The Little Black Book of Style

I’m a big Project Runway fan. Because I like fashion, and I like pregnant women, which Heidi Klum is 99 percent of the time.

I also like Tim Gunn, who 99 percent of the time is saying, “Make it work!”

Ditto for Michael Kors, who is wearing a blazer 99 percent of the time.

And while Nina Garcia appears to be squinting at things in 99 percent of her shots – I blame editing – I like her, too.

So when PBN sent me a copy of her new book, The Little Black Book of Style, I was excited to read it.

Unfortunately, I didn’t ever get a chance to read it start to finish. Such is the life of a mother. I also never get to finish a conversation, develop a thought or properly dress myself. Miss Dub is just so charming/needy that I find myself distracted by her mid-activity, like writing a blog.

What was I talking about?

Oh, sea lions.

I mean, Nina Garcia … whose book is a great compilation of personal anecdotes and fashion world experience served up in the form of fashion tips. Seriously. I know that sounded like a blurb from the book jacket, but I really thought it was fun and helpful.

And while I didn’t read it front to back, I found myself picking it up and reading whatever page I opened to. And over time, I read it all. Because it’s a short, fun, happy little read with good fashion advice. (Although much of it was geared to designer-label-lovin’ women, and my wardrobe is currently devoid of any D&G.)

Favorite part: Chapter five, which boasts insider tricks from insiders like Diane von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Ralph Lauren, and Elle Macpherson.

Honorable mention: Chapter two, which gives 10 basic rules and guidelines to help a reader edit her wardrobe to fit her unique style. Great tips like cleaning out your closet, what items to invest in and how to be a little unconventional all inspired me. Until Miss Dub distracted me.

Speaking of that, she’s currently crawling into a forbidden area so I must go.

But read the book – it’s good!

And catch Project Runway’s new season on Nov. 14^th.

“Make it work!”

Phonics 4 Babies

Despite Miss Dub's affinity for Baby Einstein, I promise that I don't care if she's a genuis.

I mean, she appears to be one, but I'm not forcing it on her. She's clearly smarter than most eight-year-olds, but it's all natural.

I'm not insisting on sign language or dual language immersion or, down the road, tutors and private preschools.

A competitive edge, however, is fine by me. I'm happy to help her learn to read early, something I did before starting kindergarten, and which I credit with making me a more intellectually balanced individual.

So I was thrilled when PBN sent me an advance copy of "Phonics 4 Babies," a DVD featuring Mallory Lewis and the Tummy Tots singing about words and sounds to encourage early speech in babies and toddlers.

I wasn't totally thrilled, however, when it dawned on me who Mallory Lewis is. No offense to the deceased, but her mother is Shari Lewis. As in, "Lamb Chop" Shari Lewis, known for her children's ventriloquist act. Also known to me as one of the most annoying shows on television during my childhood.

But once I realized that Mallory was actually ventriloquisting (is that a word?) for the puppets and not awkwardly holding her mouth ... I kind of got over it. And Miss Dub could have cared less about who was doing the voices. She seemed genuinely excited about the puppets and songs, even though I felt the material was a little bit advanced for her. (I would recommend it for ages 1 and up.)

Miss Dub is saying a lot these days. I don't know if it's normal for her age, or because of the DVD. But I would definitely recommend the Phonics 4 Babies series if you're looking for an educational video for your little one. The songs are cheesy, but they're great for teaching basic sounds and words.

And I must admit that Baby Einstein is a little more soothing from a parental perspective, but this DVD is more blatantly educational. Plus, it's less annoying than the Teletubbies.

Then again, a root canal is less annoying then the Teletubbies.

Vocalpoint

So this review blog hasn't been receiving a lot of love lately. Also, my kitchen floor, but that's another story. And, yes, I'm still in California as I type this so who even freaking cares? (Perhaps Mr. Dub, but that's all part of my sneaky plan to get him to clean in my absence.)

Anyhow, let me express apologies for leaving you review-less, lost and/or aimlessly wandering the aisles of your local Target. I have received and will review a ton of cool products in the near future. And even though it sounds weird and forced at times, I promise that my reviews come from the heart and are totally honest, albeit subdued. (For example, you won't hear me say something is a "fartknocker" ... instead I'll diplomatically call it a "bloated disaster." Or something similarly gaseous.)

So you know I'm being sincere when I insist that you check out this site. The best way to describe Vocalpoint is as a daily baby shower for moms. Except, you don't have to get an epidural after all the gifts are opened and great mom banter is exchanged. And Proctor & Gamble is the host so you don't get stuck with clean-up. Still confused? Well, did I mention you could go to the site and figure it out for yourself? Just a little tip for all you DIY-ers out there.

But since you're apparently feeling lazy let me share this little explanatory blurb from the site (where you can go yourself):

Vocalpoint works with companies in industries that include consumer products, entertainment, fashion, music, food, and beauty. We get our Members directly involved in the creation and launch of these companies' ideas and programs. We collect feedback and generate valuable knowledge and insight for our clients through surveys, product sampling and previews of products and services, while building word-of-mouth among moms.

Yeah, that's tight. (Or "fresh ta death" as Mr. Dub has taken to saying.)

So rather than whine and moan about the ridiculous sizing system for children's socks, or daydream about a peanut butter with a hint of hazelnut - sign yourself up with Vocalpoint and do something about it!

Plus, free stuff is pretty cool. And good advice from other moms is priceless.

It's totally not a fartknocker.

For real.

We all scream for sunscreen!

Sunscreen and I have a troubled past.

As in, we have no real past because most of my life I've neglected to use anything to protect my skin against the growing-ever-more-angry sun.

When I was young, it was an issue of laziness or sheer forgetfulness. And I often paid a sunburned price for my neglect, which didn't feel good then and doesn't feel good now when I think about the likelihood of me getting skin cancer. (If I was a betting woman, I'd say there's a 90% chance I will. Resume ignorant bliss.)

But as I got older and spent more time outside as a swimmer and lifeguard, it just seemed like I didn't need it. Because my skin - whether from years of abuse or genetics - turns sun into tan faster than most people can turn broth into soup. I rarely burn, and if I do get a little pink, it's gone within hours. So while I try to put on sunscreen, if I don't - I don't really notice.

I've promised myself, however, that my lackadaisical habits will not extend to the next Dub generation, even if Miss Dub came out with a light bronze glow. Then again, she did have jaundice.

So while we've been swimming all summer long, I've faithfully applied layers and layers and re-layers of sunscreen on her. And it's ain't easy, people! She loves to wiggle. She's fond of trying to eat the goopy sunscreen. And she just doesn't have the attention span to see a full application through.

Enter Kinesys, a line of sunscreen products aimed at adults and kids that is oil, PABA, and alcohol free. The Parent Bloggers Network happily hooked me up with a full kit of their goodies: a spray sunscreen for kids and one for adults, a face stick and bottle of lotion made for kids.

First off, I didn't even try the latter two. Why? Because I'm in love with the spray sunscreen, and I'm not just saying that since this is my first review. For starters, I've always been a big fan of spray sunscreen, but I've only tried those that come with an aerosol pump, which can messy. The Kinesys sprays, however, comes with a push pump. So much better. It's much more accurate, provides total coverage upon spraying (whereas I always had to rub it in with an aerosol) and doesn't leave your carpet covered in sunscreen.

Plus, the spray covers such large areas - even with the kiddie spray - that I was able to give Miss Dub a thorough coating in about 30 seconds. And she enjoyed every second of the spray action.

In fact, it was so easy that I found myself using the adult spray. A few spritzes on my chest, back and face, and I was good to go. I didn't even need Mr. Dub to get those hard-to-reach spots, though he's certainly happy to oblige.

I didn't use the spray on my arms and legs - two spots that haven't been burned in decades. But I'm getting there.

So thanks Kinesys, even if your products are a little pricey and not that easy to find. Maybe now I won't die quite as soon. And Miss Dub is sure to love sunscreen for the rest of her life. Cross your fingers!