Summer’s almost here, and I’m in search of a new set of shoes that will take me from the park, to the museum, to dinner, and beyond. I recently took an online quiz with Shoe Dazzle, and was provided with a personalized showroom of shoes that fit my lifestyle and taste. I’m sometimes wary of services such as this; I tend to be quite picky. So I was pleasantly surprised to see that ShoeDazzle’s choices were pretty and relevant. If you make a purchase within 2 days of taking the quiz you also get 25% off your first item (bonus!).

As ShoeDazzle’s chief stylist, Rachel Zoe curates a “boutique” of hand picked styles with personal advice on how best to wear each item. It was fun to see that some of my favorites were endorsed by such a fashion icon.

I love online shopping, particularly now that I have kids. Quite frankly, I’d rather be with Gemma and Cleo at the park than a physical store (boy, have my priorities changed!) ShoeDazzle is a great option for moms like me who don’t have a lot of time but want to see what’s new in the world of shoes.

ShoeDazzle’s memorial Weekend Sale started today and runs until Monday, May 27th. Sale items are an additional 30% off, full priced items are an additional 20% off.

Want to get started? Click here!

This article is sponsored by ShoeDazzle; all statements and opinions are my own.

1. Staying on site – and skipping a car rental – worked for us. If you decide to go this route, take the Magical Express (Disney bus) from the airport, and arrange to have your luggage delivered directly. Just be sure to pack a few essentials in your carry on bag (a change of clothing, sunscreen), as it can take several hours for everything to arrive.
2. Have groceries delivered to your hotel. We ordered cereal, milk, bananas, and various snacks so we could relax and eat at “home” in the morning. We also made sure to include wine and beer on our list of room “must haves”; mommy and daddy needed a little ETOH come afternoon.
3. Have baby essentials delivered to your hotel. We packed only enough diapers and wipes to get through the plane ride. Baby wash, pampers, sunscreen and the like arrived shortly after our arrival, via diapers.com. The same goes for our stroller; we used Orlando Stroller rentals for a City Mini Double.
4. Get to the park early. All three days we arrived at around 8:30, and waited for the Magic Kingdom or Epcot to open. Disney enthusiasts call this “RD” – rope drop. (Related: I can’t believe I actually know this terminology. Oh, how life has changed). It was worth it; high demand princesses like Merida often have a wait time of 1+ hours (we were second in line last Saturday).
5. Use a fast pass whenever possible. This is a little ticket that will give you a return time for the busiest rides and attractions. It’s the difference between 75 minutes and 10 in line.
6. Book as many Character meals as you can (or as fit your interests). We were able to knock five princesses off our “must meet” list at two dinners.
7. If possible, schedule your vacation during the work-week. We left on Wednesday, returned on Sunday. Saturday was, by far, the most intense. I tend to think a Monday-Thursday trip would be ideal.
8. If your daughter is a princess enthusiast (like Gemma), make sure to pack your own dresses. We went through multiple outfit rotations on any given day. Dresses on site run around $60 (or more). You don’t want to be supplementing your collection too intensely at those prices.
9. Set realistic expectations. Disney is a merchandising machine; there’s a gift shop at every corner. We had two $25 gift cards; this was what Gemma had to spend. By letting her know what the limits were in terms of “stuff”, we were able to escape without paying a small fortune.
10. Relax and let go. Disney can be overwhelming, or incredible. It’s all a matter of perspective.

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.

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.

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.

It’s not often that I wear skirts, given the fact that I have kids, and everything. I’m always squatting, sitting, or lunging, and it’s inevitable – at some point, everyone’s going see everything (at least that’s my thought process). The above applies particularly to short skirts, of course (maxi lengths work for obvious reasons). But this past Friday, I decided to risk it. Gemma had a little Mother’s Day tea at her school, and I was looking to dress up. Given my girl’s penchant for “gowns”, I opted for a skirt. As we got ready that morning, Gemma examined my outfit. “I love your skirt,” she sighed. “It’s really pretty.” The ultimate stamp of approval – a four year old’s declaration of beauty.

Mother’s Day love, from my family to yours.

{skirt: madewell/shirt: madewell (similar)/bracelets: jcrew (old)/jacket: jcrew/sandals: jcrew}

I remember my first mother’s day. I was newly minted, nervous, and looking for recognition. This year, I have two daughters. And I’m finding myself treating this day less as a time for stuff, more as an opportunity for reflection. Having another child has made me much more introspective; I see the influence my behavior and choices have on my littles. And so, I’ve begun to think of those messages I’d like to pass on to my girls. Eleven things; a list I can only presume will grow as the years pass.

1. Don’t ever define your self worth by the number on a scale.

2. There’s nothing wrong with being “the smart girl”.

3. There’s everything right with being “the smart girl”.

4. Get to know people, then judge.

5. Don’t be afraid of failure; it can be the engine that drives you.

6. Ask for help when you need it.

7. Be kind to yourself.

8. Don’t ever doubt your strength, particularly in the face of adversity.

9. There may be moments in life when you lose yourself in a friendship, a job, a man. That’s when it’s time to walk away.

10. You and your sister have each other for life. You can be each other’s best friend, or worst enemy. Make the right choice.

11. You are the best things that have ever happened to me.

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!

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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 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)}

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