Where It's All At: Mom Fuse

So one day I'm tweeting away on www.twitter.com and happen upon a tweet from the owner/creator of www.momfuse.com looking for someone to review their site. Having only quickly scanned the site in the past, I decided it looked interesting enough to take on the task of writing a review. After "researching" the site for a few weeks, a/k/a perusing all its helpful, informative features, I must say that this is one of the best sites for Moms that I have seen on the web. Their tagline is "for moms. by moms." and they couldn't have described their site any better. Moms everywhere will find useful information on everything from recipes to crafting to beauty tips. I will opine briefly on some of my favorite categories the site has to offer, but this list is in no way meant to be exhaustive as this site offers ALOT! And I do mean ALOT!

1. "Fab Finds." The title says it all! The site's 'mommy' reviewers search out some of the best deals out there on the hottest fashions, nursery decor and gifts, and electronics, just to name a few. I think it's safe to say that if it's fab, they'll find it!

2. "Recalls." This feature lists recently recalled items due to safety concerns. Contact information for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and, in some instances details on a specific store, are also listed. Check out this page before purchasing that toy your little one's been asking for.

3. "Featured Recipes." As a mom, I'm always on the lookout for new recipes that hold my kids' interest at mealtime. Here you will find everything from quick-fix suppers to decadent desserts to holiday-specific treats. At the time of this post, Easy Mochaccino Cupcakes adorn the home page and were looking so yummy I was almost tempted to lick my monitor. Almost. :)

4. "Reviews." I don't know how they did it, but Mom Fuse found some of the best mommy reviewers around. These incredible ladies review a vast array of products such as books, clothing, toys, and video games. I found the reviews to be helpful and informative....these mommies definitely know what they're talking about!

5. "Just For Kids." This is a really fun feature for the little ones. There's crafts and recipes that will turn any youngster into a budding artist or chef. I even found a great article on this page on organic food choices for baby and toddler from Plum Organics.

6. "Pregnancy." OK, I have no intention of getting pregnant again ever, but if I did, this is one page I'd put at the top of my bookmarked list. Geared toward pampering the mom-to-be, this feature's only writer (as far as I can tell), Nicole Ibarrando, offers up some innovative finds. My favorite: Utterly Yours Pregnancy Pillow. If only I had known about this pillow when I was pregnant!

7. "Beauty." I'm sure any Mom would agree, it's a little hard to feel even remotely beautiful when there's a glob of baby spit-up in your hair or a toddler's chocolate handprint on your cheek. The writers at Mom Fuse found some lovely little products to help keep you looking and feeling beautiful while enduring the messes that go along with having little ones.

I have only touched on the many wonderful features this site has to offer Moms. There's also contests and tips on money and parenting. There's even a spot for mompreneuers to promote their business, and Mom Fuse has advertising opportunities which are an inexpensive way to get your business seen by a vast audience (the site receives 600-1000 visitors per day and averages 6000+ unique visitors per month).

You really need to see for yourself why this is the only site you'll ever need when looking for mom-related resources. I could sing the praises of Mom Fuse all day long for a week straight. Seriously, the site is that good.

Discover This: "Beautifully Wrapped" ~ Cecile's Chenilles

The next featured artist in the Discover This series is Cecilia Brown of Cecile's Chenilles. Cecilia spent twenty years making props and working the "Art Department" of the film business. Unable to keep her hands still after retiring, she went back to painting and crafts. Fortunately for us, those busy hands have created some of the most beautiful shawls around!

One of her (and my) favorite products are these silk/cotton/blend shawls which Cecilia makes by hand, and it's apparent she has plenty of fun choosing just the right fabrics and colors. You won't be disappointed with the workmanship, or the prices, either. If you're looking for that really outstanding gift or need a wedding or special occasion wrap, then look no further than Cecile's Chenilles. These 70"-80" long shawls are gorgeous and finely sewn. Each features silky or glass bead fringe.

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This beauty offers deliciously creamy chiffon checks on one side and crisp white cotton on the other. Great for a wedding, formal event, or prom, this shawl would beautifully compliment an outfit of pure white, cream, or pale pastel. Each end has intricate machine made crochet with long fringe. The fabrics are cotton, polyester, silk and cotton crochet.

White and Cream Chiffon with Crochet and Lace Shawl

The olive green paisley side of this 80" shawl is 100% silk. The other is a combination of fine cotton with a rayon leaf print insert. Gorgeous 6" silky trim in black. Cecilia says this shawl is "great for redheads and anybody else who loves those warm earthy greens." Measures about 18" wide.

Olive Green and Black Silk/Rayon Shawl

Last, but by no means least, is this stunning shawl featuring an overall red tiny-flowered pattern on front and back in vintage chiffon. This shawl is quite wide. It can be folded in half lengthwise (as can any of Cecilia's shawls) to make a narrow wrap across the back, then drape and let it open out at the hems. Bright red and silky fringe completes this wrap. Cecilia says this shawl is "more fun than elegant."

Red Millefleur Chiffon Shawl with Red Fringe

For more information, including pricing, on these and all of Cecilia's beautifully handcrafted shawls, please visit her online shop at http://silverstuff182.etsy.com.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Cecilia for allowing me to showcase her luxurious shawls.