And The Winner Is...

Without further ado, the winner of the Quinny® Zapp Xtra™ (chosen by random.org ) is...

Congratulations!!!!! I'll be emailing you with all the details!!!!

For everyone else who entered, don't fret... I have some great giveaways coming your way the rest of the Summer!!!

P.S. Who's going to be at Drool tonight??? I can't wait!!!

Summer!!!!

Could it be?

Is it true?

Is Summer really here?

Did we really survive one of the worst Winter/ Spring combos in history?

I know, I know... it may be too early to get up and dance a jig (oops too late) but a sure sign that warm weather has arrived is when the fountain in "our" park turns on. Last year it wasn't until July, but it seems as though someone has high hopes for the next month because just two days ago, this happened.

With nothing but 70 and 80 degree days in the forecast, it looks like it may be true.... SUMMER IS HERE!

P.S. Thank you to the Cambridge parks department for making this little boy the happiest guy in town!

Drool Baby Expo and Quinny Giveaway!!!!

If there is one thing that I am always drooling over, it's got to be baby gear. From the minute I found out I was pregnant with the LM, I became completely amazed, and sometimes overwhelmed, by how may baby products that there were/are on the market. Some are completely necessary, some make life SO much easier, some are for pure luxury, and, of course, some are a bit "out there." I thought I knew everything, about everything, and I really was shocked when I went looking around for gear for baby number two, and found that there was even more cool stuff out there that I had never even heard of! 

This is why I am so excited about an incredible expo that's coming to Boston on May 31. Debuting at the Seaport Hotel, the Drool Baby Expo will be offering expecting, new, and even us 2nd and 3rd time parents (or anyone else who loves baby stuff as much as I do) the chance to check out the latest in baby gear while enjoying refreshments, complimentary spa services, workshops, and consultations. In addition to an expo floor that will be brimming with product introductions and demos, the evening promises to include educational workshops on a variety of topics, including fitness, nutrition, the benefits of storing cord blood, building the perfect baby registry, and green parenting. They will be offering personalized stroller matchmaking consultations and even car seat installation demonstrations (something I seriously need a refresher on!) In addition, all attendees will receive an awesome gift bag. Yes, you had me at complementary spa services!

Also, (and because everyone loves free stuff) raffles and giveaways will give attendees the opportunity to win some of the best baby items on the market. The best part is, many of the vendors attending the event will be offering one-night-only special offers – discounts and gifts with purchase – during the event. As far as I'm concerned, this seems like a one stop shop for all things baby!

I'm telling you Drool is going to be the place to be, and I can't think of a better mom's night out (you know I'll be there will my girlfriends!!) If you’d like to get all the details and preview the participating verdors out their website, droolbabyexpo.com, or on Facebook at facebook.com/droolbaby and on twitter @droolbaby. Participating vendors can be found here. 

To kick off the expo the FABULOUS folks over at Quinny are GIVING AWAY their super popular Quinny® Zapp Xtra™ to one of you lucky readers!!! (I feel a bit like Oprah here... you get a car, you get a car, you get a car!!!) In all seriousness, those of you with kids know that having a great stroller is the equivalent to a second car, and Quinny is at the top of the market when it comes to lightweight, durable, and multi-position strollers.  The Zapp Xtra™ features a reversible seat allowing baby to face mom or the world, which also reclines to multiple positions in both forward and rear facing mode. It is available in four fashions allowing parents and children to walk their way, which include Brown Boost, Rocking Black, Rebel Red, and Pink Emily. (I'm partial to the red myself.) Every stroller has 360 degree rotating wheels, with locks, and when used with the Maxi-Cosi® Mico infant car seat, it transforms into a highly maneuverable travel system for use from birth, allowing for a seamless transition from car to street (I can't even begin to tell you how necessary this is during those first few months.)

Just look at all the things this baby can do. 

I am so jealous that one of you will be walking away with this fabulous stroller!!!

I hope to see you all at the expo (I'll be the one waddling my way through the crowds.) Make sure to look for me there and say hello!!!

My two new favorite things? Drool and Quinny!!!!


Contest Rules:

• Visit the Quinny website, then leave a comment here telling me what is your favorite Quinny! Please don't forget to leave your name or handle. 
• One entry permitted per person in the comments. Re-tweet for multiple entries (maximum 3 entries per person)
• Entry period closes at midnight EST, Monday, May 30, 2011.

*One lucky winner (drawn using Random.org) will receive a Quinny® Zapp Xtra™ which will be sent directly to you! (An almost 300 dollar value!)

Good luck and don't forget to tell all your friends!!!

Big News Tomorrow...

Hello my lovely readers! Just a quick note to let you know that you do not want to miss tomorrow's post!!!!  Not only will I be highlighting an AWESOME event coming to town next week, but there will be one of our biggest giveaways EVER!!!!!! (See all those exclamation marks? I'm serious about this one!) For anyone with kids you do not want to miss this one!!!

Now that I've got you all intrigued... make sure you come back early and often!!!

Sweet dreams... xo

Interest In Pinterest?

Somehow I am always late to every new social media party (blogger, facebook, twitter, four square...etc) but when I show up I always seem to find myself dancing on the table, drunk, with my top off (metaphorically of course.) In, short, once I take the time to figure out what's involved, set up an account, and try to find all my friends, I become more than obsessed, and my new found love of Pinterest is no exception. How did I not know about this sooner? 

A little known secret about me is that I am completely OCD when it comes to bookmarking things on from the Internet. Under my bookmarks literally have about 50 folders, with no less than 100 links in each. Everything that I think I could every want to see again, goes in there. Everything. Of course, I never clean it out, never look at most of them again, and most of the time can't remember what I liked about them, but that still doesn't stop me from bookmarking like there is no tomorrow. Yes, my name is yum and I am a secret bookmarking hoarder. (Oh, the shame.) I have to think that Pinterest was made by a fellow compulsive bookmarker, because it simply takes the image you want, puts in on a special board with other similar images, AND it provides the link from which it came... all with one single click of a mouse. Holy crap that is genius!!! 

Where was this when I was designing my house, my closet, the new nursery, my maternity wardrobe???? The possibilities are endless!!!!

If you're already on then you totally know what I'm talking about, if not email me and I will send you an invite. Believe me, it's that good. If you want to follow my boards I'm at Robin Anderson, and if you're a member hit up my inbox so I can follow you!!!!!

Top Ten Facebook Pet Peeves.

Admittedly, I am a huge fan of Facebook. I think it is a great way to connect with old friends, share information, and stay involved in each other's lives. It is probably my first click in the morning, my last at night, and throughout the day I am definitely guilty of scanning status updates on my phone. Considering I have moved quite a bit throughout my life, I think of it as a great gift that I am able to still share in the lives of friends, who without it, I probably wouldn't communicate with short of a Christmas card or phone call each year. That being said, there are CLEARLY some annoyances that come with the good, and I figured why not share with you some of my Facebook pet peeves. I know I'm not alone in finding most of these things to be less than desirable, and if there is an "unofficial" users guide to "the book," in my mind of these should be in it. I find all ten to be equally annoying, but number 10 is the one that I have found myself having to bite my tongue err finger at the most. I would be lying if I said that I had never broken one of my cardinal rules, but those of you who are friends with me can attest, most of the time I try to avoid these like the plague. 

1. People who incessantly update their status with EVERY SINGLE DETAIL of their lives. Nobody cares what you are eating, when you woke up, where you are working, or how busy your day is. These topics in moderation are fine, but when you mention them every 5 minutes it becomes unbelievably annoying. If you want to write about every detail of your life, join twitter, this is why God created it. 
2. People who send out vague status updates just begging for people to ask questions. Tell us up front what the hell you are talking about. Example: "I am so worried, this is the worst thing that could happen, how is this going to end?" At this point 20 or so people will say, "OMG, what's wrong, what is going on?" and the worst is most of the time the poster will never answer!!! If you don't want people to know your business, don't put it in a status update. Oh, and the best is... "I'm just so over it." OVER WHAT????????  Is it that hard to finish the sentence?
3. People who post one.picture.at.a.time on their wall. There is nothing like going on and seeing 41 vacation photos, in a string, on your news feed. This is why there is an "album" feature... use it.
4. People who CONSTANTLY COMPLAIN. It's really just a buzz kill to always hear how bad your life is. I'm not sure if people do this so everyone will feel sorry for them, or so they will get dozens of compliments.... which leads to number 5. 
5. You know you are not fat, ugly, stupid, professionally inept...etc so STOP saying you are. Clearly, you are only looking for people to negate these comments. We get it. We love you. We shouldn't always have to tell you. This is attention seeking at its worst.
6. People who make up those annoying polls. Do I, or anyone else, care what the best burrito is at X restaurant? No. Do I care if you think the president is doing a good job? No. Let's be honest, you don't either!
7. People who pick political fights with STRANGERS (this should also include picking political fights in general, but I get that some people just can't help themselves.) I can't tell you how many times I have "liked" a friends status, or agreed with something they wrote, only to get attacks from 15 of their "friends." Really? I don't even know you? It was YOUR friend that wrote the message... why, oh why, am I your new enemy? 
8. People who write hateful, homophobic, racist, sexist,  (name your ist here) links or updates. Facebook is the only place where you are "friends" with people who you either don't know well, or knew a VERY long time ago. Please don't constantly remind me why we don't hang out anymore, and when I de-friend you, please don't message me and make me spell it out for you. Some thoughts are better left INSIDE your head. 
9. People who constantly write posts about how they are going to change their lives. Everyday you write the same thing. Clearly, nothing is changing. I have an idea... get of the computer and DO what you keep actually saying you are going to do. 
10. Finally, my number one pet peeve: Facebook PDA. Can someone PLEASE explain to me why people find it necessary to write on their spouse's, partner's lover's, one-night-stand's wall so that EVERYONE can view and comment on what an "amazing" spouse/partner/lover/lay they were/are. Listen, you people live together, you have each other's phone number, you can text/call/email/nudge the person to say "I love you more and more each day and you are the light in my life, and the reason I am alive." By writing it on a wall, or putting in your status you are ONLY doing it so everyone can say how sweet you are, which totally cheapens anything you put in a message. I'm not saying a "happy anniversary to my wonderful husband" is out of line, but anything beyond that, not limited to pet names, is just way too much. (This is coming from someone who also thinks hand holding is totally awkward and unnecessary.)

So that's it. Those are my pet peeves! Am I missing anything? What makes you want to delete your account (as if I could ever get the nerve up to do such a thing.)

(Photo Credit: From Here)

Ralph Lauren + Oprah = Pure Lifestyle Inspiration.

Did y'all see Ralph Lauren's ranch and interview on Oprah yesterday???? I just caught it on the DVR and seriously had to pick my jaw up off the floor. Talk about living the American dream... every single inch of his ranch is pure perfection. I was so taken by his story, what a self made man that he his, and how strongly the love for his family was shining though. What an inspiration! How great is it to see such a stable family, with parents who have been together almost 50 years, despite their amazing success.* It seems like nowadays you never hear stories like this, and it's so refreshing!

Here are some of the highlights of the home in case you missed it. Try to check out the interview if you can! Pure Lifestyle Inspiration.

This old jeep has to be my favorite part of the tour. I would die to have one of these in my next life!

This last season of Oprah has been sooooooo good. it makes me kick myself for not taping it the past few years!!! Only 5 episodes left!

Photos from Oprah.com

*Arnold, I'm talking to you... so, so wrong.

Craptastic or Fabtastic????

I think I have made it pretty clear around here that there is NOTHING that freaks me out more than clutter. Seriously, just the thought of it makes me want to clean out a closet or something. As far as I'm concerned anything that you can buy on QVC or HSN, for me, definitely falls into that category. I mean, if the invention is that amazing/ revolutionary/ necessary...etc than wouldn't it be on every store shelf, in every part of the country? Wouldn't it have been one of Oprah''s favorite things? Wouldn't I have at least heard of it prior to turning on the TV at 1 am? You know I'm right here, hoarders of America.

You do see where this is going... don't you?

So, the other day I was leafing through the new In Style and I came across something that just HAS to be to good to be true. Behold the yonanas. *btw who comes up with these names, I totally want that job????

It's basically a frozen yogurt maker but with one AMAZING twist, it takes frozen fruit, and only fruit, and turns it into a creamy frozen snack, all in under a minute. For this dairy intolerant girl, I have to say I'm intrigued. Very intrigued. I also can't imagine a better way to get kids to eat their necessary servings of fruits and veggies... hello, desert anyone??? The thing seems to be incredibly genius.

The catch is that it's one of those "as seen on TV products" and while I would be willing to shell out the 50 bucks to see if this thing works, I am not willing to have it sit on my counter for the next 10 years collecting dust, if it doesn't.

So, I have to ask, is this thing craptastic or fabtastic? The infomercial can be seen here (words I never thought I would say on this blog ) and if I decide to bite the bullet and try this baby out, I'll definitely let you know the results.

Oh yonanas... you had me at diary free.

Anyone out there seen one of these in real life?

Current Obsession: Jill Rosenwald Pottery.

Every since we finished our bedroom makeover, I have been searching far and wide (aka the internet) for some accessories to "funk" up the joint a little bit. I decided that orange would be the perfect accent color, and I threw in a little bit of Ikat (my other new obsession) to complete our space. While I was happy with the end result, I felt as though I was missing one final piece to tie everything together. 

Before.

Enter my current obsession, Jill Rosenwald pottery. I had seen some of her pieces on one of my favorite daily reads Elements of Style, but it wasn't until I came face to face with one of her brilliant works, that I really fell in love with her art. The other day I popped into Hudson, to pick up a rug pad of all things, when I almost tripped over the most prefect vase ever created. Not only was the color combo of army green, cream, and orange EXACTLY what we needed in our room, but the chevron stripe was so perfect and modern... well, let's just say I immediately claimed it as mine.

When I got home with my bounty in hand, I had to check out her website to see what her other goods looked like. Just look at these vases... pure perfection.

This bowl makes me so happy.

And these lamps???? I am dying to put one of these beauties in my living room.

Oh, and this monogramed tray may just be the most perfect present ever!

As if her goods weren't cool enough, you can customize everything. (I think I just died and went to decorating heaven.)

I'm not going to lie, this stuff doesn't come cheap, but it really is amazing how such a small piece can make such a BIG impact in any room. I couldn't be happier with my vase, and it really does complement our room perfectly. Yes, Jill Rosenwald vase... you complete me.

Her website, and spring collection can be found here... Love, love, love!

If I Weren't The Size of a House.

If I weren't the size of a house, this is what I would be dying to wear this Summer.

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On the other hand, with these kind of lust items, it's actually a good thing I won't be able to wear then before the cold weather comes. Why? One word..... SALE!!!!

P.S. I am so in love with those shorts, they make me want to cry!

Separation Anxiety.

I'm not sure if the following would be considered 1) completely "normal" or 2) if it means that I'm bat shit crazy. I think it's probably the former, but you can never rule out the latter. :)

So, for the past month, EVERY NIGHT, I have been dreaming of "losing" my little man. Sometimes I can't find him in a store, sometimes I check on him at night and he is gone, sometimes I find out he is sick, sometimes someone is trying to take him away, and sometimes, like the other night, I dream of impossible situations that seem so real, which involved us flying back from Hawaii, where got put on separate planes. I watched myself, standing at the gate for hours, sobbing, waiting for him to get off the plane, and then frantically running around when I learned that it was empty. Clearly, it doesn't take a PHD to see that I am having some serious anxiety about "loosing" my little man when baby #2 comes into the picture. It seems as though my subconscious may be as freaked out as my conscious is, concerned that when baby Gray comes into the picture things will never be the same around here.

I've talked to my friends about this, and their answer is simple, "no, things won't be the same... they will be better," and I do get that. I can see how two will be better than one, and I have no doubt that I have more than enough love for both little boys, yet I still can't help feeling like I am loosing something. My Little Man and I  have been so inseparable for the past 4 years, and our routines are so established, that I can't even picture what our lives are going to look like in two short months. Will we still get to cuddle every morning for 20 minutes? Will we still have coffee and hot chocolate on the couch every morning, while watching the newest Curious George together? Will the only question be, "where should we go today," and not how are we going to manage this? Do we still get to cook together every night, while singing our "best friend song?"(The above are the highlights of every day)

I realize that the answer to all of the above is yes, and no. Yes, we will be able to cuddle, but no, it won't be for 20 minutes, and there will probably be another little guy in bed with us. Yes, we can have coffee on the sofa, but I will most likely be breast feeding, rather than watching, and commenting. Sure, we will still be able to go to all of our usual places, but I might have to allow for more time, and be more prepared before we leave. I doubt the cooking will stop, but we will have to time it when the baby is either sleeping or otherwise occupied. I get all that. I do. However, that doesn't mean the thought of change doesn't freak the hell out of me. It takes me days/weeks/months to adopt to any change, even small changes, and this, short of having the LM, is going to be one of the biggest shockers of them all.

From the outside, I can see that this is all unnecessary anxiety. People do this every day. They adjust, the kids adjust, and you all are better off in the end. Rather than having one love of my life, I will have two. That can't be a bad thing, right?

Now, If only I could be this logical while sound asleep????

All you Moms and Dads of two, three, four (or more!) did you ever go though this? Can things change while staying the same??? I would love to hear your thoughts. Oh, and if I am in fact "bat shit crazy" you can feel free to tell me that too!

P.S. Do we think the LM is too old for the bjorn? As you can see above I wore him EVERYWHERE for his first year of life. This is us "watching" a Costa Rican sunset. It's one way to guarantee he won't get lost!!!!!

Lost Footage.

I was sorting through some pictures on my phone and I stumbled upon this lost footage.
Warning: Do not try this at home (or if you are over the age of 4 years old.)

Can I just say that the Virgin terminal in San Francisco is quite possibly the most fabulous place on earth!  Not only do they have Pinkberry, biodegradable everything, and the best food court on the planet, but they also have a kids area which is filled with, yes, you guessed it... spinning chairs. File this under the best layover EVER!