Look Ma, No Hands!

That's what you'll be saying when you use the Scrambler Keychain from Holly Aiken. It's a snap-on vinyl wrist cuff that holds your keys and keeps both hands free. It's great when you're carrying around a baby in the carrier and need to open doors, hold a toddler's hand or just have general use of the other hand. I found myself tossing my keys in with the baby, which is neither safe nor practical (they could easily fall out or poke him without my realizing it), so this is a godsend. And, best of all, it's a stylish way to easily keep track of your keys. Available in five vibrant color combinations.

Comfy Shoes for Busy Lives

It seems you're always on the go. Dashing out to pick the kids up, running to the grocery, grabbing a quick cup of coffee with a friend, maybe even finding time for a workout. You need shoes that can keep up the pace.

These Puma Leather Velcro Sneakers will keep you moving in style. They'll take you from the gym to a casual lunch and keep you looking great. These sneakers look stylish with sweats, jeans or even a jean skirt. And they're so comfy, they feel like gloves for your feet. These shoes usually sell for more than $100, but Garnet Hill has them on sale for $58. I love mine and look for an excuse to wear them more often. Heck, at this price, I have an excuse to buy another pair! Add these to your holiday wish list - you'll be thankful you did.

Sprinkles, Sparkles and Free Sugar

So the holiday season is upon us. Are you ready to get your sparkle on? I love an excuse to get out the sparkles (aka glitter) that my 3-year old daughter loves to refer to as sprinkles. Adding a little sparkle to my face makes dropping by the coffee shop or the grocery seem like a much more festive occasion. So I loved finding this Glam Glitz Glitter from Sephora. It's a special-edition set of eight new delicious, flavored Lip Polish shades from Lorac. This high-shine Lip Polish will give your lips a glittery, glamorous appeal with it's 24K gold-plated collection of lovely shades. You can wear just one, or if you can't decide, wear a couple. Mix it up for maximum sparkle.

And for some free sugar, enter the code SUGARCOOKIE in the promotion code box during online checkout at Sephora to receive your free 4 oz deluxe sample of Philosophy Powdered Sugar Cookie 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath. Sparkle on, mama!

Beg, Steal or Borrow

Ok, so it's been almost five weeks since the birth of our beautiful son, Dylan. What a joy it is to see him each morning. What hasn't been that much of a joy in the morning is getting dressed. There's not a whole lot that fits me right now. I'm in that nebulous zone of no longer pregnant, yet not quite back to my real body. I'm 13 pounds shy of squeezing into my pre-pregnancy clothes. In another week or so (once I get the green light from my ob/gyn) I plan to rejoin the gym (more on my post-pregnancy shape-up later). I've made a wonderful recovery from birth and am ready to work out again and whip my body back into shape.

So in the meantime what do I wear? Well, it hit while I was home for Thanksgiving. My sister, who is the ever-so-fashionable manager of Monkee's, and is also a mother, may have some things that I could borrow. Since she and I are a similar size in real life, and since she's had a baby too, I figured she'd have some great looking clothes that are just a couple of sizes up from my our normal size (usually a 10 or 12). And I was right! So today I am sporting these cool olive stretch cords (thank God for stretch!) from Pure Color. And they didn't cost me a cent. As I was trying them on I realized that even though I'm a few sizes larger than normal, when I have on clothes that really fit, I actually look pretty good. The extra pounds aren't quite as obvious. Duh! This is usually how it happens when clothes actually fit the way they're supposed to.

So if you're post-partum and your wardrobe needs a lift (but you don't want to empty your wallet), raid the closet of a sister or a friend. Preferably, someone similar in size and style to you. Or, better yet, invite a few friends over who've had kids recently and have a clothes swap. It won't cost you a cent (except for the snacks) and it will give you some much needed time with your gal pals. You can help each other select clothing that suits you and come away with a few new outfits that will make you look like One Chic Mama, even when you're feeling sleep-deprived and frumpy!

The Art of Cid Pear

I know I've done several posts lately on cards and stationery, but I just couldn't resist adding this one to the list. I recently met the designer of Cid Pear and fell in love with her delightful watercolor cards, stationery and scrapbooking designs. There are graceful ballerinas, yoga moms, flirty shoes and handbags, and many more fun designs. She also has a cute line of holiday cards just right for the upcoming season.

Cid Pear cards are perfect for penning a heartfelt thank-you, or for sending a box as a thoughtful gift (add some pretty stamps for an extra special touch). If creative inspiration strikes you, frame them and hang a couple in your powder room or child's room for a whimsical touch. Whatever your mood, Cid Pear has something that will make you smile.

One Sweet Little Indulgence

If you're like me and love to cook (or just love to eat!), here is something worth the splurge. These Maple Pecan Plush Puffs Marshmallows are delicious. Eaten straight from the bag, they melt in your mouth. Added to your favorite recipe in place of plain ol' marshmallows, they're simply heavenly.

Infused with real maple syrup, natural maple flavorings and topped with candied pecans, these marshmallows are really a standout. For an extra special Thanksgiving dish, try roasting Maple Pecan Plush Puffs on top of mashed sweet potatoes for something truly unique and delicious. Place a few on top of your pumpkin pie and set gently under the broiler to elevate it to gourmet status. Try one in your spiked coffee drink to add a whole new layer of flavors. The possibilities are limitless. Oh, and they make great hostess gifts.

At $5.49 for a package of 4 Plush Puffs Marshmallows, they're an inexpensive little indulgence that will delight the hostess of your Thanksgiving feast. Stock up and take them to all the hosts of those holiday cocktail parties, use them as stocking stuffers and make sure you order some for yourself. With other flavors such as Peppi-Mint, Orange Honey, Toasted Coconut and Pumpkin Praline, there's surely one to please your palate. And keep it comin' back for more!

Chelsea Paper

Ready to get your holiday cards together and beat the rush? Well if you act quickly you can have cute holiday cards and save some money to boot. ChelseaPaper.com has some of the cutest holiday cards around. You can choose from their pre-designed holiday cards, or you can select one of their borders and have your family's picture placed inside to create your very own personalized card. You choose. But act fast! This offer is only good through the end of the month.

Enter code Holiday6AB at checkout through November 30 to save between $10 and $50 on your order.

Kathleen Baby Bags

After searching for a pretty, high quality diaper bag, Katie Werner was disappointed with the styles and quality available. So she did what any creative mom would do - she made a bag and a changing pad for herself. When her friends and other mommies saw it and wanted one too, she did what any entrepreneurial mom would do - she started her own business and Kathleen Baby Bags was born.

All Kathleen Baby Bags are made right here in the US of high quality fabrics and leathers. Katie oversees all aspects of construction to insure a high-quality product from beginning to end. Her line of products includes changing pads that come with her elegant diaper bags, as well as a functional line of transitional Toddler Bags that hold all your toddler's essentials without the bulk of a full-blown diaper bag. Created by a mom, who understands the needs of moms' of young children.

For free shipping on your next order, use code "onechicmama" at checkout.

The Little Black Dress

It may seem like such a cliche term. The Little Black Dress. LBD. We've been hearing about it for decades, ever since Coco Chanel introduced the little black dress to our fashion vocabulary in the early 1900's. Since then it has become a classic - something that we turn to time and time again to get us through spontaneous cocktail parties, an impromptu dinner with clients or the boss, your 10th (or 20th or 30th...) high school reunion or an evening at the theatre. With the holiday season fast approaching us, it's a perfect time to get your LBD ready for some action.

Once you have a great LBD, simply choose the accessories to dictate your look. The dress stands on its own, but can be manipulated to create a whole new look. It pays to have at least one little black dress in your wardrobe at any given time. And that means not only making sure it fits (and fits well), but that it's clean and pressed and ready to go at a moment's notice.

Here are a few suggestions for a great little black dress:

The Nicole Miller Knot Front Dress has a flattering knot-front bodice and a full skirt to draw attention to your bustline and face while gracefully skimming over your tummy and hips.

The Mod Dot Retro Silk Dress from J. Crew has an elegant, streamlined silhouette, a fitted bodice and a full A-line skirt. It also has a detachable slip-dress.

The London Times Grecian Charmeuse Waist Dress from Nordstrom comes in plus sizes and has a very elegant, flattering cut. With a sleeveless surplice bodice and satin ruching at the waist, this dress skims the body and will highlight your assets while cutting a slimming silhouette.

So grab your little black dress and knock 'em dead!

Craft Your Own Gingerbread House

Well, now that Halloween is over the Christmas season is upon us. Thanksgiving sometimes seems to get lost amid all the holiday festivities, decorations, etc. that begin just after (or sometimes even before) Halloween, but it does gives us more time to enjoy all those twinkly lights and homemade treats, and to find time for holiday crafts with your kids.

Here's one I am determined to do with my daughter this year - make a gingerbread house. And with this easy Gingerbread House Kit, it couldn't be easier! It comes pre-baked and needs assembly - the "glue" is the icing mix contained in the kit. Just put it together, then decorate it with the included candies, or come up with your own ideas. You have lots of room for creativity, and with the baking already done for you it becomes a great project for all ages. What a great idea!

Happily Handmade

Ready to start your holiday shopping? If you're in the Raleigh, NC area on Saturday, then head on down to The Handmade Market at Vintage 21, (at 209 Oberlin Rd, between Hillsborough St. and clark Ave.) this Saturday, November 11th, from 11am until 5 pm. You'll find many wonderful handcrafted items perfect for giving - or for keeping! If you're not anywhere near Raleigh, then click on the link and take a look at the vendors. Many of the talented designers have websites so you can shop online, wherever you are!

Small Indulgences

Here's a clever beauty buy that gives a lot of bang for it's 4 buck price tag. Olive Virgin Oil Swabs, from Japanese company, DHC, are cotton swabs that have tips infused with olive oil and come in their own special hygenic package. Use them to fix make-up mistakes, soften cuticles or to cleanse baby's delicate areas such as ears, nose and bellybutton. Keep some at home, and stash some in your overnight bag. 50 per package.

Free Stylin'

Here's something you don't see everyday - free makeup! From a line called Styli-Style, this online offer includes one L3 Timeless Lipstick, a Line & Seal Eyeliner, a Flat Lip Pencil, a Flat Pencil Sharpener, one Mini Line & Seal Sharpener and one Mini Simply the Best MakeUp Remover. This $28 value is yours just for trying them out (you just pay the $4.95 shipping charge). Enjoy!

Click for a Cause

Here's a link you can click on that will fund free women's mammograms to help in the early detection of breast cancer. Every click you make at The Breast Cancer Site means more free mammograms, so bookmark this page and click here often. And when you purchase products from the sponsors, even more money will be allocated towards the mammogram fund. How easy it can be to make a difference!

What to Take to the Hospital

Preparing for your hospital visit for an upcoming birth can be a frustrating experience. What do you take? What do you need? What will you wish you had remembered? Sure, there are tons of lists out there that give you the basics, but what about those personal things that will make your stay, however brief, a little more comforting after labor? After just giving birth to my second child in the hospital, here are a few things that I packed that made the experience a little more pleasureable.

Snacks - After giving birth, you are going to be hungry! Sure, you can send your hubby out for a big cheeseburger and fries from Wendy's (like I did with my first baby), or you can order from the bland hospital menu. Or, you can pack a box of Luna Bars to get you through those late night feedings and mid-afternoon cravings. My favorite is Nutz Over Chocolate.

CocoWater - This is a great drink anytime, but after an experience as strenuous as giving birth, CocoWater helps to replace electrolytes in your body and will help keep you hydrated to boot. I like the passionfruit and peach/mango flavors.

Lansinoh - After nursing my daughter, I knew what I was in for the second time around - sore nipples! I packed some Lansinoh to begin using the first day and it really helped to be prepared. Dylan is nursing like a champ, and I'm hardly sore at all. But be prepared, it leaves greasy stains on everything it touches.

A pretty robe - When visitors pop in, it's nice to have something pretty to throw on over your hospital gown, both for privacy, and to help you feel like you're not just wearing a generic hospital gown (although there are many reasons why this is a good thing). And it's comforting to have your favorite robe to snuggle up in with your new baby.

A good-smelling Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash - The first shower you'll have after the birth will be an important one and it's nice to emerge smelling really good. The smell will help to revive you after a (most-likely) sleepless night, and will leave your room smelling good as well. Try natural products such as those from Aveda . You don't want to over-power the baby, or yourself.

So if you're preparing to have a baby, best wishes for a wonderful experience, wherever you may be!