Uncategorized :The Fashionable Bambino

Ninachka Couture

August 22nd, 2010 by Theresa Gould

Fashionable Media Review Policy: The featured product for this review was provided to me, at no cost, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Dress your baby in the best with Ninachka Couture!

Parents it’s time for your toddler to be the cutest tyke on the playground! Ninachka Couture is sure to make your baby stand out no matter what the occasion. The bold colors, adorable animal prints and intricate details will no doubt have other parents dying to know where your baby’s clothes are from. So hop on the kid style train and your baby will surely catch everyone’s eye in Ninachka Couture!

About Ninachka Couture

Ninachka Couture celebrated its North American debut at Playtime New York; July 31st – August 2nd. This international trade show, which is dedicated to a “children’s universe”, is the perfect introduction to Ninachka Couture. The name, Ninachka (Little Nina), is a term of endearment which Nina Hovnanian’s grandparents called her as a little girl.

The Ninachka Couture collections create worlds where fantasy reigns supreme. Each of the collections are hand-made and include party dresses and formal wear from the Ninachka Couture Princess Collection. The collection also includes party and sun dresses, separates, and swimwear, and accessories (including tiaras & crowns). From the circus big top to ballerina princess recitals, from lilac scented garden tea parties to orchid filled safaris, from watermelon picnics in the summer to exploring the coral reef, it’s always all about comfort, and fun.

Our Review

We received a Baby Doll Candyland Dress (Retails for $213) from Ninachka Couture’s Princess Collection to review (and send back). It is beautiful. It reminds me of a fairy dress with all the tulle. It is made of 100% duchesse silk satin, top with hand painted, 100% shantunk silk skirt lined in silk crepe with tulle petticoats and trim. The hand painted candies on the skirt are cute and make this dress one-of-a-kind.

The care of the dress is to dry clean only using petroleum solvent short cycle, no iron, low steam, net bag inside out. Then Nina has included this nice little phrase “God’s blessings to those who wear this”, which I thought was a sweet blessing.

This dress is definitely a special occasion dress due to its care and cost. To view more of Nina’s Collections go to http://www.ninacouture.com/

My daughter had fun trying the Candyland Dress on and doing a little photo shoot with her big sister. And couldn’t stay still, as you can see by the pictures. She played with a Nina for Kids toy/accessory – a knitted Noah’s Ark purse that comes with crocheted finger puppets. It is very cute and our little ones were intrigued by it. Nina has also written a book called, The Story of Noah’s Ark, which is simply the retelling of the old biblical story of Noah and the Ark, which may be read while children play with the purse and finger puppets.

Thank you, Nina, for the privilege of getting an up close and personal look at your beautiful creations!

Posted in Uncategorized Related Topics: Baby Clothes, Children's Book, Children's Clothing, Cute Baby Clothes, Fairy Dress, Finger Puppets, Knitted Purse, Nina Couture, Ninachka Couture, Noah, Princess Collection, Princess Dress, s Ark

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Cake Lingerie’s Campaign: Real Mums, Real Fit

June 25th, 2010 by Theresa Gould

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This came through this week and I thought it was worth sharing, considering we touched on this in my post about The Shape of a Mother.

Real Mums Real Fit Campaign

Cake Lingerie’s worldwide campaign ‘Real Mums, Real Fit’ invited ‘Real Women’ to be part of a daring campaign to bare all and to celebrate what their bodies can achieve through pregnancy!

Cake Lingerie launched its global ‘Real Mums, Real Fit’ campaign in March 2010. The campaign captures the true beauty of Motherhood and how all women can feel sensual and gorgeous – yet comfortable and supported in Cake Lingerie while pregnant & breastfeeding. The campaign went in search for ‘Real Mothers’ who wanted to join Cake Lingerie and celebrate their newfound curves in a ‘real’ and empowering campaign.

The essence of the campaign was simple: ‘real’ women that were pregnant or nursing – no models, and no Photoshop were used on the women.

Tracey Montford, the founder of Cake Lingerie, encouraged women around the world to enter. She says, “At Cake, we design Maternity & Nursing Lingerie for real mums. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are beautiful, and it’s important they look and feel the same. The challenges this period and time can throw can be daunting, so we purposely chose to use real women with real life challenges. We are constantly bombarded with unrealistic body images, creating a pressure that just isn’t fair. Women should be celebrated and applauded.”

The campaign has witnessed an overwhelming response – from the media support, to the women who wanted to be apart of the ‘Real Mums’ search. The campaign utilises garments from Cake’s latest– ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ collection, where the styling and fit is simply stunning!

About Cake Lingerie

Cake Lingerie is an international designer brand, specializing in the creation of sophisticated maternity and nursing lingerie. Cake delivers beautiful lingerie that intertwines sensual comfort and a secure fit with much needed style and polish. For more information on Cake Lingerie, visit www.cakelingerie.com.

Posted in Uncategorized Related Topics: Cake Lingerie, Lingerie, Maternity & Pregnancy, maternity lingerie, nursing lingerie, Real Fit, Real Mums, Real Women

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Celebrity Mom Brooke Burke to Kick-Off Haircolor Discovery Tour

June 19th, 2010 by Theresa Gould

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Thought you’d all like to know more about celebrity mom, Brook Burke’s Haircolor Discovery Tour with Wella Professionals this summer. They are offering free recommendations, discounts, complimentary products and even sweepstakes for those who won’t be able to attend any of their events. Here are the details, hot off the presses:

The Salon Color Expert Hits the Road Offering Free Consultations to Help Women Discover Their Best Haircolor

Wella Professionals and celebrity mom Brooke Burke, known for her gorgeous brunette tresses, will take over New York City’s South Street Seaport to kick off the Wella Professionals Color Discovery Tour. The tour will travel to eight US cities this summer: New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The leader in salon color trends, Wella Professionals is celebrating 130 years of haircolor innovation by providing women across the country inside access to professional colorists who will demystify salon color brands and educate and inspire women to discover their best haircolor. Recognizing the importance of haircolor to women, the on-site experts will offer free, personal recommendations as well as discounts to participating Wella salons and complimentary products.

Celebrity mom and television star Brooke Burke achieves her gorgeous, natural-looking hue with Wella Professionals’ vibrant, long-lasting salon color. Burke says, “My haircolor sets the tone for my entire look and really enhances my overall appearance, so maintaining my rich, healthy-looking brunette is one of my top beauty priorities.” Currently the co- host of the hit show “Dancing With the Stars”, the host of “She’s Got the Look” premiering on TV Land in August, and co-CEO of the Web site ModernMom.com, Brooke Burke has had a distinguished career as a model, actress and entrepreneur. Like most women, Burke juggles a busy schedule and knows the importance of having a great colorist that she trusts to find the right shade and formulation that works best for her as well as the need to be aware of how her color formulation affects her hair health.

“Over the past 130 years, Wella Professionals has been at the forefront of color innovation, working to ensure women don’t have to compromise on their haircolor. For many women, their relationship with their colorist may be one of the most important, yet 42% of women have never had a color consultation with their stylist.* We’re excited to hit the road to help women find the best color for them,” says Mary Moulton, Brand Leader for Wella Professionals. Following the personal consultations, women will be able to make an appointment at their local participating salon to receive a discounted color service and experience their haircolor transformation firsthand.

Tour Dates

Women will receive inside access to each city’s top colorists from participating salons and discover their best haircolor with customized consultations. Participants will receive a 25% coupon toward a Wella color service at a participating salon! Location and salon information as of 6/17/2010. Check back for updated information on future tour dates.

* New York City
6/21 – 6/22, 11AM-6PM
South Street Seaport – Pier 17
19 Fulton Street
New York, NY 10038
Salons: ARROJO studio, Mark Garrison Salon, Patrick Melville Salon & Spa, Pipino Salon, and Pepper Pastor Salon
RSVP on Facebook!

* Philadelphia
6/26 – 6/27, 11AM-6PM
Chestnut Hill on the Golden Block
8434 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Salons: Blue Hair Studio, Citrus Salon & Spa, Salon Thalia, Salon L’Etoile (locations Manayunk and Jenkintown), Jolie Salon and Day Spa, East End Salon, Richard Nicholas Hair Studio, Lakshmi Hair Studio
RSVP on Facebook!

* Washington DC
7/10 – 7/11

* Miami
7/17 – 7/18

* Dallas
7/24 – 7/25

* Chicago
8/7 – 8/8

* San Francisco
8/14 – 8/15

* Los Angeles
8/20 – 8/21

Sweepstakes

Not coming to your city? Wella is offering women nationwide the chance to win a trip to have a celebrity haircolor transformation with a top stylist in New York City. One lucky winner and a friend will fly to New York for the weekend and enjoy an A-list treatment! Sweepstakes details can be found on Wella Professionals’ Facebook page starting Monday, June 21, 2010.

Posted in Uncategorized Related Topics: Celebrity, Celebrity Mom, Discovery Tour, Hair Care, Hair Color, Wella Professional

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Celebrity Kids and Parents Matching Hair Dos

June 18th, 2010 by Theresa Gould

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Since I have reviewed Le Baby Hair Gel this year, I thought the following information about celebrity kids and celebrity parents matching hair dos would be of interest to all of you. The following article shares how you can create celebrity “dos” on yourself and your own child by using Le Baby Hair Gel.

The latest celebrity must-have is a “mini-me” with a matching ‘do. Recently, dozens of celebrities are sharing their hairstyles with their children. Helping mom’s and dad’s across the country follow the trend is Le Baby, a hair gel free of fragrances, sulfates and all harsh chemicals. The hair gel is perfect to safely tame your child’s locks so you can rock matching hairstyles any time of the year!

Rock Out!

Kingston Rossdale changes his hairstyles to match those of his rocker-parents, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale. Whether his locks are tamed or teased they are always in style!

Get the Look: For suave hair like his father’s, comb damp hair back and smooth with Le Baby; scrunch the bottom to work through the curls. For a rocker-chic look similar to Gwen’s, work Le Baby into dry hair at the roots and tease upward, forming the desired height and shape.

Wavy and Relaxed

Jennifer Garner and her mini-me Violet Affleck share tamed, wavy tresses that are perfect for the summer.

Get the Look: Work Le Baby into towel-dried damp hair then proceed to scrunch hair for a tousled, wavy effect.

Straight and Sleek

Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise favor matching, straight hairstyles that are naturally convenient for their traveling lifestyle.

Get the Look: If you already have straight hair, Le Baby is perfect for maintaining its sleek style all day long. Use a small amount of Le Baby on dry hair to keep the frizz and fly-aways at bay anywhere you go.

Shaggy-chic

Matthew McConaughey and his wild child Levi sport shaggy ‘dos that are perfect for a day at the beach!

Get the Look: Walk the line between stylishly messy and messy with the help of Le Baby. Work the gel into shaggy tresses after leaving the water and let air dry in the sun.

The 411 on Le Baby Hair Gel: Price: $9.95

Hypoallergenic, No harsh chemicals

No parabens, No sulfates

Not tested on animals, Fragrance-free

Thickens baby-fine hair, Tames frizzies & fly-aways

Moisturizes, Softly holds curls

Keeps hairstyles in place, Never leaves hair stiff or sticky

So whatever your preference or style is Le Baby Hair Gel just might be the thing to get your hair to do what you want it to. By the way, I still have lots of Le Baby left, but only tend to use it in the children’s hair if it is a tangled mess or I am styling it. For more information, read my review again or visit www.LeBabyInc.com

Posted in Uncategorized Related Topics: Celebrity, Celebrity Kids, Celebrity Moms, Celebrity Parents, Hair, Hair Care, Hair Gel, Le Baby Gel

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Baby Names

June 10th, 2010 by Theresa Gould

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Image: Clare Bloomfield / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When we are expecting a baby, I think most of us would agree that beyond a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby choosing a baby name is at the top of the important “things to do” before or at the time our precious baby is born.

Recently there was a web article on Yahoo discussing baby name trends and according to it baby names often become popular because of celebrities! I find it amazing how influential celebrity parents are when it comes to this all important and personal subject of choosing a baby name.

Baby names often become popular because of celebrities. For example, Emma debuted in the top 10 in 2002, the same year that Jennifer Aniston’s character on “Friends” gave the name to her TV show baby.

While, I think the name Emma is beautiful, we did not choose to name our child who was born in 2002 that name. Besides he was a boy! I have to admit that while I follow certain celebrities in the news, they really do not influence how I choose to name my child. I actually try not to name our children a name that could make them one of five children in the same group or class with that particular name. I desire a name that is pretty or strong and that usually has some significant meaning because I want them to grow up into their name. I want them to love their name and not be ashamed of it. I have always loved my own name and knew of only two other Theresas growing up. Thankfully there were no other girls in my class with the same name all throughout my years of schooling, including college classes.

Only one of our seven children made the most popular names list (from the Social Security website). We didn’t plan that either.

Naming this baby is something we have yet to do though. We have had so much on our plate that even though it has come up in discussion, I have barely had time to sit and think about what this baby will be named! Usually we have this done by now. Guess we still have time – only 74 more days – give or take a few.

How about you, how do you choose your baby’s names and what are the greatest influences on that decision? Would love to hear some of your stories!

Resources:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/babynames/

Babynames.com

Yahoo News Article

Posted in Uncategorized Related Topics: Babies, Baby Names, Celebrities, Celebrity Parents, Choosing a Name for Baby, Maternity & Pregnancy, Pregnancy

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How Do Celebrity Dads Celebrate Father’s Day?

June 9th, 2010 by Theresa Gould

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Take a look at how celebrity some Dads may have celebrated an early Father’s Day this past Sunday, June 6th, by spending some time alone with the kids:

Isn’t that great for all of those celebrity kids? I love it when father’s are actively involved in their children’s lives. It just seems to create such a unique bond and children are all the happier for it.

More About the Celebrities at the Kidstock Art and Music Festival

According to Footwear News on WWD (third paragraph):

Famous Families -Rock ’n’ roll was here to stay last week at the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, Calif., where Ugg Australia hosted dozens of famous families for the third annual Kidstock Music & Arts Festival. Among the crowd surfers were best buds Christina Aguilera and Nicole Richie with their children; Kelly Rutherford and her son, Hermes; Jason Bateman and his family (at right); Greg and Helen Kinnear; Jim and Jenny Belushi and former GNR guitarist Slash with his brood. A spokesperson for Ugg said that its custom airbrushing tent was a hit with guests. Aguilera and Richie got matching boots for their respective son and daughter painted with music notes and stars, while Slash had his son’s boots decked out in black and red. The charity event, which featured an acoustic performance from Ziggy Marley and sets by The Raymies, This End Up and others, raised $200,000 for the One Voice Scholars Program.

Resources:

http://www.growingyourbaby.com/2010/06/07/celebrities-attend-the-4th-annual-kidstock-music-and-arts-festival/

http://filmmagic.com/ItemListing.aspx?cgl=436217&evntI=0

Posted in Uncategorized Related Topics: Celebrations, Celebrity Dads, Celebrity Kids, Father's Day, Hollywood, Kidstock Music Festival

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Have A Green Father’s Day Weekend

June 6th, 2010 by Theresa Gould

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Have you considered having a Green Father’s Day Weekend? I am continually learning about all of these environmentally friendly days and events. SolarDay 2010 is is Saturday, June 19th and falls on the same weekend as Father’s Day, which is Sunday, June 20th. So if you are interested in making your 2010 Father’s Day “greener”, consider the nationwide SolarDay events for Dad and the whole family. www.SolarDay.com

SolarDay 2010 – Saturday, June 19 – is a national day of recognition for solar energy, energy independence and protection of the planet.

It’s the day before Father’s Day and a great opportunity for Dad and the family to learn more about solar energy and reduce the family electricity bill for years to come. Don’t we all desire to cut down the cost of our bills? SolarDay 2010 events are being held in some U.S. cities. So if yours isn’t hosting an event, perhaps you’d like to get one organized!

Higher Family Electricity Bills and Reducing Our Need for Fossil Fuels

The cost of electricity continues to rise every year.

Addison Huegel, Executive Director of SolarDay recently stated “As if the cost of electricity was not a good enough reason to adopt solar energy using the available rebates, there is the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf that reminds us yet again about our reliance on fossil fuels and the fragility of our ecosystem.

“More and more people are adopting greener lifestyles for both ethical and economic reasons. Solar is a major component to green lifestyles. Let’s not forget that 50% of the electric energy produced in the U.S. is from burning coal. In China, 83% of the electricity is generated by burning coal.

Federal and State Solar Rebates

“Government support of solar on the state and Federal level has made solar affordable. People with solar installations for their homes and businesses can significantly reduce their monthly energy bills. And, there are many incentive and rebate programs that can reduce the cost of a solar installation by nearly half. Plus, new programs allow you to pay off your solar installation through your
property taxes and other methods. Some solar companies will install a solar installation at no cost – and simply charge you for the electricity you consume – at a guaranteed rate with no surprises.”

Nationwide SolarDay Events for the Public

The public is invited to attend the many events being held on Saturday, June 19 -SolarDay 2010. More information is available at: www.SolarDay.com

Posted in Seasonal Stuff, Uncategorized Related Topics: Family, Family Events, Father's Day, Green, Green Events, Reducing Electricity, Saving Money, SolarDay

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Celebrity Sews! Guess Who?

June 3rd, 2010 by Theresa Gould

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Ok, yesterday I was hesitant to share about our sewing day, but then last night I read an article about a celebrity who sews and helps her stylist rework her dresses! I was excited to come across such an article on the same day I wrote a post about sewing. Sewing is all about creating your own fashion to suit your desires and needs for your clothing, right?! Well, that is exactly what this young celebrity did.

High School Musical Star, Vanessa Hudgens, reworked a black sheer dress because she thought it was “too formal”. Here is Vanessa along with three other celebrities wearing a similar style dress:

I really think Vanessa wore her dress better than the other celebrities, what about you? And how do you think she did on her sewing? I’d say she is a pretty skilled seamstress! Many sheer fabrics are hard to work with, the same with silk fabric. It slips out of place, snags easily and you generally have to be very careful sewing with these types of fabrics. I tend to avoid material like this for those very reasons.

The original article that I read about Vanessa’s unknown sewing skill may be found at the following link on yahoo:

http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/a-line/vanessa-hudgens-sheer-style/502?nc

Photos are not ours and the photographers have been credited at the bottom of each photo.

Posted in Uncategorized Related Topics: Celebrities, Celebrity, Celebrity Fashion, Dresses, Fashion, High School Musical, Style, Vanessa Hudges

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Cost of Raising Children

June 2nd, 2010 by Theresa Gould

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I usually do not pay that much attention to articles that forecast the cost of raising children. Why? Number one because with seven children and another one on the way it overwhelms me. Number two because for the most part most the articles do not run an itemized list of what their calculations include, so how do I know if I can even compare their costs to what we are actually paying for our children?

CBS Money Watch has a new article posted entitled, “Raising Children Costs Between $286,000 and $476,000.” Ok, new parents or those who have yet to start your families and all of you that have families, don’t those figures scare you just a little? I mean seriously. If people waited until they had enough money to have children, no one would be having them. Children are the future leaders, doctors, lawyers, politicians, nurses, mothers and fathers. No matter how much it costs to raise them, the investment – money and otherwise – is worth it. After all, it is children and their children and their children and so on who will be here long after we are gone.

The difference between the CBS article and others that I have read or scanned in the past is that the CBS writer tells us why it costs more today to have children than in 1960. It is because childcare and healthcare costs have sent the figures through the roof. She also says that housing and food costs are the same as they were in the 60′s. Clothing and transportation are actually lower today than the 1960′s figures, if you can believe that. I was surprised.

Stacy Bradford’s MoneyWatch article was based on a newly released USDA report that shares how much it costs to raise a child.

To read the complete article, please visit www.moneywatch.bnet.com

P.S. I loved the baby feet photo she used, so I used it too. Credit goes to gabi_menashe, courtesy of CC 2.0

Posted in Uncategorized Related Topics: CBS, Children, Cost of Raising Children, Family Finances, Money Watch

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More Beach Essentials for Kids

May 21st, 2010 by Theresa Gould

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Beach Essentials for Kids- Compliments of Company Kids

Editor’s Note: Watch for size and style availability when shopping.

Company Kids Swimwear Make a Big Splash

Before sending the tykes off to camp or the beach this summer, make sure they have essentials that are both fashionable and functional. Little girls can enjoy the summer with tankinis, bikinis and one piece swimsuits with the high-quality, durable line of beachwear from Company Kids – many have built-in UV protection.

One Piece Halter Swimsuit
Retail Price: $29.00 On Sale for $11.99

Being a beach bum is always fun! Splashing around in this one piece halter swimsuit with ruched detailing is sure to make a fashion statement. Made of spandex and lined with nylon this suit offers 50+ UV protection.

This swimsuit is available online at: www.companykids.com

Ruffle Two- Piece
Retail Price: $34.00 On Sale $11.99

Got to love ruffles! This tankini is sure to be a hit with little girls and moms everywhere. This two-piece bathing suit is made of spandex and lined with nylon. It has built-in 50+ UV protection.

This swimsuit is available online at: www.companykids.com

Girl’s Terry Cover-up
Retail Price: $20.00

www.companykids.com

As play time winds down, kids can snuggle up in Company Kids cozy terry cover-up. Made with both cotton and poly loop terry, this tunic is accented with a ruffled hem to add a little pizzazz.

This swimsuit is available online at: www.companykids.com

Boys can hit the beach with swimming shorts in classic styles and patterns that stand out. Company Kids offers a variety of swim wear that are popular for summer.

Beach Board Shorts
Retail Price: $29.00 On Sale $14.00

With an elastic waist and side pockets, these board shorts are sure to be a hit this summer. Woven with a polyester lining these shorts are machine washable.

This swim shorts are available in lizard and crab prints online at: www.companykids.com

Rash Guard
Retail Price: $26.00

Kids also need protective gear against stinging sea creatures. Company Kids rash guard is the perfect protectant with a 50+ UV protection this item is a safe choice.

This swimsuit is available online at: www.companykids.com

Hooded Towels
Retail Price: $29.50

These warm and cozy fire man and monster towels will keep boys dry and warm after surfing the waves. The cotton towels are machine washable and come in one size fits all.

An assortment of towels (Kitty, Fairy, Organic Towels etc.) are available online at: www.companykids.com

Digger Tote
Retail Price: $24.00