Tag: gift ideas

KC Los Angeles GIVEAWAY: Tees with a Latin Flair

Posted on May 31, 2009 in giveaways

I recently stumbled upon KC Los Angeles, a stylish t-shirt company that inspires women to embrace their femininity, their roots, and their dreams.  Owner Karen Crawford created the line to celebrate her heritage in NYC’s Spanish Harlem.  

These inspirational, graphic tees and tanks are 100% super-soft cotton, with a Latin flair.  I am thrilled to be giving away 2 of them!  Check these out: 
The Paz tee (size M) was inspired by the graffiti on the unforgiving streets of Harlem. We all have a responsibility to advocate for peace- in our communities, our nation, and our world. There are no excuses.  I like the idea of having “paz” emblazoned across my heart; it’s my little reminder to sow seeds of peace wherever I go.  

The Unity tee (size L) displays the message: “Fuerza en la Unidad” (Strength in Unity). According to KC, the essence of unity is WE: “Not me.  We.”  When I wear tees like these, I feel like I am announcing to the world: “Hey, this is what I’m all about.  This is what I stand for.” 

As a woman and a mom, I am proud to wear clothing that inspires our children to embrace peace, hope love, faith, beauty, and unity.  These tees and tanks are fun, flattering (run a bit small- order up!) and have messages with a mission.  Plus, 10% of all purchases go to a non-profit, family service organization, Para Los Ninos.

To enter this GIVEAWAY, please visit KC Los Angeles.  Come back and comment about which tee or tank (other than the ones pictured above) is your favorite.  Be sure to include an email address where you may be reached.  On Friday, June 12, two lucky winners will be randomly selected by Random.org.  You must be a U.S. resident (18+) to enter.  Good luck!
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Bambini Bliss Giveaway!

Posted on May 22, 2009 in giveaways

I am thrilled to tell you about Bambini Bliss, an online boutique specializing in everything from stylish designer diaper bags to gifts for the new parents, big brother, or sister.  

If you’re looking for a shower gift, the Baby Bonkie Swaddler is currently on sale for a limited time.  It has a simple, innovative design with velcro closures for babies up to 5 months.  They’re hip and swanky . . .great for the new mom!  

If you need the perfect outfit for photographs, the Pipette and Hat sets by Jamie Rae have an easy on-off design for those precious moments in the spotlight!  

Bambini Bliss has it all, now offering a baby gift registry!  They have generously offered my readers the chance to win a Wipes Case in Sage Toile ($30 value). I have one of these fabric-covered cases, and it does add a little “Pretty” to the diaper-changing drudgery.  

For the opportunity to win, please visit Bambini Bliss.  Then, come back and comment.  Tell me one of your favorite items (other than the ones pictured here).  It will be hard to pick!  This giveaway is open until 6/5.   One lucky winner will be randomly chosen by Random.org.  You must be a U.S. resident to enter.  Have a Blissful day!
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The Thinnest Wallets from ALL-ETT: BIG Father’s Day Giveaway!

Posted on May 11, 2009 in giveaways

Ladies, does your husband have wallet butt? Is he ruining those jeans you bought that make his butt look cute?  If so, then look no further.  I have the perfect Father’s Day gift idea from ALL-ETT: The World’s Thinnest Wallet.

Your man may not be complaining, but sitting on a thick wallet is very uncomfortable! In fact, it can become downright painful and lead to chronic back pain. Many men remove their wallets when sitting for very long, or while driving. The trouble is this leads to forgetting it somewhere or having it stolen. 
The Original ALL-ETT Billfold can solve this problem. The Original Wallet holds up to 30 cards and has 2 pockets for cash. It will hold all of your hubby’s stuff while still staying incredibly thin. This wallet makes a great gift and costs only $19.95 for nylon and $ 29.95 for leather.  
 

The unique I.D. Wallet features an ID pocket on the inside of the wallet. This design allows you to show your ID easily and quickly while still keeping it securely stored inside of your wallet. The ID wallet will hold 12 credit cards and ID and has 2 pockets for your bills and receipts. Great for those who have to show their ID for work! Only $ 19.95 for nylon and $ 29.95 for leather.

Is your husband a sailor?  The Boater’s Wallet is waterproof and floats on top of the water for up to two days; it is truly amazing! The bright color helps make it easy to see for retrieval. This is a must have for boaters, kayakers, or anybody who might drop his wallet in the water. It will hold up to 10 credit cards, cash and a couple of keys while still floating. The dimensions of this wallet (empty & closed) are 3 ½” x 5 ¼” x ¼”.  It can be yours for only $ 29.95.

Here’s the great news!  I am giving away FIVE WALLETS for Father’s Day: The Original, 2 I.D. Wallets (nylon & leather), the Boater’s Wallet, and the Leather Executive.
For the opportunity to win, please visit ALL-ETT first.  Then, come back and leave me a comment about which item you would most like to win (If you are a winner, I will do my best to accommodate you.).  This giveaway is open until 5/29.  Winners will be chosen by Random.org. You must be a U.S. resident to enter.  Good luck!
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Homemade Soaps for Kids

Posted on May 1, 2009 in family fun

I recently read a fun article in Parent Guide News about crafting with your kids.  Anne-Marie Faiola, creator of Bramble Berry, has lots of delightful indoor soap-making activities for kids. They are perfect for rainy spring days.  Silence those little whiny voices with these super-cool crafts!

Visit Teach Soap for direct instructions on how to make these delightful soaps (and lip balms too!).  Here are just a few examples: 
  • Cookie Cutter Soaps: Creating soaps in fun shapes
  • Embedded Soap Toy: A toy trapped in soap
  • Lip Balm
  • Bath Fizzies
These make great gifts for Moms and Grandmas . . .just in time for Mother’s Day!  
Click HERE to visit Anne-Marie’s blog!
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It’s the Little Things . . .

Posted on April 26, 2009 in mind and body

I lose things . . .a lot.  The other day, I found an old lip gloss that I love, stashed in the pocket of Liza’s diaper bag. “Lost and Found” is my life; and now that I’m a mom, more seems to be lost than found, including my marbles.  My sister gave me this gloss over 8 years ago (Way past expiration, I know), and I fell in love with the color and light vanilla scent.   It’s called “Cutie Pie” by Bloom.  

I’m pretty low-maintenance- a minimalist, I would say- when it comes to beautifying.  I’ve had the same beauty routine since age 18, with the exception of additional under-eye concealer (Dark circles, I curse you!).  But a new, juicy lip gloss has the power to make my day.  A bit scary, but true.  I feel invigorated and delicious and fun!    

I’m not in the habit of wearing lipstick these days, mostly because my daughter is often poking at my face, squeezing my nose, tugging at my glasses, or twisting my lips.  But when I stumbled upon my old friend, I wiggled and twisted the wand applicator, determined to soak up every last bit of flirtatious fun.  Even though I wasn’t heading out on a hot date, I smeared it on, pursing and smacking my lips.  It was just for me, but even still, it felt good.  So good.  

Makeup does have a shelf life, but I just haven’t been able to part with this gloss.  What if I never find one as yummy?  Here’s the good news (for me): Bloom still makes “Cutie Pie,” and hell, I’m going to treat myself; it’s the little things that make life sweet.  

Here are some other things that have the power to make my day: fresh-squeezed lemonade, pedicures, homemade cards, flip-flops, a brilliant sunshine, a great book. 

What little thing (other than your kids) makes your day?  

5 Comments

Go Green Expo NYC

Posted on April 19, 2009 in family fun, food and nutrition, go green

Go Green.  Go Recycle.  Go sustainable.  Go solar powered.  Go this, go that.  It’s everywhere.  This weekend I checked out the Go Green Expo in NYC, and I’m back to share some of the highlights!  

Did you know that Alka Seltzer cleans toilets?  Or that lemon and hydrogen peroxide are natural alternatives to bleach?  Featured speaker, Julie Edelman of The Accidental Housewife, put an interesting spin on being green.  Here’s the good news:  It’s about “being green enough,” she said.  ”Light green.”  Okay, I can do that.  Edelman offered some practical, fun advice on greening your cleaning.  I particularly liked her Alka Seltzer jingle: “Plop, plop.  Fizz, fizz.  Away will go the poop and whizz.”  

LittleChickieWear had adorable 100% organic cotton onesies and tees:

IAGmedia displayed DVDs, CDs, books, and more that teach kids about caring for our environment.  Let’s Go Chipper: Into the Great Outdoors was an iParenting Media Award Winner!  


Good Food Gardens displayed a live outdoor garden system that supports healthy, eco-conscious living.  I WANT ONE!  These gardens promote family cooperation and interdependency.  And with access to their own fresh produce, children develop healthy habits for life . . .love it!  


SodaStream distributed free samples for soda and sparkling water lovers.  It was a delicious alternative to the bottles and cans “that are suffocating our planet.”  In fact, the average American consumes 600 cans or bottles of soda and sparkling water each year.  SodaStream boasts less sugar and sugar-free options . . .with fizz.  Santa, please add this to my list!  
5 Comments

Experience the Spa at Home *Giveaway*

Posted on April 16, 2009 in giveaways, mind and body

One month after Liza was born, a friend invited me to her home for some girl bonding.  I didn’t really want to go; I couldn’t squeeze into anything cute or stylish, and I felt ugly.  Besides, how can you feel good with leaky boobs?  C’mon.  Honestly.

But this girls’ night was different than others.  I was encouraged to dress in comfy clothes.  Check.  And the Evite said, “Don’t wear makeup.”  Check.  It turns out that I had been invited to experience the spa, right in someone’s home.  What woman can pass up quality girl time while soaking her feet?  We exfoliated and moisturized with delicious mango and peppermint scents.  And all the while, we laughed, really laughed, about our hairy legs, creeping lines, and imperfections.  It was just what I needed.

The party was given by Sensaria Representative, ML Banino, who was attracted to the company 3 years ago: “It’s a way for mothers to find sanity.  Using high quality, naturally-based spa products provides a daily ritual that helps moms feel better.”  

We all deserve to feel beautiful and whole.  That’s why this month I am giving away Sensaria’s Beach Scent Bundle (pictured below), a $60 value.  And, it’s just in time for Mother’s Day!   All you need to do is send a comment before April 30 for a chance to win.  The winner will be randomly selected using Random.org.  Good luck!  

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Managing Your Life: One Thing at a Time

Posted on March 21, 2009 in mind and body


Every time I blink, it seems that my daughter is another half-inch taller, learning and growing and discovering the world.  Life’s too short to miss out on pointing to the birds or “choo-chooing” when the train whistles through our town.  Still, it’s hard to ignore that little voice in my head that’s obsessing over dirty dishes, dirty toilets, and dirty laundry (Life would be so much sweeter without dirt!).  As a mom, it’s hard to find that middle ground without beating yourself up over the leftover scrambled eggs, now glued to the plate, from this morning’s breakfast.  

Sometimes my mental to-do lists are so long, that I do nothing.  I’m literally incapacitated by my seemingly insurmountable lists.  And so I ruminate, wishing I didn’t care so darn much about the unimportant stuff.  These days, I am learning to think smaller.  I recently discovered a one-item list notepad (Yup, that’s it!), and it’s absolutely perfect for a mom like me, not to mention a lot less daunting.  It reads, “I will do one thing today.” How liberating!  Now I can breathe.  The sun is shining.  The birds are singing.  I’m off to the park!  
Visit Pretty Bitter to order a pad for yourself.  You deserve to feel empowered!
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