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I’m a nut for totes, purses, handbags, clutches, etc. When I spotted this gorgeous bag at Arte Bebe, I just had to blog about it…

This is the leather Mercer Bag, a new addition to the Nest’s collection. And what a diaper bag it is! It features suede details and gold tones hardware. It’s also a departure from black – remember navy? I think it’s a refreshing change.

Other features include:
- separate zippered diaper compartment at the bottom keeps the rest of the bag neat and fresh and includes an extra large changing pad and diaper and wipes pocket
- 2 large exterior and 1 interior zippered pockets
- 2 interior bottle holders
- 2 divided pockets to hold extra clothes, toys, etc
- key chain holder
- removable, adjustable long strap

Indulge at Arte Bebe for $385. Shipping is free.

If you haven’t discovered BlueAvocado reusable totes, you need to check them out. I love this unique system of reusable bags because they are stylish and easy to store. In other words, you won’t look like a goofball in the checkout line with these eco-friendly bags. Every gal in town will want to know where you got them. I promise. In fact, they’re so sure you will love the Starter Kit as the perfect holiday gift that they’ll even give you a FREE one.

For ALL orders over $75 placed by end of day WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16th,  get  a FREE Charcoal (or Raspberry) Starter Kit (charcoal available while supplies last). Kits will be included from our warehouse so no promo code needed.  Finish your Christmas shopping with style!! Take part while while supplies last. Shop now!

Want to learn more this awesome Avocado? Read my previous posts. I’ll also be announcing a terrific BlueAvocado giveaway over at Droolicious soon. Stay tuned!

This has got to be something all of us Facebooking moms & dads thinks about. Am I an annoying Facebook parent? Nobody wants to be that parent – the one that boasts too much, or posts too many pics or gripes too much. Then again, we’re proud of our cute kiddos and the funny/silly/irritating things they do. Isn’t Facebook is the perfect place to share?

I’m writing this post because I came across an amusing article on Babble, “Facebook’s Five Most Annoying Parents.” It goes on to explain the personalities that make us cringe – the Bragger Parent, the Whiner Parent, the Cool Parent, the Obsessed Parent and the Zen Parent. All five perfectly illustrate why these types of parents tick us off.

My favorite quotes include this one about the Cool Parent, “While many parents have changed their wild ways with the arrival of their precious, others refuse to alter their lifestyle or sacrifice their hipness, using Facebook to affirm their undying alternative ways… And while these parents may in fact be having fun, they’re really not fooling anyone.”

My second fave quote is about the Zen Parent, “Common posts include pithy aphorisms about the joys of parenting and the general beauty of the world… Bleary-eyed parents with spit up on your shirts take note: Their babies are probably pooping their pants even as you read.”

It’s not easy to find a happy place as a parent on Facebook, because we all fit one of the above mentioned categories at some point. At times I brag, while other times I complain and I always pepper my albums with enough party pics to make me seem like I’m as fun as a barrel of monkeys. Due to the nature of my profession – writing about baby products for a living – I know I bombard my FB friends with too much ga-ga goodness. But if they’re really my friends, won’t they forgive me? And if not, can’t they just skip my post?

Ok, back to the article for a minute. If those five parents ARE annoying on Facebook, which type of parents aren’t???

Image: Jerkass Clothing

I’ve been a NASCAR fan for a couple of years now and I’ve gotta hand it to Sin City for providing fans with a great experience during 2009 Champion’s Week. I’ve been to lots of races, pre-race festivities and VIP banquets, so I’m no stranger to these types of events. I was in Vegas for the latter part of Champion’s Week and got to participate on an amazingly up-close-and-personal level.

The pre-lap festivities started at the MGM Grand and went all the way down the Vegas Strip. It was cold outside, but the roar of the engines when the 12 drivers revved up added some warmth to the day. You could tell the drivers were enjoying making lots of noise spinning tires on the Strip. Carl Edwards and Juan Pablo certainly made the most of this unique Victory Lap. It was awesome to see them driving the cars without their helmets because you could see their smiling faces for a change! We didn’t get to see Jimmie’s first DNF of the season, but we heard all about it.

After the engines roared down the Vegas Strip, the 12 Chase drivers came back to the MGM for a fun reception called “After the Lap.” Hosted by the beautiful and witty Jamie Little and presented by Tissot, this event was such a treat! All 12 drivers showed up in suits and dress shoes – well, Mark Martin had on Sketchers – and they were totally laid-back in this casual setting. Each driver was presented with a Tissot watch and they unveiled the Sprint Cup trophy. Jamie asked each driver a question from fans all over the U.S. The answers were quite amusing.

I enjoyed the bantering between all of the drivers, especially Tony Stewart and Juan Pablo as well as Denny and Jeff Gordon. Jimmie making fun of his own eyebrows was hilarious. (I still think it was mean of Tony to deny Juan Pablo his hug, but that’s just MommyQ’s opinion.) From a fan’s perspective, it was easy to be part of the celebration and you got to see a glimpse of the drivers that we normally don’t see in person. Overall, I think Vegas did it up right and I look forward to doing it all again next year.

Images courtesy of myself!

‘Tis the season for giving thanks, attending parties and receiving gorgeous bling! Celebrate with Austin’s All About Diamonds and brighten your holiday in a sparkly kind of way. If you shop at the store on Bee Caves – starting today! – the first person to mention MommyQ’s blog in the store wins a $100 Gift Certificate. Come on moms, I know you want to grab that!

If you live in Austin, TX, join All About Diamonds for their Jude Frances and Philip Stein Trunk Show & Viewing Party:

December 4, 10am-4pm
Philip Stein & Jude Frances Trunk Show
Enter to Win a Philip Stein Wine Wand ($325 value)
Gift Bags and $100 Gift Certificates from All About Diamonds for all guests!

December 4, 4pm-7pm
Philip Stein & Jude Frances Viewing Party
Hosted by All About Diamonds and Hall Plastic Surgery & Rejuvenation Center
Enjoy Champagne and Chocolate Truffles
Hourly Giveaways for Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners
Win a pair of Jude Frances Diamond Ear Hoops ($480 value)
$100 gift Certificate from All About Diamonds for all guests!

December 5, 10am – 5pm
Jude Francis Showcase
Win Jude Francis Diamond Ear Hoops ($480 value)
Gift bags and $100 gift Certificates from All About Diamonds for all guests!