Sponsor Highlight: Castles and Crowns

Do you have a little fashionista? Then I am sure you have heard of Castles and Crowns! I am sad to admit I am new to the line and have just found this little fashion gem. Just look at when my girls have missed because I did not know this cute designer existed:

Just look at the amazing detail! I am proud to say that we are the new owners of the pink Paisley Zoe knit:

The photos do not do this outfit justice. The ruffle detail on the pants is exquisite (our fancy nancy word of the day-ha) and really make the flower detail pop. The overall quality of the clothes is fantastic and really made to last. I personally loved that the pants were elastic waistband as well as the top-it makes for a perfect fit each time no matter the size of the child. As you know we have a super hard time finding clothes to fit around the waist so when I can find trendy, quality pieces I get super excited. Castles and Crowns offer a large selection of boy and girl clothing in a variety of styles. Look at the next piece we will be adding to our collection:

How perfectly adorable would this be for Easter and the entire spring season! Be sure to view the whole collection here and enter to win your very own Castles and Crowns piece during the fashionista event!

Sponsor highlight: Platypus Austrailia

Are your kids ready for summer? As you know little miss swims year round competitively so finding her a swimsuit that fits and protects is key. Just think of how many hours your kids spend outside in the pool or at the splash pad-yikes that is a ton of harmful sun rays! Platypus Australia offers a great solution with UV swimwear with maximum sun protection. The swimwear has a  "UPF 50+ rating, blocking out at least 97.5% of harmful ultraviolet radiation, meeting the strict criteria of both the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the British Standard for ultraviolet radiation". Read more about the amazing sun protection facts here.

In addition to being a safe bet for the sun the swimsuits are also super cute-we love that you can mix and match! My daughter has the Lotus tankini- just look at the feminine detail:

I love that my daughter has the freedom to wear a two piece suit that is meant for a little girl and is age appropriate.The shirt covers and has the cute ruffle detail on the bottom. The Lotus collection also features this fantastic swim shirt:

The swimwear is very well made and fits true to size. I just love how easy it is to go from swim practice to the beach because the suit is so practical yet adorable. Be sure to check out the entire summer collection here and enter to win your very own during the fashionista event! 

Spring Fashionista Hop March 7-14

 The Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event is hosted by The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years and Katy from  ModlyChic.  K Squared Glamour is our co-host!  For every giveaway in the Spring Fashionista Event that an entrant enters, you gain one entry toward the Spring Fashionista Events Main Event Prizes.  Go here to enter Main Event==> $1200 in Main Event Prizes. 
The Main Event Prizes total $1200 and Include: 

• $600 White Gold and Citrene Stone Necklace from Emma Parker Diamonds (Diamond engagment Rings) (WOrldwide)
• $100 Amazon Gift Card (WorldWide)
• $250 Gift Card from  Midnight Velvet (clothing, accessories and home decor) (US ONLY)
• $250 in Shoes from  Bobbi-Toad (adorable children’s Shoes) 

What a great prize! You can also win 1 of 3 prize packs-enter using the rafflecopter form below! 

1. For the ladies:

Orgami Owl $25 gift card, Riders Slim Crop Pant, Riders New Capris, Bangls Bracelet, Hoo Rag 

  

2. For the kids:

Kidorable backpack & umbrella, Snap Dolls tote & tshirt & snap outfit, Castles & Crowns outfit, delsol tshirt, platypus Australia swimsuit

 

3. For summer:

Fit 4 U swimsuit, Hoo Rag 

 

*Bonus Prizes*

6 random winners will each receive a Hoo Rag of choice and one winner will receive a set of Woolzies to keep your new clothes static free! 

Sponsor Highlight: del sol

Looking for something fun this summer? Have you ever heard of del sol-we had not until wondering around the cruise port. Del sol is this fantastic company that makes products that change in the sun. That is right-as my daughter puts her it is her "magic sunshine shirt". Just look at this adorable princess shirt we have:

Without sun:

With sun:

The shirt is not only one of my daughters favorite but one of mine as well because of the quality. We have had so many things spilled on the shirt which means a ton of washing and it is still super soft and all together....you know my history with poorly stitched clothing the curse has been broken! Del sol also makes a ton of other great products including Disney nail polish that changes in the sun.

We have had so much fun with our "magic nails" and "sunshine shirt" I cannot wait for more summer when the sun will be out in full force! The collection to choose from is very large including toys, sunglasses, bags and even hair accessories. You can check out all of your choices here and be sure to enter to win your choice of shirt during the fashionista event!

Sponsor Highlight: Fit 4 U Swim

Oh the days of warmer weather....a time when we can finally sit and the sun and enjoy the beach. Now if you are anything like me you dread bathing suit season. As you all remember I did Nutrisystem and lost 15 pounds putting me at a size 10 which is amazing just not bikini amazing. Even if I could I do not honestly think my age and personality would allow for a bikini....I mean come on we all have our trouble spots which I usually try to hide over a large cover up or swim towel. This year will be different-I have found Fit 4 U! This amazing innovative swim company has come up with a solution for all our problem areas. For me it is my thighs...no matter what I try it seems that I can escape the thunder thigh syndrome. Not anymore-just look at what I will be wearing at the beach this summer:

Fit 4 U also makes Fit 4 Ur: tummy, thighs, long torso, lift, C's, D's & E's. I absolutely love the beaded detail that really draws your attention up and makes me feel great. I wore this to the pool and aquatics class and found myself ok with walking the deck without constantly tugging on the bottom of my suit trying to hide my thighs. Each style has something truly amazing to offer and the fit is incredible. My Fit 4 U swimsuit is as vibrant as the day it arrived in the mail and a real head turner. Don't suffer this summer with a suit that has a horrible fit and not made for a real women. Fit 4 U focuses on the problem areas and makes you feel confident and ready to drop the towel. You can purchase or your very own Fit 4 U here or in select stores and be sure to enter to win my style suit in the Fashionista event!

Spring Fashionista Lookbook has Arrived!

The largest fashion event on the internet has arrived!

The Spring Fashionista LookBook is now available and just skimming the pages will make you wish the March 7-13 event were already here!  What is the Spring Fashionista Giveaway?
It is the Web’s largest and only ALL FASHION, ONLY FASHION blog giveaway EVENT. Taking place March 7- 13, every giveaway will be valued at $125 – or more! Most of the bloggers have put together prize packs worth several hundred dollars!With more than 115+ bloggers participating in the Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event there will be more than $26,000+ worth of prizes to win!

 What is the LookBook?To get you even more excited, we’ve put together a LookBook to offer a sneak peak at some of the giveaways that will be offered during the event.  Check out the participating blogs, and go ahead, bookmark them now!

And if all of this wasn’t enough… The Fashionista EVENTS LookBook is offering you the chance to win a this stunning Rose Quartz and Pink Sapphire 16” necklace from Fine Jewelry by Carol Brodie. This pretty bauble retails at $299!! Spring Fashionista Events Sponsors The Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event is the amazing brainchild of The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years Her co-hosts for the event are Katy Rose of ModlyChic and Kristyn of the K Squared Glamour. Mark your calendars for March 7-13. It’s going to be Incredible! Also, visit our Main Event Sponsors: Midnight Velvet , Emma Parker Diamonds , and Bobbi-Toad (children’s Shoes)  who are providing $1200 in Prizes! See all the prizes and more in the LOOKBOOK above!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sesame Street Live was amazing!

As usual Sesame Street Live did not disappoint! The theme was Elmo Makes Music and it was about a great journey to creating music in your everyday life. The highlight for my daughter was when Mr. Noodle appeared with Dorothy to help Elmo find a way to make music for his new friend. There were neon dancing shoes, counting, alphabet singing, and an overall laughter filled theatre. Unlike most children shows I have attended I did not see any squirmy kids because the show kept everyone entertained and involved.

Another great part of the show-the characters come out to the audience! This was amazing we had three characters come past and actually stop and say hi to my daughter...she was beyond excited. All afternoon she recapped her favorite moment:

It is not to late to have your own Sesame Street Live adventure the show will be in Cleveland through Sunday with the following show times:

Mar 2, 2013 - 2:00PM

Mar 2, 2013 - 5:30PM

Mar 3, 2013 - 1:00PM

Mar 3, 2013 - 4:30PM

Not near Cleveland? There are many more tour cities and dates listed here. It really is a great show for kids of all ages....we are still enjoying our big red Elmo balloon and reliving the magic of "Oscars friend" and Abby coming to say hello! 

Looking for something fun to do this weekend?

Sesame Street Live is coming to Cleveland this weekend! It is our favorite time of year when Elmo and Abby come to town and make my daughter squeal with delight. This year the theme is Elmo makes music which is going to be fantastic!

Show times this weekend are as follows:

Feb 28, 2013 - 7:00PM

Mar 1, 2013 - 10:30AM

Mar 1, 2013 - 7:00PM

Mar 2, 2013 - 10:30AM

Mar 2, 2013 - 2:00PM

Mar 2, 2013 - 5:30PM

Mar 3, 2013 - 1:00PM

Mar 3, 2013 - 4:30PM

*Look for my review of the show tomorrow afternoon* 

Unique Easter Gift Idea: I See Me!

Looking for something special for your special little someone? Introducing I See Me! Books. This book is truly amazing-each is personalized for your child! 

The book prints your child's first and last name as well as a special message to your child. We have the My Very Own Name book which tells the story of animals using the letters in my daughters first and last name. After reading the book a few weeks my little one can now spell her last name! I See Me! has won so many awards and has been featured in In Touch and People Magazine. Other titles include birthday themes and holiday themes. Can you imagine your little ones face finding a book from the Easter Bunny that was made just for them! I absolutely love personalized gifts and this is especially great because of the intellectual value. As a bonus if you order now you can 

save $5 off your Easter order when you enter coupon code "HOP" at checkout at www.iseeme.com. Minimum purchase $19.95. Expires 3/15. Last day to order for standard Easter delivery is 3/15.

Browse our Easter guide here...

Baby its cold outside!

It is freezing here...makes me think of warm sunny beaches and the pool. As you know my daughter is part fish and easily gets cabin fever so earlier in the month we took her to our favorite vacation spot Castaway Bay!
You may remember the adorable photos I tweeted of her with Snoopy and making her own towel:

We had an absolute blast! There are so many choices for everyone....my husband can go down the scary enclosed slides and my daughter can play in the toddler area. This year we even went into the "dolphin" pool that had a ton of fun floating animals that you could climb on or just float around and relax. My ultimate favorite is the warm pool-its not as hot as a hot tub so my daughter was able to go in with us which was so relaxing. Her favorite part was going through the "jelly fish tentacles" to the snow. On the other side of the curtain was a nice warm pool where we stayed toasty while the snow fell all around us-talk about magical! Here are all of the amazing pools available:

After the swimming fun was over we went to the game room and to hear Snoopy tell a bedtime story. My little eager beaver wanted to sit on his lap for the story....luckily Castaway Bay has fantastic staff and was able to talk her into sitting on the big girl pillows with all the big girls....major tantrum averted! Castaway Bay has something for everyone whether you are looking for a warm getaway from the snow or a romantic weekend. I think next year I am going to take some "mommy time" and head for the spa while my water slide loving family hit the pools. Want to go now? Use the rafflecopter form below to win a four pack of tickets!

Healthy Looking Skin by Spring

Another big change for me this year is taking better care of me....that's right I said it-me, me, me! Ok so as most of us know once we have a family our personal health and appearance take a toll. The first time my new baby spit up on an overpriced sweater I was like ok I need to wear clothes I don't care about that can get dirty. Fast forward almost four years and I am still that yoga pant, ponytail, makeup free mom. Now this is not a bad thing but the other day when I put on a pair of "real pants" and a cardigan my husband told me how nice I looked-yikes! Time for a change....I started at the top and worked my way down....when did I get all those mouth lines and wrinkles! My skin was so dry and blotchy not to mention the whole flock of crows living near my eyes. So I began my hunt online of  course and found Yves Rocher's Anti-Age Global Collection. 

I began to use the cream as soon as it arrived and waited for the results. I myself was pleasantly surprised by the appearance of my skin after a week. My skin seemed to glow and the wrinkles and lines faded...my skin was firmer and not blotchy! Now what about the crows feet and bags? The Complete Anti-Aging Eye Care is my new must have! The bags under my eyes and crows feet are virtually gone. I now actually look like I am my age and not so tired. So what is the secret that makes Yves Rocher's products so much better than others on the market? I think it is the plant source cells that constantly renew. The company has two patents pending on their research innovation and contains 90% natural ingredients with no Paraben or mineral oil. You can order your Yves Rocher's Anti-Age Global Collection here.

Stay tuned-we will be giving Yves Rocher products away in May for Mother's Day!

See 'n Store Saves the day again!

Do you remember before Thanksgiving how I gushed about the See 'n Store well it has saved my day once again! My daughter is no longer a fan of just enjoying the sights on our walks which means I do not get to go as often....imagine how slow she can walk and how long a mile can take! So then I thought of how the See 'n Store made our holiday shopping a breeze and decided she can get her 30 minutes tv time in while I work out. It really is a win, win-she gets to watch My Little Pony and I have to complete the walk in 30 minutes or less.

I also love how I can have my water right at my level and do not have to take a bag on our walks. It really is a great stroller organizer that allows you to have everything right at hand and not have to bend over every 10 seconds for a snack, tissue, toy, etc. Just look at all the pockets-even a safe area for your phone! 

I know I personally will leave home without it on the stroller. Even when little miss does not need the tablet we can easily have everything in reach and my husband does not have to carry the pink floral diaper bag (his favorite part is that it is black, ha). If you have any plans to travel this summer or have a squirmer this is a great product to keep everyone sane. You can buy the See 'n Store here and find many more fantastic products. Even if you child does not get a ton of screen time (we do 30 minutes a day) this is a perfect organizational tool for any new mom or mom to be! 

Crafty Me Monday: Entryway Boot tray!

So it is winter-this means socks full of water when I walk into my snow covered mud room. I had one of those plastic trays but all it did was keep the shoes wet and create a pool for my daughter's dolls...so not only did I have to drain the tray I had to clean mud soaked figurines.

Here is the project:

Supplies:

Boot tray-target $4
Rocks-$1 each at dollar tree

1. First I thought I would glue the rocks down so I started to use the glue gun...

2. decided this was a nightmare and would not work a "pintrosity" if you will so I just dumped the rock in

3. love that I did not glue them down because I can now easily wash in the sink when they get muddy. I just use an old strainer and rinse the rock off.


Another semi success!

Another big change-Introducing Crafty Me Monday

So I have thought about this long and hard and really want to get back to the roots of my blog. So from now on each Monday I will feature a Crafty Me Monday post....I will post step by step projects as I work to design our forever home and manage the clutter. Sometime it may be great other times it may be a disaster but I want to share my ideas at least one a week.

So without delay here is project #1-The Art Display!

My daughter brings home so much artwork from school I am running out of places to hang it and some gets destroyed on the fridge from falling on the floor or being smashed in the door. So here is my solution:

Now on to how we created this "masterpiece"

Materials Needed:

Wooden letter or decals- I used the painted baltic birch wood letters in zennor LET font from Craft Cuts
Curtain Rod-I bought mine at target for $6
Curtain Rod clips-I bought mine at target for $3

1. I choose to hang the curtain rod first so I knew my letters would be in the right place-it easily screwed into the wall

2. I then attached the clips and the art work so I could get a feel for how low the bar was on the wall in case I wanted to move higher

3. I hot glue gunned the letters directly to the wall-I have done this in the past with toy room letters and they have been up for 3 plus years.

* I may add another rod underneath for a completed look but for now I can easily rotate out the artwork, hang it to dry, and change the scenery quickly*

Handbag Heaven Sweepstakes

Besides diamonds, what is every girls' best friend? Handbags of course?! Makobi Scribe is hosting a Handbag Heaven Event so you can have a ton of chances to win great bags! Zuuzs.com has many deals on items like handbags. You can search their site to find great prices and earn cash back when you shop. They are sponsoring a grand prize for this event of $200 Amazon gift card to put into your awesome handbag or to purchase another one! You can enter the grand prize giveaway here!

 Use rafflecopter below to enter to win the amazing Savvycents Wallet! It is the only think you will need to take to the grocery-no longer carry a seperate coupon binder or forget them at home!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now hop around to the other blogs to see what you can win from them!