either. I certainly don't want my two sons seeing naked Barbies hanging out (literally lol) and thinking that's what girls do.  I don't see any harm in simply adding permanent undergarments, (whether it's a bra & underwear, a body suit, or just a tank or tube top) 
to teach how to be modest & set a good example.  I'm not saying color her from 
head to toe(I think that's a bit much) but hey if you want to, go for it. 
I mean they make the newer dolls with underwear molded on, why not a bra too?
This may not be for everyone but in my house it is the perfect solution.

If you do not agree with this, there's no need to leave a negative comment as this post was meant
to be informative & offer a solution to those interested.
This is just my opinion & what I chose to do to the barbies my younger daughter plays with in the family room.  I left the Barbies in Sydney's room alone as they stay in her room & are clothed most of the time :)
Thanks for reading!

XoXoXo
~Iffy~

*Warning-Using a Sharpie is a permanent change to your dolls, please use at your own risk. I would not advise using this technique on any collectors dolls or ones you do not wish to permanently have colored. Do not let your children do this or see you doing this as they may think it is OK to color on their dolls/toys. You can talk to your children about why you did this and/or how mommy(or daddy) are the only ones allowed to write on them.  Also, the Sharpie does wear off in certain places over time/use & so a touch up from time to time may be needed. I was not compensated in anyway by Barbie or Sharpie.

UndertheTableandDreamingKeeping It Simple Whipperberry
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Friday, July 27, 2012

Guest Blogger Day - Raspberry & Cream Frozen Delight Dessert from That's What Che Says

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Good Friday morning! I hope you all are staying cool in this 
sweltering hot summer we are having. I was
going to ramp back up with My Favorite Things Friday Party today, but decided since
I won't be available next weekend & then school starts back, it would be better to wait. I
plan to jump back into my weekly parties & regular posts again starting in September. So mark your calendars :)
Today I would like to introduce you to the creator
& fun behind That's What Che Says. Please give a warm welcome to
Cheryl.  She has a mouthwatering recipe to share with us all today that 
is sure to keep you a few degrees cooler(because you will be eating it all day).
Take it away Cheryl
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello everyone! I’m Cheryl, pleased to meet you! I live over at That’s What {Che} Said, a blog filled with a bit of everything! Crafts, DIY, Photography, Mommy Rants and Humor! I’d love for you to stop over and say hello! My door is always open!

Intro Collage

I am so excited to be here today to share with you this AH-MAZING recipe for a Raspberry & Cream Frozen Delight Dessert! It’s so easy but gives the illusion that you spent ALL DAY crafting this gourmet dessert! I love things that take me no time at all but make me look fabulous :)

Raspberry & Cream Super Simple Dessert

Here is your ingredient list:
  • Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1 container of Cool-Whip
  • 1 container of Raspberry Sorbet
  • Fresh Raspberries for garnish
Start by lining a loaf pan with aluminum foil. This will make getting your frozen desert out of the pan a piece of cake!

Add the container of raspberry sorbet and spread evenly in the loaf pan. Set in the freezer for about 10 minutes.

While that is in the freezer, mix the instant pudding with the cup of cold milk until it’s thick and creamy (about 2 minutes). Then lightly fold in your container of cool whip.

Remove the pan from the freezer and add the vanilla layer right on top of the sorbet spreading it around evenly and making sure you fill the corners of the pan.

Return to the freezer for at least 4 hours.

Raspberry and Cream Frozen Delight

When ready to serve, thaw on the counter for about 10 minutes. Gently pull on the aluminum foil and remove from the pan and turn over on top of a plate or platter so the raspberry side is on top. Garnish with fresh raspberries. Use a sharp knife that has been soaking in warm water to make 1 inch slices! Enjoy!

Raspberry Dessert

Raspberry Frozen Dessert

Thanks to Cameron for having me today! Be sure to stop over to my blog and check out my DIY Color Block Dresser up-cycle! I am getting things ready for my craft room reveal! You can also find my tutorial on how to create this funny newborn onesie or download my free printable for Road Trip Bingo if you have a vacation coming up! It will be sure to keep your kids occupied…for at least part of your trip!


Freshly Squeezed Newborn Onesie Bingo Card - Roadtrip



You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter!



And That’s What Che Said…
Thanks again Cheryl for stopping by Stay At Home Nation & sharing
this cool summer treat with everyone!
If you haven't entered my Ancestry.com giveaway yet, you still have a few days to ennter.
Go HERE & enter to win a deluxe membership for 1 year from Ancestry.com
Good Luck
&
Much Love
~Iffy~
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Sunday, July 22, 2012

Enter to Win a Trip to The Bahamas for 4 Nights for 4 ~ From Shutterfly

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That's right, you read it correctly! 
Shutterfly's Long Live Summer Photo Contest on Facebook
is giving away a trip for 4 to the Bahamas for 4 nights, plus while 
you're there you get a professional photo shoot to capture your trip.
Who wouldn't love to win a trip to the Caribbean?  I know I sure would! 
I mean, while it has been absolutely awesome being able to stay at home
with my 2 youngest( I am truly thankful to my wonderful husband),
we have had to budget. 
And, I don't know about you but for me that means vacations get put on the back burner. 
So it would be great to win & go make some amazing memories with my family.
Just go to Facebook Here, "like" Shutterfly & submit a photo with caption based
on what theme is going for that week. There are 3 weeks that you can
enter, so hurry over & start submitting!
This contest is open to U.S. residents only & you will need to enter through Facebook.

Photo Themes/Weeks
Starting :7/23 (that's Monday) ~Water Fun
7/30  ~Sports & Activities
8/6 ~Parties & Celebrations

Oh & you win an instant prize just for submitting a photo with a caption for that week.
There are weekly prizes too(please note you may only enter once per week) &
they'll feature weekly photos. You still have time to snap some pictures, 
but hurry the contest ends August 12, 2012.
You can re-tweet my tweet if you would like to help spread the word.
Good luck
~Iffy~

To stay up on the latest & greatest be sure to follow me
on twitter @StayAtHomeIffy on Pinterest here
And also, enter my giveaway from Cotton Age Here ends midnight 7/23
& my Ancestry.com annual deluxe membership give away Here ends in 11 days.

*Please note that I am not accepting any photos or entries as I am not
the host of this contest. Any photos or entries pertaining to this contest
will be discarded. 
My apologies.
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Friday, July 20, 2012

Giveaway # 30 Ancestry.com~NOW CLOSED

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Thank you for all who entered this giveaway, it is now closed.
Congratulations to #31 Emily!

I wanted to run my giveaway again but this time through 
Rafflecopter since last time the first 2 selected winners, never replied back to my email
informing them of the win. Since then I have used rafflecopter 
& have had no problems with people claiming to have done certain entry requirements
when really they had not.  
Thank you to all of you who are honest & play by the rules!!

On to the giveaway!
TO ENTER - (mandatory)
Follow Me Publicly through Google (gfc located on my sidebar)
(no other entries will count if you do not publicly follow as this is a Giveaway for my readers)
(additional entries below)

1 lucky reader of Stay At Home Nation will win the following:
Have you ever wanted to know where your family really came from? Ancestry.com is THE place to begin your search. I was able to locate all the information(in a matter of a few months) that it took my brother to research through libraries & records over the course of a year, plus I even found more!
It really is neat to look through the actual records of past family members to see when & where they came from. I saw my great grandfather's military records & while I had some of the information, it was interesting  to input it & see the matches that ancestry.com pulls up. It helps to fill in the gaps when you do not know all the details, plus it puts it all in one place. There is SO much information documented in their records from birth & death records, military, census reports, and so many more resources to help you put the puzzle pieces together of your family's past.
Ancestry.com is giving away an Annual Deluxe Membership Package valued at $299.40
There are so many features & resources to this membership package-you are going to LOVE it!

There ya have it, another awesome giveaway-this one will run for 2 weeks & is open to U.S. residents.
Enter with the form below.
Thank you
&
Good luck!
~Iffy~

Oh and be sure to check out my Cotton Age giveaway (2 winners) Here
hurry it ends 7/23/12
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Monday, July 16, 2012

Giveaway # 29 Cotton Age -NOW CLOSED

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This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for entering!
Drum roll please......
our 2 winners are - #47 Chelly & #40 Amanda!
Congratulations! Thank you again to CottonAge.

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July! 
Recently I received 3 t-shirts to review from Cotton Age. 
Stick around because one of you will win your choice of 2 t-shirts for yourself!
My son reviewed the "Skull" t-shirt
The first thing I noticed about these shirts were they were so soft! 
Being white I could see through them easier than most but my 13 year old didn't mind it one bit. He tried it on so we could compare fit before & then after being washed. He liked it right off the bat plus it fit him
perfectly! After I washed it(and tumbled it in the dryer) the shirt seemed to fluff up & get even softer.
I would be willing to go out on a limb and say it's one of his top 3 favorite t-shirts now.

Next up was the "Game Over" t-shirt, which I selected for my husband to review
Isn't it cute? Funny too. 
So when Geoffrey tried his, he mentioned that he didn't like that it was so thin. The thing that got him the most was that the inner stitching was itchy. Although once I washed it, he said the stitching was softer & the he actually like the fit better after being washed. 

I thought the double stitching was a great added detail as it keeps the seems from coming apart as easily.

I tried out the "Are You Perfect" tee

I agree with my husband that these shirts are thin, and while I do not like it when you can see my white bra straps through a white t-shirt, it is a very comfy shirt.
It is a little tighter fitting than I like but that only further pushes me to drop this extra
baby weight I've been holding on to for over a year. (Stay tuned as I will be posting my progress in future posts) This shirt is a certain addition to my pajama drawer =)
Shipping was quick, & the package came with the shirts individually wrapped in plastic. There was
no funny plastic or dye smell to the shirts right out of the box, which is a plus! These shirts stayed
pretty true to size after washing & drying too.

Cotton Age is offering TWO of my lucky readers any shirt 
($9.99 & under )of  your choice!
Enter below through rafflecopter & GOOD LUCK!!

While you're there try to find a mystery box full of goodies, it's located under a sub category.  All you 
have to do is find it & place it in your cart, then check out. How simple
is that right? There is no purchase required & shipping is only $2.99!


Also, keep in mind that if your purchase is over $50, then shipping is free! 

Thank you again to Cotton Age for sponsoring this giveaway!
~Iffy~
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