Happy Halloween, Mommies! I hope you and all your kids have a great and safe time this evening.
So we have another great giveaway beginning today. You can win a pair of fabulous Wonder Hoops Earrings from Lexi Lu when you enter today. To enter, simply subscribe to the Mommies with Style weekly newsletter (if you're already subscribed, then you're already entered!) Everyone on our newsletter list is eligible to win - this contest will end next Friday, November 7th so be sure to subscribe before then!
And check out the gorgeous jewelry to be found on the Lexi Lu site - you may have already spotted some of their jewelry on American Idol's Jordin Sparks', she's a big fan of theirs.
Recent electronic releases for boys and girls from Tomy
Here's a cute holiday gift for the younger Wii users that just released on October 14th.
Penny Racers Party is a racing game (duh) that allows you to customize the car you race with info various officially licensed cars including Honda, Nissan, Mazda and Toyota. And you are literally racing penny racer sized cars.
We had a hard time with it at first - the menu posed a challenge for us, but only because it uses some different buttons than we're used to. (If you check this game out - everything's with the 1 and 2 remote button). Once we were in, the racing portion's really easy. Of course I have to compare this to Mario Kart since we play that so often - I think this game is easier (once you're at the actual race). It doesn't really let you lose or go too slowly, so I think it's a fun and good one for the younger Wii players.
Not to belabor the point (get it? be-labor? Anyway..), but I'm always happy to wear cute maternity clothes that indicate that I am, in fact, preggo, and not just chubby. That's why I'm having so much fun wearing my new Tummy T.
I can't tell you how many people smile when they see me in this shirt, although my daughter thinks my baby-to-be actually looks like this and will be very disappointed to learn that newborns aren't nearly as cute!
Tummy Ts are 100 percent cotton and incredibly soft; they are meant to feel like you're wearing a much hipper version of your hubby's old tee shirt. They come in tanks, tees and thermals so there's one for every season.
The designs are a lot of fun, infusing pop culture into fashion. Whosur Daddy is in the style of a Sugar Daddy candy. Gonna Pop looks like a Charms Blowpop.
And for you tech savvy mommies out there, you can tell everyone how many babies you have in your inbox.
MWS readers use code 10MWS for 10 percent off your purchase until Nov. 27.
I had the opportunity at the recent Mom2B show in Los Angeles to sample some of the products from The Spoiled Mama and The Spoiled Baby . They are skin products made from all natural, organic ingredients. You could eat this stuff - not that you would, but it's nice to know.
There is a wide array or lotions, creams, oils and even tea to choose from, whether you need some help for your itchy preggo tummy or some soothing wash for your baby's skin.
One cool product they offer is Nipstick. It's perfect for those early days of nursing when your nipples can get cracked. No more squeezing the greasy stuff out of a tube. The Nipstick is self-contained in a push-up tube so your fingers don't touch it. It melts on contact and, like all their products, is all-natural. It's also perfect for diaper rash or for wherever your dry skin needs a little protection.
I have tried the Mojito Mama Sugar Scrub. Not only is the scent incredibly refreshing - so yummy it's to die for! - but it makes my skin super-soft. I've also used the Tummy Butter to moisturize my growing belly.
You can also use Bump Gloss to help protect your skin against stretch marks.
I am looking forward to using these products for Baby #3 when he arrives. No Nuts About It Rump Gloss is perfect for my allergic family, as it is nut-free yet still is full of organic oils, such as apricot.
It's nice to know I'm putting nothing but nature on my Spoiled Baby!
MWS readers can enter MWS08 to receive 10 percent off their purchase.
Its not easy to sit upright, patiently in a shopping cart when you're only 8 months old. Here's a gorgeous and cleanly cover to keep baby seated and patient a bit longer. The Luxe Clean Shopper by Babe Ease is made of minky fabric, turning a shopping seat into a soft, comfortable place for baby to sit.
Snuggle baby in the soft seat cover and worry-less about baby rolling onto the hard metal of the shopping cart when she loses her balance. Attach one to the top of a high chair at a restaurant to block off those yucky germs and spills all over the seat. Kept packed away in a matching drawstring tote with pockets for keys, your phone or small toys, the shopper has loops for attaching toys, teethers and SippiGrips, as well as a matching baby strap for security.
Sunkist Naturals Sunshine Orange Carrot Juice Serves Up Smiles
My kid, like most, gives me a hard time about eating his vegetables. So, why not drink them? Sunkist Naturals has a new great Sunshine Carrot Juice, which is made up of orange, carrot and apple juices. It's 100% juice, has no added sugar, and uses baby carrots and oranges from California farms. It was a big hit in my household and got the seal of approval from my very picky 3 year old.
I loved that it contained antioxidants, alpha and beta carotene and vitamins A & C. It tasted just like a rich orange juice -- you may not notice the carrot or apple tastes. Sunkist Naturals are available nationwide and come in two sizes -- a 1 liter size (1 quart, 1.8 fluid ounces) and 450 ml (15.2 fluid ounces).
The story of Tinker Bell opens the doors to Pixie Hollow, a secret hideaway deep in the heart of Never Land, where the Disney Fairies make their home and where the Fairies have talents. Each fairy is born with a special talent, whether it’s making flowers grow, giving fireflies their light or tracing beautiful patterns into a winter morning’s frost. Tinker Bell thinks her fairy talent as a “tinker” isn’t as important, because tinkers don’t go to the mainland like the other fairies. But when Tink tries to change who she is, she creates nothing but disaster! With encouragement from her friends she learns that the key to solving her problems is found in her unique abilities and discovers that when you stay true to yourself, magical things can happen.
I’ve watched the movie with my daughter a few times and I actually didn’t mind watching it and she loved it! I have to say the animation in the movie is incredible! Some of the characters seem almost lifelike and the color and picture quality is sharp and quite impressive.
Here are some fairy fun activities to check out: Take this quiz to see which Fairy you or your child is most like or have a blast making Rosetta’s Floral Fun Paper Flowers!
A few weeks ago, we reviewed SippiGrips, a great way to keep bottles, sippys and other toddler faves from falling.
This week, we're giving away 8 SippiGrips to eight lucky Mommies with Style. To enter to win, make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter. Winners will be selected randomly from our newsletter database. Not subscribed? Be sure to click the image at the left.
Tired of picking up after your strolling little one? You can find SippiGrips at Target for $9.99.
Winners will have 24 hours to reply to our e-mail before an alternate is chosen.
Flippee is going to make your life so much easier, and cleaner.
Ask any mom of little boys about how she cleans the bathroom, and she will start to list the tools. There's the toilet cleaner to be sure, but then there is also the wall cleaner, the floor cleaner, the laundering of drapes and towels (if you are foolish enough to leave any of this in firing range). The other day when my son used the bathroom at my parent's house, someone had to accept that they were never going to finish that suduko puzzle in the basket next to the throne. That newspaper took one for the team!
In order to hone their aim, there are any number of commercial "targets" available. Or you can try the old Cheerio trick. "Pee on the Cheerio honey! Atta Boy!".
However, you know what happens the minute the phone or the doorbell rings, or their sibling runs by the bathroom, or they see a fly? That focus is gone and you can get out all your cleaning tools. Again.
Unless you have a Flippee. This clever invention sits unobtrusively on your potty at all times and flips up when your son (or other male inhabitant of your home) uses the toilet. It's essentially a big shield that keeps things contained to the appropriate area. The Flippee pops onto your toilet in seconds, secured by suction cups. We call ours the "Potty Transformer". It reminds my son of his Transformer toys that flip up and down into different configurations. Hey, if calling it a Transformer means less wall scrubbing for me, that's fine! I'm even willing to decorate the outside with stickers! Cleaning the Flippee is far easier than cleaning the whole room. We just keep some antibacterial wipes under the sink for use when needed.
You can check out a demo and order a Flippee on their company website. It's certainly a clever and simple solution to an age old problem!
New from Sentimental Silver: Sparkle Bars, plus a Giveaway for a $75 gift certificate to Sentimental Silver!
Sentimental Silver happens to be one of my favorite lines of personalized jewelry. I think it’s because each piece is one of a kind since it’s created from a pure silver (99.9%) clay and not premade using silver charm blanks. Each pendant is handmade and not stamped, so that no two pendants will be identical in shape and the letters will not be perfectly aligned or spaced. This really adds to the character and uniqueness of their jewelry line and is why I love it so much!
So when they recently introduced a new necklace to their line, I was thrilled to receive one! Sparkle Bars are a fabulous way to showcase both the name and birthstone or favorite color of the ones you love! Each pure silver bar can hold up to eight letters and one gem stone. Stones range in size from 2-3mm and are available in all birthstone colors. My necklace includes two Sparkle Bars with each of my children’s names on them and one pink and one blue stone representing both boy and girl. I would have loved to use their birthstones, but emerald and peridot just wasn’t going to cut it for me since I think they clash when next to each other, let alone the fact that green happens to be my least favorite color. I think it goes back to the fact that I grew up with green carpet in my room and I hated it!!! But enough about that.....
Each necklace includes one Sparkle Bar and chain which you can order in three different lengths, my favorite being the 16”. You can always add additional Sparkle Bars down the line when you have more kids. These necklaces make not only great gifts for yourself, but for your mothers, grandmothers and moms-to-be alike. However you customize Sparkle Bars, you’ll love wearing and cherishing them in style forever!
Sentimental Silver will be giving away a $75 gift certificate to be used on their site. To enter, simply subscribe to our weekly newsletter by subscribing through this link. You'll then be entered to win, plus you'll receive our weekly newsletter - full of deals, coupon codes and review features. If you're already subscribed then you’re all set. This contest will run until November 4th. One winner will be notified and will have 48 hours to claim the prize.
Keep in mind that each piece takes approximately 2-3 weeks to make and longer near the holidays. If you would like one in time for the holidays.....mention this to your loved one that you would like to receive one from in case they are the last minute shopper type! Know anyone like this? I don’t!!!! (yeah right!!)
If you would like to purchase one for yourself and wrap it up from your loved one so they don’t have to do any work (honey - here is the holiday gift you bought me this year - maybe this is a better idea than mentioning to your loved one) then use code MWS at checkout so you can save 20% off!
Wagamama Blankie Ball, Why Didn't I Think of That?
It's a baby blanket. And it's a soft cuddly ball to toss. It should have been obvious, given how we moms are always shoving a balled up blanket into our bags. But leave it to the team at Wagamama baby to have the lightbulb moment of figuring out a way to sew a little stretchy round "case" on the back side of the blanket that allows you to stuff the blanket into it, creating a perfect little playful sphere.
Aside from the fun factor of "Now it's a ball! Now it's a blanket!" this product is practical as well. The case/ball form prevents the blanket from being dragged along and keeps it clean and contained in your bag.
Wagamama's Blankie balls won a prestigious award at the recent ABC trade show. They are available in a variety of fun fabrics.
The following is a paid Advertorial from Darling Mummy:
Isn't it inspiring (and girlie) to "think pink" every October for Breast Cancer Awareness month? Joining in the spirit, Darling Mummy created their fun "One Tough Cookie" design to honor a friend who lost a brave battle to breast cancer.
We love the message and the cause! The tees, baseball caps, and travel tumblers make great girlfriend gifts or a great addition to your carpool casual wardrobe!
10% of all sales from this design are donated to the Komen for a Cure Foundation.
Use coupon code MWS15OFF for 15% off anything (even sale items).
Looking for something a little different than the usual? International Playthings sells a ton of great toy lines, including toys from Tomy. The Tick Tock Answer clock caught my eye as I'm trying to teach my oldest the concept of time (and how to tell time).
We already have the Hide & Squeak Eggs, which have been a long-standing favorite in our house for awhile now - I think the Easter Bunny brought them a few years ago. They are 12 mo.+ but have been played with by all ages in our house.
Anyway, Tomy's been around awhile but it isn't the brand I'd normally pick up and they have a nice collection here. Check out the entire line of Tomy toys available at International Playthings.
If your daughter loves Fancy Nancy books, then she will be thrilled to play the Fancy Nancy Posh Bedroom Game! Each player receives a room board that has overlays which flip down to redecorate Fancy Nancy’s bedroom from plain to posh! Then, the player receives 4 cards that may consist of purple “Let’s Get Fancy!” cards, pink “Accessories!” cards or blue “Oops!” cards. You then decide which card you want to play. You must play the purple “Let’s Get Fancy” cards before you can start decorating. The pink “Accessories” cards allow you to roll the color die and decorate a section of your bedroom game board. The blue “Oops” cards stop your opponent from decorating her bedroom game board.
I read the directions to my 5 year old daughter and we began playing immediately – helping bring in Nancy’s fancy accessories to makeover her posh bedroom. My daughter was ecstatic that the directions state the youngest player goes first. We had fun playing together and somehow she won. I think she just got lucky. I’m not a sore loser or anything!!!
If your daughter enjoys reading Fancy Nancy books, then she will love this game. It makes a great gift for a birthday or for the holidays. It’s recommended for ages 5+ but my daughter has played with 4 year olds who have picked it right up! Purchase it today.
Incredible, fabulous sports apparel (and more) made for hip moms and kids
I am a HUGE NFL football fan. Every Sunday my whole family gets in our Eagles gear to show our spirit and get ready for the game. Traditionally, I get to choose from a boring selection of tee-shirts, basic jerseys (yawn!), and a hat (if I’m having a bad hair day). Nothing special… until I discovered the Fabulous Alteration Shop at Bella Artistry.
Girls, please, take my advice and check out this amazing website. Leah Miller, who was a frustrated shopper, mother of two, and NFL quarterback’s wife, came up with the idea when she had a hard time finding cool and hip sports apparel for women and kids. Leah, an amazing artist, blings up your jerseys, shirts, hats, etc and turns them into custom, amazing creations.
Bella Artistry’s tailoring department can add exclusive features like corseting, drawstring waists or rouching, and they can even create a tunic or dress from a men’s size large jersey. Jerseys are also enhanced and embellished with items like lace, trim, cap sleeves, puff sleeves, boat necks, and of course, many, many rhinestones! You can let Leah come up with something fabulous for you, or you can design your own hip and trendy apparel with Leah’s help.
I worked with Leah to transform my plain, green Eagles jersey into an amazing creation. Leah added zipper sides, lace to the neck and sleeves, rhinestone embellishment, and more. She asked my preferences and then ran with it, and came up with a truly special work of art. (Check it out above!)
But Bella Artistry goes beyond jerseys – they can add sparkle to anything. Hats, jeans, shoes, belts, outfits for you or your kids, furniture, pacifiers, and much more. If you want something special for yourself, or your daughter (or even your son!) you must check out this site and chat with Leah. Enjoy a special discount code for Mommies with Style shoppers and save 20% when you use code MWS!
Its not every day a truly eccentric plush shows up at our door. And Poilodos the Sheep, a member of the Deglingos designer plush line, is absolutely unique.
The crazy Deglingos, crafted in France, are made from nearly 50 different kinds of fabric and string, which makes them not just fun to cuddle with but fun to touch for the youngest of children, who love to explore by touch. With 9 absolutely unique animals available, my favorite is Hikos the Hedgehog, though the kids are pretty partial to their new buddy, Poilodos. Included in Dr. Toys Best Toy list of 2008, ours is an "original" size, measuring about 10 inches. Also available are Giant sizes, Baby products. Find the collection at Oompa, where shipping is $4.95, spend $65 and you're order ships free!
10% off Hooter Hider and Bebe Au Lait at Baby Bella
I recently caught wind of the latest prints and patterns from Hooter Hider and Bebe Au Lait. They are adorable! And as someone who lived under her Hooter Hiders through nursing, I'm envious of all of the current nursing Moms who can use some of the hip, new patterns.
I've said it dozens of times before and I'll say it again - I'm a modest person and I really don't know that I would have nursed so successfully, for so long, and in public without my Hooter Hiders. Every nursing Mommy should have one.
I checked out some new patterns from the Baby Bella store - you can check them out too and you can use coupon code "mommies" to receive 10% off your Bebe Au Lait or Hooter Hider purchase.
Have you seen Boon's line of feeding items? They are all so cool! From the snack ball to the ergonomically shaped sippie cup, bendable spoons and drip catching bowls - these items are all fun, functional and fabulous looking. Plus they are now available in pink.
This week is the best time to shop for these items at Boon because now through the 31st, Boon is donating $1 from every purchase to breast cancer research. Enter code pink08 for an additional 10% off your order.
Here's a little video clip of our favorite Boon feeding implement - the Squirt babyfood dispensing spoon. It makes it easy/clean to feed baby anywhere, anytime (including on the couch with daddy!) and is a real conversation starter when out and about with your baby. We get more comments about this spoon than we do about our pimped out Bugaboo!
There is nothing worse for the ole self-esteem then when you are in your late first trimester or early second and your belly doesn't yet scream "pregnant." In fact, to the outside world, it might be saying "too many doughnuts" or "time to lay off the beer."
And, if you're like me, you carry super-low and your pregnancy is more total-body, where everything seems to expand.
So that's why I was very excited to find [bump]. It is a hip maternity line created by a mom of three, so she's been through the whole "is that a bump or a pot roast?" phase.
[bump] stands for baby under manufacturing process and it says so right on her clothes. The lettering is printed strategically on your baby bump. You can choose from shirts, tanks, pants and, new to her line, dresses. I tried the black long-sleeved [bump] dress over yoga pants. When I dropped off my son at preschool, a mom who've I've seen every day since September looked at me and said "You're pregnant?" You can bet I was happy for my [bump]!
The clothes are made from baby-soft cotton. Also new to the line are some new [bumps] embellished with crystals, such as the symbols for peace, love & [bump.] The sayings are also fun - who hasn't wanted to shout "hands off my [bump]"?
And don't forget the dad! He can proudly wear his "sympathy [bump]" or '[bump] daddy" shirt.
"Tonight, my pretties, we'll be serving up a cous-cous and cauliflower coulis, with a hint of yogurt curry, followed by an apricot pear rice pudding"
Sound far fetched for an eight month old? Not when you have the Beaba Babycook! This wonderful device cooks and purees baby's food for you, so quickly and easily it's almost unbelievable.
Lets get one thing straight. I am a capitol "L" Lazy chef. Anything over five minutes in the microwave and two pots to wash and I am thinking maybe I should order out. Or save it for a special occasion. Like a party. Which I would probably want to have catered come to think of it... I'm more of a cupcake decorator than a dinner maker. I frost. I sprinkle. But I don't like to toil in the kitchen.
However I do like fresh and healthy food. I am making an effort to serve mostly organic items and plenty of fresh veggies to my family. We're even growing some of our own. I just hate that part about preparing them. Almost as much as I hate washing up afterwards. Dear sweet doomed veggies...They do look so pretty in the fridge before they spoil though!
I guess you can see why the idea of preparing baby food never really progressed past the "idea" phase for me, in the past. My poor kids were stuck eating flavorless jarred foods with the "treat" of organic home delivery every once in a while. You haven't lived till you've had organic sweet potatoes (with a price tag that rivals that of the finest beluga caviar)delivered to your doorstep on dry ice.
I won't be shelling out anymore. Because the Beaba Babycook is easy enough even for lazy old me. The hardest part of using it is peeling the organic potato. Seriously, this is what takes the longest and makes the most mess.
The Babycook steams and blends foods in one baby safe, BPA-free container. You just fill the steamer reservoir with a little water, pop the steamer basket of (peeled and cut up) ingredients into the blending container and set the dial to "steam". It takes less than 30 seconds to do this. You are then good to go check your email, take a shower, whatever. Ten minutes later (or a little longer if you want to enjoy that shower) you come back and the Beaba Babycook is done steaming and has automatically turned off. Simply blend the steamed food, maybe adding a little liquid till you get the right consistancy. Viola! Baby food done! Again, less than 30 seconds.
Clean-up is super fast as well because there is just the one small container and steamer insert to wash.
Using the Beaba Babycook I am able to create 4-5 servings of a healthful meal for my baby in less time than it takes to go to the grocery store and purchase a jar of the pre-made stuff. At a fraction of the price. Who knew that making my own baby food would be the ideal solution for a lazy gourmet like me?
Freed from my fear of drudgery, I am really enjoying coming up with creative and healthful food combos for my baby. I enjoy pulling appropriate ingredients from our family meal for him to eat. I actually taste his food and it is good! Nothing at all like the gross stuff in the jars. My son has yet to turn away from a homecooked meal. Poor thing was traumatized, however, when my mom offered him jarred food at a recent visit. She ended up steaming carrots in the microwave steamer and mixing them with applesauce in her food processor. I'm just glad I did not have to clean up!
Please note: You don't have to tell anyone (including my mom) that it's ridiculously easy to make baby food using the Beaba Babycook. Let them think you toil because you are so eco, hip, pc, creative, earthy, super-mama genius-y. I won't rat you out if you don't tell on me!
'm not sure whether I should jump for joy or throw a royal tantrum that I did not have this wonderful device for whipping up baby food when my other three kids were cutting their first teeth. It's not inexpensive but it definitely pays for itself in savings when used regularly. It's a fabulous investment in the long run and one you will continue to use into the toddler years as it is perfect for making those sneaky "purees" that are so popular for health-i-fying your daily meals.
We recently had my favorite (and only) professional photographer over to take pictures of our family for our holiday cards. (Dina Rose, by the way, for all you locals in the Philly area. Email her - she's amazing and gives a discount to Mommies with Style readers so mention us if you book.)
So you can only get a 5 and 2 year old to sit still and smile for so long. I was looking for something to hold their interest for a short while more to take some candids. I pulled out this Haba Sakrada Building Blocks set from the closet, where I had stashed it as a Christmas gift. Not only did they love playing with it while she snapped more photos, but they played with it for hours after she left and are still playing with them today.
Blocks just don't get old - especially well constructed ones that are built to last years. There are endless possibilities. Check out this set which is fun and colorful and comes with a few building suggestions, as well as other Haba toys on the Petit Baby website where they came from.
Use coupon code MWS10 (not valid on sale items) to receive 10% off your order.
Have a great idea and no idea where to start? Or maybe you have already launched your dream business but are feeling like you could use a little advice and working-mom strategy from someone who has been there and done that? It can be so hard to get that from your regular peer group.
Last night I had the pleasure of meeting Kelly Anderson from StartUp Princess. She hosted an informal gathering in my area and I was so honored to meet and chat with Kelly and other entreprenuerial woman including Debbie Savage of Baby Emi Jewelry, Carrie Lundell of This is Me keepsake journals, Jamie Dadant of Circle of Sentiments Jewelry and photographer Kathryn Le Boye.
If you are looking for a little sisterly support and inspiration in your entrepreneurial ventures you should definitely check out the Startup Princess website. You may even want to consider attending their conference next month.
I felt extra lucky last night as I won the drawing for a massage. And if there is anything a mompreneur can use, it's a little stress relief!
Karito Kids - These Fabulous Dolls have International Style!
Move over Samantha and Molly, there’s a new kid in town. She’s pretty, she’s smart and she’s even web savvy. She’s the newcomer from the Karito kids doll line– a blond surfer girl from Australia, named Piper. She’s just beautifully made, with incredibly high quality craftsmanship and a kind expression. She has won the hearts of both me and my daughters.
Piper joins pals Gia from Italy, Pita from Mexico, Lulu from Africa, Zoe from the USA and Ling from China. The six girls make up the Karito Kids collection. What an exciting group! Each doll comes with a storybook and a passport. The passport is a good thing - these dolls are so gorgeous (truly heirloom quality) that your daughter is not going to want to go anywhere without her. The stories are inspired as well. The mysteries and adventures are a fun way to give your girl a little peek at what life is like for kids like her in other places.
But perhaps what is most unique about these dolls and their beautiful website is that a portion of the proceeds for each doll sold goes to charity. Not just any charity though - Karito kids gets your child involved in the process, allowing her to choose the charity that she’d most like to support. My daughters really thought long and hard before choosing and took the time to learn about all the children's charities that this wonderful manufacturer supports.
Karito Kids also host an online forum where you can further explore the world of your doll, play games with other kids, learn more about kids in other parts of the world and learn about ways to make a difference and improve the world for kids everywhere.
Karito kids dolls are special because they aim to teach kids respect for the world we live in, and to expand their horizons to embrace foreign lands and foreign cultures. However... This did not stop my daughter's from making the observation that their "other" 18 inch dolls were very jealous of Piper. She's just a little taller, more international, intriguing and in the words of an 8 yr old, "cooler". It was a bit of a problem see, cause now everyone wants to play with and hang out with Piper and the other girls are jealous.
Check out the Karito Kids website to learn most about the dolls, to order and to find a retailer near you. Piper has already influenced Gia to move in with us as well. From the frequent requests for more Karito company ("Piper wants to have a sleepover with Ling and Lulu, Mommy!" ) I have a feeling we may be seeing some more of her friends this holiday season.
Another great giveaway for you all to enter this week is from Alli's Originals. This stuff is so gorgeous - she makes personalized, hand-stamped jewelry. Great gifts for Mom for the holidays Dads so take note!
One lucky Mommies with Style winner will win a $75 credit on the Alli's Originals website. To enter, simply subscribe to our weekly newsletter by subscribing through this link. You'll then be entered to win, plus you'll receive our weekly newsletter - full of deals, coupon codes and review features. And, you'll be entered into all future newsletter giveaways - which we have often. (So if you're already a subscribed member, sit back and do nothing other than hoping we call your name!)
This contest will run until October 27th. One winner will be notified after that day.
Didn't win but must have an Alli's Originals necklace? Enter code "ao 10% 07" at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase.
Find unique and personal gifts like custom placemats and personalized stationery. Brick House Paperie offers individual customization, photo options, fast turnaround and top-notch customer service.
Get a jump on the holiday season and choose a greeting that’s sure to be noticed. Start planning a New Year’s party early or start planning ahead for a spring baby announcement. We offer many pre-ordering options including pre-shipping of envelopes.
Visit Brick House Paperie today use coupon code MWS10 at checkout for 10% off through December 31, 2008.
ENK Int'l Children's Club Show Part 5 - Floatmini, Zinnias & Sole Kool, Mullins Square and Kaos! Recycled
We're winding up our coverage of the ENK International Children's Club Trade Show withsome terrific finds.
I flipped over Floatimini's cute extra- girlie swimsuits. Designed by Sehee Kim and Eric Chang, the bathing suits were really funky and different. Sizes run from from 6 months to 8 years.
I've been a fan of Zinnias Inc. for a while. They make amazing tye dyed clothes, which do not run in the wash. They've been eco-friendly for 15 years, using low impact dyes. They've partnered up with Jill Green, to dye her cool footwear, formerly under the Kool Kicks label. Most of their groovy shoes come in kid's and women's sizes, but their tye-dyed canvas sneakers are available in toddler sizes. How cute are the tye-dyed soft lunchboxes? .
Mullins Square makes such fun animal towels. Their hooded towel ponchos are great after a bath or a trip to the beach.
Kaos! Recycled actually recycles concert t-shirts and cuts them down to kids' sizes. Some turn into cute dresses like this and this.
Add these to the "why didn't I think of that?" list
This one might be at the top of my list. Teaching a 5 year old to tie shoes is not easy. And as frustrating as it is for you or me to teach him, its even harder for him to remember all the steps and get his fingers to manipulate the skinny laces "just so."
So Wendy Welling came up with an absolutely brilliant way to help t7ers learn to tie. Thread on her Tie Buddies to keep laces looped, and give children something bigger to grip than a wishy-washy-flippy-floppy lace.
Apparently, Kindergarten teachers agree, this is a necessity for my 5-year-old! Use code “MWS08” for a 10% discount.
Happy Halloween, Mommies! I hope you and all your kids have a great and safe time this evening.
Not to belabor the point (get it? be-labor? Anyway..), but I'm always happy to wear cute maternity clothes that indicate that I am, in fact, preggo, and not just chubby. That's why I'm having so much fun wearing my new 
I had the opportunity at the recent Mom2B show in Los Angeles to sample some of the products from 
Its not easy to sit upright, patiently in a shopping cart when you're only 8 months old. Here's a gorgeous and cleanly cover to keep baby seated and patient a bit longer. The 
My kid, like most, gives me a hard time about eating his vegetables. So, why not drink them? 
The story of 
If your daughter loves Fancy Nancy books, then she will be thrilled to play the 
There is nothing worse for the ole self-esteem then when you are in your late first trimester or early second and your belly doesn't yet scream "pregnant." In fact, to the outside world, it might be saying "too many doughnuts" or "time to lay off the beer." 
Move over Samantha and Molly, there’s a new kid in town. She’s pretty, she’s smart and she’s even web savvy. She’s the newcomer from the 
This one might be at the top of my list. Teaching a 5 year old to tie shoes is not easy. And as frustrating as it is for you or me to teach him, its even harder for him to remember all the steps and get his fingers to manipulate the skinny laces "just so."