The Mommy MD Guide Book Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a copy of The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth by Dr. Rallie McAllister.


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The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth offers over 900 tips from 60 doctors who are also mothers. It gives solid information regarding a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

As more expectant moms turn to cord blood banking, Dr. McAllister has 4 must-know tips - as outlined below!

Cord blood banking is a topic being discussed more often by physicians and expectant parents. The dizzying array of information on the Web can be difficult to sift through. That’s why Rallie McAllister, M. D., MPH, co-author of The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, - created this tip list to help soon-to-be parents sift through some important issues when selecting a family cord blood bank.

1. Do Your Research and Do It Early:

- Talk to family and friends and your physician or midwife to get recommendations.
- Check online for testimonials and reviews. What is the bank's reputation?
- Don't assume it's best to enroll with one close to home. A bank's headquarters and its storage facility may not even be in the same state.

2. Know the Regulations and Requirements:

- Has the bank registered with the U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and met all state regulatory requirements?
- Is the bank accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)? Accreditation, which requires audits every two years, is evidence that your sample is screened, processed, and stored following the strictest quality assurance guidelines.

3. Be Picky with the Process:

- What delivery method is used to transport the blood? Samples can be destroyed because of improper transit. A reputable bank should use a medical courier company.
- Ask about collection and storage methods, as well as published rates on cell viability to ensure the bank is using the best available technology to save your cells so they will be ready in the event that you might need them.
* Find out if they've facilitated any successful transplants. A red flag should go up if a bank has a high volume of cord blood units in storage but has never used a unit for transplant. This could mean transplant surgeons have rejected their cord blood which could mean its procedures are not careful or thorough enough.

4. Business and Stability:

- How long has the bank been in business?
- Is the bank involved in any research or clinical studies with prestigious medical research institutions? A bank on the cutting edge of research would likely play a stronger and supportive role if the cord blood was needed in treatment for your child.
- How profitable is the company? It’s important to realize cord blood banking is a business. If the bank goes out of business it could mean the cord blood units will be no longer be retrievable.

There is also an online education site that might help parents understand all of their cord blood banking options at http://www.cordbankingbasics.com

The giveaway will conclude on April 5th.

Palcycle.c​om: $10 Starbucks Card and Reusable BPA-Free Drink Bottle Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $10 Starbucks Card and Reusable BPA-Free Drink Bottle courtesy of Palcycle.


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Have you had that high-end stroller in your garage for years, reluctant to give away such an expensive item? Are you holding on to your child’s crib, waiting for a friend to get pregnant so toucan give it to her? Do you have a ton of great baby clothing that your child has grown out of…but could use some great new clothing for your kindergartener? If so, it’s time to tackle Spring Cleaning with Palcycle.

Palcycle is a free and no-hassle way to recycle unwanted items – either through selling, donating or trading -- in a safe online environment where YOU control who sees your listing and how the deal gets done.

Palcycle membership is FREE and the easy image upload program on the site allows you to post your unwanted items quickly, too. Members decide the asking price or condition if they’re open to trade. Utilizing existing online contacts --friends, family members, colleagues and acquaintances – Palcycle members can choose to do business among their own contacts and communities, which eliminates the risk typically associated with selling items online. Palcycle members can also easily link their posted items to their Facebook, Twitter and Google+ accounts, engaging an even a wider circle of friends and family in the online trading process.

Here's a Sampling of Items Being Sold on Palcycle:

Bumble Stroller, $550
Pali Sleigh Crib, $250
Children's Kitchen Play Set by Melissa & Doug, $50
Burley Child Carrier for Biking, $550
Crawling Minnie and Goofy Baby Toys, $15
Graco Travel Play Pen, $10
Ralph Lauren Down Jacket - 5T, $30
Barbie Bike, $25

The giveaway will conclude on April 5th.

It's Easter at RedEnvelope!

It's almost hard for me to fathom that Spring has already arrived, considering it has been feeling like Spring for the past month, and dare I say Summer? Therefore, this means that Easter is peeking around the corner. Hopefully, the weather will be just as nice on that day, because I plan on making it a fun and special day for my son, Tilen.

I love the Easter baskets that I've been seeing at the stores, but I wanted my son's Easter basket to be a bit different. Therefore, I ordered one that has his name embroidered on the gift basket at RedEnvelope. They didn't charge extra for this, because personalization is FREE on their All in One Easter Basket, which starts at $24.99. I opted for the Premium Easter Basket in Green (also available in Blue or Pink), which sells for $34.99. Their least expensive version is the Deluxe Easter Basket. It sells for $24.99, and is available in three different colors as well - Green, Pink, and Blue.

The Premium Easter Basket includes 3 oz. of bunny candy corn, 3 oz. of jelly beans, 4 oz. of foil-wrapped solid chocolate eggs, 4 oz. of foil-wrapped cookies ‘n cream eggs, 4-pack of yellow PEEPS™, 4-pack of pink PEEPS™, 3 oz. milk chocolate Hippity-Hoppity Bunny, and an adorable plush bunny.

I also ordered the SpongeBob Hoodie ($24.99) for my son since his 6th birthday is tomorrow. I had to pay bit of a price difference for my order, because the gift certificate that I received didn't fully cover it. This is mainly because of the Shipping & Handling, which I think is a bit ridiculous. Other than that, I love shopping at RedEnvelope and their sister sites (Personal Creations, ProFlowers, Cherry Moon Farms, etc.)!

Disclosure: The item(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

$50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Visa Gift Card courtesy of Dr. Pastorek.


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Dr. Pastorek offers Ultherapy® and Selphyl®, as well as other surgical and non-surgical procedures−such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and skin care products and services. Click here to learn about Ulthera® (FDA-approved ultrasound for non-surgical lifting) and Selphyl® (autologous/natural skin rejuvenation).

The giveaway will conclude on April 1st.

Pink Chicken Review

Pink Chicken is the line of beautiful and chic, vintage-inspired dresses and separates for girls and women from designer Stacey Fraser. With its striking colors, vintage inspired prints, and a touch of ethnic influence, Pink Chicken has become the must-have brand of choice for fashionable parents and their kids. The line has been spotted on the children of countless celebrities from Jennifer Garner and Nicole Richie to Brooke Shields and David Navarro.

Stacey Fraser is a long-time fashion designer with nearly 20 years’ experience at internationally known companies such as Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and babyGap. After taking a hiatus to care for her two young daughters, Stacey could not get designing out of her system and began making dresses for them. What began as a line for babies and young children became a must-have collection for infants, toddlers, tweens and their moms, who have looked on enviably at their little ones’ style. Stacey’s collection reflects her love of vintage textiles, and offers easy, breezy designs for girls and their mothers that is no fuss and always stylish. Pink Chicken is sold in stores across the country including Barneys New York, ABC, Fred Segal/Ron Robinson, Giggle, Juice Kids, Arte Bebe, and Flicka, as well as its online boutique at http://www.PinkChicken.com.

Pink Chicken has opened its first NYC store. This new, jewel of a boutique is located in Carnegie Hill on the Upper East Side at 1223 Madison Avenue between 88th and 89th Street. This is the second retail location for Pink Chicken, which opened its first store in Amagansett in the Hamptons in 2009.

The new UES boutique features Pink Chicken’s coveted collection of easy and beautiful dresses, shirts, skirts, knits and leggings for infants, toddlers and tweens, as well as a similar line for women, inspired by their mini-counterparts. Completely redesigned, the new space features a neutral palate with splashes of yellow and silver that complement the bright and bold prints of Pink Chicken.

“New York is my home and there is no place in the world that inspires me more,” said Owner/Designer Stacey Fraser. “We are so excited to open a store in NYC and our location on Madison Avenue could not be more perfect. We are really looking forward to being part of this vibrant community and can’t wait to share our fun designs with kids and moms throughout NYC and beyond.”

My daughter's arrival is still pending, but I couldn't resist the Georgia 2 pc Set in Lime Bouquet Floral ($65; also available in Orange Bouquet Floral and Pink Apron Floral). This beautiful two piece set includes a swing top and bloomers, which will be perfect for my summer baby. The lime green, pink, blue, and white colors sync harmoniously. The brightly colored budding flowers on three branches and birds add a touch of sophistication and serenity. The top has a lace trim detail and features two front pockets and two glitter buttons at the back. I plan on creating a shadow box, showcasing this outfit after she has outgrown it, because it's simply too gorgeous!

I also love the Marabelle 2 pc Set in Lime ($68), Jasmine Dress in Cinder Zig Zag ($124), Emma Dress in Violet Bouquet Floral ($68), and Madeline Green Paisley Skirt (Regularly: $72 Sale Price: $35).

Be sure to check out their Sale Section, because they have some fantastic markdowns!

Disclosure: The item(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Deals of the Day at Zulily

$5 off $50+ at Zulily with coupon code: GA3468 Exp. 3/31/12

Espressione - up to 55% off | Event ends 3/23 - Daily perks. Electric kettles, filter coffee makers and espresso machines.

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Jessica Alba Will Be Releasing Her First Book

After launching The Honest Company earlier this year, Jessica Alba has something else to add to her resume. She will be releasing a book next year called The Honest Life, which will be about how she created a non-toxic life for her family. She would also including some designing tips and family favorite recipes. "Honor's favorite meatball recipe will be in there," says Jessica. "And I always hide flax seeds in everything," she explains, keeping it healthy but still tasty for her two girls.

If that doesn't convince you enough, she will also include homemade beauty treatments to incorporate in your beauty routine. This book will also have DIY projects that are simple and fun. She and her husband Cash Warren refinished furniture for daughter Haven's room. Therefore, it will have a chock full of tips on making sure your home is filled with only the purest of materials and inexpensive ways to find your own style that suits you perfectly.

The Honest Life will be published in early 2013 by Rodale.

Beba Bean Review

Seeing a gap in the market, parents, Lisa and Peter, owners of Beba Bean Designs, started creating innovative products that parents loved and babies couldn’t live without. Loved by celebs, magazine editors and parents too, their Pee-Pee Teepees are essential for moms of boys. Their vast collection of baby clothing, infant blankets and swaddlers, baby toys, and baby shoes may be just what you need!

Beba Bean Designs generously sent me the Knit Onesie in Pink ($50). I love everything about it. The material. The color. The feel of it. The sheer simplicity of it. While simplistic in design, it is elegant nevertheless. Out of all of the outfits that my daughter has so far, this is one of my top favorites! It has heirloom quality, making it perfect as a keepsake that can be "ooh" and "ahhed" over for years to come.

My daughter will be wearing this beautiful onesie in the Autumn and Winter, considering that she will be born during the summertime. It's made with 100% cotton that is both thick and durable, ensuring the warmth and comfort that she will needing when the cooler weather sets in. It will be perfect during outings in Fall and for layering during the Winter.

The Knit Onesie is also available in Blue, Chocolate, and Ivory.

Beba Bean Designs has an impressive collection. Therefore, I can't help but fawn over other items such as the Knit Cape in Pink ($31), Knit Hoodie in Chocolate ($37), Knit Hoodie & Pant Set in Pink ($62), Animal Lion Rattle in Polka Dot Grey ($15), and Crochet Knit Blanket in Grey ($60).

Disclosure: The item(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Exude Lipstick Review

Exude Lipstick is set to modernize the way women wear lipstick. Because of its revolutionary applicator, Exude is able to retain its shape over time and dispense the exact amount of lipstick users need, without any mess or waste. Millions of women welcome the glamour of lipstick, but until now the process of putting on lipstick has been anything but glamorous. Exude is a modern approach to a classic beauty problem. To help epitomize the brand's personality, Exude collaborated with Rachel Zoe, one of Hollywood's most coveted stylists.

I opted for the Exude Lip Gloss in Dusty Pink since I don't wear lipstick that often. The Dusty Pink is a modest yet playful shade of light pink, making it perfect to wear during Spring. It has a hint of a minty flavor that makes my lips tingle, which doesn't bother me in the least since it doesn't burn or hurt.

The lip gloss glides on effortlessly without making a mess in the process, and the texture feels nice on the lips - not sticky or waxy at all! It hydrates the lips beautifully with an anti-aging complex complex, which includes Omega 3, and Omega 6 Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, and Goji Berry.

The only thing I don't like is the $29 price tag, considering this product wouldn't last long with me since I wear lip gloss a lot. The price might not faze you one bit if you're more conservative of how often you wear lip gloss.

Exude is available in Lip Gloss and Creme. The Creme colors are Coral, Cranberry, Rosy Brown, Nude, Brown, Bronze, Red, Plum, and Pink. The Lip Gloss colors are Dusty Pink, Crimson, Brown, Clear, and Scarlet Red.

Disclosure: The item(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Nikki Zabicki Giveaway

Prize: Three winners will receive a belt buckle of their choice (a $50 value) from Nikki Zabicki.


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Nikki Zabicki’s grandmother taught her to paint when she was a little girl, and she knew then that art was her calling. The daughter of a public school art teacher, her education and support has been lifelong and unwavering.

She began painting buckles in 2006, and has made thousands since. Her art graces the walls of local businesses, motorcycles, guitars and of course, canvas.

Her belt buckles are one-of-a-kind, hand painted with designs born from the fuchsia depths of her imagination.

She resides in her Albuquerque, New Mexico studio shop with her two tiny dogs, Rata and Leroy.

The giveaway will conclude on April 5th.