One Mommy's Pictures & Review of the Belen Echandia Rock Me

Good things come to those who wait, right?

You are absolutely right! After placing a Couture Order at Belen Echandia a few months ago, my Taupe Matte Rock Me has arrived...and I think I have found my new love.

Here she is in all her beauty. This shot is taken in natural lighting so you can see how amazing the taupe leather is. It transforms depending on the light...


This picture is taken with a flash. I had not seen this color in real life prior to ordering so was hoping it would be what I wanted. My hopes? I didn't want grey or brown and this looked like one color that could meet the needs of both. It exceeds my expectations!


Here is the rear side of the bag - identical to the front aside from the BE tag. Having easy access pockets on both the front and the back is wonderful.


Side shot of the Belen Echandia Rock Me. The base is deeper on the Rock Me, which I prefer. Sitting like this in its smooshy glory, it stands on its own. Keep in mind that the base appears larger in this shot than it is.


There are so many unique details on the Rock Me, one of which is how it looks from the top. There seems to be a tad more leather at the top edge and the way it naturally lays is just so "Rock Me". Everything about this bag is different, edgy, and making its own statement. Hmmm...I can't imagine why I would love it so much? ;)


A close up picture in natural lighting of the detailing on the BE tag.


Oh my goodness. I look at this and could drool right here. LOVE the details on the Rock Me!


Belen Echandia planned this bag thoroughly. So I open the box and as I planned, the Rock Me is a larger handbag. The pockets were a huge selling point for me so I immediately thought, "Oh oh...the pockets will wrap underneath the bag when it sits and it will be hard to fish things out." And then I remembered who designed this amazing bag. Jackie Cawthra knows bags. She knows what works, what doesn't, and listens intently to her customers to constantly refine features of her bags. So naturally...she had the fabric cut shorter than the pocket looks like from the outside of the bag. The result? Not a thing will get lost in these pockets! Thanks Jackie!


Here is a picture of the straps on the Rock Me. They sit so comfortably on the shoulder and the detailed stitching keeps them from sliding - perfect!


Now to the interior! After all, every woman needs to visualize how any handbag can fit their belongings. The custom water bottle holder is really a nice touch. I was not sure I needed it and am so thankful I added it. It keeps bottles upright and secure, while still being easy to get in and out.

For some reason, the purple called to me with the Taupe Matte leather and guess what? Yep, I love it! You can see pictures of my Hug Me to see the signature fuchsia lining.

On one side of the lining is the secret pocket. It has magnetic closures so it stays secure and the inside of the pocket looks like...

this. I have papers in here. It can fit any random odds and ends you need to organize in your bag as well. Papers can fit without being folded, which makes the Rock Me a fab choice for a work tote.


On the other side is a zippered pocket, the two slip pockets, and my custom bottle holder.

So, now onto some pictures that will help Belenistas better understand the size of the Rock Me. When I was trying to determine if the Rock Me was right for me, I seemed to always come back to comparing it to the Take Me Everywhere Midi or the Whisper to Me Midi. The TME Midi has since moved onto another BE lover, so that leaves me with the WTM Midi.

So, just how does the Belen Echandia Rock Me compare to the Whisper to Me Midi?


Here are the Whisper to Me Midi and Rock Me from the bottom. As you can see, they are pretty similar in width, but the base of the Rock Me is deeper.

(On a total side note, isn't the pewter just gorgeous?)


Here they are from the side. According to the BE website, the Rock Me's dimensions are 15.2"H x 15" W x 5.5 "D. However, because of the extra gathering of fabric, the Rock Me has a lot more give in those dimensions.

Top shot of how the Whisper to Me Midi and Rock Me compare. The WTM Midi's dimensions are 11.5" H x 14.5 "W x 2.3" D. The WTM Midi is slightly less than 4 inches shorter in height, a half inch less in width, and 3.2 inches less deep.


Random not needed, but nice to have feature? When you are shopping, you can let one handle drape off while you pay, fish out stuff for the kids, or what have you. You can reach everything you need with total ease without taking it off of your shoulder.


Front shot of the Rock Me worn on the shoulder. The drop on the Rock Me is 11 inches. What does that translate to for me? I can get it off and on without my elbow getting stuck. For me, this is the perfect drop.


Side shot of the Belen Echandia Rock Me worn...


Full body shot of the Rock Me worn. For reference, I am 5'7" tall and a size 6.

Here you can see the loops and rings to attach the optional messenger strap.

Front shot of the Rock Me worn messenger style. I was honestly surprised to find this comfortable. I thought the RM might be too large to be worn this way, but was pleased with how it felt and hung.

And finally...a front shot of the Rock Me worn messenger style.

I will certainly post an update if my thoughts change, but I can tell you now that this is MY bag! :) I appreciate the little details and find them perfect for my life and needs.

I love hearing from readers so please leave a comment. I would love to hear what you think of the Belen Echandia Rock Me (and any other bags for that matter)!

AMAZING sale on Halo Sleep Sacks on Kids Woot

Kids Woot is having an AMAZING sale on Halo Sleep Sacks for your little ones....

$2.99 a piece! Can you believe that? And with their awesome $5 shipping, this is a STEAL!

Head on over!

My List of Thankfuls

Today is a day to count my blessings. It is one of those days where things did not go as planned. I got the kids loaded in the van as we headed to take Mr. C to school, then to drop off Princess A at our friends house so I could go volunteer in Mr. C's classroom for a few hours. The thing that is critical in executing these tasks is that our van needs to start. :)

As I sit here waiting at the shop, here is my list of appreciations:

1. One Daddy was able to come home from work within 10 minutes to jump start the van. Didn't complain-just helped us. He is such a good man.

2. My dear friend jumped in her car to get our little boy to school since I couldn't, walked him in so he would feel as okay As he could about his first tardy.

3. She then proceeded to come get Princess A while I waited at shop #1 so she would not have to wait with me. What a blessing she is!

4. While we no longer have our general warranty on our Odyssey, they cover the battery for 36 months from purchase! We just squeaked by on this one, and Honda is replacing it right now for free!

5. I may actually make it to volunteer for an hour because all in all, this is all going down very quickly.

6. And thankfully I actually have a protein bar in my handbag. :)

So life is good. If you are having a "day", how do you put it in perspective? Today MckMama, her Many Small Children, and her precious Stellan are doing that for me. My prayers are with their entire family as they endure such a difficult time.

One Mommy's Review of the Hayden Harnett Yves Hobo

Classic, timeless, rustic, and yummy...just a few words that come to mind when I look at my Hayden Harnett Yves Hobo in Cognac leather. The pebbled leather is rich and hardy - truly perfect for this amazing handbag.

For anyone considering adding this handbag to their collection, I hope these pictures help you decide that you should GO FOR IT! :)

The dimensions of the Yves Hobo are 20"L x 13"H 4"D so it is a larger sized handbag. The turnlock on the front is 9K gold with faux rivet details. I am typically not a gold person but the details on this make it look brushed and tone down the gold.


Side shot of the Yves. There are two slip pockets on the front and the back of the bag (detailed pics later...). Here you can see the adjustable strap from the side that allows for an adjustable drop range between 10 and 14.5 inches.


Here is a close up shot of the strap and the amazing little studded tassel that adds a little flare to this classic bag.


The strap is extremely comfortable on the Yves Hobo. It is flat and thick enough leather to offer just a bit of extra comfort; this is the part that fits over the shoulder.


The Yves with the flap open: the pockets on the front are large and can fit a ton of small items that you carry. For size reference, I put a medium Ju-Ju-Be Be Set in one so you can see the amazing options these pockets offer.


Pictured here is my Hayden Harnett Pompidou in one of the back pockets. I like the size of the pockets because you can carry items in them without them bulking up. Thus, the Yves carries comfortably against your body instead of being too puffy.

The pockets have a magnet that keeps your items secure. I carry keys in one, my iPhone and headset in another (with plenty of room for lists and last minute additions), and small toys if I need them for the kids in the other back pockets.


The Yves packed up - I have come to appreciate a little extra space in my handbags. I don't like having to carefully fit things in, which is why the Yves is perfect. You can fit what you want without rearranging a puzzle every time. I can also fit a Funtainer or two for my kids if I need.

Side shot of the Yves being carried. (For size reference, I am 5'7" and a size 6.)


Front shot of the Yves being carried. I can still adjust the drop one notch lower with this setting.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this beauty...and what other handbags you love! I have a feeling the Yves and the leather will only get better with time. If you found me, please leave a comment; it is so fun to meet everyone.

Baby Einstein Offers Customers Exchanges or Refunds

The Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood brought forth a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission in 2006 against Baby Einstein, Brainy Baby, and BabyFirstTV alleging that the claims of educational value made regarding their videos were false and deceptive.

My post today is purely regarding Baby Einstein because I have no experience with the other two companies. After this complaint, Baby Einstein changed their marketing and stopped claiming that their videos were beneficial for babies. Alas, a few years later, it is clear that was not enough. The CCFC kept pursuing this and as a result, Baby Einstein is now offering a full refund for videos purchased between June 5, 2004 and September 4, 2009. You can also exchange it for a Baby Einstein music CD or book or a 25% off coupon for another Baby Einstein product.

For me, this is wrong on many levels. As with many lawsuits, it sets precedent and makes it that much easier for excess litigation. Look at the toys and videos in your house; just about everything makes a claim to enhance or improve something for your child. We have friends whose oldest is the same age as our son. When they were babies, we used to joke and make up, "Will enhance ____" claims for all of the toys we thought our kids needed. It just means it will only be a matter of time until a lawsuit is brought against another company.

However, what settles so wrong with me is that this is just one more thing that promotes a lack of personal responsibility in people. Basically, if you put your kids in front of the television and are disappointed that they did not learn their basic preschool skills by watching it, the company gives you a full refund. Seriously?

Maybe I am naive but I don't think the majority of people out there really thought that plopping their child in front of these videos would actually make them into some genius that would require no other stimulation in order to reach their superior status. I choose to believe that the majority of people who purchased and enjoyed Baby Einstein DVD's were just average every day parents.

You know who they are...the ones who keep their children's television viewing to an appropriate amount based on their family needs. The ones who enjoy having a video that truly captivates their baby and young children and used it as just that - entertainment. The ones who are happy to know that if their babies are going to watch television, at least they may learn a thing or two in the process. You know - the ones like you and I.

Baby Einstein has backed their product and supported their customers. Now I hope they know that they still have customers that support them.

Differences Between H1N1 Flu and a Cold

With Swine Flu/H1N1 season upon us, I find myself freaking out at the first sign of anything in both us and our children. We have been giving our Two Children one Congaplex chewable on a daily basis as a preventative measure. And at the first sign of any symptom, that gets upped to three at a time and their other Echinacea supplement as well. Anything we can do to fight it is worth a try for us.

I received this information today and thought it was worth sharing. Please know that I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on a soap. I am simply passing it along...I am sure someone will let me know if it is completely false. :)

Know the Difference between a Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms

Symptom	Cold	H1N1 Flu
Fever	Fever is rare with a cold.	Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the H1N1 flu.
Coughing	A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.	A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches	Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.	Severe aches and pains are common with the H1N1 flu.
Stuffy Nose	Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.	Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.
Chills	Chills are uncommon with a cold.	60% of people who have the H1N1 flu experience chills.
Tiredness	Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.	Tiredness is moderate to severe with the H1N1 flu.
Sneezing	Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.	Sneezing is not common with the H1N1 flu.
Sudden Symptoms	Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.	The H1N1 flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache	A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.	A headache is very common with the H1N1 flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat	Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.	Sore throat is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.
Chest Discomfort	Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.	Chest discomfort is often severe with the H1N1 flu.

I certainly hope you find this helpful and that you are NOT sick. :) Thank you for stopping in!

Girls On the Run & SoleMates: Promoting Self-Respect While Reducing At-Risk Behaviors

Girls on the Run is a life-changing prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. The innovative programming combines training for a 5k event with confidence-boosting lessons that enhance the social, physical and mental health of eight to twelve-year-old girls.

The organization’s objective is to reduce the potential display of at-risk activities among its participants. Recent studies show that 75 percent of middle school principals say bullying or harassment is a serious problem. Viewing a fashion magazine lowers the self-esteem of 80 percent of women, and the average fashion model is thinner that 98 percent of American women. These alarming facts show why we need Girls on the Run to keep our girls active, healthy, safe and strong.

To help further support girls in the organization, Girls on the Run launched SoleMates, an adult charity running program where female and male athletes who run marathons, half marathons or other events, raise money for local Girls on the Run councils.

Here is the a press release with more information:

Girls on the Run Inspires Girls to Recognize and Achieve their Potential Through the Power of Running

New SoleMates Program Seeks Adult Athletes to Go the Extra Mile to Support Local Councils

CHARLOTTE, NC, Oct. 15, 2009 – Teen and pre-teen girls face peer pressure, cultural stereotypes and difficult choices every day that can have a dramatic impact on their futures. That is why former Ironman triathlete Molly Barker founded Girls on the Run, a non-profit prevention program that prepares girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

The innovative program combines training for a 5k event with life-changing, confidence-boosting lessons that enhance the social, physical and mental health of eight to twelve year old girls. There are more than 3,100 Girls on the Run sites across the United States and Canada.

“I came up with the concept of Girls on the Run to provide girls with the tools to embrace their own unique gifts and talents. Girls today face a tremendous amount of pressure to conform to certain social and cultural stereotypes,” said Girls on the Run founder Molly Barker.

“Running is a shared experience. It provides an incredible sense of accomplishment and joy when crossing the finish line, but even more so, it encourages personal awareness of the mental strength we possess as we train and work to reach our goal,” said Barker.

SoleMates Fundraising Program

In May 2009, Girls on the Run launched SoleMates, an adult charity running program where female and male athletes who run marathons, half marathons or other events, raise money for local Girls on the Run councils. SoleMates participants agree to raise a minimum of $262 in conjunction with their event to donate to the Girls on the Run council of their choice. ($262 comes from the 26.2 miles in a marathon.)

Sarah Marsden from Minneapolis is participating in the SoleMates program in November, when she runs in the New York City marathon.

“I chose Girls on the Run as my charity because I wish that I would have had an organization like it when I was growing up. I was an over-weight girl who led a very sedentary lifestyle. Running changed my life,” said Marsden. “The first time I ran, I could only run a mile. But now – eight years later – I’ve run eight marathons, three half-marathons and several 5ks. My self-esteem and self-image have sky-rocketed, but above all, I feel healthy and accomplished.”

SoleMates is nationally presented by Horizon Fitness. Girls on the Run is also a partner charity of the Chicago Marathon and attends other marathon expos throughout the year. SoleMates runners participated in over 112 events in 2008, raising over $325,000.

To learn more or sign up for the SoleMates program, visit www.GirlsontheRunSolemates.org.

The Need for Girls on the Run

Substance and alcohol abuse, early onset of sexual activity, eating disorders, depression, suicide and bullying are all too common occurrences today. Girls on the Run aims to equip girls with the resources they need to weather the teenage years and reach their fullest potential.

Shocking statistics like these show the need for organizations like Girls on the Run:

• 75 percent of middle school principals say bullying or harassment is a serious problem.[1]
• 42 percent of first through third grade girls want to be thinner, and 81 percent of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat.[2]
• Viewing a fashion magazine lowers the self-esteem of 80 percent of women, and the average fashion model is thinner that 98 percent of American women.[3]
• Girls feel and perceive themselves to be less competent than boys in physical activity.[4]
  

How Girls on the Run Began

Molly Barker began running at the age of 15, when she found herself stuck in the “girl box,” the imaginary place girls go around fifth grade where the pressure to conform to cultural and stereotypical standards interferes with their healthy social, emotional and physical development

Molly kept running, and during an emotional sunset run in 1993, she found the inspiration that grew into Girls on the Run. In 1996, she developed the first program with just 13 participants, and in 2000, Girls on the Run International, a 501c-3 organization, was born. Girls on the Run now serves over 52,000 girls each year.

To learn more about Girls on a Run or to find a council near you, visit www.GirlsontheRun.org.

---

[1] Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network; National Association of Secondary School Principals

[2] National Eating Disorders Association

[3] Dr. Susie Orbach, London School of Economics

[4] The Tucker Center Report on Developing Physically Active Girls

What a wonderful organization that is much needed in our world.

Finally A Peek at the Fleurville Mothership/MS3

Pictures of Fleurville's new MS3 aka the redesigned Mothership diaper bag have been hard to find. There is a video out there so I thought I would share that in case anyone is looking.

Fleurville Bags Interview with Steve Granville - For more of the funniest videos, click here

The price point of the MS3 is really nice at $89.95 most places. I love bags that have the built in side pocket for bottles and sippy cups and am happy to see that Fleurville added that feature to this bag.

Don't forget that you can also save 15% on the Fleurville MS3 (or any purchase of $50 or more) at Little Dudes and Divas. The discount will apply at checkout.

A Closer Look at Ju-Ju-Be's Packabe in Sangria Sunset

The Ju-Ju-Be Packabe was my gateway bag to Ju-Ju-Be. It is hard to believe that was only two and a half years ago! I got rid of it and have since expanded my collection...just a little. :)

Well, she is back. I ordered a Packabe in JJB's new print Sangria Sunset. The print is gorgeous and perfect for our sunny life out here in the southwest. I carry a handbag for myself but am planning to use this for longer outings or when we go to my Dad's and the kids need more toys packed. Baseball games and swim lessons are also possibilities.

I thought I would share some pictures of the Packabe and how it can be packed.


Front shot...isn't Sangria Sunset gorgeous?


A close up of Sangria Sunset...


A side shot of the Ju-Ju-Be Packabe


How do the Ju-Ju-Be Packabe and Mini Be compare? Obviously they are much different in size, but they each serve their own purpose. (Again, you clearly need both. :) )

The inside is a large open area with two mesh pockets on one side and a large zippered pocket and pocket on the other. I packed a Fuel Cell, medium Be Set, my Hayden Harnett Pompidou and Carryall on the bottom.


Then on top of that, I packed two Be Quicks with toys and game systems/cartridges.


The lower front exterior pocket features two small mesh pockets. I also packed my coin purse and Kleenexes in there.


The top front exterior pocket features a zippered pocket that runs along the entire pocket with a slip pocket for a cell phone and mesh zippered pocket on the front of that. The amazing thing...look what can fit in this pocket...


The Ju-Ju-Be Be Major fits perfectly in here. So if that fits, you can fit almost any wallet you want in here. Easy access and organized as well - perfect!

Everything I stuffed in my Packabe!


Some modeling shots - I apologize, but they turned out a bit blurry...I hope these will do. Here is one of the Packabe worn backpack style. I do love how quickly I can transition this bag from shoulder to backpack carry!

Side shot of the Packabe carried on the shoulder.


Front shot of the Packabe carried on the shoulder

Front shot of the Packabe carried messenger style

As you can probably tell, the Packabe is a fabulous bag and I hope these pictures were helpful!

What do you pack in your Packabe? Or did I just convince you you need one? If so, you can find the complete Ju-Ju-Be collection on Shop JuJuBe or at Little Dudes & Divas. You can click here for 15% off your order at Little Dudes and Divas...JuJuBe's not included. :(

How Does the Ju-Ju-Be Mini Be Compare to the Ju-Ju-Be Between?

Ju-Ju-Be diaper bags offers the Mini Be and Between, which are very similar in size, but orientated differently. I thought I would share a few comparison pictures to help you decide which one is right for you. If the answer is both, then you have clearly chosen correctly. :)

The Ju-Ju-Be Between measures 12"x9"x6" and the Mini Be measures 7 ¾ “ x 12” x 4". I must add here that the Mini Be measurement does not do it justice because you can pack the front pocket and inside full and that will be much deeper than 4 inches. The width on both bags also does not account for the fact that you can add two water bottles, sippies, or baby bottles on the outside leaving you full flexibility to pack the inside.


Here you can see the Mini Be standing upright on the left with a top shot of the Between on the right. As you can see, almost identical.


Bottom of the Mini Be on the left with a side shot of the Between on the right.

And finally, the two side by side in their normal orientation.

Which one is your favorite? Do you need both - LOL?