Tag Archives: mom

New-Mom Style and Fashion Tips

Fashion & Style, Style Guide, , ,

For a lot of new moms, finding a balance between fashion and comfort can be difficult. New moms often find that their wardrobe consists of sweatpants and tees and many, like I did, wear maternity pants for months after having their baby because they are comfortable. This time in a new mom’s life is often called the fourth trimester!

It is very important however, for new moms to dress fashionably even if they are still over their ideal weight and can’t fit into their stylish pre-pregnancy clothes. Shopping at the closest department might not be the answer though. After having my second child and once I realized that I wasn’t going to fit into my size 6 pants again anytime soon, I went to a department store to buy an entirely new wardrobe. I ended up buying pieces that didn’t fit me. Why? I was tempted by the ‘regular’ size stuff in the store and thought surely I’ll lose the extra 15 pounds in a week or so. Needless to say, that wasn’t the case.

Plus size fashion from fashion world gives new moms who are a size 12-32 a lot of options allowing them to get out of the sweatpants and baggy tees. I’m all for wearing comfortable clothes but it’s very important for self esteem, to say the least, that we dress to impress even when at home with the kids. Wearing clothes with some style just makes people feel better, don’t you agree?

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A couple of my favorite pieces from Fashion World, for example, are the Joe Browns Antique Vintage Dress (pictured above) and the Angel Ribbons Christie Rainbow Jumper. Pair the jumper (aka sweater) with your favorite pair of skinny jeans or leggings and ankle boots, for a cute and comfortable outfit that you will feel stylish and confident in!

Fashion tips for new moms:

  • Wear clothes that highlight areas of your body that you love.
  • Don’t be afraid to accessorize
  • Empire-waist dresses are a great option for new moms
  • Pairing a flowing top (not baggy) with leggings or skinny jeans will help you look thinner
  • A long necklace can also help make new moms look thinner

Are you a mom whose go-to outfit is sweatpants and a tee or are you a stylish mom who understands that you can have the best of both worlds.. style AND comfort?

What are your must-have ‘fourth trimester’ pieces?

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Fabulous Summer Shorts from Fresh Produce

Clothes - mom & dad, , ,


Kids are getting out of school soon and summer plans are being made.  Many families have plans to go to the beach or on some type of summer vacation.  If you are like me you get a little anxious when you think about choosing clothes for your summer wardrobe.  Every winter I think I would be happy wearing sweaters and long pants year-round as they conceal my ‘trouble areas’.. for the most part.
However, it never fails that by mid-May I go up to the attic in hopes of finding a few pairs of summer shorts.  Before I had the chance to raid the attic, I   received a pair of Park Avenue Pedal Pusher shorts from Fresh Produce.  Great timing!

Fresh Produce - Park Avenue Pedal Pusher Shorts
Park Avenue Pedal Pusher Shorts

 

The Park Avenue Pedal Pusher is a variation of Bermuda shorts that have comfortable cotton sheeting and functional pockets.
100% cotton sheeting, drawstring waist, slash pockets, front and back patch pockets, just-below-the-knee length.

Fresh Produce - Park Avenue Peddle Pusher Shorts
Park Avenue Peddle Pusher Shorts

The fit and material of these shorts is perfect for me.  The drawstring waistband makes the shorts very comfortable and the thin material keeps me cool all day.  I have been working in the garden a lot lately and these shorts are fabulous for situations when I am bending a lot and need to stay cool.

Fresh Produce clothing

Fresh Produce clothes are very versatile.  The Park Avenue shorts’ sleek, classic style allow them to be worn with a casual t-shirt, polo, or a dressier shirt such as a drape top, depending on the occasion.

Fresh Produce Impromptu Dress in Fiji
Impromptu Dress in Fiji

While you are on the Fresh Produce website take a look at their selection of vacation shorts, dresses, womens caribbean clothes, and skirts.  You’ll find that it is very easy to put a few summer outfits together in no time at all when you visit a Fresh Produce store or the website.  Imagine putting together your entire summer vacation wardrobe in one online order or shopping trip!

Fresh Produce now ships to over 200 countries, so women outside the US can enjoy the colorful styles, too!

More Fresh Produce

Alicia Hagan, Editor

 

Disclosure: This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. 

Q2: Wifi Radio makes a great Mother’s Day gift!

Gadgets, Mother's Day, Technology, , ,

Q2 Wifi RadioIs mom tired of interference and bother with antennas? A great gift for mom is the Q2 WiFi radio this coming Mother’s Day. Regardless of a wireless router or mobile hotspot, the radio can pick up signals from any source emitting wireless frequencies. The WiFi radio is a four-inch square, which is relatively compact compared to larger radios. Also, the Q2 comes in five vibrant colors, such as purple, to bring out Mom’s smile on Mother’s Day.

With crystal-clear CD-quality audio, mothers can enjoy smooth sound unlike traditional distorted radio. Additionally, crystal-clear CD-quality audio provides mothers the opportunity to play music to their kids. Busy mothers do not want added stress, even from technology. Therefore, the Q2 coming in vibrant colors allows the user to control the radio through motion without any buttons.

An advantage of the Wi-Fi radio is a stereo headphone jack for personal listening in crystal-clear audio. The compact radio is great for traveling because of rechargeable batteries. The fitness class instructor mother can use it in the gym. Or, mothers can enjoy their favorite station at home.

Does you or your mom enjoy podcasts?  I love listening to podcasts.  The Q2 has access to podcasts over Wi-Fi.  Additionally, mothers have access to over 15,000 stations including podcasts. Not to mention, no paid subscription or fees are required to access radio over Wi-Fi. Thus, mothers can enjoy music, news, sports and faith anywhere while they are in a Wi-Fi network.

Grown-up kids should get the Q2 Wifi Radio for their mother as a Mother’s Day gift and Moms like myself can ask that our own children gift us a Q2 for upcoming Mother’s Day.. right?

You can buy a Q2 Wifi radio for about $120 on Amazon.com here.

Learn more about Q2 Wifi radio on the Q2 website.

Like Q2 on Facebook

Alicia Hagan, Editor

Disclaimer: I received an equivalent product to review for purposes of this article.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Don’t go more than 10 ft from Mom..you might explode!

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I’m really not feeling good today. Massive amounts of phlegm, a headache, fatigue..you know the drill. I’m usually not a fan of naps or sitting still but today all I want to do is stay in bed. I’ve been trying to suck it up and clean, cook, and play with the kids but this cold, or whatever it is that I have, is exhausting me and I just want to rest.


I told the kids that I wanted to rest in my bedroom for a few minutes and my 11 year old grabbed the iPad and my 4 year old grabbed a banana and her LEGO’s and they both came in my room. Seriously? One in the bed with me and one on the floor. I knew I wasn’t going to be able rest like that so I came up with the idea of building a fort with the ironing board and a blanket. Yes, I had to set up a fort in order for the kids to play in in my bedroom quietly so I can rest. Now they are about 9 feet away from me quiet as mice with the ipad and Lego’s in their ironing board fort.

I think they are under the assumption that if they are more than 10 ft away from me at any given time, they might explode. I don’t know.

What do your kids do when you say you are going to rest? Do they follow you or find something to do by themselves?

New from Coach’s spring 2009 Parker line: Parker Leather Shoulder Bag

Clothes - mom & dad, For Mom Only!, , , , , , , ,

Coach-leather-shoulder-bag-small

The second in my series of Coach Parker handbag reviews.. the Parker Leather Shoulder Bag is yet another beautiful new bag from Coach's new Parker line. 

The Parker Leather Shoulder Bag is a gorgeous, mid-sized, leather shoulder bag with fabric trim and a delicate fabric inner lining. 
This bag is the rosegold/nickel color/style.  In addition to this beautiful metallic color, the Parker Leather Shoulder Bag is available in three beautiful spring inspired shades that work well with the season’s key colors.  This Parker bag will make even your simplest ensemble look radiant. The shaded Parker Leather Shoulder bags are $358 while the metallic bag is $398 and is an excellent value as it is a handbag that you will enjoy for many years.

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Why I love the Coach Parker Leather Shoulder Bag:

  • The size is perfect for a mom with a toddler.
    Madleyn is 2 so I don't have to carry 3 outfits, diapers, 2 sippies, snacks, etc..

Coachinside I carry 1 change of clothes, a sippy cup, a snack bag, a book, and a toy.  All of these things plus my wallet, phone, and 'accessories' fit nicely in this Parker.

  • One of the outer gusset pockets holds Madelyn's sippy cup and the other holds my iPhone giving me access to two of the most important things I need when I'm out.
  • The 18” handle with 8 1/2” drop makes the bag easy to carry and get into even while I'm carrying Madelyn.
  • I love that the inner slip and zipper pockets in this bag are thin and not bulky so they don't stick out into the bag but give just enough room for storing lipstick, a compact mirror, and even an 8 pack of crayons.
  • The Parker Leather Shoulder Bag is available in rosegold/nickel (shown here) and three solid shades.

    • Overall, the Coach Parker Leather Shoulder Bag is an excellent bag for moms with new babies and toddlers alike and of course for women in general!

    GIVEAWAY     There are two ways to enter.
    Enter to win this Coach Parker Leather Shoulder Bag by simply leaving a comment below telling me why you want to win this bag and your email address will be entered once. 
    2 ENTRIES: Your email address will be entered twice when you  subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter by April 30th.

    GOOD LUCK!