Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
SANTA BABY: Shabby Apple
especially a FANTASTIC Christmas one.
You know, that ONE outfit that's stylish
and appropriate enough to wear in front of Grandma?
I'm usually digging through every rack at the mall right about now
for the PERFECT dress!
That's where Shabby Apple comes in...
"After years of not being able to find stylish dresses that covered enough skin to make you really feel comfortable (without wearing a tank top, cardigan or long slip), owners Emily and CK decided to do something about it. They visited trade shows, marketplaces and designer studios only to discover the problem was not that department stores weren't buying the right dresses, but that designers weren't designing them. Shabby Apple is proud to offer you fantastic dresses that allow you to look fabulous, without having to compromise anything else. A return to what dresses were always meant to be — a one-piece outfit. No need to add anything...no tank tops, no cardigans, nothing (except accessories, of course!)."
I wish my entire closet was made up of clothing from Shabby Apple! I love how classic their selection is! Shabby Apple offers clothing for Women, Plus Size, Preteen and Girls! They even offer Maternity!Some of my Womans faves are:
Azure Coast
(I LOVE dresses with pockets!)
and the Carnival!
Also check out Shabby Apple's Childrens clothing!
How adorable is the Starry Night dress?
Such gorgeous things for all of us gorgeous women!
One of you lucky girls will have the chance to try Shabby Apple for yourself!
One lucky winner will receive the 90 Words Per Minute Dress.
(Can I tell you how jealous I am?!?!)
Mandatory Entry
1 Entry- Become a facebook fan of The First Time Around! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Become an email subscriber of TFTA! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Grab my SANTA BABY button and let me know where to find it!
1 Entry per current giveaway of mine that you enter :)
1 Entry- Follow 1sttimearound on Twitter and tweet the following:
during Santa Baby's 1st Christmas Event
Sunday, December 13, 2009
SANTA BABY: Mary Kay
As a mom/sister/girl in general myself, I know how important self time is. I love when I get a little "me time" for a nice relaxing bath or a little bit of pampering. Through enough time to actually get completely made-up and you've got one happy momma. So you can imagine my excitement when I got the go-ahead to do a review/giveaway with Mary Kay!
I received quite a few products from Mary Kay's Holiday line for review purposes.
The first few items in my review kit were both the Bella Belara and Belara body lotion and perfum solid compact sets. (valued at $42.00 each) I also received the Limited-Edition Shimmeriffic® Body Powder in each scent. (valued at $24.00 each) While I definitely loved both of these sets and they are similar in scents (both are floral) I have to admit that the Bella Belara scent is my favorite. I think it is the extra touch of fruity undertones that have me reaching for it more often than the Belara. I also have to add that I LOVE the Perfum Solid Compacts! They are just the right size to stick in my purse, diaper bag, and even my pocket! Great for an on-the-go mom like myself.
"Spread a lot of holiday cheer at a little price! The new limited-edition Mary Kay® Body Care Gift Set in Peppermint Cream™ features portable body lotion and shower gel that are just the right size for travel. The shower gel (3 fl. oz.) refreshes and cleanses while the body lotion (3 fl. oz.) infuses skin with moisture. Inspired by the delightful fragrance of candy canes, it’s the perfect holiday treat for skin."
Last but not least, I received a couple of fun makeup items!
The first makeup item I received was the Limited Edition Romantic Notions Blush Set. "Get blushingly warm cheeks with three sweet, stay-true shades swirled together in one perfect pan that can easily nestle in the Mary Kay® Compact. Each new limited-edition Mary Kay® Mineral Cheek Color Palette applies smoothly and easily, leaving a matte finish and a youthful glow. Includes your shade choice; an exclusive, professional-quality, full-sized, limited-edition cheek brush; and an on-trend pink lace-covered cosmetic bag." I received both the Silk Nectar and Soft Sable blush shades and I have to say that I like both! The Silk Nectar is great for my fair winter skin while the Soft Sable is great for my summer (or tanning bed winter) skin. The best part of this set? The awesome angled blush brush! I love how it applies my blush perfectly in one sweep!
So I know your all super jealous of all the items that I got to review... that's why I'm SUPER excited to share that I have even more to dole out to you all! Mary Kay has donated THREE prize packs!
- One lucky reader will receive the, another reader will receive the Limited-Edition Mary Kay® Miniature Fragrance Collection
- another reader will receive a set of Body Lotion and Shower Gel in Peppermint Cream
- the last winner will receive a Limited Edition Romantic Notions Blush Set and a set of the Limited Edition Color Collection Loose Eye Shadows
Mandatory Entry
1 Entry- Become a facebook fan of The First Time Around and Mary Kay! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Become an email subscriber of TFTA! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Grab my SANTA BABY button and let me know where to find it!
1 Entry per current giveaway of mine that you enter :)
1 Entry- Follow 1sttimearound on Twitter and tweet the following:
during Santa Baby's 1st Christmas Event
CLOSED: SANTA BABY: The Boys Store
Some of you may remember The Boy's Store from the last time I worked with them...
The Boy's Store is an awesome online store JUST FOR BOYS. Susan contacted me about doing a Christmas time review/giveaway and of couse I said yes, 100 times yes! Who would be crazy enough to turn down a great company that stocks the cutest boy clothing?
"We are proud to be one of the very few online shopping destinations exclusively for BOYS. Our goal is to provide you with fabulous, functional boy's clothing and accessories, PLUS make your shopping experience simple and easy. Our store is designed to bring you more boy's clothing options for great style, from traditional sportswear to the trendiest gear, in a wide range of sizes.
- We are the ultimate boy's clothing resource for you!
- Plus, we know how hard it is to shop online and find the perfect fit, so that is why we will always answer any question or concern.
- If you ever do have a particular question about sizing, please email us, and we will be happy to find out for you.
- Make sure to join our mailing list
- We send out "Monthly Specials" to our list members!
- Also by joining The Boy's Store mailing list; you will be entered in a monthly drawing for a $25 gift certificate"
I also love that you can shop different ways at The Boy's Store. You can shop by age, item or brand. Say you only need to find a shirt for those cute camo pants you just purchased your little one. Or that you only need clothing in 6-9 months. Just click on the designated tab and your there!
We received the Hay Day Lined Pants and Striped Shirt Set by le top for review purposes. The set is SUPER cute!! Caden is currently wearing a size 18 months and this outfit fit him a little big... which is A-OK with me! That just means he'll be able to wear it for more than a week :) like all of his other clothing. (It seems like he's growing into a new size every other day.) The outfit is very soft. I also like that the pants are lined as it makes it that much warmer in this cold Indiana weather! It definitely a comfy little outfit for my munchkin to lounge about in!
Make sure to check out The Boy's Store and all of it's super cute, awesome inventory! A few products that I love are:
Footie, Hat and Twofer Jacket Set by Miniclasix
and
Striped Cardigan and Mitten Set by Krawlers
Now you have the chance to win the same outfit that we recieved from The Boy's Store!
The winner will receive the Hay Day Lined Pants and Striped Shirt set
in their choice of size 12, 18, or 24 months!
To Win:
Mandatory Entry
1 Entry- Become a facebook fan of The First Time Around and The Boy's Store! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Become an email subscriber of TFTA and The Boy's Store! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Grab my SANTA BABY button and let me know where to find it!
1 Entry per current giveaway of mine that you enter :)
1 Entry- Follow 1sttimearound and The Boy's Store on Twitter and tweet the following:
during Santa Baby's 1st Christmas Event
SANTA BABY: Free presents!
Do you want to know how to earn free giftcards? Just for searching the web using a different search engine than Google.com?
Join SWAGBUCKS! Use their search engine and earn "swagbucks" when you do! I've earned a ton so far and have turned them in to receive Amazon.com giftcards! I've used those giftcards to help buy my husband an Ipod Nano for Christmas! How awesome is that?!?!
Just click on either banner in this post to be taken right to their site and get started earning your giftcards today!
Friday, December 11, 2009
SANTA BABY: Trendy Remedy
It's all the same. Fleece two piece outfits with footballs, dinosaurs, ect. While they are cute, I get bored with it easily. So I spend lots of time on the internet trying to find neat-o clothes for my baby boy. Trendy Remedy is one of my favorite online boutiques!
"Trendy Remedy is all about hip unique baby and toddler clothes and gifts for boys and girls! Our goal is to stay in tune with the latest vibe and trends in the children's clothes industry and present them to you in a way that is simple to shop. Think of Trendy Remedy as your personal shopper. Our team of stylists will dig through all the clutter in the market today and bring you a condensed selection of the best of the best. Don’t think that you’re going to find name brands that are found in department stores. We scour the market to find the newest and coolest designers and products that also offer a great value for parents, friends and family looking for stylish baby clothes and gifts."
Skully Rock Royalty Two-fer
and the distressed skull baby hat
"This "Honor Thy Mother" hoodie is perfect for little boys who want to give props to mama! A classic, all-purpose zipped sweatshirt. Perfect for layering. 100% California Fleece cotton, combed for softness and comfort Kangaroo pocket. Stretchy, comfortable hood. Stretchy, comfortably fitted double-stitched cuffs and hem."
I LOVE this hoodie. I picked it out because it was unique. It looked like something my teenage brother or 24 year old husband would wear... it's cool and hip! I received it fairly quickly and was a little worried about the size when I received it. It looked like it might be a bit snug. That is until I tried it on him! It actually fit great... and I could see that it was made to be more of a fitted hoodie, not baggy. I love that it is so different looking, not the average, run of the mill little baby boy outfit! We've received so many complements each time Caden sports his Trendy Remedy Hoodie!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
CLOSED: SANTA BABY: Tiny Soles
Shoes are an obsession in our house. Zac and I have overflowing shoe baskets (two of them!) and Caden's shoe drawer is getting a little crowded. (Mind you, it seems like he grows out of a pair of shoes almost everyday.) But I knew that Caden's shoe drawer was in trouble when I came across TinySoles.
"TinySoles is a shoe store dedicated to providing the most complete selection of stylish, comfortable shoes for babies, infants, toddlers and kids. We personally test all of our shoe brands on our own kids first and if we don't love them, we don't sell them. Not only do we care about what you put on your child's feet, we want to provide you with a hassle-free shopping experience with superior customer service. As parents, we know your time is precious. Our goal is to keep your children's feet happy, comfortable and stylish while making shopping a pleasurable experience. We aim to be your one-stop shoe source for baby, infant, toddler, and kid shoes. We are constantly searching for the best new products available to provide our customers with the greatest selection of quality footwear. Our store prides itself on being a mother-friendly and supportive workplace. When you call to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff, you might hear the happy sounds of tiny voices in the background."
After much deliberation we received the Pediped Kyle in White and Navy for review purposes. I had a hard time picking which shoes to review because of the extent of their selection! They have the best shoe brands and styles, including Pedipeds, See Kai Run, Robeez, Eleven, and more! Not only do they offer shoes but accessories as well! Check out TinySoles Sole Accessories tab for everything from hats and mittens to socks, tights, and hairbows!
I was very impressed when we quickly received our Pediped Kyles. Upon opening the box I found a neatly tissue-paper wrapped Pediped box, TinySoles and Pediped company information, and a SUPER cute tiny foot shaped sucker! Such nice, fun touches!
Other than that they are absolutely GORGEOUS! They go great with everything and stay on his feet! :) (Every mom knows thats a HUGE plus!) I like that the strap across is velcro so that I can adjust it to fit his foot width. That especially helps with actually keeping the shoe on Caden's foot.
Overall I was EXTREMELY pleased with TinySoles and the Pediped shoes we received. They were so kind and helpful with the shoe selection process and fast to get them to me! I will definitely be ordering from them again!
To Win:
Mandatory Entry
1 Entry- Become a facebook fan of The First Time Around! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Become an email subscriber of TFTA! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Grab my SANTA BABY button and let me know where to find it!
1 Entry per current giveaway of mine that you enter :)
1 Entry- Follow 1sttimearound on Twitter and tweet the following:
This giveaway will end on December 20th, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know via email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before I choose a new winner using random.org.
CLOSED: SANTA BABY: BearPaw Shoes
I never imagined someone pointing out a pair of boots and finding myself saying, "my work shoes!" But show me the two pairs of boots that my family recently received from BEARPAW Shoes and that exactly what you would hear!
Don't get me wrong. My 10" Eva BEARPAW boots are far from being intended as work shoes... they are way too cute. But I work in a retail store, where they make me one hip (and comfortable) momma! I received the 10" Eva BEARPAW boots in Nutmeg for review purposes from BEARPAW Shoes.
- "Feel like you're walking on a cloud in the classic 'Eva' boots.
- Soft suede uppers are easy to maintain and offer the utmost comfort.
- Sheepskin lining regulates body temperature to keep your feet warm.
- Sheepskin footbed provides additional softness and reduces foot fatigue.
- Rubber outsole is lightweight and flexible on many surfaces."
Not only did I receive the Eva Boot but my wonderful husband (HI ZAC!!) received the Stowe boots in black!
"As temperatures begin to drop and and the leaves turn and fall, it's that time of year again. Those chilly falla and winter days are right around the corner. Get outside and enjoy yourself, experience all that this time of year has to offer. Keep your feet warm and fry in the new BEARPAW Stowe Boot. The genuine suede and leather uppers feature water resistant prpoerties that will prevent dirt buildup and water penetration. Don't miss out..."
My husband is a delivery driver for a furniture company here in town. I remember last year during the winter. He'd come home and take off his boots and multiple pairs of soaking wet socks... and his feet would be icy from the cold. I felt blessed this year when BEARPAW asked us to review the Stowe boot. Not only does he have a GORGEOUS pair of boots for work now, his feet stay toasty warm and dry! The plush sheepskin lining is soo soft and makes the boot that much more comfortable. He has worn the boots for a couple of weeks now and I have not heard a single complaint about his feet hurting or being cold! :)
About BEARPAW Shoes:
"Tom Romeo founded BEARPAW brand in 2001 with the intention of redefining casal footwear by utilizing sheepskin, nature's own technical fabric, to create comfortable and stylish shoes. Sheepskin naturally regulates body temperature so feet stay cooler and drier in the heat adn warmer in the cold. In one of the most competitive footwear market segments, BEARPAW has carved out a niche area by providing customers with comfort and sensibility to set itself apart. From slippers to boots to casual footwear, only the finest materials are used to produce BEARPAW shoes. Built to deliver quality and style, every pair of BEARPAW shoes focuses on comfort and fit, using the highest standards of craftsmanship."
BEARPAW footwear is now seen as a lifestyle, one that reflects who you are and what's important to you. It's about sitting in front of a fireplave with friends in a winter cabin. It's aout that end of summer party at the edge of the lake. It's about watching those last waves at your favorite beachspot before putting your board away for the winter. It's about you and the lifestyle you lead."
"What pair?" you ask.
ANY PAIR THAT YOU CHOOSE!!!
Mandatory Entry
1 Entry- Become a facebook fan of The First Time Around and BEARPAW! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Become an email subscriber of TFTA! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Grab my SANTA BABY button and let me know where to find it!
1 Entry per current giveaway of mine that you enter :)
1 Entry- Follow 1sttimearound and BEARPAW Shoes on Twitter and tweet the following:
during Santa Baby's 1st Christmas Event
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
SANTA BABY: Mabels Labels
Which is why I love Mabels Labels. Just stick a label that has your childs name on any product and it's INSTANTLY yours forever. (or until you lose it!) Mabels Labels are laundy, dishwasher and microwave safe... which means I can put them on ALL of Caden's belongings!
For each set of LOL Sticky Labels sold between November 23rd through December 10th, Mabel’s Labels will donate a portion of the proceeds to Anissa Mayhew’s family.
About Mabels Labels:"We are moms who were frustrated by the amount of stuff that left our houses, never to return. After lots of research and testing we created the perfect fun, durable labels for the stuff kids lose!
Our sticky labels and clothing labels, which are dishwasher, microwave and laundry safe, are not only practical, but also designed to be very special to each child. The labels are customized with a child’s name, favourite mix of colours and an icon (animal, symbol, etc.). We have also expanded our product line to include personalized stationery products, ID wristbands and household labels.
We strive to continuously design innovative labels for babies, kids and grown-ups alike. You’ll be amazed at what you can label!"
the Laugh Out Loud Labels!
The company sent Caden and I a pack to review.
About the Laugh Out Loud Labels:
"If you're going to label, why not Label Out Loud™? Introducing the new line of full colour sticky labels from Mabel's Labels.
For each set of LOL Sticky Labels sold between November 23rd through December 10th, Mabel’s Labels will donate a portion of the proceeds to Anissa Mayhew’s family.
For years we've been giving you the best of the best in labeling products. Now we're making labeling even more exciting with our new Label Out Loud™ Sticky Labels. As you've come to expect with all of our products, our new super-colourful sticky labels are the same unbeatable quality."
Each Laugh Out Loud Label pack contains 45 labels and retails for $21.00. These super colorful labels are super fun because you get to customize them to however you want them to look! I had a lot of fun looking through the different designs and finally settled on the Bug design. (Mainly because I call Caden CBug.) I then chose to only include Caden's first name on the label.We received the labels rather quickly (especially since they were coming from Canada!) I was very impressed with the quality of the labels. Not only are they SUPER cute, the colors bright, and the print/name readable, they also stick with a vengence! So far we've stuck a few on different toys, bottles, and binky leashes. They've survived everything so far. Including dish washings, Caden slobber and everyday wear!
Shoe Labels are extra tough and fit nicely on the insole of boots, shoes and more. Bag Tags and Teeny Tags™ are sturdy metal tags that are perfect for labeling school bags, diaper bags and other luggage.
Our laundry safe, waterproof labels are ideal children's labels, baby labels...everyone's labels.
They offer everything from normal labels to shoe labels to iron-in clothing labels!
Mabels Labels has offered one of my readers
the chance to try out a pack of
Laugh Out Loud labels for themself!
Mandatory Entry
1 Entry- Become a facebook fan of The First Time Around! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Become an email subscriber of TFTA! (let me know here)
1 Entry- Grab my SANTA BABY button and let me know where to find it!
1 Entry per current giveaway of mine that you enter :)
1 Entry- Follow 1sttimearound on Twitter and tweet the following:
during Santa Baby's 1st Christmas Event
This giveaway will end on December 13th, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know via email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before I choose a new winner using random.org.