2011 Preview: The Sak & Elliott Lucca

While we were in New York, I decided to schedule some early morning meetings with some of the PR representatives I’ve worked with over the past three years.  One of days, I headed over to The Sak Brand Group Showroom (which just so happens to be right across the street from the Empire State Building) for their Spring 2011 Preview.

The Sak Brand Group is one of the largest handbag companies in the US and offers a variety of designs, at varying price points, in the following brands:  The Sak, Elliott Lucca, freebird, sakroots, Luxy, and Lina.  I actually own a sakroots bag which I adore because it’s stylish, functional, and eco-friendly.  sakroots is the company’s eco-friendly brand and this spring will offer fun, vibrant everyday accessories including handbags, iPod cases, computer bags, yoga mat bags, camera cases, umbrellas, rain boots, and more.  The entire collection is made from eco-friendly materials like recycled nylon and canvas and supports The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees Campaign.  Prints include Peace, One World, and Flower Power and the collection retails for under $139.  Here are a few of the pieces that stood out:

freebird is a highly affordable collection offering carefree, eclectic designs derived from man-made leather.  The brand will debut their hands-free compact nano bag.  The bags were intricately designed with a focus on touch and texture and can be worn as a crossbody, clutch, mini backpack or belt bag.  Some of the design features include hand-stitching, mesh metal and metallic hardware.  The nano bag will retail for $35-$59 and will be available in fall colors like toffee, indigo, and cocoa.

This spring, the Sak will debut a new Crochet collection.  The handbags will feature signature textured weaves and relaxed styles in bright, vibrant colors like papaya, boutique stripe, and pink multi.  The entire collection will retail for under $79.

You can purchase handbags and accessories from the Sak, sakroots, and freebird online and at Macy’s, Nordstrom and Dillard’s.

No compensation was received for this post. I received a thank you gift for attending the brand’s press preview day.

BlogHer Bound

Whew!  It’s been a very busy few days.  I worked shifts back-to-back over the weekend in order to have some much needed time off!  The last few days we’ve been shopping, packing, and prepping for our time in New York City, hence, the lack of blogging.  The next few days will be a bit busy and I may not have a lot of time to post (which is the ironic part of a blogging conference).  But come next week, I’ll be bursting with information to share and get your feedback on.

If you’ve been to my Twitter page recently, you may have noticed a change.  This is just a sneak peak into what’s to come on Rockin’ Mama including the near launch of a website that’s been in the works since I was pregnant with my daughter.

Please be patient with me when it comes to responding to emails, comments, closing giveaways etc. as computer access will be sporadic.  Once the weekend is over, things will hopefully return to semi-normal.  I’m so excited about the trip and I hope to see and meet some of you if you’re heading to BlogHer.

By the way, did you know that Access Communications recently released their report on How Women Are Shaping the Internet?  If you take a look at their top 50 Mommy Blogs, you may notice a few familiar faces.  : )

{Photo Credit: grngobstpr}

Fashion Haul Friday: Banana Republic

Last week, I headed over to the new Banana Republic Women’s Store at South Coast Plaza for a private shopping preview.  Banana Republic, sister to Old Navy, Gap, Piperlime, and Athleta, is a luxury brand offering “modern, soulful and effortless style.”  Whether you’re looking for casual, weekend styles or professional work attire, Banana Republic offers modernly fashionable designs.

It’s been several weeks since I’ve participated in Fashion Haul Friday.  Apparently I’m not the shopaholic I once was! For under $50, I purchased the following:

Boyfriend light wash busted jeans

Linen Braided Halter Tank in Pink

Sleeveless Luxe Tank in Navy

A Petite Tank in Black (I wasn’t able to find it on their website)

Total:  $47.92!

If you’re in the area, check out the South Coast Plaza Women’s Store located on the first level near Bloomingdale’s.

No compensation was received for this post.  I attended a preview shopping day and scored some sweet deals (which I paid for because I adore Banana Republic).

Bedtime for Mommy *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by!  The winners are Susan, Some Lucky Dog, and Stephanie V.  Congrats!

Every night our routine is the same. After dinner, my son takes a bath, brushes his teeth, and we read him a book.  In the event that we get home late or our schedule is a bit off, my son immediately lets us know.  He depends on that routine.

Books are important part of our day, particularly during the evenings when we get home.  We recently received Bedtime for Mommy, a story that puts a unique twist on traditional bedtime routines.  Here is a brief summary of the book:

What if the (bedside) tables were turned and the kids put the parents to bed?

What if Mommy was the one asking . . .

. . . to stay up five more minutes?

. . . for help laying out tomorrow’s outfit.

. . . for just one more story, please!

Told with her trademark gentle humor, bestselling author Amy Krouse Rosenthal creates a charming, playful, and totally unforgettable role-reversal tale.

With adorable childlike artwork and irony that only a parent can truly appreciate, Amy Krouse Rosenthal creates a story that we’ll be reading for years.  It’s adorably funny and helps ease the tension and struggles that often surround bedtime.  I strive to make bedtime peaceful and enjoyable rather than tense and stressful.  A story is always a great way to relax into my son’s bedtime routine and this is one that brought smiles to his face.  And I think that if he asks me to read it “one more time,” I won’t protest.

Right now, you can send in a photo of your child reading to you for a chance to win a bedtime story phone call from Amy Krouse Rosenthal along with a bedtime basket of goodies (cocoa, cookies and more!) from Dylan’s Candy Bar and a selection of read-aloud favorites from Bloomsbury. Three winners will be selected at random by the author from entries received between April 15, 2010 and October 31, 2010. Be sure to email your photo to childrens.publicity@bloomsburyusa.com, with the subject line “Bedtime for Mommy Contest”, along with your contact information.

Win It! I have 3 copies of Bedtime for Mommy to give away.  Simply leave me a comment with you and your children’s bedtime routine. Comments will close on July 28, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  US residents only. 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.  Review and giveaway products were provided by the company.

Blogging For Good

This is part of a compensated campaign with 77kids and The Motherhood.

Making “Kinect”ions

Last week, Xbox strategically timed the reveal of their brand new controller-free entertainment experience right before the start of E3.  With a performance imagined by Cirque that captivated audiences, the world witnessed an innovation in gaming and entertainment.  Kinect for Xbox 360 will transform the way you think about gaming.  Not only will it get you off the couch, it will put you right in the midst of the experience.  Run, jump, dance, and connect Kinect right in the comfort of your home.

The audience cheered when it was announced that the company would be bringing Star Wars to Kinect in 2011.  Disney also has plans on bringing a bit of magic to Kinect.  Kinect Adventures, Kinectimals, Kinect Joy Ride, Kinect Sports, Dance Central, and Your Shape:  Fitness Evolved are a sampling of the games that will be offered this November (2010).  And because I’ve had the opportunity to play some games on the system, I can tell you that it’s intuitive.  Once you step in front of the sensor, it will recognize and respond to your gestures and listen to your voice.

Kinect is more than a simple gaming system and will work with every Xbox 360. The Kinect Hub will allow you the ability to access your favorite movies, TV programs, music, and more in one location.  Video Kinect will open up a world of connection with distant friends and family members.

Pricing has yet to be released for Kinect but is set to debut this November 2010.

No compensation was received for this post.

Kinect for Xbox 360…Coming November 2010

Last night I had the privilege of attending the World Premiere of Kinect for Xbox 360 (formerly titled Project Natal).  Cirque du Soleil created a performance, specifically for Kinect, which will air on Tuesday, June 15, at 3:30 pm ET on MTV and at 9:00 pm ET on Nick at Nite, mtvU, MTV Hits, and Logo.  The event was technology-free, so I don’t have pictures or video footage of the actual performance (which was amazing) but you can see a few pictures on the Xbox site.

What I can tell you is that Kinect is the latest innovation in gaming and entertainment.  Controllers and remotes?  They’re so yesterday. Kinect, set to debut this November, puts you in the game…literally.  No longer will you  or I be sitting on the couch detached from the experience.  Once you step in front of the sensor on the system, Kinect will recognize you and respond to your gestures.  It also recognizes your voice (oooh!). Run, jump, dance, and kick…the game is more like an experience.  And…it’s so. much. fun.

Playing it is actually easier than I expected as it’s highly intuitive.  If you know how to kick, jump, and run…you can play it! Stay tuned…this is just the beginning of what’s to come this November.

Photo credit:  Xbox

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to a media preview of Kinect, courtesy of the company.

Toy Story 3

My son, like most boys, is eagerly anticipating the release of Toy Story 3.  On June 18th, join Buzz, Woody, and the characters from Toy Story for a third installment of their adventures, where toys come to life.

If you’re looking for a truly unique, interactive experience, El Capitan offers a live stage show and their brand new Toy Story 3 Fun Zone.  Some of the highlights from the Fun Zone include gaming (E3 for kids!), a bounce house, an obstacle course, and the chance to get hands on with themed toys from LEGO and Mattel.  They’re also hosting a Toy Story marathon on June 17th where you and your kids can view all 3 movies in one afternoon.

For tickets, show-times, and more information, just visit the El Capitan website.

And if you’re looking for some Toy Story 3-themed activities, visit your local Disney Store.

June 19^th, Toy Story 3 Scavenger Hunt (11 am to 2 pm):  Kids will start the scavenger hunt by receiving some secret clues to find a specific Toy Story character or product in the store. Once kids find the character, they will be challenged with answering questions about the character. When all of the answers are completed correctly, they will be able to decode a mystery message and receive a special surprise (while supplies last).

June 26^th, Toy Story 3 Adventure (11 am to 2 pm):  Kids will be asked to complete four adventures/activities and may win a free activity sheet or other prizes.. When the activities are complete, kids will receive a certificate and special surprise for participating (while supplies last).

No compensation was received for this post.

Spotlight On: World of Color

My very first trip to Disneyland was at the age of 2 (with pictures serving as my only memories). I’m old enough to remember PeopleMover, the Main Street Electrical Parade, and the Country Bear Jamboree (if you look behind you while riding The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, you’ll see three of the bears overhead).  I remember when Disney’s California Adventure Park was being built and Mickey’s Toontown was just a dream.  I have so many memories from the resort.  And while there is a familiarity when visiting, there is also excitement and anticipation because something is always being imagined.

World of Color debuted this past Friday at Disney’s California Adventure Park.  I saw the show on Thursday night and was captivated for the entire 25 minutes.  World of Color combines lights, water, music, fire and animation to tell some of Disney’s most cherished stories.  Walt Disney himself was the inspiration for the World of Color, which has been in production for five years. Walt Disney’s first color television series entitled Wonderful World of Color  aired from 1961 to 1969 and combined classic storytelling with innovative artistry (as the show does today).

Just the backdrop alone (animation projected on massive screens of water) is impressive.  World of Color engages 1,200 powerful and programmable fountains, and a vast underwater grid with more than 18,000 points of control.  The fountains can send water up to 200 feet, and when combined with the lighting, makes for a truly magnificent display.  The fountains literally come to life and tell their own story.

Many people identify with Disney because of their timeless stories. You’ve likely seen The Lion King, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid. But not quite in this way. I particularly enjoyed the familiarity of the stories combined with the “newness” of how they were presented.

Technically, the show is a masterpiece.  The combination of color and water is a work of art.  The transitions are smooth, the music is moving, and the scenes captivating. My husband has yet to see the show, but I can’t wait to for his reaction.

There are several numerous hundreds of videos on YouTube of the show.  But that will only give you a taste of how spectacular the show is.  You Must. See. It.

Recommendations for viewing…

It’s going to be a busy summer at the resort.  And I have a lot more to share with you about “What’s Next” with Disney.  I highly recommend obtaining a FASTPASS for primary viewing (although I was told you can see the show from multiple locations around Paradise Bay).  You can obtain a FASTPASSat the Grizzly River Run FASTPASS terminals (you can line up at 7 am).  If you don’t get a FASTPASS (at some point during the day, they will run out), you can select from one their World of Color dining options as follows:

Picnic Meals

• Beginning June 11, guests can go online (or via walk-up purchase at Sonoma Terrace and Golden Vine Winery) and order a special boxed picnic meal that includes “World of Color” Reserved Viewing.  Price:  $14.99
• Picnic meals may be picked up at the Sonoma Terrace from 2 p.m. to 8pm. Reserved viewing tickets will indicate return time, location and show time.

Price Fixe Dinner Packages

Prix fixe meals are available at both Ariel’s Grotto and the Wine Country Trattoria restaurants, and they come with “World of Color” Preferred Viewing. Guests may order from a varied menu of seafood, meat and vegetarian options at Ariel’s Grotto (current price: $36.99 for adults; $20.99 for children ages 3-9) or a selection of Italian cuisine at Wine Country Trattoria (current price; $39.99 for adults; $18.99 for children ages 3-9). Restaurant seatings are at specified times and space is limited. Prix fixe meals must be reserved, at 714/781-DINE.