I’ve lugged a stroller up and down the stairs of subway stations more times than I can count. At some point in my journey as an urban mama I realized it was easier to travel with a smaller, more lightweight stroller, rather than my larger everyday model. Since then, I’ve been in search of strollers that fit our travel needs and lifestyle, but are still attractive and comfortable.

The Quinny Yezz is a stroller that delivers on all four fronts. At only 11 pounds, the Yezz can be easily folded and carried on the shoulder (with an adjustable strap). Better yet, it stands when folded, making for easy storage at restaurants and the like.

The frame is made of IXEF® material, a high performance injection molded composite fiber, which allows for the stroller to be light weight and extremely durable. Interchangeable seats also allow parents to change the Yezz’s fashion at their discretion. The Yezz retails for $279, with additional seats available for $69 each.

This past weekend, Quinny took over Manhattan, handing out 400 Yezz strollers to lucky moms at different locations, including Giggle, Albee Baby, and The New York Family Baby Show.

I’m thrilled to be in on the excitement, and offer a Quinny Yezz to one lucky Stroller Ballet reader. All you have to do is enter in the Rafflecopter below. All entries will be verified. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided with a Quinny Yezz for the purposes of a giveaway.  All opinions stated are my own.

We returned home from 4 days at Disney World yesterday afternoon. Although the trip was planned entirely for Gemma, I’m happy to report that we all had a fabulous time (more on that later this week). These pictures were snapped this morning in the hotel prior to our departure. I had checked the weather in New York (55 and rainy, boo), and didn’t feel quite ready to shed my summery clothes. Gemma, meanwhile, was examining herself in a mirror, perfecting her “sad face”. Cleo was staring at the ceiling. Essentially the perfect time for a photo shoot, I’d say.

I decided to keep things comfortable in a t-shirt, shorts, linen cardigan (perfect for transitioning between climates; also makes nursing a breeze), and canvas shoes.

{cardigan: steven alan (sample sale last year)/t-shirt: jcrew/shorts: jcrew/shoes: superga/bag: tory burch (on sale!)}

I hope your weekend was equally magical as ours.

Breast cancer awareness is something that’s very close to my heart. My grandmother is a breast cancer survivor, having been diagnosed in the 1960s (it’s still unbelievable to think about how little they knew then). I also know there can be a link between family members and increased risk; needless to say I think about breast cancer, and the way it may impact my daughters and I, regularly. We have come so far since my grandmother’s time, yet there is still further to go.

On July 20th, at 10pm, Walk The Walk will bring their iconic overnight power walk, The MoonWalk, to New York City. 8,000 participants, dressed in brightly decorated bras, will walk through Manhattan at night. The MoonWalk NYC hopes to raise $2 million dollars in one night, most of which will be granted to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to help support the Breast Examination Center in Harlem, one of the first free screening facilities for breast cancer in the country. Here, 80% of patients are uninsured, but guaranteed support and guidance.

Since it’s inception fifteen years ago in London, MoonWalk has engaged over 300,000 participants and has raised over $126 million dollars to support vital breast cancer causes.

This is an great (and healthy!) way to support an incredibly important cause. If you are interested in signing up, for either the half moon (13.1 miles), or the full moon (26.2 miles) click here!

This is a sponsored post from One2One Network and Walk The Walk.  All opinions stated are my own.

I’ve worn a nursing tank pretty much every single day since having Cleo four months ago. My go to style is the type that provides some support (with a built in bra) and unhooks at the shoulder. Before my c-section, I also ordered three nursing bras, one of which I’ve worn a grand total of twice. I didn’t think about how difficult it would be to nurse in public with simply a bra and top. I like having coverage over my mid-section, which is why I’ve defaulted to the tanks. Perhaps I’ll feel differently during the summer, when I’m sweating from the bottom of my feet. For now, though, this has been what works for us.

A month ago I was contacted by BLANQI about a new line of products they’re launching with Target, including a maternity cami and postpartum nursing/smoothing cami, both retailing for $34.99. I was intrigued, particularly because BLANQI tanks fit below the bust; I figured it would let me to get some mileage out of those sadly neglected bras.

I received my postpartum nursing/smoothing cami last week, and had the opportunity to try it out on Sunday. We were headed to Sheep’s Meadow in Central Park for a picnic, with friends. The weather was a little cooler, so I paired the tank with a white vintage tee from JCrew, Levi’s Vintage Clothing Sweater, Gap Skinny Jeans, and white Superga sneakers (mind the glare, I’m still breaking these puppies in). I was surprised at how comfortable the tank was (smoothing garments can be terrifying), and how well it worked under my tee (the white can be pretty transparent). It also made nursing a snap, and provided the coverage I wanted while in public. (Related: before having Cleo I would have NEVER nursed in public like I do now. It’s incredible what giving birth a second time does to your sense of modesty.)

Win it:

I’m giving away a BUMPED by BLANQI maternity or postpartum nursing/smoothing cami in black or ivory (your choice!), and a $25.00 Target gift card to one lucky reader. All you have to do is enter in the Rafflecopter below. All entries will be verified. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prizes will be shipped within the UNited States. I received the BUMPED by BLANQI to review for the purposes of this post. All opinions stated are my own.

I’m now at four months of breastfeeding, and counting, with my younger daughter. This is longer than my journey with Gemma, and it feels great. But choosing clothing is tough. Even more difficult is finding items that are a little fancier than standard jeans and a top.  This weekend we had an event at Gemma’s school – with the entire family – and I felt determined to prove that nursing and wearing a dress don’t need to be mutually exclusive.

I was looking for something different than the traditional wrap dress – which always seems to be the natural choice in this situation. So I set out out to find a dress that allows easy access, while still being pretty and feminine. I love this more sophisticated version of a shirt dress. It was comfortable, stylish, and I was able to nurse three times over the course of the evening – easily and discreetly. It’s a great LBD, and the eyelet detail makes it just that bit more summery. Bonus: black hides most evils – a necessity when rolling with the sub-four set.

The weather was perfect, I was with my family, and everyone was fed. What could be better?

{Dress: Anthropologie/Necklace: Bauble Bar/Shoes: NDC (old)}

I am in love with any type of personalized jewelry, in particular after having my daughters. I wear a necklace with the initials of my girls; often Gemma will sit on my lap and finger the little discs, talking about how they’re for her and Cleo. There’s something really special about actually wearing a reminder of my children.

If you aren’t familiar with Erica Sara Designs, you should be. Erica is a local New Yorker, businesswoman, and dear friend of my sister. She started her line with the intention of creating beautiful – yet affordable – jewelry that incorporates personal engravings. Her pieces are delicate, feminine, and simple enough to wear every day. She’s even able to take a child’s drawing and convert it into a charm – an incredible way to preserve some of your little’s earliest creative work.

Erica’s jewelry is the type that any woman will cherish, regardless of her stage in life. Last year, we purchased a bracelet for my mother with the names of her grandchildren; she was just smitten with it. My sister wears a ring from Erica’s collection. Win it:

Here’s your chance to win one of Erica’s Mother’s Heart necklaces (below). Just enter in the Rafflecopter. All entries will be verified. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Our weekends are sometimes hit or miss; my husband is often working and I’m with both girls. So, when we do have some time together, there’s this urgency to actually do something.  Sunday we visited the Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg; I was in search for a few items for my back deck (more to come on that), and the weather promised to be beautiful. Mother Nature didn’t disappoint, and we spent a lovely morning overlooking Manhattan with two princesses (one of whom wore an actual crown!).

I simply love the interesting pieces you can find while thrift shopping; I’ve interspersed much of our home decor with vintage finds. The Brooklyn Flea is a haven for collectors; there are artists and vendors of all types. We purchased our coffee table from a carpenter who has a booth at The Flea, and over the past two years I’ve also picked up bits and pieces for various corners of our home. Oh, and there’s food! Incredible food.

As Gemma’s grown, she’s learned to appreciate the unique things she can find at The Flea. On this particular trip she spotted a zebra necklace – undoubtedly an 80s relic – and was enamored. The vendor initially asked for $12, but settled on $8 when he realized it was for a four year old.  Probably more than I should have spent, but her delight made it worthwhile, and it serves double duty (show and tell for the letter “z” is coming up). I expect that Cleo will follow in Gemma’s footsteps as she grows, with an ever expanding penchant for junk jewelry. We’re making space in the playroom.

I’m trying to appreciate these moments we have as a family; the past four months have passed in a flash, and I feel like both my girls will be full fledged kids before I know it.

So, Sunday was a day to just be. To eat, bask in the sunshine. And delight in a wooden necklace.

I’ve been wanting to try colored denim for the last couple of seasons. Last summer’s pregnancy thwarted any hope of that, and I spent June through August in muu-muus and elastic waist pants. This year, I wasn’t completely sure how I’d feel – having only given birth a few months prior to warm weather. But I’m so inspired by link ups like Monday Mingle – it’s refreshing to see normal, everyday women trying different trends and feeling confident in their bodies. So, sleep deprived and still carrying some pregnancy “reminders”, I decided that there’s no time like the present. Carpe Diem!

Last week I wrote about my post-partum survival tips – in which I suggested buying a few items that fit. I Thankfully, this time around I feel less urgency to loose the weight; after Gemma’s birth I learned that it can take a while. Back in February I invested in some legging jeans from Gap; they fit so comfortably, are flattering, and have a higher rise (my stomach is appreciative). Just two weeks ago I purchased one of the sorbet-type hues  – the bright coral. They haven’t disappointed! I’ve already worn them several times and am even considering getting another shade (bonus: certain colors are currently on sale).

Today is dreary, but Saturday was gorgeous. Warmer weather is just around the corner. And it’s time for some wardrobe updates.

{jeans: Gap/shirt: Dockers similar/scarf: Jcrew (old)/shoes: Toms/bag (my diaper/kiddo tote): Louis Vuitton/sunglasses: RayBan}

“Mommy, I’m going to shine up this whole city in my new shoes!”

Once upon a time, I would have too.

Three months into life with two children, and I’m still here. I spent the last few months of my second pregnancy terrified; most people seemed overly eager to “warn” me about life with two children and how difficult it would be. As the weeks passed, I found myself sweating over how I would handle two. I could barely get through pregnancy managing a three year old; how would I deal with a three year old and a newborn!?! In reality, you “just do it”, and that’s survival (this was also a great piece of advice I got while pregnant – from a mom of three). Of course, over the last twelve weeks I’ve developed some pretty great coping mechanisms. And they work. So much, that people actually think I’ve got my shit together (I completely don’t).

Here are five of my best tips for faking it when you are feeling dumpy, exhausted, and overwhelmed:

1. Sleep early. One of the most common pieces of advice you’ll hear as a new mom is “sleep when the baby does.” Unfortunately, with two children, it’s not always possible to nap throughout the day. I’m also pretty Type A, and tend to try to accomplish everything I’ve put aside when there are ten seconds to spare. I’ve settled for catching up on my sleep in other ways; sometimes, I’ll go to bed shortly after my four year old. It’s incredible how great crawling under the covers at 8pm can make you feel.

2. Buy something that fits. We would all like walk out of the hospital wearing our pre-pregnancy jeans. My four year old would also like to meet a unicorn. The reality is you should be prepared to be out of your old clothes for a while. And, in the weeks postpartum, it feels good to have something that isn’t maternity and fits. If you’re breastfeeding? Be sure to pick up a few great nursing tanks in basic colors (black, white, and nude).

3. Take a shower. These days, I shower and dry my hair at night. Think you don’t have time? I promise, you do. Bouncy seats were invented for this reason. Put the baby down – she’ll wait.

4. Get some great makeup (and wear it). I love makeup. Admittedly, I wear a lot of it (even more now that I have multiple children). Still, this advice applies even for those of you who aren’t Sephora fiends. No mother should be without some really fantastic under eye concealor (at the very least). Spend the money on a good one; you won’t regret it. I also always wear mascara and blush (tends to help with that sallow “I haven’t slept in 2 days” look).

5. Make your bed. I make my bed every morning. It takes 2 minutes and really sets a tone for the remainder of the day.

That’s it. And if all else fails, have a glass of wine.

1. Bravado Nursing Tank
2. Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara
3. Gap Legging Jeans (feel like leggings but look like jeans. Plus, they stretch! Go up a few sizes)
4. Nars Orgasm Blush (a cult favorite!)
5. Laura Mercier Secret Camoflauge Concealor
6. American Apparel High Waisted Leggings (they suck everything in without being uncomfortable! Go up a few sizes)