Dog lovers are known to be the most kind hearted people in the world, so it comes as no surprise that Delaina instantly lights up at the sight of puppies. I don’t just say this because she is mine, but this child in all her glory exudes nothing but sweetness and love. She melts my heart on a daily basis.

But you know what else she’s started doing on a daily basis that does not melt my heart? Rallying for a dog.

Dogs have become all she talks about lately. Every once in a while Ryan jumps on the puppy-bandwagon too, but Laina is for sure the leader of this campaign- and the girl is good.

She has tried the straight-shooter approach, but after being denied for the 5th time she quickly learned she was going to have to be more creative and subtle about it- like when she threw a ball past her Go-Go-My Walkin’ Pup and yelled “FETCH!”. Go-Go did not obey, and she dramatically sighed with obvious disappointment.

Then there was the puppy-picnic….

And the puppy princess birthday party…

Unfortunately, for my kind hearted little girl- if there has ever been one rule her parents have always wholeheartedly agreed on, it is that this Complicated Chateau nestled away here in the middle of suburbia, is a DOG-FREE-ZONE.

It’s not that we don’t like dogs, per-say. I mean, everyone knows that only the cruelest of people utter the words “I don’t like dogs”, we just…. don’t like dogs… in our home.

Dogs in many ways are more high maintenance than kids– the wee wee pad training, the “puppy teething” gnawing on furniture, the walking in the dead of winter, the impossible task of trying to vacation and line up a dog-sitter…. OR the fortune you have to pay to put them in “doggy daycare” to go on vacation. The list goes on.

But campaigning efforts here in the house are really starting to pull on the heartstrings. I’ve found myself considering little “purse dogs”.

Couldn’t she just want a baby sister or brother?

Must. Stay. Strong. 

Then this morning I woke up to this scene–

Argh! FINE  {Waving my white flag}  I give in.

The little doggy on the end there?

I’ll take her.

Have your kids ever tried to guilt you into getting a pet? Did you give in?

When it comes to personal style, I have to admit I am pretty non-committal.

After the RBaby Gala, Mom Trends did a style round and asked me “Who is your personal style icon?”.  It was a tough question for me because besides the fact that I’ve never really thought about it, I feel like my style is kind of all over the place.

You know who else is non-committal in their style? Nicole Richie.

Just a few years ago, it may have sounded “cray” to use Nicole Richie and style icon in the same sentence, but she’s come a long way from her Simple Life days. Today Nicole’s style is sometimes boho, sometimes trendy, sometimes sophisticated- but always effortless looking. She launched an accessory line, House Of Harlow 1960 and a clothing line Winter Kate  that both reflect her many looks– and if I’m being completely honest? Those headpieces she’s rocking lately totally grew on me.

The Basic Rules To Nicole Richie’s Style:

1- Maxi dresses  & shift dresses are a must and can be worn just about anywhere. Dress them up or dress them down. Try a maxi dress flowy and kimono like or form fitting.

2- Own a great boyfriend blazer to make casual looks more business sophisticated.

3.- Get creative with your hair. Try crown braids, side french braids and use a sea salt spray for effortless looking beach waves.

4- Play with Prints. Floral, tribal and animal print are all part of Nicole Richie style. Don’t be afraid to try them all-  just not all at the same time.

5- Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Nicole’s clothing is always simple, but her accessories are always a statement. Floppy hats, headpieces, big sunglasses, chunky rings, layered bracelets and necklaces are all part of Nicole Richie style.

Last weekend we had some downtime so I decided to go pick up some magazines to peruse. I typically do most of my browsing online, so every once in a while a nice glossy mag is a nice change of pace.

While I was flipping through, dog-earring and circling the stuff that I saw and liked, James jokingly said to me “Oh, I’m sorry- are you busy pinning?”

… and you know what, I totally was. Not online, but still mentally marking the things I loved and wanted to share.

I don’t know what it is, but no matter if its online or offline- there is just something about putting your  stamp on things you dream of having that gives you a rush. It *almost* fulfills the urge to run out and get it.

Today, I came across this hilarious video about “PINSANITY” and it made me laugh.

Are you addicted to Pinterest or making wish lists from magazines? 

Shopping for my daughter is easy! My son on the other hand, is always a challenge.

It just always seems like a lot of the same. Moms of boys- you know what I’m talking about.

This week Old Navy has 15% off kids clothes [enter code: OnSave15] …  and they have some really cute selections for boys this summer. With a little mix, match and layering these items can definitely liven a little man’s wardrobe.

Below ware some pairings that I’m looking at for my son this summer.

Ryan LOVES those ($8) slip on shoes. We bought a pair from Old Navy last year that he wore out and we recently bought 3 more pair. He likes them because they’re easy on- easy off , but I love them because contrary to what most men believe- sneakers DO NOT look good with everything. The slip ons are a fun alternative for boys.

With the 15% off coupon code, all of the above pairings I put together with 1 pair of those awesome kicks shoes- total up to just 97.89!  …  and shipping is free!

Old Navy also has a lot of great graphic t’s for boys to show off their latest obsessions.

These boys beach-ready sets that I put together are an average of $32 (board shorts, graphic tee and flip flops) I’m debating between the Marvel set on the left and the Diary Of a Wimpy Kid set on the right… decisions, decisions.

Last week, I shared the very real and scary statistic that only 6% of our countries emergency rooms are equipped for babies and children, how my local emergency room is one of them and how the RBaby Foundation is working hard to change things for the future of our children.

This past week, RBaby celebrated 5 years of  improving pediatric emergency care and saving babies lives. The charity gala was held at The Plaza hotel in NYC and I was honored to be in attendance, supporting this extremely important cause.

The venue was gorgeous and it was a full house!

In addition to live and silent auctions, a giving tree set was up in the back of the ballroom offering wine tastings and selling bottles for the charity.

Julia Beck, whom helped introduce me to RBaby was  awarded the RBaby Champion Award for all the hard work she has done over the years with this amazing foundation.

I’m a sucker for baby pictures, and Julia was one adorable baby – wasn’t she?

My friends and I, who were all there as RBaby Moms, enjoyed a night of getting glammed up– which we don’t often- or ever- get to do together.

It was a night that wont soon be forgotten.

At the gala, Rbaby shared even more shocking statistics I wanted to pass along-

• 75% of all infant deaths in emergency situations can be prevented with proper child/infant equipement and training
• Pediatric Emergency doctors who specialize in PED ER receive 6x’s the training in pediatric care than what the average ER doctor is required
• 90% of parents are not aware their hospitals may not be equipped for pediatric emergencies

90% ! Up until a few months ago, I was part of that number. It’s so important that parents are made aware of this issue.

So PLEASE continue to share the RBaby petition. We are our children’s #1 advocates and they deserve the best medical attention possible.