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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Double the Fun

For the past two years, I've had an almost daily struggle with the whole "twin mom" thing.  I hate the comments about my "hands being full", I dread double the diapers, and have looked enviously at my mom friends who only have one little wonderful person to juggle.  I've feared that somehow we'd missed out on that personal intimacy that it was to have this tiny little family when we were so quickly immersed into our own private chaos.

But lately, I've been catching beautiful glimpses at what having twins is really about.  I've been seeing the beautiful emotion they have with one another - sharing hugs and kisses when one another, seeking them out if they hear the other cry.  It's amazing to have the opportunity to be proud of the generosity, kindness and empathy that your two year old is showing - proud of the little person they're becoming.

Brayden picks up his spoon and fork at a casual dinner out - and proceeds to bang them together with glee.  "Great idea bro" silently says a joyful Julie who joins him in the merriment.  They just beam at each other.  The first proud that he started a trend, and the second thrilled to show that she can do it too.  I smile...

Even in the midnight hours, when they both should be sleeping I can't help but enjoy their fun.  Julie gets the idea to run through the upstairs - onto our bed, off the other side, around the loop and back out the door, and across to her room.  Brayden jumps up and follows.  And the two do laps like this for ten minutes squealing as they go.

They share all of this without words, but are so united in the experience.  It's obvious that they love the "twin thing."  And how could they not?  It's a best friend to play trains, it's a person to steal extra hot dog bits from, and a constant sleepover companion.  I'm coming to realize, we're not missing out at all.  We are the luckiest...

Quiet moments snuggled together watching a favorite show, swapping binkies and laughing in domino effect at the funny parts. Every moment bonds them together.

Today we played this game where we would count "one" "two" and then giggle wildly on "three" as we tickled someone.  It was so much fun it almost brought tears to my eyes.  Who else gets that?  Even if kids are close in age, the joy of having two together, at that same moment and stage, discovering life's pleasures is absolutely incredible.

I've always wondered what all these moms meant when they talked about their pairs - "double the fun" they'd say.  I could get behind "double the love" and "double the blessing" but really?  Double the fun? I'm becoming a believer...  I feel like the fun in our family grows exponentially every day.  And I am so blessed to be part of this wild ride...

Kulcar: An Innovative Solar Powered Car Ventilator Review

Our trip to Puerto Rico was the perfect escape from cold and snowy Pittsburgh, and a great time to try out our new Kulcar - a solar powered car ventilator!

The compact device was small it easily packed in our checked luggage, and was easy to install even with almost no tools.  All we needed was the included device, the included rubber strips, and a small pair of scissors.

The perfect year-round solution for warm climates, we’re looking forward to regularly using the Kulcar during the scorching summer temperatures regularly at home. 

The device is so innovative – using environmentally friendly solar panels to generate it’s own power for the device’s small fans.  It significantly lowers the temperature inside your car – while the car is moving or parked.  Because of it’s self-sufficient power source, there’s never a chance it’ll drain your battery, and there are no wires to attach.  A little known fact is that some car upholstery can release dangerous chemicals when heated to extreme temperatures – and in addition to the more comfortable temperature achieved by using Kulcar, this danger can be reduced by kulcar’s use.  What an easy and efficient way to provide a healthier environment for your “always on the go” family.

Installing the Kulcar is super easy:

1 – Roll down the window

2 – clip the precut (small) rubber strip to the window

3 – clip the Kulcar device onto the glass, next to the precut rubber strip.

4 – measure and trim the flat end of the long rubber strip, and clip it on the other side of the Kulcar device.

5 – Slowly roll up the window, ensuring that the solid end of both rubber pieces and the kulcar device are inside the car’s window seals.

That’s it!  You’re ready to go just by flipping the solar panel to a horizontal position and tightening using the metal crank.  I was initially apprehensive about installing this in a rental car, but there was no need.  The installation is as permanent or as temporary as you’d like, leaving no effect on the vehicle.  The rubber strips create a great seal around the device, preventing any issues for security or insects.

Once installed, the device goes to work almost instantly when in direct sun.  You’ll know it’s working by the slight whirling sound coming from the device, and the gentle breeze you can feel when placing your hand on the indoor side of the ventilator. 

On our trip, we found significant difference in indoor temperature when using the Kulcar and would definitely recommend it to our readers.  It would make a great Christmas gift for anyone with a daily commute who parks outside, who lives in a year-round or seasonally warm climate, for the environmentally conscious, and for those road warrior travelers.  Order your Kulcar from NewEgg or stay in touch by following the links below!

Sonray Technology Co Ltd: http://www.sonray.com.tw/

Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0FB-00N8-00001

Kulcar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kulcar/551389814931439

Sonray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonray-Technology-Inc/500367573391926

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KulcarSonray

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/112610127414860017836/posts?cfem=1

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ksonray/

Kulcar Australia: http://www.kulcar.com.au/

Want to see Kulcar in motion?  Check out our installation and demo videos below!

Disclosure: We received Kulcar for our review purposes.  All opinions remain true and honest of our experience.

A Tale of Two Bathers

So I guess I should have learned by now, that my days of stealing a few quick minutes for a shower are limited.  We'd planned to head to the mall for just a little evening out, so I thought I'd get in for a quick scrub.
With the door shut and Disney Jr on the television, I was sure I was safe for just a few minutes.

Getting out, I was shocked to see the door opened wide and no babies in sight.  Wrapping a towel around me, I realized I could still hear water running - although the shower was off.

Rushing into the babies' bathroom, there I found them - with the water running, and both happily splashing in the tub.  Brayden was in just his diaper, but Julie was fully dressed in a sleeper, enjoying the frigid water.

I just stared at them for a minute, too shocked to do anything, but just let them be until Dan arrived as I heard the garage door start and knew he'd have to see it to believe it!

I was surely glad that they were safe, and figured - while they were already wet - we might as well scrub them up.  I wish I would have snapped a pic for posterity but Dan had them undressed before I even thought of it!  I guess I'm going to have to shower when Dan's home, or get a lock for our bedroom door!

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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