Dream Blankets

It is no secret that I am in LOVE with Aden & Anais.  My kids have so many of their products, and each one is better than the last.  From their extra large, thick, and super soft washcloths, to their heavenly bamboo swaddles, there is really nothing that I can say I dislike about the company.

Until now.

It's really quite frustrating.  My kids are getting older, and their designs are getting more and more BEAUTIFUL!  It's not fair!!!  In the words of Bean, "I mad.".

Nah, not really, and honestly, as I type Bean is snuggled up in her new, gorgeous Dream Blanket.

For as long as I can remember, Bean has needed to be covered by her A+A bamboo swaddle.  Problem is, she is getting longer, and the nights are getting cooler, and she really needed something for her big girl bed.  Enter the For The Birds Dream Blanket.  I really couldn't find or take a picture that does this blanket justice. Let's just say this - if it came in Queen size, it would be the focal point of my room.

Single 100% cotton muslin blanket. Unique in the marketplace, aden + anais Dream Blankets™ feature soft and breathable muslin cotton, which provides plenty of warmth without overheating. This plush blanket is generously-sized (47” x 47”) and uses four layers of fabric, making it ideal for snuggling.

P is uber jealous that he didn't get a new Dream Blanket, but he has graduated to a really big Big Boy bed, with lots of quilts and comforters.  He does, however, still cuddle up with his bamboo swaddle at night as well.  Who knows, Santa may be eyeing the Liam the Brave blanket.  Santa thinks it would go really well with his super hero themed room. :)


Am I the only one who thinks of these products as investments??  I mean, the quality is unbeatable!  Should a number 3 pop up, I'm all set.  If not, I'm pretty sure my kids will be taking these blankets to college with them anyway.

One of the few Aden & Anais products that hasn't made it's way into our house (yet!) is their new Serenity Star.  This adorable new nursery neccesity has so many fabulous features!  It is going to be a new staple on my baby shower gift giving list.  Here's what this stylish star can do:

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feeding diary: records and displays the last time feeding started. For breast fed babies, it records and displays last breast side (L or R) from which baby was fed.

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sound machine: plays  a selection of 4 soothing sounds including 2 lullabies, white noise and heart beat—in 30/60 minute intervals or continuously.

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room temperature indicator: displays the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit and glows red, blue, or white if the room is above, below or at the ideal temperature.

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night light: emits a subtle soothing glow for the perfect night light

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clock: 12-hour AM/PM display

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portable: plug-in and battery operated

I might know a few ladies who will definitely be receiving this in the future. I sure could have used the feeding diary - and the sound machine - and the temperature gauge...

If you aren't familiar with all the wonderful-ness that is Aden & Anais I urge you to check out their natural goodness.  If you are familiar, then you already know that A+A is a stand up company, with only the health, safety, and comfort our your little ones at heart, but still, go on over and check out all of their beautiful new designs!

Any of my friends out there want to have a few more kids so I can buy these???  :)

BlogHer '12

In a few short days I'll be heading to the Big City (as P likes to call it) to attend BlogHer '12 and I could not be more excited!!!  There are so many bloggers that I am hoping to meet, and I can almost guarantee that I will be like a start struck teenager when I am finally introduced to some of them.

Of course, I wouldn't be going if it wasn't for the amazing Ella's Kitchen, so if you are there, look for me and one of my favorite friends and coworkers in our adorable Ella's tees.  (Get this, you can even scan our shirts with your smartphone and become a friend of Ella's!  Super cool!)

So, what does any girl think  about while preparing for the biggest blogging event of the year??  You got it!  WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?!?!  Well, thanks to my addiction to shopping and fabulous sale at Michael Kors, I'm all set.  During the day - Ella's tees and jeans, but at night, on my own, with no children and a miriad of parties to attend...this little top with a pair of skinny jeans for a casual night out.

Or, perhaps if we go a little fancier....this one, with some black leggings and hot black stilletos...

Clearly I'm in to the hot pink right now, and I LOVE the hardware on the neck line.

So, tell me...are you going to BlogHer'???  And if so, what are YOU packing?!  I could use the advice!!

Back to School With Lovable Labels {Review & Giveaway}

This is the first time that I will be sending one of my kids off to school, and as a "retired" teacher, I am frantic about all the ways I need to get P prepared.  (It might be a little bit of me distracting myself from the fact that my baby is growing up...)

One thing I have learned from my friends that went before me is that when your child spends a bulk of his or her time at school, they tend to leave, forget, and lose their stuff.  You know how it is at home - they take off their jackets, throw them on the floor, take off their backpack, toss it to the side, take out their lunch box, possibly get it on the kitchen table - and of course, things go missing.  I know that this is not unlike what our kids do at school!  The solution???  Lovable Labels!

Lovable Labels offers an amazing Back to School pack that I have been using like crazy!  The pack, which comes in 12 colors and 45 designs, has over 165 different labels for everything from your kids' shoes to their shirts, and their backpacks to water bottles.  I love how you can personalize them with so many different icons and I even got P in on the design process.  (He picked these adorable jet labels in the licorice twist colors. :))  

The labels are super secure, thick and durable.  They have withstood the test of the dishwasher, washing machine, and P's sweaty feet in the summer.  (Think Crocs at the playground in 90 degree weather...)  I am having so much fun making sure that all of his stuff is labeled and he loves that he can see his name on his belongings.  Because I am a teacher, I have to mention that this is also a huge help in name recognition - P wanted his first, middle, and last name on his labels, and now he can pick them out anywhere!

Giveaway Winners and a Fabulous Promo!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered my recent Mary Kay Giveaway!  The winners have been notified, so congrats to them all!

If you didn't get an email from me, there is no need to fret!  Monet has kindly offered any one of my readers $5 off ANY order and FREE shipping if you share your purchase on your Facebook page with a link to her site!  All you need to do is leave the code "5offSML" in the comments section!

Happy Shopping, everyone! Stay tuned - I'll have another giveaway that is PERFECT for back to school when I get home from Disney! :) 

A Toddler's Suitcase

So, I couldn't help but put up a little tease of what will be included in Bean's suitcase.  I have a serious shopping problem.  She isn't going to have to wear one "used" outfit - an entire suitcase filled with new clothes.  Spoiled! ;)  Here's a peak at what's inside.

Disney Prep

We are 10 days out from our next vacation and all I can think about is getting ready to go.  There is such a fine line between packing too early and packing too late and I'm having trouble straddling it.  The main reason - LAUNDRY!

Bean is lucky because there was a HUGE sale at Baby Gap and I literally bought the kid 6 new outfits for the trip.  She is pretty much packed in a Gap bag. :)  Plus at Rite Aid today, there was a pile of diapers marked 50% off!  Score!  So, yes, she is the easy one.  I on the other hand will be doing laundry the night before to make sure I have enough outfits to pack. P falls in between the two of us.  He has a ton of clothes, but honestly takes it upon himself to change his outfit at least twice a day, so yeah, he has a laundry issue like I do. ;)

I am currently awaiting the delivery of my new PPB - of course, I ordered a Disney edition.  PPB and Disney partnered with UNICEF to design this bag and although I'm not entirely sure I'm going to love it, it was too good a cause to pass up.  What do you think???  I love PPB Boxy Backpacks, especially when I'm hitting the Disney Parks because it is so easy throw it on your back and hop on the bus with a child (or two) in your arms.  Plus, the changing pad fold right into it, so that is always a bonus.  I'll let you know what it really looks like when it gets here.  :)  Plus, then I'll be able to start packing my airplane bag.

We are staying at the amazing Wilderness Lodge, which, FYI, Travel & Leisure just names as one of their top ten resorts for families.  We have stayed there before, but none the less, I am stoked!  It is always so relaxing!

I'm not sure today's post had a direction when I sat down, but I am working towards getting out of my slump!  Got Disney questions??  Ask away!  We are obsessed and I'd love to help anyone who asks - perhaps my posts might start getting a little more structured too... ;)

Happy Thursday!  Don't forget to enter my fabulous giveaway!!

My Favorite Summer Products from Mary Kay & A Giveaway

I am a lucky girl.  I have lots of friends who have amazing businesses and I get to shop from some of my best friends.  A while back I told you about my friend Melissa who is a Mary Kay director, and because of that, my friend Monet joined Melissa's team!  One of my favorite things to do is go to Monet's for a make over, and let me tell you, I am LOVING my summer look!  I have compiled a list of my top 10 Must HAVE Mary Kay Products to share with you. 

My Top 10 Mary Kay MUST Haves for Summer

 

1.       On-The-Go Miracle Set ($44):  I have to start and end my day with the miracle set and this is the perfect size for summer vacations or if you just want to try the skin care line that has made me feel 5 years younger.  

2.       TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set ($55):  Fights fine lines, refines pores, and is way cheaper than visiting a dermatologist. 

3.       Indulge Soothing Eye Gel  ($15):  There is not better pick me up for $15.  Keep it in the fridge and even dab it on over your makeup for a quick, soothing sensation.

 

4.       Foundation Primer ($16):  SPF 15 & super smooth skin.  Enough said.

5.       Mineral Bronzing Powder ($12):  Let’s face it, a tan can make anyone look healthier, but I don’t have the time or desire to get that glow from the harmful sun rays.  I happen to love the shimmer in Desert Sun, but any of these will add a little summer fun to your makeup routine. 

6.       Cream Eye Color in Beach Blonde ($13):  Obsessed.  This looks amazing with a tan, goes on quickly and easily, and gives your eyes a bright, shimmery look.  I use it every day – alone or as a layer!

 

7.       Cream Blush in Sheer Bliss($13):  This is a year round favorite.  It blends so well, and if you have dry skin, the cream blush feels great on.

8.       Lash Love WATERPROOF Mascara ($15):  The best mascara EVER now comes in Waterproof.  Fabulous!  

9.       Nourishine Lip Gloss in Fancy Nancy ($14):  Of course it’s Fancy Nancy.  The perfect pink for any skin tone with just a bit of shimmer.  Wear it alone or on top of your lipstick.  

10.   Satin Hands in Peach ($34):  Salt water and sun got your hands feeling dry and icky?  Soothe them with this 3 piece set that soothes, scrubs, and moisturizes.  Bonus – your hands smell like they bathed in a Bellini. 

Although I haven't had the chance to try it yet, I had to tell you about the new Lash and Brow Building Serum!  It swipes on just like a liquid eye liner and not only reduces the loss of lashes, but helps build thicker and stronger ones!  Monet likes to say it's perfect for those of us who "over plucked in the '90's!".  Ha!  Cracks me up, but yeah, maybe my brows could use a little love - I mean sculpted eye brows are in right now!  You don't have to believe me - just check out this video and watch the changes in the girls' lashes.  Gorgeous!  Plus, there are no scary side effects like the prescription lash enhancers...like your eye color changing - permanently - yikes!  The serum is only $38 so you better believe it is on my list!!

If these amazing (and affordable!) products didn't catch your attention maybe this will...

Monet has offered to give THREE of my readers a chance to win some Mary Kay products to spice up their summer look!  Here are the prizes:

First Prize:  $50 Mary Kay Gift Card

Second Prize:  $25 Mary Kay Gift Card

Third Prize:  $10 Mary Kay Gift Card

It's so easy to win!  Just enter below using the handy dandy Rafflecopter widget!  Good luck and happy shopping!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway