Hotspots
The Epiphanie Bags: the real "IT" bag of the moment
Published 03.11.2010 | Permanent Link | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)
Mama photographers with their Epiphanie bags (photo by Tracey Clark)
Even though the gals at Shopfrolic tell us that the Valentino Denim Petal Tote is the "It" bag this season (and yes it is highly covetable with a faint-worthy price tag), my radar is telling me otherwise.
All my mama friends across the country are going all teenageer over the newly released Epiphanie Bags. And, apparently they are flying out the door. On the outside the Epiphanies look like any other stylish handbag you would find at a high-end boutique or department store In fact, it reminds me of classic Coach. (My personal fave is the gorgeous red Lola bag pictured above and below in detail). But inside, the pocket placement and padding is that of a professional camera bag.
We saw the diaper bag have its big makeover several years ago and it's about time some genius combined functionality and style in photo bags. Well done, Epiphanie.
These beauties retail for $164.99 and my mama photographer friends have been squealing with delight as their bags arrive via their online orders.
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Beautify Your Photos with Eye Candy Photo Overlays
Published 03.07.2010 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)
Last year my family did an outside photo shoot for some portraits and afterward I regretted not having brought some real colorful balloons for my son to hold.
Then today of course as I was perusing our family photographer, Blue Lily's site I learned about these gorgeous photo overlays that accomplish just that. Not in an oops I forgot, so-let's-just-make-believe-and-photoshop-it-in-way, but in a cooler arty manner.
In fact, the artist Volume 25 has a series of photoshop overlays, called Eye Candy, that anyone can buy and easily install (she has easy to use instructions too) that can add a level of texture and magic to your photos. For $30 you get nine vectors that you can play around with and even color. Love this.
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Special Advertising Offer: Our friends at Zulily, the sales event site, are giving our readers a $10 discount to be used on a first purchase. Sign up as a new member through this special link and use the promo code ALPHAMOM10.
Alice in Wonderland: my favorite things
Published 03.05.2010 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)
It's all about Alice in Wonderland now that Tim Burton's big screen-version has opened this weekend. It reminds me how we all went gaga over Where the Wild Things Are this past autumn.
As such, I thought I would highlight to some of my favorite Alice in Wonderland lovely things out there:
Clockwise from left:
- The Cheshire Cat Grin is the new mustache and so much cooler
- What's Alice without a tea party and here's the best Alice in Wonderland tea set!
- This Mad Hatter felt crown is perfect for dress up.
- These ponytail holders are perfectly understated
Clockwise from upper left corner:
- This collectible Alice in Wonderland by Madame Alexander can be removed from underneath her house, don't worry.
- This Alice in Wonderland pop-up book by Robert Sabuda is a masterpiece. Trust me.
- Love this pendant necklace with an image of the original illustration.
- This charm necklace will delight any girl or mom. This designer has one hundred other variations to choose from.
As if Alice Tea Party birthdays aren't already popular, I would expect to see a whole bunch more this spring and summer. And my only response would be, Bring it on. Because, really, tea parties are great and Mad Hatter ones, even better. If you're looking for inspiration, visit Alpha Mom contributor Ellen Baker's write-up at The Long Thread and Joslyn's at Simply Lovely. Below are images from the Alice in Wonderland themed birthday parties for their daughters. LOVE em.
Clockwise from left:
- Cupcakes from Simply Lovely
- Party hats, hearts banner, party favors from The Long Thread
Hallmark Recordable Cards with Music: love 'em!
Published 03.01.2010 | Permanent Link | Comments (1)
I've seen cards with music but I've never seen recordable cards with sound which also have music. Have I been asleep? I think these are new. Whatever... I love them.
Earlier this month I had to leave town at the crack of dawn to catch a flight to Nashville as I was a speaker at the Blissdom Conference. Ahead of that the Blissdom conference organizers sent all Blissdom attendees a care package of sorts with goodies from the conference sponsors. In that care package was a Hallmark recordable card with sound. (Thank you Blissdom ladies for your thoughtfulness!)
Even though I can't find the exact card amongst the offerings showcased on the Hallmark website, the sentiment of the card was perfect. It was just what I needed to leave for my son as I dashed off in the early dawn without saying goodbye.
The card read No matter what, now when... I'm here for you.
When my son opened the card when he awoken, he heard my voice tell him that I would be home on Sunday and that I loved him. Then the card's message box broke out into The Jackson 5's I'll Be There.
Would I ever gift this for my husband from me? Nope. But from my kid? Oh yeah. In fact, it's a great easy and turnkey way to capture your little one's voice through the years and send to grand parents and other family members.
More Alpha Mom Party Invitations on pingg
Published 02.24.2010 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
A few months ago we launched a line of original kids' party invitations on pingg, our favorite stylish electronic invite company. Now, we've complemented our collection with two more kid party invites: Safari/Jungle and Western/Cowboy & Cowgirl. Hope you like them as much as we do! Also, they're all FREE.
Here's snapshots of our full original collection on pingg and standby for some more additions in the coming months!
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About this Column
The Hotspot originally started out as a monthly-or-so feature written by our favorite storytellers. Usually products or services were highlighted that tickled us. Over the past year delightful innovations and introductions in the maternity and parenting space have increased, and we feel we need a space to share our discoveries with you. Daily news stories on parenting also inspire us to communicate with you. As such, the Hotspot is now the Alpha Mom daily blog. Finally!
From time-to-time we will feature products that we like. Since there is no pay for play, we only feature products that excite us. However, we do want to know about new product and service introductions and innovations so feel free to drop us a note at contact@alphamom.com.
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