To the Motherhood

Cool Gifts for Daddy-O

2012-05-31T16:44:00.001-05:00

Patio Daddy-O at the Grill: Great Food and Drink for Your Backyard Bash $5.98 at Amazon.com

Red Motorcycle Stainless Steel 6 Oz Flask $26 at Unique Vintage

John Varvatos Gift Set $82 at Sephora

Elvis Presley Jukebox Clock $27.59 at Amazon.com

Cape Cod Open Plaid Shirt $55 at Nautica

On the Rocks and Roll Coaster Set $19.99 at ModCloth

Snapshots Camera Flask $24 at Urban Outfitters

Weber Q 300 Gas Grill $349 at Hayneedle

Cool Jazz Ice Cubes $12 at Unique Vintage

Retro Barbecue: Tasty Recipes for the Grillin' Guy $1.99+ at Barnes & Noble

The Beatles Coasters - Set of 15 $28 at Urban Outfitters

Arachnid Bull Shooter Arcade Dart Board $279.98 at Hayneedle

"Change" Your Baby Accessories with Petunia Pickle Bottom

2012-05-31T12:26:00.000-05:00

The weather is perfectly balmy, making it the ideal time to freshen up your style since you'll probably be out and about with your baby. I've always admired the look of the Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags, because they're good to use for baby and beyond, so I was pleasantly surprised to find a few of them on sale at Nordstrom. It's better to snatch up one of these diaper bags now, because they sell out quickly!

Petunia Pickle Bottom 'Touring Tote' Glazed Diaper Bag ~~Was $149.00~~ Now $98.90

Petunia Pickle Bottom 'Boxy Glazed' Diaper Bag ~~Was $175.00~~ Now $116.90

Petunia Pickle Bottom 'Touring Tote' Brocade Diaper Bag ~~Was $149.00~~ Now $98.90

Petunia Pickle Bottom Glazed 'Change It Up' Clutch ~~Was $62.00~~ Now $40.90

Haute Mama-to-Be at the Poolside

2012-05-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

The weather is nice and sunny, indicating that summer is blatantly lurking around the corner. Hardly thinking about the hot, sweltering heat that is usually entailed; most look forward to taking a break from school, having/attending cookouts, a myriad of outdoor activities, and going on vacations. This also means that it is swimsuit season, which is undeniably a nightmare to most women. Hardly any woman that I know likes to go swimsuit shopping, whether they are a size 0 or 16.

I know that finding the perfect swimsuit was always a trying experience for me, especially during pregnancy. While your waistline is gradually expanding as each month goes by, your confidence can sink lower, even though pregnancy is one of the most monumental and rewarding experiences a woman can endure. Pregnant women, such as Tori Spelling, makes it look effortlessly easy to lounge at the poolside in a two-piece bikini. On the other hand, the average pregnant woman doesn't want to think about slipping into a swimsuit, let alone a two-piece!

Tankinis and halterkinis are the best choice for those who are expecting. They both provide an ample amount of coverage, while also giving you a fun and flirty look. Strapless is also a good choice, especially if it provides hip and bottom coverage. However, if you don't want your pregnancy to sacrifice the old you, go for that two-piece bikini! Personally, I prefer a one-piece, because they're becoming more sophisticated and chic as the years go by. Regardless of your maternity style, you'll most likely find what you're looking for at a store, such as Nordstrom. You could team it with some cute sandals from Endless!

Novena Maternity Review

2012-05-29T17:40:00.000-05:00

Novena Maternity is determined to provide women of childbearing years a worry free skincare line designed for pregnancy. Novena does not contain any of the possible harmful ingredients which could potentially affect the health of a developing baby. Whether you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or even one day planning on having a baby, Novena is the ideal choice for you and your miracle of life.

Novena has been featured in print publications, such as Pregnancy, OK Magazine, American Spa, Fit Pregnancy, and Pregnacy & Newborn. Novena Maternal Skin Care has become a favorite among celebrity Moms around the nation. Trista Sutter (the Bachelorette) loves Novena so much that she ordered 56 bottles of the Organic Fruit Face Wash ($28) for her Baby Shower as Shower Gifts for her guests. Molly Sims, Kimora Lee Simmons, Emily Deschanel, Maxine Bahns, Paz Vega, Molly Ringwald, Nicole Richie, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, and Mira Sorvino to name a few all have Novena!

I'm very cautious about what I apply on my face, because my skin has a tendency to break out easily. I have been plagued with "teenage skin" since the age of 10. Surprisingly, I haven't really experienced any skin issues during my pregnancy, especially during my first and second trimester. I like to think it's because of the glorious pregnancy hormones, but it's most likely due to the fact that I'm nearing my thirties. However, I did have a couple of mini breakouts recently, but they quickly went away since I've been using the Organic Citrus Blemish Lotion ($32). This product helps prevent and treat breakouts due to stress and hormonal changes. It also aids in healing existing ones.

During this pregnancy, I haven't experienced any issues with stretch marks. This is probably due to the fact that I've been using products, such as the Organic Beauty Belly Cream ($26) early on. The only stretch marks that I have are old, faded ones that I got as an overweight teen. While they're no longer an issue since they're barely noticeable, it be would be nice to find a product that will get rid of them altogether without having to get laser treatment. I can't vouch for others, so I can only tell you from my experience that it didn't remove old, existing stretch marks, it only prevented new ones. Perhaps, one will not be able to notice a difference with just one tube, unless they continuously buy and use this product, which could get a little pricey.

Disclosure: The product(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.

Stages of Beauty Review

2012-05-28T11:41:00.000-05:00

The first anti-aging skincare brand divided into age appropriate product lines for women, Stages of Beauty offers four initial lines that includes products such as cleaners, scrubs, serums, treatment creams, and supplements. Every Stages of Beauty product addresses the skincare needs of a woman based on the specific biological needs of her skin at her age.

While most anti-aging products are focused on reducing the basic, visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, Stages of Beauty takes into account the rate at which our bodies' biological and hormonal changes occur and their impact on our skins' characteristics over time. With age, our skin experiences decreased collage and elastic, decreased immunity and slowed skin cell regeneration. Because these changes are inevitable, Stages of Beauty's products are scientifically formulated to work best for the age ranges they are intended for; each one includes ingredients that are appropriate and safe for the skin's pH levels, thickness, and sensitivity.

Stages of Beauty Offers Four Different Age Specific Lines:

The Radiance line (20s) focuses on preventative care, repairing and protecting skin against environmental damage and free radicals.

The Harmony line (30s) puts an additional focus on promoting the skin's natural ability to exfoliate and regenerate new skin cells while supporting collagen and elastic.

The Elegance line (40s) puts an additional focus on regaining the skin's elasticity, firmness, and tone.

The Grace line (50s) puts an additional focus on hydration, restoration of the skin's surface immunity, and balancing the effect of hormones on the skin.

Using a serum such as the Radiance Antioxidant Serum with Red Tea ($74.99), is crucial for someone in their 20s, a time when you start noticing the slight signs of aging. It has high concentration of antioxidants - 50 times greater than that of Green Tea. I used this serum religiously, day and night, by applying only a few drops. It did wonders for my skin, giving it a radiant and healthy glow. However, it made my skin feel a little tight and dry, so I had to immediately follow up with a moisturizer to make it feel supple. My supply has depleted since then, but I'd most definitely reconsider using it again in the future. It's a bit pricey, but well worth it if signs of aging is a concern.

Proven Natural Ingredients

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is found naturally within the deeper layers of our skin and plays a critical role in moisture retention, and rapidly repairing skin damage. As we age, HA decreases leading to thinner skin. Due to its remarkable ability to hold water, applying HA topically has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by smoothing and plumping the skin.

Red Tea Extract

Found in the mountains of South Africa, Red Tea Extract is known to contain Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), which is among the most powerful antioxidants available. It has been shown to function as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in the body, neutralizing the free radicals that can lead to wrinkles and prematurely aged skin.

Sea Botanicals

Sea botanicals that provide protection against free radicals while calming and soothing the skin. Also helps to reduce oxidative skin stressor molecules. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are essential to maintaining youthful skin. It has been proven to slow the aging process and protect the skin from environmental and free radical damage. It is essential in revitalizing, repairing, and moisturizing the skin.

Disclosure: The product(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.

Up to 35% off on Juicy Couture Baby Swimsuits

2012-05-28T10:52:00.000-05:00

Juicy Couture One Piece Swimsuit ~~Was $68.00~~ Now $44.90

Juicy Couture One Piece Swimsuit ~~Was $58.00~~ Now $37.90

Juicy Couture One Piece Swimsuit ~~Was $68.00~~ Now $44.90

Juicy Couture One Piece Swimsuit ~~Was $58.00~~ Now $37.90

Juicy Couture Two Piece Swimsuit ~~Was $68.00~~ Now $44.90

Juicy Couture One Piece Swimsuit ~~Was $68.00~~ Now $44.90

Juicy Couture One Piece Swimsuit ~~Was $58.00~~ Now $37.90

50% off Site-Wide and Free Shipping at BabyLegs

2012-05-28T09:54:00.001-05:00

50% off Site-Wide and Free Shipping at BabyLegs with coupon code: FAN50 Exp. 5/28/12

Excludes: Gift Certificates and VIP Memberships

Gerber Childrenswear Terry Hooded Towel Set Review

2012-05-27T16:13:00.000-05:00

Gerber Childrenswear LLC is a leading marketer of infant and toddler apparel and related products in the marketplace - offering all of the everyday, core layette apparel including Onesies® Brand one piece underwear, sleepwear and accessories that mom needs for baby’s first years. They are the original maker and owner of the Onesies® Brand trademark which has been a staple product in babies wardrobes throughout the U.S. for over 30 years.

These 8 weeks of my pregnancy will unapologetically be zipping by. Therefore, it won't be much longer until I'll be wrapping Faelin up in the 2-Piece Bath Set ($9.99). I fondly recall when my son was a baby - gently lifting him up out of his tub, and then wrapping his delicate, shivering body up in a hooded towel.

Hooded towels, such as the one by Gerber Childrenswear, are a must have since they absorb wetness well. This is due to the soft cotton terry fabric, which has extra absorbency. They also provide the right amount of coverage to keep your baby cozy warm until they are completely dried off. I love Gerber's bath sets, because they're perfect to use when traveling, at home, or over at grandmother's house.

Bath Time Tips from Gerber Childrenswear

Tip #1

Bath time isn't all about getting clean. It's all about having fun and bonding with your baby.

- Set a time every night that's just for bathing so you and baby can stay on schedule. That's important early on!

- Bath time can also be a wonderful daddy/baby bonding experience after a long day at work. You'll look forward to it and so will baby!

- Make sure you have all your bath time essentials within reach before starting so you can give baby all your attention: Bath wash, washcloths, hooded towels, Onesies brand one piece underwear, sleepwear, gowns, cap, and boots.

Tip #2

Establish a bedtime routine with your baby. Your baby will feel more relaxed, likely to go to bed easier, and fall asleep more quickly if you establish a nightly routine from the time he or she arrives home. Bathing a newborn is very soothing, so making it a part of the bedtime ritual is important. Be sure to have all of your Gerber essentials within arms reach during and after bath:

- Washcloths for cleaning
- Hooded towels to swaddle them when done and keep the chill out
- Sleep 'n play outfits to easily slip on and keep them cozy warm all night long

Once you are with the bath, diaper change and dressing, it's now story time in the nursery rocking chair. You'll soon find that bedtime is a special time for parents to create that special bond with baby.

Disclosure: The product(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.

JC Toys Doll Review and Giveaway

2012-05-25T22:30:00.000-05:00

Prize: One winner will receive a doll of their choice from one of the five collections at JC Toys: La Newborn Collection (a $29.99 - $59.99 value), Mini La Newborn (a $29.99 value), Lil' Cutesies Collection (a $12.99 - $29.99 value), Lots To Cuddle Babies (a $29.99 value), or Lil' Hugs (a $15.99 value).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sign the Rafflecopter form above.

For over 50 years, JC Toys has been known for their amazingly sculpted, high quality, and realistic baby dolls. Their newest dolls, prices ranging from $12.99 to $59.99, enable children to enact the hugs, kisses, and snuggles that is demonstrated in their own family. From the expressions to the realistic eyes, hands, nose and even belly buttons; one can easily see that they put definite care and attention into making these dolls. If kept in pristine condition, these timeless dolls can be treasured for years to come.

Salvador Berenguer is the creative genius behind the sculpting of these dolls. The Berenguer family name has been associated with doll design since the 40s. Possessing the same natural talent for doll design as his famous doll designer father, Jose Berenguer, Salvador followed the family tradition of designing dolls with an unending passion for perfection.

Playing with dolls is a great way for young girls to foster their creative imagination. DisneyFamily.com recently stated, "doll play is one of the very first indicators of the ability for imaginative play. One of the first bits of make-believe child development experts see is a very young toddler 'feeding' their baby or stuffed animal."

The pictures on their web-site hardly does any justice for their dolls, especially the La Newborn Real Girl 14" ($59.99) that I received. I was taken back, because it surpassed my expectations. True to their word, this doll is astonishingly lifelike.

The facial expression perfectly captures the realness of a newborn baby, from the folds of the skin to the delicate fingernails. The intricate details on this doll are phenomenal. It is also anatomically correct, meaning that it features "real" girl parts. As children get to the potty training stage, they begin to notice things like this, so this doll might be ideal for girls starting at this stage. However, they also offer non-sexed dolls.

This doll came in a soft, beautiful knitted outfit in light pink and grey. It also came with an unfilled out birth certificate, enabling your little girl to give the newborn a name, date of birth, weight, and length information. I haven't filled out the information yet, because I'd love to give my daughter the opportunity to use her imagination when I believe she's the right age for this doll.

This doll, or any other doll from their store, would make the perfect gift for any young girl or doll collector. Some of their dolls are a bit pricey, but they offer several dolls at a reasonable price range of under $20. Also, be sure to sign up for their newsletter, because they offer special promotions. Word has it that they have great sales on their dolls from time to time!

These five new collections will be arriving shortly at all Wal-Mart, Kmart, Amazon.com, and specialty shops this season.

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.

The giveaway will conclude on June 15th.

Get Free Summer Essentials from ModCloth

2012-05-25T14:48:00.002-05:00

Starting Today at 3:00 PM PST, spend $125+ on the perfect summer fashions and get a free grab bag (a $50 value)! Shop carefree and country chic clothing for the boho traveler, add flair to anything you wear with accessories, and put the "style" in "lifestyle" with cute decor all from ModCloth.com. This offer will conclude on May 29th, 2012.

About the Artist Dress in Navy $52.99

Nick’s On the Movie Camera Case $49.99

Berry Well Deserved Bento Box Set $24.99

Lauren Moffatt Ruffle Seas Ahead One Piece $209.99

1) Wu & Wu Contain Your Excitement Sugar Canister $14.99 2) Wu & Wu Contain Your Excitement Tea Canister $14.99 3) Wu & Wu Contain Your Excitement Coffee Canister $14.99

Garden Party Goddess Dress $147.99

Flock on Wood Salad Utensil Set $19.99

A Petal a Day Dress $79.99

Candy Stand Dress $52.99

Frock and Roll Party Queen in Sandy $49.99

Friendly Rooster Review and Giveaway

2012-05-25T10:27:00.000-05:00

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 gift certificate from Friendly Rooster.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sign the Rafflecopter form above.

Friendly Rooster carries a vast selection of stylish and unique shoes & accessories for children ages 0 - 7. Whether you're attracted to edgier designs, or designs that are traditional with a hint of whimsy, you won't be the least bit of disappointed with what they have to offer! Their brands include Livie & Luca, Tip Toey Joey, Appaman, Elegant Baby, Pediped, Morgan & Milo, NeonEaters ... to just name a few. You can be well assured that the shoe brands that they offer are ideal for growing feet, promoting proper foot development during the important “beginning steps” years. Also, you'll feel good about your purchase, because selections are bought with an eye towards social consciousness and sustainability.

Exclusive: 20% off $25+ with coupon code: mhood20 Exp. 6/9/12

For any pair of Tip Toey Joey shoes that are purchased (any style or size), Friendly Rooster will donate a pair to a beginning walker in need. The charities they donate to are Room to Grow and My Stuff Bags.

There's no inkling of a doubt that the Bohemia Sneakers ($58) will generate buzz during my son's next school year. With such impeccable style and superb quality, these shoes will easily go with just about anything in his wardrobe - khakis, shorts, or jeans. The colors are bold, but not obnoxious. These shoes are made with genuine leather, also featuring flexible all natural rubber soles.

My son hasn't fully grasped on how to tie his shoes on his own, so I appreciate the stretchy lace, which makes it easy for him to put the shoes on or pull them off without much effort. However, they're shipped with additional "traditional" laces if you prefer to tie the shoe.

About Tip Toey Joey: Based in Brazil, Tip Toey Joey shoes were developed by a dad who couldn’t find the perfect pair of shoes for his baby girl. These shoes are crafted of soft, 100% genuine leather inside and out. They allow your child's feet to breathe, grow without restriction, flex naturally, and they feature a contoured design to match the shape of your child's feet.. Of course, all of these unique benefits mean little if the shoes aren’t fun to look at! Which is why each Tip Toey Joey collection is on the cutting edge of style while remaining true to the playful spirit of children. The high-quality, eye-catching shoes are for those who demand the very best for their babies feet. The brand makes shoes for three distinct age groups: baby, toddler, and junior.

I also love other stuff that Friendly Rooster has to offer, including the Livie and Luca Cloud Baby Shoes ($36), Fore Toyo Triliby Fedora ($26), Livie and Luca Peacock Shoes ($48), Me in Mind Diamonds Slip Ons ($26), and Me in Mind Charlie Sneakers ($26), which is an adorable take on the classic Chuck Taylor's.

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.

The giveaway will conclude on June 10th.

Flowers for Every Occasion

2012-05-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

May is the month we see a lot of flowers. To me, flowers initiate a new journey of love. They are perfect for a date, marriage, new baby, anniversary, sympathy, funeral, and almost any occasion,

A bouquet of beautiful flowers instantly improve your mood. Flowers most likely help anxiety, depression or when you're worried. The looks and fragrance will help to put you in a better state of mind.

Flowers are most thought of as a great gift or something nice to look at, but many people overlook the benefits of having them in the home. Flowers can be a simple decorating solution. I love to add a touch of bold blooms and delicate foliage to my decor in my home. It gives that comfortable, cozy, atmosphere.

Interflora flowers will make a great addition to any part of your home. A pretty vibrant bouquet can be placed in the center of your dining table, and easily take the place of a boring everyday table.

Interflora offers delivery to over 140 countries worldwide, via their International network of florists. Their extensive network of local florists means they can offer flexible delivery options to suit your needs. They have several delivery options: Same Day Delivery (Monday - Saturday), Same Day Express Delivery (Monday - Saturday), Next Day Delivery (Sunday - Friday), Next Day AM Delivery (Sunday - Friday), and Next Day PM Delivery (Sunday - Friday).

Order today for that special someone or occasion. You may just want to send a love message to that special person in your life. Instead of sending a message in the bottle, send the message with a flower delivery from Interflora.

20% off at the DwellStudio Memorial Day Sale

2012-05-25T07:29:00.002-05:00

In honor of Memorial Day, DwellStudio.com will be offering 20% off site-wide! Plus, you'll receive Free Shipping on orders over $150. Prices as marked, no code needed. The sale will conclude on May 28th.

30% off Maternity Dresses at Isabella Oliver

2012-05-24T14:47:00.000-05:00

30% off Maternity Dresses at Isabella Oliver with coupon code: DRESSES30 Exp. 5/29/12

Also, be sure to check out their Stylish Maternity Sale! Savings are up to 60% off on select clothing & accessories for the haute Mom-to-Be. The sale will conclude on May 31st, 2012.

The Wrap Column Dress $299
Available in Caviar Black or Cobalt Blue

Ruffle Wrap Dress $169
Available in Caviar Black, French Navy, Pink Rose, or Cobalt Blue

The Print Halter Maxi $292

Cotton Summer Dress $159
Available in Spicy Orange, French Navy, or Off White

Ruched Tank Dress $155
Available in Caviar Black, Pink Rose, or French Navy

Mason Dash Disick's Venettini Kids’ Loafers

2012-05-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

Some may scoff at the mention of a Kardashian, but one can't help but admire their sense of fashion, especially Kourtney Kardashian. I adore her maternity style, but she makes sure her son is well dressed as well. He was recently spotted in the loafers in the Beige Reptile print by Venettini Kids (Style: 55-Savor SP 2012, $72.20 - $77.50 at Amazon.com).

The exceptional European quality and craftsmanship ensure that every pair will fit comfortably and stand up to your child's daily use. Venettini has a long tradition of not only providing fashion that looks good, but also fashion that feels good and provides the support growing feet need.

Celebrity Mom Swag Bag Giveaway

2012-05-23T18:48:00.000-05:00

Prize: One winner will receive a Celebrity Mom Swag Bag, which will have a bevvy of products that some of our favorite celebrity moms were given around Mother's Day. Some of these products include a Paper Miniskirt Chic Magnet Memo Board with magnets, Hello BABY! Book - Celebrating Baby's First Year, JJ Cole baby hat, Funktion item in a cute drawstring bag, Belldini crochet poncho, Kath’s Elegant Accessories Wire Knitted Teardrop Earrings with Pink/Purple Impression Jasper, just to name a few.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sign the Rafflecopter form above.

The Artisan Group, an elite collective of nearly 800 small-business entrepreneurs, gifted a fabulous collection of handcrafted products to some of their favorite celebrity moms in honor of Mother's Day 2012!

Recipients Included: Hilary Duff, Rebecca Gayheart, Keri Russell, Beyonce, Kourtney Kardashian, Lindsay Price, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jessica Alba, Uma Thurman, Alyson Hannigan, Molly Sims, Sienna Miller, Kristin Cavallari, Jessica Simpson, Bryce Dallas Howard, Evangeline Lilly, Jennifer Garner, Marley Shelton, Sarah Polley, Mrs. Jason Bateman (Amanda Anka), Mrs. Bruce Willis (Emma Heming), Susan Downey, Jr., Lisa Loeb, Mrs. Kelsey Grammer (Kayte Walsh), and Jessica Capshaw.

Brought to you by Artisan Group and Distinctive Assets.

The giveaway will conclude on June 10th.

Celeb Moms Celebrate Liz Lange’s 10th Anniversary with Target

2012-05-23T18:00:00.000-05:00

Last week, Target hosted a “Moms’ Night In” party in New York City in honor of the 10-year partnership with high-end maternity designer, Liz Lange. For the past decade, the former Vogue editor-turned-designer has elevated style for expectant moms through Liz Lange Maternity for Target.

Target had the opportunity to chat about motherhood and more with Molly, Soleil and, of course, Liz. Check it out below:

Celebs like mom-to-be Molly Sims and Target’s Mommy Ambassador Soleil Moon Frye took the night off from parent duty to join the likes of Bevy Smith, Nate Berkus and Simon Huck in celebrating Liz and Target’s longstanding partnership. Throughout the night, partygoers relaxed with manicures, danced along to the power-girl-playlist (tracks by Beyoncé and Carly Rae Jepsen were the crowd favorites) by DJ Majorie Gubelmann, and munched on milk, cookies and other scrumptious fare.

25% off One Liz Lange Item with coupon code: TGTKMD63 Exp. 4/1/13

Pediped Review

2012-05-23T16:01:00.001-05:00

Pediped was founded in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth after searching for a perfect soft sole shoe for their daughter Caroline. From its inception, pediped® has designed footwear to promote healthy foot development. Their mantra has always been comfort, quality and style, in that order. This is why pediped® shoes were among the first children’s footwear to be awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for promoting healthy foot development. You can rest assured that pediped® is a footwear company that cares about the health and well being of your child’s growing feet.

My son has been wearing the Flex Delmar shoes ($49; Available in Blue or Grey) a lot, which are perfect to wear on a day at the beach, pool, or lake since they're lightweight and water-safe. These shoes are made with an eco-friendly material, featuring protective toe caps and a velcro strap (for easy on and off and a secure fit). I love how easily I can toss them in the wash (or clean under running water) without damaging them in the process.

My son isn't unfamiliar with this brand, because he has worn it in the past, amongst similar brands. However, his grandmother and I hardly look further than Pediped since they're not a disappointment in the least. They offer the best shoes for children, because they are high quality, comfortable, and fashionable - perfect for growing feet! It's astonishing how much wear and tear they can endure, knowing how rough boys can be with their shoes. It would be nice to see them offer adult sizes in the future!

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.

Tea Collection Memorial Day Sale

2012-05-23T14:01:00.001-05:00

The votes from the Facebook Liking Spree are in and Tea has put the most liked dresses, tops, and leggings on sale! This sale will continue until Wednesday May 30th until 11:59pm PT. Here are the sale details:

Offer: $15 Girls Dresses, $10 Girls Leggings, $10 Boys Tops | Sale Ends: Wednesday May 30th until 11:59pm PT

Wordless Wednesday - Last Day of School

2012-05-23T06:38:00.001-05:00

My son with his favorite teacher, Mrs. Wolfe

Hello, Summer! - (A Last Day of School Poem)

by Gregory K.

Goodbye, classroom!

Goodbye, Teach!

You can find me at the beach...

Or in the park or at the pool

Or any place that isn’t school.

Goodbye, quizzes!

Bye, reports!

Hello days packed full of sports

And days when I’m just lazybones

While eating melty ice cream cones.

Goodbye, homework --

Lunchroom, too.

There’s so, so much I wanna do.

I know the school year flew on past…

But please, please summer -- last and last.

Energizer Batteries and Utility Cash Giveaway

2012-05-23T06:24:00.000-05:00

Prize: One winner will receive two specially marked packages Energizer Max AA batteries with special codes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sign the Rafflecopter form above.

For decades Energizer has supported organizations helping to make a positive impact in local communities and around the world. This spring as part of the Energizer campaign — that’s positivenergy — they’re “building” on that commitment in a new way through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity®. Working with baseball legend and philanthropist Cal Ripken, Jr., Energizer is donating more than $300,000 and 1,000 volunteer hours to Habitat through a multi-city series of volunteer projects to help build new homes and revitalize existing homes for those in need.

Here’s where you can get involved. With the rising cost of utilities, we can all use a little bit of help right? Especially if we have a really hot summer! So, beyond helping Habitat, Energizer is doing something to help us all out. In addition to the series of volunteer projects, you will see the Energizer and Habitat for Humanity partnership coming to the shelves of your favorite stores. Through the Energizer Utility Cash program, you can collect codes from select Energizer battery and lighting products and redeem them online for savings, up to $25 total savings each per person/household/email address, off your own utility bill. You start earning rewards with just two codes and will need 10 codes total to earn the full $25. Or you can help make a positive impact and choose to turn the codes into a donation to Habitat for Humanity®.

Here’s what they’ve got for you:

To get everyone started, we are offering you two specially-marked packages of Energizer® MAX AA batteries.

1. Once you are finished collecting your codes, visit http://www.nowthatspositivenergy.com/utilities to enter your codes.

2. You must enter your codes all at once.

3. The last day to redeem codes is 3/31/13 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Disclosure: I received samples in exchange for spreading the word and hosting a giveaway.

The giveaway will conclude on June 10th.

Dulcolax Women’s Health Essentials Kit Giveaway

2012-05-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Prize: One winner will receive a Dulcolax Women’s Health Essentials Kit,” which includes simple solutions to everyday women’s health problems like constipation, as well as those things you always want in your purse in a pinch like lip gloss and tampons.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sign the Rafflecopter form above.

Includes:

■ Pink Lands End Small Tote Bag

■ Dulcolax for Women Laxative Tablets

■ Sephora Lip Gloss

■ Clinique Sunscreen

■ One A Day Women’s Multivitamins

■ Tampax Pearl Tampons

Constipation ranks as one of the top women’s health issues that women are least likely to discuss, according to a new national survey from the makers of Dulcolax®. If you are one of the more than 4 million Americans who have frequent constipation, you’ll want to hear about this new solution. Just in time for National Women’s Health Week, the makers of the #1 doctor recommended brand of stimulant laxatives have a new product designed specifically for women at retail shelves — Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets for Women. Dulcolax for Women is comfort coated and provides women with a gentle solution for dependable, overnight relief from occasional constipation.

The giveaway will conclude on June 10th.

Prize pack is from Boehringer Ingelheim, maker of Dulcolax.

Biggest Sale of the Season at My Baby Clothes

2012-05-21T09:19:00.000-05:00

$10 off $75+ and Free Shipping with coupon code: CASH10
$15 off $100+ and Free Shipping with coupon code: CASH15

1) Mud Pie Personalized Pretty Pink Ballerina Onesie from Mud Pie, $24.99 2) Mud Pie Pretty In Pink Ruffle Tunic and Shorties Playground Set, $31.99 3) Mud Pie Monkey Sleeper, $28.99 4) Bonnie Jean Blue Multi-Print Dress, $19.99 5) Bonnie Jean Turquoise Stripe Tunic and Legging Set, $19.99

Buzz Worthy Finds

2012-05-20T13:12:00.000-05:00

Little House Crib Bedding Set Honeycomb Blue ~~Was $350.00~~ Now $245 at Layla Grayce

Silvered Votive, Honeycomb - Also Available in Black Motif, $8 at Anthropologie

Honeycomb Glass Pendant Shade $64 at Urban Outfitters

Bee Salt and Pepper Shakers Set $19.99 at Target.com

Blue Bombus Dress $118 at Anthropologie

Hive and Chic Ring $8.99 at ModCloth

Thomas Paul Birds and Bees Linen Pillow $110 at Layla Grayce

Global Views Furniture Greenbrier Chest $4,248 at Layla Grayce

Mod Honeycomb Curtain - Available in Natural or Turquoise, $148 - $208 at Anthropologie

Bedhead Pajamas Stretch Marigold Honeycomb Cap Sleeve Lounge Set ~~Was $129.00~~ Now $69 at Layla Grayce

DL Rhein Honeycomb Apple Green Embroidered Pillow - Also Available in Peacock, Raspberry, or Marigold; $104 at Layla Grayce

Bettie Page Clothing Beach Honeycomber One Piece $89.99 at ModCloth

Pinterest for Dummies Review and Giveaway

2012-05-20T09:37:00.000-05:00

Prize: One winner will a copy of Pinterest for Dummies by Kelby Carr.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sign the Rafflecopter form above.

There was a time that Pinterest didn't pique my Pinterest. I thought it was just another social media site, only one that had a virtual pin board with a disarmingly simplistic design. I finally gave in and joined the world of Pinterest back in the fall, after months of conscientiously objecting its hype. Since it heavily relies on visuals, I didn't think it had more power than renowned social bookmarking web-sites, such as Stumble Upon and Digg. Little did I know that it would give me a myriad of ideas and helpful advice - recipes to try, blogging advice, decorating ideas, tutorials on turning "trash" to "treasure", places that I'd love to visit, craft ideas, and much more!

Pinterest for Dummies is the perfect book for everyone - whether you're a seasoned Pinterester who believes there is always room for improvement, or simply someone who is just getting started with Pinterest. It will even walk you through the process if you haven't set up an account yet. However, you must have an invitation to join the site, so feel free to contact and let me know if you need an invitation. I'll be more than glad to send you an invite! Feel free to follow any or ALL of my boards.

This book contains several topics - my favorites are Finding Ways to Use Pinterest, Understanding Pinterest Etiquette, Self-Promoting on Pinterest, and Going Mobile with Pinterest. It helped me discover new ideas, even though I'm no longer a stranger to their web-site!

Five Useful Pinterest Apps and Tools, from Pinterest for Dummies

PinReach - PinReach measures a user's influence across Pinterest and provides analytics for a user's Pinterest account. Once you sign up and connect your PinReach account to your Pinterest account, you will be able to view your PinReach score and how it has changed over time. You can also view stats for individual boards and pins, discover who your most influential followers are, and view the day's trending pins and members.

Pin A Quote - Pin A Quote is a bookmarklet tool that lets you pin a selection of text from a Web site instead of an image. There isn't any sign up or account creation involved. Just install the bookmarklet in your browser's toolbar and you can begin pinning to your Pinterest account or sharing your selection on other social networks.

SpinPicks - SpinPicks is an application that finds pin-worthy images from sources such as Flickr Creative Commons database, Instagram, Twitpic, and Reddit/R. After completing the short sign-up process, you will gain access to the beta application. Connect it to your Pinterest account, choose an image source, and click the wheel to spin. You can spin through as many images as you like until you find one that you want to pin.

Snapito! - Snapito! captures screenshots of Web pages for Pinterest users to pin instead of a single image from a page. You can insert the URL you want to snap or you can install a bookmarklet and click that whenever you are visiting a page that you want to snap and pin. Snapito! also offers an option to timestamp a screenshot that will be stored on the Snapito! servers.

Pinspiration - Pinspiration is a third-party app created exclusively for Windows Phone Pinterest users. The official Pinterest mobile app is currently only available for iOS devices, and Pinspiration gives Windows Phone users the ability to pin on the go from their mobile phones.

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.

The giveaway will conclude on June 1st.