For the Kids: Recipes with Winnie The Pooh For National Honey Month

There is a lot of love in our house.

But no one gets more love, I’m afraid, than Tigger.

The “original” Tigger appeared as a gift from one of my students when Audrey Grace was 6 months old.  Even though she had a room full of stuffed animals, she immediately took to Tigger.  Now, 4 years later, we have over 20 different stuffed Tiggers, not to mention Eeyores, Pooh Bears, Piglets, and so forth.  But there is still the original Tigger – the one she has loved from the start – the one who, when he takes a bath (in a pillowcase in the washing machine) she stands guard by the machine until the wash is over.  When his nose came unravelled, I found her in the bathroom on her tippy-toes, reaching for a band-aid for him (and I happily obliged).

So, as you can tell, for the past 4 years, Winnie the Pooh and his loveable friends have been a huge part of our lives.  Naturally we are counting down to the October 25th release of WINNIE THE POOH on Blu-ray, DVD & Movie Download.  Did you catch the film in theaters?  It was adorable!

 

If you’re a huge fan of Pooh (and Tigger too!) much like we are, I have a few fun recipes to share in honor of National Honey Month (which is wrapping up today!).  Check out these super fun recipes that you can make with the kiddos – I’ve printed them out and put them in page protectors – I have a feeling we will be using these for a very long time!

Don’t forget to check out Winnie the Pooh on 10/25 when it is released on Blu-ray, DVD & Movie Download!  It’s Tiggerriffic!  And yes, I totally just said Tiggerriffic.

TTFN!
 

Must-Have: Colored Denim

It all started with a pair of J Brand Mid Rise Skinnies in Electric Blue. They were comfy like leggings (hello, Japanense Twill!), structured like jeans, and right on-trend. I wore them to work with a cropped trench, out in Brooklyn with a hot pink silk tank, and lunching with friends paired back to a simple tee. OBSESSED MUCH?

The answer is yes. But after awhile, my eyes began to wander. And my heart began to lust. First it was a purple pair, a Spring style that I hunted down relentlessly all over the Upper East Side-to no avail….huge bummer.  I did, however, find them in Emerald Green and now we are insperable! These jeans have become my new uniform.

There are a multitude of ways to wear colored denim, but this is my go-to look:

Of course, the bright denim takes center stage in this ensemble. I tone down the bright factor with some of my wardrobe staples-an easy tee and classic blazer. My favorite tees are the v-necks from Old Navy and my all-time favorite blazer is the Gabe from Theory. Jazz it up with a great necklace-currently, I’m into big gold collars-and you are all set!

Have you jumped on the colored denim trend? What’s your favorite way to wear it?

We Love: TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

This post brought to you by TRESemmé. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hi.  My name is Erika and I have lots of hair.  Tons.  Loads.  Mucho.

You get the drift.

A while back my stylist Meggan told me that I needed to stop washing my hair every day because over-washing was just drying it out and causing it to become brittle.  And frankly, who likes brittle, dry, hair?  Not me.  I like shampoo commercial quality hair.  Or at least hair like Sofia Vergara - my goodness her hair is so shiny!

Anyway, back to Meggan and her suggestions about not over-washing my hair.  She suggested that I try a dry shampoo to get me through the days that I am not washing – just a few quick sprays of my hair towards the roots to eliminate oil and odor.  So, for the past 2 years, I have been a dry shampoo convert.  Devotee.  Fan.

I love the stuff.

Which is why when I heard about TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo I was eager to hop on board and learn how to use it and to see how I could work it into my daily hair routine.  I swear, I couldn’t get by on a weekly basis without it, so if you haven’t tried it yet I highly recommend it.  Here are some quick tips for getting the most out of your TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo:

1. Shake it well before you spray and in-between bursts to get the best results.
2. Lift sections of your hair and spray lightly at the roots.
3. Hold 8-12 inches from your head and spray in short bursts.
4. Don’t spray like hairspray (all over and continuously) – remember short bursts at the roots.
5. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then use your fingertips or a brush to distribute the product evenly.

The line is great, and is made to revitalize your hair without a single drop of water.  Plus, it’s infused with citrus so that your hair smells fresh and clean.  Check out this how to video to learn more (and enter to win a $500 gift card while you’re at it!)

See, isn’t it awesome?  Be sure to pick up a bottle for yourself and check it out!

Jem and the Holograms: The Complete Series on DVD

 

Oh yeah baby, you read that right.

Jem and the Holograms: The Truly Outrageous Complete Series is going to be available on DVD beginning October 11, 2011.

When I received the email telling me this very fact, I responded exactly like this…

O

M

G

When I was a little girl, Jem was my ABSOLUTE favorite show.

I can still sing the theme song.

You pretty much just made my month.  And I’m not even kidding.

I would love to share Jem with my little girl, and share my obsession (and hidden rock-star dreams – pre Hannah Montana days, of course) with my readers.

I’d love a review copy of the entire Box Set if possible.

You have no idea how happy this makes me.

Thank you!!

Erika

And guess what, y’all?  They sent it to me.  I’m the proud owner of the 11 DVD Box set.  I’m in Jem Heaven.

This is one of those giddy pieces of nostalgia that I want to hold on to forever.  I had no idea I could even find Jem on DVD, much less have the complete series?  Shut the front door.

Remember I said that I could still sing the theme song?  I just tested myself out with this clip while my very kind and patient fiance’ pretended like he didn’t need to plug his ears.  It’s official, I can totally still rock out to this, and sing almost all of the words.  And oh man, lemme tell you, it’s 80′s-tastic, and I’m lovin’ it!

 Need a little Jem refresher?

The series “JEM and The Holograms” ran from 1985-’88 in first-run syndication and still boasts a loyal and vocal fan base. It is frequently credited with influencing fashion in the late 1980s and beyond, and launching the careers of female pop-rock stars and music groups.  The series follows Jerrica Benton, whose discovery of Synergy, a powerful computer companion, allows her to transform from co-owner of Starlight Music into rock star Jem.  Teaming with her sister and best friends who form The Holograms, Jem sets out to make their musical dreams come true, even as she battles against the ruthless Eric Raymond and his musical protégés.

This would have been on my Christmas list in a heartbeat this year.  I’m sure there are lots of other 30-40 somethings who would agree with me.  I can’t wait to share Jem in all of her glory with my daughter – I have a feeling she will love it just as much as I do.

Dumbo 70th Anniversary Edition

You already know that I’m a huge Disney fan, especially classic Disney.  So when I heard that Dumbo was being released on Blu-Ray and DVD in honor of the 70th anniversary, I knew it was something we had to have in our collection.  After all, I’ve been riding the iconic Dumbo ride at Walt Disney World ever since I can remember…and it was especially nostalgic when I got to ride it with a film crew back in January for the Lifetime Moms / Disney Parks Commercial shoot!

This movie is being released for the first time in high-definition, and has been flying off shelves since it’s September 20, 2011 release date.  We have the DVD/2 disc Blu-Ray combo pack, but it is also available as standard definition 1-disc edition, or just a high-definition 1 disc release – so it fits all budgets and preferences.  They all come with quite a few “extras”, such as:

DVD:

• Deleted Scene – “The Mouse’s Tale
• Deleted Song – “Are You a Man or a Mouse?”
• Taking Flight: The Making of Dumbo – A journey back to the origins of the film as everybody’s favorite baby elephant takes wing.
• The Magic Of Dumbo: A Ride of Passage – Witness the excitement and magic of Disneyland’s most popular ride through the eyes of a child.
• Audio Commentary with Pete Docter, Paula Sigman and Andreas Deja
• Sound Design Excerpt from The Reluctant Dragon
• Original Walt Disney Television Introduction

Blu-ray:

Everything on the DVD plus:

• Cine-Explore
• Disney View
• “What Do You See?” Game
• “What Do You Know?” Game
• “Celebrating Dumbo” Featurette
• Animated Short: “The Flying Mouse”
• Animated Short: “Elmer Elephant”

Movie Download (Standard Definition & High Definition Versions):

• Deleted Scene – “The Mouse’s Tale”
• Deleted Song – “Are You a Man or a Mouse?”
• “Celebrating Dumbo” Featurette

If cooking isn’t your thing, then check out these awesome puzzler coloring sheets that your kids will love too! Enjoy!

Gossip Girl Fashion: Season 5 “Yes, Then Zero”

Tonight is the season premiere of Gossip Girl’s highly anticipated 5th season.

Frankly, there are a lot of questions I need answered.  Who is pregnant?  What will Dan do when he finds out Vanessa sold his book for publication?  What is going to happen to Chair (Chuck/Blair) in the midst of all of the royal wedding planning? How long will Serena stay in LA?  And perhaps most importantly…

What the HECK happened to Dan’s hair?  Ew.

No matter your level of Gossip Girl curiosity, I’m sure you at least want to know the thing that we all do – where are all of those amazing clothes from.  So, here is your Season 5, Episode 1 Gossip Girl Fashion preview for “Yes, Then Zero“.

 

Serena’s Purple Dress in LA with Nate

Catherine Malandrino Dress
Azzedine Alaia Platform Shoes $838

Serena on-set in Los Angeles

Maje Cream Silk Studded Tank Top $80
Alice + Olivia Shannon Printed Maxi Pleated Skirt $484

Serena in Los Angeles

Rag & Bone Aubry Top (sold out)
Theyskens Theory Beaded Vest (sold out)
Rag & Bone Feather Skirt $277

Blair Waldorf

Oscar de la Renta S/S 2011 Dress
Nancy Gonzalez Clutch

Diana Payne (played by Elizabeth Hurley)

Herve Leger Bandage Dress
Jimmy Choo Nude Sandals

 

 

Hanes Helps To Find a Cure – And So Can You!

Did you know that over 80% of women diagnosed with Breast Cancer have none of the known risk factors?

So, while heredity and other links are occasionally found, over 80% of women who are diagnosed will have had no clue that they were even at risk.  Breast Cancer is a terrifying disease that ends the lives of women way too prematurely – women who are mothers, sisters, friends, and wives.  We need to work together to find a cure to keep Breast Cancer at bay – and you can help.

As one of the Comfort Crew Members I am working with Hanes to help raise money for the NBCF (National Breast Cancer Foundation) through the month of October.  If you click the image below, it will take you to a Facebook page where Hanes has launched a new initiative to Share the Comfort.  For each Comfort Package that you send, Hanes will donate $1 to the NBCF, up to $25,000.

While the Comfort Crew members are all very friendly, we are also all competing to send the most traffic to the app.  Whomever among us sends the most visitors through to the Share the Comfort tab will have $2000 donated in their name to their local chapter of the NBCF.  This means if we all work together, we can donate a total of $27,000 dollars to Breast Cancer Research this year alone.

Please, if you’ve ever been personally touched by breast cancer, click the image below and send a Comfort Package to your friends and family, and encourage them to do the same.  If you have never been personally touched by this awful disease, I implore you to still click and send – and let’s work together to rid our world of breast cancer.

 

Disclosure: I am a member of the Hanes Comfort Crew, however I am not paid in any way, shape or form for this post.  I am affiliated with Hanes because they are a great company, with great products, accomplishing great things, and I have been and always will be a fan of their tremendous efforts.  So, I suppose this is the anti-disclosure statement – but I wanted you to know how seriously I take this commitment and this post.  Please, click and share!

Fashion Week: J Crew Spring/Summer 2012

images via style.com

Well, this is definitely not your mother’s J Crew. Or mine, even.

Jenna Lyons has done it again, this time transforming the prepster cool looks into an almost unrecognizable mashup of prints, color, and texture. Familiar highlighter pinks and citrus tones make their return for Spring. They bring with them familiar J Crew standbys like chambray, slubby silks, and sequined stripes.  The styling was part Tory and just a touch menswear…if you peered really deep, you can see a little bit of 2011′s Spring J Crew peeking through.

Was it tailored? Yes.

Playful? Yes.

J Crew? I’m not so sure.

Ms. Lyons has thrown me for a loop this time. Is this another J Crew revolution or just an update to their current recipe for success? I’m going to have to let this one sink in for a little bit. What’s your initial reaction?

Fashion Week: Diane von Furstenberg Spring/Summer 2012

all images via style.com

Get out your shades, ladies! DVF’s Spring collection is full of punchy, cheery colors and many lively prints. If optimistic is what she was going for, well I give her an A-plus. Familiar shapes like wrap dresses, cropped pants, and toga styles were broken up by menswear-inspired blazers and punctuated with lighthearted prints. The kimono styles and wide obi belts were a welcome update to the expexted DVF wrap dress.

The diverse silhouettes and creative juxtaposition of the styling showed just how versatile this collection is. Sophisticated prints, fabulous frocks, smart work looks-in DVF’s neck of the woods, things sure are looking up!

Fashion Week: Rachel Zoe Spring/Summer 2012

images via style.com

I’m sorry, but was there a convention for the completely chic that I was not invited to? I’m just gonna go ahead and say it, I. DIE. Die.

My mouth is hanging open like Eli Manning at a press conference. I cannot get over this collection!

From dressy elegance to casual cool, every single look was a win. Fluid fabrics worked seamlessly back to tough leathers, chunky knits, and structured shapes. Bold hued looks were grounded by all white, ethereal ensembles. This collection is totally glam, utterly cool, and very, very wearable.

Which look is your favorite? Clearly, I’m having trouble deciding.

Walmart’s Nice Save Application – Submit Your Challenge!

I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again – we love football in this house.  So much so, that we finally got cable again for the first time in 2 years!  Now that we can actually watch the games on Sundays and Mondays – I think it might be nice to host a little game day party for our family and friends.  Of course, we are always on a budget, and I’m always looking for great money-saving ideas to do all of the fun things we like to do (and I like sharing mine with others!).

This week Walmart launched it’s Nice Save Facebook application with a challenge: How would you throw a game day party for under $50?  My fellow Walmart Mom Tara, from Deal Seeking Mom is actually hosting the first challenge for Walmart over on their Facebook page – check out her video!

 

If you’re using the Nice Save Facebook app then you too can submit ideas that will be shown on the Nice Save page. Here’s how it works:  If you find an idea that you like, vote for it so that it will move up the page and more people will see it (and hopefully agree with you and also vote for it!).  You can also submit your own ideas and hope that they get voted up the page, too!

Every month there will be a new Nice Save challenge, so be sure to keep coming back to the Nice Save App to check for new ideas and ways to save money!  The top ranked ideas at the end of each submission period will be featured in a wrap up video produced by the Walmart Mom host for that challenge!  Tara’s Game Day challenge ends on September 18 – so make sure that you get your submissions in ASAP!

So what are you waiting for?  Go check it out and let me know what you think!!

Disclosure:  I am a Walmart Mom and this post is a sponsored post as a part of my participation in that program.  All opinions are and always have been my own.

Fashion Week: Marc by Marc Jacobs Summer/Spring 2012

images via style.com

The Spring collection from Marc by Marc Jacobs was surpsringly simple. Bold, bright, feminine-all typical of MMJ, but the simplicity had me scratching my head. The looks had very few prints, just a tiny bit of whimsy, and were relatively plain. This divergence from the expected lent quite a bit of sophistication to the collection, with MMJ being a line that has traditionally been marketed to the Contemporary market.

Is simplicity a bad thing? I say no. The interest in this collection is found in its dramatic shapes, beautiful folds, and eye-cathcing brights. The A-line shapes, perhaps a nod to the 80s and 90s mood we are currently seeing in fashion, make the skirts and dresses completely wearable for a variety of customers. Clean, crisp, and smooth-Marc threw me for a loop but had my heart in the end.

Fashion Week: Rebecca Taylor S/S 2012

images via style.com

Rebecca Taylor’s Spring collection brought a single word to my mind: fluid.

The slinky shapes, the way the colors changed from one to another with each series of looks, the movement of the fabrics all were simply fluid. Classic skirt shapes in fun colors instantly grabbed my attention, but the new silhouettes with assymetrical hems, raw edges, and midi lengths are just too fresh to pass up. True to Rebecca florals were grounded by casual, loose knit sweaters. Bold hues balanced by soft greyish whites. Subtle shimmer and in-your-face paillettes adorned many of the sweater bodies and are a nice intimation that we won’t be kissing any of that of-the-moment sparkle goodbye anytime soon!

I personally can’t stop thinking about the orange cropped tank…what’s your favorite?

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