Shabby Apple {Review & $75 Giveaway}

November 21, 2012 182 Comments

This weeks giveaway caters to the vintage-adoring fashionistas!  Shabby Apple creates feminine clothing with an old-fashioned flair for the modern day woman.  They have everything a girl could want, including dresses, skirts, blouses, swimsuits, fitness wear, maternity clothes, shoes, accessories, and home decor.  While their Shabby Baby collection has gorgeous frocks for the wee-ones to preteens.  I especially love that Shabby Apple is women-owned and operated and donates a portion of their proceeds to help other women start their own businesses.

1. Music Hall Skirt  2. Sirena  3. Starlit Skies  4. Blue Eyes  5. Young Love  6. Starry Night

When Shabby Apple informed me that they were sending me a dress to review, I nearly lost my mind in indecision.  I had so much trouble narrowing down the plethora of loveliness and almost made a power point presentation to have my husband help me decide (because he cares as much as I do, right?).  I finally came to my senses and ordered the Spanish Steps dress in a size XS, in black.  

I’m loving this feminine dress and know that I will get a lot of mileage out of it.  It has such a flattering fit, with a generous bow at the waist.  Please note that I stitched up a quick hem as I do with nearly everything that I purchase – since I’m just over 5 feet tall.

Here I am posing for the camera. 

Spanish Steps – $88

Now for the fantastic part – Shabby Apple is giving one of my readers a $75 gift card!  Enter to win in the Rafflecopter below.  This contest is open to US only, and a winner will be selected at random next week.  Please note that I do verify entries. Thanks for entering and Good luck!

Shabby Apple is also offering a 10% discount code, with the code marinobambinos10off at checkout.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Shabby Apple provided me with the above Spanish Steps dress for the purpose of review.  As always, all opinions are my own, including my new found love for all things Shabby Apple.

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Filed Under: fashion, giveaways, monica, reviews / giveaways

Kickers {Review & Giveaway!}

November 12, 2012 146 Comments

Are you guys familiar with the Kickers brand?  A French shoe line created in the 1970’s, inspired by a poster advertising the musical Hair.  Daniel Raufast the creator of Kickers, revolutionized the shoe industry by creating footwear for this jean-clad, free-spirited generation and his brand was brought to the limelight by many music industry icons.

The Kickers brand is still bringing it today, with innovative, colorful and diverse models.  I recently had the chance to view their 2013 line and want to outfit my entire family in them! I’m impressed with the quality of materials, range of designs and bold colors.  Detailing like contrast stitching and engraved eyelets help make the shoes so unique. 

Kickers was kind enough to send me their KIFRANGE boots in dark brown.  It’s a fun above-the-ankle-boot with a 2 1/4 inch heel and fringe detailing – unlike anything I’ve ever owned.  I have to say that these boots took me out of my comfort zone since I’m usually a tall boots kind of gal.  I love wearing a heel when I can, but on most days comfort pretty much trumps style.  I’ve been wearing these all week and can’t believe how comfortable they are.  They are even flexible enough to wear while pushing a stroller and chasing around my bambinos.  I’m loving the much needed change and interesting element that they add to my wardrobe!

Here’s lil’ ole me rockin’ my Kickers:

Kickers just happens to think that mamas deserve to be rockstars too and is giving away a pair of KIFRANGE boots to one lucky reader! Enter to win in the Rafflecopter below.  A winner will be selected in one week (US only).  Stay in touch with Kickers via their Facebook page and Good luck!

Kickers KIFRANGE – MSRP $174.00 – Image via Kickers

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Kickers provided me with a pair of KIFRANGE boots to facilitate this review.  All opinions are strictly my own.  

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Filed Under: fashion, giveaways, Kickers, monica, reviews / giveaways

Tiny Prints Holiday Cards {Giveaway}

November 10, 2012 106 Comments

During my childhood, Holiday cards were always incorporated into the Christmas decorating process.  I looked forward to my mother’s crafty display of cards received – as they were visible reminders of the people we treasured.

Having children naturally added a whole new dimension to the Holiday excitement.  I have so much fun creating cards and laughing at our photo outtakes – but the receiving of cards is what I especially love.  The new tiny bundles dressed in their Holiday best, the joyful couples, and the adored family and friends are prominently displayed in our home during the Holidays.  In this world of electronic correspondence – I hope this tradition will never end!

I am a huge fan of Tiny Prints, as their selection, originality of customized designs and quality of print and card stock is superior to all others that I have tried. I turned to Tiny Prints for the precious birth announcements of both of my children and am thrilled to be sending Tiny Prints Christmas cards this year.  Check out some of my favorite  Holiday Photo Cards and imagine them on their new Premium Double Thick Matte Paper!

Tiny Prints wants to give one lucky reader a $50.00 credit! Enter to win in the rafflecopter below (winning entry will be verified).  This giveaway is open worldwide, does not include shipping costs and cannot be combined with any other promos.  This prize expires on 12/14/2012.   Be sure to check out the Tiny Prints special offers page and stay connected via Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  A winner will be selected in one week.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

This post is sponsored by Tiny Prints.  All opinions are strictly my own.

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Filed Under: giveaways, holidays, reviews / giveaways, sponsored

Technigirl Clothing (Review and Giveaway)

September 29, 2012 82 Comments

As a parent of both a girl and boy, it’s infuriating and disheartening to see gender stereotyping reflected in products marketed to children. 

Just last year, major retailers overlooked the implications of producing girls clothing containing harmful message such as  “I’m too pretty to do homework so my brother has to do it for me” and “allergic to algebra”.

Melissa Montanez, an electrical engineer and mother of a little girl, shares the same sentiments.  She created a clothing line for girls called Technigirl, which infuses empowering messages and cool graphics (like robots and space shuttles) into her designs.  Her clothing is greatly inspired by the electronics and microchips that she’s worked with, and balanced by the dress-up element that she enjoys as a female.  This mom owned company produces products that are phthalate-free, made in the USA and available in sizes newborn – 6X.  

Lucia was lucky enough to try out an item. She chose this pink robot T-shirt:

Technigirl Pink Robot TShirt – $29.00

This shirt has the sort of details that my daughter loves – heart antennas, eyelashes (“just like the ones I draw in my pictures mama!”), ruffled edges, and splashes of pink.  The cotton is super soft, which is an important factor in what I purchase these days as Lucia has become more conscious of textures.  

What I love the most about Technigirl clothing is the powerful message that it carries.  T-shirts imprinted with “Move Over Einstein” and “Future Rocket Scientist” remind children (of all genders) that it’s awesome to be invested in their education.

And that it’s OK to take risks and have huge ideas of what is possible in their world.

I like seeing my girl in clothing that I believe helps to build her self esteem.  I want my daughter to be respected for her accomplishments. I want her to know that she can be an astronaut, a doctor, an engineer, or a builder like her father.  I’m thrilled to add Technigirl to my smart girl’s wardrobe.

Technigirl is spreading their love with a chance to win one Technigirl clothing item of choice.  Enter to win in the Rafflecopter below (US only), a winner will be chosen at random in one week.  Learn more about Technigirl by visiting their website: http://www.technigirl.com, following them on facebook.com/technigirl and on Twitter @technigirlkids.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media.  Thoughts are my own.  I received the item mentioned above from Technigirl for the purpose of this review.

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Filed Under: giveaways, reviews / giveaways

LeapFrog Leapster GS & Game Cartridge Giveaway!

September 8, 2012 356 Comments

School is officially in full swing, and LeapFrog is generously giving one of my readers a new Leapster GS and one game cartridge!

Photo via LeapFrog

My kiddos were lucky enough to test out this awesome educational product, along with several apps and game cartridges prior to their order availability.  My full review can be read here.

The lucky winner will receive one Leapster GS, complete with a USB cable, attached stylus, parents guide, quick start CD, and three free apps (including our favorite “Escape of the Sillies”).  This innovative gaming handheld has a headphone jack, and more than 300 games and apps available to download.  It also has a built in camera, video recorder, motion sensor and 2 GB of internal memory.  The game cartridges (winner will receive one) feature curriculum that helps children strengthen skills in logic, reasoning, mathematics, reading, science, and much more. 

Enter to win in the rafflecopter below.  A winner will be selected at random in 10 days.  This giveaway is open to US residents.  Thanks for entering and good luck!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

LeapFrog selected me as a “LeapFrog Parent”, via the Clever Girls Collective.  I received a Leapster GS, several preloaded apps and two game cartridges free of charge for the purpose of review.  All opinions are strictly my own. 

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Filed Under: giveaways, LeapFrog

Literally Alive Theatre’s Alice In Wonderland – The Players Theatre, NYC (Giveaway!)

May 20, 2012 11 Comments

Yesterday we ventured down a rabbit hole in Greenwich Village to see Literally Alive Theatre’s musical Alice In Wonderland at the Players Theatre.  Creators Michael Sgouros and Brenda Bell brought this childhood classic to life with an incredibly talented cast and percussion ensemble.

Since the last performance took place today, we were able to attend a special benefit performance supporting three weeks of free family theater taking place this July.  This event included a reception, multiple raffles and an auction.

Upon entering the theater the children were welcomed on stage to create a show themed craft:

The kids were really happy about the crafting and Adrian’s love of using Elmer’s glue in abundant quantities was solidified. 

As a parent, I really appreciated this part.  Instead of having antsy pants kids whining waiting in anticipation in their seats, they were able to craft (with the assistance of staff!) and feel like little stars on the stage showing off their freshly created hats.

Perfecting his serious Mad Hatter.

A great component of  Literally Alive Theatre’s productions is that each show begins with an hour-long interactive pre-show family workshop, where (in addition to crafting) the playwright and a company member discuss the transformation of classical literature into a musical.  Major themes, musical instruments and show components are discussed so children can contextualize what they will soon experience in the show.

The one hour production was magnificent.  Alice’s whimsical character really captured a child-like essence in her movements, and her pal the white rabbit was hilarious.  Additionally, the use of projections was pretty amazing.  My four year old was captivated for the entire hour and was thrilled that the Cheshire cat (which she calls the treasure cat) was female.  The queens of hearts, (my favorite character) was played so exquisitely by a male and she kept us laughing with her over the top “off-with-their-heads!”.

Here comes Alice!

The show really had appeal to both the young and the old.  My whole family enjoyed the peculiar animals- my kids liked the caterpillar’s many arms and finger cymbals, and my husband and I found it amusing when he told Alice that she was “killing his buzz.”  Although the show is deemed appropriate for all ages – we imagined our almost two year old (only four days away!) needing to be swiftly removed taken out mid-show by my husband.  To our amazement he spent the majority of the time mesmerized in his own seat (in a theater issued booster chair).  I was able to get in a few cuddles as he comfortably found his way into my lap towards the end of the performance.  

Enjoying the theatre at nearly two.

We were happy that our little guy was able to actually pay attention, enjoy himself (he did elicit a lot of laughter upon declaring “Ohhhh no Alice” during a moment of silence) and experience live theatre for the very first time.  When the show ended my daughter made it clear that she needed me to sew her that Alice costume after-all.  For those of you that know her well, the show colored her weekend fantasy play, as she has been Alice ever since.   

My entire family really enjoyed this performance and we will definitely be back for another show in the future.

Sporting her souvenir in the heart of the village.

Win It:
I’m thrilled to be hosting a giveaway for a family four pack of tickets to any show in Literally Alive Children’s Theatre’s 2012 season.  The season includes:  Sleepy Hollow- the musical, Cinderella, Percussion People, Tico Tales and A Christmas Carol.  Information on the upcoming season and ticket purchases can be found at www.literallyalive.com.

Enter:
To enter, become a follower on my blog and leave a comment telling me the show you’d like to see.  I’ll announce the winner on Thursday evening.

Update:
Congratulations Kurukurupa Tokyo Mama !

All opinions are my own y’all.  

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Filed Under: giveaways, NYC, reviews / giveaways, theater