Girly Girl Is In the House!

Girly Girl may be fashionably late, but she is here and we are excited!

Our Girly Girl design is now available to order online at Emily Allyn.

It's All About Me

And by "me" I mean my kids.

My son received this book shortly after he was born because it was one of my husband's favorite books as a kid. Appropriately titled, My Book About Me is really a fun, cute book. Each page is filled with fill-in-the-blanks, like the height and number of teeth. There is even a bit of drawing involved when choosing a hairstyle and color. And questions to ponder, like the almighty What do I want to be when I grow up? One of the choices is millionaire. Steer your child toward that one. I'm kidding, well, sort of! Silliness is all part of the book, so you have to count many things in your house like the number of windows, the number of hot and cold faucets, and the number of buttons on your clothes. There are 72 wonderful pages for your child to fill out.

This book engages both of my kids. They can't wait to fill it out. They are down-right chomping at the bit to whip out their markers and go to it. Years down the road they will look back and smile (and probably laugh) at themselves.

Good times!

Mommy Yoga

Need a good laugh? Try Mommy Yoga: The 50 Stretches of Motherhood. I have seen this book written up so many times. I needed to get it and see what the buzz was all about. It is definitely worth a few good laughs! If you are a mom, you will enjoy this book. If you are a mom who has experience with yoga, you will laugh yourself silly. Mommy Yoga is chalk full of more than 90 "poses" you routinely perform as a mother. Some are newborn stage, some are toddler stage, some span the entire life of the child. A few of my favorites are:
The Triangle - refers to your child sleeping perpendicular between you and your husband.
Up Dog - when your children arise very early, especially on weekends and holidays
Many-Armed Goddess - self-explanatory!

If you are a mom who doesn't go to yoga class, you will be surprised to know you actually do attend yoga classes, daily.

Going Green Made Easy

Kermit the frog may have mentioned once or twice, "It's not easy being green." And to relate with the younger kids of today, I'm sure Shrek would reveal the same sentiment. Although I'm not physically green, I do find it a bit difficult to be green - environmentally speaking. I believe it mostly has to do with the unknown, which I am trying to change. I am trying to educate myself more and more on the topic.

It's clear to me, this is the wave of the future. Not because it is trendy, but because it is necessary. If you also feel like Kermy and/or Shrek, I found a great article. It will get you to start thinking green and it is not overwhelming. It is titled, Going Green Made Easy and written by the Earth 911 Staff on May 7th, 2007. In short, it covers these ten points in more detail. Again, the detail is not overwhelming; it's bullet points.

1. Buy Only What You Need
2. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle!
3. Change a Light, Change the World
4. Bag It Up the Green Way
5. Green Your Gadgets
6. Make Every Drop Count
7. Turn Up the Savings
8. Clear the Air
9. Save A Tree
10. Home Sweet Home

Now, I will say this. Number one scared me a bit. Buy only what you need? Come on, I don't need those shoes, but I do want them! Think of it this way. You can't change the world over night. Work on the other nine points first. When you are ready to tackle number one, buy only what you need, start with food, household items, your husband's wardrobe, etc. You get what I mean.

Edible Presents

Can you believe this Pretty In Pink Present Cake is actually edible? It looks too picturesque to eat! But when you see the cake is made of mouth-watering chocolate, filled with chocolate truffle cream, and wrapped in white chocolate, you will want to dive right in.

Chasing Fireflies - I love that name - carries this delightful present along with many fun, unique gifts you don't see at every other online store.

Your little girl can sport one of these ultra hip Mermaid Beach Towels while at the beach. She is sure to give other moms and girls a big smile - along with a little jealousy.

If your family loves baseball, you could buy the Baby's First Baseball or Bat or Mit. They all come personalized.

I've always thought these animal backpacks were so funny. You can just picture it on your little toddler going to preschool.

For the "Up North" family, here is the essential moose coverall. The back reads, "I'm a little behind." Ha, ha, ha!

Made You Look!

Summer is all about taking trips with the family. Usually the number one concern is how to keep the kiddos occupied while traveling. We've all lived the nightmare - either as parents or as kids. Fifteen minutes into the trip Jacob becomes bored sitting in the back seat. He decides poking little sister, Lizzie, would be great fun. Unfortunately, Lizzie doesn't think so. And so it begins. Before you can even say, "If you kids don't be quiet, I'm going to stop this car" an all-out war begins with screaming and crying. You are thinking, "Oh Lord, we've only just begun."

You, however, are a smart mom; one who is prepared. You have purchased the Made You Look book by Klutz. This is sure to keep Jacob occupied for hours on end.

Made You Look is filled with more hidden pictures, matching games, needle-in-a-haystack searches, what's wrong pictures, and super close-up mystery photos than you can shake a stick at. (Side note: where did that saying come from - shake a stick at? Odd, isn't it?) My kids still enjoy the Where's Waldo and I Spy books. They are sure to love this!

Little Sally, Take Five

Time-outs, inevitable. Even if you don't call them time-outs or you don't have a special time-out spot, as parents, most of us need to "take five." Me? I "take five" basically everyday. One of the boys does something and I send him to his room. It gives me time to cool off and breathe! Fortunately and unfortunately my boys are constantly calling down, "Mom, can I come out now?" Fortunately, because I would probably forget about him up in his room and enjoy the peace and quiet. Unfortunately, because the yelling-down-to-me-every-minute gets a little annoying.

If this scenario sounds at all familiar, you might be happy to find the Time-Out Animals made by Jaag. They make cute stuffed animals with a built-in timer. Clever.

In reality, this little guy can be much more than just a time-out animal. He can assist you when you say, "Ten minutes until bedtime." Then, set the timer. If you are like me, ten minutes easily turns into twenty minutes. I know, I know, bad habit. Moving on...

This would also be a great gift for a preschool teacher as well - he/she could use it in the classroom. Heck, these little creatures can even travel into the kitchen and be useful when baking.

Just in case you are having a difficult time with time-outs - they just don't seem to be working - check out the 10 Steps To A Successful Time-Out from the Time-Out Mom website. It's handy.

All of this makes me think... I should create a mom's t-shirt that reads, Mom wants a time-out. What do you think?!!?

Clean Shirt Club

Now there is a way to keep those crisp, clean white shirts white! Bellikin has introduced a bib for toddlers that is big! I always laughed when I put the baby bibs on my toddlers. Either it only went down to their nipples or you couldn't even fit it around their rather large noggin. The Bellikin bib clips on to your toddler's shirt so she may join The Clean Shirt Club. Because of the clips, there are no worries about it fitting over the large melons either.

It also comes with a mesh bag for the washing machine. Nice, neat and only $20.00.

Who knows, maybe this will become the newest fashion statement for kids. A big that doesn't look like a bib - just an accessory.

Girly Girl Is Coming!

Emily Allyn is so excited to add Girly Girl to our growing list of original designs! However, like all It-Girls, she will be arriving fashionably late. Our Girl was supposed to arrive tomorrow, but our printer wanted to make sure she made a grand, late entrance. She should be available to order online Friday, June 29th. She is looking forward to meeting you and wants to assure you she will be here as soon as possible.

From our previous post regarding our precious Girly Girl:

I don't know about you, but I'm a little tired of all the same princess shirts you see - literally everywhere. Every other shirt adorns a crown/tiara and the word princess. While I know your little girl is very much a pretty princess, she will definitely show her own unique character and stand out among the other princesses with this adorable (and maybe even a little sassy) Girly Girl design! So move over crowns, here comes something way more fun, original, and attractive. Besides the crown/tiara thing - it's so 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 - it's over!

Shopping Fix Via Stationery

Today, I'm in no mood to drag the kids along to my favorite shopping stores. My boys were not born to shop. They are 6 and 4 and they like to run around, make faces in the mirrors, and hide in the clothes racks or under tables. Needless-to-say, I only bring them with me when desperate. However, I am in the mood to do something fun and different.

I found Design-her Gals and was blown away by how cool this site is. I am able to personalize my stationery. And by personalize, I mean truly personalize, not just by name. You get to pick out your own Gal to adorn your stationery. Here's where you can get your shopping fix - a little differently! Shopper beware - this could take as long as a normal shopping trip, depending on your decision-making capabilities.

To get you started, first click here to Design Your Gal.

Choose your gal type (don't worry you will be able to change many things about her) and you are on your way.

Next choose the eye color and shape.

Then move on to skin tone.

After that, pick out your hairstyle.

Then your hair color.
(Note: to the right, is your Gal as you complete her. And to the left is the "menu" explaining the sequence which you can click to change a specific part of your gal.)
Moving on to the shopping - you can pick an entire outfit or you can pick the top, then the pants, then the shoes and accessories (see categories to left). Now you know why this shopping "trip" is going to take some time! The accessories are a hoot and so fun. The clothes are unbelievable. There are more choices at Design-her Gals than at Barney's.

You can save up to 6 gals in your account. And you can send unlimited number of e-cards - fabulous concept.

Above is one of my finished and saved Design-her Gals. Now I just have to figure out what type of stationery to put her on. The choices, the choices...

If you are looking for gift ideas, this would make a super original for anyone - especially new moms.

Ann Taylor Loft's New Birth

Thank god maternity clothes just keep getting better and better. I can remember what I had to choose from when I was pregnant with my first in 2000 - yuck!

Lucky for those who are pregnant now, Ann Taylor Loft has sprouted a new maternity line. Currently, they have free shipping on $75 or more. How easy is that with maternity clothes? Cake-walk.

As always, I've done a bit of shopping for you. Here are some styles to look over:
Maternity Embroidered Sleeveless Top (and pants)
Maternity Border Print Cami (and pants)
Maternity Ruched Cap Sleeve Sweater (add a little color to the wardrobe)
Maternity Flocked Gingham Dress
Maternity Crochet Waist Dress

And a girl can't be without a few darling accessories:

Emily Circle Crochet Wedge (No, I didn't pick the shoes because of the name!)
Wicker Shoulder Bag
Black Filigree Coil Bracelet

A pregnant girl shopping is a happy pregnant mom!

Recalling Tom & Friends

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling some of the Thomas & Friends™ Wooden Railway Toys. The recalled products used a surface paint containing lead. If ingested by kids, the lead can be toxic and cause harmful health effects. Toys involved in the recall are various wooden vehicles, buildings, and other train set pieces. Here is a document that lists a complete chart and specific details about which products have been recalled.

What you need to do: take the recalled toys away from your kids and contact RC2 Corp. for a replacement toy. RC2 Corp. can be reached at: toll-free at (866) 725-4407 or visit the website at recalls.rc2.com.

Sneak Peak at Girly Girl!

Even though Father's Day is getting closer, every day is Kid's Day, right? So, here's some news for all the baby girls and little girls out there!

Emily Allyn is coming out with Girly Girl and this is your sneak peak! I don't know about you, but I'm a little tired of all the same princess shirts you see - literally everywhere. Every other shirt adorns a crown/tiara and the word princess. While I know your little girl is very much a pretty princess, she will definitely show her own unique character and stand out among the other princesses with this adorable (and maybe even a little sassy) Girly Girl design!

So move over crowns, here comes something way more fun, original, and attractive. Besides the crown/tiara thing - it's so 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 - it's over!

Girly Girl will be available to order online Wednesday, June 20th.

And don't forget to check out the other steals and deals going on at Emily Allyn.

Operation Baby Shower

First try to image having your husband serving for his country overseas. Now, try to image this while you are pregnant. Sound tough? I think so. Not only do you not have your partner there to share in the experience (and get fiesty with when you are feeling the hormones!), but you also have the added stress of wondering if everything is ok and will he make it home to meet his new little son or daughter.

Thankfully, there are people looking out for them trying to make this time a little easier. Lena's Notebook and Clever Parents threw Operation Baby Shower on June 3rd to recognize seventeen expectant moms and new moms at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. More than 50 companies showed their support for the shower and donated tons of gifts for the deserving mothers. The women were incredibly grateful. They couldn't believe people they didn't even know were sending gifts - just for them. Lena's response is perfect:

We were truly impressed by their spirit and optimism and humbled by their sacrifices for our country. We salute you.

Because of the success of this shower, Clever Parents and Lena’s Notebook are in the process of forming a non-profit organization in order to host showers such as this across the nation. If you are interested in donating to future showers, please contact Lena Morrissey at lena@lenasnotebook.com

I love a good story.

Dude, Every Dad Has It

Diaper Dude. Great Father's Day present.

It's about time people came up with the idea of a cool diaper bag for dad - one they will not be embarrassed to carry. They no longer have that excuse!

If your guy isn't really into camo, they have plenty of other styles. There is the basic black bag, the brown and orange bag, the orange bag, the faux suede bags, the ultra-cool guitar bag, and some with dragons or skull & cross bones. Surely with that eclectic mix, there is one he will carry.

Since you are buying him one for Father's Day, you may as well buy one for yourself. They have some diva bags - the pink camo, the ever-popular brown/pink combo (with or without skull & cross bones, depending how trendy you think you really are), and some metallic coming soon.

These bags are very versatile with easy to get at pockets for absolutely everything - from the pacifier to the cell phone to the keys to, oh yeah we can't forget the diapers, wipes, bottles. Bonus - it comes with a changing pad. Because you know dad will be somewhere, smell the mess, and freak out not knowing where to go.

Rock on with your bad-self this Father's Day and buy your guy a sweet diaper bag. He'll never know how to thank you. Hint: maybe stick a few new tools inside it so he's not completely disappointed. But then point out to him that it's not a tool belt!

See Kai Run

These might be just about the most adorable, preppy, little shoes I've ever seen! See Kai Run makes these uber treads and makes them well. Made out of luxurious butter-soft leather and very flexible rubber soles, these shoes will stand, wobble, walk, run, and dance the test of time.

There's no point in me listing some of my favorites because they are all (literally) adorable, hip, and functional.

Find a store near you and run, don't walk, to pick up a pair for your little one. Your toddler will give you a big "thank you" smile.

Boston et al.

BostonMamas.com - not just for Boston anymore. It is a blog read by many, many more readers than Mamas from Boston. They are turning 1 this summer and celebrating with a multi-vendor giveaway. Yours truly, Emily Allyn, is participating along with many other vendors. If you are a reader of the blog, vendors will be added through the month of June, so you can check back often. Good advertising tactic! If you are a vendor, you can still participate. Email them for details.

Happy 1st Birthday to BostonMamas.com!

It Is the East...

And Juliet is the sun.
Remember my post about RomeoShops.com? I promised to remind you about JulietShops.com when Father's Day drew near. So, here we are already eleven days to Father's Day. Now it's your turn to find a little something, something for the man in your life. Need a little help? He has everything? Or does he say, "Honey, you really don't need to get me anything"? That's a bunch of Phooey and you know it.

Juliet Shops' purpose is to help. They even have a section, Great Gifts for Father's Day. Doesn't get much easier than that! In the event you don't find anything that tickles your fancy (or will tickle his) on that page, there are a ton of other categories:

The Office

Games

Golf

Gadgets

Sports

In the Kitchen

The Outdoors

Travel

and more.

Get to it. You don't have much time to waste.
And if you are lucky enough to live in the Twin Cities area, you can hop on down to their store in downtown Minneapolis on Nicollet Mall.

Half-Yearly Sale!

Don't miss the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for women and kids - now through June 10th.

Here are some pieces not to miss:
7 For All Mankind® 'Dojo Crop Stretch Jeans
was: $187.00; now: $124.90
Paige Premium Denim 'Roxbury' Crop Stretch Jeans
was: $194.00; now: $128.90
DKNY Metallic All Weather Trench Coat
was: $168.00; now: $111.90
Coffee Shop Double Breasted Trapeze Coat
was: $48.00; now: $31.90
Laundry by Shelli Segal Matte Jersey Obi Dress
was: $245.00; now: $146.90
J Kara Bead Mock Two Piece Dress
was: $178.00; now: $105.90
Eliza J Sleeveless Print Dress
was: $138.00; now: $81.90
Susina® Two Pocket Tunic
was: $38.00; now: $24.90
Laundry by Shelli Segal Twill Skirt
was: $175.00; now: $104.90
Pure & Co. Rib Cotton Sweater
was: $98.00; now: $64.90
Liz Lange Maternity 'Ione' Eyelet Tank
was: $110.00; now: $65.90

As you can image, there is a ton more!

For the Budding Artists

Do you have a little Van Gogh on your hands? Or maybe you just want to do something special with your child's first piece of "art". ThePepperKids has the perfect solution. You can either send in the artwork, or if you are afraid to part with it you can also take a high resolution picture of the piece and email it to them. They, in turn, will transform the original piece onto a museum-quality canvas. Can you just imagine little Jack's face when he looks around his room at night to see all of his own masterpieces? Now, that is incredible!

Sizes range from an 8 x 10 for approximately $85 up to 36 x 48 for approximately $400. Those are very fair prices for something you will definitely keep for a lifetime.

If your child can even somewhat write his/her name, don't forget to have them "sign" it. Heck, maybe even put 1/1, basically telling everyone this is the only one in existence!

Crashed but Not Burned

Crash.

A car hits you. Without blinking you quickly turn around to see if the kids are ok - oh yeah, they are with the babysitter. Whew. You sit there, shaking, playing the scene back in your mind. Even though it clearly was not your fault, your mind is racing with images and thoughts. What do I need to do? I bet the car is totaled. I think I'm fine. Look at my hands, they are trembling. I should call the police. Oh yeah, the other car, I wonder if that person is ok.

Before you check on the other driver, you quickly reach into your glove compartment and grab your handy dandy Collision Kit from See Jane Work.

As you approach the other driver, you see him getting out of his car. Turns out he is also quite shaken up and his car is totaled, but he is ok.

You may have crashed, but you will not get burned because you are prepared. Your Collision Kit includes a flash camera, a pen, and a clipboard with pre-printed forms to make sure you get all the necessary information from the driver and witness(es). There is also an envelope for your insurance card and registration so you can keep your own documents in a convenient place.

The Glass Castle

Author: Jeannette Walls.
I just finished reading The Glass Castle. I whipped through it in two days, it was so good!

Currently, Jeannette Walls is a gossip columnist for msnbc.com dishing on other people's lives in her column, The Scoop. However, her memoir bears absolutely no similarity to the people she writes about now. Two quotes on the book's cover depict it's nature perfectly.
1. "Walls has joined the company of writers such Mary Karr and Frank McCourt who have been able to transform their sad memories into fine art." -- People
2. "On the eighth day, when God was handing out whining priviledges, he came upon Jeannette Walls and said, 'For you, an unlimited lifetime supply.' Apparently, Walls declined His kind offer." -- Chicago Tribune

Those quotes give you a good inkling as to what you are in for. She went from living like a gypsy, sleeping in a cardboard box and often going hungry to living on Park Avenue. It truly is a remarkable story. While reading it, many times I found my mouth hanging open and thinking, "I know some people live like this, but it's just so hard to believe."

Her inscription reads, "To John (her husband), for convincing me that everyone who is interesting has a past." I love that!

If you want to read more about Jeannette, I found two a good interview. And another interview. Here's one more from mediabistro - before she published The Glass Castle.
But be warned they do give away some of the story.