Pinspiration

Every now and then we need a little inspiration. After browsing through Pinterest, I came across an image that Maureen Bower posted on her blog, Eclectic Revisited. Beautiful!!!

Updating the Home

When it comes to updating a home, there is so much you can do! So how do you complete all of these projects? You have to take it one room at a time. When we first moved into our home, we went crazy. We were so excited about owning our first home that we started many projects at once. Does that work? Maybe for a bit but then you can tired, and start to lose motivation. So what now? You pick up where you left off.....but one room at a time. 

Here is a little preview. My husband and I are working on my office. When you work from home you want an office, but you want it to still look nice. Here is a preview of our next project. The hint....it is for my office. What do you think it is going to be?

Rag & Bone Bindery is oh-so Modern!

How do you keep those precious memories safe? After taking numerous pictures, I always upload them to my computer where they stay, and eventually I will transfer them to an external hard drive. I take pictures of my family and friends because I enjoy it. I like capturing my kids during their soccer and T-Ball games. I love looking back at pictures too! So why don't I showcase them for everyone to see when coming in my home?

One place you have to check out is Rag & Bone Bindery. Love, love, love their products!!! I love the color, the modern and stylish patterns, and how they are lovely to keep out for everyone to see. Unlike certain photo books that are dull and boring, you will want to showcase your photos all the time. If you are expecting, they have great baby books to write down and take pictures of your baby's firsts.  

"Our best-selling, Baby's First Book is perfect for recording the loving sentiments of baby's first years and is sure to become a treasured family keepsake.

Each ribbon bound book contains 24 whimsical fill-in pages such as "How Mom and Dad met", "How we picked your name", "The Big Day" and more. Includes a vellum envelope to capture clippings from baby's first haircut and other mementos."~Rag & Bone Bindery

I just love the ribbon! Have you been searching for a keepsake book? You should really head over to Rag & Bone Bindery! You can tell they care because of the detail of all of their books. Are you in LOVE with Instagram? If you are then you can keep all of your photos in their Instabook! This accordion style book is perfect for those pics!

 

Here is another Baby's First Jungle Book. This is smaller at 11h x 10w, which means it is perfect for taking on the go. Once again, I love the color and the patterns. Even your little one will love to get their hands on this keepsake book when they get older. With 24 pages it is thin and does not weigh much at all.

What events would you like to capture? Head over to Rag & Bone Bindery to see their other keepsake books. I know I have a few to showcase in my home. Be sure to follow Rag & Bone Bindery on Twitter, and like their Facebook page to find out more about their products and company.
 

Get Organized with SugarSNAP!

Are you a busy mom on the go? Do you have little ones and always like to be prepared for anything and everything when out and about but never know how to stay organized? Don't worry, SugarSNAP has you covered! Celebrity Baby Trend Expert Rachel Florio-Urso is now launching this fabulous brand that every mom will LOVE!

So what is SugarSNAP you ask? They are smart and stylish solutions for the everyday mom. Instead of rushing out the door in a chaotic mess with everything thrown into one bag.....stay organized. You can choose from the SugarSNAP files or the Car-go System. The SugarSNAP files "comes with five beautifully designed bags. We did extensive market research to ensure they fit perfectly in most diaper bags on the market. Each File has an easy-to-identify tab on top, which makes it easy to pack and carry all of your baby and toddler gear in a well-organized and intuitive system." ~SugarSNAP

"All of the Files stay organized by snapping together with our innovative, patent-pending hook-and-ring system. Use the entire set, or grab a couple Files, and clip them together to carry with you or stash under the stroller for quick trips! The set comes with the following Files: Shirts + Socks: keeps extra clothing as well as change of clean clothes within reach. Dipes + Wipes: holds everything you need for a quick change. Snacks + Supplies: keeps items like snacks, spoons and bibs handy. Lotions + Potions: holds diaper cream, sunscreen and sanitizing hand gel. Me + Mine: last, but certainly not least, the mommy file is just for you! Holds everything from lip gloss to the emergency granola bar."~SugarSNAP


I love how each file has a different inspirational and surprising saying inside! SugarSNAP even included a comprehensive, mom-tested and mom-approved packing list. I love that! It is always great to have a go to guide for what to take when heading out the door.


Make sure you follow SugarSNAP on Twitter, and like their Facebook page. Be sure to follow Rachel Florio-Urso on Twitter @CelebBabyTrends, and like her Facebook too!

(All pictures were provided by SugarSNAP.)

golly gee-peers!

Celebrity Baby Trend Expert Rachel Florio-Urso has launched a national campaign for golly gee-peers! Love the name, catchy and cute. Still wondering what the company sells though? The company sells Table Manner Card Games! I LOVE it! The cards are very simple yet still appealing to your child.

I love the idea of the manner card game. How many of you take your kids out and they get antsy while sitting at the table? Waiting for the appetizers and the kids meals can seem like a lifetime to our little ones. Why not let them play a game to have fun and learn good manners!

So how did golly gee-peers come about? "Several years ago when I was picking up my daughter from a sleep over I asked if she had behaved. The father replied, "yes, but she chews her food like a horse!" He demonstrated this with wide-mouthed chomping followed by a kind chuckle. I knew this family well so, I was not offended. However, I did realize something had to be done. I went home and quickly drew some silly sketches with captions and corresponding thumbs-up or thumbs-down illustrations, put them inside zip lock sandwich bags and "ta-da!" Table Manners Cards were born. In very little time my daughter was using her good table manners in anticipation of receiving thumbs-up cards and consciously avoiding the thumbs-down cards. When we added Mom and Dad or a play date into the game the friendly competition resulted in a dining experience even Emily Post would have approved of. Since then, I have had a second daughter and she has been equally "inspiring." With the encouragement of family and friends I decided to produce my card game and put it on the market. Thanks to the cooperation of local orthodontist and pediatric groups I was able to survey parents, grandparents and caregivers and later put the game through a series of focus groups. My goal was not to simply get the game on the market but to provide a useful tool that would address table manners in the moment they occur. This had to be done in a way that would enhance not diminish the meal time experience and of course be fun. It took an honest parent with humor, a thick skinned one with imagination and a developing child to bring this game to fruition. I hope that your family will play it, enjoy it and benefit from it."~Staci Ericson, Creator/Owner

Truly inspiring how Staci took her motivation for wanting to teach her daughter good manners, to reaching out to kids everywhere! I know my husband and I like to teach our 5-year old daughter and 4-year old son good manners. Of course there are a few that my son always likes to say; "No farting at the table and no burping at the table." Yes, those are important too! I like how they are able to tell me all the time what good manners are. However, I do think this card game is awesome to have because it keeps your children engaged, and they are understanding what is the difference between good and bad manners.


Make sure you follow golly gee-peers on Twitter, and like their Facebook page. Don't forget to follow Rachel Florio-Urso on Twitter @CelebBabyTrends, and like her Facebook page to keep up to date about this awesome brand!

(All photos were provided by golly gee-peers!)

From Our Friends At Mutsy

Mutsy announces an AWESOME promotion, buy a Mutsy 4Rider, Get an Easyrider for free. You will find details to share with your readers in the links below and a graphic for you attached as well to share with your readers and make sure to check out the cute animated piece below as well.  The promotion will run from May 15 through May 31 and is valid for U.S. residents.

Details: You may choose the color of your Easyrider from what is in stock.  Must have both a 4Rider (or 4Rider Light) and an Easyrider in your cart and enter code freerider12 (case-sensitive) on the last page of checkout to receive FREE Easyrider.  Both strollers must be purchased at the same time and be shipped to the same address.  Does not apply to previous orders. Promotion is valid through store.mutsy.com ONLY.

For more information on Mutsy products, news and promotions, follow Mutsy
on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mutsyusa.

(The information above was provided by Mutsy.) 

Moen Twist + Giveaway!!!

How many of you still give your children a bath? With a 5-year old daughter and a 4-year old son, the bath was the favorite for many years. However, for the past year they have been so eager to stand underneath that showerhead that drops "raindrops" on their head. It is always so much cuter of course when your child says it.

Then there are times when your children just do not want to take a shower or even get in the tub. Once the weather gets warmer though, your child resisting a shower leads to an odor that is not liked at all. As a parent we have all been through the many phases of our children, and that is what makes them so special.

Then my husband had a great idea! What about getting a removable shower head....so we could take it down and the kids could hold the head to rinse off the suds. Genius! Then after researching online, I came across the Moen Twist. After talking with Moen, they sent me the Twist Showerhead to review, and we fell in LOVE!

"Your family will want to use all four of the Twist™ showerhead settings, so we made switching from one to another easier than ever. The new Moen Twist handheld shower twists between settings with just a flick of your thumb. Whether you need a relaxing mist or invigorating spray for adults, or a soft rinse for children or pets, Twist has a setting just for you. There’s even a strong, focused spray that’s ideal for cleaning your tub or shower. And, Twist looks great, too- with unique yet transitional styling, it will suit almost any décor." ~Moen

You can enjoy taking a shower using one of their four settings. Use Immerse and get an "invigorating" full coverage spray. Select the Soothe option and relax with a heavy mist spray. You can get a soft, yet heavy rinse perfect for bathing kids or pets with the Drench setting. Or select the Shine setting for a strong, focused spray which is great for cleaning your tub!

Now as a parent those four settings are perfect my family. We do not have a pet but the option for both kids and pets is perfect. You want to get a spray to rinse all of the soap off of them but you do not want to have a hard spray that the kids would not like. Then that could lead to not liking showers and you will be back to giving them a bath in no time! I'm a fan of the Moen Twist and will always be. Are you?

If you are then enter to win one! There are only a few requirements, but if you want to up your chances then make sure you take advantage of it!

Requirement: Head over to Moen and tell us which product you love the most and why. (Make sure you leave your email address too!)

Too up your chances (Be sure to leave a separate comment for each!)
1. Like Moen on their Facebook page, and follow on Twitter @moen.
2. Like Chic Style Modern on Facebook and follow on Twitter @chicstylemodern.
3. Tweet about the giveaway including @chicstylemodern and @moen!

Winner will be announced June 1, 2012 after 9pm EST.

Good Luck!!!

(Moen sent this product for review and provided us with pictures from their site.)

Giveaway with Capresso!!!

Kickstart your morning with the bold flavor of espresso. Capresso has everything you need to brew a fresh cup of espresso, cappuccino or latte.

Capresso is hosting an Espresso Lover's Giveaway and will be giving away two Espresso Lover's Collections, one on Facebook and one on Twitter.  Enter by May 23 for a chance to win a collection with over $200 in prizes, including:

(1) Capresso EC100 Pump Espresso & Cappuccino Machine
(1) Capresso Coffee Burr Grinder
(1) 2 Bags of Grand Aroma Coffee Beans
(1) Box of Capresso Cleaning Solution

Entering the giveaway is quick and easy.

Enter on Facebook:
Visit the Giveaway tab on Capresso's Facebook Page
Click "Like"
Complete and submit the entry form

Enter on Twitter:
Follow @CapressoTweets on Twitter
Retweet the following message with your response: “I love espresso because ___. Follow @CapressoTweets and RT with your answer to enter #espressolovers #giveaway.”

Guest Post By jb @BuildingMoxie "Man Cave Schman Rave – Give Me a Bar More Practical"

This is most definitely the first time I have ventured out and have submitted (if Stefanie will have it) to a Mommy Blog. Of course, and as we discussed it, me - being a dude, a dad – the Daddy angle would work just fine. But what to write about? My blog / our blog Building Moxie happens to be about DIY and Pro Home Improvement, with a big emphasis on the “Improvement.” So what do I . . . know? Anything Modern? I don’t know. Anything Stylish? idk. Anything Chic? Ha’Well!

Then it hit me (like a Flintstone-sized boulder) -- Man Cave! Certainly Modern, Certainly Stylish and Definitely . . . Ha’Well! At least they’re well documented. Here’s a good read from Spatial Designer Brandon Smith,
To Man Cave or Not to Man Cave. I mean – the “Man Cave” even has its own show on the DIY Network >> Man Caves.

Now I don’t know about you, but I have never been in a house where I had the space to create anything like a subterranean hangout. Ok, each of my residences (old houses) has had a “cellar” -- not usable. BUT all have had ample attic space too.  

In each, I’ll admit it -- I’ve had big plans to carve out a little place for myself, you know . . . up there, in the attic. Maybe not so much a full-on “Stairway to Heaven” --
an Attic Hangout, but just a little someplace where I could set up my long-unused, very-lonely, and right-now-gathering-dust bass gear, maybe a four-track too . . . and a hi-fi … ooo! Or maybe some video equipment, a TV and . . . .

I mean – I don’t need a pool table or a dart board, and I definitely do not need a big screen TV or a bar – not me (Oh Wait!). But still, it never seems to happen. And in this house, with something like 96.5 % certainty -- it will not happen . . . again. We’ll move first, and that’s just how we roll.

Break it down -- I simply have many more items, which are simply of a much higher priority than some project that would help me escape my family, and my girls. Evyn Aleksandra – 8; Eva Varrah – 6; Jenifer Janelle – 40. (whoops!). And OK, there are times when I do feel like I need to get away . . . especially around bed time.

So this leads me to my point. If I had one discretionary improvement that I wish(ed) I could or would make -- I’d add a small (elegantly-done) kitchenette to my upstairs. Ok, “a bar.” A Beverage Center – a young parent’s dream.

Now follow me -- in my house (currently, an 1889 farmhouse), and as with all of my previous houses, the bedrooms are located on the second floor. And of course, the kitchen(s) are on the first. Now picture this: Me settling in downstairs in the office (read: on the couch in front of the tv), when I hear, “Dadddddd!!!!!! I NEED icey cold water. Noooowwwww!!!!!!”

This almost always comes right toward the end of our nightly rituals. It’s up the stairs for jammies, brush and to bed, usually with one of the parents for books and/or whatnot. They (the girls) typically sleep in our eldest’s bedroom. In the winter – I’ll set a space heater and fill the humidifier. Done! (And OK, my wife usually does the “putting them down” for the reading and such.)

After nightly kisses and “sweet dreams” I’ll dart off back downstairs for work on our blog.

And I mean -- it does have to be formal as to incorporate built-ins, but sink – yes (and slap a water filtration system on), a mini frig – yes, maybe a dishwasher and/or even a nuker (for an occasional hot snack) and for me, yes definitely someplace that makes and holds ice.

Oh yes! Just how much time and headache something like this would save me! Oh yes!

Something like one of these might do. Check ‘em! (Thanks out to one of my fave resources,
Houzz.com, and to friends Crown Point Cabinetry & Garcia Cabinetmakers for making these images available.)

traditional kitchen design by Toronto interior designer Jennifer Brouwer (Jennifer Brouwer Design)

traditional kitchen design by Philadelphia design-build Echelon Custom Homes

traditional kitchen design by phoenix interior designer Milk and Honey Design

Mediterranean media room design by Dallas interior designer Catherine Dolen & Associates

Garcia Cabinetmakers

contemporary kitchen design by San Francisco architect Koch Architects, Inc. Joanne Koch

Crown Point Cabinetry

Oh and the vodka! Tell me that Vodka doesn’t have a place in parenting. Ha! And I know, it’ll never get done. BUT . . . if I had the budget.

Do you have something like this going? And truth, my wife and I rocked a college boy mini frig, stuffed into a bedroom corner with the newborns. It doesn’t really have to be much or that well evolved; it just has to be something that makes . . . life, just a little bit easier.

Thoughts? And thanks for reading.

News From Our Friends at The Art of Shaving

In Los Angeles, Morgan Spurlock brushed up Will Arnett's clean shaven face for the premiere of their new film: Mansome, presented by The Art of Shaving. The product in the picture is The Art of Shaving Fine Badger Brush that you can find on their site for $110. Ben Silverman, Will Arnett, and Morgan Spurlock love it!

"Men! The men’s “bikini wax” conversation has officially begun. From man-scaping, eye-brow threading, to men having “me time” at barber salons; men are beginning to see the importance of grooming, as models, actors, experts and comedians weigh in on what it is to be a man today in the new movie, Mansome. Mansome takes a comedic look at the contemporary issue of male identity—expressed through the varying grooming methods different men adopt." ~The Art of Shaving

Presented by The Art of Shaving, Mansome premiered May 9 in Los Angeles. Its directed by Morgan Spurlock and executive produced by actors/comedian Will Arnett and Jason Bateman, and Electus founder Ben Silverman.

The Art of Shaving provided the information below.

Through this film, The Art of Shaving wants to help educate men around the U.S about Grooming 101.

1.      Men can come to The Art of Shaving locations for The Royal Shave – a 45 minute spa-like experience to get the perfect shave.
2.      Men can also follow The Art of Shaving’s 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave – 90% of men complain that they get razor burn from shaving, to rid red bumps, do the following:

a.      Prepare

To soften the beard and provide protection

Apply The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil before shaving to provide a protective barrier and improve razor glide. Always use hot water while shaving to soften the beard and open pores. For the best results, shave after or during a hot shower.

b.     Lather Up!

For a close and comfortable shave

c.      Shave

With a good handle and proper technique

Dip a clean, sharp blade in hot water. Using gentle pressure, shave with the grain of your beard. Notice that the hair may grow in different directions. For a closer shave, re-lather and shave gently against the grain.

d.     Moisturize

To revitalize and soothe dry skin

After shaving, rinse with cold water and pat dry. Use The Art of shaving After-Shave Balm, formulated with shea butter and jojoba oil to revitalize and soothe dry skin after shaving.

Inspiration for the Outdoors

This beautiful weather is motivating everyone to share their inspiration for the outdoors. I always love looking at pictures online of how to make the perfect oasis. At this moment I'm imagining that I have my feet up and relaxing outside after looking at these gorgeous outdoor designs that Better Homes and Gardens posted on their site. 

(All of the pictures in this post were provided by BHG.com)

bloom zen and yoga

Are you an expecting mother who is looking for all of your baby furniture, strollers, carriers and more? Expecting a baby is an exciting time that is filled with so many emotions. You are overcome with joy but you also keeping asking yourself, "Where do I start?" There are endless to-do lists that you will never catch up with. However, I have been introduced to two new strollers that were launched by bloom.

bloom has released many "iconic collections" and they keep adding to it! Their recently launched bloom zen stroller is an eye catching stroller. Not only do the colors pop, but along with the bloom yoga, this is the "world's slimmest folding, full-size, all-terrain stroller and revolutionary newborn travel system."

The zen has interchangeable and reversible seat cushions for your child. You will be amazed with the features that come with this stroller. Unlike other strollers, this one is very easy to use and move around. When you want to close it....easy! With the flip of your wrist it will fold flat for you. How awesome is that!! You can now take your stroller with you everywhere and not have to worry about losing trunk space when on the go.

The bloom yoga is a "3-in-1 interchangeable travel bed, bassinet, and portable bouncer that also functions as a parents-facing newborn cradle when placed upon the bloom zen." How cool is that?!! I'm in love with this stroller. If I do plan on having another little one in the future my eyes are on this fabulous collection!

So what is not to love about this unique and modern collection from bloom? Get yours today! Stay up to date with their products and news by following bloom on their Twitter @bloomglobal, and become a fan on their Facebook page.

(All pictures in this post were provided by bloom.) 

Belly Armor

When you were pregnant did you have any worries or concerns about radiation? Did you ever think too much was reaching your child? Well now you do not have to worry anymore. Belly Armor created a Belly band that can stop the radiation from reaching your unborn child. It is very important to stay healthy during those nine months, both for you and your child. The belly band is great because you can wear it right under your clothes without being seen. Whats even better? You are blocking out radiation by 99.9%!

It is made of 95% rayon, 5% spandex, and RadiaShield® lining. Another plus is that you can throw it in the washer with like colors and air dry. You can choose from black, white, pink, or nude. Belly Armor has been getting a ton of buzz about their products. In addition to their belly band you can always get a belly blanket or a belly tee! Expecting mommies can now make sure that they are taking the necessary precautions to prevent exposure.

Have you heard about the company before? For those who have not here is a little bit of information that can also be found on their website. "Belly Armor seeks to be the definitive resource for expecting mothers and families to protect their children against the harmful effects of everyday radiation by providing convenient to use products and the latest information on health risks. RadiaShield® Technologies researches, develops, and designs technologies that shield against electromagnetic radiation."~ Belly Armor

Make sure you become a fan of Belly Armor on their Facebook page!

(All of the pictures in this post were provided by Belly Armor."

Office Candy

Why should your office be boring? I know when I'm working from home (which is ALL the time!) I love having color in my office. Color wakes me up and puts me in a cheery mood. So why should we have just a bland office? We should be able to bring in all of the stylish and modern patterns and put them into our office supplies!


Office Candy gives you an endless amount of options for your office. Celebrity Trend Baby Expert Rachel Florio-Urso is spreading the news and there has been a great deal of buzz about Office Candy. Rachel Florio-Urso just sent that pink file bag to Jessica Simpson for her first Mother's Day! They have the hottest accessories and items for everyone. Oh, and what did you get for your mother? (*Hint *Hint ~ Mother's Day!) I know my mom would LOVE to have their Jamie Raquel File Tote to store away her important papers. Why shouldn't we make it look appealing rather than an old metal file cabinet? 

I know I would LOVE to get my hands on is their Macbeth Collection Step Stools. In my office I have a shelf higher up that can be difficult to reach things. It would also help me in my kitchen since I have shelves that I cannot reach without a stool or chair. They are easy to fold and super stylish, so leaving it out or folding away is perfect for any day!

I could rave on and on about Office Candy but you really should head over to their site to view their products yourself. Trust me, you will LOVE what you find! You can also follow @OfficeCandyGals on Twitter, and like them on their Facebook page! For all of you Pinterest lovers, you can find their inspirational boards there too!

Make sure you like Rachel Florio-Urso on her Facebook page, and follow her on Twitter @CelebBabyTrends.

(All the pictures in this post were provided by Office Candy.)

Do You Have Your Loopy Gear?

How many times has your child dropped their favorite rattle? Do they have a teething ring with toys hanging off that they will take everywhere with them? Now after answering those questions, how many of your children drop those toys on the ground every other minute? When are little ones are still under a year, or even as a toddler, they can pick up a lot of germs from their toys. When their toys are constantly falling on the floor when you are out and about, those germs are just going right to your child's little fingers. 

Yes, you may carry sanitizing wipes with you, but what if you could simply buy something to stop your child's toys from falling on the floor? Now I would like to introduce Loopy Gear! Celebrity Trend baby Expert Rachel Florio-Urso has been spreading the love about this brand! The 100% cotton design is comfortable for your little one to wear on their wrist. No more dropping that rattle!

You can choose from several different styles and you will love Loopy Gear. Mothers everywhere are raving about this item, and now you know you must put this on your list of things to get. You will not be disappointed!!! Make sure you follow @loopygear on Twitter and like Loopy Gear on their Facebook page.

Make sure you like Rachel Florio-Urso on her Facebook page, and follow her on Twitter @CelebBabyTrends.

(All the pictures in this post were provided by Loopy Gear.)