Happy Hour Mom

beatrix new york, where creatures of the forest have your back

Shannon — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:34:07 +0000

As many of our Happy Hour Mom’s already know, my family recently returned from Tokyo, Japan where we have been living for the past 6 months. While it was yet another big move for my family, it was an especially big move for my seven year old who had to change schools halfway through the year. She loved her school in Japan, but was excited to attend a school with kids who spoke English fluently. As she put it, “Now I can use big words and I won’t have to act things out anymore.” It is funny what kids think about, and how they view the world around us. She LOVED learning Japanese, but would often be exhausted by the communication barrier and get frustrated with herself and her inability to learn the language as quickly as she wanted to. So with the excitement of her new school building, it was time to go school shopping. We had everything covered but the backpack, so I decided to let her pick it out. It almost brought a tear to my eye when we got to the backpacks against the back wall of Target and she said, “I’ll take anything that doesn’t have a kiddie cartoon or Disney Princess.” What?! That eliminated just about everything I had in mind…Just last year that’s all she wanted! It was that moment that I realized she had officially become a big girl. My next thought was where the heck am I going to get a cool big kid backpack? Unfortunately, the coolest idea of a “big kid” backpack is a plain colored piece of canvas. Boring!

So you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled across the Beatrix New York collection. I know for a fact that my seven year old would be excited about everyone of the Beatrix backpacks, thermoses, or even the lunch boxes. The modern, simple designs somehow capture the playful spirit of a child while maintaining more mature appearance for all those seven year olds out there who have decided to grow up faster than we’d like. The great thing about it is that these bags are perfect for toddlers AND older school-aged children, so your whole family can enjoy them. Here is an excerpt from the Beatrix NY site:

Beatrix is a New York City based company devoted to creating cool, contemporary stuff for kids. Our products combine a childlike love of whimsy and imagination with a grown- up sense of modern design and style.

-beatrixny.com

I collected a few of my faves, but check out beatrixny.com and let us know which designs you like.

Shannon Hughes

Co-Founder/CEO of HappyHourMom.com, Freelancer, Internet Marketing Consultant, and Social Media lover. Wife to an amazing husband, mom to two beautiful little girls, and follower of Jesus Christ. I am a Happy Hour Mom…are you?

beatrix new york, where creatures of the forest have your back is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

kindle + eBook giveaway | calorie lab

Toni — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:28:37 +0000

Have you joined our Happy Hour Mom book club yet? What better way to follow our latest suggested title than with your own Kindle. Happy Hour Mom has teamed up with Calorie Lab to bring you this amazing giveaway.

Winner will receive a Kindle plus the eBook download for “115 Reasons Why It’s Not Your Fault if You’re Fat”, written by Robert S. Wieder.

About the eBook “115 Reasons Why It’s Not Your Fault if You’re Fat”, written by Robert S. Wieder.

The former stand up comic, Robert S. Wieder write about whether blaming expanding waistlines on “plate tectonics,” (that is, larger restaurant plate sizes, #80), or Facebook (we just aren’t flirting enough in person, #87), Bob hands readers fat rationalizations with a comedian’s finesse. He uses the latest health research in his quest to show that the science of fat is more complicated than any of us may have thought. Bob calls these justifications “fat-inducing factors.” The eBook is available here:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LWGJP6 Stay tuned for the book review.

About Calorie Lab:

CalorieLab maintains the world’s largest and most up-to-date calorie and nutrition facts database.

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Toni Danielson

Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!

See larger image

115 Reasons Why It's Not Your Fault If You're Fat (Kindle Edition)

By (author) Robert S. Wieder

Release date December 13, 2011.

kindle + eBook giveaway | calorie lab is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

red carpet birthday party for kids

Toni — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:36:52 +0000

Once a year, we as moms must come up with the ultimate party theme to get our school-aged kiddos and their friends talking. You have about 6 years to get it right, since these early birthday years are more about the family and friends than they are about your child and his/her friends from school. Don’t get me wrong, those early birthdays are becoming more and more impressive (evident by the over-the-top 1st Birthday CandyLand Party and the internationally-inspired Around the World Birthday Party hosted by your HappyHourMoms Shannon & Toni), but it is more challenging to find age-appropriate birthday party themes when they get to that “easily embarrassed” stage of life. However, one thing is certain when it comes to having little girls…9 times out of 10, they will LOVE being pampered! That’s what makes this Red Carpet Party the perfect party option for your 7-12 year old little diva.

You can get creative with outrageous invites, and offer a grand entrance with the red carpet, and Dadarazzi waiting to snap some great shots. If you are brave and taking on a slumber party, the Red Carpet Party can be turned into a movie premier party with different popcorn recipes and flavor options the kids will love. Have a make-up artist (AKA mommy with a make-up kit) come in and give the girls makeovers, and top it off with some fun and crazy hair bows and clips to give them red carpet up-dos. Add some costume jewelry, hats, gloves, and whatever outrageous accessories you have lying around, and get busy with a silly photo shoot. Not only will the girls have a blast getting made up, but they will love taking silly pictures and creating memorable snapshots for years to come.

When it’s time to wind down, get the little divas in their PJ’s and let them paint one another’s finger/toe nails before the movie starts. (I find it is best to do the painting before the movie, that way they will be sitting still and not messing up those little digits.) Serve up a tasty red-carpet worthy mock-tail and your little ladies will be talking about your first-class event for weeks to come.

Here is e perfect drink recipe for your little ladies:

blissful belini mock-tail recipe

This sparkling drink will tickle your taste buds with a flavor combination most people would never consider. What happens when you mix peach, lemons, and apple cider? Bellini bliss…

Ingredients:

1/4 cup peach nectar
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
chilled apple cider

Recipe:

Mix peach nectar and lemon juice in glass. Add chilled apple cider to fill glass. Stir.

Serve:

Champagne flute

Photo links:

dessert table, red carpet, girl with red carpet background, red carpet outside, cupcakes, dessert party, red carpet party outdoor, red mocktail, viewing room

Toni Danielson

red carpet birthday party for kids is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

international fashion brand | estonia’s tallinn dolls

marju — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:26:10 +0000

Since 2009 Estonian designers Liisi Eesmaa and Karolin Kuusik established the fashion brand “Tallinn Dolls,” with classic designs versus playful looks for a new generation.

The first collection by Karolin Kuusik is very feminine, classic, chic and spicy.

The designers are the symbol of pop art in Tallinn. Their carismatic and creative look are shown in the campaigns of Tallinn Dolls. This sensational and fresh brand is sold in Estonia, but they want to introduce their talent to international market. Design is strong and wearable. These girls set the trend, not follow it. The price range per item is between €50 – €200.

More pictures and info about Tallinn Dolls can be found at tallinndolls.com.

Let us know what you think of Estonia´s clothing brand Tallinn Dolls? Did you have any favorites in their collection?

Marju Koiv

Recent college graduate from International business administration and economy in bachelor´s degree; international fashion and beauty consultant of happy hour mom; also working as an assistant project manager in proffessional conference organising business.

international fashion brand | estonia’s tallinn dolls is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

put a hat on it with preston and olivia

Toni — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:19:39 +0000

Humans have been covering their heads since the beginning of time. Hats offer protection, used to be a symbol status of authority, are parts of a uniform or can be a form of art. However you choose to wear yours it is a very noticeable accessory since anyone who walks by you is first drawn to your face. The old saying goes,” if you want to get ahead and get noticed, then get a hat.” Whether you are attended a formal event, such as New York Fashion Week or High Tea, or use a hat for a small child, a hat can be your best friend.

Look no further than your favorite vendor on Etsy. Preston and Olivia has the most amazing collection of modern hats, fascinators, veils, and bridal accessories. Think couture designed velvet and wool caps with the sweetest accents of feathers you could be the glam”est” girl on the block with one accessory. Most of their designs will have slight differences since these items are handmade and not two will be exactly alike.

You can add your own style to any outfit with a hat. Whether you are dressing down in a t-shirt and jeans or fancy-ing up for a formal affair the right hat will make any outfit that much better. Take your “happy hour” to find a new, mod hat of your own!

Toni Danielson

put a hat on it with preston and olivia is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

a hotel room in a tree? travel to the treehotel in sweden

Shannon — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:00:20 +0000

Feel free in a tree. Hotel stay has never been cooler! There is something intriguing and absolutely fantastic about staying in a tree house. I don’t care if you are 5 years old or 55 years old, the thought of a sleep over in a tree gets your heart racing. Especially if it’s a glammed out tree house with a design that will blow your mind. Starting with a 4 room selection of tree houses, the Tree Hotel in Sweden plans on offering up to 24 rooms within the next 5 years. The pictures are pretty self explanatory (and AWESOME). I would love to spend a night in the Mirrorcube. Designed by Co-architects, Andreas Helgesson och Julia Gudiel, the Mirrorcube blends in with nature as it’s mirrored walls reflect the surrounding trees. Get more information and pricing information about the Mirrorcube before planning your next vacation. And please, take a picture for me, I am already jealous! My goal while living in Tallinn, was to take a trip across the Baltic Sea to have a look at Sweden’s Tree Hotel for myself. I will be sure to share pictures if when I do.

Check out this Video of the Tree Hotel in Sweden and the mastermind behind the project.

View a full slide show of the Tree Hotel on Inhabitat.com

images courtesy of Cubeme.com and Inhabitat.com

Shannon Hughes

a hotel room in a tree? travel to the treehotel in sweden is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

usa-inspired products

Shannon — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:59:49 +0000

These items are perfect for the world traveler. If you are living abroad, or moving, these items will be a pleasant reminder of home. Whether you want a modern print to add to your new walls, or a clever cutting board in the shape of your hometown, it will be just enough to make you smile. I love the small detail on the cutting boards, be it a star on Texas or a heart on Tennessee.

When you are ready to hang up your traveling boots and settle down, you should check out the Type Maps on Bold & Noble–how perfect would it be to collect a map from each country you have lived in? Such a fabulous collection!

United State cheese boards. Designed by AHeirloom | inspired via design mom (courtesy of babble, cup of joe, iheartyou)

Paint-by-numbers US | curiosity shoppe online

USA and International type maps | beautiful designs on Bold & Noble

Shannon Hughes

usa-inspired products is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

marks & spencer ships internationally to 80 countries

marju — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:46:05 +0000

You may be familiar with Macy’s, Nordstrom, or Saks Fifth Avenue, but once you move abroad you won’t be seeing your typical major department stores. However, chances are you won’t be far from Marks & Spencer. With 600 stores in the UK alone, and more than 300 stores in over 40 territories, it is almost a guarantee. You will find clothing for the entire family, food, wine, items for your home and more! In fact, they were recently named ‘The Best Wine Supermarket’ at the International Wine Challenge Awards (IWC). For the wandering expat, you may be pleased to to know that Marks & Spencer announced the expansion of international delivery, now shipping to 80+ countries. You can read the full Press Release on the M&S Corporate site.

Check out some of our favorite Happy Hour looks and must-have items from Marks & Spencer. All of the pieces seen below can be found at M & S to complete your Casual and Evening Wear. What would you love to add to your home or wardrobe?

Marju Koiv

marks & spencer ships internationally to 80 countries is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

giveaway :: 3 signed copies of in leah’s wake & a special grand prize offer

Shannon — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:09:55 +0000

While Terri Giuliano Long has enjoyed remarked success with her self-published novel In Leah’s Wake, she recently “announced the European launch of a revised version of her self-published book by Inspired Quill Press.” In a recent Inspired Quill Press release, author Terri Giuliano discusses the latest edited release of In Leah’s Wake:

The newly edited edition features two new chapters and several new scenes. “I listened carefully to responses and suggestions I received from readers and reviewers,” Long says. “I cut over 60 pages and added insights while still maintaining the integrity of the original edition and showcasing what I felt were the best parts of the novel.”

With the launch of Happy Hour Mom’s Book Club, the wonderful Ms. T.G.Long thought it was only fitting that our Happy Hour Mom readers received the first of the revised edition. We couldn’t be more thrilled! She has generously offered to giveaway 4 fantastic prizes :

1) Signed copy of the novel, In Leah’s Wake, with a bookmark (3 lucky readers will receive this offer!)

2) Grand Prize: Canvas Tote, a $ 15 Starbucks card, a signed copy of In Leah’s Wake, and a bookmark (1 reader will be selected for the grand prize!)

Bonus: While not part of the giveaway, Happy Hour Mom will also be featuring an interview with Terri Giuliano Long towards the end of the month, and each of you will have the opportunity to submit questions directly to the author herself!

Don’t miss out! Please enter the giveaway only if you are truly interested in participating in the HHM Book Club. We are looking for moms who are passionate about reading, and who would love to discuss great novels with other like-minded mommas. The HHM Book Club is going to be full of fun giveaways and great surprises, and we can’t wait to go on this exciting adventure together. So sign up today, and enter to win!

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Shannon Hughes

giveaway :: 3 signed copies of in leah’s wake & a special grand prize offer is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

pearls and popcorn have landed in the usa

Toni — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:23:05 +0000

Pearls and Popcorn have officially arrived in the US on a long an anticipated arrival from Paris, France. After living abroad for 7 years we were so lucky to see a whole new world in baby fashion. From Austria, Cyprus, Lebanon, Bulgaria, Dubai, Hungary, Estonia and Japan we’ve grown accustomed to such French offerings as P & P. It’s so special to see them make their way into the US market. Offering the most darling euro duds for a reasonable price in sizes 3-36 months. Check out their exclusive, sweet selection at a Bloomingdale’s nearest you.

With Pearls & Popcorn it is the detailing that makes the real difference, this is how Pearls & Popcorn transforms unassuming basics into garments with that little trendy extra,” says their about page. Cardigans, dresses, leggings and more in the cutest strips, denim, florals and print so your little ones can be tres chic like their Happy Hour Moms.

Toni Danielson

pearls and popcorn have landed in the usa is a post from: Happy Hour Mom