Moms Fashion File: Wanting to Break Away From Black

Despite having an art teacher who told me I wasn’t afraid of color, you’d never know it by looking in my closet with the sea of black that looks back at me.  Tanks, Ts, dresses long, short, casual, and formal all start to look the same. I’m ready to color my world an am asking for the Moms Fashion File M.O.M. Squad for help at this year’s Swanky After Hours party at BlogHer!

Recognizing that I have an addiction to black is the first step in acknowledging that I need help.  In May when I was unpacking my dresses after arriving at Mom 2.0, Sandie (aka UrbanMama) took one look and said that she could easily go shopping for me based on the things she’s seen me wear at blog conferences. Just recently while at SheCon, Julie's (@JustPrecious) Lilly Pulitzer wardrobe was bright and perfect for South Beach whereas the things hanging in my part of the closet were better suited for a funeral. 

My conference wardrobe is practical- a sea of black dresses, some with white, others sprinkled with a hint of color.  All are made of a similar type of fabric that skims the body, flatters, yet also travels well thanks to its ability to remain wrinkle free.  Take a look!

Lost in a sea of color at last year's Yahoo! Motherboard meetup

I'd be more gorgeous if I took a clue from Getting Gorgeous'
Vera Sweeney and Audrey McClelland and stopped wearing black!

@ScrappinMichele's cute Fresh Produce dress puts me to shame at Blogalicious.

Nothing says relaxation like a black cocktail dress
after a busy day at Mom 2.0 

Glamming it up with favorite accessories at the CA Olives booth
at Mom 2.0: black olives and a black clutch!

Litzky PR's Kaylie totally brightens my day in her
cheery blues at Time to Play's spring and summer showcase

What's underneath my Bosch Rengineered lab coat?
You guessed it!  Another black top with jeans! How predictable!

Lisa Lehmann (aka @TheBeadGirl) is the source of my favorite
silver jewelry because it glams up my boring black & white wardrobe!

And it doesn’t matter who I might meet…I’ll always be clad in black!  And quite possibly in the same dress that has been photographed a zillion times.  Ugh! How embarrassing!

Chef Michelle Bernstein's cookbook is more colorful than me
at Nissan Cross Cabriolet event

Me, John Besh, and Linda Sellers at Mom 2.0 where no one ever
clashes with chef whites.

Julie Pron, Dara Torres, and me at the Sleep Innovations
party during SheCon. I just love Julie's Lilly Pulitzer outfit!

Getting ready to take a ride on the Magic School Bus
with Mrs. Frizzle in my non-magical black and white dress

Word Girl did not say Word Up! to my outfit choice!

Meeting Dan (aka Larry the Cable Guy) on the Tooth Fairy 2 set
where even camo was more colorful than my black

Being a practical traveler, my wardrobe allows me to bring along minimal shoes- also black- because we all know that shoes take up room that is often needed for conference swag!  Here are my must-have shoes that pair well with all of the above dresses:

Casual black

Dressier black 

Seeing all the black in the photos above make me ready for a change.  Going into summer, I know there’s nothing summery about black.  Sure it goes with everything, makes it easy to pack for whatever trip I’m embarking on next, looks great with tanned skin, and silver jewelry can sure make it pop but I’m ready to embrace the season with outfits in popsicle-inspired hues that will break me out of the black rut I’ve been in for so long.

I know I have potential to change.  Besides taking a Julie-inspired oath to not buy anything else in black, my wardrobe is sprinkled with hints of color that show I’m open to change and lots of color.

Taking a cue from colorful Julie in my navy and turquoise
top in South Beach.  I swear it isn't black and white!

Even my car choice for the Nissan Cross Cabriolet
drive was conservative although not black! 

I introduced the Dr. Otis Brawley, head of the American Cancer Society, in
a top sprinkled with turquoise, yellow, and navy amid the black and gray

Since admitting I have a problem is the first step, the second is seeking help.  

I’m tired of my black wardrobe and need Moms Fashion File to choose me as one of the lucky 12 where they will make me over in bright colors along with the help of their secret agents.  I want to step out at the Swanky After Hours on party at BlogHer on Saturday in style this year but not in black!  

And maybe they'll take pity on me and give me some style tips in advance of my Saturday afternoon Room of Your Own panel so I won't be the only one on up there wearing black. Because while BlogHer feels I'm qualified to speak about How to Write a Kick A$$ Proposal, they had no idea that I was fashion challenged and am likely to turn up in one of the same tired dresses pictured above! Sigh.

This post was written as my entry for a chance to win a Secret Style session at BlogHer11 from Moms Fashion File.

Mac Users: MAC Defender Makes News as Mac Virus Threat

I use both Macs and PCs but as a Mac user, I used to be under the impression that I wasn’t as susceptible to viruses as PC users but that simply isn’t the case.  Last week a fake piece of software called MAC Defender made headlines that reminded me of the need to take security precautions to protect my computer.

Billed as anti-virus software, MAC Defender installation windows were reported to be popping up on Macs, encouraging users to pay to remove bogus viruses detected by the software. At first glance, installation windows looked legitimate.  A trusting individual who believed Macs can’t get viruses probably would have clicked, entered in their password to let the software install, and fallen victim to a phishing scheme by purchasing the software.

Since cybercriminals are always trying to create malicious software, it’s good to stay one step ahead of them by protecting your machine. 

Here are 5 things to know about protecting your Mac from viruses:

1. Be wary of suspicious links and pop up windows.  PreciseSecurity.com stated that MAC Defender was spreading through “SEO poisoning” designed to take you to malicious websites and fill your screen with pop up windows.  Clicking on links can begin an automatic install of malicious code containing a virus.
2. Have an eagle eye.  When Apple refers to the Mac computer, they refer to them as Mac, not MAC.  Subtle differences in wording or even misspellings can be a clue that sites aren’t legitimate.  If you at all question the site’s reputation, look for a Contact page.  If you can’t find one, move on!
3. Don’t ever give up your credit card information unless you trust the site.  Online scams lure users into giving up sensitive personal information with the intent of profiting from it. This technique is commonly called phishing.
4. Install an antivirus program for your Mac and have it scan your computer on a regular basis to keep your machine virus-free.  I love how MacKeeper is so easy to use thanks to the System Scan feature. For more information about MacKeeper, visit my full review about how it can protect your Mac from viruses on ChicaLogic.
5. Encrypt important files in the event that spyware is installed.  Think of encryption like a safe for your digital files.  MacKeeper’s Data Encryptor allows you to add unlimited files and folders that can be hidden with one click on the Hide Button.

MacKeeper can help protect your Mac from viruses
while encrypting sensitive files.

I am a paid consultant working with ChicaLogic on content creation and blogger outreach.  A version of this article appears on ChicaLogic but I am not required to share posts written for their site on my personal blog as part of my work with them. This post contains affiliate links.

Friday Faves- Outdoor Toys for Fun in the Sun

With the warmer weather hinting at summer to come, the desire to be outdoors puts the emphasis on outdoor play, imaginative play, and gross motor skills.  Last month I attended Time to Play Magazine’s spring and summer toy showcase where I learned about many of the new products on the market to get kids away from screens and outside moving and playing.  While at SheCon, I met with Wilson tennis and was inspired to get back out on the court with my kids after a tennis clinic helped me realize I still have game from playing competitively in high school and college.

Here are my favorite products that encourage outdoor play for kids of all ages:

Wilson Tennis Starter Racquet for ages 10 and under

Tennis racquets— If you think tennis is for stodgy country club types in Wimbledon whites, Wilson has reinvented tennis for the 10 & under set by using specialized equipment that is tailored to their age and size.  Kids get into the game immediately thanks to smaller racquets, starter balls made of foam and “starter play” ones that feature less rebound bounce, and unbelievably affordable equipment!  Youth racquets are under $20 each through the 10 and Under USTA Program!  Plus grownups who used to play (like myself- ahem) will find that getting back in the game playing with the kid gear is so much easier!  For more information about tennis for kids under age ten, visit 10andUnderTennis.com 

Hula hoops and Sky Balls from Maui Toys

Hula hoops— A throwback to a different era, ­­Maui Toys' Ultimate Cosmic Hoophad sparkly metallic hula hoops on hands that would make anyone want to throw one over their head and wiggle their hips to make it stay off the ground.

See through balls— Candy colored balls from Maui Toys' Sky Ball Line were not only see through but filled with fun confetti-like shapes like spiders and had bumps of different sizes and shapes to make them appeal to one’s tactile nature. 

Little Kids bubble line

Bubbles— Perfect for quiet time in the shade on a hot day, Little Kids makes bubbles for everyone. Recognizing that some children don’t have the lung capacity to blow their own bubbles, products like Blastos are designed to create the bubbles for children.  There’s also the Blastos Bubble Twister Bubble Machine, an automatic bubble maker that emits endless bubbles with a touch of a button. The spill-proof bubble tumbler are perfect for younger children.

Fisher Price Grow with Me 1, 2, 3, InLine Skates

Roller skates—  Fisher Price’s Grow With Me 1, 2, 3 InLine Skates are designed to grow as children do to build confidence and skill.  Stage 1 allows for one wheel to be locked to get used to the feel of skates and increase comfort walking in them, stage 2 lets kids roll forwards, and stage 3 is designed for forward and backwards movement.

Little Kids Junk Ball Strike Zone Home Run Challenge

Bats and balls— Replacing the fat bats of my childhood, Little Kids Junk Ball Strike Zone bat and ball set helps teach major-league pitchers-to-be how to throw the perfect pitch with finger holes circling the center of each ball. 

Razor Spark Scooter

Scooters— Razor was in attendance showing the latest cool styles.  Light up the night sky by leaving a trail of sparks thanks to the Spark model.  The Graffiti Chalk Scooter allows kids to a more permanent trail than Hansel and Gretel did by inserting your favorite colors of chalk in the holders under the brake.  That way a slow friend, younger sibling, or dog walking parent can easily trace the path of a speedster as they race through the neighborhood.

Nerf Super Soaker Tornado Strike

Water blasters— Nothing says outdoor summer play like some water fun.  Back in the day I remember Super Soakers being the drench mechanism of choice.  The Super Soaker company was acquired by Nerf who has made some improvements and updates. New water blasters like the Nerf Super Soaker Tornado Strike and Thunderstorm models feature quick loading clip-in style water canisters for easy filling and reloading to keep friends from overheating on a hot summer day.  And if you aren't a huge fan of guns even the water variety, the hose works just as well!  Just put on a low flow nozzle to conserve water and save your water bill!

Looking for more ideas about things to do outside?

• Julie from Just Precious shares simple outdoor activities for children
• TeachMama Amy provides recommendations about how kids can- and should- help with gardening
• If you need an easy way to get started gardening, check out kits from Growums and Miracle Gro Kids that feature everything you need in one handy place!  Our seeds from both these kits have sprouted and are ready to go in our vegetable garden this weekend!

As a guest of Time to Play Magazine, my travel and lodging expenses were covered in order for me to attend the spring and summer showcase.  I attended a Wilson Tennis event at the Bricknell Tennis Center while at SheCon representing my sponsor, Clever Girls Collective.  Sample products were received to help facilitate this review.  No compensation was received for this post although it does contain Amazon affiliate links.

Bump Month: BellyBumpBoutique.com Maternity Formal Wear Rentals

Finding stylish maternity clothes that fit well, make you feel good, and you won’t get tired of throughout your nine month is tricky enough but add in a formal event and even the most chic mama-to-be can be thrown for a loop! BellyBumpBoutique.com allows pregnant moms to shop from home for designer maternity formal wear using pre-pregnancy sizes.

Maternite black and white silk strapless tie-back

Full week rentals are affordably priced beginning at $39 for dresses such as a shimmering fuschia tunic by Fierce Mamas (retail $179), $69-99 for wedding dresses, $69 for the black and white silk strapless tie-back by Maternite (pictured above) and $99 LBDs by designer Liz Lange.  The most expensive rental at press time is a $119 Fierce Mamas teal silk chiffon dress over a satin lining ($299 retail, pictured below)- perfect for an upcoming summer wedding!

Fierce Mamas teal silk chiffon dress

The 7 day rental period begins when the dress is received and all rentals include free return shipping and professional dry cleaning costs.  Damage waivers can be purchased for $5 to cover accidental stains.

Not sure of your size?  Browse the site for in-stock dresses an order multiple dresses in different sizes to determine which is the best fit.  Belly Bump provides exchanges or refunds for any dresses that don’t fit properly and credit the rental costs to your account, minus the initial shipping charge.

While there is no fee for using the site’s services, Belly Bump Boutique does require credit card authorization for the full retail value of the dress in addition to the rental charge.  The full retail value is like a deposit that is credited upon the safe return of the dress to Belly Bump.

This post is a part of a series of posts inspired and sponsored by "All about the Bump Month.”  To visit our sponsor page please click here.  BellyBumpBoutique.com is not a sponsor of Bump Month but a great resource I just had to share!