For our daughter’s egg allergy, we simply avoided baked goods and omelettes (it was a little more complex, but not much). A wheat allergy is more difficult because wheat (or traces of it) can be found in so much more. So, any relief a sufferer can get is welcome. Enter, Udi’s Gluten-Free Foods.

Udi’s Gluten Free Foods

Udi’s offers a comprehensive line of gluten-free baked goods that are produced in a 100% gluten-free facility. Their goal is to make fresh breads and pastries daily that look and taste like their conventional wheat counterparts. It may seem like a small thing, but buying bread, bagels and muffins for your gluten-free child is a HUGE thing. And buying bread, bagels and muffins that your whole family can enjoy together is a HUGE thing.

My mother-in-law is planning to visit during the upcoming Easter weekend. As such, I was anxious to try some Udi’s products to see how they compare with the conventional versions with which I am familiar. I was was happy to participate in the Udi’s January Pizza Challenge where families make their own pizzas using the Udi’s gluten-free pizza crusts.

Gluten-Free Pizza Challenge

My children and I have never made pizza at home. I know, as much as we cook we’ve never made pizza from raw ingredients, so all of us were excited to try this for the first time. And, of course, the kids had a marvelous time deciding what toppings their pizza would sport. They were also slightly full after eating almost half of the raw ingredients during assembly. We made both pizza crusts contained in the package because they average 10 inches in diameter.

We cooked the pizzas a little longer than the 5-7 minutes recommended on the crust packaging, but were very happy with the results. Our pizzas were yummy! The crust was nice and crispy on the outer edge, while still softer and chewy (er) in the middle. The whole family enjoyed the pizza and, while the crust was not like a big 2-inch thick doughy crust from some national chains, that’s not our style anyway. I think Udi’s succeeded in making a crust that can appeal to the masses, not just those suffering gluten intolerance.

I will also mention that we received a sample of their snickerdoodles and blueberry muffins as well. They are all gone. Yum! (Though I’m always a proponent of more blueberries.)

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Udi’s Gluten-Free Foods offers a tasty line of products that include breads, muffins, granolas, bagels, cookies, hamburger and hot dog buns and pizza crusts. For anyone avoiding gluten, Udi’s can fill the void that wheat-based products leave when omitted from the diet. And they do it with great tasting products. As a hostess, I’m looking forward to having items on hand when visitors come. I won’t feel so helpless when planning meals.

Or Not to Buy… If you and your family are not sensitive to wheat, Udi’s products may not be necessary. But those snickerdoodles might be worth a try!

Shop! Udi’s Gluten-Free Foods are available in may national retail outlets including your local grocery store, Whole Foods, Wal-Mart and online at http://udisglutenfree.com/products/. Indeed, Udi’s is now available at 50 Wal-Mart stores across the country and the store will carry 5 of Udi’s best-selling products (soft white bread, soft whole grain bread, plain bagels, chocolate chip cookies, and pizza crust) in the bakery department. To find a store near you and learn of coupons and special offers, be sure to visit the Udi’s website and check out the store locator.

Thanks to Udi’s for providing samples.

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Lauren Maslin has spent the last 15 years of her career as a celebrity stylist working between New York and Los Angeles. Her latest endeavor is bringing high maternity fashion to pregnant women at a more affordable price with the brilliant Encore Maternity. An online maternity consignment shop, Encore was born out of Lauren’s frustration at not being able to find her pre-pregnacy style at a price that also allowed her to save and prepare for her son. The result is a glamourous website where expecting moms can shop for Diane Von Furstenberg, J Brand, Missoni and many other designers at a more affordable cost.

The Shopping Mama: How do you define your style?

Lauren Maslin: I would define my style as classic chic. I try to incorporate trends in small doses. For instance, when chartruce was a dominant fashion color, I would incorporate it in accessories like a scarf or a headband, rather than splurging on a handbag or pair of shoes. My wardrobe primarily contains basic colors that are spiced up with the latest accessories. When you open my closet, you will find a wardrobe from the finest designers that I have collected over the years. As a stylist, I had always shopped for my clients in high end consignment or vintage clothing stores. You can always collect pieces that will take you through the chicest occasions with a look of sophistication and style.

TSM: What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?

LM: My favorite thing in my closet right now is my brown Christian Louboutin boots. They can be worn for most of the year with just about anything, be it a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, or a simple sweater dress. Best part is, I got them on ebay, brand new, for a crazy price!! To me, one of the biggest thrills is the ability to get high end designer goods from ebay or consignment shops.

TSM: If you could have any celebrity mom’s wardrobe, who would it be?

LM: Angelina Jolie. Whether she’s on the red carpet or trudging through Africa, she always maintains a chic sense of style. Who else can wear 5 inch heels or combat boots with a great sense of panache, and always look sensational.

TSM: We love inexpensive finds, but when it is worth splurging? What’s on your splurge wish list?

LM: I would have to say to splurge on a handbag. But it must be something that is timeless, like Chanel. You can’t go wrong with a black quilted bag with either a silver or gold chain. Trendy won’t stand the test of time. Good quality will last you a lifetime.

TSM: What’s one must have piece for this season or the spring?

LM: One must have for this upcoming season is a doctor bag. I’m sure many of us can dig in our mother’s closets and find one that we can bring to our local shoe repair and have refurbished, so you don’t have to spend the money on a new one!!!

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Keep up with Encore Maternity on Facebook.

Publix 4 Pork

Publix, my very favorite grocery store, is the National Pork Board’s retail partner. Every week during the Challenge, Publix is offering a special sale on a cut of lean pork. We’ll be using that cut in the healthy eating challenge. This week, Pork Tenderloin is on sale at Publix so I prepared Pork Tenderloin Medallions.

Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Lemon-Garlic Sauce Recipe

Recipe via PorkBeInspired.com

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin, (1 pound), trimmed (the Lean Cut was on sale so it was trimmed and ready)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt , divided
• 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine, (for non-alcoholic, substitute low-sodium chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth, low-sodium
• Grated zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice , from 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, OR or 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage or rosemary*

*To substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs, use 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley or 3/4 teaspoon dried sage, or 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

Cooking Directions

Cut pork into 12 slices, about 1-inch thick. Sprinkle pork on all sides with 1/8 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook, turning once, until the pork is well browned and internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F, about 1 1/2 minutes on each side. Transfer pork to serving platter and cover to keep warm.

Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to skillet. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the wine and broth. Increase heat to high and cook, stirring to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, until the liquid is reduced by two thirds, about 5 minutes.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper, the lemon zest and juice, and the parsley. Serve the pork medallions drizzled with the sauce (makes a generous 1/3 cup; about 1 1/2 tablespoons per serving).

Makes 4 servings

Prepared Pork Nutritional Information

Calories: 150 calories
Protein: 24 grams
Fat: 5 grams
Sodium: 220 milligrams
Cholesterol: 75 milligrams
Saturated Fat: 1 grams
Carbohydrates: 1 grams
Fiber: 0 grams

Challenge Results

This meal was a big success! The recipe was very easy – even for me, so that’s saying a lot – and it was delicious. I’ve never sautéed pork before but it was very simple and a quick method of preparation. If I change anything, next time I’ll make more sauce because it was super tasty and you can never have too much sauce. My husband raved about this meal and kept all the leftovers to himself! We served it with white rice, which was a good pairing with the zesty sauce, and steamed broccoli. One of the great things about the recipe is that several key ingredients are staples already in our kitchen (chicken stock, cooking wine, garlic and herbs) or relatively inexpensive (lemons). Overall, a VERY healthy meal with a lot of flavor. And, of course, it’s extremely healthy. This recipe will definitely become a regular in our house. Two thumbs up!

Shop & Cook! Lean Pork Tenderloin is on sale at Publix for $4.99 a pound through January 31. PorkBeInspired.com has a great collection of recipes using this cut of pork. For even more ideas, visit Pork Be Inspired on Facebook and follow @allaboutpork on Twitter. 

This is a sponsored post coordinated by TheMotherhood.com on behalf of the National Pork Board and Publix. As always, opinions are my own.

Danielle Medina is a TV producer by day, mom to twin girls and style hunter all the time. Her blog, A Few of My Favorite Things, is a great source for indie, handmade finds that will set your child, party and home apart. She recently re-located from NYC to Rhode Island and I’ve enjoyed watching her new home come together – it’s a great reflection of her personal style.

The Shopping Mama: How do you define your style?

Danielle Medina: I would define my style as elegantly eclectic because I like a little bit of everything – preppy, trendy, classic, bohemian…. You name it, I’ll wear it in some way, shape or form.

TSM: What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?

DM: That’s so hard! I’m going to go with this striped blouse I just bought at Old Navy. Not only is it the perfect color and pattern (Pantone named tangerine the color of 2012 and stripes are so in for spring!) but it’s also totally versatile. I’m wearing it now with blazers, sweaters and boots, will pair it with lighter weight pants and wedges for the spring and then shorts and sandals this summer. Plus it was only $20. Can’t beat that!

TSM: Aaaaand, now I want to buy that shirt. I LOVE how you styled it with the jeans! If you could have any celebrity mom’s wardrobe, who would it be?

DM: Probably Nicole Richie’s. She always looks great, whether she’s dressed up or dressed down, and I love how she rocks accessories. Sunglasses, bags, jewelry – they always perfectly pull her outfits together.

TSM: We love inexpensive finds, but when it is worth splurging? What’s on your splurge wish list?

DM: Spend money on handbags because they make a statement and can take an outfit to the next level. And you can wear them all year long! I have bags in my closet that are 10+ years old and I still use, so even though they may seem like a splurge up front, you can really get your money’s worth in the long run.

TSM: What’s one must have piece for this season or the spring?

DM: Something bold and bright. Whether it’s kelly green jeans, an orange bag or a pink blazer, one colorful piece will breathe new life into any old outfit. Scared to sport a bright top? Start smaller with bracelets or a belt and work your way up. And if you only want to buy one bold piece this season, go with a pair of ballet flats in a color like yellow or pink. They’ll go with everything!

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Keep up with Danielle on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

I am the first to admit that my children do not have the best diet. Try as I might to offer a balanced diet, my son just doesn’t eat his fruits and vegetables. But, really? He’s not alone. I know that *I* don’t eat as well-balanced a diet as I should. While there’s clearly no quick fix for a well-balanced healthy diet, there are some tools available to us moms to help fill the nutrient gap. SmartPants vitamins are gummy vitamins packed with goodness and they offer vitamins for both kids and adults.

About SmartyPants

The parents behind SmartyPants explain why they created the product: “We went looking for a solution: an all-in-one vitamin that had all the good stuff with none of the bad in one easy serving we could feel good about giving to kids. The problem? There wasn’t any such thing. And since that isn’t a good enough answer, we decided to make one ourselves.”

• Only Multivitamin+Omega3s+ Vitamin D gummy on the market!
• Excellent Source of Omega3 DHA+EPA* from eco friendly small fish oil
• 100% of the US RDI for Vitamin D + includes 9 other nutrients
• Most bio-available forms of key nutrients
• No High Fructose Corn Syrup with only 5 g of Organic cane sugar per serving
• No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives. Gluten & casein free
• Made in California in a GMP-certified facility
• Comes in yummy, naturally flavored orange, lemon, and cherry

You can feel good about your purchase, too, because every time you buy SmartyPants the company makes a 1-to-1 nutrient grant through Vitamin Angels. Vitamin Angels’ mission is to reduce child mortality worldwide by connecting essential nutrients, especially vitamin A, with infants and children under five.

SmartyPants for Kids

While there are a number of gummy vitamins on the market, SmartyPants stands out from the crowd. Indeed, it’s the first all-in-one multivitamin with 100% of US RDI of Vitamin D, eco-friendly DHA & EPA Omega 3′s and 11 other key nutrients with no artificial colors or sweeteners. At first my kids could recognize the difference in flavor and they’d tell you they missed the artificial sweetener. But, after eating the vitamins for a few days they were used to the taste and ate them with no problem. Clearly I’m not a nutritionist and I’m not a doctor, but I know my kids can benefit from the essential vitamins, healthy oils and other things found in the vitamins. And, of course, they’re better off not getting the things found in many vitamins (like artificial colors, preservatives and HFCS).

The recommended serving for children (3 and over) is 4 gummies.

SmartyPants for Grownups

After hearing many costumers say, “I wish you made these for grownups!”, SmartyPants decided to do just that. Formulated for the nutritional needs of adults, SmartyPants are all-in-one adult gummy vitamins - the only brand to offer Omega 3 DHA & EPA plus Vitamin D.

SmartyPants for Grownups are not marketed as prenatals, but let me tell you… the idea of chewing these little gummies is much more appealing than choking down a giant prenatal pill. I only wish I’d had a supply of these during the first half of my pregnancy when I was so sick and nauseous all the time! If I had to do it over again, I would take these from day one of pregnancy with a folic acid supplement. If you eat them expecting a super sweet treat, you’ll be disappointed but they really aren’t bad. They don’t taste like, say, my favorite Valentine’s gummy candy, but they sure taste better than a giant horse pill.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… It’s clear SmartyPants has made an effort to do vitamins right. They include a wider range of vitamins – and even fish oil – and leave out all the nonsense kids don’t need. Of course, we love the SmartyPants for Adults, too, and particularly see the benefit for pregnant mamas! The We love the feel good factor of the partnership with Vitamin Angels.

Or Not to Buy… SmartyPants are more expensive than most gummy vitamins you’ll find at the drug store.

Shop! SmartyPants offers a variety of purchasing options from one month’s supply (one bottle) to 3 month supply at a monthly subscription program (the most cost effective). A single bottle (which lasts one month) is $19.95 and there is free shipping on orders over $25. SmartyPants Vitamins are also available from our affiliate Amazon.

Thanks to SmartyPants for providing some samples.

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Does anyone ever set a goal to simply be happier? This may seem like a modest goal, but achieving it can be difficult when you are constantly busy and have small children consuming your life. But…2012 can be different. This year is brimming with energy and excitement, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a breakthrough year! Setting goals and realizing success are two keys to feeling happy, and there are a few other practices that the happiest people do regularly that we can all incorporate to bring more joy to our daily lives. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

Set Goals and Move Towards Your Dream Life

When is the last time you sat down and visualized your absolute dream life situation? Are you living it now? If not, what would you need to do to get there? I encourage you to get clear on what you want in your life now, in the next year, and in the next five years. Maybe you are home with a baby now, but you envision yourself as a business owner, teacher, or blogger. Set small goals that help you lean toward your bigger goals and dreams. If you aren’t clear about what you really want out of life, how can you ever achieve it? When setting goals, make sure they are realistic and have a time frame. Then, hold yourself accountable. So, you want to start a blog? Then do some research on blog platforms and determine what you want to write or photo-document. Only you can bring your gifts, thoughts, and ideas to the world in your fabulous, unique way!

Take More Time For Yourself

Do you crave more time to exercise, read, sleep, or simply relax and catch your breath? There are more opportunities to take time for yourself than it might seem. During your kid’s naps, do you clean and accomplish task after task? Maybe a day or two each week, instead of cleaning and working you should just indulge in a guilty pleasure (think yummy lunch and catching up on recorded Bachelor), or get your kids involved in a little project while you curl up with a cup of tea and enjoy a fabulous book. In the evening, put your kids to bed early and take a bath while sipping on a glass of wine! Happy moms are those who take really good care of themselves so they have the energy to love and care for their families!

Be Completely Present with your Children

Focus on the task at hand while working, but when you are with your kids, try to give them your focused attention. We obviously can’t do this all day long, but how often do you sit down with your kids and revel in the moment with them, giving them your full attentiveness? It’s another way of fully living and experiencing your wonderful life. You are blessed to be a mother!

Find the Right Work/Life Balance

I’ve worked outside the home full-time, part-time, and not at all, and it took doing all of them to determine the work/life balance that suited me best. Do you feel at peace with the way you are living your life? Do you suffer from guilt while at work, or discontent and boredom while at home? There are so many solutions and alternatives that can allow you the time you crave with your family while also using your creative gifts and intellect. The same goes for balancing constant work and cleaning with downtime and enjoying the fruits of your labor. Make sure you are balancing your time in a way that honors your priorities in life!

Do Something Every Day That Brings You Joy or Makes You Laugh

Life should be fun to be lived to the fullest! And really, raising kids can offer you many opportunities to laugh every day. I remember one day when my oldest daughter was a few months old, and had a serious diarrhea blowout all over her adorable outfit, her blankets, and the car seat. What a mess! There was poop everywhere and I just wanted to cry. As I was trying to wash off my screaming baby in the tub while surrounded by poopy, smelly clothes everywhere, my husband walked in from work and said with a smile, “shitty day, huh?” and I just burst out laughing. It was just what I needed, and made light of what really was a humorous situation. Imagining what I looked like was definitely funny. I even had poop on my cheek. As mothers, we will experience many difficult and sometimes super-gross situations with babies… all you can do is laugh. If your kids don’t offer you enough humor, then be sure to find other things that make you smile. Call that funny friend or watch an episode of Modern Family. People who laugh easily are more fun to be around and enjoy the health benefits that laughter brings, such as: improved immune function due to boosted levels of infection-fighting antibodies, better digestion, and enhanced sleep!

In closing, I wish each of you a more joyful, fun, and serene 2012! If you’d like more inspiration every day, check my website Her Inspired Life and sign up for a free seven-day Inspired Life Kick-Start Plan! Also, my new book, One Hot Mama: The Guide to Getting Your Mind and Body Back After Baby, will be published by Hay House in the fall of this year.

Unfortunately, a new topic plagues parents – toxins. And most of us are not laboratory chemists trained in this field of study. I sometimes feel powerless when I’m inundated with more information about the toxins in our environment that, more and more, are being linked to recent childhood epidemics. I look to sites like Healthy Child Healthy World and Mighty Nest to help me get a good grounding for decisions and products. So, I’m excited to learn of a new company launched today that will also aid with getting responsible products in the hands of parents who are trying to make the most sound choices for their family.

The Honest Company, founded by actress and mother Jessica Alba and former CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World Christopher Gavigan, opened its internet doors today. The company was founded to provide non-toxic cleaning supplies, diapers and wipes, sunscreen, and personal hygiene products to parents looking for safer products. All products are 100% non-toxic, made with natural and organic ingredients and, should you become a member, delivered in a monthly bundle right to your door.

How Does It Work?

The first step is to visit The Honest Company. When you select “how it works”, you’ll be walked through a three-step process – 1) You answer questions about your family and style choices 2) Choose the monthly bundle you feel will best fit your family’s needs and 3) Personalize your bundle as needed each month. If you prefer more personal service, they do provide a toll free number to speak with a representative regarding products and monthly membership fees. Because so many people feel that buying safer products equates to spending lots more money, the website also features a link to price compare with other brands to see if there is a negligible difference or something more significant.

What I find very impressive about the company and the site? There is a concerted effort to provide products made in the USA and the frank disclosure of product ingredients. Yay!

Try It Free!

Here’s a really cool thing. In order to introduce their company and brand, The Honest Company is shipping free Discovery Kit sample packs to all who request. Simply visit the website, fill out the questionnaire about your family and choose either a diaper or personal care products sample package or both! In order to receive your sample, you do have to pay shipping and handling charges ($4.95 for each package you select).

Once you register for a free Discovery Kit that includes samples, you will automatically be enrolled as a member in The Honest Company’s monthly delivery services. You will have seven (7) days following the receipt of your sample pack to cancel your membership and you will receive several reminders regarding your membership options.

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Nicole Feliciano is joining us again this year to share her impeccable style with us. (Check out her Mom Style Q & A from last year.) Nicole is the founder and editor of MomTrends, the online destination for moms to stay in tune with all things stylish and cool. Make sure you check out the weekly Monday Mingle post – it’s a fashion link up full of great advice and fashion tips.

The Shopping Mama: How do you define your style?

Nicole Feliciano: Urban, bo-ho chic. What does this mean? My shoes need to be practical since I walk miles each day around NYC. I wear too much black because this city is filthy (sorry Major Bloomberg, but it’s true). The bohemian part comes from clinging to color and jewelry to elevate my basic pieces into something more chic than a mom uniform. I try to find cool necklaces, scarves, bags and shoes to break up the monotony of it all.

TSM: What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?

Nicole: I have this silver Ralph Lauren dress that is simply sublime (right). It makes me want to get dressed up! But since I can’t wear it everyday–despite the wishes of my daughters, 6 and 4, who also think the dress is the bee’s knees and want me to wear it daily–I am also obsessed with this green handbag (below left) that I bought in Italy last summer. It will be seen A-lot this spring in NYC.

TSM: If you could have any celebrity mom’s wardrobe, who would it be?

Nicole: Sarah Jessica Parker. She simply has the best shoe and handbag collection. I got the chance to meet her a few times last year and every time I saw her I drooled over her shoes. Frankly it was a bit embarrassing. I think SJP and I could be BFFs if she would just give me the chance. I’d let her post on Momtrends and she could share her shoes. Sounds fair to me.

TSM: We love inexpensive finds, but when it is worth splurging? What’s on your splurge wish list?

Nicole: I splurge on coats–it’s frigid here in the winter and it’s only practical to have a complete coat wardrobe. And boots. I will drop hundreds on a boot that not only catches my eye but also allows me to walk (did I mention that I regularly walk 5-6 miles a day). I hunted down these silver boots (that’s Jessica Alba, not me in the photo in case you got confused) and I adore them. Pricey but sooooo worth it.

TSM: What’s one must have piece for this season or the spring?

Nicole: Color blocking is going to be alive and well this spring. I suggest everyone get a fun pair of colored jeans.

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Keep up with Nicole and the latest in mom fashion on Twitter and Facebook.

Like many, I’ve been so inspired by the images, recipes, products and creativity I see on Pinterest. But, because I hear so many comments from friends about how much time they waste on Pinterest, I’ve decided to challenge myself to DO SOMETHING with the inspirational things I see on the wildly popular site. My goal: Each month I must act upon two different things I see on Pinterest. I have to make it, buy it, cook it, craft it or do it twice per month…and report to you how it goes. If you haven’t joined Pinterest to see what all the buzz is, check it out. And if you are inspired to action by what you see, let me know how it went for you!

New Year, New Mama

I’m going to begin this post with a few excuses. Yep, I’m admitting right up front that I’m making excuses. My son is more than two years old and I have not lost an ounce of weight from having him. I was doing well with nursing and slimming down a little, then hubby was deployed to Iraq for a year. My greatest comfort on particularly hard days while he was away? Chocolate pie from a local restaurant. Aaaaand here comes all the weight I lost while nursing (and plus some, probably). Hubby has been back now for four months and I’m running out of excuses. And like most, I set a New Year’s resolution to lose weight.

If you also have a resolution to lose weight, Pinterest has all sorts of exercise charts and images of bodies to inspire you. To be honest, images of chiseled women don’t really inspire me, but the many “before and after” images do. To find your own inspiration, just click the tabs “everything – fitness”.

Now, it’s one thing to be inspired. It’s quite another to lose your mind and think you can do 100 chin ups on Day 1 of your new exercise regime. So, I chose to be judicious and was inspired by the following post of a totally doable set of exercises:

I knew these were all exercises I could do at home without purchasing any special equipment. I just thought the printout a little…ummm…ugly. So, I retyped it in InDesign and printed it on embossed paper to frame for my exercise area (which is also the kids’ craft room, guest room and “mama’s time-out” room).

I do recognize that the frame next to the chart is empty. I have many amazing photos stored digitally that would look great in there; however, the errand fairy has not yet taken my digital media to the local kiosk to make prints. I’m thinking of filing a complaint.

If you like my version of the exercise chart, you can download it to print for yourself as well. Simply print on any 8.5 X 11 paper you like and trim to fit an 8 X 10 frame.

Click the image to download and print.

I have strategically placed the chart next to the treadmill so that I can perform the exercises after a brisk cardio workout. It should be noted that the chart is also equidistant to the adjacent chair-and-a-half that folds out into a twin bed. That’s a tough choice some nights…treadmill or chair?

At least I’ve set myself up for success. We’ll see if it translates into a “new mama.”

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See all my Pinterest-inspired crafts.

Tangerine Tango is the Pantone 2012 Color of the Year. Who is Pantone, you say? The Pantone Matching System is the definitive guide for selecting and controlling ink colors. If you’ve ever printed anything (wedding invitations, brochures, etc) you probably selected your spot colors from a PMS chart. Let’s just say, it’s how the Target bulls-eye logo is always the same color red, no matter who makes the sign or where it is made.

Pantone knows color and, according to their Spring 2012 Fashion Color Report, designers including Tommy Hilfiger, Elie Tahari, Adrienne Vittadini and more are including the subtle reddish orange of Tangerine Tango into their upcoming collections. As The Shopping Mama focuses on New Year, New Mama this month, it makes perfect sense to share some “color of the moment” fashion selections so that our readers can set the fashion trends.

Tangerine Tango Fashion Finds for Moms

I’m starting with my favorite. Boden USA always features bold patterns and colors and has been a favorite clothing line of mine for years. Originating in England, the line features clothing and accessories for the entire family, including the expecting mama. This cute embellished cardigan features multi-color dots and will match just about anything.

Speaking of sweaters, this number from J.Crew makes a bolder statement.

Did I mention that I love hot pink and Tangerine Tango together? This custom-made dress is adorable and is a win-win. You get an exact fit while supporting an Etsy vendor.

The temperature will be in the 20s for us tonight, thus I couldn’t resist a chunky snood scarf available on Etsy. I feel warmer just looking at this.

A total budget-buster, how elegant are these Kate Spade wedges featuring the color tangerine and more?

The color of the year can even adorn your diaper bag with the Kalencom coated double messenger bag in “sunrise.”

And finally, as you begin to think about Valentine’s Day, how about a break from the traditional (and cliche’) red? This beaded heart bracelet will brighten your wrist and your mood.