I used to the be the type of girl who wore heels and stilettos. No more. My footwear choices these days usually consist of flats, flats, and more flats. (Essentially whatever can get me from point A to B in comfort, while still looking stylish).

I’ve been a fan of TOMS for a while now. Not only are they cute, these shoes are comfortable to boot. An added bonus is the way a purchase of TOMS makes you feel. Founder Blake Mycoskie created his company with the intention of giving to children in developing countries. To date, over one million children around the world have received shoes because of TOMS. This is the One for One promise; with every pair of shoes purchased, a pair is given to a child in need.

TOMS Eyewear was launched this summer, also with the One for One promise. For each pair of sunglasses purchased through this line, someone in need will receive medical treatment, sight saving surgery, or prescription glasses. What better way to outfit your face than by helping someone in need.

A few weeks ago Peanut and I were invited to a “Style Your Sole” event hosted by Momma’s Gone City. With a bevy of amazing bloggers, we were given the opportunity to decorate our own pair of TOMS. Peanut loved jazzing up her shoes and I was thrilled to support the One for One mission.

(Created with some help from mommy!)

with Suzanne Chan of Mom Confessionals

We’re planning on investing on a few more pairs of TOMS for the fall season. You can check out all the new styles at toms.com.

Photos courtesy Momma’s Gone City.

(I was not compensated for this post. Peanut and I did receive a pair of Toms to decorate for the event.)

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for products that are natural, gentle, and good for the environment. A few months ago I was invited to a tea party in honor of a new skin care company directly specifically towards moms; Bionee. Held at Alice’s Tea Cup, a glorious tea room on the Upper West Side, this event provided an introduction to some of the products Bionee offers.

Eva Asmar, Bionee’s founder, started developing her line of skin care products while pregnant. Over nine months, she created eight natural products that are “safe, efficient, and indulgent”; everythingnew moms (and women as a whole) are looking for.

The Bionee product line is divided into three categories: pregnancy, motherhood, and baby. I was given the opportunity to test out several products, both at the tea party and beyond. I loved the revitalizing face cream; it was light and comfortable, yet still emollient enough to provide needed moisture. We left with a sample of the nipple cream, which, like all of Bionee’s products, is natural and organic. It can even be consumed (Peanut actually ate – and enjoyed – quite a bit of it).

I loved Bionee’s products and would recommend checking them out, particularly if you’re looking for something that’s natural and gentle. Bionee’s products make you look great, while feeling good about how you’re achieving it.

Having just returned from a vacation trip, I’m more than familiar with the perils of traveling with children. In fact, my entire perspective on travel has changed over the last two years.

While single, my husband and I didn’t really consider the amenities connected to a particular hotel. We generally wanted a luxurious room with easy access to bars, restaurants, and sight-seeing. Oh! How times have changed. These days our biggest concern is whether we have access to a mini-bar fridge (in which to store cheese sticks, obviously).

Two weeks ago I was invited to visit the Marriott Residence Inn, Times Square and see exactly what this brand has to offer for families. Residence Inn recently bestowed Holly Robinson Peete with the very first “Resident Mom” award for her contributions as a wife, mother, philanthropist, and working woman. In addition, the brand is beginning to expand city-specific family package deals (like the “Ultimate Sea World Vacation” in San Antonio, TX) to make travel even more exciting (and effortless).

I love my family, but won’t lie – I was thrilled to escape by myself for an evening. I arrived at the Marriott Residence Inn late Monday afternoon, bags packed and spirits high. After a quick cocktail reception we received a tour of the hotel. Although by myself, I couldn’t help but noticed the conveniences that would fit my family while traveling. Besides being clean, beautiful, and modern, each room has a full sized refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and flat screen television. A complimentary hot breakfast (offered in every location) is key when traveling with kids, and the fully outfitted laundry room is nothing to balk at. Add to that free wi-fi, and you’re set.

After a restful night, I embarked on a Foods of New York walking food tour of Greenwich Village with Jill from Glamamom and Jessica from Mommas Gone City. It was something I would never have done without a formal invite, but absolutely loved. Our tour guide was knowledgeable not only on the specifics of food, but also the cultural aspects of the neighborhood. As a former history teacher I was in my element. If you are visiting The City (or even live here!), you must take one of these tours!

I had a fabulous time experiencing my city from the perspective of a tourist, and would recommend the Marriott Residence Inn, Times Square, to anyone planning on visiting New York. I myself am looking forward to checking out Residence Inn locations in other fun destinations.

{I was not compensated for this review. I was offered a one night stay at the Marriott Residence Inn, Times Square, along with meal accommodations. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}