Wednesday, December 28, 2011

2011 In Rewind

Well 2011 turned out to be an amazing year! NYE last year I found out I was pregnant, which was a GREAT way to start off the year. It was pretty difficult to hide the "no drinking" thing on NYE but I think we managed :)

After a few LONG weeks in the beginning of January at work, I was happy to be heading to Key West for my best friends bachelorette party! Thank god my friend Kristy was there, who was also pregnant. We had an amazing time!!!!!!














Oh and after much studying, hardwork & dedication, my husband passed his last CPA test. I was sooooo proud of him!!!


In March, we heading to Clearwater, FL to see a Phillies spring training came and to hang out with our friend who just moved there. And yet again I am lucky that my friend Katie was pregnant, so I had a non-drinking buddy on this trip as well (yes I had a lot of friends have babies this year).
Then there was my BFF Amy's wedding...I was so happy for her! It was tough fitting into that bridesmaids dress 5 months pregnant :(





My husband turned 30...old man!!! Just kidding...I turned 30 in November.






My baby shower was amazing and I could not have asked for better family and friends!!







The best was yet to come...Emily Grace was born August 20th! The BEST thing that has ever happened to my husband and I :)





Emily's Christening was amazing!








I just had to make Emily a Halloween Tutu!!




Thanksgiving at my in-laws at the beach was such a nice relaxing time. It was a little hectic packing up the baby and dog for the hike down there but it was worth it.






I turned 30 :( We went to this awesome restuarant in Philly called POD.







Emily's first Christmas was better than I could have imagined!!!




I lost a very important person this year and I truly believe he is an angel in heaven now watching over us now. I will never forget you CTF!!!




Life is so precious that it is important to live each day to its fullest! I am so lucky to have such amazing family and friends and I could not ask for a better life.



HERE IS TO AN EVEN BETTER 2012!!!



Adrienne xoxo

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Featured Vendor - Hot Mama Gowns

Today's featured vendor is very near and dear to my heart since I truly believe her maternity gowns are amazing!! When I had Emily in August, I had a rough labor and she was in the NICU. Every time I wanted to see her, I would have to have someone wheel me down from the 4th floor to the 2nd floor, so this gown was great! The day after I had Emily, I showered and put my Hot Mama Gown on that my mother-in-law bought for me and I felt like a new woman!



*not the best pic of me :)



The gown was so comfortable, stylish and fully closed. One of my good friends had a baby a month after me and she borrowed mine and also told me how amazing it was! I highly recommend everyone to check out her website. These gowns make a great shower gift as well!


The gowns come in multiple colors and sizes!




Why did you decide to start your own business? I started Hot Mama Gowns out of necessity and to fill a void that I discovered while delivering my first child in 2006. Women deserve to feel beautiful, be comfortable and stylish on the 2nd most photographed day of her life aside from her wedding! We are not ill hospital patients; we are beautiful women bringing a new life into the world and what we are wearing should reflect that joy!



What exactly does Hot Mama Gowns entail? Hot Mama Gowns are 100% Organic Cotton Hospital Maternity Gowns which are DESIGNED for breastfeeding. Our gowns are sized to fit Mom before, during, AND after birth so Mom can wear her gown as cute nursing pajamas for months to come! We have 6 available sizes so just about EVERY Mama can be a Hot Mama; sizes XS(2-4) to XXL(22-24). Our gowns are much more than hospital garments; they are thoughtfully designed so Mom can wear them during labor, delivery, and then have that important skin-to-skin contact as soon as the baby is born. She can also begin the nursing relationship immediately; all while Mom is covered and confident.



What advice to you give other denial entrepreneurs? Remain true to yourself and your values. When you own a company, that company is an extension of you and your identity, so if you try to be or do something you're not, your customers will know and you'll come across as inauthentic. Do you!



What are three things people don't know about you? I don't wear shorts; ever. I'm a horrible singer *really horrible*. I don't drink coffee.




Here are all my social media items in case you wanted/needed them:

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/HotMamaGowns


Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/HotMamaGowns


The Hot List (our newsletter): https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:1406674/acctId:1403182


Website: http://www.HotMamaGowns.com



Thanks Diedrea!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Christmas Shopping Update

I have managed to do almost all my shopping online this year! It has been great, especially with a new baby at home and no time to spend browsing and waiting in long lines. I was happy to find just as much if not more online coupons as well.




Here are some of my favorite online stores so far:










Happy shopping!!


~Adrienne xoxo
















Tuesday, November 29, 2011

New Trends: Yah or Nah?

Pleated Skirts


Yah!







Colorful Leather


Yah on Blake Nah on the other two :)



Long Sleeve Gowns


Nah



www.people.com



Adrienne xoxo

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Thanksgving Tutu Giveaway

This year I am especially thankful for my family and friends. There are so many people in my life that hold a special place in my heart, but one holds an extra special place. My mom mom has always been such an important person in my life. I strive to be as loving, kind and assertive as she has always been. She would drop anything if I ever needed anything and always puts other people first. I am so lucky to have her in my life.

So I decided to do a Thanksgiving giveaway of a beautiful Belle Tutu. My grandmother's name is Belle :)



All you have to do to enter is follow my blog and comment on this post what you are thankful for this year. Please feel free to tweet, blog or facebook about this giveaway as well for extra entries. Please leave a separate comment for every entry. Ends Thanksgiving Day at 11pm EST.

I hope everyone has a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving. Gobble gobble :)

Adrienne xoxo

Monday, November 14, 2011

Manic Monday: Technology Ugh

So my technology ignorant self clicked on some update for my website and now it is all messed up. The worst part is that I have NO idea how to fix it. I have posted a few inquiries on the forums but there have been no responses.

Has anyone else hit the "update my active theme" button on their Wordpress blog or website and had issues with their products listed?

Help me please :)

Adrienne xoxo

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for my family and friends!!! After E's Christening Saturday, I realized how lucky we are to have such an amazing family and friends. E is so lucky as well to have two amazing godparents who will help guide her through life and have a special bond with her.

I am so excited for E's first Christmas :)

Adrienne xoxo

Friday, November 4, 2011

Friday Favorites: Bling Bling

There are so many items I have seen recently that are on my wish list, I thought I would start doing a Friday Favorite weekly post. This week is all about bling!


Kate Spade All Wrapped Up Pave Ring

Tag Heuer 'Link' Diamond Watch


Paloma's Venezia Stella pendant

Kate Spade Pave Stud Earrnings


Thanks,
Adrienne xoxo

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Daily Dress Up

Some celebs "dress up" like everyday is Halloween. Hey I know I am boring, and I am not a celeb, but that just seems like hard work. BUT I sure do love seeing their outfits, especially the three below.

KATY PERRY


NICKI MINAJ



LADY GAGA



Thursday, October 27, 2011

Grocery Store Fashion

Well for me grocery store fashion entails whatever I may be wearing at the second I have time to run out. Most of the time this is workout clothes or sweatpants. Now I was always the type of person who changed the minute I got home from work or going out into something comfy. I try not to look frumpy but it is what it is :) This is the opposite of my mom. The only time she has "comfy" clothes on is when she is sleeping hahaha.

This brings me to these pics I saw on people.com about celebs fashion going to the grocery store. They all looked awesome and fashionable! I think it is great but who has time for that? If I had a stylist and my own make-up and hair stylist, I think I would look good too. OR if I had a closet full of designer and couture clothes!!!

I do give them credit but I will stick to my sweats for now :)

Adrienne xoxo

Monday, October 10, 2011

Fashion: hit or miss?

Did these celebs hit or miss their looks?

Kim K
Def a hit!


LC
Hit on her but would def be a miss on me!


Julianne Hough
Not digging this dress! Think it would look better shorter.

www.people.com

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Fall Trends

I am loving some of these fall trends.

1. Deep Red Lips
2. Color-Blocking
3. Teal Shadow
4. Tiny Braids
5. Fedoras
6. Slouchy Boats
7. Parkas
8. Copper Nails (LOVE this one!)
9. Stars (not sure how I feel about this one)
10. Headbands

STAR Magazine

I think my favorites are copper nails and headbands!! What are your favorites??

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Featured Vendor: Monkey Toes

Monkey Toes is such an amazing vendor that sells the cutest shoes for children that are fun and unique. I met Jenny of Monkey Toes on twitter and have been in love with her exciting personality and great products ever since then. I already have the ladybug ones for baby L.

Here are some of my fav products currently at Monkey Toes:





Q&A with Jenny:


Why did you decide to start your own business?

I always knew I wanted to run my own business – I just didn’t know what it would be. Monkey Toes came to me after taking painting classes with friends (before having children). I saw an idea for painting on shoes and decided to develop my own designs and voila – Monkey Toes was born.

What exactly does Monkey Toes entail?

Monkey Toes are children’s shoes created to look like characters, bugs, and animals. Our shoes have been caught in magazines on many celebrity children and have gained a lot of notoriety when they were seen on the Oprah show when she was touring Tom Cruise’s Telluride home.

I’ve been working on a licensing agreement with a manufacturer and distributor over the past year and a half, which just launched our new look and line. We’ll be branching into more than just footwear for 2012 – which I am completely excited about!

What advice do you give to other female entrepreneurs?

Persistence is key. If you truly love what you’re doing your business won’t feel like work. And trust me – entrepreneurship is a long term thing – not instant gratification. I still have days where I question everything I’m doing, but when that negativity wears off I still believe in myself and my product.

What are 3 things people don't know about you?

1) I’m starting to think I am a serial entrepreneur. I absolutely love starting businesses and I just launched a new one (with a partner this time) called Sugar Loco (www.sugarloco.com)
2) I’m a former Hooter’s Girl
3) I don’t like things in the same place all the time. I am constantly moving things around in my house – even candy in a dish – I will move candy to a new dish or tray or move it to a different room – several times a week. My husband totally believes I am crazy.

Thank you so much Jenny!!

www.monkey-toes.com
http://twitter.com/Jenny_LovesThis
http://twitter.com/monkeytoesshoes

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Celeb Fashion: Like or Dislike?

Celebs always seem to be fashion forward on fashion trends. Sometimes we love and sometimes we don't!

Like or Dislike?

Dislike - too much citrus colors!


LOVE - the colors are AMAZING!


Dislike - so BLAH!!


Mmmm - I like this on her but don't think the colors/pattern would look good on everyone!


Thursday, July 28, 2011

Grocery Chic

Now I never look this good going to the grocery store...yes I will admit it!! These celebs look awesome and I give them credit, but maybe I would care more if the paparazzi followed me :)

Ali Larter


Eva Mendes


Reese Witherspoon


~Adrienne xoxo

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Featured Vendor: Sweet Knee


Sweet Knee is another amazing vendor that I met on twitter. I saw her amazing deal on The Giving Blanket and the great cause behind every blanket sold. For every one blanket they sell, they give one to a child who is awaiting their new family or one who is healing from illness. As soon as I saw this, I instantly knew I had to feature Sweet Knee on my blog.



Sweet Knee also produces skin care and diaper care products!!!! Here are a few of my favorites:

Oatmeal Cookie Bath


Bun Glaze



Q&A with Kristy:

What inspired you to start your business?

Hi, Iʼm Kristy, president and mama of Sweet Knee. My company came about like many do, as a result of a real life experience that left me asking why I couldnʼt find a solution to a very real problem. The morning after giving birth to my son in 2005 he developed a severe skin rash that would not respond to natural or traditional diaper ointments. Even after determining that the cause was the "gel" used in disposable diapers, and removing those toxins from his environment, he continued to have difficulty healing, even after receiving steroid cream from his doctor.

I decided to go back to my roots and turn to nature. I had grown up watching my mother turn to herbs and botanicals for healing and so that is what I set out to do. I had also had the experience of apprenticing under my mother when she formulated her own line of skin care and cosmetics for her spa when I was a young girl. With this all coming back to me now, I studied every book and consulted every herbalist and naturopathic healer that I knew and went into my home kitchen to combine this knowledge, quite literally in a pot on the stove. I came up with the solution to help my sonʼs rash completely heal very quickly. I didnʼt know it at the time, but I had developed the first Sweet Knee product, Bun Glaze.

At first, my family took notice of the quick healing and they all were so amazed that they started using it on their own rashes or cuts, eczema, fire ant bites and sunburn. Every day my husband came home and told me he needed another batch of my "good stuff" to give to a friend or family member. One day he came home and said that this was too good not to share on a bigger scale, and that we needed to create a business.

During the next year I developed more products and started forming what is now known as Sweet Knee. The name "Sweet Knee" is a nickname that we gave our son when he began crawling like a crab on one knee with the other leg extended straight to the side. That poor knee had a bruise one day from a very busy day of crawling. So we kissed it and called it his Sweet Knee. (Thatʼs why it is a singular Knee in the name.) Had we waited until the toddler stage, we probably would have named the company Sweet Knees and Elbows and Toes, because the boo boos happen all over now!

Our little Sweet Knee was the inspiration for the brand and my husband Brent was the cheering section and the scaffolding for this venture. We now have a lab here in SC and we are truly a mom and pop company, with lots of fun adventures and interjections from Sweet Knee himself! We do not source out our manufacturing, that is all done in house, and we like it that way better. I think youʼll notice the difference in the way we serve you too.

Iʼm thankful for all of the great customers that I meet and for all of the opportunities to give back to our community and to causes near and dear to my heart.


What exactly does Sweet Knee Skin care entail?

Sweet Knee is a little bitty comp any with great big amazing skin care and diaper care products for baby and child. Our products are manufactured by us in our own lab in South Carolina. We sell mostly through our online store, www.sweetknee.com, with the growing number of stores in the US and Canada carrying our line.


What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

You will need a very strong passion for your work, it should be your bliss. There will be many long and lonely late nights and early mornings, especially if you are a mom of young children. Don't let anyone discourage you, and follow your intuition. Plus, take care of yourself and know when and whom to ask for help.

Thank you so much Kristy!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Would you wear these trends?

I am not a trendsetting by any means but celebs lead the way! Sometimes in a good way and sometimes bad.

Would you wear these trends?

Sheer Black Gowns
I would wear if I was tall and thin :)


Handkerchief Hems
Not digging this trend!


White Piped Heels
Love this one!


Navy Suits
LOVE IT! Also love Julua Roberts emerald colored bracelet!


~Adrienne xoxo