diViene Jewelry – Gorgeous Stackable Birthstone Rings

by Kate on May 27th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  For Mama, Reviews

Meet diViene Jewelry – a company based in Los Angeles, California where they make everything from scratch.  To truly get acquainted with the online jeweler, you must visit the website and check out the amazing selection of jewelry. Here’s just a small sampling of the variety you’ll find – everything from birthstone jewelry to stylish modern pieces to fine wedding keepsakes.

From diViene: We have a powerhouse of ingenious local artisans who continuously develop original jewelry concepts for exclusive showcase in our web store.  Our jewelry is made-to-order and each piece that we sell is skillfully and meticulously perfected by the hands of our local craftsmen. We bring you incomparable quality genuine gemstones and birthstones that are personally sourced from all over the world… hand-picked and hand-set to your jewelry.

Stackable Birthstone Rings

Until I found the stackable rings from diViene, I’ve really shied away from birthstone jewelry to represent my kids. Frankly, the colors just don’t do it for me. But when browsing the enormous variety of gems and jewelry at diViene.com I couldn’t resist the Twisted Silver stackable rings collection. So while my children may have the second ugliest birth stone combination in the history of the world (my siblings and I claim top billing), the set of stackable birthstone rings from diViene is absolutely stunning.

I’ve been wearing the Twisted Sterling Silver Stackable Ring with Medium East-West Octagon Genuine Sky Blue Topaz Gemstone ($70) and Twisted Sterling Silver Stackable Ring with Large Round Genuine Citrine Stone ($80). The Twisted Sterling Silver band design combined with the different shape stones creates a beautiful set that I simply adore.


(I clearly do not have a future as a hand model.)

You may notice that I’m wearing plain bands with my gemstone rings. I liked the rings I received for review so much that I ordered the set of Twisted Silver Plain Bands. They really aren’t necessary and the two gemstone rings can easily be worn alone, but I like the added width the plain bands provide. I just love the set of rings and couldn’t be happier with the quality.

Jewelry is always a great gift so it’s worth mentioning that gift wrapping is free, and it’s really attractive. Even my set of $50 rings came wrapped beautifully giving the impression that I spent more than I actually did.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… diViene.com credits their reasonable prices to a “straightforward and uncomplicated operation allows us to manage competitive low pricing because of inherent lower overhead.” All I know is the end result is beautiful jewelry that makes me smile. I will definitely return.

Or Not to Buy… This isn’t costume jewelry so some pieces come with a higher price tag than you may want to spend for special occasion or every day jewelry.

Shop! A set of four stackable rings with Blue Topaz and Citrine totals $199 at diViene. diViene.com also offers a great selection of Birthstone Jewelry, Gemstone Rings, Stackable Pendants & Charms and more! Make sure you check for current sales and special discount codes – diViene is always offering deals. For example, this weekend use code Mday for orders over $100 to save up to 70%. Shipping and gift wrapping are always free!

Thanks to diViene for providing samples.

Get Caught Reading – Dinosaur Train Books

by Kate on May 26th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Reviews, Toddler

Dinosaur Train! Whoo hoo! Once upon a time there was a mom…

Can you finish that tune? I can.

Dinosaurs have long been a draw for little children. And Dinosaur Train from The Jim Henson Company is a prime example of their popularity. The popular cartoon show and its characters can be seen daily on most PBS stations. Buddy, Tiny, Shiny, Don and all their friends are now featured in book form as well.

Dinosaur Train Books

My preschool girl was so excited to see the Dinosaur Train books that arrived in the mail she insisted we stop everything to read them. Sounds wonderful, right? Well, yes, I love that she’s excited about books; however, stopping everything when you have just walked in the door from the grocery store, are late getting dinner on the table and have a toddler boy roaming the chaos is a bit difficult. Nonetheless, we made the time to read and preschool girl kept herself busy with the books for the duration of storing groceries and preparing dinner.

At bedtime, Buddy and Friends, A Surprise for Mom!, Tiny Learns to Fish! were her first choice for our nightly reading session. What she didn’t realize is that each books serves a different purpose, depending upon the skill level of the reader. A Surprise for Mom is a traditional story book. Tiny Learns to Fish is a Level 1 introductory reading book for young ones learning to read. Buddy and Friends is a cardboard book meant to stand up the challenges toddlers present. This means that, no matter the age or reading stage for your young child, there is a Dinosaur Train book available to address his/her needs.

Get Caught Reading Month

Dinosaur Train’s “Buddy” is participating for the first time this year in May’s Get Caught Reading Month, organized by the Association of American Publishers as part of its annual nationwide campaign devised to remind people of all ages how much fun it is to read. As part of the campaign, Buddy is depicted “caught reading” in posters made available to teachers and parents for use in classrooms, libraries and other locations. According to the Association of American Publishers, research indicates that early language experience actually stimulates a child’s brain to grow and that reading to children gives them a huge advantage when they start school. To that end, the members of the association hope to encourage people of all ages to enjoy books and magazines and to share that pleasure with the young children in their lives.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Dinosaur Train books feature lovable, informative dinosaur characters and are available for as little as $3.99 each. Unlike some books adapted from popular television or movies, the Dinosaur Train books are comprehensible whether you have seen the show or not. Books are available in beginning reader, story and board book form; therefore, there are books available for each stage of development as your child grows.

Or Not to Buy… Some children are not interested in dinosaurs. If yours is not, these books might not have the same draw in your household. If you are trying to be more “green,” check your local library for these book features.

Keep up With Dinosaur Train! The hit television series airs daily on PBS KIDS® (check local listings). You can find Dinosaur Train on PBS online, on Facebook and Twitter. And, Dinosaur Train is in on the geocaching movement, too.

Shop! Dinosaur Train books are available in the new PBS Kids shop and Amazon.com: Buddy and Friends, A Surprise for Mom!, Tiny Learns to Fish!.. Check Get Caught Reading for the fun celebrity posters from Dinosaur Train, Side the Science Kid and more.

We received sample books.

Acetaminophen Changes for The Better

by Malia on May 26th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Parenting

The FDA and several consumer organizations recently announced approved and pending changes to infants’ and children’s acetaminophen products designed to make the products safer and easier to use. The previously recalled Tylenol Brand acetaminophen and all the store brand acetaminophen products will be making the changes.

Dosage Changes

All acetaminophen will be available as a single strength: 160 mg per 5 ml (1 tsp). This changes the more concentrated infants’ formula to the standard children’s strength.

The good: this will make dosing communication more clear and hopefully reduce overdoses.

The bad: Infants will now have to swallow a larger volume of medication to get the same dose, but it will still be less than a teaspoon. While the transition is made there may be both strengths of infants’ formula on the shelf. Remember to always read the labels closely to avoid over or under dose.

Packaging Changes

New packaging will be designed to:

  • make it easier to measure the correct dose, especially for infants
  • reduce spills
  • make it harder for children to get to the medication in the bottle (reducing risk of overdose)

Labeling Changes Recommended

An FDA advisory panel has recommended that Acetaminophen products include dosing instructions for children 6 months to 23 months and include dosing based on weight as well as age.

Six months to 2 Years

Currently acetaminophen products include the statement “ask your doctor” for children under 2 years. However, it has long been shown to be safe in children over 6 months of age. The new labeling would provide the correct dose for parents who might have otherwise guessed, used the dosing for an older child, or avoided treating their baby.

Weight Based Dosing

Doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals calculate children’s doses based on weight, not age because children are seldom “average” weight. Adding weight based instructions would allow parents to dose like professionals.

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on May 26th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaway Linky

Thanks for stopping by to link up and check out some fun giveaways. Make sure you check the sidebar for a list of giveaways at The Shopping Mama. You can enter as long as the giveaway is still listed there – yes, I know we’re behind!

The Spring into Spring blog event is nearly over so make sure you enter the giveaways here and at Baby Loving Mama.  You definitely don’t want to miss the KitchenAid Coffeemaker giveaway!

MyCoupons.com – Save While Shopping Online

by Kate on May 25th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

Ok, how many times has this situation happened?  You are online shopping at one of your favorite retailers, you find something that you want, you add it to your shopping cart, but you just can’t take the leap and make the purchase.  Trust me; I have done it on many occasions.  So, I tried to think, what is stopping me from actually buying the item.  My conclusion is that I feel that maybe I can get a better deal or if I go to the store, it might be on sale.  In reality, if I could just save on the purchase with an online coupon, I would just go through with the transaction.

So, I went online looking for a Father’s Day gift and found a site – MyCoupons.com.  They have coupons and exclusive coupon codes right on the site.  You just click on the deal and you are directed right to the retailer’s site for the discount.  They have listings like Eastbay Coupons, Sports Authority Coupons and Nike Coupon Codes which have great products for all dads.  They make it easier with a toolbar that you can download on your computer, so that when you are on your favorite sites, it automatically gives you the coupon.  No more worrying about if you received the best deal or not.  Plus, they have discounted gift cards on the site, so you can instantly save by purchasing a gift card to one of your favorite retailers.  They have tons of stuff on the site including CouponStats, CouponPros, even a weekly newsletter.  Have fun saving!!

Sponsored content. Thanks to MyCoupon.com for sponsoring The Shopping Mama.

Faber-Castell Creative Studio Review + Giveaway

by Shannon on May 25th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Crafts with Kids, For Mama, Giveaways, Reviews

Quick! How many companies, businesses or organizations can you think of that have been around for 250 years? That’s right, how many have been in business since 1761? If you’re like me, you have trouble thinking of any. That’s almost as old as our country and yet, artist supply company Faber-Castell is celebrating their 250th anniversary this year. What an accomplishment!

What does it take to stay in business that long? QUALITY. Always a supplier of quality materials for the serious artist, Faber-Castell now offers products for kids, crafters and amateur artists as well. The Creative Studio line features award-winning products for the budding artist and crafter, including the Watercolor Button Blossoms. This kit won the Informal Education Products Product of the Year designation and comes with all the materials and instruction you’ll need to make beautiful paper flowers.

The kit contains: Aquarelle pencils, Multimark pen, buttons, chenille stems, wire stems, florist tape, watercolor paper, craft glue, pencil sharpener, paintbrush, flower sample and 36-page illustrated instruction booklet.

Crafting with Watercolor Button Blossoms

I now feel it is time for two confessions: 1) I love crafts. 2) I am not an artist.

But when I started using the Aquarelle watercolor pencils to make my flower creations, I felt like I could create a masterpiece. These pencils are firm for easy use, sharpen easily and when water is applied, turn into a watercolor affect.


Red and yellow watercolor pencil line drawings


When water is applied with a paintbrush, the lines soften and colors blend.

I hesitate to show my flower creation from this point on because the instruction booklet that comes with the kit provides copious information about color and flower design, I went a “different way” with my first flower and it doesn’t do the kit or materials justice.


The instruction booklet tells you to color both sides of the watercolor paper so that your flower will look more realistic. I chose to keep mine white thinking it would look “modern”. Ummm, yeah.


You know that you are “craft challenged” when your four-year-old daughter makes a great flower just by looking at the pictures on the box and in the booklet. Sigh. I am humbled.

Did you notice the button center of my flower? Those cute little black dots were made with the Faber-Castell Multimark Pen. I’ve never encountered anything like this pen. It’s a permanent marker with the finest point. Correction, it’s a permanent marker on some surfaces. On others, you can erase! The Multimark pen is very popular in other markets and is available in black or a pack of eight varying colors.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Founded in Germany, Faber-Castell is now headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio and has introduced many new product lines including Creativity for Kids, Design*Memory*Craft and Design Studio. If you’re a crafter, many of the Faber-Castell products or kits will provide quality tools for completing your project. The permanent marker pen and watercolor pencils provided in this kit are remarkable tools.

Or Not to Buy… Your first flower, like mine, may not be perfect. Though the instruction manual provides VERY detailed information about color and craft, this is a product that may take some time to master.

Shop! The Faber-Castell Watercolor Button Blossoms kit, which retails for $24.95, and other products are available at Faber Castell USA online and Amazon.

Win! A Faber-Castell Creative Studio Watercolor Button Blossoms Set!

How to Enter: Explore the Faber-Castell or Creative Studio and then leave a comment here with a project you’d like to try.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

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Giveaway ends June 8. Open to US mailing addresses only.

Thanks to Faber-Castell for a sample and the giveaway prize.

Partum Me?! The Sleep Conundrum

by Laura on May 24th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Partum Me, Weekly Features

I hope that most of you did not notice my absence last week!  My husband had a planned-before-baby trip to Georgia for work.  So I spent the week in the country at my family’s lakefront property, with no cell phone reception, spotty internet connection and (thanks to the rain) no phone service for half of my visit.  While there was plenty of family around to hold him while I went to do something like use the bathroom, I was still a single parent for the week and barely clung to my own sanity for those five days.  Thus, coming up with a witty blog entry was not happening.

Charlie is growing.  Today, we had his one month pediatrician’s visit and he has grown 1.5 inches and gained 1.5 lbs in the last 20 days!  A big part of this growth spurt definitely happened while we were away, as he ate more in that week than I’ve ever seen him eat.  He demanded way more food than what I could provide on my own, so he ended up eating quite a bit of formula last week; more than what he already gets in supplements to my breast milk.  And he fed so much at the breast that my supply still increased despite the fact that I fed more formula.  He was that hungry.  My aunt, who was my hostess and helped me immensely during the week, remarked that he looked like a different baby by the time Friday rolled around.  I agreed.

As part of his aging process, Charlie is spending more hours of the day with his eyes open, staring at the ceiling fan, one of us, or the hanging toys on his tummy time play mat.  He’s also having a much harder time falling, and staying, asleep.  After a few days of screaming throughout the night, I started allowing him to fall asleep on my chest and sometimes stay there for a while.  This was great because he slept but it was awful because I didn’t… and when I did (accidentally) fall asleep for even a few minutes, I woke up in a panic, convinced that he’d slid off of me and been injured in some way.  It made for a very frazzled mommy and a very tired and cranky Charlie.  It’s gotten slightly better since returning to Philadelphia and getting back into a routine with Daddy, but he still has a three- to six-hour period in the middle of the night during which he is inconsolable and will not sleep.

This topic came up during our pediatrician’s visit, today, and she encouraged us to start training Charlie to fall asleep on his own, in his own bed (ie not on my chest).  She supported our co-sleeping arrangement (we have a co-sleeper/bassinet next to our bed) but said we needed to get him into a routine where can fall asleep on his own and stay asleep.  I’m a little skeptical of this advice.  Charlie is only five weeks old!  Is he old enough to be capable of soothing himself to sleep?  What were your methods of getting your little ones to start sleeping for longer periods during the dark hours of the day?

Of course, I just wrote the last paragraph of this entry with a sleeping Charlie on my shoulder, after picking him up from the bassinet because his 15 minute crying jag indicated he was clearly not soothing himself to sleep this time.  I’m of the school of belief that “crying it out” is not applicable to children who are as young as my guy.  Plus, the mommy in me loves this opportunity to snuggle with him and rub his back, even though I know that can’t last forever.  I humbly seek the advice and stories of my readership, so bring it on!

TwirlyGirl Trapeze Dress Review + TwirlyGirl Dress Giveaway

by Kate on May 24th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Clothes, Giveaways, Reviews, Spring Into Spring

I know it’s not a news flash to tell you that shopping for girls clothes is often way more fun than shopping for boys clothes. TwirlyGirl dresses are a perfect example of why that is true. The clothes are pure girly girl with dresses designed to maximize the twirl factor. TwirlyGirl was founded when Cynthia Jamin wanted to create the perfect dress for her daughters. The result was the The Original Reversible Twirly Dress™ by TwirlyGirl®.

Trapeze Dress

Trapeze Dress is light as air – fun to wear

  • Each dress comes with a silky, soft Bandana or Headband
  • Made from silky, soft poly sateen – machine washable/tumble dry
  • Stylish and vibrant prints make this the perfect Summer dress

My daughter has been spinning herself silly in the Trapeze Dress from TwirlyGirl. As my daughter grows more opinionated about what she wears I find myself breathing a sigh of relief when she reaches for something we can both agree on. She likes the Trapeze Dress because it fits her princess-dress requirement, feels silky and is super-fun for twirling. (In fact, she likes it so much the first time she wore it she insisted on wearing it to bed. I don’t recommend this but I still let her do it.) I like it because she looks put together and adorable in one easy to clean and wear dress.

I also love that the Trapeze – and all TwirlyGirl dresses – look unique and special. The bright fabric combinations and unusual patterns and dress shape definitely stand out in a crowd. And, on the super practical side, TwirlyGirl also offers UnderTwirls – simply the best under skirt shorts to cover underpants. Twirl away with no care in the world, girls!

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Your little girly girl will simply shine in a TwirlyGirl dress. My daughter is thrilled every time she gets to wear the Trapeze Dress. I like the bright colors and the easy care of the dress.

Or Not to Buy… TwirlyGirl dresses are specialty pieces and the price tag reflects that.

Shop! The Trapeze dress from TwirlyGirl is $57 (includes a matching headband) and is available in a number of colors. The The Original Reversible Twirly Dress™ by TwirlyGirl® is $74. Save with our exclusive discount code! Use code TGSPR11 and save 10% off a purchase of $50 or more. Code valid until June 24.

Win! A WOW Wings of Wonder TwirlyGirl Dress!


About the WOW Wings of Wonder dress: The little dress with the BIG secret. Haven’t you ever just wanted to take your coat spread out your arms and fly around? Well, maybe not now, but when you were a kid? With a little imagination, this dress can take flight and more! $59 value.

How to Enter: Visit TwirlyGirl and then leave a comment with your favorite dress for your little girly girl.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

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Giveaway ends June 7. Open to US mailing addresses only.

Thanks to TwirlyGirl for providing a sample and the giveaway prize.
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