Spring Showers, Dry Babes

Spring is upon us, and one of the harbingers of spring is frequent rain showers. Rain is much needed in our area as we're in the throes of a drought, yet having the kids at home on spring break with showers in the forecast can be a recipe for frustration.

With my husband out of town and my son under the weather, we were feeling a bit house-bound yesterday. So when my daughter suggested we take a "field trip" and go for a walk around the neighborhood, I immediately said "YES!" Oh, but it was drizzling outside. No worries, we just popped Dylan in the stroller and attached a raincover from Protect A Bub. He stayed happy and dry, and we all enjoyed our little excursion (that happily turned into a playdate for my daughter).

With large air vents and no-fog windows, the Protect A Bub protects little ones from the elements while they stroll in comfort and allows them to take in their surroundings. It easily attached with velcro and ties to our stroller, and is made to fit both joggers and strollers alike. The Protect A Bub rain cover is designed to keep baby dry in the midst of a rain shower, as well as protected from strong wind gusts. So whether you live in the city and must be out and about during the rain, want to make sure you get your power stroll in, or are a suburbanite, where walks in the rain are just plain fun, there's a Protect A Bub made to fit your single, double or triple stroller. It attaches with ease and comes with it's own compact storage bag to easily stow under your stroller, so you'll know that even if you get caught in a downpour, your "bub" will be safe and dry.

Use code "protect4spring" for 10% off at Protect A Bub.

High Brow

Last week I had the pleasure of being treated to a makeover at a Bobbi Brown makeup event. It felt very indulgent to take an hour and be pampered, try out some new products and learn a few techniques that would make a big difference in how I apply my makeup. And especially since my DH had offered to take charge of the kids, running them around in the play area at the mall, and feeding them dinner (even if it was fast food). How could I resist?

One of the best techniques I learned from Bobbi Brown makeup guru, Ricki, was a wonderful way to define my brows. My brows are not model brows by any stretch of the imagination. They grow into my hairline and the hair grows downward. Plus, since I turned 40, I've noticed my brows getting more and more sparse (my mother warned me...) and not always growing back after I tweeze or wax them. So I was in need of some serious pointers to give my brows a lift.

Ricki came to my rescue with some indespensible advice that I'd like to share with you. Here are the steps she taught me to create fabulous brows:

1. Tweeze and define. If it's been awhile since you've done this, I recommend having a professional do it. Your hairdresser or local salon can usually do this for you. Make sure you choose a reputable salon, though (ask a friend for a referral), or you could end up with brows you have to draw back in. Once you've got a basic shape to work with, it's easy to maintain with a good pair of tweezers at home.

2. This step may seem counterintuitive, but trust me, it really does work! Brush your brow hairs DOWNWARD with a brow brush, or a clean (never used) mascara wand.

3. Using an Eye Definer Brush, you want to define the uppermost line of your brows using a powder shadow that matches your brow hairs. Begin at the inner, upper corner and follow your natural brow line using soft, feathery strokes. If you happen to get it too dark, soften the look by pressing loose powder onto your brows with a powder puff.

4. Brush brows upward, back into place.

5. Continue to fill brows in with the shadow, to give a full appearance.

This technique will not only give your brows nice definition, it will work to lift them as well. I couldn't believe the difference when I looked in the mirror! It was like a mini-facelift. I felt more polished, and (dare I say it) younger! This may take a few extra minutes in the morning, but I am adding it to my daily routine as much as I possibly can. Every little bit counts!

Fleurville Lexie Tote Winner

The winner of our Fleurville Lexie Tote giveaway is Jess H. She was chosen using random.org and was number 71. Jess says:

So many cute designs! I love the botanical azure fabric! I'm all signed up and I would LOVE to win this!

Congratulations, Jess! I know you'll enjoy this lovely bag.

Friday Blog Roundup

Heard around the blogs this week...

On Nest Baby: Found in an ancient royal tomb near Beijing, this Chinese Gender Chart is said to be over 90% accurate.

On Moms Buzz: What You Owe to Your Kids" by Donald Trump. Here is an interesting article written by Donald Trump that gives parents advice on how to make your children financially responsible, how to deal with financial setbacks and manage money.

On Mom Finds: Win a $100 Shopping Spree at Joggermom.com. Need a new stroller? Enter this week's giveaway by telling us how you'd spend the $100 if you won the prize.

On Healthy Bump: Win a Zoobie. Zoobie Pets are patented, award winnng, plush animals that turn into pillows and blankets. Enter now by visiting the Healthy Bump Blog.

On Clever Parents: Exercises to Wake You and Your Kids Up! The first thing you should do in the morning before getting out of bed is to stretch.

On Classy Mommy: Cabbage Patch Kids Fun to Feed Baby. Talk about a blast from the past! How fun to see my little girl enjoying one of these dolls. Check out review here on the latest Cabbage Patch Doll.

On Boston Mamas: Chittypulga Goodies! There are just a few days left to enter to win a Fleurville diaper bag PLUS a $100 gift certificate to fill up the Fleurville with fabulous finds from Chittypulga!

Quote For the Day

"Beauty is confidence and a kick-ass style that's unique to you. It's about reinventing yourself throughout life. Don't stop at pretty - go for gorgeous all the time. Life isn't a dress rehearsal."


-- Jerrod Blandino, founder of Too Faced Cosmetics

Wearing Yellow

Yellow seems to be everywhere this season, yet it's a color that not all of us are comfortable wearing. If you find yourself shying away from yellow, read on. It can be added to most everyone's wardrobe in one way or another, for a bright infusion of color or a subtle hint of charm. There are no hard and fast rules for incorporating this color into your wardrobe, but a few suggestions for finding the right shade can help you wear this happy hue so that it best suits you.

If you feel that a bright canary yellow is not for you, try a pale shade of lemonade. This works for fair skin as well as darker tones. If you have dark or olive-toned skin, you can wear the bolder hues, so go for it! However, no matter what shade highlights your best features, what you pair it with can make it or break it. When wearing yellow, less is more. Think pastels or neutrals. Pale blues, khakis, grays, are all a good counterpoint to yellow. Denim is a perfect partner. White creates a lovely pairing and brings about a refreshing, crisp look that's perfect for summer. When thinking of jewelry, gold is a natural choice to wear with yellow, but don't feel married to it. Explore and experiment to find what's right for you! A friend's advice is always helpful if you're not certain.

Some of you may prefer to keep your yellow in your accessories. A yellow handbag or bracelet can be a nice addition to a pretty floral dress, or a necklace with a hint of yellow can really garner some attention with a simple top. Whatever you choose, be prepared to be noticed when you wear this happy, eye-catching shade. And when choosing yellow accessories that will be worn against your skin, make sure they flatter your skintone.

So don't be afraid of a little yellow - the color of sunshine and happiness can be worn by all, with a little thought and consideration to find the shade that works best for you!

Satchel in lemonade from Target.
Lemondrops Necklace from Anthropologie.
Yellow Converse sneakers from Amazon.

Buy a Bag - Get a Wristlet

Women can never have too many handbags. And when you get a little little something free with your handbag purchase, even better. For a limited time, when you buy a Nine West handbag you'll get a free Nine West wristlet. That's excuse enough to shop. A wristlet is great to throw into your larger bag so you can pull out just your essentials (cash, credit cards, lipstick) in a flash. With several versatile styles (on sale, I might add), you can stash your stuff in style!

Looking for a great neutral bag that's big enough to carry your essentials (and then some) and will go with everything? This sleek Nine West Bow-Dacious Tote fits the bill. With elegant croco styling and a classic silhouette, you'd never know this chic tote has two zippered pockets and a cell phone pocket inside - necessary with larger bags so you can find what you need in a snap. Try the pewter for a metallic urge!

This roomy crimson Nine West Hobo Tote has a lined interior, a cell phone pocket and an exterior zippered pocket to help keep your things organized. If you're looking to add some color to your wardrobe this season, this classic bag will add a bold punch of color to any outfit. Available in black for those who want to save the color for their clothes.

See Kai Sell Retail

The very first pair of shoes I received as a gift for my son was from See Kai Run. I was awed. Two-tone Kai Kai's with a square toe, velcro closure, and handstitching on butter-soft leather left me, a shoe fanatic, drooling. It would be at least a year before my son could wear such lovelies, but in the meantime, they sure would look cool in his "shoe house" (a cute wooden house-shaped shelf that boasts the kids' shoes).

A year (give or take) later and Dylan is loving his Kai Kai's. He likes to run in them, as well as walk, jump, climb and shake his booty. They're quite durable and have held up well. Now he alternates between those first buttery-soft shoes and his latest, the Henry, a navy suede oxford (no hand-stitching this time around). When we ask him to get his shoes, he goes straight for these every time!

I love the styles from See Kai Run, but not just for their looks. Although these are hip shoes with an urban sensibility, what's so fabulous about them is the craftmanship and the quality. These shoes are well-made, and made just for kids' growing feet. The flexible soles allow for all the moving busy feet like to do, yet they give kids all the support they need. The leather lets little feet breathe, and the padded collars keep them comfortable.

Aside from their new spring collection for modern boys and girls, See Kai Run has some big news. They have just launched their own online retail store, making it easy to get your feet, er, hands on a pair for your kids. Priced from $24 - $42, these are among the best shoes your child can wear, not to mention the most stylish!

Win A Pair of See Kai Run Shoes
We're giving away one pair of shoes from See Kai Run. One lucky winner will receive their choice of styles. To enter, visit See Kai Run and leave a comment telling us your choice of size and style. Please also include your email address so we can contact the lucky winner! The deadline is Midnight, EST, April 2.

What Goes Around Comes Around

Want to spice up your spring wardrobe without spending a lot of cash? Go vintage! Buying vintage clothing can be a wonderfully creative way to update your look this season. With lovely florals, caftans (yes, caftans!), and other throwbacks from the 70's so au courant, it's an easy and inexpensive way to roll. Plus, you're bound to find something that you won't see out on the streets.

Mama Stone Vintage has a great ebay store filled to the brim with such rockin' items as crocheted cotton tunic dresses, calico puff sleeve dresses, even flapper dresses. Many of her items are size smalls, so they're not for all of us, but can be fun to get inspiration from what women wore decades ago. Even some styles from the 80's are hot again (but leave the big hair alone!)

Next time you want to boost your wardrobe, try your local vintage boutique, consignment or resale shop. You'll find items that will give you a unique look and for less than you might think. It's great for your budget, plus it's the ultimate in recycling, so it's great for the environment too.

Feed Your Baby in Cushy Comfort

Once a new baby arrives, moms spend a great deal of their time feeding. Whether bottle- or breast-feeding, a comfortable pillow made just for baby is an important accessory that can make the process much easier for both of you.

The Cuddoozle Nursing Pillow from Naturally Norcott is a wonderful choice for your new baby. Made from 3 layers of memory foam, their patented design provides support to relieve pressure and improve baby's circulation while feeding. The flat surface is made to accomodate a growing baby, so it will be the right size no matter how big your baby, and is made to fit mothers of all sizes. The Cuddoozle foam insert has a a permanent breathable inner cover, which is anti-mite, anti-dust, anti-microbial, hypoallergenic and waterproof - perfect for baby's sensitive skin.

What really makes the Cuddoozle Nursing Pillow stand apart from the competition is it's sidekick - an extra cushion to provide more height or support where you need it. I know I always had a stack of pillows propped up under my son's head when using my nursing pillow, so this will come in handy. Both pillows have carry straps and convenient pockets for tucking away breast pads, pacis, a burp cloth or even a snack for you! With washable covers in Cuddoozle's very own designs, this is one doozie of nursing pillow.

Availble from Mother's Boutique for $65.

Black and White and Green All Over

Here's a pretty top to transition us into spring with a shot of color. The Gathered Raglan Tee from those organic pioneers, Stewart and Brown is a wardrobe staple with an element of style to it in the gathered neckline. The long sleeves help us weather those chilly spring mornings, and the array of vibrant colors pulls our wardrobe out of the winter doldrums. Throw on with a pair of jeans, add a pretty scarf or bold necklace and you've got a look perfect for errands, appointments and carting the kids around.

On sale for just $48 from Stewart and Brown, this pretty tee comes in nine colors ranging from black to bluebell to beetroot. Oh, and it's made from 100% organic cotton. What else would you expect from organic pioneers?

Save Seconds in the Shower

For moms, a shower can be a rare luxury. When you are lucky enough to get one, make every second count. Clean and Clear can help with their new In-Shower Facial called Clean and Clear SOFT that works to cleanse and purify your face while the rest of you gets clean too.

As you shower, apply the In-Shower Facial treatment to your skin. The steam from your shower allows the ingredients to deep cleanse your pores and infuse moisture into your skin while you wash your hair or shave your legs. Simply pat it onto your face and let it rest for a minute (don't massage it in). Fortified with natural fruit acids, glycolic acid and clay, SOFT works to lift impurities from your skin, promote cell turnover and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

After using it just once in the shower, my skin felt softer and refreshed. It also felt a little sensitive, so I used a gentle moisturizer afterwards and it was fine. It's recommended that you use Clean and Clear SOFT one to three times per week. I suggest you don't overdo it. The glycolic acid can be of great benefit for renewing your skin's surface, but if overused can lead to sensitivity and irritation. Also, since it contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and the possibility of sunburn, make sure you use sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using this product. Err on the side of caution here. But for just $6.99, you get a great product that can help enhance your spring glow, all in the time it takes you to shower. Available in most drugstores, groceries and superstores.

Subversive Hits Target

It's finally here! I have been counting down the days until the exclusive creations from Justin Giunta of Subversive Jewelry hit the shelves of Target stores across the country.

Distilling Justin's knack for piling on loads and loads of vintage beads and baubles to create keepsake pieces, down into something that can be mass-produced and bought for about one-tenth the price of the real thing is a challenging proposition.
No, these are not $600 necklaces, they're closer to $60. But they do still have a hint of Justin's ethereal and subterranean edge that makes his pieces so unique and sought-after. While they're not authentic, they'll still add a dash of unexpected chic to your jeans and tee shirts, without breaking into your child's college fund.

Learn the Alphabet with Barney

I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of the big purple dinosaur. My kids, however, think he's the bee's knees! So when I had the chance to review Barney Animal ABC's, I groaned, but knew they'd be in for a treat.

Barney Animal ABC's is a cute way to teach kids the alphabet. When Baby Bop comes outside to see Barney and his friends, they decide to play an alphabet game by naming one animal for each letter of the alphabet. Their adventures ensue. Some of the animals they come up with are pretty typical, but others go so far as to show footage of real animals in their own habitat. My son loved watching the kangaroos, and had fun dancing to the upbeat music. The hip-hop rendition of "Little Bo Peep" we could have done without, but all in all, I think it's a nice little DVD.

One thing I really appreciate about Barney videos is their multi-cultural grouping of kids. They almost always have a cultural melting-pot of kids and I love this! Another thing I think is great about Barney is the lessons in sharing and teamwork. I can't tell you how many times we've sung the "Barney clean up" song around our house, and it's helped my daughter get into the clean up action.

The video is cute in it's own Barney way, so kids who like Barney are sure to enjoy it. It helps to teach kids the alphabet, and has some subtle lessons about getting along, sharing and helping out, that I am thankful for. Barney Animal ABC's would be a good DVD to add to your collection.

Barney Animal ABC's was reviewed for the Parent Bloggers Network.

Spring Goodness from Fleurville

Whoa, mama! Have I got a bag for you! The fabulous new Lexie Tote ($165) from Fleurville is gonna make you glad that spring's here, if you're not already. With its heady swirls of salmon, pink and tangerine accented by silver "leather" trim, this is one eye-catching tote worth its salt.

Tired of hauling around a trad diaper bag? The Lexie Tote gives moms a modern alternative. This roomy shoulder bag combines the function of a diaper bag with the chic-ness of a purse. With plentiful pockets for storing both your necessities as well as your child's, it comes equipped with a wipes case and a changing pad. A waterproof lining ensures that interior leaks stay contained, and two end pockets give easy access to cell phones, snacks and other essentials. Crafted from PVC-Free™ Green-LAM™, the Lexie Tote comes equipped with a new system called the Slip Not that allows for easy attachment to your stroller.

With all its prowess, this is one bag that will be used long after the kids are out of diapers. The perfect size for an afternoon outing or just toting around your essentials, this bag is one you'll really get some mileage from.

Exclusive for One Chic Mama readers
Win a Lexie Tote in time to update your spring wardrobe! To enter, simply sign up for our newsletter, then visit Fleurville's website. Leave a comment telling us what you like most about their products, and include your email address (the one you signed up to the newsletter with). If you're already on our mailing list, just tell us so in your comment. The deadline is Midnight EST, March 28. The winner will be listed at PRIZEYWinners.

Friday Blog Roundup

On Boston Mamas: Food Fight. To serve the need for repeated mealtime tee changes with a dose of humor and sass, there’s food fight’s impressive menu of trendy onesies and tees for babies and kids.

On Clever Parents: Organization-Motivation: ABC, MP3. Looking for a little organization inspiration? Check out this play list to groove - and get organized - to.

On Healthy Bump: Baby Celebration LA. Call your best friends or moms and plan to spend the entire day at Baby Celebration LA April 12 & 13, 2008! If you went to Baby Celebration LA last year you know that it is a truly magical experience! Guess what? It is even more exciting this year!

On Moms Buzz: 10 Commandments of Pregnancy Exercise. For those busy moms who are expecting their first baby, second or beyond, and can exercise, here are 10 handful tenets worth warding.

On The Nest Baby: DwellStudio Crib Set Giveaway. One lucky mama will win a crib set of her choice from DwellStudio! Submit your best nursery decorating tip to be eligible.

On Coochicoos: The Perfect Playhouse Design Competition. 10 Grain and coochicoos.com sponsor a kid's design competition - "What's your perfect playhouse?"

On MomFinds: The Best Time-Savers for New Moms. Your day is hectic enough, so we've rounded up a few of our favorite time-saving products to use with baby, at home and on-the-go to make life easier.

Bob the Builder DVD - Winner

The winner of our "Bob the Builder - Adventures in Bobland Bay" DVD is Becca C. She won this for her nephew, who wears his own construction hat around the house all the time. He'll surely enjoy this! Congratulations, Becca.

Shea Butter Surprise

When I think of shea butter, I picture a thick cream oozing into the pores of my dry winter hands and feet. It works wonders for those parched areas but I never imagined shea butter could be suited for the face. The mere thought nearly conjures a breakout. So, I was quite skeptical when I got my tube of Collective Well Being’s Shea Butter/Lavender Night Balm ($25) I considered only using it on a discreet edge of my cheek, but in the interest of journalism and beauty (not necessarily in that order) I took the leap and put it all over my face before bedtime.

Peering into the mirror the next morning, I was pleasantly surprised that Mount Vesuvius hadn’t erupted on my face. In fact, it felt velvety soft and not the slightest bit oily. I tried it again the next several nights and my skin rejoiced. Besides feeling great, this dreamy wonder contains antioxidants and claims to boost collagen levels. Being on the far side of 30, those anti-aging properties particularly draw my attention. Time will tell if those promises deliver but, in the meantime, I’ll enjoy the smooth satisfaction.

--Ellen Willson Hoover

A Warm Welcome for Our New Contributor

I'd like to introduce our most recent contributor to One Chic Mama, Ellen. A chic mama herself, here's a little about Ellen:

Ellen Willson Hoover is a freelance writer, travel junkie, and former lobbyist. After spending several years living in Washington, DC, New Mexico, and California, she now lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband and two children. Ellen loves to keep on top of popular culture, natural health, and politics. She also practices Hatha yoga and is a compulsive reader. Her work has been featured in The News & Observer (Raleigh), and soon in Martha's Vineyard Magazine and The Writer magazine.

Keep an eye out for upcoming posts from Ellen, and give her a nice, warm welcome.

In The Motherhood Winner

The winner of our fun "In the Motherhood" giveaway is Tonya from Mommy Who?

Congratulations, Tonya. You've won a fab prize pack from Suave.

This was such a fun giveaway and I truly enjoyed reading all your funny experiences. Thanks for sharing!

Quote For the Day

"To be one woman, truly, wholly, is to be all women. Tend one garden and you will birth worlds."

- Kate Braverman

Happy Spring!


Image courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.

Brighten Up Your Face

Little girls aren't the only ones who like a little sparkle. Seems that many mamas are attracted to pretty, glimmery tints that give a magical sheen to their complexion, much like fairy dust. When I received new GLIMMERsheers from Beauty Addicts, I felt like a little girl playing dress-up - not because these aren't serious cosmetics, but because they seemed like so much fun! Plus, each one is packaged in Beauty Addicts' signature packaging - a pink organza bag adorned with crystals and a tassle - a little reminder that this is a gift to yourself (or to someone you love).

Made up of two complementary shades designed to make your face more luminous, GLIMMERsheers ($30 each) come in four lovely shades, with each having a complementary pale and clear luminizer. I applied the glimmer on my eyes, in the inner corners, to give a brightening effect. It created a soft, subtle luster and a pretty sheen. The sheer hue goes on clear to hydrate and enhance skin. I used a gentle touch of this on my cheeks, over a cream blush, and it created a soft radiant glow.

GLIMMERsheers are the perfect little trick this time of year. With spring on the horizon, most of our complexions are still looking quite wintry. A little luster will get rid of the winter blahs and leave your skin looking dew-kissed and radiant, ready for Easter, Passover and spring festivities.

A Tutu for Your Tee

Little girls seem to gravitate towards anything that's sparkly or has a frill of any sort. It taps into that little fantasy where everything is sparkly and happy and wonderful (sure wish I could go to that place some days!). They also love to play dress up and often wear their favorite costumes out to the grocery store or to a playdate. Well, now they can play dress up while wearing something that's cute and appropriate to wear in public. Tu For Tee handcrafts a lovely line of tanks and tees with a little tutu attached, giving little girls just enough sparkle to make them happy, while crafting a top that moms don't mind them wearing out in public.

Tu For Tee offers short sleeve, sleeveless and long-sleeved versions of its cute tops, with a short tulle frill attached at the waist for fun. These look cute with a pair of jeans, leggings or even a fun skirt and are perfect for little princesses, birthday girls and girls who know how to have fun, these come adorned with hearts, crowns, butterflies and other cute designs.

Win a Tu for Tee for Your Own Little PrincessOne lucky winner will get to choose their favorite tee or tank. Simply visit Tu For Tee and post a comment telling us your favorite style, and what size you'll need. The deadline is Midnight EST, March 23.

Go Green for St. Patty's Day

St. Patrick's day tradition is that we wear green - or risk getting pinched! Why not try going green, and reduce the pinch we put on the Earth's resources, too?

Here are a few of our favorite eco-friendly finds that make going green a breeze.

Smashbox cosmetics is turning over a new leaf with the GREEN ROOM Color Collection. For each GREEN ROOM product purchased, a Moringa tree will be planted in a developing country by Trees for the Future. This "miracle tree" helps provide cleaner air and water and is a self-renewing resource. Plus, all GREEN ROOM packaging is recyclable or biodegradable and the products themselves are made with eco-friendly formulas.

When it comes to cleaning your home, Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Products offer an earth-friendly alternative. These nature-based formulas clean your home and leave it smelling wonderfully fragrant. When doing dishes with their lavender dish soap, it's like an aromatherapy treatment and leaves me feeling calm and relaxed. Currently when you buy one, you get the second at half-off, plus shipping is free on your order of $25 or more.

Saving the earth starts at home. One easy and stylish way to cut down on the amount of plastic bags produced is to bring your own reusable totes when you go shopping. Minus Bags are sturdy canvas bags with fresh graphics that can tote home your produce or your personal items. Keep several in your car or tucked into your stroller. Get your kids into the action by designating someone to be in charge of remembering the bags. You'll set a great example and encourage teamwork.

Finding stylish and chic bags to carry around diapers and wipes plus all your own belongings isn't hard. But finding one that's kind to the earth and looks hip isn't as easy as you'd think. This Re-Run Messenger from Fleurville is made from eco-friendly re-run, which is a fabric crafted from recycled plastic bottles. With multiple pockets, even an ear-bud pass-through, this is one bag you can feel good about.


You've probably heard something recently about how all those plastic water bottles are adding up in our landfills (at least some of them are being put to good use - see above), or leaching out unhealthy BPA's and other yucky stuff. Get yourself a Sigg Reusable Water Bottle made from aluminum and keep your worries at bay. It's a cool way to stay hydrated, cut down on waste and stay healthy too!

Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Polliwalks Winner

The winner of our Polliwalks giveaway is Crystal of Haffner Home. Crystal, please email me with your shipping information and those will be sent right out. We've got you down for a pair of Gators in size 7. Your son is gonna love these as much as mine does!

Whip Your Abs Into Shape

March can be a tricky month. After the holidays, most of us pack on a few pounds. Come January, our new year's resolutions start of with a bang and then fizzle to a memory. By the time March rolls around, we're caught offguard at the first sight of swimwear. *Gasp* Don't even wanna think about it, do you?

Well go ahead. You've still got about 12 weeks until the beginning of summer, which is twice the time you'll need according to David Zinczenko, author of The Abs Diet: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Stomach and Keep You Lean for Life. Granted, this book was written by the editor of Men's Health magazine, and was created for men. Yet when my husband brought this home a couple of years ago, we were both able to embrace it. The principles of the The Abs Diet are a very sound and flexible eating plan, and a series of targeted exercises designed to whittle your abs into shape. I'm generally a pretty healthy eater, so including lots of low-fat dairy, lean meats, whole grains and fruits and veggies came quite naturally to me. Plus, he's built in some cheats (yes!) so I can have my occasional chocolate fix, and indulge myself for one meal a week. Occasionally, I do feel hungry, but it's manageable and I don't feel crazy counting calories.

It worked for us the first time around, so several weeks ago when I was feeling a little squishy around the middle, I knew exactly what was going to work. After following the plan for roughly 4 weeks, I have to say that I am once again pleased with the results. I have been eating frequent, healthy meals and snacks and I don't feel deprived in the least. I have enjoyed shorter, more targeted workouts adding interval training (thanks to Holly from Fit Yummy Mummy) and some weight work to create abs that are starting to look (dare I say it?) sculpted. Wow, this seems so easy!

Fortunately for us, Mr. Zinczenko has added the The Abs Diet for Women: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Belly and Firm Up Your Body for Life to his roster of books. Created with information developed specifically for a woman's needs, this book not only helps women lose weight and get into shape, but gives tips on preventing osteoporosis, managing menopausal symptoms and even improving sexual response! There's a workout created just for postpartum moms and even a stress-busting workout chapter that builds a fit body and a calm mind.

If you're feeling a littl squishy around the middle, I highly recommend the The Abs Diet. It's an easy to follow (and stick to) program that'll help you get your pre-baby body back - or come out looking better than before!

Your Favorite Web Finds, On Sale

Shopping online can be a fun, quick and easy way to update your wardrobe when you don't have the time to get out to the shops yourself. You can do it while the kids are napping or in school, and so many stores offer free shipping that, with the price of gas on the rise, it just makes sense. Yet, when you order something only to find out it went on sale two days later, it can be an exercise in frustration.

Why not let Shop It To Me be your personal shopping assistant? Just sign up for a free account and let Shop It To Me know your sizes and brand preferences. You'll be notifed about your item selections as they go on sale. This is a great way to update your wardrobe, as you'll be offered styles you may not have thought about, from the brands you already know and love. Plus, you'll be getting the best prices around. Kind of like having your very own personal shopper working for you. Husbands beware!

Friday Blog Roundup

This week around the blogs...

Boston Mamas reviews Mabel's Labels.

Clever Parents reviews Bonkiebags from Hollister and Newman, a comfortable and luxurious way to put your baby to sleep.

Healthy Bump brings us Obli Organics, absolutely adorable and hip outfits all made with 100% certified organic cotton.

Modern Mom has 10 Questions for Jodie Foster, and talks with her about respecting your children for who they are, embracing imperfection, and loving comfortable shoes.

MomFinds is giving away a 'Luck of the Stylish' EuroTote Baby Carrier.

Moms Buzz brings us a Summer Camp Planner to help us get organized!

Swanky Moms hosts a BCLA PreEvent with Radio Disney, with some fabulous prizes.

Polka Dot Frogs Winner

Tarah is our winner of the Polka Dot Frogs giveaway. She's won a lovely diaper clutch and a pair of pretty burp cloths. Congratulations, Tarah!

If you'd like a lovely set of burp cloths or a diaper clutch of your very own, order from Polka Dot Frogs and use code FROG to get a 10% discount.

Fun Filled Adventures Teach Kids About Life

In our house, a new DVD doesn't go undiscovered for long. When we received our review copy of Bob the Builder - Building Bobland Bay, my daughter spotted it the second she walked in the door. She loves TV and movies. And Bob the Builder? Well, she's become a big fan and enjoys learning about how things are built as well as the diverse cast of characters and their adventures. So she and her little brother sat down to watch Building Bobland Bay.

My daughter enjoyed the story line - they build a seaside development including a skate park, movie theatre and a lifeguard tower - and the teamwork. When Bob needs a place to sleep during the construction, they work together to find a clever solution for a bed, and all go to sleep happy. There are a few new characters in this DVD that bring a whole new dimension to the cast. Lofty, Dizzy and Tumbler get off to a rocky start, with some hurt feelings, but in the end they are able to overcome their differences and work together towards a common goal. This sends kids a great message, in a format that's easy to understand.

My son loved watching because of all the "beep-beeps", or things with wheels. He's fascinated with bulldozers, cement mixers, trucks, cars and pretty much anything with wheels. And the colorful, claymation-style production is appealing at his age.

Building Bobland Bay is another successful installment in the Bob the Builder series - one kids can enjoy while learning lessons about teamwork, relationships and life.

This was reviewed for Parent Bloggers Network.

Win a Copy of Building Bobland Bay
One winner will receive a copy of Bob the Builder - Building Bobland Bay. To be entered, leave a comment on this site telling us why your child would enjoy this. The deadline is Midnight, EST, March 20. The winner will be posted at PRIZEYWinners.