Matilda Jane Paint by Numbers Encore and $50 Gift Card Giveaway

Do you remember that adorable Matilda Jane outfit my sweet Julie got to model this past Fall?  Just in case you've forgotten, here she is again wearing the Limelight Peasant Top and  and Pointillism Big Ruffle Pants.

She is absolutely darling if I do say so myself!  If you're not familiar with Matilda Jane, be sure to check out our first review here to find out a little more about the founder and concept of this beautiful boutique clothing line.  

And for those of you who are already big fans, we're sure you'll agree with our little countdown as we share our top five reasons we love Matilda Jane!

1. The Gorgeous Colors and Funky Style: When my daughter puts on her Matilda Jane outfits, her personality just bursts out through her outfit.  The colors are bright, the patterns are beautiful, the quality is superb.  The prints have just a touch of quirkiness of which I just can't get enough   Bright, beautiful and superbly quirky - sounds a lot like Julie too!

2. The Mix and Match Concept: No matter what pieces you choose from the collection, they all go together and compliment each other flawlessly.  It makes shopping simple, and adds great value to the wardrobe collection!

3. Attention to Detail: From the flared cut on pants to the buttons and ribbons, Matilda Jane focuses on the little things - the true mark of exceptional children's clothing.

4. Customer Focus: Providing a great customer experience is a high priority for Matilda Jane!  They come to you, so that you can touch and feel the pieces with their unique Trunk Keeper consultants and Trunk Shows.

5. Absolute Comfort: I've shared before that Julie has some "sensory issues" where she's often uncomfortable with itchy tags or scratchy fabrics.  In her Matilda Jane clothes she's just as comfortable as in her PJs, and doesn't want to take them off!

We were absolutely thrilled to have another opportunity to model another outfit from Matilda Jane and love the three new pieces we're adding to our Paint by Numbers collection!

The colors of this collection are so warm and bright, yet neutral enough that they transcend seasons!  I could easily see Julie wearing her new duds any time of the year.  

It's impossible not to notice the gorgeous Turtledove Knot Top with it's perfect combination of prints.  With beautiful details of shoulder strap knotted ties and a sash that ties in the back, it makes comfort and fit a literal "cinch." With the detailed bird and floral print, it reminds me of warmer days spent outside.

Underneath, the Stippling Tee adds comfort and compliment with it's matching print.  It has just the slightest bit of stretch, making it great for a girl always on the go.  The little dots remind me of paint droplets, perfect for the Paint by Numbers line.

Finally, the Gallery Leggings add a burst of color and has a fun, flirty, curved cuff on the ankle. Cut as a cropped, flared legging, we paired them with our favorite winter boots to make this outfit snow worthy for our chilly Pittsburgh weather.  I just can't get enough of these little stretchy leggings and bet they'll look just as good with summer's flip flops.

Thank you again Matilda Jane for letting us review these beautiful pieces!  And whether you're just meeting Matilda Jane or have been long time pals, we bet all of our readers would love to win a $50 Matilda Jane gift card to choose your own favorites from the Paint by Numbers collection.  Just fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter!

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Delicious Nonni's Biscotti Review and Giveaway

I usually wake up with Brayden climbing onto my rib cage - ready to start his day much earlier than his Mama.  I rub my eyes, and groggily shuffle downstairs in search of some lukewarm coffee (leftover from the pot Dan brews before heading to work).  It's been like this for a while, me with a mediocre cup, getting the kids ready for the day.

Lately though, I've been lucky enough to enjoy a new morning luxuary - delicious Nonni's Biscotti.  They're a sweet and simple morning joy and I might just be addicted!

If you're not familiar, Biscotti is a light crisp cookie - perfect for dunking or for munching alone.  Nonni's is the most popular selling brand in the US and the only national brand sold coast to coast. My guess is that it's their dedication to quality ingredients including real eggs, butter and bittersweet chocolate that make them so irresistible.

I was SO excited to be given the opportunity to try out all eight of Nonni's fabulous flavors and it is near impossible to pick a favorite.

Originali Biscotti: A crisp cookie with the flavors of almond and walnut with just a touch of anise.
Cioccolati Biscotti - The original dipped in chocolate.  Yum!
Turtle Pecan Biscotti - With caramel and pecans - a real treat!
Toffee Almond Biscotti - A light crunchy cookie with English Toffee, Almonds, dipped in chocolate.
Salted Caramel Biscotti - That perfect combo - sweet and salty with pockets of caramel and a dip of chocolate.
Decadence Biscotti - A dark brown chocolate almond biscotti dipped in bittersweet chocolate.
Triple Milk Chocolate Biscotti - Chocolate heaven with coco biscotti with chocolate chunks and chocolate drizzles.
Limone Biscotti - A light lemon cookie with sweet white icing.

I really did love ALL of them but I will try to narrow down some favorites for those of you ready to get out and try them for yourself!.

I am a huge fan of the salty sweet trend and so I absolutely adored the Salted Caramel Biscotti.  The perfect combination and really luxurious!  I love the crunch of the course salt and the smooth chewyness of the caramel bits.

I am a twin mom and so of course, get my chocolate fix whenever I can.  I tried hard to figure out which I liked better - the Decadence Biscotti and the Triple Milk Chocolate Biscotti and have to say that they both were fantastic. I really can't choose but would HIGHLY recommend them.

For my kids, the Originali Biscotti was perfect for their little teeth and for not-so-messy hands.  They loved it!

I couldn't keep all this goodness to myself, so I got some of my mom friends together to enjoy a little coffee and biscotti play date.  It was the perfect way to relax with friends and we had a blast choosing flavors to try.  I loved that biscotti was such a simple food for entertaining - no plates necessary and it's easy to munch while you chat!

My girls were so impressed with the variety and how each flavor was so different than the next.  "It's like they all have their own little identity!" one friend said.  Others loved the texture and one shared that she was really surprised how light the cookies were - having expected biscotti would be hard. "I expected to break a tooth and that's definitely not how these are at all" she said.

We're so thankful to have been able to partner with Nonni's and check out all their scrumptious cookies.  Want to try some for yourself?  Luckily for you, Nonni's has offered to give five of our readers a bag of Biscotti Bites - yumm-o!  Just enter using the rafflecopter below!

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We're ready for Christmas with WOW Antlers

I can hardly believe we have less than 35 days before Christmas.  How did fall fly past me so quickly!

So we're planning to decorate the house this weekend, but my van is already fully ready in this super cute pair set of WOW Antlers.  They were super easy to install, and really make me feel like I'm in the holiday spirit!

These festive antlers include multiple LED lights and a battery pack to really light up your holiday driving!  

Attaching securely to the side window, it was super simple to install.  Simply roll down your window, clip over the side, and roll up!  It literally took me five minutes to get everything out of the box and onto the car.

One QUICK word of caution.  If you have these weather gaurds on your front windows as I do (above) - I'd recommend choosing another window to install.  I hadn't considered it and the result wasn't so great.

Adding the peppermint plush nose in the front with a wire into the grill decoration was the finishing touch to make my van ready to pull Santa's sleigh (or load full of toddlers) The kids really got a kick out of them and I can't wait to drive around with them all lit up as we checkout Christmas lights this year!

There's still plenty of time to order a set for your favorite vehicle.  They even have antler sets for bikes!  To order, visit their site at WOW Car Antlers or pick up a set at Pep Boys or Autozone!  Be sure to connect with Wow Antlers  on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest on social media! Want a set for yourself or a friend?  You'll be excited to know we're giving one away!  Enter below! a Rafflecopter giveaway

An App for Families in our Scary World - React Mobile Review

There were lots of anticipated life changes when I first had the babies - less sleep, fewer nights out, lots and lots of love.  One of the biggest surprises to me was the sense of total and utter vulnerability - suddenly the world was a scarier place than it had ever been before.

Just a few years ago here in Pittsburgh, a woman and her 16 month old daughter were abducted from the parking lot of a poplar shopping center in one of the most elite neighborhoods.  Her story of terror and sexual assault are horrifying.

Our vulnerabilities come from such a deep realization that despite our best intentions - our attempts at high tech car seats, the best preventative medicine, and our most over protective 6th sense -we can never fully protect ourselves or our children from all the dangers in this world. I too have carefully packed my children into my car in that very same shopping center.  It could be be me tragically sharing my story.  If you let it, the fear can be almost paralyzing.

When I was introduced to React Mobile, I knew it would become an invaluable resource for our family.  React Mobile is a free safety app that allows iPhone and Android smartphone users to turn their phone into a powerful security device.  Just the peace of mind that I get from knowing this technology is here to support me, is tremendous in easing my motherly anxiety.

There are two major ways to utilize the app - the Follow Me function for times when you simply want to be tracked "just in case" - and the SOS Alert function for when you feel the need to alert your chosen contacts, social media and authorities that you are in danger.

The Follow Me function is one that sets React Mobile apart and is perfect for every day use of anyone who  might be a potentially unsafe or uncomfortable situation.  Fellow users (of your designation) can track you in real time, making sure that you are on your way to reaching your destination safely.  This would be perfect for parents tracking children, family tracking college students walking home from the library, anyone leaving work after hours in a parking garage or personally, for coming home after late night Moms Night Out events.  As someone can become "hyper-vigilant" in potentially dangerous situations, this setting eases my fears in knowing that my mom or husband can virtually walk me to my car and ensure that I make it safely.

We all hope we'll never have to use it - but another important feature of React Mobile is the SOS Alert feature, which with a push of the button, you can silently send a silent alert that you are in danger with GPS coordinates to where you can be found.  Prior to needing to send this alert, you will designate the contacts to which it would be sent.  The system can email and text family members, post to your social networks to broaden your reach, and will prompt a call to 911.  This can happen within seconds and all with the touch of a button.  And don't worry if you accidentally set off the alert - it can be disabled with a security code if need be.

For institutions like businesses, schools and universities, React Mobile even offers the opportunity to add private labeling to help you customize the app to ensure the protection of your staff and students.

Watch this short video to see how simple React Mobile is for anyone to use.  International travelers can even rest assured that React Mobile is there with them where ever they go - with coverage in 39 countries.  While you can never fully prevent scary things from happening to you or your children, a good offense is the best defense and being prepared with React Mobile is a great step towards protection.

To download this amazing free gps safety app, follow the links below:

- Apple iTunes Download: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/react-standard-edition/id522851588?mt=8

- Google Play Download (available on select smartphones): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reactmobile.lite 

We're so thankful to have found React Mobile and share this potentially life saving technology with you - our readers.  Think about the loved ones in your life -with whom should you share this app?  At the very bottom of this post (under the suggested posts) there are links to help you share to facebook or by email.  Take a moment and spread the word.  Your quick share might make all the difference in protecting the life of someone you love.

To help us spread the word about this fantastic app, React Mobile is offering a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one of our readers!  Enter using the Rafflecopter Form below.

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Sweet and Simple Redecorating with CozyWallArt

This fall has been a BUSY time in my little studio, making hair bows until my finger prints wear burn off.  I've found the white walled room a little stark though, isolating and uninspiring as I worked at my table facing the blank wall.  Small improvements were made - a candle, more lights, my tablet occasionally propped on the table streaming netflix for some company.

I knew there were many improvements to make, but I simply didn't have the time for a DIY creative solution and needed something simple but somewhat large to fill the empty wall space.

I was thrilled then, to be offered the opportunity to try a beautiful piece of wall art from CozyWallArt.com!  When browsing the site, I came across an image I absolutely fell in love with the Birds Resting on Ribbon Wall Decal.

With three birds sitting together, it reminded me of my own two little "birds" and me - smiling together with hearts full of love.  It also is a reminder of one of my favorite songs to sing to my kids - Way Up High by DidiPop which tells the tale of love birds who meet in the trees and start a happy family together.  So this wall decal was just perfect for us!

I thought installing the piece would be more of a challenge - but it was really SO simple!  It came with great instructions that made the process super simple.

The decal is backed with two sheets of paper backing on both sides. So first, (after lightly washing the wall with a wet rag) we lined tacked the decal to the wall using painters tape.  Using a level, we made sure that our image was straight and right where we wanted it to be.

With a larger piece of tape in the center, we removed the thicker backing between the decal and the wall on one half of our wall art.  Starting from the center and working outward, we used a credit card to press out all the bubbles and ensure the graphic stuck to the wall.  Next,we did the other half.

Finally, we removed the protective thin paper backing on the other side of the image - and that was it!  The whole process took us about 20 minutes and went off without a hitch.

I absolutely adore the end result.  While we could have chosen any color for our image, I think the red on white just looks perfect for this project.  While I think it was much easier with two people, this project could even be done alone in a pinch.  We chose the large (47" x 20") size since we had such a large open space, but with a variety of sizes, theirs bound to be the perfect size for your project!

Isn't this just adorable?  We even decided that the bird on the left must be Julie, is just excited about life with her hands in the air.  I just know this image will offer me the warmth of family and a sweet source of inspiration as I sit crafting away in my studio.

CozyWallArt.com is offering a special coupon offer for our readers.  Enter the code TakeswithTwo20 during checkout and receive 20% off all products.  What a special idea for a Christmas gift or for someone decorating a new baby's nursery!  Act fast though, the coupon code expires December 30, 2013.

Thanks so much to Cozy Wall Art for allowing us to review such a beautiful piece of wall art!  We are so excited to share that they're offering one of our readers the chance to win a $75 gift code to choose their own piece of wall art!

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Picture Perfect DIY Family Photos with EasyCanvasPrints

I have been an amateur "momtographer" for a little over a year now.  After realizing that my point-and-shoot wasn't doing my gorgeous kids justice, I decided that it was time to find some better gear.  I got a DSLR, took a class and got to practicing - and the rest is history!  I was thrilled then, when Easy Canvas Prints got in touch with an opportunity to partner together for a post!

One of my "must dos" on every vacation to the beach is to get a steller family picture.  With two toddlers, this is much easier said than done.  While I'm no expert, I have learned a thing or two along the way just from experience.  Here are my four little tips for a great DIY family photo with kids!

1 - Happy Kids:  Start with kids that have napped and have full bellies.  Nothing sabotages a shoot more than cranky kids!

2 - Consider your Background: No matter if your camera is on a tripod or in the hands of an untrained family member, pose yourselves in front of something that is pleasant to look at, that won't be a total distraction from the subjects.  We chose the beach dunes which also made it obvious where we were.

3 - Watch your Shadows and Light: One of the hardest parts of getting great family shots at the beach is not having harsh shadows and squinting eyes.  A good rule of thumb for soft light is to always take pictures around the time the sun has set - with enough light to illuminate, but none to cast shadows on the face.  We adapted (sunset was dinner time) and used the time right after the sun set behind our building for a similar effect.  No squinting and no shadows.  Another option is to use a low flash to fill in the shadows and add catch lights to the eyes - but of course I'd left mine in the room and wasn't going back!

4 - Do Whatever it Takes for a Smile:  In our case, this was spinning around for "ring around the rosie" and when we'd turn around the bend, Julie still full of glee, the picture would snap and there we'd be.  Get creative with whatever makes your child smile!

Once we got the perfect shot, I was so excited to see what it looked like on canvas!  We chose the 16" x 20" size and got to work at www.easycanvasprints.com ordering our portrait.  I absolutely loved the ease of using the site - super easy to follow along and practically "goof-proof" for those who are technologically challenged.  I loved that the site allowed me to adjust the photo's cropping to make sure it was centered and balanced.  I appreciated the options for the canvas sides - black, white or a mirrored print of the image.

My canvas arrived expertly packaged and ready to hang.  The image quality was great and it was so sturdy that I knew it'll last the test of time.  Our canvas looks so professionally done that I was proud to hang it in our dining room!  

I am so pleased with my experience with Easy Canvas Prints that I'll definitely be ordering from them in time for the holidays.  What a great gift for family members!  Canvas prints would also make great gifts for new parents, or newlyweds with shots of their baby or wedding.


Easy Canvas Prints has generously offered to give away a free 8x10 canvas print for one of our readers!  Enter using the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win!

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Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Easy Canvas Prints.  I did receive free product for my review, but all opinions remain my own.

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Healthy Mamas and Healthy Kids with Spray Active

In my book, one of the worst experiences of motherhood is when you find yourself sick trying to care for little ones.  As you lay there miserable on the couch, the chaos seems louder and wilder in your inability to help keep the calm.

As a busy mom running a business and a blog, I often push my body to it's limits, going on less sleep than I need and drinking coffee late into the night.  I know I'm draining my energy with each late night, but I have such a hard time shutting it all off and heading to bed.

I recently had the opportunity to try some innovative products from Spray Active and they are life savers for moms on the go!  Spray Active recently launched their line of spray vitamins, focusing on the needs of both adults and kids.  Anyone who has a challenge taking pills (like my dear husband) will love these products as two sprays under the tongue gives you a full dose!  Even those of us who are okay with pills will appreciate the simplicity of this delivery system.  No water is needed and the small bottle size makes them convenient to keep in your purse or bag.  I was truly surprised to learn that "Research has shown that intra-oral sprays are nine times more readily absorbed than pills" according to a recent fact sheet from Spray Active.  As a lover of all things efficient, this seems to be an incredible solution for so many people!

 I had the pleasure of trying out two of the Spray Active products - the Defense Spray and the Energy Spray.  Busy moms like me are desperate for both because who wants to be stuck sick on the couch or dragging behind from exhaustion?  Read on to find out how you too can try out these fabulous sprays to keep you at your best!

Both sprays had a bit of a citrus flavor and were simple to administer.  Two sprays and that's it!
The Energy Spray contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12 along with Eleuthero Root Extract. The vitamins and nutrients in the Energy Spray boosts every levels and promotes mental alertness while supporting proper digestion and balanced food absorption. The Spray improves mood and the Eleuthero Root Extract works to enhance antioxidant defense systems in the body.  Personally, I definitely did feel like I had more energy after using the spray.  I was more alert and energetic without any jittery feelings.  This makes sense because the Energy Spray is sugar free and natural, containing no caffeine or stimulants.

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As the weather chills, and school begins, colds and flu season unfortunately begins to take hold.  I've used numerous zinc products in the past and have always found them to be tremendously effective in their ability to fight off whatever bug I felt coming on.  The Defense Spray contains Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea that enhance the immune system and help protect against colds and the flu. The Defense Spray also acts as a
powerful antioxidant. While it's hard to pinpoint causation, I have not been sick in my time trying the Defense Spray.  I'll be continuing to use the spray throughout the winter months as it is much easier, more appetizing and convenient than other immunity boosting products I've tried.

Overall, I'd really recommend Spray Active products to anyone who could use a little boost - whether that be for Energy, Defense, Vitality, Sleep or even carbohydrate Control.  Two of the products Defense and Vitality) are even approved for use by children over four - a great way to keep little ones healthy and strong!

The Defense and Energy Sprays, along with the other Spray Active™ sprays can be purchased at http://www.sprayactive.com.

We're excited to be offering one of our lucky readers the opportunity to try the Energy Spray and Defense Spray from Spray Active out for themselves!  Just complete the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win.

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Disclosure: I did receive free product in order to review and give my honest opinion about these products.  All opinions remain my own.

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