Fashion Tips for the Grand National:

Ask any non-Millennial Brit who Red Rum is and they’ll be sure to tell you it was a famous racing horse. And not just any horse, the most successful ever at the Grand National winning it three times during the 1970’s.

The Grand National isn’t just a race for older men wanting to bet a couple of pounds here and there. Everyone in the country is buzzing around April in the build-up. We all know about it and most of us want to have a little bet. Some of us are lucky enough to get a ticket and have the chance to see it live.

Remember that 600 million people will be watching from all around the world – you don’t want a fashion disaster the moment the camera flashes across you!

So, let me cover a few fashion tips for attending this year’s Grand National.

What Day Should I Go?

Not many fans know that the Grand National takes part over three days between the 6th and 8th April. The famous race is on the last day. Fashion lovers go on the 7th to Lady’s Day where we have a chance to show off our best looks.

Whatever day you go, it’s always good to have a little bet. You don’t have to go over the top and you should always gamble responsibly. You can check out the latest trends below to help you choose your horse:

http://sports.williamhill.com/bet/en-gb/events/grand-national-key-trends

How to Dress for the Grand National:

There’s no official dress code, but you’re expected to dress smart. The level of formalness depends on where you’re sitting. If you’re in some of the stands or one of the executive boxes, you definitely need to look a million dollars. Women will hire their dresses months in advance!

Less formal is acceptable for other parts of the track, which gives you more flexibility. And the race is held during spring so the weather (hopefully) won’t be chilly.

A top fashion tip for the Grand National is to wear something bold to stand out. Florals are also quite popular amongst the ladies. At the same time, avoid wearing too much makeup or covering yourself in jewellery; wear something classic like Charlotte Chesnais Jewellery. And colours that are especially bright are a big no-no. You want to stand out, but not look like you’re overdoing it all, right?

The best piece of advice that I’ve ever received is that dressing for the Grand National is almost like dressing for someone’s wedding.

What Should I Wear on My Feet?

Be practical about your shoes. I know that we all love wearing high heels and that they make you look glamourous. However, you’re also going to be standing and walking around during the day.

If you want to wear heels, wear some that are sensible and practical. Flat shoes are coming back into fashion and are stylish, safer and more comfortable.

It all boils down to personal taste, but just remember to be practical and comfortable.

Do I Need to Wear a Hat?

You don’t have to wear a hat if you don’t want to. Most women do and let’s be honest, donning an elegant hat is fun. Choosing the perfect hat is never easy. My tip is to look at the photos from last year to find your inspiration and to learn the things to avoid. Then, order one online.

Takeaway Message:

The best day to show off your fashion at the Grand National is on Lady’s Day. Dress formally for the stands and executive boxes. Be more practical if you’re anywhere else and take into consideration that you’re going to be on your feet and walking a lot.

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Get More Bang for Your Buck with Discounts on Gift Cards at Cardpool.com #CardOffer317

This is a sponsored post; though I was compensated for my time, all opinions are my own.

You guys know I love a good deal – and I’m always on the look out for one, and I wanted to share this awesome deal that starts tomorrow!! From March 17th through March 31st you can save up to 11% on gift cards from some of your favorite brands from Cardpool.com!

If you aren’t familiar with Cardpool, it’s a website for gift card exchange that makes it easy for anyone to safely and securely buy discounted pre-owned gift cards at up to 35% off or sell unwanted gift cards for up to 92% of their value – and it comes with a guarantee!

Save 4.5% on Apple Store gift cards, Save 7-8% at Crate and Barrel and Barnes & Nobles, Save 10% at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom – and 11% at Starbucks, JC Pennys and Toys R Us!!

To celebrate all these great deals – we have a $100 Amazon gift card giveaway, just enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Beauty & The Beast: What You Need to Know


A movie like only Disney can do, Beauty and the Beast live-action remake of the classic Beauty & The Beast cartoon is breathtaking.

Most of us know the story – we get to know Belle the beautiful, smart (but odd to the locals) woman who bravely takes her Father’s place as a prisoner by a Beast in a old castle filled with enchantment.  Belle finds herself looking beyond the Beast’s hideous appearance, and realizes not only do they have a lot in common – but he is kind hearted and a prince at heart.

The real-life action can be a little scary if you have little ones who scare easily – – but those moments don’t last too long. (By the time they’d cover their eyes, another great part will come along). But if you are concerned for the really little ones, this might be better watched at home instead of on the big screen with all the noise.

One thing I did want to address is the rumors of a “gay” character in this movie.
I do not know what Disney’s intentions were when making this movie -some say they are testing the waters, but I’m not here to address that  nor do I want to debate it, or even talk about it – but I’ve read a quite a few articles and statuses on social media about boycotting this movie because of  and I quote “Disney making Le Fou gay.”
Everyone is obviously allowed to have their opinion, and make decisions based on that-  about this movie. Some people don’t want to explain or expose their children to certain things – and that is your provocative. But I want to make this clear – this is a family friendly movie for anyone who enjoyed the cartoon version of Beauty and the Beast.
Just like in the classic version Le Fou is slightly obsessed with Gaston. In fact if you watch it, pretty much everyone in the town is taken by Gaston – except Belle. They fawn over him, admire him.
There is no exception to this in the live version of this movie – Le Fou makes no excuse, nor does he tryto hide – his admiration for Gaston. In my book, he wants to be Gaston – not be with Gaston.
Now there is about 2 seconds at the end of the movie when everyone is dancing and happy, and they all switch partners and Le Fou ends up dancing with a guy – but the scene changes soo quickly, you don’t even know what’s happening, or why, and you just move on to the story of the other characters. So if that bothers you then… but I mean my son and nephew dance together; they don’t question nor do they have any idea about sexuality in general. So to me it’s nothing.

In my opinion not one child will ask or question anything you won’t want to answer about this movie (except how did Belle get over the fact that the Beast looked like a demon – that’s what has me stumped). So if you were unsure, and believed all the rumors – fear not! Beauty and the Beast can still be on your watch list for this weekend!

Beauty and the Beast opens in theaters March 17th – check movie times, or buy your tickets here.

 

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Happy Bodies & Healthy Tummies with UpSpring Probiotics

This is a sponsored post; though I was compensated for my time all opinions are my own.

As parents we do our best to provide our kids with everything they need to grow up happy and healthy – we love on them, we make sure they get enough sleep, that they have toys that will stimulate their brains, and feed them nutritious foods so they can grow up strong and healthy. But sometimes these things alone aren’t enough and the Mom’s at UpSpring are on a mission to empower parents with even more confidence in this process by finding innovative solutions to everyday health and wellness challenges facing parents today.  UpSpring provides “more fun, less worry” by making all-natural products that help solve real problems.

 

UpSpring’s Probiotic + Colostrum recently came to Target and Walgreens – and it’s flying off the shelves! This product helps with digestive and immune support – with 6 probiotic strains plus prebiotics, each serving contains 5 billion active cultures.

It also helps reduce occasional gas, diarrhea, constipation and other digestive symptoms. The naturally harvested bovine colostrum provides a complete range of antibodies for immunity support, and the prebiotic fiber supports beneficial bacteria.

UpSpring Probiotic + Colostrum powder comes in a convenient, portable packet and can be easily added to any liquid or food.

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A Whole New Way to Listen to Music: Google Chromecast Audio

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,

I don’t know about you but when I am cleaning the house – I like to jam out! Or when I’m floating in the pool in the summer (I am soo dreaming of the day we can open the pool) I like to hear some tunes playing.
I’ve always been frustrated with using the blue-tooth on my phone. Sometimes I get phone calls I want to take without interrupting my music, or it annoys me when texts messages or e-mails come through and it interrupts my jam! So when I got the chance to review a Google Chromecast I was pretty excited to see if it helped keep my music going – clear and uninterrupted!

Because Chromecast Audio uses WiFi instead of Bluetooth, you can stream crystal clear hi res sound.

1)      Listen to your favorite tunes on your speaker

By using your phone, it’s easy to play, pause, or change the volume from anywhere in the home. And while streaming, you can still text or call without interrupting what’s playing or draining your battery.

2)      Crystal clear sound, powered by the cloud

Use Chromecast Audio to stream over Wi-Fi which has many advantages over Bluetooth including higher sound quality.

3)      Enjoy hundreds of your favorite audio apps

Stream millions of songs, radio stations, and podcasts through apps like Pandora, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Google Play Music. (Find more at chromecast.com/apps).

4) Play music everywhere with Multi-room

   Now you can easily fill every room in your home with synchronous music. Simply group Chromecast Audio devices together so you can listen to the same song on multiple speakers.

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