According to Nina http://accordingtonina.com Blog Mon, 06 May 2013 20:01:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 Teacher Appreciation Week – Little Passports Gift With Purchase http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AccordingToNina/~3/wJVz0VSDlHE/ http://accordingtonina.com/2013/05/teacher-appreciation-week-little-passports-gift-with-purchase/#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 20:01:47 +0000 ninahelleny http://accordingtonina.com/?p=13454 Little Passports is one of my favorite partnerships and I recommend it to a lot people for gift ideas for kids! Every month, children follow the characters Sam and Sofia as they embark on a new country adventure. The first month’s Explorer Kit arrives in a suitcase and contains everything your child needs to get started: [...]]]> LittlePassportsExplorerKit

Little Passports is one of my favorite partnerships and I recommend it to a lot people for gift ideas for kids! Every month, children follow the characters Sam and Sofia as they embark on a new country adventure. The first month’s Explorer Kit arrives in a suitcase and contains everything your child needs to get started: a letter from Sam and Sofia, a map, a passport, stickers, access to online games and more. Country specific packages filled with fun souvenirs, letters, stickers, photos, activity sheets and more arrive every month thereafter. Recommended for children ages 5 – 10.

To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, Little Passports wants to give your favorite teacher a free 3-Month Little Passports subscription!

Gift a Free 3-Month Little Passports Subscription to a Teacher when you place an order of $75 or more. Use Promo code: TEACHERLP and then email kim@littlepassports.com.

Offer ends 5/13/13

*$75 is the total cost including shipping and tax. Brand new 3-Month subscriptions may only be gifted.

]]> http://accordingtonina.com/2013/05/teacher-appreciation-week-little-passports-gift-with-purchase/feed/ 0 http://accordingtonina.com/2013/05/teacher-appreciation-week-little-passports-gift-with-purchase/ Lip Stain For Less http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AccordingToNina/~3/zIVvsMjNI3s/ http://accordingtonina.com/2013/05/lip-stain-for-less/#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 16:38:23 +0000 ninahelleny http://accordingtonina.com/?p=13450 If you’ve been following along with my blog for anytime at all, you know I’m a product junkie! I have numerous favorite lipsticks, lip glosses, lip stains, lip scrubs, lip moisturizers, lip balms. It started way back with LipSmackers! Since the beginning of Spring, I’ve had a couple of different lip products by Dior on [...]]]> revlon colorstay ultimateIf you’ve been following along with my blog for anytime at all, you know I’m a product junkie! I have numerous favorite lipsticks, lip glosses, lip stains, lip scrubs, lip moisturizers, lip balms. It started way back with LipSmackers!

Since the beginning of Spring, I’ve had a couple of different lip products by Dior on my wish list but every time I go to buy them they are sold out. One being Dior’s lip stain. So I decided to give this Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick a shot instead and to my surprise I really like it! I bought Premium Pink and Ultimate Orchid (shown above).

]]> http://accordingtonina.com/2013/05/lip-stain-for-less/feed/ 3 http://accordingtonina.com/2013/05/lip-stain-for-less/ My Favorite Picks From J.Crew Spring/Summer http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AccordingToNina/~3/n-SwaUh_aPM/ http://accordingtonina.com/2013/05/my-favorite-picks-from-j-crew-springsummer/#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 04:52:07 +0000 ninahelleny http://accordingtonina.com/?p=13413 My love for catalog shopping started many moons ago. I remember getting the Christmas Wish Book as a child and marking all the items I wanted with a Sharpie. Now I just fold down the corners of all the pages as if they are going to magically appear in my closet one day very soon. [...]]]> jcrew spring tunicMy love for catalog shopping started many moons ago. I remember getting the Christmas Wish Book as a child and marking all the items I wanted with a Sharpie. Now I just fold down the corners of all the pages as if they are going to magically appear in my closet one day very soon. But what I learned from my Instagram post a few days ago, I am not alone. Lots of women do the same and almost all women remember marking the pages of a Wish Book as a child.

jcrew white eyelet top

The new J.Crew catalog arrived the other day and I was pleasantly surprised. So many beautiful items. The tunic dress at the beginning of this post is fun, versatile, and beautiful all at the same time.

jcrew spring stripe dress

I have a hard time resisting a dress of bold black and white stripe.

jcrew white tees

I’m always on the hunt for the perfect white tee and tank. There is just something about putting a well-fitting, soft, white t-shirt.

jcrew spring suiting dressIf you haven’t seen the newest arrivals from J.Crew, you should check them out online or grab a copy of the catalog at store near you. Happy Shopping!

]]> http://accordingtonina.com/2013/05/my-favorite-picks-from-j-crew-springsummer/feed/ 1 http://accordingtonina.com/2013/05/my-favorite-picks-from-j-crew-springsummer/ Mother’s Day Event $3,000 in Prizes & 23 Winners http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AccordingToNina/~3/SR7AvNJvIgM/ http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/mothers-day-event-3000-in-prizes-23-winners/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:56:20 +0000 ninahelleny http://accordingtonina.com/?p=13432 Ladies and gentlemen, Mommy Guru has been working hard to bring you this incredible Mother’s Day Giveaway with lots of gifts that you will LOVE! Here are ALL the participating brands and ALL of the details! There will be ONE Winner for each gift! 1. 2 nights at the Palms Resort in Las Vegas $600 2. $250 [...]]]> writeon-Mother's Day

Ladies and gentlemen, Mommy Guru has been working hard to bring you this incredible Mother’s Day Giveaway with lots of gifts that you will LOVE!

Here are ALL the participating brands and ALL of the details! There will be ONE Winner for each gift!

1. 2 nights at the Palms Resort in Las Vegas $600 2. $250 Gift Certificate to Posh Tots $250 3. Timi + Leslie Abby Bag in Ocean Blue $180 4. Sail to Sable Mommy + Me Tunic $206 5. Lane Boots in Bella $420 6. Temptu Flawless Complexion Airbrush Makeup System $225 7. Tieks Ballet Flats $295 8. Hayden Reis Cross Fit I LOVE Squats Tote $68

9. Zulily Aimee Canvas Beach Tote in Jade Green $60

10. Gyft Gift Certificates $50 Zappos, $50 Sephora

11. Skinny Bikini Turquoise Russian Doll Kaftan $248

12. Goods by Grinn gold foil heart pillow $36

13. Olivia + Joy Trixie Bag $78

14. $100 gift certificate to Lending Luxury $100

15. Lindsay Philips Jordi in Stone with an extra snap in Tabina $41

16. Dogeared I love Mom Pearl Necklace $44

17. Sultra Mind Blowing Gift Set (featuring Temptress and Flirt) - $195 Bombshell 1-Inch Rod Curling Iron – $130

18. Compliment Short Jade Malaysian necklace $42

19. Schwarzkopf Shampoo, Conditioner, Satin Spray, Q10 conditioning treatment $97

20. Essence of Vail Soothing Sleep Gift Box $72

21. Premae Balance Rescue Skin Wash $30

22. Jordache leopard skinny jeans $15.44

23. Origami Owl charms from Amy $60

There will be ONE lucky Mommy Guru winner for each item. There are a lot of ways for you to enter and to gain more entries. To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends May 12th at 11:59pm EST open to US residents only, ages 18+. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

]]> http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/mothers-day-event-3000-in-prizes-23-winners/feed/ 43 http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/mothers-day-event-3000-in-prizes-23-winners/ Finding Time To Work http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AccordingToNina/~3/KMGFKyZ05M4/ http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/finding-time-to-work/#comments Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:57:54 +0000 ninahelleny http://accordingtonina.com/?p=13410 “When in doubt, choose the kids. There will be plenty of time later to choose work…” Quote by Anna Quindlen. Thank you to Rosie Pope for posting this to her Facebook page yesterday.]]> anna quindlen quote on work and kids

“When in doubt, choose the kids. There will be plenty of time later to choose work…” Quote by Anna Quindlen.

Thank you to Rosie Pope for posting this to her Facebook page yesterday.

]]> http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/finding-time-to-work/feed/ 2 http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/finding-time-to-work/ Caroline’s Birth Announcements By Minted http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AccordingToNina/~3/a0PRan2C7jE/ http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/carolines-birth-announcements-by-minted/#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:08:30 +0000 ninahelleny http://accordingtonina.com/?p=13384 I’m excited to share with you the announcement we chose to announce our Caroline’s birth! I personalized the Woodland Awakening Owl designs by Griffinbell Studio. See below for the story behind this talented designer and her studio. I fell in love with every last dainty detail. Perfect for our dainty baby girl! Our very thoughtful [...]]]> minted birth announcements baby girlI’m excited to share with you the announcement we chose to announce our Caroline’s birth! I personalized the Woodland Awakening Owl designs by Griffinbell Studio. See below for the story behind this talented designer and her studio. I fell in love with every last dainty detail. Perfect for our dainty baby girl!

Our very thoughtful friends at Minted.com sent us these gorgeous announcements without a detail missing as a congratulatory gift to welcome Caroline to the world. We are grateful to them for their support, kindness and generosity!

*They are also giving all of you an exclusive offer – which is at the bottom of this post.minted extra detailsI’ve been creating beautiful invitations with Minted.com since 2009. My bridal shower invitations were from Minted too.

Minted.com was also the very first affiliate program I joined and the relationship continues to grow each year. It’s a wonderful company to work with!

Minted is a global community of independent graphic designers with an online store that prints and sells the best of their designs in the form of paper goods.

Our designs come from designers from all over the world who have come to enter and win our design challenges. Our users, fans, and friends come and pick the winners. Minted designers don’t just get the thrill of a win, they win a cash prize and on-going royalties for sales of their work. They enter, the people vote, and we mint them. When you see the Design Challenge Winner badge, that means this design won a challenge to get into the Minted Collection.

 

This is the inside of the shipping box our announcements came in. How cool is that?minted independent designers

As I mentioned above, our beautiful announcements were designed by Griffinbell Studio and also a Design Challenge Winner. Griffinbell Studio has received 79 awards!

Griffinbell Studio is named for my two children, Griffin and Bella. I am a part-time stationery designer, part-time freelance graphic designer, part-time fitness instructor, and full-time mom. I draw inspiration from everything around me which translates into an eclectic style of graphics. Good design should spark an emotional response. Whether I’m working on a wedding invitation or birth announcement, I try to infuse every piece with a sense of joy.

minted birth announcementsThis was my first time using envelope liners from Minted. They are a little time consuming, but very easy to assemble and they really do add an extra special touch to your mailing!minted birth announcements envelope liners

Designer Comments:

This birth announcement was inspired by the whimsical hand-painted toy blocks in the latest movie version of Anna Karenina. A distressed finish gives the illustration a time-loved appearance.

minted birth announcements baby girlI went with the folded card measuring 5 inches by 7. I included a picture of our family on the inside with Psalm 127:3 and I could not be happier with the finished product! It could not be more perfect for us.minted birth announcements for familyExclusive Offer with Code: ATNINA10 to enjoy 10% off and free shipping on Minted.com 4/24-5/5!

You can also follow Minted on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/carolines-birth-announcements-by-minted/feed/ 5 http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/carolines-birth-announcements-by-minted/ Tricky But Far From Torture http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AccordingToNina/~3/H9j6JbitUw4/ http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/tricky-but-far-from-torture/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 04:11:18 +0000 ninahelleny http://accordingtonina.com/?p=13368 Parents, how many times have you heard, “just wait” you’ll never do ___ or ___ or ___ again now that you have kids!? Sleep, shop, pee alone, eat at a restaurant, go on vacation… the list is endless. Not at all true, might I add. Last week my friend Erin shared a post by Katie [...]]]> grocery shopping tricks Parents, how many times have you heard, “just wait” you’ll never do ___ or ___ or ___ again now that you have kids!? Sleep, shop, pee alone, eat at a restaurant, go on vacation… the list is endless. Not at all true, might I add.

Last week my friend Erin shared a post by Katie Wetherbee on The Power of Moms blog titled, “Joy or ‘Just Wait’?”

I really enjoyed Katie’s post, because I can’t get over how often I hear the “just wait” stories from other parents. Mainly strangers, but in social settings too.

I took Jack and Caroline to the grocery store last week. I parked right next to a cart return, I put both kids in one cart, I gave Jack the job of holding the list, and we got what we needed plus a bag of donuts! We turned the trip into a fun activity instead of a dreaded one. We survived. Caroline slept the entire time and was completely content sharing her car seat with the brussel sprouts and oatmeal.

It’s up to each of us to make each situation what we want it to be. Read Katie’s post and let’s join forces in sharing the “joys” of parenthood with all of those around us… including ourselves! grocery store trip success

]]> http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/tricky-but-far-from-torture/feed/ 3 http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/tricky-but-far-from-torture/ Cute Encouraging Gifts http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AccordingToNina/~3/TgkrfTZTQ1Y/ http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/encouraging-gifts/#comments Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:22:00 +0000 ninahelleny http://accordingtonina.com/?p=13349 While at the mall the other day, I saw these cute animal and book sets at Hallmark! They are priced at $24.95. It’s an adorable way to gift words of encouragement and inspiration!]]> 20130414-203839.jpg
While at the mall the other day, I saw these cute animal and book sets at Hallmark! They are priced at $24.95. It’s an adorable way to gift words of encouragement and inspiration!
20130414-203855.jpg

20130414-203906.jpg

]]> http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/encouraging-gifts/feed/ 2 http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/encouraging-gifts/ Whole Clove Garlic Loaf http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AccordingToNina/~3/57TGEEV1Jpk/ http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/whole-clove-garlic-loaf/#comments Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:02:20 +0000 ninahelleny http://accordingtonina.com/?p=13201 Kroger is the main grocery store chain in our area and Private Selection is their own unique brand of higher-end, more unique food items or “inspirational gourmet” as they like to call it! Either way, I like the line of foods very much and especially the bakery items like this Whole Clove Garlic Loaf. It’s [...]]]> 20130414-070212.jpg
Kroger is the main grocery store chain in our area and Private Selection is their own unique brand of higher-end, more unique food items or “inspirational gourmet” as they like to call it!
Either way, I like the line of foods very much and especially the bakery items like this Whole Clove Garlic Loaf. It’s delicious and wonderfully compliments most of my go-to meals!
If you are a fan of garlic and fresh crusty bread, try to find a loaf of whole clove garlic bread in your local grocery store.
Here’s a recipe I would serve the Whole Clove Garlic Loaf with. It’s by Kath Eats Real Food!
Shrimp, Zucchini & Tomato Pesto Angel Hair Pasta

Happy Sunday!

]]> http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/whole-clove-garlic-loaf/feed/ 0 http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/whole-clove-garlic-loaf/ $750 Giveaway from Kiwi Crate and Pottery Barn Kids! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AccordingToNina/~3/utjZ_SwwofI/ http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/750-giveaway-from-kiwi-crate-and-pottery-barn-kids/#comments Sat, 13 Apr 2013 03:23:18 +0000 ninahelleny http://accordingtonina.com/?p=13195 Enter to win $750 in prizes from Pottery Barn Kids + Kiwi Crate! ››

Enter to Win your kid’s dream craft room from Kiwi Crate and Pottery Barn Kids (valued at $750!)

The details:

Enter to win everything in the Kiwi Crate Arts & Crafts Shop plus a brand new craft table from Pottery Barn Kids. Total prize valued at $750!

Kiwi Crate’s award-winning, monthly subscription service makes a wonderful gift for kids ages 3-7. For less than $20 per month, your little one will receive multiple arts, crafts, and science activities – delivered right to your door.

Recently featured in InStyle, Parenting Magazine, and US Weekly, Kiwi Crate has also been awarded Dr. Toy 100 Best Children’s Products of 2012, Parent’s Choice 2012 Gold Award, and an Oppenheim Gold Seal Best Toy Award. Kiwi Crate is already a celebrity favorite, and is sure to delight the little ones in your life!

Kiwi Crate offers a range of subscription levels, all shipped for free:

Monthly Subscriptions – $19.95 a month

3 Month Gift – $59

6 Month Gift – $110

12 Month Gift – $220

]]> http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/750-giveaway-from-kiwi-crate-and-pottery-barn-kids/feed/ 0 http://accordingtonina.com/2013/04/750-giveaway-from-kiwi-crate-and-pottery-barn-kids/