“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for JOHNSON's Baby. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

As an only child, it’s totally up to me to make sure that my mom knows how special she is.  That means there’s no chipping in on an awesome gift, no one to brainstorm with, and no partner in crime to plan anything. 

This year I think I surprised her, though.  I sent her flowers, but sent them to her office.  Since I have no siblings, there’s no one to see the flowers and for her to say “Do you see what your sister Greta did for Mother’s Day?”

Johnson & Johnson wants all moms to know they’re special.  To this point, they’ve introduced the Johnsons Baby Care program.  Created in 2012, this charitable platform has partnered with an awesome organization to make sure that all children have a great start to their life.  That other organization?  Save the Children fund.  Yep. 

Together, Johnson & Johnson and Save The Children are working with more than 10,000 children, caregivers, and parents to educate children.  Sounds pretty great, right? 

Johnsons Baby Care Cards

As a way for people to show encouragement to their moms, and all the moms that they know, Johnson’s Baby Care created Johnson’s Baby Care Cards.  These digital cards can be sent via Facebook, to all the moms you know. 

But wait!  There’s more.

For each card that you send, like, or share, Johnson’s Baby Care will donate $1 to Save the Children, up to a total of $150,000. 

So, you know what you need to do – head on over to Facebook, like & send a couple cards, and get some cash donated to a worthwhile cause.  Pretty easy peasy, no?

This post brought to you by CB2. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’ve been working on re-doing my house recently.  I’m tired of looking at the stuff I have, and I’m just ready for a totally fresh new look. 

Two of the things I love are color and texture.  I’m not afraid of color at all, and textures are one of the things that really add depth to whatever you’re doing.  That’s part of the reasons why I like CB2 and Novogratz Collection. 

I particularly love the Botao Stripe ottoman.  While the sectional is kind of cool, we had a sofa like that before, and we’d regularly lose stuff between the pieces.  Of course, you could also move it into absolutely any configuration. 

I also think that the Dupla credenza would look amazing in my house.  I love the Mid Century Modern lines of the piece, as well as the unexpected pop of color. 

If you’re looking to add a pop of color, or freshen up your space on a limited budget, try the Saudedes pillows or the Boa Suerte backgammon set.  The backgammon set is particularly fun as a conversation piece and something to do! 

Perhaps you need some more inspiration.  Something other than looking at images in a catalog. 

Did you know that CB2 is also running a ridiculously awesome contest right now?  Yep, it’s true.  One ridiculously lucky winner will win the trip of a lifetime – One week’s stay at the Novogratz’s home in Brazil – for them and three friends.  If you win, I’ll be one of your guests, right? 

10 other winners will each receive a $100 gift card to CB2 and a signed copy of the Novogratz’s new book “Home by Novogratz”

Sounds awesome, right?  You should totally enter the CB2 and Novogratz Brasil Sweepstakes!

Socialize with CB2

You can connect with CB2 on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook, too.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Dunkin' Donuts. I received a Dunkin' Donuts Party Kit to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

I have a group of friends that all like to get together and do stuff. We take turns hosting, or occasionally, going somewhere like a park or a restaurant, depending on what we’re doing.  Recently, my turn to host came up.  I figured we’d do some crafting, because, well, that’s what I like to do.  I also had a few projects I needed to get done, and figured if we were having a crafting party, it would help me get my rear in gear for these few projects. 

Since I was hosting this gathering at my house, I was responsible for providing some snacks and refreshments, too.  Since most of us like frou frou coffee drinks, I figured this would be the perfect time to introduce the new seasonal flavors of Dunkin Donuts coffee with an iced coffee recipe.

We had a little cupcake catastrophe.  They still tasted good, though.  Annie, my Martha Stewart wannabe friend, was equal parts horrified and giddy. 

I know what you’re saying.  “Coffee?  Really?  In the middle of the day in May?  Are you serious Greta?” Believe me, I heard some of that in real life, too.  But wait!  I was serving a super tasty iced coffee!  We all like iced coffee! 

But back to the Dunkin Donuts coffee seasonal flavors. 

Dunkin Donuts issues seasonal flavors of their coffee several times a year.  For summer, they’ve introduced three new flavors  - Strawberry Shortcake, Coconut, and Mixed Berry.  The fruity essence of these are fabulous for this iced coffee recipe.  

Due to the fact that we don’t have Dunkin Donuts locations in this area, some of the girls weren’t familiar with the brand.  We got them indoctrinated, errr…I mean educated, really quickly.  The general consensus was that Strawberry Shortcake was the favored flavor, with Coconut and Mixed Berry being about 50/50 for second place.

Try this tasty Iced Coffee Recipe at Home

Ingredients

• ¾ cup Ground Dunkin Donuts Coffee
• 3 Cups Cold Water
• 1/3 cup Sugar
• ½ cup Half and Half
• Whipped Cream

Directions

Brew coffee in coffee maker using ¾ cup of ground coffee to 1 ½ cup cold water. 

Combine the hot brewed coffee, sugar, and half and half in a pitcher.  Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.  Add in another 1 ½ cups of water, slowly.  Chill. 

Pour over ice in tall glasses or café mugs.  Top with whipped cream and serve immediately.

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Dunkin' Donuts. I received a Dunkin' Donuts Party Kit to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

This family planning and birth control discussion is part of a sponsored campaign from Bedsider.org  All opinions are my own.

They go by many names.  Nightstand.  Bedside table.  Shelf.  Mini chest.  Whatever type of furniture you have next to your bed, chances are really good that you have a myriad of treasures in it.  But what kind of treasures?  That’s the real question. 

What do I keep in my bedside table?

Lip Balm

Yes, this is one thing I cannot live without.  I think I am literally addicted to it.  And, no.  I’m not using literal as an exaggerator.  I generally have 3 or 4 different brands, types, or flavors. 

Remote Controls

Unlike most people, I only have one television set up in my home.  This television, and all its related devices, happens to be in my bedroom.  Therefore, I have a ton of remote controls for my TV.   Like four or five of them.  For some reason, I’ve never gotten one of those universal remotes.

Hair accessories

Assorted rubber bands, ponytail holders, headbands, head wraps, and bobby pins.  Lots of bobby pins.  I swear, I think they multiply. 

My phone

I’ve always had this somewhat irrational fear of something happening, and no one being able to get in touch with me.  Due to this, and this alone, I sleep with my phone. 

My latest read

You never know what it’s going to be.  Sometimes it’s the latest Rolling Stone magazine; sometimes it’s Martha Stewart Living.  It could be a juicy biography, or even a good hockey fanfic. 

Condoms

You never know when the mood might strike.  While I do take the pill, you can’t be too careful.  Besides, the pill doesn’t protect against STIs. A combination of condoms and the pill are great for my family planning.

Family Planning & Birth Control

Family planning and birth control are such personal decisions to make.  When do I use it?  What kind should I use?  What’s best for me, my body, and my lifestyle? 

I consider myself to be a fairly modern, well-informed woman who researches these types of decisions.  I have to admit though, when I went to check out the Bedsider website, I was surprised at the selection of available methods of birth control.  I suppose I knew about all of them, but to see them laid out, in such a visual manner, was a little shocking.  Shocking in a good way, though.  It’s great to have nearly 20 different methods of contraception available. Perhaps even more important than the types of contraception available is the ability to get it. 

What's Bedsider?  Bedsider is a great site that help empower women to take control of their family planning and birth control needs.  It's totally free, and helps teach women how to use contraception methods effectively and responsibly.  Even better, they take no funding from the government or from pharmaceutical companies.  Why is that important?  It means that they can maintain total autonomy and offer completely unbiased opinions.  That's awesome, right?

Like many women, I’ve been prescribed the pill to help regulate my period.  While I’ve looked into other methods, like the shot or the implant, but, along with my Doctor, decided those weren’t the best options for me.  Therefore, we have decided that a combination of the pill + condoms is the best solution to my family planning needs.

I mean, I totally want kids, but not until the time’s right.  As my life currently stands, the timing isn’t right to start a family. 

Bedsider.org is running a really fun contest with all kinds of super awesome prizes, including gift cards from places like Bloomingdale’s, American Express, Amazon, the Apple store, and more!  Here’s how to enter.

·         Follow Bedsider.org on Pinterest.

·         Create your own Pinterest board titled, “What’s in My Bedsider Drawer?”

·         Repin this rules pin found here and at least one Bedsider’s 15 contest images found here from their board titled, “What’s in My Bedsider Drawer?” Be sure to tag each pin with the hashtag, #BedsideDrawer.

·         Pin at least 5 additional images to represent your ideal bedside drawer. Tag each pin with the hashtag, #BedsideDrawer.

·         Share your board’s URL on the Bedsider’s Facebook page here. Make sure to enter by 11:59 PM PST on May 29, 2013!

Every girl has that bedside drawer that holds the bedroom essentials: their Kindle, a pair of reading glasses, sexy lingerie. – whatever fits their personality. No matter what your drawer says about you, there’s birth control that will fit right in. Find the best method for your routine and style at Bedsider.org.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bedsider.org.

A great cocktail can really make or break a day.  While I'm not a huge drinker, I do like to partake every so often, generally with a frou frou drink.  You know what I'm talking about, right?  A mixed drink, a fruit garnish, and maybe a little paper umbrella or something on a sword as a stirrer.  Yeah…I can practically taste it now. 

Cruzan Rum, makers of fine flavored rums like Vanilla Rum, Passionfruit Rum, and even Key Lime Rum, has a ton of fantabulous sounding cocktail recipes.  One that I thought sounded particularly good was the Cruzan Rum Lemonade.

Cruzan Rum Lemonade

Ingredients:

Mixing Directions

Watch the video and let me know what you think!  Should we plan a group getaway? 

This giveaway is sponsored by Sharon Wei Designs.

Welcome to the 2nd annual MamaLOVE Giveaway Hop hosted by MamaNYC! Help us celebrate the joys of motherhood — and everything else that comes with the pleasure of parenting. It can be challenging to find a special and unique gift for mom, so our hope is to present some amazing Mother’s Day gift ideas, which you can also have a chance at winning!

How Was Your Day? has partnered with Sharon Wei Designs to bring you something super special – artisan-made gemstone and pearl jewelry!  Enter to win a $100 gift card to Sharon Wei Designs.  Choose from a huge selection of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. 

Ready to enter?  Do so in the giveaway widget! 

Each participant blogger is featuring prize(s) valued $25.00 or more. This event begins on May 9th and runs until May 15th at 11:59PM (EST). Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and hop down the linky list for many more chances to win. Good luck and Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and you know what that means?  It’s time to get mom a gift.  If you haven’t done so, don’t fret!  Mom wants handmade gifts! 

You can still make mom something really awesome, quickly and easily.  Here are some ideas of items that mom would love. These are great handmade gifts for any time of the year, too.

A wire-wrapped Bow Tie Ring  – This is cute, quick, and easy!

A memory wire wrapped bracelet.  This is also cute, quick, and easy.  And you can’t make a mistake.  Even little hands can make this, with a little bit of help.

A beaded bracelet. – Mix up the beads and create your own look.  Once you get the hang of starting and finishing a bracelet, these take no time!

Glitter Switchplates – Does mom like a little sparkle in her life?  This glitter switchplate may be just the thing for her! 

Glitter Lace Frame – This is sparkly, yet elegant and chic, all at the same time.  Change up the colors or the lace patterns for a totally different look. 

Tile Coasters – These are quick and easy!  You can even add your child’s artwork to the top.  And Mom won’t get rings on the table.

Glass Marble Magnets - All the better for sticking things on the fridge, don’tcha think?

Envelope Clutch.  Does Mom want a new bag?  Maybe she can use it on her date night with Dad!

How about giving Mom her very own, custom made scent?  That’s right, you can make her some fabulous perfume. 
 

Even if you're not flush with cash, you can still give mom an awesome gift! Besides, mom will love the handmade gifts.

This Spring 2013 Trends discussion has been brought to you by Harrods.

I have a secret to share.  I tend to wear the same clothes over and over again.  But, like everyone else, I tend to get tired of these clothes, and want to give them a new life.  How do I  give them a fresh new look?   With accessories!  They’re quick to find, can add a great pop of color, and can be found in every price range out there. Here are some of the Spring 2013 trends.

Scarves

Lately, I have been on a scarf kick.  I mean, I’ve always been like “Oh, add a scarf” when an outfit needs a pop, but lately…

Wearing jeans and a sweater?  Add a scarf.  How about shorts and a tee?  Add a scarf.  Skirt and a solid colored top?  How about a scarf.  Yeah…why not?  Scarves go with everything.  Not only that. You can seriously wear them in a about a million different ways.  This Alexander McQueen skull scarf is one of my favorites right now.  It can look super hardcore and edgy-tough, or you could make it look soft and sweet.  Heck, if you weren’t looking carefully, you wouldn’t even see the skull print on some of the scarves.  Scarves are a one of the big Spring 2013 trends.
 

Bags

Who doesn’t love bags?  I am a fan of bright colored bags, as they add a fabulous pop of color to your outfit.  One tip, so that they don’t start to look foolish – I buy a classic style in a bright tone. One example would be a Magenta Kelly bag or a Grass Green satchel.  I also tend to buy trendy styles in classic colors like Cognac or Black.  If you buy even just a couple bags a year, you’ll have a whole wardrobe in no time.  I like this Marc Jacobs bag, but you can easily find a bag at any pricepoint.
 

{photo via}

Jewelry

Jewelry is one of the best, quickest, and easiest ways to liven up a wardrobe.  You know that whole “wearing  ____ and _____? Add a scarf!”  from above?  Yep, that works for jewelry too.  You can add a statement necklace, a delicate necklace, or some fabulous earrings.  How about having an arm party?  What’s an arm party? A whole lotta bracelets!  Like the scarves, jewelry also comes in every price point and style . 

With these few simple tips, you can freshen up your wardrobe in no time flat.  Whether it’s Alexander McQueen scarves, a new bag, or jewelry, these Spring 2013 trends are sure to pack a punch. 

This fantastical fairy quotes post was inspired and sponsored by the Fairy Hobmother. 

Fairies are mystical, magical beings.  It seems that as a child you see them everywhere, and at some point, you stop believing.  Here are some inspirational fairy quotes. 

I'm not the only one that believes in fairies.  The Fairy Hobmother flutters around the blogosphere, sprinkling his magic. The good people at Appliances Online make sure he can continue doing so.  Would you like to set a fairy hobmother trap for some magic of your own?  It's easy!  Just leave a comment, and he may visit you. 

This post is brought to you by Lancome.  I may receive press samples for sharing.

I am a huge fan of nail polish.  In fact, I think I may be an addict.  Even though my personal collection of polish is somewhere in the 250-300 bottle range, it seems that I  can always find new colors to add. 

The new LancomeAquatic Summer collection is no different.  Inspired by the seas in luxe vacation areas around the world, you’ll be transported!  These gorgeous nail lacquer shades in watery hues are perfect for Spring and Summer! 

There are four shades {shown L to R} –

Simply Aqua – A lovely and fresh sky blue color. 

Ultramarine Green – Stunning green turquoise.  It’s like a mint green, with more blue.  An unusual shade. 

Aqua Bleu – A gorgeous watery blue shade.  A bit towards the cornflower shade. 

Plunge pool - Fabulous royal blue.  So wearable, and perfectly on trend. 

Aquatic Summer hit the Lancome counters in April 2013 and is also available at Lancome.com.  Retail price $15. 

I have to admit – I have a bit of an Ocean problem, and am super excited for this release.  Will you be wearing watery hues this year?