Pajama Mommy - A Women and Mothers Blogger Community A Women and Mothers Magazine » Style & Design

My daughter’s pursuit for a blue prom dress

Jessica — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 14:09:54 +0000

Guest post written by Jenny Simpson

I don’t think it takes a genius to figure out what any random 16 year old girl is thinking about right now. There’s a 99% chance that it’s prom. My daughter hasn’t been able to stop talking about it since the semester of school just started. I don’t think that I was ever that obsessed with planning my prom to go exactly perfectly.

It’s to the point where she’s really starting to make me worry about her not being able to find the perfect blue dress like she wants. So I’ve been looking online to help find a style that she wants that she can then go and try on in person. When I was looking up some prom dresses and sending her links to them I saw tips from Debt Counselors and decided to bookmark them. Our family is in debt and I want to get out of it this year, or at least get out of some of it this year. So I’m going to make sure that we don’t’ spend too much on a prom dress for that reason.

It’s been tougher to find the perfect blue prom dress than we ever thought! I guess I shouldn’t be all that surprised because of course we can’t find the one that we want.

Fine Gauge Supima Crew Cardigan from Land’s End

Jessica — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:30:05 +0000

When I roll out of bed in the morning to take the kids to school, I am never really in the mood for getting dolled up. I usually try to look presentable and if I am feeling overly ambitious, I will actually pull myself together nicely. On the mornings when I don’t feel like going over the top and pulling myself together completely, I’ll throw on blue jeans, a tank top and cardigan. My hair will never be perfect and if you’re lucky, I’ve put a little bit of mascara.

I have a wide variety of cardigans from various department stores in an array of colors, as well as tank tops. When I was given the opportunity to review the new Fine Gauge Supima Crew Cardigan from Land’s End, I was more than a little excited. For those of you who may remember, Land’s End is one of my favorite brands. There clothes are super durable, comfy and affordable– all of which are things I look for in a clothing line.

I received the Salt Wash Pink, which online looks a little brighter than I had wanted. In person, it’s the perfect shade of pink. Not too flashy or over the top and it’s super comfortable and soft. The perfect cardigan for every occasion! At my last staff meeting for work, several of my co-workers commented on the cardigan, asking where I got it and decided they were going to give this cardigan a try. It’s amazing how one simple article of clothing can create such a buzz!

Ouidad Krly Kids Line

Jessica C — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:49:00 +0000

My daughter’s friend has been blessed with super curly hair. My daughter’s hair is like mine, wavy but not curly and sometimes hard to maintain. My friend has been having difficulty with purchasing products for her daughter’s hair as some products make her hair frizzy instead of curly. Therefore when I was introduced to Ouidad KRLY Kids, I jumped on the opportunity for my friend to try out a new product for curly hair.

The Ouidad KRLY Kids line has three products: No Time for Tears Shampoo, No More Knots 2-in-1 Conditioner, and Pump ‘n Go Styling Spray Gel. Each product is extremely gentle, moisturizing and easy to use.

PRODUCT REVIEWERS

The little girl on the left side is my daughter’s friend, she was the main product reviewer for the KRLY Kids products.

No Time for Tears Shampoo

The shampoo has a gentle formula designed to cleanse curly hair without the tears. Many products are not tear free. Once the shampoo gets into a child’s eye, bath time is no longer enjoyable. We have had this happen in our own household, especially with fragranced products. We have always used Johnson’s in my daughter’s hair, just to avoid the tears. My friend tried the shampoo on her daughter and did not have any issues with fits from burning or tears. The shampoo also has proteins and amnio acids to create more luxurious curls. The KRLY Kids shampoo retails for $12.00 and comes in a 8.5oz bottle.

No More Knots 2-in-1 Conditioner

The conditioner is actually a detangling rise and a leave in conditioner. My friend raved about the conditioner after using it on her daughter’s hair. Like most children, her daughter does not like to have water dumped on her head and rinsing out products can be a task. She felt comfortable using the conditioner knowing it was okay to not fully rinse the product out and could actually leave it in her daughter’s hair. The condition helps prevent split ends and doubles as a leave in moisture treatment. There were no tangles with her curls and a comb glided through with ease. The conditioner retails for $14.00 and comes in a 8.5oz bottles.

Pump ‘n Go Styling Spray Gel

The spray gel is an easy spray on application for quick styling on the go. With a toddler it is difficult to hold them down to put bows in their hair, or even get a comb through it. The spray on application helps complete a quick ‘do without having to worry about styling. The spray gel has special wheat proteins which define curls and protect against humidity with a soft hold. Our personal toddler reviewers hair was soft without the hard/tough feeling most spray gels leave in hair, also her curls were more curly instead of frizzy. Even after a couple of hours at the park, her hair stayed curly. The spray gel retails for $15.00 and comes in a 8.5oz spray bottle.

My friend was extremely impressed with KRLY Kids products and recommends them for curly-haired toddlers/kids.

Disclosure: I received the products above free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

la~di~da children’s boutique

Jessica — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:47:51 +0000

Here’s my dilemma and please, tell me I am not the only mother who stresses over such frivolous things.

Both of my children will be having professional pictures taken soon. It is something I do twice a year and while it may not be a big deal to some, it is very much a big deal for me. My dilemma is this– I am trying to find outfits for my children. Nothing too fancy, outfits that match (between the two of them), will reflect their personality and own sense of style.

So moms, help me out here. How do YOU choose your children’s outfits for their photos? Do you plan your outfits strategically or do you just wing ‘em? I need some advice, I guess is what I’m trying to say.

One of the stores I have been window shopping at lately is la~di~da. They have some of the latest children’s fashions from designers like Eva & Oli, Pin Pretty and Splendid, but also styles that blend in with my children’s personalities and their fashion sense. It is just a matter of being able to narrow down my choices to two or three outfits, rather than splurging on the entire website (which I was tempted to do). How can you not splurge on children’s clothing though? It’s fun to play dress-up, no matter the age.

Another thing to love about stores like la~di~da is their affordability and the size range their website offers, especially for those of us moms with little boys. It is not often a mother of boys can find outfits in their sons sizes and still be able to get them unique, fashion forward clothing options and at affordable prices. I have found websites that offer my sons sizes, but cringe when the price appears before my eyes. Needless to say, la~di~da is the perfect solution to my dilemma.

My Baby Clothes Boutique

Jessica — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:10:19 +0000

As the mother to a self proclaimed Diva, I have such a fun time shopping for my little girl. She loves all things girly, diva-ish and has a bold sense of fashion. Qualities I very much love and admire about her. Shopping for her has become a game, as I am always trying to find something that will match her unique personality and sense of style.

Through My Baby Clothes Boutique I can do just that- I can shop online for Addie’s clothing at affordable pricing. From tutus (her favorite), baby headbands, baby hats and baby clothes- it’s all in one location. Each piece is unique and has a certain flare, perfect for a little Princess or “Diba” (as my says it). And on each page, My Baby Clothes offers suggestions for coordinating accessories, which is extremely helpful. I do not always think ahead when it comes to accessories and I’m always nervous about trying to coordinate colors online– as they do not always match when they arrive.

My daughter received the Bonnie Jean Teal Corduroy Flowered Jumperset (pictured) and y’all, I cannot even impress on how much more adorable this jumperset is in person. Absolutely beautiful, well made and unique. My daughter LOVES wearing this jumperset everywhere! We have literally had to sneak it out of her bedroom to get it washed after she had worn it all day.

My Baby Clothes Boutique and Pj Mommy have teamed up to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to win a $25 gift certificate to their store. Contest is open to US residents only.

::.HOW TO ENTER.:: – SEPARATE POSTS FOR EACH ONE, PLEASE

1. Visit My Baby Clothes Boutique and tell us what item(s) caught your eye! . THIS IS MANDATORY.

2. “Like” My Baby Clothes Boutique on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/mybabyclothes)

3. “Follow” My Baby Clothes Boutique on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/mybabyclothes)

4. Parentsnewz.com is My Baby Clothes internet newspaper where you can find all the latest recalls, celebrity news, parenting tips and more. Please like parentsnewz on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Parentsnewz/249752171707805), follow on twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/parentsnewz) or become a subscriber.

::.BONUS ENTRIES.:: – IF YOU HAVE ALREADY DONE THESE, LEAVE A POST STATING THAT YOU’VE ALREADY DONE SO

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your comment.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered the My Baby Clothes Boutique over @pjmommy

4. “Like” or join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: NOVEMBER 18TH @ MIDNIGHT EST

Holiday Ideas from GAIAM

Jessica — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:31:58 +0000

I am by far one of the least stylish moms you will meet. If it involves blue jeans, hoodies and flip-flops, I am usually game. Until recently, I settled into that routine of looking “comfortable”. And then one morning, I woke up and discovered that I wanted to feel feminine again. I wanted to look and feel the way I did before having two children.

When Gaiam contacted me about reviewing their product lines, I immediately dove head first into the catalog. I could not wait! They had sweaters in their catalog that I had been dying to get my hands on. One of them being the Pointelle Sweater, the other being the Pullover Wool Sweater– but in all fairness, I am also very much in love with about two thirds of their tops.

The Pointelle Sweater is so much more in person than the pictures you see in the catalog or online. Pictures do not even come close to doing this sweater any justice! Wearing a plain white camisole? Easy! The Pointelle Sweater easily dresses up even the simplest camisole and add a little flare all at once. The Pullover Wool Sweater is comfy, yet super stylish. It’s good for those days when you’re not really in the mood to doll yourself up, but still want to look nice.

Though I have only named their clothing line, they have so much to offer along the lines of beauty, bed & bath, dvds and more.

For more ideas, visit www.gaiam.com.

Tea Collection Clothing

Jessica — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:41:15 +0000

One of my favorite hobbies as a mother is shopping. I love perusing the ‘net, finding good buys and unique, adorable clothing for my children. I have an addiction to shopping for my children. I love dressing them up in the cutest clothes I can find. My addiction has gotten to the point that my daycare provider looks forward to my daughter coming every day, just to see what she is wearing for the day.

When I began working at Pj Mommy, I only knew how to shop online at your typical retail stores. Through my job, I have had my eyes opened to several retailers who specialize in children’s clothing. In my bookmarks, I have hundreds of online retailers, all of which are my favorite places to shop. My list includes the Tea Collection, a company dedicated to fusing worldwide cultures and modern design. Part of the reason I am so in love with this company is how unique each and everyone of their pieces are– from their baby clothing to their toddler clothes. You can see their vision in each article of clothing. Don’t believe me? Take a look for yourself.

Christmas Jewelry Shopping

Jessica — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:04:10 +0000

With Christmas just being a little less than two months away (by one day), I am busy finishing up the last little bits of holiday shopping online. There are a large number of people to shop for in my family and with so many ideas available, it’s hard to pick a gift you know the recipient is sure to love. Is that not always the case?

This year, I am purchasing two people on my list items they have wanted for years. My father, bless his heart, has wanted a father’s ring for years and has had his eye on a titanium ring design. It’s a simple design, but extremely sturdy for his line of work. I, on the other hand, am wanting matching titanium bracelets for myself and my boyfriend. While I would love something cute & dainty, it’s just not a feasible option at this particular point in time. I am rough on my jewelry. There is no denying that, which is why I always choose titanium. Not only is beautiful and durable, but it is unique.

Holiday Gift Guide: Sesame Street & Stride Rite

Jessica C — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:48:42 +0000

Sesame Street has partnered up with Stride Rite to create the ultimate kids line of shoes. Stride Rite has been popular for years when it comes to providing comfort and stability for children’s feet. Sesame Street has been a favorite in our household since having a little girl and her favorite character is Abby Cadabby. We currently have the Sesame Street Ready, Set, Grover Wii Game and she enjoys doing her stretches with Abby. With Holidays approaching, what better gift to give a girl than comfortable shoes with her favorite character.

Specifics from Stride Rite:

Abby Cadabby®, the adorable fairy-in-training from Sesame Street, would like to grant your baby girl the gift of magical SRT Soft Motion technology. This special leather shoe has a self-molding footbed, moisture-wicking, eco-friendly lining and a flexible outsole so she can feel the ground beneath her.

* Leather and mesh upper
* Sensory Response Technology Soft Motion™
* Supersoft and lightweight construction for comfort
* Deep flex grooves for flexibility
* Hook-and-loop closure for easy on/off
* Leather lining

Our Point of View:

My daughter loves these shoes. At the age of two, she can put the shoes on herself. We definitely favor the strap-on method rather than having shoe strings. I first thought her shoe size would be a 4.5 and I was sent a 6 to review. I took my daughter to a Stride Rite store to have her foot professionally measured, to my surprise she was a 5. The Stride Rite employee suggested buying a size bigger, as it’s better on their feet and gives them room to grow in. I was a little skeptical at first allowing her to wear a shoe one size too big, because of the fear of her tripping and falling. She has a love for shoes and immediately wanted to wear them. We tested them outside on the pavement, in the grass, walking around the mall, and int he house. She did not fall once. The shoes have skid proof bottoms and has an awesome grip on different terrains. I felt like she could walk better and was able to run in comfort. The Abby Cadabby SRT Soft Motion technology shoes can be purchased at Stride Rite for $46.00.

Let’s not forget the soft sole shoes. We only use soft sole shoes in the house, as it doesn’t really have much stability when running around outside. Although my daughter cannot fit in the shoe size we received (but will be able to in the next few months) we both fell in love with the Abby Cadabby soft sole shoes by Robeez.

Specifics:

Abby Cadabby®, the adorable fairy-in-training from Sesame Street, would like to grant your baby girl the gift of a magical mary jane. This special leather soft sole will provide a non-slip grip with a suede outsole, a secure fit with an elasticized back and mary jane strap, and for entertainment there are playful yarm poms poms on the upper.

* Easy on, stay on elasticized ankle design
* Flexible, non-slip suede soles
* Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
* Washable for easy care

Our Point of View:

She cannot fit in them yet. The size we received is for 18-24 months (6.5-8 shoe size), although it’s her age, her foot is smaller than most toddlers. I like that they are washable for days when she will wear them outside, the nonslip grip, and the ease of taking them off and putting them on. She liked the colors and the design. The Robeez by Stride Rite Abby Cadabby Soft Sole Shoe can be purchased online at Stride Rite for $28.00.

One of my biggest fears.

Jessica — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:40:48 +0000

Nearly two years ago, my mother in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer. Upon further investigation, it was decided that she would have to have a mastectomy and undergo chemotherapy. For those females who have had to take on such a terrible monster, you can imagine her devastation. Not only was she now battling cancer, but she would lose her breasts and possibly her hair in the process.

When the day came that her hair began falling out in large sums, we sat beside her as she made the decision to shave her head. Soon after, my sister in-law and I stood at a wig shop with her in hopes of finding one that would make her feel a little more “human” again.

Wigs are quite honestly one of the hardest things to purchase. The right look, color, hairstyle, etc..it’s all a lot to take in. My mother in-law gave up hope of finding a wig at our local store and was kindly referred to wigsalon.com, where she found the perfect wig (as seen in the photo). Is that not the cutest hairstyle you have ever seen? Not only is it fitting for her age and flattering for her face, but it’s also still very young and well put together. As I think back and look at the website, I cannot help but be impressed by the attention to detail.

Adult Footed Pajamas (Kids Too!)

Jessica C — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 16:14:02 +0000

How long has it been since you have worn footed pajamas? I can’t remember the last time I did, but I would say I was probably four, or five. It’s hard to find adult footed pajamas and when you do, they look uncomfortable and tight. My 20 month old daughter wears footed pajamas every night to bed. Usually, we buy the thin pajamas so we don’t have to worry about her burning up, but with winter right around the corner we were in the lookout for comfortable footed pajamas for her.

Adult Footed Pajamas is for men, women, and kids of all ages. I didn’t find any pajamas for myself but I did for my daughter. She received a pair of pink footed pajamas with yellow ducks on them (size 3T). There isn’t a measuring chart on Adult Footed Pajamas website to pick the size for a child, (I would recommend for a chart to be accessbile for parents) I just contacted Adult Foot PJs, told them my daughter’s height and her weight. She is about 33 inches tall and 22 lbs and I received a size 3T. The 3T is currently too big for her, even after a hot wash and a long time in the dryer – but she will be able to fit in them in the future. I also fully recommend following the care instructiosn in washing the pajamas in cold water, turning them inside out, and on delicate cycle. I only used hot water and drying to shrink them a little bit to fit my daughter better. The overall apperance of the pajamas fit her age group, was comfortable to touch, and will definitely keep her warm.

The price range for adult pajamas are $34.99+ and toddler pajamas are about $26.99+.

Tiffany Coley Jewelry Review + Giveaway!

Kia — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 01:17:48 +0000

It’s something about fortune cookies that’s so… mysterious and intriguing. I love seeing them in their little folded up shapes and wondering what the message inside is. And then I eat it, destroying the beauty that used to be that expertly crafted cookie. But the message inside is always interesting; sometimes it ties directly into my life and sometimes it’s incredibly random. I finally found an awesome way to capture the fortune cookie eternally through jewelry, and that was from Tiffany Coley Jewelry. Tiffany, the awesome artisan, creates fortune cookies from bronze – folds and creates them herself. They look EXACTLY like the fortune cookies we see wrapped in the cute little plastic packaging but they’re miniature, the perfect size for a charm bracelet or a beautiful necklace. And since bronze gets a patina after a while, if you want to keep the golden bronze color, Tiffany can apply a lacquer to maintain the beautiful color. Tiffany makes high quality jewelry and her fortune cookie necklaces are even more amazing because she also provides a stamped sterling silver “fortune” with the bronze cookie, which is a very nice change from the silver cookies on a silver chain like we’re used to seeing. She can do a custom fortune or one of her original stamped fortunes as well. I love her Hurricane earrings; I think they’re very clever and they really do resemble a hurricane when they show it moving on the news! The Swiss Cheese Style Enameled Pendant is pretty cool too, as it really does look like Swiss cheese. Tiffany applies enamel to the front of the pendant in a variety of colors, and she puts clear enamel on the back to keep the original color of the copper. What talent!

I had the chance to see one of these little beauties up close. Tiffany packages her jewelry nicely, and the necklace was beyond spectacular. The cookie had some weight to it but it wasn’t heavy, and the words on the fortune were perfectly stamped and read “love will find you.” The fortune is positioned right next to the spring clasp, so you can fix the location of the fortune as close to the cookie as you want. The bronze shines brightly and looks fabulous against the shining sterling silver; I thought the two different metals together would be sort of odd looking but it looks GREAT. It makes the cookie a lot more unique and natural looking than silver. Perfection!

Tiffany is offering 20% off of anything in her shop until September 30, and she is giving away a pair of her Great Balls of Fire earrings! For a chance to win, check out the rules below.

::.HOW TO ENTER.:: – SEPARATE POSTS FOR EACH ONE, PLEASE

1. Visit Tiffany Coley and let us know what you like the best, with the link, or what you think your ideal fortune should say. THIS IS MANDATORY.

2. “Like” Tiffany Coley Jewelry on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/tpcoleyjewelry)

::.BONUS ENTRIES.:: – IF YOU HAVE ALREADY DONE THESE, LEAVE A POST STATING THAT YOU’VE ALREADY DONE SO

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your comment.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered the Tiffany Coley Giveaway over @pjmommy

4. “Like” or join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: OCTOBER 5 @ MIDNIGHT EST

Colortime Crafts and Marks + Fan Giveaway!

Jessica C — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:35:59 +0000

Are there any crafty people out there? I try to be an artistic/crafty person. I have attempted many projects in my life from sewing, to scrap-booking. I get frustrated easily and do not like to make mistakes. I am also not perfect at sewing, or even scrap-booking. Recently, I attempted to make a crib rail cover out of fleece for my daughter, because she I found bite marks in her crib from teething. It didn’t turn out like I wanted it to, but at least it did the job – no more teeth marks in her crib! Just to let you know, it took me three hours to do this and it should have only taken an hour.

I am always encouraging my daughter to be artistic. She is only nineteen months old, but I let her color with markers, sidewalk chalk, crayons (she still tries to eat them), and she helps me in my projects. I believe all children should be creative, whether through drawing, or coloring. This is why I am so passionate about Colortime Crafts and Markers. Colortime Crafts has many products to choose from: totes, backpacks, t-shirts, and pillow cases – where your child can use Colortime Markers to color a design! It is definitely an easy “DIY” craft for your child (parents can participate too!). There are many designs to choose from, girl scout designs, boy designs, girl designs, and holiday designs. All you do is pick out the product you would want, such as a backpack, and pick out the design to go on the backpack. The prices are reasonable and the designs are great for all ages.

Now, the design will arrive colorless so you will need to buy a set of fabric markers, which retail at only $6.99. The Colortime Markers are non-toxic, safe, and will wash off hands easily with soap and water. The markers are permanent once it is on the product (or any type of clothing) and will not wash off – so be careful! You can wash your product many times and the color will stay.

We received the Recycle Tote Bag to test out. Since my daughter is too young to enjoy this craft, we gave it to a six year old friend to enjoy. We had a couple of rainy days over the weekend, so the tote bag and markers were a definite craft for a rainy day activity.

She can proudly show off her creativity to all of her friends and keep the tote bag for years to come. The tote bag retails for only $4.75 and shipping is free on orders over $60.00. Colortime Crafts would be perfect for birthday party favors and slumber parties – every child would enjoy it!

Colortime Crafts is generously offering a coupon for Pajama Mommy readers, which you will find below. The coupon expires October 23, 2011.

Parents, you can have the opportunity to win a special package for your child which will include the tote and three fabric markers. This is a weekly giveaway that Colortime Crafts is hosting on Facebook!. Here are the details:

Rules:

1) You must be a fan of Colortime Crafts and Markers
(www.facebook.com/colortimecrafts) Facebook page.
2) Once you win a prize, you are not eligible for additional prizes
for this promotion for 12 months after the prize has been awarded.
3) Prizes not claimed within 2 weeks will be forfeited.

Information:

The winners’ Facebook name will be posted each Monday on the Colortime Crafts and Markers Facebook page. We will send you a message on Facebook informing you that you won. Look for it, and if your name is a winner, you can also send us an email message to info@colortime.com with your full name and address and in either case we will ship your prize within 2 weeks.

Add & like Colortime Crafts on Facebook today and have the opportunity to win a special package for your child, or a friend!

Disclosure

Crazy for Bargains Sleepwear Giveaway

Jessica — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 11:00:11 +0000

Pajamas go a long way in our household, hence the reasoning behind my love and name for this website. When I have time off from my full-time job, the kids and I absolutely love spending the day lounging around in our pajamas. We change into “normal” clothing when we have to have things to do outside of the home, but quickly change back as soon as we’re home.

And it’s no wonder children love to wear jammies so much these days. Am I the only person to notice all the detail that has gone into the making of pajamas now-a-days? For instance, my son’s new Batman pajamas from CrazyForBargains.com. They are not just a simple shirt and pant set with the Batman emblem slapped on ‘em. On the back of the shirt is a detachable hood– giving your child more of the Batman appearance. These pajamas were such a hit in our household! My son not only wears them to bed, but also wears them around to play dress-up.

My daughter loves to wear night gowns because in her mind, they double as pajamas and dresses. She will throw on a few accessories (headbands, bracelets, necklaces), slide into some heels, grab her purse and feel like a little princess. Pajamas today have a way of enriching a little person’s imagination.

Courtesy of CrazyForBargains.com, the Pajama Mommy Community will be giving away a $25.00 gift certificate to their online store.

HOW TO ENTER:

Visit the CrazyForBargains.com website and tell us about your favorite item!

Bonus Entries:

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your comment.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered the BornFree Bottle Giveaway over @pjmommy

4. “Like” or join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST CLOSED!

Project Iris Clothing Partnering with Ann Macy & Associates

Jessica C — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:37:46 +0000

When I first heard the news, I had no idea what Project Iris Clothing was. Of course, the name caught my eye and I had to check it out. Project Iris Clothing is a distinctive line of women’s apparel that is cause-conscious. Not only are the shirts stylish with designs of flowers and nature but they are 100% made in the United States. With many different styles to choose from: scoop neck, v-neck, long sleeves, short sleeves and even tank tops, Project Iris Clothing has something unique to fit you. Each garment purchased comes with a bracelet that you can wear proudly to not only support Project Iris Clothing but their partnership with the World Food Program to provide nutritious meals to the less fortunate.

Now, the reason I am so passionate about letting our readers know about Project Iris Clothing is the fact they are a company that gives back. Not only does Project Iris Clothing have a vision to spread awareness to the problems that women and children face in poverty-stricken countries, but they also give a portion of each sale to the World Food Program. I am a person who believes in supporting a business that gives back to the community and I believe in wearing clothing that has a meaning behind it (whether it’s to spread awareness, or if it’s to support a cause).

Project Iris Clothing recently made the decision to partner with Ann Macy & Associates – this will not only help with their business, but it will spread awareness of their cause to more people. Project Iris Clothing is kindly giving 10% off to Pajama Mommy Readers (coupon code: pjmom10 good until 8/30/11) with any purchase from their store. Support a company that keeps on giving!

Melt’m Design Studio Jewelry Review + Giveaway!

Kia — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:55:18 +0000

I’m always down for any jewelry that represents femininity, nature, and love. It’s cool to find jewelry that represents at least one, but it’s really rare to find a shop that carries pieces that have all three! Melt’m Design Studio is a shop filled with all sorts of handmade silver goodies crafted by the hands of a master of silversmith by the name of Meltem. Meltem makes silver jewelry over in Turkey, and she has a number of original designs. Some of the most stunning in her shop are the rose collection, which are handcrafted roses on rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. The rings are coated in enamel in different colors, which causes them to appear glossy and colorful. They’re beautiful! There are also a number of wildlife jewelry pieces like hippos, owls, and bunnies, that can be worn as necklaces or earrings. See? Femininity, nature, and love… all in one shop!

The design I fell in love with was the Visible Commitment necklace. It is a sterling silver piece featuring two hearts joined together with red cord and hung on a sterling silver chain. You can also customize an initial on each heart of the necklace. This is the piece I had the wonderful opportunity to see in person. Meltem was so sweet so have even initialed the initials of me and my fiance! The necklace was lovely in person; the letters were hand stamped and feature the imperfect perfection of having a hand stamped piece of jewelry, the cord was tied and secured in the back by Meltem’s own hands, and the polished silver on the hearts and the chain both shine beautifully. Anything from Meltem’s shop will make you feel like a lady; go check it out ASAP!

Meltem is offering a $30 gift certificate to her shop to one verrry lucky reader! There are so many things you can get, and if your item costs more than the gift certificate is for, ANY item in her shop is worth the residual price! You know you want some, so check out the rules to enter below!

~RULES FOR ENTRY~

1. WHAT-WHY-WHO: Browse through Melt’m Design Studio and tell us WHAT your favorite item is from Meltem’s shop, WHY it’s your fave, and WHO would would give it to (if you could part with it!) THIS IS MANDATORY.

2. For our readers out there, enter another post if you do any of the following below:

~Additional Entries~

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your comment.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered the Meltem Design Studio giveaway over @pjmommy

4. “Like” or join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: JULY 16, 2011 @ MIDNIGHT EST.

Vegetabowls Review

Kia — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:47:55 +0000

So I’ve recently taken a liking to pottery. Not just any old pottery though… I’m a picky one! I like unique, high quality, one of a kind functional pottery. That’s how I found Vegetabowls, a shop filled with bowls that are fashioned after real fruits and vegetables. This is AWESOME, given that not enough people show enough love for the health, beautiful, deliciousness of our lovely fruits and veggies. There are pineapples, onions, oranges, coconuts, melons… the possibilities are endless! Each piece possesses the texture, appearance, and feel of whatever fruit or vegetable it is modeled after. There’s even a lime vase, which is just big enough for sprig of herbs.Melanie is the artist behind the pieces, and she puts so much heart into each and every bowl or vase she churns out. Each item is one of a kind so you’re sure to have a piece that’s all your own.

I had to see these goodies in person to see if they were as cool in person as they looked on her Etsy page, so Melanie made it happen. I received a cabbage bowl and a cantaloupe bowl to review. To my surprise, they look EXACTLY as great in the photos! The cantaloupe bowl has the outside texture of an actual cantaloupe, and the exact appearance. The inside of the bowl is orange and glossy, a beautiful contrast from the outside. The cabbage bowl has the appearance and texture of a head of cabbage, and the leaves are accurately crafted as well. I’m stunned by how perfect each bowl is, yet how unique each one is from each other or from any one that I have ever seen! Whether you want to eat from these bowls, have them as a reminder to eat right, or just have them as decoration in your home, they’re an astonishing addition to any household. I would suggest getting one in each fruit and veggie available!

Spare Bedroom Studio Review + Coupon Code

Kia — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:17:07 +0000

I never really decorated my room until I moved out into my own apartment. For years I’ve loved origami; something about the art of folding paper into lovely shapes and figures is so creative! I learned how to do a little bit a few years ago, but I never really knew what to do with it. That’s when I came across a great woman who did know what to do with it, and her name is Caitlin of Spare Bedroom Studio. Caitlin is an artist who creates mobiles from origami peace cranes. After working a long string of jobs in the past, she found that they did not satisfy her need to create. With her husband’s support eight months ago, she decided to make crafting her full time job and she’s been happy ever since! She creates her masterpieces in the spare bedroom of her home, hence the name of her shop, and she’s become successful!

Caitlin’s mobiles are different from other mobiles I’ve seen, as her mobiles give the illusion of being fashioned in a spiral. They are strung on a wooden circle and the cranes hang at different lengths. The mobile measures about 2 feet long, and it can be easily hung just about anywhere. When I received Caitlin’s package in the mail I didn’t know what to expect. I opened the box, and tucked snuggly in tissue paper was Classic Audrey, with each her birdies and the wooden circle with strings going every which way. My first thought was “How am I gonna untangle this thing?!” But, to my surprise, when I pulled the top loop (where you hang the mobile) upward, each birdie and string fell perfectly into place and I could see the beauty of the piece. Each crane was perfectly crafted, and I was incredibly impressed with the way the mobile hung. It’s beautiful! Caitlin makes cranes using a wide variety of paper and can even do a custom crane for you using the paper or colors you choose. And, she makes confetti! Hand-cut confetti, I might add. I received some in my box of goodies; blue and green circles made of high quality paper. Loved it! There’s so much fun to be had with paper, and Caitlin does it the best. As a thanks to our readers, Caitlin is offering a 15% off coupon using the code PJREADER15 whenever you get something from her shop! Go find your special mobile in her shop, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!

Monster Kookies Jewelry Review

Kia — Tue, 24 May 2011 12:04:29 +0000

The nurse in me truly loves ANYTHING related to the bod, especially seeing anatomically correct heart stuff. Never have I found a perfect piece of heart jewelry until I found Monster Kookies on Etsy. The artist, Kimberly, is a master when it comes to working with polymer clay; she has a number of items in her shop that are flawless and made from the clay, such as cupcakes, tentacles, and of course, the fabulous hearts!

I had the chance to review a beautiful heart Kimberly created for me. I fell in love with it and refused to take it off! This particular heart was made with gray polymer clay and had a pink heart with an EKG line going across it, along with clay “bandages” and stitches. There is also a gear on the backside of the heart, and this beauty is complete with an aorta, a superior vena cava, and other heart parts! Kimberly takes a lot of time and care into creating her pieces, and because they’re so intricate and time consuming, she now offers the option of having one of her 112 current designs of hearts for $55, which I believe it totally worth it, and a couple of her original designs available each month.

Along with the amazing hearts, Kimberly also makes other lovelies from clay such as a German black forest cake ring, tentacle magnets, and a mechanical octopus that can be a figurine or a necklace pendant. There’s so much Kimberly can do with clay; it’s frickin awesome. She’s SO talented, and there’s a bunch in her shop that you would just love. Check it out!

Lucky Troll Jewelry + Coupon Code

Kia — Fri, 20 May 2011 16:40:53 +0000

Most of the people I know possess a great sense of pride when referring to where they were born and raised. I know whenever I go somewhere I always represent my home state of Georgia and I love being a Georgia peach! Lucky Troll jewelry is a shop specializing in “Home Is Where The Heart Is” pieces. Your chosen country, state, or province is hand cut on sterling silver and a heart is cut out in the location of your choice! I’d definitely get Georgia with a little heart over Atlanta, the pieces are so pretty! The awesome artist, Katty, is a new mommy in Vancouver, and she has cutouts of Ontario, France, Quebec, and Saskatchewan ready to ship, showing her love for Canada. There is an option to create a custom necklace, or even a bracelet with a choice of two countries/states/provinces and up to six birthstones, which is my fave. It’s perfect for those in long distance relationships or those who travel often.

Katty is offering 15% off of your purchase from her shop to all PJ Mommy readers using coupon code Lucky15 at checkout! It’s a great deal for a great shop with an amazing artist. Check it out and represent your hometown with love!

Deceptions Earrings Review and Giveaway

Kia — Mon, 09 May 2011 18:52:51 +0000

So once again, my quest for awesome fake gauge earrings has brought me joy! I love love LOVE tentacle gauge earrings, and that’s what I found from Deceptions. Deceptions is a shop by an awesome chick named Addie who began making earrings as a way to get money while going through college. She specializes in tentacle gauges, really unique square gauges that I’m never seen before, and other swirly ones that are so so pretty – all for those of us with normal ear piercings! They come in a variety of colors and they are all just amazing. Each pair is crafted with love by Addie’s creative hands.

I had the wonderful opportunity to review a pair of her great blue lace fake gauges. These babies came to me wrapped up nicely and I was fascinated as soon as I laid my eyes on them. They are very lightweight and comfortable on the ears, and they don’t hurt your earlobes by pinching. Addie has definitely done a great job figuring out the best way to create these earrings and make them comfy for the wearer. It wasn’t until two days later when I walked into my bathroom with the light off that I noticed… THEY ALSO GLOW IN THE DARK!!! I knew that I’d struck gold then. It was amazing! I’m gonna customize a few different colors of tentacles and just rock them all. Addie is so talented and I’m sure you’ll be as in awe with the earrings as I was!

Addie is giving away a pair of purple squiggle fake gauges to one lucky winner! Just follow the rules below, and check out the shop

~RULES FOR ENTRY~

1. Visit Deceptions and tell us your favorite pair of earrings in the shop and why. THIS IS MANDATORY.

2. Join the Deceptions group on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_108352555920152)

~Additional Entries~

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your comment.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered the Deceptions Earrings giveaway over @pjmommy

4. “Like” or join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: JUNE 10, 2011 @ MIDNIGHT EST.

April Aromatics Organic Perfume Review

Kia — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:19:46 +0000

Being the natural kind of girl I am, I am trying to get into a totally natural lifestyle. One of the hardest things to transition from is from commercial perfumes, mainly because I can never find a natural perfume that is totally organic and also smells good. Well, I had to search internationally to find the perfect one, and I came across April Aromatics. April Aromatics was created by Tanja Bochnig, who is a German model, yoga instructor, and lover of the earth. She wanted to create scents for men and women that were free of the alcohols and chemicals that we find in store-bought perfumes, so she began using essential oils, absolutes, and extracts. She studied the art of natural perfumery, so she’s steeped in knowledge about perfume and what works. Although she is based in Germany, her items can also be purchased on Etsy here in the US. I had the privilege to sample her lovely scents, and I fell in LOVE! My favorite two are Lindenblossom Meadow and Rose Bouquet. Lindenblossom Meadow is a soft, summery scent that smells fresh and green. I love it because, being a Georgia girl, I love the scent of the magnolia flowers in the summertime, and Lindenblossom combines the scent of magnolias and the linden tree with a hint of citrus. The scent smells beautiful on my wrists and it lasts for a good bit of time. It does not last as long as store-bought perfumes because this perfume is totally natural, but I prefer to have natural ingredients absorbing into my skin and having to reapply than absorbing chemicals! The Rose Bouquet scent combines three different kinds of roses (Rosa centifolia Bulgaria, Rosa Otto Turkey, English Rose) and it smells completely gorgeous. It’s sensual, feminine, and it’s an overall amazing scent. It’s my goal to get a bottle of that lovely scent! For the men, there is Spice Blend and Precious Woods. I was actually very impressed with how Precious Woods did smell just like the woods; it smelled green and outdoorsy. Spice Blend smells spicy and musky, incredibly nice for a man. Another cool thing about Tanja’s scents is that she infuses each perfume with a stone. It’s a holistic approach; the stones appeal to the particular chakras of our bodies. Those were just a few of the highlights I have for the scents of April Aromatics. I definitely recommend this shop to everyone, you’re bound to find a perfume you’ll love!

Lyssa’s Stuff Jewelry Review and Giveaway!

Kia — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 01:44:29 +0000

I’m one of those chicks who rocks piercings and tattoos, the kind of person my patients may be slightly uneasy with if I don’t wear the right jewelry before doing my hospital work. My special favorite kind of jewelry to wear to receive the shock effect would easily be fake gauges. I think it’s so cool how real they look without stretching the ears at all. They can come in many sizes; I’ve seen hooks, full circle hoops, and even tentacles. But I’ve never seen twists until I found Lyssa’s Stuff, a shop for both girls and guys, geeks and gamers that makes awesome fake gauges and plugs for those of us who don’t want to damage our pretty ears. Lyssa is a 21 year old college student that really enjoys making these little goodies for us out of polymer clay, plus the sales help her pay for her books! She created infinity twists, which when worn, look like the top loop of the twist goes through the ear and the rest intertwines downward. It’s really pretty to look at! Lyssa also makes plugs (the most intricate and pretty ones to me are the sushi plugs), post earrings that feature video game characters like the 1up mushroom from Mario or the Pokeball from Pokemon, and even legit plugs for the brave souls who rock gauges.

Lyssa is giving away a special pair of infinity twists to one lucky winner. They are metallic gold and fade to bronze with black and white pinstripes. They are totally stunning in person, and I really love the earrings! The winner will be so lucky and is sure to turn heads. If these aren’t exactly your style, Lyssa makes a wide array of earrings and you’re bound to find a pair that you’ll love. Hit her shop NOW and check it out!

~RULES~

1. Contest is open to US READERS!

2. Visit Lyssa’s Stuff and tell us your favorite item in the shop, why, and who you would give it to. THIS IS MANDATORY.

3. “Like” Lyssa’s Stuff on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lyssas-Stuff-on-Etsy/158194850858860)

~Additional Entries~

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your comment.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered the Lyssa’s Stuff Jewelry giveaway over @pjmommy

4. “Like” or join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: APRIL 25, 2011 @ MIDNIGHT EST.

Hot To Be Princess For a Day Without Losing

Jessica — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:47:29 +0000

Here is a quick and handy reference to what kind of necklace style coordinates best with what neckline:

Strapless—If the bodice is simple and unadorned, opt for a princess necklace ending one or two inches above the dress. If it is intricate, or features an embellished waistline, like Chelsea Clinton’s beaded tulle extravaganza, follow her savvy decision to leave her neck beautifully bare.

Sweetheart—With this visually-appealing style, no necklace is needed; just rely on the power of the dress itself to show off your neck and shoulders.

V-neck—The shape of this style demands that you accessorize with a perfect necklace. Opt for a simple chain with an interesting pendant; make sure the pendant dangles halfway between the base of your throat and the point of the v-neck. If you have an heirloom charm you want to show off, have it set on a chain and wear it as a necklace.

Halter—This style, especially if the straps are beaded or embellished, is its own necklace—just make sure you have a great pair of earrings or a hair accessory.

The pearl necklace is a classic for brides: it’s traditional and timeless, and yet it has never been more current than right now. The romantic luster of pearls coordinates naturally with off-white or ivory dresses, while diamonds may be too bright for these colors. Plus, pearls are an affordable choice, and you will be able to proudly wear your bridal necklace for many years to come. If you opt for pearls, whether for a necklace or a lovely pair of pearl studs, look for Akoya or South Sea pearls—the most luxurious and high-quality pearl varieties on the market—and stay away from tacky-looking imitations and low-luster freshwater pearls. It’s your wedding day; you deserve the best.

Trend alert: Pearl-loving brides are now opting for pearls in soft colors, like pale pinks and blues, or even black and gray. Pearls can even be incorporated in trendy torsade necklaces—multiple strands of pearls, chains and stones wrapped together and held with a clasp. These modern styles work best with simple dresses and sleek silhouettes.

Bracelets

Although bracelets fell out of favor for many years, the current trend in strapless dresses has made bracelets the new favorite jewelry piece for the modern bride. Almost every celebrity bride sports a bracelet of some kind, from Chelsea Clinton’s restrained tennis bracelet to Ivanka Trump’s set of diamond link bracelets. You can incorporate an antique or heirloom bracelet into your look, or feature that very first gift your new husband ever gave you.

Unless your dress has wrist-length sleeves or you are wearing gloves (more on that later), you can always count on a simple bracelet to add a touch of flair to your bridal look. Make sure the bracelet fits and won’t get damaged or slide off when you dance—if you’re worried, you can always remove a delicate bracelet before the first dance.

Brides who are looking for a more casual, beachy style or an exotic touch can try layering a few simple metal bangles. Even a more formal style can benefit from the playful sparkle of two or more contrasting bracelets—try a gold bangle with a diamond-studded cuff. The great part about using more than one bracelet is that you can always wear them separately on less formal occasions—a single dramatic piece may be harder to wear later.

There are three primary kinds of bracelets: bangle, link and beaded. The bangle consists of a stiff circle of metal and is the most casual or modern style, depending on embellishment. Link bracelets, like the ever-popular tennis bracelet, consist of flexible links that conform to your wrist and are closed with a clasp. They are the most traditional for formal bridal jewelry looks. Beaded bracelets—simple string bracelets strung with beads—are comfortable and can be quite elegant-looking with a wedding ensemble.

Trend alert: Statement cuffs are a bigger trend than ever, especially for modern dress styles. Penelope Cruz married Javier Bardem in a dramatic sculptural bright white dress paired with a dramatic statement diamond cuff. Pearls are also showing up in bracelets in the form of pearl-studded bangles and twisted bracelets that incorporate pearls, loose diamonds, chains, and even lace. Simple bracelets with sentimental charms are also popular.

Earrings

Whether your dress is simple or over-the-top, your hair is up or down, almost every bride opts for some kind of earrings as a part of her wedding jewelry ensemble. Earrings are the ultimate jewelry item—comfortable, affordable, and universally flattering, there is a pair of earrings perfect for every bride.

Without a doubt, diamond studs are the most popular earrings for brides. No matter what you are wearing, you cannot go wrong with a pair of subtle but sparkly diamond stud earrings. It’s the perfect choice if you are planning to wear a statement necklace or an embellished neckline. Plus, if you plan to wear your hair down, it’s best to choose earrings that won’t compete for attention and won’t get caught in your sleek tresses.

If you are wearing pearls in a necklace or bracelet, pearl studs are a classic touch that you are sure to wear again and again, even years after the wedding. Pearls are comfortable and won’t weigh you down when it’s time to party!

Other brides are opting for drop earrings, a slightly bigger style than studs but still very traditional and wearable. Small hoops are another way to get a touch of sparkle without overloading. If you are planning to wear your hair down, diamond-studded hoop earrings will be noticeable without competing for attention.

The biggest trend in wedding jewelry is chandelier earrings. Celebrity wedding ensembles have been featuring bigger and bigger creations made of diamonds, gold, pearls, and nearly every gemstone imaginable. A word of warning: never wear earrings that touch your shoulder—it’s a trendy look that won’t withstand the test of time. Some brides opt for faux diamonds as a cost-cutting measure; that’s ok, but don’t get enormous fakes which won’t at least look real. Narrow drop earrings can give you the eye-catching look of chandeliers without overpowering you—plus they slim the face more than wider styles. Or opt for simple, diamond-free gold chandelier earrings in simple organic-looking styles, that you are likely to wear again and again.

If you do choose a more dramatic earring style, consider wearing your hair up or at least pulled back away from your face, to give those stunners the spotlight they deserve and create a more cohesive look. The rule of thumb for earrings is this: opt for dramatic earrings only if your neck is bare and you are wearing a minimal hairstyle. An opulent necklace or a tiara is great, but don’t pair them with oversized earrings or you risk looking like a medieval princess.

Trend alert: The trendiest brides of 2011 are going bold with art-deco inspired chandelier earrings and colorful influences like gemstones. Breaking away from the matchy-matchy look of jewelry sets and matched dresses, they are opting for creative contrasts between the style of their wedding dresses and the jewelry pieces they pair with them.

Other Accessories

Most brides choose not to wear any rings besides their engagement and wedding rings. Bridal trends for 2011 call for chunky cocktail rings and gemstone pieces, but it’s probably best to follow that advice with caution—you don’t want anything detracting from the simple beauty of the wedding band and engagement ring. If you are worried that your right hand will look too bare, get a perfect manicure and wear a simple tennis bracelet on your wrist. That being said, if your wedding look is casual and fun, feel free to add a contrasting cocktail ring on the hand opposite your wedding ring. Just make sure it won’t be mistaken for your wedding ring in photos!

Brooches seem like an outdated, old-fashioned piece of jewelry, but they are actually coming back in a big way. Modern brides are putting a 21^st century spin on crystal and diamond brooches by putting them in their hair, adding them to a ribbon belt at the waistline, or using them to gather excess tulle in the back of the dress. Crystal starbursts are especially popular for 2011—add them to headbands, sew them to the dress for an unexpected accent point, or pin them to the ribbon on your bouquet! This is another great way to incorporate a family heirloom in a totally new and modern way.

It takes a certain amount of panache, and certainly the right dress style, but gloves are slowly coming back into style for the most fashion-forward brides. Yes, gloves. Opt for wrist-length white leather gloves for a glamorous way to keep warm at a winter wedding, or don all-out opera length silk gloves with an off-the-shoulder sheath dress for an unmistakable note of vintage elegance and glamour. Trendy brides are even trying out gloves in sharp colors like black and pearl gray. According to long-forgotten fashion rules, the length of the glove is dictated by the length of your sleeve—allow at least two inches of skin between the end of your glove and your sleeve. Of course, if you want to wear gloves at your wedding ceremony, practice taking them off gracefully so you can slip it off at the right moment to receive your ring!

Wedding shoes need to accomplish two almost contradictory goals—they need to both look fabulous and be comfortable. The easiest way to accomplish this, for most brides, is to wear a fabulous pair of heels, dyed to match the wedding dress, for the ceremony and photos, and then change to ballet flats for the dancing. Another option is to find a pair of ballroom dancing shoes; they are sexy but practical. One bride I know wore incredible red patent leather heels to match her red lipstick, and then changed to white sneakers so she could dance up a storm! Another bride matched her romantic lace dress with ivory suede booties that she could later pair with tights and wear again. If you do plan to change your shoes, talk to your tailor about pinning the skirt of your dress so it won’t get in your way or get damaged when you try to dance.

No matter what bridal look you choose, there is one rule you should never break: be yourself. Wear what makes your comfortable and makes you feel incredible. It’s your special day—whether you want fresh flowers in your hair or a whole stack of bracelets on your arm, you do what works for you. No matter what you wear, your joy and excitement will be your best accessory.

Cutie Covers: The Only Blanket Keeping Your Cutie Covered!

Sandy — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 14:49:17 +0000

Although baby blankets are made to keep a baby warm and cozy, mothers alike use the standard baby blankets to shield their little ones from cool air, germs, and unwanted hands from finding their way into the car seat. Cutie Covers created the only baby blanket keeping your cutie covered. Designed to be both posh and practical, cutie covers easily and securely fasten to the handle of your infant seat.

Whether the blanket is laid open or folded over, it is sure to stay in place. This conveniently designed baby blanket provides the newest of moms with comfort in knowing her little one’s blanket cannot be blown away or kicked to the ground. More importantly, fewer hands reach your precious little one when Cutie Covers shields the seat. Cutie Covers offers a variety of vibrant styles and colors as unique as the cutie it covers!

Every mother-to-be anxiously awaits the arrival of the newest, most amazing part of her world. A mother’s bond with her baby forms far before the delivery and continues to the end of time. The bond between mother and child is where Cutie Covers was born.

The company was founded by a Mother (now Grandmother) and Daughter (now Mommy) who understand and value the unexplainable bond between mother and child. Their goal for Cutie Covers is not only to provide women with products as unique as the tiny package they are designed for, but to simplify motherhood with practical products for life with an infant.

Cutie Covers are designed with the most precious consumer in mind, your new baby. Customers take comfort in knowing the products are as safe and convenient as they are sassy and fashionable.

We were sent a beautiful Classic Cutie Pink Blanket. It was soft and warm and a great size for the car seat. We were able to give it to my niece for her baby shower as she is expecting a baby girl in April, and we were the hit of the baby shower, as no one had heard of or seen a Cutie Cover. I must say there were quite a few women going home to check out the website for their own and how to order them. Wonderful Blanket!

Willa June Jewelry – Review and Giveaway!

Kia — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 04:43:13 +0000

One of my favorite things about Chinese food is afterward when we get the fortune cookies. Since I was a little girl, I always wondered how those little cookies were made and how they got those little notes on the inside. Hm. I thought they were so pretty and so simple, so when I saw silver fortune cookies made by Willa June Jewelry, I was in love immediately. Willa June jewelry is a cute shop filled with fine silver, copper, and bronze clay jewelry all made by hand. Erin, the wonderful owner of the shop, named the shop after her grandmother Willa June. Her grandmother was her inspiration for pursuing jewelry. What a wonderful background story! Erin is a graduate student and also makes jewelry, and she does a great job with her shop. My favorite item of course is the silver fortune cookie necklace, which is made of fine silver and hand-crafted to form the fortune cookie shape. It even has a silver fortune featuring the shop’s initials sticking out of one side! This fave is followed by the mini charm necklace that says “I’m an artist“. It’s a perfect gift for any artist! So cute! There are necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets in so many different styles, it’s just hard to choose only one.

I had the chance to review a pair of copper swirl earrings by Willa June Jewelry. They’re so delicate and small, and the color is just gorgeous; it looks great with red or copper colored hair. The earrings are rectangles with copped swirls etched into them… I don’t know how Erin got those swirls so tiny yet so perfect, but she did it! They’re beautiful and look great with professional attire or with a simple white tee and jeans. No matter what color metal is your favorite, you’re definitely bound to find your favorite jewelry piece at Willa June Jewelry. I’m willing to bet!

Erin is giving away her silver fortune cookie necklace to one lucky PJ Mommy reader! She is also giving 15% off for PJ Mommy readers using the coupon code PJMOMMY until the end of the giveaway! For a chance to win, check out the rules below

~RULES~

1. Contest is open to US READERS!

2. Visit Willa June Jewelry and tell us your favorite item in the shop. THIS IS MANDATORY.

~Additional Entries~

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your comment.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered the Renaissance Jewelry giveaway over @pjmommy

4. “Like” or join our Facebook fan page.

CONTEST ENDS: MARCH 18, 2011 @ MIDNIGHT EST.

Renaissance Jewelry Review & Giveaway!

Kia — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 02:08:49 +0000

So for people like me, Valentine’s Day is a very exciting holiday. I look forward to getting the typicals… the candy, bear, maybe a piece of jewelry. I haven’t had that luxury for a while, but since I got engaged last month (yay!), I feel the need to do something equally special for the guy in my life. I feel like it’s unfair… why do we get stylish rings for engagement and the guys get nothing? Probably because we don’t have money readily available to drop on an expensive ring. But what if you can get nice rings without breaking the bank, hm? Well, that’s where Renaissance Jewelry comes about. Renaissance Jewelry features rings made of aerospace grade titanium and cobalt, and they can be made with silver or 14 karat gold inlay as well. Or, for the flashy, there are also tension set rings that have a gemstone set snugly in between the two sides of metal. There are so many styles to choose from as well as a bunch of stone choices for the tension set rings. And, there are a lot of them under 50 dollars! The rings come in a variety of widths Titanium is very sturdy, does not rust, and holds a beautiful shine; they would be perfect for a guy on the go. Jamie, the awesome artist, crafts these rings by hand and offers free sizing in quarter, half, and whole sizes, so you’re sure to get the exact size you need. If you so desire, they can also stamp the inside of your ring with a custom message!

I was privileged enough to review this lovely comfort fit band from Renaissance Jewelry. The 4mm tension set band was my absolute fave out of the shop, but I decided to be kind and do something nice for the fiance. And I must say that the quality of the ring is impeccable. The ring displays a cross brush finish and the outside edges are very shiny and bright; a gorgeous contrast. It’s smooth and wonderfully crafted… and for 30 bucks its totally worth it! I’m surprised the rings aren’t more expensive for the great quality they possess.

Jamie is giving one lucky reader a choice of one of THREE rings at Renaissance Jewelry! There is a plain brushed titanium band, a shiny titanium wedding band set, and a tension set ring to choose from. What a great opportunity to get a ring for yourself or that special someone. Or, if none of these fit your style, there are over 200 styles for you to buy and one is definitely bound to tickle your fancy. For a chance to win, check out the rules below!

~RULES~

1. Contest is open to ALL READERS! U.S. and abroad!

3. Visit Renaissance Jewelry and tell us your favorite ring in the shop, as well as who would receive it if you were to win. THIS IS MANDATORY.

~Additional Entries~

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your comment.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered the Renaissance Jewelry giveaway over @pjmommy

4. “Like” or join our Facebook fan page.

5. “Like” Renaissance Jewelry on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/RenaissanceJewelry/152700444507)

CONTEST ENDS: FEBRUARY 28, 2011 @ MIDNIGHT EST.

I Am What I Am – Review and Giveaway

Kia — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 23:49:20 +0000

I love going to those all-in-one kinds of stores… the ones where you can pick up a nice shirt for the evening, buy a bike, and also get a carton of eggs. It’s kind of difficult to find those kinds of places in regards to jewelry though. Hm. I really like finding jewelry shops like that that have a little more than just awesome jewelry. That’s how I found I Am What I Am, a cute jewelry shop with jewelry that features positive, uplifting messages stamped on them… and they aren’t always in English, which makes it so much cooler. The artist, Jessi, makes buttons, mirrors, and handstamps pieces of jewelry with phrases such as “amour de ma vie“, meaning “love of my life” in French, and “alis volat propiis“, which is “she flies by her own wings” in Latin. There are bracelets, rings, and necklaces available to be stamped with beautiful exotic messages, and there are also pocket mirrors, buttons, and hair accessories! See? All in one!

I had the chance to see a couple of Jessi’s items up close and personal. The first item was a pocket mirror with cute little stick people and hearts on it. I fell in love with this one first, because nobody says beauty has to be elaborate and overbearing. I thought it was the most adorable thing ever, and I thought it was cool how that design was on the back and then the mirror was on the front and was clean and shiny! I love festive mirrors! The other two were a keychain and a magnet with fun little sayings and designs on the back. I loved all three items! I know that her jewelry has to be as flawless as the three items I received… Jessi takes good care of every piece that she makes and they come out beautifully. Not only can you find positive jewelry that celebrates the person that you are, but you can get other accessories as well! What more could a girl as for?

Jessi is giving away her I Am Strong copper cuff to one lucky PJ Mommy reader. The cuff reads alis volat propiis, or “she flies by her own wings” in Latin. It is polished and oxidized and would be beautiful on any wrist. For a chance to win, check out the rules below!

~RULES~

1. Contest is open to ALL READERS! U.S. and abroad!

2. You must leave a comment on our blog finishing the statement “I am ___,” filling it with a word that describes you and why.

3. Visit I Am What I Am and tell us your favorite item in the shop. THIS IS MANDATORY.

~Additional Entries~

1. Subscribe to our email RSS Feed with the same email as you use in your comment.

2. Subscribe to our @pjmommy Twitter account.

3. Tweet saying: I’ve entered I Am What I Am giveaway over @pjmommy

4. “Like” or join our Facebook fan page.

5. “Like” I Am What I Am on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/iamwhatiamshop)

CONTEST ENDS: FEBRUARY 13, 2011 @ MIDNIGHT EST.

I Make Cute Stuff Jewelry

Kia — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:41:17 +0000

I’ve always loved the random action exclamations in comic books. Not only was it hilarious for me to see “WHAM!” or “POW!” whenever a villain got hit, but I found it amusing that you never actually went out in public and said these things in regular conversation. Well… at least normal people don’t. I throw “BLAST!” and “BAOW!” into conversation on a regular basis; it makes me feel like I’m in a comic book. Then I came across I Make Cute Stuff, a shop that captures these exclamations in the same exciting bubbles we’d see them in in comic books, but Marlo, the artist, creates them in sterling silver. I must say that my favorite one is the Blammo necklace, simply because I love that. It reminds me of Batman! And for the guys, there are also custom superhero cuff links in sterling silver and you can have your favorite superhero phrase on them. And that’s only half of the awesomeness of Marlo’s shop; she also makes secret promise rings, which are sterling silver bands that have your own personal message engraved on the inside. Only you and the wearer know what the engraved message is. They are perfect for men as well as women, and they are even sold in sets so both halves can have a ring! The rings are thick, solid silver and the engraving is the perfect depth and can be in block letters or in calligraphy. Marlo’s shop has the perfect name; she does make some cute stuff. Go check out her shop and pick some out for yourself! KaBLAM!

New Kid’s Trend-Tribandz Interchangeable Face

Sandy — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:02:51 +0000

Move over SillyBandz, there’s a brand new ‘must have’ for kids that are all the rage! Now kids can liven up a plain, solid colored silicone bracelet with a fun picture or design.

TriBandz is the newest of the silicone bracelet trend that comes in fun bright colors even has a unique interchangeable face. Kids can choose from over 1,000 different images and designs (Tribbz) within 36 different categories ranging from holidays, cars, fashion, let’s talk, sports, flowers and many more! You can even trade your Tribbz with your friends! TriBandz are made from 100% silicone and come in 6 bright vibrant band colors. Kids are sure to have fun with TriBandz!

www.tribandz.com

I received a sample of these Tribandz, and the kids went crazy! They loved the fact they could change the pictures to fit their moods, and just be wacky. We are getting the assorted pack the pictures so they can have a huge assortment of pictures to play with. Great fun for the kids.