Dia and Co. Summer Box Review

Dia & Co.
Cost:  $20 Styling fee that can be used towards purchase.
Frequency:  Subscriber chooses, monthly/quarterly etc.
Shipping:  United States/ 2 Day Shipping
This post contains a referral link to Dia&Co.

 

–    For those of you that are new to Dia & Co.  it is a newer fashion subscription service that pairs clients with a stylist.  Qualitytimes7 pays for this subscription.

–     What makes Dia & Co. different is that they are for ladies size 10 and up. I have written about my fashion challenges in the past and I find this subscription takes me a bit out of my normal clothing rut, trust me this is a good thing.  I am very sensitive about the way I look in clothing and I feel like this subscription has given me a chance to love what I am wearing. If you try it I hope you feel the same.  You can see some of my past reviews by clicking here for my Winter Box or going to my subscription box list at the top of my site.

–    New subscribers take a styling quiz and discuss their preferences on the phone with a stylist.  Once your stylist has a good idea regarding your preferences,  Dia & Co. sends subscribers five pieces of clothing and accessories. I have come to truly appreciate my stylists, and they always send personal notes with each box that explain how each piece could be worn and why they chose this for me specifically.  Your $20 styling fee will be applied to your first item, if you purchase all five items you receive another 20% off.

Item One:  KIYONNA – Pullover Wrap Top – $62.00

 

–    What a beautiful wrap dress and perfect for summer temperatures.  I chose not to keep this one because I already have several wrap dresses, and way too many black dresses. Verdict:  Returned

 

Item Two:  Tua – Christina Top – $46.00

–    I fell in love with this shirt before I put it on, and the timing could not have been more perfect, I wore it with the skirt below for our 4th of July celebration.  It looks so sheer, but on it offers full coverage.  The color is so pretty and just popped and the collar was a very delicate cut. Verdict: Kept

 

Item Three:  Modamix – Mable Skirt – $69.00

–     I needed shorts for summer but this skirt did the trick.  It is so flattering and a very nice length.  The front pockets are a nice slimming touch.  It would have also looked great with top below. Verdict:  Kept

Item Four:  KIYONNA – Pullover Wrap Top – $62.00

–     Wrap tops are really flattering on plus size ladies,this Kiyonna top did not disappoint.  The color was perfect for summer and the fabric was light weight.  I thought about keeping this top for awhile.  At first I thought it may be too low cut, but it looked great on.  I decided against keeping it, only because there was a slight snag and I was afraid it may snag too easy, especially considering I run around with kids all day. Verdict:  Returned

Item Five:  Celebrity Pink – Storm Skinny Jeans – $65.00

–     I loved how soft these jeans were, but I have been purchasing blue jeans for a bit now and decided to pass this month.  I probably would have kept them in a few months, during the winter. Verdict:  Returned

Overall Value:

  Dia and Co. is the perfect service for those of us that are beyond busy or a little challenged. I often price out their clothing and find they are pretty comparable to paying non-sale prices.  I think that is fine considering you get your $20 back with purchase and another 20% off if you purchase the whole box.  The stylists also ask how much you would like to spend ahead of time and try to stay within your budget.  Finding cute plus-sized clothing can seem impossible at times, but the stylists at Dia make this look so easy.  I am grateful for each box I have received and will continue to purchase boxes.    I hope you will give them a try.

–J

It’s Been Awhile

The summer of the Pokemon invasion.

 

–      Hello! Long time no type.  I am happy to report all is well for the quality gang.  We are enjoying our summer and had a very eventful move across the US.  Going from the South to the North is always an adventure, but I have to say hands down, this was the best thing we could do for our family.  We found our new home, my husband is now working full-time again and I am focused on getting all the services set up for our son.

The July Ivy Kids Kit was amazing!  Perfect for all of those Finding Dory Lovers.  

–      I have fallen off the review wagon a bit.  Not for lack of trying new awesome things with the kids but, more just a timing factor.  I will try to be more present in the future.  As for now, B and I decided to go short with our hair for the summer (huge move for me), we are starting to move into our new home tomorrow, getting ready to go camping this upcoming week and find ourselves surrounded by teenagers and college students regularly.  Life is good.  Oh, and lets just say Pokemon have come to stay and we are walking a lot more, lol.

 

 

Your Bijoux Box Mother’s Day Option

 

B in the Rain FabKid Outfit Two

–    I did not have a chance to post B in her other FabKid outfit in the post from a few days ago. It has been raining so much the last two days that I have decided we need raincoats and boots, lol.  Since we could not get a sunny pic, we went out on the porch and danced. I am impressed since she has already worn this once but it still looks brand new.  I really love how cute this is, it says No 1 Love.  The shoes were free with their points system, if you review and purchase you get points.  Remember you can click my link and get one outfit free with the purchase of another ($30 off).   

If any of you have rain boots that you love, let me know.  We need to pick up two pairs!

 

A Room for Angel Fundraiser

A Room for Angel Autism Assistance

Please consider sharing this post to get it moving around.

–    Never in my whole life have I asked for money for myself or my family.  I have always worked for what I have, so what I am about to do is a very humbling experience. It is however for my son, and I would do anything for him.  A was diagnosed with Autism in May.  He is currently three (four in October) and non verbal.  Daily he melts down, can be aggressive and grinds his teeth continuously.  As a mother of several kids, this has been a very painful experience, he is our everything and so amazing, but it has really changed our life.  I also recognize how naive I was, I never even thought I could have a child with disabilities let alone two.  Not my brightest moment, I should have been more prepared.

–     Those of you that have read my blog in the past know that I am a high school teacher and my husband currently stays home with our two special needs kids.  At this time there is no school in my state that does not have a two-year waiting list for my son, so my husband stopped working and takes the kids to their therapy appointments and stays up with them at night. Teachers salaries are rough in this state, we rank 49/50 states for salaries, it is a bit of a nightmare. Teaching was my calling, but now I can’t provide for my own family.

–     After many tears, I have decided to leave my teaching job.  I have taught at the same school for almost ten years.  I recognize that my son only has me and I need to do whatever it takes to help him maximize his happiness and potential, whatever that looks like. He has the best smile 🙂 The state we are moving to has year round schools and many services including GPS trackers, I am excited, scared and grateful.  We will be moving across the country in June and his therapist recommended that we create a sensory environment for him at our new home to help him adjust.  The problem is that there is no way I can afford the equipment.  I am reaching out for help, and it is hard.  If you feel you can donate in any way, we would be grateful.  I will also continue to update everyone on his progress as we make this transition.     You can donate here:  A Room for Angel.

This is what we are hoping to move towards.  The equipment is mobile and can move with us.

FabKids April 2016 Girls Review

B rocking her Ikat outfit.  I love how excited she gets over clothes 🙂 She picked this out herself.

FabKids
Cost:  $29.95 per outfit/monthly (but can skip any month by the 5th)
Shipping: US
Coupon: Click HERE to receive a buy one outfit get one free, a 50% discount.  Upon acceptance, this will begin a monthly subscription and you must skip by the 5th of each month on your page to not be charged. If charged, you can use the credit to purchase an outfit or item at any time. To cancel you must call FabKids.  I have done it in the past for another “Fab” subscription and it really was not a big deal, although I would prefer to just pause or cancel online.

Disclosure:  This post contains a referral link to Fabkids.

 

–     I am not going to lie, at first I thought FabKids may be a bit overpriced.  After subscribing for a bit I have changed my mind and I will explain why. First, for those of you that are new to FabKids, each month FabKids gives subscribers adorable outfit, shoe and accessory choices for either boys or girls.  You always know when your items have arrived because they have the brightest packaging I have ever seen…pink for girls and a dark blue for boys.  One other feature that I have come to appreciate is the sales that they regularly offer.  Some months they offer buy one get one free, or buy one get one 50% off.  They also offer a points system, the more you buy, write reviews and refer, the more discounted or free items   You can see a past Back to School Review by clicking HERE or even more by looking at my list above.  

Item One: Ikat Henley Romper  and Metallic Heart Flip Flop ($29.95)

Although our big move to New York is coming fast, right now in the South it is hot and time for summer clothing.  My favorite time to use my FabKid subscription is during the holidays (there is a holiday dress shop) and during the spring to purchase summer outfits.  You can see a past July review by clicking here.

–    I think a romper and flip flops for under $30 is not a bad deal.  She gets quite a bit of wear out of her outfits and I really love how cute she looks.

 

Item Two:  Love Tutu Dress  and Fab Cheetah Legging  ($29.95)

 

–    B looks so cute in this outfit.  She has her Kindergarten ride along in June and I thought this outfit with the shoes below will be perfect.  I will try to get a picture of her up in it sometime over the next day or two. These pictures for now are from the FabKids site.

Item Three:  Fab Leopard Slip On  (Points Bonus)

–     These shoes were free through the points award system. We have purchased slip-ons in the past and B loves them.  I was really surprised how long these shoes last.  We had the pink glitter ones that are still on the site.  After awhile the white at the bottoms will get dirty but  not without a lot of wear. I actually was not going to get the cheetah outfit above at first, but then I thought, why not, they will look great with the shoes-and it does!

 Bonus Item:  Redbook Magazine Subscription (Free)

–     Each month that I purchase an outfit, I also receive a free magazine subscription.  So far I have Vogue, Rachel Ray, Living and a few others.

Overall Value:  FabKids tends to have coupons that take amounts off certain spending amounts.  I do not purchase outfits every month, in fact I skip several.  I try to find the best deals and what B falls in love with.  In December I bought a dress, tights and boots from the Holiday Shop.  It was one of the cutest outfits I have put on my daughter and she was so proud.  For me, that is everything.  Let me know what you think and don’t forget if you click here and use my invitation, you can get a buy one get one free deal at sign up.

Dia & and Co. Spring Box Review 2016

Note:  I recognize that the page layout is not working for some including myself.  I am contacting WordPress to address the issue.

Dia & Co.
Cost:  $20 Styling fee that can be used towards purchase.
Frequency:  Subscriber chooses, monthly/quarterly etc.
Shipping:  United States/ 2 Day Shipping
This post contains a referral link to Dia&Co.

–       As I was leaving to hop on my Italy/Greece adventure, another Dia & Co. box arrived at my doorstep.  The timing was perfect especially considering what was inside. For those of you that are new to Dia & Co.  it is a newer fashion subscription service that pairs clients with a stylist.  Qualitytimes7 pays for this subscription.  What makes Dia & Co. different is that they are for ladies size 10 and up. I have written about my fashion challenges in the past and I find this subscription takes me a bit out of my normal clothing rut, trust me this is a good thing.  I am very sensitive about the way I look in clothing and I feel like this subscription has given me a chance to love what I am wearing. If you try it I hope you feel the same.  You can see some of my past reviews by clicking here for my Winter Box or going to my subscription box list at the top of my site.

–    New subscribers take a styling quiz and discuss their preferences on the phone with a stylist.  Once your stylist has a good idea regarding your preferences,  Dia & Co. sends subscribers five pieces of clothing and accessories. I have come to truly appreciate my stylists, and they always send personal notes with each box that explain how each piece could be worn and why they chose this for me specifically.  Your $20 styling fee will be applied to your first item, if you purchase all five items you receive another 20% off.

 

Item  One:   Taylor – Stripe Ponte Fit and Flare – $118.00

 

–    I was not going to keep this dress originally, mainly due to it’s price tag but then I tried it on and fell in love.  It really is flattering, and perfect for a garden or tea party.  It would also work well for a wedding.Verdict:  Kept

Item One:   Modamix – Cowl Neck Chiffon Tank – $59.00

–     When I saw this tank I immediately changed into it.  I wore it on my way to Italy on the plane.  It was a great layering piece and the color is amazing.  I had just pulled it out of the washer when I took this picture, it does need to be pulled out quickly and I would recommend washing on delicate and alone.  By far my favorite item in this month’s box.  Verdict:  Kept

 

-Item Three: Junarose – V-Neck Blouse – $79.00

–     I like this type of  blouse since it is light weight and tends to be very flattering.  My issue is that I have several very similar items.  This sat in the box while i was gone and became a little wrinkled, which was not the fault of Dia & Co., but rather mine.  I did return this once I came back, mainly because of my multitude of black blouses. Verdict:  Returned

Item Four: Fashion to Figure – Ruched Sweater Dress – $46.90

–     I really liked this sweater dress.  The color is earthy and it is very light.  I kept seeing it with a pair of brown leather boots and leggings.  My issue is that I don’t have the body to pull it off.  I thought maybe with a vest but that would make me too hot this time of year. Verdict:  Returned 

Item Five: BB Dakota – Patterned Peasant Blouse – $84.00

–    This is a beautiful light weight blouse but it must have something underneath it because of the plunging neckline.  I grabbed this item second and put it in my suit case.  I love layering pieces.  I wore this all over Rome with a sports bra underneath.  I don’t know if you can tell but I did have an issue with the tie.  My first washing caused it to snag and rip.  My husband is going to attempt to re-attach I am still able to wear it.  Verdict:  Kept-but be careful when washing.

Overall Value:  I went online and did a price comparison starting with the highly priced Taylor dress.  To my surprise Taylor dresses were going for around $100 on Amazon.com and they weren’t even what I would consider the quality of the dress I received.  You can see it here.  The other items seem somewhat comparable.  I know many of you are thinking, well you could get them on sale though.  Here is my issue with plus sized clothing that looks good–it sells out way to fast.  That is probably the biggest reason I will keep getting this subscription.  I have another box on the way for April but then I am going to talk to my stylist for a switch to formal clothing.  I am heading back to law this summer and will need to start wearing suit outfits again.  What do you think of Dia & Co?  Make sure to let me know if you get a box and your opinion.

Jenny in Italy and Greece

Acropolis, Athens

Disclaimer: All photos on this page belong to qualitytimes7 and require permission for outside use.

Capri

Greetings,  I am back home and today is my birthday!  Here are a few shots from my latest adventure with my students.  I will try to write more in depth over the next few months.

I would go to this slush stand every day if I lived in Capri.  They squeeze your lemons and oranges fresh right in front of you.

Outside the Roman Colosseum

Inside the Roman Colosseum

Inside the Vatican

A brave make-up less me on the way to Greece.

Then there was St. Paul’s…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pompeii

 

Temple of Apollo

There are so many more photos to share.  I have States this coming week with my debate team and a review I need to put up, but I will be back soon.

–J

Alex Toys Products Review

Disclosure:  These Alex Toys Kits were purchased by qualitytimes7 and this review is not sponsored or affiliated with Alex Toys.

•     I am missing my blogging world and had to stop in and share a few products before I leave for Italy and Greece Saturday.  B is getting Kindergarten ready, and we are getting ready for our big move at the end of May to New York.  My Speech and Debate team is keeping me busy, we had Districts last week and Regionals this weekend.  Of course all of my other students are keeping me moving as well.  Right now I am on auto-pilot trying to get as much done as possible each day.  One awesome share though, my son Jake is my student this session, the first child I have ever taught, it is going well.

We made five monsters total and had a Monster Inc. family movie night.

 

• When I am busy like this, I always have terrible mother’s guilt.  My husband is home right now full-time with the kids so I know they are taken care of, but that doesn’t stop that nagging feeling that I am not doing justice by them.  One way I cope is to create as much quality time and activities for them when I am at home.  It is this mentality that brought me to Alex Toys Arts and Crafts Kits.

The five “Bug” projects Amazon Retail:  $17.99

• B is home schooled right now and has a part-time teacher.  We are being very creative as we work on pasting, cutting, shapes, colors and other “getting ready” for Kindergarten skills.   Recently we went on an outdoor scavenger hunt and looked at different bugs.  Her favorite was the lady bug, and when it flew away she was so sad. I was happy to make a lady bug with her. I had told her that it had to find its mommy and she seemed okay with that.   I used the paper plate bugs to reinforce color, shape, discuss the body type of different bugs, and pasting skills.

Each kit comes with everything you need for each craft. B and  I love the chunky glue stick.

One package of the few crafts in the Cupcake themed box. Amazon Retail:  $8.99

• We have not opened our cupcake themed box yet.  I have left it for my mother when I am out of the country.  My mom thought it would be great to have her make some of the projects as a welcome home gift when I came back.  Jake and I are both leaving for eleven days and I will share pictures when we get back.  Update:  B insisted that we make the firefly project in the cupcake box and I have to say this is my least favorite of the three.  It is a lot of sticking cupcake wrappers together.  I think the fairies above may be a bit easier.

If you are interested in any of the above projects and many more, you can find them by clicking here:

Paper Bag Monsters

Paper Plate Bugs

Hands Cupcake Craft

Talk to you all soon.  Let me know what you think of the kits.  They are less expensive then some of our subscription boxes and include many more products.  I still am a HUGE Kiwi Crate fan.

 

Your Bijoux Box March Spoiler

Your Bijoux Box
Cost:  $35.00 Monthly
Shipping:  US and Canada

Your Bijoux Box is a monthly jewelry subscription that sends out 2-3 pieces of stylish, trendy, and seasonally appropriate jewelry with a value of at least $70. If you do not have pierced ears, no problem, let them know when you subscribe.  I find their boxes often include beautiful statement pieces as well as my favorite, long pendant necklaces.I  wanted to share this spoiler with you all today because it is just so pretty and perfect for spring.  I have had the opportunity to review several boxes from Your Bijoux Box (You can see them up in the Subscription List) and they really do a fantastic job curating a box that works with each season and its fashions.   Click the link below to join now.

ONLY $35/month Join Now