FUNDAY MONDAY: Getting Bookish {GIVEAWAY}

Last Thursday night, my mother asked me to take her to an event a friend of hers had planned featuring a night out with author Adriana Trigiani.  I hadn't read any of her books but my mother LOVES them so I figured it couldn't be that bad, right?  To my surprise it wasn't bad at all - it was freaking hysterical!

Adriana didn't do a typical reading from her new novel, like most authors do on a book tour.  Instead, she spent the time - which flew by - telling hilarious anecdotes from her life, mostly focused on growing up in her big, Italian family.   A few times, I laughed so hard, tears came to my eyes.  It was THAT good of a time.

So now I'm reading Adriana's latest book, The Shoemaker's Wife, and I cannot put it down.

It was inspired by her grandparents, Lucia and Carlo, and highlights the immigrant experience in America at the turn of the century.  If you're a sucker for historical fiction like I am, you'll love this book!

And if you get a chance, be sure to check out Adriana Trigiani when she makes a stop in a town near you (find all of her upcoming tour dates here).  Trust me, it's an experience you won't soon forget!

And I've got good news because not only do I have a copy of The Shoemaker's Wife to give away to a lucky AFOMFT reader but it's also autographed by the author!

To enter to win, just post a comment here telling me the best book you've read lately (this is mandatory). For additional entries:

• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT) and tweet the following: Enter to win an autographed copy of The Shoemaker's Wife by @AdrianaTrigiani @AFOMFT! http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post. Comments on Facebook will not count as entries. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends April 23rd at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on April 24th. If the winner does not contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

And if you haven't already, don't forget to enter to win the perfect spring necklace right here - the giveaway closes tonight!

FUNDAY MONDAY: Spring Into Fashion {GIVEAWAY}

Spring seems like it's finally sprung which means so many wonderful things - flowers are in bloom, the kids can play outside and, of course, adorable new clothes for us mamas!  I've got my eye on quite a few must-haves this season and they all have one thing in common - color, color, color!

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And what better to sport with all of these bright and bold clothes than a great neutral piece of jewelry?  Something like this:

So pretty, right?  I love the combination of frosted and gold beads, and the extender clasp means you can wear it shorter or longer.  And because I think it's the perfect springtime accessory, I've not only added one to my closet, but I'm also giving one away to a lucky AFOMFT reader!

To enter to win, just post a comment here telling me what you're most looking forward to this spring. (this is mandatory). For additional entries:

• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT) and tweet the following: Enter to win a fabulous necklace to add to your spring wardrobe from @AFOMFT! http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post. Comments on Facebook will not count as entries. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends April 16th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on April 17th. If the winner does not contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

And if you haven't already, don't forget to enter to win a fabulous Utility Tote from Thirty-One - the giveaway closes tonight!

FUNDAY MONDAY: I'm Back with Thirty-One! {GIVEAWAY & DISCOUNT}

I know, I know - I've been completely MIA for, oh, a month or so now.  I have a good reason - my "real" job has been crazy busy! - but it's not a great excuse so I figure what better way to apologize than by having a fun giveaway?

I've been hearing lots of talk about Thirty-One but had never seen their products in person until my friend Brooke offered to send me some to preview.  A few days later, this terrific Organizing Utility Tote arrived at my doorstep:

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love it!  Not only is the Awesome Blossom pattern adorable but the bag itself is so useable.  It's made from double-laminated nylon and has seven exterior pockets.  What could be more perfect for a mom of twin toddlers who's constantly lugging around diapers, wipes, sippies and snack cups but refuses to carry a diaper bag anymore?  Now I don't have to worry about things spilling and have enough storage for all of the girls' crap, er, goodies.  And I look cute to boot!

Brooke also sent along two of these super cute Ruffled Cinch Sacs for Gabrielle and Alaina and let me tell you, between the sassy color and the frilly ruffles, they fell in love at first sight!

I really like how lightweight they are - I know we'll be filling them with beach toys this summer so the girls can finally lug their own.

Thirty-One has a huge line of products designed to make life easier, and going through their catalog, there was something I wanted on every page.  Like the Hang-Up Home Organizer:

This would SO help with the clutter in my kitchen!  And I totally need one of these Flat-Iron Cases before all of the trips we have scheduled this summer:

A few of these Basket Liners will make my linen closet look Martha Stewart-worthy.

And I can't imagine hitting the beach this summer without these two handy numbers - the Cinch-It-Up Thermal Tote (look at how much it holds!):

And the About Town Blanket, which opens up to 60" x 38"!

I could go on and on - oh, wait, I already have! - but you get the gist.  Just one last thing to love about Thirty-One - everything comes in a variety of fun patterns and you can have almost all of the items personalized, allowing you to create exactly what you want!

To place your order from Thirty-One, just click on the My Events tab here and you'll see one set up for readers of AFOMFT.  There's a great special for April too - if you spend $31 this month, you get 50% off any handbag!

And here's the best part!  All readers will get 10% off their orders (not including shipping and handling) through Sunday, April 8th!  You don't need a code and the 10% off won't show in your cart, but will applied when your order is processed.   What are you waiting for?  Get shopping!  

And no, I didn't forget about that giveaway I mentioned!  My friend Brooke has graciously offered to give away one of the Organizing Utility Totes she sent to me to a lucky AFOMFT reader!  The winner will even be able to pick the pattern.  To enter to win, visit the Thirty-One catalog and post a comment here telling me which of their products you like best (this is mandatory). For additional entries:

• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook
• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT) and tweet the following: Enter to win the perfect summer tote from Thirty-One at @AFOMFT! http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post. Comments on Facebook will not count as entries. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends April 9th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on April 10th. If the winner does not contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

FUNDAY MONDAY: Star Wars Printables from Hello My Sweet {GIVEAWAY}

Remember this amazing Star Wars party I featured on PARTY PEEKS WEDNESDAY a few weeks back?

Well, I am very excited to announce that the super talented designers from Hello My Sweet have offered to give away the entire printable set to one lucky AFOMFT reader!  It's perfect for an upcoming birthday, a sleepover Star Wars screening party or even a celebration of the release of the 3D version of Star Wars: Episode 1 later this month.

No matter how you end up using these fab printables, the result is sure to be out-of-this-world!

To enter to win, visit Hello My Sweet on Etsy and post a comment here telling me which of their designs you like best (it can be any of the above or from their site) is your favorite (this is mandatory). For additional entries:

• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook
• "Like" Hello My Sweet on Facebook and leave a comment telling them AFOMFT sent you!
• Follow AFOMFT and Hello My Sweet on Twitter (@AFOMFT & @hellomysweet) and tweet the following: Enter to win an out-of-this-world Star Wars printable party set from @hellomysweet at @AFOMFT! http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post. Comments on Facebook will not count as entries. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends February 13th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on February 14th. If the winner does not contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Images: Hello My Sweet

FUNDAY MONDAY: Cupid-Worthy Clothes for Valentine's Day {GIVEAWAY & DISCOUNT}

There are just 22 days left until Valentine's Day (it's my birthday so I have an excuse for keeping count!) and you know what that means, right?  It's time to get your little love bugs some Cupid-worthy clothes for the big day!  And if you want to make sure your kiddos have something that will stand out in the heart-wearing crowd, then look no further than the adorable appliqué Valentine's tees and onsies from klzart.

I mean, really, does it get any cuter than that?

Kelly, who handcrafts each piece, is a fellow mom of twins so she has a whole bunch of designs that work for multiples or siblings.  I personally adore the conversation heart tees, which can be personalized with any sayings or names you want.

And how fun is this sweet set?

Looking for a tee that stands on its own?  Maybe something like this for your mini stud muffin?

Or this for your little love machine?

Or this for your bee-autiful babe?

I don't think I can choose a favorite.  But one lucky reader will have to....

Because Kelly has generously offered to give away a $25 credit to her shop to be used toward the purchase of Valentine's Day tees or onesies!  To enter to win, post a comment here telling me which klzart design (it can be any of the above or from their site) is your favorite (this is mandatory). For additional entries:

• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook
• "Like" klzart on Facebook and leave a comment telling them AFOMFT sent you!
• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway: Enter to win a $25 credit to klzart at @AFOMFT so you can dress your cuties in Cupid-worthy style on VDay! http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post. Comments on Facebook will not count as entries. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends January 29th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on January 30th. If the winner does not contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

And that's not all!  Readers of AFOMFT can save 10% at klzart by entering code AFOMFT.  This code does not apply to shipping costs.  Happy shopping!

Images: klzart

FUNDAY MONDAY: Shabby Apple Giveaway!

So many of the New Year's Resolutions e-mails you sent in mentioned wanting to be more put together in 2012 so I figured what better way to kick off the year than with a giveaway from one of my favorite places to get chic but well-priced dresses - Shabby Apple!

One of the hardest parts about getting ready while you're juggling kids and pets and 10,000 other things is putting an outfit together, so what I love most about the clothing from Shabby Apple is that their designs are all one pieces.  You won't have to add a tank top or belt - if they're meant to have one, it's built in.  All you need to add is a cute pair of shoes and you're good to go.  Now that's dressing made easy!  See for yourself.

The sassy Gondola style is perfect for spring!  I love that it looks like two pieces even though it's not, and you could even wear it with tights and a cardigan now.

The ruffles on the L'Amour dress make my heart go pitter patter.  And gee, do you think I have a thing for green?

The Samarkand dress not only looks super comfortable but it's a flattering style that you can easily dress up with heels or sport with some boots or flats.

The 4.0 is an elegant 10 in my book!

The North Shore design is simple but stunning, and perfect for any summer party.

Aren't they all gorgeous?  But women's dresses aren't all you'll find at Shabby Apple.  They also carry maternity dresses, kid's clothing and now shoes, bags and jewelry too.  I've got my eye on the Egyptian Blossom cuff.

In addition to designing fabulous clothing, Shabby Apple also gives back. They're partnered with Unitus, a non-profit organization that uses micro-finance to help women overcome poverty and provide a better life for their children.  Shabby Apple donates 5% of its net sales to support women in India and each customer has the opportunity to donate an extra five dollars to Unitus every time she buys a dress.  Every $100 donation from provides at least 20 women with access to financial services to build their dream - and the chance to live a life without poverty. Clearly, buying a dress isn't just buying a dress.

If you're ready to kick-start your wardrobe in 2012, head on over to Shabby Apple and get to browsing.  I'm sure you'll find the perfect dress to put a spring in your step!

And one lucky AFOMFT reader is going to win one of her very own!  That's right - Shabby Apple has generously offered to give away one of the following three dresses.

The Ballerina:

Nothin' Like a Dame:

Or Pineapple Princess:

To enter to win, you must "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook AND post a comment here telling me which Shabby Apple dress (it can be any of the above or from their site) is your favorite (both of these are mandatory). For additional entries:

• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook
• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway: Kick start your 2012 wardrobe by #winning a dress Shabby Apple at @AFOMFT - so prefect for springtime! http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post. Comments on Facebook will not count as entries. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends January 15th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on January 16th. If the winner does not contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

And that's not all!  Readers of AFOMFT can save 20% at Shabby Apple by entering code NEWYEAR (does not apply to the Sidesaddle line).  Happy shopping!

Images: Shabby Apple

FUNDAY MONDAY: Toilet Tattoos {GIVEAWAY}

One thing that will go along with Gabrielle and Alaina starting their 3's program this fall is potty training!  I always figured I'd start once the girls turned three (they haven't show any interest yet) but they have two scheduled "potty times" at school so hopefully that will make them a little more curious.  The problem is that Gaby is somewhat terrified of the toilet.  I have no idea why but just the mention of sitting on one freaks her out.  So when I saw Toilet Tattoos I knew I had to give them a try.

Toilet Tattoos are appliqués for the toilet lid!  And I know what you're thinking - don't they get gross?  Here's the thing - the vinyl appliqués are removable and and easily cleanable.  And with themes ranging from Princesses:

To rocker:

There's a tattoo to fit any style!

Toilet Tattoos sent me an applique to try out and I have to admit, at first I was a little skeptical.

But it took all of 10 seconds to apply and instantly turned our potty from pitiful:

To playful!

Considering we're living in a rental apartment until the work on our house is done, the Toilet Tattoo is an easy and inexpensive way to add some personality to the girls' bathroom.  And at just $10 each, you can change them out for any occasion!

There are even toilet training designs, with removable stickers to encourage your little one to do their thing.

I love this one!

Toilet Tattoos come ins two shapes to fit round or elongated seats and can be ordered from their website.  You know they're the only tattoos you'll ever voluntarily pay for for your kids!

And I've got great news because Toilet Tattoos has generously offered to giveaway one toilet tattoo to two AFOMFT readers!  That's right - we'll be selecting two winners who'll get one appliqué each.   To enter, visit Toilet Tattoos and post a comment here telling me which tattoo you'll choose if you win (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:

• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook
• "Like" Toilet Tattoos on Facebook and leave a comment that A Few of My Favorite Things sent you.
• Follow AFOMFT and Toilet Tattoos on Twitter (@ToiletTattoos and @AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway: Want a quick way to spruce up a boring bathroom? Then enter to #win this great giveaway from @ToiletTattoo at @AFOMFT http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT (may be done once a day - post a comment for each Tweet)
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post. Comments on Facebook will not count as entries. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends August 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. The winners will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on August 23rd. If the winners do not contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Please note that I was sent a Toilet Tattoo for the purpose of this review and giveaway.  No other compensation was received.  The opinions I've shared of this product are my own and yours may differ.

Images: AFOMFT & Toilet Tattoos