A nite out with Diane Birch

After a very busy Tuesday Mr. Blonde and I headed out to a local venue to take in an emerging artist. Diane Birch. I had been listening to this soulful young artist online for a couple weeks prior to the show. I was very excited to take it in live. I love piano-playing feel-good music. (I've loved Sara Groves for many years.) Let me tell you how excited I am to share Birch's talents with you.



My hubby and I met up with my very best girly girls (Nicole of Little Miss Lexie & Emily the DesignHER Momma) to take in some new music.

Diane Birch's musical gifts began in the form of classical piano. And man, does it show! Bible Belt is her first album. From the opening track Fire Escape to the closing Magic View, Diane's voice bursts with rich soulful classical sound. The album was written entirely by Diane herself. You can hear five of her favs from the album on her website.

Not only did she put on a fabulous show, but she is touring with the superb James Morrison. It was such an incredible show. And a fabulous date night!

Thanks to One 2 One Network for allowing me to check out Diane Birch live.

Giveaway: pair of PZI jeans

Ready for an oxymoron? Post-maternity jeans that fit? Sigh. Alas, ladies...I have finally found a pair of jeans that fit!

PZI Jeans prides themselves in having no gap in the waist. Their jeans are created for women size 4-16 with an hourglass figure.

PZI has the science down. They have you measure your hips and waist and tell you your size.

You better believe I wanted to give them a shot. So for all of you ladies out there with a little curve...embrace it and love it!

Buy a pair: Head to PZI size chart and find your size then check out my new favorite pair. You can buy online or at Macys. They're also running a FREE shipping special for all U.S. orders over $100 right now.


Win a pair: PZI Jeans is graciously giving away a pair of jeans to one curvatious Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader. Head over PZI and select your favorite style. Leave me a comment telling which pair you would choose and why you need a new pair of jeans!

Extra Entries:
1. Follow my blog through Google's easy reader tool.
2. Subscribe to my blog via email (and except the confirmation email).
3. Grab my button and post it to your cyber space.
4. Blog about this contest on your blog.
5. Email this giveaway to 4 friends and copy me.

I will select a winner May 12th. Thanks for entering!

like Momma like son

Since Momma was wearing Boatboy in her SleepyWrap (stay tuned for an awesome SleepyWrap review) LA wanted to wear his new wax mold gorilla as well. He was very proud!

java for justice

Two things we enjoy very much at BPM have collided in a beautiful way. Storyville Coffee has fallen in love with International Justice Mission (we've talked about them before). Storyville has a pretty cool deal going for themselves (good honest coffee) and have decided to give 100% of their revenue away in the month of May to IJM.

We've never had Storyville's coffe. But, we like them already. And, so does IJM because they're featuring them on their homepage right now.

International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression.

Storyville Coffee's approach is simple: the best beans, artfully roasted, and rushed to your door while they are still fresh.

Pftwwheeeewwwwwooooo

Did you know that if you Google blowing dandelions almost 50,000 images report back in under a half a second? I didn't either. But, I'm glad. It's something every boy, girl, man and woman should do each spring. A classic photo. Classic action. Just...classic. Whew!

enjoying the outdoors sans bugs and burn

It is always so great to find a product that I have looked high and low for and had no luck. Two parents more motivated than I with the same qualm decided to make their vision come to life. Que the Buggy Bubble.

It is an infant car seat cover that protects your child from, rain, bugs and sun. There is absolutely nothing out there like the Buggy Bubble. It is breathable and extremely spacious even for my 11-month-old Boatboy.

This award-winning patented design has the highest safety standards . The weather protective supplementary ceiling cover is water resistant and has been tested in accordance with international UPF testing standards and laboratory certified as UPF50+, blocking over 98% of the sun's harmful rays. The Buggy Bubble is simple to use and fits universally on most infant car seat models. It folds into a circle and fits into my diaper bag with ease!

At less than $40 this makes a great shower gift. So head over to Buggy Bubble and pick one up. You will not be disappointed with their sleek and clean design.

And if you ever have a need for a "pop-up tent" you will have one on hand. My 2.5-year-old LA hides under the tent with his animals. So, if you aren't sure if it is sturdy...here is your proof!

Thanks Buggy Bubble! We are really enjoying the protection our bubble offers!

really clean and really green

I am so excited to share with you new and amazing cleaning products that are REALLY safe for you and your family. BabyGanics was founded by two compulsive clean freaks that are Dads (just like my hubby). I love it!

I am so amazed by these products for many reasons. For starters, they really work. For example the All purpose cleaner really cleans everything and leaves no streaks on any of my glass tables (we have FIVE). I have tried many "green" products and they don't clean very well. I end up using so much and then have to go get my not-so-green products loaded with chemicals to finish the job.


After trying many of the BabyGanics products I started researching the products in my cabinets to really find out why BabyGanics is any different than my other "green" products. I was quite surprised how different they really are!

There are over 70,000 synthetic chemicals in commercial production. Due to trade secret labeling laws, manufacturers are not required to list all their ingredients on product labels. You can find traces of chemicals in every organ of the body within 26 seconds of exposure. Those are some scary things to think about. It made me think why wouldn't I want to have safe products around my babies and in my home. Why have I been buying such horrible un-safe products for my family? Ignorance I suppose. No more.

Why is BabyGanics so great and different? (taken from the website...pretty incredible information)

• Natural and Organic – Although similar in concept, natural and organic have different meanings. Natural means that BabyGanics is made solely from earthly ingredients. Nothing man-made was added in any part of production. Organic refers to the product as a whole, indicating that BabyGanics helps sustain people and the planet in a holistic way.

• Free of harsh chemicals/Non-toxic – BabyGanics is 100% chemical free. There are no synthetically derived components. Non-toxic indicates that BabyGanics will not cause adverse health effects, either immediately or in the long-term.

• No pollutants – Not only is BabyGanics safe for the home, it is safe for the environment. Because of its pure composition, BabyGanics will not contribute to indoor air pollution and is not a threat to the environment when properly disposed.

• No caustic ingredients – Caustic ingredients can cause corrosion or deterioration of a material. Surprisingly and unfortunately these types of ingredients can be found in many cleaning products. BabyGanics is pure, and free of any type of caustic element.

• VOC free – VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals that can be emitted as gas from either a solid or a liquid. Cleaning products that contain VOCs can release this source of air pollution which, in turn, can have negative effects on health. BabyGanics prides itself on being completely free of all volatile organic compounds.

• No fillers or dyes – BabyGanics’ all natural ingredients leave no room for fillers or dyes. Its wholesome composition is beyond sufficient and has no need for dyes or fillers.

• Superior performance – Removing the chemicals and toxins of conventional household cleaners does not remove the ability of BabyGanics to perform its duties. As a cleaning product BabyGanics has surpassed the performance of average cleaners. When put to the test, BabyGanics capacity to clean is top quality.

• Safe for people, pets and the environment – Above all safety is the underlying motivation of BabyGanics. By cleaning your home you should not have to put your loved ones at risk, nor risk polluting the environment. Take the opportunity to switch your current household cleaners to a product that is not only effective but extremely safe as well.

I could not be more pleased with all of the products. I will without a doubt now pay $1 more than normal to better protect my family and our earth.

Go and check out these new and incredible products at BabyGanics. You can pick them up on their website. Make sure to check out their special offers page too. And, find them at many local retailers.

Thanks to Role Mommy for introducing me to BabyGanics!

Wordless Wednesday

Boating and cheeks. I love it!

dreams come true

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful!

Click the image for a video link to Love146's latest youtube post...

bamboo isn't just for panda bears

I have found a very unique online retailer of fine children's clothing. They offer baby and toddler boys and baby and toddler girls. They pride themselves in personalized service.

I was most excited to try a Polo Tee shirt made out of 95% bamboo and 5% lycra. It is truly the softest shirt I have ever felt! It is light, stretchy and extremely soft. This is my first experience with bamboo clothing. I didn't know bamboo was used for anything other than feeding panda bears.

Boatboy is sporting his Bamboo Polo Tee by Kicky Pants. Be sure to check them out.

Flying Colors Baby is offering all Blondes, Poop & Mascara a 10% discount off of any item including sale. Just enter the code: fcb10.

If you get over there to the special offers page, they're offering up to 50% off some items, free gift wrapping AND free U.S. shipping! You can even sign up for their mailing list on the lower left corner of their homepage.

Thanks Flying Colors Baby!

Boatboy's first swing

Video embedded below...

Can you tell LA wants his little brother's turn to be over at the end of the video?

Have a good weekend!

Who is who?

Boatboy or LA?

1)


2)


3)


4)

invisible children to the rescue

Here at BPM we talk, reflect and work to live out lives of relational reconciliation. If you do the same (even if you don't)...it's not a far reach to come to realize that abducting children as slaves and forcing them to kill other people for your greater good is about as evil as evil gets.

That's where Invisible Children comes in. Their latest project called THE RESCUE is outstanding in concept. Check it out.

Eco toys your kids must have

I have found an amazing line of toys for our boys. We are so impressed that all of the toys are child-safe, battery-free (which ultimately means cheaper too, right?) and bio-composite Sprigwood material (made from recycled wood and reclaimed plastic). We are always trying to buy affordable eco-friendly products. Sprig has met that need.

Sprig got started in 2007 by three toy designers that got fed up with the waste created by the toy industry and laziness other manufacters were instilling in children through what Sprig calls the creation of "watch-me" electronic toys. Instead of just complaining, they became the change they wanted to see.

Sprig toys are good laying in sand and dirt, the bath tub or just playing around the house. These toys are for active preschool age children to build, grow and power their imagination!

We received the Sprig Hollow set that just hit the shelves in April. It's a farm design with a dump truck, helicopter and some little characters to go along. Like any toy they create, they're great for outdoor and indoor play. Sandbox. Bedroom. Bathtub. You name it.

Award-winning Sprig toys are intended for kids ages 3 and up. But, LA (2.5) and Boatboy (11mos) both enjoy their time with them now...

Get some Sprig: Pick up Sprig toys just about anywhere. No, for real. Look. Toys R Us. Amazon. Etc, etc.

For you Tweeters and Facebookers, they're socializing with you too. And, check out these free coloring book pages. Happy Earth Day!

Eye before "p"

To all optically-challenged BPM readers,

If without your eye-corrective wear, you see this 1.5 inch tall bottle and think it's a bottle of eye drops...



...it is not. It is a small bottle of antibiotic numbing agent for our toddler's recent ear infection. In fact, much pain will ensue if you use said liquid as eye drops. And, by much pain I mean a level of burn discomfort likened to what a newborn chinchilla would feel should it be birthed on the surface of the sun and immediately vaccinated with 63 ammonia injections. Imagine a full grown 200lb man doubled over trying not to scream like a little girl working to peel a 2ml thick piece of plastic out of an eye who's eyelids are in such despair they will under no circumstances short of death seem to release their hold on the liquid fire engulfing the eyeball.

What eye I should have seen to have avoided the scenario...




Never again will my brain process OTIC as OPTIC when in a blurry hurry.

Special thanks to poison control, the very kind eye surgeon who took our call, overnight eye ointment and the sink for 20 minutes of eye rinsing for helping restore my vision to a mostly normal state.

- Mr. Blonde

Giveaway: Eleven children's shoes

Eleven has launched their amazing, super swanky Spring 2009 collection. They have really put together an amazing collection for boys and girls in size 9-3. I loved the Fall 2008 collection I reviewed a few months ago and I can't say enough great things about these new additions.


Eleven has made a shoe for everyone for any occasion. Their innovative style is vintage-inspired with a modern flare. I love it! Eleven is the sister company of See Kai Run, which also offers amazing shoes for smaller children. Eleven was created in response to a need for larger sizes.


LA is rocking out in his new Alistar sandals. (I asked him if I could take a picture of his new shoes and he ran to get his guitar. He thinks he is a rock star!) It was a hard choosing a pair of shoes from the Spring Collection. The Alistar was perfect as LA did not yet have sandals for the summer and I can never find a sandal that really protects his toes. With the Alistars he can run around while his toes get fresh air instead of blisters. They are fantastic!

They are made of all nu buck leather that is so soft. It is very flexible and they have an extremely durable rubber sole for lots of running and jumping at the parks this summer. My favorite feature has to be the cushioned insole with a VERY padded collar for extra comfort...and NO blisters!

Buy a pair: Head over to Eleven and pick out a new pair of Spring/Summer shoes for any occasion.

Win a pair: Eleven has graciously agreed to give a Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader a pair of shoes of your choice. Leave me a comment telling which pair you must have and who for. I will randomly select a winner on April 27th.

Extra Entries:
1. Follow my blog through Google's easy reader tool.
2. Subscribe to my blog via email (and except the confirmation email).
3. Grab my button and post it to your cyber space.
4. Blog about this contest on your blog.
5. Sign up for Eleven's mailing list with "Blondes, Poop & Mascara referral" in your subject line and copy me.
6. Email this giveaway to 4 friends and copy me.

Thanks for entering!

Giveaway: Nursing active wear

What does a sylish Mommy wear while staying active and breastfeeding her new baby? Now you can get fit in Mountain Blue Eyes. Mountain Blue Eyes makes light weight tees, tank tops and fleece jackets.


Mountain Blue Eyes was created by Catherine, a Mom who wanted clothing that would facilitate both outdoor activities and breastfeeding. So, she started Mountain Blue Eyes.

The fabric of the tanks, tees, and fleece is unbelievable. It is breathable, anti-bacterial, quick-dry and moisture wicking material. Totally made by a nursing momma! I am so impressed with my new tanktop. It is great. It fits so well, and is so discreet. I love every minute I get to nurse my little guy. I only have a couple more months of nursing Boatboy. But, I will certainly be stashing this tank away for the next little tike.

Buy: Go to Mountain Blue Eyes and buy a new tank, t-shirt or fleece to keep you active and nursing!

Win: Mountain Blue Eyes has graciously agreed to give a Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader a tank top of your choice. Leave me a comment and tell me which one you would choose and why you should win. I usually select randomly, but this will allow me to get to know my readers a little better.

Extra Entries:
1. Follow my blog through Google's easy reader tool.
2. Subscribe to my blog via email (and except the confirmation email).
3. Grab my button and post it to your cyber space.
4. Blog about this contest on your blog.
5. Email this giveaway to 4 friends and copy me.

I will select a winner on April 20th.

Thanks for entering and thanks to Mountain Blue Eyes!

ode to the Byrds

To everything (turn, turn, turn)



There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

When I say "Yanni" what comes to mind?

This?

Or, perhaps...this?

And, we laugh. But, what do we really know about this Greek mustache man? As a professed lover of music, I must confess I know very little. Other than..that stuff's not for me.

A smidge of background...Yanni's been at it for almost 30 years. Largely instrumental work. And, quite acclaimed. Read more over at wiki's page on him for a quick overview.

The good folks over at One2One Network shipped Blondes, Poop & Mascara a copy of Yanni's latest album Yanni Voices for review.



(Look who tamed the lochs and shaved the stache)

After the first couple songs I realized Yanni was going to trash my preconceived notions. This album was a theatrical adventure for me. Beautiful melody and gorgeous voice. Lyrically, I don't gain much from it. Half of it is in language other than English. The words not requiring translation to my American ear didn't impress me much. I'm not sure they needed to. From an Italian starlit balcony to American Broadway to world beat to a sensual Latin beach - these tracks laid down a rich journey of melody for the taking.

I think what I like the most about this project is that Yanni teamed up with a solid (Grammy winning) producer in Ric Wake and just carried out a dream to put lyrics to his melodies. He took a major risk bringing four relative unknown singers (Nathan Pacheco, Ender Thomas, Leslie Mills and Chloe) to the studio with him. AND, told them to write the lyrics! 25+ years experience, played to 20+ million folks live, that's still a risk not often taken in the music industry.

There is some REALLY amazing music on this album. Preview most of them over on Yanni's website. Sure some of the lyrics are cheesy. And, I'm likely not going to load this on the iPod and jam out on my commute. BUT, as a live show, I bet this is truly outstanding stuff! Pick it up for around $13 or less most anywhere including a DVD. Heck of a deal there too.