6.30.2012

{swank} review & giveaway: kula klips


Kula Klips is a Canadian based company that specializes in accessories for both girls and boys.  It all started in 2006 with the Kula Klip - a metal snap clip covered in stylish, hand-drawn ribbon.  It evolved from there and now Kula Klips have added Snap Klips {for babies with the teeniest bit of hair}, Kula Bands, Soother Klips & Mitten Klips {to keep those pesky soothers & mittens out of the lost and found!}, Pony O's and Buckled Belts.

Soother Klip
Image courtesy of Kula Klips
Kula Klips has a brand new addition to its family - the Shabby Chic Kula Band!  This variation of the Kula Band is great to have for photo shoot props, special events, or just for every day wear.  It features an elastic style band with a removable flower clip which can be interchanged with different coloured bands or simply used as a clip.  Even though it's not recommended for children under three, I couldn't resist trying it on Baby Z:

The Snap Klips are smaller versions of the Kula Klips that are meant to clip onto the finest wisps of hair - perfect for a newborn!  It is made with a bendable metal clip covered in hand-drawn ribbon or decorated with a bow or flower.  Snap Klips also have a non-slip grip to prevent the Klip from falling out of baby's hair and are made with the highest quality materials.  I can see my daughter wearing her Snap Klips for years to come!

Snap Klips


{Win It!}

Kula Klips is kindly providing a set of Snap Klips and a Shabby Chic Kula Band {both as pictured} to one lucky winner!  To enter, please use the Rafflecopter entry form below.  The giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only and ends at 9pm PST on Sunday, July 15, 2012.

The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of Kula Klips. Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.  Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to  respond, otherwise, a new winner will be chosen.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
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6.27.2012

baby z update

It's already been a month and I can't believe how much my baby girl has changed. Born at 4lbs 12oz, Baby Z is now over 7lbs and gaining at a rate if an ounce a day, pretty much strictly on breast milk. I'm supposed to be topping her up with about 25ml of formula but I've been so exhausted lately which has resulted in extreme laziness. I know that sounds selfish since the formula is supposed to help her gain extra weight but I know she's gaining at an amazing rate so I'm not too worried.


She's also been sleeping well the past week during the night {and day} and she is starting to be more alert by looking around and taking in her surroundings.  I still can't believe she's so small - she basically weighs the same as an average newborn, only she's 5 weeks old!  Baby Z is definitely a fighter!!

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6.18.2012

collective media magic's summer social giveaway event!



I am so excited to be a part of the Summer Social Giveaway Event!  There are a number of amazing prizes to be won including a Grand Prize package {details below}.  Don't forget to like our Facebook page for your chance to win!


Collective Media Magic team Just Like June, Have Sippy Will Travel, Closer To Lucy, 3 Princes and A Princess 2,  That's What She Said,  and our Special Guest Hostess,  Blessed Elements 


One Grand Prize winner will receive a special $600 prize package 
containing all of the following items:


A GK  Curling  Iron  and Conditioner ($200 value)
A Barbar 2300  Titanium Ionic Flat Iron ($165 value)
An Exuviance 3 Piece Age Repair Set ($150 value)
The Natural Skin Shop Glycolic Peel (Up to $98 value) 
An Elegant Shabby Apple Dress (ARV $80) 
A $50 gift card to SwimSpot

3 Runner Up Winners will each receive:
A GK Curling Iron and Conditioner ($200 Value)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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6.14.2012

OXY's Clear It Up Sweepstakes!


When I think of OXY products, I reminisce of my teenage years when I suffered from the worst blemishes and breakouts known to man {or girl}.  I had majorly oily skin, mostly on my T-zone, and would break out constantly due to those pesky teenage hormones.  Luckily my mother told me to try OXY- the cleaners and medicated acne pads.  When using the products constantly, OXY helped clear up my skin and helped me regain my confidence - acne free!

OXY offers a wide range of products appropriate for your skin type.  They are extremely easy to use and gentle on your skin.  Whether you have sensitive skin, require some deep cleaning or would rather use a more natural product, OXY has the right acne treatment for you.

I was sent one each of Deep Pore Daily Facial Cleanser, Deep Cleaning Medicated Acne Pads and Acne Vanishing Treatment, all from OXY's Deep Cleaning line.  As I don't currently have a problem with acne, I asked my 25 year old brother to test the products for me since he is more prone to breakouts.  After using the products for a week, he noticed that his acne quickly dried up and disappeared.  I wish I had tried the Acne Vanishing Treatment back in my teenage years - it would have been a lifesaver!





I'm so excited to be a part of OXY's Clear It Up Sweepstakes!  OXY was a huge part of my teenage years and I'm extremely honoured to be able to share it with the next generation of teens.  You can win the following prizes with the Clear It Up Sweepstakes:

  • One of 3 iPads
  • Weekly prizes of $50
For more details about the Clear It Up Sweepstakes and to enter, visit OXY's Facebook page.  {swank}mama readers will also receive a bonus entry by using PIN code 816qneoi!  Contestants may enter once per day and use multiple PIN codes for bonus entries!

Disclosure: I am participating in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for OXY and receive compensation for my post. All opinions on this blog are my own

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6.11.2012

{swank} review & giveaway: baby beau & belle

Photo courtesy of Baby Beau & Belle
I may have been planning ahead but I started looking for baby's Christening gown far before she was born - or even before we knew the sex of baby {she was a delivery surprise!}.  Luckily, I came across a company well-known for their gorgeous baptism christening gowns, Baby Beau & Belle, which was founded in 1984 by designer Roberta Salton.  Originally only found in the finest department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, Baby Beau & Belle is now exclusively available for purchase only on their websites ChristeningGowns.com and babybeauandbelle.com.  All of their garments are made in the USA and are designed in-house, ensuring that the finest quality of clothing is produced for your little ones. 

May Lin Collection
Photo courtesy of Baby Beau & Belle

In addition to baptismal gowns and silk Christening gowns, Baby Beau & Belle also makes beautiful newborn baby girl clothing and baby girl dresses, as well as Christening outfits for baby boys.  I'm absolutely loving the intricate detailing which shows that close attention was shown to the creation of each one of their dresses.  They also offer amazing accessories to compliment your child's Christening gown from little booties to bibs and blankets.

Jessa dress
Photo courtesy of Baby Beau & Belle


Our baby girl will be wearing Baby Beau & Belle's Jessa christening dress for her Christening in a few months.  The Jessa dress has a full netting overlay skirt for an angelic look, with white embroidered netting across the front and on the cap sleeves.  It also has pink silk ribbons and pink silk covered buttons at the sleeves.  Whenever I see fancy dresses like this one, I always worry that my baby girl will be uncomfortable and itchy due to the lace and netting detailing.  Of course, I don't need to worry with Baby Beau & Belle!  They have thought of everything and have ensured that each dress has a soft material underneath that touches baby's skin {eg: soft pima cotton or silk}.  I wish I had a dress that felt this luxurious!!

Penelope Christening Gown
Photo courtesy of Baby Beau & Belle

Owen 3-Piece Set
Photo courtesy of Baby Beau & Belle



{Win It!}

Baby Beau & Belle has generously offered to give a $25 gift certificate to one lucky winner towards their next purchase at Baby Beau & Belle or ChristeningGowns.com.  Winner is responsible for any extra costs associated with their purchase, including shipping.  To enter, please use the Rafflecopter entry form below.  The giveaway is open worldwide and ends at 9pm PST on June 25, 2012.

The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of Baby Beau & Belle or ChristeningGowns.com. Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.  Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond, otherwise, a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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6.01.2012

our baby girl

We've been home from the hospital for a week now and the entire time has been a great, huge blur.  Lack of sleep will do that to you!  I've been meaning to post our baby girl's birth story but I have to upload some pictures onto my computer and that has been put on the backburner.  Not because I haven't had time but because my stupid brave husband took pictures of my surgery and I really do not want to look at them!

I've been mass posting pictures on my Facebook & Twitter pages via Instagram {@swankmama}.  If you haven't had a chance to see them, here are a couple snapshots of baby girl:



I still can't believe this little bean is mine!!  I'm thinking I need to come up with a moniker for her - "baby girl" or "little bean"?  What do you think?  Her name starts with a "Z" - maybe just simply "Z"?

While I ponder that thought, I'm off to the bedroom to give our baby girl what she wants the most....food!
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{swank} review & giveaway: sweet dreams & flying machines

When Lil J was a baby, I remember swaddling him up and he just loved it.  And I loved the fact that I had piece of mind that Lil J would be safe and sound in his bassinet, and warm, without the worries of blankets being accidentally strewn over his face and potentially causing him harm.

Naturally, while I was pregnant with baby #2, I started researching different swaddles and sleep sacs and came across a local Vancouver company - Sweet Dreams & Flying Machines.  The whimsical name of Sweet Dreams brought a smile to my face and their range of sleep sacs and swaddles - well, you'll just have to check them out yourself!!

Dreamy indeed.  Founder Ali Foreman had a dream of creating her perfect sleep sac for her son during a 3am feeding.  Definitely a mom thing to do!  What resulted was a concept of using the highest quality fire-tested fabrics {tested at the University of Alberta!} with eye-catching, modern designs that even adults would want to wear.  Ali's passion to provide the best quality product for our children shows in her work and also in the way she presents her work:


Ali adds personal touches - gorgeous wrap, ribbon, tags &
a personalized thank-you note!
I was sent a Swaddle in Moon Beam Dreams and a Dream Sac in Ice Cream Dreams for our baby girl.  I seriously cannot wait until she is big enough {closer to 6lbs} to fit into the Swaddle.  The Dream Sac is for when she gets older and will keep her warm in the coming fall and winter months.

Swaddle in Moon Beam Dreams. 
Photo courtesy of Sweet Dreams & Flying Machines.
The Swaddle is made of super soft bamboo stretch french terry material - so soft I wish I had one for myself!  The green and white colour block is perfect for your little girl or boy and is a perfect shower gift for those that are waiting for a delivery surprise.  The purpose of the Swaddle is to allow baby to feel at ease and mimic the way he/she felt in Mommy's womb.  Baby can sleep swaddled with her arms tucked in by her side or out, with the snap of a few buttons!  The Swaddle has also been designed for easy access to diaper changes and it works easily with any car seat.  The extra special touch of the Swaddle is the bedtime story printed directly on the fabric - super cute and original!

Dream Sac in Ice Cream Dreams.
Photo courtesy of Sweet Dreams & Flying Machines.
My baby girl will definitely have sweet dreams in this dreamy Dream Sac.  Did I mention how dreamy it is?!  The design of this sleep sac was meant to cover everything - from diaper changes, to ease of use in a car seat, to allowing mobile babies/toddlers to walk around in it before bedtime.  As with the Swaddle, the Dream Sac's outer layer is made of a velvety soft nylon/spandex blend which stretches and moves with baby, and is also quick-dry and has UV protection.  The inner layer, closest to your baby's skin, is made of marshmallow-y soft micro fleece material {I need a blanket made out of this material!!}.  There are two rows of shoulder snaps for growing babes and underarm snaps to ensure that the neckline doesn't bunch up around baby's face.  The colour blocking design is definitely on trend and your baby will definitely be the most stylin' babe on the block in this Dream Sac!



{Buy It!}

The Swaddles and Dream Sacs are available for purchase on Sweet Dreams & Flying Machines' website.



{Win It!}

Ali of Sweet Dreams and Flying Machines is generously offering one lucky winner a Swaddle of their choice {$39.99 CAD value}.  To enter, please use the Rafflecopter entry form below.  The giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only and ends at 9pm PST on June 15, 2012.

The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of Sweet Dreams and Flying Machines. Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.  Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond, otherwise, a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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