Fashion to Figure *Giveaway*

When I delivered my son, I never dropped down to the size and weight I was before becoming pregnant.  I have clothes in my closet I have not let go of, in hopes of one day fitting into them.  Because I’m in between sizes, I struggle with shopping as a woman and a mom for clothes that are fashionable and flattering.

According to an article in the LA Times last year, the average dress size of women in the US is 14.  Now I haven’t been in many full fashion clothing stores, but I can imagine that it might be difficult to find styles that are hip and complimentary.  Fashion to Figure offers trendy affordable fashions for women in sizes 12-26.  The company actually has stores in New York and New Jersey which offer a complete shopping experience.

Check out some of the items I found:

$12.99

$28.00

$34.00

$38.00

If you can’t make it into one of their stores, check out their site.  Right now they’re having a sale with most of the items around $15-$20.  And, through the 6th, you can buy one item and receive the second for 50% off items (in -store only).  You can also use the code laborday to save 25% off.

Win It! One of you will win your choice of either the Jersey Halter Ruffle Maxi Dress or the One Shoulder Black Dress.  Simply leave me a comment with another item you like from the site (not mentioned above).  Comments will close on September 16, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.  The giveaway item was supplied by Fashion to Figure.

Fashionably Functional Essentials From Jockey *Giveaway*

I find it interesting that I spend quite a bit of time researching and shopping for outerwear and nearly no time whatsoever on what I wear underneath.

Jockey, a company specializing in underwear, activewear, shapewear, is committed to “quality, comfort, fashion and innovation.”  Spring and Fall are the two seasons I go through all of our closets and get rid of items that are worn or don’t fit.  If you’re like me, and haven’t replaced undergarments in a long time, fall is the perfect season to do so.

Jockey offers a variety of comfortable, wearable fashions for men, women and children. One of my favorite collections is their Luxe line, which features invisible seams and ultra-light fabric.  Not only are the fabrics super soft and cozy, I can wear them with more snug fitting skirts and dresses.  Jockey’s Luxe line includes panties, camis, and shapewear.

Speaking of shapewear, I was surprised at how affordable Jockey’s collection is.  And their “No Panty Line Promise” means that no one else has to know what you’re wearing underneath.

If you’re looking for breathable fabrics, check out Jockey’s Naturals collection which features ultra-light styles, body-contouring and a seamless silhouette.  The company uses a Rayon/Nylon/Cotton/Spandex blend to achieve a well-fitting undergarment that stays dry.

When I get home, the first thing I want to do is change into comfy clothes.  And if it’s summer, I want something cool and breathable.  Jockey offers an array of loungewear which offer comfortable, breathable fabrics that are stylish enough to wear both inside the house and out.  Many of their garments feature moisture wicking fabric which make working out in them a breeze.

Be sure to check out their kid’s line of basics which include underwear, T-shirts, camisoles and more.  Their summer sale is going on now with savings of up to 70%.

Win It! One of you will win an online shopping spree at Jockey (valued at $75, shipping included).  Simply leave me a comment with an item you like from the site (something that was not mentioned in my post).  Comments will close on September 15, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow Jockey on Twitter and/or Facebook (2 entries total)

Subscribe to Jockey’s newsletter

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Visit Amanda and leave some comment love on her post.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.  Product samples were provided which helped to facilitate this review.

How Flowers Can Transform Your Cake (Part 1)

I always look at store-bought cakes with their intricate designs and wonder how much training and practice it takes to achieve such artistry.  Last month, we celebrated my son’s third birthday, and I set out to make and decorate his cake for the first time.  Given the fact that it was my first second attempt at cake decorating, and I had to ensure all of the ingredients were vegan, I was content with the final result.

One of easiest ways to transform a cake is to enhance it with flowers.  If you ever get a chance to take a Wilton Method Class, their Decorating Basics course will teach you a variety of flower-making techniques.  Some can easily be achieved with the appropriate Decorating Tip.

These Drop Flowers were easy once we practiced.  Once you get the hang of the Star Flower, you can turn your hand with a consistent squeeze on the decorating bag for a pretty Swirled Flower (my favorite of the two).

They say practice makes perfect…

Getting better…

Getting some tips on creating shells…Bag should actually be at 45 degrees

Once we got the basics down, we ventured onto more textured flowers including the Pompom Flowers and the Shaggy Mums.  Wilton offers Flower Nail Templates which makes it easy to create flowers that can then be transferred onto your cake.

My first attempt…

You can quickly decorate a cupcake by using a 1M tip…

I could have extended these shaggy petals just a bit more…but overall…success!

The finished product!

No compensation was received for this post.

Summer of Toys: Moon Dough

On those days, when we’re not out at Disneyland or splashing in our community pool, I try to offer my son diverse learning and play experiences.  Apart from coloring, baking, and pretend play, my son really enjoys play dough.  Conventional dough dries out when left out and can get stuck in carpets and such.

Thanks to Team Mom, we had an opportunity to check out Moon Dough, an innovative new molding compound that never dries out.   Moon Dough comes in one of four playsets and is offered in eight colors.  It’s also hypo-allergenic and wheat-free.  The dough is soft and feather-light (like marshmallow) and can be molded with hands or the playset (we prefer the playset).

My son adored the Barnyard that he received to mold his dough into cows, pigs, sheep, and horses.  The set came with three dough colors and 2 farm-themed molds (fence and hay bale).  Once the dough is compressed into a ball, children put it into the barn silo and turn the crank.  Out come adorable 3D animals.

There were a few things we found that worked really well to create the best looking animals.  First, we made sure to compress the dough deep down into the silo (which acts as the mold for the animals).  Then we turned the crank slowly so that the animals came out with their features well-defined.

While I like the fact that the dough doesn’t dry out or get stuck in carpet I don’t like the mess it creates.  I find it to be quite crumbly and needed to vacuum after my son played. The sets that come with the Moon Dough will appeal to children and the prices are affordable and range from $9.99 to $19.99.

Moon Dough is available at Toys R Us, Target, Amazon, and retailers nationwide.

No compensation was received for this post.  A product sample was provided via Team Mom to facilitate this review.

How to Choose a Baby Photographer

Up until a few weeks ago, my husband and I left our child’s photos to the pros at our local department store.  We never really bothered to browse local photographers although in retrospect, we should have.  Photography is very personal, and finding that person who will capture you story can be challenging.

Babyphotographers.com is an online resource which helps parents find information about pregnancy and baby photography.  If you live in a city like Los Angeles or New York, it becomes difficult to sort through the sheer number of professional photographers.  If you’re in a smaller city, you may not be aware of hidden talent.  The site helps parents compare photographers to find the one that matches your style, goal, and budget.

I conducted a search in my area and the site pulled up 36 photographers.  Each profile that is pulled up includes an overview of the company, sample photos, location information and  some even include a video by the photographer.

The site is relatively new and changes are being made.  However, I would like to see the results sorted by distance (rather than randomly). I’d also like to see the site develop to allow parents the ability to select a few photographers and compare them side by side.

Babyphotographers.com also has a blog which includes informative articles on topics like how to choose a baby photographer and how to have the perfect photography session.

Right now, the company is hosting a “Smile Baby” contest where you’ll have a chance to win $2,000 in free baby photography.  To enter, simply submit a 100-200 words paragraph answering the question: “How do you get your baby to laugh?” along with completed entry form, including your name, age, email address and phone number to contest@babyphotographers.com.  Entries can also be submitted along with a completed entry form to: Babyphotographers.com Smile Baby Contest, 6060 N. Central Expressway, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75206.  The deadline to enter is September 30, 2010.

You can find Babyphotographers.com on Twitter and Facebook.

No compensation was received for this post.

Back to School With Lands’ End

I dreaded wearing that navy skirt, white shirt, and black and white saddle shoes as an elementary school child. And yet, as a mom, I actually like the idea of not having to worry much about my childrens’ school attire.

If your child attends a school that mandates uniforms, check out Lands’ End’s Back to School sale where you can save 30% on school uniforms and up to 50% on backpacks and lunchboxes.  Lands’ End offers a diverse selection of fashionable, well-made uniforms.  Many of them can be worn outside of school, particularly if you mix and match the tops and bottoms (this is easier with the boy’s options).

This year, Lands’ End improved their uniform options by making them more durable (reinforced seams and adjustable waists), offering a wide range of sizes (slim, tall, plus, etc.), adding a personalization option (monograms, embroidery, heat transfers, etc.), and ensuring that the line includes gender-specific options.

Lands’ End also offers an incredible selection of backpacks, including my favorite which is a line designed specifically for the preschool types.  Their ClassMate Collection is lightweight and compact for small tots but roomy enough to hold the essentials.  Right now they’re on sale for $16.50 and the matching lunchboxes are just $9.50.

Be sure to check out their Back to School sale going on right now.  To receive your discount, enter the code AUG27 in the Promo section and 9891 in the Pin section.

No compensation was received for this post. A product sample was provided which helped facilitate this review.

Back to School With Marshalls & T.J. Maxx

I try very hard not to pay full price for most things.  I research and price compare, use coupons and shop off price retailers.

If you’re not familiar with off price retailers, let me fill you in!  At sister stores Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, and A. J. Wright, you’ll find much of the same merchandise you’d find in conventional retailers for a fraction of the price.  So how can off price retailers like Marshalls offer in-season, trending fashions at 50% off or more?  Buyers scan the globe in search of the best deals to bring back to the stores (you can read all about it here).  The only small downside to this is that you’re less likely to find the same items from store to store.

Armed with a $50 gift card, I headed to Marshalls to see what deals I could score on school-related products.  Here is a little video highlighting some of the best deals:

I’ve shopped at Marshalls more times than I can count, but I’m always surprised at what I find. One of the things that stood out was the fact that non-wearable items featured current designs and trends.  Toy Story 3 is all the rage and you can find branded merchandise all over the store.  The other thing that stood out was the sheer number of well-known designers represented at the store.  Most of the items I found at Marshalls were at least 50% off, if not more.

As we approach fall, T.J. Maxx offers some tips for transitioning from summer to fall.

Carry a grey leather ruffled handbag with a floral summer frock and sky high booties

Add pizzaz to a neutral-toned outfit with a fedora or beret featuring flowers, zippers or rhinestone embellishments

Change a look with layering pieces such as an infinity scarf or cardigan in faux fur, a printed pattern or cashmere

Don a jewel toned statement necklace or big, sparkly cocktail ring to dress up an outfit

Add edge to a basic sleeveless summer dress with an animal print handbag with faux fur trim

Pair a sleeveless tunic with a wide, dark colored belt, tights and knee high boots

Wear opaque tights with a summer dress or skirt

Pair a metallic purse with a sleeveless black shift dress and a berry colored cardigan

Mix ankle boots and a leather jacket with a summer skirt and tights

This month, T.J. Maxx released their new Totes for Change.  Over the years, T.J. Maxx has raised over $14.7 million to support Save the Children’s U.S. Programs which provide early education, literacy, physical activity and nutrition programs to children.  Proceed from bag sales will be donated to Save the Children’s US Programs.

You can also post a tote to your Facebook wall and the company will donate $1, for every bag shared.

No compensation was received for this post. A gift card was provided to facilitate this review.

The Juice On the OC Foodie Fest

My husband and I are total foodies.  Very often we’ll opt for ethnic cuisine when we go out because it’s not something we cook at home on a regular basis.

It seems a bit ironic to use “foodie” in the same sentence as “food truck.”  But this Saturday, the OC Foodie Fest is bringing 50 of the most popular, creative and unique food trucks to Southern California. Where else can you go to find garlic butter shrimp, Argentine empanadas, sushi, red velvet pancake bites, and ice cream sandwiches under one roof?

The OC Foodie Fest is where you’ll find local favorites featuring international and fusion cuisine and gourmet bites from well-known chefs like Chef Ludo Lefebvre who was featured on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters and the Food Network’s Iron Chef America.

Entertainment by local OC bands will include original music and dance performance.  Local vendors will offer accessories, clothing, handmade jewelry and more.  And Pretend City has partnered to bring a unique learning environment to the kid’s area.

A portion of sales will go back to local nonprofits Child S.H.A.R.E, and Pretend City Children’s Museum. Cart for a Cause will also be in attendance with a custom event menu, featuring a guest chef from a well-known local OC eatery.  Proceed will benefit St. Vincent Meals on Wheels.

OC Foodie Fest takes place at the Honda Center this Saturday, August 28th from 11 am to 7 pm.  Advance tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children 12 & under, and free for children 3 and under.  A limited quantity of tickets will be available at the door for $15.  For more information, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post.

The Daily D (eal)

I may not be Consumer Queen, but the hubby says that I “rock” at scoring great deals.  I try not to buy anything that’s not on sale, use coupons whenever possible (including online coupons), and do a ton of research before making purchases.  I was recently introduced to Daily D, a site that hand-picks the best local merchants to provide you with significant discounts.  If you sign up (it’s free), they’ll deliver those deals straight to your inbox.

Right now there are two incredible deals I want to tell you about…

1.  $12 for Kids Climbing Class at Rockreation (60% Off)

Looking for a new, fun, safe activity for your 6-11 year old?  Try rock climbing at Rockreation!  Each 2-hour climb time session has a maximum of 5 kids per instructor, so they get plenty of attention and instruction.  They won’t know it, but it’s also a good learning experience, teaching them how to work with other kids and adults while learning about safety, responsibility and respect.

2.  $25 for Mom & Me Apron Class at Sewing Art Center (50% Off)

With all the classes and scheduling, it’s practically impossible to find some nice one-on-one time with kids.  How about a class that’s fun, you can do together, and you learn a skill you can both use?  Spend a Saturday afternoon with the child in your life while you both learn to sew! $25 enrolls you both, provides all the tools, fabric, supplies and know-how, and sends you each on your way with an apron of your own making.

“I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central on behalf of the DailyD. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Back to School With SIGG

Earlier this morning, I participated in a web chat with Michelle Conlin and several “green” bloggers to discuss her film project entitled No Impact Man.  I have an entire post dedicated to the project, but it definitely had me thinking about what MORE I can do to reduce my carbon footprint.

It seems simple enough… forgo BPA-laden plastic and opt for reusable bottles and food storage products. SIGG, the world leader in reusable, eco-friendly beverage bottles recently introduced their aluminum lunch boxes which are actually fashionable enough to be used for storing all kinds of things (think makeup, jewelry).

SIGG’s products are 100% recyclable and free from BPA or phthalates.  Their bottles are lined so that there is no lingering odor or taste.  The company offers a number of fun, vibrant kid’s designs for boys and girls.  My three year old is finally at a point where he understands the concept of drinking from bottles like this one.  I like the smaller 0.3 L size for tots since it holds about the amount of liquid he’s capable of drinking.

SIGG now offers customization.  You can visit their site to upload personal photos or create your own graphic with their image library to use on their products.

No compensation was received for this post. A product sample was provided by the company to facilitate this review.

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