How To Look Classically Cool In The Heat Of The Summer

Summer is a joy for fashion lovers. The thick coats and practical boots have been banished to the back of the closet and your summer dresses and tops have been retrieved and dusted off. No longer do you have to hide your lovely outfits under a thick coat, your carefully put together attire is on show for everyone to see. There is only one problem and that is the heat! Summer clothes must look amazing and be able to keep you cool as temperatures soar. A red, flustered complexion is not a good look and is one to be avoided if at all possible. Here are some tips for looking classically elegant and cool on the hottest summer days whether you are at a sophisticated garden party or on the beach with your family.

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Keep colors light

Light colors are always a good idea when the sun comes out. Wearing light colors including pastels, creams and whites reflects the heat away from your body instead of absorbing it. Alfred Dunner dresses look incredibly chic and stylish on all figures. The designs give you the ultimate combination of quality and comfort and you can choose from a huge range of colors and fabrics to suit your style and budget.

Select fabrics with some structure

Soft and floaty silks and satins seem like the perfect choice for a hot summer evening but could end up being a mistake. These fabrics stay in close contact with your skin which is fine if your skin is smooth and dry. However, on a hot summer evening, your skin could become very sticky and the fabric will adhere to your skin. This ruins the flow of the garment and will make you even hotter and stickier! Instead, stick to garments that have some structure to them and which can absorb the sweat from your skin without sticking to you.

Natural fibers will work with your body

Select fabrics that will work with your body to dispel moisture (this will cool you down) and to allow air to circulate near your skin. Natural fabrics such as linen and cotton are very good at doing this so select clothes that are cotton-rich. Buy a range of items that you can mix and match and combine cotton tops with linen pants for a floaty, sophisticated feel.

Avoid skin-tight styles

This is the season when ‘light and flowing’ wins over ‘skin-tight’. Lightweight denim in pale colours and white can look great in the summer but you should select a loose-fitting style. This gives your skin room to breathe. Air can circulate across the surface of your skin and cool you down. If you block off this natural heat-loss mechanism with a skin-tight pair of jeans you will prevent your body from cooling down and will get a lot hotter than you have to.

With a clever combination of styles, colours, and fabrics you can look classically elegant and keep cool all summer.

Fun with Water Wubble

This is a sponsored post for Water Wubble.  All opinions are my own.

What looks like a bubble, but makes a big splash? WATER WUBBLE! 

If you are looking to get your kids out of the house and into some FUN, then Water Wubble is for you and your family!  You can play in your backyard or pool or even at the beach!  This is a new take on a water balloon and much more fun since these are reusable!  Hours of fun in the sun this summer!

Fill Water Wubble from a faucet, with a hose, or just dunk it under water. Because no spigot is necessary, it makes a great pool toy and the perfect take-along to the beach! Water Wubble can be thrown again and again. You can also use it like a water pistol! Just squish it in your hands and spray water all over someone!  Your kids will have a blast with Water Wubble!  Ready to purchase Water Wubble?  CLICK HERE and ORDER NOW! 

Water Wubble water balloon balls seal themselves, so fingers never fumble to tie them. There's no clean up, because they splash, but don't pop. And best of all, Water Wubbles can be filled and refilled hundreds and hundreds of times – and to almost any size the user desires! 

Your kids will have a blast with these and I am sure the adults will get in on the fun, too.  Having family outdoors and having fun this summer is a must in my household.  

Water Wubble comes with eight ballons, four red and four blue! What are you waiting for?  Order you Water Wubble now and have some fun this summer! 

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Savory Shrimp Sliders

If you love shrimp, this recipe is for you!  Combine with herbs and spices to make a savory meal. Definitely not an average slider.  If fresh shrimp is available to you,it's even better!

Ingredients:

Shrimp
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 cups peeled and cooked shrimp
2 tbsp parsley minced
3 cloves garlic ran through a garlic press

Seasoning:

1/2 tbsp lemon pepper
sea salt to taste
freshly cracked black peppercorns to taste

Directions:
Rinse and pat dry shrimp.
Place the shrimp into a large bowl.
Add the lemon juice, parsley, 1 tbsp of olive oil, garlic, lemon pepper, sea salt, and freshly cracked black peppercorns. Toss the shrimp to evening coat with ingredients.
Place a cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet over med-high heat. Add the remaining 2 tbsps of olive oil.When the oil is hot, place the shrimp one by one into the hot oil. Do not pour the shrimp into the skillet; you don't want the liquid, just the seasoned shrimp.
This recipe uses pre-cooked shrimp, so you are just getting the shrimp hot. Remove shrimp and place into a bowl. Set aside.
Serve.

French Buns, sliced and toasted

In a large cast iron skillet over med-high heat, add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Spread butter over each half of the bun. Place the cut side of the bun down into the hot olive oil and toast until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Toppings:
red bell pepper sliced
cucumber sliced
red onion sliced
romaine lettuce thinly sliced into ribbons
jalapenos thinly sliced
sriracha mayo
roasted red pepper bruschetta

Build Sliders:

Place both side of the toasted bun on a plate. Spoon about a tablespoon of roasted red pepper bruschetta onto one-half of a bun, add shrimp, red onion, and romaine ribbons.
On the remaining half of the sliced toasted bun add sliced red pepper, cucumbers, jalapenos, and sriracha mayo.

Bring both sides together and enjoy.

Have I successfully made your mouth water?

Haggar for Father's Day

Is the favorite man in your family still wearing that same pair of shapeless khakis purchased years ago? This Father¹s Day, choose a gift that¹s a win-win for both you and dad‹great-looking pants that have him feeling cool and comfortable, with upgraded styles you¹ll love to see him in.

The first thing he¹ll feel when he tries Haggar Clothing Company¹s top-selling pants is soft, high-quality fabric that provides a bit of stretch along with a hidden, flexible waistband and moisture-wicking properties that make these pants the most comfortable choice in his closet. The first thing you¹ll see is a modern, streamlined cut that elevates his look to a whole new level. If he still needs convincing at this point, (and we don¹t think he will) these styles are also machine-washable and require no ironing‹they are a winner right out of the dryer. 

·      For dads who go from work to the golf course: NEW Cool 18 Pro

pants With an impactful 4-way stretch fabric, hidden expandable waistband, shirt gripper and various color offerings, men love its versatility so much ­ they even wear it to the golf course.

o   Available in a wide assortment of colors, available at haggar.com, Amazon.com, Kohl¹s, JCPenney, Belk, Macy¹s and other leading retailers , typically under $40.

·      For the traveling dad: Premium No Iron Khaki pants These pants are a class-act right out of the dryer‹no iron needed, and include a hidden- expandable waistband that gives up to 3 inches of comfort. Available in flat front or pleated styles with classic, straight and slim fits in an assortment of colors, these will quickly become dad¹s go-to pant, and are America¹s #1 selling casual pants. 

o   A retail price typically under $45 through haggar.com, Kohl¹s, JCPenney, Macy¹s, Belk and other leading retailers.

·      E-CLO Stria pant for the environmentally-conscious dad: A dressier choice to pair with the In Motion Travel Blazer, Haggar¹s E-CLO Stria dress pant comes in 11 different colors for any time of day. Not to mention, it  is America¹s #1 selling dress pant.* A great option to look good, feel good and do good, the pant contains fibers made from recycled plastic bottles and has saved more than 125 million bottles from entering landfills.

o   Available colors: Black, medium grey, khaki, navy, brown, taupe, stone, blue, mocha, heather grey and sand.

o   MSRP $70.00; typical sales price $35.00.

o   Available for purchase at haggar.com, Kohl¹s, JCPenney, Macy¹s, Belk and other leading retailers.

-   Add a jacket for dad¹s dapper occasions: Great paired with any Haggar pant, the InMotion Blazer is the ³little black dress² for men: versatile and light-weight with a fabric that gives the freedom and comfort to go anywhere, anytime.  Available in black & navy, this wrinkle-free blazer features side vents and shoulder motion panels, and it comes in tailored and slim fits.

o   A retail price typically under $90 through haggar.com, Kohl¹s, JCPenney and other leading retailers.

TIME FOR A GIVEAWAY!! FIVE WINNERS!!  Each Winner will win a gift code to purchase their own pair of Haggar slacks or shorts, just in time for Father's Day!

By entering the Rafflecopter below, you agree to terms and services of this giveaway!

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VIVITAR Simply Beautiful Curl & Straighten Iron

: You can read more about my review  

One WINNER will win a  VIVITAR Simply Beautiful Curl & Straighten Iron Sponsored by: VIVITAR Hosted by: Night Helper Open to: USA only 18yrs. + Start date: 06/05-06/15 The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: We reserve the right to make revisions, to cancel, or suspend this contest for any reason. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to the US 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. Night Helper Blog (and any other blog participating) is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.

Why You're Not Getting The Most Out Of Netflix And What To Do About It

Netflix is now the world’s most popular TV and entertainment streaming service, and it’s not hard to see why. It doesn’t matter what you’re into, there’s going to be something in its expansive library that takes your fancy. The amazing thing about Netflix is the size of its enormous repository, and the fact that it is constantly growing, with new shows and documentaries added practically every day. Suffice to say, it’s better than regular TV.

Many people like the fact that Netflix offers flexibility. For years, the regular broadcasting TV networks have been telling us that we have to watch TV programs at certain times of day, whether that’s convenient for us or not. But now that’s all changed, thanks to the fact that with Netflix, you’re able to watch what you want when you want.

There are some problems, however, with Netflix that might be getting in the way of your enjoyment. Here’s why you’re not getting the most out of your Netflix account and what to do about it.

You’re Not Using Sleep Features

We all know that the main reason people buy Netflix is because, after a hard week at work, all they want to do is flop in front of the TV and watch episodes of their favorite drama back to back. Usually, they fall asleep in the process, but Netflix carries on regardless meaning lots of annoying rewinding when they finally come round.

But according to Digital Spy, there are now Netflix-integrated socks which detect whether or not the wearer has fallen asleep. The socks work by detecting movement. If the wearer is moving in a way that is consistent with being asleep (like not moving much at all), the socks send a signal to the TV and on comes a warning light. If the user doesn’t respond, then the stream is paused and the user can pick up where they left off when they wake up.

You’re Not Updating Your VPN

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According to Secure Thoughts, Netflix has been cracking down on people using VPNs to access their services. But, as the site points out, there are ways to continue using the service, even if you’re accessing it from a virtual private network. All it requires is a little research on your part, and you’ll soon be watching your favorite series once more.

You’re Not Randomising Content

Netflix, like Youtube, has a lot of choice. There are literally thousands of dramas, movies, and documentaries to choose from. Sometimes, it can all get a little bit overwhelming, and many people just stick to the content they know.

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But to really enjoy Netflix, you’ve got to break out of your viewing rut and try watching something new - and different. The great thing about Netflix is that you never really know what hidden gems you’ll discover on the network since it has so much to offer. The AllFix Google Chrome extension adds a randomize button to your browser, allowing you to get more randomized content in your Netflix feed.

RuMe Kennedy Totes

Just in time for your spring and summer outing, RuMe has the Kennedy Tote  for you!  You can win your own Kennedy Tote!  These totes come in many amazing designs to please any taste!

Giveaway: There will be THREE winners.  You have 48 hours to respond to winning email or forfeit prize.  Make sure to come back for daily entries. a Rafflecopter giveaway



The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island are hosting this giveaway hop!  Make sure to enter all the giveaways below!

Financing Family Feeding: 5 Ways To Cut Costs

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Keeping the family fed can cost a lot of money with some families regularly spending over a hundred pounds on weekly shops. Being frugal with your finances can reduce this to almost a third – and you don’t have to starve yourself and your family in the process. Here are 5 ways to cut your costs whilst still eating healthy foods and wholesome portions.

Take advantage of coupons and deals

Supermarkets always have deals on - although some are set up to make you spend more money by making you buy more than you would do originally. The deals to avoid are ‘buy one get one half price offers’. Instead stick to reductions on sole items and BOGOF deals.

Many supermarkets may also accept vouchers and coupons. Newspapers may provide these. You may also be able to find a voucher online such as a Walmart coupon code.

Use leftovers

It’s okay to overportion, so long as the leftovers get eaten. Quite often they can make great lunch tomorrow (leftover meat can make a tasty sandwich or soup). Other useful meals for using up leftovers are curry, stew and lasagne. Shove in any meat or vegetables from the night before and use up half tins or semi-opened packets that are close to their sell-by date.

Lower your meat intake

Aside from alcohol, meat is the most expensive item on most people’s shopping list. That said you don’t have to go veggie just to cut costs. Instead, simply limit your meat-eating to every other day. You can also use meat more sparingly by filling out meals such as stews and curries with other foods such as beans, potatoes and carrots. Avoid tinned meat substitutes as these processed foods aren’t as healthy.

Say bye bye to big brands

Okay, so you treat yourself occasionally to well-known brands. But in most cases is the quality really that different? Most supermarkets’ own brand substitutes will do the job and save you a lot of money. This includes sauces, juices, pasta, rice and snacks like biscuits and crisps. Some supermarkets may hide these own brand foods on the upper and lower shelves so take the time to look at prices carefully and don’t just pick up the first item you see on the shelf. Markets can also offer great deals on organic fresh foods such as fruit and veg.

Shop around and don’t be loyal

Visit different supermarkets to get an idea of which ones offer the best deals on various different foods. This may make shopping trips longer by having to visiting multiple stores, but will ultimately save you money. Don’t forget to also visit independent stores such as corner shops and pound stores that may have deals on specific items. Feel free to buy into certain loyalty schemes such as loyalty cards but don’t allow these to dictate where you visit each time – unless you need to go back to that store for its specific deals you may be better off buying certain foods elsewhere.

15 Handy Items for the Beach This Summer

 If you plan to head to the coast this summer, check out these 15 handy items for the beach before you go. You might just find something that will make your beach vacation even more enjoyable

(This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links.) Nothing quite says "summertime" like a trip to the beach. The combination of water, sand, and sun is fun, healing, and rejuvenating. After a good day at the beach, you feel ready to tackle almost anything - even the sunburn you might have gotten if you weren't careful. But any beach lover knows that heading off to your favorite sand dune can also have a downside. First off, sand gets literally everywhere! And keeping your beverage cold can be difficult when there isn't a drop of shade in sight. And, as tough as it can be to admit it, the beach can sometimes get a little boring. After soaking up all that peace and tranquility for a while, it's nice to have a little something to do. But our list of 15 Handy Items for the beach this summer can get you fixed right up and ready for anything. From things to sit on to ways to stay in the shade when you aren't busy playing, I bet you'll find something here to make your next trip to the beach even more enjoyable!

Beach Vacation Accessory Turtleback Sand Coaster Drink Cup Holder, Assorted Colors, Pack of 4

If I had a nickel for every time someone kicked sand in my beverage or knocked it over completely, I'd have the money to go to the beach every day for the rest of my life. (Okay, I exaggerate. It would probably be more like I'd have enough money to go see a movie. During matinee time. Hey, nickels don't add up that fast! You get the idea anyway.) I just love these drink holders. They sit low to the ground and can hold onto a decent sized drink, keeping it a lot safer from tipping over. Plus, they are bright, pretty colors, making them easy to find in the sand!

G4Free Outdoor Automatic Pop up Instant Portable Cabana Beach Tent, Sets up in Seconds 78.7" x 47.2"x 51.2"

This handy little tent is one great option when you are in need of some shade at your favorite beach. With one side completely open, you get some shelter without closing yourself off to the gorgeous surroundings. It's also a nice place to let your kids lay down for a nap!

Popular Round Roundie Yoga Mat Indian Mandala Round Roundie Beach Throw

I think this Mandala Beach Throw is simply stunning. The design seems like the perfect thing to take to the beach, adding to the tranquility of your day. It gives you a lovely and soothing place to sit and relax and enjoy the environment while escaping the sand for a little while. Why sit on a beach towel when you can luxuriate on a Mandala?

 

Beach Builder Create-A-Sand Castle Building Kit for Kids (18 Pcs)

I'll admit that when I first saw this kit, I thought it was . . . well, cheating. After all, we've all had to build sand castles the good old fashioned way, using our hands or whatever we could find for molds. But I just kept thinking about this kit and how fun it looks. I'd love to give it a try and I bet that it could help take my sand castle building to a whole new level! With 18 pieces to use, you know you could have some fun with this. Although we know you're "really" buying it for your kids, right?

Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair

If you really don't want to sit in the sand at all, you need a good beach chair. And this Kelsyus Canopy Chair might be just the thing you need for great relaxation. You get a nice lightweight chair, a canopy for shade, and a footrest too. All you need is a cold beverage and you are set for a day of rest and relaxation!

 

Beach Toy Set in Reusable Zippered Bag with Mesh Bag for Easy Clean and Store

When you take kids to the beach, you know how important it is to make sure you bring things along for them to play with. Sometimes we get lucky and they find their own fun in the water and sand. But when they don't, it's nice to have some Beach Toys to play around with. The problem with beach toys is that they can be a wet and sandy mess when it comes time to take them home. That's why I love this set. There's a mesh bag to put them in before you clean them up and a clear plastic bag that zips shut, keeping the mess out of your car until you get the toys home. Lots of fun and less work. I call that a win!

 

Oryer Womens Chiffon Tassel Beachwear Cover Up Beach Bikini Swimsuit Cover-ups

It's nice to wear your bathing suit when you head to the beach, but when you'd like to cover up a bit, this Chiffon Tassel Beachwear Cover Up is a nice choice. Black is slimming and the tassels are a fun touch. Kick back in this lovely cover up with some sunglasses on and a cool drink in your hand and you'll look quite sexy and mysterious while you watch to make sure the kids don't kill each other!

Aruba Mesh Beach Tote Bag with Insulated Picnic Cooler

Mesh is one of the best things invented when it comes to the beach. Airy and light, yet strong and durable, it is the perfect thing for carrying around items that are all wet and sandy. And this tote bag is even better, because it has a picnic cooler, too! It's the perfect way to keep food and drinks cool and available until you are ready for them. What could be better?

 

Arcticor Beverage Chilling Ice Cooler

But if a little picnic cooler is simply not big enough to cool the abundance of beverages you and your crew have with you, then you might need to consider this Arcticor Beverage Chilling Ice Cooler. There are four beverage holders to keep your drink handy and cold. Plus the inside compartment holds up to 10 lbs of ice and 24 more beverages! If you plan on spending a long day at the beach with friends, you'll be happier with this ice cooler by your side!

 

Wakeman Portable Insulated Collapsible Cooler

If you don't really need the beverage holders in your cooler, you might want to check out this Wakeman Portable Cooler instead. It holds up to 28 beverages and when you aren't using it, it collapses down into a nice little item that you can tuck away for easy transport and storage!

Greenfield Collection Deluxe Wine Cooler for 2-People, Mulberry Red

Maybe your trip to the beach is more romantic in nature. You found yourself a quiet little corner of the sand where you can spend time with your beloved and all you need is a nice place to sit and a nice bottle of wine. This awesome Greenfield Wine Cooler will have your wine nicely chilled and waiting for you when you are ready for it. Don't drink wine? Sparkling cider is a perfect fit, too!

TidalBall Set

Looking for some fun and recreation with your friends at the beach? Check out this TidalBall Set! Not only will you get everything you need for some good game playing fun, but the mesh bag for storage will make cleaning up a breeze.

 

KanJam Ultimate Disc Game

KanJam is a great team game to play with friends at the beach or the park. Fun to play as directed, it is also flexible enough that soon, you might just be making up your own rules for an entirely new game. As long as the first rule is to Have Fun!

 

GoToys Beach sand toy set, Models and Molds, Bucket, Shovels, Rakes, Mesh bag with pull strings for easy clean, & Reusable Zippered Bag

If you're taking the kids to the beach, no day in the sand would be complete without some great toys to play with. With shovels, molds, and more, your kids will be busy playing for hours. And your inner child is going to want to join in the fun, too!

 

Intex Oversize Giant 42" Beach Ball for Ages 3 and up

No trip to the beach or water is complete without an oversized beach ball. There might even be a rule about it written somewhere, that showing up without a beach ball leaves you at risk for a "lessening of fun" or something. Why take chances when you can just take a beach ball? When you head to the beach this summer, make sure that you have everything you need to make your visit as fun as possible. With this list of handy items for the beach, you are sure to find something that will make your trip to the sand extra special and fun.  Do you plan on heading to the beach this summer? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below!