I sense that I love these DVDs

See, hear, taste, touch, and smell. We all recognize those as the five senses, right? Would you have known that as a child when your mind was developing? If you had someone telling you that this was a "sense" and it was "taste" as a child you may not totally get it.

Well, Sam Reich-Dagnen and husband John Dagnen had twins and needed to fill that void. How do I help teach them? What can I do to help them learn in a productive way? They wanted as they put it a DVD that was developmentally appropriate content that truly engaged our children rather than just putting them to sleep and let me tell you my readers this hits the mark. Braincandykids.com has it all and more. Not only that but Sam is a mother and an amazing woman who I’ve come to admire and adore as a person. I can see why her company is so successful with their ideas and them at the helm!

See features Bruce Brain, Ivy eyes and all of the gang who take you on a journey to “see” all the wonders on this scavenger hunt for balloons. Classical music tickles your eardrums as your little ones explore the worlds with so much to see around them, bubbles, boats, butterflies and the Brain candy gang. It’s not just a regular DVD meant to bore an infant or distract a toddler, they are learning as they play.



Anna ear was engaging and walked us through a delight of activities to teach us about another sense, hearing. This musical adventure helps develop language and literacy skills which if you have not picked up by now are quite a passion of mine. To make them so available to children young as six months, it’s such an advantage. Now when my kids were this age, there were other videos but no one was guiding and walking through with us, and my kids? Well they did fall asleep; it was the nap-time video to be honest. These are so interactive and engaging no rest here for the viewers. One mom told me, “the kids loved them, and I hoped to get a rest! Nope it didn't happen no more “rest” time when I put these DVDs in which is actually great after I did watch them!”



Several of us are used to another style of DVDs and child learning this is a good thing! Mom & Dad, no more sneaking naps!



My youngest is oddly obsessed with lemons and eating them straight. The taste DVD made her want to eat everything in the house (okay, she wants to anyway that was her excuse) and “introduce” the other kids to new tastes. I like this concept for the simple fact I had a picky eater. Had I had this I think it would have made a lot of food transitions a lot easier. Mojo Mouth could have taught her - and well, any child - that food isn't anything to be afraid of but something to try and to experience. The country music in the DVD makes you feel a little more at ease, the kids get down and just want to get into the groove, if you please. From sweet, tart, and sour, it’s all a variety of taste pleasures.



Touch - this seemed to be the overall kid. Maybe it was the relateable social interaction of hugs; hands in the spaghetti; the Bruce Brain and Harry Hand guide you through many adventures with the entire Sense squad. Okay, Braincandy calls it a Gang ... I just ad libbed there. One of the neatest things was I showed my six and eight year old these, now they were a little above the learning curve here though they loved the music so it truly drew them in. In addition to that, it made them wants to watch it with my friend’s younger kids and help them along. Sam and John make the DVDs accessible to any and everyone in my opinion.



Well, Braincandy does something here that takes a favorite element and introduces it to my kids. What you ask? The blindfold and smell test. What a fun and exciting way to develop a sense but make it a game. Do you think they know what they are doing is learning? Maybe, maybe not and it’s just a blast for them. Yet another game we had to play. Well, I admit I set it up and had the older kids play with the younger ones. The fact there was such an interest that Nusi nose helped my kids develop was so amazing. Simple things they could usually care less about that mean so much in the big picture.

The five senses! How else can you get a little one so excited? Sam and John have the market cornered. I wonder where they were eight years ago...

Watch for the new website to open live ... I will be giving away a set of Braincandy DVDs. Keep checking www.themomintheknow.com!

Labels: Braincandy, DVD, five senses, hear, review, see, senses, smell, taste, touch

Switch Flops

How many of us own several pairs of flip-flops? Or as my kids called them when they were little, flick flops. How many more of us own more than one pair of black flip-flops just because the straps are nifty? Well, now you can cut that cost down and invest in new straps only.


What the heck are you talking about MITK? Well lookie here. Yes, Switchflops opened a new genre for all of us. If you are like me and most of my girls, then you can be fickle.





I like my wedge flip-flops, but one day I may want the funky swirls of Megan, the next a milder stripe. If I’m edgy, my skull and cross bones O’Malley bring out the Irish in me! Even a leopard print (Ruthie) for sass! I love the Chloe for a night on the town. Then there’s Stephanie, she can go either way. Black with pink polka dots is fun, whimsical during the day, and dresses them up at night.

Okay, we deemed them pretty and easy peasy to change out.

Are they comfortable?

Yes, yes they are that comfortable. So far no peeling and breaking, I haven’t fallen off and broken an ankle yet! I’m a klutz so that’s a plus! Lindsey Phillips, who founded Switchflops, has tan and black options right now, and an assortment of straps for all occasions. Most amazing, she is 23 and has so much more to come from her ventures!

Get some for summer now and as many options as possible!

Labels: flip flops, flip-flops, review, shoes, Switch Flops, Switchflops, wedge

Run me in Circles, but I’ll be standing with my Friends!

.

Circle of Friends is a dynamic company that not only works to help kids with allergies but to teach them as they use their products. In keeping with their educational mission, each product features a famous doctor (on Little Docs products) from around the world and a brief biography on him or her. On all the other products, they have characters and a little bit bio for you, too! It teaches kids about foreign countries and much more.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, my kids have skin issues and allergies. Circle of Friends has a variety of products for all your needs starting with Little Docs - Elizabeth's Soothing Shampoo and Body Wash and Little Docs - Li's Cooling Spray Lotion. Let me mention that I had two issues from which Little Docs saved me. One, I had a rash on my stomach that went unexplained and the body wash soothed it. Two, I was at field day for my kids and as much sunscreen as I applied I still burned. I applied Little Docs - Li's Cooling Spray Lotion and it helped not only soothe it, but it helped it heal too. The red was out by the next afternoon. I cannot attest that it’s common but I was lucky enough to have it happen to me.

I digress to my kids and their luck with Little Docs - Elizabeth's Soothing Shampoo and Body Wash. The best part of the product was the pump and I’m sure that I’ll mention this about … oh thirty times so be prepared. I love it. My kids can really get in there and shower by themselves so much easier and just wash up with a pump of soap here and there.


The soap itself was a very gentle product that cleared up and helped keep away eczema spots that usually are a mainstay on the littlest member of my family. It’s seemingly unscented with just a hint of a natural botanical extracts. It contains extracts of aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, evening primrose oil (essential fatty acid), lavender, Echinacea and vitamins A and E. I personally like the light scent that lingers on the skin after shower. None of the ingredients were irritating to their allergies makes me once again believe organic is the best!


After shower, we venture into the Little Docs - Li's Cooling Spray Lotion. Not always after shower, I admit, if we are itchy, dry, or even just trying to prevent an outbreak. It does soothe like no other. If you have an itchy spot, spray and relax. Trust me on this one. You will thank me later!


Abebi's Safari Detangler smells like pineapple and works better than most detanglers on the market. The others I’ve tried and tested either leave a heavy feeling after in the hair or you have to use about four times more than the directions suggest. I’ve only used one other that is comparable but it’s much more expensive salon product and it doesn’t smell as pretty either! Abebi's Safari Detangler worked great on really fine hair that knots up, and on the hair that’s so thick it looks tangled as soon as you are done brushing it. The fine hair was made silky soft. And the thick hair? Well, this product made it manageable. It moved and did not just “hang there” and was so soft, loved it. Click over there and order it now!


Sophia's Ciao Bella Bubble Bath is a bubble bath that comes out in a pump? Yes! I love it, how easy for parents and kids! When running the bath, just add one or as many pumps as you want. I also noticed that it didn’t cause a UTI in any of my girls that tried it out and that can happen with several of the over the counter ones and the additives these days. I’m careful for my sake. Why not for the sake of my children?

It was a fun one to play with for the kids and to review. Did I mention it smelled delicious, too? I can imagine how easy this would be for a little one; I saw how much a toddler loved it!

Ana Banana Shampoo also has a pump bottle, making it great for the kids. Mine are at the age that they take their own showers (within earshot) and follow directions. Circle of friends made it so much easier. I just put them in there with the directions of shampoo gets XX pumps (depending on which girls it was) and they did a great job. The banana smell was authentic and not a phony smelling banana scent like several of the products out there.

Thank you Circle of Friends. It’s about time!

Labels: body wash, bubble bath, Circle of Friends, detangler, review, shampoo, sponge, spray lotion

Baby Banz / Kidz Banz

Retro Baby Banz Sunglasses - These are so cute! We’ve taken about a million pictures of her in them. I’m so impressed that they stay on no problem, what a great design with the head strap. The retro frames are fun. I love having hip and unique things for Abby to wear. The UV protection is a plus, of course. I also like that they came in the little case. As long as they don’t get lost or ruined, they’ll last for quite a while as Abby grows.

Gayle - Mom, reviewer for The Mom In The Know

Doesn’t that just say it all?

Adison my littlest one has the kidz banz and we are asked quite often where I get her hip and funky glasses. She of course liked them as much as I did, the compliments came rolling in and as long as she had that attention what could be better? The pink diva camouflage print was feminine yet it set them apart from what we found in the retail stores around us.


That’s two testers and two satisfied customers. Why you may ask?

I can answer that easily.

• They stay on.
• They are comfortable.
• Adorable.
• Travel well.
• Come with a carrying case that cleans them as well!

They also feature and sell...

• UV Sun Hats
• NEW!! Wrapz Bandanas
• Sun Hat & Banz Combo
• UV Swimwear
• Flap Hats
• Sunscreen
• Sunglass Cases
• Ski Banz

One stop shopping to prevent melanoma in the little ones! I hope you like them as much as we did!


http://usa.babybanz.com/

Labels: Baby Banz, bandanas, hats, Kidz Banz, review, sunglass cases, sunglasses, UV protection

Doodlebook Frame

(MITK NOTE: No photos were provided by the client, per MITK if they aren’t provided I have nothing to post. Sorry for any inconvenience.)

A simple idea that any of us could have had, and I wish I did. Taking your child’s picture and making your own frame. Did you get bored with it? Did the little one want to write you a note? Then tear a page off and do it all over again. That’s what Umbra brought you. I was not contacted by Umbra, but by a third party who sells their products. The Doodlebug Frame holds a 4x6 photo of whatever event, person, and memory you want to capture. Then your fun begins the designing! Switch out the pictures and change the theme!

It’s a great gift for anyone, put it in an office, kitchen, living room or just somewhere you can grab it and play with it.

Kids can play with it or even give it as a Teacher gift.

Next time you are looking for a creative gift that one may not have … here you go!

Google Doodlebug Frame and find your favorite site and add a few more things to the cart.

Labels: Doodlebug Frame, photography, review, teacher gift, Umbra

215 design

I love products that my kids and I can share. 215Design is one of those that made something simple for my daughters and me. Mini Dog Tag necklaces are delivered in a sliding metal box that matches, to keep the necklace in. I must say that was one of my high points, which I thought it set is apart from other pieces I have received in the past. I don’t have a large jewelry box, so the included container makes travel a breeze.

The necklace it’s self was smooth to the touch, glossy from afar and wore quite well with several styles. It came on an 18-inch nickel-plated brass ball chain with a connector included. So the chain was quite was quite adjustable for all ages, adult to tiny ones.

I liked to wear it with a simple white v-neck tee shirt, while my six year old wore it with any and everything.

The dog tags are versatile and comfortable. Work and play they are enjoyable for outfit and any day!

215Designs

Labels: 215 Designs, etsy, necklace, review

Mine!

(MITK NOTE: No photos were provided by the client, per MITK if they aren’t provided I have nothing to post. Sorry for any inconvenience.)

How many times have you heard this word from your children? I've lost count. I have two daughters and as any parent of more than one child knows, if you buy one, you must buy two. When they were small, I could buy two different colors of the same item and they were happy. Now, they have personality and attitude and let me tell ya, nothing gets by them. If one gets pink, the other insists it's her favorite color as well. I've spent twenty minutes trying to find a scuff mark that identified my oldest daughter's lunch box from her sister’s identical one.

This my friends is why I jumped for joy when my Lovable Labels arrived. No more arguing, no more magnifying glasses! These adorable labels were a perfect solution to their sibling sorting. As individual as my girls, these adorable stickers personalized with each of their names were a perfect way for them to express themselves as well as separating every matching notebook and hairbrush!

Stickers aren't the only thing Lovable Labels have to offer. As a parent of a child with chronic illnesses, it is a constant worry when they are out of your sight. I always make sure that whoever is in charge knows of any issues that may arise, however, I'm a mom and I worry. That's why Lovable Labels wristbands are the perfect answer. These trendy nylon wristbands have a small pocket on the inside that holds any and all medical information necessary to ease your worried mind. The best part is they are so cute, the kids love to wear them.

In a nutshell, I'm feelin’ the love for these Lovable Labels.

http://www.lovablelabels.ca/

Labels: labels, Lovable Labels, review, stickers

Teaposy – Tea for the Tasteful

Does every little girl dream of a Tea party? Do some little boys? Do all of us?

It no longer matters who does because Teaposy has us covered. A sight to see - this site is one of a kind.



When I was little, I didn’t get into playing “tea party” like my friends did. When I ran across Teaposy, I felt a little nostalgic for all that I missed. By the way, all I drink now is tea - iced, hot, medium, room temperature - whatever but its tea. Occasionally water, and coffee but tea is my drink. So I thought why not see what all that fuss was about?

As soon as my package arrived, we made plans for our tea party. My first though my daughters have had them before but never to this degree.

As we prepared the table and got the water ready, anticipation tickled my nerves. I was excited to see the tea flower bloom; this was one of Teaposy’s unique selling points. We put cups out, the teapot that is hand-blown glass and no two are exactly alike. They are made from 20% recycled glass and can withstand temperatures between 300 and -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the water was ready, we poured it in the teapot and then added the Teaposy Butterfly. Not only was the butterfly in full bloom within minutes, it was tasty and mild enough for my kids to enjoy. It has several uses to it, too! The Butterfly teaposy can brew up to 50oz of tea and be displayed in cold water for up to a week, adding beauty to your home.

This is perfect for any little girl’s tea party and a grown-up ones, too!

www.teaposy.com

Labels: review, tea, tea party, tea posy, Teaposy

SKOY

http://www.skoycloth.com/

SKOY cloth is a ...

• 100% biodegradable
• Absorbent
• Re-usable
• European-made
• Clean
• And Fun…
• Multi-use cloth

This above description is from SKOY Cloth's own website.

worked great


scrubbed like a charm

Liked them a lot.

Honestly, it is that simple.

Labels: environmentally friendly, review, Skoy, Skoy Cloth

Another Score For The Floor

Bliss Living Home has hit another home run with the Mia Floor Pillow. Not only was this cushion classy and comfortable, I found that it was great for on the go! I'm a busy lady and convenience will always earn you bonus points.


This 20x20 pillow proved great for movie night and homework. The pillow was covered in flamingo silk and blended wonderfully with my decor. I loved that I could leave it out or stack it in the corner for guests as needed. I could easily find hundreds of places and spaces for this jewel but let's face it, what good is a functional item if it's an eyesore. No worries here!


I knew the pillow was a keeper when I tossed it in my trunk and towed it to the Denver Nuggets game that my loving husband insisted that I attend. I hate going not because I hate basketball, but because I hate the seats. They are so stiff and so uncomfortable. My legs go numb and my back hurts. Not this time. I proudly took in my Mia and I assure you I was the most comfortable fan in the building. Not only was in comfortable it was a hit with all the other female fans (okay, a few guys too). Look out Rockies here I come!

Think of the endless possibilities!

Click on over to Bliss Living Home and shop your little fingers sore! I’m adding to my collection … as soon as my husband is not looking.

Labels: Bliss Living Home, pillow, review

UGLYDOLL

Hey there, Ugly!


I’ve seen them in the store and I loved them so I had to ask if I could review them. OX was sent to me and it was love at first sight. I had a four pack so my daughters shared one, a friend and a teacher reaped the benefits of OX and UGLYDOLLS. They were a joy to behold. What was it about them? The soft fabric I could cuddle up with? The distinctive little face that artists David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim created? Just think all of them were created out of missing a loved one, you can read their story (a bite-sized version) and shop here. There’s a great "about us" page where you can read all about them!

Okay, where do I begin?

Embracing the ugly factor was easy, as I taught my children to love everything and everyone equally. We have a bulldog as I have mentioned before and she has a face that well only a mother could love some say.


Uglydolls are something that a person either likes or loves. I say that and I don’t think it was just my testers. We gave one to my daughter’s teacher, who keeps it at her desk when she’s not there to watch over the room. My very good friend and new tester, Becky who loves the color green so that was the added bonus for her. My kids share one and then I sleep with one in my bed as he matches my room, yeah that’s why!

Well, what does OX do? Who is he?

What kind of name is OX?
No, not like the animal OX, as in HUG and KISS!
How can he hug you with such short arms? OX uses his ears!
He's not a very good listener, but he puts his ears to good use in many other ways!
OX is great at magic, and his best trick is turning your stuff into his stuff.

His best buddy Wedgehead calls that stealing, but OX just wants to borrow things from you for a few hundred years.
He promises to put everything back when he's done. What he wants to steal most are kisses, whether they're in the chocolate variety or just plain, and he promises to be your friend if you would lend him a hand, or an ear...or like Two Dollars!

There’s a story behind each of them, mischievous little guys they are.

Toodee is a curious little buck, just like my kids probably your kids too.

I’m ordering Poe not only is he adorable but his name is Poe (I don’t know if it’s like Edgar Allen who I do quite enjoy) but he loves things a kiddo should love.

That’s one of the great things about these dolls, childlike characters that we as parents can relate to, or the child within can.

You can look local for an UGLYDOLL or shop on-line but get one for you, a friend, a teacher, a neighbor, someone! Go read the stories and see whom you relate to!






www.uglydolls.com

Labels: review, toys, Ugly doll, Uglydolls

(Editorial Note: I may not be the Mom In the Know, but I felt compelled to write this particular review. The story below will explain why, and I hope you enjoy.)



Many have said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Many more believe it to be true. We believe a picture can be worth so much more, and if you are lucky enough to see the pictorial art of Rachel Kemble, you will understand just how powerful a picture can be.



~ * ~ *~ * ~



Several weeks ago, my wife called me at work and was very excited, for a call from a local photographer had come in concerning a desire to do business with TheMomIntheKnow.com. Like many parents, we find great joy in pictures of our family, but the often high cost of getting professional photos can be a hard pill to swallow. From time to time, we would piece together a few bills and find a local photographer to take pictures that fit our budget. Whether it was the selection of setting or limiting the number of pictures we purchased, there was always sacrifice to insure we got pictures we would love but that would come at a reasonable cost.



Rare was the occasion when I left the experience fulfilled. I always battled the overwhelming feeling that I was cheating my family and myself, that I was letting the treasures of these years slip by without the pictures that would remind me of just how wonderful this time has been. Granted, technology today can help. Digital cameras work wonderfully and allow anyone to take quality pictures without being a pro, but there is a noticeable difference in those photos and pictures taken by a professional with an artistic gift.


~ * ~ *~ * ~



And that is when Rachel stepped into our lives.



Rachel Kemble had connected with my wife as a local photographer specializing in the subject of youth. Birth, infants, toddlers, children, and families have all served as targets for Rachel’s work and she felt TheMomIntheKnow.com would be a perfect partner to showcase her work and talents. Not long after their initial meeting, Rachel and my wife met and hit it off famously. Rachel was a wonderful and vibrant woman, excited about the opportunity to work together and even more excited to meet and photograph our children. They had decided to meet and take the kids to an outdoor shoot where our girls, rambunctious, energetic, and curious, could be children and could be free to roam and show their true colors… for that’s what Rachel does best.



Unfortunately, as a working man, I was unable to attend and simply let my wife run her business. However, just as the memory of the pending arrival of the pictures had started to recess into my mind, I got an email from my wife with a link. Rachel had posted the pictures on a secured area of her site and we were given access to review.


~ * ~ * ~ * ~



I waited to get home so that my wife and I could review the pictures together, and it still remains difficult to put those emotions into words. Rachel and my wife had taken the girls to a local property that once served as a dairy farm. The old building was there, the grass in the area was rich with colorful flowers, and there were a few old pieces of farm equipment on the property. The overall feel might be best described as rustic, and the girls were set free to play. They jumped in puddles, explored the old equipment and the flowers, and enjoyed a wonderful time in the summer sun… and somehow, Rachel managed to capture it all in stunning pictures that reflected their joy, both in the surroundings and with each other.


I’ve seen many pictures of my children, but I’ve never seen pictures like this. It’s difficult to describe, but if it were possible to capture the sheer love and happiness of youth, mix it with the reflection of my wife and I, and put it in a picture of the two most beautiful creatures you could ever imagine might exist… that’s what I felt I was watching at the website presented the pictures.




It was difficult to hold the tears. The memories of fleeting youth, the uncensored adoration for our children and the magnificence of the blessing they have been in our lives, the all too intoxicating happiness of the moment, all captured on film in pictures that defy description, was overwhelming.


I visited the site over and over again, for days after the initial email I would go and spend time with each and every picture Rachel took, and all I can say is this: She is an unbelievably talented photographer, and she has given me a gift for which I could never pay enough.



This last Christmas, I realized my wife and I had not officially purchased any of the pictures. I believed my wife and Rachel had agreed to meet at some point and work out the details of purchases and the review for TheMomIntheKnow, but with the holiday just around the corner, I didn’t want to wait. I contacted Rachel via email just two weeks before Christmas, and her response was both fast and friendly. Rachel took my order and rushed the processing of a handful of matted pictures to me. Thanks to Rachel, I got some of the most beautiful photos of my children I have ever been lucky enough to own, I had time to get proper frames, and was able to present them to my wife on Christmas morning.



Rachel Kemble runs a wonderful website that demonstrates some of her latest work and allows customers to review her portfolio, contact Rachel with questions, review the process for reserving time with Rachel and her camera, and order photos and other products Rachel provides (including jewelry, books, postcards, DVDs, various artistic mediums, and other product). You can read all about Rachel, her experience, and her offerings. Rachel is also available for freelance work and can handle any job you might have that requires the touch of a gifted artist. Everything you could want is there and much more, easy to navigate and use, and Rachel is outstanding in returning messages and getting your needs filled in quick order.



Make sure you check out Rachel’s “Artist” link, where she updates us on the events of her life. Not only is Rachel an artist, but she is an advocate and contributor to worthy charities and cause. Rachel recently raised over $2,500 for the St. Baldricks Organization, the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research. Rachel is one of a growing number of participants who have shaven their heads in the name of the cause, asking friends and associates to donate money for this superb effort against one of the most concerning ailments that plague our youth.



(BTW, Rachel updates her site with regularity, but as I type this, an outstanding example of the work she did for us can be found in the Gallery link, under growing up… that’s our oldest in the first picture, jumping around in the muddle puddle… just a brilliant picture.)


More than anything, Rachel is an artist and has a gift to share with the world. For those of us lucky enough to have children, she is nothing short of a miracle.

Labels: photography, Rachel Kemble, review

Kind Living Designs offers a smorgasbord of delights

In my policies I say that if I have a problem with your product I would prefer to tell you first, let you correct it and then review you.

I received a journal from Kind Living Designs and the cover kept falling off. It was odd I admit it. No matter what I did, I followed the directions and it kept falling off. I contacted Kristie at Kind Living Designs. She peppered me with advice and ideas, all to no avail still falling off. She sent another one along with postcards as a thank you for the struggles we went through. They are adorable and utilized at every turn by the entire family.

Back to the journal we go.



In a sturdy cloth cover, with a “P” centered and designed uniquely ready for an eight-year old to write her woes. In a composition book, it lays out easy with no pesky spiral in the way. Good pick there! The cover does come off so you can switch back and forth, or you can put it on another once you are finished with one book. I’m sold on them now more then ever not only did they correct an issue with the cover staying on, they sent me a new journal and fixed the design. Now it’s flawless!



The postcards were quaint easy to use for the kids. Just a little note to say I’m thinking of you. That’s it. If they want to send a friend, relative or even a teacher a note, it’s that easy for me. If I could create these on my computer, I would but I don’t take the time or have the patience. That’s what makes Kristie at Kind Living Designs such a great stop. She helps you along and does it all for you. Invitations, totes, book covers, a smörgåsbord of delights!



Kind Living Designs is offering a special discount to Mom In The Know readers. The code is MITK for 15% off special in honor of Earth Day.


Earth Day is Everyday at Kind Living Designs! Check us out!




But first...
Our little shop has been open for just over a year now. We are lucky to have had the chance to make great connections with our favorite Mommy & Retail 'zines online. Thank you to all of you who have helped us spread the word about Kind Living Designs' little goodies!




Pass the Paper Please!
Kind Living Designs thinks of Mother Earth first! Wherever and whenever we can we use materials that are eco-friendly and health-conscious for kiddies. We're not the first to tell you that the stationery market is saturated. There are sooo many different companies selling cute, personalized stationery.


Since opening our doors in 2003:


* We've used Via paper which is 100% recycled paper containing 30% post-consumer waste.
* The Via cotton fibers used in the paper are classified as a rapidly renewable fiber by the EPA, which means that the product is made from plants that are typically harvested within a ten-year cycle or less.
* Our paper is certified by Green Seal, and meet the EPA guidelines for recycled papers.
* Our paper is made with Green-E certified renewable wind-generated electricity.
* All virgin fiber content is elemental chlorine free (EFC) and all recycled content is process chlorine free (PCP).






Let's Talk Ink...
We're a small company. Looking through our printing options it was clear that we were going to do most of our printing in-house. We'd love to use soy-inks in our printing process, but those are only available to large print houses. (Our kooky little pink-polkas on our girl's stationery is soy-ink!)


So we decided on the next best thing - an in-house laser-printing process that uses solid inks.


Solid Inks:


* Produce 90% less waste than a typically laser printer.
* Our resin-based solid ink sticks are completely safe, toxic-free and contain no solvents.
* Because the ink sticks are so small the carbon impact from shipping is greatly reduced.
* All shipping packages are recycled!






What do to about packaging...
Packaging was a major concern. We DID NOT want to use a plastic bag that would end up in a landfill for years and years. All of our packaging (for all of our products, not just our stationery) is labeled #5 for recycling purposes.




A Big, Fat Contest...
On another note, our oldest one has turned five! Holy Cow! In honor of her birthday we're throwing a great big, fat contest. Help us spread the word. Your readers simply have to go to our website, www.kindlivingdesigns.com and give us some feedback.




Five lucky winners (selected randomly) will receive one of the following:


* Our Bow Head Club of the Month (now with Girl Power! self-esteem text included on every card)
* A Personalized Activity Binder
* Personalized Journal
* Personalized Stationery
* Ribbon Slap Bracelet with 5 Coordinating Hair bows




If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@kindlivingdesigns.com. We'd love to hear from you! Interested in adding us last-minute to your Earth Day Specials? Just drop us a line and we'll provide you with a coupon code for your readers! Thank you for your time and attention - we know you're busy!






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Contact Kind Living Designs @ www.kindlivingdesigns.com. Tell Kristie I sent you!

Labels: journal, Kind Living Designs, postcard, review

Colorscape Designs on etsy

I’ve been on Etsy lately and found a lot of gems. This time it was Colorscape Designs jewelry inspired by nature. It truly is. The necklace is a peach freshwater pearl with clay pendant. That isn’t all she has though a variety of earrings and bracelets in beautiful colors and stones.



Jade, quartz, citrine, labradorite - all stones that I’ve never heard of and all are stunning in their beauty. I could see her fingerprints in the flower on the pendant. It was remarkable to me. My daughter wore it to school and was asked by more then one mom if I had it made for her. Well, no, but I told them all about Kelly. She’s a wonder and amazing. The thought and feeling she puts into her designs is like no other. To see her passion for her craft I can’t imagine.



What is your summer wardrobe missing? I think it’s this bracelet.



That’s just my opinion but shop and get a few accessories, what summer whites need are a few splashes of color to brighten them up



I think my favorite thing about what I do is when I’m asked where I got something or who made it. I get to direct them to Colorscape Designs or many of the other people I review for.

Labels: bracelet, Colorscape Designs, earrings, etsy, jewelry, necklace, review

Pardon Moi

In my many hours of looking for products to tell you all about, I found something that was not only clever but could save someone’s life too.



Why or how can something I reviewed do that?



Pardon Moi has a vast line of products for everyone. Items that caught my eye were for allergy sufferers. The line is open to quite a bit of health related issues from diabetes, to autism, dietary restrictions, custom allergy shirt, in addition to the nuts, eggs, dairy and much more. When sending a child off to a party, do they all want to tell you they can’t have that ice cream? Probably not, so here is your solution. Throw one of these easy shirts on them as a reminder for the overwhelmed parent and you’re done.



Are you single and looking to mingle? Pardon Moi can help with that, too. In a distinctive way to do it, standing out from the crowd you can. Once you get past that awkward first date using your Shaken, not stirred cards, you need a checklist. Make sure that all the pieces fall into place. Right? Well, use the Dating Bliss notepad. Seriously, it’s all right to say what you want and how you want in this day and age. Men and women alike are still single, divorced and separated looking to get back on the market. You have standards though, right? You don't want to waste time though, right? Pardon Moi saves you just that and you don’t have to look pretentious just cautious. Not only are they available in business cards in a nifty little carrying case, they come in napkins too. Now you have to throw a party, invite your single friends, have them invite their single friends and so on. Let Pardon Moi do the talking for you … good or bad. Let’s hope it’s all good!



Clever and fun, all and one say it one way or another.


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Pardon Moi

Labels: clothes, food, Pardon Moi, review, safety, t-shirt

Kicking it out New Skool

Kicking it out … New Skool


Did you grow up with the hippy hop in your step? A boom box on your shoulder? Did you have cardboard in your locker or backpack? Oh okay, me either. Well those people who did and liked jams like, “Jam on it”, "I Know You Got Soul", “The Message”, “My Adidas”, “White Lines (don’t do it)”. People who knew ever line to Beat Street or even Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo will love the site for all ages.



Shop New Skool is the creation of Nate1, who lives and works in San Francisco with his wife and two kids. He is often listening to and making beats, painting canvases, and designing the latest New Skool line all at once! Influenced by his hip-hop roots he saw a need for kids and parents to all dress in a way to express the love of a culture missed by many of us.



The clothes so comfy, it’s as if Nate1 tried every hoodie in the free world on and then touched the ones he picked with the hands of an angel. I could sleep in these for the rest of my life and be completely happy. The design isn’t screen-printed. It is embroidered. Again, a unique quality that’s rare and found in few items these days at least where I look. I have my many hoodies I wear and trust me I am picky. New Skools are soft, comfortable, form fitting when you buy your true size and well constructed. Hubby also wears his in brown and wears it proud. It gets a lot of abuse at work but has stood up to all of it. It’s been washed almost nightly and has shown no fading. That’s a big Mom’s up from me, no wear and tear. Can I tell you how much I appreciate that? Ummm yeah less shopping for me down the line, he doesn’t do it don’t let him fool ya.



Shirts? Onesies? Yep got ‘em! Rasta phones, I heart hip hop, Original Headphones T, and Bodysuit Row of Cans are a few of my favorites. I did the MITK tests on a few in different sizes and colors; they all passed with flying colors. MITK testing includes several washing and drying sessions, kids wearing them, me wearing them, on and off several times, a few spills, to see how fabric holds up. All were fine. Nate1 took a lot of pride in picking his manufacturers and it shows. All of the shirts are printed, not embroidered like the hoodies. Still held up during the testing and looked great.



New Skool also features lines of accessories, and art.



I’m keen to the scene … you?

Labels: hip hop, hoodies, Nate1, New Skool, old school, review, San Francisco