My Pinteresting Week

A Fantastic way to reinvent the Photo Display

Wish I had these when my sons were newborn...Totally adorable Onesies with detachable Bowties

How cute are these, perfectly sized little summer dessert.....

Perfect way to combine all the amazing tastes of summer in one gorgeous dish

I know how i'm serving Margarita's at my next party!

A totally unexpected and unique Hostess Gift.


Come follow all my Pinterest Boards, and find out all the things I'm loving!!!

Must Have Monday: Valhalla Brooklyn

Having spent a few years of my pre-baby life, surrounded by gorgeous Designer Handbags, it was only a matter of time, before my personal taste in handbags went from beer level....to champagne....though I drooled daily over the amazingly beautiful bags, bearing the labels of Chloé, Burberry and Marc Jacobs, I just couldn't quite bring myself to open up my 4 year old Coach Bag and upgrade....

Fast forward 4 years later....and my champagne taste, though watered down....and usually leaning towards the newest and greatest Diaper Bag, I still have an oversized soft spot for those gorgeous leather creations, that would pay my car payment for about 6 months....

My Beer Budget, and My Soft Spot have found something they both can covet and I'm in full hearted agreement, on the drool worthy creations coming from Valhalla Brooklyn.

Hand Made, High quality leather handbags.....that ....get ready, are under $400......Can you stand it? I can't either.....

I am determined to be sporting the lovely Larch Bag that sells for $319 (picture 2 and 4)....Sigh......

Hands down Style Points....and Large enough for all my stuff and the kids stuff? Double Sigh.....

Please, don't just take my word on it, you can drool over all the amazing creations yourself......

Valhalla is sold in a few Small Boutiques, and on Etsy.

REVIEW: Melt Buttery Spread!

I want to start by saying.....

I LOVE Butter.....I love how it makes EVERYTHING you put it on...taste better.....Whoever said it's better with butter...sure as heck wasn't lying.....

I'm a Paula Deen Groupie.....

I become just a little bit more than giddy when I see her bring out her favorite ingredient....and create what are in my opinion....culinary masterpieces (I know Anthony Bourdain and I could go round and round on that one)

There's just one little pesky downside to all that buttery goodness.....It's not the healthiest of food items.....

Way to be a pooper at the party....

There is a NEW and exciting Guest at the Butter Party though....and it has renewed my excitement with being able to endulge in my Butter obsession....without so much of the unhealthy side effects.....I'd like to introduce you to Melt!

Melt is not Butter.....and it is not Margarine that has all those hydrogenated oils....

Melt is certified 95% organic, Gluten Free and Contains those "Good Fats" that unfortunately Butter Doesn't have.

Melt is a Butter Substitute that is made using Virgin Coconut Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Palm Oil and Canola Oil, "healthy Cooking Oils" which has an amazing 20% less calories than Butter.....

I've been slathering Melt on my Biscuits....and Toast....and anything I can slather it on.....I've baked with Melt, Sauteed with Melt....and eaten it straight from the tub.....It has a slight Coconut taste to it, which butter obviously doesn't have....but you certainly don't even notice it once you cook with it....and I don't mind having a little "taste" with my butter anyway.

Recently as you remember I made My AMAZING Toasted Almond Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting.....They turned out so moist, and so delicious...Melt did not alter the quality of the recipe at all....and with something that just looking at it, adds pounds to my hips...it's nice to know I was able to reduce the calories a little bit....and add some added organic ingredients!

You can purchase Melt on their Website, or at Select King Soopers, Fred Meyers or Whole Foods Stores. You can locate a retail location close to you, by checking out their store locator page.

Strollers, Style School....and Punk Rock

This Post is brought to you by the letter S.....

Saturday, Strollers, Step and Repeats, Style School, 77kids....well it does start with s.......

Let's just say, while Daddy is away, mommy and the boys, like to go play! And this weekend, we went and played in the Big Apple....which luckily for us, is a hop skip and a short train ride from our suburban oasis in South Jersey.....

Though, I have to throw it out there, that Penn Station needs to work on being a little more ....stroller friendly? As my posse and I commenced the disembarking of our NJ transit train on Track 8 of NY Penn Station.....the left front wheel of my expensive yet cumbersome double jogging stroller.....disengaged itself...and fell between the train and platform....to the track below....

after few NY style expletives

and some blank stares from any and all NJ Transit workers...on whether said wheel could be retrieved.......

my posse and I made the 5 short blocks....and 1 long block trek to our destination the Fabulous 77kids Style School held at the Metropolitan Pavilian

.....1 wheel short....but still on time.....

because not even a three wheeled stroller, could keep me from our mission!

Our First Stop....the Step and Repeat....my gorgeous friend Angela...looks so put together...while I'm a wind blown mess......and Though Noah is obviously thrilled with the papparazzi worthy attention....Ryan would obviously rather be doing anything else.....

Now why I didn't get any pictures of the amazing wine tasting hosted by Cameron Hughes Wines....probably because I was too busy enjoying the Moscato......in a word amazing.....

But I did get a pic of Noah having the time of his life at the Play Doh Table.....though, if you remember the picture from last weeks Play Doh incident.....

It was a fabulous event with some awesome vendors....from the cool Kids Clothing Swap hosted by Zulily to a Yummy Applesauce tasting from Motts....

LandsEnd was on hand with a killer Back to School set up, and Mom Agenda was showcasing their perfect planners for busy moms...

Advil set up an insanely fun Photo Booth...that Noah wanted a 3rd, 4th and 5th go at.....as well as stocking us up on must have Advil products for infants and children.....

Remington, provided some gorgeous hair makeovers.....and the seriously Punk Chic 77kids area.....had a to die for Goody Table....and even put the urban back into my suburban boys, by giving them some super cool punk mohawks.......

All that Fabulousness....ending with a over the top Swag Bag.....made me all but forget the infamous wheel incident.....

Let's just say, we left our mark on the Big City.....

But more importantly, the Style School, definitely left it's Punk Rock Mark on us!

Rock ON!

A Giveaway: Fresh Produce

If you had asked me 6 years ago when I lived my life in high heels and adorable twenty something business attire, that I would excited to do a Fresh Produce Review......I would have probably laughed....a lot.....because 6 years ago, I was still under the mindset that style and comfortability were mutually exclusive, and if lumped together....sounded better suited for car commercial than fashion......fashion was meant to be ....lets's just say NOT so comfortable....but that was the price you paid to look fantastic.....

I have to humbly admit, that mindset also extended to Fresh Produce.....6 years ago, when I was wearing those beautiful, though so not comfortable clothes, while managing at Nordstrom, I was familiar with the brand, as Nordstrom has carried Fresh Produce since 1988. I have to say, I associated Fresh Produce solely with the Snow Birds who would abandon their homes in the north....for the warm winters in Phoenix, where I resided.

I was so wrong....on all accounts.

Becoming a mom, and a full time, stay at home mom, has opened my eyes to clothing choices that allow me to do crazy things like catch children....without ripping a hole in pantyhose, or breaking a heel. And, I now find myself searching out like a bloodhound brands that focus in on the real need of women needing clothing that is flattering, but also feels amazing on.

Fresh Produce, has taken their line, and have created pieces that are so flattering, but also so easy to wear. This is especially true with their ME line. The pieces in the ME line are fashion forward, but keep true to the Fresh Produce idea of year round sensibility and costal comfort...

I was so excited that I was sent the the Morocco Soleil dress in Sunrise, and the Pintuck Tank Dress in Truffle.

The Morocco Soleil Dress is so right on trend, with it's fitted lycra top, and cotton voile skirt. The shape will make women of any size feel feminine and stylish. And the color, I have to say the sunrise is amazing...never thought I'd love that color, but it is my go too summer date night dress!

The Pintuck dress, is the perfect daytime, playdate, run out of the house dress. It is breezy and soft, and with the pintucks around the front and back, it gives the dress a sassy, updated and modern style. Add a belt around your hips, for a completely different, but equally as sassy summer look.

my 27 year old self is very ashamed......that's all I have to say!

now you too can have your own Sassy and Comfortable summer Piece from Fresh Produce,

WIN: A PINTUCK TANK DRESS!

TO ENTER:

Visit Fresh Produce and tell me which item you'd love to add to your summer wardrobe! There are so many stylish and comfortable pieces to choose from!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Follow Project Mommyhood Publicly.

2. Follow Project Mommyhood and Fresh Produce on Twitter

3. Subscribe to Project Mommyhood via RSS or Email

4. Like Fresh Produce on Facebook

5. Like Project Mommyhood on Facebook

6. Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs! Button is in left Sidebar!

Contest Ends August 20th 11:59 EST.

I want to give a huge thank you to Fresh Produce for their generosity in the review dresses that were sent, as well as the giveaway prize.

And a Big Thank you to my very sweet, and super attractive husband for taking these pictures of me....you will always be my favorite photographer.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

HI Friends.....What have you been up to this fine weekend? Oh, That sounds absolutely fantastic.......Me? I'm so glad you asked.....I've had a busy busy morning photographing this cutie-patootie.....squishy tushy pants......for his first Birthday.......but before I finish taking the remainder of the icing out of my hair....

I just HAD to thank you Everyone who shared your best "parenting" advice with me.....my neighbor stopped me in the cul-de-sac this morning, and informed me that I was being a little sexist in labeling it "mom" advice....I humbly apologize.....

But you all shared some fabulous advice.....many of which I think I've heard spoken to me over a pork chop dinner or two.......

But alas....Only 1 fabulous entry can win....and I left the choosing up to Random.org, because My three year old would probably take the number and run....and the sniff sniff 1 year old would eat it.....

so the lucky winner of the only books I find myself reading these days......

And the Winner is

#68

Laurie who was Wonderful in Subscribing to Project Mommyhood through her Email! :-)

And I'm just throwing this out there.....if anyone who happens to read this far down....can tell me how to save a screen shot of a webpage on a Mac....and then open it as a jpeg....I would be eternally grateful....

What To Expect: A Giveaway

I remember the first thing that the husband and I excitedly did....when we first found out we were pregnant with our first child.....besides stare at the plus sign for a good 20 minutes to see if it would change.....

We headed straight to Barnes and Nobles and bought "What to Expect When You're Expecting".....as we had NO idea what to expect over the next 40 weeks of our lives. It lived on my bedside table, and became our window into all the changes that we both could and couldn't see happening....and helped me get answers to questions I may have......(okay DEFINITELY) was too embarrassed to ask my doctor about.....ie anything pooping related.....

After Noah was born, my nicely dogeared "What to Expect When You're Expecting".....was replaced by a Shiny New Copy of "What to Expect the First Year".....which helped us navigate everything from the umbilical cord falling off.....to is my child still normal if he's not quite walking yet at 12 months....(I admit I was worried at first)

Now I'm firmly engrossed in both "What to Expect the 2nd Year" and "What to Expect The Toddler Years"....it is my insiders guide to the mind of a toddler.....and helping me wade through the world of tantrums, potty training....and having 2 under the age of 4......

and having 2 under the age of 4 has left little to no time to even open a book......but thanks to both WhattoExpect.com....and the What to Expect App for the Iphone.....if I don't know the answer....it is never more than a click away....

You can access their site by clicking on the What To Expect Button on my sidebar

Giveaway

I am so excited that WhatToExpect.com and I are teaming up to give to one lucky reader a copy of each....

What to Expect When You're Expecting

What to Expect the First Year

What to Expect The Second Year

TO ENTER:

Leave a Comment on this post, answering this question:

"What is your best advice your mom gave you"

It's really that easy......

Extra Entries:

1) Follow Project Mommyhood the Blog (must be publicly)

2) Follow Project Mommyhood either by RSS or Email

3) Follow Project Mommyhood on Twitter

4) Follow What to Expect on Facebook

5) Follow What to Expect on Twitter

Lots and lots of chances to win.....

Contest runs until Friday July 8th at 11:59 PST

Winner has 24 hours to contact me before a new winner is chosen

Growing Up

I know it's been since Monday, that I've had a new post up, but trying to find a moment to sit and write was a little hard to come by.....between getting myself stuck while trying to teach my 3 year old the finer points of the sit and spin, burning dinner (twice) and trying to get in as much time with the husband before he leaves for the wild brown yonder again .....well, you get the idea.....

And I promise to go into detail one day on the sit and spin incident.....my pride still needs a few days to recover.

This week was also marked the last day of the first year of preschool for my big, little kid....and I fully admit I turned into that totally annoying, overly excited, camera wielding mama....

the one I promised back when I was 17 I was NEVER going to become.....

I hang my head in shame.....

It was such a proud and yet sad moment, as I finally had to let go of thinking of my first born as a "baby" and embrace the fact that he has entered the age of preschool.....

Noah Now....

Noah Then....

Lord, if it's this hard for me now at the age of three....what am I going to do when he actually hits elementary school...

Even with me having an wee internal mommy struggle while watching him standing with his class, I was so proud of him as he went up to receive the award for "BEST HELPER" in class.....

I think is a pretty special award to get.....and much better than the awards I would receive which would be "WORST DANCER"....or "MOST ENTHUSIASTIC" (but annoying)

I have to admit too though, I thought he also should have received "SNAPPIEST DRESSER" just saying.....

And....do I get a bad mark on my mommy report card for actually thinking it's sweet that he's the smallest one in his class? I actually found it endearing that he was the little peanut down in front!

I think My neighbor, the shrink would say it was helping me in my mental transition of seeing my son as a baby....to a growing boy....

Whether it's just my propensity to love things that are cute and small....or a psychological need to keep my 3 year old a baby a while longer....

My Baby is growing up....

and I will be there for all these milestones...front and center...with my camera ready!

* Adorable Mustache Love Shirt: Finley and Oliver

Oh My Birth Announcements....

Who knew that picking out the PERFECT birth announcement could be such a monumental decision....I think that it can almost be considered harder than picking out wedding invitations, choosing your next president or the ever important....bangs or no bangs dilemma.....(my vote is for no bangs...)


So, since indecisiveness is my new middle name....next to Queen post pregnancy hormones, Miss caffine-aholic...and Senorita leaky boobs.....I am asking for your help... with the announcements...not the leaky boobs...though I'm sure that will be the topic of a poll question at a later date...


Here are my Top 4 Baby Announcement Choices......I'm putting the Poll at the bottom.....Let me know which one you think is the Coolest...Trendiest....hey, you'd like this on your fridge one out of the bunch......


You have no idea how much I and my leaky boobs appreciate this.....

Choice A:

Choice B:

Choice C:

Choice D:

Amy Adele - A Very Special Giveaway { CLOSED }

I like to think that this giveaway is in honor of Baby Ryan!

It started out with wanting something special to send as a thank you to all those amazing friends and family who were sending gifts for the new baby to be....

and ended with me being now totally hooked on Amy Adele....

Needing a special Baby shower gift? Wanting to create a unique and special invite for your Child's Birthday party? How about wanting something functional and durable to label your child's toys with?

Amy Adele has the COOLEST and probably one of the most unique companies out there for everything from stationary and invitations, to personalized calling cards, labels and clothing. All designed by the uber talented Amy Adele.

I was extremely honored to have Amy Adele send Noah a set of 30 custom waterproof labels, to help us keep track of anything he takes out of the house...I can't tell you how handy they've been at the beach, helping us NOT lose his shovels and pails....

Ryan too got something special from Amy Adele, they sent him a fabulous set of Personalized Cards, which we've used as our thank you notes for all the amazing Baby gifts we've received.

Not only are Amy's products unique, custom and quality, but also they are also a green company, with ALL paper products produced on 100% post consumer recycled paper.

WIN IT

Amy Adele is Generously giving to one LUCKY winner $25 worth of Amy Adele Product!

To Enter

Head over to Amy Adele, and then tell me what you'd spend your $25 on!!!

Must Leave valid Email Address with comment or have email listed in profile

EXTRA Entries

1. Follow Project Mommyhood Publicly

2. Follow Project Mommyhood on Twitter and Tweet This Giveaway!

3. "LIKE" Project Mommyhood on Facebook

4. Grab the Project Mommyhood Button!!

5. Vote for Us on Top Baby Blogs

Contest will run until July 31st at 11:59 PST

Winner will be chosen by Random.org and has 48 hours to reply to winning email before new winner is chosen!

Open to US and Canada Residents only

Mommy Blogger of the Year Sponsor: I'm Not Spoiled Designs

Bright....Fun....Whimsical.....and our Mommy Blogger of the Year (M.B.O.Y) is so stinking lucky to have one as part of her Celeb Worthy Swag Bag!.....

I adore the amazing Canvas Picture Frames and Canvas Signs that come from I'm Not Spoiled Desgins.....They are probably one of the coolest ways to jazz up any room of your home....as well as funk-ti-fy your fave pictures.....

I'm Not Spoiled creates memorable and unique Frames for all of lifes special moments....especially those for babies or weddings.....a totally Wow worthy gift in my opinion!

Our M.B.O.Y is getting her very own Custom Canvas Frame for her to place her special moments in....Maybe she can put a pic of me up......just sayin.....

Check out I'm Not Spoiled at there Site or on Etsy