Just Because You’re Pregnant Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Have a Sexy Beach Bod.

I am a big fan of Moody Mamas clothing and since I am already getting nice and round in the belly region, this is the exact pep talk I needed to stay healthy and sexy this summer while being pregnant. This article is just one of the weekly series of "Just Because You're Pregnant..." I cannot wait to read and share more with you as they come! Also, use the code MM Discount to receive 30% off your purchase at Moody Mamas. Enjoy!:

With the Fourth of July weekend just around the corner, many of us are having an “oh crap-it’s summer” moment. This moment tends to occur when you are standing in front of a mirror- vampire pale, and hairy- when suddenly you realize that unlike Jennifer Aniston, your “beach bod” is not ready. Though always painful, the matter becomes worse when digging through your drawers and trying on bathing suits you realize that none of them fit your newly formed belly. You can suck it up (and suck it in) but feeling sexy on the beach is about having confidence not the perfect body. Here are some tips to help you strut your stuff:

•A starvation diet is never healthy but right now, it is a definite no-no. You need to stay healthy for you and the baby so rather than indulging in fried fatty foods and feeling guilty, go for something that’s nutritious and delicious. Need some ideas? Opt for one of our favorite summer treats:
Craving sweet? Try strawberries with light whipped cream
Craving Salty? Satisfy your hunger with Pirates Booty, Pop Chips, or Soy Crisps
Craving Ice Cream? Grab a Fudgesicle or a Skinny Cow

•Don’t obsess about looking good in a bathing suit- spending time at the beach is about having fun, not feeling self conscious! Whether you’re rocking a one-piece, tankini or bikini, wearing a fantastic cover-up is one way to look glamorous while concealing your belly if your confidence is in question. Browse through the Moody Mamas capsule collection for Target.com. This collection has chic, comfortable and affordable ways to cover up and look sexy. One of our faves is the Maxi Dress- light and airy, this dress is perfect for the beach, yet stylish enough for a Fourth of July party. Salute your style and subtly dress for the holiday by ordering the dress in teal (which is almost blue). http://www.mmtarget.com/.

•Go for a dip- not only will it cool you off- but it will give you a great work out! Swimming is a fab form of maternity exercise and will give you sculpted arms so get in the pool, but check with your doctor or midwife first before taking the plunge! Sexy tip- As you exit the water, go slow-mo a la Pamela Anderson in Baywatch. You’ll get tons of attention, but you may have to jump back in the water to save a few drooling men.

Written by: Elise Rosemarin and Marta Abrams Co- Founders of Moody Mamas Inc.

We were not compensated for this post.

Summer Bridge Activities Review & {GIVEAWAY!!}

School's out for the summer, but that doesn't mean your child's learning needs to stop.

According to the National Summer Learning Association, research spanning 100 years confirms that children experience learning losses in math and reading without continued opportunities for skill building over the summer. These losses have later life consequences, including high school curriculum placement, and likeliness to finish high school or attend college. Ouch!

Leading U.S. educational publishing company, Carson-Dellosa Publishing LLC, has released Summer Bridge Activities™ 2010, the newly revised and redesigned edition of the best-selling summer workbook series. An award-winning resource for children and parents for over a decade, Summer Bridge Activities is designed for preschool through eighth grade to help children maintain the skills and knowledge they learned in the classroom during the previous school year and to prepare them for the next grade.

The only summer workbook series designed by teaching experts to give children grade-level activities that can be completed in just 15 minutes per day, Summer Bridge Activities provides children and parents a proven solution to the problem of summer learning loss with the most comprehensive curriculum on the market. By using Summer Bridge Activities daily throughout the summer, students can stay on track and enter their new grade prepared and confident.

The original, award-winning workbooks consist of daily activities in reading, writing, math, science and social studies for grades Pre-K through 8th. The series includes games, full-color flash cards, incentive calendars to keep kids motivated, and a certificate of completion. Each of the workbooks reviews the year the child has just completed and previews the year they are about to enter.

In addition to new cover designs, the workbooks feature two extra weeks of cross-curricular activities, all new social studies material, integrated fitness and character development exercises, updated reading and word lists for each grade level, and extension activities to encourage outdoor learning and play.

Summer Bridge Activities is the perfect way to keep skills sharp all summer long and prepare children for the upcoming school year. The workbooks encourage parental involvement and are designed to get kids active – keeping their bodies and minds in optimal shape.

My son received the Bridging K-1 workbook and he and I both love it. He gets up every morning with his book, anxious to begin the day's worksheets.

Each page is bright and vibrant, welcoming and exciting, and perfectly suited to my son's knowledge and abilities. He is challenged but not overwhelmed. Instead of waking up to Superman on TV, he is working on math and writing, and it is such a treat for me to watch my son blossom.

I highly recommend spending a few minutes each day with your child in a Summer Bridge Activities workbook to prevent learning loss!

BUY IT:

Pick up your very own Summer Bridge Activities workbook for $14.95 from any major book sellers, such as Barnes & Noble, Borders and Walden Books, teacher supply stores, as well as Carson-Dellosa’s online site at www.carsondellosa.com.

WIN IT!!

One lucky reader will win an appropriately aged Summer Bridge Activities workbook for you child!!

Mandatory entry:

Tell us one way you help keep your child active and engaged during the summer months.

You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.

Extra Entries (Leave a comment for each entry):

1 Entry: Follow our blog publicly (found on right sidebar).

1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog via reader.

1 Entry: Become our friend on Facebook AND update your status with link to this giveaway.

3 Entries: Post about this contest with a link back to our blog AND a link to Summer Bridge Activities (Leave a link back to your post in your comment).

1 Entry: Follow us on twitter and tweet this contest. You may do this once daily (always leave the link in your comment).

2 Entries: Add our button to your blog.

Good luck! Contest ends on July 7th at midnight. Winner will be announced July 8th.

Winner will be chosen through random.org.

Open US only.

Please be sure to include your e-mail or have it in your profile so I can contact you if you win. Thanks!

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Bravado 4th of July Sale

Head to Bravado right now; this fabulous sale ends July 5th. Use coupon code SWE-192 to receive 20% off your entire online order!!

We were not compensated for this post

Freshpair Review & {GIVEAWAY!!}

I have done several reviews for Freshpair now and I have to say, I have never been disappointed. Freshpair delivers convenience, comfort, style, and everything you might need for under your clothing. I love their tagline, "Buy underwear in your underwear" because really that is the best way to buy underclothing, from the comfort of your own home.

Since Father's Day was recently, I wanted to make sure all my readers knew that Freshpair offers men's underwear, t-shirts, socks, men's shapewear, and more.
I am dying over these Ed Hardy lounge pants. I'm sure your man would be smoking hot in these (mine would!).
Freshpair offers the very best for women. They have excellent brands and a variety of options and sizes. Being that I am pregnant, I have been doing a lot of shopping for full coverage, supportive bras, like the one pictured above.
I love Freshpair's huge selection of panties. These look super cute, but also perfect for the gym.
Freshpair also has great options for sleepwear, from sexy to comfortable.
I had the opportunity to receive the Calvin Klein Essentials Yoga Pant for the purpose of my review. I absolutely love these yoga pants. They are light, comfortable, and fit perfectly. I was so impressed with the length and amount of stretch. They are also very breathable which I love. The fabric is soft, making these yoga pants great for exercise, but also great for sleepwear. You can purchase your own pair of these fabulous pants for $49.00. Don't forget that Freshpair offers free shipping on all domestic orders!

WIN IT!!

Freshpair has generously offered one of our lucky readers a $30 gift certificate to their site.

Mandatory entry:

Visit Freshpair and then come back here and let us know what you would purchase if you won.

You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.

Extra Entries (Leave a comment for each entry):

1 Entry: Follow Freshpair on Twitter.

1 Entry: Fan Freshpair on Facebook.

1 Entry: Follow our blog publicly (found on right sidebar).

1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog via reader.

1 Entry: Become our friend on Facebook AND update your status with link to this giveaway.

3 Entries: Post about this contest with a link back to our blog AND a link to Freshpair (Leave a link back to your post in your comment).

1 Entry: Follow us on twitter and tweet this contest. You may do this once daily (always leave the link in your comment).

2 Entries: Add our button to your blog.

Good luck! Contest ends on July 6th at midnight. Winner will be announced July 7th.

Winner will be chosen through random.org.

Please be sure to include your e-mail or have it in your profile so I can contact you if you win. Thanks!

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

CSNStores.com has it all!

My family and I just recently moved into a new town home. Our home is much larger than our last apartment (that's what moving from a big city into a tiny town will do for you) so it is in need of many things. I love to decorate so I have been having a blast making our place feel like ours. Since money is still tight, I have been searching for great deals. I have been on CSNStores.com at least 100 times since I have moved because not only do they offer fantastic prices, but their products are beautiful and modern. With over 200 stores, I have always found what I have needed. Right now, I am loving their dining room tables...Dreamy, right?
Yes, I think so too. I am also crazy about their baby bedding and accent chairs. Gorgeous!

We were not compensated for this post. I will be receiving product from CSNStores.com for a future product review.

Last day to place your bids!!

Today is the last day to place your bids for the Sesame Street Silent Auction where 100% of the proceeds will go to K.I.D.S.

The Sesame Street 2-in-1 Travel Playard hasn't received any bids yet, so I am lowering the opening bid to only $20 (Retail $89.99)!!! Bid now to score big and make an even bigger difference to children in need.

Also, make sure to place bids on the rest of our silent auction items.

The Sesame Street Tender Vibes Bouncer is open for bid at $32 (Retail $44.99)

The Sesame Street Recline N' Dine High Chair is open for bid at $30 (Retail $49.99)

The Sesame Street Elmo Activity Walker is open for bid at $28 (Retail $39.99)

Thank you so much to those who have already placed bids. I truly appreciate it.

Get $110 of Moody Mamas clothes for $50!!

NEW YORK, June 23, 2010: For one day only, Groupon.com and Fierce Mamas by Project Runway designer Christian Siriano have partnered to host their first-ever maternity sale for pregnant NYC fashionistas. Now moms-to-be will be able fill their wardrobes with steeply discounted pieces from the coveted brand that has garnered a cult following from trend-setting celebrity moms that include JESSICA ALBA, ASHLEE SIMPSON, & TORI SPELLING & BETHANNY FRANKEL.

The Moody Mamas and Fierce Mamas collections have revolutionized maternity fashion by replacing the muumuus of the past with chic looks to keep women feeling stylish throughout all nine months of their pregnancy. Each piece is crafted from luxurious and lightweight fabrics that give even the sexiest maternity outfit the feeling of comfortable lounge wear. From nursing and lingerie pieces to flirty day dresses and evening elegant wear, Moody Mamas and Fierce Mamas offer pregnant women the opportunity look sophisticated and runway-ready.

For one day only, New York City mamas will be able to purchase $110 worth of clothing for just $50 on Moody Mamas’ website (www.moodymamas.com) through their collaboration with Groupon.

For more information on the Groupon and Fierce Mamas by Christian Siriano event, please visit - http://www.groupon.com/deals/moody-mamas.

We were not compensated for this post.

Extra Entries Opportunity!

Hi readers,

I wanted to offer all of you a chance to earn 10 extra entries into all of our giveaways for the month of June by placing a bid on any of our silent auction items. We have some great products up for grabs including:

a Bouncer

a Playard

an Activity Walker

a High Chair

Please place some bids. These items are currently extremely inexpensive and all proceeds will be going to the K.I.D.S charity.

CSNBaby.com Changing Table Review

As most of you already know, I am expecting our second child. With our first, we had no idea what we needed (or could have desired). I bought a crib, some blankets, some clothes, and the absolute essentials. Since then, I have become well aware of all of the wonderful baby things that make having a newborn a little easier.
I definitely knew that with this child, I would like a changing table with extra storage, among other things that I would now deem as "essentials." Being that I am not much of a shopper, it absolutely thrills me to find almost everything I could possibly need at CSNBaby.com.

For review, I had the opportunity to receive the Graco Sarah Changing Table in Espresso. I love the rich color and sleigh appearance. I actually own the matching crib so it is going to look beautiful together in the nursery.
Immediately after opening the box, I was beyond impressed. Even before it was assembled I found it to be so pretty. It took me a few times to assemble the changing table correctly, but I had the same issues when I assembled the matching crib for the first time also. The instructions aren't as thorough as I would have liked (though I can't claim to be the best at assembling anything). The changing table is extremely sturdy and the wood is very strong.

The changing pad itself is not secured down, but the safety straps are very secure. I will probably add velcro so the changing pad can't move around on the table. I am so excited to have this beautiful piece of nursery furniture. I am planning on choosing a cute changing pad cover and filling the storage with decorative baskets once I know our baby's gender.

BUY IT!

Overall, I am so impressed with this changing table. It is even better looking in person. I would defintely recommend purchasing this product! You can get your own at CSNBaby.com for $99.95! Make sure to check out all of their goodies while you are there!

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Sandra Magsamen American Summer review & {Giveaway!}

I love Sandra Magsamen's designs and I think the previous things I have received from her are so adorable! I have received products from her baby line as well as Mother's Day line. I also just saw more adorable baby clothes of hers at Walmart yesterday. I was excited when I was introduced to her American Summer line, great for Independence Day celebrations!

Sandra Magsamen's designs are so fun and unique. Look at all the fun things to decorate your 4th of July party!I received these two wine glasses and picture frame. The frame looks so cute in my home and the glasses will be perfect to add some flair to my holiday drinks. I love the sayings on both the frame and the glasses: "Good friends are like stars, they brighten the way," and "In pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness." The only drawback to these decorations is that they are not as high quality as previous Sandra Magsamen items I have received in the past. The "glasses" are plastic and hand wash only and the frame is plastic instead of the ceramic of previous gift lines. However, they are really cute and unique for decorating!

Buy It!
Visit Walmart stores now to find Sandra Magsamen's new American Summer line or her Baby and other gift lines.

Win It!
Sandra Magsamen has generously offered one of our lucky readers 2 items from the American Summer line- choose from wine glasses, plaques, or frames!

Mandatory entry: Visit Sandra Magsamen's site, then come back here and tell us what American Summer product you would love to have!

You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.
Extra Entries (Leave a comment for each entry):
1 Entry: Follow our blog publicly (found on right sidebar).
1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog via reader.
1 Entry: Become our friend on Facebook AND update your status with link to this giveaway.
3 Entries: Post about this contest with a link back to our blog AND a link to Sandra Magsamen (Leave a link back to your post in your comment).
1 Entry: Follow us on twitter and tweet about this contest. You may do this once daily (always leave the link in your comment).
2 Entries: Add our button to your blog.
Good luck! Contest ends on July 4th at midnight. Winner will be announced July 5th.
Winner will be chosen through random.org.

Pediped Introduces Memory Foam Technology

Henderson, NV (June 2010) – pediped® introduces the next generation in ultimate comfort for children with Memory Foam Technology™ (MFT™ ) intheir signature ballet flats and sandals for boys and girls. The responsive and high-density Memory Foam Technology™ (MFT™) insoles mold to a child’s foot and spring back when pressed to absorb shock, and minimize impact. The MFT™ insoles also react to body temperature, distribute weight and provide support where needed. This creates a custom fit that is comparable to none.

Best of all, this ultra comfortable technology is available in many adorable styles including the Penny ballet flat, the Megan sandal with flowers, the Phoebe with gorgeous rhinestones, the Gillian, and Brody, a rugged sandal for boys. The shoes are made of an all leather upper, lining and all natural rubber sole. Upholding its reputation as a leader in the children’s footwear industry, pediped® is the only US children’s footwear company to offer a complete line of shoes with memory foam technology.

Style no longer has to be sacrificed for comfort. Now, with this new line, savvy parents will be happy to know that kids can be both stylish and comfortable. pediped® footwear’s MFT™ line is available now at select retailers and on www.pediped.com. This line comes in EU sizes 20-29 (US sizes 5-12.5) and retails for $48-52 USD per pair. Styles include Penny, Gillian, Megan, Phoebe and Brody (photos below). Look for new Fall/Winter 2010 MFT™ styles from pediped® to make their debut this July!

We were not compensated for this post.

Hurry and enter the Summer Flirt! with YMI Sweepstakes!

There is just one week left to enter the “Summer Flirt! with YMI” sweepstakes for the chance to win up to $1000 worth of makeup and clothing courtesy of Flirt! Cosmetics & YMI Jeans.

The sweepstakes runs until 12:00am EDT on June 28th. Enter here and invite friends to get 35% off any item available online at YMIJeans.com. Not just one, but THREE lucky entrants have the chance to completely transform their summer look!

The prize breakdown is as follows:

• One (1) grand prize winner receives $500 worth of YMI merchandise and Flirt! Cosmetics
• Two (2) second prize winners will receive $250 each of YMI merchandise and Flirt! Cosmetics

Details on entering:
No purchase necessary. Sweepstakes open from 6/08/10 to 6/28/10. Void where prohibited by law. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States 18 years of age or older. For entry, details and official rules, please visit the Terms and Conditions. YMI Jeanswear Inc. 1155 S. Boyle Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90023.

We were not compensated for this post.

Lime Ricki review & {GIVEAWAY!}

Summer is here! We all need new swimsuits! I know just where to get them!

I love Lime Ricki's super cute, fun, sassy, and modest swimwear! They have a great selection of unique tankinis and one-pieces.
I received the Hallie Tankini from Lime Ricki, pictured below. I have been so busy trying to get a house that I haven't had a chance to take it to the pool yet, so sorry there are no pictures! I LOVE the way I look in this suit! It's as if I never even had a baby. The top hugs my curves and aims them in the right direction for a thin, toned look. The bra pad top pulls up my sagging chest to make it look sexy again (yes, gross, but I know it's important to all you moms!).The design on this tankini is an obvious plus! I love the giraffe and paisley print combination- so unique and works so well. The strap of paisley that goes around the empire waist line to an open back really adds some flair.I just Love my new swimsuit!
Lime Ricki has so many cute suits! Here are a few of my favorites. What are yours?Buy It!
Visit Lime Ricki today and pick out a cute suit for yourself!

Win It!
Lime Ricki has generously offered one of our lucky readers a top/bottom set or a one-piece of their choice!

Mandatory entry: Visit Lime Ricki and then come back here and let us know what swim suit you are dying to have!

You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.
Extra Entries (Leave a comment for each entry):
1 Entry: Follow our blog publicly (found on right sidebar).
1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog via reader.
1 Entry: Become our friend on Facebook AND update your status with link to this giveaway.
3 Entries: Post about this contest with a link back to our blog AND a link to Lime Ricki (Leave a link back to your post in your comment).
1 Entry: Follow us on twitter and tweet about this contest. You may do this once daily (always leave the link in your comment).
2 Entries: Add our button to your blog.
Good luck! Contest ends on July 4th at midnight. Winner will be announced July 5th.
Winner will be chosen through random.org.

Winner!

Congrats to Anne who won the copy of "The Summer We Read Gatsby." The winner has been contacted and has 48 hrs to respond.

-Tracy

Jennifer Weiner's "Fly Away Home" review and {GIVEAWAY!!}

I had the opportunity to review Jennifer Weiner's latest book "Fly Away Home" hitting shelves July 13th, 2010. Here is a brief overview about the book (taken from Amazon.com):

"When Sylvie Serfer met Richard Woodruff in law school, she had wild curls, wide hips, and lots of opinions. Decades later, Sylvie has remade herself as the ideal politician’s wife—her hair dyed and straightened, her hippie-chick wardrobe replaced by tailored knit suits. At fifty-seven, she ruefully acknowledges that her job is staying twenty pounds thinner than she was in her twenties and tending to her husband, the senator.

Lizzie, the Woodruffs’ younger daughter, is at twenty-four a recovering addict, whose mantra HALT (Hungry? Angry? Lonely? Tired?) helps her keep her life under control. Still, trouble always seems to find her. Her older sister, Diana, an emergency room physician, has everything Lizzie failed to achieve—a husband, a young son, the perfect home—and yet she’s trapped in a loveless marriage. With temptation waiting in one of the ER’s exam rooms, she finds herself craving more.

After Richard’s extramarital affair makes headlines, the three women are drawn into the painful glare of the national spotlight. Once the press conference is over, each is forced to reconsider her life, who she is and who she is meant to be.

Written with an irresistible blend of heartbreak and hilarity, Fly Away Home is an unforgettable story of a mother and two daughters who after a lifetime of distance finally learn to find refuge in one another."

I knew I was going to like the book before I even read it since it's a Jennifer Weiner book. I've read some of her other books and am never disappointed. She is a very witty author and all of her books have made me laugh out loud, although it is a dry humor and you can read right over the jokes if you aren't paying attention. Her characters are all loveable and I was worried about them until the end. She is a perfect "chic-lit" author making me drawn to her books when I want a fun, quick read. This is another book that will be perfect to tag along on your summer vacation.

WIN IT!

One lucky reader will win their very own copy of "Fly Away Home."

Mandatory entry:

Check out Jennifer Weiner's website, then come back here and tell us something you learned about the author.

You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.

Extra Entries (Leave a comment for each entry):

1 Entry: Follow our blog publicly (found on right sidebar).

1 Entry: Subscribe to our blog via reader.

1 Entry: Become our friend on Facebook AND update your status with link to this giveaway.

3 Entries: Post about this contest with a link back to our blog (Leave a link back to your post in your comment).

1 Entry: Follow us on twitter and tweet about this contest. You may do this once daily (always leave the link in your comment).

2 Entries: Add our button to your blog.

Good luck! Contest ends on July 2nd at midnight. Winner will be announced July 3rd.

Winner will be chosen through random.org.

Please be sure to include your e-mail or have it in your profile so I can contact you if you win. Thanks!

-Tracy

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.

Silent Auction #4: Sesame Street 2-In-1 Travel Playard

This is our final item for our Sesame Street Silent Auction. Because this post is a little delayed, I will be extending the auction until Thursday, June 24 at midnight. I hope that you will please consider placing bids on our silent auction items. 100% of the proceeds will go towards K.I.D.S to benefit children in distressed situations, including poverty. The bids are all very low, so not only are you donating to an amazing cause, but you are getting your baby gear at extremely affordable prices. Please help, you can make a difference!!

The Sesame Street 2-In-1 Travel Playard is my favorite item I received to review for this silent auction. It is really high quality and functional.

I love the rounded sides. This gives your child just a little extra space to move and stretch without feeling so claustrophobic. This playard is intended for babies up to 35 inches and 30 pounds so I feel like this extra space is a great bonus.
The bassinet, which is intended for babies less than 3 months and 15 lbs., is super secure with 4 snap ons on all four sides of the playard and strong pipes that keep the mattress sturdy.

The playard mattress has the cutest Sesame Street pattern that my toddler loves and makes him actually want to get in the travel playard. The mattress is also very comfortable while being appropriately firm.
I love the mobile that includes Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Big Bird. These soft toys sway back and forth and are at a level that allows the baby to reach for the toys without them being in the baby's face.
The playard also includes these three adorable flap pockets that are perfect for storing diapers, wipes, creams, pacifiers, or any other needs for your baby.

When the playard is not in use, it folds up very compactly. The included travel bag is perfect to keep the entire playard, including bassinet and poles in for storage and/or traveling.

All donations will need to be sent to http://www.kidsdonations.org/index.htm once the silent auction is over. The highest bidder will be asked to forward me their receipt and shipping address which will be passed to Kolcraft.

Thank you so much for participating!

The Sesame Street 2-In-1 Travel Playard bid will begin at $20.00. Please bid in $5.00 increments. All bids will close Thursday June 24 at midnight. Please leave a comment with your bid.

We are not compensated for our reviews. We receive product(s) for free so we can provide our experience. These are our honest opinions. Your experience may vary.