The Cake Mamas Would Rather Wear Than Eat

Want-it Wednesdays:

When you’re pregnant, the words “mint,” “toffee,” “chocolate” and “torte” immediately give you tasty visions of sugar plums (and probably create a little craving, too.) On the other hand, the idea of bras and undies when you’re pregnant certainly doesn't conjure up any sweet thoughts, but rather ugly images of “boulder holders.”  

And that’s where the expectant and nursing moms’ lingerie line Cake cut in.

Taking one of the biggest complaints of moms and moms-to-be, the company gave itself a name that was sure to ignite the want in every mama! And just in time for Valentine’s Day, Cake’s sweet line offers the much-needed style and polish for new and expecting moms that can make you look beautiful when you don't always feel that way (pregnancy certainly does a number on you.) 

Here's a little sampler of the Cake line: 

(Hint to dads and hubbies: this is a great present for Valentine's Day gift for your baby's mama!)

Mint Toffee Bra and Boy Shorts

Toffee is a confection made by caramelizing sugar or molasses and adding butter and occasionally flour. The mixture is decadently sweet and so is Cake’s Mint Toffee.  Gorgeous green color and sleek styling, it is ULTRA HIP looking and sophisticated.

Shortbread Bra and French Knickers

Shortbread is a classic Scottish dessert made with flour, sugar, and butter. For centuries shortbread was expensive and reserved as a luxury for special occasions such as Christmas.  Shortbread from Cake pairs FUN COLORS of orchid and green on a smart tartan frame and then adds cream-colored lace! Sure to wow a young mama and make her feel like a goddess.

Cotton Candy T-Back Bra and Briefs

Remember watching spellbound as the cotton candy maker at the fair spins a confection that looks like pillows of wool but melts in your mouth like a snowflake? Light pink, soft and pretty and considered one of “The Most Comfortable Maternity Bras,: the bra has a feminine, sporty design. Uniquely constructed with a silky soft knit and intelligently placed support panels, Cotton Candy will expand and change with the woman who wears it.

Cake lingerie and sleep wear (so comfortable and beautiful) is sold in more than 30 countries and 350 stores worldwide including Nordstrom’s in Dallas as well as online. 

At least if you're breastfeeding or sitting there with swollen feet your bra looks good, right? 

DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Making dinner taste (REALLY) good - Jack's Southern Comfort Food

Food Fridays

While Jack's Southern Comfort Food opened only last Friday, as soon as you walk in the doors at 1905 Greenville Avenue and take a seat, you feel like you are already home...at least a part of  longtime Dallas/Fort Worth restaurateur Scott Jones'. His latest comfort food eatery pays homage to this culinarian’s humble roots - Louisiana Cajun creole from his Mother’s side with the big bold downhome Texas cooking of his dad (for which the place is named.)  

Another perfect example of his southern hospitality can be tasted right at the counter with chocolate chip cookies, just like you would at home, giving you that I'm-home-kind-of-feeling.

Upside down pot pie, mac and cheese, real-deal gumbo, watermelon lemonade and deviled eggs served in vintage deviled-egg holders were just part of the warm and fuzzy afternoon spent at Jack's. I love that the dishes were all served with mismatched plates all collected from sales and old cabinets to put together the spots plateware.

A perfect mix of bright colors among photos of retro toasters, deviled eggs and other fun finds (like Ross Perot's smug mug) is a perfect example of Jones' concept for the place.  Just make sure you show respect to his mom (she's the beautiful woman in the center.)

I'm obsessed with aprons, so I love this one that seemed so perfect for the Jack's staff. The hand-made aprons are made from old jean shorts, skirts and more! Best of all, they offer the“It’s All Relative” aprons and tea towels for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Bridge Breast Network, a non-profit that saves lives by linking low income, uninsured individuals to diagnostic and treatment services for breast cancer.

Chow-chow, onion relish and something I've never heard of called Mayhaw jelly makes eating at Jack's like a Sunday supper at my Grandma's. The centerpieces used on the tables also include fresh cut green onions in small mason jars (giving the feeling that they just came from the garden.)

The best part of Jack's isn't even at the restaurant - it's at home. There are several options for casseroles, ready-made salads and of course, desserts and sticky biscuits that you can take home. And for me, not only is that option awesome, but the fact they'll serve my kids complimentary after-school snacks like pimento cheese roll-ups and fruit salad (to die for) while I pick out our take-home dinner for the night, makes it a new S.O.S (save our supper) kind-of-place. For our custom casserole choice, we mixed a little bit of everything that our family liked (corn, chicken, pasta and more) into a dish and then popped it in the oven for 30 minutes to create Tuesday night's dinner. (If I hadn't brought in a sack,  no one would have know the difference...we'll that and that it tasted good.)

While I can tell you the biscuits are reason enough to come on in for a spell, I know I'll be back come the holidays with a special catering menu to make you look like a rockstar. Deep fried turkey, honey backed ham, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and of course, dessert and rolls will be packaged up to take straight from their kitchen to your dining room table. Just make sure you throw away the sacks before everyone comes in, so when you tell them it's homemade, your family will believe you.

Jack’s Southern Comfort Food
1905 Greenville Avenue
BYOB
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
www.jackssoutherncomfortfood.com
214.821.0900
Facebook  | Twitter

This story also appeared on DallasFoodNerd.com on October 9, 2012.

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Love Your Kid's Laces with Shoe Fobbz

Wow Mom Wednesdays

While I'm on top of the cool things for five-year olds, I'll admit, I'm not the authority on what makes six-year olds (and up) say, "That's cool mom." 

Earlier this summer I got the chance to get my hands on 16 sets of Gutzy Gear, a line of backpack straps and patches to personalize and accessorize your kiddo's backpack. I shared them with my son's class as a back-to-school gift and the class went wild. I wasn't ready for the reaction, but I've learned that I should keep my ear to the ground when it comes to what's the next big thing. (You remember those rubberband bracelets, right?)

Gutzy Gear gives kids a chance to personalize their backpack with removable patches.

So when I caught wind of Shoe Fobbz, I was willing to see what the buzz was about. As a Croc-wearing family (we have dozens, really), I was already aware of Jibbitz (the genius idea to personalize your Crocs with little charms that your kids will bug you to have.) However, Fobbz are the equivalent of Jibbitz, but for tennis shoes. 

Since we were currently are embarking on "real shoes" for winter versus our sandals for summer, these made our transition from our "Lego and Thomas Crocs" to big-kid shoes much easier. Best of all, at less than $5 and cute packaging, I've be using these as favors for birthday gifts, so the kids then switch them out at school. 

So when my kid found out I had the Halloween monsters pack, I got a "cool, mom!," so it's totally means it's worth a share for "Wow Mom! Wednesdays!"

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Lose a Dress Size with Just a Wink

Me Mondays

My family recently celebrated my daughter’s first birthday…while it was a day of joy for my daughter; I’ll admit I was sad that after a year, I was still carrying my baby weight (and then some.) While I wish that this post was the miracle way I dropped 20 lbs., at least I can share that I figured out how to drop a dress size… at least for a couple of hours.

Actually after two kids, things on my body don’t look or feel the way they used to (to say the least.) And while I’m working to get things back in order with diet and exercise, there are certainly some areas that need all the help that I can get. During my first pregnancy, I didn't know anything about belly bands or post-pregnancy garments and how they can help get the body put back into place. However, several weeks later, I realized that I needed a little more (or a lot more) help than what the band could do. I needed something that didn't just put my baby weight in place, but helped me in all the other places, too.

So I began the search for something that could do more for me and didn't end up either in my purse at the end of the night or rolled up underneath my bra creating one more extra roll.  I purchased cheap ones, expensive brands, belly bands, full-thigh girdles and even a tank top in hopes to find the ideal solution for making me look like Jennifer Lopez without all the workouts and salmon. While each of them may solve one problem area, I was trading one body issue for another (lovely).

Photo courtesy of Wink Shapewear

When I was offered the chance to try a new brand, I was anxious to see how I would be mushed up, sucked up, and all the other things that happen when you put on a girdle – or shapewear as they now call it. However, anything could be better than the way things were looking nowadays.

My Wink Belly & Hip Shaper is perfect for post partum weight issues as well as those like myself that are holding on to the baby way after the fact. Unlike other bands (I've tried several), it is longer than the average band, and extends well beyond hip level. It is secured on the bottom and the top with a customary elastic band so it will not ride up when you sit down (I've tried four different ones and this one is the only one that doesn't roll.) This length provides compression at the waist as well as the hips, thereby compressing and shrinking belly and hips up to two sizes. Best of all, with size panels of hook and eye closure on the side, it allows for adjustment and tightening as your size goes down and the fabric allows your skin to breathe, so you aren't sweating underneath that dress you’ve been working to get into for weeks.

Photo courtesy of Wink Shapewear

Need a little more help in some other places? Don’t worry – they have those too. From postpartum compression, booty lifting and even active wear, Wink has several CUTE options that still make you feel attractive – without feeling like a mummy. 

And with a name like Wink – this woman-owned business promises it won’t tell (or show) that you’ve had a little help to look that good.

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Chase the monsters out of your kids room with "Marlow and the Monster"

Weekend Whatever

With a four-year old and a one-year old, thankfully, we haven’t entered the phase of “monsters,” YET. However, it’s nice to prepare myself with something as easy to have as a book to add to our staple “parenting” kit.

Marlow and the Monster by Sharon Cramer

Monsters hide under beds, in closets and lurk outside closed doors. No matter where these creatures take up residence, most children go through a phase when they worry about monsters, ghosts and other creepy-crawlies being in their room at night. So how can parents help them cope?

   

Author and mom of three, Sharon Cramer, has dealt with her fair share of monsters with her own sons. She tackles the subject in her latest children’s book Marlow and the Monster, a book for parents to keep on hand for those spooky nights. Cramer takes the intimidation factor away from monsters and helps children and their parents form a more lighthearted view of these creatures.

  

Illustrated with quill pen and ink, the only splash of color is reserved for the monster to depict that only the children can see him. (It's a cool concept, however, I'll admit it makes it a little harder to read.)

And just in case reading this book doesn’t take the monsters out of your kid’s closet, then consider these tips from the author, Sharon Cramer.

  

About the author

Sharon Cramer is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and avid competitive equestrian. She is also the author of Cougar Cub Tales, an award winning children’s picture book series that follows the adventures of a brother and sister cougar cub, and is working on a new young adult series called The Cerulean Star.

Marlow and the Monster

Sharon Cramer

Talking Bird Books

Buy It

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Get Your Pumpkin Fix with Café Brazil’s Holiday Menu - Starts 10/2/12

Food Fridays

The taste of pumpkin is in the air. 

If the Snickerdoo coffee blend wasn't enough reason to go daily, Cafe Brazil's holiday menu debuts October 2 at all 10 locations for a limited time. So until you get your hands on those Cinnamon Pumpkin Pancakes on Tuesday, start plotting what else you’ll be ordering with a sneak peek at the menu!

**HOLIDAY ENTREES**

Cinnamon Pumpkin Pancakes
Three delicious Buttermilk Pancakes loaded with Cinnamon and Pumpkin and topped with Cinnamon Butter and Powdered Sugar

Banana Bread French Toast
Moist, delicious Banana Bread drenched in Egg Batter and lightly grilled. Topped with fresh Bananas and Berries, drizzled with our famous Crème Anglaise and our new Homemade Sweet Orange Sauce and dusted with Powdered Sugar and Walnuts

Chai Oatmeal
Skillet Oatmeal made with a blend of Milk and our delicious Chai Tea makes for a perfectly seasoned breakfast.  Served with a Fruit Cup and choice of Pastry

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Brownie Crust
Our unique Homemade Pumpkin Cheesecake with our delicious Brownie Walnut Crust, garnished with Chocolate Sauce

**SPECIALTY BEVERAGES**

S'Mores Latte or S'Mores Hot Cocoa
Blended with Steamed Milk and Toasted Marshmallow Syrup and topped with Whipped Topping, Chocolate Sauce, Marshmallows and Graham Cracker Crumbs

Caramel Apple Cider
Steamed Apple Cider flavored with Caramel Syrup and topped with Whipped Topping, Cinnamon and Caramel Sauce

**COFFEE FLAVORS**

Holiday Blend (available in decaf.)
A delightful combination of Cinnamon, Caramel, French Vanilla and Hazelnut

This story also appeared on DallasFoodNerd.com on Sept. 30, 2012.

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

It’s a Handle, It’s a Stand. No, it's TabletTail for Ipad

Tech Tuesdays

Every week I work to share the latest in greatest in technology for parents and kiddos. This time we are talking accessories. 

My family is way too into our devices and their accessories. I’m probably the worst though; constantly trying out the right "thingy" for me – whether it’s a holder, case or charger. I've got a drawer full of connectors, manuals and more for cameras, computers, phones and more. Like the "land of misfit cords," I just can't bring myself to them away. 

My newest search has been for the perfect Ipad holder/stand. I first began with a leather holder with a keyboard attached, but then it seemed like I was constantly taking it out when I was looking to watch a movie or let my son play with one of his apps.

Then along came the TabletTail from Octa, a new “two-part grip and positioning system” to make my Ipad convenient to hold with just a few pumps and its cute little tail.

  

Unlike other stands and portfolio cases that act as an easel, the WhaleTail holds the position and allows for dynamic interaction, from reading emails to playing games and in my case, planned my next life on Pinterest.

Developed by a small team of artists, philosophers, and inventors, Octa is all about blending beauty and functionality into its products. Hence the creative name and concept behind the TabletTail.  

What was probably best about the TabletTail, was its capability to be customized to whatever use I needed to have. From hanging, wrapping and propping up the Ipad in a variety of ways, such as on a knee, a headrest, an armchair or a tray table, this stand could be formed however I needed. The “fins” of the WhaleTail serve as a convenient handle.

Sea how this tale swims for you!

TabletTail by Octa

$49.95

Future-proof construction will work with older and upcoming versions of the Ipad, Kindle and other devices.

DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

4 Networking Apps to Run a Business or a Household

Whether you are a business woman or a mom with an intensive playdate date calendar, then trying to stay networked is always helpful to keep organized and connected. Here's 5 apps that are helpful for any one with a smartphone to use. Some of you may have already heard of Bump, which was featured in an Apple commercial, but there's more where that comes from. 

Four networking apps that
can make running a
business or a household run
 more efficiently with just a few clicks.

Bump: Use Bump™ to share contact information and photos by simply bumping two phones together. Feel free to bump contacts at networking events and even in the workplace. Who's to say that fleeting connections won't materialize into bigger and better prospects down the line?

Friendthem: A revolutionary location-based connectivity app, with fine-grained and easily-configured privacy controls, which is changing the way the world connects in a seamless and fun manner by helping them send Facebook friend requests to people they meet in the real world. A great tool for connecting with people you meet along the way and creating long term relationships.

MeetMe: An app designed to help people meet in the middle. You input two locations (or use your current location and input your colleague’s address) and it locates suitable venues in the middle. The search can be narrowed down by type of venue, and you can store contacts and venues in your favorites for future use. From there, you can email directions to yourself and your colleague. The only thing left to do is meet up and have a good time.

ScanBizCards: For those people who are attached to their business cards, this handy app scans your businesses cards and automatically translates the information to a digital contact, letting you edit the information and add more. 

Which one is your favorite?

---

It's always a challenge to stay up on all the things tech/digital, so get your tips with Tech Tuesdays on mamachallenge.com. 

Five Baby Safety Products You (and Baby) Shouldn’t Live Without (updated 1.13.13)

After you've left the hospital and get to take your new darling home, there’s a wholenew world of acclimation for both you and baby to get into a routine. I basically compare it to when the honeymoon phase is over when you get married,but it’s now time for you and baby to figure out: “How are we gonna do this?”

Whenmy first child was born I sometimes had to wait all day before my husband got home just so I could take a shower. Then I was given a Bumbo and the whole world became a new place including one where I no longer smelled of baby poo and milk. Although Bumbos recently were recalled, at the time,it was the one item in the world I couldn’t live without. Thankfully, several companies have continued to improve technology by developing new products to solve some of the biggest new baby (and even beyond) issues in efforts to help families live more normal and safer lives.

“My Baby Won’t Sleep Flat” 

If you think you are the first parent to attempt to stack up pillows, blankets, or even stuffed animals just the right way to try to getyour baby to sleep like they do in their car seat, then here’s your wake-up call – join the long lines of parents who’ve done the same thing and not succeeded. Thankfully, one mom developed a safer option and called it the Nap Nanny® Chill. 

Nap Nanny® Chill

This soft, portable recliner was designed to increase comfortand improve infant sleep. The Nap Nanny® mimics the contours of a car seat and the comfort of a baby blanket and features maximum stability, allowing your baby to rest peacefully. The cover has a waterproof liner protecting the foam for greater longevity, while the safety harness keeps baby secure. Weighing onlythree pounds, the Nap Nanny® travels and stores easily, so you can take this to grandma’s house without bringing a trailer to fit all the baby stuff. I’m surethat this one is soon to replace many bassinets and pack and plays for newborns.

NapNanny.com or Amazon.com,$129

NOTE: NapNanny has been closed due to a recall, but many parents and retailers stand by this is an amazing product. For more info, follow their Facebook. 

“I Spent all this Money on a Crib Set and I Can’t Even Use It”

I will never admit how much I spent on my crib bedding foreither of my kids, but I will divulge that I spent less time deciding whatcollege to go and what car to buy than the countless number of hours online finding the perfect crib set. The irony was, while it was cute, once I took all the parts out that aren’t safe for a baby (the big blanket, the bumper and even pillows), I was left with a sheet and a bed skirt. Then I had to go and buy additional swaddle thingies so my baby could be warm, but not suffocate themselves. So basically,what was the point, right?

Halo SafeSleep Crib Set

While a little late for me, you finally have the perfect safe solution for baby bedding. The all-in-one Halo SafeSleep Crib Set is contains everything your baby needs to sleep safe and sound from the start: a coordinating HALO SleepSack wearable blanket, SleepSack Swaddle, two soft 100% cotton jersey fitted crib sheets and matching decorative skirt. And for theType A moms like me, it all matches, so you still can have a cute set while keeping your baby safe, so now you can sleep at night rather than think about what matches what and if your baby is breathing. Best of all, at around $100 and available in several colors and designs, it’s also a new pick for my Roundup of Perfect Baby Shower Gifts!

Halosleep.com, $115

“I’m Scared I’ll Forget My Baby in the Car”

No one ever thinks they’re going to be “that” parent who forgets their child in a hot car, but sadly it happens every year, especially when the weather is at its hottest. Sleep deprived new parents are especially susceptible as the routine of taking care of baby is so new. The childminder® SMART Clip SYSTEMis an alarm that goes off 8 seconds after the parent or caregiver has moved more than 15 feet from the child in his/hersafety seat.  The ChildMinder system installation takes less than three minutes. Simply replace the baby’s safety seat chest clip with the ChildMinder system's smartclip and place the key ring alarm unit on your automotive key ring…itrings when you walk too far from the car seat with your baby locked inside.(Wish you had thought of that, right?)

BabyAlertInternational.com,$69.95 

childminder® SMART Clip SYSTEM

“It’s Too Much Work to Transfer my Car Seat”

Since I’m normally am the official chauffeur of the Reo children, I don’t have to trade out the chairs very often. However, when Ido, it takes everything I have to transfer them to the next vehicle and worst off, return it back to my car. Not only is it inconvenient, but fiddling with buckles and the finding the Latch hooks to connect everything still has me sweating and tired. Thankfully Baby Trend has figured out safety and efficiency can actually work together.

trendZ Fastback 3-in-1 Car Seat

The trendZ Fastback 3-in-1 CarSeat changes smoothly as your child grows from 22 lbs. up to 120 lbs. In less than a minute, the carseat can be installed using the latch anchors points in the car.  It is a forward-facing car seat with a built-in harness up to 70 lbs., a high-back booster seat up to 100 lbs. and a backless booster seat up to 120 lbs. The FastBack features a structural steel frame withwhat they call a “innovative Rigid Energy Management System (REMS), the easiest,most secure and reliable attachment method available. “Designed to exceed all governmental safety standards and reduce the movement of the car seat in acrash."  

While I don’t know what the REMSis, I can testify I feel like my kid is secure and it took literally 2 minutesto install with a little bit of strength to click-it-in to place.  And even better it has a built in cup holder and even a spot for toys or gaming device (for when she is a little older.) I do think we have found our solution to the one car seat that does it all and goes with us as she grows up!

BabiesRUs.com, $199.95

“My Kiddo Doesn’t Need a Booster, but Do You have a Phonebook?”

While your baby won’t need help sitting at the kitchen table right off the bat, there will be a time that your bundle of joy will not need to be in the high chair, but still need a little help to reach the top. Thank goodness for you, you don’t have to tote around one of those giant phone books anymore, now there’s LUV CHICKEN!  

Luv ChickenBooster Cushion

Described on their website, “Your Little Chicken will love the boost they get at the dinner table with the Luv ChickenBooster Cushion,” it’s your solution for the movie theater, restaurants, and the ball game! What I loved about the Luv Chicken was that it was washable, had a handle and you don’t have to worry about the cushion slipping off the chair since it’s got a non-slip bottom. I got one that was green too, so then both boys and girls can use it. This is just one of those things that is good to keep around even after your kids don’t need a little boost.

Luv-Chicken.com, $45.00

Looking for more baby love?

It’s always baby around here, but this month, it’s really about them with the best products and things you need to get ready for baby.

The Perfect Baby Shower Gifts

Combat Germs with Homemade Hand Sanitizer

Save Your Baby Toes with ToeBlooms

Disclaimer: I received these items for purposes of this review, but the comments here are all my own.

Trendy Baby Fashion Tips (Without Going Broke)

A recent article said that raising a child costs an average family $235,000 from birth to 17. While that probably seems hard to imagine as a new or parent-to-be,  ask any parent with at least a six-month old and they know that babies and all their “stuff” add up.  And by "stuff" I’m not even talking about the perfect stroller (which I’ve yet to find and have five), but your baby’s style – like clothes, shoes and even their diapers.

I got a glimpse of my grim (and poor) future when I waspregnant with my daughter and purchased a white Burberry onesie. Not onlyshould a baby not wear while, but there is no use for Burberry on a one-yearold. I don’t even have any Burberry!

So in efforts to help you rather than pretend it’s not important, here are a couple of tips from this mom on head-to-toe baby style(not to be exemplified on mom’s own capacity to be stylish.) Besides, when your kiddo is 17 they won’t hate you for putting them in that ugly Elephant out fitif you put them in some of these designer shoes! 

One-stop shopping that cute for all ages

I’m so excited to share some new happenings from one of our favorite stores, The Children’s Place! While I have been a fan of The Children’s Place for the kids when they hit those toddler years, when they were infants it seemed like their baby section was limited. However, the store is now understanding that moms don’t have time to go to several stores to score all our kiddos’ clothes,so they’ve revved up their under 12 months old department and appropriately named it BABY PLACE! Now not only can you grab all your uniforms and staple items, but can also get clothing for the baby too! And best of all, they say during the holidays, you’ll be able to find coordinating outfits for all ages…(yes, I said that and you probably will too!)

Also,for those of you that already have kids, right now there are so good deals going on instore and online as well as cash back when you spend $40!

           Consignment shopping

If you like dressing your kids as much as I do, you’ll go broke – no matter how much money you have! Thankfully, nowadays being thrifty is nifty, so sales like Just Between Friends and Rhea Lana have become celebrated bi-annual events for moms. Whether you are selling or buying,these events make having young children affordable and you benefit from those moms who buy all the nice clothes for their kids and take care of them! When kids only wear things 2-3 times when they are under 1, it doesn't make sense to invest in really expensive clothing,but your kids can if you are willing to look and go early at these not-to-miss sales.  So just go to these websites, save the dates and make sure you get there before the crowds do!

           Stepin Style with her first pair of designer shoes!

If you follow me, you know I prefer to be barefoot, but still love the art of a beautiful shoe. And given the opportunity to have a pair of my own Stuart Weitzmans, I would probably put them in a shrine to look at every day rather than wear them. Soget almost the fun out of a having a pair and for a whole lot cheaper, get your baby fashionista her own pair of My First Weitzman.  Available from newborn to 12 months in a broad range of colors and styles, any stylish mom and her baby will thrilled to have a pair! This perfect gift item comes beautifully packaged in a pink signature box.

You can be stylish all the way to their undies

Having your baby all dolled up doesn’t end with the dress and the shoes. With designer disposable diapers and adorable cloth diapers, your baby can look good with hardly anything but their bottoms! Now while I am not a cloth diaper mama, I have tons of friends who are and claim it really is easy as well as much more inexpensive and not to mention more environmentally friendly. So when I was received a few samples of adorable cloth nappies from Ones & Twos that grew with you from ages 0-2, my curiosity made me want to try cloth diapers (only as a test.) Once I read the instructions a few times and popped online to the cloth diapering pros at Pooters, I felt I could do it…and since we weren’t going anywhere for the evening, why not?

In the words of Paul Harvey, "and the rest of story...":

Actually there really wasn’t one. I didn’t love the part about washing them after the mess, so I know I would outsource that part to the professionals. But all together, I can proclaim it can be done…(at least once that is!)

Just face it kids cost money. A lot. But by being smart and being willing to pair a little hand-me-down Ralph with a brand new pair of Stuart Weitzmans, your baby will still be the belle of the ball!

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")