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 .

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.

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.

I want a new handbag! No, make that, I need a new handbag! Okay, so I’m not much of an animal lover especially when it comes to something that makes that sss-sound. But this Jessica Simpson Python Boulevard Shopper bag does look kinda cool, don’t you think?

Thank god it’s made of high quality synthetic leather and not real snake skin so no slimy, slinky animals (eww!) were harmed in the making of this here bag!

Oh, did I mention Baghaus is having their Easter Sale right now with 7 newly-added styles to choose from? Yeah, man, go get the details now. You won’t be sorry but you’ll need to get there quick, sale ends April 12. 2009.

Do you have a kiddy birthday coming up? When my kids were younger, there was never a shortage of birthdays to organize and attend.

I notice kids love pinatas and always have such a lot of fun with it. Imagine if you had this Disney Princess Pinata at your little girl’s birthday party!

There’s also a matching Disney Princess Ultimate Box which makes it very convenient for a princess-themed birthday party, don’t you think?

For the boys, this Cars - The Movie pinata would be perfect.

Again if you’re planning a car-themed party, you can grab the Disney’s Cars Ultimate Birthday Box with everything you’ll need for the party including tableware, decorations, birthday candles and fun items for the little guests.

March is Pinata Month at Birthday in a Box and you can save 10% off all pinatas. Offer ends March 31, 2009 so start planning away !

I don’t have a laptop carrying case because my laptop stays home all the time and hardly goes anywhere with me, the poor thing! But if I did have one, it would be this Line Flower Lap Top Case. Cute, huh?

I like the bright colors and the fact that it doesn’t look like the regular black laptop bag which are the favorite targets of laptop thieves. If you have a teen going to college, this is perfect - as a gift or for practical purposes. Yes, too many laptop thieves hanging around college so this bag is a great disguise.

Not only that, it has plenty of space inside for chucking all sorts of extras so you don’t have to carry a separate bag for your junk. It’s fully padded and comes with an adjustable shoulder strap.

If you’re a mom with young kids, this Paris Diaper Bag would be perfect for you. Being that it’s a black and white as opposed to a childish motif, you can easily disguise the fact that you’re carrying a boring old diaper bag.

This bag comes with a full set of matching accessories including an oversized PVC-lined changing pad, super cute pacifier holder and an extra storage bag just in case. I promise you will look ever the stylish mommy with this bag.

You can find lots of great-looking bags in gorgeous designs at 10% off at Room It Up’s outlet sale right now. Just remember to use the coupon code - OUTLET10OFF- when you check out. Offer expires March 15, 2009 so go check them out.