Looks for Spring 2011

Salmon pink and snow white dogwood trees are a bloomin’ amidst the tiny magenta petals of the Redbuds. Most of the recent rain storms have dropped the tender white and primrose pink petals of the flowering cherry and pear trees, but the bright green leaves emerge.

Spring in central Virginia is making it’s indecisive entrance, and with it, shimmers flowers and buds of eye-popping colors along with heady fragrances.

I love spring!

Spring Cleaning

To celebrate the new season, I love to change things up a little. My homemade fabric flowers and bright table cloths adorn as “new” accents with a new season.

I picked through my (and my son’s) closets to put away winter coats and clothing. Packed away for next year, or for another younger child who can use them. Then, I pulled out our short sleeves, capris, and thinner apparel for the warmer months.

Decidedly, there was a need to update my worn warm weather wardrobe, so a few online sales helped me “restock” my closet.

One of my fave finds was the Amaya dress by prAna that’s available in solid black, citron paisley, turquoise congo beats print, and orchid retro floral print (shown). The internal shelf bra adds support and the ruched sweetheart neckline adds a delicate accent.

When the weather is blazing hot, it’s a perfect sundress. Paired with a white shrug or shawl, ballet flats and pearls, you’re dressed up for a summer wedding. Dressed down with a denim jacket, canvas shoes, and black leggings, you’re ready for cooler weather and play time at the park.

I’m wild about the fun print and love the figure flattering empire waistline with contrasted banding. Easy wash and quick dry maintenance. I heart the Amaya dress! It retails for $68 at prAna.com.

*Stay tuned for an Amaya dress giveaway!

For my son’s ever growing feet, we found his first set of lace-up shoes, the Keplar by Umi. Soft brushed corduroy with contrasting colors, vulcanized rubber toes, and wide laces helps you teach little ones how to tie their shoes while looking totally stylin’ at the playground.

The Keplar is available in chocolate, tan, and khaki (shown) for boys. The girls counter-part called the Riff is available in a variety of polka dots and argyle styles, they retail for $50 at Umishoes.com.

My only gripe about this adorable shoe is that the tongue is too short and the back of the shoe floppy making it difficult for a parent or a little one to put them on easily.

Fresh Faced – New ‘Do

To lighten up my look for spring, I got a haircut. Tired of pinning back my swoopy bangs so that they no longer swooped by filled my scalp with nothing less than 10 bobby pins, I decided to get them cut. Again.

Now, they swoop, I spend less time fixing my hair, and I can get outside and enjoy the beautiful spring.

Once I change up my hair, I always feel the need to do something a little different with my make-up. My favorite way to play and experiment is with eyes.

My favorite mineral make-up company, Alima Pure, came up with a fresh (and limited time) collection for spring called The Rainforest. The 4 colors include sparkly green Bromeliad, shimmery golden-brown Jaguar, shimmery teal Macaw, and deep dark sparkly brown Kapok. $2 from the sale of each set is donated to the Rainforest Action Network.

In the image above, I am wearing the following colors from Alima Pure: mineral foundation Olive 2; on cheeks: Desert Rose blush; on eyes: Jaguar, Kapok, and Poison Apple (liner).

The Rainforest collection is available for $30 (a $44 value) from Alima Pure. Like them on Facebook to hear about upcoming collections! Follow @alimapure on Twitter.

Spring Sounds

Lately, we’re listening to Love Me for Who I Am by Grammy-winner Brady Rymer. This 10-track album full of fresh, fun acoustic tunes that were written for children with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and similar disorders to feel accepted and loved. The beautiful cover artwork was designed by Zoe Kakolryis who is deaf and has Asperger’s syndrome.

After a few songs played, my husband (the discernable critic) remarked, “Wow! Now, that artist is REALLY good!”

My husband seldom gets excited about music…especially that geared toward children.

Chock-full of anthems for children with full-spectrum disorders, this triumphant CD with cool tunes is for every child. Soon, you’ll be swaying, snapping, and relaxing to the songs that are perfect for a spring drive with the windows down and the fragrant scent of lilacs and cherry blossoms brushing past your face. Love me for Who I Am retails for $14.06 on www.bradyrymer.com and Amazon.

WIN IT

One (1) reader will win the Love Me For Who I Am CD by Brady Rymer. To enter, (mandatory entry) please visit the Brady Rymer site and leave a relevant comment on this post–no generic comments.

This giveaway is provided by Brady Rymer, and it is open to U.S. shipping addresses only. The giveaway ends on May 1st, 2011 at 11:59 P.M. One winner will be selected via random.org and notified via e-mail after May 1st. For more information on Traveling with Baby contests, please read the rules.

Additional Entries:

You can earn up to 3 additional entries on this giveaway. Leave a separate comment for each additional entry.

1. Follow @drdolly on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway with the following message: