The Sakura Bloom Styleathon: Meet the Sponsors

Now that you've met our contestants, allow me to introduce you to the fabulous folks that are making the Styleathon possible with their generous support. I am so thrilled to be able to collaborate with these sponsors and share their amazing offerings with you!

Photo by Sabrina Bean.

Dedicated to making the world’s finest baby carriers out of exquisite natural fibers—organic Irish linens, Indian dupioni silks, and southeast Asian wild silks—Sakura Bloom is committed to simplifying and beautifying modern parenting.

Stylish and convenient. With a Sakura Bloom sling, there is almost nothing you and your baby can’t do. Walking city blocks. Browsing farmers’ markets. Sending email, baking brownies, and feeding baby. All at the same time. At home, in town, while traveling, a Sakura Bloom sling shoulders beauty with function, enabling you to parent in your own way while allowing your child to be an active part of the world around him.

All Sakura Bloom slings are made in the USA; these are hand-crafted artisan baby slings with simple, classic lines that will last from the newborn stage through the toddler years. At Sakura Bloom, small things (and small people) matter. Socially responsible business practices. Low environmental impacts. Conscious parenting. And large doses of laughter and unconditional love. We source our products from like-minded companies whenever possible. Our commitments are global, our passions are local.

For more information, visit SakuraBloom.com, and be sure become a part of the Sakura Bloom community on Facebook.

Selima Salaun, a trend-setting designer, member of the Council of Fashion Designer of America, and professional optician and optometrist, is the mastermind behind the luxurious eye wear collection that VIP's of the fashion, music and cinema industries just can't seem to get enough of.

To accommodate the heavy demand, her eight boutiques between New York, LA and Paris dispense high profile fashion in the form of sleek high quality frames that come in 100 shapes and tantalizing colors to suit anyone from your corporate CEO to your trendy downtown Bohemian. For Selima, eye wear is an integral part of one's wardrobe, and just as one plays with different looks in fashion, why shouldn't one do the same with glasses? Change your glasses to compliment that outfit of yours, or your mood that day, and have fun with it!

To stay in the loop about all things Selima Optique, check out the website, subscribe to the official blog and "like" on Facebook.

Inspired by the modern woman, Lilla P is a collection that is perfectly tailored for a casual lifestyle. Each season, Lilla P returns to the brand ethos by rethinking the classics to create a collection of separates that are both flattering and functional.

Unfettered yet full of subtle detail and pared down luxury, Lilla P’s hallmarks are clean lines, quality fabrications and an impeccable fit. Starting in 1998 with the essential tee, the collection has expanded to include sophisticated staples and key fashion items including a variety of tee shirts, item jackets, lightweight sweaters, dresses and skirts that are available in a variety of luxurious fabrications and colors.

Each season, the line continues to develop and grow in an exciting direction. Since its inception, Lilla P has cultivated a devoted coterie of chic specialty retailers that can be found throughout the United States and Canada.

Be sure to check out Lilla P on Twitter and Facebook!

Marla Cielo is a line of luxury accessories with a cult following, designed by New York artist Andrea Tobin. Marla Cielo embodies the fusion of creative passion and functional design. Their products transcend styles and stereotypes creating a universal appeal that makes the day to day more intriguing.

Check out the website to see the whole range, follow on Twitter, and "Like" on Facebook.

Andrea herself has taken the time to select an bag for each of the Styleathon contestants, based on her knowledge of their blogs. Here are her notes to each blogger:

Elizabeth Antonia, The Littlest.
Elizabeth will receive the Envelope Wallet in Journal Gold. Elizabeth’s dreamy and artistic style will be perfectly complemented by this variation of the Journal print. The oversized wallet style is the perfect mix of function and style for this designer and full time mom.

Joanna Goddard, A Cup of Jo.
Joanna will receive the Day Tote in Waves Print. The Day Tote is the perfect carryall for summer in a vibrant print with classic, yet industrious steel grey leather lining. Perfect for carrying all of Toby’s toys and necessities, it will also stay on her shoulder for bike rides through the city.

Danielle Hampton, Sometimes Sweet.
Danielle will receive the oversized clutch in Waves print. This edgy mom deserves an equally edgy yet functional clutch. The graphic print and oversized style reflect her rock-and-roll aesthetic, but still has room to sneak in those on-the-go baby essentials.

Natalie Holbrook, Nat the Fat Rat.
Natalie will receive the Evening Clutch in Journal Titan. Journal Titan is a signature Marla print in our newest evening clutch style. This new mommy will definitely need a night out baby-free and this print and style are perfect for a sophisticated, Manhattan night out.

Jen Lula, Jen Loves Kev.
Jen will receive the Wallet in Summer Plaid. This eclectic colorful print will be a fun addition to all of Jen’s thrifty outfit creations. The sleek shape will hold keys and basic essentials for quick errands around town and will be a funky juxtaposition to her vintage finds.

"Miss" James Kicinski, Bleubird Vintage.
James will receive the Wristlet in Suenos. Suenos is the brightest and boldest print in the bunch, completely necessary for her vibrant and eclectic, vintage-infused style. Plus for a mother of three, this can easily be slung on your wrist as you run about town.

Sharmadean Reid, London Momma.
Sharmadean will receive the Envelope Clutch in Summer Plaid. As a London fashion fixture, Sharmadean needs something bold and of the moment. This print is an exclusive summer creation, and the classic shape will mix with all of her looks as she jaunts between business engagements and play dates.

Melissa Russo, The Lil Bee.
Melissa will receive the Wristlet in Journal Titan. This hilarious mommy blogger has her hands full with a house full of two beautiful baby girls and dogs. The wristlet can be slipped onto the stroller handle, wrist, or dog leash. The signature Marla print will match perfectly with anything this fashion insider wears out the door.

Aura Stuemky, Aura Joon.
Aura will receive the Shoulder Bag in Purple Heart. One of Marla’s most intricate prints, this bag is equal parts bohemian and glamorous, with a functional shape for Aura’s adventures.

Samantha Hahn’s illustrations feature delicate pen work and brightly colored inks. The New York Times referred to her watercolor work as “winsome”. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and toddler.

A few of her clients include: Anthropologie, Barnes and Noble, Glamour Magazine, Marie Claire Magazine, Surface Magazine. Her Exhibits include: “Fashion Illustration: Visual Poetry” at Gallery Hanahou, “Lady” show at Charles Nolan, “20/10″ at Gallery Hanahou, “Aesopica” at Rare Device and a solo show at The Art Institute of Tampa. Samantha’s work has been featured in art and design books including: Coolhunting by Marta Dominguez Riezu (Parramon Publishing), Print and Pattern by Bowie Style (Lawrence King Publishing) and Crafting a Meaningful Home by Meg Mateo Ilasco (Abrams Publishing), Her illustrations for Glamour Magazine were recently chosen by American Illustration 28.

Samantha has a BFA in illustration (Syracuse University) and MA in art education (Columbia University).

For recent work and various art, design and style inspiration visit her blog, Maquette. Prints and originals can be purchased online at Gallery Hanahau.

Sponsor Giveaway: Twig Hoops by Barbara Michelle Jacobs

Today I am thrilled to present a giveaway from a dear friend and Marvelous Kiddo Sponsor, Barbara Michelle Jacobs!

Barbara Michelle Jacobs jewelry is designed with appreciation for how objects evolve from ideas, feelings and nature. Made in NYC from recycled precious metals and ethically obtained stones. Barbara strives for a natural and effortless look - gently engineering nature and taking the soft curves of our bodies into consideration.

The collections each have their own stories and little details to be discovered again and again. BMJNYC jewelry is meant to last and age gracefully. Just like us.

To enter the giveaway, please visit BMJNYC's shop and leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite item(s), and letting me know you "liked" BMJNYC on Facebook.

I will randomly select a winner, who will receive a pair of gorgeous Twig Hoop earrings, which are cast in pure recycled sterling silver and molded from a real Central Park twig (how cool is that?!). Retail value, $134.00. Please be sure to include your email address in your comment, even if you think I already know it!

Comments will close on Monday April 18th, at 11:59 pm EST. Good Luck!

Seeking Sponsors

Image via White Trash Beautiful

Are you interested in advertising on Marvelous Kiddo? Well then, let's talk! I am seeking sponsors for the months of February, March, and April. I have a strong and growing readership that is passionate about pregnancy and birth, fashion, art, and design, as well as good food and great fun, and my ad rates are affordable for small businesses, Etsy shops, and blogs.

Please email me for more information and ad rates: leigh(at)leighpennebaker(dot)com.

I look forward to hearing from you, and sharing your marvelous offerings with my marvelous readers!

Holiday Advertising on Marvelous Kiddo

The holidays are here, so whether you run an Etsy or online shop, a brick-and-mortar boutique, or if you just want to promote your own blog, this is a great opportunity to get you seen.

HOLIDAY RATE:

3 Months of a 60x160 ad on Marvelous Kiddo

for just $99!

Marvelous Kiddo is listed as a Favorite Site on Martha Stewart Living's blog, Living in the Family Room, and has also been seen on People Magazine's Celebrity Baby Blog, Mothering Magazine's website, Glamour.com, and in the pages of The New York Post, just to name a few. I have a growing, global audience and my readers are passionate about style, design, green living, and natural parenting. Why not share your wonderful products with them?

If interested please email me at: leigh[at]leighpennebaker[dot]com

Marvelous Giveaway: Craftysarah

Here's a fun little treat for the end of your week!

One of my lovely sponsors, Craftysarah, has generously offered to give away one of her whimsical handmade wallets to a lucky Marvelous Kiddo reader. The wallet is made out of duct tape, paper, and a magnetic snap...that's it! It also has 4 slots for cards, one big pocket for cash/receipts, and one big pocket that will fit a checkbook.

Here's all you have to do to enter:

Click over to Craftysarah's shop

Leave a comment on this post

(don't forget to include your email address)

BONUS: For up to 3 extra entries, feel free to share this post on your Facebook/Twitter/blog -- just be sure to leave additional comments for each entry.

The deadline is Friday, October 22, 11:59 EST.

Thanks, and good luck!

Marvelous Kiddo Fall Ad Special + Giveaway

I am excited to announce a special, super-discounted ad rate for Fall ads on Marvelous Kiddo!

The holidays will be here soon, so whether you run an Etsy or online shop, a brick-and-mortar boutique, or if you just want to promote your own blog, this is a great opportunity to get you seen.

Marvelous Kiddo is listed as a Favorite Site on Martha Stewart Living's blog, Living in the Family Room, and has also been seen on People Magazine's Celebrity Baby Blog, Mothering Magazine's website, Glamour.com, and in the pages of The New York Post, just to name a few. I have a growing, global audience (currently over 2,000 visits a day) and my readers are passionate about style, design, green living, and natural parenting. Why not share your wonderful products with them?

Take advantage of this special, lowest advertising rate before the rest of the slots fill up!

If interested please email me at: leigh[at]leighpennebaker[dot]com

SUPER DISCOUNTED FALL RATE:

3 Months (November-January) of a 60x160 ad on Marvelous Kiddo

for just $99!

BONUS GIVEAWAY:

Leave a comment on this post with your name and email address and I will randomly select one entrant to receive a month of FREE ad space!

The deadline to leave a comment is Sunday, October 17

at 11:59 pm, EST.

Good luck!

Advertise on Marvelous Kiddo

Marvelous Kiddo is now accepting sponsors for the month of October. My blog usually gets between 30,000 and 50,000 visits in one month, and is a wonderful place to reach an audience of engaged, design-savvy, health-and-eco-conscious people.

Please email me at leigh(at)leighpennebaker(dot)com if you are interested in learning more about my rates and options! Thanks!

Sponsor Spotlight + GIVEAWAY: Cassandra Allen

Please meet the sweet and talented Cassandra Allen, children's book illustrator extraordinaire and a new sponsor of Marvelous Kiddo!

Cassandra is a prolific artist whose whimsical and enchanting work can be found between the pages of numerous picture books, as well as in her Etsy shop and on her lovely blog.

Some details...

I am excited to tell you that Cassandra has generously offered to extend two special offers for my readers:

1. A giveaway of one print to one lucky reader, incl. free shipping. Below is the giveaway print called Best Friends.
Info about the print:

Limited Edition of 50 archival quality Giclee prints

Print area approximately: 255 x 160mm (with a white border)
Printing medium: Giclee archival print
Paper: Somerset Enhanced 255gsm
Limited edition print (of very lovely quality) of Cassandra's original illustration created in gouache and pencil. Hand signed and numbered, eg, 2/50.

2. A 50% discount on all purchases for the month of August to all Marvelous Kiddo readers (doesn't apply to shipping).

Important Note from Cassandra: "With Etsy, there is unfortunately no way to offer a promo code during the checkout that automatically discounts the price, so people would need to do the following and then I'll invoice them with the updated discount price. When checking out, put the promo code "Marvelous Kiddo" in the "Message to Seller" section to receive the discount. Do no pay immediately or you won't receive the discount. I will send an invoice with the discounted price."

To enter the giveaway, please visit Cassandra Allen Illustration and leave a relevant comment on this post by Sunday, August 22.

Please be sure that your email or other contact info is contained in the comment to be eligible to win.

Thanks, and good luck!

Sponsor Spotlight: Mama Pear Designs

What a pleasure it is to introduce you to one of my new sponsors, MamaPear Designs! This online boutique features a line of apparel and accessories to suit the fashion-conscious Lactivist. Featuring an array of flattering styles and colors, the t-shirts, hats and onesies sport original, witty, eye-catching, head-turning slogans that promote breastfeeding.

Founder and designer, Lara Audelo talks more about the mission of her company:

MamaPear Designs was born when it became overwhelmingly apparent to me that there needs to be a greater social awareness created with regard to, and a real public dialogue conducted about, breastfeeding. It needs to be encouraged and promoted by health professionals and mamas alike. My hope is that when you wear one of my designs, you will raise an eyebrow, provoke a thought, incite a question, and create awareness for a cause that needs women like you to help promote it. Join me as a proud Lactivist and let's change the world...one pair at a time!

FYI: In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, MamaPear Designs is offering a sale! Check it out, here.

Advertise on Marvelous Kiddo!

My favorite vintage pumps from Loveday 31

I'm offering a summer discount on all ad sales! You can sponsor Marvelous Kiddo at 25% off the regular rate for August and September. If you're interested in getting in before spots fill up, e-mail me at leigh (@) leighpennebaker (dot) com.

Summer Ad Discount

Photo from our 2008 trip to Paris

I'm offering a summer discount on all ad sales! You can sponsor Marvelous Kiddo at 25% off the regular rate for July, August, and September. If you're interested in getting in before spots fill up, e-mail me at leigh (@) leighpennebaker (dot) com.

Sponsor Welcome (PLUS GIVEAWAY!): Hoosier Magnolia

Hoosier Magnolia is a fabulous label featuring quirkily delightful and colorfully whimsical clothing for babies and kids. My dear old friend, Michelle Jones, is the designer and craftswoman behind the line (she appliques each piece by hand) and she has generously offered to provide one of her signature Aqua Giraffe dresses (retail value, $70) to one lucky Marvelous Kiddo reader! To be eligible to win, do the following:

• Check out the Hoosier Magnolia online shop.
• Leave a comment on this post telling me what items caught your eye.
• Be sure to include your email address or another way to contact you if you win.
• For up to 3 extra entries, feel free to Tweet, Facebook, or Blog about this giveaway. Just be sure to LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY.
• The deadline for entries is Thursday, June 10.

One more thing: Marvelous Kiddo readers get a 15% discount off any Hoosier Magnolia purchase, through the promo code HOOMARVELOUS, which can be entered at checkout!

Sponsor Welcome: Riki Alexander Somatics

Many of you who are regular readers of Marvelous Kiddo already know Riki from her presence here as an avid and engaged commenter who also appears frequently in my posts since she is, well, a grandmother to the marvelous kiddos! However, most of you probably are not aware of Riki's life's work, and so it is today that I have the pleasure of introducing you to one of my newest sponsors, a wonderful person and amazing therapist, who just happens to also be my mother-in-law!

Riki Alexander is a therapist who uses Somatic Experiencing®, Process Work, and Authentic Movement , as well as Alexander Technique to help clients to work through overwhelming experiences that may have gotten stuck in the nervous system.

With over 35 years experience as a body-centered therapist & educator, Riki is the senior Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner in the Washington, DC area. She divides her time & private practices between DC & NYC.

Focusing on trauma recovery, nervous system stabilization, and the restoration of joy and wholeness, Riki is an AmSAT certified senior teacher of the Alexander Technique, an ISMETA Registered Somatic Movement Therapist, and a USABP member (US Association for Body Psychotherapy). She incorporates Arny Mindell's Process Work & Authentic Movement into her practice.

Riki's greatest joy lies in supporting each client's unique personal process, trusting the creative self-regulation of every nervous system to proceed along its own healing path. In addition to private practices in DC & NYC working with individuals and couples, Riki has been a long-time primary assistant on Somatic Experiencing® trainings. She is an FHE-approved provider of required personal sessions and case consultations and supervision for SE students at all levels of training.

If you live in the NYC or DC areas and are seeking to transcend difficult or overwhelming experiences, I encourage you to contact Riki for her expert guidance. As a gift to Marvelous Kiddo readers, Riki is offering a 10% discount on the first session for new clients of her New York practice. Just mention that you read about her here!

For more information, visit Riki Alexander Somatics, and to contact Riki, click here.

Become a Marvelous Kiddo Sponsor!

Are you interested in advertising on Marvelous Kiddo? Well then, let's talk! I am seeking sponsors for the months of June, July, and August. I have a strong and growing readership that is passionate about pregnancy and birth, fashion and design, as well as natural family lifestyle topics, and my ad rates are affordable for small businesses, Etsy shops, and blogs.

Please email me for more information and ad rates: leigh(at)leighpennebaker(dot)com.

I look forward to hearing from you, and sharing your marvelous company with my marvelous readers!

Sponsor Welcome: Metro Minis

I am so excited to introduce my readers to Marvelous Kiddo Sponsor, Metro Minis. This groundbreaking NYC boutique is one of my personal favorite places to shop. In fact, I have the wonderful staff to thank for introducing me to the world of babywearing when I was a new mama looking for an alternative to my hulking stroller and uncomfortable Baby Bjorn (click here to read my post about my first visit to the store, over two years ago).

Metro Minis more than just a store. It is a community and a family. Not only are they one of the (if not THE) premiere babywearing retailers in the country, with a dizzying array of gorgeous carriers to suit every style and design preference, Metro Minis also functions as an educational outlet -- offering classes and support groups (many of them absolutely free) on topics ranging from babywearing to cloth diapering to infant massage. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that customers are happy and comfortable with their purchases.

The bottom line: Metro Minis is an essential resource for all New York parents interested in natural parenting products and info. As a long-time devoted customer, I am honored to have them as a sponsor!

Check out Metro Mini's YouTube Channel as well as their blog, to get great tips and info, like this demonstration of one example of how to wear your baby in a woven wrap:

Seeking May Sponsors!

Photo via my flickr

Would you like to become a Marvelous Kiddo Sponsor? I'm now accepting advertisers for the month of May.

I have a strong and growing readership that is passionate about pregnancy and birth, fashion and design, as well as natural family lifestyle topics, and my ad rates are affordable for small businesses, Etsy shops, and blogs.

Please email me for more information and ad rates: leigh(at)leighpennebaker(dot)com.

I look forward to hearing from you, and sharing your marvelous company with my marvelous readers!

Sponsor Welcome: Eden Home

There is just so much to love about Eden Home that I had a difficult time narrowing their products down to a short list of my favorites. This store is a one-stop-shopping mecca for all things for the home -- from clothing to toys, from bedding to kitchenware, from home decor to bath products. Not only is the selection wonderful, the mission of Eden Home is to provide organic, all-natural, and eco-friendly items without sacrificing style. So you can feel good about the beautiful things you buy there!

I am thrilled to welcome Eden Home as Marvelous Kiddo Sponsor, and I hope you will enjoy checking out their wonderful offerings, here.

Pictured above are some of my picks...

Victoria Bunny $26, Simply Be Well Organic Skincare Travel Set $20, Eco-Friendly Baby Stool $249, Nandina-Aragon Organic Towels $52, Bamboo Bowls $39, Organic Sheets by Plover Organic $215, Oscar & Belle Dress and Leggings $48

Sponsor Welcome: Sakura Bloom

I am thrilled to introduce you to my next Sponsor! Sakura Bloom is a company devoted to cultivating the modern art of babywearing with their incredibly gorgeous, finely-crafted, comfortable and versatile slings.

I had been aware of Sakura Bloom for a while before I actually got around to trying their slings, and I loved the beauty of the fabrics used and the fashion-forward look of their slings. It wasn't until I was chosen as a participant in The Sakura Bloom Triathlon last year that I actually tried these slings out, and I instantly realized that they are as easy to use, functional, and comfy as they are chic! I now own two Sakura Blooms, and they are essential pieces of my babywearing stash -- I don't know what I would do without them!

Here are some wonderful images of real moms and dads wearing their children in Sakura Bloom slings. As you can see, this is a great carrier for every age from newborn to toddler, and as practical and easygoing as it is pretty.

All images from the Sakura Bloom Blog

I also want to let you know about Sakura Bloom's amazing new Affiliate Program. If you have a blog, just go here to sign up and start earning 10% on every sale referred from your blog!

Sponsor Welcome: My Sweet Muffin

I am very excited to introduce you to one of my April sponsors, My Sweet Muffin. This fantastic online boutique is chock full of unique and adorable items for babies and kids (ranging from clothing, to playroom decor, to bath time accoutrements) as well as a selection of amazingly chic diaper bags. I love their funky, offbeat toys and the wonderful assortment of Japanese lunch boxes, which are just too cute for words.

Be sure to check out their entire shop for fun gift ideas for yourself or someone else! Above are just a few of my favorite picks...

Timi & Leslie Charlie Tote Diaper Bag $149, BlaBla Boogaloos Johnny Doll $33.50, Shinzi Katoh Lunch Box $18, HABA Desserts playfood $16, Twirls and Twigs Elephant Blanket $38, Mim-pi "Made With Love" Dress $46, Tokidoki "Little Rocker" Onesie $26, Cupcake Booties $17, and (center) Wee Gallery Birdie Banner Wall Graphics $38.

Marvelous Kiddo Now Accepting Spring Sponsors!

Photo originally posted here

Would you like to become a Marvelous Kiddo Sponsor? If so, I'm accepting advertisers for the months of April, May, and June. I have a strong and growing readership that is passionate about pregnancy and birth, fashion and design, as well as natural family lifestyle topics, and my ad rates are affordable for small businesses, Etsy shops, and blogs.

Please email me for more information and ad rates: leigh(at)leighpennebaker(dot)com.

I look forward to hearing from you, and sharing your marvelous company with my marvelous readers!