It is tough to feel cute while pregnant. At least, for me it is. So it was fun to try maternity clothes from Kiki's Fashions. They feature trendy yet comfortable clothes - no peter pan collars here! I got to try a dress that looked really stylish and fun even though I'm only just beginning to move out of my regular clothes. It was also light-weight, which was nice in the Southern California heat.
The clothes are comfortable and, just as important, affordable. I'm not a huge fan of spending tons of money on clothes I'll only wear for six months, so it's nice to find fashions that won't break the bank. They even have shirts for under $10! Kiki's Fashions is currently offering MWS readers a 20 percent coupon using code MWS20.
Fall is one of my favorite times of year - school starts, leaves change, and although days are still warm, early mornings and nights acquire a crispness that create the perfect excuse for warm cocoa, crackling fires and soup. Fall is also an ideal time to head out to the great outdoors. Though camping with kids isn't always easy, seeing my little ones have hours of fun with sticks, rocks and dirt and gain wide-eyed awe at discovering bird's nests, ladybug hideouts and curious squirrels always makes me glad that my husband and I braved the adventure. We recently returned from an annual trip to Yosemite with two new additions to our kid camping gear - the Little Dipper sleeping bag by Kelty and the PeaPod by Kidco.
With two kids under 3, traveling has often meant lugging two pack-n-plays, much to my husband's packing dismay. So he was thrilled when we decided to move our oldest son into a bed and subsequently, into a sleeping bag for our camping trip. Be warned about sleeping bag shopping - there are really two classes of kid sleeping bags out there: novelty bags that often include the latest superhero or Disney star but offer about as much warmth as a sweatshirt laid over you - perfect for living room campouts; and sleeping bags for "real"camping that are warm (often rated to 30º or below), practical (pack down small and lightweight), but are still kid-friendly in terms of design. We went with the Little Dipper by Kelty and were undoubtedly impressed. I wasn't sure how the mummy-bag design would go over, but it ended up being an asset since my son could nuzzle his head into the top of the bag to help stay warm and it kept him from inching his way out of the bag. Other features we liked? Easy to use zippers, compact and lightweight to pack, gender-neutral design, a built-in pillow pocket and a fleece-lined stuff sack that can be used as a pillow. At 60" long, I know my 2+yr. old has many warm camping nights ahead of him in this bag. Buy it here for under $50 or check out Kelty's other offerings - the Little Creek and Eclipse Junior.
My 9-month old is still in a crib so a sleeping bag wasn't going to cut it as substitute, but my husband was eager to go pack-n-play-less on this trip. Enter the PeaPod by Kidco. The PeaPod is pretty much a pop up mini-tent that can be used anywhere from camping to the beach to grandma's house. It's designed like one of those car sunshades so that it folds up into this smallish circle and then pops open, fully assembled when you need it. Even before I had actually used it, I fell in love with it for this design. No assembly, no break down and storage requires less space than a pizza box. Kidco offers a number of designs and sizes that you can see here. I went with the bigger PeaPod Plus (52" long) and got to try out their new design which includes a self-inflate mattress instead of their original models which require you use the included hand pump. The PeaPod has side vent for air circulation and a "sleeping pad" which I never quite figured out. Perfect for safe, playtime or a cozy nap, you can zip just the screen closed for air flow and visibility or zip the entire "door" shut to help your little camper catch some Zzzz's. Whether you are traveling across the mountains or just across the street, if you're tired of lugging a pack-n-play around with you, I highly recommend a PeaPod for its ease of use, convenience and portability. Buy the new PeaPod with self-inflate mattress here.
This review is long overdue. Probably because I've been having so much fun trying out author Abby Pecoriello's crafts that finding the time to actually sit down and review it would take away from my crafting time. Really.
When I first recieved my copy of Crafty Mama Makes 49 Fast, Fabulous, Foolproof (Baby & Toddler) Projects I read it cover to cover. Immediately inspired because even the non-crafty mom could actually see herself doing these projects. Everything was completely spelled out. Don't know what "decoupage" is? Tie-Dye? Or how to do them? That's okay, because you'll learn the basics, and learn how to do these basics in a pretty crafty manner.
You'll sense a bit of humor in the writing; its not written as literature. The instructions, and cute stories, inspirations and quotes, that go along with them are written as if in conversation over crafting and coffee. And Crafty Mama Abby Pecoriello is one of the funniest people I've ever known. That's right, known. You see, I grew up with this author. A natural leader, Abby never seemed to have troubles inspiring, encouraging and cheering on her friends.
Its important to know this because if you are at all hesitant about buying a crafting book that preaches how to make pretties, don't hesitate with this one. Once Abby, a TV producer and writer whose credits include The Little Einsteins, became a mommy, she, as many of us, needed something to do, so she started a Mom's Group: Crafty Mamas at a JCC in NY. Quickly, Crafty Mama's began booking up, again and again. Likely because Crafty Mamas' crafts were crafts to be done by the not-necessarily crafty. No background required. Crafty Mamas were moms like you, me, and your down-the-street-neighbor. And the crafts were simple enough, inexpensive enough, and practical enough to allow for fun while crafting.
Finally, Abby pulled together her favorite projects and released them all into her book. The perfect accompaniment to form a new mom's group, or take along to your next playgroup. Or you can do as I do, and craft with your preschoolers. Many of these crafts are that simple. And, let me tell you, once you finish a project, everyone will be shocked to learn you did it.
Fleurville Changing Kit Goes Everywhere You Need It
Three cheers for Fleurville for making a water-resistant, well organized and compact changing kit, the Re-Run Mod Pod . I can toss this kit into my pool bag or car trunk without any hesitation whatsoever. I am loving the design, which is earth friendly to boot – made with their signature “re run” fabrics (my changing kid saved 3 bottles from a landfill) and their Green Lam PVC free fabrics.
The kit is attractive enough to carry on it’s own, either as a clutch or handbag/mini messenger with the included strap. Unfold it and you are treated to a laminated changing surface alongside a triplet of compartments (two mesh, one fabric) that hold all your changing essentials. Depending on how you position the bag the compartments can sit be on the right or the left hand side of the baby, making this the perfect choice for both righties and lefties. The outside has a handy zippered compartment where I can stick a little cash and my pool card or other essentials.
I’m loving this little kit for beach and pool but when we finally accept that summer is over I am sure I will find a hundred other ways to use it. Hang it on a stroller for a quick park trip, toss it in the glove compartment for changes on the go, or just keep it loaded to make switching between purses and diaper bags a breeze. Any way you use it, a kit like this is a definite mommy must have and a thoughtful shower gift for any mom to be. Purchase yours at Fleurville's webstore.
MamaOm is an online boutique I can really get behind. They provide eco-friendly products, donate 5% of their profits to organizations that look after the environment, and are a mommy and me boutique dedicated to the bond between mother and daughter.
MamaOm’s products are comfortable, functional, and fashionable. One perfect example is the Victoria shoes. They are so cute, made of canvas with durable rubber soles, and come in several adorable styles and in many colors.
MamaOm is currently offering Mommies With Style readers a 15% discount. Use code MWS15. MamaOm also offers free shipping with all orders over $100.
Grab your High School Musical tickets before the premiere at Movietickets.com. Just enter the Zip Code or city/state where you're tweeny-bopper will be viewing the show, and you can reserve your tickets early AND receive a free download of "Can I Have This Dance" from the HSM3 soundtrack.
Do you dread taking your messy eater to a restaurant?
My 15 month-old son is always a mess when eating. And when we take him out, it is almost embarrassing. Between the amount of food (and other items) all over the floor and the condition of the high-chair and the table, it's generally easier just to stay home.
But in a quest to make dining-out more pleasurable and clean, I recently tried an innovative product called the Neatnik Saucer. This portable, convenient product fits into standard high-chair seats and extends the dining surface space for your baby diner. This provides your child with a clean, safe eating/playing area and helps prevent toys, food, and other items from hitting the floor.
The Neatnik Saucer is also extremely portable, collapsing into a 12" x 12" carrying pouch. Hand-made of oil cloth and nylon, they are easily cleaned with baby wipes or soap and water. Check out the online demo to see how you open and close your Neatnik Saucer.
If you buy any Neatnik Saucer along with a Neatnik Napsak, you will receive 50% off the price of the Neatnik Napsak. Use code MWS to take advantage of this offer!
This October, whether walking the 3-day or celebrating Halloween, do something special with your photos. Use Sarahbear's pre-decorated scrapbooked tin to remember that cute costume or the completion of your walk.
What I love about these tins is that the kids can handle them. I'm not worried about pages ripping or embellishments falling off. And all I had to do is add pictures. They also make great gift card holders. Fill a holiday one with pictures of the kids, place a gift card inside and you're all set with a fantastic family gift. (Click here to see a video of a completed tin. Very creative!)
Sarahbear's hand-made photo tins are created for all of life's special moments, so start your collection. 20% of SarahBear Hope Tin sales are donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation, to help fight cancer and fund further research of this devastating disease.
Mention that you heard about the tins here on MWS, and Sarah will create your tins to include 11 photos, rather than the usual 9. To order a special theme like the Hope tins or Halloween, send an e-mail.
And as a side note, each card fits a picture around 2"x3". Mommy with Style Amy recently shared with me that you can bring your SD card to any Kodak kiosk and print pictures 4-up on a 4x6, thereby paying only a quarter of what I would pay for each picture on a 4x6. I used the option today at CVS, and last week at SAMS Club.
I've already proclaimed my love of Zoobie Pets. These clever stuffed animals are the perfect travel companion, serving as a pal, a pillow and holding inside, a super snuggly blanket. No surprise that all of my children have a Zoobie that they won't leave home without. All except the baby that is. Up until recently he was on Zoobie hold, waiting to grow into the pet we had selected for him. At only six months of age he is somewhat small for a full sized stuffed animal and requires a much smaller blanket.
The geniuses behind Zoobie pets must have heard his impatient cries because they have just created a Baby sized Zoobie pet that is, to use the words of Goldilocks, "Just Right" for little ones.
Our baby could not be happier. He's on the road the most of all of our kids, napping in the carpool line and snoozing while cruising the grocery aisles. Now he doesn't have to snooze alone. He has a fabulous Baby Elephant Zoobie to keep him company and ensure that he stays comfy. I can't think of a better baby present for a family on the go!
Just had to share that some of my kids favorite "action figures" are now available in more teams. Available at Kaskey Kids, you'll now find hot collegiate football teams including Penn State, UGA and Florida. See if your Alma Matter is available.
I don't know how long this sale will last, but today I was tooling around Amazon and this caught my eye. I had to post because I think this is one of the best products I've ever reviewed from a practicality standpoint and the sale price is awesome. We have two Aerobed for Kids - one at my parents house in Florida, and one here at home.
Both of them get tons of use from us and friends. It's just a terrific product for traveling with kids. The Aerobed inflats and the sides are slightly raised - helpful for toddlers and new to "bed sleeping" preschoolers who may normally sleep with bed rails - the raised sides help discourage rolling out.
Anyway, it's normally $100 and they have it on sale for 50% off Amazon at the time of this review - it's selling for $50. It also ships for free. Check it out, it comes wtih a cover, a bag and an electric pump (my kids get a kick out of sitting on it and "riding" it up as it inflates!)
Treat yourself with some body care from Bella il Fiore
I'm not typically one to "ooh" and "ahh" over skincare products. But these products from Bella il Fiore definitely gained some of my attention when they came. In fact, a friend was over when they arrived, and I made her smell them several times (to the point of possible annoyance). But I really couldn't get over how wonderfully amazing the Honeysuckle Grapefruit Whipped Body Crème smelled.
It now sits in my office and I've already screwed the top off twice while writing this review, just to get another whiff and put more on my hands. I'm not exaggerating, this stuff is delish -- and of course, it moisturizes well too.
Use coupon code BELLA for 25% off your order of anything on the Bella il Fiore website.
Plaja Pet Minis: Opening minds to a plentitude of activity
Here's why my boys like their new Mini Plaja Pets: "They're magnetic and they have magnets in them." They've taken their set of magnetic switcharoo plush animals and made games of them.
Each animal (we have 6) are sectioned in 3 pieces: body, head and tail. And for a lot of kids, the fun is in switching head and tails to make a new creature, like a tiger-pig-rhino. For some added fun, I created games with them, like putting all the pieces in a pile and calling out 3 animals, challenging the kids to create the new creature.
But my boys have taken Mini Plaja Pets one step further. They attached the adorable body parts to the fridge and every other magnetic surface in my house. (good thing they're cute). Today, they're creating a target and tossing the magnetic tails, a la magnetic darts.
Get a laugh trying out Plaja Pets with your kids at the Plaja Pet website.
Use code SWT10SALE for 10% off everything at Small World Toys. Free shipping on all purchases totaling over $100. (For the little ones, check out First Friends by Tolo--a great little teething toy that grows into a playtime character.
Here's another ingenious product I picked up recently at the ABC Kids show. The Banana Brush!
I was on the monorail back to the hotel, talking to another show attendee, and noticed her seven month old baby contentedly chewing on what looked like a little rubber banana. I asked her about it and she told me the kid had been knawing on the banana all day. "You just have to talk to these people!" she told me.
The next morning I made a beeline to their booth and picked up one for my own teething baby to try. I'm so glad I went back. What is hard to see in a picture is how soft and flexible this product is.
We all know how teething babies like to knaw. And if you have ever brushed the gums of a teething baby, using a finger cap brush or toddler tooth brush, you know how much the baby loves that pressure, and will chomp down on the brush. Beware the chomp if you use the finger cap style! Ordinary toothbrushes, while soothing, can be dangerous to let the baby hold. The banana brush, however, is safe for baby. It is so soft and flexible that you don't have to worry about them injuring themselves.
The Banana brush is latex free and non allergenic. It can be washed in the dishwasher and is a great way to get baby started brushing those first teeth. It can also be refrigerated and used as a cooling teether.
Finally (honestly I never thought I would say this about a toothbrush) the Banana Brush is adorable! If you have a little teething monkey like mine, you will love this product!
2 year anniversary sale (and coupon) at Vincent Shoes
In celebration of their two year anniversary, Vincent Shoes has issued the following coupon code:
Use coupon code ANNI2008 during checkout for 25% OFF on all purchases – including all new Vincent fall and winter ’08 styles – through this Sunday, September 28, 2008.
Amazing, beautiful handmade gifts and accessories (this is one to bookmark!)
I was recently looking online for a new handmade memo board to match my son's room. I stumbled upon With Love, Jen Warren, an incredible site of gorgeous items made by Jen herself. Jen's items, made with distressed paint, designer fabrics, ribbons, and more, are incredibly detail-oriented and are very stylish.
There are a variety of products available, including picture frames, fabric-covered photo albums and mini-brag book albums, night-lights, wall art, and more. All of her products are hand-made and customized for you, so you can choose any of the stylish fabric options.
Some of my favorite items that Jen makes are:
- Diaper and Wipes cases (both for travel and for tabletop). These diaper pouches and wipes cases are beautiful, made extremely well, and look great in your diaper bag or in your nursery. This makes a fabulous gift, too!
- Jen's photo albums are classic and beautiful. Just look at that picture! I could eat all of those albums up! They are rich looking, they feel nice and padded and again are finished beautifully. You can tell they are made so well. I love that Jen is able to make albums for older boys that are fun and stylish without being too babyish (using vintage sports fabrics paired with brown or dark blue)
- Gift sets -- if you are looking for a special and unique gift for a new baby, big brother/sister or for a birthday, Jen's gift sets are to die for. Any gift recipient would be thrilled to receive any of these fabulous sets.
Over the past (almost) 5 years I have written many reviews for Mommies with Style, With Love, Jen Warren is definitely one of my favorites and will be receiving a coveted "bookmark" so I can come back whenever I need a gift.
And best of all? Use code MWS20 to receive 20% off your entire order, good for an entire year! Shop away ladies! (I am going to go shop now and to order my memo board!!)
Love the color pink?? We sure do!! 2 Sweet Girls In Pink is an online boutique. Our boutique carries everything your little girl needs to be accessorized with from Bugalug Barrettes & Headbands, Ribbies Clippies, Nix Socks, Little Twig, M2MG Bows, Seasonal Bows, Tote Bags, Doll Slings, Birthday Invitations, BreeBands, Crochet Ribbon Hats, Deux Par Deux, Wet Sacks, Tutus to Babylegs.
This is your one stop shop!! Every purchase and newsletter sign up during the month of September is entered into our monthly giveaway, a set of Trick or Treat hair clips from Details Inc.
Enter coupon code MWS20 to receive 20% off entire order.
When I picked up a sample of these utterly adorable Bottle Pets at the ABC Kids Show a couple of weeks ago, I thought that they would be something that might appeal to my six month old.
I had no idea that my three other kids, aged 4,8, and 12 would be so gaga over them. It took them all of ten seconds to figure out that their Sigg bottles fit perfectly into the Bottle Pets. Suddenly their water bottles were the talk of their schools. I started fielding calls from parents left and right. Where did I get that adorable water bottle for my daughter. What other animals could they get?
So yes, Bottle Pets are a great accessory for babies. They help keep bottles cool/warm, make them soft and snuggly and easy for a baby to grip. They are washable and infant friendly. They are utterly adorable. If only my infant could get his hands on his!
Bottle Pets fit most styles of baby bottles, sippy cups without handles and yes, Sigg-style water bottles as well. Buy yours online at Uncommon Goods.
There's a new fad taking over our neighborhood as the kids head back to school . Shains bracelets. Made from recycled/recyclable material, these unisex bracelets come with jibbitz-like letter/symbol "element" kits that let you personalize them and create whatever message you wish to share with the world. Their motto is "say it, wear it, mean it"
I can always tell when something like this is going to take off. Because my kids ask me for one and I find myself buying three. I stash them away, because I am a mom after all and this gluttony can seem unseemly but I, ummm they, gotta have them!
Let's face it, old fashioned friendship bracelets are so yesterday. They take forever to make, and get all grungy in a single mudpie moment. Those of us who flunked Knotting 101 have friends too. We want to share our uniqueness and creativity with the world! And now we can. On a more sober note, these are a great way to make a fun "allergy alert" bracelet, or put your cell phone number somewhere on your kid that will be easy to find, while still fashion forward.
Shains are a great gift or party favor for kids aged 4 and up, either gender. They also make great gifts for fun loving Moms and Dads (hint hint). They are quite affordable with "element" packs starting at $1 and bracelet kits for $9 and up. 10% of the profits of every bracelet sold go to environmental charities. Buy yours at Shainsware.
Here's one of my favorite new finds: Dipped in Dots. It takes all the work out of scrapbooking for you, but you're still left with a GORGEOUS and totally professional scrapbook. "No way", right?
Way. So totally way. Order a themed book and you'll receive a beautiful scrapbook, already made and awaiting your photos. There's absolutely no need for you to embellish, match patterns, stress over cutting and deciding what looks right. Because everything is done, embellished, matching, cut.
But there's more. A Dipped in Dots scrapbook includes everything you'll need to attach your photos and make your journals and notations perfect. Inside my package (I have the School Years album in Paisley) was a CD with templates (so all I have to do is fill in the blanks on my computer, answering who his teacher is, friends' names, favorite movie, number of teeth lost that year, etc.) extra, coordinating paper for journaling (if I choose to take the time to use it), suggestions for how to lay out my pages, even adhesives. Dipped in Dots is taking the brain work out, putting the beauty in, and making scrapbooking a fun, easy and rewarding experience, that you can seriously do for about an hour each year! (The School Years one offers a spread per year, thus the hour per year.)
Its an investment at $150. But the hours you're sparing of your work time, your materials cost, and your sanity (yes, I've been known to stress out thinking of catching up on scrapping). That's priceless. So, use code MWS15 to save $15 when you make your purchase.
Fisher Price's Zen Collection High Chair: Bring the Elegance Back to your Home
Before we had kids, my husband and I had a tastefully decorated apartment. Fast forward 4 years and two children later. With all the toys and gear strewn about, the look is just not classy anymore. However, Fisher-Price's Zen Collection High Chair (MSRP $200) is bringing some of that elegance back (with a much-needed side of tranquility).
This high chair is a marriage of practical AND chic. Parents are going to love the functional features -- such as one-handed tray removal, a dishwasher safe tray insert, 5 point seat harness, 3 position recline, 3 adjustable height positions, and easily wipe-able and cushy seat pads. The design is terrific, with the olive green seat with brown swirls, with a chocolate suede head pillow and removable ecru seat pad. The wood accents, a great touch, actually matched the trim on our table and chairs.The seat was easy to clean. Both the pillow and pads are machine washable (which came in handy since my daughter is a very messy eater).
It was easy to put this high chair together. Use the included Allen wrench - you won't need anything else. The legs of the high chair flare out on all sides and gives it a hip look. You can easily move the high chair (and lock it) with the casters and fold it up when its not in use. Now if my children would just behave a little more harmoniously...
Daddy's Diaper Scrunchie, for the Daddy who "doesn't carry"
Even if I had a totally guy-ish camo bag, my husband would not be keen on carrying a bag. So on quick trips I'd often find him tossing a diaper and sometimes a wipes case in the car and just going. This disorganization drove both of us crazy. So, I drove over to Walmart to get a case of large rubber bands.
Now there's a better option than rubber bands. Daddy's Diaper Scrunchie is available in 12 fabrics, some of them even Daddish. They're also great for a minimalist mom who just wants to toss the wipes and diaper in a bag or the car. For only $6 each, its worth stocking up on a few for your favorite Dad.
Through the end of September, all orders are shipped free.
Man, doesn't it seem like they always come out with the good products once you're beyond a stage? I shouldn't complain too much, we've been very happy with our Svan High Chair for my toddler.
And now Svan is selling another great high chair - the Anka. It has the same sleek, modern design that the original Svan chair has.
Other points to love about this chair:
The seat is machine washable - EASY machine washable (not one of these high chair covers it takes you a year to take off and then get back on)
The tray is dishwasher safe. (And the plastic cover is Phthalate-Free and BPA Free)
This high chair converts to a booster for your toddler
It's lighweight
It folds up for storage and for easy transport
It comes in several wood stains so you can choose one to match your kitchen - honey, espresso, natural. (You can pick your cushion color too.)
The price point on the Anka is a little easier on the wallet than the Svan Chair - $179.95 retail for the Anka; $259 for the Svan Chair. (The reason being that the Anka is for babies and toddlers, the Svan goes from infant up to adult; it converts.)
Order the Anka off the Anka Baby Store website and receive free shipping (anything over $59 ships for free)
I love the idea of the This is Me Journal. Its a record book all about the author by the author. The spiral bound book hosts 94 pages to record his thoughts, his favorites and his illustrations.
About half the book has writing and picture prompts such as "Once upon a time...", "My Nightmares. Sometimes I have bad dreams about:", and "I feel Proud: This year I learned how to:". The other half offers spaces for "More thoughts and drawings" offering the freedom for kids to express themselves.
So, my original thought was that this book would be great for kids who are writing on their own, so school age kids, along the lines of 6-10 years old. But when I was looking through their site, I realized just what a wonderful thing it would be to do this journal with your child. Journaling together opens the door for conversation, reflection and insight. It gives parent and child opportunities to learn together about each other and to explore common and not-so-common interests.
Buy your own copy of This is Me, a Kid's First Keepsake Journal. And when you purchase 2 or more, you'll receive free shipping. After they placing your order, e-mail sales@thisismejournal.com and say you saw This is Me on MWS. the shipping costs will be refunded.
With the start of the new school year, I have been into “organize everything” mode lately! I love when things are easy to find and I don’t have to scramble for hours looking for the receipt that I need for a return or the important flyer from my daughter’s school or the invitation to a birthday party to check the time! It makes it easier for me to know that I have everything centrally located in one place (and it’s not one huge pile) in my beautiful Origami Lane File Tote! It has 8 interior dividers and comes with 16 adhesive labels to make organizing easy. The tote is extremely durable and is easy to transport thanks to the small size, hard shell, elastic closure and unique carrying handle.
Also available are matching file folders, which allow you to easily be able to pull out what is in each section from the File Tote. They come with 20 adhesive labels and in a set of 8 with 2 each of the 4 complementary designs. There are many gorgeous patterns to choose from that coordinate with a large selection of other office products as well.
Get organized now, before you get overwhelmed with countless piles surrounding you!
"Sweet" designs, amazing fabrics, and beautiful gifts
I can't get enough of gorgeous, extremely soft blankets, bibs, and other gear for my kids. Add personalization to the mix, and I am beyond thrilled! And I found all of this, and more, at Candy Jam Boutique.
This hip site uses chic, amazingly-soft designer fabrics to hand-make bibs, blankets, onsies, and more. All of the items are custom created for your order, tested by tots with your child's safety in mind.
My son Jonah and I got to try out this fantastic giraffe-print blanket (above). It is super-soft and comfy, warm and large enough to cover both of us while lying together. My son loves it so much he takes it into his crib with him every night. And I love the fact that the print isn't so babyish, it can grow with him.
The "Me and My Minky" are wonderful gift sets for a new baby. An adorable personalized onsie with a soft minky blanket in a perfect tote-around size make a sweet gift.
New toy release for the holiday season: Morgan's Mine Adventure
Thomas fans will love the latest release from the Learning Curve - Morgan's Mine Adventure. It's a Take Along Thomas product with 35 pieces, tons of lights and sounds to drive Mom nuts!
Seriously, it's a cute little product that's definitely entertaining for Thomas & Friends fans. The entire thing is portable, it includes several die-cast trains and over eleven feet of track. It retails for $39.99.
Hey Mommies - have you taken a look at our Fall Shopping Guide? There are tons of great ways to spend your hard-earned dollars on here, because you just know you're going to shop. And you might as well spend at least a little less of those hard earned dollars than you would normally with the coupon codes we have listed for you to take advantage of. Some of the coupons you'll find include:
It is tough to feel cute while pregnant. At least, for me it is. So it was fun to try maternity clothes from Kiki's Fashions. They feature trendy yet comfortable clothes - no peter pan collars here! I got to try a dress that looked really stylish and fun even though I'm only just beginning to move out of my regular clothes. It was also light-weight, which was nice in the Southern California heat.
My 9-month old is still in a crib so a sleeping bag wasn't going to cut it as substitute, but my husband was eager to go pack-n-play-less on this trip. Enter the PeaPod by Kidco. The PeaPod is pretty much a pop up mini-tent that can be used anywhere from camping to the beach to grandma's house. It's designed like one of those car sunshades so that it folds up into this smallish circle and then pops open, fully assembled when you need it. Even before I had actually used it, I fell in love with it for this design. No assembly, no break down and storage requires less space than a pizza box. Kidco offers a number of designs and sizes that you can see 
This review is long overdue. Probably because I've been having so much fun trying out author Abby Pecoriello's crafts that finding the time to actually sit down and review it would take away from my crafting time. Really.
My 15 month-old son is always a mess when eating. And when we take him out, it is almost embarrassing. Between the amount of food (and other items) all over the floor and the condition of the high-chair and the table, it's generally easier just to stay home.
What I love about these tins is that the kids can handle them. I'm not worried about pages ripping or embellishments falling off. And all I had to do is add pictures. They also make great gift card holders. Fill a holiday one with pictures of the kids, place a gift card inside and you're all set with a fantastic family gift. (Click 
I've already proclaimed my love of
Our baby could not be happier. He's on the road the most of all of our kids, napping in the carpool line and snoozing while cruising the grocery aisles. Now he doesn't have to snooze alone. He has a fabulous Baby Elephant Zoobie to keep him company and ensure that he stays comfy. I can't think of a better baby present for a family on the go!
Just had to share that some of my kids favorite "action figures" are now available in more teams. Available at Kaskey Kids, you'll now find hot collegiate football teams including Penn State, UGA and Florida. See if your Alma Matter is 
Here's why my boys like their new 
Here's another ingenious product I picked up recently at the ABC Kids show.
I was recently looking online for a new handmade memo board to match my son's room. I stumbled upon
When I picked up a sample of these utterly adorable
There's a new fad taking over our neighborhood as the kids head back to school . 
Here's one of my favorite new finds: 
Even if I had a totally guy-ish camo bag, my husband would not be keen on carrying a bag. So on quick trips I'd often find him tossing a diaper and sometimes a wipes case in the car and just going. This disorganization drove both of us crazy. So, I drove over to Walmart to get a case of large rubber bands.
I love the idea of the 
With the start of the new school year, I have been into “organize everything” mode lately! I love when things are easy to find and I don’t have to scramble for hours looking for the receipt that I need for a return or the important flyer from my daughter’s school or the invitation to a birthday party to check the time! It makes it easier for me to know that I have everything centrally located in one place (and it’s not one huge pile) in my beautiful 
I can't get enough of gorgeous, extremely soft blankets, bibs, and other gear for my kids. Add personalization to the mix, and I am beyond thrilled! And I found all of this, and more, at 
The 