::Review:: Limited Edition PPB Boxy Backpacks at Nordstrom

I am not familiar with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  Obviously if I had a Nordie's card, I'd be in so much more trouble than I already am.  Several mamas on the Petunia Mama's page were able to get an appointment to sneak peek at the Petunia Pickle Bottom boxy backpacks that are specially designed for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  I think this might be a once a year deal and when they are out, they are out.  The best part about these LE bags is the price.  You only pay $99+tax during the pre-sale or sale, instead of the regular $167+tax! A delicious Petunia Boxy for $99 is a steal, and think about it...no one else will have it since it's only exclusively sold at Nordie's!

There are three patterns, but I only saw two at the store.   

Meander in Marseilles

To me one looks similar to that of the India Ink color scheme but the pattern is almost the same as the Strolling in Salzburg. 

  Wandering Through Wales

The other one's pattern is close to that of Rhone Blooms and the color scheme is the same as Misty Shanghai. I definitely drooled. 

Thanks to my dear Petunia Mama Jill who first shared the stock photos on the Nordstrom Anniversary Catalog!! 

::Review:: India Ink Touring Tote

How many of you need a purse that can serve as a beautiful diaper bag? My first Petunia was indeed a touring tote ( Morning in Mumbai to be exact!). It was love at first sight. Being my first Petunia, its vibrant color scheme just blew me away the day I received it...Of course and every time I get the " That's a diaper bag???!!!" scream from a random stranger or a coworker.

The touring totes can be quite lovable and useful! I find the long messenger strap to be extremely comfortable on my shoulder and only use the short hobo strap when it's hung on a stroller. There's really no need to switch the straps back and forth though as the long messenger is adjustable. Did I mention it hangs on the stroller? A set of well made Petunia valet clips are included in every touring tote! If you are like me who carries a 18oz. Kleen Kanteen bottle, you'd be so happy that it fits in the bottle holders.  One holder for the sippy, and the other for the mommy who gets real thirsty after chasing the toddler around.

As my Petunia fever burst this Spring, I crazily searched for the classic pattern- India Ink. I fell in love with the clutch and once realized the touring tote was discounted and hard to find... man! That definitely put me on an urge to located one. Petunia is a collectible brand, have you realized?

To top its functionality, the India ink Touring Tote is now the home of my new iPad. I think they are love at first sight as well :) Steve Jobs cannot compete with THAT! (let alone they don't even produce enough iPad cases for all the iPads they manufacture?)

To buy one: Madison and Friends 

::Sale:: Surprise Two Day Sale 6/29-6/30!

When: 6/29-6/30 9PST/12EST

What: Touring Totes, 

Sojourn Slings, 

Boxy Backpacks, 

Sightseer Carriers, 

Layette Gift Sets,  

Cross Town Clutches

Where: Petunia Outlet

Who: US Residents (Sorry Sarah! I know it sucks they don't ship to Canada!)

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Many new or die hard Petunia fans have been dying for another outlet sale.  Last night around 9pm EST, Petunia announced the news that makes every PPB mama do the happy dance! It's the 2 Day Surprise Outlet Sale!!!

The first detail I searched for was WHAT was going to be included in the sale.  Now, I don't see CAKE and I am just a little down about that.  Don't get me wrong, all PPB products are gorgeous, but it's just that CAKE who always gets me.  

This is definitely a perfect opportunity for any PPB fan to stock up on bags to give out at baby showers or add on to the existing collections.  I'd say you can never go wrong with the touring totes and the boxy backpacks.  Touring totes can be used as diaper bags or purses and the boxy backpacks are roomy enough for a long day out or if you have two kids' worth of stuff.  (Or if you tend to over pack like I do) 

Have fun mama's! 

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Oh I really can't believe there really IS some CAKE to make my drool.  Too bad the only carryall included in the outlet sale is the Mocha Berry Cream Cake...not really my kind of cake, but good deal at $209! If you want a cake carryall, try Polka Dot Panda, they still have some Pistachio Layer Cake Carryalls left.  Not at $209 but not the original $349 either! 

How much can a Cosmopolitan Carryall hold?

It is very likely for someone who's never seen the Petunia Pickle Bottom Cosmopolitan Carryall in person mistaken it as a beautiful purse that "is not" very functional. If you do get one because you have this exceptional taste...I assure you someone might stop you somewhere and compliment on that gorgeous thing on your shoulder and as you start telling her what your baby's name is, she actually meant, no! that "other" baby on your "other" shoulder.  Ha, I know that is enough to make you blush.  You love the attention your CAKE brings you, but you often wonder if it's stealing the spotlight off of your charming little princess wooing away in the Bugaboo. 

A lot of times, beauty and functionality don't go hand-in-hand.  Yet recent years, lots of talented baby product designers have turned the baby retail world upside down and inside out.  Has Petunia Pickle Bottom done her homework? Oh yeah, since like a decade ago! Although the Cake collection has just made its appearance in recent years, the cosmopolitan carryall has become fashionable moms who don't want to give up function an easy way out.  We no longer have to pay top $ for a Burberry diaper bag that, well, breaks your arm and bank. 

Here is how Petunia present it:

Vintage style meets current-day functionality for the sophisticated mom on the go! This doctor style bag is done in aster pink and chocolate European cut velvet with coordinating aster pink wool tweed and aster pink lining. Versatile bag features detachable padded shoulder straps and a detachable messenger-style strap. Additional features include zippered changing station with plush pad and wipes case, interior key clip, two interior and two exterior bottle pockets, exterior cell phone pocket, and three internal and three external pockets.

These photos will wow you..see just how much you are able to fit in this baby!

The key clip is a life saver and all the pockets keep you organized!

As you can see...I was able to fit 2 wide-neck bottles plus all the other essentials!

One of my favorites - 2 back pockets

This is where I keep my hand lotion, lip balm, and iPhone.

::Review::Red Velvet Cake Cosmopolitan Carryall

Yes, another cake.  I do realize how many reviews I have done on Cake, but I just can't help it.  Now you already know its functionality, I want you to focus on the true unresistingly delicious color palate on each one of them.

Why red? So bald and unmistakably sexy! I'd guess most moms dream about going back to their childless era and rock their Gucci bags down the street in skinny jeans and high heels once awhile.  It is not impossible, but we as mothers sacrifice fashion for function and sometimes we no longer accessorize to impress.  If a diaper bag has got all the pockets, diapers are refilled, wipes are in place, snacks are within reach, change of clothes are packed...and with that unbeatable smile on our angel's face, it brings the greatest feeling in the world.  But don't stop right there, you no longer have to substitute Vintage Chanel for Winnie the Pooh, Petunia has baked you a beautiful and functional cake that carries all the necessities above and make you feel confident and gorgeous again!

  

Many of my non-mommy friends always question my expenses on diaper bags (just PPB to be exact) because they believe it's just a bag that holds "dirty" baby stuff and gets poop on.  Wait, no! My PPB has always stayed put on the stroller handle or on a clean surface.  My husband even appreciates how well made and lovely these babies are, he looks over at me to receive instructions on where to place it in public.  And to add to it, you never plop any purse down on a floor! No matter how much it costs.  The germs attached to the bottom of the bag just won't cut it for your family's health.

  

Now many of you already know the Red Velvet Cake is the limited edition... It will be gone before you know it so order yours while you still can! 

::Review::Scout Rubicon Rucksack

What could be a better gift to a dad who appreciates fashion and quality time spent with his baby?
A Petunia Pickle Bottom Scout Rubicon Rucksack.

I never paid much attention to PPB's daddy bags until I have collected 'enough' PPB for myself and still had the shop-holism in me that screams 'MORE' and that's when I looked into the hippest daddy bag on the diaper bag market.

Before Emily was born, I searched high and low for a daddy bag that my husband would use, something that is not pink.  I got him a backpack made by Pottery Barn Kids and had his initials monogrammed in the center.  That backpack was actually spacious, comfy to wear and very versatile, just what a dad needs.  Back then, when I was so frustrated with my ever so annoying diaper bags, I would even borrow his and just pretended function is all that matters.  For $35.00, that was worth every penny. (I apologize I have not one clear photo of that poor bag...I also just realized I never used to take profile pictures of bags or people's backs...)

Now of course when a PPB mom is born, so is a PPB dad, right? The Scout collection was very refreshing yet confusing to me.  I did not understand the difference between the journey pack and the Rubicon Rucksack.  But to sum up, the journey pack is a smaller diaper bag than the rubicon rucksack.  The Rubicon Rucksack converts into a laptop bag in just a few unsnaps and snaps.  If you are looking for something for your man to use for work and baby, the Rubicon Rucksack is the way to go.

How functional? It comes with the matching leather valet clips! How luxurious! It's made way better than the $19.00 valet clips we buy to go with the boxy backpack.  It works the same way, just velcro, clip, and go! If not using the stroller, my husband prefers wearing it across the body messenger style, way cool!  The strap is adjustable, too!

How spacious? We are having a newborn arriving in July, so bottles, wipes, diapers pockets are must haves.  Just like the boxies, it's got 4 bottle pockets that'd fit wide neck bottles or sippy cups. Each pocket is huge, even a 100-count Costco wipes fit in it without being snug.  Most pockets for utensils on the go, bibs, a cell phone holder, and plenty of space left for board books or toys.

Now I just have to convince my husband to wear it to work and not worry so much about ruin it.  He loves it tremendously he keeps it in the dust bag and only uses it on the weekend.  It's his special treat,  he says. :)

::Giveaway:: Shopper Tote

WoW! How I have enjoyed reading all your creative entries. 

I definitely think you all should be part of the Petunia bags naming team!

I am happy to announce the winner for the shopper tote is.......

The Schoonvelds!!

Please message me via Facebook with your address and the shopper tote will be on its way!

Congratulations!!!

Thanks everyone for participating!

Want a shopper tote for your next trip to the grocery store? Wanna be Green and stay Fabulous?

This could be yours!

Comment below with the most creative pattern name for a PPB.

A winner will be chosen randomly by random.org.

Deadline to enter is noon EST on May 6, 2010!

If you are not a follower yet, you MUST become one to leave a comment. 

Only one comment per follower counts. 

No peeking!

(Did I tell you how much I love you Petunia Mama's?)

::Deal:: Heirloom Boxy Backpack $159.59 shipped! - Dead

This deal is Dead! Hopefully some of you were able to grab one!

Are you holding off not getting this limited edition Heirloom Backpack? I was searching for a pair of nice maternity skinny jeans online today and saw this baby for $167.00! What's even better? Use coupon code new2due and you will get an extra 10% off.  The total comes down to only $159.59 shipped!

(original $210.00)

Not too shabby...I can say!

Score the Deal!

::Giveaway:: $25 Sephora Gift Card

Congratulations to Lindsey Viscarra! 

Please inbox me your mailing address so the gift card can be on its way! 

Thanks everyone for your continued support. :) 

What: Sephora $25 Giftcard
How: (1) Just by becoming a blog follower, you will be entered for a drawing of one Sephora $25 giftcard.
         (2) For an even better chance of winning, become a fan on Petunia Mama's Facebook fanpage, and
         you will be entered twice!
When: When we reach 50 blog followers!

::Review:: Limited Edition - Red Velvet Cake Society Satchel

The most important thing about a CAKE is that it's baked by Petunia. 

Have you ever had a red velvet cake? 

Did it remind you of old time charm? 

Walking along the street of Shanghai

And you may find a piece of wooden dragon poking his head out...

When antique meets modern,

The most important thing about a CAKE is that it's baked by Petunia. 

 (stay tuned...)

::update:: 4.17.2010

If there was such a thing as a southern red velvet cake that was served at grandma's house last Sunday, and the dreamy taste reminds you of your long gone childhood...there is one purse that will store the good times so they will never fade.  

It's the Red Velvet Cake by Petunia Pickle Bottom. 

The Red Velvet Cake was released in fall 2009, when I was still unsure if I was fancy enough for one.  Old times.  With the holidays approaching in the fall/winter season, it did make sense to have that red on your shoulder to your holiday parties and things...but when it comes to spring and summer?  Most of us worry the red would store the heat somehow and not be able to sustain the cool.  I thought that would be the case, but I tried on several outfits to see how I was going to deliver the ordeal, the red actually just  popped on my shoulder like a blossom and with the photo-shoot outside all morning, the velvet just felt the same as my other CAKEs, but the intensified and gorgeous color will sure make EVERYONE on the street....drool! 

If you love the attention and can't get enough of CAKE, this is yours.  With its vintage assembly and modern take, you will not go wrong with a pair of skinny jeans or a little fancy black bubble dress.  

And yes, I can't wait to put on my pre-pregnancy skinny jeans...soon! 

My sweet PPB mama's red velvet and her sweet pea! (Thanks Cathy!!)

Petunia Pickle Bottom Red Velvet Cake Society Satchel as shown - (MSRP $325) 

Also available in Cosmopolitan Carryall (MSRP $349) and Cameo Clutch (MSRP $135)

Special thanks to my husband who spent his Saturday morning logging five diaper bags, a stroller, a toddler, and trying to please a prego moody woman who takes every shot very seriously with a very serious face. 

Thanks to Jennifer S. who lent me the CAKE! :) 

::Review:: Black Licorice Pudding Cake Society Satchel

Do you want a piece of me? 

Hi, my name is Black Licorice Pudding Cake, and I am delish as you know it! 

After a long(but awesome) Spring Break, I came home from my first day back of work of 12 hours to my newly arrived CAKE. Well, not one but two.  (You will get to read more about the Red Velvet Cake Society Satchel later.) 

Now if you already own a society satchel or a cake, you already know how luxurious the velvet reaches through your skin with every touch.  If you don't, just imagine the taste of the richest and softest mousse cake you ever tasted.  Okay, if you have never tasted a cake like that, go pet your puppy.  If your puppy is short haired, I beg you please go get yourself a cake from Petunia.  Problem solved!

                      

So, in case you forgot...the midnight blackberry society satchel and carryall were both sold out FAST last season.  (My friend Brianna is one of the few and lucky owners) I don't know why anyone would even be unsure about this drop-dead-gorgeous classic pattern?! My other friend Chelsea is a smart lady who hopped on the Black Licorice CAKE train a month ago and is so in love with it.  I totally get it now, Chelsea.  It is more beautiful in person than a plain stock photo on the computer screen.  

                                

                                 

And because my husband had to watch Emily while I was at the class tonight, he then had to study as soon as I got home.  I wouldn't dare ask him to take photos of me posing with the bag.  Actually I did, then I shivered after one cold reply.  (No, he is a really awesome Dad who is now doing the dishes and off to walk the dogs downstairs.) 

And therefore, I took one photo of myself, you know the ones of yourself taking it from the mirror? 

                                                   

I can already tell this CAKE will pair perfectly with ANYTHING.  

I cannot wait to wear skinny jeans with it after Sophie's arrival.  But for now, isn't it just as flattering with my maternity dress?

::Review:: Tea on the Thames Crosstown Clutch

The highly anticipated, newly designed convertible strap fro the crosstown clutches were finally released in Spring 2010! I had the opporunity to try out the Tea on the Thames yesterday when I specially had it ship to my in-laws' house for my spring break. (Thanks Denise!)

I was worried the strap would seem awkward since I couldn't see how the convertible strap looks when it's adjusted to be a shoulder strap on any of the stock photos. Of course the first thing I did when I took the out this gorgeous bag out of the plastic bag( how I love the petunia pickle bottom plastic bag,too!), I yanked out the tags, uncliped the wrist strap, clipped it to the end, placed it on my shoulder, ta-da!! Way better than the past season clutches, the strap isn't too thin so it doesn't cut into your shoulder even when it's filled up. Remember that feeling when you couldn't decide whether you should keep the clutch danglling and dragging your wrist down or keep it under the stroller or hold it under your arm but it's really bulky? Now all these problems are solved! It's a pocketbook by Petunia and it's goooorgeous all over again! Its function is making it more worthwhile and you can't keep it off of your shoulder!

It's a must have for PPB mommies, period. Pick your favorite clutch from the spring collection or move it up your mommy's day wish list, maybe alongside that cake you still wanted.

You.Will.Love.

Here is my mother-in-law posting for me!

She wants one for Mother's Day, she said.