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Fall Style Report: Pick Pumpkin!

How can you not love pumpkins in the fall? There’s pumpkin bread, new Pumpkin Spice lattes at Starbucks, The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, the Pumpkin that brings Cinderella to the ball…. Some of my fave things involve pumpkin! So, when it comes to this year’s fall style, I’m definitely digging a pumpkin inspired look. {Well, not a pumpkin SHAPE, silly – more of the color and texture….} Keep reading to see my fave new pumkin-inspired find for fall –

pick pumpkin for fall fashion - pumpkin fashions

Fall Fashion – Pick Pumpkin!

I just adore this color lately… And pumpkin is way more versatile than you might think. You can wear it with black or brown. It works with other neutrals as a pop of brightness, and contrasts great with other colors, like a bright teal, navy blue, forest green, and looks great with so many fall prints. Love it. Here are some of my faves:

  • Philosophy: Get this Homemade Pumpkin Pie scented product to bring a yummy fall baking scent with you all day long. This is a multi-tasker – it’s a shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath all in one!
  • Bracelet: I totally love this sun catcher crystal bracelet from Oka Jewelry – so pretty, and it’s a steal at only $19.99. Comes in a rainbow of other colors too!
  • Ring: This pretty bright-orange pumpkin ring is available on Etsy – perfect from Halloween all the way through fall to Thanksgiving.
  • Hair Accessories: How fun is this pumpkin patch-inspired Harvest Hair Crown, also available on Etsy? This could work with everything from a hoodie and boots to a pretty fall dress.
  • Shoes: Oh, how I need to learn to walk in heels again… These Pumpkin Suede pumps from Chinese Laundry are perfect for this time of year! Pair them with thick tights and a solid grey knee length dress – then toss on a printed scarf with a hint of pumpkin color in it to match!
  • Purse: Last but DEFINITELY not least – Check out my absolute favorite new find for fall… The Nicole Double Shoulder Bag in Pumpkin from Emilie M. Affordable and so fun – Perfect way to add a little bit of fall to your wardrobe.

I got this pretty new Emilie M. bag a few weeks ago, and at first, I wasn’t totally sure about this color. I had ordered it in pumpkin because I want to bring a new fall color into my wardrobe this year – and I’ve never really worn this shade. {I pretty much wear all black, all the time. Sometimes I mix it up with some dark grey…} But it arrived, and I thought – Man, why did I get brave? What will I wear this with?? But I wanted to shake up my usual same-old a bit, so I loaded it with my daily “mom gear” – ad committed to giving it a try. I am SO glad that I did – seriously, I have gotten more compliments on this than any other purse that I’ve had in years. And this color seriously matches EVERYTHING.

pumpkin purse and fall fashion

Rockin’ the Pumpkin Purse for Fall

Love this, right? I thought that it might look too “Halloween-y” with a black dress, but it totally works. It’s not a bright orange – this shade seriously works as almost a neutral. It also looks amazing with a pair of jeans, chunky cream-colored sweater, and tall brown boots. Well – Like I mentioned, it works perfect with everything. For real, ladies.

coupon code for Emilie M. - Emilie M. Purses for fal

Want to check out the new fall purse line-up at Emilie M. too? Use coupon code SPEAKUP at check out on www.emiliemshop.com to receive $10 off your first purchase!!

For more great mom-friendly fashions, check out my Momma Loves Fashion board on Pinterest!

{Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post on behalf of SheSpeaks/Emilie M. I received a complimentary purse of my choice for this campaign – but only the best products make it onto this site. I love this brand, and think you will too!}

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Can You Really Make a Great Meal in 60 Seconds?

“Raising a kid is part joy and part guerilla warfare.” – Ed Asner… Yep, being a mom is a hard job. Taking care of kiddos all day and managing a household is a seriously hardworking job – add on a job you do from home, or a day spent outside the home at work, and you’ve got some serious multi-tasking going on. Time management can be tough for us busy moms – and what is the one thing that is usually first to neglected? YOU! We all know how important it is to take the time to keep ourselves healthy, happy, and hanging strong, but we often neglect to really follow through with finding the time. So – today, I am here to help you make one super simple change that can improve your energy level, your waistline, and your wallet: Barilla Microwaveable Meals.

one minute meal idea for busy moms

“I’d like to be the ideal mother, but I’m too busy raising my kids.” – Unknown

Ok – I know what you’re thinking… “Um, Meagan, how is some packaged meal option going to make my day that much better?” I hear ya. That’s what I thought at first too. But, let me give you a super quick {because I know you’re a busy lady!} run-down of why these rock, and how they’ll improve your day:

  • They’re fast. Seriously – The package is shelf-stable, not frozen. Take it out of the outer cardboard packaging. Peel up one corner to let the sauce vent some steam. Pop it in the microwave for ONE MINUTE. Then simply peel the plastic off, stir the sauce cup into your pasta, and enjoy. Even the busiest of us can spare 60 seconds to make a meal, right?
  • They’re not junk. 99% of the meals you can make in a minute or two are going to be super processed and full of weird ingredients. Not these babies – 100% natural ingredients, no preservatives, two whole grain options, filled with veggies, and – NO JOKE – I recognize every single item in the ingredients list. No funny business. That is almost unheard of in a pre-packaged option.
  • They’re affordable. These sell for under $2 bucks at Walmart – and you can even get some money saving coupons on their site: Barilla.com/ReadyMeals. Awesomesauce, I know.
  • They fit into your diet. One of these little meals to go are around 300-ish calories – add a shake of parmesan cheese, a side salad packed with veggies, and some ice water flavored with lemon, and you’ve got an amazing lunch or dinner that can fit into just about any diet plan. LOVE that.

These come in a bunch of different options, depending what type of pasta you’re into – Traditional or Spicy Marinara, Tomato & Basil with traditional noodles or whole wheat, and my fave – The Whole Grain Vegetable Marinara, shown above. It’s got a mix of zucchini, red and yellow bell pepper, carrot, and eggplant – all simmered together with chunks of sun-ripened tomatoes, olive oil, onion, and a super tasty blend of spices. You pour it over their Barilla Whole Grain Fusilli pasta that’s made with 51% whole wheat, for a totally perfect “Mom-on-the-Go Meal” – Amazing.

Keep Calm and Eat Pasta

Keep Calm and Eat Pasta

Love this pic. And, you can find more fun stuff on the Barilla Facebook page – follow them for updates on new products and promotions, as well as sweet contests and coupons. You can also learn more about the new Barilla Microwavable Meals on their website – Discover the best of Italian cooking… Without cooking!

Find more meal-time inspiration on my Momma’s in the Kitchen board on Pinterest!

Enter to WIN a Free Week of Barilla Microwaveable Meals too!


 
 

{Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Barilla and received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. All photos and opinions are my own – Only the best products we test make it onto Sunshine and Sippy Cups – these rock, and I know you’ll love them as much as we do!}

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Pretty Products + Pretty Sweet Deals = Pretty Awesome

“The nature of this flower is to bloom…” – Alice Walker… Beauty comes in all types. Perfectly done hair and make up, a pretty cocktail dress and heels – that makes me feel totally ready to take on the world. But, beauty is also a day at home in a hoodie and sweats, with the only products I’ve used being some shimmery lotions, sweet smelling potions, and some sparkly gloss on my lips. But whatever beauty is to you – I’ve got a few products you’ll love, that are perfect for any occassion…

beauty products that make you feel pretty

Beauty products to make a girl feel pretty

Eden Fantasys has some of my favorite beauty products – plus, they have such a great customer rewards program, it’s a totally awesome place to shop and stock up. {Just a heads up – Eden Fantasys is an “adult” site… Meaning you might not want to click the link if you’ve got kiddos in the room, lol.}  They’ve got a ton of deals right now too – so let me share those before I tell you about my fave get-pretty products:

  • Use promo code HOLIDAY12 to save 20% on your order (no conditions/restrictions, good on any order until September 7th, 2012)
  • Save 25% on all lingerie items (expires September 7th, 2012)
  • Labor Day Clearance – save up to 70% on selected products

There is a lot more to Eden Fantasys than just the “adult” stuff… You’ll find super pretty robes and bras. Amazing gift sets. And my fave – the beauty lines. Keep reading to learn which products are my go-to picks…

Gettin’ Pretty with Pretty Products

When shopping Eden Fantasys – they make it simple to find just what you’re looking for. At the top you can click through to the “Beauty and Body” category. Then you can narrow down your search by best sellers, by price, by brand, or even by scent. Super cool  – I love sites that make it easy to get what I want.

  • Ok, my first fave is the Cake line of products… I’m a sucker for pretty packaging, and love the simple pink and white design on these. And – they smell fantastic, and work amazing. I can’t live without the Diamond Lip Gloss is Gold Glimmer – perfect for almost everyone, no matter what skin tone you are. And the Brown Sugar Scrub is soooooo good.
  • Next – Gift sets. If you’re shopping for bridal showers, bachelorette parties – or any occassion where you’re shopping for a girlfriend or family – You’ll find some seriously great gifts here. I’m a big fan of the Flirty Little Favorites set of body scrub, lotion, and perfume oil infused with pheremones. I get compliments when I wear this. Like, every.single.time. For couples you  could get the Leau a Deux kit – jazz music to play in the background, scented candles, and massage lotions, all packaged up pretty. Or gift the Bellina Box – amazing black case holds some of the best quality products I’ve used.

There are also tons of other great items – the Booty Parlor bubble bath rocks, the make up selections are always such great shades, and the so far – I’ve never come across a product that I didn’t love. And I buy a LOT of product here, lol. So… Since every girl loves a few new products to make her feel a little prettier – especially us busy moms! – stock up on some goodies for yourself, and tuck away a few fun gifts for any special occasions or holidays you have coming up. The women in your life will appreciate it….

Express your love with Vroom! Sex toys from EdenFantasys. Shop now!

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Hey fashionistas – I’m giving one lucky lady a Coach bag!

Hey fashionistas – Are you ready to win a Coach bag?? ….This Giveaway is Sponsored by Social Media Drive and Saving and More, and is Hosted by Thrifty Wifey, Good Deal Divas, Bay Area Mommy, & Sweet Pea Savings! I’m super excited for the chance to join in with these great ladies – to bring you a super fab prize….

win a free coach bag

Enter to win a Coach Tote

I’m hoping to get back to more regular posting next week… The summer months with my nephews here all day, in addition to my little girl who just started showing me what people mean by Terrible Two’s – well, it was a lot more challenging than I expected. Then I got sick. Then there was the whirlwind of BlogHer – and the travel disaster that followed. Then I got home… And I’m sick again, with Whooping Cough. Craziness. So – since I haven’t had the oomph to keep up with sharing great posts with you guys – I’ve found some super awesome giveaways to bring you to kind of make up for it, and ask ya to stick with me :) … And this is one of my faves! I mean, who doesn’t love a Coach bag, right?

Simple rules and info

The prize that one lucky winner will take home – a Coach Kyra White Tote {F19712} – a $248 value. Sweet, I know. This giveaway starts Thursday 8/30 at 8pm EST, and Ends Thursday 9/6 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be emailed – but the winner’s name will also be on the RC starting Thursday 9/7 – so you can check to see it if you’re feelin’ lucky! Use the easy peasy Rafflecopter form below to enter to win… Do as few, or as many, entries as you like – the more you complete, the more chances that you’ll have to win this totally awesome bag for fall!

Have fun & Good luck!

[Read more…]

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The Non-Stalker Way to Track Your Every Movement

So…. I’m not exactly the type of girl you’d ever call “active.” I never played a sport, I’ve never been on a team, I’ve never gone to a gym. Ever. But – I was lucky enough to be one of those girls who never really struggled with her weight. I was never super skinny, but I was healthy and slim through high school. Even as I moved into my twenties and went up a pant size, it wasn’t ever a big deal. Then I got pregnant. Wow. Who even knew it was possible to pack an extra 75 pounds on my frame??? Suddenly, my weight had become a bit of an issue. And by a bit, I mean I bit my lip every time someone asked, “Ohmygosh, you look ready to pop any minute now!!” when I was only 7 months along. Oh, the joys of motherhood….

some ecards - I didn't make it to the gym today

I haven’t made it to the gym in 32 years. At least I’m consistent….

OK – forgive the pic quality on this one. It was a super small pic on some ecards, and didn’t want to play nice when I made it a little bigger to put it in this post. But – it’s the perfect picture to explain my life, and relationship to fitness. I remember when I was invited to bring my nephew to the Nike World HQ for the Young Athletes Innovation Summit earlier this year… They sent us an email a couple weeks before we’d fly out for this event, with suggestions on what we should wear. It mentioned not to wear competing brands – and to dress in sneakers, hoodies or tees, and comfy bottoms. I thought, “Oh. No. Do NOT tell me that I’m going to have to do activities. I don’t DO activities.” I was concerned… So I handled it by wearing jeans and wedges. No one can make me run in a strappy wedge sandal, right? Right. Luckily, there was lots of walking, but no sporty-type “fun” stuff that would lead to an embarrassing show of my lack of coordination. Whew. Now that you know all this about me, you’ll understand why I am pretty crazy-excited about a new little gadget {oh, how I love gadgets!} that is going to help guide me to a more active lifestyle, totally painlessly. It’s called the Fitbit – watch this quick video to get a feel for it…

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

 How cool is this Fitbit, right?

Saying that this little gadget is like a pedometer is like saying that watching a local singer perform at your fave coffee shop is like seeing Beyonce perform in Times Square – not even in the same ballpark! Yes, the Fitbit tracks your steps, but that’s where the similarity stops. It has so many super helpful tools that go along with it, that can help everyone from the totally non-sporty types like me push themselves to a healthier level, as well as help super-athletes track their training. How do I love the Fitbit? Well, let me count the ways….

  1. It’s simple: It’s crazy how easy it is to get started with the Fitbit. You open the box, place the Fitbit on the base, then plug it into your computer. Click through a couple of steps to set it all up – and BAM! You’re ready to rock. Seriously, it’s that easy.
  2. It’s easy to conceal: Unlike the big, bulky, ugly pedometers you’re used to seeing – the Fitbit is sleek and easy to hide. I clip mine over my front bra clasp – and honestly don’t notice it at all. {Although my toddler saw me put it on a couple of days ago, and is now constantly digging down my shirt, looking for it. Good times…} You can also clip it to your waistband, or pocket.
  3. It’s magic: Ok, not really. But it feels like magic. Everyday the Fitbit is tracking your steps, your stairs, your sleep, and more. But -there’s no need to have to plug it in regularly and download all that helpful into – it wirelessly uploads your data automatically to the Fitbit site, whenever you are nearby. Then you can monitor your progress, and use all of the sweet – and totally free – tools on their site. PERFECT for busy moms like me.
  4. It’s a multi-tasker: This baby is a hard worker – It’ll show you how many steps you took during a day, so you can work on increasing those steps. Each day around lunch I check my progress – if the number is low, I know I need to add in an extra walk around the neighborhood with Abby. It’s seriously helping me push myself to be more active each day – without going to the gym, or doing crazy workouts. Love this.

It tracks, analyzes, and stores data on your every movement, day and night – but in a totally non-creepy, not stalkerish way. More like a super cool and protective older brother, who’s just always watching out for you, and encourages you to do your best. You can even download an app for your phone, so that you’ve got help any time you need it – It can do things like let you know how many calories you should be eating that day, based on your activity level. I am so excited at the progress I’m making already, with increasing my steps each day. I had lost about 20 pounds earlier this year using the Nutrisystem diet. But now that I’m on my own, my weight has held really steady. I love that this gadget is totally pushing me to lose the rest that I need to take off too, by walking more, taking more stairs, and more. I can’t recommend it enough!

Fitbit: weight loss gadget

The Fitbit is available at Best Buy – save big on one today!

When you think of Best Buy, you usually think of things like geeky guys checking out the newest video games, and buying new ram or bytes or something like that to make their super computers even faster. {Or at least, that used to be my image of Best Buy…} But did you know that they have SO much more than just computers and games? They’ve got a great line of kitchen gadgets and gear {I’ll be showing you some awesome stuff from that department soon!} – as well as hair tools, mens shaving gear, and super sweet workout helpers like the Fitbit. And they have some of the most helpful staff you’ll find anywhere, so they will totally help you with tips on using any new gadgets you pick up too. Much better service than you’re gonna get by shopping at Walmart, or the guessing game you have to do when shopping online at Amazon. Love that. And if you’re thinking of picking up a Fitbit yourself – don’t wait! There’s a great coupon deal right now – Save 20% off any Regular Price Health & Fitness product. Rockin’.

WOLF Blogging Board Member and Brand Ambassador

As part of the new Best Buy Blogging Board – I’ll be a brand ambassador for them over this next year. Which means you’ll get to hear about all kinds of super helpful gadgets, gear, services, and more – that are available from Best Buy. I’m incredibly excited to be partnering with such an amazing company – and can’t wait to share more cool stuff with you ladies. Stay tuned!

See more real women using the FitBit on my Best Buy Pinterest board!

{Disclaimer: The reviewer has received compensation for this post in the form of the reviewed product or a gift card. All opinions are 100% the reviewer’s and have not been influenced in any way.}

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Keeping Baby Happy & Healthy: $150 Prize Package! #Mompact

happy and healthy baby products

Raising a happy, healthy baby

One of the best cards I got when I was pregnant had this note in it… “You have new life ahead of you soon.  Not only is there a new babies life babies, but your life will be filled with new experiences, joys, and learning too. Cherish the challenges. They’ll help you both grow…” So sweet, and so true. I thought of that little bit of advice when looking at this giveaway package – such a great bunch of products that are just perfect for solving some of those early challenges, while making life a little more comfortable for you both.

baby products that do double duty for moms too

Baby products that do double duty for mom too

One of my fave mom-invented products from this giveaway is the Bunvelope – It’s a perfect example of the type of smart solution I love, a product that does it’s job during the baby days, and then easily transitions to a great everyday item for mom too. It’s meant to be a diaper wipes holder – and I LOVE the little plastic insert that keeps a perfect portion of wipes handy. But  once you no longer need the case to hold diapers, it’s designed in such classy prints that you can totally use it as a cosmetics bag for you. {It’s a great solution when you travel too – since you can’t bring many liquids on a plane, baby wipes are your perfect make-up remover.}

Read my full review on this product line here – Buti-Bag: Structure with Style.

Want to know more about the other great products in this giveaway too?

All of these great products are mom-invented by women just like you, who saw a challenge in their busy life, and came up with a smart idea to solve it! And aren’t we all so glad that they did? Learn a little more about some of these great ideas on Mompact.com – or read reviews from other moms who tried them out in their real life:

Want to win one of these adorable bags – PLUS all of the other smart products listed in the graphic above?? Then use the easy peasy Rafflecopter form below to get your entries in. You can do as few – or as many! – as you’d like. The more you enter, the more chances you have to win, so bookmark this page to come back daily for the bonus tweet entry! One lucky lady takes home this WHOLE prize package – worth over $150 bucks! Have fun & Good Luck!

Feelin’ Lucky? Enter to win all the other prizes I’ve put together for you guys this month – listed in the sidebar!

[Read more…]

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Turn a Diaper Wipes Holder into a Cosmetics Bag for Mom

Chic and modern accessories created for women & babies. Mom-designed with today’s active lifestyle in mind…. Baby gear is cute, right? So darn cute actually, that you probably bought double the amount of baby stuff you actually needed when you were in those early days. I remember thinking that it seemed totally logical to have a fully stocked diaper bag for dad, and two for me – {a mini for quick trips out, and a full size for day trips} – even though we both work from home…. What was I thinking?? Lol. But it’s not totally your fault – it’s also partly due to the barrage of marketing that you face as a new mom – it can be super hard to wade through that and figure out exactly what it is you truly need. And that is why I’m here to share the first of a new series of posts to show you some great products that are worth your bucks – things that easily transition from baby, to toddler, and then into pieces that you can use yourself too! Ready? Ok – first product is from one of my FAVE brands: Buti-Bag.

diaper essentials that move into toddlerhood

The Bunvelope from Buti-Bag

This is such a smart solution – which is how you know it was invented by a mom, right? Yep, the Buti-Bag line of super trendy gear was started by a totally awesome chick named Nicole, {who I was lucky enough to get to meet and hang out with a bit at Reviewer’s Retreat recently} – read a little more about how her quest for a bag that could hold diaper essentials that was not only smart and versatile, but stylish too, led her to start her company. Love it. And I love all of her products too – here are a few reasons why:

  • Prints: Baby patterns and character designs are cute, but I’m more of a fan of modern prints. I had a super tough time finding gear to match the decor of my home, or diaper bag accessories that could transition to my purse without screaming “MOM OF A BABY” – which is why I absolutely adore all of the prints and materials that are used in all of Buti-Bag’s products.
  • USA: All Buti-Bag products are made right here in the USA. We all complain about how hard that is to find these days, so make sure to show this great company some support!
  • Multi-Taskers: I love, love, LOVE that since these don’t look like a baby product {although there are so many cute prints you’re sure to find the perfect one to match your theme} – so you can totally use them after that first year or two. They’re made so well that they last that long too!

So, well-made products created right here in the USA, in gorgeous fabrics and trims, that give you more than your money’s worth by pulling double duty after baby gets bigger? How much better can you get, honestly?

trendy diaper wipe case in modern print

Trendy Diaper Wipes Case that looks sleek in your bag

Abby is almost 2, and we’ve started the potty training phase, but are still using Pull-Ups – which means I still haul a diaper bag with us when we’ll be away for more than a couple of hours. But I also like to have a stash of supplies in my regular purse – because as you know, an accident can happen even when you’re only out of the house for 5 minutes. But since I want something that can stay in my purse all the time, I want something that still looks cute – It’s embarrassing to finally get a girls night out, and have the waiter at a trendy new club see your nursery-rhyme covered wipes holder in your bag. Ugh. So I love that this just looks like a cute make-up bag or clutch.

using diaper wipes holder for makeup

Turn a Diaper Wipes Holder into a make-up bag for mom

As Abby gets bigger – I’ll be able to use this fun holder for my cosmetics… Which is what I’ve been doing when I travel. I love that I can have the wipes in the little resealable envelope – perfect for removing cosmetics – and it fits a surprisingly big selection of my fave pretty products. This makes it absolutely perfect for heading out to the gym, or traveling by plane. And – remember when I said it’s really well made? Well, the pics above were taken just a few days ago, but I’ve been using this bag for a few months. I throw it in my bag with TONS of other junk, toss it in the wash when needed, and it’s still looking new and crisp. This little Bunvelope rocks.

pretty baby products in modern prints

The Buti-Bag Co – Structure with Style

As you can see – the selection of prints and patterns is just perfect. The product line also includes the Bundle bag, super soft blankets, accessories like the Binkmeister, and the most stinkin’ adorable little iron-on bell bottoms you’ll ever find. {Stay tuned for Abby’s fashion shoot for back to school to show those off too!}

Shop the Buti-Bag selection of mom-designed modern accessories for moms and babies today – Sign up for their email to stay updated on new products and promotions too!

{Disclaimer: As a consultant working with Mompact.com to support women in business, I receive a complimentary sample from Buti-Bag to review and share with you. Only the best products make it onto this site. All photos, opinions, and over-use of the words like “amazing” and “awesome” are my own. Love this brand!}

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