Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2012

Link Up Your Giveaways

Happy Friday! I hope that everyone has a relaxing weekend. In the mean time, please feel free to post your giveaway links for extra exposure. Be sure to include the end date. Join us every Friday to generate buzz for your contests. Please spread the word!

Don't forget to enter our current giveaways! They can be found on the sidebar.



 

Pop On Pals Amusement Park Play Set Review

Team Mom sent us the Pop On Pals Amusement Park Play Set ($34.99) from Spin Master, which is a new addition to the Pop On Pals line. This is a great set that is geared for ages 2-4. Your toddler will love it much as mine does if they like lights, sounds, music and more! He likes to play with his set just about everyday. With Pop On Pals, the "popabilities" can be fun and endless with unique and off-the-wall combinations: a fireman becomes a musician,a princess becomes a baker and a puppy becomes a ballerina!



Pop On Pals doesn't only encourage imaginative play, but it will also help your toddler develop fine motor skills. The Pals are perfectly sized for tiny hands to play with the signature "pop" sound adds to the fun!

Other products from the Pop On Pals line include the Pet Pack, Pal Pack, Ring Deluxe Ring Pack, 2 n'1 Vehicle Set, Pop and Go Airplane and the Pop and Go School Bus. You can buy these products at Toys "R" Us, Sears, Kmart, Target and more!

The product 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.

 

Eliza Parker Giveaway



Prize: One winner will receive a $50 gift card from Eliza Parker.

Sign the Google Spreadsheet above.

Entry Limit: Daily

Note: You can list bonus entries separately or all in one entry - your choice!



Eliza Parker designs stylish career wear, separates, cocktail dresses, and fun accessories for curvy women in sizes 10 to 28.

The basis of great fashion is excellent fit, and they designed their collection to hug and flatter your curves. Their PerfectFit system will help you shop according to your body shape so that you can achieve an exceptional fit.

Their collections are designed for fashionable women on the go. From boardroom to black tie, their styles are effortless and will help you feel gorgeous day and night.




Miami Dress in Turquoise $189


Jade Necklace $98


Splendid Shrug $42
Available in Cyan Blue or Black


Santorini Dress in Midnight Blue $189


Rose with Pin Closure $18

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizaPrkr

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eliza.parker.inc



- Follow Welcome to the Motherhood via Google Friend Connect.
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The giveaway will conclude August 15th.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

 

Celebrity Caterer Tips: Swanky Summer Bash on a Budget

Who says you can’t party like a rock star? Celebrity Event Planner and Caterer Andrea Correale says you can without a Hollywood star budget. Having satisfied the palettes of celebrities including Brooke Shields, Gwenyth Paltrow and Kim Catrall, Andrea knows a few things about throwing a fabulous bash. As the President of Elegant Affairs, the New York based catering company behind numerous Hamptons and other high profile events, Andrea has worked with budgets and guest lists both small and extensive.



This summer, gather your favorite girls and guys and have an elegant affair of your own without breaking the bank. With your favorite swimsuit in tow, turn a typical pool party from drab to fab! Below, Andrea provides tips and tricks to throw a low cost bash in style.

5 Tips to Throw a Swanky Summer Bash on a Budget


Tip #1 – Save Money on Food with a “Daytime” Party

According to Andrea, having a party during the daytime versus at night will save major bucks. “When it comes to the food, people’s expectations are usually much higher at nighttime events,” says Andrea. Typically “PM” parties require more appetizers followed by dinner and dessert. “You can get away with less expensive food and less of a spread at a day time poolside gathering,” Andrea continues.



Tip #2 – Lights, Candles, Action! Save on an Inexpensive Décor

Create a show-stopping and festive backyard presentation with simple and inexpensive decorations and accessories. “Lawn chairs and table clothes are great, but don’t shy away from stored away Christmas lights, colorful tea candles and paper hanging lanterns,” says Andrea. It’s the small things that add grandeur and charm to any party! These stylish decorations will cost under $30 and you’ll have them ready for the next bash!

Tip #3 – Arrange Your Own Tunes

Who says you have to hire a professional DJ to keep the party going? Instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars, create a playlist of your favorite summer time tunes on your iPod and connect it to speakers. Voila! A DJ sure to play the tunes you and your friends want to hear for the cost-efficient price of…zero!



Tip #4 – Bottoms Up! Establish a Signature Drink

Every party should have a signature drink, but that doesn’t mean it has to be an expensive one. Impress your guests with large bell glasses filled with red wine Sangria. For an extra flair, insert the Sangria recipe into a colorful picture frame next to the Sangria. Don’t stop there! Make Sangria ice-cubes by placing one, canned mandarin orange slice in each compartment of two ice cube trays. Fill each with red wine and freeze. Serve with Sangria. Supplement the Sangria with bottles of sodas and beers.



Tip #5 – Skip Filet Mignons and Grill Skirt Steak Instead

Don’t break the bank on Filet Mignon and Porterhouse steaks at your backyard bash. Skirt steak is a fabulous choice and costs at fraction of the price of the higher end favorites. Skirt steak is a thin cut of meat, making it great to marinate and cook on the grill, as it soaks up the seasoning very well and cooks quickly. It's one of the most flavorful steak cuts, but also one of the tougher ones too, which is another reason why it's so great to marinate. Decadent marinades make skirt steaks exceptionally delicious when grilled.



Andrea Correale created Elegant Affairs, a full-service, off-premise catering and event design firm which is considered one of the best on Long Island, Manhattan and in the Hamptons. Since its inception more than 15 years ago, Elegant Affairs has served over 1400 events a year with razor sharp attention to detail.

Elegant Affairs has satisfied some of the world's most discriminating palates such as L.A. Reid, Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Brooke Shields, Russell Simmons, the Trumps, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, the Stillers, Bebe Neuwirth, Kelly Ripa, and Kim Cattrall, to name a few.

Elegant Affairs has been featured on VH1's The Fabulous Life of the Hamptons, The Real Housewives of New York City, and MTV's True Life. Besides being a celebrity caterer, Andrea has worked with budgets big and small to plan fetes ranging from million dollar weddings to an intimate dinner party for ten. For more information, please visit: http://www.elegantaffairscaterers.com

 

Nutrisystem - Week 3



I can hardly believe that this is my third week using the Nutrisystem diet plan. It is a bit unbelievable that next week will mark my fourth week. These weeks have flown by so quickly! I did manage to lose 4 pounds, and I'm hoping to lose more even though my family disagrees. I tried on my new dress that I will be wearing at my brother's wedding and it fits me perfectly! By the way, it isn't the dress that I wearing in the picture above in case you haven't been keeping up with me on my Nutrisystem posts. This is THE DRESS! I have managed to incorporate exercise in my busy and hectic schedule since Nutrisystem recommends 30 minutes of physical activity along with their diet plan to get the best results. I love that I was able to pick what I want with the next Nutrisystem shipment, because I'll be one of the few to admit that I don't like all of the food that I received. However, this didn't hinder me from using their diet program since I was determined to lose weight. I'm more determined than ever to stick with this plan since I have lost some weight.

Nutrisystem will be sponsoring me for the next three months. I will be blogging, Facebooking and Twittering my progress on a weekly basis.

Disclosure: All products have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of their Nutrisystem15 program. Views expressed here are my own.

 

Pediped Review

The Fall/Winter 2010 season marks the debut of Pediped Grip ‘n’ Go, a shoe specially designed for the active toddler. The Grip ‘n’ Go line is a bridge between the Pediped Originals and Flex lines. With this introduction, Pediped footwear now offers a complete footwear system for children from newborn through 6 years of age.

Pedipeds new collection has more than 70 new styles across Pediped footwear system’s three lines, Originals, Grip ‘n’ Go and Flex. With a range that includes 25 Originals styles, Four couture collection style offerings, 13 Grip ‘n’ Go styles and 39 Flex styles, parents have even more choices when it comes to finding the perfect pair of Pediped shoes for their child.

Originals - the best first shoe ever: Pediped Originals are the best first shoes for children and remain the best choice as children learn to walk. The soft flexible soles are recommended by pediatricians and podiatrists as they allow children to closely mimic barefoot walking.

The Originals Fall Winter line for girls features updates on classic styles, including Abigail purple and chocolate brown. Two adorable styles of faux fur boots are offered in the Giselle and Avery styles. PPediped uses sheepskin for the first time in the Isabella for girls and the Charlie for boys. The boy’s line also includes a variety of casual athletic styles like the Christopher and the Luke.

The Couture Collection was inspired by the American West with metallic cowboy boots and Mary Janes. The Originals collection will retail for $32 and is available for children 0-2 years. The Couture Collection styles will retail for $42.

Grip ‘n’ Go
- the perfect shoe for the active toddler: Pediped Grip ‘n’ Go, are the perfect shoes for a toddler transitioning from early walking to walking with a more confident stride. Grip ‘n’ Go, are made with all the benefits of Originals but with thin, flexible rubber soles. The rounded edges mimic the natural shape of a child’s foot and the heel stability and soft toe box allow toddlers to feel and grip the floor. Grip ‘n’ Go is ideal for both indoor and outdoor wear.

The Grip ‘n’ Go Fall Winter line has classic Pediped styles like Alyssa, Giselle, Isabella and Jake. It also includes some exciting new styles like Ellie and Jamie. The Grip ‘n’ Go collection will retail for $44-$48 and is available for children 9 months to 3 years.

Flex - the ultimate shoe for confident walkers: Pediped Flex are the ultimate shoes for confident walkers who have developed a solid, natural stride.

The Fall Flex line has a fabulous array of boots for girls including the suede Elizabeth fashion boot, the red Carrie Cowboy boot and the Tonya riding boot. Fall also brings the expansion of athletic washable styles and ballet flats with Memory Foam Technology. Flex styles range in price from $34-$79 and are available in EU sizes 20-29 with select styles now offered in larger sizes going to EU 31.

All new styles in the Fall Winter collection will be available immediately with the exception of a few select boot styles will be available on August 15th.

A range of coordinating Pediped socks and hosiery, jewelry and hair clips by No Slippy Clippy are also offered to complete any and every fall and winter ensemble.

In addition to providing the perfect combination of style and comfort, all Pediped shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for the promotion of healthy foot development. The Pediped footwear system has recently been endorsed by researches associated with Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital in Boston.

About Pediped:


Pediped footwear was launched in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth in their quest for the perfect soft-soled shoe for their first daughter. Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort and distinctive styling have made the award winning company the fastest-growing children's footwear brand in the United States. Pediped footwear is sold in over 3000 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between their three lines. Originals, Grip ‘n’ Go Flex. Originals (soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2), Grip ‘n’ Go (thin rubber-soled shoes for children ages 9 months – 3 years) and Flex (rubber-soled shoes for children 1-6 years) are available in EU sizes ranging from 17 to 31.



I have been thrilled for my son to finally get to wear a pair of shoes by Pediped! He was sent the Adrian in White/Grey - Flex ($48). This pair of machine washable shoes
sells for $48. This style was a part of their spring line. Pediped shoes have flexible soles, are washable and have a memory foam.

This style came with a pair of DRYZ, a specially-formulated odor resistant insole that controls both moisture and temperature. A version of these insoles sell online for $15.99 but are included FREE in this pair - a great deal! We think every child needs Pediped footwear. If your child is in school, their shoes will be easier to keep clean, they will have maximum flexibility and support for their natural foot motion, and the additional insoles help to customize the fit. Who can go wrong in keeping their kids feet in exceptional quality, comfortable and stylish shoes. We're so glad that my man was introduced to Pedipeds!

Machine Washable - These shoes are made with Clarino, a wash-and-wear fabric that’s virtually indestructible. Simply throw in the washing machine and air dry for perfectly clean shoes--how easy! That's one of the main features I like about the shoes. We know it doesn't take long for kids to get their shoes dirty. I needed those shoes when my son ran in the yard after a heavy rain.

Soft & Flexible
- The shoe features exceptionally soft, flexible soles and uppers help to provide healthy foot development. Ultra flexible FLEX ZONES provide maximum flexibility and support natural foot motion.

Heel Cushion
- The Shock absorbing cushions on each heel protect against impact and distribute pressure through-out the foot.

Flex Fit System
- Pediped Flex offer a unique fit system. Each pair comes with an additional 2mm insole to customize the fit so it's just right for each child. If the child starts with both insoles, as the child’s feet grow the additional insoles may be removed to extend the length of time the child can wear the shoes.

The product 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.

 

Excess Baggage Giveaway



Prize: One winner will receive a Cascade Ruffle Top by Fumblin’ Foe (a $118 value) from Excess Baggage.

Sign the Google Spreadsheet above.

Entry Limit: Daily

Note: You can list bonus entries separately or all in one entry - your choice!



Silk sateen sleeveless top is adorned with flat cascading ruffles down the front. This top is glamorous, and very complimentary.

Excess Baggage is a multi-designer off price retailer that is offered both at an online and offline level. Their online store offers their customers the same great deals that you would get at any of their events. They offer their customers a different sale experience than they have ever had. As you know sample sales are generally very unorganized, dirty, chaotic disasters. Excess Baggage designer sale concept is a sophisticated social networking experience complete with cocktails, beauty services, gift bags, etc.

15% off at Excess Baggage with coupon code: exclusivexbag

Note:. Also, if you refer friends to the site and they purchase something you will be given a $15 credit in your account!




Silk Printed Coat by Biya $200 (Reg. $715)


Orange Sheila Clutch by Vieta $48 (Reg. $56)


American Buddha by Yogi $30 (Reg. $83)


Black Cutter Embellished Leaf Tank by One Grey Day $50 (Reg. $121)

Twitter: http://twitter.com/shopexbag

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Excess-Baggage/288052361532?v=info&ref=ts



- Follow Welcome to the Motherhood via Google Friend Connect.
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- Tweet this: @HilLesha @shopexbag Excess Baggage Ruffled Blouse (a $118 value) #Giveaway http://bit.ly/dC5iFd

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The giveaway will conclude August 15th.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

 

Upcoming CSN Review



As a Preferred Blogger, I'm thrilled to say that I will be working with CSN Stores again. With over 200 stores, I believe that you will find what you're looking for. Looking for the perfect coffee maker? They have over 300 coffee makers from brands such as Kalorik, Hamilton Beach, Cuisinart, Krups, BonJour, Frieling, Paula Deen, Black & Decker and many more! I'll admit that I don't drink coffee, but I still love to fix it for it guests. My favorite coffee makers include the Breville Gourmet Single Cup Brewer - BKC700XL ($247.95), Kalorik Sunny Morning 10 Cup Coffee Maker in Tangerine Orange - CM 25693 T ($34.95) and the SPT Stainless Steel 3- in-1 Breakfast Maker - BM-1107 ($39.99).

 

Guidecraft Review and Giveaway



Prize: One winner will receive a Noah's Ark Toy Box and a Noah's Ark Book Display (a $255 value) from Guidecraft.

Sign the Google Spreadsheet above.



Entry Limit: Daily

Note: You can list bonus entries separately or all in one entry - your choice!

For over 40 years, Guidecraft's educational kids toys, arts & crafts, and kids room furniture have delighted kids and parents alike. Developmental toys, from building blocks to award-winning Magneatos encourage open-ended educational play.



I had been considering on buying my son a new toy box for months, but I wasn't for sure where to begin since I wanted him to have a toy box that was sturdy and high quality in craftsmanship. My search has come to an abrupt end after receiving the Noah's Ark Toy Box ($185). This toy box was a breeze to assemble and it fit most of my son's toys! The details are beautiful as well. I believe that this toy box is well worth the price considering I've bought toy boxes that were much, much cheaper in price that ended up falling apart weeks later. I'd say that this is the Ferrari of toy boxes.

Guidecraft has a beautiful selection of toy boxes that you can easily incorporate in your child's room theme. My other favorites include Detroit Red Wings ($180), Swan Lake ($185), Retro Racers ($220) and the Fire Truck ($165). They have more basic, non-theme toy boxes such as the Mission Toy Box ($150) and the Classic White Toy Box ($135). Want personalization? The Spindle Toy Boxes in White, Honey and Cherry ($185) feature three photo cut-outs to showcase your child's pictures.



My son also received the Noah's Ark Book Display ($70), which goes with his toy box perfectly! It is a bit small. This makes it perfect for your child's room since it doesn't take a lot of room! However, I do plan on purchasing another bookcase in the future since this one didn't accommodate all of his books. He has a lot of books! This beautiful hand-painted and hand-carved book display features canvas deep storage pockets that are easy to clean. Assembling this book display was just as easy as it was to assemble the toy box! Imagine your child coming home after school. This would be perfect for them to relax and unwind by reaching for their favorite book and reading it. It's also a great place to put their school books.

Other items that are part of the Noah's Ark collection include: Table & Chairs ($185), Table Lamp ($45), Storage Step Up ($55), Extra Chairs ($80) and the Rocking Chair ($110).

If you're a homeschooler or teacher, you might be interested in checking out their Classroom Furniture. I'm considering on homeschooling my son, and this will definitely be my go-to section when I get him started!

The product 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.



- Follow Welcome to the Motherhood via Google Friend Connect.
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The giveaway will conclude August 25th.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

 

Waxing Poetic



Waxing Poetic’s personal, imaginative designs are crafted of sterling silver and mixed metals, and also in a variety of antique inspired fabrications. They offer exclusive insignia, iconic and keepsake collections, easy ways to combine jewelry into a personal statement, and top-notch quality and customer service. Their heirloom-quality designs have been lauded by numerous publications, and loved by many women for their quiet, relaxed luxury. Based in the charming central coast California wine country region of Los Olivos, they find great joy in the humble and glorious, the everyday and the extraordinary, and in the great Design of Life. They look forward to helping you discover new ways to tell and share your own stories through their modern-traditional designs that they hope will remain your classics for years to come.

Waxing Poetic has been featured in several publications such as Pregnancy, Cosmopolitan, Vevant, Vogue, InStyle, Marie Claire, Lucky, Nylon, Santa Barbara, 805 Living and more!




Remedy in a Bottle Pendants $60
Available in Essence of Dreams, Love Elixir, Peace Potion, Stress Remedy, Spirit Brew or Wish Tonic


Fragments Bangles in Brass or Sterling Silver, $63


Silhouette Portrait Charms $35
Available in Boy, Butterfly, Cat, Girl, Dog or Swallow


Storybook Page Charms $48
Available in Dreams Come True, Everlasting, Fairy Godmother, Magic, Love Conquers All, Happily Ever After, Magic, Someday, Once Upon a Time or When You Wish


Miniature Round Insignia Trinket Box $73
Available in letters A-Z, Cross, Croix or Peace


Alpha Plaques $55
Available in letters A-Z


Wing and a Prayer Cuffs $75
Available in Crown, Heart with Rays, Peace or Heart Shaped World


Flip Flourish Pendants $105
Available in My One/My Only, Say Yes/More Often, To Have/To Hold or You Have Mine/Heart Symbol

 

Luminess Air Review



Luminess Air is a complete line of airbrush systems and award winning airbrush cosmetics that are used by top notch make-up artists in the world for the runway, film, TV, print and now at home everywhere! Luminess Air never test their products on animals. They believe in keeping their cosmetic line as simple, holistic, organic and natural as possible.

Luminess Air has a strong sense of responsibility and giving back to communities, organizations and causes which help those in need. Luminess Air strongly supports UNICEF and other children’s causes along with various breast cancer and women’s health causes.



I believe that the Luminess Air airbrush system is much better than the TEMPTU® AIRbrush Makeup System ($225) that I reviewed last year. It is so easy to use! I don't have to worry about inserting make-up cartridges and taking them out like I did with the TEMPTU, which was so frustrating at times since that wasn't an easy task at all. I also got to try out different shades from Luminess Air to see what would work best with my complexion. It even includes all of the essentials (minus the mascara, liquid eyeliner and eyeshadow) that I need to get my make-up routine started such as the foundation, blush, bronzer and shimmer. I'll admit that I was a bit perplexed at first, because I didn't know where to begin! However, the guide put everything in perspective for me.

I'm certainly not a make-up artist, but I've found this device to deliver high quality, professional results with a gentle touch of the spray on stylus. All you have to do is shake your makeup to ensure good coverage, dispense a few drops (no make-up cartridges!) of make-up in the stylus and gently apply it on your face or body. The kit comes with an Airbrush Cleaning Bottle that you can fill with 1/3 water and 2/3 drugstore isopropyl alcohol solution to clean your stylus between takes, which is very easy to do!

I wouldn't trade the Luminess Air for anything. The foundation is long-lasting (8 hours) and makes my skin look practically flawless without looking like I have any foundation on. It truly does minimize the appearance of blemishes. It also known for camouflaging wrinkles and fine lines without fault. The make-up is oil-free and water-based. This is good for all skin types, including acne-prone skin! The refills are affordable. Nothing exceeds $42. Club prices are reasonable if you decide to go that route. I wouldn't mind trying out their Calligraphy Eyeliners ($19.99) or their Eye Shadows ($29).

The product 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.

 

Up to 70% off in the Summer Sale at ASOS

Up to 70% off in the Summer Sale at ASOS!




Mama.Licious Grace Woven Dress Was $75.80 Now $40.43


Mama.Licious Cropped Sleeve Woven Top Was $50.54 Now $15.16


ASOS MATERNITY Exclusive Pleat Front Military Coat Was $126.34 Now $64.01


Mama.Licious Jersey Tunic Was $43.80 Now $26.95


ASOS MATERNITY Exclusive 3/4 Sleeve Cocoon Coat Was $126.23 Now $33.69


ASOS MATERNITY Exclusive Origami Drape Dress Was $58.96 Now $25.27


Mama.Licious Zip Detail Slim Jersey Tunic Was $38.74 Now $23.58


ASOS MATERNITY Contrast Bow Top Was $30.32 Now $13.48

 

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