6.30.2010

Beautiful Name….


Personalized items e.g. shirts, bags and wall art, are my absolutely favorite shopaholic purchase.  I must confess that being on twitter has exposed to tons of great and talented people.  One of such person is Stacy Amoo-Mensah owner of Name your Design, Le Papier Boutique and Le Papier Design.  I recently made a purchase of an adorable Wall Art with my daughter’s name on it.  I received my order about two days ago and I was floored by the cuteness of the wall art.  I highly recommend her online stores especially for the most adorable wall art.


Current promo:
Celebrating our grand re-opening! freeship = free ground shipping on everything!


Background

Name your design, llc. . It is home to a line of modern + personalized wall art, decor and paper goods designed and illustrated by owner, Stacy Amoo-Mensah.

Because of the huge success of Stacy's exclusive brand of stationery on tiny prints, she was excited to expand her design footprint and apply her original illustrations to wall art, growth charts and other goodies for the modern home.

Stacy has always believed in "paying it forward"...no matter how much you have, there is always something you can do to help make your "world" a better place to be. We are, by no means, as big and successful as the Target's of the world...but we aspire to give back in the same capacity. We have chosen several organizations/causes that are extremely meaningful to us and have vowed to donate a portion of our profits towards them and hopefully inspire others to do the same.

Stacy lives and works in the Chicago area with her best friend + husband, Perry and her three beautiful boys....Devon, Tyson and Parker.

You can also find Stacy's work here:
Le Papier Boutique
Frecklebox
Itzy Ritzy

6.29.2010

So Soft....


Being a twitter addict has not help my other addiction…I must say that the products and people are the best...Soft Clothing for all children is one such example; the clothes are unique and super cute.  I order my daughter, who has sensitive skin a super cute t-shirt and adorable whale print pants, she loves the clothes and so do I.  The clothes are truly amazing and I think you should check them out via http://www.softclothing.net/

Current promo:
July 4th Sale! 15% off red, white, and blue sensory tees AND our brand new Seamless SOCKS! Code at checkout: soft4th

Here is a little background

Soft was founded in February 2007.  We then began a two year market research process and one year sample development and testing phase, and finally launched our first collection in Winter 2009/10!  We are a research driven company, therefore we continue to test samples on children with a variety of sensory needs and a range of tactile sensitivity--to ensure that the clothing we manufacture will eliminate the most common complaints we hear from parents and children. No more morning meltdowns, no more spending hundreds on clothes your children refuse to wear.  Sign up for our mailing list on the Contact Us page for updates on our collection launches, new styles and for access to exclusive coupon codes. 

Mission
Many children are extra-sensitive to the texture and feel of clothing. Soft® is the first line of inclusive clothing designed with the needs of all children in mind, including those with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and tactile defensiveness/sensitivity. We use flat seaming and seamless construction for extra comfort, 100% of the softest combed cotton and our specially developed Soft Sensory Blends , wide collars, encased elastic waistbands, printed labels (tagless), custom fits, and much more.
Created by a Mom and Special Education teacher, our goal is to design clothing that can enhance social skills, sensory organization, concentration, by addressing unique sensory needs, but without sacrificing personal style and self expression.

6.28.2010

It is all about the Hair....


I love trying all new hair products because my hair is usually a frizzy mess.  I think my daughter might have inherited my hair.  During a recent search on www.hamillbaby.com for something completely different, I checked out bath time on the site under hair & skin section.  I saw what look like an awesome leave-in conditioner and I did a Google search for Original Sprout.  I found www.haircarechoice.com to order Original Sprout Leave-In Conditioner. 

Original Sprout Leave-in Conditioner


Our Leave-In Conditioner smooths & protects dry, delicate & tangle prone hair from enviromental aggressors such as, sun, wind, cold climates & pollution. Frizzies and dry ends are smoothed & soothed, restoring hair to healthy radiance. Use before swimming to help prevent swimmers green hair. Enjoy the elements with Sprout!

Widely recommended by stylists and mums!

Note: This product does not come with a pump.

With Organic Rosemary to Help Repel Lice & Insects
With Natural & Organic Ingredients
Free of Fruit Extracts & Honey
No Citrus Oils (Photosensitizers)
Free of Hormone Disrupters
No Formaldehyde (Hydantoin DMDM)
Quick Release Formula
Fast & Easy Combing
No Numbing Agents
Natural Ingredients
No Sticky Residue
For all Hair Types
No Rinse

I absolutely love it for my daughter and for me too.  I decided to order more, it is an awesome product.

6.25.2010

Fun Follow Friday


I love Fridays for a few reasons...the start of the weekend and now for getting to check out great blogs too..

6.24.2010

HOT days of summer....



During a recent trip to Wal-Mart…I love Wal-Mart…I came across a wonderful new summer treat for Dilia by Del Monte called Fruit Chiller Freeze & Eat Tubes.  It is the truly the tastiest summer treat besides my personal childhood favorite FlaVor Ice Pops.  The Del Monte Fruit Chiller flavor that we tried was Strawberry Snow Storm and tasted like a sorbet plus it was Mmmmmm good as per Dilia’s standards. I can't wait to try the other Del Monte Fruit Chillers flavors, that include grape berry blizzard tubes, frosty peach cup, artic strawberry cup, glacial mango cup and polar raspberry cup, I am planning on trying each one…You know for research purposes….*wink* *wink*

The Freeze Pop Sleeve by Luna Lou via http://www.lunalou.com/ completed the experience for me and it is a must have for the summer. Plus, Luna Lou has free shipping right now…which is valid up to 2 cozies /order

6.23.2010

Maya's Hope Project


I met  Maya a year ago and I am a proud sponsor of her project.  Please check out Maya's hope project via Facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=130794910008&v=wall&ref=ts for additional information.  Please let me know if you are interested in receiving the current newsletter or email mayahopeproject@gmail.com

6.22.2010

Hybecute....

My two Spots...

I am admittedly an Etsy addict because the workmanship is unbeatable.  I love that the items that I purchase is unique especially if I request it customized made.  The handmade items is worth saving in my opinion, one of the new favorite seller is Hypernate.  I came across Hypernate during an etsy search for stuff animals.  I spotted the most adorable like stuff dog named Moe, the dog.  This little dogs a lot like my dog Spot.  I had to have him and requested my stuff dog to have a black spot on the face.  Mary Catherine is the owner of Hybernate and a truly talent person, she was able to create my stuff doggie version of my dog.

Please check out her etsy online store via

6.21.2010


Today, I am featuring Skipping Hippos, which is owned and run by entrepreneur mom Jolie Fay, who was inspired to start her business when stranger after stranger stopped her in the streets, inquiring about the poncho she had made for her daughter. Jolie Fay uses the best quality and comfortable fabric to create her adorable ponchos and jackets. Jolie and many of her fellow small business are being affected by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in August, 2008. 
The CPSIA bans lead and phthalates in toys, mandates third-party testing and certification for all toys and requires toy makers to permanently label each toy with a date and batch number.  All of these changes will be fairly easy for large, multinational toy manufacturers to comply with. Large manufacturers who make thousands of units of each toy have very little incremental cost to pay for testing and update their molds to include batch labels. 
For small toymakers and manufacturers of children's products, however, the costs of mandatory testing will likely drive them out of business.” 
Please show your support these truly unique small businesses and keep USA and handmade products thriving in our country. You can help by visiting the Handmade Toy Alliance website.

6.18.2010

Happy Father's Day

Since, Father's day is this weekend.  I want to wish all the Dada out there a wonderful day.. Here is a great poem

Fathers are Wonderful People

Fathers are wonderful people

Too little understood,

And we do not sing their praises

As often as we should...



For, somehow, Father seems to be

The man who pays the bills,

While Mother binds up little hurts

And nurses all our ills...



And Father struggles daily

To live up to "HIS IMAGE"

As protector and provider

And "hero or the scrimmage"...



And perhaps that is the reason

We sometimes get the notion,

That Fathers are not subject

To the thing we call emotion,



But if you look inside Dad's heart,

Where no one else can see

You'll find he's sentimental

And as "soft" as he can be...



But he's so busy every day

In the grueling race of life,

He leaves the sentimental stuff

To his partner and his wife...



But Fathers are just WONDERFUL

In a million different ways,

And they merit loving compliments

And accolade of praise,



For the only reason Dad aspires

To fortune and success

Is to make the family proud of him

And to bring them happiness...



And like OUR HEAVENLY FATHER,

He's a guardian and a guide,

Someone that we can count on

To be ALWAYS ON OUR SIDE.

Helen Steiner Rice

6.17.2010

Shoes....My other passion/addiction

I am a type of person, who has favorite shoes and where them all the time. I also have favorite shoes for my daughter that I always put on her feet. Right now our favorite is Havanianas via http://us.havaianas.com, love them and they are extremely comfortable. I have other favorites shoes for my daughter here they are:









Rileyroos are super cute but comfortable and my daughter love the velcro strap. Rileyroos fit her so well and she really did not like shoes before the Rileyroos, which I purchase via www.babyhalfoff.com...So I highly recommend Rileyroos for your little roo...






http://www.rileyroos.com/








Little Soles got my attention with their style/design and I was reeled in by the quality of the shoes. I am ecstatic with the shoes that I purchased via www.babysteals.com






http://www.littlesolesshoestore.com/products/









Wee squeak are the most adorable shoes and my daughter loves the noises she makes when she has them on. I love them too because I think they are funny too. I purchase my pair via www.babyhalfoff.com






http://wesqueak.net/

6.16.2010

My Favorite addiction…handbags

I have always love handbags, either big or small.  I know I have Imelda R. Marcos tendencies with handbags because a good handbag is worth it.  I want to tell you about a few of the good ones…

I fell in love with Prune during a trip to Argentina back in 2004 because the leather and the styles are amazing.  Plus, the price is pretty amazing too…

Check Prune out via http://www.pruneshop.com/

$130.00 USA dollars plus shipping


My personal favorite place to shop Etsy because the sellers are unique and super talent individuals, I love the following sellers handbags

Kirsten James and the Maribelle bag with adjustable strap, the adjustable strap is my favorite feature plus the bag is super cute

 $59.00 plus shipping

New favorite would have to be DrikaB..Thanks to SweetHarper! The design and the colors of the handbags, clutches, wristlets and etc are adorable. 
$32.00 plus shipping
Ikabags are very cute plus handmade in Paris...Travel without needing a passport..

 $34.00 plus shipping

Another seller worth a visit is RKEMdesign for the very cute Kate shoulder bags.

$34.00 plus shipping

6.15.2010

Growing.....


When I was younger, my parents marked our heights on a random wall in the house.  Well, those marks have since been covered up by paint now plus, I have grown much since 12 years old.  Yes, I am petite and probably still can pass for 12...ok maybe not but kinda.  I wanted to record my daughter’s growth via a growth chart.  I came across the most adorable growth chart via etsy. 

The etsy store is Growth Chart Galore, the charts are sooo adorable plus you can personalize them for your child.  The quality of the chart is amazing especially for the price of $13.00 plus shipping.  I would highly suggest that you made them a visit via http://www.etsy.com/shop/growthchartsgalore.


FYI

Growth Charts are On Sale

Select charts are only $13 for a limited time. Does not apply to past purchased and changes cannot be made to sale charts. Thank you!




6.14.2010

Elegant Baby


Being a fairly new blog and learning as I go, so to speak.  I am totally a twitter fiend and following awesome people.  Elegant baby send a tweet asking if anyone was interested in reviewing their products.  I jumped at the chance to review and share my opinion plus, I selected the items from the elegant baby website to review.  Here they are:


Blankie-Butterfly

                                                                           

88019 - BLANKIE-BUTTERFLY

 $17.00

Quick Overview
This security blankie is perfect babies on the go. Its soft texture and small tassels give your baby a chance to experience tactile bliss, and the butterfly face knob in the center of this round blankie give them something to hang onto for carrying or just holding.

My Review
The security blankie is a perfect size for little ones plus, the crinkle paper sound on each panel of the blankie draws the babies’ attention.  The texture of the blankie is extremely soft and welcoming plus, the Butterfly head squeaks and my daughter love that the most.  My daughter is very particular about her blankies and this blankie got her attention right away. 


Here is a quick link to above product


BABY BOWL FEEDING SET-GREEN


97525 - BABY BOWL FEEDING SET-GREEN

$15.00
 
Quick Overview
Feeding time shouldn’t be a chore! This colorful plastic green bowl sits on a silicone suction base which keeps baby’s food from sliding around or tipping over. The bowl comes with a food grade blue animal spoon that is gentle on tender baby gums. The bowl is safe for the microwave and dishwasher, so cleanup is as easy as meal time.


My Review
The colors of both the bowl and spoon were immediately my favorite part of the product plus, the silicone suction bottom works wonderfully.  My 19 month old daughter is just starting to learn how to use spoon loves the animal shape spoon plus, the spoon is the right size and width for her little hand.  The microwave and dishwasher safe ability of this product makes my life so much easier. 


Here is a quick link to the above product


Please check out their entire collection via

6.11.2010

Fun Follow Friday


I received email notification about Fun Follow Friday from My Wee View and Simply Staci ...a blog hop opportunity and I jump for joy.  I excited because I found a few blog that I love...

Neighborly love



Hi to all the new followers... Well, I admit to being a pretty big shopaholic especially now with my daughter.  Plus,  I love to tell everyone about great companies and people that I come across.  Neighborhoodies is one such company because they are awesome and their customized items on their site is the best.  Plus, I received the best customer services experience, as well.  I am sooo glad that I came across them via my Google online search for custom items.  I love the funk website and the items, check it out http://www.neighborhoodies.com/.   


Here is little info


Neighborhoodies is a small company run by kids who have no business running a business. We made our first hoodie less than five years ago. Within what seemed like minutes we'd made a splash in New York, and found love in cities across the country. The attention of folks like NBC, CNN and NPR didn't hurt none, and the next thing you know we're packing up our stuff, moving out of our basement apartment and setting up a real-life office in Brooklyn. Now we've got 60 full timers, a giant bean bag, and a dart board


Current promo

COUPON CODE: HOODIE-O-MATIC


6.09.2010

Charitable…


I always love to give from very young, I think I got this from my mother (God rest her soul).  I love to contribute to great cause and I try to donate my time or my money if possible.  I love to recruit people or brands to donate necessary items to those in need.  God only knows if I ever hit the lottery, if would donate a good amount to the following


Maya’s Hope Project- strives to send aid and hope to children throughout the world. Our main focus is to send medicines, clothing, books and other basic necessities to orphanages in great need, with a current focus on orphanages in the Philippines and Ukraine.

Philippines: Bethlehem House of Bread, San Martin de Porres and Hospicio de San Jose orphanages.

Ukraine: Donetsk Home for Children and Ternopil Psychiatric Children's Home.

You can get involved by volunteering your time, contacting companies for donations, helping get donations which would be for shipping costs. This is truly a labor of love to show these children how each one of them is truly important.

Please email mayashopeproject@gmail.com if you would like to learn more about Maya's Hope Project and to receive our newsletter

I met Maya last summer and I am honored to participate in her organization.  I am currently sponsoring a little boy via Maya’s Hope Project.   Maya has a face book page

St. Jude- One of my mother’s favorite charities and she passed away 3 years ago.  My sister and I contribute on the behalf of our mother when we can.  If you ever interested you can via

Help the Gulf Coast- I found this etsy store today and felt I need to contribute.  I know people everywhere are thinking, I would like to help but how…check out http://www.etsy.com/shop/HelpTheGulfCoast

Rita’s Ice- Currently has Alex Lemonade stand Foundation Fundraiser from June 1st to June 30th http://www.ritasice.com/events-and-promotions/alexs-lemonade.aspx


My personal favorite is
Operation letter to Santa- This program is held in December every year.  Here is a little history behind the program
Operation Santa Claus began informally in the early 1920s, when New York postal clerks began chipping in their own money to buy gifts for poor kids whose notes to Santa ended up in the dead-letter office. As the number of letters grew, the clerks asked for help from the public. The program’s most dramatic growth has come in the last two decades. In 1980, there were about 5,000 letters to Santa from needy kids received at the New York Post Office. This year the total will almost certainly be more than 150,000, and could approach 200,000.
Many of the kids are not even asking for gifts for themselves but for their family.  Wonderful program because it represents the spirit of the season.

Check out the following site for more info

Last but not least, itsjustmeheidid via twitter currently fundraising for Keegan

6.08.2010

Adorable Tees…

As I said on 6/3/10 post, I must admit that being on twitter and following wonderful talent people has not helped my shopaholic tendencies.  It is soooo true because of Lizzie Sorensen…the women has great taste...I came across Westmama Designs http://www.etsy.com/shop/westmama, the most adorable T shirts and really like giraffes too.  Plus, my shopping experience was superlative because I received my order within a day.  I would highly recommend West mama designs for truly one of the most adorable tees.


Here is her bio
Hi, I'm Kimberly, a mom of two and the designer and screen printer of West mama.

In 2006 I completed a long time goal of mine and got my MBA. However instead of enhancing my career life I decided to enhance my family life and made a couple babies.

After my son was born I knew my life path was forever going to be altered. In an effort to avoid the very gender-stereotyped boy clothes that flooded the racks of many larger stores, I filled my need for cool hip clothes through etsy and local boutiques. I developed a love for the unique and handmade. When my daughter was born at home this past October my creative juices began to over flow. What started out as one simple "born at home" onesie, turned into my growing and every changing business. 

6.07.2010

A Star is born…


Babystar is one of my favorite online store for me and my daughter.  I truly love the babystar blankets, clothes, bedding, hooded towels and diaper bags.  My favorite item is organic demin jeans because they are the perfect fit and super comfortable for my daughter.  I recently purchase organic demin lucy skirt and soy organic Buddha for my niece.  My order arrived super fast and look adorable.  I am bit sad that Babystar will no longer offer toddler sizes but I will keep them in mind for new niece who was born last month.



FYI

Promo code = star20
Discount = 20% off retail
Expires = 12/31/10

6.04.2010

Toys…Toys…Toys


Happily toys were always my favorite when I was younger and my daughter loves them too.  She only likes a few and the rest are stored in her toy box.  Here are her favorites in no particular order

Leapfrog Violet Pal because Violet says my daughter’s name and sings too.

Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Stroller Styled Walker and First doll.

Playskool Lullaby Gloworm

Playskool Explore ‘N Grow Busy Ball Popper

Vtech Sing and Discover Story Piano

Fisher Price Musical Learning Duck



All the toys are available via www.toyrus.com


6.03.2010

Brilliant Bird


I must admit that being on twitter and following wonderful talented people has not helped my shopaholic tendencies.  I started following modern_bird and absolutely love their work.  I decided to submit an order for my husband as a father’s day gift and the picture is me with my daughter and I am sooo excited.  I am beyond confident that printing will turn out awesome.  Because modern_bird assured me that they will work with me until it is perfect.  I am sooooo ecstatic plus the current promo is awesome…

Father's Day is coming. 20% discount: FATHERSDAY at the Modern Bird checkout.

Check out Modern Bird via http://modernbirdstudios.com/

6.02.2010

Dada’s Day




History behind Father’s day

The idea for creating a day for children to honor their fathers began in Spokane, Washington. A woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909.
Having been raised by her father, William Jackson Smart, after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora's father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father's Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910.

Since Father’s day is coming up soon on June 20th and I have been thinking about a present for my husband.  I was thinking about cufflinks or a shirt.  I decided on simply color Best Dad 2010 t-shirt and it turned out cute.  I love simply color easy to design customization options plus the quality is amazing.  www.simplycolors.com is definitively worth a visit for the following reasons

·        Baby and kids basics in solid, vibrant colors
·        Make your own personal print
·        Perfect as an affordable & original gift
·        Made of 100% Supersoft Cotton.
·        Available in sizes newborn to 7 yrs.
·        FREE SHIPPING on orders over $ 75.00 total order value!

10% discount for Facebook Fans
Join the group of Fans of Simply Colors on Facebook, and receive 10% discount on all your orders!