Trench – Apt.9 ($66 on sale) ; Skirt – Narcisso Rodriguez for DesigNation ($9.60 on sale); Shoes – SO Ballet Flats ($19.99 on sale)

The trench coat is both flattering and functional.  A detachable hood can be removed on nice days when I just want a light coat but don’t need to shield myself from the rain.  I love that it cinches at the waist, but the pleating makes it flair a bit so it doesn’t feel too form-fitting.  It looks great with anything from jeans and flats to a dressy ensemble.  And as a mom, I value to the two deep pockets that manage to hold cell phones, keys, snacks, and matchbox cars.  Not only are the shoes my favorite color, but they mix classy tweed and corduroy without feeling like they are relegated to cold-weather wear.  I love the little details of the modern pattern inside the shoe and the brown leather strip up the back.  Oh, and they’re comfortable too!  As a big fan of color blocking, this skirt was a must-by from the second I saw it.  It adds a nice touch of variety to my collection of spring professional wear, and I’ve been in desperate need of new work skirts since my old pencil skirts are so big on me that they’re more like sacks than curve-hugging pieces.  I was very happy to find these items to spice up my wardrobe as I work to build a collection that fits my changing shape without breaking the bank.

I would also like to note that Kohl’s website made the entire process incredibly easy, with quick shopping and check-out options.  The site is well-organized and easily searchable for exactly the items I want, and they tend to have many sale items in stock for far longer than they last on the racks in the stores.

Spring Fashion Looks from Kohl’s

Shop! I’ve found the in-store shopping experience to be top notch every time I visit a Kohl’s, but if you’re time is limited or you can’t find what you’re looking for at the store, Kohls.com is a great option.

We’ve got a fun giveaway to help you stock up for spring!  One winner will get a $100 gift card for Kohl’s to shop online or in the store for whatever you need as the weather warms up.

Win! $100 Kohl’s Gift Card!

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Thanks to Kohl’s for providing gift cards for a shopping experience and giveaway.

We are unabashed fans of 4moms – both the brand and the people behind it. We’ve covered the Origami power-folding stroller and Max made the most of his time in the innovative mamaRoo. We’re excited to now share a firsthand look at the 4moms travel crib, the Breeze.

At first glance, the Breeze looks similar to many other travel cribs on the market. But, try to assemble it and you’ll see where the similarities end. The Breeze is, in fact, a total breeze to open and assemble. In about 5 seconds flat, with no huffing, puffing, shoving, swearing or sweating, the Breeze transforms from folded to travel crib.

True to the 4moms modern aesthetic, the Breeze is sleek and simple, happily lacking busy patterns or plastic doodads.

Breeze Bassinet

We love using a travel crib as an adjunct nursery when caring for a newborn. Whether you set it up in the living room or your bedroom, it’s incredibly convenient to have a place nearby where baby can sleep safely. The bassinet attachment fits snugly onto the Breeze frame and creates a smaller area to comfort baby that is up higher so it’s easier for mama to reach.

The bassinet base is lightly padded and folds in half to put aside when not in use. We really like and appreciate that the insert is vented to allow air to flow to baby.

In addition to the bassinet insert, the Breeze comes with a changing pad and a very useful travel bag. The travel bag has a pocket where you can keep on the go essentials like a spare sheet, the changing pad or other things you may need for a night away from home.

Breeze as a Play Space

The Breeze was at home in our kitchen for awhile and it provided ample space for Max to play safely while I cooked. Or, at least it was intended for Max, but my 4 year old had other ideas.  She thought it was the perfect location for a school session with her dolls.

As you can see, the Breeze is really roomy. It measures 45.5 inches long by 32 inches wide and 29 inches tall. For safety’s sake, there’s a height limit of 35 inches.

It’s a Breeze {Video}

Watch our quick video to see how 4moms makes naptime or bedtime a breeze.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Breeze is ridiculously simple to assemble and that’s just the beginning of the features of this travel crib. We love the easy to use bassinet, the large size of the Breeze and its sleek and modern appearance.

Or Not to Buy… It’s a bit on the heavy side, but it isn’t any bigger than most traditional travel cribs when folded.

Shop! The 4moms Breeze Travel Crib is available at our affiliate Magic Beans (with a low price guarantee) for $299. We also recommend the Waterproof Sheet to keep your Breeze comfortable and clean for baby.

Win! A 4moms Breeze Travel Crib!

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Thanks to 4moms for providing a sample and the giveaway prize. Giveaway ends May 31 and is open to US mailing addresses only.

A great place to start your registry is the interactive Target Baby Catalog. It’s informative and highlights the areas you want to focus on when creating your new baby wish list. We checked it out and searched the great baby collection online to create a list of 10 baby registry must haves from Target.

10 Must Haves for Your Baby Registry

1. Chicco NextFit Convertible Car Seat

2. Britax B-READY Stroller

3. Ergobaby Carrier

4. 4moms Plush mamaRoo

5. Skip Hop Jonathan Adler Dash Diaper Bag

6. Dr. Brown's Simplisse Double Electric Breast Pump

7. Boppy Pillow

8. Summer Infant Wearable Blankets

9. aden + anais for Target Swaddle Blankets

10. Just One You by Carter's Bodysuits

1. Chicco NextFit Convertible Car Seat ($280). Smart design makes this convertible car seat easy to install and use correctly from birth through 65 pounds.

2. Britax B-READY Stroller ($399.99). Modular stroller that grows with your child and the changing needs of your family.

3. Ergobaby Carrier ($120). The most comfortable carrier for baby and mama.

4. 4moms Plush mamaRoo Infant Seat ($239.99). A baby swing-like thing that moves like you do, so you can take a break from bouncing and swaying and soothing. How else will you get the luxury of, say, a shower?

5. Skip*Hop Jonathan Adler Dash Diaper Bag ($80). Stylish AND functional diaper bag. Score!

6. Dr. Brown’s (Simplisse) Double Electric Breast Pump ($249.99). It’s pretty hard to love anything about pumping, but this breast pump just might be the thing that does it. It’s actually, really and truly not painful.

7. Boppy Pillow & Slipcover ($10.49 – $49.99). Indispensable for helping to achieve a comfortable breastfeeding position, and a lovely little relaxin’ pillow for baby when not nursing.

8. Summer Infant Wearable Blanket Swaddlers (2 pack, $21.99). Swaddling for dummies. And for helpings ninja-like babies stay cozy in the blanket burrito.

9. aden + anais for Target Swaddle Wraps (4 pack, $34,95). Simply the best swaddle blankets that you’ll use for way more than simply swaddling.

10. Just One You by Carter’s Newborn 4-Pack Bodysuit ($8.99). We adore these super soft onesies for wee babies. Bonus points for the super affordable price tag – you won’t mind tossing one after a mega-blow out.

Win! A $50 Gift Card to Target to help with your new baby needs.

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This post is part of a sponsorship with BabyCenter and Target. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of the prize.

1. Kohl’s $100 Gift Card. Kohl’s is a one-stop shop to find everything and anything a mom would love for Mother’s Day. From fashionable finds to gifts for the home, Kohl’s has a wonderful selection at prices that can’t be beat. Check out the Mother’s Day gift guide to find great gifts that make you go Kohl’s!

2. Sorial Gold Tote (shopsorial.com, $98). Being prepared for whatever life throws at you on a daily basis is that much easier with a fabulous tote in tow. Whether you use it for that day trip to the zoo or to haul your essentials to the office, this tote give you the room you need while still looking stylish. (Never mind those those small toys, crush snacks and random kid sock hanging out in the bottom.)

3. RE9 Advanced Cellular Renewal Masque and It’s A Long Story Mascara (arbonne.com $65, $36). Every day a woman should feel good inside and out. The award-winning masque visibly improves skin tone and texture, minimizes the appearance of pores and provides skin with an immediate, radiant glow. And this recently launched mascara features a clinically-proven, high-performance lengthening formula that helps create the look of ultra-dramatic lashes. Go on, feel fabulous. You deserve it.

4. Dogeared Jewels Necklace (Zappos.com, $68). We love the simplicity of the Mom Sparkle Heart Necklace for every day wear. Available in silver or gold-dipped sterling silver, it’s the perfect gift to show mom how much you care. (Or to treat yourself to something special!)

Win! Amazing Everyday Extraordinary Prize Package worth over $350!

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Thanks to our amazing sponsors for providing samples and giveaway prizes. Please allow 4 – 6 weeks for prize fulfillment. Giveaway ends May 15, 2013.  US residents only.

Nonetheless it is sometimes hard to stay motivated with busy schedules for both work and play.  I’ve come to appreciate the time that I can dedicate to fitness and try my best to worry less about the time I can’t spend in the gym. One thing that definitely gets me psyched for a workout is having the proper gear.  A workout can be totally ruined for me by a lousy pair of sneakers or clothes that don’t fit well.  I am always on the hunt for the perfect pair of workout pants.  I think I might have found them in the yoga pants from C9 at Target, an activewear line that is exclusive to Target and offers a variety of options for men, women and kids, all at an incredible value.

That high rise!  That full leg!  That hip hugging shape!  I can always find a pair of workout pants with one or two of these features, but rarely all three. And they are cute enough to go from the gym to the grocery store or to daycare pickup, because of course a workout is never followed by a leisurely afternoon on the couch when you have a toddler!  Staying fit and healthy is as much a gift to our children as it is to ourselves as moms, and it always feels like less of a chore when you can do it in style without breaking the bank.

C9 at Target wants to help you live a healthy and fit life with a giveaway for a $25 gift card!

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1. Calphalon 5-in-1 Removable Plate Grill (store.calphalon.com, $130). This versatile kitchen gadget will be your best friend in the kitchen from breakfast through dinner. The easy-to-use plate grill cooks 5 ways with Calpahlon quality and reliability. We love that it looks great in your, to boot.

2. Timex Elevated Classics Dress Watch (timex.com, $58). We are busy mamas with places to go, things to do and people to see. Timex, the iconic American watch brand, has classic watches to help us keep time during busy days. We love this Classics Dress Watch for its versatility and dependability, making it perfect for every day style. Get more details in the Spring 2013 Timex review on Baby Loving Mama.

3. Muck Boot Company Breezy Cool Boot (muckbootcompany.com, $80). This all purpose boot from Muck has lots of features that make it perfect for busy moms: signature lining to keep feet cool in warm weather, thoughtful materials (think: light weight, waterproof), and casual style. From the garden to school pickup, Muck Boot has your feet covered.

4. Leather ARC Notebook & Accessories (staples.com $50). Did we mention we have a lot of things to do? The brilliant ARC system has everything to help keep even the busiest of mamas organized. The lovely leather books are completely customizable to fit your needs, but we definitely love basics like calendar, task pads (for grocery lists) and tabs and pockets (for receipts). See more in our Organize with Flair and Staples ARC Notebook Organizer review.

5. Get Uncommon $50 Gift Card (getuncommon.com). Our iPhones are an extension of us, and we use them all.the.time. so they should look the part and be a reflection of us. Get Uncommon offers an amazing assortment of iProduct cases, including the darling custom cases where you can upload a photo of your kids or a piece of their artwork. Order by May 2 to receive by Mother’s Day!

Win! A Mom Around Town Prize Package worth over $400!

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Thanks to our amazing sponsors for providing samples and giveaway prizes. Please allow 4 – 6 weeks for prize fulfillment. Giveaway ends May 15, 2013. US residents only.

1. Mom’s Baking for Friends Basket (tatesbakeshop.com $59). Satisfy your sweet tooth with this tasty gift basket! You’ll enjoy a lemon tea loaf, buttery-rich shortbread squares, an individual coffee cake, a box of crispy chocolate chip cookies and copy of Baking for Friends, a cookbook with over 120 delicious recipes. Yum! Buy a basket for Mother’s Day and you can save 20% on a purchase with discount code “mom13” through May 12th.

2. Shawl Collar Terry Luxury Robe (turkishtowelcompany.com, $89). Wrap yourself up in luxury and comfort with this amazingly soft terry robe. These Turkish terry bathrobes are made to 5 star hotel standards and will make you feel like you are relaxing at the finest hotel or your favorite spa! They are seriously so soft, you’ll never want to get dressed! Now available in regular, xlarge and xxlarge sizes.

3. Sheepskin Sandals from LAMO (lamofootwear.com, $39.95-59.95). Lounge around your backyard or on the beach with a new pair of Australian merino sheepskin sandals. Worn by celebrities, LAMO embodies the spirit of West Coast lifestyle, a perfect combination of relaxation and luxury. Winner will have their choice of Luxe or Sunriver styles.

4. Calphalon Unison Nonstick Grill Pan and Press (Calphalon.com, $99.95). Whether you just love to cook or are fortunate to have someone who loves to cook for you, you will enjoy a delicious meal with the help of this Grill Pan & Press. Cook both sides of your food at once to seal in flavor, drain unwanted fat, and hold in heat for great results. The sear non-stick surface is perfect for chicken, steak, burgers, Italian-style panini and traditional Cuban sandwiches.

5. Zak! Designs 3-Tiered Dessert Stand and Non-Skid Gallery Tray (zak.com, $34.99 and $19.99). Whether enjoying a family cookout or entertaining guests, you’ll have some fabulous serving ware, perfect for entertaining. This unique Leaf Flora Large 3-tier dessert stand has removable leaves which swivel and double as individual dessert dishes. The non-skid tray is the perfect indoor or outdoor entertaining accessory and features easy to hold handles and keeps items in place. (Winner’s colors may vary from picture shown.)

Win! Amazing Treat Yourself Giveaway Package worth over $350!

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Thanks to our amazing sponsors for providing samples and giveaway prizes. Please allow 4 – 6 weeks for prize fulfillment. Giveaway ends May 15, 2013. US residents only.

1. Ming Wang Sleeveless Knit Dress (Nordstrom, $170). A little black dress is an essential in every woman’s wardrobe and this Ming Wang version is timeless, chic and easy to wear. The simplicity means it’s extraordinarily versatile so it’s perfectly in style for any night out.

2. $100 Nashelle Gift Card. Nashelle jewelry is made from recycled metals and natural gemstones right in the USA. The jewelry collection has everything from large statement pieces to dainty jewels to delight. We love the extensive Mother’s Day Collection with sentimental pieces that can be personalized with names and birthstones and, like most Nashelle jewelry, is available in gold, brass or silver.

3. KmS Mineral Makeup Get Up & Glow Kit (KmSMineralEssentials.com, $45). Moms need makeup that will go from school drop off to soccer practice to dinner and, if we’re lucky, a night out. KmS is formulated with mild and gentle ingredients so it’s safe for use on sensitive skin, yet still provides the coverage you need and expect from mineral makeup. This 6 piece kit includes Luminizer, Well Rested Eye Brightener and Concealer, Bronzer, All Over Face Color in Warm Glow, and Baby Buki Brush with faux croc snap case.

4. Pair of Naturalizer Shoes (Naturalizer.com, $40 – $160). Listen, we’ve all sacrificed comfort in the name of fashion, but Naturalizer is out to prove that great shoes don’t have to be uncomfortable. Naturalizer has mom’s wardrobe essentials covered from sandals for summer to pumps for work to fun wedges with flair. And did we mention five essential features to ensure comfort? Yes, please.

The Little Black Dress: 3 Ways

We’ve put together 3 looks featuring our Mom’s Night Out Giveaway fashion sponsors: Ming Wang, Naturalizer and Nashelle.

Win! A Mom’s Night Out Prize Package!

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Thanks to our amazing sponsors for providing samples and giveaway prizes. Please allow 4 – 6 weeks for prize fulfillment. Giveaway ends May 15, 2013. US residents only.

1. Epiphanie Camera Bag (epiphaniebags.com $155-$225). Who says you have to lug around a boring camera bag? These oh-so stylish bags are guaranteed to make any snap happy mama giddy. They can accommodate just about everything but the kitchen sink including your camera body + attached lens, 1-2 extra lenses, flash, battery pack, wallet, sunglasses, even a sippy cup if you need it! Winner’s choice of style and color, subject to availability.

2. Printstagram Framed Print (printstagr.am online, $60). Instagram is a fabulous way to capture your life in pictures while Prinstagram turns your life into art! With these 12″x12″ wooden frames your images will be printed on premium photo paper with a luster finish, matted and behind acrylic glass. Choose from one, four, nine or sixteen images. See Emilie’s previous post for Prinstagram photo products to learn more about their line, and check out 5 cool things to do with Insgagram photos.

3. Plak That Custom Print (plakthat.com, $70). Show off your favorite shot by making it a unique piece of art! Plak That offers custom wood prints using your own photos in minutes. Instead of being printed on canvas or paper, your image will be printed on beautiful wood. Upload any image or browse through their designs and make it your own. Prices start at $20 for a 7″x7″ .

4. Shutterfly Photo Gifts (shutterfly.com, $102). Put those favorite pics on display! Shutterfly has you covered with a new 15oz ceramic mug, custom iPhone case, photo cube, reusable shopping bag and magnet. Whether you are going shopping or sitting at your desk, you’ll smile when you see your loved ones. Right now get free shipping on orders of $30 or more with the code: SHIP30.

Win! Amazing Mamarazzi Giveaway Package worth over $450!

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Thanks to our amazing sponsors for providing samples and giveaway prizes. Please allow 4 – 6 weeks for prize fulfillment. Giveaway ends May 15, 2013. US residents only.

2. Mamas & Papas Classic Carrier (Mamas & Papas online, $80). A baby carrier is a must have for every new mama and the Classic Carrier is a brilliant option. Suitable for babies from 8 to 27 pounds, this carrier provides ergonomic and structured support for parent and baby.

3. Dogeared Jewels Necklace (Zappos.com, $68). Every new mama deserves a little bling and we love the sweet simplicity of the Mom Sparkle Heart Necklace. Available in silver or gold-dipped sterling silver, it’s the perfect gift to show mom how much you care. (Or to treat yourself to something special!)

4. Mommassentials Set (Funktion Moms, $149*). Turn any bag into a super-functional diaper bag with the chic Mommassentials Kit, which, as the name suggests, has all the essentials covered. The set includes a bottle holder, changing pad, wipes case, cosmetic, clutch, paci purse, and grab bag to keep you organized and prepared when on the town. *Use code springcleansale to save 50% off your purchase!

5. Light & Luxe Diaper Bag (Skip*Hop, $79). Jonathan Adler and Skip*Hop have teamed up again to create a gorgeous and modern diaper bag. Light & Luxe is a tote style bag with all the bells, whistles and style we expect from Skip*Hop.

6. NuRoo Pocket Shirt (Babies R Us, $60). We love nothing more than cuddling with a baby and there are numerous benefits to the precious skin-to-skin contact. The innovative NuRoo Pocket shirt is an easy to use, safe skin-to-skin carrier that encourages the valuable bonding with baby in a practical manner for modern moms.

Win! Amazing New Mama Prize Package worth over $1,130!

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Thanks to our amazing sponsors for providing samples and giveaway prizes. Please allow 4 – 6 weeks for prize fulfillment.