When my kids were younger, I often had to choose my clothes carefully, going only for the more practical outfits. I had to think about whether my buttons would pop open when I was struggling to carry the child, or if my pants would split if I bent over to pick up a toy, you know, stuff like that.

I often chose soft comfortable fabrics with lots of room for movement. These would’ve been some of my choices back then.

Center Gathered Top - The gentle gathers of this Modal jersey gives a busy mom lots of room for movement. The not-too-low neckline and not-too-short batwing sleeves offer just the right amount of coverage.

Penelope Palazzo Pants - Every mom should have a couple of pairs of these in her wardrobe. Simplistically elegant in design, these Palazzo pants are tailored to skim effortlessly over your curves. Instead of buttons or zippers which tend to create unsightly bulges, it has a wide elastic waistband, which together with the wide legs make for a super comfortable fit for active days out with the family.

Miami Wrap Dress - Don’t you just love the bold print on this summery wrap dress? The contrasting black banding along the neckline, 3/4 length sleeves oand princess seams on the front and back creates a wonderfully slimming effect. Wear this on a date with Hubs and have him swoon over twice .

You can find lots of very nice designs plus save 20% off everything at Kiyonna Clothing. Just enter the coupon code - fireworks09 - when you check out with your order. Offer ends July 8, 2009.

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I recently bought a new handbag but if I’d seen this stylish Cristina Maria bag earlier, I’d have bought this instead. I love the boldness of fuchsia.

If you’re looking for a new bag, you can save $7 off this latest Cristina Maria bag by using the coupon code - cmaria7 - during checkout. Offer ends July 15, 2009.

Ooh, that’s a lot of F’s in the post title . But yes, if you still haven’t figured out what to give dear old Dad, why not get him a pair of these? After all, it is summer.

flip flops, blue/green argyle

There’s a Flip Flop Sale going on at Little Miss Matched for three days only where you can save 50% off all flip-flops. Simply enter the coupon code - flops50 - at checkout. Sale is on from June 18 - 20, 2009.

And okay, I have to throw these 3 single socks in because I personally love pairing and wearing unmatched items. There’re just too cool .

I’m just thinking, wouldn’t it be neat if you could have Dad and Mom wear couple T-shirts on Father’s Day? Parents are often so busy with work and family that they barely have the time to do the things they used to do before the kids came along. So getting them to dress in couple shirts would be a really nice touch.

Ultra Love Couple T-Shirts

Let Our Love Grow Couple T-Shirts

Aw, won’t Dad and Mom look cute in these couple T-shirts? I bet they’ll be thrilled to be reliving their romantic dating days again. These couple t-shirts are sold in pairs and made of 100% premium cotton which are softer and lighter for more comfort. Couple mugs, couple bedding and other great couple gifts are available at BoldLoft. They make meaningful couple gifts for anniversaries, weddings or any other romantic events.

Going to the beach but frankly, who wants to be seen in last summer’s swimwear? Not when this cute little number is now so affordable.

Deux FM Lulu String Bikini $96 $68

With this bikini, you’re not only saving money, you’re saving the Earth. Made of recycled soy linen and an organic cotton blend with a small amount of spandex for fit, it’s cute, comfortable and durable for all summer outdoor activities. You get a free eco-friendly bikini pouch with your bikini purchase.

Azuri Ombre Organic Cotton Sarong $225 $49

This 100% organic cotton sarong is perfect for a day at the beach. You can tie it as the waist for the longer, more elegant look, or just under the armpits for a shorter, more sexy look. You can adapt this sarong any number of ways - wear it as a scarf, with a crop top or even use it as a blanket cover for the baby when you travel.

There’s 50 vivid colors to choose from, yes, and they’re all so pretty. Like Hip2bDad says, if you can’t decide, just take all the colors ! Definitely music to my ears! Now go visit Nimli’s Winter Final Sale for 70-75% discounts on a whole host of items for women, kids and babies, and also for your home before they’re all sold out.

Admittedly I love fashion accessories. I have an entire collection sitting in stacks of drawers on my dressing table. Isn’t this just the most gorgeous cuff that I found?

Nugaard Designs Golden Grass Drop On Gold Plated Cuff

The delicate Golden Grass drop featured on a cuff is made from a rare grass that’s grown in certain areas of Brazil. The strands of grass are bound together to create a shiny look.

Hand made in Brazil, this classy accessory is eco-friendly as well. The thing that surprised me is that this piece looks like a million bucks but it’s very affordable. I found this at Nimli and I wouldn’t mind having it in my collection .

Although I’m a bit of a bag freak here, for some strange reason, I’ve never owned a straw bag. I see them and I go wow but I’m not sure I’ve ever stopped long enough to buy one for myself. Maybe it’s just not the kind of bag you bring to Corporate Tower so I guess that’s why I’ve always stuck with black leather bag after black leather bag.

But hey, I’m no longer a prisoner in Corporate Tower. I’m free as a bird and I sure can have a Straw Studios Handbag Anabella Swirl Tote if I want to. And in turquoise too, so sue me!

This tote boasts a wheatstraw braid with cotton lining inside and a snap closure bordered with very pretty swirls all round. The double handles are long enough to comfortably sling the shoulder. Mother’s Day is indeed barely a week away and counting… and if someone reads my mind and gets one of these for a present, I’m laughing .

These hot days we’re having reminded me of the Lekue Combination Ice Cube Trays that I bought for my kids years ago when they were little. They’re made of flexible rubber and can be used for making ice cubes or gelatin.

They make very pretty ice cubes for kiddy parties. I’ve used them at my kids’ birthday parties and loaned the trays out to friends for their kids’ parties as well . These ice cubes never fail to elicit excited oohs from the kids.

Online you can easily order them from LaPrima Shops®. LaPrima also specializes in bakeware, kitchenware and tableware. You save $5 instantly on purchases of $50 and over simply by using the coupon code - save5 - upon checkout. Offer ends May 14, 2009. Also enjoy free shipping on orders of $99 and above within the US.