A Nod To The Holidays

Many of the stores we know and frequent seem to carry many of the same toys and gifts. And quite frankly it gets old. There are few stores that can truly call themselves unique and offer uncommon yet wonderful choices. The Land of Nod is one of them.

Here are a few suggestions for that little one who has everything - but you still need to find that perfect gift...

1. Did you ever see the movie The Holiday with Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black, and Kate Winslet? If not, go rent it. It's a super cute romantic comedy. There is a scene where Jude Law cuddles up with his girls in a princess "fort" (for lack of a better term) he made for them. It is one of the coolest hideouts for a kid I've seen. If I had a girl, I would want to reconstruct it. But if you don't feel like reconstructing it, you can purchase this pink playhouse or castle playhouse (for a boy). A get-a-way like no other!

2. Do you know a budding Tiger Woods? The Noonan Mini Golf Game would be the perfect gift. Start that little one young and maybe he'll share some of his earnings with you!

3. What kid doesn't like to color? What kid doesn't color on the wall at least once in their lifetime? Now it's ok. Buy the Frames Wallpaper and you can tell little Sammy to go nuts on that wall. I will admit I'm only a fan of this product if you have kids who understand they can't color on the "real" walls. I can just see the 2 year old little brother copying his big sister as she composes her masterpiece. I shudder at the thought! But a very cool idea for the right kids.

4. Blast from the past. Remember the bendable and poseable Gumby and Pokey toys from our childhood? Did you husband think Gumby was cool perhaps? (Or did he just think Eddie Murphy playing Gumby on SNL was a complete riot?!)

5. "Mom, I'm bored." How many times have you heard that line? No more! Purchase the I'm Not Bored Anymore Art Jar and tell those kiddos to snip it!

6. Looking for a memorable newborn gift? Try a growth chart and personalize it. This is one of those things you don't think to buy as a mother, but one of those things you wish you had.

That should be enough to get you started. Now it's your turn. You will definitely find something at The Land of Nod.

Pregnancy & Newborn

Did you get the memo? Emily Allyn's Little Democrat and Little Republican is one of Pregnancy & Newborn's magazine cravings! (November, 2008 issue.)

To all the little politicos out there... thank you!

We only have a few left. Get yours now while they are on sale, only $11.95. Now that's a steal.

Poingo

My 5 year old son was chomping at the bit to dive into this Poingo pen and book system. You open the book, touch the book with the pen, and the pen starts reading to you. Of course the whole time I'm trying to figure out how does this pen-thing know where you are in the book? The pages are like normal pages in a children's book. Crazy, I tell you. Some of the more difficult to understand words are highlighted in red. When you touch the word, the pen says the word and gives you a brief definition. And, of course, there are games. What kid's product is complete without some interaction. You touch the game icon with the pen, the pen asks some questions about something on the page, and you touch the object on the page to answer the question. Amazing.
"Children ages 3-7 will love using the pen-shaped Poingo to touch pictures or text and bring their favorite characters to life with words, sounds, and music. When touched with Poingo, almost every image on the book's pages triggers exciting elements of discovery, exploration, and surprise, engaging the child and making the reading experience entertaining and fun."

The Poingo starter kit includes the pen-shaped Poingo and two large hardcover interactive storybooks. The suggested retail price is $34.99 and it can be found at Target, Toys 'R' Us, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam's Clubs, and BJ's Wholesale Clubs, and online at Discover Poingo.

First, you can't go wrong when you offer something with Cars and Nemo. Brilliant movies. Second, it's quite intuitive for 5 -7 year olds. However, a younger child will need more assistance.
This is definitely a hot seller this holiday season. Target online is out of stock at the moment. And I believe it's going to become an even a bigger seller because High School Musical and Hannah Montana books will be available any day now. Get your Poingo system while you can!

Ideas Aplenty, One Source

One of my favorite catalogs, Chasing Fireflies, has ideas aplenty for your holiday gifts.

I'll just get started and dive right in.

The personalized Santa hats (shown above) are adorable on anyone, kids and adults alike! $28.
This rich and gorgeous winter white knit dress is simply irresistible, made from luxurious wool-alpaca knit . $158.
Love the classic movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Then you'll love the adorable Hermey & the Abominable Snowmonster figures. $96.
Is your little girl mostly a girly girl but at times a hang-out-with-the-boys kind of girl? If so, she'll love this sparkly take on the Chuck Taylor. $35.
All kids love the hoppy balls you sit and bounce on. They are a childhood favorite. Chasing Fireflies carries the alien hoppy version. $38.
Or there is the holiday hoppy reindeer version. $49
"A young swashbuckler will be thrilled to pull this from the holiday treasure chest every year" - a personalized pirate ornament. $48
And for the princess/dancer in your family, every year she can enjoy the personalized tiny dancer ornament. $48.
For the baby on your list, these red shearling booties, are a perfect holiday splash of color to any tiny outfit. $39.
Would your tiny tot like to eat off special holiday dinnerware just like mom and dad? There is the merry mealtime set. $29.

Your turn. Dive in. You can't go wrong at Chasing Fireflies.

Graeter's Is Grrrrreat!

Many nights when I was a little girl, my dad and I would "race" through our bowls of ice cream. Surprisingly we both have some gene that predisposes us from getting brain freeze; I've never experienced it.

So, when the generous people at Graeter's Ice Cream sent me 6 pints of ice cream to review, I thought I had died and (hopefully) gone to heaven. Who in their right mind would turn away that offer?!

As the luck was all mine, I was able to test the following mouth watering flavors:

Toffee Chocolate Chip - The chunks of toffee are incredible, probably because they use genuine Heath® toffee; very nice combination.
Mint Chocolate Chip - A staple flavor, and their chunky version is perfect.
Mocha Chocolate Chip - Mocha can be dry and overwhelming, but not this Mocha. It is pleasing on the palette with a creamy finish.
Double Chocolate Chip - Chocolate lovers look out, you have found your own heaven. Thank the Lord.

Vanilla Chocolate Chip - Another staple flavor done deliciously right by using natural vanilla.
Black Raspberry Chip - My absolute favorite. Out of this world. The pairing of raspberry and chocolate chunks is one of the best combinations life has to offer! I licked the pint clean. I'm kidding, but don't think for a minute I didn't think about it.

Does the picture below make you want to drool? Look at those chunks!

Graeter's makes a whole slew of other flavors - a few more with chocolate chips and many without like, caramel, cookies 'n cream, black cherry, butter pecan, strawberry, coffee, and of course chocolate and vanilla. Their two new flavors are pumpkin pie and cinnamon, just in time for Fall. If you prefer sorbet, they've got you covered as well. You can enjoy the raspberry or lemon sorbet flavors.

Graeter's is first class all the way. The seal on the lid is tight in order to keep your ice cream fresh, and they use only the best ingredients. For example, their cream is fresh and from farms that pledge not to use artificial growth hormones (rBST). There are no hydrogenated oils, therefore no trans fats. They use 100% cane sugar with no high fructose corn syrup. The list goes on. With all these benefits, eating ice cream has never been so good for you!

Go ahead and send some pints to your favorite ice cream-aholic (even if it is yourself)!

It's a tough job having to review ice cream, but somebody has to do it. Graeter's, you have won this mother over. You truly are irresistible.

Cleatskins

For anyone with kids who play sports (and I believe that covers approximately 85% of people reading this blog), you will absolutely love this invention, Cleatskins.

Place these rubber shells over your cleats and you will be ready to hit the streets. You can bop from the field to the car to the house without depositing dirt with every step. Moms, you won't need to worry when junior runs across your new hardwood floor with his Cleatskins covering his cleats. No scratches will be left on that shiny surface! Or when little Lucy comes off the dirty soccer field and hops in the car. Moms, your car will stay nice and clean! Can you even imagine? It's like the days of yore - before your own kids were "invented".

Not only do these nifty covers keep surfaces clean, they protect those expensive cleats as well.
"Cleatskins are a revolutionary footwear accessory for athletes on-the-go." (And let's face it, if you are an athlete, you are always on-the-go.)

"Cleatskins is the perfect fit for cleats worn for a variety of outdoor sports, including baseball, football, soccer, and golf. Cleatskins are versatile enough to match any shoe, team uniform, or outfit in youth, kid, and adult sizes, and the unique machine washable material makes them easy-to-care for and always looking new." Whoa, wait just a minute there, Mr. Rick Kay, inventor-of-the-Cleatskins-man, you mean you can throw these in the washing machine? SOLD!

Actually, my son already has a pair of these in red. I love that they come in an array of colors, even some girly colors like the pink camo (shown above). My son thinks he is pretty dang cool when he dons his fiery red Cleatskins. And I'm proud to say, I found yet another use for them. My son also plays basketball. Believe it or not, we've actually had a tad bit of snow the last few days up here in Minnesota. So when my son had practice, instead of getting his shoes all wet walking through the parking lot, we slipped on the Cleatskins before we left the house. When we arrived at the gym, we slipped them off and his shoes weren't slippery or squeeky! It reminded me of when I was little and my father used to slip on his rubber overshoes - over his shoes so his good shoes would be protected from the rain or snow. Remember those? (These are even better.)

Currently, Cleatskins are sold at select Dick's Sporting Goods, Shoebuy.com, and SoccerGarage.com. However, their own online store is coming soon to an internet near you.
(Side note: if you buy a pair and they seem too difficult to get on, go to their FAQ section and read number IV.)

Do you want a pair? Enter their contest here and you could win a free pair!

This is an amazing product. Boy tested, mom approved!

Start the Holidays With A Bang!

Here's the kick-off to our 2008 Holiday Gift Reviews for our Emily Allyn readers.

I would be remiss (and you could possibly even use the word stupid) if I did not start off my own holiday review guide with my own amazing holiday products. Call it shameless self-promotion, if you will. What ever you call it, just know these shirts fly off the shelves each year. So, if you are at all interested in these, grab yours now!

The Emily Allyn Snowflake clothing is priceless. It's adorable design also carries the words "One-of-a-kind" beneath it... because each child truly is their own unique, one-of-a-kind little individual. As always, our clothes are 100% cotton, boutique-quality. The Snowflake adorns our our infant bodysuits (also referred to as onesies, though if you didn't know Gerber has that term trademarked!) as well as our infant and toddler tees.

"Think of Children as Snowflakes.
A small snowflake falls to the ground in a huge field. Another snowflake falls beside it. One more comes, and many follow. Each is different, has it's own form and size, but, o, the beauty of each one! There is much mystery in each. We must cherish the sparkle of all of them. They are all unique, special, magnificent."
-- Cynthia R. Sanchez

Holiday Gift Reviews 2008

Our Holiday Gift Reviews will be starting this week! Be on the lookout for some amazing gifts to give this season.

Giveaway Alert!
We will also have a boat load of awesome (yes, I'm thirty-something and I just used the word awesome) giveaways!

We have DS games, DVDs, books, games, and more to give away. Stay tuned throughout November and into December for our fabulous finds and amazing giveaways.

Because it is the holiday season and I want to thank my readers, entering the giveaways will be a piece of cake. All you will have to do is email me, that's it! Look for our Giveaway Alert! and what to type in the subject line. You could very well be the next winner!

Drum roll please...

Simplify the Holidays

The holidays are right around the corner. If you are organized, you've already started the planning. Don't let the holidays get to you this year. For once, enjoy them. Below are some articles found on the net to help you do just this. Enjoy!

Here are a seven tips from See Jane Work that anyone can use on how to handle the holidays. Click the link to read the helpful details.
# 1 Make rules and follow them
# 2 Simplify gift giving
# 3 Party only some of the time
# 4 Create traditions all your own
# 5 Master of none
# 6 Prepare for the unexpected
# 7 Look fabulous or the pictures will come back to haunt you

About.com has a whole section titled Holiday Survival Guide: Manage Stress and Simplify Your Holiday Season.

If you are a person who likes to purchase a book on every topic, so you have something to reference or use, you will find Simplify Your Holidays: A Christmas Planner to Use Year after Year on Amazon.com.

For the list lover in you, you will be delighted to have found these two online articles: How to Simplify the Holidays With a Holiday Checklist and Christmas Planner

And for general organization, check out Organized Christmas (though it doesn't have to be all about Christmas, you can use these tips for other holidays).

And I think it's important to remember these handy tips from How to Simplify the Holidays With a Holiday Checklist.
Keep each section of your checklist as short and as simple as possible.

Remember, simple is best. Do not take on more than what you can handle.

Set specific deadlines for each category. Give yourself a few more days.

Work on everything a little at a time, every day until you are complete.

Do not compare your holiday plans to those from holidays past, or the plans of your neighbors, friends, relatives etc. The focus is on your holiday and what will make you and those closest to you happy this season, all within reason of course.

Try not to add more tasks to your checklist unless it is something that you have absolutely forgotten to include.

Groovin' On Giraffes

I've posted a few things this year with giraffe print. It never goes out of style! I bought these Bandolino Women's Jenkins Flat shoes a couple of months ago. They are perfect for sprucing up a pair of jeans. Not to mention the giraffe print purse you bought - you will look coordinated and put together without overdoing it. The shoes feature a haircalf upper with a patent leather buckle and 3/4" heel.

If you love the style of the shoe, but aren't so hip on the giraffe print, it does come in a variety of solid colors. I paid full price, but it looks like they are on sale now (of course). If you don't see your size, google it!

Next week: I'll be starting our Holiday Gift Review and Guide. Be on the lookout for some wonderful finds and amazing giveaways!

I Want To Thank McCain

McCain just conceeded to Obama. I watched McCain's speech on TV. Although this blog is about Amazing Finds for Moms and Tots, I want to post this simply because this election has been amazing. Either way we made history - either with a black president or the first female vice president.

McCain's concession speech was gracious and honest. It could have been his best speech throughout the campaign. I thought he was very powerful when he stated,
"Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain. These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face.
I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.
Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that."

My only hope is people heard that part of his speech and we truly can come together. Pipe dream? Maybe. But otherwise I'm afraid all those younger citizens and new citizens who registered and voted in record numbers may go on believing people serving in politics are not listening to their voices and once again nothing gets done.

Obama has a slate full of problems to solve in our country. It will be interesting to see which ones he/we can and will tackle first and foremost. Can we turn things around in four short years? As Obama would say, "Yes, we can!"