A few of our favorite summer looks...

Japanese Weekend Top at
Pickles and Ice Cream - On sale for$59.99

Notice Top
Picles and Ice Cream -On Sale $69.99

Jules and Jim Top
Pickles and Ice Cream - $99

Maternal America
Euphoria Maternity - $82

Best Of...Babywearing 2008

CARRIER BRAND: Sleepy Wrap
CARRIER STYLE: Wrap
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 8
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 8.5
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 10
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 10
COST: $33.95
WHERE TO BUY: Sleepy Wrap
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We loved the adjustability and softness of this product. Two different people that are completely different sizes can share this wrap, and it will work wonderfully as it can be customized easily to fit anyone.
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We can’t really think of anything!
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: This wrap also is GREAT for being outdoors and doing lots of walking, etc. Very snug, very wonderful.


CARRIER BRAND: Hotslings - Everyday Collection
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 10
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 8
COST: $48.00
WHERE TO BUY: Hotslings.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We LOVED the large selection of prints. It’s like an awesome new accessory!
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: The sizing. Depending on your size and body type, the sizing can be a little off. We’d love to see a new sizing chart.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We adored the look of this sling. Very chic, machine washable, and a beautiful print! And, as will all of the Hotslings, they offer leg padding for your infant’s comfort.


CARRIER BRAND: Hotslings - Designer collection
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 9
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 8
COST: $60.00
WHERE TO BUY: Hotslings.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: Very cute and fresh print.
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: Sizing Chart.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS:



CARRIER BRAND: Hotslings - Reversible Collection
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 7 - would love to see more choices for the reversible slings. (Especially some of the prints they already carry, but made into reversible slings)
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 8
COST: $60.00
WHERE TO BUY: Hotslings.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We liked the fact that one sling could be turned inside out and reused. This was perfect for casual wear or more dressier settings. Plus, if one side gets a little spot on it (before you can get home to wash it), turn it inside out and it still looks fabulous!
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: Sizing chart.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: Wish there was as big of a selection in prints as their other collection, but still great.


CARRIER BRAND: Hotslings - Organic Collection
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 7
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 8
COST: $50.00
WHERE TO BUY: Hotslings.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: It’s made of organic material and is still the same trusted Hotslings design!
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: Sizing Chart.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We want to be earth-friendly and chic, too! We’d love to see more fun colors/prints in the organic line!



CARRIER BRAND: Modmum
CARRIER STYLE: Pouch
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 9
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 8
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 8
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 7
COST: $64.00
WHERE TO BUY: Modmum.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: The funky designs - and reversible!
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: This sling is not for the really really petite. The smallest size offered is still a little extra roomy for the super tiny ladies.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We’d love to see more design options! Does not have leg padding.


CARRIER BRAND: Maya
CARRIER STYLE: Lightly Padded Ring Sling
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 7
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 6COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 7
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 7
COST: $55.95
WHERE TO BUY: Mayawrap.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: We liked that sling was adjustable in two different places.
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: You had to put your baby in and then, it took some time to adjust it properly.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We also weren’t a fan of the fabric selection. They were pretty in a very earthy way, but for those of us that want to sport something more fashionable WHILE carrying our babies, there wasn’t much to choose from.


CARRIER BRAND: Infantino - 6-in-1-rider
CARRIER STYLE: Ergo Baby Carrier
EASE OF USE ( 1TO 10): 3 - The directions left a lot to be desired, and there were an awful lot of snaps and buckles.
FABRIC CHOICE (COLOR/STYLE/FEEL) (1 TO 10): 1
COMFORT LEVEL (1 TO 10): 4
OVERALL DESIGN OF PRODUCT (1 TO 10): 2
COST: Ranges from $15 - $25
WHERE TO BUY: Walmart and Amazon.com
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: It was fairly inexpensive.
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS PRODUCT/USING THIS PRODUCT: If the snaps are weak (as ours must have been) - even though it was brand new - and your baby is put into the carrier, you could hear some snaps popping. You better be ready to catch them.
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: We don’t recommend this product.

Gypsy Soules

We've got something on our minds, over here at First Impressions - something that combines some of our favorite things: sparkles, pink, and shoes! Gypsy Soules by Van Glow Jewels are some of the most beautiful flip-flops we've seen yet! All of their flip-flops "are handmade and set with real Swarovski crystals, high quality cowhides, and Italian leathers."

We're excited because not only are these darling shoes PERFECT to wear with your black pants and skirts, but also because proceeds from this special Breast Cancer Edition will be donated to fight for a cure! How awesome is that?

We give these comfortable flip-flops a two thumbs up - not only for a well made product, but also for what they stand for. These would make a great gift for any woman in your life, no matter her age (and not to mention, perfect for an expecting mom!)

Click HERE to buy yours now!

Bazura Bags - EcoFriendly Bags

Want something fun, fresh, and eco-friendly to hit off your back to school appearance? Check out Bazura Bags, and their line of Back To School bags.


The Zipper Shoulder bag would be great for all of your school essentials, and it's big enough for books, too! You'll never have to worry about getting your bags mixed up again!


Bazura Bags also makes tiny bags, perfect for carrying around your pencils and pens!
A really great organizer, that folds up compactly - great whether you want to hang it in your locker, your bathroom (for all of your essentials), or even carry it around with your money, checkbook, and coupons! Best of all, slim chance you'll forget it and leave it lying around!
Bazura Bags' Two Pocket School Bag is a great messenger-style bag for the young and young at heart. Each bag features 2 exterior pockets, as well as an inside divider pocket.


These bags are great, not only for back to school, but also for everyday use, including as diaper bags! The colorful juice packets that these bags are made of truly make them one of a kind, funky, and colorful! These unique bags are not only easily washable pretty much waterproof, but they are also eco-friendly and made out recycled materials - a true "trash to treasure" find!

You can check out the entire line of bags available HERE.

Babywearing 101 - Part II

When it comes to babywearing, there are literally thousands of choices. For newbies, the choices can be a little daunting. Below, are the basic types of slings:

Pouch Sling
A pouch sling is a piece of fabric which is sewn together at the ends (making a tube) and folded to form a pocket. The “tube” of fabric is folded in on itself and then draped over the shoulder (putting one arm and head inside the “hole”) like a sash. The baby then can sit in the pouch in the front or side (and sometimes, back). These slings are easy to use and great for slipping on and off. However, be sure to measure well for the sizing, because if you choose the wrong size it will most likely not be adjustable. Also, you and your partner will most likely need two different slings (unless you are the exact same size). Because pouch slings are not adjustable, it can be difficult to get a snug carrying position, especially one that fits tightly against your body.
Examples: Modmum, Hotslings


Ring Sling
This is a long piece of fabric where one end is attached to two rings and the other end is threaded through them, forming a “sash” of sorts. The fabric creates a “pocket” and the different edges of the fabric can be pulled tighter, to create a more snug hold. Some ring slings feature padding in the shoulder (so the fabric doesn’t dig in) and in the edges (or rails - where baby’s legs are) for extra comfort. Ring slings are good for vertical distribution of weight, and are quick to get on and off. The ‘tail’ material can be used for discreet breastfeeding, and can even be wrapped around the ring if becomes uncomfortable. With a ring sling, many parents can share the same sling (except in large size differences).
Examples: Maya Ring Sling

Wrap Sling
This is a long, stretchy piece of fabric which you wrap and tie around your body so that your baby is held securely. With wraps, you generally tie the wrap around your body first and then slip your baby/toddler in. Wraps are great for distributing weight across your body as you can wrap between your shoulders. This wrap is incredibly versatile and can be worn by parents in a variety of sizes.
Examples: Sleepy Wrap

Backpacks and Soft Carriers
The backpack carrier is basically a carrier with straps that go over the shoulders, much like a backpack. Baby can be worn in the front or back. Some backpack carriers are even equipped with neck support for infants.
Examples

**Would you like your baby carrier listed as an example? Contact me (see right - buttons) for more information.

How to fold a Tshirt

Step 1
Lay down the shirt horizontally and faceup in front of you with the neck on the left-hand side.


Step 2
Pinch the shirt on the side opposite you at two points: with your left hand, at the collar; and with your right hand, halfway down the shirt, parallel with your left hand.


Step 3
While holding the two points, cross your left hand over your right, bringing the shoulder down to meet the shirt’s bottom hem, and grab the hem.


Step 4
Lift the shirt so that it hangs in front of you. Uncross your arms, without letting go of the shirt, and pull the fold taut as you do so.


Step 5
Place the shirt on the table. One sleeve should be sticking out. Fold over the sleeve, and fold over the side. Flip over the shirt.

*From RealSimple.com

Susan Murphy Inc. - a review

I thought it was time to introduce to you a new line of totes (and other personalized goodies) by Susan Murphy Inc.

Susan makes a lovely assortment of bags (you can even request a specific color and saying) that is great for the whole family! Use these bags to go shopping, as a purse, as an overnight bag, or any other purpose you can dream up!

Susan Murphy Inc. allows you to also choose whether you'd like to turn your bag into a "gift bag" - filled to the brim with goodies.

Check 'em out and tell us WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE??

PS - You know that challenge I issued the other day? This one? This would be a great bag to help you use less trash. Use it as a gift bag or as your grocery bag!!

Nursing with Style

You HAVE to check out Fussypants' blog entry about Nursing with Style HERE.

Basically she says that most women should avoid nursing clothes at all cost. And, to cover your tummy while you nurse with your regular clothes, buy a good quality camisole (like at the sports stores) that is thick and stretchy. Cut out holes for your "girls" and wear under your clothes.

Your tummy stays covered, and you have access where you need it (or baby does).

But, check out her blog...she has pictures and everything!

Gal Pal Everything Tape

It's very possible that this only happens to me. But, on the off-chance that it's NOT just me, I wanted to share.

What really can be worse than your hem coming un-done at a fancy-shmancy dinner? --Your blouse gaping open at the most inopportune moment and giving your great Uncle Marty an eyeful. That's what.

Or, what about buying a really beautiful, strapless dress for a great night out...and then realizing that your bra shows if you move your arms - at all. You COULD run into the bathroom and pout...or you could pull out Gal Pal's Everything Tape and fix it in seconds!

This innovative tape is great for everything from hemlines to missing buttons to keeping your clothes looking oh-so-perfect. Better yet? You don't need an iron, and it's totally removable when it's time to wash your clothing.

I'm officially declaring (whatever that means) this product as a MUST HAVE for your purses. Who knows the genius things you'll come up with to use it!

Gal Pal - My new best friend

For some odd reason, people have it in their heads that MOMMIES = FRUMPY. What gives you that idea? You think that just because we try to entertain crying children on essentially no sleep every day and have become their personal maids - that now we have to be FRUMPY, too? I'm not sure where this idea came from - but let me tell you: having children does NOT mean that we no longer want to be sexy. I mean, we don't actually enjoy being spit up on, peed on, and having peas and bananas thrown at us...

In fact, we look forward to evenings where we actually get to go somewhere nice...and adult. Without. The. Kids. Truly. It's even more fun when we get to dress up - That is, until we figure out that the baby has been in your closet....again....this time, with peas.

Your beloved little black dress? Now has a little dark green patch. Peas. And, now...the world is ending. You simply can't go out with the peas and no other dress will do.

So, the way I see it, is you have 3 options, really.

Option 1: Throw a fit and lock yourself in the bathroom and refuse to come out. Unfortunately this never plays out well...so, I'm going to suggest you move along to option 2 or 3.

Option 2: Smear peas on the rest of your dress and hope for dim lighting. Make up a fabulous designer name and swear that it's a new overlay on your dress...and hope nobody touches you...or smells the peas.

Option 3: Use your Gal Pal. It will rid your dress of small crusty food spots, as well as that hideous line of deodorant that you didn't notice - until you were almost at the restaurant. I'm also loving the Gal Pal travel kit. These mini- Gal Pals are 2 sided and can do everything the bigger Gal Pal can do. Food, lint, deodorant marks, and hair don't stand a chance any longer.

And, you? Well, you no longer have an excuse as to why you can't go out and have a little fun.

DaisyGear

It's time for another option for diaper bags. When you think of a great diaper bag, what is it that comes to your mind? Stylish and fun? Sleek design? Plenty of pockets to make organizing a cinch? Built in key holder so you never lose your keys? A specially designed changing pad (included) that fits easily into an inner pocket? An exterior cellphone pocket? Well, friend...you are looking at a DaisyGear Lava Tote.

Each Lava tote is 12"high x 15"wide x 4" deep, perfect for everyday excursions with baby to shopping trips to a day on campus. You can get yours in a variety of great prints and colors to suit your every whim!

Little Missmatched - Socks!

Socks can be sooo boooorrrriiiinnnnggg! But not Little Missmatched socks! With each set, you get 3 mismatched (yet coordinating) socks.

Choose from liners (really really low socks), anklets, toe socks, knee highs, and fuzzy "marshmallow" socks that are oh-s0-soft. These awesome socks come in a variety of fun patterns and bright colors.

Whether you just love color or need a way to spruce up your 9-5 workweek with some vibrant color, these socks are great!

Be different. Be you. We dare you.

embrace.

I'm pretty much known for being able to pull a "Mary Poppins" when it comes to my purse and bags. You'd be amazed at what I can pull out of a purse. Oh, you need something for your headache? Got it. Bandaid? Got it. Something to keep the baby calm? Got it. Food? Got it. Umbrella? One second.

So, I get pretty excited when new products come along that will make my life a little easier...and it's just icing on the cake if I can fit it in the diaper bag or my purse easily!

I'd like to introduce Embrace Fresh Pair and The Bra Strap Solution.

Fresh Pair is a set of 20 soap leaves infused with fresh pear undertones. Each leaf dissolves quickly, making a GREAT product to pack when you are on the go. Fresh Pair can be used to wash your underwear while traveling (say goodbye nasty hotel soap!) and could be a great thing to keep in your purse if let's say - you drive a POS car or live in an area where weather conditions could keep you in a hotel/motel WITHOUT your suitcase. Grandma always taught me to carry an extra pair of underwear, but let's face it - it gets quite embarrassing when you reach into your purse to pull out a kleenex for your little one's nose - in church - and instead, you pull out your lacy red panties. Wouldn't it be so much nicer to just have this lovely leaf soap on hand?

The Bra Strap Solution is a great, innovative product that can turn your bra into a cross-back style at moments notice. This product is great for impromptu plans, and means less packing if you are traveling because you can use one bra with many different tops!

I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

...Let's get a little crazy!

Funky meets Creative and a little bit Quirky with LittleMissMatched. I love these bright, funky, and you guessed it..."missmatched" designs. A few of my favorites are the black/white heidi hat, fabulous scarf, and the blue dots tights.

In classic black and white, the hat and scarf teeter on the verge of classic and funky, a perfect combination. Both are incredibly soft, and so very comfortable. And, there's no getting bored with these two, because at moment's notice you can flip them over for a new print!

So, go ahead...check out LittleMissMatched and mix your life up a little!

Girl 32 for the Smart Girl

I love winter hats, but winter seems to limit the way I can wear my hair! I mean, If I take the time to blow dry my hair, I may not be willing to wear a hat that I know will most likely end in flyaways. Unfortunately, the only type of "ponytail" I can wear with conventional winter hat are pigtails.

But, now there is a new hat in town. Girl 32! This hat has Swarovski crystal buttons in the back, so you can wear your hair up or down! Girl 32 has awesome hats that are fashionable and make sense! And, they come in sooo many colors and patterns, so you are sure to find something you like!

But, hats aren't the only smart things Girl 32 has come up with. Girl 32 also has a line of scarves and gloves. The scarves have a hidden zippered pocket, perfect for a key, credit card, or whatever! Girl 32 gloves have removable fingertips on the thumb and forefinger - perfect for grasping hard to hold objects.

Fashion + Function = Girl 32

Finally!

Sorry Vera, Mommy doesn't love you anymore

Until tonight, I had thought my Vera Bradley diaper bag was the best thing ever. Despite the fact my good friend thought it was probably the ugliest bag ever (and nobody would dare carry one where she was from), I happened to like it. It carried more than my other 2 bags, and I liked the bright and vibrant design. My husband on the other hand...didn't share my love...and wanted something a bit more....manly.

As I got a few more requests for other looking for the same thing, I decided to try something new. It's a great line of bags made just for dads...so they don't mind wearing them through the mall.

I'd like to introduce Dadgear.

I was excited to find a product my husband would be proud to tote around, so he'd have his very own non-girly bag. We tried out the Dadgear backpack. This backpack has more pockets and great things than I can even begin to tell you...but, I'll try! It comes with a changing pad, a baby wipes box with a special access window on the front, two pockets for the bottles on each side (holds two bottles each), a diaper hammock to keep diapers easily accessible, a clip to hold your keys, and a huge main pocket. I was amazed when hubby emptied the comments of our diaper bag into the backpack and THEN came looking for more things he could add (like extra toys). Even after the toys, our Dadgear backpack could have still fit more, and even so...it felt a lot lighter than the Vera Bradley Diaper Bag.

So, I think we have a winner. Sorry Vera, Mommy doesn't love you anymore.

LTD chix

I love being a mother, I really do! But, sometimes you've just got to laugh at irony. LTD chix has a line of great shirts that say it all! From "referee" to "shopping" to "laundry," these shirts say it all with vibrant colors and a great sense of humor (and fashion).

A little more about LTD chix:

We didn’t know that along with the beauty and rewards of watching our children grow, we’d also have to contend with the daily mind-numbing tasks that go along with it! But we’ve got to keep on smiling and persevere!

In the summer of 2005, our two families were spending the day together at the beach. Late that afternoon, as we wrestled to get seven rambunctious kids back into the truck, we both sat back and laughed at the insanity of it all. Kids were fighting, sand was all over the place, wet bathing suits were soaking into the seats, someone had lost a flip-flop and two boogie boards were sticking out the back window. We had to laugh…instead of pounding our foreheads into the car until we passed out.

What had happened to that idyllic dream of being the perfect mom with the perfect kids and the perfect life?

We came to a few conclusions that day. First: this was it. We were Living the Dream. Being a Mom really is tough sometimes, we’re faced fairly often with some pretty insane and chaotic situations, and WE LOVE IT! We wouldn’t trade it for the world!

On the way home that night, we started talking about how we got to this point in our lives. Why hadn't anyone told us? Did we ever truly understand when we were younger just how much time we’d spend every day doing laundry, carting our kids to activities, cooking, house cleaning and countless other chores in and out of the home?

Back when we were sitting at our orderly desks in our organized workplaces, balancing budgets and spending our paychecks on business suits and happy hour, we had no clue what was in store when we traded in 9-to-5 for 24/7. We decided then and there that we should come up with a line of T-shirts that relate to all the moms out there – shirts that really express what we all experience on a daily basis.

pendants

I know I post a lot of things geared to mom or the small child, so I thought I'd post something a little different. There's this cute little store called Bling for Mommy and Me and they will make you personalized necklaces! With each pendant purchase, you get:

1 Rubber Necklace, your choice of color
2 spacers of each kind, per pendant you choose

Each pendant is handmade of polymer clay and mounted on a steel plate.

They are great for kids, teens, and even moms. I'm just amazed at how many ways you can wear them! You can pick a pendant to represent each of your children...or you can pick a pendant to represent YOU!

Check them out and give them as a gift to someone special just in time for Christmas!

all dressed up

Sheath Dress with Jewel Embellishment

Pleated Shift Dress

Tweed Shift Dress

Fundamentals Dress

Rose Garden Dress

Watusi Shift

Spotlight Dress

If you find yourself in need of a holiday dress: here are some of my favorites! I hope you like them...and maybe it'll save you some time traipsing through the crowded malls...