I like to think that my children are pretty creative, loving to draw, play and listen to music, using their imagination and more. Toys to bring out their creativity always sparks any interest to my husband and I. We received the toy Musicolor for my kids to color and create their own music with. Delta Creative, Inc is the company behind this fun toy and have information on their website on how this works. Basically it's like a record player with the rotating base and arm to read the music. Children color the discs (which are numbered) with the music note markers and then the arm reads the colors like a DVD player reads a DVD and plays music that children are familiar with like Three Blind Mice, Old McDonald, Jingle Bells and many, many more. You can even make the player sound like a piano, trumpet or violin - helps the children learn the different sounds of instruments. This has been fun for my son, he enjoys it and actually has his own "record player" to play the music he created on it. It's really pretty easy for my four year old to use, but I have noticed the discs don't sound exactly like the song they're supposed to sound like, but you can make it out if you already know the song. My kids could care less though - they know it's playing a tune and it's what they created which they love and think is totally awesome. You can read and view a youtube clip of Musicolor on the Delta Creative website.
Have you heard of lia sophia, the fashionable jewelry company that has been family owned for 35 years? The beautiful jewelry is sold to customers through independent woman. I actually know a few girls who sell and own a few pieces of the jewelry and have been nothing but satisfied with them. The lifetime replacement guarantee is excellent and just another reason to shop the products of lia sophia. I received the Poetic necklace, made of mother-of-pearl and varying shades of grey agate with accents of polished silver. The necklace is gorgeous, a great piece for dressing up or for just out and about casual wear. It goes with practically everything and the quality is great. If you purchase this lovely necklace you are actually making a charitable donation because every necklace that is sold a portion of the proceeds go to the Dress for Success, which helps economically challenged woman worldwide transition from unemployment to self-sufficiency. You can purchase the lovely jewelry from lia sophia through and advisor, and even look to become one yourself. Lia sophia are products for woman of all ages, dress it up, dress it down. Sophisticated and classy, great pieces to add to your jewelry collection.
We have this most delicious Italian Restaurant here that I absolutely love - however it's one of those places we don't go to all that often. One of those Anniversary, date night kind of places. I love the food, the pasta is delicious. Recently I had the opportunity to review for Al Dente Pasta and now I can make that delicious tasting food in the comfort of my home. We got to try Monique's sumptuous Marvelous Marinara sauce and my entire family loved it. It was authentic and amazing. My husband, one that doesn't get all that excited about pasta even commented that we should start purchasing our sauce from Al Dente Pasta. We also tried the whole wheat and white fettuccine noodles, also delicious and easy to cook. The noodles are homemade and rolled out, just lik
e if you were making them homemade, giving them a texture that's great.
Lots of items like fashion, shoes, house wares, children's wear and more are marked down 30%-60% at Nimli.com 
Shop eshakti now and receive 20% off the entire site. If that wasn't enough, if you're a first time 
shopper use coupon code JM25LES at check out and save an additional $20 on your purchase. Valid until December 31, 2009.
We're big fans of Frecklebox, Personalized gifts for kids. The products are of great quality and look great. My kids love nothing more than having books, posters, place mats and much more with their names on it. I also like that the products are actually affordable unlike many personalized places. Frecklebox carries many unique products for personalizing and one I can't wait to add to our list of items are the coloring books. My two oldest children love coloring, we go through books like you wouldn't believe. These coloring books look great, themed for what your child loves with their name. I love the Rock star and princess themed books. Looking for fun personalized products for a party or just as a gift... there are some great items to take a look at at Frecklebox.
I rarely see people that don't have key chains that show what they really like or love. My husband and I both have our favorites with our keys and even the home key. I actually remember when my husband and I getting married him trying to remove my "chunky" key chains since it was 'our' car now. Lets just say -- my key chains stayed! Ha ha. Since I love my husband and enjoy getting him a thing or two I had the opportunity to work with WholesaleKeychain.com and received the Detroit Red Wings NHL key chain & keyring for my crazy Red Wings fan of a husband. The key chain is really nice looking pewter and is unique and durable. It actually has a lifetime warranty against flaws in the material. I love how the wing kind of has a 3D look and is the perfect size and looks classy. WholesaleKeychain has many key chains to choose from - many different sports, Disney, USB Flash Drive, Digital Photo, Automotive, Entertainment key chains and many more. Something for everyone and I'm not just saying that. There are tons and tons! You can even get engravings, perfect for a gift.
I'm a sucker for kids shoes, especially little girls shoes! I love to have a different pair of shoes for my kids to wear depending on the outfit -- my husband says I'm turning them into myself. Your shoes need to match your outfit - common! =) I recently had the chance to try a pair of Robeez Tredz on my daughter and they look and fit great. I love the non-slip, water resistant soles, made perfectly for dressing up while being in this slushy winter weather. The elastic backs and adjustable fasteners keep them on and she's easily able to get them on and off herself - which is a great saver for a busy mommy of three. I chose the cute bow mary janes in black because they are a classic shoe that goes with your everyday wear and for dress up.
It doesn't matter that here in the midwest we're not really able to wear flip flops outside, I still have my flexflops with me for indoor use! I received a cute pair of Flex Flops in the mail with a matching rinestud travelers case. The flex flops fit nicely, are soft and very flexible. I look forward to keeping mine in my pouch for emergencies when I need something comfortable and cute quick. Oh and you I'll be wearing them at the first sight of warmth. Flexflops are all about having a pair of emergency flex flops in case you have a broken heal, you've been in line just too long, traveling, you name it. They come in many different colors and different rinestud pouches that say different things. I love the idea of the bride ones! Be sure to check out the cosmetic bags as well.
Have you heard of Lands' End Canvas? A new line from Lands' End that features a collection for men and woman and offers and enhanced shopping experience. Lands' End Canvas still guarantees the same customer service and quality products that Lands' End has always had!
Do you have a little baker in your family? Maybe at home or at grandma's? Both my son and daughter love to be right there baking and cooking with me in the kitchen and play kitchen often, so having the opportunity to review the "Little Bakers Suitcase" From Child to Cherish was great. We received the little girls 11.25 x 8 x 3.5-inch tin suitcase, which
is pink with a mommy and daughter rabbit on the front. Included was an adorable apron, wooden rolling pin and spoon along with cookie cutters and five delicious cookie recipes. This has been great for my family and a great keepsake suitcase for items and to use when the children get older. Child To Cherish debuted the Little Baker's series and Grandma Little Bakers series, both have three designs a boy, girl and Christmas. These adorable keepsake suitcases are available at www.childtocherish.com.
When my children are born I'm always on the look for the best keepsake book to capture all my babies memories, especially for the first year. Dear Baby sent me the Deluxe Dear Baby Box for my husband and I to capture all of his memories and what's great about this box is that is comes with note cards so other family members can leave special messages for baby to see when grown up, all kept together in the decorative box. I love the idea of getting the note cards out at all the special occasions, how great to show my son when he's older! Also a cute box to add other keepsake items for baby, like cards and notes. The leather album is lovely and looks to hold up well, especially with little hands want to look through the memories. All kinds of information to add from when your pregnant until well after baby is born. Fill out the family tree, growth chart and add many photos.
With a four month old I'm using infant seats, strollers, my baby carriers and just laying him around to stretch so you can imagine when I had the opportunity to review the 5-in-1 b' Blanket from Rain or Shine Kids I was thrilled. A blanket that was actually designed to do what I was rigging up my other blankets to do. The b' Blanket has a super soft polar fleece side and a water resistant nylon back with ribbon ties. It's super easy to use and great to have with you - I tie it on my sons infant seat, no more blankets flying off or getting dropped on the ground, I tie it to my baby carriers and drape it around his head when running in and out of places, it stays put on the stroller and I love using it on our swing. I tie it to the sides and it stays put even with all the swinging and the other kids can't take it off of him. It's fantastic and comes in three different styles and is easy to care for.
I've been using Thirsties products for sometime now and have yet to find one that I didn't really like. The fab fitted and duo wrap is by far my favorite night time diaper for my children. The fit is always excellent and I've never had a leak once, even with a nursing 4 month old during the night. My four month old is a big guy and is 19 pounds so he has out grown the size 1 duo wrap a long time ago, but the size two on the smallest fitting works excellent and the medium fab fitted is just the perfect size. I love the duo wrap because it doesn't make marks on his legs and the leg gussets do an excellent job. I've been using the duo wrap since he was born and it's by far my favorite for a diaper cover. I originally went with the duo wrap when my son was born because it's a good deal, only two sized covers for the entire diaper wearing years and if you use a good fitted (Fab fitted works excellent) that contains the messes you can use the cover over and over again before washes. You can read more about what I thought of the duo cover with my review for the new duo diaper. The fab fitted is very absorbent, super soft and easy to use. It does come in four sizes though so you have to purchase more. I really like that even where the elastic is the diaper is still super soft on babies skin. This is super important to me because with all the rolls we have with a chunky guy and sensitive skin I don't want anything rough on him. For those who's hubby's may not love to participate in diaper changes, these are super easy, just pull across like a disposable.
I love jackets just about as much as I love a pair of shoes. I love to dress my jacket to my outfit - my husband actually calls it an obsession because I constantly want to buy a coat! I recently had the chance to work with eShakti - Woman's clothes and I can't wait to receive my new Ruffled Wool Jacket. It's absolutely stunning and I love all the details it has from the description and photo. eShakti is unique in that you can actually custom size and actually change some of the apparel for your liking! Love it. Sizes are available for woman from 0-26 and there are lots of gorgeous apparel and even jewelry to choose from.
Have you visited the sak and Elliot Lucca websites? Oh my goodness there are some fabulous bags and who doesn't love a fabulous bag to accessorize an outfit, or maybe just show off. Between the sites you'll find pretty much anything you can think of when it comes to handbags, clutches, big & small, modern, you name it you'll most definitely find it. I'm always excited to work with either of them and just in time for the holidays you are going to have a chance to win one of these fabulous bags! Are you giddy yet. . . I usually get a bit giddy when it comes to getting a new bag, clothing, or shoes.
Handmade products are everywhere and it's hard to know exactly what to buy and from whom. I know I always feel a bit overwhelmed, however I've had the opportunity to work with Sampler Village who gathered products from many different companies and put them in a fancy little box for you to try out and enjoy. I received one of the November mini boxes and had so much fun opening it and finding all the goodies. Like a early Christmas presents with tons of products. The mini-box had 10 or more samples of goodies like homemade soaps, candies, tarts/candles, teas and much more. All wrapped ever so nicely that you could even give this as a gift!
If you are still shopping for little ones, Kushies announces a sale through December 17 on some of their award-winning Zolo toys including: -Digs Magnetic Shape dog house, regularly $85 now $42
-Fuzzi Shag, regularly $14.99 now $7.49
-Libro Coco activity book, regularly $22.99 now $11.49
-Pupa, regularly $59, now $29
-Playgarden, regularly $73 now $36
Visit www.kushiesonline.com to see these great gift ideas.
I have had reviews from the You Can make This.com on my site before. Great stuff and a fantastic site. From the people of You Can Make This!:
I'm not the best when it comes to planning meals - I can keep a clean house & happy kids but when it comes to meals, I definitely don't get an A+. I've been considering trying the idea of making meals ahead of time and freezing them for use later or even when I have free time earlier in the week to prepare. Make Ahead Meals For Busy Moms is a great cookbook that will help you achieve, simple yet delicious meals for your family so you're prepared by making the day ahead, the morning before or months in advanced just by following the directions. The cookbook is easy to use and has big font with a recipe on each page. You are easily able to find what you're looking for - appetizers, breakfast and brunch, dessert, main dishes, side dishes, and soup. Under each of those you can find the exact recipes in that section. 
The book also comes with helpful hints, like how to freeze, buying in bulk, and I loved the helpful hint for cooking with wine but not being a big wine drinker. I haven't had a chance to try a lot of the recipes but the couple that we have, have been well liked by our family and I definitely plan to use this cookbook a lot more in the future.
Win! One reader will win the cookbook Make Ahead Meals For Busy Moms by Jane Doiron. To Enter -
something for everyone. Throwing a special party, there are specific ones you can find -- Star Wars cookie cutters, Christmas cookie cutters, spiderman cookie cutters and many, many more. I think my sisters would like the Harry Potter ones. We received the four piece Christmas cookie cutter set. It included Candy cane, Stocking, Angel and Christmas Tree cookie cutters, all were sharp, cut the cookies easily and would even be nice to give as a gift for someone who loves baking.
When I go store shopping or online, I always try to find a discount coupon to use. Deal Blabs! is a website that claims to have those promotions and coupon codes that work. Just check out the site, lots of stores with discounts. No more searching and searching. One site and find the deals!
Examples: 
does heal. My son has had the worst chapped lips, every morning he wakes with horribly cracked, bleeding lips. He's been applying this and it's helped immensely during the night and while wearing during the day he heals very quickly. I'm glad to have something that I can give him to carry around that I know isn't harmful to him. I've also been using the chap stick which I too like, and the Udder Ointment for dry skin on my legs. Though I have yet to use it consistently for a period of time, it does help in keeping them moisturized to prevent a scaly look and I hope to have a great product to use during these winter months. Dr. Hess also has baby rash ointment to use that looks wonderfully soothing for babies bum.
Lets face it, most of us love eco-friendly products but they are a bit more expensive. With that said, who's not looking for a deal when purchasing, especially this holiday season? If that's you, then you are going to love Eco Baby Buys. Two chic moms are out to find these fantastic eco-friendly products from different eco-friendly vendors and have one deal a day that are at least 40% off the retail price. Deals start daily at 9 am EST and are only available while they last. You can read more about them and check out the FAQ to learn more. I personally love to get the updates on Facebook, it's quick and a great reminder to check out the daily deals. Eco Baby Buys is on Twitter and sign up for the Daily Alert so you don't miss out. Also read their blog for updates and other news regarding Eco Baby Buys.
fantastic. The Erzi Wooden Food Crate, that came with fun wooden food and the Kicky Pants Coveralls for our little guy which are super soft and absolutely adorable with the little buttons on the just like old times. Just an example of some of the great Eco-Friendly products that are available on the daily deals.
I've had the privilege of reviewing for EcoSMART in the past and hosting a couple of giveaways for them. How great to find a company that carries organic insecticide and more, that are safe for your family. Natural bug sprays, insect repellent, pet sprays, weed and bug killers. I hate to spray things around that may be harmful to my children and others. Check out all that EcoSMART has to offer.
They're fast, they're fun, they're... Darda Toy Cars and this is a must have for the boys and girls in your life that love racing and playing with cars that go fast! We received the Nascar, Victory Lane racetrack and darda cars for review and it's been nothing but fun for the entire family. What I like about this is that everything works without batteries or electricity. Unlike motorized cars that usually ruin quite quickly, the darda cars are just pressed down and pulled back a few times and they're ready to zoom forward going 30mph. We have Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson cars and though we aren't big Nascar fans, these would be awesome for the Nascar fan out there - be just like the race car drivers, racing the track with a real checkered flag and all. The cars are even painted really nice in the trademark Dupont and Lowe's branded car and specially engineered you can't over-wind these cars - perfect for a four year old. The track is great too - with Victory Lane you can easily construct into three different lay outs.. get tired o
f one track, change the turns, loops and more up and have a new fun. I like the part of the track where the race cars start and stop, press the red button to push out a little section of the track to keep the cars in place after winding - get them both set up (adjacent from each other.. so they can race each other), set the flag and press the green button and let them race. Great for two children to race each other or one child to play by themselves. This is tons of fun and perfect for the little racer in your life.
