Baby Book Suggestions

I'm on the countdown now and everything is in place, just waiting. The one thing I haven't gotten yet is a baby book. To be honest I haven't really looked that hard because I do not like all the Disney cartoon books or any other type of characters. I'm looking for a book that is more contemporary/modern with design. Many friends have informed me baby books have changed a lot over the years. Side note I'm not going to be scrapbooking with all the little add ons and different papers. Some of the books are already assembled just add photos, this is right up my alley.

So any suggestions on what baby books you have used for your little ones?

Christmas Edition get to know blogger friends

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your blogger friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy this entire post and paste into a new post on your blog, if you have one. Change all the answers so that they apply to you.

Yes, I know you're thinking "Please, another list?" Yes. Another list. I like hearing this kind of stuff about you all! LOVE IT. I can't wait to read your answers!



1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love to wrap gifts. Adding pretty ribbon and decor to individualize the present for the recipient.


2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial



3. When do you put up the tree? The weekend after Thanksgiving.


4. When do you take the tree down? Usually right after the New Year holiday.


5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, but I have to dilute it with skim milk otherwise it is a way to thick for me to drink.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My Cabbage Patch Doll that looked just like me

7. Hardest person to buy for? Sister. What do you get someone who has everything....

8. Easiest person to buy for? My hubby and Mom

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I love putting it up every year.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail! I love getting and sending Christmas cards.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Can't remember.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Different every year. Got a earlier start this year since I'm expecting at the end of the year.


14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Orange flavored Chocolate, and citrus fruit

16. Lights on the tree? lots of white lights

17. Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Staying home this year.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? No

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A beautiful Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Morning and one of Christmas Eve before bed.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Rude people in stores.

23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color? Bride and Groom Radko ornament.

24. Favorite for Christmas Dinner? Pork Roast, citrus salad, homemade rolls

25. What do you want to do for Christmas this year? Relax and await my baby's arrival.


26. Favorite Christmas tradition growing up? Going for a family drive on Christmas Eve to see all the pretty lights.

27. Favorite tradition now?

28. Favorite Christmas Memory? Waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of cinnamon rolls being baked and everyone sitting around the tree opening presents and then enjoying a yummy breakfast together.

Baby Planner, Would you use one?

Have you heard of Baby Planners? If you are like me the answer is NO. I understand there is a lot to plan, buy, and put together before your little one arrives, but needing a baby planner.
So I was a little skeptical until I started thinking about how it is difficult to decide which nursery furniture, car seat, stroller, high chair, bouncy seat, swing, baby tub, monitor, breast pump, diaper bag, and bedding is best. Friends, family, and bloggers are always great resources for advice on what worked best for their baby. Some may even go to Consumer Reports to get the professionals advice.




So now we have the job of a baby planner....NBPA (National Baby Planner Association)



I would have probably looked at their advice earlier, a little too late now. For any newly pregnant Mommies you may want to check them out.

All images courtesy of buybuybaby.com

Hospital Attire

Question for all the Mom's out there....when you had your baby what did you wear in the hospital? I'm getting mixed advice from some of my friends. Some say nightgowns are the way to go due to ease of nursing and you can pull it up while you are laying in bed. Others say they didn't wear PJ's while they were there but more lounge clothes.

I'm usually not a nightgown kind of a girl, personally I get too tangled up in them while I'm sleeping.

Thoughts much appreciate.....oh and while you are sharing any must haves that I should have in my hospital bag?

A little catch up

It has been a while since I have blogged, to be honest things have been really busy. Between being pregnant and also having a demanding career my blog has fallen down on my priority list.
The nursery is coming together and I'm so excited to bring my little bundle of joy home and create many memories in that room.
Now I need some advice or feedback from all the Moms out there. I am in need of two important items

1. Breast Pump
2. Diaper Bag

I want a breast pump that is easy to use and can be done hands-free. As far as a diaper bag I'm wanting something stylish and with no cartoon characters on it. Sorry I'm not a fan of Disney characters on anything.

So if you have some suggestions please let me know I will be most appreciative...

Baby Beanie Hat Giveaway

If you have a baby or know someone who is expecting one soon you must go over to The Pettijohn's and enter her baby beanie hat giveaway. Believe me they are all so cute! Plus check out the model, it is Mrs. Pettijohn's adorable little guy.

Here is a sneak peak at just one of the hats:

Still around

I'm still around, just been taking it easy Dr.'s orders. Finally out of the 1st trimester now just wondering when the puking, tiredness will stop and burst of energy everyone talks about will kick in.....still waiting

Hope everyone's 4th was spent with family and friends enjoying good conversation, food and fireworks.

Any tips on where to find stylish maternity clothes? I don't need them yet, actually I'm not even showing but planning ahead in my book it always a good thing.

Thanks

Long time no post & Big Surprise

Long time without a post, but I promise I have a really really good excuse.

Mr. SS and I will be adding to our Stylish family with a little baby!!!










WE ARE SO EXCITED I can't even begin to tell you all. Things have been a little rough I've been really really sick and nothing make me feel better. Also I've had some bleeding so I'm being watched very closely by my Dr. and have been told to rest as much as possible. A very hard thing to do for a busy body like myself.

Please pray for us over the next few weeks that we get through this rough patch and continue to grow a healthy baby.

*******Also if you have any tips for the nausea please please share with me!!!

Again sorry for the lack of posts. I know a couple bloggers have asked me if I ever joined WW and the answer is no. I found out I was pregnant around the time I was going to join. These past few weeks I have been losing weight so for once I am hoping to stop and hold tight where I am.

Please forgive me if I don't post regularly for the next few weeks. I'm still trying to read all of your blogs just not commenting much.

Mac's Rose line

Yes, I admit it I'm a makeup junkie. Whew I feel much better confessing before I start my post. One of my favorite things to do is go and have my makeup done for a special event. Maybe dinner with my hubby or drinks with my girls is my event. Nothing makes me feel like a thousand bucks than just having my makeup done. Now when I do this I then always want to buy a couple new eyeshadows, lipstick, blush.

My makeup style day to day is very light and pretty so I am loving Mac's new Rose Romance line.

Have you Heard about Atheta?

If you have visited GAP, Banana Republic, Piperlime, or Old Navy web site you may have noticed an new tab along the top. According Athleta is a yoga clothing, swimwear, running clothing and more.

I already have my eye on a few items.

Throwing this on over my swimsuit would be fantastic during the summer. The price not so much $118.00, maybe when it goes on sale.



I love workout tops that have built in bras and actually run by bra size.

Trouble for Jon & Kate

This came in the mail today and as always I was excited to read, until I saw the cover. My excitement quickly faded away and a sickening feeling overcame me.


I really hope that they are completely wrong about this story. In previous post I have said how I love watching Jon and Kate Plus 8. Yes, I do enjoy reading my trash magazine and most of the time I realize that things are fabricated and reported incorrectly. There are 8 beautiful children that will be affected by the magazine cover, not today but one day.

Are you serious?!!

YOUR Air Force One flies 1000 feet over GROUND ZERO for a PROMOTIONAL PHOTO OP and you had NO IDEA this was happening while people were running for their lives and dialing 911 as memories of 9/11 renter their minds....

Really? Not sure why I don't believe you.

Our economy is THRIVING right now so I guess TAXPAYERS DON"T MIND PAYING the $328,835 for a picture. No I'm pretty sure they would have liked to put food on the table for their children and pay their mortgage.

It has only been 100 days since he has been in office and before he is done I have a feeling it's going to get scary, really scary.

Monday Laughter

This was a funny email a friend sent to me first thing Monday morning. It made me laugh, hope it puts a smile on your face too. Can you imagine saying this to a customer with a attitude?

My 1 day employment

So after landing my new job as a Wal-Mart greeter, a good find for many retirees,I lasted less than a day......About two hours into my first day on the job a very loud, unattractive,mean-acting woman walked into the store with her two kids,yelling obscenities at them all the way through the entrance. As I had been instructed, I said pleasantly, "Good morning and welcome to Wal-Mart."
Nice children you have there. Are they twins? The ugly woman stopped yelling long enough to say, "Hell no, they ain't twins. The oldest one's 9, and the other one's 7. Why the hell would you think they're twins?" Are you blind, or just stupid?'
So I replied, 'I'm neither blind nor stupid, Ma'am, I just couldn't believe someone slept with you twice.

Have a good day and thank you for shopping at Wal-Mart.'
My supervisor said I probably wasn't cut out for this line of work.

Smashbox Giveaway

I love love Smashbox products and listed the lip glosses in some of my favorite beauty finds. Don't forget to enter Wearing Mascara Smashbox giveaway. Lots of great products in this giveaway!! The Photo Op under eye brighter is amazing.

Public Service Announcemt

Have you seen the recent Anti-Smoking PSA? Well if you haven't click here. This PSA is causing a lot of controversy showing a toddler boy crying because he is lost. Showing several scenes and then ending with a voice saying "just imagine if they lost you for life."

This is a great PSA in my opinion! To be fair I should say I hate smoking and hate that smokers feel they should have a designated area to smoke it public places. How about go home and smoke in the privacy of your own home where you are the only one breathing the toxic air.

The worst for me is to pull up next to a car with a parent smoking and to see children in the back seat. I worry every time I see this that these poor children will get cancer at a lung age or who knows what other health issues will come up. If I could I would rescue all of you little ones so you can breath clean toxic free air. I do give the parents my disapproving looks and sometimes I turn into the vocal lady in saying "you choose to smoke, why make that decision for your children too"



Thank goodness the city I live in doesn't allow smoking in public areas at all. I can't even remember the last time I had to say can we be sitted in the non-smoking section since the entire restaurant is smoke free.

Spring Purchases

As the weather starts to finally warm up and the flowers are starting to bloom I couldn't pass up a couple spring purchases.


This dress has been in my shopping bag for a little while now and decided I better go ahead and make the purchase or it may sell out. This will be perfect for one of the many bridal showers or baby showers that I'm attending in the next few months. Love this bright aqua color.

J. Crew

These shorts are so comfy, well at least they were when I tried them on in the fitting room. I will warn you they are very low fitting on the hips. Good thing most tanks and shirts are longer these days. No one needs to see a my HP's poking out!
If you like these shorts don't buy them online, but at your local GAP they are only $25.00 right now.

GAP

These Tory Burch thong sandals were too cute to pass up for summer. I do not own any of her Reva ballerina flats. Every time I try them on they hurt my feet, so I opted for the sandal.

Nordstrom

These are the best tank tops ever. I have tried tanks from everywhere expensive ones to the Old Navy $4 ones. Out of all of them these are my go to anytime I need a tank. The are long enough to wear while layering but not too wide in the body. Throw them in the dryer and they will not shrink. If you love tank tops I promise you will want to stock up.

Target

Joe's Jeans are always a favorite and I wanted to try a cropped pair as the months get warmer. The Socialite Kicker love the name.

Nordstrom

Haven't purchased this perfume yet, but it smells great. I'm always searching for the one scent that is my signature perfume. Yet to find it, and know this probably isn't it either but I'm always looking. Do you have a signature scent, if so what is it?

Nordstrom

Snakes on a Plane

Are you kidding me???? Snakes escaping on a plane, I thought this was a sick joke based off of the movie. No my blogger friends this really happened in Australia. For the full story click here.
Baby Pythons 4 (there were a total of 12) of them to be exact escaped!!! They were in the cargo area in a bag inside a plastic foam box with air holes. Are you freaking kidding me, I'm so scared of snakes that this really makes my skin crawl. They didn't find out they were missing until the plane landed and I'm sure whoever was there to collect them was freaking out when they all weren't accounted for. Even after a reptile expert (who would ever choose to do this is beyond me) searched the entire plane for the 6 inch nasty snakes, they were never found.

*Just to freak me out even more they can grow to be 3 feet long*

New Closet Reading Material

photo from people.com

Tori Spellings new book is coming out next Tuesday, yes I will be reading it. I read her first book sTori Telling and liked it. This is a great picture of Tori. Loving her in the color green, it is my new favorite color as well. The one shoulder is making a huge statement this season. I can remember 5 years ago when the one shoulder was the all the rage wish I would have saved a couple of those cute tops. Not sure about the red lipstick for me but on her I think she looks great. Are there any other closet readers out there? What books do you read and keep to yourself???

Photos and Synopsis courtesy of Barnes and Noble

Synopsis

Tori Spelling is an actress whose career spans theater, television, and film. She's received critical praise for her work in such independent films as Trick and The House of Yes. Recently she both starred in and executive produced the comedy series So NoTORIous on VH1 and the popular reality series Tori & Dean: Inn Love on Oxygen. She lives with her husband, Dean McDermott, and son, Liam, in Los Angeles.

Synopsis

sTORI telling is Tori's chance to finally tell her side of the tabloid-worthy life she's led, and she talks about it all: her decadent childhood birthday parties, her nose job, her fairy-tale wedding to the wrong man, her so-called feud with her mother. Tori has already revealed her flair for brilliant, self-effacing satire on her VH1 show So NoTORIous and Oxygen's Tori & Dean: Inn Love, but her memoir goes deeper, into the real life behind the rumors: her complicated relationship with her parents; her struggles as an actress after 90210; her accident-prone love life; and, ultimately, her quest to define herself on her own terms.

Put a smile on your face

A friend of mine sent me this video many months ago. When I was going through my emails I came across it again and still makes me laugh.
Yes, I know it's not funny to have a little one cursing like a little sailor, but it is funny!!

Couldn't get the video to post so here is the link.

The Landlord

Happy Easter

Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter

Hanky Panky

I love Hanky Panky panties....they are the best never giving youVPL. Visible Panty Lines are one of my biggest pet peeve. As the warmer weather approaches not having a VPL is very important with white pants, linen pants, lets face it any type of pants, dress or skirt.





Who knew they now have them for moms to be, love it. I'm going to have pass along that tid bit to a couple of my prego mom friends who have been complaining about the maternity panties.

As seen on T.V. products

Do you buy any of the As Seen on T.V. Products? I have purchased a couple of them....
If you are curious go visit As Seen on T.V. and you can check them all out.



Have you seen the Bumpit? A few months ago I was running on the treadmill and the mother who created these was on t.v. She showed how to use them on her daughter. They seemed easy enough, but I didn't order one. Now I'm rethinking my decision. A little omph on top would be nice especially when it's humid outside this summer. Has anyone tried them?



Here are a few of As Seen on T.V. products I have tried:


These really do work as far as providing water to your plants. Now the hard part is just remembering to add the water...hmmm I do place these really far down so you can't see them. I know half the fun with these is they are hand blown art for your plants.




These bags really do work. Now I haven't marked off days on the calendar to count how many additional days my produce stays fresh, but I can tell a difference for sure.


A friend of mine gave me a Snuggie for a gift, don't worry I got the free reading light too! I admit I think the Snuggie is a great idea, but the material is so scratchy and had so much static. My snuggie is RIP....





These are some of the products I've thought about buying but haven't:

I've thought about buying one of these to use on my Stylish puppy. When she gets groomed they used something like this on her nails and it makes them not sharp. Mommy loves this because when I pick her up I don't have scratch marks all over my chest and arms. Has anyone tried this?





Love the commercial for Mighty Putty when it is pulling a semi. I just haven't had a use for any yet, maybe one day.



Now I haven't tried these and probably never will since all the drama the spokesman has brought upon himself last week. But in the past I have thought about trying these out. They seem to soak up everything.



Now this is just ridiculous!! REALLY, time for a hair cut....





*Note I do not order items from on T.V. infomercials. All of these items were purchased at local stores. Walgreen's has a small section of these items.

I'm Hooked....

Yes, I know I'm late to the twilight series, but I'm loving it. Watched the movie first and fell in love with the characters Bella and of course Edward. Now I'm reading the book and have the entire series waiting for me to finish. Late to join the craze because I don't like vampires or vampire type movies. This movie was so different the love story was great.

He is very cute!

I saw these two pictures and had to share

Missing posting

Sorry I haven't posted in a while....things have been very busy.

Weight Watchers Advice Needed

So I have not felt very good about myself for a little bit. I've been working out with a trainer to get on a workout schedule. When I Stepped on the scale last week the number staring back at me was more than a bit of a shock to me. My pants are not tight just feeling a little snug. I know that there are a lot of bloggers out there who have either tried weight watchers, are currently on the program or have done it in the past. I need your help!!! I'm wanting to lose about 10-12lbs and not sure if weight watchers is the way to go or if I should just put my running shoes back on and hit the pavement. The second part of this is I want to get the weight off very quick, but only in a healthy way. There is a great deal of potential that we will be deciding to start a family sooner than later. At this point I can't think about gaining any additional weight until I get these few pounds off.

Photo courtesy of google images

These are my questions about Weight Watchers

Is the weight watchers program easy to follow? I'm on the road constantly during the day and eat fairly healthy already. More about the portion control for me if I'm honest. What are some of the positives/negatives of the ww way? Is it better to sign up for online access or meetings? I'm not sure if I can go to meetings due to my schedule, but if push came to shove I could do it.

Please give Stylish Suburban your honest thoughts and advice....

Magic Pants

Clemsongirl has posted about her love of the magic pants. I finally ordered a pair and can't get out of them once I get home from work. As she has said they are the most comfortable pants. The length is still long enough for me and tall. They will look cute with a tank top & flip flops for running errands this spring/summer. But for now they look and feel comfy as I'm laying on the couch.

These have the Stylish Suburban seal of approval

Thanks Clemsongirl for posting about these great pants.

Dryel Versus Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is something I hate spending my money on, but have to because the majority of my work clothes are dry clean only. Dryel has been out for many years I've never tried it.
Does anyone have any experience with using Dryel? Have you used it on a variety of fabrics? Silk, Wool, and Cashmere? Pants, tops, sweaters, pants, skirts?

Not sure why I am so hesitant to use this instead of paying over $100 dollars a month on my dry cleaning bill. Other than I don't want to ruin anything during my test runs...can you blame me

Also if you go to Dryel.Com you can get a $3.00 coupon.
Any tips or thoughts would be appreciated.

Whoopie Pie Comeback

Have you ever had a Whoopie Pie? I haven't. According to the NYTimes today they are making a huge comeback, some say they made be the next cupcake craze. Described as a cake sandwich with vanilla cream frosting, what is not to love.

They look very yummy!!

Photo courtesy of NYTimes

If you remember back in Feb. Williams-Sonoma had sweetie pies available for Valentine's Day They are still available a dozen for $49 . Red velvet cake with chocolate, vanilla, or raspberry frosting. Williams and Sonoma described their sweetie pies as "Pure edible nostagia"

So where did the name WHOOPIE come from?

According to NYTimes "Food historians believe whoopie pies originated in Pennsylvania, where they were baked by Amish women and put in farmers’ lunchboxes.

Tired from a morning’s work, the farmers purportedly would shout “Whoopie!” if they discovered one of the desserts in their lunch pails"

~Anti- Lilly I confess~

Since Make Mine a Mojito was the brave one out of all the blogs I read to admit that she is not a Lilly Pulitzer fan I have to come out and admit this too.

Full disclosure and to be honest I can't stand Lilly!!

Maybe because I didn't grow up in the South, or this is what I tell myself. When I see grown women wearing Lilly I just think they look like they are wearing little girl's clothing or like they belong in the Stepford Wifes. Little girl's in Lilly is very cute, all the bright colors, and animal prints (not my kind of animal prints like zebra and leopard) more like pink and green elephants which scare me as they are juvenile. fitting. My Lilly dislike also flows over to my dislike of Vera Bradley bags. Again I feel they mostly look very young and resemble diaper bags.

If you have been reading my blog you know my taste is much more along the lines of Banana Republic, J. Crew, Ann Taylor Loft, Gap. My style could be described as classical trendy if there is such a description.

Please don't be mad or leave me mean comments this is only my opinion. Thank You Mrs. Mojito for being the first, you are not alone.

Housewives of New Jersey

Round 4 of the Housewives next stop New Jersey....Not sure how this season will turn out but turn in on May 12th. I didn't like Atlanta at all but love OC and NYC is growing on me. If you want to read more go to People.

This group is all close knit, sisters are even included. I will be looking forward to meeting Jaqueline, Teresa, Danielle, Dina, and Caroline.

St. Patty's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Here are a couple pictures as to how people celebrate across the country.

Dying the Chicago River green. The White House made the fountains green today as well.




Dressing up and changing the name of your city.

I just celebrate with a green beer every year and while wearing something green. Pretty low key.

Valentino The Last Emperor

The day has finally arrived

I can not wait to see this movie, I have such respect for Mr. Valentino. Anytime Valentino has granted a magazine a interview I have to read it, or anything on T.V. that has any bit of him I have to watch it. He is a true Fashion Icon, no one dresses the female body like Valentino. Now if only one day I can be privileged to own OK try on one of his pieces of art.

OPENING IN SELECTED CITIES STARTING MARCH 18: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco.

Shown around the world in film festivals to wide acclaim, VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR is a feature film that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fashion, featuring access never-before allowed in the high temples of Haute Couture. .

Photo courtesy of: www.valentinomovie.com

For those who have not heard of this amazing movie here is the Synopsis:

VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR is a feature-length film on the legendary designer Valentino Garavani in the wake of his exit in 2008 from the company he founded in Rome more than 45 years ago. Produced and directed by Matt Tyrnauer, Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, the film is an intimate, engaging and very funny fly-on-the-wall exploration of the singular world of one of Italy's richest and most famous men. The film documents the colorful and dramatic closing act of Valentino’s celebrated career, tells the story of his extraordinary life and work, and also explores the larger themes affecting the fashion business today. But at the heart of the film is the unique relationship between Valentino and his business partner and companion of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti. Source: www.valentinomovie.com

Coach Beauty

All photos courtesy of Coach.com

Coach has expanded beyond just the classic handbags, wallets, perfume. While contemplating your next coach purchase you can also get a new lipstick. One stop shopping...

Lip Gloss Charm

Charm holds two shades of pink gloss
I'm thinking this would be a great gift for a teenage girl.

Body Splash: Peony, Iris, Freesia

The purse I have my eye on right now: