My Dress from eShakti

I received the below dress in exchange for my honest review. 

I must say, I was very excited when eShakti contacted me to see if I'd be interested in a review.  At the time I was nine months pregnant and very much in the mood to look at pretty non-maternity clothes!

I chose the Paris Dress.

The eShakti experience is a pleasant one.  I really like how they help you customize and make sure the dress really fits!  They have measurements clearly listed for the size on the same page as the dress.  They also ask for your height.  Additionally, it's easy to customize the sleeves and the dress length!  (I love that they offer the length option.  As someone on the *ahem* shorter side it's nice to be able to make sure the hem will hit on a flattering part of the leg.)

I love the full and flowing skirt!  The v-neckline is flattering, and so pretty with the feminine ruffles.  The side pockets are handy, and they're deep enough to actually be useful.  (If you aren't a pocket person, that's alright, because there is a free option to remove the pockets!)  The dress is machine wash and dry -- which is always a plus in my book!

Officially the color is "yellow", but in my humble opinion is has a bit too much green to call it a true yellow.  The picture of the dress online is much more of a yellow color than the dress that I received.  If you have kids (or just like to color sometimes) pull out the box of crayons and the color is pretty close to "Green Yellow".

The dress comes with a sash, which is a great length to tie in either a square know or a bow; however, there are no belt loops of any kind on the dress.  Personally, I like that the option is there to wear the dress sans sash, but when I want to have the sash on I'm afraid it will shift a bit.

Honesty time.  You probably noticed that while most of what I say here is positive, I'm not actually wearing the dress in any of these pictures.  I'm a month postpartum with my son and (even though I'm below my pre-pregnancy weight) my body isn't quite ready to do this dress justice.  Once it is I will be sure to share some pictures!

Here is a special coupon code for 10% off: pwrfes. It is valid from now until 05/09/2014. Here's all the fine print and other details: Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box. It is not case-sensitive. Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions. This discount code is not applicable on clearance/sale, gift cards & overstock categories. Not applicable on previous purchases.

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All opinions are 100% mine and were not influenced in any way. Facebook, Pinterest, Google, Twitter, and any and all other social media are not affiliated with this review. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

How to Add & Sell a Pattern on Craftsy

This post contains affiliate links which means I will be compensated if you purchase after clicking these links. In addition to wonderful online courses and craft supplies, Craftsy also has an independent online pattern store that lets anyone upload and sell downloadable e-patterns with no fee! How do you add a pattern to Craftsy and start your pattern store? It’s easy! 1. Make sure you have a Paypal account. All pattern transactions happen through Paypal, and Craftsy requires that you have a Student, Premier, or Business account in order to sell patterns. 2. Put your pattern in .pdf format. You can’t upload any patterns to the online pattern store unless they’re a .pdf file format, so if they’re currently saved as a Word doc, .jpg, or other file format, you must convert it to a .pdf before you upload it to Craftsy. 3. Include a photo. All patterns must have at least one photo to accompany them, but you can add up to five photos. Colorful, interesting photos tend to work the best for catching our members’ eyes! 4. Fill out the pattern description. We will ask you some basic questions around your pattern making it easier for Craftsy folk to find your pattern and know what your pattern is for. Make sure you have info about your pattern handy for this step. For more information on how to sell a pattern through Craftsy, or to get started, visit Craftsy today!

A New Product for You & Baby: Latch Bottles by Munchkin

I received the following products in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Have you seen the new Latch Bottles from Munchkin?

I received a package of bottles so that I can share my experiences with my readers.  I haven't actually introduced Dominic to them just yet.  I had nursing troubles with my daughter (I ended up exclusively pumping for her) so I want to be entirely sure that the breastfeeding is going fantastic before introducing any bottles.  (No matter how awesome they might be!)

I still want to tell you all about these bottles though!

The bottles, with their unique accordion-style nipple, are specially designed to be similar to the breast -- which is super helpful for someone who wants to be able to nurse but also use a bottle.  Further, they mimic the "pumping" action Baby uses while breastfeeding.

Another feature of the special nipples on these bottles help reduce the intake of air while feeding.  This should help with colic and gas.

There are three stages of the nipples: Stage One is for newborns, Stage Two starts at three months, and Stage Three starts at six months.

Like most bottles you need to boil them before your first use.  After that you just need hot soapy water or you can put them in a dishwasher!  Now that I finally have a dishwasher I am a huge fan of anything that doesn't need hand-washing.

If you have any more questions, check out the Latch Bottle FAQs.

Starting May 1, 2014 you can purchase your own bottles from Target and other retailers.

All opinions are 100% mine and were not influenced in any way. Facebook, Pinterest, Google, Twitter, and any and all other social media are not affiliated with this review. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

7 Quick Takes

1.  I was incredibly happy with the lovely weather yesterday -- Catherine, Dominic, and I finally made it down to the park.  There's a nice little park in our community, but while I was pregnant walking made me sick, then I wasn't supposed to walk that far immediately after the c-section, and then it was rainy and cold for a couple days . . . but yesterday was beautiful and the next couple of days are supposed to be too!

2.  Have you heard of the game 2048?  It is seriously addictive.  (Don't say I didn't warn you!)

3.  My girl:

4.  My boy:

5.  I will be reviewing a dress from eShakti.com shortly.  They have kindly offered my readers a special coupon code for 10% off!  Here is the code: pwrfes.  It is valid from now until 05/09/2014. Here's all the fine print and other details: Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box. It is not case-sensitive. Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions. This discount code is not applicable on clearance/sale, gift cards & overstock categories. Not applicable on previous purchases.

Sneak peak of my dress:

6.  April is Autism Awareness month.  About 1 in every 88 children in the United States has autism.  My affiliate partner, Stella & Dot, has put together a delightful collection that will brighten up your day and help a great cause! Check out the collection here: (this is my affiliate link)  Stella & Dot Autism Awareness Collection .

7.  Have a great weekend!

WIPS: Or Not . . .

Well, to be honest, I haven't touched a crochet hook or knitting needle since "Porcupine" was born.  (His official name is Dominic, don't worry!)

I did finish crocheting the matching Minion hats that Catherine wanted in time for Dominic's arrival.  Here are my two cuties wearing their hats in the hospital.  (A full post on these hats, with much better pictures, will follow . . . someday.)

My crochet and knitting "to do" list is ever growing!  I saw this crocheted cardigan pattern that looks pretty and fairly simple.  I think I will have to try it soon(ish).

Just curious, did any of you lovely readers manage to master crocheting and/or knitting while nursing?  Is it possible?

I will be sharing this post at the following:

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

7 Quick Takes

1.  Here are my two cutie pies:

2.  We're starting to find our new "normal".

3.  Of course, there are still a few things that haven't quite worked themselves seamlessly back into my routine yet . . . like crafting and blogging.  I'll get there though, because I have found both of those things to be good for me.

4.  Can I just comment on how lovely it is to wake up and not feel the overwhelming desire to throw up? I had morning sickness from week seven all the way up to the day of the c-section.

5.  Once I get a little more "together" I want to make a cherry cheesecake.

6.  Uh oh, the baby needs me . . .

7.  Here's one more picture of my little boy before I sign off:

For more Quick Takes visit Jen's blog!