Due to personal reasons and a growing photography business, Lolidots is not longer blogging, running giveaways or doing product reviews. There are tons of other great giveaway blogs out there though! Thanks to my fans for 2 years of awesome support and a lot of fun!
Posted by Robin . on Monday, May 30, 2011,
In :
DVD
Most nights we let our kids pick out a movie to watch for a few minutes while they unwind in bed. And, inevitably, they joyously choose one of their "story movies". They both absolutely adore each and every Scholastic Storybook movies that we own. Scholastic has released so very many beloved stories in their amazing DVD format that there is a huge selection for my kids to choose from. Whether they want something silly, musical, classic, adventurous, spooky or just something to lull them to sl... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, May 24, 2011,
In :
SwimWear
The school year is ending, the temperatures are rising and the pool waters are glistening. Are you ready for summertime?! We're hitting triple digits already here in the south and bathing suit season is in full swing. One thing I honestly hate shopping for is bathing suits. I'm not a fan of having to buy tops and bottoms sets and I have a hard time finding exactly what I want in most stores around here. Good thing I recently found Swimspot!
I know that I'm not the only mother dealing with a whining, screaming, crying child every morning when it's time to brush hair. Sometimes it seems like my kids start whining before I've even touched their hair with the brush. Recently, I had the chance to try a new product that has absolutely changed things around our house.
The Knot Genie Detangling Brush magically glides through hair and leaves it knot free, silky and smooth while totally eliminating the whining and crying that you're used t... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, May 17, 2011,
In :
Gift Shopping
I'm very busy these days and find myself doing more and more of my shopping online. When I'm shopping, whether it's for myself or for a gift, my number one priority is that it's something unique, especially when it's for a gift. I want the gifts I give to brighten someone's day and be something that makes them feel truly special. Buying handmade gifts is a great way to ensure that the gift I'm giving is incredibly unique. When buying handmade, one of my favorite places to shop online is Novic... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, May 11, 2011,
In :
Photo Gifts
As a photographer, I'm always looking for unique ways to display my photography and recommend to my clients. Not too long ago, I came across a product and a company that absolutely blew me away.
Light Affection creates unique photo gifts and personalized gifts that take photos and turns it into an individual work of art that doubles as a light.
The lighted photo gifts from Light Affection range from night light size up to 8x10. The larger sizes include the main carved piece, a frame, a back s... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, May 11, 2011,
In :
DVD
One of my daughter's new favorite shows, Chuggington, has a new DVD!
Chuggington is another worldwide hit from Playhouse Disney. The CGI-animated show follows the adventures of trains, Wilson, Brewster and Koko as the ride the rails and try to become productive chuggers. Like the many other learning programs from Playhouse Disney, Chuggington uses it's diverse characters to explore ideas and concepts that toddlers and small children are learning and figuring out, including positive life lesso... Continue reading ...
One of my absolute favorite ways to completely change the look of a room, add something special to the decor or just add a flourish to an event or favorite item is using vinyl decals. There are a lot of places out there to get vinyl decals and I've recently found a fantastic site with great designs and affordable prices.
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, April 28, 2011,
In :
DVD
The diva drama-queen character from High School Musical is back in her all-new full-length feature film, Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure! HSM fans will adore this film and those who've never witnessed all the glory of High School Musical will still fall head over heels for Sharpay and her adventure.
The new movie finds Sharpay Evans, played by Ashley Tisdale, pursuing her dreams in the Big Apple. The movie has all the glitz and glamour that could only come with Sharpay's character and kids will ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, April 27, 2011,
In :
DVD
There are a lot of cartoons that I watched as a child that I love introducing to my kids. Some are silly and pointless and then there are others that, while entertaining, teach strong lessons that I feel my kids and all kids should learn. Captain Planet was always one of those cartoons that taught valuable lessons. It's funny because the eco-friendly message is so strong these days but, this cartoon began making it's impact over 20 years ago.
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, April 27, 2011,
In :
DVD
Funny name? Absolutely. One you and your kids will remember? Definitely!
Get ready for your home to be invaded by a new character your kids will love and music you'll all rock out to.
Gustafer Yellowgold is a character created by the wildly talented Morgan Taylor. The music is reminiscent of some of the best of 70s rock while being fantastically geared towards kids. It's a groovy blend of tunes that parents will love being paired with lyrics kids will go crazy for. Add in the animation that wi... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, April 26, 2011,
In :
Eco-Friendly
Whether you're packing a school lunch, for a road trip, a picnic, an afternoon at the lake or anything else that requires cold drinks or food, I've found the ultimate solution for you all. PackIt reusable cooler bags are a mom-invented, eco-friendly alternative to using ice or toxic gel packs to keep food and drinks cold on the go.
PackIt bags are incredibly easy to use. Simply store them in the freezer until you're ready to use them. Unfold the bag and fill it with your items. There's no nee... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Friday, April 22, 2011,
In :
Gear for Kids
Independence is something that toddlers tend to crave. As my kids became toddlers, there were a lot of little things I did in order to help them become more independent and feel like they were able to do things on their own. It doesn't just help them. It also helps a busy mom to free up a few more minutes in her day. One task that I know many moms will recognize as something they do repeatedly during the day for their toddler is turning on and off lights. In our home, it's the bathroom light ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, April 21, 2011,
In :
DVD
Easter may be hopping it's way around the corner but, there's definitely one DVD that your kids will want to watch long after Peter Cottontail has come and gone. Wow Wow Wubbzy! movies are among my children's favorites and the newest addition to the collection is no exception. They both adore Wubbzy's Egg-cellent Easter!
Once you've seen an episode of Wow Wow Wubbzy!, it's no surprise that it's an Emmy winning series. Not only is it absolutely adorable, slightly silly enough to make kids giggl... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, April 19, 2011,
In :
Bath and Body
I, like many other parents these days, am more and more aware of the necessity to use more natural products in the bathroom. It's not just about being eco-friendly. It's not just about using products that are healthier for our bodies. It's also about the fact that natural and organic hair and body products just work better with our bodies natural chemistries to give more desirable results. Whether it's lotion, bubble bath, shampoo or other bath products, using something natural and organic is... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, April 14, 2011,
In :
Gear for Kids
Whether
you're dining out, at home or enjoying the lovely Spring weather with
an outdoor picnic, I have a fantastic product I came across recently
that you've got to check out!
Scrappynaps are reusable kid placemats made
out of adorable fabric that conveniently hold a matching napkin and
utensil set. They are made by a mom who understands the desire to help
teach our kids be eco-friendly while giving them things that they love
to use. The placemats and napkins come in a variety of patt... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, April 13, 2011,
In :
Shoes
I'm constantly in search of adorable footwear. Mostly for my daughter but, I'm always happy to find something for all the other kids in my life (and sometimes even for myself!). Recently, I came across some insanely cute footwear that I had never seen before and totally fell in love.
Skidders footwear is absolutely unique. It is footwear designed to be worn indoors or outdoors and made with the comfort and safety of kids in mind. The Skidders shoes go on like socks, are as comfortable as slip... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, April 7, 2011,
In :
Hair Care
I've been using a flat iron on my hair for almost 15 years. I've used tons of different kinds of flat irons and have definitely come to the decision that ceramic irons are my favorite. I like how they glide through my hair without catching and snagging and like how high the heat gets while doing very little damage to my hair.
I've used the Karmin G3 ceramic flat iron and I really liked it. The plates are 100% tourmaline ceramic. The heat goes up to 450 degrees and you have full control over s... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, April 4, 2011,
In :
Clothing
It has started to seem lately that I am having a progressively harder time finding clothing that I really like. I go in a store and the clothing in the junior section is just far too trendy...trends that I honestly just don't understand. The women's department usually just feels too old and frumpy. And the prices? Seem to get higher and higher. All I want is comfortable and stylish clothes that make me feel good, don't cost an arm and a leg and don't make me look too old or like I'm trying to... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Friday, April 1, 2011,
In :
Shoes
I'll admit it, I'm what you might call a "shoe-aholic". The thing is, I don't go crazy buying shoes that are going to make my feet suffer all day. Give me comfort and give me style. I like a laid back style and stuff that is casual and comfortable. Luckily, there's a shoe company that seems as though they've made their shoes just for me.
Sandals...they've made their sandals just for me...."They aren't shoes, they're sandals"....whichever they are, they're Sanuk. And I've got a major crush on ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, March 30, 2011,
In :
Toys
Easter is just a hop around the corner. Whether it's an amazing Easter gift basket, a lovely Spring present or something special for your child any day of the week, Pillow Pets make an exciting and joy-filled gift. Plus, they are insanely affordable!
I've talked about Pillow Pets here several times before. I truly love them. I genuinely feel that they are always an amazing gift and my family has 8 of them between the four of us. Yes, Mom and Dad have their favorite Pillow Pets too! Why? Becaus... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, March 24, 2011,
In :
Bathroom Products
I'll admit that one of the things I never spend money on is towels. I've always thought, "What's the point?". Our towels are a mismatched gathering of bath towels from before my husband and I were married and random beach towels that have been left at our pool parties over the years. None of them are new and none of them are all that fluffy or comfy. It wasn't until I used a really wonderful towel that I realized what we'd been missing by not stocking our linen closet with amazing towels.
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, March 23, 2011,
In :
Gear for Kids
As parents, easing our children's fears and anxieties is something we all want to do. Whether your child has only experienced missing you for a brief time or suffers from severe separation anxiety, it's painful knowing that they are upset. I remember being away at camp as a child or simply staying the night at a friend's house and having those homesick pangs. My own children are like night and day. My son is apt to experience quite a bit of separation anxiety, especially from his "best buddy"... Continue reading ...
I have one purse in my wardrobe that is constantly getting me compliments. That one purse gets more comments from other women than anything else I own. And I love it. The purse, that is. The gorgeous color, the ample room, the convenient way it opens, all of its features make me absolutely adore my Zuma purse from Namaste Inc. I have other products from Namaste that I am in love with as well. My Mini Clutch in the same fabulous Eggplant color as the Zuma purse is one of my favorite go-to acce... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, March 20, 2011,
In :
Games
Does your family love game night? Getting the family together for a fun-filled evening of games is always a great idea. Indulging in the laughter and togetherness really helps keep families solid. Whether it's a family night or a party with friends, The Game Chef is a wonderful place to get some really fun games.
The Game Chef creates party, card, and board games that are innovative,
fun, fast-paced, entertaining, amusing, and fantastic to play with
family, friends, neighbors, and even teen... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, March 16, 2011,
In :
Shoes
When it comes to children's shoes, I expect a few things in my purchase.
I expect them to be adorable.
I expect them to be affordable.
I expect them to be comfortable.
I expect them to last, especially if they are a bit pricier.
The Umi shoes that my children own are all of those things.
Umi shoes are probably my favorite shoes that my kids have ever worn. They each have several pair and every pair is absolutely adorable, wonderfully comfortable and have held up better than any of their other ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, March 14, 2011,
In :
Accessories
I started buying hair bows for my daughter before she was born. There are definitely a ton of hair accessories out there. These days, I'm always looking for more unique hair accessories for my little princess. It's also nice to have some amazing accessories on hand for photo shoots. Recently, I came across a shop on Etsy and absolutely fell in love with the adorable and unique hair accessories.
Posted by Robin . on Friday, March 11, 2011,
In :
Health
My husband's allergies have been going haywire for the last month or so. At the beginning of February, I tossed him a pack of some new nose wipes called Achooz. The man who rarely raves about anything commented to me the other day that the menthol scented Achooz have absolutely saved his nose these last few weeks.
I've long been a fan of Boogie Wipes for children and am thrilled at the new addition of Achooz wipes. These nose wipes are non-medicated and made with saline, vitamin E and aloe to... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, March 8, 2011,
In :
DVD
Straight from Playhouse Disney to you, here comes the very first Chuggington DVD!
My daughter had actually never seen Chuggington before viewing this DVD. Honestly, I'd never heard of it but, knowing it was from Playhouse Disney I was certain it would be a wonderful show. I was right. My daughter fell in love with Chuggington immediately.
Playhouse Disney's CGI-Animated show, Chuggington, follows three young trains, Wilson, Brewster and Koko, as the learn the ropes through fun adventures. Lik... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, March 3, 2011,
In :
Jewelry
I adore personalized jewelry. As a gift, a personalized ring or necklace is at the top of my list for fun and unique items that someone can give or get. I recently discovered an awesome online shop that is the perfect place to get these items. Though, The Taffy Box offers so much more than personalized jewelry. Started as a hobby by a mom of four, The Taffy Box carries everything from jewelry to pet tags, tie bar clips to collectible spoons and so much more.
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, March 1, 2011,
In :
Prize Packs
Take out the trash, eat your broccoli—who needs moms, anyway? Nine-year-old Milo (Seth Green) finds out just how much he needs his mom (Joan Cusack) when she’s nabbed by Martians who plan to steal her mom-ness for their own young. Produced by the team behind “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and “The Polar Express,” “Mars Needs Moms” showcases Milo’s quest to save his mom—a wild adventure in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D that involves stowing away on a spaceship, naviga... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, February 24, 2011,
In :
Clothing
I remember how hard it was to find really cute clothes when I was pregnant with my kids. Well, it wasn't necessarily hard to find cute clothes but, finding cute clothes that I could actually afford and want to spend the money on was definitely hard! When it comes to clothing that I'm only going to wear for a few months, I can't justify spending more than I would on clothing I'll wear for years. Recently I came across an online boutique that customizes in maternity clothes that are seriously s... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, February 21, 2011,
In :
Pet Accessories
Do you have a pet you spoil? A pooch that gets the royal treatment? With Viva La Dog Spa products you can truly pamper your pet.
Viva La Dog Spa takes inspiration from the New York dog spas of the 50s and 60s, places where the likes of Princess Grace and Elizabeth Taylor took their beloved dogs to be pampered. Viva La Dog Spa offers products like shampoo, grooming spritz and conditioner in scents like Cucumber Melon, Powder Puff and Tropical Fusion. The Viva La Dog Spa grooming products are c... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, February 17, 2011,
In :
DVD
Can you believe it's been more than 85 years that Walt Disney Studios has been bringing smiles to faces? Growing up with Disney and loving characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck creates a special kind of happiness when I get to see my children's faces light up with that special kind of joy that only Disney can provide. It's practically a rite of passage that children get to fall in love with Disney's famous characters. Those characters and cartoons have had many makeovers throughout the... Continue reading ...
I love candles. I love having them for decor and having scented candles lit when company visits. The problem is, I have two small children and get a bit paranoid with fire, especially in rooms where I'm not constantly supervising the lit flame. Recently I found something that completely solved the problem and provides me with beautiful candlelight, wonderful scent and none of the danger of open flames.
Posted by Robin . on Friday, February 11, 2011,
In :
Men's Gifts
My husband is hard to shop for. I'm always searching for things that I've never bought him before or that he would love and have use for. I've wanted to find him some great neckties for a while now but, it's never imperative because he doesn't dress like that daily. To me, even a man that doesn't wear a necktie every day has a need to own at least a few nice neckties. It's like women who own heels but, work in flats. It's nice to own those accessories that are only for special times. And, if ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, February 8, 2011,
In :
DVD
I remember when my 6 year old son first saw Beverly Hills Chihuahua. He laughed his butt off and sang the song for weeks on end. He's seen that first one dozens of times. So, when we got the chance to review Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2, I jumped at it. As soon as my kids saw it, they started jumping up and down begging to watch it. And, once they did watch it, it did not disappoint.
The new installment in the lives of these hilarious and adorable chihuahuas is a fun-filled movie that my kids lo... Continue reading ...
There are so many movies coming out this year and next that I'm excited to see. On February 11th a movie hits theaters that I know families all over the country are anticipating. Gnomeo & Juliet looks like it's going to be absolutely hilarious. An off the wall spin-off on the classic Romeo & Juliet story set to the music of Elton John? I'm not sure it gets better than that. Oh, wait, it does. It's in 3D!
To celebrate the release of Gnomeo & Juliet, I've got some goodies! First, here are links ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, February 3, 2011,
In :
Music
Brooklyn-based, multi-faceted independent children’s recording artist David Weinstone, whose music videos are seen daily on the Nick Jr. channel, announces the March 8th release of his newest Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals CD, All I Want! (Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals, $13.98, for ages 0 – 7, run time 41 minutes.) The highly anticipated disc is the first full-length album of new songs in three years from one of the most influential children’s songwriters of our time. Dav... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, February 1, 2011,
In :
Baby Gear
One of my favorite things to whisper in the ears of my blog readers and friends is where to find absolutely wonderful baby shower gifts. I've always loved giving gifts of any kind but, baby shower gifts are their own brand of special. Every item always warrants a collective "ooh" and "ahh" and with each tiny gift you can imagine the tiny perfect person that will use them. To me, when shopping for baby shower gifts, everything you browse through should invoke those same emotions and reactions.... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, February 1, 2011,
In :
DVD
Valentine's Day is just around the corner. While this special day may seem to get more expensive and extravagant as we get older, for children it's still a day of fun, love and simple gifts. Our cute little friend, Wow Wow Wubbzy, is here to celebrate Valentine's Day in a way that only he can. The lovable characters Wubbzy, Widget, Walden and Daizy are back in an all new DVD to spread some love and fun to the kids that adore them so much.
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, January 27, 2011,
In :
Health
We are a family that has always preferred a homeopathic approach to treating illness. Some homeopathy is simply tried and true "home remedies" like apple cider vinegar to treat things like colds and allergies or ginger for an upset stomach. The actual definition of homeopathic medicines is therapeutically active micro-doses of mineral, botanical and biological substances. Homeopathy has been used for more than 200 years by millions of patients in more than 65 countries and is recommended by m... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, January 23, 2011,
In :
Clothing
I love designer clothes. I really do. But, I don't own many. I generally just can't justify the expense. Alas, designer clothing is usually limited to the independently wealthy, celebrities and those with large credit card balances. Guess what! Now there's a way that the rest of us, those without oscars and american express cards, can get awesome designer clothes for department store prices!
To celebrate the upcoming Looney Tunes 2011 show premiere, Looney Tunes has launched it's own YouTube channel. The channel showcases some of the best moments from the animated classic which introduced us to infamous characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester, Tweety, Taz, Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner, Foghorn Leghorn, Yosemite Sam, Pepé Le Pew, Speedy Gonzales, and many others.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, January 17, 2011,
In :
Books
First-time suspense writer Leslie Tentler’s new Midnight Caller (Chasing Evil Trilogy) is being compared to the #1 NY Times bookselling author Lisa Jackson – it’s that much of a thriller, and with the romantic storyline, it’s a must-read among women who like mysteries, a good thrill when they read plus that love story woven in!
MIDNIGHT CALLER centers on the chilling obsession of a sadistic killer, the handsome federal agent with a secret past who’s after him – and in the middle,... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Saturday, January 15, 2011,
In :
Home
We have a lot of pillows in our house. Pillows and blankets are just two of the things that I feel you can never have enough of. They are also two of the things that I'm always searching for to find the "perfect one". I recently got a new pillow that is absolutely wonderful and the whole family is loving for so many different reasons.
Posted by Robin . on Saturday, January 15, 2011,
In :
Home
From time to time, especially when the weather makes big changes, my family deals with some pretty big allergy issues. Being a homeopathic family, we have an arsenal of natural therapies for treatment and prevention. Recently added to our arsenal is the best humidifier we've ever had. And the cutest!
Crane humidifiers are a wonderful alternative to over-the-counter treatments for cough, cold and flu symptoms. Obviously, when you can breathe easier you'll get a better night's sleep and sleep is... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Saturday, January 15, 2011,
In :
Home
I'm a person who is just not built for winter. Living in the deep south, I'm much more equipped to deal with steaming hot temperatures. So, when winter actually does hit down here, I'm painfully cold. What I do love about it is the opportunity to get snuggly. My kids love that too. Recently, thanks to Aroma Home, we've got a new sweet little snuggly addition to our collection of comfy blankets and pillows.
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, January 13, 2011,
In :
Gear for Kids
Several months ago my kids received an educational toy that is so awesome that I have absolutely been recommending it to everyone I know who has kids. The VTech V.Reader Interactive E-Reading System is more than a toy. It's books and games and reading and learning and entertainment and fun all rolled into one. Kids can watch stories come alive as they enjoy fully animated books with narration, character voices, amazing graphics on a large screen. They can interact with their stories, learn to... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, January 6, 2011,
In :
Eco-Friendly
So very many of us have committed to doing our part for conservation and have made the switch to reusable grocery bags. That's great but, what about when you are shopping somewhere other than the grocery store? The reusable grocery bags that I use are the ones offered at my grocery store. Good for the environment but, slightly bulky and definitely not cute.
Baggu Reusable Bags are designed to be bright, bold, stylish, high quality and amazing for the environment. Did you know that using one B... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, January 3, 2011,
In :
DVD
My son is 6 and, in the last year or so, he has really started the normal little fibs that most kids tell. We've told him the story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf here and there and he is pretty familiar with it. Recently, he added a new Scholastic DVD to his collection that took that story he knows so well and brought it to life for him. The Boy Who Cried Wolf and more Children's Fables from Scholastic Storybook Treasures quickly became one of his favorite dvd's.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, January 3, 2011,
In :
Music
The holidays are over but, the cold weather persists in so many parts of the country. Looking for a little warmth? A little fun in the sun during your cold last stretch of winter? Ready for some fun kids' music after a month of holiday tunes? Look no further than DidiPop Goes to Hawaii.
Deborah Poppink - aka DidiPop - is an award winning songwriter, performer and music teacher who has brought a whole new album with her distinctive sound to families everywhere. DidiPop Goes to Hawaii is filled ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, December 30, 2010,
In :
Food
Do you take snacks for your kids when you are on the go? I know, for us, many car rides have been quieter thanks to the snacks I've managed to remember. Not all snacks are great for "on the go", however. Whether it's hopping in the car, headed to the back yard to play or something simple for a lunchbox, some snacks are just not as convenient as others. One snack that my kids love but, only get when seated at the dining room table, is applesauce. The kids and my husband all love applesauce and... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, December 28, 2010,
In :
Food
I buy a lot of snacks at the grocery store. Snacks and cereal. Lots of both. Earlier this year I started making a concerted effort to switch to healthier versions of all the foods I buy for my family. Recently, we tried some new granola bars (one of our favorite snacks) and some new cereal that we all loved.
I'm sure you've all seen the commercials that let you know that Fiber One cereals and bars give you at least 35% of your daily value of fiber. What I didn't know was that there is so much... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, December 16, 2010,
In :
Beauty
I'm not very good at keeping up with a skincare regimen. Part of the reason is because I've found it really difficult to find one that I love, that I don't mind doing and that I feel really works. Recently I was able to try a new brand of skincare products and am happy to say that I love it so much that I'm not finding it very difficult to keep up with it daily.
Part of my big kitchen makeover a few months ago included painting down the hallway. Because of the open floorplan, I decided that the hall should match the kitchen and living room. So, white walls and black trim went down the hall as well. The end of my hallway has always felt like wasted space; a little alcove that had no purpose. So, a toybox from my childhood that I repainted now sits there as a convenient place to throw shoes. The wall above, however, remained empty and begged to be fill... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, December 15, 2010,
In :
Household
Earlier this year we got a report on the quality of the water in our area. Now, we're pretty lucky to live in an area where the water isn't too terrible but, I know we aren't alone in the growing number of people who are really becoming aware of the quality of the water being pumped into our homes. Most people I know have made the switch to some kind of filtering system on their drinking water. We personally use a filtered pitcher for our drinking water. The thing is, our drinking water is no... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, December 15, 2010,
In :
Accessories
One of my absolute favorite things about winter is picking out new winter hats. I absolutely adore winter hats. It doesn't get super cold here but, it gets cold enough for us southerners to need to bundle up a bit. I always loved winter hats for me but, didn't realize until I had kids how fun it would be to dress them up in the cute winter gear. This year, my daughter has the cutest winter hat ever, thanks to Buddy Tops.
Seriously adorable, right?! I'm so in love with it.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, December 13, 2010,
In :
Toys
I was recently introduced to a toy company that totally took my breath away. If you've ever shopped in the toy section at Target, chances are you've seen or purchased the amazing toys from Schleich. I didn't realize until recently that we actually have Schleich toys that we've purchased at Target and that my kids have received as gifts. I can tell you that they are absolutely amazing. My son has a Schleich dragon that he got for his birthday a few years ago and it still looks brand new and he... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, December 13, 2010,
In :
Toys
We started talking about Santa a few months ago in our house. This is the first year that my daughter actually "gets it". It's also the first year that she's started the age-old request for Santa to bring her a pony. I remember asking for a pony when I was a kid too. She's very into My Little Pony and I'm thinking she's expecting Santa to bring her a life-sized one of those.
Well, thanks to Magic Cabin, Santa can get pretty darn close to that wish. This year, my daughter will wake up on Chris... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, December 8, 2010,
In :
Men's Gifts
I'm so happy to have this special "man edition" review and giveaway. Because I can't say it any better than my husband, here, in his own words is what he has to say about ManGroomer.
I am a pretty hairy man. I have spent many hours in the bathroom in the name of “man-scaping”, with my special set of barber style hair clippers. It is a very time-consuming act, and very difficult to accomplish on one’s own. After being married a few years, I’d begun calling my wife into the room to help wit... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, December 8, 2010,
In :
Glasses/Contacts
My husband's glasses were a sad state of affairs. They were several years old, the prescription needed to be renewed and the glasses themselves had absolutely seen better days. I knew how happy I was with my experience getting new glasses from Eye Buy Direct and I was excited for him to get a pair and see what he thought.
The selection of glasses at Eye Buy Direct is truly impressive. There are so many different styles of glasses for men and women and they are so easily searchable with broken... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, December 8, 2010,
In :
Gear for Kids
Sponsored by Tomoson.com Whoever made up the saying "Don't cry over spilled milk" never had a toddler spill milk all over their laptop.
It can be quite a challenge to keep drinks from spilling when there are little ones around. Even sippy cups and bottles spray when knocked over. Don't let those "no spill" lids fool you. Those droplets that spray out of the spout can still stain. And, who wants to be embarrassed in the restaurant when the baby knocks your drink all over the couple next to you?... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, December 8, 2010,
In :
Toys
You know that saying, "So cute you could just eat it up"? Is that just a southern saying? Regardless, that saying absolutely applies to PetCakes.
PetCakes are the cutest little stuffed animals done up to look like cupcakes. I mean, seriously adorable. And my daughter is gaga over them. These sweet animals come with a "frosting" hat and sit in their own little cupcake wrapper. Like all great stuffed animals, PetCakes each come with their own cute backstory.
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, December 7, 2010,
In :
Accessories
Everyone in my family always needs new socks. I don't know how we never have enough socks but, recently I was about to buy us all some different varieties when I was introduced to Socks4Life.
Socks4Life carries the best brands and models of socks on the market. I've bought a few pair of super cheap socks recently and won't anymore. The socks at Socks4Life are just the best quality I've found and the prices are incredibly affordable. Whether you're looking for kid's socks, crew socks, womens so... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, December 7, 2010,
In :
Shoes
I've been wanting some new black winter boots this year. I'm not the kind of person to spend the amount that a certain, well-known, three letter brand of winter boots charges. (rhymes with bug) I've been browsing and shopping and now my feet are toasty warm in the most adorable, stylish pair of new black winter boots! And, they are totally affordable!
Rocket Dog has been one of my favorite brands of shoes for a while. This summer my newest addition to my collection was a pair of super cute, li... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, December 7, 2010,
In :
Gear for Kids
We don't live where it snows. But, it gets cold and sometimes the cold weather can also get nasty. It's bad enough to dress myself to keep warm and dry on those cold, slushy, wet days. Those are the days that you hope you don't need to go anywhere because it can be difficult to keep the kids warm and dry. And, let's face it, kid shoes can be expensive. Who wants to see them ruined by the slushy water?
I'm not the only mom who feels that way and, luckily, a Canadian mom came up with an amazing... Continue reading ...
Just like the music, the videos encourage kids to get up and dance, sing along and promotes imagination. Meredith's newest venture has a... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, December 5, 2010,
In :
Prize Packs
"I shrink the moon." "I grab the moon." "I sit on the toilet bowl...whaaaa?"
My 3 year old daughter says this constantly and every time I can't help but to crack up. It was hilarious when we saw it in the movie theater and it's hilarious a thousand times later. Despicable Me was absolutely the perfect choice for her first theater movie and it continues to be a total family fave. The naturally hilarious voices of people like Steve Carrell and Russell Brand fill Despicable Me and add to the funn... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, December 5, 2010,
In :
Makeup
I don't normally wear a lot of blush or eye makeup. I'm more of a plain powder and lipstick kind of girl. The natural look is easier for me and I usually feel like the other makeup is for special occasions only. Recently, I received some blush and eyeshadow that I adore and have been wearing it often thanks to the easy application and natural look. Everyday Minerals is definitely one of my newest recommendations for natural feeling and looking mineral makeup.
Posted by Robin . on Saturday, December 4, 2010,
In :
Toys
My daughter is 3 and she's really getting into dolls lately. By that I mean that she's actually playing with them and interacting with them instead of them just being in a pile in her room. She's differentiating between the dolls and starting to get her preferences. She has a new doll that she absolutely loves and, not only do I love the doll but, I adore the message the company is sending to young girls.
Posted by Robin . on Saturday, December 4, 2010,
In :
Household
I have tons of respect for cloth diaper mommas. I never had the courage or conviction to do it but, I think it's a fabulous thing. Whether you are cloth diapering or just have the run of the mill dirty kid clothes to wash, Rockin' Green is a fantastic choice for laundry detergent. I was honestly surprised at how well such a small amounth of detergent worked and got our stinkiest laundry clean and smelling so very good.
Posted by Robin . on Saturday, December 4, 2010,
In :
DVD
I've raved time and time again about how much I totally love the DVDs from the Scholastic Storybook Treasury. When choosing a DVD for a child, from newborn to elementary school, my number one pick is always one of the movies or sets from Scholastic. This holiday season, they make perfect gifts for the small children on your shopping list.
Scholastic Storybook Treasury DVDs are affordable, educational and entertaining. They are filled with classic and new Scholastic stories and reinforce readin... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Saturday, December 4, 2010,
In :
Clothing
It's funny, before I had kids I loved shopping but, after having them, I discovered an all new love for it. Shopping for kids' clothes is so much fun. Dressing them up in darling little outfits is one of my favorite things. There are certainly tons of great places out there to shop for kids' clothing but, one of my new favorites is Zutano.
Zutano has been in the business of making kids look good for over 20 years. Their selection of clothing is impressive and the quality of the clothing is rem... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Saturday, December 4, 2010,
In :
Technology
My husband has a portable building in our backyard that he has tuned into a gym. It's really nice and does have a window unit air conditioner but, is not insulated. In the south Texas summertime, it gets h-o-t in there. He uses fans and they work but, what really works to cool him off is his Handy Cooler.
Whether you're at a sporting event, the beach, a picnic, the gym or working in the yard, the Handy Cooler is absolutely phenomenal for personal cooling. It is super lightweight, easy to opera... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 29, 2010,
In :
Music
Have you noticed the Christmas music filling the stores already? I'm such a sucker for it. I love when it gets close enough to December to start hearing Christmas mucis everywhere. I'm thrilled to have a new CD this year that I can pop in for some of my favorite Christmas songs recorded in a way that I love and that is super fun for my kids.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 29, 2010,
In :
Technology
I use my laptop all day, every day. I hate to admit it but, I really have it on entirely too often and for periods of time that are too long. I was starting to notice that after my laptop had been on for a while, it was sluggish and it really gets hot. It seemed like the hotter it got, the slower it got. So, I took two stone coasters and propped up the back to let air flow more freely underneath. Sure, it worked but, only when it was sitting on a table. Now, I've got a much better solution.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 29, 2010,
In :
Gear for Kids
My daughter only recently started to voice an aversion to the darkness of her room at night. She's three and I was surprised she was never bothered by a dark room. Well, that all changed and we were left scrambling to find the perfect night light. We found one and now it's the one I recommend to everyone I know who has a small child.
KinderGlo night lights are fun, safe and portable. Everything about them is absolutely perfect. KinderGlo night lights come in fun shapes that kids love, have a ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 29, 2010,
In :
Home
It took me a couple of months to finish my big home makeover. Once I was done with all the painting and remodeling the place looked amazing but, it wasn't finished. There were so many little details that I added to really complete the look. I absolutely adore decorating. I love shopping for new decorations and love fixing them in my home and, usually, moving them around over and over. To me, home decor, pictures on the walls, candle holders and more, are like adding the perfect necklace set t... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 29, 2010,
In :
Games
My son is 6 and he has recently gotten very into video games. His favorites are, without a doubt, his Lego games. Lego Indiani Jones and Lego Harry Potter games keep that boy massively entertained. This week, his eyes were wide and he was overflowing with joy as he sat down to play the newest game from Lego, a computer game called Lego Universe.
Lego Universe is the first Lego game that is a MMOG, a Massively Multiplayer Online Game. More than a game, this is an online world where kids can cr... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 29, 2010,
In :
DVD
If you're looking for amazing gifts for kids, one of the things that I most highly recommend are the DVDs from Scholastic. Every time I give my kids or someone else's kids one of these DVDs as a gift, it is a huge hit. Scholastic books have been dearly loved for years and the DVDs from Scholastic are just as amazing as the classic storybooks.
There are so many DVDs to choose from in the Scholastic Storybook Treasury. One of the amazing sets is CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE…AND MORE AMUS... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, November 23, 2010,
In :
Toys
Do you remember the Beanie Baby craze? Those things were everywhere and they were unbelievably popular. Well, get ready because the toys I'm about to show you are cuter and I'm quite certain they are going to steal the hearts of many.
When storks get confused and there's too much traffic flying around and delivering all the cute baby animals becomes a little hectic, sometimes accidents happen and mayhem ensues. All those storks crashing into each othe... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, November 23, 2010,
In :
DVD
Can you believe it's almost Christmas?! I absolutely love this time of year. Hot cocoa, tree trimming, holiday joy and all the magic that surrounds the season. I also really love all the holiday movies. There are so very many of them and I love having so many options for family friendly movie nights. This year, Disney is adding a new movie to the holiday movies that will be sure to be an instant fave for your family.
Hitting stores November 23, 2010, The Search for Santa Paws is the prequel to... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 22, 2010,
In :
Clothing
For me, one of the cutest things is a little kid in pajamas. I absolutely adore my kids in their comfy winter pajamas. My daughter has a new pair of footed pajamas that are just beyond adorable. Her pajamas from Snug as a Bug make her as cute as a little bug. And, she absolutely loves them.
Precious. These pajamas are really well made and super comfortable for her. I definitely recommend these pajamas, especially if you live where it gets really cold. These footed pajamas will definitely keep ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 22, 2010,
In :
Toys
My daughter loves going to the grocery store. She's getting much more aware of what I'm actually doing while we are at the grocery store. She likes to help me pick out produce and loves the whole shopping experience. She also loves every single item we've ever gotten for her from Little Tikes. We have a lot of Little Tikes stuff. It's really just the best there is. Some of the items we have from Little Tikes have been passed down through several kids and are still in perfect condition. When w... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 22, 2010,
In :
Toys
Holiday shopping is here. I really can't believe it's time already but, it's here. You can brave the crowds to hit all the same boring stores or you can curl up in your pajamas and do a little online shopping with some unique stores full of the best in kids' toys, clothing and so much more. One of the best sites you'll find for that kind of shopping is The Land of Nod.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 22, 2010,
In :
DVD
One of my daughter's favorite things to watch is her Wow Wow Wubbzy movies. There's something about that cute little show that just gets her laughing every single time she watches. I have to admit, I think it's pretty cute too. It's definitely a cartoon that I don't mind her watching. I love how it teaches about friendship, sharing and teamwork while making my daughter giggle in her cute little way. I also love that it is not one of those cartoons that annoys me to overhear it.
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, November 17, 2010,
In :
DVD
When I was a kid, one of my favorite movies was Freaky Friday. Then there was Like Father Like Son. Now, the classic storyline that kids always dream of, switching places with the grown ups, gets a hilarious update in the new movie, Opposite Day.
Opposite Day stars Pauly Shore, Dick Van Patten, Rico Rodriguez from Modern Family and French Stewart among the all-star cast. After being disappointed by his parents, 9 year old Sammy makes a wish that kids ruled the world. Of course, it doesn't work... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 15, 2010,
In :
Jewelry
Are you looking for a fantastic gift for a woman this holiday season? Whether you need a teacher gift, something for mom, are a man looking for the perfect item for your wife, need something for your sister or best friend or even a neighbor, one of the best places for you is Chunky Bling.
Chunky Bling offers items like bead rings, charm cluster necklaces, bead bracelets and beaded watches. The beads used in the jewelry at Chunky Bling are gorgeous, unique and incredibly stylish.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 15, 2010,
In :
Gear for Kids
Now that my son is in school, I have so many things to label with his name. His lunchbox, backpack, jackets, shoes and so much more need labels so that when he inevitably loses them, they won't be lost forever. I tried some sticky labels from the store and they either didn't stick or stuck halfway and just didn't work quite right. Plus, they weren't cute at all. Luckily, I've found the solution and the new labels I'm using are absolutely fantastic.
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, November 14, 2010,
In :
Toys
I've done several reviews and giveaways for Pillow Pets. For me, they are one of the ultimate gifts you can get someone. Not just for children; these cuddly pillows are for everyone. My husband, my kids and I all enjoy their softness and cuteness. When it comes to affordability in an amazing gift, it doesn't get much better than Pillow Pets.
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, November 14, 2010,
In :
Food
I generally cook all of my family's meals from scratch. I enjoy cooking and my husband prefers a home cooked meal. For the most part, he is pretty much against pre-packaged and frozen meals. There has, however, always been one exception. Any time I don't feel like cooking dinner, I know that I can grab a Michael Angelo's frozen lasagna and we'll all be happy.
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, November 11, 2010,
In :
Household
With a super active husband and two small children, my laundry pile seems to be never ending. Not only is the stack of laundry sky high, some of it can be pretty stinky. Let's face it, sweaty gym clothes, kids that play with dogs and roll around on the ground, potty training and all the messes add up to some definitely smelly laundry.
I've tried a lot of different brands of laundry detergent. Some work better than others but, generally, my stinkiest clothes and bedding need extra washing. Clo... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, November 10, 2010,
In :
Technology
My cell phone and I live in the dark ages but, so many of my friends have the new cell phones with all the fun and fantastic applications on them. I also have quite a few friends who are adding apps to their phones specifically designed to keep their children entertained while running errands, sitting in waiting rooms or just waiting for dinner to be ready. My neighbor's sons play their apps on one of her old phones. As happy as I am stuck in the past with my old phone, I would love to have a... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, November 9, 2010,
In :
Toys
My daughter wants a pony for Christmas. That's pretty normal for a little girl. This year, thanks to HearthSong, she'll come closer to that wish than I ever did as a child.
For almost thirty years, HearthSong has been bringing parents and kids the best toys that nurture creativity, promote imagination and create lifelong fun memories while always maintaining the highest standards of quality for their products. HearthSong is nationally known and parents know they can count on the company to alw... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 8, 2010,
In :
Clothing
Is it hard for you to find jeans that fit? Hard to find jeans that you love? Hard to find jeans that make you want to do a runway walk in the dressing room? Shopping for jeans can be one of the most annoying things that women do. Have you ever tried to go shopping for jeans immediately after lunch? Oy. Forget about it! I remember after I had my daughter and I was losing the baby weight but, not back down to my original size. Jeans shopping during that time usually ended in tears. Nothing fits... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Saturday, November 6, 2010,
In :
Winners
Thank you to everyone who entered the Home Makeover Giveaway! And, a special thanks to the amazing companies who contributed to it's success! The next time any of you are doing a home project, I urge you to give those companies a look!
Congratulations to Karen Mead, our Home Makeover Winner!
Stay tuned to Lolidots for more amazing giveaways during the holiday season. There are so many exciting giveaways coming up and you'll see many more than usual here in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Yo... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, November 3, 2010,
In :
Music
My kids love being crazy. They also love music. There's tons of amazing kid music out there that feeds their craziness and wild ways. The thing is, sometimes I want to feed their love of music without feeding their zaniness. Sometimes, just sometimes, it's nice to have some mellowness in our house. Granted, it doesn't happen often! Luckily, I've recently been introduced to a new kid music artist that fills an entire album with amazing, joyful, glorious, mellow music that kids will love and pa... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, November 2, 2010,
In :
Food
I generally make my mashed potatoes from scratch. Let's face it though, sometimes it's nice to have something done quickly and with zero mess. But, what about that homestyle taste, you say? Well, good ol' Betty Crocker saves the day in more ways than cake!
Betty Crocker's Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes are made with 100% real potatoes and actually taste like homemade mashed potatoes. I love that they come in more than one flavor and I really like that there are two pouches in every box. That m... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 1, 2010,
In :
Parenting
When I became pregnant with my first child, I received a gift that I carried with me everywhere. Truly, it was never more than a few feet from my side and I used it constantly throughout each and every day. It was packed in my hospital bag and was absolutely my number one must have during pregnancy. What was it?
I read that book cover to cover, repeatedly. I referenced it daily and took comfort in knowing that it really could answer all of my questions. (I'... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 1, 2010,
In :
Home
A few months ago I started a home improvement project that was, for me, a huge undertaking. My entire kitchen, dining room and living room areas got repainted and slightly remodeled. The very first part of the project, what really ended up inspiring the rest of the project, was my decision to paint my kitchen cabinets. The result, thanks completely to the paint I used, was so amazing that the entire room's makeover fell perfectly in place around the cabinets.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, November 1, 2010,
In :
Gear for Kids
Isn't it funny how there are some things that you fall in love with as a child and, no matter how old you get, the love never fades? I would bet that, like me, most of you fell in love with Disney as kids. Now that we are adults, that love can continue to grow as we watch our children's eyes light with joy at anything that Disney offers us. Luckily for all of us, Disney is ready to make us all insanely happy yet again as we file into theaters this fall for the new movie Tangled.
a) You really really should. It's hilarious and my whole family loved it! 2) Seriously. What are you waiting for? It's bound to still be in a dollar theater somewhere near you! c) Can't get to see it now? It comes out on DVD on December 14th. Perfect for holiday shopping! IV) Watch this clip and try not to shoot your drink out your nose when you fall into a ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, October 27, 2010,
In :
DVD
Halloween is almost here but, there are some things you can enjoy even after the festivities are over. Eating candy, telling spooky stories and having fun with your kids don't require a special day. Another thing you'll be able to enjoy long after the Halloween decorations come down is the Scholastic Storybook Halloween Stories Collection!
This three disc set contains 18 wonderfully fun and slightly spooky stories from Scholastic in the DVD format that parents and kids love. Some of my kids' f... Continue reading ...
My daughter and I both have some new socks that instantly became our favorites. I really love comfortable socks. I also know that, when it comes to socks for children, the more comfortable the better. My son especially is very particular when it comes to the way his socks feel inside his shoes. SmartKnitKIDS absolutely knows how important it is, no matter your age, to have the most comfortable socks possible. The SmartKnitKIDS socks that my daughter and I were lucky en... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, October 25, 2010,
In :
Pet Accessories
We try our hardest to feed our children and ourselves the best and most healthy food. We realized one day that we weren't showing our pets the same care. We are now taking great strides to really make sure that we are feeding our dogs healthier food. However, I was at a bit of a loss though when shopping for healthy dog food. Then, luckily, I was introduced to Nutrisca.
Nutrisca dog food is grain free, potato free dry dog food. Potato and tapioca are both high on the glycemic index and can be... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, October 25, 2010,
In :
Home
On any night in the winter, let's be honest - on any night at all, you can find me curled up in a blanket while lounging on the couch. My husband has a running joke about how I've always got to have a blanket, no matter the outdoor temperature. One of my favorite things about winter time is the cozy feeling of curling up with a blanket while hanging out with the family. It is seriously annoying trying to keep a blanket on for all the snuggly goodness while you are reading, channel surfing, ga... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, October 19, 2010,
In :
Kitchen
My sister in law was at my house recently and I was showing her one of my very unique cake pans.
"That's a Wilton!", she exclaimed.
Wilton cake pans and other products are unmistakeable and anyone who has ever used any of them knows that, when you want the best, you want Wilton.
In an age where companies are coming and going left and right, it's nice to know that there are those out there like Wilton who have been around since the 1920s and continue to be leaders in their field. Wilton is more ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, October 18, 2010,
In :
DVD
My kids have a lot of DVDs that I have absolutely zero problem with them watching any time they want to watch them. The reason I'm always so laid back about the viewing of these movies is that they are Scholastic Storybook DVDs and the absolute gold standard in children's movies. Everything amazing about Scholastic books takes life in their Storybook DVDs. All of the charming Scholastic stories you remember from your youth, as well as amazing new stories from talented new authors can be found... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, October 18, 2010,
In :
Food
My husband is constantly searching for snack foods that are healthier than what fill the eye-level shelves of our local grocery stores. He's extremely health conscious and I love that his healthy lifestyle has worn off on myself and our children. When it comes to snackfood, though, I still need some yummy flavor. Luckily, we were recently introduced to Mareblu Naturals.
Mareblu Naturals was started by a parent who, like most of us, was concerned with all the over-processed, pre-packaged, unhe... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, October 18, 2010,
In :
Shoes
For the past few weeks, my feet have been happy.
I mean, sublimely happy.
We're talking "I'm walking on sunshine" kind of happy.
Until I take off my Sanuk shoes. Then my feet get a little sad.
I remember the first time I saw Sanuk shoes. My father-in-law, proving to be hipper than I, has been sporting them for years and I've been coveting them for as long. You can tell when someone's wearing Sanuk shoes. It's like they're in on a little secret that you may not be privy to and they've got a little... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, October 14, 2010,
In :
Music
Use Your Words!
My kids hear me say that all the time. It's a phrase I learned long before I had kids when I worked in daycare. Emotions are difficult for children and it can be quite a challenge for them to recognize their emotions and express them. Very young children are especially volatile when dealing with emotions they aren't used to or don't understand. Any time my kids get worked up and upset, they hear me say "Use your words" to try and help those feelings manifest as language instead... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, October 11, 2010,
In :
Baby Gear
From pregnancy to birth and beyond, one of the most important things for mom and baby is comfort. The sad fact is that, often times, the comfort mom and baby so need is often rather elusive. Pregnancy can be an uncomfortable time for mom while a newborn can sometimes be quite fussy just due to discomfort from many different things. Luna Lullaby is an amazing company that has taken advice from leading experts and combined it with their own parenting experiences to design top quality products d... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, October 11, 2010,
In :
Clothing
Halloween is around the corner. Chances are, if you've got kids, you've been hearing about costumes for quite some time already and probably have the choices at least narrowed down. But, what about the adult costumes? Just because we can't go door to door asking for candy doesn't mean we can't dress up and have a blast. Whether you are taking the kids Trick or Treating or you're attending an adult costume party, Costume Squad has you covered with their fun selection of adult costumes.
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, October 10, 2010,
In :
Accessories
I'm generally most comfortable wearing jeans and pants that are incredibly low rise. As I've gotten older, my shirts have gotten longer but, bending over a zillion times per day to tend to small children or pick things up usually means that unless I'm wearing a shirt that goes past my bottom, I'm going to look like the guy who comes to fix your toilet. I've also found myself getting rid of shirts that I really love because they just aren't long enough for my tastes anymore.
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, October 6, 2010,
In :
Home
I recently did a huge home makeover. My kitchen, living room, dining room and hallway all got completely made over!
Here's what these rooms looked like before.
And, after all the work, here it is now.
I know, right?!
Looks like a different house. And, I am loving it!
So,
on to the specifics of what I did. Bear with me because these companies
definitely deserve to be applauded and when it's all said and done,
they are going to hook you up!
My daughter is very much like me in her love for shoes. She squeals with delight when she gets a new pair and she is adamant about picking out her shoes in the morning. She generally changes her shoes no less than three times throughout the day. One of her very favorite pair of shoes is her adorable tennies from Wee Squeak.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, October 4, 2010,
In :
DVD
Magic
Mystery
Adventure
Mythical Creatures
Secrets
Good vs. Evil
Those are the words I used to tell my son what The Secret of Kells was about before he started watching it. Of course, for a 6 year old, his eyes got wider and his smile bigger with each of those words. I knew his expectations were up as I put the movie in the player. The Secret of Kells absolutely did not disappoint his wild imagination and high expectations. What surprised me was not how much my son enjoyed this movie but, how my 3 ... Continue reading ...
Does that game sound familiar to anyone? The parents will probably recognize it as a normal routine when you have a baby. It's fun for them. Sometimes annoying for the parent. Sometimes messy for the floor. When my kids were very young and realizing the cause and effect of throwing objects on the floor, this game happened quite often at dinnertime. Usually, I wou... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, September 30, 2010,
In :
Games
Not too long ago I had an amazing giveaway from VTech. If you've gotten your child, or anyone's child, the fantastic V.Reader or are planning on making their holiday season brighter by gifting it to a lucky child, then I've got some great news for you!
VTech has launched it's Learning Lodge Navigator and it's amazing. The Learning Lodge Navigator is a free online tool that offers downloadable books, games, customized
themes and avatars. Additionally, Learning Lodge allows parents to track
th... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, September 28, 2010,
In :
Clothing
You know you've made it in pop culture when there are t-shirts emblazoned with your face, catch phrase, logo, etc. If there was any lingering doubt about Facebook's place in pop culture history, Nacho Mama Tees has solidified the stature of the social networking site with this t-shirt.
Nacho Mama Tees is overflowing with super soft tees that uniquely show off pop culture references through the years. Clothing should always be a personality statement and Nacho Mama Tees helps show the world ho... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, September 27, 2010,
In :
Music
Children need music in their lives. It makes them happy. It makes them dance. It can also completely turn around a bad mood and make a fussy child start smiling again. We've always made sure that our kids are constantly exposed to different kinds of music. Then, there are times when it's necessary for good music made absolutely for kids. Silly music that makes them laugh and jump around. The new Monkey Monkey Music CD, What Are the Odds?, does just that.
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, September 21, 2010,
In :
Gear for Kids
Whether you are potty training or sending a young child off to school, belts can be a hassle for the child and a worry for the parent. I know that when I was school shopping for my son, I took care to buy shorts that had elastic waistbands so that we wouldn't have to deal with the hassle of belts. With fall approaching and jeans on the horizon, he's going to be wearing belts soon. Thanks to Myself Belts, not only will he be able to easily fasten his belt, he'll be rockin' his style every day.... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, September 21, 2010,
In :
DVD
Get ready!
Adjust your wings and make sure your glitter is applied just right!
Everyone's favorite little pixie is swooping into little girl bedrooms and hearts everywhere today, September 21st!
The all new movie has Tinker Bell and friends in a new adventure with humans. This movie is true pixie dust for all little girls. The animation is amazing and the magic is, as usual, breathtaking. Tinker Bell does not disappoint and still absolutely dazzles. What little my generation had of Tink is made ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, September 20, 2010,
In :
Bathroom Products
No matter your decor, wall color or rug choices, the focal point of your bathroom will usually be your shower curtain. When I was redoing our guest bathroom, I actually did the entire room centered around the shower curtain I had in there. As I gear up to remodel our master bed and bath, I am certain that the focal point of the bathroom is going to be uber stylish and unbelievably unique, thanks to Izola Shower.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, September 13, 2010,
In :
Bathroom Products
Did You Know...?
* A number of studies suggest that oral heath is associated with general health. Advanced gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, premature delivery in pregnant women, and stroke.
* Researchers have found more than 10,000,000 bacteria living on a single toothbrush.
* Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that can survive on toothbrushes.
* Viruses that cause colds, flu, and fever blisters can survive for many days on toothbrushes.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, September 13, 2010,
In :
Music
I have a confession. This morning, I met the day with a little music from the Flannery Brothers. Um...without my kids. Yes, this music is that good. Once you turn it on, it's just infectious. I'm literally singing along with the song Sleepyhead. My kids love it but, so do I.
The Flannery Brothers have won thirteen prestigious awards, including the Lennon Award for Best Children’s Song in the 2008 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Their influences range from Jonathan Richman and The Beach Boy... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, September 13, 2010,
In :
Clothing
I'm absolutely a t-shirt and jeans kind of gal. I don't own nearly as many t-shirts as my husband but, I definitely love them. I adore how a t-shirt can absolutely be a statement of one's personal taste, opinions or humor. Socially relevant and pop culture inspired tees are everywhere. For funny t-shirts, vintage t-shirts, crazy, unique tees that are so affordable you can get one for every day and every mood (or get them all!), look no further than Crazy Dog T-shirts and it's sister sites.
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, September 8, 2010,
In :
DVD
With the kids back in school, Scholastic Storybook Treasury has done it again and released a new set of DVDs sure to keep them entertained with some fun and beloved stories. Scholastic's new set, Adventures in School, is a three disc library that has already won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Videos. Filled with wonderful stories like How Do Dinosaurs Go to School, The Teacher From the Black Lagoon and Miss Nelson Has a Field Day, kids of all ages are sure to fall in l... Continue reading ...
Whether you are a small business owner, work in the corporate world or just need some personal printing done, Next Day Flyers are committed to servicing your printing needs quickly, with high quality and wonderful customer service and get your order precisely right.
"Next Day Flyers is an online printing company that delivers top-quality printed marketing materials with one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry. We specialize in full color printing of custom business cards, brochure... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, September 6, 2010,
In :
Gear for Kids
My daughter is potty training. It's definitely going better than it did in the beginning days of trying to potty train my son but, no potty training is a cake walk. There are so many decisions we make as parents trying to potty train our kids. Will we use pull-ups or underwear? Will we give stickers or candy? Will we have the patience to make it through?! A big choice is deciding whether or not to use the regular toilet. A lot of parents opt for the small toilets because it's just easier for ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, September 5, 2010,
In :
Food
Do you send fruit in your child's lunch? Take snacks in the car with you? Fruit is always an amazing and healthy snack for all of us but, not always convenient to pack in a lunch or bring along in the car. Even something like a banana or apple produces quite the mess in our car. Fruit cups are chosen often for school lunches but, can still be messy and are definitely not free of sugars and other unhealthy things. But, what do kids like to snack on? Something crunchy! Something fun! Something ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Friday, September 3, 2010,
In :
Baby Gear
Okkatots recently won the PTPA Award on two of its products. To celebrate, they are giving away one of their Baby Carriers and one of their Travel Diaper Bags!
Until September 14th you can go HERE and comment on the post to enter the contest and win one of these awesome Baby Carriers from Okkatot! Their winner will be announced on September 15th.
If you enter their contest, come back here and get two extra entries in any or all of the current giveaways at Lolidots. Just tell me that you entere... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, August 30, 2010,
In :
Toys
In our house, Pillow Pets are king. Every single one of us has our own Pillow Pet, some of us have more than one and all of us are very protective of our pets. If you've ever used a Pillow Pet, felt one or own one, you know why we are obsessed with these adorable things.
Pillow Pets are the softest and cutest pillows in our home. With a quick flip of the velcro, they become our kids' favorite stuffed animals. My daughter totes her dog Pillow Pet around with her and has named the cute red pupp... Continue reading ...
I love to give personalized gifts, especially when it's for a child. As a mom, one of the things I am always sure to use if given to me is a cute picture frame. A personalized, cute picture frame? That's gift-giving gold. And, while I'm pretty crafty, I don't have a lot of time these days to be making tons of picture frames. Luckily, Etsy comes to the rescue again as I stumbled upon another adorable shop there.
Megan Abrahamsen is a mom with tons of corporate world experience. She knows busin... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, August 29, 2010,
In :
Back to School
Whether you are a student hitting the classroom this fall or just a computer toting office worker, having unique bags and accessories is simply a must. My go-to site for finding the most unique items around is definitely Etsy. I was browsing Etsy recently and came across a store that blew me away with it's products.
CraftieRobot's Etsy store is full of the most unique bags and other items I've seen in a while. More than unique, these products are fun and play on pop culture icons both current... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, August 29, 2010,
In :
Back to School
I spend a lot of time making lists and writing everything from articles to notes for myself. I like to keep it all organized and easy to find. For an organization obsessed person like me, office supplies are essential and so much fun. My favorite office and school supplies are super stylish and come from Carolina Pad.
I'm in love with all the amazing designs that Carolina Pad offers. Their selection of products is incredibly impressive. From notebooks to laptop sleeves, calculators to binders... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, August 24, 2010,
In :
DVD
When my son was very young, one of his favorite cartoons that I always just adored was Max and Ruby. I honestly had no idea at the time that this adorable show is actually based on some darn cute books by treasured author, Rosemary Wells.
In 1973, Rosemary Wells published "Noisy Nora", about a sweet mouse looking for attention in a big family. In her more than 40 year career, Wells has given children more than 120 books and filled their imaginations with characters like Nora, Max and Ruby. Sc... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, August 23, 2010,
In :
Toys
Like most kids, my children love playgrounds, jungle gyms and anything they can ride. We have some great outdoor toys that are perfect for fulfilling their wildest climbing and riding games. The problem usually is that these are only outdoor toys and, a lot of times, it takes two to make them fun. We recently received a toy from HearthSong that has solved both of those problems and added another level of fun to our household.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, August 23, 2010,
In :
Food
We eat a lot of snacks in our house. As a health conscious woman and mom, I love to know that the snacks we are enjoying aren't entirely unhealthy. When I find something that we can snack on and I can feel good about, it's an ultimate score. That's why I have loved Snikiddy Snacks since my family first tried them over a year ago.
Snikiddy Snacks are the result of a mother and daughter team who wanted to give toddlers, kids and adults a healthy snack alternative that actually tastes amazingly d... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, August 15, 2010,
In :
Clothing
We should all have healthy and active lifestyles. Whether you are a hiker, biker, runner, weight lifter or prefer something like yoga, staying active is the absolute best thing for all of us. No matter your choice of activity, having activewear that fits well, breathes well, remains comfortable and is highly stylish will definitely be a priority. Let's face it, the more comfortable you are, the more fun the activity is. While your health and comfort is definitely a necessity, wouldn't it be w... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, August 15, 2010,
In :
DVD
Did you know that the Scholastic Storybook Treasures DVD series has won more awards than any other contemporary children's video brand? After watching only one of these amazing DVDs, it's easy to see why. My kids have so many of them and they absolutely adore every single one. I love that these DVDs contain such wonderful and beloved stories and really encourage reading. My kids love that they are entertaining, contain music and read them their favorite stories while combining the reading wit... Continue reading ...
I change purses often. Because I'm a purse junkie, I have tons of different choices and like to give them all fair opportunity. It's nice to clean things out because my purse is usually in quite disarray. Changing purses can be a pain though because of the disarray. Luckily, I found a purse organizer recently that is beyond fantastic.
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, August 15, 2010,
In :
Back to School
Now that you've got the binders, lunchboxes and backpacks ready for school, it's time to think about how to decorate them. Hadn't thought of that? Well, the folks over at PakNak have not only thought about it, they've got you totally covered!
What's a PakNak? I'm glad you asked. PakNaks are soft, rubbery, 3-D decorations for all of your kids' belongings. They come in a huge variety of animals and other cute things. PakNaks use a super strong adhesive that sticks to everything a kid could want ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, August 15, 2010,
In :
Back to School
Back to School shopping is upon us. This is the first year we are having to go through all of this. My son will start kindergarten very soon and we're gearing up for all that entails. Along with the school supplies, new clothes and saying goodbye to summer, there's one item that seems to be the most important when it comes to getting a child ready for school. I know it was the most important thing when I was a kid. What is it? The backpack, of course! When it comes to a child's school backpac... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, August 10, 2010,
In :
Toys
My kids are like so many others, color crazy. They love to draw, color and do art as often as they can. With a young toddler though, I had to limit art time for quite a while to the times when I could be there to completely supervise. Any parent who has ever cleaned drawings off a wall knows what I'm talking about. Luckily, Crayola understands that I don't want to limit art time or have to clean markings off my walls and furniture.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, August 9, 2010,
In :
Toys
As health conscious adults and parents, my husband and I try to make food choices for ourselves and our children that will promote a happy and healthy life. I know that most parents are like us in making the best food choices possible for their children. The day starts with breakfast and it's our first opportunity to instill the love of healthy natural food into our kids and start their days off right.
In 1971, a woman named Barbara decided that she wanted give families what they needed in re... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, August 9, 2010,
In :
Music
We love music around here. What's more, we love family music. I'm always looking for more music that I can turn on for the kids and not want to put in ear plugs while they listen to it.
The newest cd from family music star Justin Roberts, Jungle Gym, is another cd in our collection that the kids love and I enjoy listening to as well.
The 12 original songs on the Jungle Gym disc explore some of the iconic moments that we all remember from childhood. Those quintessential times in childhood that... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, August 9, 2010,
In :
Music
Have you noticed the shift in "tween" music these days? It seems that the only difference between tween music and adult music is the possibility of fewer curse words and maybe a cheesier beat. The music world for tweens and teens is still littered with inappropriate innuendos and wrong messages.
In early 2009, co-creators Zuriani Zonneveld and Bonni Rambatan created a new singing sensation for tweens and teens to admire and listen to named Anni Zola. On June 29 of this year, Anni Zola - My St... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, August 3, 2010,
In :
Shoes
Several months ago, I attended a baptism that my husband was photographing. I wore new high heels that day. Gorgeous high heels that ended up being one of those "pain for beauty" type situations. My feet were killing me by the end of the afternoon. I really would have loved to change my shoes during the small reception but, I couldn't really tote an extra pair of shoes with me.
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, August 1, 2010,
In :
Kitchen
I usually only go grocery shopping once a week. I plan my menu and get everything at once. Sometimes, that means that any fresh veggies I'm planning to use, sit in my fridge for a week or more. There are plenty of times that I have to go get new zuchinni, peppers or other veggies I've had in the fridge because I've let them sit in the bin for a few days too long and they are wrinkly and getting close to being unusable.
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, August 1, 2010,
In :
Music
I love the old-school, bluegrass type folk and country music. It's fun, upbeat and always lively. My kids love music with silly lyrics that makes them laugh. Recently, I received a cd that combines the two into one disc full of silly, upbeat and fun music with that awesome bluegrass sound that's very reminiscent of music that I like so much. The Okee Dokee Brothers Band is O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack meets Sesame Street. It's a great combination.
Posted by Robin . on Sunday, August 1, 2010,
In :
Shoes
School is starting very soon in most parts of the country. No doubt, you are either already getting your Back to School shopping done or it's on the top of your to-do list. When it comes to shoes for school, I've got the perfect place for you to get the cutest shoes for your kids. Plus, you don't even have to leave your home. Online shopping is the way to go when it means avoiding the Back to School shopping crowds!
Posted by Robin . on Monday, July 26, 2010,
In :
Kitchen
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
When it comes to cooking, I'm a cook that loves a good shortcut, a short preptime and easily prepared cuisine. I never really thought that kitchen tools made a huge difference in meal preparation. I've been ignorantly content with my mediocre kitchen utensils. It wasn't until I tried a ceramic knife from Vicera that I realized how wrong I had been about what a good kitchen utensil can do for you.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, July 26, 2010,
In :
Toys
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
My kids have a lot of toys. As a parent, I'll admit that I didn't always concern myself with the quality of their toys. These days, it's important to me that the toys my kids own are more than just fun for them. Educational value is important and if a toy can be fun, educational and something that will endure the tests of time and rambunctious playing then that toy is a favorite for all of us.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, July 26, 2010,
In :
Baby Gear
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
You need a lot of gear when you have a baby. A LOT of gear. As the babies get a bit older, there's still more gear that's needed. Of course, it doesn't hurt if that gear is super cute. So, where can you go for some super cute baby and toddler gear? Look no further than BePe Baby.
BePe Baby is full of cute accessories and gear for babies and toddlers all handmade by mothers who know how important quality and durability are when it comes to the items we buy for our kids. You'll... Continue reading ...
I'm always on the lookout for great new hair accessories. I normally have my hair in a ponytail so, the style can get a little stale. I was recently introduced to an online store that has a huge collection of hair accessories at amazing prices. Hair Coverings has such an amazing array of hair accessories. From headbands to hats, ponytail holders to bandanas, hair sticks to hair clips, there's so much to see at Hair Coverings.
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, July 20, 2010,
In :
Clothing
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
I rarely shop for undergarments. It's rare that I'm on a shopping trip alone and it's just not convenient with two kids in tow. I've recently become a lover of online shopping and when I came across Freshpair I rejoiced.
Freshpair is the ultimate in online undergarment shopping. Their selection is enormous and the ease of browsing is superb. No matter what you're looking for, whether it's a pretty new bra, your favorite brand of underwear, something a little sexy, boxers for... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, July 19, 2010,
In :
Toys
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
It's summertime and one of the things that means is that outdoor playtime is inevitable. Whether you are headed to the backyard, the local park or the beach, outdoor toys are a must-have item. We recently tried out a new outdoor toy that completely blew us all away.
I absolutely adore the story of how the Pocket Disc came to be.
Tasked with crocheting a round placemat for her handwork studies, Savanna unknowingly created the first Pocket Disc prototype. But, her placemat was ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, July 19, 2010,
In :
Baby Gear
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
When I was pregnant with my son I read a ton of parenting and baby magazines. I remember repeatedly seeing ads and mentions of something called a Pee Pee Teepee and thinking it was the most genius thing ever. When he was born, and I got my first glimpse of what can happen when changing a boy's diaper, I was convinced that the Pee Pee Teepee was the most genius thing ever.
Here, almost 6 years later, I've been introduced again to the fabulous mom-owned company that makes, not... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, July 15, 2010,
In :
Jewelry
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
I love companies that give back. There are so many amazing causes out there and so many wonderful companies that contribute to them. Chelsea Dischinger, a stay at home mom, is the owner of one of those amazing companies. Justice Juels was founded because Chelsea wanted to make a difference. Justice Juels carries gorgeous hand-made and hand-stamped jewelry, all the rage in jewelry fashion right now, and more than 50% of their profits are donated to organizations who are invol... Continue reading ...
My son is a mega superhero fanatic. He has most of the superhero movies available and watches them regularly. We don't have cable though, so he has been missing out on a fabulous show from Cartoon Network. Luckily, The Super Hero Squad Show: Quest for the Infinity Sword! Volume 1, just came out on DVD and he's been able to experience this sensation of superhero cartoons.
The Super Hero Squad Show arrived on DVD today, July 13th! The show has already been applauded by People ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, July 13, 2010,
In :
Kitchen
GIVEAWAYS IS CLOSED
For many of us, school will be starting before we know it. Are you moms ready for the multitude of sandwiches you will be making for school lunches? I'm well practiced, considering that sandwiches are the lunch of choice for my kiddos pretty much all the time. Even variations in different typses of sandwiches can get boring though.
Introducing The Lunchpunch. A simple way to make adorable and fun sandwiches that will put a smile on your child's face when they open their lun... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, July 13, 2010,
In :
Shoes
GIVEAWAYS IS CLOSED
One of my personal favorite things about summertime is flip flops. Oh yes, I love shoes of all kinds but, flip flops are definitely my favorite. Some of my most favorite flip flops - the comfiest, cutest, most versatile - are my Lindsay Phillips Switchflops. I got my first pair of Switchflops last summer and adore them. Switchflops are flip flops with interchangeable straps fastened by velcro. I love the versatility and love being able to change the look of the shoes simply... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, July 13, 2010,
In :
Music
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
My kiddos love music. They love to dance and they love to get crazy when listening to their music. So, music we choose for them has to be upbeat and have that special something that draws them in. If they are watching musicians perform, the bright colors that "kid bands" go for certainly is eye pleasing but, let's face it, some of those brightly colored bands for kids are a parent's worst nightmare. Well, if you are looking for some great music for your kids that won't make ... Continue reading ...
My regular readers know what a nut I am about purses. When it comes to my obsession with accessories, purses and shoes are at the height of my "most wanted" list. Recently, I'm loving straying further outside of my "comfort zone" and going for purses that are flashier and more stylish than all the "safer" totes I've always purchased.
One of my favorite things about my house are all of our pictures. It's really my very fave way to decorate my walls. What I most enjoy, is having a few really large prints to really pop out. What I do not enjoy is that we don't have a printer to create those large prints and the drugstore photo printing can sometimes leave a little to be desired.
I am over-the-moon happy after finding UPrinting.com, though! Finally, specialty photo printing of exceptional quality for the... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, July 5, 2010,
In :
Toys
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
I was an imaginative child so, to see my kids' imaginations at work is incredibly fun for me. Kids can turn the simplest things into the most fun toys in an instant. A stick becomes a bow staff for my son playing "ninja" and a kitchen towel easily turns into a superhero cape. Blankets turn a couch into a cave and pillows on the floor become shark infested waters.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, June 28, 2010,
In :
Toys
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
My son starts kindergarten in about two months. He's been on the verge of reading for some time now but, we're really starting to see the light bulb come on and he's now realizing that he wants to read. Sure, school will help push him down that path but, in the meantime and as a helpful tool once school starts, I am beyond thrilled to let him play with the new VTech V.Reader.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, June 28, 2010,
In :
Pet Accessories
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
Whether you're going camping this summer, hiking this fall, headed to the beach or local farmer's market, or just lounging around the house, if your dog will be by your side then you need to check out Kakadu Pet.
Kakadu Pet's selection of collars, harnesses, leads, beds, clothes and carriers is a dog lovers dream.
The collars, harnesses and leads at Kakadu Pet are made of high quality material and designed to be durable while also being comfortable and stylish. Clothes like ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Saturday, June 26, 2010,
In :
Clothing
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
I'm a sucker for a really cool t-shirt and so is my husband. We're both doing fruity back flips over the tees we have seen from Seventh.Ink.
Seventh.Ink is the love child of Matthew Johnson's obsession with both illustrations and t-shirts. Started in 20007 as an extension of his graphic design business, SeventhFury Studios, Matthew took his artistic abilities and threw them onto his other love, t-shirts. I'll admit that, while the designs all totally rock, I'm pretty in lov... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Saturday, June 26, 2010,
In :
Shoes
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
No one ever told me how much I'd be on my feet once I became a mom. Between cooking meals, running errands, daily housework and attending the many functions and parties that fill the calendar, the life of a mom is busyday in and day out. Those bon bons we stay at home moms eat all day, must be eaten on the run. When it comes to footwear options for the busy mom, it's generally either form or function. The choice must be made between comfort and fashion.
Posted by Robin . on Saturday, June 26, 2010,
In :
Toys
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
I'm definitely a patriotic person. I hear the national anthem, see an American Flag, think of the sacrifices that our military makes and I get chills. The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Not only does it symbolize that old fashioned American family fun that I love to idealize but, it's one of those days that gives people that nudge to remember how great our country is, what our country has gone through and all the men and women who have gotten us here and cont... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, June 22, 2010,
In :
Accessories
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
I remember when I found out I was having a baby girl. Visions of pink, purses, painted nails and hair bows danced through my head. My daughter's first hair bows were headbands. Then, one day, a friend suggested No Slippy Hair Clippy to me. It changed everything I thought about hair bows.
No Slippy Hair Clippy was started in 2000 by a mom who, like me and many other moms, was tired of not being able to get a regular bow to stay in the super fine baby hair. The clips are lined... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, June 22, 2010,
In :
DVD
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
On the road this summer?
Whether you are going to the grocery store or taking a long car trip, the kids need some entertainment along the way. Keep them entertained and keep your sanity in the car!
Leave it to Scholastic to come up with an amazing Travel Kit that will make everyone happy this summer!
The Wheels on the Bus Sing-Along Travel Kit contains: • 15 Musical Stories on 2 DVDs • 13 song CD • 34 Page Activity Booklet • Crayons • Travel Tips for Parents
My regular readers know that we recently redid my daughter's room. It got new paint, floor and decor. One of the finishing touches in the decor category was her new Rock-A-My-Baby Double Clothes Stand from Artistic Sensations.
Artistic Sensations is an adorable boutique completely full of the best in children's furniture, decor and gifts. I have browsed this site for hours and am quite certain that no matter what the theme of your child's room is, you will find the perfe... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Wednesday, June 16, 2010,
In :
Shoes
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
I feel like cute shoes are just a necessity. You know, food, clothing, shelter...and cute shoes! Now, I've got myself and my daughter totally covered in that department but, it gets a bit harder when it comes to my son. I'm sure that the mothers of boys know what I'm saying. Sure, there are cute shoes out there but, my 6 year old wants fun shoes, theme shoes. Let's face it, usually the theme shoes are just a little too cutesy and babyish for my cool little boy. He recently r... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, June 15, 2010,
In :
Music
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
In our house, rock and roll is king. Our kids come by it honestly. My husband and I are both rock and rollers and the kids have boogied right along behind us. I don't want to deny my children "Kids' Music" but, some of it is just painful. Lately, we've totally been rockin' together to the perfect mix of kid-friendly lyrics and music reminiscent of some of the best rock and roll bands out there.
Even the newest album name from rockers StarFish gives a pleasant nod to rock and... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, June 14, 2010,
In :
Eco Friendly
GIVEAWAYS IS CLOSED
When it comes to amazing eco-friendly products, one of the leaders in the industry is Nimli. My first impression of the Nimli website was, in a word, classy. The sleek design of the site fits perfectly with the beautiful products that are all completely eco-friendly, natural, organic and simply stylish.
From their site: "Nimli was founded in New York City in 2003 by entrepreneur Rajat Arora, a vegetarian since early childhood and a keen advocate of an organic way of life fre... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, June 14, 2010,
In :
Clothing
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
I'd like to think that I'm pretty "crafty" but, a fashionista, I am not. When it comes to designing clothing and accessories, my fashion prowess doesn't extend beyond little girl dresses and hair bows. I had never really given a lot of thought to being able to design things for myself. Not many of us have that kind of talent. Then I came across a website that not only sells the materials you need to design your own clothing and accessories, they also arm you with the tutoria... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, June 7, 2010,
In :
DVD
GIVEAWAYS ARE CLOSED
When I was a kid, Beverly Cleary was one of my favorite authors. I read so many of her books. Ramona was my favorite character but, I read everything I could get my hands on that was written by Beverly Cleary. My daughter is still a little young for most of it but, I so look forward to the day when I can introduce her to this love of mine.
I recently was able to introduce her to Beverly Cleary sooner than I thought, thanks to Scholastic and their amazing DVDs.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, June 7, 2010,
In :
DVD
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
My kids have a lot of movies. We don't have cable so, the movies are what they watch for silly entertainment and for educational entertainment.
One of the DVDs they have that I honestly thought was just "silly entertainment" has proven itself to me to be much more than that. Wubbzy is not just an adorable character with silly songs. The other day, my son told my daughter, "Remember what Wubbzy taught us about not giving up?". I was floored. Yes, this loveable character is ac... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Thursday, June 3, 2010,
In :
SwimWear
Aerin Rose Swimwear is looking for real women to represent their amazing swimwear collection!
Are you in the New York area?
WHAT: Looking for two “real women” in the following sizes: Height: 5'6"-5'9" Dress size 6-10, Bra size- 34D/34DD/32DDD/36D/36DD AND Height: 5'7"-5'10" Dress size 14-18, Bra size- Full D bust WHERE: Aerin Rose Showroom 570 7th Ave. Suite 405, New York, NY WHEN: Friday, June 4, 2010, from 11am – 4pm
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, June 1, 2010,
In :
Jewelry
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
I must say, in my opinion, one of the best things about being a woman is the accessories. Specifically, the jewelry. I absolutely love how good jewelry makes me feel, how it brings out my femininity, how it can complete an outfit. When it comes to gorgeous jewelry, my new best friend is Mademoiselle Jewelry.
The jewelry at Mademoiselle Jewelry comes from all over the world, is inspired by everything from celebrities to Tiffany's and is all unique and gorgeous. Every piece is... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, June 1, 2010,
In :
Baby Gear
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
There are many products out there that make a parent's life easier. Sometimes you find something that you didn't even realize you needed until you use it. The juppy is my new "must have" for all parents.
I remember when my kids were babies and just learning how to stand and walk. It seems like hours upon hours that a parent stands hunched over, holding a child upright and walking them around. If you've ever done this, you know about the backaches, the headrush that comes fro... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, June 1, 2010,
In :
Music
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
My kids like to rock. They like to rock and roll all night and party every day. Well, maybe not every day but, they love to rock. When it comes to rockin' music though, there's usually just not all that much of a selection out there for kids. They are happy to rock to our music but, they have a new CD that they can rock out to and I can enjoy as well.
Back in April, the world of kids' rock music got sweeter with the release of the new album from Sugar Free Allstars. Funky Fr... Continue reading ...
I've had the pleasure of featuring Pillow Pets Giveaways on my blog a couple of times in the past and am thrilled that we'll be doing another soon!
I wanted to let you all know that Pillow Pets is doing a really fun Summer Contest.
This summer, show us the fun
you
and your favorite Pillow Pets™ plush folding stuffed animals are having
on
vacation, at camp, in your backyard – wherever!
All you need to do is post a
video on the video-sharing website of your choice, send them the link... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Tuesday, May 25, 2010,
In :
Kitchen
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
I love to cook. I really do. And, I'd like to think that I'm a good cook. I have come to realize that cooking definitely takes some talent, is somewhat foolproof and definitely easier when you are using really good cookware. I really used to think that it didn't matter how good your cookware was but, I'm completely convinced now that amazing cookware makes cooking easier, better and more enjoyable.
Recently I received a skillet from Xtrema. I now want to own every single... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, May 24, 2010,
In :
Accessories
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
I love me some cool shades. I used to be a very "play it safe" person with my accessories, especially my sunglasses. These days, I have fun with it and love all the funky styles that the celebs wear. Of course, I don't love the insane prices the celebs pay for their sunglasses. That's why now, in addition to loving me some cool shades, I love me some Sunglass Warehouse!
Posted by Robin . on Monday, May 24, 2010,
In :
DVD
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
My daughter has only recently really started engaging with the educational shows she watches. Even still, she's hesitant at first and will usually only respond to the prompts after watching a show several times. The first time she saw Dwizzle Dee, she was laughing and talking with the characters without hesitation.
Posted by Robin . on Monday, May 24, 2010,
In :
Baby Gear
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
My children aren't that old. Still, the gear used for them has changed and improved so much since they were babies. As I find new products and new websites, I'm compiling my notebook of "must haves" and "must reads" to use the next time around. One of my favorite new resources and line of products is Tommee Tippee.
Tommee Tippee is Great Britain's #1baby feeding brand and includes amazing bottles, cups, tableware, pacifiers and accessories.
I'm pretty sure that all kids love temporary tattoos and face painting. They are fun for kids and always make for a good treat in party bags and a fun time at a kid's party. As much as my kids love that kind of stuff, there are always inconveniences that come along with them. Face painting can be messy and certainly requires some amount of artistic ability. Temporary tattoos can be a hassle and difficult to remove.
We recently checked out a product that blows temporary tatto... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, May 17, 2010,
In :
Jewelry
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
Custom stamped jewelry is all the rage these days. I have a few necklaces and even a bracelet with some stamped words on them and I love them. I had never seen such gorgeous hand stamped rings until I ventured over to Nelle and Lizzy.
Nelle and Lizzy jewelry is created by two women with big hearts and bigger imaginations. The unique designs of their necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and charms are each more beautiful than the last. I love that their necklaces aren't just... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, May 17, 2010,
In :
Food
GIVEAWAYS IS CLOSED
Yogurt is a staple in our house. It's something that we all enjoy and it's good for us. With two busy kids always grabbing a snack and running outdoors, yogurt isn't always the best on-the-run kind of snack, though.
But, I had honestly never bought Go-Gurt until the other day.
And now I'm sure my kids will request it every time we go to the store.
I was incredibly pleased to find a treat that my kids love that has no high fructose corn syrup. It seems those kinds of treats ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, May 10, 2010,
In :
Shoes
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
I love me some easy on-off shoes. I'm a flip flop fanatic but, sometimes I need something that will protect my feet a little better and really don't want to go through putting on my tennis shoes. When I'm working in the yard or doing heavy duty cleaning around the house and garage, I like a comfortable shoe that I can easily get off and on.
Jollys shoes and clogs are perfect. They have been a leader in all-weather shoes for over 25 years and are made in Germany from 100% CFC... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, May 10, 2010,
In :
Eco-Friendly
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
Do you know the "greenest" way to drink water?
I used to think reusing plastic bottles was an okay way to go. The best and greenest way to drink is from reusable stainless steel bottles. The best bottles are ones that are high quality and made ethically from the best materials.
EarthLust was created by a mom who wanted a better future for her children. The designs on the bottles are creative and unique. The bottles themselves are made ethically in China and tested here in th... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin . on Monday, May 10, 2010,
In :
DVD
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
When I was a kid, I loved books on tape. Times have changed and my kids now have the great joy of having books on DVD. They both absolutely love watching their Scholastic DVDs and I love that they are having quality books read to them with the classic images and wonderful animation.
Giggle, Giggle Quack and More Stories is their newest favorite Scholastic DVD. This adorable compilation of stories is always met with laughter in our house.
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, May 4, 2010,
In :
Toys
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
There are so many moments in motherhood that stay with you. So many milestones that bring a smile to a mother's face.
For me, one of the big ones was the first time my son drew a picture that I could actually discern what it was without asking, "Oh my, can you tell me about this picture?".
In the last year or so, my son has become more and more interested in art and has definitely become a better artist. I adore that he likes to draw and love to nurture that interest.
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, May 3, 2010,
In :
Toys
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
This is probably one of the coolest toys my kids have ever played with outdoors.
Seriously, I have never heard my son laugh the way he does when he's playing with this toy.
With the weather warming up and kids headed outdoors after so many months of being cooped up inside, believe me when I say that your backyard needs this toy.
Are you ready for this? It's incredibly cool. And insanely fun.
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, May 3, 2010,
In :
Music
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
My kids love music.
I love music.
I don't always love the music my kids love.
There's plenty of children's music that just doesn't pass the test in our house. It's gotta be just as high energy as my kids but, let's face it...it's got to be pleasing to Mom's ears as well!
When it comes to music that makes us all happy, one of our new favorite CD's in this house is Debbie and Friends More Story Songs and Sing Alongs. We're all huge fans of the fantastic beats of every track on... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, April 27, 2010,
In :
Toys
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
When I was a kid I was obsessed with my stuffed animals. I played with them all the time and toted them around with me everywhere. Back then, real pets were for backyards and toy pets were lucky to come with their own bed. It seems like everywhere you look these days someone has an adorable animal all dressed up and tucked into a designer bag. Why should little girls with their toy pets be any different?
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, April 27, 2010,
In :
Food
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
There's been a lot of media attention lately on the school lunches in this country. Personally, I find it somewhat appaling. When I was a kid, taking a lunch to school was not only normal, it was fun. It seems that has changed as less and less kids tote their lunch along with them. Something else that's changed, for the better, is the awareness of the need for something more eco-friendly than the plastic sandwich bags that all of our lunches went in as kids.
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, April 27, 2010,
In :
DVD
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
Earth Day was last week, I'm sure you know.
Everywhere we looked we could see celebrities getting into the spirit of saving our Earth.
There's one you might not have heard of though.
Because, just in time for Earth Day, sweet little Wubbzy went green!
This new adorable Wow Wow Wubbzy! movie has the loveable character teaching kids the importance of being green. My kids are already in love with Wubbzy and this new DVD was well received in our household. It's an amazing th... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, April 19, 2010,
In :
Food
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
In our house, the coffee cup runneth over.
My husband and I are both complete coffee lovers. While we certainly aren't connoisseurs or "coffee snobs", we definitely enjoy a good brew. We have our favorite brands but, we love to try new coffee brews.
Recently, we found a new favorite.
Community Coffee is the
largest family-owned retail coffee brand in the U.S, founded over 90 years ago in Louisiana. Steeped in tradition, Community Coffee still remains dedicated to bringing c... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, April 19, 2010,
In :
Clothing
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
You know, when it comes to dressing my kids, I love to go bold and make it fun. Maybe I'm living vicariously through them but, I think that kid clothing can and should be as bold as the kids wearing it.
Kuki Kids makes just such clothing.
All of the children's clothes from Kuki Kids is brilliantly bold, uber fun and fantastically stylish. I love the clean lines and cuts of the clothing that keep things simple and allow the vibrant colors and great patterns to take over the s... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, April 19, 2010,
In :
Clothing
GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED
Let's face it...
...kids are super active.
And that's awesome! But, they aren't always wearing the perfect clothing for their high activity levels.
Agoo is fabulous clothing for all of our super active kids.
The fabrics that Agoo uses for their fantastic children's clothing contain a strong UV protected finish. This finish blocks out harmful UV rays and lasts throughout washes, wear and tear. Agoo's slogan "Stay out and play" is obviously important to them and shows in all t... Continue reading ...
I don't know if you heard me the times before when I've said that I am crazy about purses.
I am cah-razy about purses.
True story.
Purses, handbags, clutches, diaper bags, wallets....if it's a bag that I can put stuff in, I'm sold.
Of course, it helps if it's seriously cute!
I found out recently that a blogging buddy of mine owns a line of handbags that are out of this world. I gushed, she was modest, I think I probably gushed some more...and, I'm stoked to say that, thanks... Continue reading ...
Really, these things are "Why didn't I think of that?" and "How did I manage without this?" all rolled into one!
This past winter was my first time to cross over to the side of skinny jeans and boot wearing. I really enjoyed the chic and cute styles but, was always incredibly annoyed at having to constantly p... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, April 12, 2010,
In :
Health
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
Do you get enough sleep?
So many of us just don't sleep enough and even more of us are not getting quality sleep. According to the National Center for Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health, about 30-40% of adults say they have some symptoms of insomnia within a given year. Sleep deprivation can cause a gamut of health problems. People who suffer from lack of sleep can experience everything from lethargy to headaches, memory lapses to obesity, incr... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, April 7, 2010,
In :
Kitchen
GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED
My 6 year old son has started to show interest in helping with cooking. I've also started to realize that when he helps with dinner he is more likely to eat it! The problem is finding things he can do. My two year old is plenty happy with me having her stir a bowl of water but, my son wants to do a bit more than that. When it comes to helping mom in the kitchen, one of the biggest obstacles is using the cooking utensils. They can be too big and difficult for the child to us... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, April 5, 2010,
In :
Household
GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED
Going green is a growing sentiment these days. As moms, it's more than greening the future for our children. It's also about greening their now and giving them a healthier environment. I know I'm not the only mom out there to worry about the cleaning products that I use. Of course I have concern for their effects on the earth but, first and foremost, it's a concern of their effects on my household and my children.
Seventh Generation is a company that cares about our earth, o... Continue reading ...
I remember getting an email forward years ago that talked about the disgusting stuff on the bottom of a woman's purse. I cringed as I read it. Unlike all the other forwards I get day in and day out, that one always stuck with me. Like most women, I've put my purse on countless floors. I had never given it a second thought until I got that email. After that, every time I ate out, my purse got it's own chair or hung on the back of mine. Sure, I felt that perhaps the b... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, March 30, 2010,
In :
Shoes
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
You all know that I'm nutso about shoes. If you didn't know that already, let me tell ya, I'm nutso about shoes.
As much as I adore a new pair of shoes for myself, nothing makes me quite as giddy as an adorable pair of shoes for my kids. My daughter sports her precious See Kai Run shoes all the time and she looks way too cute in them. When she got them, I lamented over the fact that my son was too big for See Kai Run.
You know, sometimes you find a product that makes you think, "How did I ever get by without this?".
That is exactly what I thought the first time I used a Joey Junior Purse Organizer.
I change purses a lot. And, my purses are incredibly unorganized. Changing purses basically consists of scooping large quantities of random items from one purse and tossing them into another.
Not anymore!
I am so head over heels for the Joey Junior Purse Organizers! Really, these things have... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, March 29, 2010,
In :
Beauty
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
I've been flat ironing my hair for a very long time. I'm aware of the damage it does to my hair but, honestly, I don't have much of a choice. I love my hair straight and, up until now, it's been my only option. I remember in the days before I had flat irons I would spend hours on end blow drying my hair in an attempt to get it straight. If only I'd had hairfree brushes back then!
hairfree brushes are pretty darn amazing. What started as an idea to create a brush that wou... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, March 22, 2010,
In :
Toys
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
My daughter reminds me of myself when I was a child. Not just because she's incredibly sassy and stubborn. She owns about eleventy million stuffed animals and half that many pillows. They are all adorable and dearly loved but, with that many pillows and animals, things can get crowded.
If they were all like her Pillow Pets, we could cut the numbers in half.
Pillow Pets are the cutest, softest stuffed animals ever. They come in plenty of adorable styles but, the best ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, March 22, 2010,
In :
Music
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
My kids and I were enjoying the gorgeous Spring weather a few days ago and our backyard was filled with the perfect background music to a perfect day.
What were we listening to?
The new Daisy mayhem CD, Ranky Tanky.
I adore when musicians remake songs that adults know and love but, do it in a way that makes kids know and love them as well. All of the songs on Daisy Mayhem's first family music CD are covers of songs you'll definitely recognize. From the first track, Cat ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, March 16, 2010,
In :
Kitchen
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I am not a baker.
Really. Practically ever time I bake, something goes wrong. Normally, when I bake, it ends up sticking to the pan or burning on the bottom. I know that one of my problems is my lack of good bakeware. I'm now certain that if I had a cabinet full of Wilton products, I'd be one step closer to being a better baker.
The history of Wilton is unbelievably interesting. They are a company that has been dedicated to cake decorating, candy making and teaching ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, March 15, 2010,
In :
Party Gear
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
No matter what kind of party you throw, one thing is for sure. At the end, you're left with fun memories and, inevitably, trash.
I know that when we've had parties at our home, I'm always amazed at the amount of trash that fills up my everyday trashcans. Living somewhere with no trash pickup, parties usually mean an extra trip to the dump in order to make room for the week's normal trash. I've also been to parties at parks where there wasn't a readily available trash... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, March 7, 2010,
In :
Hair Care
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
I have really curly hair.
And I hate it.
Yeah, yeah, I know. All you straight haired girls are gasping and wishing you had curly hair, right? If my son's "magic wand" really worked, I'd give you my curls in a heartbeat.
But, I can't get rid of them. Believe me, I've tried.
So, I'm left with one option. Flat iron. And it's my best friend!
I've been flat ironing my hair for probably ten years or so. I've tried tons of different brands of flat irons throughout the years... Continue reading ...
Every item in this unique Etsy shop is full of fun and inspiration. From the adorable baby necessities to the unique home decor, you'll find the perfect gift for your loved one or yourself at Able Mabel.
I've had a blast browsing this shop. I've pretty much convinced myself that there are some items that are definite "must haves" for me. Wh... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Saturday, March 6, 2010,
In :
DVD
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
On February 23rd, the movie Motherhood, starring Uma Thurman, hit dvd shelves.
From the Motherhood press release: Academy Award®-nominated actress Uma Thurman (Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction) portrays an urban, stay-at-home mom of two, who discovers this first hand in the hysterical new comedy, MOTHERHOOD. During the course of one chaotic day, Thurman’s Eliza comes to realize – in between birthday party fiascos, playground politics and life’s daily messes – what it... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, March 1, 2010,
In :
Kitchen
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I love soda. It's my weakness. My kids love it too, even though I hate to let them have it. I am aware of how unhealthy it is and know it's a terrible weakness to have.
But,
Thanks to a wonderful product I tried recently, I don't have to feel so guilty about my soda indulgences!
SodaStream is a truly remarkable product. My two main concerns with drinking regular soda are the calories (and sugar content) and the price. SodaStream solves both of those problems while no... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, March 1, 2010,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
No matter what kind of mom you are, chances are that we've got one thing in common. We are busy. That's just the way it is. Moms are busy. Luckily, online shopping has opened up a whole world where a mom (or aunt, or sis, or friend) can take those few minutes in the wee small hours of the morning (you know, when you should be sleeping) and buy anything you could ever need or want.
But, when it comes to online shopping, it's nice to shop somewhere that has a variety of... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, February 23, 2010,
In :
Gift Shopping
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I'll be the first to admit, when I'm sick or dealing with something trying in my life, I love and welcome any Get Well gifts. When someone I know is sick or going through a rough time, my first instinct is to reach out and try to make them feel better in any way possible. Cooking food is a tried and true tradition when times are tough for our loved ones. Flowers and cards are nice and can put a smile on someone's face. When it comes to Get Well gifts though, I like t... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, February 19, 2010,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I'm not a name brand person. I don't really get attached to a brand and never really have in my life. I have stores that I frequent but, not faithfully. All that changed when I found DownEast Basics.
With each item of clothing from DownEast Basics that I add to my wardrobe, I'm more and more convinced that they are "my brand". From the Longitude Cardigan to the Miss Slim Skinny Jeans, the Heart Throb Shorts and the Atlantic Skirt, I love everything. The clothing fits... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, February 16, 2010,
In :
Household
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Is remodeling on your New Year's Resolution list?
Just a little sprucing up, maybe?
I know it's on mine. We're doing our sprucing in little spurts. While paint and flooring and total overhauls definitely change a place, I tend to be drawn towards the small things. The little changes that completely change a room I may not be able to start demolition on just yet.
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, February 14, 2010,
In :
DVD
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
February 15th is Presiden'ts Day and Scholastic Storybook Treasures has released a new dvd for kids who want to learn about America's political life. The new Storybook DVD includes an all-new animated adaptation of Judith St. George's Caldecott Medal-winning book, So You Want to Be President?. This story, narrated by Stockard Channing, gives kids a fun look at anecdotes and trivia surrounding the US presidency. Kids will learn things like six of our former presidents... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, February 14, 2010,
In :
Household
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I'm sure we all have a love/hate relationship with our bathroom scales. As much as I like to live without one, it's just one of those things that you've got to have. We've made do for a while with some pretty old and fairly inaccurate scales in our home. Recently, we tried out a digital scale from EatSmart and we love it.
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, February 8, 2010,
In :
Toys
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
At 2 1/2 years old, my daughter is really getting into her baby dolls and stuffed animals. It's so cute and endearing to me because I remember fondly my obsession with all my dolls and stuffed animals. My sweet girl recently got a new doll added to her collection and we both absolutely adore it.
The dolls and stuffed animals from Aminals are possibly the cutest things I've ever seen. I'm a huge fan of the way kids say things so, the name hooked my right from the get... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, February 8, 2010,
In :
Music
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
Music is a big part of my life and a big deal in our family. My hubby and I pride ourselves on giving our children a really diverse taste in music, much as we have such diverse tastes. I always love an opportunity to expose my kids to even more music styles and new music. I like music that is directed at the kids and very "kid friendly" but, let's face it, sometimes what is "kid friendly" isn't exactly "adult friendly"!
Did you know seven out of 10 Americans do not consume the daily recommended amount of fruit?
As you're running out the door, running around the house and running all day long, do you get all the fruit servings that you need? Are you grabbing a soda instead of something healthy to drink? Yoplait has a new solution for all of us on the run who need something yummy and easy to help us get all the nutrition we are missing during our busy days.
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, February 2, 2010,
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Everyone knows that jewelry makes the person getting it feel good. What if every time you bought or got jewelry it made someone else feel good? I recently came across a jewelry site that has gorgeous jewelry that is handmade with great care and donates 10% of every sale to charities. How does it get better than that? Charitable Creations Jewelry lets you pick which charity you want your portion donated to.
My kids love music. They love to dance. They always have. In fact, most kids I've met in my life love music. With my own children and when I worked in daycare, music is such a fun way to get up, get involved and have fun.
Cathy & Marcy's Song Shop has recently released a series of DVDs for preschool children that is engaging, lively, fun, interactive and a treat for children and parents to watch. The DVDs contain musical activities that feature instruments that are b... Continue reading ...
Silicone has been used in products for children for a long time. In 2006, two moms took their desire to be "green" and combined it with the need for high quality children's products. Silikids was born.
The Silikids products are unlike any I've seen. Silicone skins that slide onto glass bottles and child sized glass drinking cups are modern, very "green" and perfectly safe for babies and children. Silicone is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Easy to boil and clean, there... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, January 26, 2010,
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I've wanted to try mineral makeup for a long time. When it comes to makeup, I always wear at least a little but, don't give much thought to what I wear. I've never really been a believer that different makeup is better. Well, after trying the makeup from Mineral Basics, I'm a total believer.
Mineral Basics began with one woman looking for the perfect mineral makeup that would be natural and for people with any skin type. Her makeup line has extended into other wonder... Continue reading ...
When my kids were babies they both loved the teething biscuits and all the other great snacks they have for the litle ones who are just learning how to eat. I loved them too. They kept the kids entertained, sometimes for quite a while. The thing I didn't like? Constantly picking them up off the ground, throwing them out and having to get another one. When I think about how many snacks were wasted in my children's early days, the frugal part of me cringes. I recently ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, January 24, 2010,
In :
Gear for Kids
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Have you ever had to clean up a bunch of toddler snacks? Ever had to vaccum a car you just cleaned out because there are hundreds of cheerios freshly spilled on the ground? Ever had to pull out the vaccum cleaner for the umpteenth time in one day because, yet again, there are cookie crumbs all over the floor?
Seriously, this cardigan is so lovely, so amazing, so wonderful. It may very well be my most favorite cardigan evah! I love the soft jersey feel of the fabric. I love how long it is. I love the roomy and stylish pockets. I adore the big, shiny, tortoise buttons. I love the slight gathering at the shoulders. My Longitude Cardigan is heather grey because I personally think grey is th... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, January 20, 2010,
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I'm sure I don't have to remind any of my female readers that Valentine's Day is a few short weeks away. (Pssst, feel free to send this link to your significant others!) Everyone likes to do something special for that special someone. Whether your Valentine is a husband, wife, best friend, mom or someone else, I have just the place to get something for any and all of them!
As school children we learn of Martin Luther King Jr. and his famous speech. We learn about the injustice done on people because of the color of their skin. We learn of the strength and courage of people who sought to right this wrong. We learn of the unbelievable odds that were stacked against these people and how they fought to overcome them. Despite years of learning these things, years of hearing the speech, years of talking about these momentous times...I still ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, January 18, 2010,
In :
Bath and Body
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Two winners will receive gift certificates!
My kids have a shampoo that is so amazing. The scent, the way their hair feels, everything about it is absolutely wonderful. Earth Mama Baby Angel Shampoo will always sit in our bathroom.
Earth Mama Angel Baby products are designed to see mom and baby through from pregnancy to postpartum, infancy and beyond. All of the products are cruelty-free, certified vegan, kosher and 100% toxin free. This means that there are no deterge... Continue reading ...
My daughter has so many pairs of tights. She's definitely a girly girl and now that it's cold out she needs tights with her dresses. I had seen some wonderfully unique tights online and when I had a chance to review them, I was thrilled. I love how a fun pair of tights can totally change an outfit. The tights and other products from We Love Colors are just what any outfit needs to add a little fun.
The awesome folks over at Alight.com are doing it again! This is the third month that I'm happy to say that one lucky reader will win a top from Alight.
If you haven't checked out Alight, what are you waiting for? Their selection of plus sized clothing is unbelievable. Their designers are top notch. Their clothing is uber fashionable, stylish and trendy. Their prices are affordable.
You'll find such a huge selection of clothing when you visit Alight. From daytime casual things like jeans, tees... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, January 7, 2010,
My husband uses backpacks all the time. I joke that they are his "man purses". He likes to keep one in his truck with all his "stuff" in it and uses one as a laptop carrier as well. When we travel he likes to use his bigger backpack as an overnight bag. I'm always looking for backpacks I know he'll love. I recently found one.
High Sierra Sport Company is probably a name you've heard before. Their bags are popular and sold in more than 1500 retail stores. I'm sure you've seen them before. If y... Continue reading ...
Have you ever found a cute shirt and thought "Oh, wouldn't it be a little cuter if this one little thing was different"? Have you ever thought "That shirt would be adorable in <this> color"? Wouldn't it be nice if you could tweak the little things about clothing that might make it a little bit better in your eyes? If you shop at Fashion Playtes, you'll be able to completely design the clothing to make your little girl more unique and super fashionable!
Posted by Robin Haws on Saturday, January 2, 2010,
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
With the New Year and all the resolutions flowing freely, what a wonderful time for this amazing offer from Yoplait!
I love yogurt. My kids love yogurt. It's one of the few yummy treats that I never feel bad letting them have. At any given time you can open our fridge and find an assortment of all our favorite flavors of yogurt filling the door. Yoplait has always been my favorite brand of yogurt. Their flavors are always so much tastier than any of the other brands. ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, December 29, 2009,
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
We are big on Cheerios in this house. When the kids were very small we always had plain Cheerios on hand. Now, you can always find a box of Honey Nut Cheerios in our pantry. We recently tried the Frosted Cheerios and, I've got to say, they are yummy!
We all know that Cheerios is always striving to bring nutritious cereals to our breakfast tables but, did you know what wonderful things they are doing to get books into the hands of children everywhere? For the past 8 ye... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, December 27, 2009,
In :
Glasses/Contacts
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a 3 month supply of contacts!
I remember Christmas when I was twelve. That was the year that my parents made me a big poster sized coupon for my first pair of contacts. Fast forward to <ahem> a certain number of years later, I'm now buying my own contacts. It can be a pain, especially with two small children, to go shopping for things like contacts. Because it's something that is pretty much a necessity in my life, it's wonderful when a company can... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, December 27, 2009,
In :
Eco Friendly
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Two Winners!
In 1999, a company was founded by an expecting mother who longed for a variety of maternity and baby products that were earth-friendly and vegan while providing customers with the comfort of knowing they were made with care, fair trade and fair labor. All these years later, what started as a new mom's desire for great products, has led to an amazing selection of clothing, footwear, diapers, furniture, gifts and more, that are all eco-friendly, labor-frien... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, December 15, 2009,
In :
DVD
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
My kids have several of the Scholastic Treasury sets. They love them all. My daughter's favorite is A Very Brave Witch and my son's favorite is Harry the Dirty Dog. While they adore those stories, I'm not sure those sets will hold a candle to our newest addition. Scholastic has taken 100 of their classic and beloved stories and put them into one Treasury DVD set. This will truly be an amazing Christmas gift for your children this year!
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, December 15, 2009,
In :
Shoes
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
So, y'all know how crazy I am about shoes. Doesn't matter if it's shoes for me or for my kids, I am in love with shoes. I was sent a pair of shoes recently that are so awesome they seriously make me want to have another baby. Really. These shoes are fantastic!
Foxpaws Shoes are the most adorable, chic, stylish little shoes I have ever seen for babies. I am in love with them! The Classic Giraffe pair that Foxpaws sent me to check out are exquisite. The stitching is per... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Saturday, December 12, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Oh, how I love to snuggle up in a pair of comfy pajamas. I have so many different kinds of pajamas and I love them all. Curling up with a good book in a snuggly pair of pajama pants is so wonderful in the winter time. Or, strutting in on your anniversary in a sweet little teddy...lounging all day in your favorite pajama nightshirt...I absolutely love all kinds of pajamas. So, when I came across Sleepyheads, I rejoiced to find an online shop that is full of so many di... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Saturday, December 12, 2009,
In :
Books
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Before my kids went to bed last night we read a book. I love reading to them and they love being read to. Lately we've been doing things a little differently. We've been having our reading time on our computer!
Big Universe is a website where you can read, create and share online children's books. They have a large library of children's books for all ages and levels. The website is full of fiction and nonfiction picture books that you can search through by age, grade,... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Saturday, December 12, 2009,
In :
Baby Gear
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I'm such a sucker for cute kid shoes. My daughter has tons of shoes and I really can't help myself with wanting more and more for her. Even when my son was a baby, we always had tons of shoes. It can be difficult to find really comfy baby shoes. Soft soled baby shoes are wonderful because they are so comfortable for the babies but, protective at the same time.
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, December 10, 2009,
In :
Grand Prize
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I'm so excited to have this giveaway to offer all of you lovely people! My amazing sponsors have agreed to make the season merry and bright for one of you in a wonderful way! So, take a break from all that shopping, wrapping, trimming and baking and check out all these amazing items because one very lucky reader will win the following:
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, December 4, 2009,
In :
Eco Friendly
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
DreamSacks began as one product made by a woman who's inventive mind came up with a solution for sleeping while traveling. The original DreamSack was two sheets sewn together into sleeping bag form. Since making the first silk DreamSack, the company has continuously added more and more amazing products that include items made from bamboo, silk, soy and cashmere. Each item is more luxurious than the next and DreamSacks' collections of clothing, bedding and accessories... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, December 4, 2009,
In :
Office
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I'm pretty much a nut when it comes to organizing. I'm a Virgo and I guess that could explain some of it. I'm obsessed with notebooks, folders and whatever else I can buy to either make lists, store my lists or keep track of other important things (like lists!). Some of my favorite purchases have been products from Carolina Pad. I have dozens of notebooks and file folders from them. They are so pretty and it just makes it more fun to organize!
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, December 4, 2009,
In :
Music
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I love music and I've definitely passed this love on to my kids. Honestly, I used to dread listening to children's music. It was all the same and so very boring. Recently I've been lucky enough to discover some amazing music for kids by artists who understand that it doesn't have to be the same old boring songs to make kids love to listen.
Go Waggaloo is a new CD by Sarah Lee Guthrie and family. I love this cd! The folk music feel of the songs is comforting and enjoy... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, December 4, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Last month we brought you a giveaway from an awesome place for women's plus size clothing called Alight. I'm so happy that I've been able to partner with Alight for another giveaway this month!
Alight.com is the place for trendy and affordable women's plus-size clothing. Their clothes are super fashionable and so very easy on your wallet. They have tons of styles and designers to choose from so you'll be sure to find the perfect look for every occasion!
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, December 3, 2009,
In :
Purses and Handbags
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Crabtree Handbags. I'm something of a purse junkie and Crabtree has what I need to get my fix. The purses at Crabtree are really quite extraordinary and now that I have two of them I am absolutely hooked.
Crabtree Handbags is one of those amazing companies that is still family owned and operated. For over 15 years, this admirable business has been producing high quality and affordable handbags for women. With their recent additio... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, December 3, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
My husband and I don't get out much. When we do, it's generally nothing fancy. So, when his Christmas party for work comes up, every year it's the same scramble for me to find something stylish, dressy and modest to wear. It's not an easy task. The stores are filled with "holiday clothing" but, for this event I really prefer to not be covered in sequins or have a three inch long skirt. This year I am really looking forward to the party because I have a new outfit fro... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, December 2, 2009,
In :
Accessories
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I'm a sucker for a cute hat. My kids have always had tons of hats and I love winter time because the hats get even cuter. We've got dozens of beanie hats for all of us in this house. There are just way too many cute hats out there and I end up having to get a ton of them. One of my most favorite hats that my son wears is from Boppy Beanies.
The hats from Boppy Beanies are absolutely adorable. There are tons of different styles and colors to choose from. Boppy Beanies... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, December 1, 2009,
In :
Jewelry
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
It's highly possible for simple jewelry to make a huge statement. I prefer my jewelry to be on the simple and elegant side. I love jewelry that is simple enough to wear with a casual outfit while being classy enough to add the finishing touch to a dressy ensemble. Allison Mooney Design offers unique jewelry that is simple, elegant and classic enough to keep in your accessory rotation forever.
The jewelry from Chicago based Allison Mooney is all amazing. I love the si... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, December 1, 2009,
In :
Gift Shopping
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
It's always really easy for me to shop for women and kids. I do struggle with men's gifts, even those for my husband. In recent years it's also become increasingly difficult to find something perfect for my grandparents and some other relatives. I absolutely love giving them mementos that will remind them of the kids and love the looks on their faces when they receive such wonderful keepsakes. Thanks to The Grandparent Gift Co. I now have a new wonderful place to sho... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, December 1, 2009,
In :
Bath and Body
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
With the winter months upon us and the weather turning colder and drier every day, it's important to think about your skin. Here in the south, winter months mean a huge change in weather as our humidity goes away. When you are used to living practically underwater from humidity it can be quite a shock to skin and my skin is often unbearably dry in the cold months.
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, November 30, 2009,
In :
Toys
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
From Mr. Potato Head to Battleship, Playskool toys are just a staple in our lives. They are the toys in our childhood memories and the ones our children are making memories with. Some of my favorite toys were Playskool and I love the way these toys can make my children's faces light up.
One of my favorite toys when I was a child was my Glow Worm. I can't believe how long these have been around but, it just shows that with Playskool you get toys that are classic and be... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Saturday, November 28, 2009,
In :
Kitchen
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
What if every piece of bakeware in your kitchen collapsed and folded flat? The space saved in the cabinets would be amazing. Elaborate on that dream and imagine if all of that collapsible bakeware could cook, store and freeze your well cooked meals. That is a kitchen I want.
The team at Foldtuk has made this dream a reality. Their unique bakeware is unlike any other. Every piece is made from Foldtuk's innovative material, Ceramber. By using this breakthrough material,... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Saturday, November 28, 2009,
In :
Eco Friendly
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I say all the time that I was born in the wrong decade. I was wearing flare leg jeans and had a peace sign on my car before it was back in style. I've always felt I was a hippie at heart and generally have to hit vintage stores to find really great 70s-inspired clothing at an affordable price. I have found a store that is so amazing and groovy that I find myself wanting every single item they stock.
Posted by Robin Haws on Saturday, November 28, 2009,
In :
Gift Shopping
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Crafty stay-at-home moms are some of my favorite people. The artistic ladies that make up this group have magnificent ideas and I just love oohing and aahing over the massive amounts of cute things. When I came across Fancy Frames Boutique I knew I'd found another gem of a store.
The home decor and gifts that fill Fancy Frames Boutique are unique and amazing. This crafty mom has turned ordinary picture frames into extraordinary works of art. I love the idea of having... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, November 26, 2009,
In :
Toys
Toy Quest is more than a toy store. It's definitley a shopping
experience. The innovative website with all it's videos and eye
catching advertising is fun to shop in and the toys are beyond fun for
the kids. The amount of toys that Toy Quest has to offer is truly
remarkable. From doll houses to water guns, action figures to ball pits
and everything in between, Toy Quest has proven for over 30 years that
they are serious when it comes to having silly fun!
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, November 26, 2009,
In :
Shoes
My kids run everywhere. If they are moving towards something, they are more than likely running. They set their sights to get where they are going with constant disregard for puddles, sticks, rocks, end tables and anything else that may be in their path. When shoes come off they are haphazardly tossed aside, thrown into closets or baskets and shoved under beds or couches. My kids aren't abnormal. They are kids and kids are hard on their shoes.
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, November 23, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
The collective art that oozes from every inch of Tender Loving Empire covers so many genres. Tender Loving Empire is a record label and event production house that produces comics, art and tshirts that are instantly the best thing in your closet. The Portland, Oregon based company is so cool you may need a jacket for the rest of this review. Don't worry, they sell those too.
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, November 23, 2009,
In :
Jewelry
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Hand stamped jewelry is very "in" right now. Because of my love for all things personalized, hand stamped jewelry tops my list of fantastic things. Each pendant, whether on a necklace or some other piece has the ability to be perfectly tailored to the person receiving it. I love gifts that are unique and meaningful. My favorite place for jewelry that rocks the handmade market is Emilina Ballerina.
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, November 23, 2009,
In :
Gift Shopping
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Take a trip through the elegance of Europe and browse the products from Chic Moderne. Everything in this store is pure luxury and elegance. The unique designs and high quality products are all sleek and chic.
The Italian recycled leather briefcases, notebooks and accessories are simple but, exquisite. Chic Moderne carefully selects the Italian artisans that provide these amazing handcrafted items. These would be a wonderful gift for the classy business person on your... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, November 20, 2009,
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
When it comes to gift giving (or getting!) personalization says so much. Personalized gifts are all the rage and have always been popular because everyone loves to know that something was made just for them.
I found a store that has so many items available for personalization that it's truly unbelievable. Monkey See Boutique is both a website store and a shop on Etsy. When I first browsed the Etsy shop I was impressed with the selection and the adorable items. When I ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, November 20, 2009,
In :
Baby Gear
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Natural pain remedies are becoming increasingly popular. A natural pain remedy for an infant or child can be a welcome relief from medication. Natural relief from the pain associated with teething can be a wonderful thing and really ease a parent's mind while easing the baby's pain.
Natural amber is a centuries-old pain remedy. Remember in Jurassic Park when they showed the mosquito in the pretty yellow/orange colored rock? That's amber. It's fossilized resin from tr... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, November 20, 2009,
In :
Gear for Kids
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
It's hard to believe that a company as successful as Kidorable was started in a small efficiency apartment. The light bulb idea to create apparel and accessories for children that would be practical and unbelievably fun has turned into a booming business that has seen success around every turn.
One look at the products from Kidorable and it's easy to see why they are so successful and why they remain a favorite shopping destination for parents and kids alike. The... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, November 19, 2009,
In :
DVD
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
It seems common knowledge these days that when learning is fun, children will be more excited about it. The tricks for teaching children without them realizing it are endless. Everywhere I look there are fun new ways to incorporate learning into everything. There are books and videos that are outstanding for engaging children in an entertaining form of learning.
The books that Bill Martin Jr. wrote in his 60 years as a children's author are some of the most beloved a... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, November 19, 2009,
In :
Men's Gifts
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Technology is "in". It's accessible and it's incredibly convenient and portable. It seems that every day there are new gadgets on the market. New phones, new handheld devices to make our lives easier, newer and smaller computers and a multitude of other gadgets designed to meet the needs of the person on the go. With all that portability comes contact with pockets, bags and all that is inside of them. After spending an arm and a leg on the gadgets, how frustrating is... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, November 19, 2009,
In :
Baby Gear
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
There are some items that are just considered "essential" for babies. No matter your personal preference for clothing, diapering, swaddling and all the other multitude of choices that come along with a new baby, it's safe to say that any new mom and new baby can use and will need bottles and teethers. It's also safe to say that the other "essential" for babies is that we take care of their future and the future of their planet. What if you could get the essential pro... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, November 17, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
"Change your shirt. Change the world!"
That's the slogan for an amazing company called Kerusso. This company
that started as a small dream in 1987 has been fueled by so much heart
and faith that they are now the leading source of Christian apparel.
Kerusso spreads the Christian word of God by creating stylish clothing and
accessories for Christians to proudly display their faith. The goal is
to reach people through the messages on their products. It's working.
Kerus... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, November 17, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Funny, sassy and whimsical shirts are all the rage these days. Tee Wit
has a multitude of shirts in tons of different styles and sizes for
everyone from pregnant women to kids, men to grandparents. You'll find
dozens of different sayings that can be printed on so many great
products. I love that the tee choices include organic cotton shirts,
golf shirts for men, ringer tees, zip up hoodies, sweatshirts and other
non-apparel items like coffee mugs, gym bags, totes and... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, November 16, 2009,
In :
Accessories
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
With the cooler weather here are you looking for a fashionable way to cover up your head? I love hats. I will be honest that usually I only love them on other people. I've never really liked the way most hats look on me and I'm super picky when I try them on. I recently found Felt Fancy, a shop on Etsy that has the cutest felt hats that are inspired by some of the hottest styles from the 1920s mixed with sassy patterns from today.
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, November 16, 2009,
In :
Accessories
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I very rarely wear belts. I just don't really care for them. I generally have on shirts that are long enough to cover the top of my pants so I don't like the bulge under my shirt. The problem is that because I don't wear belts and I DO wear very low cute pants, I sit down and you can see down my pants and if I bend over...well you can really see down my pants. I'm definitely not the only one with this problem. The founder of the awesome company and product isABelt ha... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, November 16, 2009,
In :
Accessories
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I have such a hard time with my bra straps in the summertime. Even in a tank that should cover my straps, I'm constantly pulling the straps and tucking them back in. I love racerback tanks but really don't want to buy a new bra for each different shaped tank top that I buy. What's a gal to do?
The Bra Barrette is a functional and decorative bra strap holder that keeps those straps from creeping out the sides of your shirt. The plastic is tinted so that the color won't... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, November 12, 2009,
In :
Toys
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
The motto from ImagiPLAY is "Toys with Integrity". This company makes high quality toys from eco-friendly sources that encourage children's imagination and promote educational play. ImagiPLAY's toys are child safe and safe for the earth. With these toys children can practice counting, learn the alphabet and identify animals. This company has been recognized for it's efforts to promote playtime with eco-friendly and educational toys. ImagiPLAY has received awards from... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, November 12, 2009,
In :
Music
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I love Christmas music. I always have. When I was a kid we'd put on a favorite Christmas cd and listen as we decorated the tree. It's one of my fondest memories. Even when I'm in a Scrooge type funk I can get into the Christmas spirit if I listen to some amazing holiday music. My kids like any kind of music and enjoy when we listen to something kid friendly while playing in their room.
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, November 10, 2009,
In :
Purses and Handbags
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
The Bolsas Crabtree Co. based in Guadalajara, Mexico has been in business since 1993. In early 2009 this family-owned and operated company decided to take their amazing handbags into the American market. After conquering the Latin market with almost 1,000 shops and boutiques that carry their handbags, Crabtree looks to dominate the American market as well. My opinion is that it will not take long for this company and these purses to become a household name and a go-t... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, November 10, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Trendy jeans. They can be hard to find. They can be hard to afford. I have a problem finding jeans that fit me perfectly and that don't empty my bank account when I purchase them. I know I'm not alone in those problems. I'm not an uber trendy chick. I like my jeans to be comfortable and flattering while still being stylish enough to keep me looking fresh and in fashion. Jolt is a fashion brand that offers trendy bottoms and outerwear for women that are stylish enough... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, November 10, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Preggers and Proud set the trend for cute maternity slogan clothing. Their fresh designs and high quality product is what still sets them apart and keeps them a favorite of all moms, including tons of celebrities. Their clothing has been featured in dozens of magazines and on tv shows like E!'s Hot Mama, The Today Show, Jon & Kate, Bringing Home Baby and others.
Posted by Robin Haws on Saturday, November 7, 2009,
In :
Household
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
When shopping for relatives, friends, neighbors, teachers and most anyone on your list, Gifts for the Home are always a wonderful idea. If you're going to buy someone a gift for their home, it should be unique and fun. One of the hot new trends in home decor is vinyl wall decals. One shop I've found that has some unique and fun decals is Chickadee Vinyl.
Posted by Robin Haws on Saturday, November 7, 2009,
In :
Household
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
With the holidays around the corner, kitchens everywhere are going to be bustling. Baking and cooking just go hand in hand with the months of November and December. You can add to the fun of the cooking and look cute while making those pies with the help of Flirty Aprons. The creative minds behind the designs and the company are dedicated to bringing adorable aprons to the market while providing a wonderful work environment and a business that others can look up to. ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Saturday, November 7, 2009,
In :
Food
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
It's hard to always find something creative and healthy to make for dinner. I cook most all of our meals from scratch. While I have tons of recipes, I also have very picky children. Sometimes I feel like we are eating the same menu week after week. It's definitely a money-saving plan to sit down and make out a menu for the entire week before making your grocery list. This has worked for me for quite a while. Though, this can be plenty time-consuming. I recently tried... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, November 5, 2009,
In :
Shoes
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Soft Star Shoes has been making quality footwear for over 20 years. All of the shoes are handmade in the USA and all the materials come from US based tanneries. The leather used in making these shoes is environmentally friendly and safe for your feet. One of the really great things about these shoes is the inner lining. The natural sheepskin that Soft Star Shoes uses wicks away moisture to keep your feet dry in all temperatures and keep them healthy. The sheepskin so... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, November 5, 2009,
In :
Eco Friendly
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
We can all do our part to help the environment. No part is too small. By supporting places to shop that are environmentally conscious, use eco-friendly artisans and products, we can each do our small part. Sweet Organics and Naturals is a cute gift boutique that has gathered some wonderful eco-friendly gifts into one spot for you. Should you choose to have your purchase gift wrapped, you'll find that they use tree free wrapping papers and greeting cards. The companie... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, November 4, 2009,
In :
Purses and Handbags
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Alright ladies, get ready because you will want to pass this info along to your husband, boyfriend or anyone who will be buying gifts for you this holiday season.
The family owned and operated company, Namaste Inc., is one of my favorite companies and makes some of my favorite products. The purses and accessories from Namaste Inc. are some of the best I've ever seen. The animal-friendly faux leather is soft and creamy. The colors are rich and beautiful. One of the th... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, November 3, 2009,
In :
Shoes
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Just in time for those cold winter nights! Daniel Green is giving away two pairs of their amazing shoes!
I have always loved house shoes. I like to wear shoes inside. In the summer, I always have flip flops on but, in the wintertime, I really like to have a comfy pair (or pairS) of house shoes that I can wear. My absolute favorite house shoes ever are from Daniel Green.
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, November 3, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Go Jane is an online women's clothing boutique that I absolutely love. The clothes range from super hip and trendy to chic and classic. You'll find everything from casual tees and tanks to jeans, skirts and leggings to casual or formal dresses. Aside from the clothing, Go Jane also has an amazing selection of shoes and accessories. There are so many different types of clothing here that I really think you could find something for everyone from the tween on your shopp... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, November 3, 2009,
In :
Clothing
Alight.com is a women's clothing online shop full of trendy fashions for the plus-size woman. All the clothes at Alight are chic and stylish. You'll find fashionable clothing ranging from size 14-30 and from designers like 209 Vintage Jeans, Calito Dresses, Donna Rico, FUBU and so many more. Alight has been bringing plus-size fashions to women for ten years and have proven themselves as a lead source for flattering and appealing clothing for plus-size women. The wide assortment of clothing is... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, November 1, 2009,
In :
Shoes
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a pair of the Beibi line shoes from Wee Squeak!
Footwear that's fun for kids is the perfect way to describe Wee Squeak. I remember the first time I saw a pair of these shoes. It was a few years ago when I was working at a daycare and a little girl who had just learned to walk came squeaking into the room. Everyone's faces lit up as they exclaimed how cute the shoes were. Every shoe at Wee Squeak is adorable. Not all make noise and the ones that do,... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, November 1, 2009,
In :
Toys
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a wooden toy playset from Forever Afters!
I love to get my kids new toys; really, I do. The problem is that, as my husband says, "they could break a ball bearing with a flip flop." All the toys end up getting broken in some way. It's frustrating to buy toys that don't last. I want them to have amazing toys that promote learning skills and having fun, while stading up to the test of time.
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, October 29, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
ONE READER WILL WIN A TOP FROM SHADE CLOTHING!
Shade Clothing was founded by a woman looking to fill the void of stylish yet modest women's clothing. It's difficult these days to find women's clothing that is super stylish while being comfortable and not too revealing. Shade Clothing provides just that. All the clothes are hip enough for today's young woman but, classy enough to be worn to work, an event or a family function. I love these clothes.
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, October 29, 2009,
In :
Food
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
ONE READER WILL WIN A BACKPACK FULL OF CLIF BAR PRODUCTS!
When it comes to snacks for my kids I am often a little stumped. Honestly, it's sometimes difficult to find snacks that they really enjoy that are also healthy. I want to offer them snacks that will do good things for their body while making them super happy to be eating it. I also don't want to break my grocery budget while doing it.
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, October 27, 2009,
In :
Bath and Body
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
There are so many reasons a person needs skin care products designed for sensitive skin. Though there are countless skin care products out there, many of them aren't really formulated in a way that is ideal for skin that is sensitive or needs special care. Skin Free skin care products were designed and forumlated by a woman who knows what it's like to suffer from skin allergies and eczema. She's also a pharmacist with over 30 years of experience. Julie Hilton, the ow... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, October 26, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
SlimPerfect is a company that definitely has women's needs in mind. The company was founded and the clothing designed by a woman who knows what women need when it comes to stylish activewear and swimwear. All the clothing is made in the USA with top of the line Brazilian fabric. The clothing is designed to help slenderize and slim the body while providing a stylish look poolside, on the tennis court, in the gym or anywhere else a woman wants to make a fashion stateme... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, October 25, 2009,
In :
Household
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
When it comes to one-stop online shopping, I'm not sure if anyone can top CSN Stores. It doesn't matter if you need furniture, appliances, shoes, decor, or gifts, CSNstores.com will have something amazing and incredibly affordable. It's amazing really. There are over 200 stores with every product imagineable. The really cool thing? You can shop them all and only have one shopping cart. Really, how much easier could it get? The customer service is amazing. The product... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, October 22, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Shabby Apple is an amazing place where all chic and stylish women should flock. I've spent hours on the Shabby Apple website "window shopping" and "windo drooling" and "window wishing", etc. The first word that comes to mind at the first glance towards this shop is class. Every piece is perfect, stylish and an instant classic.
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, October 22, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
What if clothes could teach? What if clothes could make the world a better place? What if they could do those things while making you and your kids look even cuter?
Ufadili, a Swahili word meaning "kindheartedness and goodwill", was created by a mom who wanted to give her kids cute clothing that could connect people through culture, art, education and charitable giving. Every piece of clothing has a "Giving Tag" attached to i... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, October 20, 2009,
In :
Gift Shopping
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
When it comes to purchasing gifts it is so nice to find a site that puts it all in one place for you. The Brown Bow Gift Co. does just that. I love the ease of shopping at Brown Bow. All the gifts are perfectly organized in easy to follow options on the sidebar. Whether you are looking for a baby shower gift or a wedding gift, a teacher gift or a gift to take to a dinner party, anniversary or birthday, the list goes on and on, you will find a fabulous gift choice at ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, October 20, 2009,
In :
Games
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Hasbro, the company that we all know and trust for wonderful games and toys, is the maker of one of my favorite games. I loved Memory when I was a child and it was one of the first games I was really excited to play with my children. I like Memory because you can play it with one person or a bunch of people. I also like this game because it presents a wonderful learning situation while a child has a ton of fun. The Spongebob Memory Game from Hasbro gives a different... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, October 18, 2009,
In :
Gear for Kids
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a pair of shoes from See Kai Run!
See Kai Run is an adorable shoe company started by a mom. The shoes reflect her desire to create fun, hip and comfortable shoes for her son and children everywhere. These shoes are hugely popular and one look through the styles will make you see why.
We have the Jaewon style shoes and they are absolutely adorable. The soles of the See Kai Run shoes are incredibly flexible and make it easy for my daughter to run and... Continue reading ...
Did you know that over 85% of women will experience night sweats at some point in their lives? There are so many reasons women deal with night sweats. The most common reason is menopause but, younger women are not immune. I had night sweats throughout both of my pregnancies and woke up drenched for a couple of weeks after having the c-sections. I have friends who experience night sweats due to thyroid problems and have kn... Continue reading ...
Welcome to the last giveaway of the Halloween Spooktacular Week!
Today's prize is a combo from 3 different companies. There will be one winner that will receive all 3 prizes!! There are extra bonus entries so be sure you complete them all for your chance to win this end of the week prize!!
Hilary I adore the clothing from this Etsy shop. My kids have tees from there and I have one for myself arriving in the mail any moment. Hilary's artwork is unique and original. All ... Continue reading ...
AddieBugs Fabric banners are a great way to decorate for parties or everyday. Instead of buying the plastic banners for birthday parties, weddings or other events that will just get thrown away, why not get a super cute re-usable fabric banner? This is a great way to do your part in being environmentally conscious! Addiebugs is a shop I found on Etsy that has adorable fabric banners. The everyday banners like the Dream or Joy banners are perfect for a child's room or ... Continue reading ...
Ametista Sometimes things go bump in the night things that scatter when you turn on the light Catching those spooks is hard to do but I know a place that's done if for you Ametista is the shop for you to see if you love to see fright turn into glee For in this shop you'll find something fun MoNsTeR bOx hunters who catch them for everyone These boxes and bottles are rather unique Our Jack box is amazing, take a peek... He spooks us by day and lights up at night though he's so cha... Continue reading ...
MellyRoo Designs is one of my very favorite places for personalized itemsfor my kids and gifts for others. My kids have several of the strawcups and I love mytravel tumblerand my gorgeous melaminetray. Sara, the amazingly creative mind behind MellyRoo is constantly coming up with new items and new designs. From cups toplates and office supplies and gifts, you'll find anything you could possibly want to personalize for the perfect gift. MellyRoo has the Lolidots... Continue reading ...
KC Soaps & More is a sweet little soap shop on Etsy that I absolutely love. The whimsical soaps are incredibly affordable and adorable. These soaps would make perfect party favors, stocking stuffers or everyday treats for anyone's bathroom. KC Soaps & More sent us some of their Halloween soaps and they are perfect for adding some spooky fun to our bathroom. The cotton candy scented brain is fun and smells so yummy. The skull and crossbones set is one of my favorite f... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, October 8, 2009,
In :
Jewelry
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a gift certificate to JL67 Jewelry Shop!
When it comes to women's jewelry, pieces that conjure up romatic, turn of the century, forbidden love always catch my eye. Deep hues and brassy bronzy chains with heart lockets or beautiful flowers just remind me of a swooning Victorian woman reading love letters. These pieces are classic and timeless and, in my opinion, can often be worn dressy or casual. I'm all about versatility when it comes to jewelry. ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, October 8, 2009,
In :
Shoes
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a My Pair Tree!
I have a lot of shoes. Let me be more specific. I have a ton of flip flops. I have a pair of flip flops for every possible outfit I could wear. I have flip flops that I only wear in the house and some I only wear outside. I have flip flops that are casual and some that are only for a little less casual outfits. I have tall and flat flip flops. You get the idea. Where do all of these shoes end up? Usually in a pile on the floor or pi... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, October 8, 2009,
In :
Baby Gear
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a Cable Knit Blanket from Bamboosa.
My kids have a blanket that I steal all the time. It is the softest thing I've ever felt and, though it's a baby blanket, it's large enough to cover my legs. I wish I could wrap my whole body in it and wear it all the time. Really. I would do it. Why is it so soft and comfy? It's made from bamboo. Where could something so wonderful come from? BambooBaby by Bamboosa.
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, October 7, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a tee from Hiho Batik!
As seen on everyone from the Obama kids to Jessica Simpson!
Batik is an ancient art form using wax and dyes. Batik images can be seen everywhere but, no one does it quite like the amazingly creative mind behind Hiho Batik. Julia Gordon, the owner and designer of Hiho Batik, certainly didn't start small. From the beginning of her first store she was already designing shirts for musicians including Carlos Santana. Once her empir... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, October 7, 2009,
In :
Makeup
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a Mary Kay Compact Full of Makeup!
When I was on the dance team in high school 15 years ago not too long ago, we all wore Mary Kay makeup for performances. The memories of bright blue eyeshadow and majorly red lipstick in a bubblegum pink compact still haunt my dreams. So, it's easy to see why I haven't given much thought to Mary Kay in the last decade. When a friend of mine suggested checking it out I will admit that I was absolutely shocked. If y... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, October 4, 2009,
In :
Gift Shopping
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a $25 gift certificate to JonnaMonkey!
JonnaMonkey is pleased to bring to the web a unique gift shopping experience, full of gifts for men, gifts for the home, baby gifts and more. "I think small companies provide an opportunity for people to provide the great customer service that is missing from most of the larger companies today.", says owner Heather Perry. Customer service and a fun shopping experience are the two key notes where JonnaMonkey fo... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, October 4, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a tee of their choice!
Grab your sweet tea, come on out to the porch, take a taste of that sweet bbq and settle in for some good ol' fashioned down home southern fun! As trusty as an ol' pickup truck and sweet as molasses, Southern Brand is about to serve us up some shoppin' and entertainment the size of Dallas! You Yankees are more than welcome to come along for the ride and your geographical location won't be held against you!
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, October 1, 2009,
In :
DVD
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Two readers will each win a copy of the brand new NOT YET RELEASED My Little Pony Twinkle Wish Adventure DVD!!
That's right people! I've got two copies of the adorable new My Little Pony movie to give away! This DVD is set to come out on October 13th but, it's available to you right now to win!
From Shout! Factory in collaboration with Hasbro, Inc: My Little Pony Twinkle Wish Adventure follows Pinkie Pie and all her pony friends on a fun-filled adventure as they disco... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, October 1, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a tee of their creation from Toy Box Tee!
Personalization is really "in" these days. Being unique and having your kids express their own individual personalities is something that more parents are opting for. When it comes to their clothes, kids don't have to have limited choices for their expressions. Toy Box Tee started as a unique way for a husband and wife team to treat their friends with amazing baby shower presents. It's understandable that t... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, September 29, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to Layers Clothing!
Ready for some more amazing clothing for women?
The people at Layers Clothing seem to truly grasp what a woman needs in a tee or tank. The layered look is, and I think forever will be, popular among all age ranges and body types. It's a look you can pull off in any season and for work or play. Though, easy to find a time and place to wear the layered look, it's not always easy finding the right clothin... Continue reading ...
I'll be honest, I didn't until very recently. Then I found the Whooga site. Whooga boots are made with ThermoFleece, a unique grade of thick and plush leathers that makes them warmer and more luxurious than normal ugg boots. They come in awesome colors for women,
for men,
and for kids too!
I really want a pair of these for every member of our household! Especially me!!
Do you want a pair of Whooga boots? I know you do!! CLICK HERE and enter to win a pair!!
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, September 28, 2009,
Tune
in tomorrow morning (9.29.09) and watch Kit and Casey of Flower Duet
transform grocery store flowers into eye catching modern arrangements.
The new morning show on E! Television, That Morning Show dropped by their design studio, and filmed a segment!
Check your local listings for That Morning Show on E!.
In honor of this awesome update I am extending the Flower Duet DVD Giveaway until Wednesday September 30th!! Hurry and enter to win this entertaining floral arranging instructional DVD. S... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, September 27, 2009,
In :
Shoes
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a pair of Uneaks sneakers!
Kids grow out of their shoes fast. If you're like me, you're sometimes left thinking about all the money spent on the shoes that are worn for only a few months. Even boys tend to have several pairs of shoes to go with all of their clothing and personality changes. Wouldn't it be great if you could have one pair of affordable shoes that would go with everything?
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, September 27, 2009,
In :
Health
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I spend a great deal of time at the computer. I know that, in today's world, I am not alone. There are a lot of people, both in the corporate cubicle world and in the at home business world, that spend hours on end sitting at their computer. We don't all have great posture and it's highly likely that a great majority of us end up sitting at the computer for long periods of time without taking a break. For overall health and well-being, we need some breaks.
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, September 25, 2009,
In :
Shoes
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a pair of Polliwalks!
One of the things that happens when you grow up is your shoes have to grow up too. It's a sad fact that adults just can't get away with wearing fun shoes. I've accepted the fact that my fun shoes have to be limited to my houseshoes, lest I face public ridicule. I've decided that my kids' shoes should be as fun and cute as possible since the years are short and they will soon have to put them away for more practical choices.
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, September 25, 2009,
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
"I am brave."
"I am strong."
"I am kind."
"I use manners."
"I'm nice to my sister."
These are some of the positive affirmations that we use with TRex. We started these with him not too long ago and it's absolutely amazing how quickly they become a normal part of life. It's also amazing to hear him saying them without us and see his behaviors change because of them.
Positive affirmations are phrases you repeat to yourself to help foster a good attitude and keep a positive... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, September 23, 2009,
In :
DVD
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a copy of the Flower Duet instructional dvd
Planning any kind of event, whether it is a small dinner party or a
lavish wedding, is a chore. As a hostess I always want to be sure that
the decor is perfect. Even a tiny gathering at my house is something I
want my guests to remember. When it comes to something like a wedding,
the decor is extremely important. Even if you don't have time to truly
enjoy it during the moment, it is the backdrop for the p... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, September 23, 2009,
In :
Accessories
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One very lucky reader will win a $100 gift certificate to Eye Buy Direct!
I've worn glasses since 1988. For years and years I fought it. I got my contacts when I was a preteen and tried to never look back. These days, I'm pretty okay with it and wear my glasses often. Once you find a pair of glasses that you like, it's easy to wear them all the time. I honestly have never ever thought that I could be one of those people that buys their glasses online. I'm pickier abou... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, September 20, 2009,
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One reader will win their own Blush Undershirt!
It seems that the older I get and the more kids I have, the longer I like my shirts to be. I remember fondly the days of pre-kids when I used to wear those cute little shirts that showed a little stomach. Not any more!! I may be short but I actually have a very long torso so, though I prefer my shirts to be longer, it's sometimes difficult to find tops that are long enough. It's also been nearly impossible for me to wear... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, September 18, 2009,
In :
Baby Gear
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a PopATot!
Before our kids started walking we used to take their walkers, car seats or strollers with us everywhere just to have somewhere to put them down at family get togethers or outings. While those things certainly serve their purposes, they can be bulky and, let's face it, boring for the kids. When I first saw the PopATot I was amazed. "What a cool invention", I thought to myself. When I received one and actually tried it out I was an instan... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, September 18, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
My regular readers know that one of the things I'm crazy for is cool tshirts. I recently came across Snorg Tees and have spent a lot of time browsing through their tees and laughing my butt off. There are a lot of tshirt companies and websites out there and sure, you're going to find some of the same designs among the competition. Snorg Tees has some unique shirts that absolutely crack me up.
I love pop culture references on tees. Whether it's a direct quote or a tot... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, September 18, 2009,
In :
Baby Gear
CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Whether your kids have a nanny, babysitter, grandma or any other type of caregiver and no matter how much or how little time they spend watching them, you will have to leave them a note or two at some point. More than likely, a ton of notes at all points. Chances are good, they'll also have notes for you. Personally, I always feel a little like I'm nagging when asking the dozens of questions that accompany picking up the kids and all the orders that are required when drop... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, September 16, 2009,
In :
Games
Hasbro is giving one of my readers a game to get their family on the right track with National Family Game Night!
Looking for something you can do with the kids? Have a family game night! I'm sure you've seen the promotions that Hasbro has put out about their mission to get all families to have their very own family game night. I love their pursuit to unite parents and kids with something they will remember forever. We had game night when I was a kid and I love that my kids are getting older s... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, September 16, 2009,
In :
Men's Gifts
One reader will win a beautiful set of cufflinks from The Cuft Lynx!
When it comes to gifts for men, I will admit that most of the time I am at a loss. To give you a hint, when I was little my dad got a lot of ties. I think that if a gift for a man can be functional and classy while, at the same time, show off his personality then you've got an amazing gift.
When I came across The Cuft Lynx on Etsy I was absolutely mesmerized by all of the wonderful items that would be the perfect gift for any... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, September 14, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a winter accessory from Toil and Trouble.
I look forward to Fall, in part, because of all the cute and comfy accessories. Though, in South Texas, I'm not always able to wear them for that long! I'm always envious when I see those who get to experience the beauty of Fall and all of the stylish accessories that go along with the cooler weather. Despite the general lack of cold temperatures in my region, I do still love the accessories! I was thrilled... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, September 13, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a tee of their choice from Nacho Mama Tees!
You just can't ever have enough tshirts. Luckily, companies like Nacho Mama Tees, the sister site of Crazy Dog Tees, are there to provide us with an overabundance of comfortable, funny, memorabilia tees at amazingly affordable prices!
My husband has the That's Shady shirt from Nacho Mama Tees. He doesn't get excited about clothing very often but, he laughed out loud when this tee showed up and he wears it ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, September 11, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a top of their choice from True Kiss Clothing.
I never realized how much my style would change as I got older and had kids. It's much harder these days to find simple clothing that still creates a statement of style and sophistication. I'm far past the days of tiny dresses and too tight tops. Though, I'm not ready to give up and wear sweats all the time! It can be difficult to find clothing that looks high fashion, fits me well, is versatile for my... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, September 11, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One reader will win an amazing tshirt from Peace Love Mom!
For the past month, one of my go-to shirts has been my Peace Love Mom tee. I love the milk chocolate color and the soft, tagless feel of the tee. I also don't mind the compliments! When I wear my Grateful Mom shirt out I am generally stopped no less than 3 times and asked where I got my shirt.
Peace Love Mom began with three moms who wanted to create items to celebrate motherhood. I think all of their designs... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, September 8, 2009,
In :
Music
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Three winners will be chosen to receive one of these great CDs!
We were recently sent some amazing kids' music. My kids are both just like my husband and me; they love music. I have a hard time finding music that appeals to their need to learn and have something silly at times but, also doesn't completely drive the parents insane!
Peter Himmelman is a rock legend, a Grammy nominated creator of children's music, and an Emmy nominated film and television composer. His n... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, September 7, 2009,
In :
Gear for Kids
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a set of Tie Buddies!
Remember learning to tie your shoes? I distinctly remember that I learned to tie on a dress that my Cabbage Patch doll wore! It's no small feet (haha, get it?) teaching your kids to tie their shoes. Luckily, mom inventor, Wendy Welling has stepped up to the plate and revolutionized how your kids learn to tie their laces!
Introducing, Tie Buddies. These cute little squares create "pull tabs" on your child's shoes that make it f... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, September 7, 2009,
In :
Games
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED "Another Leaf Designs is a one-on-one, custom graphic design studio specializing in no-nonsense creativity!"
I stumbled upon the Another Leaf shop on Etsy one day and absolutely fell in love. I'm a sucker for anything tie-dyed. Another Leaf has some of the cutest and best tie-dyed items I've seen.
From the little girl leggings...
to the groovy pillowcases...
and the rad tshirts....
Another Leaf definitely has some wonderfully creative items when it comes to the world of ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, September 3, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One lucky reader will win a tshirt of their choice from Crazy Dog!!
Remember when the only reason someone would be laughing at your clothes is if they were on backwards or inside out?
These days clothes are usually funnier than the person wearing them. Thanks to companies like Crazy Dog we can all look funnier (and that's a good thing!). Even the Crazy Dog slogan cracks me up. "Shirts built by Robot Dogs"
Well, those "robot dogs" do a good job. I spent probably close t... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, September 3, 2009,
In :
Gear for Kids
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED 4 Lucky Readers Will Each Win PakNaks!!
What is a PakNak? It's a cute and funny name for some cute and funny decorations! PakNaks are mom-invented, soft and rubbery 3D decorations for kids that stick to just about anything.
PakNaks are removeable and reusable which means you can take them off and decorate something else or replace the PakNaks to fit whatever mood you are in. I thought they were fantastic for backpacks and lunchboxes and other kid school supplies. Then... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, September 2, 2009,
In :
Gear for Kids
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
School is back in session. With that comes lots of school shopping, extracurricular activities, homework, talent shows and, among other things, lost items. You know that, no matter your child's age or grade, it is an inevitable fact that they will lose some of their belongings while out of your care and watchful eye. Instead of spending time and money to replace all of the items that your child may donate to the Lost and Found box, check out this company!
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, September 2, 2009,
In :
Shoes
ONE READER WILL WIN A PAIR OF SHOES FROM LIVIE AND LUCA
My daughter definitely inherited my love of shoes. Seriously, at age two, I've seen the girl pass over toys in favor of shoes. Despite the occasional mismatched pair, she seems to have fairly decent taste. One pair of shoes that we can both always agree on are her Tootles from Livie and Luca. Aren't they cute? She and I both just adore them!
Livie and Luca shoe company was started by three moms with a passion to create shoes perfect for in... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, August 31, 2009,
In :
Baby Gear
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a set of Bummas!
I would think that diaper rash is probably one of the most common problems that new parents and their babies deal with. It seems to me that it is so common that parents have pretty much resigned themselves to the thought that it will eventually happen and need a plan of action for clearing it up. How about a plan of action for preventing it from the get go? And in walks, Bummas.
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, August 31, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
These days it's more important than ever that we are aware of our earth and being proactive to save it. I'm a big fan of recycling and reusing things. I had never heard the term "upcycle" until I joined Etsy. Upcycling is the commonly used phrase for "making old things new again" and I love it. Altering and revamping slightly used clothing to create an entirely different piece not only means something has been recycled for reuse but, it also means that you and I can ... Continue reading ...
I completely agree! When you look at the huge assortment of games that Out of the Box offers, you can tell right away that they mean it. I love that their games are simple enough to learn quickly. It's also really nice to have a fun game that can be played from start to finish in under an hour.
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, August 26, 2009,
In :
Purses and Handbags
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I'm a purse junkie. I am constantly buying new handbags, totes, clutches, purses, you name it. I always thought that I buy so many purses because there are so many cute ones. I'm starting to think it's also because I just haven't ever found the perfect purse. I may never buy another purse again.
The creative minds behind Namaste Inc. have created a line of handbags and purses that are perfect in both form and function. From the animal-friendly faux leather to the irr... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, August 25, 2009,
In :
Toys
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
ONE READER WILL WIN A CRAYON APRON FROM ALWAYS GRACEFUL!
Always Graceful is a darling little shop on Etsy. It's clear when browsing the shop that the main inspiration is the owners little granddaughter. Every item is clearly made with love and care.
Always Graceful sent us this one of their super cute crayon aprons. Snappy just loves it! I think that they are really well made and absolutely adorable. These aprons are just like any other play apron but, they have slots... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, August 21, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win their choice of tshirt from Hilary!
I really think that tshirts are something you can never have too many of. This totally applies to my kids too! When I saw the tees from Hilary on Etsy I fell in love. All of the shirts are made from original artwork. Each design is unique and absolutely adorable. We were sent the Dragon Out of the Box tee for TRex and Snappy got the Thinking Bunny tee.
You'll find much more than tshirts at Hilary's! I love this... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, August 19, 2009,
In :
Toys
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win their choice of summer toy from Green Toys!
Green toys is a company that obviously cares about kids. Why? Not only do they make amazing toys with a classic feel and look that kids enjoy. Their toys are all made from recycled plastic and other environmentally friendly materials. All of the toys from Green Toys are made from recycled milk jugs! On top of that, all of the creating is done right here in the USA. By staying local and using recycled mat... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, August 17, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
One reader will win a tshirt from Schatzi Wear!
Schatzi is German for "small treasure". That's what the shirts from Schatzi Wear are! These "small treasures" are hip and stylish shirts that you can be proud to own. The mom-owned, Canadian based company donates to the SOS Children's Villages Canada for every tshirt they sell. The shirts are also shipped in eco-friendly packaging and the 2010 Spring line uses bamboo and organic cotton. On top of all that, they are ultr... Continue reading ...
One lucky reader will win a FREE blog button from Bro's Grafix!!
Bro's Grafix has been doing pics of my kids for forever. And does the product pics for Lollipops and Polka Dots. Why? It's not just because it's my hubby! The photography and products are amazing.
If you are a reader of this blog or have browsed my boutique, then you've seen the work of Bro's Grafix. From birthdays to weddings, babies to grandparents and everything in between, Bro's will capture each... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, August 13, 2009,
In :
Gear for Kids
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One lucky reader will win a $10 shopping credit to The Woobie Shop!
We featured the Woobie Shop a few weeks ago when we gave away one of their adorable crayon rolls. I just love this cute little Etsy shop!
Natalia has been hard at work to add even more cute items to The Woobie Shop! These new reusable snack bags are so great! I've got to get some of these. I love eco-friendly items and when you can get something that is "green" AND looks good then I say go for it!
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, August 12, 2009,
In :
Food
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One lucky reader will win a gift pack from Snikiddy Snacks!
"Slow down!!" is what I have to say when the kiddos are eating Snikiddy Snacks! They may eat them way too fast but, I feel no guilt for letting them eat those snacks!
Snikiddy Snacks are all natural, preservative free, gluten free, with no trans fat and no hydrogenated oils.These snacks are so great that they've been featured on Rachel Ray as the "Snack of the Day"!!
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, August 12, 2009,
In :
Baby Gear
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One lucky reader will win a Bath Luve and a Bath Buddy!
I remember when my kids were babies and we'd give them a bath. I figure it's pretty customary to lay a washcloth over their torsos to keep them warm while bathing. Serves it's purpose I suppose though, as they grow, the washcloth doesn't really cover all the important parts. When I found the Bath Luve I truly wished my kids were still infants!
What an amazing invention! Leave it to a mom to invent something so per... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, August 9, 2009,
In :
Gear for Kids
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One lucky reader will win a MediBuddy of their choice from Me4Kidz!
My kids are very accident prone. Snappy constantly has scrapes on her knees and she reacts to mosquitos like I do: badly. We aren't always (or ever, it seems) at home when booboos happen. The MediBuddy from Me4Kidz is perfect for us!
Me4Kids stands for "medical emergencies for kids". It is a family owned an operated company that began after a bee sting to the oldest child of the owners. Me4Kidz creates... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, August 9, 2009,
In :
Bath and Body
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One lucky reader will win a Goodie Bag from So Cozy Cuts for Kids!
"Cozy Friedman was struck by a revolutionary idea: create a salon where kids are a priority, not anuisance. 15 years, three salons – Madison Avenue, Upper Westside and East 74th St, and two kids later, Cozy continues to provide stress-free cuts for New York kids. In response to client demand, Cozy has also created So Cozy Hair Care For Children, the first-ever “designer” line of hair care product... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, August 4, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One lucky reader will win a tee from Knuckleheads Clothing!
Knuckleheads Clothing is a quality line of clothes for all the little rocker dudes out there. Mom owned and family run, this clothing company is perfect for the parents and kids that want something a little different from the mundane!
At Knuckleheads you'll find adorable little girl clothing like no where else. Check out these tuxedo pants and houndstooth top!
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, August 3, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One reader will win an adorable skirt from Unique You!
"As parents, we know that our children are special,
each in their own way, whether in personality, charm, or even pace of
development. [Unique You] has found a way to preserve the individuality
of each child by providing our customers with the fusion of quality and
creativity for which the name stands."
Unique You is an adorable boutique that offers children's clothing made from mostly organic cotton and bamboo fab... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, August 2, 2009,
In :
Winners
We had quite a few really great giveaways end this weekend. Thanks to everyone who entered!
Congrats to...
Gail G. won Wish With Me dwalline won Upper Canada Soap Lacy P. won MellyRoo Designs Pamela S. won Switchflops
Winners have been notified by email.
Coming up this week...
Giveaways from Unique You Knuckleheads So Cozy and look for a special giveaway from the Lollipops and Polka Dots boutique to celebrate my kids' birthdays!
Make sure you are signed up for the mailing list, have us bookmarked, or fo... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, July 26, 2009,
In :
Toys
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One lucky reader will win a stuffed toy from Wish With Me!
One of TRex's favorite movies is The Nightmare Before Christmas. So, when this arrived in the mail... ...it was a glorious day at our house! Seriously, hubby brought TRex a scooter that evening, but the talk of the town was "Bones" here.
And where did this adorable pup come from? The cutest little stuffed toy shop on Etsy; Wish With Me.
Kathie, over at Wish With Me, is the master crafter behind the adorable anima... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, July 26, 2009,
In :
Bath and Body
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One reader will win Naturally Body Scrub from Upper Canada Soap!
Snog - (verb): A colloquial British/Australian expression referring to a passionate kiss.
What a genius name for a lip balm! Snog lip balm is a super hydrating balm that is small enough for those little pockets on your jeans. You know. The pockets you never do anything with! Not only is it cute and little, it makes your lips feel amazing. I've personally never been a fan of lip balms or chapsticks or lip... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, July 24, 2009,
In :
Food
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One lucky reader will win a case of Funky Monkey Snacks!
With so many parents trying to offer their kids a healthier snack choice it's nice to know there are companies out there like Funky Monkey Snacks! With 3 servings of real fruit in each ounce you'll know you're giving your kids something healthy to snack on! And with the yummy flavors and satisfying crunch, the kids will love that you're giving it to them! Funky Monkey's unique process actually maintains the nutr... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, July 23, 2009,
In :
Toys
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One reader will win a crayon caddy of their choice from The Woobie Shop!
When my son's Batman Crayon Caddy from The Woobie Shop arrived he was beside himself. I was impressed with the craftsmanship and the fact that it came with crayons. He was just reeling from getting a Batman thing in the mail!
These little crayon caddies are too cute. They are perfect for tossing into a diaper bag, purse, backpack or even the glove compartment. I think it's an adorable and fun way... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, July 21, 2009,
In :
Household
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One very lucky reader will win a personalized tray from MellyRoo Designs!!
Oh, how I love MellyRoo Designs! From cups to bowls, pens to photo books, MellyRoo is the best place I know of for personalized gifts. My kids have several of the cups and tons of inserts. I regularly drink coffee from my MellyRoo travel mug and when I need a quick gift for a kid's birthday, I immediately think of MellyRoo!
Sara, the crafty lady behind MellyRoo Designs, is always thinking up fu... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, July 21, 2009,
In :
Household
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One reader will win a mug from Lenny Mud!
Lenny Mud is one of my very favorite shops on Etsy. Lorrie's sense of humor in her shop intro grabbed my attention and her amazing ceramics keep me going back. Her shop title reads: "Lenny is the name of my studio cat. I make the pots, Lenny breaks them. This way, I never run out of shelf space."
As an avid coffee drinker, I was so excited the day I got my "Create" mug from Lenny Mud. First, let me say, this mug is huge! I am ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Sunday, July 19, 2009,
In :
Shoes
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One lucky reader will win a pair of SwitchFlops!!
I'm a shoe fanatic. I like them all, but the shoes I can never have enough of are flip flops. I'm obsessed. I'm always buying more of them and love when I can find a really comfy or really unique pair. When my pair of SwitchFlops arrived in the mail, I was beside myself. What women wouldn't be excited to get a package and know there's shoes inside!?! I knew these shoes would be cute, but I must say, I was surprised by ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, July 16, 2009,
In :
Swag
CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One lucky reader will win Celebrity Swag Bag Goodies!
Lollipops and Polka Dots recently joined with Baby Swags and sent a bundle of goodies to Sarah Jessica Parker's new twin girls! These little cuties will definitely be the most stylish twins in all of NY, so we were sure to send them lots of hair accessories for all their cute outfits.
The girls will look adorable in their matching Flower Fancies!
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, July 16, 2009,
In :
Jewelry
CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One Lucky Reader Will Win a Bracelet From Eye For Beauty!
I love jewelry. I don't wear a lot of it, but I love to look and browse and ooh and aah. Eye for Beauty is a perfect shop for oohing and aahing. And, yes, I'm poised to make a few purchases too!
Rachel, the artist behind the jewelry, says, "I have a unique blend of styles mixed into every colorful, fun,
captivating piece. Every work of art is designed and made to my own
high standards, and is meant to last." And it'... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, July 15, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED One Lucky Reader will Win a shirt from Planet Mom Tshirts!
"Planet Mom, where apparel with a sexy fit and irreverent wit is our domain."
Planet Mom Tshirts was started by two moms. The popular clothing line has stuff for women and men. The sayings on the shirts are funny quips about the roller coaster that is motherhood. My favorite is "Yelling is for parents. Talking is for therapists."
These shirts are so cool that they've caught the eye of Hollywood. Actresses like ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, July 14, 2009,
In :
Jewelry
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One lucky reader will win a personalized necklace from Little Birdies!
My daughter owns one of the personalized necklaces from Little Birdies and I absolutely adore her in it! She's almost 2 and very into her "fancies" or jewelry, to the lay person. When we got the package from Little Birdies she oohed and aahed and had to have it put on immediately. I don't blame her! It's perfect, right down to the little charm crystal hanging from the clasp. Isn't it precious!?
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, July 13, 2009,
In :
Jewelry
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One lucky reader will win a glass pendant from Lyon's Art Glass!
I love containers. Bags, baskets, bowls, bins. If you can put something in it, I've got to have it! My hubby thinks I'm crazy but I say you can never have too many cute and interesting ways to organize! So, when I opened my package from Lyon's Art, of course I squealed with delight when I saw this...
And you can bet that I went searching for stuff to put in it!
Posted by Robin Haws on Friday, July 10, 2009,
In :
Clothing
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One lucky reader will win a Vintage Clothing Piece from Dulce Nina Vintage!
I've always loved vintage clothing. In high school, before it was "cool", I scoured vintage shops looking for the perfect outfits. I was lucky enough to make some great discoveries every once in a while. Well, I've made another! Dulce Nina Vintage is a wonderful little shop on Etsy. I love shops like this. They make vintage shopping so easy! My favorite pieces are usually from the 70s. I guess... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, July 9, 2009,
In :
Baby Gear
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
I used to work in a daycare. Anyone who's ever worked in one or been in one knows that daycares and schools are the homes of some of the snottiest noses around. I was constantly wiping noses. No matter how soft, tissue eventually leads to irritation and can never get the really stubborn boogies! Like most moms, I've often used baby wipes on my own kids faces. I always disliked it, but arriving at your destination only to find your perfectly clean child now has a boo... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Wednesday, July 8, 2009,
In :
Toys
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One lucky reader will win a Buddy Bear from My Little Etsy Shop!
The dolls and stuffed animals at My Little Etsy Shop are some of the most adorable I've ever seen! And I've seen a lot! Like most kids, mine are obsessed with stuffed animals and my daughter has entered the baby doll stage of life. What little girl wouldn't want one of these cuties?
Along with the dolls, you'll find adorable birds, bears and cows! I'm in love with this little birdie!
Posted by Robin Haws on Tuesday, July 7, 2009,
In :
Baby Gear
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
One lucky reader will win a Snoogie Seat from Daddy's Design!!!
When my daughter was an infant we had all the seating for babies. She spent time in her baby papason chair, boucy seat, bumbo and with a nursing pillow and blanket on the floor. I had problems with all of them. Putting her flat on the floor always seemed uncomfortable and the nursing pillow seemed really awkward on her neck. The bumbo was far too unsafe for her neck until she was much older. The chair an... Continue reading ...
Posted by Robin Haws on Monday, July 6, 2009,
In :
Jewelry
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
One lucky reader will win a $50 gift certificate to Lisa Leonard Designs!!
The jewelry from Lisa Leonard Designs is beautiful.Each piece is hand-cut, hammered, antiqued and polished sterling silver. This is my favorite necklace! About Lisa's Vision: "My desire is to create simple, lovely pieces that can be worn with
jeans or your little black dress. I want each piece to meaningful.
Our custom jewelry is hand-stamped with your kids’ names or a special
phrase or verse... Continue reading ...
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Whether you are in the wonderful USA and celebrating or in some other fantastic country, be safe and have fun!
Here's some giveaways to enter before joining the weekend festivities!
Posted by Robin Haws on Thursday, July 2, 2009,
In :
Jewelry
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR ENTERING!
One lucky reader will win a seashell necklace from ReinTree Designs!
The creative minds behind the jewelry and other unique items at ReinTree Designs are a mother/daughter art team. Together they keep their Etsy shop stocked with all kinds of little pretties! This butterfly windchime is amazing!
And I love this cool pendant...
The jewelry at ReinTree is made out of light polymer clay. I received a custom piece and was just thrilled when I opened th... Continue reading ...
This contest is now closed. Thank you for your entries!
One lucky winner will win a Binkie Bungee from Z. Daisy!
Z. Daisy offers unique baby gifts like the Binkie Bungee™ (Pacifier Clip), Blankie Bungees™(Blanket Clips) and Baby Travel Blankets! Your baby will love to snuggle with these plush fabrics.
The Binkie Bungee is a must have for all Binkie Babies! How many times have you picked that pacifier off the floor? Keep it close to baby while making a fashion statement! Not only are these s... Continue reading ...
Ok, so this is probably one of my favorite places on Etsy! MikieP's Shop is full of the coolest superhero drawings I have ever seen. TRex and hubby would freak out over these.
This section will be devoted to Giveaways. We'll have Lollipops and Polka Dots Giveaways and host giveaways for others.
Make sure you sign up for the mailing list, subscribe to the blog, follow us on twitter, and join us through the google friend connect to be updated on the newest giveaways!
To get the ball rolling lets give away a gift certificate to Lollipops and Polka Dots!
