Winners winners winners! And another giveaway!

Hey, all, so I guess I've been slacking on the drawing for the most recent giveaway. I thought I had set the deadline for the 15th, but I never checked, but I guess it was the 10th. Sorry about that! Hopefully it gave you all more time to enter, though. :-)

Alright, so the winners are.......drumroll please......

First draw: Mascara - Random Number Generator said 5 - Jess Kirkpatrick
Second draw: Aminogenesis anti-wrinkle solution - Random Number Generator said 1 - Melissa Estes
Third draw: Sothys spa set - Random Number Generator said 3 - Aaron Kirk

Congrats to all of you! I'll be contacting you shortly so you can get your stuff.

And the PR firm sent me more info about yet another giveaway, so here you go. Only one this time, so comment by Christmas Day (Dec 25) and one lucky person who comments will win this item! YAY! (same rules apply, be sure to leave a way for me to contact you in your comment).

Mystique Fountain Deep Hydrating Rainy Mist by Luxtural^®

· The first step in the Luxtural skin care regimen, the Mystique Fountain feels like a gentle mist of ocean water. A superb hydrator for any skin type, it tones, calms, cools and refreshes the skin while naturally protecting it from environmental damage. The Mystique Fountain is based upon Luxtural’s Pure Pacific Ocean Rainwater, which allows for increased absorption and moisture retention. Mystique Fountain also contains Luxtural’s special exotic extract (SEE), a one-of-a-kind complex that adds additional moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Mystique Fountain can be used as a primer or enhancer for the other Luxtural products or any time of day as a refresher. Price: $78, 3.4 fl. oz.

Luxtural^®, the newest player on the beauty block, is redefining luxury skin care by emphasizing not only safety and efficacy, but the quality of their natural luxury skin care products.

Luxtural: Hand-Picked by Nature for the 21st Century Beauty Connoisseur

The brand’s unique approach to skin care is a return to true luxury – by combining the best aspects of the luxury, natural skin care and scientific industries; Luxtural achieves what no other skin care company can. Luxtural’s primary concern is a green approach to anti-aging. The powerful formulation contained in each of the three skin care products are clinically tested, hypoallergenic, free of parabens and synthetic fragrances, and are created using sustainable ingredients like Pure Pacific Ocean Rainwater. According to the brand’s founder Pnina Vilinsky, “real anti-aging starts with proper hydration,” therefore ingredients found in Luxtural are original collaborations and unique to the line.

Luxtural aims to appeal to a woman’s aesthetic preferences while still delivering high performance. “Our customer has always been a woman who seeks the best in skin care," says Pnina. "You don’t have to sacrifice luxury for effective and quality skin care products. Luxtural is truly the only one of its kind: a results-orientated skin care line emphasizing natural ingredients.”

Why Pure Pacific Ocean Rainwater?

Luxtural’s products contain the pivotal ingredient: Pure Pacific Ocean Rainwater, which is collected before it ever touches the ground, preventing it from containing additional minerals, contaminants or toxins that may be present in the soil.

According to Pnina, “for thousands of years, rainwater has been used by ancient cultures for purification and holy rituals, many of which were frequently a symbol of new beginnings.” With this in mind, Luxtural chose Pure Pacific Ocean Rainwater as the foundation for their skin care line in lieu of typical filtered or low-grade water. Pnina notes, “rain is the most natural and original ingredient that exists in nature, making it the perfect choice to be included in the Luxtural product line. After extensive research and testing, I chose the Northern Pacific Coastline, with its exceptionally clean air and ocean winds, as the source for our pure rainwater because of its soft, fresh and clean qualities.”

Fashion, sewing, knitting...

Hey, all, so I'm super boring! I haven't posted anything on here but contests in awhile, so I'll give you a quick update. I was telling Aaron this week about how interesting it is that pregnancy is giving me a chance to sort of relax in a lot of ways I never allowed myself to before. Before, I was always looking for my next career choice, personal fullfillment avenue, the latest and greatest fashion, etc. I was all over the place.

The baby has given me some focus. For one thing, there's very little shopping I can do. And what shopping I can participate in will only last me a few more months, thus, investing in the latest fashion is somewhat of a moot point. So, that's why I haven't posted anything fashion-y on here in a long time. I still follow fashion, but I'm less interested in pursuing it constantly. As long as I know the general trends and stay with them during and after pregnancy, I'll be happy. I've also stopped wearing heels for the most part--hence why there's no posts on something that should fit me no matter what--shoes. But don't worry, ladies, I'm definitely not wearing anything you would describe as "comfortable." God forbid! My Marc Jacob flat mary janes and flat Fornarina boots are my best friends!

The baby has also given me a focus in the knitting and sewing area as well. I've sewn 2 really fabulous maternity items (for me, they are fabulous, because I never made anything I actually wore so often that was good quality before this) in record time, along with all kinds of baby crap and Christmas gifts. I've knitted a full maternity sweater, baby gifts for my friends, and am now embarking on making a ridiculous number of baby hats, mittens, and socks for my future baby.

Before, I would start a project and slowly get around to making it. Now, I'm motivated with a deadline and I have a lot to show for it. Maybe I should set more deadlines in the future so I get more sewing done!

Winner and THREE MORE blog giveaways! Awesome!

So, the random generator, said number.... 4! So the 4th comment belonged to Bethany! She wins all the stuff from this post. YAY!

Now, if you didn't win, don't be sad, because I am doing THREE MORE drawings for more free stuff starting today! This time, comment on this post by December 10, and I will pick THREE of you, one winner for each item. Don't forget to put your email address or some other way for me to contact you if you are a winner.

Here's what you can win:

First draw: Mascara (valued at $129! I'm jealous and wish I could win this!)
Second draw: Aminogenesis anti-wrinkle solution (valued at $19.95)
Third draw: Sothys spa set (all three items, valued at $79)

See below for more details on these items. Good luck!

www.LashFood.com

Move over full lips. Eyelashes are the next beauty must-have for 2009. From the pages of magazines to Hollywood’s red carpet, batting full, luxurious lashes is the latest “It” accessory. No matter how many coats of mascara or layers of extensions we apply, it seems like we can never achieve the look without getting the “Tammy Faye Baker” effect. Mascaras and lash extensions are unforgiving on eyelashes, leaving you with dry, brittle, and damaged lashes. LashFood is a new natural conditioning stimulant for thicker, stronger and more beautiful lashes in just 2 to 4 weeks!

“Many women denote their eyes as their best feature,” says Jane Kim, President and Founder of LashFood. “Long, full eyelashes have always symbolized femininity and exudes Hollywood glamour. For great eyelashes, it used to be either you had them, or you didn't. Now, with LashFood we can all have captivating eyes like legendary femme fatale Brigitte Bardot and iconic supermodel Twiggy. At LashFood, we provide consumers with the best eyelash care products to enhance their natural beauty.”

LashFood’s breakthrough natural ingredients, including Biotin an essential vitamin, Arginine a natural amino acid, and herbal extracts, helps promote the natural growth and strength of eyelashes and eyebrows. The result: your lashes become thicker, darker, and longer with this revolutionary conditioner.

How to Use LashFood?

The LashFood applicator is very similar to a liquid eyeliner applicator. One should apply the stimulating serum nightly along the root of the lashes. For faster results, apply the serum in the morning and in the evening. LashFood does not disrupt the daily application of make-up or other skincare routines.

What is in LashFood?
LashFood is formulated with the highest grade all natural ingredients available, and is designed to condition, repair, restore, and create longer healthier and more beautiful eyelashes and eyebrows. LashFood retails for $129.00 and will last up to 5 months.

When Can I Expect to See Results?
One should begin to see the lash line becoming thicker, fuller and healthier looking in just 2 to 4 weeks. LashFood will continue to prove results over time if used on a consistent basis.

Can LashFood be Used with Eyelash Extensions?
LashFood is a natural and water based product designed to be used with natural lashes as well as with eyelash extensions. LashFood can coincide with any daily mascara or eyelash extension product.

Instant Wrinkle Relief

AminoGenesis Introduces Gone in Sixty Seconds, a Revolutionary New Wrinkle Solution

www.aminogenesis.com

Give us 15 seconds and we will give you 15 years! Gone In 60 Seconds is a powerful formula that activates on contact to visibly erase fine lines and deep wrinkles – in just seconds! So, why put yourself through the expense and hazards of botulinium injections for short term results? A scientific blend of oxygenating peptides, micro-collagen and firming proteins tightens, firms and reduces puffiness all day long. It’s like having a temporary face-lift in a bottle!

FEATURES:

· InstaFirm Protein: An exclusive protein technology that instantly starts to firm skin and plump up wrinkles, creating younger looking skin – within seconds

· OxyPeptide: Naturally derived peptide that is clinically proven to increases skin respiration and oxygenation by as much as 754%

· GABA: Naturally produced in the body to relax muscles, eliminating the need or desire for painful injections

· Micro-Collagen: Delivers a boost of collagen to the help firm the skin

· Patented Delivery System: Advanced patented technology time releases key ingredients all day long

BENEFITS:

· Visibly Firms: Fine Lines and Deep Wrinkles – In Just Seconds!

· Rebuilds: Skin Firmness

· Use Under Make-Up

· No Albumin, No Whitening Effect

· Natural Formulation Does NOT Contain Propylene Glycol, Parabens, Synthetic Colorants, Nor Synthetic Fragrances

· Dermatologist Approved

AminoGenesis products are cruelty free (no animal testing) and do not contain animal by-products.

Usage: Massage a small concentrated amount around the eyes, smile lines, neck area. Allow a few minutes to firm and tone the skin.

About AminoGenesis Skin Care

AminoGenesis Skin Care was founded in 2000 after creator Ron Cummings, a longtime sufferer of dermatitis, was recommended a cream for his skin condition. Once he learned everything he could about that cream he used, Ron decided to make the life-changing decision to end his existing career and enter the unfamiliar business of skincare. He learned that the cream was actually a potent mixture of amino acids, essentially the building blocks of all life. All living things, plant or animal, that grows on this planet share exactly the same amino acids – it is the arrangement of amino acids that makes everything and everyone unique. They are the building blocks of every structure in human skin; vital skin proteins like collagen, elastin, lipids and all cellular tissues are made from amino acids. The basis of the AminoGenesis philosophy is that skin functions fantastically when it is properly nourished and it is with amino acids that skin becomes properly nourished. Several years ago the team of world class doctors, chemists and researchers that Ron enlisted set out to harness the power of amino acids. After about a decade of research and testing, the original AminoGenesis formula was born and the results astounded even those who created it. For more information, please visit www.aminogenesis.com.

PAMPER YOURSELF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND BEYOND WITH DO IT YOURSELF AT HOME SPA PRODUCTS FROM SOTHYS

www.sothys-usa.com

Total Retail Price: $79

Sothys Aroma-Sothys Energizing Shower, Sothys Aroma-Sothys Energizing Shower Gel softly cleans and tones the skin. It contains essential oils of eucalyptus, cardamom, nutmeg, and neroli for an energizing fragrance while leaving your body feeling refreshed. Price: $24

SOTHYS Aroma-Sothys Energizing Bath Essences Tablets,Energizing Bath Essences Tablets - Effervescent, playful and revitalizing bath pebbles which enrich the bath with their tonic and energizing fragrance... a particular moment of pleasure and wellness. Price: $26

SOTHYS Aroma-Sothys Energizing Essential Oils Elixir - Magical, this very concentrated dry oil is an invitation to happiness: when massaged, it restores tonus and felicity... the skin is divinely satiny and full of energizing active ingredients. Price: $29

More maternity coat and other photos

Here is the back of the coat and the slit:

And here is an ornament I made for a girl in my March 2010 due date club. We are doing a secret santa ornament exchange with the theme of expectant mother. I decided to make one!

Maternity Coat Pics!

I made myself a maternity coat to get me through the winter. Here are the pics!

Blog Giveaway! Win lots of FREE STUFF!

Haven't done one of these in awhile, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to get you guys more free stuff! Just think, if you can't use them, they'd probably make great Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/Holiday gifts! You get: AminoGenesis’ newest product, “Gone in Sixty Seconds,” nuNAAT’s Karite Special haircare line, Pulse Yoga II: Balance and Tone, and Sothys Energizing Essential Oils Elixir! Total Value: 77.96. (More details below).

To win: Comment on this post by 12/1/2009. Include your email or a way for me to contact you to get your address if you win. Drawing will be on 12/2/2009.

Good Luck!

Gone in Sixty Seconds by AminoGenesis- www.aminogenesis.com

New for Winter 2009, Gone in Sixty Seconds by AminoGenesis Skincare is an instant wrinkle filler that contains a scientific blend of oxygenating peptides, micro-collagen and firming proteins that tighten, firm and reduce puffiness all day long. Advanced patented technology time releases key ingredients all day long.

Gone in Sixty Seconds features InstaFirm Protein, an exclusive protein technology that instantly starts to firm and plump wrinkles, creating younger-looking skin within seconds. Clinically proven OxyPeptides increase skin respiration and oxygenation by as much as 745%, and Gamma-Aminobutryic Acid (or GABA) is present to help the body relax the muscles causing wrinkles. Price $19.99

Karite Special by nuNAAT – www.nunaat.com

Karite Special, an intensive treatment for restoring dry and damaged hair, is rich in Shea Butter, which revitalizes the hair’s capillary fiber leaving hair soft and silky as well as luxuriously fragranced.

• Karite Creamy Shampoo
• Formulated with Shea butter, one of the richest emollients available, the Karite Creamy Shampoo gently cleanses while restoring shine and silkiness to dry and damaged hair. Price $6.49
• Karite Conditioner
• Nourishes, protects and moisturizes dry y and damaged hair while restoring elasticity, moisture and silkiness. Price $6.49

Pulse Yoga II: Balance and Tone by Pulse Yoga www.pulseyoga.com

Pulse Yoga offers you the chance to have your cake and eat it too this holiday season. How you might ask? Pulse Yoga marries the best elements and disciplines of Pilates, Weight Training, and Yoga into one structured class session, which can be done at your own convenience. Christmas Comes Early: Multiple Reader Giveaway!

In this 60-minute DVD balance in motion is emphasized by connecting standing balancing postures in order to master control over the body in any position. The DVD emphasis is on:

• Applying the use of free weights in novel ways to basic yoga postures.
• Strengthening and toning key areas such as the abdominals, lower back, upper arms and gluteus.
• Teaching core awareness.
• Stretching chronically tight areas such as the hamstrings and hip flexors.

Price $14.99

Energizing Essential Oils Elixir by Sothys USA www.sothys-usa.com

Sothy’s Aroma-Stim new body care line is created to provide energy and well-being with its natural essential oils. The oils were selected for their toning, energizing and stimulating power. Sothy’s highly advanced technology used the principles of aromachology, and the pleasures of sensational textures, unique fragrances, and rare essences to create a magical experience.

Their Energizing Essential Oils Elixir is a concentrated dry oil formula that when massaged restores tone to make your skin divinely smooth. The energizing active ingredients can be used on dry or wet skin, and applied by being massaged all over the body. The dry-oil formula is created with a cocktail of complex energizing essential oils (eucalyptus, cardamom, neroli, nutmeg, and red thyme.) In addition to the essential oils the message elixir contains ginseng, carotene, and corn oil. Price $30

Jimmy Choo for H & M Starts Tomorrow!

If only I cared enough to stand in line at 4am or something in SF. Oh well. I will go later in the day and see if there is anything left. Check out these fabulous over the knee boots that I just want to eat!

My New Sewing Workspace!

I needed to consolidate my sewing stuff. I went from sewing desk and 2 giant rubbermaid 3-drawer roller thingies to this Craft/Sewing Armoire. It is awesome! I had to put it together myself, which was a little tough, but possible. And here's what it looks like now closed:

And here it is open. All my sewing stuff and fabric fits in here, and my sewing machine. The flat table part in the lower half turns into a longer table and the whole thing rolls out of the armoire. How great is that?!

Baby Stuff I Knitted

So lots of people have been asking me if I am knitting stuff for the baby and the answer is, "of course!" Here are some of the projects I've knitted so far. Many, many more to come!

Baby hats and mittens, probably for friends and maybe for me too.

Baby booties and socks.

Baby sweater. I made this one in case I was having a boy, but it is unisex! Designed totally by me. And this was tough. I used Barbara Walker's Knitting from the Top, which, by the way, is NOT easy to follow!

Baby sweater for a girl. I made this first. I got the idea for it when I first got pregnant. Designed it myself.

Who says you can't be pregnant and fashionable?

Well, these pics are dark, but I wanted you to see my attempts at fashion while pregnant. I don't think I did too bad a job, but you can tell me for sure!



Outfit 1: Bebe sweater, skirt made by me, Fornarina boots
Outfit 2: Motherhood Maternity jacket, Micheal Stars Maternity top, Skirt by me (Marie pattern from Burdastyle.com), boots by Tory Burch.

Maternity Clothes I Made!

I made the following maternity clothes to supplement my wardrobe. The first (and my crowning pride and joy) is this one. I got the pattern from Burda Fashion magazines. It's an older pattern--from the early 2000's, but I think in a nice white it's pretty classic. It's my first Burda Fashion magazine pattern and, while it was mostly easy, isn't for beginners. The fit of this blouse is AMAZING though!

Here are some skirts I made when I started getting too big for most of my shorts and other skirts. They aren't really "maternity," but they all have elastic waists so I can grow with them (and hopefully shrink with them too):






This one is Marie, from BurdaStyle.com. It's a free pattern. Instead of a normal waistband, I used some super-stretchy knit fabric for the waist. Easy to pull on and off the bump and, in the future, on and off the waist:

Obsessed with Flat Ankle Boots....

For the last 2 years I've been searching and searching for the perfect pair of flat ankle boots. They have to be black and just as adorable as the high-heeled kind and look good with leggings and dresses and possibly even pants.

I've experimented with western-style, motorcycle boots, and vintage and just haven't been able to find anything quite what I was looking for. Today, I *think* I finally found the perfect pair at the right price. This pair by No. 704b at DSW. I got them for only $60 after coupons. Original price $225!

I can't seem to find any info on the No. 704b label online. Does anyone know where these are sold or who makes them? I'd love to find out more about the designer...

New Motorcycle Boots!

By Miss Me. Not my favorite brand, but they are cute on! And only $20 at DSW after $30 worth of coupons. Yippee!

Overalls and Rompers? Really?

Found this online on some random website (women's health care topics.com):

"Any pregnant woman will tell you that overalls and rompers are among the most comfortable items a woman can have in her maternity collection. One of the best things about overalls and rompers is that they can be worn before, during and after pregnancy. In fact, overalls and rompers are particularly useful in the postpartum months when you don’t quite have your pre-pregnancy shape back just yet. They provide room to expand and breathe throughout your pregnancy."

Um, what?

ANY pregnant woman? How many pregnant women do you know that would wear overalls or rompers? Not a single woman I know, I hope. To know the answer to this means you had to put them on.

The most comfortable thing I've found during pregnancy? Sweatpants. I'm not much of a believer in sweatpants, but for the first time in my life I'm wearing them nightly. A close second is yoga pants. And, if I'm picking things I can wear to work, corduroy pants and Micheal Stars supima cotton shirts... ahhh so soft!

Wardrobe Trial and Error

So, I attempted to modify a pair of my regular jeans (well, sort of, they are actually new jeans I bought in a size larger than I normally wear so that I could wear them until I needed maternity clothes) so that I could wear them throughout my pregnancy.

I wanted to do it so that I could turn them back into regular jeans later with just a seam ripper and/or some scissors. So, I covered the zipper area with black stretchy fabric.

For the most part, it worked. It took some trying on and trying on again to make sure they didn't stretch too much, weren't too bulky, etc. The hardest part was trying to cover up the button and make the top part lie smooth. Apparently, when you keep the zipper splayed open, either side of the zipper points straight upward. Sooo... that means it's tough to cover them, and, in the end, I wasn't able to.

I'm wearing them now, and I'll admit the bumpiness around the button and buttonhole area bothers me, but not so badly that I can't wear them. The big benefit of this is that I can wear them with a belt, so while these would probably fall down and my maternity jeans are definitely falling down, I can wear a belt to keep these babies up. As long as I don't accidentally fasten it too tight, which I already experienced earlier today.

Big con? The zipper goes pretty much all the way to the crotch. So the top I'm wearing needs to go down about that far too. Works great now when maternity shirts are still hanging low. Not so great later in the pregnancy when they are up higher because they are tight against my belly. Guess then I won't be able to wear the pants or I'll have to wear a dress over them or something.

What a learning experience. If you want a true fashion challenge, try dressing a pregnant woman. Better yet, try making or altering clothes for a pregnant woman. It is not as easy as you would think!