Funny Friday: Bling Bling Baby

To echo my post on Wednesday about outrageously priced baby things or in case you are looking for a special keepsake for your little one, definitely check this pacifier out.  I am sure it is VERY practical!

You better hurry!  There are only 3 left on Amazon..At a cost of $17,000, I am sure they are gonna go fast!  This reminds me of the six million dollar Victoria Secret bra.  Why even make such a product?

I hope this Bling Bling kicked off your weekend right!  Do you think Beyonce and Jay-Z are going to get this pacifier for their new bambino???  Not sure they can afford it though...They got booted out of the top spot of the Forbes Highest Paid Celebrity Couples.  (Do you know who came in first? Answer at the bottom of this post) Poor things only took home $72 Million last year.

RECAP:  As promised, here is Special K and L heading down the aisle last weekend!  She was tired, but she made it through the ceremony!

I thought the white dress turned out very sweet! 

Hope you have fun plans for the weekend!  I have two baby showers, so I am hoping for lots of blog inspiration!

Who did you guess for the Highest Paid Celebrity couple?  Were you right? I wasn't...I guessed Brangelina.

Happy Birthday to...ARE YOU JOKING?

I recently went to a baby boutique because I had credit to spend.  I was on the hunt for a 1st birthday outfit for L.  I knew it is a couple months away, but I thought I would get her something super cute with the credit.  I found one of those HUMONGO pettiskirts and a cute top with a cupcake on it to match...I fell in love with it and had to have it.  Well, until I saw the price tag..It was pretty similar to the one below.  How much would you think this outfit costs?

La Bella Flora

I am walking through the store with the outfit in hand picturing L running around it while we sing Happy Birthday to her....Then, I see the price tag...$75...Wrong!  $125...Wrong!  $175...DING, DING, DING!  We have a winner!  It seriously made my jaw drop in the middle of the store.  I am sure the sales lady saw me since I was the only one in there at the time.  I have trouble spending that much money on a pair of jeans I will wear every day for two years.  I am still in shock over it.  Even with store credit, I just could not justify it.  I have been searching for a replica of it for less.  Any ideas?

I found one almost exactly like it at Zulily, but it was sold out!  What is Zulily, you may be asking?  If you are a expecting or new mom, you MUST know about Zulily. 

It is similar to Gilt that I posted about a few weeks ago, but it is ALL about babies, kids, and maternity products.  They post weekly deals from various companies.  Subscribe immediately for some super cute things with fantastic prices.  Here is the Bella Daniella skirt ($24.99) and top ($24.99) I found for a much better deal than the whopping $175.  I am sick I missed it!

Let me know if you find anything similar for a good price or any other preshrunken birthday outfits for that matter.

Fear of the Belly Button

I know everyone has different fears about how pregnancy will affect their body.  My biggest fear: the belly button.  I thought one day it was going to make a "bing" sound and pop out like "turkey is done."  The very thought of it gave me the heebie jeebies.

Thankfully, there was no "turkey is done" moment, but it did gradually make its way out.  I tried to ignore it, but every time I got dressed it was hard to find outfits that would press it down.  Then, I found them!  SPANX has a maternity line! 

For the very few men that read this blog, you can put your tongues back in your mouth and stop drooling.  I know they are some super sexy drawers!  Come on, get focused now!

I know Spanx are typically for slimming and it sounds silly to use them when you are pregnant.  However, they had two great features:  flattening my belly button and providing stomach support.  I HIGHLY suggest investing in these ($32).  They really helped my maternity wardrobe last through my third trimester months at work. 

Keeping it Simple sidenote: Miss Oops Popper Stoppers makes pads for the belly button issue.

They seem like a good option if your outfit is not Spanx friendly. I did not use them, so I am not sure if you can see them through your clothes.  Please let me know if you gave these a try and if you liked them?

Happy Gifting

Growing up I took acting lessons at the local theatre.  I liked  being in plays and dressing up in costumes, but we weren't die hard about it.  My mom was never the Toddlers and Tiaras type.  She would take me to/from class, help me memorize lines at home, and watch my end of semester plays.  Pretty standard mom stuff really...no voodoo dolls for the other kids or plots of revenge on the smother mothers back stage. 

Initially, I went to these classes because my sister (3 years older) did and I followed suit.  She always got the lead because she could not only act, but sing.  I honestly thought my voice sounded exactly like her.  I had all the confidence in the world at auditions.  I would belt out the song "Daisy" as loud as I could because louder meant better, right? WRONG!  I was horrible!  I could have definitely qualified for American Idol's worst auditions.  I was (and still am) completely tone deaf!  In my head, I sounded fabulous! 

My mom said it was always a difficult thing to tell my sister she got a part in the play, but I didn't.  Pretty big cop out by the theatre to call the house and make my mom do the dirty work, but show business is cut-throat, even at the local youth theatre in Fort Worth.  I cried many tears over these lost parts.  I recently found an apology note I typed (yes, using an actual typewriter) to my sister because I was mad she got the part and I didn't.

In case you are having trouble reading it (I can't see why), it says, "DAER SISTER, CONGRAGLASHANS IAM SO SORRY THAT I WAS SUCH A BRAT PLAESE FORGIVE ME PLEASE I HOPE YOU DO GOOD AS A SNO BUNNY LOVE J."  My mom hand wrote on the letter what had happened because I think she knew we would not be able to make heads or tails of this in the future: "Janann wrote to sister Nov 19, 1989 after sister got the part in Frosty the Snowman and she didn't."


I feel sorry for for the 7-year old me, well, for a lot of reasons.

1. I clearly did not know how to spell or punctuate.
2. I could not load the paper into the typewriter correctly.  
3. For feeling such rejection at such a young age.  

In the long run, I think it was a good lesson to learn I wasn't talented in that department early before I demanded my entire family move to Hollywood to pursue my acting career.  (By the way, I am pretty sure my sister forgave me after receiving this note.  How could she not sympathize with her untalented, tone deaf sister who was clearly not the sharpest crayon in the box.  Plus, I am pretty sure the letter is stained with tear marks...so sad!!!)


I have mourned the loss of my acting career and accepted the fact this was left best for my sister.  Acting classes proved to be a very poor investment.  Unfortunately for me,  as I have gotten older, acting comes into play all the time.  Pretending to listen in class, acting like you know what you are talking about at your first job, and gift opening in front of a group are all things that require advanced acting skills and improv.  Not shocking given my acting background, but I am the all-time worst gift opener in crowds!  I can't fake that I like something.  For my baby shower, we displayed unwrapped gifts so I would not have to open them.  During our engagement, Special K and I didn't have any showers, only engagement parties with no gifts.  It gives me so much anxiety thinking about opening gifts in front of a crowd.  

I might be the world's worst gift receiver (and singer), but I am great at gift giving!  When I find the perfect gift for someone else, it truly makes me happy!  I would like to implement a new series today, Happy Gifting, to follow up on "Can You Improve a Classic?" post.  At this stage in life it is so hard to buy expensive gifts for all the different weddings, birthdays, showers, house warming, etc..., so I will periodically post unique baby gifts under $40, but with a higher perceived value (WOW!  I am pretty sure that sentence was not grammatically correct...I am afraid the 7 year old me is haunting the present day me for posting that letter).  I hope I give you the happiness of finding the perfect gift for the new baby in your life.

Today's gift:  A friend gave L a little Polo romper that I loved and hated the day when she grew out of it.  I did some research for a replacement and found out Ralph Lauren has a huge line of baby polos. 

All adorable, but this is no ordinary line!  It is called "Create Your Own Collection."  They let you customize the monogram.  You can choose between outfit style, outfit color, monogram (horse or initials), monogram color, and monogram style (if using initials).  Just a few examples below...

Monogramming makes gifts seem so much more personal.  The best news is this entire line is $35 or less including the customization!  Happy monogramming!  What do you think? 

Luella and June Inspired: Copper

I saw this precious maternity top inspired by Luella and June's Copper post.



Danzo Baby

Thanks to Bradley, the Making Diapers Trendy contributor, for emailing me the Danzo Baby website!  She came across it and thought of Keeping it Simple.  They make the cutest, most functional diaper bags I have seen.  They average around $200-$300, so may be more than you are looking for, but I had to share.  You could easily get them monogrammed too!  Check out this awesome selection...

On top of the cute designs, you can customize the interior pockets!  You get 25 different pocket labels with your bag that you can change out to fit your needs (for example wipes, diapers, and ointments, etc...).  The inside labels serve as a checklist before you head out of the house!  Here is a peek at the inside of one of the bags...

Unfortunately for me, they are not currently sold in Texas stores.  Check out their locations to see if there is a store near you that sells these bags.  You can but them online through their website or on Amazon.

Which is your favorite?

SALE ALERT: Gilt Groupe

Gilt is having a sale on maternity and nursing items featuring Boppy, Mayreau, and Elle Macpherson starting today at 11AM CST.  If you don't know about Gilt, you must join.  Maternity products are only a tiny part of their inventory, so check it out if you are prego or not.  They provide member-only shopping and it is free to join.  Here is a little blurb from their website:

Gilt Groupe provides instant insider access to today’s top designer labels, at up to 60% off retail. Become a member and find something new every day for women, men, kids and home as well as exclusive local services and experiences, and one-of-a-kind travel packages. Sign in and see what inspires you today.

Their sales are first come first serve.  Be ready at 11am! 

GIVEAWAY: Barefoot Designs

Affordable custom-made baby clothes...I know this sounds too good to be true, but it isn't!

I have had Barefoot Designs in my head as a pending post for a while now.  Amy has such a great eye for fabric and the cutest designs!  She lets you pick the fabric, applique, monogramming, size, and design all for a price range of around $20-$45.  All of her options for outfits are posted on her facebook page and her blog. 

You must plan ahead though.  She has become so popular there is a 2-3 week wait before your outfit is shipped.  I congratulate her on her growing business!  She has just hired two seamstresses and embroiderer and is in the process of creating a website.  Both of these things should help with a quicker turn around time in the future.  She has started carrying other brands including Monag, J. Lisandra, and Mint and hopes to start a new Barefoot Designs custom bedding as well.

On top of the cute clothes, Amy is simply the sweetest!  She said, "I always pray for each sweet little one that I'm working on something for and send a hand written note telling the parents this and a bible verse. I feel like this is not just a business, but a calling to pray for God's little ones!"

I have a great UT Longhorns game-day outfit coming for L and will definitely post pictures of it when I get it.  My friend uses her all the time and the outfits are such great quality!  A few examples of her work below (yes, she does little boy clothes too, but I am partial to the girl stuff):

When I contacted Amy with a few questions about her company for this post, she was nice enough to offer a GIVEAWAY!  She is giving away a $15 gift certificate to use towards any outfit!

To enter you must do all three things listed below:

• "Like" Keeping it Simple on Facebook
• "Like" Barefoot Designs on Facebook
• Comment on this post with your thoughts about Barefoot Designs by clicking on comments at the bottom of this post 

 The winner will be randomly selected and announced next Monday (7/18)!  Good luck!

PS - Barefoot Designs is currently having a sale on monogrammed bloomers.  Get one pair for $10 or two for $16.  This is a great baby gift!!!

Making Diapers Trendy

In case the blog title had you worried I was going to blog about the denim diapers, don't hold your breath.  These just seems weird to me, anyone else?

When I first saw the commercial, I thought it was one of those Saturday Night Live fake commercials spun off the diaper thong below...

Anywho, moving on...The diaper bag is the one thing you get to buy for YOU during the baby planning process (pumps or nursing supplies don't count bc they are ultimately for the baby)!  It is your accessory and an excuse to buy a new "purse."  Unfortunately, like pregnancy ≠ paisley, diaper bags can be quite cheesy.  Because of this dilemma, I have invited my fashion gurus to pick out some diaper bags that are cute and functional.  They picked out their favorite under $100 bag and one they lust for over $100.  Happy shopping!  Which one is your favorite?

My picks:

Brown Diaper Tote by Pout Baby (less than $100):  I love that this looks like a purse, but it is actually a diaper bag.  The pink stripe adds the perfect feminine touch.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Eliz-a-baby Diaper bag (over $100):  I was so excited when I came across this bag.  I have had the regular Pretty Nylon tote for a year now and LOVE it.  They are light-weight, easy to "stuff" places, and come in a variety of colors.  They sell them at so many department stores that you could most certainly find a discount code at retailmenot to get a great deal!

Catherine

Catherine is not only my best friend, but one the most resourceful shoppers out there.  She does not currently have a blog, but I invited her to contribute.  I very much value her opinion on the fashion world!  (Side not - She gets married in less than 2 WEEKS...YAY!!!)



LL Bean Boat and Tote, Zip Top or Open Top (under $100): On the more affordable side, I think anything monogrammed is adorable, so grabbing a simple tote (open or with a zipper) from LL Bean in the color of your choice, put your kiddo’s name or initials on it, and then add in LL Bean mini tote(s) and/or smaller zip pouches to customize to your needs! 

***Keeping it Simple side note *** It is so funny Catherine picked this out.  My friend, Elizabeth, gave me this as a baby gift and I ran into her last night.  I was telling her what a great bag it was for car travel.  You can stack up TONS of diapers in there and they stay perfectly stacked.  The width is the exact dimension for diapers.

Jon Hart Petite Left Bank (middle of the road $156, Catherine snuck in a third option to share) If you want to stay classic (and sorority girl southern), you can’t go wrong with the ever adorable (and durable!) Jon Hart! This stuff is no-doubt easy to clean!

Storksak Shoulder Diaper Bag Elizabeth (over $100): Storksak makes a great line of bags that all don’t LOOK like Diaper bags… definitely my speed (since I am not yet a mother and “hope” to retain my trendy edge.) 

Annie

Annie is co-contributor to the NOW stylebook.  She features her fashion faves and home interior finds.  She always has the most creative ideas!  Her "Wedding Wednesday" posts are always a big hit!

Nine West Lucky Charms Large Tote (under $100):  I adore the utilitarian look of this oversized tote, and think it would make the perfect diaper bag for the on-trend mom.  There's tons of room for storage, including side exterior slip pockets that are perfect stowing away baby gear on the go.

Michael Kors Large Hamilton Tote (over $100):  This bag has the classic look of a Birkin without the pricetag.  Plus, it has plenty of interior pockets for baby bottles, toys, your cell phone, and whatever else a mom may need quick access to.  As an added bonus, it comes in a number of colors, but my personal favorite is the "luggage"as pictured) - it goes with everything! 

***Keeping it Simple side note***Annie and Catherine had the idea to pick out totes that could be used as diaper bags.  This is definitey doable...They make some really cute changing pad sets that you could pick out to match your bag. 

Bradley

 Bradley is the co-contributor of the ever-popular Luella and June.  Her style boards have been written about on numerous blogs.  She has a fantastic eye for the latest trends and is ALWAYS dressed prefectly down to the smallest detail! You may have seen some of Keeping it Simple's Luella and June inspired posts.

Madison Diaper Bay by Dwell Studios (under $100 or right at ;):  The shape is timeless and functional, and the oversized polka dot print adds just the right amount of whimsy! 

Jamah Nanny Diaper Bag (over $100) - It seems to be the celebrity bag of choice (Brad Pitt was spotted carrying this one!). I love this bag's shape - super classic! It has large pockets in the front where you can keep those essentials you need to grab quickly, plus the long shoulder strap allows you to carry the bag across your body so you can be hands-free! It comes in a variety of colors, but I really like the Vintage color the best. It's a neutral which means the Dad can carry it around too!