Mother's Day Twitter Party - Monday, April 5th at 9PM (EST)

Totsy Mother's Day Twitter Party!

When: Monday, April 5th at 9PM (EST)

Where: TWITTER

We're so excited to be hosting a Twitter Party on Monday night in honor of Mother's Day!

(Mother's Day already?)

Yes!

Let's celebrate in style together as we prepare our "wish list" for Mother's Day! We have some fabulous sales starting next week! And by ordering now... you'll have them in time for Mother's Day!

- Teutonia
- Liz Lange
- Rock & Republic
- World of Watches

We're talking fashion and style! We're talking Mother's Day plans! We're talking what-a-mom-wants!

BUT the BEST NEWS! We're giving away a stroller from Teutonia! That's right ladies! Our GRAND prize is a STROLLER! Amazing, right!?(Sneak peak!)

Relax and enjoy an hour with us... !

Leave us a comment saying if you'll be attending!

Easter Outfits for BOYS

I'm in the process of doing this right now! Well... getting 4 Easter Outfits for Boys. We celebrate the Easter holiday, and it's important that the boys get dressed up and all-so-handsome for our Easter celebration with our family. With boys, many people just think a "blah" suit, but you really can have some fun!

Here are 5 Easter Outfits for Boys:

1. Prepped 'n Perfect at Children's Place
This classically-cool and "dapper" outfit from Children's Place is adorable. I love the blues and yellows... and the vest is just perfection. Boys always look smashing in outfits like this!

2. Classic Easter Outfit from The Wooden Soldier
Blue Bunny Plaid is a total call-back to old-school traditional Easter outfits. I love the mixing and the matching. I think it's such an incredible and cute way to dress your son for the festivities!

3. Blue Seersucker Suit from Cookies Kids
Seesucker is so fabulous for Easter. It's got the elegance and classic-ness that every little man needs and looks good. You can't go wrong with Seesucker!

4. Chic Suit from J.CrewA little fashionisto in your home? Go with something a little more chic and hip from J.Crew. Not the traditional Easter wear... but oh-so-fabulous in its own right!

5. Junior Gentleman at J.Crew
There's nothing wrong with a tie! Ladies... watch your sons in this dapper outfit from J.Crew. Handsome, chic and classic... your little man will be a gentleman in this attire!

Designer Easter Dresses for Girls

For those who celebrate Easter, it's right around the corner. It also means it's time to get some beautiful Easter outfits. When I was a little girl, I remember my mother taking me and my sister to go get our "Easter outfits." We would search for hours, and then finally find "the" one. Both my sister and I would dress alike... they were always pastel colored dresses, with white tights.

If you're looking for some fabulous Easter clothing for the Girls in your life, check out:

1. Tiffany Blue Girls Dress from CutieClothes.com
This spectacular Easter dress is just stunning. The colors are soft, elegant and sophisticated. It has the perfect mix of cuteness and girly-ness. I especially love the flower!

2. White Tulle Dress from US AngelsThese white tulle dresses with the adorable pink flower touch are just incredible. Talk about walking into Easter brunch and having everyone turn their head. I absolutely love the fabulousness of this dress.

3. Bea Dress from J. CrewThe yellow in this dress grabbed me. I love the accent of the pink bow. The words that come to mind when I see this dress are classically cool. And it's SO versatile... weddings, special parties, holidays, etc.

4. Brown Easter Dress at Sophia's StyleHere's a funky approach to an Easter dress. I love the brown with the polka dots and pink. It really is very stylish and fashionable with a touch of sweetness.

5. Lilac Embroidered Dress at Pink Princess
Truly look like an Easter Princess in this gorgeous Lilac dress. Absolutely stunning and oh-so-chic. The purple long bow in the front truly makes the outfit.

Spring Fashion Alert: Bright Colors for Kids

Spring Fashion Alert: Bright Colors for Kids.

What kinds of colors? Oranges and yellows!

The color orange is popping up all over the place this spring. I'm not too surprised, orange is such a beautiful color. It's full of energy and brightness. Who wouldn't want to dress their child in some oranges? What I love about seeing the color orange is that it exudes happiness. You can't help but look at the color and feel a little more relaxed, a little more happy and a little more cheerful!The color yellow is just amazing! Yellow, like the sun... it so gets you in the mood for spring and summer. Yellow is the brightest color of all... it just soothes and comforts. I love the color yellow because it brings a sense of fun and excitement to an outfit. It adds some dimension and freshness. You don't have to dress your child in yellow from head-to-toe, just add some splashes and dashes here and there.

Mom Blogger Feature: Marie LeBaron from Make and Takes

Marie is the founder and editor of Make and Takes, a top rated parenting blog featuring kids crafts, home crafts, recipes, and parenting tips. She graduated with an Early Childhood and Elementary teaching degree, where she taught kindergarten for 4 years. She's now a stay-at-home mom of 3 goofy children and one computer geek husband, living in Salt Lake City. When she's not crafting, she loves to run, read, and blog!

What one word best describes your current state of mind?
Party! I love a good party, love to have fun, and love to make things happen. So I'm going with the word, party, as life should be one big party!

Tell us how you organize all your craft supplies?
Lots and lots of clear plastic tubs. I have one for almost everything. I like them clear so I can see what's inside, and they are perfect for stacking.

How do you take such great pictures all the time?
It's taken me a lot of practice and education. About 2 years ago, I bought a nice camera, which is a really good investment. But, the trick is to learn how to use it. I took a photography class to learn what all the buttons do and it's been life changing. I set up the shot, let the camera do it's thing, and now I spend less time editing, as I've learned how to take a pretty good picture.

What term or phrase do you most overuse?
Ha, this is a funny question! I'm always saying, "ya know?"

What things should a beginning crafter pick up to get started?
10 years ago I wanted to learn how to cross-stitch. So I bought one of those little tiny cross-stitch kits that you can buy at the dollar store. It has everything you need in the kit, thread, needle, fabric, instructions. And it was only a dollar, so you can't lose. I loved my little stitchery so much when I was finished, that I really got into it and loved primitive stitchery. That really catapulted sewing, card making, and a lot of other home crafts.

What 5 items do you think that new moms can't do without?
Wet wipes, constantly filled container of cheerios for on the go, fridge magnets, DVR, chocolate.

What do you do in your precious down time to recharge your batteries?
I love to watch the tv shows I've recorded on my DVR! The kids are in bed, no emails to check, it's just me and the final season of LOST. Ahhhh.

What are you currently reading?
The final book in the Fablehaven series, I'm a huge science fiction/fantasy geek.

What celebrity best represents your personal style?
I love Jennifer Garner. I think she's got a great style and wish I could look as cool as her being a double agent, you know, with the pink or blue wigs ;)

Follow me on Twitter here: @makeandtakes

Current projects that have you engaged and excited:
I'm painting my house. I've lived in my house for 5 years with white walls. I'm excited to get some color on them! We're choosing some grays and blues. I can't wait to see it all finished!

Jennifer Garner's Look

Most moms identify with Jennifer Garner's style because of its ease, functionality and comfort level. She actually looks like she mothers. It's easy to see her as "real" when you see her carrying her daughter, holding a lunch box and apparently running to somewhere important (most likely school!). She may be America's sweetheart... but she's also a mom to 2 little girls and a wife (yes... even if it's to Hollywood hottie Ben Affleck!).

Get Her look:

Plaid Ruffle Blouse: Dillards $12.00
White Tee - Hanes $9
Dark Bootcut Denim - Old Navy $34
Running Sneakers - Nike's at Kohl's $69.99

Top Outside Spring Activities

Outdoor activities throughout the Spring are the best kind. It's wonderful to enjoy the sunshine, breath in the air and watch the flowers start to bloom. There's nothing like this time of year! Many moms are searching for outside activities to do with their children. Moms want their kids to have fun, keep themselves busy and (the best part) learn something (sometimes without knowing!).

Here are some fabulous Outdoor Spring Activities to do with your kids:

1. Plant some flower seeds. It's wonderful to get your kids in the dirt... get them digging, and then have them bury some seeds. We did this last year, and every single day my sons would run outside to see if anything had to started to grow yet. It taught patience (for sure!)... but it also showed them the beauty that comes from planting some flower seeds. About 8 weeks later we ended up seeing the "fruit" of our labor.

2. Treasure hunts. Every child loves to go on a treasure hunt. Create 10-12 clues to different areas in your backyard. Have your children go from place-to-place, picking up a new clue at each destination. At the end of the hunt have something fabulous waiting for them! Cookies. Toys. Cold drinks. There has to be some sort of treasure at the end of a hunt!

3. Freeze tag. I don't know what it is, but this game always seems to be a big hit. Someone's "it" and it's up to that particular person to "freeze" everyone playing. This was just recently played at a birthday party we were at and the kids laughed and laughed and laughed away while they ran around and played. Activities that keep them moving and fabulous!

4. Chalk the driveway. We always have a barrel of sidewalk chalk ready for use in the spring. It's so much fun to get your kids out there and drawing, writing and doodling on the sidewalk, in your driveway and along your walkways. My sons LOVE tracing each other and seeing how big they are.

Designer Bathing Suits for Girls

Designer Bathing Suits for Girls.

My nieces just showed me the most adorable bathing suits that they just ordered for the summer. It's funny, it reminded me of how I used to want to order my backpack for the next school year in May! They were that excited about showing me the styles they picked out. Not having girls of my own, (but being one and an ex-swimmer) I love to see what kinds of bathing suits are trendy and chic and hip for girls right now.

Here are some fabulous Designer Bathing Suits for Girls this Summer:

Petit Tresor - Fabulous, chic and girly, you're little lady will be dazzling in her Boheme European Bathing Suit.

West Village Kids - Colorful, bright and energetic, you're little lady will be a shining star in this Elle Bathing Suit.

Flapdoodles - Chic and original, she will be one fashionista on the beach and the pool deck in this Out of Africa Bathing Suit.

Hello Kitty - If she's wanting a 2-piece this summer, this Hello Kitty is classic, fun and elegant. She'll look beautiful in this Ship's Ahoy Bathing Suit.

CWDKids - Trendy with ruffles and tie-dye print, you're precious little girl will be a star on the beach in this Anita G. Bathing Suit.

Meet the Moms: Joanna Dreifus

When you author a blog called MyMomShops, you know I'm going to be your friend. Joanna Dreifus and I often run into each other at trade shows--this mom has incredible taste and loves hunting down trends. Let's find out what else she is up to shall we?

What one word best describes your current state of mind? Relieved. My kids and I have been through two-and-a-half tough years and things are looking up now.

Tell us some of your favorite places to shop (online and off)? For my kids: Clothing from Mini Boden, CWD Kids, Lands End, and designer discount sites like Bargain Children's Clothing. For myself, I shop online at Boden, or in-person at Ann Taylor Loft or Macy's if I want a big selection. I buy most of our books and music (and the kids' toys) from Amazon, using Amazon Prime to save money on shipping. And I loooove browsing the handmade products at Etsy.com. I've bought tons of gifts here, from clothing to jewelry to stationery. It's always a big hit. Surfing the Etsy site is addictive.

When did you start blogging? In January 2007, when my younger child was 4 months old and never slept. I spent a lot of time online with him over my shoulder.

What term or phrase do you most overuse? "Absolutely", "of course" and "sure, no problem." I need to learn to say "no" to more things.(editor's note--totally with you Joanna!)

What 5 items do you think that new moms can't do without?

1) Another grown-up to help you out 
2) A friend who's already a mom who can tell you what to really expect 
3) A copy of the American Academy of Pediatrics Birth to Age 5 book 
4) Lots of ziploc bags for organizing stuff (bad for the environment, I know). 
5) A computer with a fast Internet connection for staying in touch with people, finding online support, and shopping for baby, of course.

What do you do in your precious down time to recharge your batteries? Power naps, working out at the gym, going out with friends, and watching reality TV (a guilty pleasure).

What are you currently reading? Going Away Shoes- a book of short stories by Jill McCorkle. My mom gave it to me.

What celebrity best represents your personal style? Jennifer Garner. I'm a jeans and no-makeup type of mom, too, on most days. I clean up nice, though.

Follow me on Twitter here: @mymomshops

Current projects that have you engaged and excited: I'm raising money for YAI's Central Park Challenge (www.yai.org/cpc) in NYC this June. I'm a board member of YAI's New York League division, which provides Early Intervention to children with special needs (both of my children received EI therapies). I'm going to address special needs products and tips more specifically at MyMomShops, too.

Also, just for fun, I launched my own Etsy shop, www.browneyeblue.etsy.com featuring some of my photography.

Celebrity Look for Less: Bethenny Frankel

Housewives of New York, Bethenny Frankel is expecting her first baby this May. Not many pregnant women have a figure like hers at 7 months. She looks FABULOUS in her Mylo Dweck Maternity skinny jeans ($60). I've been hooked on the Housewives of New York since the first season. I remember Bethenny just wanting to meet a "nice guy"... it's wonderful seeing her engaged and pregnant! She's absolutely glowing. I'll be tuning into see her full pregnancy style every Thursday night on the Bravo Network.

Get Her Look:

Skinny Jeans: Motherhood Maternity $29
Silver Tank: Scoop-neck Tee $28
Black Ballet Flats: Ribbon-Trimmed Ballet Flat $12.99

Top Food/Drink Containers for Kids

Food/Drink storage containers - who would have thought I would ever be blogging about food and drink containers? But... when you become a mother, you know... food and drink storage becomes a "thing" in your life. You want to find products that are easy to travel with, are compact enough for little fingers and products that are durable. And - most important, are going to make your life EASIER. I've searched high and low for some products for my 4 boys... it's not always easy.

Here are my TOP Food/Drink Containers for Kids:

Catch Bowl -The Catch Bowl has been a wonder for us! Food that spills, you can literally CATCH!

Stay-Put Suction Bowls -Suction bowls are a saving grace! They stay put! Perfect for babies and toddlers.

DripStik -Say GOOD-BYE to messes, drips and spills! With summer coming, every child needs one!

SippyPal Straps -
Never lose sippy cups on a walk/stroll again! Heaven for parents.

Mac & Cool Quick Cooling Dish -No more waiting for food to cool! Your kids will love this.

Trendy Children's Clothes: Tie Dye

Spring 2010 has many fun trends for children's clothes.  I'm in favor of kids experimenting with color and print.  So it's a great time to talk about one of the more whimsical trends this spring--tie dye. 80s trends are still so cool and we think this is the perfect time to try tie-dye fashions for kids.  Let's see how a few designers are interpreting this trend. From Riley, I'm loving the Alligator Tie Dye Racer Tank ($53)

From California the collection from T bags feels fresh and California cool. In addition to fabulous ready to wear, the line includes fashions for expecting moms, and children.  How about this easy two-piece set for your little guy!

And we just love the way Ralph Lauren combines tie-dye and a classic preppy staple to this shirt.

Think you can do it yourself? We say go for it! Here is a link to a tie-dye with kids from Parents.com.  We've done it at our house and it's a blast--but messy.  Have fun making fashion this spring.

Friday Mom Feature

Mom Blogger Feature.

Both Nicole and I write content for our Totsy blog every week, we love to share our love and our expertise in the fashion/style arenas for mothers and children. We also love to share information about the different events we've been to and what kinds of things are happening in the mom blog world. It's lots of fun!

We don't get to talk too much about ourselves... beyond our posts.

I wanted to take today to answer our usual "Mom Friday Feature" questions. Each week we get the chance to ask other mom bloggers, so I thought it would be fitting if we each take a "stab" at it!

1. What one word best describes your current state of mind?
Relaxed.

2. What TV household does your family most resemble?
Modern Family

3. What term or phrase do you most overuse?
"I'm not kidding..."

4. What are the five things/items you think that new moms (parents) can’t do without (sanity savers)?
Coffee
DVR
Baby swing
Baby carrier
Bubble Bath Salt

5. Family photos – best tips for getting kids to pose vs. fighting, making faces, running away?
I usually tell them, "Santa's watching..." :) Works like a charm.

6. What songs and/or books have worked best for bedtime?
We usually read some Star Wars "Learn to Read" book.

7. How many miles (of driving duty) have you logged in the past week?
This week... maybe 60 miles. Hasn't been a bad week.

8. One thing you want for yourself this year?
I want to go on a vacation with my husband and sons. Somewhere fun and exciting for all of us. Just us.

9. What celebrity best describes your personal style?
A mix between Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Jessica Parker

10. Best parenting resource you would recommend?
Don't get wrapped up into what other kids are doing... your kids are the most important. Everyone learns to go potty. Everyone stops napping. Everyone starts to read. Each child is on their own time table, don't rush them.

11. Current projects that have you engaged and excited:
Continuing Mom Generations - 365 Days of Fashion Advice for Moms... adding Kids Fashion Advice.
Totsy baby photo contest!
Can't wait to get ready with Getting Gorgeous parties with my friend Vera from I'm Not Obsessed Mommy!

5 Spring Fashion Trends for Boys

5 Spring Fashion Trends for Boys.

Spring is right around the corner! I officially cannot wait. With 4 boys, 5 and under... it's not easy being "cooped" up in the house October through March. My sons want to run, swim, climb trees and play on their swingset.

I can tell spring is truly in the air as I drive by some of my favorite stores. There's shorts and tees and sundresses in the windows. It puts such a smile on my face. After a long winter, I'm definitely ready for some spring fashion time! And I'm equally excited for some spring fashion for my sons, too!

Here are 5 Spring Fashion Trends for Boys:

1. POLOSYou can't go wrong with a polo tee. They are the perfect item to have in your son's closet because you can dress up a polo just as easily as you can dress down one. My sons are notorious for wearing polos with bathing suits, and then with a pair of khakis for a night out. It's the essential spring tee to have. I have seen them everywhere lately, so you can really find them at many different price points (always a bonus).

2. Embroidered ShortsWhether it's lobsters, dogs, flags, shells, whales, etc... embroidery on boy shorts is a hot trend this spring. It's a definite preppy approach to spring/summer wear. It's classic and cool and something every little man can pull off. Pair with a polo tee, and your little man is looking pretty dapper!

3. Linen ShirtsLinen is such an essential and popular spring/summer fabric. It's light. It's airy. There are some adorable button down linen shirts this spring that are so trendy for boys. Pair with shorts, jeans or khakis... he's good to go!

4. Patchwork ShortsPreppiness at its finest! Patchwork shorts are very trendy this spring/summer for boys. What I love about the patchwork shorts is the versatility. They can easily be dressed up or down. Toss on a cotton tee, a polo, a tank, a button down - and it all looks good and just works beautifully.

5. Hawaiian ShirtsBright, colorful and vibrant! Hawaiian shirts are very trendy this spring/summer. Get the little man in your life one to enjoy one! Fun and exciting, it will definitely keep the summer months alive for you!

Baby Stroller News

Buying the baby stroller is one of the most stylistically important purchases you may make.  Here are some of hot trends in strollers.

With a new height-adjustable backrest, sun canopy, 5-point harness and extendable seat bottom, the new Bugaboo Bee will grow with your child from infant to toddler. Delivery date: Spring 2010.

Walkabye wants to sell you a complete stroller package. They are combining Euorpean styling with American versatility. For $599 you'll get a bassinet, stroller frame, diaper bag, toddler seat, rain cover and more.

The latest news in double strollers is the iCandy Pear. Whether you are expecting twins or your second child, the Pear has you covered.

Designer Fashions from the Oscars

Oscar night was Sunday night. I watched from the comfort of my couch in sweats and a huge bun on top of my head (oh, so chic... right?).

I had so much fun tweeting with people from all over the place about the fashion hits and misses. I absolutely loved many of the Oscar Night Fashions... there was lots of beautiful gowns on the red carpet, glitz and glamour!

The red carpet is always a fun place to watch... !

Here's my Oscar Night Video Recap (please don't mind the stuffy nose!):

Trend Alert: ENK Children's Show

I love getting the scoop on fashion trends for moms.  Last night it was the Oscars, today it was walking the aisles in NYC at the ENK Children's Club Trade Show.  Hundreds of the best children's brands were showing off their fall fashions.

A few trends jumped out at me as I scanned the racks.
Felt. This fabrication was added to tees and onesies and all over accessories.  It's colorful and retains a hand-made feel.
Rosettes.  Right now roses are all over women's handbags and fashions.  For fall the trend extends to pint-sized fashions.
Fleece.  The 80s lives on and I thought the fleece dresses for girls look fresh and comfortable.
Vests. Boys will dig the biker vests, for girls it was all about faux fur.
Lace. More 80's. Look for lace embellishments and lace leggings. Hello Madonna!

And here are a few of my favorite fall looks:

Mack & Co Jacket--does it come in my size?

 

Hazel furry vest--so modern.