We recently moved onto a 13-acre ranch outside of Denver, and well, ranch life is quite different.
The biggest difference with ranch life vs. a regular neighborhood is now our frenchies have a ton of room to roam and escape (which also means a lot more opportunities to get into trouble), so we started researching the best dog GPS collar and came across SpotOn.
I have quickly learned that french bulldogs are not ranch dogs. With acreage to roam and get in trouble, we needed a reliable GPS dog collar and tracker and we found that SpotOn is the #1 GPS fence for dogs.
What I love about this dog GPS collar:
Jason set it up in minutes – it’s incredibly user-friendly
SpotOn ix 7x more accurate than other GPS fences
We can set it up at our ranch and our Grand Lake cabin for rent – it creates an invisible fence at both of our houses, and it’s easy to use while traveling
You get alerts when your dog is outside of the fence area that you set
If you’re a helicopter dog mom like me, you can track your dog’s exact location (and if you have French Bulldogs, it’s usually on the couch)
5-Star guarantee – you can try it and if you don’t love it, return it
Train your dog where the fence is (it will still work if you don’t have a ton of time to spend on training like us)
Go roam and be happy! Let your dog roam free at home and on the go with fences that can be set up in seconds and managed from your phone.
The dog GPS tracker gives a little buzz/shock if your dogs go outside the invisible fence area you set up. I am super cautious with my dogs because no one wants to cause them any pain, but it’s just a gentle reminder/nudge to go back where you were. They don’t mind it at all and even when they aren’t wearing their GPS tracking device collar, they tend to remain “in bounds” more than they used to.
I get alerts when my dogs are outside the fence, plus I can open the app to see where they are based on their dog GPS trackers. You have to charge them each night, but they hold the charge all day and my dogs can sleep and eat and play wearing the collars. They aren’t uncomfortable or super bulky, so it’s easy for them to wear these GPS dog collars all day.
We live in a ranching community outside Denver and all of our neighbors have these GPS tracker collars for their dogs – we even get texts from them as they already know their dog has wandered into our yard.
A dog GPS collar is a game-changer for pet owners who want to keep their pets safe. Imagine this: your dog bolts out the door or over your fence, and before you know it, they’re off on an adventure you didn’t plan for. With a dog GPS collar, you can track their every move in real-time right from your phone. Whether they’re chasing Elk in the yard or roaming a bit too far from home, you’ll always know where they are. It’s peace of mind at your fingertips, ensuring you never have to worry about your pup getting lost again.
Not only does a dog GPS collar help you keep tabs on your pet, but it also adds an extra layer of security for those times when your dog is off-leash or in unfamiliar places. It’s the perfect solution for active dogs, adventurous pups, or anyone who wants to stay connected with their pet, no matter where the journey takes them! With a dog GPS collar, your dog’s safety is always just a tap away.
Give your dog the gift of freedom with the only GPS fence proven to work reliably 99.9% of the time. The SpotOn dog GPS collar is tested & independently verified (see data here).
Be sure to check out these 5-star reviews for the dog GPS collar and order yours today. Don’t forget you can try it and return it if it doesn’t work for you.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GPSDogCollar-scaled.jpg25601920Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2024-11-26 13:57:042024-11-26 13:57:04The Best Dog GPS Collar
I’ve never been a huge fan of diets and fads until I was planning my elopement back in 2021. I tried a few things, worked out extra hard at Shred415 Castle Rock, tried to eat clean(er), and cut out alcohol and sweets, but it wasn’t until a friend recommended the Prolon diet that I saw actual results. And fast results. In fact, I saw results in just 5 days, which is way more manageable than a few months.
Prolon Diet Updated October 2024 – I have done the Prolon diet five times and always love the results. I love to do the Prolon diet before or after a vacation. Usually before a beach vacation, it helps me to reset, or after a trip to Vegas, it allows my body a little reset. I do anywhere from the 1-day Prolon fast to the 5-day Prolon fast-mimicking diet.
It’s a fast mimicking diet, and in my own words, it’s still eating a little bit of food, taking extra supplements and more that tricks your body into thinking it’s fasting for all the benefits fasting has, but you’re still eating, at least a little. You can do this with minimal food that is researched and gone through extensive clinical trials, so it’s not only safe, but effective weight loss results.
In Prolon’s words, “This 5-day meal program provides scientifically researched micro- and macro-nutrients in precise quantities and combinations that nourish you, but are not recognized as food by your body and therefore mimics a fasting state!”
“The fasting mimicking diet was created as means of finding a sweet spot between too much and too little food. This approach to eating was pioneered by Dr. Valter Longo, a biogerontologist and cell biologist at the University of Southern California who has conducted extensive research into food restriction and how it may influence health and longevity. Based on the findings of his research, Longo founded the L-Nutra technology company and developed the ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet to help consumers get with the fasting mimicking program,” via U.S. News.
The number one benefit I was with the Prolon diet was weight loss and reduced bloating before my wedding, which was a fast and easy way to drop some pounds before our elopement. Other Prolon diet benefits include:
Promotes Cellular Renewal
Supports Metabolic Health
Enhances Clarity and Performance
Fat Focused Weight Loss – the average person loses 5lbs with the 5-day fast mimicking diet, but from my experience it was mostly belly fat, as it still protect lean body mass
Order The Prolon Diet With My Prolon Discount Code
Order the Prolon diet today and use Prolon discount code JAYME for 15% off any current offers. Yes, using my Prolon discount code is the best price for trying out the Prolon diet. This Prolon discount code is good on top of any current discounts or incentives and anything on the Prolon website.
If the Prolon diet seems too much for you, try the 1 day reset plan they just started offering. Be sure to use my Prolon discount code JAYME for 15% off any of the prolon diets.
Did you see my Prolon before and after photo above?
I did the Prolon diet and it felt so much easier than juice cleanses I’ve done in the past. As you can see from my Prolon before and after photos, I dropped some major stomach bloating in five days and you can see a little more definition in my abs.
I thought the Prolon diet was easier than juice cleanses for a few reasons. I enjoyed “cooking” my soups on the stovetop (though it’s not required). The time spent making my lunch and dinner added to the ritual of eating, plus soup felt more like food than drinking juices. Crackers and olives also come with the diet, but unfortunately I don’t like olives. Crackers while on a juice cleanse aren’t a thing, so there were many benefits. I also found I could go about my daily life with the Prolon fasting mimicking diet and didn’t need urgent bathroom breaks like I did with juice cleanses. I dropped about 7lbs doing the Prolon diet, and it was easy to transition back to real food, which was important since we were heading to Las Vegas where we were eloping.
I also found the Prolon diet incredibly easy to follow. The box came with clear instructions and each day had its own box, which had teas, supplements, crackers, each soup, and more so you didn’t have to guess what you needed for each day.
Can You Workout On The Prolon Diet?
I think anytime you make big changes to your diet, you should be careful when it comes to working out, at least for heavy cardio. Prolon advises not to work out extra hard and listen to your body, but I kept doing my HIIT classes daily, I just didn’t push as hard. I was pleasantly surprised by how much energy I had to workout while doing the Prolon diet, even though I didn’t run as hard as I normally do.
Here’s what their website says about exercising while on the Prolon diet: “While exercise can help use up available blood glucose and move a person into a ketogenic, fasting state, vigorous exercise can stress the body and we do not recommend intense exercise during ProLon. So, while fasting, keep your activity light and do things like walking, yoga, and stretching.”
Listen to your body as you ease back into exercise after fasting. If it feels too much, it probably is. Don’t push yourself too hard and keep the intensity at a manageable level. Remember, your body needs to recover after fasting, so it may take a few days for you to get back to the level you were at before the fast.
Prolon Diet Reviews
My friend Braidee (Houston’s best nurse injector!) is the one who turned me on to the Prolon diet, and she’s done it a few times. Here’s what she had to say about the Prolon diet:
“Prolon is such a great program! After the 5 days, I always feel and look my best. I like how each box is packaged individually and there is guidance for each day. In my opinion day 1 and 2 are the toughest but once you get to day 3, you start to get some energy back. My best tip for the Prolon diet is to ration your kale crackers.”
Have you tried the Prolon fast? I’d love to hear your honest feedback in the comments or shoot me an email.
I did the Prolon diet before my wedding and loved the results
My Transition After Prolon’s 5 Day Fast Mimicking Diet
As I mentioned, I did Prolon to drop stomach bloat before my elopement. I did a 5 day fast mimicking diet Monday – Friday, and my plane left Tuesday the next week, with our elopement on Thursday.
Saturday and Sunday I ate pretty light and still kept a pretty clean diet – i.e. no Crumbl cookies or fast food. On Monday night I drank a glass of wine, well, because duh. Tuesday and Wednesday I had one or two glasses, and we went to dinner both nights. I had regular size meals and we ate sushi one night. I didn’t go crazy, but I also didn’t hold back, and I was fine. I was afraid all my hard work would be gone by the time Thursday came for the wedding, but my bloat stayed off for at least a week or two. I was 10/10 impressed with the Prolon results.
Tips For Making The Prolon Diet Work For You
It’s no secret I’m a bit of a wine lover, so going without wine for five days was tough. I found putting La Croix or sparkling water in a large wine glass helped.
Do it with someone else. If you live with someone and they are eating their normal diets, this can be tough. Ask your partner or roommate or friend at the gym to do it with you and hold each other accountable.
Check your schedule before you start the Prolon diet. I planned out my 5 day Prolon diet in advance, but if it’s your best friend’s birthday or something big is going on, it’s going to make it tough to stick to the Prolon diet. The good thing is the boxes have a pretty long time for expiration, so order it, and do it during a 5 day span you know you can make it.
Find something to fill your time during meals. Maybe you want to read or take a longer lunch break to thoroughly enjoy your Prolon soup or go for a walk listening to your favorite podcast. Sit down and make it feel like dinnertime.
Get Prolon’s fast-mimicking diet at a major deal by using your FSA or HSA. This allows you to buy ProLon products with pre-tax dollars, resulting in a net savings of 30-40%m which is a huge savings!
To use your HSA or FSA to buy ProLon, you’ll need to enter the debit card from it and take a quick health survey, but I am all about saving money and you can STILL use my Prolon discount code Jayme with these tax savings! My Prolon discount code is usually stackable on their other offers, so don’t be afraid to try it out.
This post may contain affiliate links, but everything I shared is accurate and true and my own personal opinions of trying Prolon.
Neither Jayme Lamm nor The Blonde Side are providing doctor’s orders or suggestions regarding the Prolon diet. If you have concerns about fasting or changing your diet, consult a physician. Jayme Lamm is not responsible for any adverse effects from doing the Prolon fasting diet.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Fasting_Mimicking_Diet_Plan.jpg19361936Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2024-07-09 17:10:392024-10-23 14:38:21Prolon Diet, Prolon Reviews and Prolon Discount Code For 15% Off
Gucci isn’t a new brand for most of us, but Gucci sneakers have become a huge trend over the last few years, and I don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon. Since Gucci sneakers come with a hefty price tag, I wanted to share where to find the best Gucci sneakers on sale, especially the best Gucci sneakers for women on sale.
Gucci Sneakers On Sale
Updated May 2024
Gucci is a brand that’s usually exempt from sales and promo codes, but here are the best places to buy Gucci sneakers on sale and Gucci sneakers women sale, and there are 14 places to find the best Gucci sneaker sale.
Gilt – Buying your Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt is probably your best bet for any discount to get these luxury shoes, because that’s basically the business model of Gilt’s website.
Note: You have to sign up for a Gilt account to even view their Gucci sneakers on sale and other luxury accessories accessories, but it’s well worth it and they don’t send a lot of spam email.
Pros: They offer Gucci women’s sneakers like these Gucci sneakers on sale, men’s Gucci loafers on sale, and they also offer free shipping (but check out the return policy below). They also have a cute selection of Gucci kid’s clothes, though currently no Gucci kid’s shoes.
Cons: They don’t have a huge selection of Gucci sneakers and sizes are usually pretty limited. You can find current and best-selling Golden Goose sneakers on sale for at least $100 off or more, so worth checking out.
Gilt’s Return Policy: Like most places, you must return with original box, etc. and in pristine shape. But you have two return options. The first is to get a merchandise credit, which includes the shipping cost, and the second is returning to your original payment method (i.e. your credit card) and deducting a $9.99 shipping cost. None of the Gucci sneakers on sale seem to be final sale, but make sure you don’t select final sale or you won’t be able to return them at all.
Shipping and Returns: Fast delivery within 2 days, and free returns within 30 days. Refunds are always made to the original payment method, which is a must for my online shopping.
Rebag Gucci Sneakers on Sale – You’ll find gently used Gucci sneakers, which is a great way to snag them on sale. They even give you the ranking of what condition they are in, plus you can sort by Gucci sneakers that are 60% off or more, to help find the best Gucci sales.
Nordstrom – Women’s Gucci sneakers at Nordstrom is a top-recommended place to get your Gucci sneakers. Though Gucci sneakers rarely go on sale here, it’s worth mentioning because of their free shipping and free returns, not to mention their huge selection.
Pros: Free shipping and free returns and a great return policy (see below).
Note: The main reason I love Nordstrom is their return policy, but note, Nordstrom’s return policy on “designer items” is pretty strict and pretty new. You cannot wear your Gucci shoes (even around the house to break them in) and try to return them, which definitely sucks. Just beware these shoes are not like other return shoes at Nordstrom.
More about StockX – they are a sneaker marketplace with buyers and sellers and they offer transparent pricing and a strict authentication process. I have a number of guy friends who shop here relgiously, especially for hard-to-find sneakers. You can even put your Gucci sneakers up for sale on this site if you’re looking to get rid of any.
Fashionphile – This is a fantastic place to get women’s Gucci sneakers on sale. They have a great selection of Gucci shoes on sale, like these Gucci GG Monogram Web shoes on sale (20% off retail), and they even have men’s Gucci leather loafers on sale under $300.They have a great selection and make it easy to buy with peace of mind because of their strict authenticity department, to ensure your Gucci sneakers are 100% authentic and in excellent condition.
If you don’t already know about Fashionphile, they sell pre-owned luxury items that go through a hardcore process of authentication and making sure all their items are in pristine shape. Personally, I am not a fan of re-commerce, but after visiting their store in Austin, I can vouch this is good stuff. Read more about their re-commerce site and all the great brands they carry. Most of their stuff comes with the original box and dust bag, so it’s a pretty good way to get women’s Gucci sneakers on sale.
Returns: Free shipping and returns are just one reason to love buying Gucci sneakers on sale at Fashionphile, and their return policy is pretty straight forward and user-friendly, and you get your return back via original form of payment.
Note: They offer free shipping on all orders over $250 USD. Orders are expected to reach customers 3-7 business days after confirmation.
Con: A fee of $25 per item will be charged for returned items. This isn’t terrible if you get a pair of shoes majorly on sale, making it kind of worth that potential return cost loss, but it’s worth noting as I hate paying for shipping and returns. My tip: make sure you know your size, then order your Gucci shoes on sale from Cettire.
Rue La La – This is another website you have to be a member of in order to see the Gucci sneakers on sale, but it’s worth it and being a member is free with a quick sign up and log-in. Plus, their Gucci sneakers are majorly on sale, like this Gucci Ace Studded Leather Sneaker, which is about $90 cheaper than the Gucci website.
They also have a great selection of Gucci sneakers on sale for men and these Gucci leather loafers, which are 23% off from any other online retailer.
Shipping info: They have unique 30 day and 5 day shipping options, read more here. The only items you can’t return here are worn items or items marked Final Sale.
Here is their return policy via their website: We offer two refund options for returnable merchandise:
You can select to return for merchandise credit and enjoy free return shipping. (Note: Air-shipping rates apply for Alaska and Hawaii.)
You can select to return for a refund to the original form of payment and pay a $9.99 return shipping fee.
Net-a-Porter – Here you’ll find an excellent selection of Women’s Gucci sneakers on sale, ranging from Gucci slides, Gucci heels, Gucci loafers, Gucci sneakers, Gucci sneakers with bee, and more.
Discount Code: Use FIRST10 off your first order. I’m not positive it’s applicable for Gucci shoes as there are usually exclusions, but worth a try, especially if you have other stuff in your shopping cart.
Returns: You have 28 days to return, and you can choose to receive your refund either as store credit to your NET‑A‑PORTER account or back to the original payment method.
Their return policy is pretty standard, unless you buy shoes from their Marketplace, then this is the return policy.
SSENSE – This is another website with a major selection of Gucci shoes, especially Gucci men’s shoes. And they definitely have a good selection of Gucci sneakers for women and more.
Pros: They have one of the largest selections of Gucci shoes for men and women, and of all price ranges. They also offer free shipping.
Notes: These are shipped from overseas, which isn’t really a big deal as the customer, but worth noting. Read their return policy here.
Discount Code: They offer a student discount and an essential worker discount, but not sure if they work on Gucci.
Con: Looks like shipping is free, but if you return your item (in original box, in pristine shape, etc.), they will deduct shipping costs.
eBay Gucci Sneakers – Don’t skip out on eBay when looking for Gucci sneakers on sale, as they have a ton, some are even brand new. eBay also does a great job by verifying and taking care of the customer when it comes to Gucci authenticity. Don’t miss their great selection of Gucci slides on sale too.
Jomashop – I have never shopped here, but their Gucci sneakers sale is one of the best I’ve seen with so many sneakers to choose from, although most of their Gucci sneakers on sale are men’s shoes.
italist – Another great discount shop for Gucci sneakers on sale, this one has clothes and shoes to choose from. These Gucci Ace With Cherries Sneakers are almost $200 cheaper than any other website!
Pros: Get free express shipping, and a huge inventory of Gucci shoes to choose from.
Shipping Info: “Due to the unique nature and high quality of the products we offer, italist only uses express international shipping. This is to ensure that your items arrive quickly and securely.”
Cons: Returns here don’t look easy. You are required to use their shipping provider (DHL) and it has to go through customs, so it can get expensive. Read more about their return policy.
Selfridges– Offers free shipping on Gucci shoes if you spend $300 or more, which is easy when you’re buying these shoes whether they are on sale or not!
ShopStyle – Also offers a great selection of Gucci sneakers on sale.
Bloomingdales Gucci Sneakers – Offering a big selection of Gucci sneakers for ladies, you’ll find every Gucci style and design here, all sold by a reputable retailer we all know and love. I am a big fan of these Gucci canvas high top sneakers for women.
This post contains affiliate links for most Gucci sneakers for ladies.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Gucci_Ace_Sneakers_Sale.png9782228Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2024-05-01 14:15:542024-06-20 11:58:31Where To Buy Gucci Sneakers On Sale
It’s only noon and your butler is already making arrangements for your hydrotherapy ritual at Spa Imagine, tonight’s dinner reservations at Bocado’s Steak House, and later having dessert sent to your room. Sounds like a dream, right?
It is a dream brought to life thanks to Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun, a new high-end resort that opened in the Spring of 2022.
Celebrities are already flocking to the beachfront resort, including Houstonian Simone Biles, Jana Kramer, Floyd Mayweather, Ashanti, Southern Charm’s Madison LeCroy, Naturi Naughton, Tia Booth, and Cassie Randolph, to name a few. (Check out Simone Bile’s girl’s trip to Garza Blanca Cancun for some vaca inspo.)
The luxe beach retreat is located half an hour north of the Cancun airport. Set along a secluded white sandy stretch of Playa Mujeres beach, the luxury resort is the newest addition to TAFER Hotels & Resorts. Guests can choose from all-inclusive options or room-only plans, but no matter what option you choose, each of the 452 rooms come with a private butler.
Your assigned butler will greet you upon arrival –with a drink in hand. And he or she will be available via WhatsApp or another messaging service for pretty much any need or want during your stay. While there are incredible room upgrades available like the four-bedroom penthouse loft, the butler service comes standard with all rooms.
The exquisitely cozy rooms leave no stone unturned, with a strategic desire to make your stay feel like home – if your home had a private terrace and hammocks. With convenient in-room amenities like washer and dryers in select units, some guests may not ever want to leave. The longest guest stay so far has racked up a tab of over four months.
The luxurious Cancun resort extends well beyond the guest rooms, showcasing the finest comforts and luxuries you’d expect on vacation.
The sprawling resort has nine swimming pools and jacuzzis, including the rooftop adult-only pool, surrounded by 360-degree beach views. Boasting a full bar and underwater sound system, guests are treated to LIVE music each afternoon, like a sexy saxophonist playing some of today’s top hits with a unique flair.
Can’t Miss Touches at Garza Blanca Cancun
Enjoy the delectable French toast in the morning, complete with cream cheese in between double stacked pieces of egg-soaked fresh bread alongside freshly squeezed orange juice
If you are traveling with kids, be sure to take advantage of the kid’s club for kids 4-12, where the entire staff is certified and bilingual. Ask about afterhours nanny services, available for an extra charge
If you choose the all-inclusive plan, everything is already included in the price including gratuities
The resort features four gourmet restaurants and two bars, including the Food Truck, a colorful and fun space with a trendy atmosphere that gives diners a front row seat to the stunning sea views
When it comes to hand-crafted cocktails, be sure to try The Garza Blanca, made with mezcal, serrano chili, soursop puree, lime juice and simple syrup
If you’re a picky sleeper, ask your butler for the pillow menu
Enjoy rooftop yoga, kayaking tours, snorkeling or Spanish lessons; all without an extra cost
Don’t forget to snap an obligatory Instagram photo at the main infinity pool’s clear wall-window
If you’re desperate for a quick weekend trip, you can book the 2 hour and 15-minute direct flight from Houston, drive half an hour from the airport and be lounging at the idyllic Riviera Maya resort by lunchtime. Give or take a small line at customs.
Post may contain affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GarzaBlancaCancun_Review-scaled.jpg25601920Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2024-01-24 12:30:192024-01-24 12:30:19Mexican Caribbean Beaches + Butler Service Only A 2.5-Hour Flight From Houston
Last month we moved to Castle Rock, a Denver suburb. We just built a brand-new house and are busy trying to decorate all 5,500-square-feet (more on that later), but for now, I wanted to share some of the Castle Rock businesses we have visited and loved. I’d love any comments if you have a favorite spot for us to check out. It’s always fun exploring your new neighborhood.
updated January 2024
5 Top Favorite Castle Rock Businesses
Shred415 – I am obsessed with my new gym and gym family at Shred415. Obviously with COVID going on, we resorted to at-home workouts which have been great, but being back in a high-intensity gym with some awesome men and women has felt great. I am sore most of the time, but I love that. If you live in Castle Rock and want to try a FREE class with me (or you can go without me and still get a free one so don’t worry and it’s totally cool if we’ve never met before), just call or text the studio at 303.353.4718 and mention my name. The classes are high intensity interval training with four 15 minute increments alternating between the treadmill (you can run or walk) and weights/abs on the floor. It’s super fun and after 60-minutes, boom, you’re done! This Castle Rock gym also offers FREE outdoor classes, so check their schedule and jump into one of those for a good sweat sesh without paying a dime. Mention my name and get a FREE WEEK.
Skin Refined Day Spa in Castle Rock – I have been going to Becky at Skin Refined in Castle Rock for the best facials of my life. I have lived in Colorado for more than three years now (wow, time flies), and I still get most of my beauty-related services back in Houston, but I promise you will never find a better facial than Becky at Skin Refined, just outside downtown Castle Rock. She’s located in a tiny med spa with other service providers, but her facials are equal parts relaxing (OMG the facial massages!) and good for my skin. Go see her to get your Castle Rock facial and mention me (Jayme) for 20% off your first service. She is also one of my digital marketing clients, so I run her social media, be sure to follow her!
Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse – If you know Jason (my now-husband) and I, we love good drinks and good food, so we loved checking out this brand-new bar and restaurant in Castle Rock last week. It’s an 8,000-square-foot brewery and taproom (215 Wilcox St., Castle Rock, CO 80104) offering elevated comfort food for lunch, dinner and brunch every day, including decadent burgers, fresh entrée salads, innovative pizzas, succulent steaks, memorable desserts (like their mouth-watering peach cobbler). Not only was the food great, but the service was awesome, and it was so nice “getting out” a bit, while still social distancing. We even saw deer outside off the patio, which is still something I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to. They offer beer flights with five beers for $10, which is a great way to sample some of their beer, and their fried chicken is delicious and gluten-free (which I don’t care about the last part, but I know many of you do). Would definitely recommend this place and we’ll be regulars here. Updated: they do bottomless mimosas every day of the week, which I love. However, they won’t make them in front of you or do “little” OJ, they are all premade, so it’s kind of hard to get down too many. Perhaps that is a good thing.
Stumpy’s Pizza – This was actually the first meal we ate in our new home (delivery is only $1), and we’ve already ordered it twice since then. Yes, the pizza is great and there are many options to choose from, but their fried chicken sandwich with pickles is crave-worthy. They offer authentic NY-style pizza and have been serving the Castle Rock area for 15 years, so they kind of know what they are doing. Definitely our favorite Castle Rock pizza place so far.
Crush Wine Bar – Y’all know I love my wine, and this place is less than 5 minutes from us. They are open Monday – Saturday (closed Sunday) from 3p – close (which I have no what time that is because I am usually in bed by 9p), but it has such a fun vibe and a great place to meet up with friends. They offer 50 wines by the glass, and each glass comes out with a printed card to remind you what you’re drinking, which is good for wine drinkers like me who love a wine and then forget what it was. They also have small plates, but I haven’t tried those yet. Can’t wait to go back here.
Updates and other Castle Rock businesses I love:
The Donut House — they have the BEST glazed donuts ever. I have to point out, I hate when businesses charge the customer a credit card fee (I am a small business too, so I know those costs add up) and this place actually adds a 4% credit card fee. But I can’t lie – the donuts are SO WORTH IT.
Lost Coffee— super cute coffee shop with a lot of space to work and the iced latte may be my favorite in Castle Rock! On a nice beautiful Colorado day, take advantage of their outside seating. Right next door is The Cake Company and the actual best place for birthday cakes in Castle Rock! We have ordered my birthday cake here the last three years and it never disappoints. You can also walk in for delicious cupcakes pretty much anytime.
So far those are my favorite Castle Rock small businesses. I’d love to know others we need to check out and am looking forward to learning our new neighborhood and meeting a lot of amazing people (except for Karens – not interested in any of that, haha!).
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If you’ve been wanting to experience Grand Lake, CO, check out our brand new Grand Lake cabin, for rent on airbnb.
More About Our Grand Lake Cabin For Rent:
We are proud owners of a 1000 sq. ft. brand new, modern, bright and airy cabin in Grand Lake, CO, which is about a two-hour drive from Denver. The original cabin burned down in 2020 in one of the largest wildfires in Colorado history, and now it is finished being rebuilt from scratch (July 2022) and ready to run as one of the hottest Grand Lake airbnbs for rent. Our Grand Lake cabin is a two-bedroom, 1 bathroom cabin, and both bedrooms are nearly identical with king size beds plus two twin mattresses for kids or other guests, as well as a queen blowup mattress.
The Grand Lake cabin has 360 degree views of the Kawuneeche Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park, and you’ll be able to see abundant wildlife grazing the meadow, with moose and elk visiting almost daily. You can snowmobile/ATV from the cabin to the trails in less than 10 min, which was a huge reason we bought this Grand Lake cabin as my husband is an avid snowmobiler.
The location of this Grand Lake airbnb is unbeatable! The cabin is located on a quiet, private dead end road which borders
Our Grand Lake cabin has two rooms, each with a king size bed and luxurious bedding
Rocky Mountain National Park. You can hike into RMNP straight from the cabin or drive less than 1 mile to the entrance. As of now, we are the closest Grand Lake rental to the park entrance and also adjacent to thousands of acres of national forest land and a short drive to the three lakes. And not only is it the perfect home base for all your outdoor activities, the cabin is less than 5 minutes from downtown Grand Lake with plenty of restaurants and shopping. The cabin has plenty of parking, including space for trailers for all your toys.
Guests always comment and leave 5-star reviews, noting the wildlife they see directly from the cabin windows and oftentimes right in our front yard. Guests also love our luxurious bedding (shown on the right), which can be shopped here.
*Please note that our Grand Lake community is in the process of rebuilding, so although the area is still quiet and peaceful, you may hear or see occasional construction or neighbors camping on neighboring properties.
Grand Lake Cabin – Things To Do In Grand Lake, CO
It depends on what time of the year you visit Grand Lake, but there is always something to do. For updated info on what to do in Grand Lake, visit the Grand Lake county website. The town of Grand Lake does an amazing job of putting on fun events like silly dress up contests and well attended parades, so don’t miss out if you’re visiting during one of their events.
When you book our cabin in Grand Lake, we will email you a welcome pack filled with info on things to do and see in Grand Lake, but below is a much more in-depth list to help you plan your trip.
Things To Do In The Summer In Grand Lake
Grand Lake Golf Course is less than 10 minutes from our Grand Lake airbnb, and you can’t beat summertime Colorado golf. Grand Lake’s beautifully maintained course designed by Dick Phelps with rolling fairways and subtle greens surrounded by lodge pole pines, aspens and colorful native flora, offers a world class setting with panoramic views of snow capped mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park. Moose, elk, deer, fox, chipmunks and squirrels are often spectators during a round and add to a memorable, unique mountain golf experience. The Grand Lake Golf Course is kind of surreal, because after the fire in 2020 all the trees burned down. It’s still a stunning course, but you’ll see all the burn and even chimneys off in the distance from people who lost everything.
The quaint town of Grand Lake is also a great spot, with tons of food and people watching. No matter the weather, ice cream is always a good idea in Grand Lake.
Fat Bikes are another fun way to take on the snow in Grand Lake, and there are plenty of rental places offering Fat Bikes in Grand Lake.
Hiking in Grand Lake is one of my favorite summer activities in Grand Lake. According to alltrails, there are 63 scenic trails and hikes in Grand Lake, so you’ve got plenty to choose from. Click the link for full details on hiking in Grand Lake, but let me remind you that you are in the mountains. I personally don’t hike without bear spray, but to each their own.
Don’t miss RMNP! Along with great hikes in Grand Lake, there are also great scenic drives. Our Grand Lake cabin is located on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), which is one of the most stunning places to visit in all of Colorado. Note: you will need a timed entry pass to enter the park, but you do not need one to get to the cabin! I recommend making park reservations as early as you can, but it’s usually open and FREE if you are before a certain time or after 2p. If you are an active military personnel or a veteran (like my husband), you get a FREE PARK PASS. Don’t miss this amazing perk to those who have served our country.
We get a referral fee if you use our link and we will split that money with you (it ranges from $300 – $1000 at any given time plus you get $48 once you sign up). Sign up to become an airbnb host and use our link, then email us and we’ll split it with you 50/50!
A Few Grand Lake Hikes To Check Out From GoGrandLake:
East Inlet to Adams Falls: This iconic Grand Lake hike is part of Rocky Mountain National Park and is accessed from the East Inlet Trail Head, which is outside the drive in entrance to the park. Head into Town on Portal Avenue and stay left at the fork in the road, which will lead you to the parking area. Adams Falls is only 1/3 of a mile from the trail head, but don’t miss the fantastic view of the meadow located about 1 mile from the Falls! In my opinion, this is one of the easiest and kid-friendly hikes in Grand Lake and has a beautiful waterfall at the end (pending weather in the summer).
Colorado River Trail: The Colorado River Trail Head is a hub for many of the north western trails in Rocky
North Inlet Trail Hike, Grand Lake
Mountain National Park. Hikers can choose to head to Lulu City, a once hopeful mining town, or climb higher into the Never Summer Mountain Range to the Grand Ditch. In the snowy months, Trail Ridge Road closes just after this trail head, leaving it open for year round recreation.
North Inlet Trail: This is a great hike, and here is a video from May 2023 enjoying a beautiful day in Grand Lake. Although Grand Lake is super pet friendly, many of the hikes (including this one) are inside the park, so dogs are not allowed.
Click on the GoGrandLake link above for more info on hiking in Grand Lake, CO.
Grand Lake Lodge is a restaurant/bar about a mile away. It has great views, we love the red wine on tap, and on certain nights during the summer they have LIVE music, which is always fun.
Fishing in Grand Lake is another fun thing to do with the whole family and a unique way to spend time outdoors. Click the link above for Grand Lake fishing info, but remember that everyone over the age of 16 must have a Colorado fishing license. Don’t get caught without one! Currently we do not have fishing equipment at our Grand Lake cabin, so be sure to contact a local fishing shop our guide to get set up for a day of fishing.
Grand Lake, CO
There are plenty of places to rent kayaks and paddle boards in Grand Lake. Grand Lake is known as Three Lakes, made up by Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake. It is one of the most picturesque towns in Colorado during the summer months, so take advantage of being out on the water, but remember that water stays cold (less than 60 degrees in the summer!).
Don’t forget in the summer, one of the best parts of a Grand Lake vacation is that you can drive through RMNP (reservations usually required) and go over to Estes Park. We aren’t super familiar with Estes Park, but check them out for food and hiking recommendations. The park is only open to pass through during summer months.
Things To Do In The Winter In Grand Lake –
Snowmobiling in Grand Lake, CO is some of the best you’ll see (pending a snowfall, of course). This is one of the main reasons we bought this particular cabin in Grand Lake, because you can hit the trails directly from our cabin’s driveway, and in the winter we have guests bring their trailers as we have plenty of room for parking. The link above has trail maps and tips for snowmobiling in Grand Lake, so be sure to check that out.
Here is a list of snowmobile rentals and outfitters in Grand Lake:
Grand Lake is about a 45-minute drive to the popular Winter Park Resort, which you actually pass on the way to the cabin. A less populated local spot to ski is Ski Granby Ranch, about 25 minutes from our Grand Lake cabin, so you definitely have options. You can also rent ski gear if you need it.
Another popular Colorado winter sport is snowshoeing and cross country skiing. You can get tons of great information and rentals at the Grand Lake Nordic Center.
Favorite Food and Restaurants in Grand Lake
Keep in mind that Grand Lake is a mountain town. What does that mean? It means on a random Monday the restaurants could be closed and many of the restaurants and bars close for the winter, so be sure to double check before you head out.
We LOVE the vibe at One Love, where you’ll find Caribbean food and almost too-strong margaritas haha. Also ask for their off-menu deconstructed sushi petals (if you like a kick of spice!).
Sagebrush BBQ & Grill is another favorite local spot and almost ALWAYS open. They have a great bar scene, and it’s probably the most kid friendly restaurant in Grand Lake. If you like wine like me, get a bottle of wine for better options, and cork it to bring back to our Grand Lake cabin!
Huntington House Tavern, which is only open in the summer has great food and cocktails too. It’s located inside Grand Lake Lodge, and is one of the pricier restaurants in Grand Lake.
Charlie’s Mexican is another spot that is almost always open and great for quick and reliable Mexican food and great margaritas and don’t miss their weekend karaoke!
Wild Bear Tavern is also a great spot and we love their to-go pizza, only about 4 minutes from our Grand Lake cabin. I don’t believe they serve dinner until 5p, but it’s worth checking out.
For coffee, be sure to check out Sagebrush’s new coffee stand and Jump Start coffee at the end of downtown. There are a few others in town, but these two are always open and always open early! There is a new coffee stand in town that doesn’t open until 10a and only in the summer.
While we are obsessed with supporting the local Grand Lake economy and local businesses, we always recommend our guests to do their main grocery shopping before they get to Grand Lake. We have some great local markets, but it’s a mountain town so your selection won’t be huge, and the same goes for beer and liquor.
Wheelchair Accessible Ideas In Grand Lake
We had a guest request for this, and crowdsourced a few ideas below (note: we haven’t done any of these, but some lovely Grand Lake locals chimed in for some helpful tips!):
Point Park has a short path that should be wheelchair accessible
Coyote Valley Trail in RMNP is considered a wheelchair accessible trail
We will be adding to this list of things to see and do in Grand Lake, CO so if you have tips to add or a local business we can help support, leave a comment or email me at jayme @ theblondeside.com.
Returning guests can email us directly for a discounted rate: jayme @ theblondeside.com.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GrandLake_Cabin.jpg712960Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2024-01-01 16:16:042024-11-25 16:47:58Grand Lake Cabin For Rent
As a former basketball player in high school, I know that when you step onto the basketball court, your jersey becomes more than just a piece of clothing; it becomes your armor, flag, and second skin. Choosing the ideal basketball jersey is not merely a matter of aesthetics but also a significant decision that can impact your performance and looks on the court.
This guide will delve into the intricacies of selecting the perfect basketball jersey. From style and fit to performance-enhancing features, we will leave no stone unturned in helping you make an informed choice.
Representing Your Team Colors and Design
Your basketball jersey is a canvas for your team’s identity. It proudly displays your team’s colors and often features logos and other branding elements. These elements serve as your visual representation on the court, so getting them right is essential. Ensure that your jersey aligns with your team’s aesthetics and traditions.
While team cohesion is crucial, you should feel comfortable and confident in your jersey. If there’s room for customization,personalize your jersey with touches like putting your name and number at the back, adding a unique flair.
Material and Fabric Choices For Your Basketball Jersey
The fabric of your basketball jersey plays a pivotal role in comfort and performance. First, it has to be breathable. While basketball is an intense sport, players are likely to work up a sweat. Opt for jerseys made from breathable materials that allow air to circulate, keeping you cool during the game.
Basketball jerseys undergo considerable wear and tear. That’s why durability is an essential factor when choosing a jersey. Look for durable materials that can withstand the rigors of the game, including diving for loose balls and contact with opponents.Polyester is a popular choice for basketball jerseys due to its durability. It is known for its resistance to wrinkles, abrasion, and tearing.
Lastly, moisture management is crucial to staying comfortable—jerseys with moisture-wicking properties that pull sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and focused.
Customization Options For Your Basketball Jersey
Personalization provides an opportunity to make your jersey distinctly yours. Jerseys are designed to showcase your identity with a name and number while representing your team through its logo and colors.
Many jerseys offer the option to add your name and preferred number. This adds a personal touch and helps your teammates and fans identify you quickly.
Depending on your team’s level and regulations, you can add logos, patches, or sponsors’ branding to your jersey. Ensure these elements are applied professionally for a polished look.
Sizing and Fit
A well-fitted jersey is essential for comfort and mobility on the court. Consider your body type and personal preferences when selecting the fit. While some athletes prefer a snug, slim fit, others may opt for a more relaxed standard fit.
Test your jersey by mimicking basketball movements, such as shooting, dribbling, and jumping. Make sure it allows for a full range of motion without restriction.
Avoid undersized or oversized jerseys. An overly tight jersey can hinder movement and is uncomfortable, while an excessively loose one may cause distractions and discomfort during play.
Moisture Management
Staying dry during a game is a game changer because moisture can lead to discomfort, chafing, and skin irritations. Opt for jerseys with excellent moisture-wicking properties to stay comfortable throughout the game.
Most jerseys have moisture-licking materials in their fabric. This feature keeps you dry even during intense gameplay. An excellent example is Dri-FIT, a fabric developed by Nike. Jerseys made with Dri-FIT technology are designed to pull moisture away from the skin, keeping the wearer dry.
Ventilation and Breathability
Basketball is a high-energy sport that generates a lot of heat. Proper ventilation is essential. Ventilation keeps you comfortable and helps regulate your body temperature, allowing you to perform at your best and stay cool on the court.
Many jerseys incorporate mesh panels in high-sweat areas like the underarms and back. These panels enhance airflow and keep you more relaxed. High-quality mesh is durable, breathable, and resistant to tearing, making it an excellent choice for jerseys.
Freedom of Movement
The ability to move freely is crucial for basketball players. Choose stretchable jersey fabrics. Stretchable jerseys allow for better mobility, especially when executing quick cuts, crossovers, or explosive jumps. A great example of a stretchable fabric is Spandex. This is often blended with other materials to enhance elasticity in basketball jerseys, allowing them to move seamlessly with the body during dynamic actions.
Weight Considerations
The weight of your jersey can affect your agility and overall comfort on the court.
Prefer lightweight jerseys for freedom of movement, agility, and speed. Many athletes favor lightweight jerseys for their minimalistic feel.
Balance between lightweight and durability when choosing your jersey, considering that it should provide comfort yet withstand the game’s physical demands.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Before purchasing a jersey, it’s essential to understand your size requirements.
Chest, Waist, and Hip Measurements
Measure your chest, waist, and hips accurately to determine your size. Refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart for specific guidance on selecting the right jersey size based on these measurements, as sizing can vary between brands.
Length Considerations
Depending on your body proportions, consider the length of the jersey. It should be long enough to tuck in comfortably but not so long that it restricts movement.
Trying It On
Don’t hesitate to try on multiple sizes and styles to find your ideal fit. Check how the jersey fits around your shoulders and arms. It should provide a snug fit without constriction. Ensure the jersey’s length suits your preferences. Some players prefer longer jerseys for tucking in, while others opt for a more relaxed fit.
Considerations for Women Athletes
Women athletes may have specific jersey needs. Some brands offer jerseys tailored to fit the female body shape better. These jerseys may provide a more comfortable and flattering fit for women athletes.
Avoiding Ill-Fitting Jerseys
Focus on fit rather than just the gender label; if a men’s jersey fits you better, choosing one that suits your needs and body type is perfectly acceptable. The key is prioritizing comfort, mobility, and confidence on the court.
Caring for Your Basketball Jersey
Once you’ve found the perfect jersey, it’s essential to take care of it to ensure it serves you well throughout your basketball journey. Read on the following tips to guide you.
Washing Instructions
Proper washing can preserve the colors and logos of your jersey. Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions to prevent colors from fading and logos from peeling or cracking. Wash the jersey separately or with similar colors to avoid color bleeding.
Use cold water and a gentle detergent, as hot water and harsh detergents can cause fading and damage. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can harm the fabric and its moisture-wicking properties.
Storage
How you store your jersey can impact its longevity. Hanging your jersey can help maintain its shape and prevent wrinkles. Use padded hangers to avoid stretching the neck area. If folding, store it neatly in a drawer or closet.
Store your jersey in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and dust, to prevent discoloration and damage.
Repair and Maintenance
Minor issues can be fixed to prolong your jersey’s life. If you notice loose threads or tiny tears, address them promptly. Simple repairs can prevent more extensive damage. Eventually, even the best-cared-for jerseys may wear out. When your jersey shows significant wear or damage, it may be time to invest in a new one.
Takeaway
The ideal jersey goes beyond aesthetics and sizing. Your style reflects your team’s spirit; the fit impacts your comfort and agility on the court. But pay attention to the performance-enhancing aspects, such as moisture-wicking materials and strategic ventilation, which can significantly affect your gameplay.
Choosing the perfect basketball jersey is a task that deserves careful consideration. Your jersey symbolizes your team spirit and your personal dedication to the sport.
*This was a guest sponsored post and may contain affiliate links. If you see anything in this post that needs to be revised, please shoot me a note.
Over the past few years making a cream cheese spaghetti bake, I made a few changes and it has become a family favorite. I kind of made this up on my own and I am no trained chef or cook, but it seems to be a favorite, so here’s my recipe!
Check out this Spicy Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake with Hot Sausage:
INGREDIENTS
1 box spaghetti
2 (24 ounce) jars prepared spaghetti sauce (the Kroger marinara sauce is our favorite or you could substitute a four cheese sauce or alternate marinara and alfredo – I jar of each)
In a skillet, brown the hot sausage until cooked through; drain fat and stir in half of the spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
Cook spaghetti using directions on packet. Drain and place cooked spaghetti in bowl. Add cream cheese, cottage cheese, Italian Seasoning and minced garlic. Stir until cream cheese is melted and the spaghetti is thoroughly coated. I usually mix the spaghetti mixture and the sauce, but still save some sauce for the top.
Lightly grease a 9×13″ pan. Spread a small amount of meat sauce in the bottom of the dish. Put spaghetti on top of sauce and top with remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
Although the mountain cabin was pretty turnkey when we bought it, we definitely made some changes and upgrades, including our Pottery Barn bedding, which we have received rave reviews about.
Linked below is our entire list of bedding for guests who want to have this comfort at home and also for other airbnb hosts who want to spruce up the bedrooms a bit with extreme luxury.
Remember, we use our Grand Lake airbnb half the time for ourselves, so we want luxury and comfort, just like our guests.
Our Pottery Barn Bedding Exact Links
Wayfair Low Profile Black Metal Bed – This bed is on major sale and we have a king size bed in our Grand Lake airbnb. We actually have one of these beds in our Grand Lake cabin and one in our guest room in our home and love them. This Wayfair bed has 3330+ reviews and has an overall rating of 4.7, so it’s a great bed.
First we put on the sheets, obviously. Our Amazon sheets are so cheap with over 210,000 reviews, and are so good.
Then we put this Allied Home RDS Down Blanket, and we opted for Year Round Warmth because it’s a cabin in the mountains and can get chilly.
As far as making the bed, we layer them in the above order and then pull the Essential Sateen Duvet (with the down comforter inside) all the way down the bed and folder over (as shown in the photo).
For pillows, we use these Cool Touch Memory Foam Pillows on all of our beds and they are amazing. We get so many compliments on these pillows. But note, we keep these pillows in the closet as they don’t look as good on the bed, so we use king size fluffy pillows we got from Costco, which are these exact same White Goose Down Soft Pillows. We put four per bed and keep the Cool Touch pillows in the closet so guests can have a choice on their pillows.
For our Grand Lake airbnb, we don’t use throw pillows (the one you see on the bed was a quick, random find), but the pillows we use at home are these Pottery Barn pillow covers. For our King Size bed, we get 2 of these 24×24 Belgian Linen Covers, which are super easy to wipe off and keep clean (but don’t wash them). The trick I’ve learned for pillow covers is to get one size up for the insert, and we just got these Amazon down pillow inserts for the Grand Lake cabin, and they are great! You can also get Down Feather Inserts from Pottery Barn, but they are a bit more expensive and I would size up to the 30 size (trust me!).
For throw blankets, I have a few favorites that we use in our home, but we don’t keep these in our airbnb guest rooms. We also use these on both of our couches at home and these throw blankets look and feel amazing.
We recently bought a brand-new 5,550-square-feet house in Castle Rock (Denver suburbs) and started our furniture and decorating process from scratch.
Decorating any home is probably one of the most daunting and stressful things you can do. But here’s the thing – when we first moved in, I did everything wrong with my furniture and decor, so I’m here to share some important tips when buying furniture online and even some in-person options here in Denver.
Speaking of in-person shopping in Denver, I highly recommend checking out Havenly’s Denver-based interior designers! Getting professional input on our living room was a game-changer so be sure to check them out.
10 Tips For Buying Furniture Online:
As no-brainer as it sounds, READ the reviews and full item description first. I bought a white and gold desk from Wayfair, and when it arrived, it was rose gold, not a true gold. All my other furniture and light fixtures were true gold so it didn’t match at all. I went back to the description, and realized every single review said it was more of a rose gold. It was still pretty, but what a waste for me. Even the 4 and 5 stars said the gold didn’t match the photo. Had I spent an extra minute or two reading that, I wouldn’t have had to waste my time. Spoiler alert: we had some good friend spray paint it black and now it’s perfect!
Check other sites for better prices and other reviews. I’m new to online furniture shopping, but was pretty amazed how the same pieces were on many different websites. I started copy and pasting the name of a piece to see if it was in stock or cheaper elsewhere. I’d say I had 30% success here, so that’s a huge tip. This was super helpful with Overstock vs. Wayfair and vice versa.
Take photos and videos of your furniture and packaging when it arrives. Sadly, about half of my stuff came damaged to some degree. Having photos of the dinged up packaging helped me get a refund or new item sent much quicker. I have to say that Wayfair had amazing customer service and I bought so much from them.
Guest Bedroom Goals – All Furniture Bought Online
Keep all boxes and packaging until you are positive you love it, and that it was put together correctly. Many places do offer FREE returns, but finding a box to fit a chandelier or the packaging to keep it from breaking is difficult and time consuming. I know how eager everyone is to throw out garbage and boxes when moving, but trust me on this, please wait!
Rugs are a nightmare. I have to say this was the worst part of furniture shopping online. For starters, I would NEVER recommend Rug Studio, which has the worst customer service imaginable. Rugs are big and bulky to begin with, so imagine trying to ship those back? I bought a rug from Rug Studio that was way more iridescent and metallic than the online photo showed (it was photoshopped and boosted exposure to make it look prettier, go figure). When it arrived, it was the WAY wrong color, so I obviously needed to return the $3k rug. Even though they offered free shipping, I had to figure out how to return it AND pay the return shipping, even though their item wasn’t at all as pictured. It literally cost me $300 to return this rug and my boyfriend and I both carrying it to UPS and get it wrapped up with product we had to buy from Home Depot. So my tip here is two fold: never shop at Rug Studio, and make absolutely sure the rug is the size, color, etc. that you want.
Look at shipping details and the return policy. There was so much awesome furniture I wanted at High Fashion Home, but the shipping to Colorado was expensive, not to mention their return policy was pretty bad (a restocking fee + I had to pay to ship stuff back, like a huge coffee table for instance). I didn’t end up ordering from there, which is probably a good thing because I ended up returning 60% of what I bought, so that would have cost me a fortune!
Measure and use tape! Another no-brainer, but we were ordering and buying so much so fast, I tried to eyeball stuff. I do not recommend this. I have always lived in apartments, so needless to say moving into this huge house in Denver, my furniture needed to be more “grand.” My original white and gold breakfast table was gorgeous (I miss it already!), but it was way too small for the space. Had I taken a little time to tape off and measure the size I would have seen it was too small. “Tape it off” as all the designers say. Put the tape on the floor and keep it there for a few days to make sure the coffee table isn’t too big or the dresser has plenty of room to walk around.
Beware of platform beds, which are super cute, but it’s a much different look. We bought this affordable and adorable guest room bed from Overstock, that said it could be used with or without a boxspring, which was great because we wanted to use our boxspring. The problem is, the boxspring covers the entire bed, so we couldn’t use it. The bed is still great, but had I paid attention to that, I could have gotten a taller upholstered bed and not had this issue. Look at customer pictures and again, measure it out. If your bed + boxspring are the same height as the bed, it will cover the headboard, which makes it pointless.
Don’t be afraid to ask – the retailer or friends. Go to social media for feedback on an item or if it will match a space. Some of your closest friends may have a good eye for this stuff and love it more than you do. Many retailers also have product specialists that can help you too. Even Wayfair has the ability to order fabric swatches, which aren’t just for the more high-end stores.
Take advantage of sales. We knew Pottery Barn was having a huge sale, so I was patient and waited a full month to order a massive order from them. It saved us thousands of dollars. If there isn’t a sale, don’t be afraid to ask for a coupon or a free shipping code. I tried that with three different retailers, and each one of them gave me anywhere from 5-20% off, just because I asked (it’s also helpful to be a new customer somewhere).
Asking questions also opens up more choices as there are online furniture retailers, like Cottage & Bungalow, that give you an option to personalize furniture. You can customize the size, finish, or other details as applicable, saving you the stress of getting the wrong color, returning the item, etc. Chat with C&B for more details.
Seriously, take it from me and don’t do things the hard way when ordering online furniture.
Speaking of online shopping, click here to get my affiliate links, which I would greatly appreciate. Again, I don’t know who buys what from where, a small commission just shows up in a few weeks.