Summer is Upon Us - The Kids are IN

For many parents, summer time is as exciting as it is a challenge when it comes to the kids being out of school. I've been struggling with ways to entertain my little one since I started staying home and with another one on the way, I've had to brainstorm a lot when it comes to keeping Little S active and engaged during the warmer months! With the Littlewoods Reebok EasyTone line, the whole family can comfortably enjoy the three months of summer vacation around the corner. Here are some outdoor ideas for you and your littlest family members.

Soccer:

My brother just got S a soccer ball and she LOVES it. Whether we're inside or outside, she wants to kick her sparkly pink and purple soccer ball around. This is an easy sport to get your child involved in because all it requires are comfortable, athletic shoes, a field, a ball, and people! You can block off an area for a goal if you'd like, but the point here is to get you and your kids moving.

Swimming:

We take the most advantage of this activity since I'm hugely pregnant and being in the pool takes the pressure off of my body. S gets in her floating device and goes to town on her own. She's constantly moving, kicking her legs and spinning around from one side of the pool to the other. With plenty of sunscreen, water to drink, and swimming safety, one to two hours at the pool ensures a good appetite and a deep, long night of sleep for parent and child!

Playground:

If the pool is too crowded or it's a cloudy or cool day, we hit the playground. There are several in our local area, so I like to change it up and rotate so S doesn't get bored with the same scenery and equipment. Going to different locations also ensures new faces and new friends for both parents and children. Yesterday, S wanted to swing and as much as that's a workout for me, she wasn't releasing much energy. I started an obstacle course and soon had her running laps around the structure, going up rock walls, down slides, up ladders, down ramps, and we had one tired out little girl in the evening!

Riding Bikes:

Our family proudly owns new bicycles for each member and although I don't feel comfortable riding mine outside of the neighborhood at this point in my pregnancy, it's proven to be a great release and exercise tool for my husband. S loves riding along on her tricycle, stopping at every dandelion to pick on for respective family members (even the unborn baby!), or she'll tag along with Daddy in the bike trailer on a trip to the river or around the neighborhood.

Walking:

This is one of the best activities I can suggest for families at home during the summer time. With comfortable and supportive walking shoes and loads of sunscreen, you and your kids can be off on any sort of adventure. We scavenge for ladybugs, dandelions, dodge ant hills, look at different color grasses, spy different colors from nature, and learn numbers from looking at house addresses. Patience is a virtue when it comes to walking with toddlers because they take their time and really take it all in. Enjoy it! Soon, their lives will be going at warp speed just like yours!

all images via Pinterest

*This post is sponsored by Littlewoods.com. All research, ideas, and opinions are my own.

Don't forget to enter the Mommy Moxie Giveaway for your chance to win a beautiful handmade maternity hospital gown OR a $60 credit to the Mommy Moxie shop! 

Tomorrow's the last day!

Mommy Moxie Giveaway

*Update*
Mommy Moxie has agreed to give away a $60 credit to her shop if you do not need the Maternity Hospital Gown! You can use this toward crib bedding or changing pad covers, which will hit the shop this week - OR you can request an item!


I hope you're as excited as I am about this giveaway! Nicole, of Mommy Moxie, has graciously agreed to give one of her beautiful, handmade maternity hospital gowns to one lucky a little bit of this reader! If you didn't see/read my review last week, check it out here! I'm so in love with this product and absolutely can't wait to wear mine at the hospital. No drab, used and reused hospital gown for this girl! Check out The Little Bit gown that I got to help create!

Let's get to know Nicole, the creator of Mommy Moxie!

1. How did you get started with making maternity hospital gowns, blankets and burp cloths?

Back in 2009 when I was pregnant with my first son, I happened to stop by the cardiac ICU where my husband worked.  There was a patient that was bleeding all over the place, which included their hospital gown.  I asked my husband if there were different gowns for Labor and Delivery; he laughed and said "no".  That night I went home and started looking for gowns online to wear for my delivery because there was no way I was wearing something someone else had bled all over, sterilized or not.  All the gowns I found were either really ugly or way too expensive.  I then asked my husband to borrow a gown from the hospital and I started experimenting.  I hadn't turned on my sewing machine in years, but I just kept revising...and sewing...and revising...(you get the picture).  I wore a pretty simple gown for my first birth, but then over the next two years I kept tweaking the gown until I had a winning design.  In 2011 I started selling the gowns you see in my shop today :)
The burp cloths, blankets and such resulted from need.  I either started making them when friends requested them, or when I needed something.  In the near future I'll be adding crib bedding and a few other items as well.

2. You're a busy mom. What motivates you to keep up with daily responsibilities *and* your business?

I'm lucky enough to be not only a SAHM, but to also have Mommy Moxie.  Some days my business is the only thing that keeps me sane!  Having a two and a half year old and a six month old definitely keeps me on my toes.  I think the knowledge that I'm helping another mom look amazing on one of the biggest days of her life is what keeps me (somewhat) focused and on top of all the different things I have going on in my life.

3. What's your best-selling item and why do you think it's so popular?

My gowns are my best selling items, and of those, the Hudson and the Adam gowns are my most popular.  I have some other items in my shop, but gowns are by far my specialty.  I think moms are realizing that there is no reason they have to look drab on the day their little one makes their debut, even if they've been in labor for 36 hours ;)

4. What is YOUR favorite item in the shop? Do (or did) you personally use it?

The gowns are my favorite by far and yes, I had one for each of my births.  I was 34 weeks along when my water broke with my second son; I hadn't even STARTED my gown, so I had to quickly add the snaps to a gown that was almost finished while I waited for my girlfriends to arrive to take me to the hospital (my husband was at work and I had no idea I was actually going to give birth that night.  I thought they could stop what I thought was a "leak").  When they arrived, I made them wait an extra 10 minutes while I finished the gown while they laughed at me.  There was just no way I was wearing a nasty hospital-issued gown!

5. For fun, what's your go-to outfit for going shopping with girlfriends?

Shopping with girlfriends?  What's that?  (LOL).  I rarely get to shop with girlfriends these days since our schedules are so opposite.  When I do get to go  I usually wear a long maxi dress and sandals or jeans and a cute top with flats or heels (depending on the amount of shopping!).  When you have two kids, fitting rooms can be a challenge, so if I can just slip something over my head I will.  Gotta keep it easy!

And here are some more of my favorite gowns from Mommy Moxie:

Landry Maternity Hospital Gown

Shellz Maternity Hospital Gown

Ivan Maternity Hospital Gown

NAME ME Black and White Zebra Print Maternity Hospital Gown

(If you choose a gown that doesn't already have a name, you get to name it!)

Giveaway open to US residents only. Sorry to our International readers! 

Open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 8 - Please enter via Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mommy Moxie Review

A few months ago, I reached out to Nicole, of Mommy Moxie, because I absolutely adored her maternity hospital gown design and use of fabrics. After contacting her, we started to communicate on a regular basis and Nicole asked if I wanted to design my own gown for Bean's arrival. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity, and she did an absolutely wonderful job of incorporating my favorite colors, a gorgeous fabric, and she even took my height into account when creating this beauty! I even got to name it, so check her shop in the future if you'd like your own The Little Bit maternity hospital gown!

These gowns are made especially for moms-to-be who don't want to wear a dingy hospital gown that someone else has already... well, used. With buttons all the way down the back for easy access, but lots of modesty and button shoulders for nursing and skin-to-skin contact, the design is exactly what I was looking for! I needed something that wouldn't show my behind while walking the halls and something that would make breast feeding easy and discreet with lots of visitors. Topped off with a coordinating sash, mom and baby look like a pretty wrapped-up present! I'm so pleased.

 Nicole also creates baby items that you can custom order to match your maternity hospital gown! Bean got a beautiful, bright receiving blanket with matching trim and a little burp cloth! The receiving blanket is even embroidered with Bean's initials (hidden). This whole package is going to be so special for our stay in the hospital and makes me feel so prepared and coordinated. Visit Mommy Moxie for beautiful handmade items that will be perfect for expecting mommies and their new babies! I know I can't wait to put these to use.

Special thanks to Mommy Moxie for providing these items for me to review! I will also be posting hospital photos after we get home so you can see it all in (post) action. I'm going to be one of the prettiest  moms in the hospital and I can't complain about that!

Stay tuned for a special Mommy Moxie GIVEAWAY coming on Monday!

I LOVE My Halftee!

Friends, I was contacted by Halftee last early last week and was asked if I'd like to check out their product. After perusing the website and getting *excellent* customer service via instant chat, I decided that this is an awesome product to share with you all! Not only is this a great maternity wardrobe staple, but Halftee is a great option for women and girls who want to layer without so much fabric or add modesty to a more revealing top or dress. I embraced the maternity marketing, obviously, and love the idea that you can lift a top or unwrap a wrap dress with a half shirt underneath for nursing. Also, a layering piece that will fit my body through my entire pregnancy? Yes, please! It doesn't have to fit the belly! I chose to try the 3/4 Halftee in white. It's an obvious color choice, but the sleeve length will be able to transition with me between the colder and warmer months. Last night was a perfect opportunity to try out my new piece!

tunic: Old Navy

leggings: Target

halftee: c/o Halftee

boots: Payless

necklace: gift from CB

I went to church for a meeting with my mentor and although my outfit isn't necessary revealing, the low cut "V" in the front comes a bit lower than I'm willing to show. (This was also an emotional, DEEP meeting with God, so excuse my no-makeup approach. I knew tears would be shed.) Especially at church! My Halftee covered what needed to be covered, added a little extra warmth without fuss and creases from a full layered shirt, and didn't change the integrity of my outfit at all. I was so comfortable, I could have slept in it! The fabric is thick, sturdy, but soft cotton that stretches with your body, but doesn't stretch out or give too much. 

I ordered one for Little S. to try as a layering piece under her sleeveless dresses so she can wear them during the earlier Spring months. I can't wait to show you hers! 

Don't forget to enter to win $25 to Old Navy by entering my Maternity Style Giveaway!

*disclosure: The reviewed product was provided by Halftee. All opinions are my own and I truly believe in this awesome product!

Yellow Buttercup eShakti Review

I was contacted by eShakti a while ago and was asked if I'd like to try a piece from their online store. eShakti means "power of the internet" and that's exactly what this site gives us. With sizes ranging from 0 to 4X and most items available for customization, every woman can find something! I was so excited to hear from the company because I have such a difficult time finding clothes that fit me properly. While scouring eShakti, it literally took me a week to choose my item. I ended up picking the beautiful Scallop Tiers Shift Dress, which was available in yellow at the beginning of the fall season, but is now only available in black. When I received my parcel in the mail and opened it, I squealed with surprise. This dress is the epitome of a cupcake! Love? I think so.

dress: c/o eShakti

denim jacket: American Eagle

boots: Silhouettes

earrings: gifted from Jen

headband: Goody's via Walgreens

Although my personal measurements fit some standard sizing, I took advantage of customizing this dress and filling out the size chart to have it made perfectly for my body. I think we (Husband, ahem) had an operator error and measured my arms too slimly, but other than that, this dress is absolutely perfect and so comfortable. I wanted the hemline to be longer so I could wear it year-round. And even though the color is summery, accessorized with a pair of boots and a jacket, I think it looked perfectly fall. Now, if any of you have some awesome winter styling ideas for this little number, I'd love to hear them!

Check out eShakti online for thousands of styles that you can order off the rack or have created to fit your body perfectly! For more information and specials, "like" eShakti on Facebook and follow them on Twitter!

And I can't leave this post without thanking my best friend, Jackie, of Jackie Ranson Photography, for taking these beautiful photos. You are amazing!

Poshlocket Giveaway!

When Poshlocket contacted me about reviewing a product and hosting a giveaway, I couldn't have been more excited. Ever since our working relationship began, I've been so impressed with Poshlocket's classic, but unique jewelry choices. When choosing my favorites earlier this month, I highlighted the metal and fabric collection, which I absolutely adore! I was lucky enough to receive the Stacey Three Chain Fabric Bracelet and I'm in love. The thickness makes such a statement and the fabric has splashes of green, lime, royal blue, turquoise, and white, all separated by bold black lines. Sometimes, statement pieces are tough to style more than just a handful of ways, but my Stacey is going to go with virtually everything in my wardrobe! Most of the metal and fabric pieces come with a choice of silver or gold, too, which is super convenient!

*Apologies for night time quality photos- I forgot to take pictures when I wore this to church!

dress: Merona for Target

cardigan: New York & Company

belt: New York & Company

shoes: Ross (gifted by Rochelle)

solitaire: Zales (Christmas gift from Husband)

initial necklace: The Word Jewelry

bracelet: c/o Poshlocket

Because I have gobs of adoration for the fabric and metal pieces, Poshlocket has offered to giveaway one of the items from the same collection! Up for grabs is the Jenny Fabric Weave Cuff, valued at $26! And that's not all! You get a free pair of fabric and metal earrings shown on the site! The Jenny is also offered in gold or silver and the earrings will come in the same metal as your bracelet.

Mandatory entries (only ONE comment needed with all of the following info):

- Follow my blog via GFC! Please let me know in your comment.

- Visit Poshlocket and tell us your favorite item!

- Follow Poshlocket on twitter OR "like" Poshlocket on Facebook.

Extra entries (one comment per):

- Follow Poshlocket on twitter OR "like Poshlocket on Facebook (which ever one you didn't do for the mandatory entry).

- Tweet this giveaway, linking back to this post and including @the_littlebit and @poshlocket so we can count it!

- Subscribe to Poshlocket's mailing list and let me know!

Giveaway open until Friday, November 4 at 11:59 pm, ET. Open to US and Canada.


And remember, TODAY is the last day to enter the Scentsy giveaway!

Styling maurices: Roundup

Happy Sunday, everyone! All week I've been running a series called "Styling maurices." If you've kept up, you know that I had the opportunity to meet with my district maurices New Market Branding Lead, Kristie, and after we sat down and talked for a bit, she introduced me to Greenville's new store and the different "lines" within the maurices brand. Then, I got to have a personal styling session where I was the client! It was kind of amazing to be on the other end of the mirror for a few hours. The store associates were so sweet to stay and keep teh store open while Kristie and I wrapped up with all of my pieces (I literally took home half of the store). Kristie kept brining outfit pieces to me that were just barely outside of my normal style zone, which was awesome. I wanted to try something fresh and new but stay comfortable and true to myself. Kristie listened to everything I said and while we walked through the store, she picked up notes on what I loved and what I was completely disinterested in (there wasn't much!). I could have left the store with way more than I did, but I was battling between whether or not my husband was going to leave me for the money I was spending or be ready to have another baby with me because my butt looked so good in that black mini skirt. Thankfully, maurices was kind enough to provide me with a $100 gift card to use toward my purchase and I didn't do as much damage to my bank account as I could have without the kind gesture.

So, what is that you need to know about the maurices experience? Let's break it down:

- Sizes 1-24
- Everything from work-out gear to casual to office to semi-formal attire
- Denim, denim, DENIM!
- Great plus size selections
- Shoes and accessories up with the latest trends
- Great quality, affordable variety
- Employees that GO THE DISTANCE!

Basically, if you love t-shirts and jeans, maurices is for you. If you are required to dress up for work, maurices is for you. If you frequent happy hour with the girls, go dancing, or want to look extra hot on your date thsi weekend, maurices.IS.FOR.YOU. I'm not sure I know anyone that couldn't walk into the store and choose five things that would fit perfectly into their current closet. If you have a store near you, go check it out! You'll love it. If you're a maurices shopper already, let me know in the comments below and tell me why you love them! And if you're not lucky enough to have a local maurices store, check them out online!

Which look from the Styling maurices series did you like best? 

Vote for your favorite maurices look!

• Ditsy
• Graphic
• Denim & Sparkle
• Modal
• Mini

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* This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are honest and are my own.
* I was gifted a $100 gift card from maurices that went toward about half of my total purchase.

Wavy to Straight

I've written a few times over the past week or so about whether I should wear my hair wavy or straight. A while back, I was contacted by Misikko about trying the 1.5" Hana Elite Professional flat iron. Because my wavy hair always poses a problem, especially in the humidity, I was glad to review the product! I've tried at least 5 different flat irons in the past two years and haven't had luck with any fighting the frizz during these hot summer months. My local stylist turned me on to Moroccan Oil, which has really helped the condition of my hair. But I've been looking for even more of a tamer and I think I found that in the Hana iron.

Misikko sent the flat iron in beautiful packaging, complete with pretty flowers and several accompanying goodies (including eyeshadow! favorite!). Everything was girly and purple, which made me even more excited about the product I was about to try! Let me tell you, friends, Misikko knows how to grab a girl. My aunt sent me a Chi iron a few months ago, which I've been glad to take off her hands. Before that I was just using a Conair and it was ripping strands of hair out at each glide. No bueno, right? Well, I think this Hana beats even the Chi! I never thought it could be done. This baby has ceramic plates all the way through, where most irons I've used are only ceramic plated metal. I've had zero snags or pulls over the past three weeks of trying it out and am able to straighten each inch of hair in one glide. That's saying a lot considering I used to have to go over each piece 3-4 times with previous flat irons. Less damage? Yes, please!

If you don't believe me about how awesome this thing is, check out some before and after photos! These were taken the same day, within 15 minutes of each other! Okay, that's a lie. It took less than 10 minutes to flat iron my hair, but obviously, I did my make-up before the second set of photos were taken, so maybe they were taken within a half hour of each other!

I LOVE how the Hana is so smooth that it curls my ends out and under without making them look stick straight. My mom always hated when I made my ends stick straight. This one's for you, ma!

Looking at the back of my hair photos, I realize I totally missed a strand on each side, but oh well. I guess now it's no secret to any onlookers. I have wavy hair and I can't even hide it when I flat iron! Oopsie. So the rundown here is that I absolutely LOVE my new Hana flat iron. It makes my hair smooth, shiny, and seriously holds the frizz off in this crazy humidity. It's kind of insane and amazing. My only complaint is that it's a bit pricey and I'm not sure I'd purchase it on my own. But you totally get what you pay for, right? The crappy flat irons pull my hair out and the ceramic coating wears off after a short time. If you're in the market for a great styling tool that's safer for your hair and you have a bit of dough to spend, this flat iron is definitely worth the investment!