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Last week we reviewed the Kitty Tote from Star 50 Bags. Now, you've got a chance to win one! We have two the Kitty Totes to giveaway ($150 value each) and we want to hear from you. 
Becky, 32, is the mother of two. With a son, age 4 and daugher, age 2, Becky has her hands full, yet she still manages to keep herself pulled together and looking great! I met Becky at my daughter's preschool picnic, looking very chic. When I asked Becky for a beauty tip, she told me that she'll bathe her kids together and let them spend some time in the bathtub, soaking and playing. While she's keeping an eye one them, Becky takes this time to do a face mask, condition her hair and do other routines to help keep her looking wonderful. Keep it up, Becky, you're One Chic Mama!
Jessica Seinfeld is a genius. She has created a wonderfullly sneaky way to get her kids to eat their vegetables - and ask for more! With her new book, 
, Jessica shares her tried and true tips and tricks so other mamas can get in on the secret too. to review, I pounced on it, wanting to absorb its contents through osmosis. When that didn't work, I read it at every opportunity. I was ready to introduce this sneaky, yet healthy, way of cooking to my own family. So I spent an evening making a few vegetable purees (the secret ingredient), and a day or so later was ready to strike with a deceptive dish. I made my mom's Baked Ziti and hid some carrot puree inside. It was VERY well received by the entire family, including my 11 month old son. My daughter exclaimed that I needed to make that dish more often. Hmmm... I think we're on to something. So I stocked up on ingredients and made Jessica's Carrot Cake recipe (I used whole wheat pastry flour), complete with cream cheese frosting. This was yummy! So healthy, in fact, that I let my daughter eat it for breakfast. No more nagging at the breakfast table, either:). The recipes are straightforward, nothing too fussy, and everything is kid-friendly. With Jessica's tips, you'll be on your way to pureeing in no time flat, and your family will be none the wiser. They'll just know how good their dinner is. This book is available for pre-order currently, and will be released October 5th. When Orville and Wilbur first took flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, little did they know they’d be inspiration for a great handbag. The Kitty Tote from Star 50 is a clever bag that would make the Wright brothers proud. Star 50 designs limited-edition bags inspired by each state of the union, and the Kitty Tote is their latest (and greatest). Shaped like a large bowling bag, the Kitty is a wonderful oversized tote bag perfect for a carry-on for your next flight, or a catch-all for your next trip to the mall. Crafted from tan corduroy with leather trim, this bag has plenty of pockets to stash keys, cell phone, sippy cups and sunglasses. With both hand and shoulder straps, the Kitty offers functionality while looking fabulous! The Kitty comes in country-red, in-flight blue, tailored tan and engine black, and retails for $150. I'm proud to say such a fabulous bag has been named after our great state!
When it comes to buying gifts, lately I've been a bit of a flake. I love buying, and especially making, gifts for loved ones and spending lots of time finding just the right thing for them. However, since I've had two lovely children come into my life, I haven't been the most organized when it comes to gift giving. It seems many of my gifts are not thought out well in advance, but purchased the day (even minutes) before I need them. This creates a bit of a dilemma when it comes to wrapping. Shops that offer gift wrapping have taken on new meaning in my life - I truly appreciate this convenience that makes me look pulled together when I show up with a colorful and pretty package. But gift cards or tags are not usually included, so I'm left scrounging around for something creative to write a little note on. Since I've discovered Card Stix, I now have a quick solution to my problem. I can keep these in the car, so even when I forget about a birthday party, I can still arrive with a gift that looks great and has a cute little message perfect for the birthday boy or girl. 
Card Stix are perfect for kids, but also for adults. There are Card Stix for Christmas, Hanukah, weddings, even some for wine. So stock up because these are so cute, and so convenient, they'll help you look pulled together too!
Cody is a great example of a chic mama. She has a son who's two, and she works as a hairdreser. Needless to say, she doesn't have a lot of free time, yet she always looks great, even when "dressed down" in jeans and a cute top. Cody lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband and son. 
Let's face it. Naming your baby can be one of the most creative experiences you'll have. Once you find out you're pregnant or get the word from the adoption agency, you have the chance to carve out an identity for your child that they will take with them for the rest of their life. No pressure. Once you find out the sex of your baby (if you decide to), you can narrow your search to just boy or girl names. If you don't find out what you're having, then you get to make two lists. In the days of our parents, they were stuck making two lists because they didn't have the option of an ultrasound or amniocentesis. That must be why they stuck to traditional names such as David, Susan, Michele, John, Jennifer...There's nothing wrong with these names (both my husband and I have one of them, in fact), but our generation as a whole seems to choose more unique names that another child in their class probably won't have. It seems that all the kids in our neighborhood have unique names - Clarice, Kynir, Haven, Silas, Rijel, Eli, Phaedra... a vast change from the names of 50 years ago. Our generation is also lucky enough to have some great resources for finding names with such online sites as Cute Baby Names. This is a great site for looking up both boys and girls names', meanings and origin. You can also look up celebrity names (like Moxie Crimefighter or Jayden James), and popular (like Jacob or Emily) or unique names (like Valdeze or Sunnee). 
Swing jackets abound this fall, and here's a lovely one that will add intrigue to your wardrobe, two ways. Nick & Mo's Reversible Twill Jacket is a solid jacket that will look great over a striped tee or a printed top. Flip it over and you get a snappy plaid that will give your solid tees new life. With three-quarter sleeves and banded cuffs, Nick & Mo's Reversible Twill Jacket is a super bargain from Nordstrom at only $64.
Chic mom, Jennifer, is the mother of a toddler son. Jennifer says that it's her son that helps keep her sane. I agree. I know when I get caught up in all the "to do's", spending time with my toddler makes me forget all about how crazy life can be and just be in the moment.
Today marks the day where we begin our celebration of chic mamas everywhere! You'll see photos of moms caught in action, on the street, usually with kids in tow. You'll see moms from all walks of life and all rungs of the socioeconomic ladder. Why? Because it takes a lot to leave the house when you have kids, much less leave the house showing an ounce of style. Maintaining your sense of style after becoming a mom, in my mind, is synonomous with maintaining your sense of self, and saying that, yes, I do still matter as a person. I feel strongly that it's important for us moms not to lose ourselves in the midst of mommy-and-me classes, playdates and carpool. To maintain our sanity, and a connection to our hearts, I think everyone should pay attention (even just a little) to their appearance, because that's what the world sees, what your kids see, and what you see when you look in the mirror. I know when I leave the house looking somewhat pulled together, I just feel better, and I think that comes across in everything I do. I'm more confident, more playful with the kids and more energetic about life. 
October is National Popcorn Month (who knew?) and the gourmet purveyors, Dale and Thomas, are celebrating by giving away free popcorn. These are not just any old bags of popcorn, mind you. This is what Dale and Thomas lovingly refer to as Drizzlecorn,or popcorn dressed up with flavors such as Chocolate Chunk n' Caramel, or Peanut Butter and White Chocolate, Butter Toffee and Walnut Crunch and Cinnamon Creme. Drizzlecorn is a treat for mom to enjoy after a long, hard day, while sipping a nice cup of tea and curling up with a good book or her favorite TV show. Okay, maybe you'll share just a bite!
My daughter is just four and a half, yet she wears about a size 8 clothing. She's not heavy, just tall and with a figure. She has a tiny waist and a bit of a booty on her (she didn't get it from me!), so when it comes to finding pants that fit, well, we're pretty much out of luck unless they have an elastic waist. If she wears jeans, she has to have a belt, but at four and a half, regular belts aren't a practical option, unless you want your child never to use the potty at pre-school. When she tried out a cool belt from Myself Belts, I knew we had found a solution to our problem of gaping waistbands. 
Nursing a newborn can be such a wonderful thing. Yet for those first few days, while baby gets the hang of it and your body gets used to the almost constant contact from a hungry little mouth, your nipples can feel raw and irritated. If you're diligent about applying a soothing nipple cream, you'll weather this brief initiation into nursing with no problem. 
For those of you who admire the designs (but not the pricetags) of Vera Wang, take heart. She's now graced the chain department store Kohl's with an exclusive line under the name Simply Vera. Along with Target's GO International installments, affordable luxury has never been so pervasive or looked so good!
When I was pregnant, I'd get these insatiable cravings for food. It was amazing - I'd think of something that I loved to eat and then, without warning, I'd absolutely have to have it! I craved everything from Pop Tarts to cupcakes, and everything in between. I wish I had known about Belly Bars. Then I could have fed my cravings and treated myself (and my baby!) to a healthy snack too! Belly Bars are an all-natural snack bar created specifically for women in their childbearing years and need an extra nutritional boost. 
Carrie and Danielle know a thing or two about style. But best of all, they know how to communicate style with a clear vocabulary to help their clients truly express who they are through all they do. Carrie has a background in fashion and modeling, while Danielle has been a communications strategist and worked at a DC-based think-tank. Together they are an impeccable force of wisdom. 
Aren't all moms "busy moms on the go"? I know since I've had kids, it seems that I'm constantly running, whether it's to drop my son off at Mother's Morning Out, meet a client, run to the post office, meet friends at the park after school... and I'm also constantly packing bags so that we'll have exactly what we need at the right time - a yummy snack, a cold drink, diapers, etc. To my dismay, there are often times when I realize I've remembered the absolute essentials, but forgotten important things like sunscreen, or the camera. If I had been carrying the O Yikes Slingback Diaper Bag
, I would have been prepared! is designed to help keep busy moms organized and prepared. Created to look hip and stylish, yet also made to be functional, the O Yikes Slingback Diaper Bag is made from durable, water-resistant nylon. The slingback style bag lets you throw it over your shoulder and go, leaving your hands free for chasing toddlers, or pushing your baby in the swing. The best part is that it comes complete with an insulated bottle holder, easy-clean changing pad, toiletries bag, and a durable wet wipes case. But wait, there's more! You can also order this bag to include baby sun block, diaper ointment, a single use camera, baby powder, a newborn onesie, nail clippers, hand sanitizer, a forehead thermometer, diaper rash cream, and an oral syringe. What an easy way to stay prepared. Just add diapers and you're set! This bag is fabulous for moms, but would also be great for dads too! for moments when baby is asleep, or you find a free moment to catch up on some work. Priced between $139 and $170, the O Yikes Slingback Diaper Bag isn't cheap. But it's worth it's weight in gold with the convenience and comfort it offers.
Ready for some new accessories to accent your fall wardrobe? Then hop on over to She Finds where they're promoting independent jewelry and handbag designers who are donating a portion of their sales to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Through the month of September, you'll have the opportunity to treat yourself to handcrafted and limited edition items, and will be supporting research of ovarian cancer in the process. What a lovely way to bedeck yourself in finery! New items are posted each day, so check back often.
It's that time of year again. You're searching for the perfect hair accessory to complement your daughter's pretty little dress in time for school pictures. Well, save yourself some time (not to mention gas!)and take a peek at Little Bow Peep Tails. Created by a stay-at-home mom, and handcrafted by other stay-at-home-moms, Little Bow Peep Tails has designed a wide selection of boutique-style bows, head bands, tuxedo bows and ponytail streamers that your little girls will just love! You can find accessories to match just about any outfit, and with their M2M (made to match) collection they create bows and bands to match outfits from the current collections of Gymboree, Gap, Kelly's Kids and more! But my daughter wears a school uniform, you say. No problem, you can also find bows made especially to complement these too. 
As a mother of two, a clean house is not something I often have. It's become a constant challenge to keep things clean, much less neat. The other day I was feeling overwhelmed at how our former neat and tidy home has started to look like a battle zone. My four-year old looked at me and said, "Mommy, you're just going to have to get used to it". What??? I don't think so! 
On Clever Parents TV: Fit By Sara, Two Clever Games & Record Your Baby’s Stories. Clever Parents loves Beyond Learning’s Word Chase and Number Hunt games. For ages 4 and up, these games offer a fun way to introduce reading and math into your curious preschoolers’ and kindergarteners’ worlds. Plus, Clever Parents TV Video Correspondent Sara Holliday demonstrates some mom and baby toning exercises and a clever way to record your baby’s stories from his first year. 
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When you're a mom, coffee just seems to go with the territory. I know I'm hooked on my daily dose of Starbucks (finally, with a drive-through!) now that my son is getting up at, oh, around 5:15 everyday. When mom, Jennifer Leaphart, began designing cute t-shirts for her kids, the coffee theme just seemed fitting. Thus, Baby Blend Tees was created.
When I was growing up and in Girl Scouts, earning merit badges was one of the highlights. I proudly displayed my sash, full of badges to tell the world that I cooked a meal, made a shirt, vsited a nursing home. 
My daughter just loves to read about herself. Anything that happens to mention her name or other information specific to her just thrills her to pieces. When she received her very own personalized copy of The First Adventures of Incredible You, she was amazed each time something about her life was mentioned. I didn't tell her about the book, we just sat down to read it one afternoon. Each time something familiar was mentioned, she looked up at me in astonishment and said, "hey, that's my name", or "that's the park that we go to". I got a kick out of her sheer delight in the whole experience. 
What makes a mama chic? Lots of things. Like keeping her cool amid chaos, taking care of herself, and keeping her style while taking care of the kids. We all know how hard it is to get up every morning and get a shower, much less have time to put on a bit of makeup and select an outfit that is not only weather appropriate, but attractive and flattering. That takes planning, strategy and, well, time. Something we mamas don't have a lot of. When I see a chic mama while out running errands or having dinner, I give her a moment of silent admiration because of the effort she put forth to keep herself pulled together. 
Ce Ce Chin was tired of the guys having all the fun with fab sneakers, so 2 1/2 years ago she set out to give women some pretty cool sneaks too. With her new line, 80%20, her aim was to create shoes that would be ncluded in the 20% of a woman's wardrobe she wears 80% of the time. Chin created a cool line of sneakers and has branched out to include some pretty amazing boots too. Here, her Tamara Velveteen ($110) looks like a cute bootie that would complement a sleek pair of stovepipe pants like crazy. But these hold a secret. Buried inside, there is a 2 1/2 inch wedge hidden in the heel, to elevate you to new heights without anyone knowing. How's that for leaving the guys out? These come in several colors, so kick up your heels and go with something fun! 
Another great style from 80%20 is the Love Boot ($64). This style combines the comfort of a sneaker with the hipness of a bootie, giving you a shoe that is long on comfort and au courant too. Fold the top down, or leave it up to create a variety of looks. Throw these on with your fitted sweatpants to keep you looking cool while sitting in the carpool line, or with a cute pair of fitted jeans for an afternoon of shopping. Available in gray/black, black/gray or chocolate/kelly green.
