Eco-Friendly Photo Cards

Three years ago, my sweet brown-eyed, curly-haired boy was born and changed our lives forever. We had a small family celebration over the weekend and his “big” birthday party is coming up in a few weeks. I’ve been busy finalizing details, planning menus, and practicing my cake decorating skills. And I sent out the most adorable zoo-themed invites from Cardstore.com.

I typically use another company to order photo cards, but I’m always willing to try something new. Cardstore.com is an online printing company that offers “smart, stylish, and original” greeting cards, invites, thank you cards, and more. The company combines “beautiful artwork, personalized greetings, and professional printing to create tangible reminders of life’s events.” And…they use sustainable printing and recycled paper, a plus for this eco-mama.

The actual process of ordering is quick, although I spent some time perusing their gallery (there are over 7,000 designs from 70 artists on the site). The company has organized the site well, which makes it easy to search by card type, occasion, theme, etc. The site offers personalization tools which allow you the option of customizing greetings with photos and messages. When you’re done customizing your card, you can have the company print return and/or recipient addresses on the envelopes, add postage, and even have them mail them straight to recipients (additional charges will apply).

Here is the invite we created for my son’s upcoming party:

The invites were printed on quality cardstock and we received them in a few days. The only thing I would say is that I’d love for the company to offer higher quality printing (and a variety of textures including matte, glossy, etc.), even if it means paying a bit more.

Prices start at $0.79 a card and are never higher than $3.00 per card. Now through the end of the month, you’ll save 10 percent with the code FAMILYREVIEW10.

No compensation was received for this post. A Gift Certificate was provided by the company via Family Review Network to facilitate this review.

Fashion Meets Comfort With Naturalizer Shoes

Over the years, I’ve managed to collect a LOT of shoes.  My husband is always trying to bribe convince me to get rid of some, but a girl can never have too many shoes.  Before children, I chose style over comfort.  I actually have several pairs of shoes that I can no longer wear safely, because of this reason.

If you can believe it, I’m currently wearing the most adorable pair of shoes from a brand my MOM wears.  I remember going to the Naturalizer store at the mall to shop for shoes with her as a child. And to be honest, I dreaded going to that store when I was a teenager. Today, I don’t have enough money space to buy all of the shoes I want from the store.

Do you ever buy shoes that don’t quite feel right until you’ve “broken them in?”  Naturalizer shoes are designed with N5 Comfort Elements which include the following five features:

Perforated insoles for flexibility

Featherweight outsoles for lightness in each step

Ergonomic heel and toe shapes for stability

Extra cushioning underfoot to lessen impact

Breathable linings to keep feet cool

The brand is well known for designing comfortable shoes that can be worn all day.  And with designs like this:

Women don’t have to choose comfort over style.  Because I rarely ever wear closed-toed shoes, I chose their Keene Platform Sandals in black.  I can wear them with a nice dress or a pair of jeans and they really are comfortable, given the 1 inch wedge heel.  They also feature a non-slip outsole, perfect for moms on the go.

Naturalizer’s reflexologist (yes…they have one!) Michelle Ebbin recognizes that women often neglect their feet (among other things).  Here are her tips for selecting a proper-fitting shoe:

15 minutes of…comfort: When selecting a shoe, you should be able to walk for at least 15 minutes without discomfort or pressure to any part of the feet. Even if you live in heels, you should be able to feel balanced and stable enough so that you are not carrying all of your body weight on the balls of your feet.  Balance ensures that your core is stable and energy circulation can flow easily. Stability promotes stress relief and improved posture.

Breathe easy: Every woman knows how annoying sweaty, sliding feet can be. And when your feet can’t breathe, your energy can’t flow. Find shoes with a breathable lining. By keeping your feet cool, and comfortable, you can relieve and prevent energy blockages in the feet.

Lighten up and embrace the softer side: Hard, clunky shoes are more than just ugly, they can affect your circulation. The lighter the weight and the softer the cushioning, the less pressure on your feet which means better circulation.

The 2010 shoe mantra – NO BREAKING IN: Flexibility means no “breaking-in” period. Supportive, lightweight shoes lessen the impact of gravity, which can wreak havoc on your feet and your entire body. Buy shoes that feel good straight out of the box.

Right now, Naturalizer is having a sale with savings of up to 50% on spring and summer styles.

The Lunar Antics Presents: Boy, I’d Hate To Be Made Out Of That Stuff

Every Sunday, before church, my parents and I would read the Sunday paper…together…as a family (odd isn’t it?).  I would pull the comics and pass the time until we had breakfast and then got ready for church.

If you enjoy comics, do check out The Lunar Antics Presents:  Boy, I’d Hate to Be Made Out of That Stuff. The book is a collection of newspaper-style cartoons about moon inhabitants who are the ultimate outsiders. Ironically, the clips are about us. It’s a unique, “comical” way to explore and discuss everything from politics and economics to human emotions. Not only will it make you laugh, it will make you think.  While the site states that it’s appropriate for any age, I recommend the book for teens and older.

For more information, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post. A copy of the book was provided by the company via FRN.

Charm Bracelets and Necklaces from LilyMe

What did you get for Mother’s Day?  Chocolate?  Flowers?  Jewelry?  This Mother’s Day, my husband and I decided to combine his birthday and Mother’s Day into one celebration!  The grandparents are going to watch our precious babies while we spend two nights away, relaxing…and more relaxing! In previous years, I’ve received jewelry (which is actually the type of item I’d much rather receive as a gift).

I recently told you about LilyMe’s European-inspired charm bracelets and necklaces.  Their satin bracelets are complimented by sterling silver and gold plated charms which can be engraved with the name of a significant loved one or a personalized message.  I just adore personalized gifts and chose their Hanging Circle Charm Bracelet in plated gold.  The satin cord is available in 15 different colors (I chose navy) and available in 5 adjustable sizes. The gold plated charm can be engraved with up to 9 letters.  The bracelet is very dainty and feminine and can be worn with both casual and more upscale/formal attire.

If you’re a mom, you may choose a bracelet with several charms and include the names of your children on each.  Bracelets vary in price.  The Hanging Circle Charm Bracelet retails for $38.  For more information, just visit their website.

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

Sing Your Way To a Spanish-Speaking Kid

People always ask me where I’m from…my ethnic background.  My married name is very American, but I have this “exotic” look about me (at least that’s what my husband’s family says!).  While I’m 100% Puerto Rican, you wouldn’t likely know it from speaking to me.  My Spanish is limited to the three years I studied in high school and my very American accent.  Somewhere along the way, I realized just how important it is to be bilingual.  Spanish, in particular, is a very valuable language to be fluent in (especially as a health care provider).  Our country is very diverse and I believe that we could all benefit from learning a second language.  So, my husband and I are teaching our son some very basic Spanish.  Right now he can count to ten in Spanish, and say a number of words.  And recently, we’ve been playing En Mi Casa, a children’s Spanish CD by Sing A Lingo.

Sing A Lingo was founded by husband and wife team Piña and Michael Madera who decided to raise their children bilingual.  Their approach is one that integrates Spanish into a child’s daily life.  En Mi Casa is “a collection of songs written to entertain and delight kids.”  This CD is an introduction to basic phrases like Wash Your Hands, Good Night, and Are You Hungry?  It also includes a counting song (which my son already knows!).  The music is upbeat and catchy (but not in an annoying way).  The lyrics are simple enough for children without any Spanish language exposure.  The CD has won 3 National awards including The National Parenting Center and Parent’s Choice Seals of Approval and an iParenting Media Award for Outstanding Product. Check out this music video created by the founders:

Sing A Lingo offers a variety of Spanish language teaching tools including books, vocabulary cards, and kits.  En Mi Casa retails for $14.99 and is available from the site.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A copy of the CD was provided via the Family Review Network, to facilitate this review.

Too (Tu) Too (Tu) Cute! (Giveaway)

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Amanda. Congrats!

Shopping for my daughter is so. much. fun! There is no shortage of wearable cuteness for girls (what’s up with the lack of adorable wear for boys?).  I have always been a girly girl, and if my daughter follows suit, she’ll be in bows, dresses, and Mary Janes!

My daughter is definitely too young to do much more than eat, sleep, coo, and giggle…but I have big plans for her! I hope to expose both of my children to the arts…music…dance…karate…theatre.  I watch my friend’s 3 little girls at ballet class and *hope* my daughter will want to dance as she gets older (did you know I used to be a dancer?).

For now, we’re playing dress-up with Tutu Pour Mon Deux’s Tank Top Tutu.  Look how adorable my daughter looks (it’s a bit big…but she’ll grow into it!):

Tutu Pour Mon Deux which is French for “Tutu For My Two,” was started by a mom with a passion for giving back to those who helped care for her daughter, born with a congenital heart defect.  She combined her first daughter’s love for dress-up and dramatic play with her desire to make a difference and dreamt up Tutu Pour Mon Deux.

Erika’s tutu’s have been described as “happy heartfelt apparel with a special twist.”  I love that!  Her Tank Top and Long Sleeved Shirt Tutus can be customized in a variety of ways and are a unique twist on the conventional tutu.  Here is a short description from the site:

A band of tulle and colorful ribbon is attached to the bottom of either a sleeveless or long sleeved shirt with a unique image ironed onto the bodice creating a one of a kind, little girl’s tutu shirt.

Designing your little girl’s special tutu is easy (and fun!).  Simply select a style (tank top or long sleeved shirt), a color (there are 6), a size, a patch (I chose a cupcake), a tutu color, and an accent ribbon.    I actually had a little guidance from Erika in picking the colors, ribbon, and tutu that would look best.  I absolutely adore it!  It’s made very well and looks adorable.  Little girls love to dress up and these can be worn around the house or out and about.  I like that the Tutus are affordable while retaining their uniqueness.  The Tank Top Tutus retail for $34 and the Long Sleeved Tutus retail for $38.

From each tutu sold, Tutu Pour Mon Deux donates one-third of the proceeds to Children’s Hospital Boston.

Win It! One of you will win a Tank Top Tutu of your choosing.  Simply visit the site, then come back and tell me how you’d design your tutu.  Comments will close on April 22, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). 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.

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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!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was supplied, via Family Review Network, to facilitate this review.

Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Rachel S. Congrats!

I’m not usually particularly fond of children’s music CD’s.  And yet here I am with another review in this genre of music.  Late last year, I had an opportunity to preview Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas, which my son still enjoys listening to.  Since it was actually pretty good, I decided to go ahead and allow yet another children’s music CD into my car.  The little monkey is at it again with his sequel, Curious George 2:  Follow That Monkey.  Here is a bit more information about the movie from the site.

Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey [the soundtrack] is based on the motion picture adventures of Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat as they set out on a madcap cross-country adventure to reunite Kayla, a homesick elephant, with her family. This unlikely trio faces all types of comic calamities and colorful characters who in the end learn that with family, friends and determination you can achieve anything.  The soundtrack features the hit “California Sun” performed by Brian Wilson as well as all new songs by The Carbon Leaf, a special title track recorded by 429 Records’ artist Jackie Greene and an original score by Heitor Pereira.

The soundtrack is actually not geared as much towards children as it is towards adults (in my opinion). Many of the songs would only be recognizable by adults.  Several of the songs consist solely of music (without words) and I actually prefer those.  The CD has a very upbeat feel to it and I imagine it would appeal to children a bit older than my son.  Some of the songs deal with themes such as friendship and life struggles.  Curious George 2:  Follow That Monkey is scheduled to be released on March 2.

Win It! One of you will win a copy of Curious George 2:  Follow That Monkey.  Just leave me a comment with the name of your favorite track and you’re entered! Comments will close on March 4, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). 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.

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Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

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!

This post was written for Family Review Network as part of a program for 429 Records, who supplied the product for review.

Jazzy Tunes from The Princess and the Frog *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Asha. Congrats!

Last fall, Disney’s latest film, The Princess and the Frog was released in theaters.  I still haven’t managed to see it, but every time I listen to the soundtrack I snap my fingers and do a little jig.  The film is set in New Orleans and is a modern twist on the classic tale called “The Frog Princess.” The story is about “a beautiful girl named Tiana, a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana.”

The CD features the musical talents of Anika Noni Rose(Dreamgirls), Ne-Yo(R&B music star) and Academy Award winning composer Randy Newman.  The soundtrack is a diverse mix of Jazz, Blues, Gospel and Zydeco genres. The music is mostly upbeat and lively…perfect for children and adults.  In fact, if you enjoy jazz, you might wat to check it out!

The CD is available for purchase on Amazon.

Win It! One of you will win a copy of the soundtrack to The Princess and the Frog.  Simply leave me a comment with the name of a track you like from the CD.  Comments will close on March 1, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). 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.

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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!

This post was written for Family Review Network as part of a program for Walt Disney Records, who supplied the CD for review and giveaway.

Flirty Aprons *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Lily Kwan!

Because I *mostly* stay at home with my children, you will see me at any given moment with tussled hair and juice (or fill in the blank with the toddler substance of choice) stains on my clothes.  I have a closet full of gorgeous clothing and shoes that I don’t usually get to wear because I’m a mom…a stay-at-home mom.  Most days it seems silly to get “all dressed up with no place to go.”

I write a lot about how I think it’s important for moms to do whatever they need to in order to feel good about themselves.  For me, a shower, a touch of eyeshadow and lip gloss, and a pair of cute shoes are enough to make me feel like a woman.  Many companies are recognizing the need for women and moms to look and feel good about themselves, regardless of the task. Flirty Aprons is one such company.

I recently received an adorable apron from the company.  Flirty Aprons was actually founded by two couples (which surprised me) who wanted “to create a product that would help women find self-expression and excitement in their day-to-day activities and bring color and style to the home.”  You know how much I just adore being in the kitchen (ahem).  Now I have a very cute incentive to do so and my husband likes it too! I chose the Original Chic Pink apron which features a stylish, tailored cut and a gorgeous pink pattern.  I’m vertically challenged (i.e. short) so the apron falls lower on my legs than it would on a taller woman but I like the coverage and protection it provides from food spills.  And honestly, the apron is fun to wear (particularly if I had company over).  The apron is made from 100% cotton and retails for $29.95.

Flirty Aprons offers aprons for men, women, and children.  They come in a variety of vintage-like patterns (but they’re surprisingly very modern in terms of style).  I think it would be fun to get a matching apron for my daughter when she’s older (much older!). I could own several of these and have fun wearing them…especially when we have company over.  I really like how the company took something as monotonous as cooking and turned it into something exciting.  You can look beautiful while doing dishes (just ask my husband)  Pardon me…that’s my oven beeping!

Win It! One of you will win an apron, courtesy of Flirty Aprons.  Simply leave me a comment with your favorite!  Comments will close on February 4, 2010 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). 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 them on Twitter and Facebook (2 entries max).

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!

This post was written for Family Review Network as part of a program for Flirty Aprons, who supplied the apron for review.

Norah Jones’ The Fall, Lego Pirates, and More! *Giveaway*

This post was written for Family Review Network as part of a program for Blue Note Records, who supplied the CD for review and sponsored the giveaway.

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