News from BelleRinger PR

FASHION 911 The countdown has started; in exactly 18 days I'm leaving for my first trip to New York City. Needless to say, my wardrobe (which consists mainly of jeans, t-shirts and sweats) needs a major overhaul. Thank goodness for my fellow bloggers! First item on the list - the perfect bag. I found inspiration at The Bag Snob - thank you ladies! For the best help in shoe shopping go to Haute Momma Stuff . The ladies find hot styles in prices to fit every pocketbook. And a huge thanks to The Daily Obsession for endless advice and resources.

SHAMELESS (?) PROMOTION Just wanted to tell you a little bit about BelleRinger PR's newest client, Nubius Organics . It's the site to visit to pick up a new SIGG bottle from their extensive selection, find an eco-friendly gift bag from B.HappyBags and darling stuffed toys to put in it . I fell for the onesies in the picture on the left. They're silk-screened with Sweet Pea, Perfect Peach, and Apple of My Eye. Designed by Elizabeth, the site owner, they're 100% organic cotton, printed with soy-based ink, and made in the U.S. Talk about all the right stuff! And only $34.75 for the set of three.

THE EASTER DRESS Ever since I can remember the women in my family have marked the beginning of Spring with 'The Easter Dress'. Shopping for the dress, buying the dress, wearing the dress - these were all important rituals us. The dress had to meet certain criteria: a style and color the elderly ladies would approve of, dressy enough to be worn to Easter Sunday church service and any wedding we may be invited to that spring or summer and detailed with little flowers, lace, and a sash or bow. Finding a dress that fit all these criteria was always a challenge. As I grew older I rebelled against the little flowers and lace but I still like bows and sashes. (They're good for hiding figure flaws.) I started shopping this morning and found a few options. This Shelli Segal wrap dress is a beautiful blue - and has the requisite bow. I found it at Nordstrom for a very affordable $195. I also found this dress by Pow Wow . I like the criss-cross bodice - it draws the eyes up from m...

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK Being health conscious and globally aware is part of California’s culture; it only seems right that eco-friendly clothing cost proportionally as much as Bay Area gasoline. But of the ways available to protect our environment, I think ‘green’ fashion is probably the most fun and versatile. We’ve already embraced organically-grown and pesticide-free foods; now it’s time to do the same with our threads! I’ve been looking at ‘green’ fashion; unfortunately the cost of the clothing makes it unattainable for some of us. BTC Elements has amazing styles but $79.00 for a pair of shorts ? It makes more sense for me to buy recycled clothes from thrift stores. Another way to recycle! Great Green Goods features incredibly funky recycled home decor made from materials ranging from used Mardi Gras beads to old pipes. The inspiration and ability of 'green' artists make for some one-of-a-kind pieces, but again, some the costs aren't friendly to my budget. However th...

THE LOST POST You're looking at a picture of me searching for the post I spent an hour composing. My tears aren't visible from the back but I'm sure you can visualize them. The beautifully written post disappeared when I tried to publish it. Enough said - no more whining from me today. Rather than rewrite the entry I'll just summarize it for you. It was an eloquent piece about some of the excellent blogs I read daily. A shout-out to some great bloggers. So here's an annotated version. I start my day with a cup of coffee and Dooce , Heather Armstrong's ramblings about her interesting life. I then do some virtual browsing at Design*Sponge , Modish and Cuteable . Then I go to A Girl's Gotta Spa , SheFinds and Cool Mom Picks for savvy product reviews. Trust me, readers, the original post was eloquent, humorous and insightful. All things that this one is not. But the blogs I've named are outstanding. The authors are all great writers and creative thinker...

FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP Some ladies in a certain age range find keeping dry a nasty problem. Yes, I'm referring to uncomfortable hot flashes and night sweats. But wildbleu has come to the rescue with sleepwear to keep us dry and comfy. The company's proprietary HRT fabric wicks moisture - it draws it away from the body -and feels like the soft cotton we love to sleep in. The jammies are cute - lots of fun styles and comforting colors. And the company also makes sheets. Let me know if you've tried wildbleu's sleepwear - I'd love to hear your comments.

ONE FOR ME, ONE FOR YOU Christmas shopping can be such a chore. My rule, established years ago, is for every item I buy for someone else, I buy something for myself. Based on the childhood sharing mantra, 'one for me, one for you.' One example is my husband's pajamas. Last Christmas he told me that he'd like a new set of blue pajamas. Dutiful wife that I am, I went to one of my favorite sites and found the blue PJs for him. I then found the perfect PJs for me. And wouldn't you know, mine came in one of their beautiful organza hatboxes with a Do Not Disturb sign and lavender sachet.

IS THERE A BABY BLOGGER IN YOUR HOUSE? Caleb and Debbie recently launched fadiddle , an online shop for t-shirts and onesies for babies and toddlers. This husband and wife team embroiders and silkscreens their original designs in their home in Oregon state - while trying to keep up with their own little guy. I love the groovy designs - they're neither too cute nor too cool. And the couple will also do custom work! They're currently sewing as the orders come in; I'm sure this situation will change when word gets out about their line. I have only one reservation about fadiddle - the grumpapotamus shirt doesn't come in adult sizes! (Shipping is free through 12/15/06 for orders over $40.)