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this is the way we shop for clothes

June 28, 2010 By 47 Comments

Hi there!

hi there this is the way we shop for clothes

As I mentioned in a previous post, we’ve been pretty FOCUSED around here as of late (and that’s a good thing).

We’re making great progress on the new website/blog and that dream is so beautiful, so expansive…we can’t possibly keep it just in our hearts. I can’t wait to invite you to be a part of it. Let’s see. I should give you a clue. It’s about making the world better – one day at a time. For now, we rush-rush-rush and stay-up-late. Because we hope to launch this baby before…ahem…we conceive a real baby. But we’ll see how the timing works out. Both Tim and I are ready for baby #3.

On another note, thanks for your summer ideas on my Nanny Nature post. Today, we woke up at 8:00, ate cereal and blueberries, delivered whole wheat bread and sparkling cider to my sister-in-law (who just had a sweet baby boy last Tuesday), went to a local consignment store, and stopped in at the library. All before 11. Sa-weet. Right at this minute, my 3-year-old is watching Anne of Green Gables (the cartoon version) and my 1-year-old is napping.

And me? I’m typing one-handed (as I always do – crazy, but true), thinking about my to-do list, and missing Tim.

P.S. Here are our finds from the consignment shop. We brought in a bag of our old clothes and left with these. Total at cash register: $0.

kids clothes from consignment shop this is the way we shop for clothes

Do you shop at consignment stores?

ALSO – Have you seen the animated version of Anne of Green Gables (For the record, it’s not even half as good as the non-animated version starring Megan Follows…)?

Filed Under: About Me, fashion Tagged With: , , , , , ,

SLY Awards: Michael Stars

May 1, 2010 By 110 Comments

Have you been noticing all of the spring scarves in stores and clothing catalogs this season? I think it’s the trend of the moment – and a very fun one, I might add.

MS20083 punch medium SLY Awards: Michael StarsAs such, it’s fitting that Michael Stars has generously offered a Cool Breeze Scarf ($42) in the color Punch to SLY Award recipient Sarah Bessey.

The scarf reminded me of her because it’s breezy, laidback, and beautiful…just like she is! It is a soft, lightweight, and lovely accessory piece. The fringed edges add just the right casual touch for that “I’m-put-together-but-not-pretentious” look.

If this is your first introduction to Michael Stars, you’ll want to check out their tees first (it’s what they’re famous for…and there’s one for every occasion!), but the brand also offers fashionable dresses, sweaters, bottoms, and accessories.

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fall09 logo 150x29 SLY Awards: Michael StarsWIN IT! One winner will receive a Cool Breeze Scarf ($42) in the color Punch from Michael Stars. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Sunday, May 9th at 11:59 p.m. All generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified. Winner must provide a U.S. or Canadian mailing address.

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sly awards SLY Awards: Michael StarsMichael Stars has generously donated 2 Cool Breeze Scarves for this SLY Awards promotion – one for Sarah and one for the giveaway. I received no product or monetary compensation for this post. I’m just excited to celebrate Sarah and…you.

*UPDATE* The winner is #15 Jennifer. Congratulations!

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What to Pack: A top that can be dressed up or down

January 25, 2010 By 291 Comments

lands end canvas cashmere sweater What to Pack: A top that can be dressed up or downOften when you are traveling, you don’t always know where you’ll end up – a fancy restaurant, a casual day at the beach, an afternoon snowed in at a cabin…that’s part of the adventure of being away from home.

But it can make packing a tad bit difficult since space is a high premium. As such, I try to pack at least one “in-between” top when I am away from my closet. What I mean by that is a top that can be dressed up or down with ease.

Take, for example, this Cap Sleeve Cashmere V-neck Sweater by Lands’ End Canvas. It’s stylish and ultra-soft and equally easy-to-match with a pair of distressed jeans, a pair of gray slacks, or a pretty pencil skirt.

You’ve heard of Lands’ End, right? Well, Lands’ End Canvas is a new off-shoot brand that promises, “clothing that is real and relevant for how you live today.” As far as I can surmise, the brand is targeted to Generation X and features wearable, modern pieces that are classic and preppy. The selection isn’t huge, but I actually really like almost all of the current offerings. Up next for the brand? I hope they come out with a bright yellow trench coat, royal blue high heels, some cute denim shorts, and a great pair of trouser jeans.

YOUR TURN: What is your impression of the Lands’ End brand? What do you think of the new Canvas collection?

091019 canvas logo 150x91 What to Pack: A top that can be dressed up or downWIN IT! One winner will receive a Cap Sleeve Cashmere V-Neck Sweater ($120) in his/her choice of color from Lands’ End Canvas. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, February 2nd at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* I received a product sample for review purposes.

*UPDATE* The winner is #197 Michele. Congratulations!

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What to Pack: Jeans

January 25, 2010 By 207 Comments

rock star jean downeast basics What to Pack: JeansIf I had to only wear one thing over and over and over again, it would be jeans.

Jeans are stylish, figure-flattering, and totally practical for a mom’s active lifestyle. Plus, they can be dressed up or dressed down with ease. Pair with flats and a tee – ready for a picnic at the park! Add heels and a sparkly shirt – ready for a night out! See? So easy!

The trick is to find a great pair for your body-type. I personally prefer bootcut or flare.

Just recently, I discovered DownEast Basic’s denim line and they have some super fun offerings. These aren’t just Plain Jane boring jeans. The washes are interesting and the pockets are elegantly embellished.

jeans from downeast basics What to Pack: JeansI was given the opportunity to try out the Rock Star Jean and I’ve been wearing them all over the place. Here I am rockin’ out in them…or something like that. Coincidentally, my sweater is also by DownEast Basics. It’s the Closer Look Cardigan (which is no longer for sale on their website…but it looks suspiciously similar to the Long Sleeve Cardigan).

The jeans retail for $54.99 and are available in sizes 0-14 with 2 inseam options.

If you’re looking for items in the $5-$25 price range, be sure to check out the Sale section. I particularly like the look of that Perfect Portrait Top ($14.99) and the 3/4 Sleeve Barberry Top ($21.99 – I would prefer it in darker/brighter colors though – pastels just wash me right out!).

YOUR TURN: Do you wear jeans very often? Which brand(s) are your favorite?

Screen shot 2009 10 31 at 10.19.09 PM What to Pack: JeansWIN IT! One winner will receive a pair of Rock Star Jeans ($54.99) from DownEast Basics. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, February 2nd at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* I received a product sample for review purposes.

*UPDATE* The winner is #37 Kim. Congratulations!

Filed Under: fashion, Giveaways, product review Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

What to Pack: A Cute Hat

January 25, 2010 By 103 Comments

hat and scarf from coveryourhair What to Pack: A Cute HatOkay, curly-haired friends. I need your help. My hair has been totally frizzy lately. Is it this winter weather or what? What do you use to keep your ringlets shiny and healthy? Your secrets, please.

My solution lately? Um…a ponytail or a cute hat. That is sort-of cheating, I know…but it totally works.

Check out my plaid hat and scarf set (on sale right now for $16.09) from CoverYourHair.com. It’s modern, fresh, and fashionable…perfect for travel or for staying home. P.S. It’s wonderfully warm too so you’ll love it if you’re in a cold climate.

CoverYourHair.com also sells bandanas, headbands, hair accessories, head covers, berets, and…they’re having a sale right now!

If you’re on Twitter, you can stay in-the-loop about contests, new products, and more @coveryourhair.

CoverYourHair.com logo 150x85 What to Pack: A Cute HatWIN IT! One winner will receive a Plaid Hat & Scarf Set in his/her choice of color from CoverYourHair.com. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, February 2nd at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* I received a product sample for review purposes.

*UPDATE* The winner is #40 Deana. Congratulations!

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Products to Promote Your Business: DPS Banners

January 10, 2010 By 26 Comments

metropolitan mama booth at expo Products to Promote Your Business: DPS BannersWhen I was filming the promotional video for my ebook several months ago, I had to do a few takes (okay, a lot of takes…).

As a result of those practice sessions, our 3-year-old took to saying, “MetropolitanMama.net” out of the blue…which is pretty much the cutest thing ever.

In fact, I joked to Tim that she should just stand out in front of my trade show booth and say it…and we’d be the talk of the show!

Since that isn’t exactly a realistic way to attract attention, we opted for a retractable banner from DPS Banners. Take a look – It’s the tall, impressive-looking sign to your left. Catches your eye, doesn’t it?

The banner that I reviewed retails for $299 (but is on-sale right now for $229). It is 35″ x 82.5″ and it retracts into that tiny stand for easy storage and portability. It’s the perfect tool for an entrepreneur or work-from-home parent because it won’t take up much space in your home/garage.

There are a variety of banners available from DPS Banners with prices ranging from $160 to over $1000 – depending on the size and features. Entrepreneurs may be tempted to scoff at the price, but if you consider that the stand can be used again-and-again for years to come, it’s a worthy investment. It can be used at trade shows, conventions, conferences, speaking engagements, or as a prop for photo shoots. The banners are equally ideal for small businesses, bloggers, schools, and non-profit organizations.

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Because I like dressing up and because I *know* you want to see “real life” pictures of a person standing next to the banner, here you go…

Exhibit A. My Favorite Plum-Colored Business Suit, paired with boots by Sofft (It’s the Tyla boot…no longer sold). When I walked out from the closet, my 3-year-old said, “I like that.“

retractable banner Products to Promote Your Business: DPS Banners

Exhibit B: A new Little Black Dress that I bought at Target last week for $29.99 for a wedding that I was attending.

retractable banner dps banners Products to Promote Your Business: DPS Banners

Exhibit C. Same Dress. Same Shoes. Sand-Colored Coat from Old Navy. I’ve had it forever and I like it, but I *never* wear it because it gets wrinkly so fast…and I’m not one to iron.

retractable banner artwork Products to Promote Your Business: DPS Banners

Okay. Enough of that.

Here’s what I’m *REALLY* wearing today. Blue Jeans. Boots. A Black Sweater. And…the best accessory of all – my blue-eyed baby!

standing next to retractable banner Products to Promote Your Business: DPS Banners

Screen shot 2010 01 10 at 3.45.39 PM 300x40 Products to Promote Your Business: DPS BannersWIN IT! One winner will receive a discount code for 70% OFF a deluxe retractable roll-up banner stand (currently on sale for $229) by DPS Banners! To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, January 18th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* I received a product sample for review purposes.

*UPDATE* The winner is #17 Chris. Congratulations!

Filed Under: Blogging & Social Media, fashion, Giveaways, working mother Tagged With: , , , , , ,

BEST OF 2009: Miscellaneous

January 5, 2010 By 501 Comments

These two products fall in the “Miscellaneous Marvelousness” category…meaning that they didn’t fit in my other categories, but they were too marvelous to overlook. Check ‘em out.

Here goes…

Screen shot 2009 11 01 at 9.38.00 PM BEST OF 2009: Miscellaneous Women’s Montecito Boot Leather by Teva

Screen shot 2010 01 04 at 11.49.27 PM 130x150 BEST OF 2009: Miscellaneous The best shoes are ones that have the perfect marriage of Comfort + Style. Surprisingly, those kind of shoes are hard to find. Often, I’ll find the cutest, chicest heels or boots…only to discover that – ouch! – they’re not really designed for a human to walk in. Or I’ll find a pair of shoes that are pillowy soft, but they’re nothing special to look at (hmph). But when I find the perfect combo, I say “I DO…love them.”

Take, for example, the Women’s Montecito Leather Boots ($140) by Teva. They’re so, so comfortable…but they’re also super hip and modish. Perfect paired with jeans or a skirt.

You can see pictures of me in my boots in my previous post – Oooh. She’s got her new boots on.

logo1 BEST OF 2009: Miscellaneous Plantronics Voyager PRO

I think I mentioned this before. Tim talks on the phone…a lot. Way more than I do. In fact, I shy away from the phone. If my phone rings, I tend to run into the other room. Okay, not really…but I definitely prefer texting or e-mailing or skyping. I have my reasons, namely the fact that I almost always have a babe in my arms or a preschooler at my side (which means the potential for loud shrieking noises happening during phone conversations is very, very high).

plantronics voyager pro 2 135x150 BEST OF 2009: Miscellaneous Anyway, all that to say, Tim can be found with the Plantronics Voyager PRO Bluetooth Headset in his ear almost every day. The handy little device helps him to have conversations hands-free…in the car, at home, or walking around the neighborhood. I say walking because Tim paces when he talks on the phone. For reals. That man is *always* moving.

If you know someone who talks on the phone a lot (or if you do), you should check out the Voyager PRO. It has exceptional sound quality (no annoying echoes) and the batteries last a long time. Plus, it’s comfortable to wear and not too obtrusive either. It’s professional and non-showy and such. We like it…or he likes it…whatever…you know what I mean.

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WIN IT! One winner will receive BOTH of the above-listed products:

ESTIMATED RETAIL VALUE OF PRIZE PACK: $240!

To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, January 12th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

FOR A SECOND ENTRY: Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about my Best of 2009 series (or about this giveaway)…and leave a second comment telling me that you did.

*UPDATE* The winner is #143 Crystal Warren. Congratulations!

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