Friday Blog Roundup

On MomFinds: Win a Lillébaby EuroTote. Trust us, you'll never want to leave home without this multifunctional baby carrier.

Modern Mom offers up a Holiday Gift Guide. No clue what to gift this year? Get inspiration from our Holiday Gift Guides for kids 0 - 12, dads and more...

On Moms' Buzz: Holiday Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season. Read our tips on how to make this season more enjoyable.

On Healthy Bump: The Cuddoozle Nursing Pillow. The Cuddoozle Nursing Pillow is a must have for all new and expectant moms.

On Clever Parents: The First Adventures of Incredible You
. Through beautiful illustrations and a story that is a joy to read with its rhyming words and gentle cadence, you and your child will fall in love with this custom keepsake book.

On Classy Mommy: Video Review of Her Majestee Candy Cane Holiday Tee. Check out this glam holiday tee that comes free in a gorgeous Santa Tin in Classy Mommy's latest video review.

On Boston Mamas: SmugMug. Take the pesky logins and emails out of sharing family photos with SmugMug.

Give Your Baby Some Downtime

We all need a little downtime. Our little ones, especially, need naps throughout the day to rejuvenate them, but that can be challenging when you're traveling or just out shopping and there are many distractions. Make it easy for your baby or toddler to nap by blocking out light and visual distractions with the Downtime Sleepy Hat. With it's patented fold-down sleep mask (with a cute visual of closed eyes to let passers-by know she's asleep), this breathable and super-soft organic cotton hat keeps baby's head warm in chilly weather, too.

When you want to help your child have a restful nap when her surroundings are anything but, pop on a Downtime Sleepy Hat ($22) and let her get the rest she needs. You'll all be much happier.

Use code One Chic Mama to save 15% at checkout.

Stressed? Take a Bath!

With the holiday season upon us, it's so easy to get ourselves worked up in the endless list of to-do's. But stress does nothing but wear us down, so finding relief is essential! When you feel stressed, take a few minutes after putting the kids to bed and soak in the tub. Doesn't have to be forever, just long enough to let the water and luxury bath oil pull your stress right down the drain.

The bath oils at Sheba's Secrets are handcrafted and infused with natural oils and vitamin E to keep your skin soft and help you regain your calm. Choose from a selection of oils (including almond, grapeseed and more), then add your choice of fragrance (fragrance-free is available too). And don't let them fool you - although they're called luxury oils, the price is quite affordable at just $4.79 a bottle. A small indulgence to get you through the holidays!

Sheba's Secrets also makes gift-giving easy on your budget. With their great sale going on now, you can stock up on stocking stuffers for the entire family (kids and hubbies included) and still have money for those big ticket items. You'll earn free gifts with each purchase such as soap, bubble bath, sugar scrubs and more, depending on the size of your order. The more you order, the more you'll earn. Hurry, it's only good through Sunday, Dec. 2.

One Chic Mama Giveaway: Win a Kaboost!

Several few months ago we wrote up a post on the very cool portable booster that elevates your dining chairs to table height. The Kaboost lets your kids sit right at the table with you, without the need for a booster seat. You can also toss it in your bag and take it out to restaurants, avoiding the prospect of unruly boosters and keeping your kids safe.
Now you can win a Kaboost for your kids. Send an email to michele[at]onechicmama[dot]com with the word "Kaboost" in the subject line and tell us your color preference (lime green, chocolate or natural). Two winners will be selected. The deadline is midnight, Monday, December 3rd.

One Chic Mama readers save 20% when you use code "kaboostday". Available here for $39.95.

Time for Tiny Prints

The turkey has been eaten, the relatives have all gone home and you know what time it is! It's time to start thinking about your holiday greeting card. Since having kids, I get excited each year about creating a card that is unique, modern and fun, and also includes recent pictures of the kids. With such a great assortment of designs, Tiny Prints makes it hard to choose. There are plenty of trad styles, with red and green, but also plenty of modern holiday cards with no red in sight! With all these choices, it may take a while to decide. But once you do, rest assured your holiday card will stand out from the crowd and be as individual as you are.

Start looking through all your digital pics from this year and see what kind of keepsake you can create! Or choose from their festive designs that don't need a photo, and you're ready to get started. Tiny Prints is offering free shipping for a limited time, and you can save 5% on your order. Don't wait!

Handcrafted Magic

With all the mayhem surrounding toy rcalls, it's nice to know there are companies around like Magic Cabin. With such wonderful toys, crafts, puzzles, books and more made by hand from wood, felt and other non-toxic materials, there are plenty of choices for great holiday gifts for your kids.

These ethereal Magic Cabin Fairy Dolls  would delight any young girl on Christmas morning. Made from silk, cotton and wool, your daughter can collect the adorable little accessories to go with them - no lead paint included! Handcrafted with love in Indonesia, these might just become your daughter's "fairy best friend".

Order by December 18 to ensure delivery in time for Christmas. Standard Shipping is just $4.99 on orders over $50 through December 14 with code MCA056.

Keep Baby Close

By now most of us know the benefits of babywearing. It's a great way to bond with baby and to give them a secure environment while you move through your day. Best of all, it frees up your hands to do laundry, write thank-you notes or just relax and have a snack. There are so many options for baby carriers out there, it can be a bit overwhelming. One of the simplest and oldest methods for wearing your baby is a sling.

Slings offer a variety of ways to carry your baby. Put baby in front so you can keep an eye on her while she naps, or give her a view of the world. You can discreetly nurse your baby in a sling while out in public, or at home while working at the computer. As your baby gets older and bigger, you'll be able to carry her on your back in the sling to give her a different view, and to take some of the pressure off your hips. Plus, slings can fold up quite small making them easy to stash in a diaper bag or even your purse.

Cute Slings has some, well, cute slings that you're sure to love. Available in a either solids or prints (some of the cutest around), you can choose to have one fabric or two, all sewn up into a convenient, durable carrier that you can toss right into the washing machine. They are priced between $38 - $72 depending on your choice of fabric. Cute Slings have no hardware, rings or snaps to fumble with or adjust. Just put it on, pop in baby, and you're set! You can carry your baby in one of five positions, and until they are 35 pounds. With a pocket for your cell phone or keys (or even a lipstick!) and a loop to attach a toy, Cute Slings are a quick and easy option for wearing your baby while you're out shopping, at family gatherings, or out singing carols over the holidays. This also makes a great gift for an expectant mom.

One Chic Mama readers: use code cutemom at checkout to save 20%.

It's Hip to be Square

Aside from running One Chic Mama and designing for Mostess Creations, another thing I do (as if I need something else to do!) is coordinate the Crafter's Flea Market several times a year. Today marked our fourth market this year, and the ninth market since July of 2005. What started out as a way to get rid of my excess fabric has evolved into an upscale showcase of handcrafted goods. It's always such a delicious temptation to see what the other vendors are selling and to take home something wonderful and unique.

One of my favorite new vendors at the market is Metamorphosis Metals. Crafting what they call "organic" jewelry, I was immediately taken with their designs. The simple, organic nature, the unexpected combination of materials, and the purposeful imperfection of the designs lend each piece a homespun quality that is meant to be treasured. After much lingering in their booth, the piece I came to call my own is their Square Necklace ($30). I chose the oxidized metal for its simplicity and elegance. I love it already!

Friday Blog Roundup

Here's what's been heard around the mom blogs this week:

On Boston Mamas: Fancy But Not Fussy. Get baby holiday fancy without them knowing there’s a fuss with the ballerina onesies from My Princess Closet.

Classy Mommy Reviews Uncommonly Cute Baby Clothing. When you buy clothing at Uncommonly Cute through links at Classy Mommy, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to Project Peanut Butter.

On Clever Parents: Kymythy’s Kitchen Nutrition - Sneaky Spinach. So you know spinach is good for you, but just don't like the taste? Try this great recipe.

On Healthy Bump: Planning made easy with Baby Spaces. Baby Spaces is a necessity for all expectant Moms when planning your nursery for your precious little one.

On MomFinds: Win a Pair of Angora Booties from Yo My Booties, the softest, most adorable angora booties that are completely hand-knitted and 100% gorgeous.

On Moms Buzz: Tips on How to Spot an Online Donation Scam this Holiday Season . In addition to being smart shoppers this Holiday season to save here and there, we also need to be smart givers so be careful where you put your for donations. Avoid online scams! Here is how!

Beat the Rush, Shop from Home

Ok, moms, get ready. Tomorrow is black Friday. Are you ready? I'm not. I plan on skipping the whole day-after-Thanksgiving mayhem and just shop from the comfort of my own home, sipping something warm and delicious and knowing I'm getting some super deals. Sure, you might be able to score a hot price on a Wii, or get a good deal on an X-box if you wake up at 4am and stand in a long line. Or, you might not make it before they are sold out. When you shop online, you won't have to deal with the crowds, you can compare the best deals, and the goods are shipped right to your doorstep (or that of the lucky recipient). When you're armed with codes such as the ones from Coupon Cabin, you'll save on goods from Target, Kohl's and Ann Taylor Loft. Plus, there's a coupon for $.97 shipping on toys from Wal-Mart. With that price, it pays to stay home and catch a few more hours of sleep.

*Editors's note: another great source for coupons is FabulousSavings.com. They negotiate exclusive merchant-approved promotions and have dedicated pages for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

A Closet Fit for A Princess

If you have a daughter, you've probably gone through a princess phase (if she's still a baby, just wait - it's coming!) As mother to a four-year old, anything princess automatically draws her attention. So when I found the website My Princess Closet, I knew she'd love it. Actually, she came up behind me and mentioned how much she liked the castle on the home page. I later realized it can be printed out for her to color (or cut, her new skill), and each order comes with free castle coloring pages and a pack of crayons.

What little 3 or 4 year old little princess wouldn't love to find a princess castle ($110) under the tree on Christmas morning? Or this adorable Fairy Princess Magic Cookie Kit ($14), complete with batter that turns pink and what else but fairy dust sprinkles. This is a perfect way to spend time in the kitchen with your daughter. I know mine is going to love making these!

But the best thing about My Princess Closet is that they have chosen to offer a selection of items that give back. Several of their vendors will donate a portion of their proceeds to children less fortunate when one of these items is purchased. Gift buying can now make not one, but two children happy. Now that's something a princess can feel good about!

Happy Thanksgiving, Mamas!

I want to take a moment to wish all you amazing, hard-working moms out there a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope you and your families are able to take some time to be thankful for each other, and to escape the chaos that seems to become life once little ones come into your lives.

We're fortunate enough to be spending time with family at the beach, where it's a balmy 78 degrees today. It's been both a fun and challenging trip. I'm hesitant to say vacation because with two little ones in tow, there's always something that needs attention and very little time for relaxation. I guess I can sleep in when they go off to college. But I wouldn't trade this time for anything. Despite all the challenges family can bring, the joy being together brings far surpasses the indifferences and inconveniences.

I hope you all have many things to be thankful for this holiday season. I am thankful to have such fabulous readers who encourage us here at One Chic Mama. It's been a joy to have created One Chic Mama, and I look forward to many more exciting posts! As we kick off the start to the frantic shopping season, check back here often. We'll offer up tips to help you keep your calm, take care of yourself, and reminders to just... breathe. Plus, we've got some great giveaways planned for you and your little ones that might add a little something extra under the tree.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks to Kaboose for the clip art.

To Splurge or Not to Splurge

This time of year I do a bit more shopping than usual, and give a little more thought to what I'd like to splurge on. Today, when I looked through our local newspaper, the News and Observer, the fashion editor asked this question - What's worth it? Perfect timing. I have quickly realized that "you get what you pay for" after a bad experience with pair of cheap jeans (they shrunk in length and the waistband stretches out way too much).

Ok, what's worth it? Here are the top 5 things I don't skimp on.

1. Lingerie. Taking a little extra time to have a bra fitting, and buying a quality bra (along with matching panties/thongs/boy shorts) can be well worth it! When you have lingerie that fits, and fits well, it makes your clothing look that much better too. Also, quality lingerie lasts longer and launders better than the inexpensive variety, which can stretch out and fall apart after just a couple of washings. My hands-down favorite thongs are Body by Victoria. The fit is great, and I've had a few of them for several years now. There's no comparison!

2. Skincare. Forget the too-good-to-be-true promises of the snakeoil salesman, with products priced sky-high. Go with what you can believe - all natural skincare make with pure ingredients is the best for anti-aging and keeping your skin looking it's best, plus getting regular facials (great organic facials that leave my skin looking fabulous!) makes a big difference.

3. A Raincoat - Something classic, that will trasncend the trends (such as a great trench) and always look good. This is an item you don't want to have to buy each season or year, so having something well-fitting and well-made hanging in your closet will surely deliver on those oh-so-rare days of downpours.

4. Premium Jeans. A great pair of jeans jeans that gives you a fabulous fit will be worn for years. Those cheap brands shrink, stretch out and just plain don't last.

5. A great haircut. Even on bad hair days, your hair will still look good when you have a hairdresser that understands your hair and knows how to cut it. You can also go a little longer between cuts, as it looks great growing out, giving you more bang for the buck with each cut.

6. A Little Black Dress - always good to have in a pinch, and when it's high-quality and fits well, it can be both simple and stunning!

Also, here's what I think is NOT worth the splurge.

1. Handbags - Unless it's a classic that you'll use year after year (like a Birkin Bag), handbags are something you'll probably change each season, if not sooner. Go with something you can have paid off before you're on to something else.

2. Pricey shoes - my sister is manager of a high-end shoe store and, according to her (and based on some of my experience), some of the $300 + shoes just don't wear like a $100 pair of Dansko's. There are great shoes at all price ranges these days so I usually go for something mid-priced from a dependable brand - especially since I have two kids and am pretty rough on shoes.

3. Sweats - I know it's great to look fabulous at the gym, but I just stick with the basics from Target that are still cute and save my $$ for other things

4. Cute tops - I usually wait until I go to DC or New York to hit H & M for these!

5. Nail polish - It seems the Bobbi Bown and the Chanel chip just as quickly as the Revlon or the L'Oreal (on me, anyway - I'm rough on my hands) so I go for the inexpensive, quick-drying. Especially now that my daughter is into my nail polish...

For Your Walls Only

It's great to be able to change your mind. It's even better when you can change your decor as often as you change your mind. With Forwalls, you can change your decor and your mind. Forwalls are removable wall decals that you can put up one day and take down the next, if you so choose. Or you can leave them up for a while. Choose from holiday, boys, girls or a unisex flag design to spruce up a bedroom or simply decorate for a party. The boys' designs include cute robots, pirates, or modern ovals that can double as frames for a favorite picture. For girls' rooms you can create a group of butterflies in flight, pirates or flowers. Add one for fun, or a whole grouping for instant impact. The beauty is, you decide.

Savvy Circle for Savvy Mamas

I love shopping online. It's quick, easy and fun to peruse so many different sites, compare prices and styles, and earmark your faves. But what do you do when you just don't want to pay full pricefor something, knowing it will be on sale in a day, a week or a month? There's a new site designed to keep online shoppers price savvy by notifying them when their favorite items go on sale. Savvy Circle is a free service designed to help shoppers maximize the power of the internet.

We mamas do love a bargain. Now, with Savvy Circle, we can shop, create wish lists from our favorite stores and then receive emails recommending items on sale that we might like, giving us a little help in that department. Simply download a button to your browser, and then click on it to add those items you want to keep watch on. This is a great idea for starting your holiday shopping and getting the best bang for your buck!

Friday Blog Roundup

Heard this week around the mommy blogs:

On Moms' Buzz: Win a case of Starbucks coffee just in time for your Thanksgiving feast. Hurry, contest ends tonight!

On Mom Finds: Forget the crowded malls and holiday traffic — shop for this year's hottest toys from the comfort of your keyboard.

On Healthy Bump: Have yourself a Healthy Bump Holiday with the help of their fabulous gift guide.

Classy Mommy has selected the Babylicious groovy blue collection for the "baby boy's" nursery - which is almost complete. Read their rave review here.

On Boston Mamas: The fashionable and functional layette bouquets by BabyBlooms undoubtedly will boost any baby shower with a heartfelt round of “aww’s!”

Sweater Dressing for Comfort and Elegance

When the weather turns cooler, nothing beats a great sweater. So when I found this fabulous sweater dress at Kohl's, I was quite excited! The fit is wonderful, not too clingy, with a soft v-neck. The kimono style sleeves are almost elbow length so the dress doesn't get too warm when indoors. I paired it with footless tights, some cute ankle boots and a fun sweater layered on top for color, and got rave reviews when I was out shopping last week. It's gotten a lot of attention considering it's just a modest charcoal sweater dress. This is one dress that's greater than the sum of it's parts! Grab one of these for those days when you want to look great and feel comfortable (like on turkey day), it travels well too! On sale for just 40 bucks right now, but the best part of all is it's easily laundered in the machine. Perfect to keep busy moms looking chic!

Save 15% with code HOLIDAY15 when you shop online. Thanks, Kena!

A Book For Busy Bodies

It's nearing the end of the year and time to be thinking about getting yourself a new personal organizer for 2008. It's also a great time to be thinking of your New Year's resolutions. If you're anything like me, one thing that tops my list every year is to "be more organized". Seems like such an easy thing to do come January, but by the end of the year I wonder what happened. My intentions were good, I started out strong, then it all just falls apart and I'm left feeling like I don't know who's got to be where when, forgetting appointments and leaving the grocery without half the things on the list I forgot to bring with me.

This year's going to be different. With the Busy Body Book to help me stay on top of things, I can keep track of everyone's schedule. Each page is a week at-a-glance, with columns for up to 5 different family members, 5 different school subjects (perfect for college students), or 5 different business projects/clients, making it great for working moms too! This will be very helpful for scheduling appointments so I know what overlaps when and can remember who has to be where. That's not all. On the left hand page, there's room for a to-do list, shopping list or just general reminders or "to-doodles". Plus, the Busy Body Book throws in little hints and tips such as upcoming tax day, a long weekend, or when to start thinking "back to school". There's even a reminder for calling the babysitter for New Year's Eve (hint: it's the first week of December, so get ready to start making your calls soon)!

The Busy Body Book includes a space for planning appointments for the following year so you can stay organized during transition between books. There's also plenty of space for notes to self, tear out to-do lists (fill them out and stick them in the handy pocket on the inner flap to keep them close by), as well as important names and addresses to remember. The very front of the book contains monthly columns to list birthdays, anniversaries and other memorable dates. At just $16.95, this is one organizer I can't afford to be without. I look forward to using the Busy Body Book in 2008, and to having some help with sticking to my New Year's resolutions!

"I Wanna Be A Daring Girl!"

When I received the Daring Book for Girls to review for the Parent Bloggers Network, I was kind of excited about it. I mean, I have a four year old daughter and I thought there would be a few fun ideas for things we could explore together in a few years. I had no idea how excited SHE would be about it right now, or how thrilled I would be with the old-school charm and the nostalgia I was filled with for things from my childhood. We've gotten into the habit of watching an occasional, age-appropriate video on You Tube after dinner, and when I got the link to this one, we watched it together. She was instantly riveted, and all I heard was "I wanna be a daring girl". So I handed her the book and told her she already was.

The Daring Book for Girls has become my daughter's go-to manual for life! Well, in some sense. She is just starting to read, so she can't sit down and devour every single page as I know she wants to, but we've had fun creating games by having her identify the animal tracks or the leaves, reading about princesses of today (forget the Disney ones, the real ones are far more exciting) and talking about the fourteen different types of tag (who knew?). My daughter holds this book tight to her chest and wants to take it with her wherever she goes. She's taken it to pre-school on occasion, to read at rest time, and the teachers loved it!

Created for 21st century girls, this is no run-of-the-mill book. The Daring Book for Girls is a manual for experiencing life, for being independent, for having adventures! My daughter sensed that from the moment she laid eyes on it. She was drawn in by the aqua cover with the glittery letters (see? It's just for me!). She sensed the mystery and intrigue to be found inside and she wanted to have that for herself. In this day and age of technology, I'm thrilled to have this book filled with great information on everything from pirates to making cootie catchers, karate moves to slumber party games. This is a book my daughter can come of age with and one that we, as parents can fully embrace and experience together!

Get the The Daring Book for Girls for all those girls on your Christmas list under the age of 12. Heck, those over the age of 12 will love it, too. It cheers girls on to be curious, brave - and daring!

Listen to the podcast: Kristen from PBN interviews the authors, Andi and Miriam, tonight at 9 pm EST.

Winner of the Christmas Giveaway

The lucky winner of the "Cookies for Santa" plate, the burp cloths and the picture frame from All About Baby is Jennifer B. Congratulations!

One Chic Mama Giveaway: Belle Baby Carriers

There are so many baby carriers out there now, it's hard to choose which one is right for you. Do you choose form or function? Often times the carriers that are best for your baby and your back are not the most attractive, but the prettiest ones often don't seem strong enough to support a growing baby. But Belle Baby Carriers are a great option and are as functional as they are fashionable.

Created by a team of dads, one an engineer and one a "product design genius", Belle is so named for their two daughters (Isabel and Isabelle), and offers up a great choice of carrier for your baby. The Belle Baby Carrier is handcrafted in Colorado, with production carefully monitored for quality. The Belle has an easily-adjustable, five-point support system to carry your baby's weight on your hips and keep the pressure off your back. Available in several fashionable prints including cheetah and cherry deco as well as two organic options, the Belle sells for $89.95 - $99.95.

Use code "mommies" at checkout to save 20%.

Want to win your choice of a Belle? Simply email me at michele[at]onechicmama[dot]com by midnight, Friday, November 16, with the answer to this question - who is the celebrity who's been sighted sporting a Belle carrier?

Toy Tips to the Rescue!

With the holiday season almost upon us, we parents are left scrambling when it comes to deciding what toys our kids will get this year. With all the recalls of late, it seems impossible to find a toy that has actually been tested and passed with flying colors. My daughter's already started her Christmas list, but her grandparents, my husband and I are all a little leery of buying anything for fear it's going to turn up as the next recall. Will it be just clothes and money this holiday? Won't there be anything new to play with?

Toy Tips to the rescue! An insightful and informative resource, Toy Tips has been around for 15 years, independently testing toys and giving them each a report card to keep parents educated. Founder and president of Toy Tips, Marianne Szymanski is a nationally recognized consumer advocate for family products, as well as a mother. Toy Tips' findings are based on studies meant to inform consumers, not to act as "awards" for manufacturers. You can subscribe to the quarterly-published Toy Tips and Parenting Hints Magazine to stay informed on the most recent findings on toys, as well as other useful parenting tips, or sign up for Toy Tips daily tips free email to receive toy recall alerts immediately. Toy Tips wants to help you find the most appropriate toy for your child. Now couldn't be a better time to spread the word about this great resource.

You can also pick up a copy of Toy Tips: A Parent's Essential Guide to Smart Toy Choices to keep as a handy reference guide, as well as a reminder that toys play a huge part in a child's development and should be chosen with care. You'll find useful information that can serve to empower you to find the perfect to for your child.

Whether you subscribe to the magazine, sign up for the free emails, or buy the book, let Toy Tips help you make the best decisions on toys for your child, this season and beyond. Ah, Christmas saved!

Keep Your Shopping List In Place

Since becoming a mom, I no longer have the luxury of popping in for just one item at the grocery store or Target. No, this is a planned affair, usually scheduled at a time when my daughter's in school and my son has already had his morning nap. Occasionally, when I've had a busy week and we've run out of several things such as milk (my kids drink it like it's going out of style), we'll make a special Trader Joe's run after I pick my daughter up. It's like planning a scavenger hunt - after we find all our items, then she can go to the back of the store for a sample or some coffee (mostly half and half with a shot of decaf and some sugar for her). So you can be certain we have our list made and are ready to check it twice. If only there were a good way to keep up with it...

After I received the List Caddy, we gave it a shot. This clever little gadget holds your shopping list in place and clips right onto your shopping cart handle, sits on the countertop or sticks to your fridge with a magnetized back. The only downside is that if you're shopping with toddlers who sit in the front seat of the cart, your list becomes a toy for them to tear at, play with or chew on. But if you're shopping with a newborn, have your toddler in a carrier, or with older kids, the List Caddy is a great way to keep your shopping list at hand and your hands free.

Available in six fun colors for $5.99 each from List Caddy. Makes a great secret Santa gift or a stocking stuffer! Use code "LCFS-1" to save 15% when you buy 3 or more.

Aqua Dots Recalled

As if we need something else to worry about amid all the recalls due to lead in the paint, we find out that the toy Aqua Dots can morph into the date rape drug when ingested. What's the world coming to? According to the CSPC, "the coating on the beads that causes the beads to stick to each other when water is added contains a chemical that can turn toxic when many are ingested. Children who swallow the beads can become comatose, develop respiratory depression, or have seizures."

If you have them at home, please dispose of them in a safe place, and spread the word!

Photo courtesy of Boston Mamas.

A Cyber Baby Shower at Classy Mommy

Colleen from Classy Mommy is having a baby and *we're throwing her a shower! With a baby boy due soon, Pamela from Happy Panda has graciously taken charge and organized a cyber shower to help prepare Colleen - and to give you a chance to win some of the fabulous shower gifts too! Not only are there wonderful goodies involved, but Colleen generously added the element of a fundraiser to the shower. Each shower sponsor was asked to make a contribution to Project Peanut Butter to help bring relief to the Southeastern African country, Malawi. So far $685 has been raised and we're more than halfway to the goal of $1000.

There are over 60 wonderful prizes you can win, ranging from customized children's books, cute onesies and hats, feeding accessories and more! Bloggers can get in on the game too by posting about the shower. So hop on over, wish Colleen well and join the fun You just might get lucky too!

* one of the prizes is a bib and burp cloth set that I designed for Mostess Creations.

Friday Blog Roundup

On Classy Mommy: Cyber Baby Shower Nov 9th - Nov 13th. Readers can Win 1 of over 60 Prizes! Proceeds from this event raised $685 for the Project Peanut Butter Charity.

On Clever Parents TV: We’re Back! Since the birth of Charles, almost seven weeks ago, we have taken a bit of a hiatus from our Clever Parents TV vidcasts. Here’s a much belated vidcast, shot when Charles was a mere five weeks old, of two sleep-deprived parents talking about favorite newborn baby gear. Enjoy!

On Boston Mamas:Strollers for Multiples
. Need to wheel more than one? Check out these recommendations for strolling up to 6 tots at a time.

On Momfinds: Bundle Baby Up in Style. Keep your little one snug as a bug in a rug with these adorable sweaters, mittens, hats, coats and more.

On Coochicoos: Win Skip*Hop's Newest Diaper Bags. Win the cool new City Chic bag from Skip Hop.

On Healthy Bump: New UK online Store. Healthy Bump has spread its wings and opened an online store, www.HealthyBumpStore.co.uk selling unique products from the US to the UK. If you have friends or family in the UK tell them about our site so they can enjoy the same fabulous products that are available to you in the US!

On Moms' Buzz: Cooking Tips: Turkey Carving 101 from EVERY DAY WITH RACHAEL RAY. With Thanksgiving Day just around the corner, we are anxiously anticipating that delicious holiday bird. We are offering a Turkey Carving 101 so that you can plan ahead with enough time! The editors at Every Day with Rachael Ray will show you step-by-step how to carve the turkey like a pro.

As Tasteful As Your Tea

I don't know about you, but I love a steaming hot cup of tea on a chilly, overcast day. It just seems right, somehow. Especially when there's something sweet to go with it (pumpkin bread, apple cake, chocolate!). So with the weather change of late, I have been indulging in this afternoon libation quite often, and marveling at the sleekness of my lovely new Teastick GEM from Gamila.

Made from FDA-approved polycarbonate, the amber and jade hues of the new Teastick GEMS collection are a modern take on the classic Teastick and add a little fun to your cup of tea. The Teastick GEMS are each designed to create a single 10-14 oz. cup of tea - simply scoop the tea, slide the mesh cover, and watch it steep. The sparkling clear colors allow you to see your tea leaves come to life, and the fine mesh keeps them exactly where they need to be - out of your tea.

The Teastick GEM makes a great gift for all the tea-lovers on your list this season. Perfect for your child's teachers, this is one gift that's as pretty as it is functional. Available for $12 from Gamila.

Christmas Giveaway from All About Baby

We've teamed up with the online boutique, All About Baby, to bring you a fabulous giveaway that you and your kids will love this Christmas! One lucky winner will receive this wonderful group of Christmas gifts that includes a personalized "Cookies for Santa" plate, a set of handcrafted holiday burp cloths, and a personalized picture frame (value over $100).

To enter, just send an email to Michele[at]onechicmama[dot]com with Christmas giveaway in the subject line with the answer to this question: Aside from the items being given away, what's another item All About Baby sells on their site? All About Baby will contact the winner for the personalizations and shipping address. The deadline is midnight, November 12.

Can't wait to find out if you've won? Order these cute Christmas gifts here. Your kids will be thrilled with the plate and you'll love having festive burp cloths and a pretty holiday frame for the kids' pictures.

Relief From Pink Eye

I remember two years ago, just a couple of days before Christmas, I got the worst case of pink eye ever! It took me a while to realize that it was pink eye (my daughter was only 2 at the time, so I was not a seasoned pro to this quickly-spread inflammation) and managed to reinfect myself several times before finally going to the doctor and getting some prescription eye drops. It was an unpleasant and inconvenient experience.

In Sunday's newspaper I found a coupon for over the counter, homeopathic Pink Eye Relief Drops from Similasan. I have not heard of these before, nor have I tried them, but I plan to keep some in the bathroom cabinet for the next time one of us comes down with a case of pink eye. They're advertised to be gentle enough for children 2 and up, and strong enough for adults. I'd love to hear from any readers who have tried these and what your experience has been.

Blog Reader Survey and Feedback

Hey readers, help us out! We're growing here at One Chic Mama and making some changes. We want your input. If you don't mind, would you take this Blog Reader Project Survey? That'd be great.

Also, we'd love to hear from you. What would you like to see more of at One Chic Mama? Do you enjoy the product reviews, the chic mama features, the giveaways? Please send your feedback to michele[at]onechicmama[dot]com. Thanks.

Win Mealtime Treats from Prizey

I just love giveaways, and the fabulous folks at Prizey make it so easy to see some of the amazing giveaways going on around the web. This time, I'm happy to say I'm one of the sponsors. As a designer for the brand Mostess Creations, I've contributed a bib and burp cloth set (the winner gets to choose the fabric) that will be added to the Kaboost seat booster, a cup and bottle set from Born Free, and a feeding set from Boon. This makes a wonderful mealtime package for your little one, or great gifts with the holidays coming up. Go to the giveaway and follow the rules to win this great set valued at around $150 - you just might get lucky!

LATCH Your Booster Seat in Place

When it comes to kids in cars, you can never be too careful. Yeah, I know that when we were little, laws on car seats didn't exist and we didn't even have to wear seat belts. Does that mean I want to expose my two precious little ones to all the crazy multi-tasking drivers out on the road today? No way, Jose! So when the Clek Olli Booster Seat came my way, I was thrilled! My inner safety patrol was thrilled, too.

My one year old sits in a nicely padded and very sturdy car seat that has great safety ratings. My four year old has been sitting in a backless booster seat that appears to be safe, but that can slide around and isn't very secure, so I was overjoyed that the Clek Olli Booster Seat anchors to the car via the LATCH system. While most other booster seats are held in place only by the seatbelt, the Clek Olli Booster Seat snaps right into the LATCH anchors. Once snapped in, it sits securely in place until you're ready to remove it. Once in, it's pretty easy to get out, too. Recently, we had to switch boosters around and move the Clek Olli Booster Seat to the backseat. It was pouring rain and I was in a hurry. Having never unlatched the Clek, it took me a minute or two, but was quite easy to figure out.

For all its safety prowess, you might expect the Clek to look boring. Not so! Available in colors ranging from Bubblegum Camo to Zebra Stripe, the Clek Olli Booster Seat is a seat your kids will love to sit in, even when they're starting to think they're too big for a booster seat. The Clek has a sleek, modern look that doesn't look like a child's seat, and rides low so it's not obvious they're in a booster. My daughter loves it! She says it's very comfortable to sit in and likes the position of the armrests. The one and only minor drawback I see to the Clek Olli Booster Seat is that it doesn't have an official cupholder. It has a stretchy mesh pocket that can accomodate a cup, but it's a little awkward. But in this day and age of every car, SUV and minivan coming equipped with more cupholders than passengers, that's not really a big deal.

The Clek Olli Booster Seat is a bit more expensive than many boosters, but safety is an area where you just don't want to skimp. Even your big kids need to be secure, and the Clek Olli Booster Seat gives them a fun way to do it while keeping them happily in a booster for as long as you need them to be.

Beauty Secrets Spilled

I'll admit it, I like makeup. I have ever since I was old enough to get into my mom's lipstick and make a huge mess when she wasn't looking. I've been coloring my hair since the age of 15, and tried every shade under the sun. My most memorable experience was when I went from jet black to platinum - and my hair was left so porous and limp that I couldn't even dry it and had no other option but to crop it all off. It did turn out kind of cute, and since I was a fashion design student in college, looking like Annie Lennox seemed totally normal. Needless to say, I've had my share of beauty mishaps.

Nadine Hoebsh, author of Beauty Confidential: The No Preaching, No Lies, Advice-You'll- Actually-Use Guide to Looking Your Best, has had a few mishaps herself and she's here to tell you about them. Nadine certainly knows her way around the beauty products counter. As a former beauty editor for Ladies' Home Journal, she's had the chance to test out just about every product on the market. After all that experience, she has some great advice on what products really work, and those we shouldn't even bother with. She names names, as well as prices and where to get the goods.

I found Beauty Confidential to be an entertaining and informative resource. Nadine gives us the lowdown on what it's like to have a bikini wax (and why we'd even want one), the differences in the many laser treatments available (TMI), and a rundown of the products that she (and other beauty editors) are never without. What I found refreshing is that she's just as familiar with drug store brands as she is with those you'll find at Sephora, and she gives recommendations for products in all price ranges.

What she also gives us is the dirt on what the life of a beauty editor is like - boxes and boxes of the most amazing products and most coveted fragrances hurled at you throughout the day and at your disposal with just a quick call. Being swept off for lunches of salmon and blueberries (both full of antioxidants and wonderful for your skin) in a limo and gifted with IPods, gift cards to Barney's and a fabulous new wardrobe. Oh, the glamour. I guess even this life could get old after a while.

After being outed (or, rather, "dooced") for her tell-all column, Jolie in NYC, Nadine decided to put all her beauty knowledge into an unbiased book and share her tips and recommendations on everything from what to do if you have less than 5 minutes to get ready (a chapter for us moms!), how to get the most out of your haircolor and what mascara is the best (Lancome Definicils). Sure, she recommends some high-dollar items, but many products are those you'll find in the aisles of your local Target or Wal-Mart. Beauty comes at all price tags, and while we can't all rush out and spend a wad at the makeup counter every few months, we can arm ourselves with information so that we know what to splurge on and what to skip. Nadine helps us to be a bit more informed about which products are worth their weight in gold (Nars blush in "orgasm") and which products we shouldn't bother with (serums - they're just a more concentrated form of moisturizer). Knowledge is power, and Beauty Confidential offers up some great tips to keep us looking our best.

Reviewed for the Parent Bloggers Network.

Friday Blog Roundup

Heard from my MomBlog friends this week...

On MomFinds: Win a DadGear Backpack. Win THE bag that your man will be proud to carry—and finally get you out of diaper bag duty.
On Boston Mamas: Comfort Cookies. Once the Halloween sugar dust settles, try these reduced fat peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies (with a warm glass of milk!).

On Healthy Bump: Carry Your Baby in Style. The Ring Sling by Ellaroo is stylish and extremely comfortable, elegant yet simple to use.

On Clever Parents: A Few of My Favorite Things: Newborn Gear. Over the last five weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to test a lot of products geared towards the newborn market on our newborn son, Charles. Here are a few of my favorite things I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.

On Classy Mommy : Birth'a Bag Giveaway Enter to win this Labor and Delivery pre-packed bag that doubles as a Diaper Bag!

On The Stylish Child: Samantha Harris Shows Off Daughter Josselyn's Nursery. Dancing with the Stars co-host Samantha Harris creates a nursery fit for a princess for daughter Josselyn.