2013 Spring Mom Mixer Philadelphia

Last Saturday, I attended a fun and informative Social Media Mom Mixer event at the Hyatt Bellevue in Philadelphia.  Hosted by fellow Philly Social Media Moms bloggers Colleen Padilla, Classy Mommy, and Whitney Wingerd, Mommies With Style, this event was the perfect opportunity to network with other area bloggers while connecting with some amazing brands.

 

Prior to the event, attendees were given the opportunity to fill out a survey for Lee Jeans, which preregistered us for a personalized fitting at the event.  As a petite, apple shaped, curvy lady, I always have trouble finding jeans that I can truly say I love.  I cannot tell you how excited I was for the opportunity to meet with some fabulous representatives from Lee, who came armed with the most incredible selection of jeans I have ever seen!  After chatting with their fit expert about my size, body concerns and style preferences, off she went to select 3 great pairs of jeans for me to try.  To tell you the truth, I had no idea that Lee had so many styles, colors and shapes to choose from. I was excited to learn that Lee has a selection of colored cropped jeans that can substitute nicely for petite sized jeans.  I tried on an adorable pair in gray but they were not as flattering as the great dark wash boot cut denim that I ultimately fell in love with.  I love the way they give me lift in the back and a nice smoothing effect in my middle area.  They lay just below the natural waistline so there is no worry of bending or stretching and exposing parts that are meant to be covered.  I also tried a great pair of cuffed cropped jeans that also look fun and fashionable for the spring and I am definitely planning to go online to treat myself to a pair of those as well.  When was the last time you tried on Lee jeans?  Ladies - you have no idea what you are missing if you have not.  Definitely make it a point to check out some of their great styles online or in store next time you are shopping.  (I found that Kohls has  a really nice selection.)  Be sure to take advantage of these extra savings when shopping at Lee.com.  Simply use code MIXER10 now through 5/13/13 to score an extra 10% off the current discounts and get free shipping!

    

During the event, Lands End held a presentation featuring their 2013 swimwear collection.  Let me tell you - Lands End is the place to shop for beach wear this year.  In this year's collection, you will find pieces to "shape and enhance" and make you feel beautiful no matter what your size or shape.  In their collection, you will find everything from tummy firming panels to tankinis with ruching to help camouflage a middle, adjustable tops, swim tees, swim skirts in varying lengths, bikinis - you name it - they have it covered.  They even have a special line of bathing suits made for women who have had a mastectomy. Lands End truly is committed to creating suits made to make ALL women look and feel their best.  If you are one of those persons guilty of wearing your cover up everywhere you go, hide no more!  Head over to LandsEnd.com or your local Sears store (where you can try them on) to see all of the wonderful options this swimsuit line has to offer.  You can mix and match colors and styles in countless ways to create a look that you truly will love.  And be sure to check out the kids collections too!  I have owned several for my children and they always last through the summer and beyond.

As we are thinking about summer and swimsuits, skincare should also come to mind.  It is never too early to start stocking up on sunscreen.  I love that Neutrogena is dermatologist recommended and has a great line of products to suit our family's needs.  Sun protection is not only important for health and well being, it is necessary to keep you and your family safe and happy while enjoying the summer fun.  Nothing stops you in your tracks like a bad sunburn.  My husband had a scare last year with a small skin cancer on his face.  You can be certain that sunscreen is at the top of our priority list.  We not only use it in the summer, we use it year round (especially on our faces).  Be sure to check out Neutogena's line of products and add some to your shopping list!

Clean & Clear is another skin care product that is fabulous for keeping skin looking and feeling its best.  (I especially love their face washes). We had the opportunity to check out the latest in their skincare line at the event.  Clean & Clear is a great resource for parents and teens with questions concerning skin care.

With all of this talk about looking an feeling good, QVC and Send the Trend were on hand with tons of drool worthy accessories to make your spring wardrobe pop!  My mother-in-law may well be QVC's biggest fan - and she always looks like a million bucks thanks to their amazing collections, so I was excited to check out the fun jewelry, handbags and blazers on hand.  Pops of color seem to be the trend this year - with lots of bright corals and royal blues stealing the show.  How fun is this bold blue statement necklace I had a chance to try? 
    

 

 

 

 

In the spirit of getting ready to sport this spring and summer's swimsuits and great fitting jeans, I have been working hard to exercise several times a week and watch what I am eating.  While at the mixer, I learned all about Koru - a creamy, heavenly delicious new yoghurt (yes - yoghurt with a "h").  Sweetened with honey and sugar and naturally delicious fruit, you will not find any hidden artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives in this delicious, creamery style yoghurt.  It comes in five awesome flavors - strawberry & goji, passion fruit, mango, peach, and pomegranate & cherry.  I had the opportunity to sample some at the event and I must say - it is heavenly.  I will certainly be stocking these in the fridge for my kids as well. 

 

 

 

McDonald's was on hand to introduce us to its newest addition, the McWrap.  Not to be confused with the McDonald's snack wrap, the McWrap is a full sized wrap - perfect for a quick on the go meal.  The McWraps are made with your choice of crispy or grilled chicken breast and crisp fresh vegetables rolled and served in a warm tortilla. McWraps come in three delicious flavors - Chicken and Bacon, Sweet Chili Chicken and Chicken and Ranch.

 

 

 

 

 

My last stop at the event included a visit with the lovely ladies at the Johnson & Johnson table, where I had the chance to create a special card for a new Mom in my life.  For every card that was made during the event, Johnson & Johnson donated $1 to Save the Children.  The event raised over $500 for this worthy cause!  How awesome is that?

 

 

 

Another charitable cause on hand was Alex's Lemonade Stand.  Dedicated in its fight to end childhood cancer, Alex's Lemonade was passing out lemonade and information to raise awareness about childhood cancer one cup at a time.  How can you help?  Support a local lemonade stand or hold one of your own.  More information about this foundation and how you can make a difference can be found HERE.

 

All of the attendees went home with these amazing Lands End Canvas Tote Bags full of goodies as well as a great pair of Lee Jeans! 

 

  

 

Needless to say, I had a wonderful time mingling with some amazing brands and spending a fun filled morning with my favorite blogger friends.  Many thanks to Colleen and Whitney for organizing this lovely event and inviting me to be a part of their special day.

 

Disclosure: I received a swag bag for attending the Mom Mixer event.  I received no further compensation.  Opinions, as always, are my own.