A None Too Shabby Apple {GIVEAWAY & DISCOUNT}

Spring is in the air here in NYC today and you know what that means, right?  It's time to bust out all of my beloved dresses.  There's nothing I love more than putting on a fun frock, some stylin' shoes and sweet sunglasses.  It just makes me feel so.... I don't know.  Girly.  And Audrey Hepburn-esque, you know?

And one of my favorite places to get chic but well-priced dresses is Shabby Apple.  Why do I love them?  Well besides having fabulous designs, they make sure that all of their pieces are what dresses were meant to be - one-piece outfits.  You won't have to add a tank top or belt - if they're meant to have one, it's built in.  Like the Nine to Five dress, which I own.

All you need to add is a cute pair of shoes and you're good to go.  Their simple and stylish clothes make it that much easier to get out the door in the morning!

All of the Shabby Apple Women's Dresses are grouped by collections named after what inspired the designs.  The Oh La La dresses are influenced by the romance of Paris, like the fun L'Amour:

The earthiness of the Berkshires brings you the Cider:

The elegant Moon River dress comes from the All That Jazz collection:

The South Pacific dresses include the stunning North Shore:

Baja is where you'll find the pretty San Gabriel.

And the Marseilles dress comes from my hometown's Central Park collection.

Aren't they all gorgeous?  I would love to own each and every one.  But I'm not the only one who can dress up in Shabby Apple!  They also carry maternity dresses and kid's clothing.  Their little girls collection starts at size 6-12 months and runs to size 8 and they have pre-teen sizes available as well.  I know Gabrielle and Alaina would look adorable in the 45 Words Per Minute dress:

And the adorable Creamsicle wrap!

Too sweet!

In addition to designing fabulous dresses, Shabby Apple is also giving back. They're partnered with Unitus, a non-profit organization that uses micro-finance to help women overcome poverty and provide a better life for their children.  Shabby Apple donates 5% of its net sales to support women in India and each customer has the opportunity to donate an extra five dollars to Unitus every time she buys a dress.  Every $100 donation from provides at least 20 women with access to financial services to build their dream - and the chance to live a life without poverty. Clearly, buying a dress isn't just buying a dress.

If you're ready to kick-start your wardrobe, head on over to Shabby Apple and get to browsing.  I'm sure you'll find the perfect dress to put a spring in your step!

And one lucky AFOMFT reader is going to win one of her very own!  That's right - Shabby Apple has generously offered to give away any of the dresses I showed above.  You can choose from the women's or kid's designs.  How fabulous is that?

To enter, post a comment here telling me which Shabby Apple dress you'll choose if you win (this is mandatory). For additional entries:

• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook
• "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook and leave a comment that A Few of My Favorite Things sent you.
• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway: #Win the dress of choice from Shabby Apple at @AFOMFT - so prefect for springtime! http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here - - to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did. You can vote once per day per computer so if you vote every day or on different computers, be sure to post one comment for each one.
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.
• Donate $10 to the Red Cross to help the relief efforts in Japan by texting REDCROSS to 90999 (the donation will be billed to your cell phone bill).  (This is worth 5 entries so please post five separate comments saying that you made a donation)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post. Comments on Facebook will not count as entries. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends March 24th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on March 25th. If the winner does not contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

And that's not all!  Readers of AFOMFT can get 10% off all purchases by entering code MYFAVORITETHINGS10OFF at Shabby Apple through April 24th.  Happy shopping!

Images: Shabby Apple

Stick 'Em Up! {GIVEAWAY}

If you've been reading AFOMFT for a while, you're well aware of my love for wall decals.  With Gabrielle and Alaina approaching two, I've already started to design their "big girl" room in my head and of course, it involves some fun stickers on the walls so when I came across RoomMates, I was overjoyed.  They have a huge selection removable, re-positionable and reusable wall decals which can be used to decorate nearly any smooth surface you can think of, and their designs are adorable!  I love the Scroll Tree MegaPack. 

How cute would that be paired with the Build-a-House MegaPack?

So perfect for two little girls!  And there are fantastic options for boys too.  The All Aboard Set would make any train lover squeal with delight.

And the Build-Your-Own Robot collection will keep your little one entertained for hours.

RoomMates also carries some really fun decals that are interactive and three dimensional.  As soon as I saw their Butterfly Peel & Stick Mirrors, I knew I had to get one for Gabrielle and Alaina.

Sure enough, my girly girls love to stare at themselves in the butterflies.  They play peek-a-boo with themselves and totally crack up when they see their reflections.  If we had a playroom, I would line the walls with them at toddler height so they could amuse themselves all day long.  I have a feeling when Gabrielle and Alaina get a little bigger, they'll also love the Chalkboard Decals, like these mushrooms:

Finally - a place for little ones to write on the walls that you won't worry about!

I also adore these Wallpockets - you can the dots with the half-slits to store small objects like ticket stubs or flat toys, and the ones with inner circles cut out make terrific picture frames.

But RoomMates doesn't only carry wall decals for kids - they have designs that will work in any space and for any taste.  This Cherry Blossom Tree would look gorgeous in a dining or living room.

The Coffee House set can transform your kitchen into your own personal cafe.

And how great would the Black & White Chalkboard & Dry Erase Combo be for an office?

What I like most about RoomMates is the quality you get for the price.  The butterfly mirror we received is just $10.49 but it's sturdy enough to take some abuse from two tough toddlers.  And because they're removable and reusable, I don't have to worry about the girls pulling them off the wall and ruining the paint.  You just put them back up and go about your day.  They even carry wall border decals which would be so much easier to put up than the wallpaper version.  Such a great option if you rent or like to change things up often!

By using RoomMates wall decals, redecorating can be as simple as peeling and sticking.  Not convinced?  Maybe this will help sway you....

RoomMates is generously giving away a $40 credit to their store to one lucky AFOMFT reader!  To enter, visit RoomMates and post a comment here telling me what you'll put the credit toward if you win (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:

• Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber
• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook -- http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN
• "Like" RoomMates on Facebook
• Ask your friends to "like" AFOMFT on Facebook by sending them this link - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN - and post a comment here with the names of each one who does.  You'll earn one entry per new friend who "likes" our page and names will be cross-checked.  
• Follow RoomMates & AFOMFT on Twitter (@roommatesdecor & @AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway:  #Win a $40 toward fabulous wall decals from @roommatesdecor @AFOMFT - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - .  You can vote once per day per computer so if you vote every day or on different computers, be sure to post one comment for each one.
• Grab our button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post.  Comments on Facebook will not count as entries.  This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada and ends July 15th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on July 16th. If the winner doesn't contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Please note that RoomMates sent me one Butterfly Peel & Stick Mirror for the purpose of this review.  The opinions I've shared of their products are my own.

Images: RoomMates

YOU TAKEOVER TUESDAY: Timing Is Key {GIVEAWAY}

It's YOU TAKEOVER TUESDAY and today's question comes from Mariella in Tacoma, WA.  She e-mailed:

Dear AFOMFT, My best friend is pregnant with her first baby and her shower is next month.  I don't have kids yet so I bought a few things off her registry and some cute outfits that I'm going to put in the baby tub she wants but I'd really like to get her something cool to include too.  Is there anything that you can recommend that a new mom may not know she needs but probably shouldn't live without? 

This question is right up my alley.  Before I had kids, I picked the cutest things off the registry to give at showers but since Gabrielle and Alaina turned my world upside down (in a good way!), my perspective has totally changed.  Now I like to try to include with a few practical items that will make the mom-to-be's life that much easier once her bundle of joy arrives.  And the one thing that's always on my go-to shower gift list?  The ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer.

Having a newborn (let alone two or more!) in the house pretty much turns your brain to mush.  Combine the crazy post-pregnancy hormones with the lack of sleep and retaining any information pretty much becomes impossible.  And considering keeping track of when your baby last pooped, ate and slept is what your world revolves around in those first few weeks, having no short-term memory becomes a big problem.  And that's why the ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer rocks.

Developed by a new mom and dad who found themselves sleep-deprived and needing help to remember baby care details, this handy gadget features four different timers that start counting with the touch of a button.  Each counter is clearly marked for its purpose - a diaper for changing, a bottle for feeding, Z's for sleeping and a star for whatever else you need to keep track of (the last dose of medicine, amount of tummy time, etc.).  There's also a nursing reminder on the bottom so you can keep track of which side you fed your baby from last, as well as timer alarms you can set in case you need to be alerted when your baby needs to be fed again, woken up from a nap, etc.  You'll never wonder how long it's been (ITZBEEN, get it?) again.  This timer truly becomes your brain!
When my girls came home from the hospital, I tried to use a notebook to keep track of everything they did but there were lots of times I would forget to write something down or I scribbled a notation in the middle of the night that I couldn't read 10 minutes later.  With the ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer, you have everything spelled out for you on a digital display.  Plus, it's got a clip on the back so you don't forget it.  I used mine all the time to remind me when it was time to pump again or give my girls their reflex medicine.  The timer is also back lit, so I'd use it as a flashlight in their dark nursery too.  It was bright enough to keep me from tripping over the ottoman to their glider but not so bright that it woke them up.  Like, I said.  A life saver.

I thought I'd be done with the ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer once the girls got older but I still find uses for it even as they get closer and closer to turning two.  How long have they been napping?  When is their time out over?  How much TV have they been watching?  Just set the timer and you're all set.  And I'm sure it will come in really helpful once we start trying to potty train this fall.

The only drawback about this product for me was that that I only had one timer for twins.  I really should have bought another one since the girls rarely stayed on the same schedule but I just never got around to it.  Multiple mamas-to-be are in luck, though, because they now come in a twin-pack that's less expensive than buying two separate ones.

So Mariella, if you want to get your friend a practical gift that will make her first months as a new mom easier, my vote goes to the ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer.  For less than $25, you'll be giving her a gift she'll be oh so grateful for once her little one arrives - her sanity!

And one lucky AFOMFT reader is going to score an ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer of their very own.  To enter, visit the ITZBEEN website and post a comment here telling me which feature on the timer you think you'll use most (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:

• Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber
• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook -- http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN
• Ask your friends to "like" AFOMFT on Facebook by sending them this link - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN - and post a comment here with the names of each one who does.  You'll earn one entry per new friend who "likes" our page and names will be cross-checked. 
• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway:  Win a newborn care essential - the ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer from @AFOMFT - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - .  You can vote once per day per computer so if you vote every day or on different computers, be sure to post one comment for each one.
• Grab our button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
• Blog about AFOMFT or this giveaway (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and post a link to the post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post.  Comments on Facebook will not count as entries.  This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada and ends May 25th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on May 26th. If the winner doesn't contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

If you'd like help from A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS or want to share something fabulous you've found, we want to hear from you!  Have a party theme but want help finding decorations?  Just redecorated your kid's room and want to show it off?  Shoot me an e-mail at afomft@gmail.com if you're on the hunt for the perfect product and just can't find it or if there's something you love and want to share. We'll do our best to help out and every reader featured on YOU TAKEOVER TUESDAY will receive a special gift from AFOMFT. What are you waiting for? Hit us up!

Images: ITZBEEN

Give Your Laptop Some Love {GIVEAWAY}

In the first four days of MOM MADNESS MONTH, I've covered things for kitchen queens, jewelry lovers, shoe fanatics and handbag honeys.  But not to worry, all you techies.  I've got something for you today that will show everyone that geek can be chic!

How fun are these laptop decals from Beepart?  I'm so in love with them that I can't even pick a favorite.  I'm torn between the punky polkadot design above and this retro 80's cassette.

It totally brings me back to my high school days rocking out to cassingles of classic songs like "Poison" by Bell Biv Devoe and embarrassing ditties like Right Said Fred's "I'm Too Sexy."  Ah, the good ole days!

Are you a little more eco-minded than old school?  The wood grain decal might be more your speed.

Or maybe you've got an edgy side hidden beneath your professional exterior?  Then go for the sugar skull style.

There's something for every personality! 

The best part about Beepart's laptop decals is that they're totally customizable.  You can pick the colors you want, and each one is made for your specific laptop type (Mac or PC) and size.  So what are you waiting for?  Head on over to Beepart and take your laptop from functional to fabulous! 

Beepart wants to help you give your computer a little fashion flair!  One lucky AFOMFT reader will win a $20 credit toward any item in their store.

To enter, visit Beepart and post a comment here telling us what you'll buy with the $20 credit if you win.  For additional entries:

• Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber
• Become a fan of AFOMFT on Facebook -- http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN
• Become a fan of Beepart on Facebook -- http://www.facebook.com/beepart
• Ask your friends to become a fan of AFOMFT on Facebook by sending them this link - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN - and post a comment here with the names of each one who does.  You'll earn one entry per new friend who becomes a fan and names will be cross-checked. 
• Visit Beepart on Etsy and make the store a favorite.
• Follow AFOMFT and Beepart on Twitter (@beepart & @AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway:  It's MOM MADNESS MONTH @AFOMFT with a giveaway a day! Enter to win a custom laptop decal from @beepart - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - .  You can vote once per day per computer so if you vote every day or on different computers, be sure to post one comment for each one.
• Grab our new button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
• Grab the MOM MADNESS MONTH button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
• Blog about AFOMFT, MOM MADNESS MONTH or this giveaway (worth 2 entries) and post a link to the post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada and ends March 11th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on March 12th. If the winner doesn't contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Images: Beepart

The Shoes Were Made For Buyin' {DISCOUNT}

You've probably read my posts extolling my love for shoes.  Pumps, wedges, peep toes, boots.... I adore them all!  But I have a special place in my heart for fabulous flats, even though it's not easy to find the perfect pair.  Sometimes I feel like the Goldilocks when I'm looking for them - they can't be too pointy and they can't be too stubby.  They have to be just right.  And that's why I usually go for ballet flats - they're classic but the "right" pair has a stylish twist, like the beautiful designs from Luna.

How pretty are they?  I love the cut of the shoes and the contrast stitching gives them a funky flair.  All of the shoes from the London-based Luna are made of recycled and organic materials, and the paints are created from a special blend of flowers and colorful rock dust.  And what colors they get from that concoction!  This Poppy pair would add a fantastic pop of color to any outfit.

And this gorgeous purple with green detailing is to.die.for!

But Luna shoes aren't just pretty.  Each set is custom made with cushioned soles for maximum comfort.  And if that's not just right, I don't know what is!

I didn't think these beautiful ballet flats could get any more perfect, but they can!  Luna is generously offering readers of AFOMFT 50% all orders!   Yes, you read that right - you're going to get half off.  That means each pair will be just $27.50.  Just enter the code AFOMFT at checkout and your discount will be refunded via Paypal when your item is sent out.  If that doesn't give you happy feet, I don't know what will!

Images: Luna

What's Old Is New {GIVEAWAY}

I have a thing for vintage jewelry.  I love the detailing and the embellishments and the glamour.  What I don't love is the price.  Great estate pieces are a real investment and the way I go through jewelry, that's not really an option for me.  So when I came across the gorgeous designs at Vintage Inspirations, I started to swoon.

Are those stunning or what?  And guess how much they cost?  C'mon, now guess!  Nope, not even close.  They're (drum roll, please!).....


Wait for it....


Just $15!  I know.  I was floored too.  Once I saw the price, I started clicking the other designs on the site in a frenzy thinking that pair was a fluke.  Could this sassy pink set be that cheap too?

Yup!  And they'd also be perfect to dress up the little black dress I have for a wedding next month.  What about this pretty opal pair?

Ah, different price!  But they're just $13.  Really?  The jewelry is supposed to look vintage but the price tags aren't supposed be from the 1920's.  I couldn't believe my eyes so I moved on to the bracelets.  Just look at this Aurora Borealis design.

Beautiful, right?  And just $28.  Surely necklaces had to cost more so I took a look and fell for, appropriately, the Amore style.

It's $32!  Seriously, Vintage Inspirations is too good to be true.  But who am I to complain?  Pretty things for prettier prices?  I'm sold! 

Liza, the designer behind Vintage Inspirations, is a new mom too so she knows we could all use a little bling in our lives and has generously offered to give away a pair of earrings to A lucky AFOMFT reader!

To enter, visit Vintage Inspirations and post a comment here telling us which earrings you'd choose if you win.  For additional entries:

• Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber
• Become a fan of AFOMFT on Facebook -- http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN
• Ask your friends to become a fan of AFOMFT on Facebook by sending them this link - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN - and post a comment here with the names of each one who does.  You'll earn one entry per new friend who becomes a fan and names will be cross-checked. 
• Visit Vintage Inspirations and join the mailing list.
• Follow AFOMFT and Vintage Inspirations on Twitter (@VintageInsp & @AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway:  It's MOM MADNESS MONTH @AFOMFT with a giveaway a day! Enter to win a gorgeous pair of earrings from @VintageInsp - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - .  You can vote once per day per computer so if you vote every day or on different computers, be sure to post one comment for each one.
• Grab our new button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
• Grab the MOM MADNESS MONTH button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
• Blog about AFOMFT, MOM MADNESS MONTH or this giveaway (worth 2 entries) and post a link to the post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada and ends March 10th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on March 11th. If the winner doesn't contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Images: Vintage Inspirations

The Comfort Zone {DISCOUNT}

I am all about comfort when it comes to my wardrobe these days.  Sure, I still rock some sky high heels and wear some jeans that may require a little sucking in to get them to zip, but those are for work and going out.  When I'm spending time with my girls, I want to be able to move around so we can play and interact.  But that doesn't mean I want to be in sweats and Uggs all the time, either.  Enter the perfect solution to this dressing dilemma - Lamixx.

All of the pieces from this California-based designer are super stylish but also totally wearable.  Everything has an easy glamour of the line, like this fitted slouch shoulder top.

Sure, it's got some sex appeal but I like that it's not overt and still appropriate to wear during the day.  Same goes for this oversized dolman sweater.

I covet this draped pleated blouse.

And the cableknit cropped tie cardigan is perfect to throw over tanks and dresses from spring through fall.

 But my absolute favorite Lamixx item is the oversized Cut top.

It looks so comfy that I just want to crawl into it and never leave.  And that's why Lamixx is perfect for mamas like me. You can pop on any of these tops with a pair of jeans or leggings and instantly look pulled together without even trying.  Sure you can add some jewelry - how cute would it be to add one of the necklaces or pins from No Plain T's? - but the clothes speak volumes on their own.  They're screaming "I'm chic and stylish!" while whispering "And comfy too!"

And you can up your comfort level for less!  Lamixx is graciously offering readers of AFOMFT 10% all orders!  Just enter the code AFOMFT at checkout and your discount will be refunded via Paypal when your item is sent out.  Go get your shop on!

Images: Lamixx