Believe it or not, The Playpen actually started as a blog that was to be 100% dedicated to our baby clothing business, RedSparks (could that really have been over two years ago??). As it turned out, I actually kind of started to enjoy writing all kinds of crazy stuff on it, snatched it forcefully out of my wife’s hands and shoved her away while shouting “MINE!” and haven’t looked back since. But since we are going through a “sharing-education” period with our daughter at the moment, I decided it would be best to practice what I preach. So, with no further ado, I’m happy to announce a new segment that will pop up from time to time, Aline’s Antics. The Playpen is, after all, sort of a mommy blog, and I think it’s great to have a mommy’s perspective once in a while. Plus, try as I might, I simply cannot bring myself to post about mascara. Enjoy! – Matt
Hi all!
It’s great to have a voice again here on The Playpen. I hope to be able to get one of these up once a month. Let’s see if my newborn son will allow me the time, or if my husband will allow me the opportunity, to keep it up! First, business.
Why I like Picaflor Kids.
Picaflor is 100% rayon, which is a terrific and more environmentally-friendly alternative to cotton. When I pick product lines for the site I always keep in mind to select wearability without sacrificing style. Picaflor washes and wears beautifully, is machine-washable and dryer-friendly. Plus, most of the line features fun, bold colors that kiddos and parents love. It’s also one of the few “dressy” lines in the market that offers preemie sizes; something that is very near and dear to my heart. They also support sustainable manufacturing through fair-trade practices, and a percentage of their profits are directed to charities that benefit children in Peru. How can you argue with that?
My favorite this season from Picaflor? Our lilac striped lily dress.
A simple girly dress. Of course Frankie must have one . OK, enough of that.
Other things that I’m into this month:
1. See’s Candies blueberry truffle. I don’t really need to say anything about these. If you are a chocolate snob like I am, you will just instantly understand.
2. Halloween is coming up, I’m shopping for black and white tights for Frankie’s witch outfit and some cool black boots that won’t break the bank account. If you ever need striped tights of any color, check out www.welovecolors.com. Very cool site with lots of neat variety.
3. Also this month we have the cousins over for Halloween, so Frankie will have a companion to go trick or treating with. I love how excited she gets about sitting on the porch to give out candy. It’s my favorite part of the night, and it makes me happy that she’s more into giving than receiving, at least for the time being. We haven’t had company for Halloween in a while so I’m currently looking for fun cookie recipes and snacks. Anyone got any bright ideas? (Oh, I also have to be able to prepare them in the next hour or so, so there’s that detail.)
We’ve decided to paint our nails black, Frankie wants spider designs on hers. The challenge is to make it to the night with the nail polish still on since she immediately likes to pick the designs off. Go figure.
4. My new black mascara, LashBlast Hydrofuge by CoverGirl, makes my lashes absolutely scandalous. You must buy some right now.
5. Last but not least, I finally got to go out with a couple of my girlfriends
I hadn’t done that in so long…too long. It’s what I needed to get me out of my new baby rut. We had Sunday brunch and, of course, enjoyed a few Mimosa’s.
It was a beautiful day, good food and great company, what else can a girl ask for?
I look forward to writing this new segment on The Playpen. Introducing and discussing lines we carry on the site is one of my favorite things to do, as well as sharing a few helpful tips here and there along the way. Thanks for reading!
-Aline
