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

I wear my sunglasses … Eternal

When I was approached about wearing Oakley Sunglasses to see what was new with them I contemplated for a bit. My other name brand ones had been holding up for a bit and I was all right. I decided okay, I‘d try would two pair of sunglasses hurt?

Then I realized I had spent way too much money on my other name you will recognize sunglasses for no other reason then to run them over.

Oakley Eternal in polished black and grey lenses was easy on the eyes in more ways then one. Appealing enough and I was impressed by the feminine lines, not that easy to do with a quality sunglass. The lenses curve around to block out the UV rays, nifty! More about the lenses, you ask? Well, I asked Oakley and here’s what they said:

The pure PLUTONITE® lenses filter out every damaging ray of UV while offering the unbeatable performance of HIGH DEFINITION OPTICS® (HDO®). The clarity is so crisp, it meets the uncompromising demands of ANSI Z87.1 standards, and the durable design does the same for impact protection.
Stylish, they protect and feminine at the same time. All styles are unique and comfortable and fit to the woman who picks them.
Oakley has the market on womens sunglasses!

Labels: Oakley, review, sunglasses

Button up for organization and a little bit of sanity if you like

Do you have files, papers floating around with all of that important information? Maybe even on your computer? Folders here and there just filled to the brim? Is it all in a place that's safe and easily accessible? The “what if” weighs on your mind, right?

The wonderful minds at Buttoned Up had the same thoughts and made life that much easier on you. It’s all in one separated binder by sections that are pertinent to the topic. The Life binder is a must have for any family. It comes with a CD for you to fill out all your information or you can do it by hand with the pages included. The topics are:

The Life.doc® Binder has eight sections including:

· In Sickness & Health

· Dollars & Sense

· Insurance

· Legal

· Emergency Plan

· Family Basics

· Caregiver information (babysitters, elder care, house sitters)

· Home Sweet Home

Plenty that fall into those categories if I’m not mistaken and every separator have a space for your own papers to be stored.

What does Buttoned Up have to offer? Well, I can offer you a little tour. All pads have 75 pages.

Collision.kit - Included for a collision are a camera, pre-printed cards for important information, pen, clipboard for easier writing, and an envelope for your current insurance and registration.

Valuables.doc - Similar to the life.doc but it’s a place to keep register of your valuables.

Pocket.doc - Critical, emergency information to keep with you on the go. It’s the size of a credit card so keep it in your wallet for simplicity.

Babysitter.pad – A simple 75-page pad of can and cannot, bedtimes, forbidden foods, schedules, contacts, and how to reach you in the event of an emergency. It also has spaces for have they done their homework, special rules, and favorite bedtime rituals.

Shopping.pad- If you are anything like me you have a list for several stores, well no more. The Shopping pad provides you with a way to keep track of the items you need to pick up from various stores: grocery store, pharmacy, discount store or somewhere else. I love it.

KidPack.pad- A checklist for kids, making them accountable for their own actions and belongings my dream! As a parent I’m constantly asking, or maybe hounding them about if they have everything they area supposed to have. This was one thing I didn’t get to test, but one thing I will be ordering.

BabyPack.pad - A checklist for the diaper bag? Where were you 8 years ago? Probably the same place my brain was, off in a better place resting peacefully. I know that I will be telling my friends about this and anyone who knows someone who is pregnant. What a wonderful idea. Do I have enough diapers? Does Mom have hand sanitizer? Do we have the right clothes if the weather changes? Snacks for all of us? Well let’s look at the list. Thank you Buttoned up for helping us make it that easier.

CatchUp.pad – This is one that I thought was just clever and cute. It’s a “catch up” pad. My husband and I both work a lot, like we all do. Aside from having the normal kid time, school stuff, house things, and the normal job he works he also is a full time writer and then I do the blog for all of you. I tend to as I think a lot of us to forget that we need a daily affirmation of thank you, love and appreciation. This makes it so easy for us. It has an “I really wanted to give you … a giant hug … a smooch … I really wanted to tell you … I love you …I miss you. “ It also has spaces for little things for the kids, essentials we need to pick up at the store, listen to the voice mail or whatever you may want to mention.

Directions.pad - Now you don’t need to access the internet every single time you need a map. Address, intersection, at the top space to draw your map with the little directional in the corner, at the bottom room to write it all out. Now if my husband would ask me to look at them.

Errand.pad - Priority, delegate, done. Three words have never sounded so simple. You write what it is on the line next to it and check the correlating word. Priority, delegate, done. Easy as one, two, three.

Homework.pad – This one will soon become my lifeline and/or lifesaver. I have a second grader and a first grader, my kids and I don’t know if I would say in the know. I’d say in the "I get distracted mode". A .pad like this is perfect for the little ones in my family and I’m guessing in many others since it was created. As long as we don’t forget or lose it, I think my kids in the try not to get distracted mode will make it.

Idea.Pad - Do you have a million ideas running through your head and nowhere to put them? Are you a designer in the making? Are you even made already? Have a thousand pieces of paper floating around but no real organized thoughts? Here’s a great pad for you. The top you draw on and the bottom you write out the idea. If I were more creative, I’d have one!

NotToDo.pad – I like the concept of this for the simple reason, you can allow yourself to NOT do something and delegate it or not do it at all.

TravelPrep.pad- Part of the reason I don’t travel is because I know I’ll forget something. Now I can’t and won’t! What’s my next excuse …?

WouldYou.pad- There are times when you don’t want to send that email, make that call or pick up that thing. Now all you have to do is fill out this simple request and sign it with the kisses or flowers at the bottom, the person it’s made out to feels as loved as you feel relieved. I know mine will be used promptly.

Pet.doc - Pet.doc™ will be available April 2008. Is your pet part of your family like so many millions of people out there? Well, I keep records on our two furry four-legged family members. This has six sections include family history, medical basics, medical history, insurance, training and pet care. It also holds all the vital information concerning pet sitters, food, and even their favorite toys, which makes it a little easier to vacation without worry that is if you would actually leave them behind! It also fits neatly in your Life.doc. Never has being a pet owner been so easy.

Moving.kit - A clear, concise kit that includes everything and I mean everything for moving. Just look inside and its there. It counts down from two months to moving day, change of address forms (and you can download more on the site), delegation lists, information about moving companies and how to choose the best one for you. It almost makes me sad that I’m not moving.

Dates.2Remember- Not only does this include eight cards, it has 2 days per page for every day of the year. I need two of these one for the house and one for the car. You?

DoandDelegate.list – (taken from the website) If you're feeling like there's no way you can possibly get it all done, chances are you're probably right! Keep track of everything that needs to be done on the clean and simple canvas we've provided. Then step off the task treadmill and effectively enlist the help of others with the carbon copy delegation notes provided.

DoandDelegate.work - (taken from the website) The Do&Delegate.work™ notebook is the perfect place for keeping track of the who, what, where, and when. Why? Because work is too hectic to keep it all in your head. Manage the daily grind, big picture projects and tasks you've assigned to others in one notebook.

File.starter - Twelve ways in one to start your filing system right.

Fitness.doc- If I worked out, I bet this would be perfect! In all honestly, no, I don’t but the friends that I have that do said this was a great little idea!

Receipt.catcher - I think it’s perfect for birthdays and holidays I need to track what I spend per child and I tend to go overboard.

Taxfiler - I should have had this a year ago! I’m off to order it now though …

Labels: ButtonedUp, organization, organizer, review

Noodle & Boo

I honestly wake up some days and smell myself. Okay, I know now I sound a bit off my rocker. I do though. I test so many products that I get to use in the shower and or bath that I have to see how the scent lingers so I am only a bit off my rocker. I am now mildly addicted to the scent of the Sugar Mama Honey Scrub and the Soothing Body Wash by Noodle and Boo I don’t know if I will ever be the same.

Sugar Mama Honey Scrub I already told you that I love the smell but what I didn't mention is how gentle it was. I indulged my daughter who is six even after her begging and pleading. It was so gentle yet got rid of all that icky dry skin that she was experiencing in this arid climate. She smelled so fresh and clean and her skin was baby soft it was a great cuddle night for us. Well, it always it but that was an added bonus



Essential care kit includes super soft lotion, extra gentle shampoo, and soothing body wash. They all took me back to the days of newborns and lullabies. Again, as I have mentioned more then once dry skin is a major issue here in Colorado and especially with my youngest that has eczema. I do enjoy doing this; I find products that are available to so many children and families. This is one of them. Sensitive skin and for the green families it’s perfect or if you just want to smell superb. Green? Sensitive skin, yes, there seems to be a theme for me. Natural ingredients, non-toxic, phthalate free, and it is biodegradable in recyclable packaging. Okay, enough about the packaging and all that wholesome goodness.

What about the products?

The lotion was smooth and soaked right into all skin types. My husband, both girls and myself all tried it out and approved it. My husband’s skin that is usually rough and “manly” as he calls it was smooth, smelled fresh, and clean. The girls were smooth as they day they were born and me? Well, I loved the feeling my hands had again. Typing, cooking, and daily chores take their toll. There was no greasy residue after that was a bonus.



Shower time for my kids brought in the shampoo and body wash. Clean, clean and clean! That is the best way to put it, the shampoo is great for babies, fine short hair, and men but my daughter with long hair that needs conditioner and gets tangles did fine but just wasn’t lucky enough to have the scent linger as we had to condition after. The shampoo is phenomenal. My child just has really long hair that takes a lot to maintain. One sign of a good shampoo is it doesn’t work up a huge lather from additives but washes out easily. Check and check.

Noodle and Boo Body wash is made of natural ingredients, non-toxic, phthalate free like all of their other products. Sensitive skin loves Noodle and Boo I do declare!



Ultimate cleansing cloths are a handy tool to keep in the car, a purse, diaper bag or bathroom. I had mine travel with me, Noodle and Boo made it easier by the packaging. The lid created a better seal than I’ve ever seen before and the cloths didn’t dry out as I’ve had in the past. One of the many things I used them for was hands on the playground, what a great and easy solution. I usually used the antibacterial gels that you can carry in your purse but these smell better and the kids like them a lot more. If you don’t believe me … Denise Richards "just ordered cases of the cleansing cloths." I intend to order plenty myself. I like them a lot more than the normal store brands and recommend them highly. 4 “moms” up

Many celebrities love Noodle and Boo just read the press page.

Want to know more about Noodle and Boo? Just go to the website and browse or as always ask me! I’ll tell you what I think.

http://www.noodleandboo.com/

Labels: balm, body wash, celebrity, green, lotion, Noodle and Boo, review, scrub, sensitive skin, shampoo

snug as a bug in a rug

SugarBugg Creations (etsy)



I’m renaming these as snug as a bug in a rug that smell really good.

One blanket for each daughter each quite unique, so soft and cuddly, I want an adult size one (can you arrange that?)

As soon as I opened the beautifully wrapped package, I could smell the freshly laundered blankets. To me this is a major thing. I don’t want the items that I’m reviewing to smell like chemicals, screen print or anything that may interfere with the process. I do wash everything but still it was nice to know that she took pride in the work she does.



It was mere moments before the blankets were ripped out of my hands and the oldest, P, took one for her liking. She is now sleeping with it nightly. She rubs her cheek to it and sighs as she settles in, and she’s 8. I love that. It reminds me of her toddler years and though those days are past, she’s still my baby. I get all that from a magical blanket, now what more do I have to say to get you to get one.



My little one A, uses her blankets for her build-a-whatever I overcharged you for, her dolls, and the dogs. She won’t sleep with a blanket on, which is a never-ending battle here. But not SugarBugg, this one stays on. I can even sneak it on her without her noticing. That’s what’s important to me!



The softness and length of the blankets help a lot in my opinion. They are larger then most receiving blankets and definitely more comforting. The colors are quite vibrant for the littler eye and patterns are age appropriate for a toddler or baby. She’s quite reasonable and will embroider as well.



http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5477993

Look her up and tell her Mom in the Know sent you, I hope you like her as much as I do!

Labels: blankets, etsy, handcrafted, review, SugarBugg, SugarBugg Creations

The Hat Lady

I love knit hats for my kiddos, as you know from past reviews. Unique one of a kind items are my favorites, so when I found TheHatLady on Etsy it was a pretty exciting for me. They are magnificent in all weather; it does get chilly even on the summer and or to throw on a wet head not to catch a chill. What makes these special? Well, have you ever wanted a crocheted tiara for your little princess? TheHatLady makes them. All quality handmade hats, the yarn used is remarkable it’s beyond anything I’ve seen in a store and the handmade pledge means more to Caroline Brockner the creative genius then a lot of people I’ve met.



It was washed and held up wonderfully. I wash it all to make sure; when you have kids, you have to.



It held up to a fight between sisters and getting pulled off one's head. Yes, I just admitted my children are, well real kids and they fight and argue they aren’t perfect!



It fit my head, which was pretty cool because I love the hat. How can you not it has an old-fashioned flair with a modern twist. I love the modern and chic brown hat with flowers one hat that can fit so many personalities you honestly don’t get that in many places.



Caroline, TheHatLady will make it if you don’t see it or at least try, as she says, “chances are I can make it for you if you ask!”



It may be the end of winter for some of you, but don’t write of knit hats for all seasons. You can stock up for next year, too. Look at her site and see that she also makes a blanket here and there. Remember, just ask!

She also makes adult hats!



TheHatLady on Etsy!

Labels: custom, etsy, handcrafted, hat, knit hat, one of a kind, review, the hat lady, unique

Pamper your Chef at your fingertips

It’s as easy as one, two, three, you can order online, from a catalog and surprise someone, or get a last minute gift. My friend was so accommodating with her help and waiting until the new catalog came out. In March it sure did so I want to share those new products with you as well as the stones that I love and happen to own at least one of each one if not more. I swear by them. I should take pictures of my kitchen one day and you can see the use it gets. It’s pretty fancy and I love it more then anything. I use top of the line products and PC is everywhere.



The Stoneware is made from natural stone clay and distributes heat efficiently for even baking and browning, you can’t get that just anywhere. You can buy the pans in glazed or unglazed and they come in a variety of sizes with recipes to boot!



Sizes include:

• 12-Cup Muffin Pan
• Deep Covered Baker - Cranberry
• Deep Dish Baker - Cranberry
• Deep Dish Pie Plate - Cranberry
• Deep Dish Pie Plate - Vanilla
• Insulated Tote
• Large Bar Pan
• Large Rack
• Large Round Stone
• Medium & Rectangle Rack
• Medium Bar Pan
• Medium Round Stone
• Mini Loaf Pan
• Mini-Baker - Cranberry
• Nylon Pan Scrapers- These clean the pans and are phenomenal!
• Oval Baker - Cranberry
• Rectangle Stone
• Rectangular Baker
• Rectangular Baker - Cranberry
• Rectangular Baker - Vanilla
• Round Stone with Handles - Large
• Small Bar Pan
• Square Baker - Cranberry
• Square Baker - Vanilla
• Stoneware Fluted Pan
• Stoneware Loaf Pan

Now a tip, you don’t want to wash your pans in the dish washer bust buy hand with water, no soap. Trust me. The germs and all the other particles bake out in several rounds of the pans. They come with explicit directions to help you along in the process.

Another one of my favorites is the pantry! The great line of spices and flavors to add you goodies.



Here’s a list that lines my pantry if you were to look right now:

• All-Purpose Dill Mix
• Asian Seasoning Mix
• Basil Blend Canola Oil
• Beer Bread Mix
• Chipotle Rub
• Cinnamon Plus® Spice Blend
• Citrus & Basil Rub
• Crushed Peppercorn & Garlic Rub
• Double-Strength Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
• Garlic-Infused Canola Oil
• Greek Rub
• Italian Seasoning Mix
• Jamaican Jerk Rub
• Korintje Cinnamon
• Moroccan Rub
• Pizza Crust & Roll Mix
• Rosemary Herb Seasoning Mix
• Smoky Barbecue Rub
• Southwestern Seasoning Mix
• Sweet Caramel Sprinkle
• Sweet Cinnamon Sprinkle

Now Nicole’s customer service is above the moon. She will break her back and go to the ends of the earth to make sure you are happy. As a mother of two, I don’t know how she does it. You can contact her at nicoleshottenkirk@comcast.net to place an order or if you are local - in Colorado - to host a party.

Click on over to www.pamperedchef.com and view what you NEED to buy and place an order from her, tell her I sent ya.



Oh, by the way we had this at my last home party … for a girl (me) who hates sweets it was to die for!

Quick Apple Crisp

5 Granny Smith apples
1 package (9 ounces) yellow cake mix
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Vanilla ice cream or thawed, frozen whipped topping (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Peel, core and slice apples using Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer. Cut apples in half using Utility Knife. Place apples in Deep Dish Baker.
2. Combine cake mix, sugar, cinnamon, butter and nuts in Classic Batter Bowl. Mix until crumbly using Classic Scraper. Sprinkle mixture evenly over apples.
3. Bake 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping, if desired.

Yield: 10 servings

Nutrients per serving: Calories 240, Total Fat 12 g, Saturated Fat 3.5 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Carbohydrate 33 g, Protein 2 g, Sodium 210 mg, Fiber 2 g

©The Pampered Chef, Ltd. 2008

Now you have nothing stopping you!



Email nicoleshottenkirk@comcast.net and place your pampered chef order now! Mother’s day is just around the corner!

Labels: cooking, cookware, food, kitchen, kitchen utensils, Pampered Chef, review, seasoning, utensils

all shapes and sizes

People come in all shapes and sizes. Big and small, thin and large, thick and thin, people are different and everyone has special needs as a result of their shape and size.



Few realize or give it much thought, but the same can be said for our babies. Some of us give birth to preemie infants that could fit in the palm of your hand. Others find life in a larger package. Like the adults that bring them to this earth, their needs are as different as the individuals themselves… but for children, the ability to meet those needs can prove much more difficult.

For instance, the grown men of the world now have full-blown franchised chains dedicated to putting them in fashionable suits designed to provide a professional look and a comfortable wear. If you are a large man, there is ease in finding clothes to meet your needs (at least at work).



For children, there appears to be no such effort. Stores offering clothes for infants and toddlers are not hard to find, but the sizes rarely stray from the norm and those seeking options for larger children are often forced to adjust by evolving through the sizes more quickly than the normal child. That limits style choices and options and can be frustrating for the mother (or father!) seeking wardrobe options for their child.

That’s where Happy Panda comes in.

The Happy Panda brand was started by Pamela Kramer, a mother of two who found the experiences described above were all too real. Her boys were wearing 2T clothes before their first birthday! Like many of us in the same boat, the frustration of finding options that worked and filled the drawers and closets with clothes that would last was growing. The clothes she had to buy didn’t come with the little things we take for granted. Diaper changes were cumbersome as her sons were still too young to potty train but the clothes that fit were not available with those quick-change features. The styles were aimed at toddlers, but the desire to hold on to youth through fashions that reflected their age was no longer an option. The kids kept growing, the depression grew with it.

So Pamela took action. She joined forces with friend Emily Sanderson and hatched an idea so simple yet so ignored in today’s market: Let’s design and make clothes for children with advanced physical size that still offer the amenities their age truly demands. Thus Happy Panda was born, a line of children’s fashion that allows the parent to shop by age, a much more friendly method of choice, rather than size. Happy Panda produces high quality baby wear aimed at keeping the large child happy and the parents of those children sane.



The catalogue includes T-shirts, Snappies (commonly known as “onesies” on the baby market), pants, sleepwear, and hats. There are also seasonal offerings tailored to meet your needs for all seasons. To top it off, Happy Panda offers a great menu of adorable dresses for the lil’ girls. All are made in the good ol’ US of A, all are made of environmentally-friendly fabrics and inks, and all are designed to provide the comfort and functionality you would hope to find from top-shelf baby fashions.

The folks at Happy Panda sent my family a full array of offerings. To be honest, my children are actually smaller, but it was not difficult to find a good friend whose boy was well within the Happy Panda target audience. I dropped the T-shirt and snappy on her lap and let them have at it for a couple of weeks… and she fell in love. Her boy loved the clothes for their comfort; she loved them for their ease and functionality. In my own home, we kept a couple of T-shirts as well as a couple of nice shirts sent along for my husband and me. As a testament to the quality of these fabrics, my husband has taken to wearing the tee under just about every outfit he dons each day. They are soft, they are oh so comfortable, and they fit as well as any shirt he’s ever worn.



If these wears can keep him happy (trust me, he’s as picky as they come), I can only imagine what they will do for the youngster in your family. It is a wonderful idea that the fine folks at Happy Panda are doing well, and they are just starting to scratch the surface. I am confident their idea will grow and the number of families they will help will grow with them.

If you are need of help for a child whose body is just trying to keep up with the size of the love in their hearts, Happy Panda is the place for you!

http://www.happypandababy.com/home.php


Wanna win? Okay, so I have an older snappie my fault it's from the holidays. (I was out with my surgery and the posts were out of order)

To win a Happy Panda snappie answer the following question and do two things.

email your answer to momintheknow@gmail.com

then leave a comment that says I emailed my answer to you look for it!

Do not comment with the answer here we don't want people looking for it here, we want them going to their site!


What does Happy Panda charge for gift wrapping?

Don't forget to stop there!

http://www.happypandababy.com/home.php

Labels: baby clothes, Happy Panda, onesies, review

We’re not really in California, Baby!

This time of year we have sensitive, dry, chapped skin. At my house we always have allergies. When I was asked to review a name I had heard before California Baby I didn’t hesitate but I was pretty thrilled to test this line. Why? I know you are reading on to find out!



California Baby® Super Sensitive™ Bubble Bath, which is a savior to any little one who loves bubble baths but can’t have one due to skin or allergy issues. Both of my girls have one of the other, so we have to be wise. We can’t just go into the store and buy the pretty smelling overly scented bubble bath. They get a little bummed but then I found the Super Sensitive bath and they were pretty happy. Did I happen to mention it came with a wand? You can blow bubbles while you are in the tub. If I have to sit them in there to lower a fever or to get rid of the cruddies from an illness that helps the time pass. Trust me on that one. I have one that’s eight now and the bath with mom is right up there with a root canal for me.

On to the California Baby® Super Sensitive™ Shampoo & Bodywash, same thing as above with the no masking agents and no fragrance. The entire Super Sensitive™ offers that have to say that I really love it. The shampoo and body wash are phenomenal and make the skin oh so soft. Contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients nothing harsh to the scalp or skin to harm or irritate you, the baby or whoever uses it. It’s non-stripping of the natural oils to the hair and skin. I love the way my skin feels after it and the way the kids did, too. Now, if you are expecting the baby soft scents to overwhelm you it’s not coming from this product. It’s the Super Sensitive™ line and won’t contain fragrance. It’s not a bad thing at all it’s just natural! That’s a good thing.



Last but certainly not least, California Baby® Super Sensitive™ Hair Conditioner. Of course no masking agents or fragrance again, kudos California baby! My youngest daughter has long, fine hair and we struggle with the right conditioner, on the yang to that yin my oldest has short (the shorter the better, MOM!) fine and short. Both of them have the softest hair now. I say now because it was always soft but it was weighed down and didn’t have the wave and body hair should have. When you are a kiddo and you don’t chemically treat your hair (like me) it should be like theirs is now, soft and you can just run your fingers through it.



California Baby offers an array of products from the aforementioned to essential oils, pregnancy helpers, and spritzers to help your mood and more! Just visit the site today and discover what I have, there are more then your average products out there and California Baby isn’t just for babies!

http://californiababy.com/index.html

Labels: california baby, essential oils, organic, pregnancy helpers, review, sensitive skin

Nothing is more important than your stuff

There is nothing more important than your stuff. No matter your age, your destination, your goal for the day, your place in time, or your hopes and dreams for the day, you have to bring the right stuff with you. Get caught without the right stuff and suddenly life becomes much more cumbersome and frustrating.



For parents, the drive to insure the right stuff is on hand at all times is as important as any the world’s most demanding job will offer. If you are the proud parents of newborn infants, you carry extra clothes, diapers, formula and/or milk, and various tools of the trade that must be on hand at a moments notice. If you children are a bit older, you carry books, clothes, coats, snacks, medications, or any one of a million other assets your child considers crucial for daily living. At the same time, you hope to achieve organization, you hope to find room for our own belongings, and if at all possible, it would be nice to be fashionable along the way.

This is where Loom hits the scene

Loom, a wonderful company centered in Mill Valley, California, has developed a line of highly-functional bags aimed at meeting all of those needs and more. Founded in 2003 by Johanna Leestma LaFleur, Loom comes from a storied past with a multitude of influences used to create the design. Johanna spent the early part of her life in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of the City with Big Shoulders, also known as Chicago, Illinois. Her childhood years brought international experiences as she lived in Senegal, Sweden, Thailand, and Hong Kong during those formative years. Growing up, Johanna always found interest in fabric and style, and her experiences living amongst a wide variety of cultures and people allowed her to understand the value of those textiles and the vast land of potential those fabrics could offer.



As she matured, Johanna continued to take interest in fashion and found a calling in her own creation known as the Loom. Loom bags are the product of a many cultural influences that center around one central theme: A functional life on the go careful measured with the importance of style and comfort. The result is a wonderful line of bags that will please the eye and insure your life moves with you.



The folks at Loom offer a wide variety of styles, all in colors that are sure to meet you on the road for the fashionably conscience. The Marsupial is a great diaper bag designed for ease in use while staying durable in construction, made of ballistic nylon and loaded with well-organized compartments that will allow you to keep all of those baby instruments in check and easy to find. The Bandicoot is a convertible backpack that includes a separate but attachable purse-style bag, combining the functionality of the Marsupial with the fashion of the Joey. The Joey is a modern version of the sleek clutch purse, made of water and stain resistant nylon with nickel buckles.



All of these bags are great, but the gift I was lucky enough to garner tops them all. The Loom GO Tote is labeled as the “essential urban hauler,” and nothing could be more true. Significantly larger than the other Loom bags, the GO Tote is loaded with room and all of the space and organization you’ll find necessary to make a trip away from home as enjoyable and casual as possible. The bag is extremely sturdy, double stitched with padded handles. External pockets give me all of the space I need to keep my own belongings on hand yet separate, making it easy to get to those items in times of need, including lined areas for delicate items (think digital camera or iPod) and an attached key clip. The bag is water resistant, made out of 840 denier nylon, and is, for lack of a better word, humongous (16” wide, 7” deep, 12.5” tall).

As a mother of two kids growing into larger sizes, this bag has proven to be a gift that keeps giving. I can pack plenty of clothes and the necessary personal items for overnight trips and still have room to spare. I can load up my work files, keep them organized, and find room for my daughter’s karate outfit and a book to help me kill the waiting moments at the dojo. It is a wonderful asset and I have been more than pleased with the experience.



The GO Tote also comes in a multitude of colors. I carry the red and brown version, providing an easy match for many of my outfits. Other choices include eggshell blue and avocado, pink and khaki, orange and moss, and pacific blue and brown. The bag can also be purchased in different fabrics, namely in canvas (a more rugged option for consideration), and in a slightly larger size known as the Weekend edition.



They are products that will leave you wondering how you got along without them, and as such, Loom earns a hearty vote of gratitude and thanks from Mom In The Know.



Visit LoomLife.com today and see how to make your life a little easier.

Labels: back pack, backpack, bag, bags, canvas bag, clutch, diaper bag, durable, Loom, purse, review, tote, water resistant

Save the roses wear the clothes - an outfit in a bouquet

There are plenty of shower gifts out there and you just don’t know where to begin. Diapers, wipes, lotions, soaps, clothes, so much out there. I found a unique gift to give while gifting the parents something they do need. The Baby Bunch is a bouquet of synthetic flowers and organic baby clothes all in one. This makes the gift worry free for hospitals, homes and something you can treasure forever. Also, not a worry for allergies which is something prevalent in today’s society. When you have a newborn you want the environment as safe as possible we all know.



The clothing as soft as a well a babies butt I must say. I loved the touch and feel of it against my skin. Imagine how your tiny little baby would feel swaddled in that. The organic fabrics are unbleached, undyed organic cotton

Not all fabrics are organic. They are also in pink, yellow, and blue.

They come in bunches, buckets, kitchen, garden, and spa.



I was quite impressed with all of the quality and the customer service. It’s a distinctive gift that you will be remembered by. I know that I have showers coming up and my orders ready.

To contact The Baby Bbunch:
http://www.babybunch.com/
877/456-2229

Let me know what you think!

Remember comments are randomly drawn for prizes at anytime on the mom in the know blog.

Labels: baby clothes, baby shower, fabric, flowers, gift, organic available, review, The Baby Bunch

Warm up those limbs and look splendid while doing it

Until quite recently, I had never heard of BabyLegs. I wanted to see what the fuss was about after hearing about them on other blogs plus as prizes here and there.



The draw is tights without the annoying fit of tights! In addition, you can wear them on your arms to boot. You don’t have to be a girl; you can be anyone and anything to wear them. Yes, boys can wear them too especially in the variety of the patterns BabyLegs has to offer.


Now to the good stuff, I was lucky enough to test three pairs the cinnamon, super soft rainbow, and blue polka dots. I must say that the super soft were just that and I like the feel over the normal BabyLegs. I can be a fabric snob, not that the other ones were anything to shake a stick (all are soft and comfortable, trust me!) at but wow, the silky feeling and of the super soft was something to brag about.



First off, the cinnamon ones were a favorite of my 8-year old, red is her favorite color. Debating between the legs and arms was the hardest part. She wore them on more than one occasion and favors them on the arms. They were great with a short sleeve shirt, warm and comfortable, (okay, I tried them on too - maybe wore them around the house) perfect for a classroom that may get a bit hot. You can take them off and on no more getting hot in a long sleeve shirt. Super soft rainbow were in favor by my six-year old who preferred the legs. She loves her skirts and its winter here in Colorado, so MITK makes her wear tights. She hates the confining feeling of them across her stomach and doesn’t want to wear leggings every single time so I had a dilemma on what to do. Then we were lucky enough to test something new and exciting that may have been the answer. She’s very picky, and shopping for her can be so stressful. She’s addicted to these Baby’s now!



BabyLegs offers the comforts such as they are super soft, quick access for potty training, saves their knees from crawling and I have yet to notice ant wear and tear and fading. Now I can’t vouch one hundred percent for the elasticity between washings they seem to hold up quite well, and the fading seems okay, but I didn’t wash them more then four or five times. Most cotton does after a bit keep that in mind.

Labels: arms, BabyLegs, crawlers, footless tights, legs, potty training, review

The Art of Fun

If you are a kid, life is all about fun. You want school to be fun, you want lunch to be fun, and you want chores to be fun. Life needs to be fun.

As parents, we often lose sight of that. The arduous demands of work, whether at the office or at home, and the mundane tasks that fill our days can all but eliminate our ability to find the joy in these daily events.

Fortunately, Jeeto! is here to help us all in more ways than you can imagine, and they’ll make sure you have fun along the way.

Jeeto! is a Los Angeles-based company “dedicated to creating products that enrich environments through imagery and imagination.” In it’s essence, Jeeto! is in the business of art, creating original fine art collections that offer simple yet elegant designs and images that would bring a smile to all. However, while the art is fantastic, it is the way Jeeto! puts that art to use that will bring parents to a state of euphoria.

Jeeto! is the product of various inspirations, including images that conjure memories of youth produced in styles reminiscent of more modern pop or graffiti styles. The result is an impressive catalog of products referred to as the Jeeto! Home Collection, a gathering of canvassed art silk screened by hand backed by various colors, all set on 1 ½” thick pine frames. These pictures are available in two sizes (9” x 12”, 18” x 24”), come in a variety of colors, and carry a wide variety of images, all associated with the loves and passions of our children

Whether it is the homemade tree house set firmly in the upper reaches of the elm tree in the back yard, the animals we visit at the local zoo, the steam engine trains that run on tracks we build in our living rooms, or the cupcakes we yearn to shares with friends at our birthday parties, the images are ingrained in our memories and now are honored on the canvas artworks of Jeeto!

To enhance the experience and broaden the message, Jeeto! also offers much of their artwork in the form of T-shirts. Known as the “to go! Collection,” these shirts are offered with a variety of prints, most of which descend from the print art they offer. They also offer shirts in a variety of styles, including the traditional short-sleeve version, a long-sleeve tee, and the always popular one-piece for the infant in need of stylish gear. Any size you could need or want is available, any color to match any outfit is there for the taking, and the quality is superior.

To be honest, when I first heard from the fine folks at Jeeto!, I didn’t put too much thought into it… while it sounded great, there are so many folks out there making t-shirts and such for our kids, it didn’t strike me that this would be an example too far off the beaten path. The artwork is certainly a different offering, and they were very gracious in sending me a wonderful screen piece of a drum set for my daughter (she LOVES music and is so proud to have that in her room).

However, when the shirt arrived, I was taken back a bit. They sent a couple of shirts, one for each of my daughters to put to use and test out… and they love them. However, the images strike me.

The first, worn by my youngest, carries a picture of a tree house in a large elm tree. I once had a play place just like that as a child, and the wonderful memories of my youth, experiences and events that I have not thought about for so many years, all came rushing back. The emotion of love for that tree house… I had forgotten that feeling so long ago, and this shirt reminded me of the fun I used to enjoy back then.

The other shirt, worn by my oldest, carries a picture a campsite, and once again, the memories of my youth and the innocence, laughter, and unadulterated pleasure I once enjoyed as child camping with my family came to mind. It is a great shirt and my lil’ girl loves it to death… but for me, that image carries so much more meaning and allows me to remember a time when life was much easier, and those are experiences I pass down to my children today.


To add one more positive note to this review, I would be remiss if I didn’t note one more OUTSTANDING feature the folks at Jeeto! have to offer.

So many of our children struggle with allergies and various dietary concerns that few realize could be an issue. To help in the crusade for health, Jeeto! has come up with several pieces of artwork that translate those concerns and needs in a highly informative yet fashionable way. T-shirts with stylish emblems warning of our children’s dietary restrictions, such as “No Peanuts Please,” or “Dairy Free,” or “Gluten Free”. There is a wide assortment of such warnings available on not only t-shirts, but also as patches that can be purchased and sewn on to backpacks or clothes or other articles your children might wear. It is a brilliant idea, and for this Jeeto! gets a huge round of applause from us at Mom In The Know.

The website is easy to remember: www.jeeto.com. There you will find their full catalog of products and offerings, the various options you have to choose from, press releases and information about the company, a helpful store locator to assist in the effort to find these products in your area (though, of course, you can order online), and a great section of free downloads for your desktop and computer, a great way to enjoy the art and images Jeeto! has to offer.


Check ‘em out today folks. Finding a good T-shirt can be harder than you think, but finding one that is stylish, memorable, fun, and, if needed, informative and healthy… now that is hard to beat!

Labels: allergy free, art, artwork, fun, Jeeto, review, t-shirt, tree house

Eat, dress, and be carried.

Sourpuss Clothing is not your average clothing store. Why? They offer every thing you can think of and to a parent who doesn’t want to dress their kids in chain store clothing. What did I get to review? A feeding set, knit hat, socks and a diaper bag.


For the little girl who has a little sass and class, and wants to eat on her own the pink webbed skull feeding set is a pleasant step away from the norm. It was useful, the silverware wasn’t metal like other sets, and the plate and bowl didn’t fade after washings. The plate and bowl were serving size appropriate and didn’t break after dropped them several times to check, on my bamboo floors and no cracks even. The downfall is that these are not microwave safe, but then no item like this is - not even the ones that are in your kitchen now!


A knit Daddy hat adorable as it is, I have to say one thing loved it but... the poms on the top fell off right away. It happens and I know that nothing knit is guaranteed. It was just frustrating and my adorable little tester was so cute in it running around, it wasn’t fair. Otherwise, it withstood all tests of washing, drying, playing, and being a MITK product. Just be warned if you order it, the poms may be loose!


You have to keep those tootsies warm, so here are so mom socks! Wear and tear not like anything you’ve ever known until it comes to socks. Running, playing, shoes, even just walking you know what happens. These socks are 70% cotton, 20% nylon, and 10% spandex so the wear and tear is minimal is nonexistent. They are a tad slippery and do not have non-slip tread but not a lot of socks do these days.


My favorite item to test was the diaper bag! It’s so funky and cool and has a matching changing pad. LOVE IT! Lined with red satin, it stands out in a crowd making you the hip and funky parent and not falling by the wayside.

Labels: diaper bag, feeding set, hat, review, socks, Sourpuss Clothing

Trixie the Trunki

I got a little chuckle when I opened my Trunki package. It was built sturdy, hard, and it had these little ears like a dog. It was wide and more than anything it’s totally kid friendly plus I can go on and on. The thing was named Trixie.

We have a bulldog named Trixie.

The build of the Trunki and Trixie are one and the same.

That’s where the similarities end.

Trunki is much more mobile for one.

Trunki doesn’t snore.

Trixie, the dog, isn’t a fan of being sat on and dragged around the house; we have yet to test out the airport theory.

So where to begin? You can use this carry on approved suitcase for all your children’s needs even just for the flight. Ipods, coloring books, blankness, stuffed I can’t be without, snacks, drinks, books to read whatever will keep those minds full!

How much can you pull around on a Trunki you ask? They are so durable they can hold up to 110 pounds. I can pull both my six and eight year old for now. No more waiting for the slower one, the window shopper, the temper tantrum to catch up! Nope none of that, you can give them a ride on Terrance or Trixie Trunki and cut down on travel time buy minutes possibly even an hour if you have one like me, “Mom I need chocolate, a magazine, new hair stuff, etc …”


It’s a suitcase that you can pull, push, and ride on. The 5-gallon capacity may sound small but when you are packing for someone that doesn’t have that much to bring it lends itself plenty of room. Since this is a carry-on, you don’t need to use it for a weeks worth of clothing and toiletries.

Can the kids handle it themselves? Yes. Would I advise one sibling pushing the other? No, you never know if there is trouble brewing under the surface they need to settle. Okay, that may be an extreme case but you catch my drift. Leave it to the parents or the older person in charge until all the semantics are fully worked out.


Trunki is conclusion is a sturdy, well built suitcase that I think is a great choice for families to use as it makes children responsible for what they pick and can handle their own carry on luggage. I loved the idea.

It is recommended for children ages 3 to 6 years old; mine are 6 and 8 years old. My 8 year old was fine with it, but it’s definitely on a case-by-case basis. Neither of my girls weighs 50lbs just yet.


Oh, and we don’t travel a lot.

The comparison to the Bulldog is still eerie, but she’s also built sturdy and can handle a lot of weight (she’s a little chubby). I don’t think that was their influence. I think it is fun, useful, and convenient. I’m recommending them to all the moms I know about to hit spring break.

For Further Information, contact Rachel Stephens at rachel@trendykid.com
Tel: 202-364-4441
For Product Information visit www.trunki.net

Labels: 5 gallon capacity, review, suitcase, travel, Trendy Kid, Trixie Trunki, Trunki

Allison Aruta Necklaces

The fact I rarely even wear my wedding ring should give you a hint as to how I feel about jewelry. I have a few other pieces here and there, gifts and a friend is a rep from a company so I have one or two things there. This much I can admit to, I didn’t own necklaces. I felt that I have the torso that was unbecoming for most necklaces and I can’t wear ones that are deep or low as I don’t have any thing to show them off (yes, you all know what I mean). I love the way these necklaces look on someone like me, they are for everybody and every body shape. Thank you, Allison!


Allison Aruta makes designs for everyone and every body type. Moms go crazy for the necklaces. I have tried the Sweet Silver Circle with initial.

They are simple, yet refined so you can wear for any occasion. I’ve worn them to school to get the kids and out on a nice dinner. They are available in Men’s also if you want to get one for Dad. Another thing about the jewelry that I think is too cute for words is the Sweet Silver Paw Print for the animal lovers. Being mom to both a bulldog and a black lab, I may have to order these quite soon so they don’t feel neglected. The diversity of her line is phenomenal and rarely found in such a creative one. Allison also makes an entire line of sweet silver necklaces, which are unique one-of-a-kind pieces that I don’t see in my local mall of jeweler. If you want to order more than one initial, then the Sweet Silver set of 4 is just the piece for you.


She also offers bracelets, bridal, anklets, earrings, rings, and a men’s line.

This happens to be my favorite part of all of her designs though. It touches my heart in such a profound way I can’t begin to tell you. Allison’s DoGoodJewelry is a line she focuses on children’s charities specifically Autism. In addition to Autism, she works for WITS wellness in the schools as well as kids and cars awareness. What Allison does for these charities is donate her design services and create fundraising jewelry for them, sell it on her site, and donate back a portion of the proceeds.


Allison works hand in hand with one charity What Kind of World you Want? with John Ondrasik from Five for Fighting. To date, the charity has raised $166,091.

Lyrically inspired by his song “World” and his charity site www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com,
Allison designed a bracelet for John Ondrasik. He endorses and promotes the bracelet with a link to Allison's site from the www.fiveforfighting.com website.

Autism touches more of us than one realizes so I have to get behind this cause. Please if you don’t buy from her, donate to this charity. Researching Autism is so important and it’s never ending. It’s such a broad spectrum that it’s never enough.

Allison promotes fundraising and awareness through doGOODjewelry.

All of Allison's designs are fantastic and you can’t go wrong with whatever you purchase for yourself or a loved one. I hope you do buy and enjoy.

Contacting Allison...
allison@allisonaruta.com | http://myspace.com/allisonaruta | www.allisonaruta.com

Labels: allison aruta, charity, handcrafted, jewelry, necklaces, review

Tattooed kids, just not forever … yet!

Kids see tattoos everywhere and now they seem to want them. Mine are always asking for the temporary ones. Sharks, dolphins, hearts and flowers, whatever they find full of sparkles and glitter! Well, I was about over it and going to ban them from my house until I heard about these Tattoos For Tots. Yes, they are still temporary tattoos but you are learning as you wear it. That made it something I wanted to test, try and learn more about.


First off let me tell you I hate glitter, and these don’t have glitter in them parents! That’s a plus and then some for this Mom in the Know! The rest was easy and simply enough for my children to do themselves.


Let’s walk through the steps and I’ll tell you about the unique, eye-catching and child friendly designs.

I was delighted to see that all of the words and pictures were simplistic enough for a toddler to build their vocabulary while enjoying the temporary tattoo! They are separated into several different categories such as:

• Sky Elements: moon, sun cloud, star.
• Zoo Animals: elephant, monkey, zebra, lion.
• Vehicles: car, train, truck, bus.
• Fruit: orange, strawberry, banana, apple.
• Ocean animals: shark, sea star, fish, whale.
• Nature: rainbow, tree, leaf, flower.

So not only do they learn what they are but a category they belong in? What is a train? A vehicle a mode of transportation, a strawberry is a fruit. I’m quite impressed by that idea the learning behind the fun and I can’t say that enough.


The application process of the tattoo was quite easy and I watched my girls do it, they are six and seven so I think that age is just about right. It’s up to ever parent of course I just make the suggestions!


The colors and designs are stunning and the pictures are ones that children should be attracted to and adore. Imagine red and orange fishes, green whales, pink stars, blue teapots, cupcakes with sprinkles all describing what they are on it for kids and parents of all ages!

Removal of the tattoo is easy too! Just a little rubbing alcohol or baby oil (I like the baby oil as it leaves the skin soft!)


Check them out! Start shopping now Tattoos for Tots!

Labels: learning tool, review, tattoo, tattoos, Tattoos for Tots, temporary, temporary tattoos

Why I loved 2007 … MITK favorite thing of the year

(Find the Bloggy prize below.)

Technically we were only up for part of the year, but in that time I tested quite a few products. I worked with several vendors, customer service and marketing agencies and the one who went above and beyond for me was The Big Pink Cookie Company.

On the initial order they sent, my dog ate the product. My 100lb black lab jumped on the marble counter and pulled the beautify wrapped box to him by the bow and went to town on a peanut butter cookie. Then he had the oatmeal raisin for dessert.

Two problems there, my dog ate the product I had to review plus my family was without the sweets to which they are so addicted. I don’t like cookies or so I thought.

Adriana Ryan heard of "the plight of the cookies" as I was calling it as I had called to order more at my expense and she replaced them (don’t try this at home she knows the trick now!) and sent one of each out a.s.a.p. including the chocolate chip one and the littlest one in this house was elated. She has chocolate running through her veins.

Can you name many other companies that would have done that? I know I can’t in 2007 reviews.

Mom In The Know will give away one $25.00 gift certificate to The Big Pink Cookie Company.

As a thank you, The Big Pink Cookie Company will give away one cookie with the purchase of two now through 2/4/2007.

Answer this question and email it to momintheknow@gmail.com with Big Pink Cookie in the subject line to be entered in THIS contest.

What color ribbons do The Big Pink Cookie Company use to wrap their cookies? (You just need the colors; you don’t have to match to the cookie)

It must be emailed and received by Midnight Feb 1st MST. Winner will be drawn randomly by a kid in the know.

This is just one of the many giveaways this week so keep watching! Thank you big pink cookie co!

Tuesday-
Giveaway #2 Pangea Organics Facial Mask

Wednesday-
Giveaway #3 Busy Body Book A Moms best friend is another giveaway! Email momintheknow@gmail.com with BBB in the subject.

Thursday-
Giveaway #4 A little bit of everything surprise package. Take your chances!

Friday-
Foot Petals Stiletto Survival Kit

So that's Big Pink Cookie
Mask
BBB
Surprise
Foot Petals


That's it. I posted Friday a tad early for you, my dedicated readers.

Now you must email momintheknow@gmail.com. You still must follow above rules for cookie entry.


First name drawn will have first pick of prizes, second name second choice and so forth for all prizes until all are awarded.

my webmaster [saved by jen] is also participating in the bloggy giveaway carnival - go check her site out as well.

comments are now closed.

Labels: agenda, big pink cookie co, bloggy giveaway, pangea organics, review, The Busy Body Book

A time to be Whimzy!

Ornaments aren’t just for a Christmas tree. If you happen to want a special unique gift, click on over to Whimzy Doodles. I was fortunate enough to be able to review and test the Manifestation Gift set so it had a little of everything in it to share with you.



Manifestation Cards are a unique way to go. Do you need a pick me up, a little change in the way you are thinking, words of wisdom? This is what you need. Pull out a card and give it the attention it deserves. I just pulled out … “Add color, sound, touch, & taste to your dreams.”

Well I hope that is what I’m doing for all of you as I write this review. Carry them with you and hand them out to a friend of someone who you think may need one. Use it when you want to smile or contemplate something more then what’s going on at work, home or in your head at that moment. They could always be a great conversation starter too!



Hand-Crafted Clay Whirliever Ornament is meant to make your day better by wishing upon it.

Hang this handcrafted piece of art in a location where you will frequently see it. Whenever you do see it, take a moment to allow its beauty and words to resonate within you. As you go about your day, remember to maintain the vision you have for yourself and your future. Then welcome and prepare yourself to embrace the opportunities and moments that will confirm your heart’s desires are indeed manifesting!

Such a unique idea that will warm you all day, and it did. It hangs in the hallway to my bathroom for all my family to see and my daughters take advantage of it while my husband hits his head on it. I’ll be moving it soon.



It’s a pleasant feeling to know its hanging there if I want to lift my spirits up or just to see something so clamming and pretty.

Now don’t be fooled Whimzy Doodles offers a plethora of items that you should good look at but this is what I was fortunate enough to review and enjoy.

Labels: manifestation card, manifestation gift set, review, whimzy doodles

now and forever creations

As I write this, my stomach churns and I contemplate so much. It’s my first totally negative review. Well, is that how I should truly label it? Maybe, I wasn’t satisfied with the products and I just need to be honest here. That’s my mission “honest reviews”.

It was up to me to step outside my box and accept a product that I wouldn’t normally like these, the screen-printed ones at Now and Forever creations. I’m not aware of the quality of other manufacturers and as I have no basis of comparison so please understand that.

I tried a few things: a dog collar, dog tags, a leash, and a custom dog mat.

The collar is for my bulldog; let me say that it’s probably not fair that it’s for my bulldog since she has such a thick neck. It didn’t hold up to her stature and it faded under use. She’s a big girl and I should probably invest in a good, hearty collar for a sturdy dog. That should be a review all in its own, bulldog products.

The dog tags feel off both dogs’ collars right away. All they did was play. I put them on with pliers like I had their rabies tags in all the past.

The leash wasn’t that bad, it was a normal leash, again it faded after some use, and that was a bit frustrating. They had cute monograms and expressions, so I was a little saddened that I wasn’t able to share for a longer period of time or had to explain every time.

The custom dog mat was very cute, at first. It was a fabric that collected dog hair very easily and the “slip resistant” mat broke apart easily was all over my bamboo floor in no time. I was forever picking up little black pieces of plastic like substance hoping my dogs didn’t eat it.

They also sent me jerky samples from http://www.jerkyuniverse.jerkydirect.com. Sadly, it may sound as if I’m jaded but I’m not. The jerky I sampled was either heavily flavored or it wasn’t enough in the sample packages to get a real feel of how it truly tasted. That was more the company that sends to them then the supplier.

This is a MITK first and I hope a last. I do try to see the good and bad in all. I have no pictures of the products sent to me.

Labels: dog collar, dog leash, dog mat, dog tags, jerky, now and forever creations, review

Bring Green with You

Today’s world is one of insight and forethought. We drive cars advertised as “environmentally friendly,” running on energy that fails to emit toxic fumes. We look for food at the grocery market that has been raised by environmentally-conscience farmers, feeding their cattle whole grains and avoiding the use of hormones, raising crops that have been fertilized with organic products (if they are fertilized at all). Our clothes are environmentally friendly. Our pets are environmentally friendly (make sure you grab those waste bags as you enter the dog park). Our lives are environmentally friendly.



With a new set of priorities and a new sense of, well, sensibility, we have to do our part for the world around us and the world that will be here for those that come after us, and as is often the case, the little things can mean so much more than imagine.

With this in mind, Mom In The Know is proud to bring our latest review to all of our friends and fans across the internet. Any time we can step up and support a cause that promotes a cleaner, safer environment, we are giddy to step up to the plate.

Such is the case with the Envirosax. The Envirosax originates from Currumbin Valley in South East Queensland, Australia. The goal is simple yet powerful: Believe in environmental sustainability. The founders of Envirosax, Belinda, and Mark David-Tooze use this motto as a means for life, living with in the Australian rainforest and utilizing solar and photovoltaic technology to produce the energy they need for their home. They recycle their own wastewater, they grow their own organic vegetables and fruit, and they run Envirosax, a company the produces environmentally friendly bags for a multitude of uses.



Envirosax is made of polyester and hemp designed in Australia and made in China, all working under fair wage and fair labor conditions. All factories are personally inspected several times a year and are directly run by the David-Tooze family. Their product: Three bags used as environmental alternatives to plastic bags.

Few realize just how much damage is caused by the production of the typical plastic bag at the supermarket. Many of the companies that produce these bags do not engage in environmentally sound operations, and the use of petroleum products creates a bag that may have a short life span in our world but will take years to degrade.

Envirosax hopes to put an end to the use of these bags. The company offers two types of bags.

The Graphic Series is available in three different sizes and is easy to store and use. These bags are made of synthetic material that folds to small sizes, thus they are easily stores in a handbag or in the car. They are simple yet fashionable, light yet durable, efficient and effective. They come in several sizes and a multitude of colors and patterns. Ordering direct from Envirosax, the consumer can buy in bundles, or “pouches” as they call them, offering a group of bags in a convenient series.



Envirosax also offer the Organic Series, bags made of bamboo, linen, and hemp. These bags are elegant in style and unbelievably useful in the store. They are highly durable, easily cleaned, and are an excellent accessory for any environmentally-conscience shopper to use.

The bags are a superior product, but the message and drive behind them is what makes Mom In The Know smile. Like the company states in their business manifesto, “It’s a philosophy, a move in the right direction; it is the evolution of a culture.” This is our world to form for our children, for our children’s children, and for the generations that will follow. Envirosax is one company that shares this vision and puts it to use in our daily lives, encouraging us to take simple steps with improved consequences.



If you would like a more selfish motivation (and there is nothing wrong with being selfish… at least a little bit!), consider the discounts many stores have started offering consumers who bring their own bags to shop. My local supermarket rebates nearly 8% of your purchase when utilizing bags like the Envirosax. That puts savings in your pocket and savings in the environment as well.

There is no other way to say it. The Envirosax is an excellent product, produced by an excellent company, supported, and advanced by an excellent motivation. We can all do our part to help the world, and Envirosax is happy to help you look and feel good doing it.



Visit www.envirosax.com today!

Labels: bring your own bag, environmentally friendly, envirosax, rebates, review, save, supermarket

A Little Dash of… Bacon

My family likes to eat.



I’m willing to bet many of you have noticed the same desires from your families. We eat dinner together each and every day. On the weekends, my husband will often put a special breakfast feast together for us all to enjoy together. During the holidays, we eat especially well, finding the occasion to convene for fantastic meals that include a plethora of delights.

As long as we eat, we are happy.

As a wife and mother of two, the challenge is rarely found in providing meals my family will appreciate (while my loved ones can often be picky, they are not in a hurry to turn down food). The challenge comes in finding ways to do something different that won’t result in wasted food. Serving the same rotation of foods can get rather boring and it is variety that keeps us all happy and will often lead my children, all too set in their ways, to try something new.

The fine folks at J&D’s Down Home Enterprises have just made that job a little less challenging.

A few weeks ago, I was surfing the net for new products and innovations in the food industry and came across a link that, as a leader of a carnivorous clan of gourmets, caught my eye. Without delay I ran my cursor over the words that seemed all too inviting, hit the left button on my mouse, and I was there.

www.baconsalt.com

I was taken to a site that would make most believe the product was the invention of an industry giant. An enticing rotation of pictures all depicting the delicacies any red-blooded American would salivate over stream across the front page, headed by a slogan that could serve as my oldest daughter’s life motto: "Everything should taste like bacon."



That is the thought behind Justin and Dave’s creation and the driving force for their quest to put Bacon Salt on every table in every kitchen across the country. Their story strikes a chord that could have been written by just about anyone. "We’re just two regular guys who love grilling and football on Sunday afternoons, eating until we can’t get off the couch and of course, the taste of great bacon." These fellows worked in the IT sector for years and found their mutual affection for the pork product we often find next to our pancakes at breakfast was too much to ignore. Justin had envisioned the creation for some time and Dave, along with a fellow co-worker named Kara, drove him to give the idea the attention and dedication it deserved.

The end product is Bacon Salt, a tasty spice that works just as it sounds. Imagine the convenience and ease of salt, but tastefully laced with the flavor of bacon. As the site suggests, the uses are endless and can be matched only by the joy this simple but divine little product could bring to each and every food lover on the planet.

The boys were nice enough send a couple of bottles my way, and my husband wasted no time putting the concoction to the test.

We started with breakfast the first (and possibly most obvious) target: Eggs. My husband takes his over easy while the kids and I enjoy a good poached egg. Eggs laced with a touch of Bacon Salt were a hit, earning rave reviews all the way around the table. Since then, we’ve tried the tasty spice on just about everything.

Salads, sandwiches, soups, toast, vegetables, steaks, potatoes, popcorn, and just about any and everything in between: Bacon Salt is a fine compliment to any snack or meal you could be preparing. I have found new life in a once-forgotten plate of tuna casserole. My husband has grown an almost-neurotic affection for peanut butter-and-Bacon Salt sandwiches. Our kids have started to ask for it at the movie theater with their cinematic snacks (and yes, they do think we are crazy) I was tempted to entice our dog to consume his heartworm medicine with the taste I’m sure he would find irresistible (but I thought wiser). We have all fallen victim to the intriguing flavor of Bacon Salt, and I believe you will do the same.



Bacon Salt comes in three delicious flavors, including Original Smokey, Peppered, and our favorite, Hickory. The site is easy to manage and all-too useful, including links to their MySpace and Facebook groups where you’ll find a long and helpful list of fans and suggestions for experimentation. Jason and Dave have also included a great page of recipes for your consideration (I might be able to con my husband into eating salmon with the enticing Bacon Salt Baked Salmon recipe). On their “Buy It” page, you’ll find special packages to fill all of your Bacon Salt needs, instructions for ordering online, and a list of retail locations that will help you find Bacon Salt on a shelf near you. They even offer in impressive menu of merchandise, including T-shirts, posters, aprons, and hats.

If you like bacon (or if your husband, or kids, or boyfriend, or girlfriend, or father, or uncle… you get the idea), try Bacon Salt today. You’ll be happy you did!

Labels: bacon, bacon salt, flavors, food, J and D's Down Home Enterprises, review, seasoning

Boon Market

When I find a company that prides itself on making “innovations for modern parents,” I don’t have a choice. I have to be there!

My husband and I live in a modest house with two little girls, one 7-years-old and the other is 6. For those who know, the message is clear. For those who do not, I suggest the following…

Go rent two capuchin monkeys. Take them home and immediately feed them a box of Butterfinger candy bars. Now put them in a house providing three large boxes, including one box filled with toys, another box filled with books, and the final box filled with poop. Now, leave and do not return for three hours.

This is what life is like each and every day for parents struggling to maintain order. Like the monkeys, the children are absolutely adorable and worthy of only the best care and love we can give. However, turn your back for a minute and provide the right stimuli and it’s hard to tell just how devastating the damage can be. The drive to keep a clean, organized, and fashionable home is all but lost.

Fortunately, other parents are out there know our pain and are working to help us find a happy and healthy solution.

Enter Boon, a wonderfully enthusiastic company “driven by a strong desire to create contemporary products that help simplify parents’ lives while retaining their personal style.” President and CEO Ryan Fernandez, a former sales executive with the Intel Corporation and a father of four, founded the company (and, like me, he has been blessed with a clan void of Y-chromosomes). Ryan holds an illustrious MBA from Pepperdine University with emphasis in marketing and management and has turned his life towards entrepreneurship by creating Boon Inc., a company that designs and creates products to help our children organize their lives while giving them a sense of fun and fashion in the process.

Mom In The Know came in contact with Ryan based on our mutual desire to help the parents of the world, and to help us understand what he and Boon Inc. are doing, he sent along one of his best products.

The Oval Animal Bag is a brilliant idea, which came to life under the watchful eye of Boon and could prove to be a heaven-sent gift for many a parent in need of clarity. As stated by Boon, “The Animal Bag is a fun and practical solution for rounding up all of those soft critters and putting them to work.”



The Animal Bag is akin to the old-school bean bags that our folks used to call furniture, except this is comfortable, fashionable, and more importantly, useful. Sized at 30” x 26” x 19”, the Animal Bag is a sizeable plush bag covered with zippered access points. The bag itself is made from a high quality, soft fabric that can be purchased in either green or pink colors while the access areas are made of transparent-yet-durable mesh. Your children will find TONS of room inside that is to be filled with the multitude of stuffed animals and dolls your family has collected over the years.

Fill the bag with your stuffed animals and now your kids have a cushy seat that looks great while it’s hiding all of those toys and destroying the clutter that has become the frustration of your daily life. It is an excellent idea and Boon has pulled it off with flying colors.

My youngest put the bag to the test. Her father has come to detest the chore of changing sheets, for our daughter wants ALL of her stuffed animals to reside on her bed. She couldn’t wait to get her furry little friends settled into their new home when the bag arrived and she saw how easy, fun, and PINK (she is a girl!) it would be.

Now my daughter has a great new toy, she has a passion for being organized, she has a seat that follows her around the house… and my husband can change the sheets (and I don’t have to listen to him mumbling obscenities while he’s doing it).



I have come to love the Oval Animal Bag from Boon Inc. and my hubby is convinced this company can do more to make his life (and our lives… but don’t tell him that!) easier and more sophisticated. The bag is triumph and Mom In The Know is more than happy to give it a huge thumb’s up!

Visit www.booninc.com

You will find everything you need and more on their site, and they site couldn’t be friendlier. The products, the information, the company’s background, the locations to buy… it is all there and easy to use. To make things better, Boon will contribute 10% of your purchase to children’s charities.

If you want to clear that disaster in your kid’s room and find every imaginable fringe benefit in the process, get with Boon and find the products you’ll need to get on the right track today.

Labels: Boon Inc, oval animal bag, review, toys

How busy can your body be

I love testing and reviewing agendas as I'm always on the hunt for the perfect one. Every mom will have a preference I’m sure but The Busy Body Book rocked my world. What can I say to make my day easier makes everything in my families’ life easier, just ask them!



The grid format is so accessible and I like the doodle pad on the side. For me … it’s a saving grace. I always think of things on a whim that need to be noted here and there and for me it’s my book of notes. I just need to recall where I wrote it.

Having two daughters a husband and myself, we each have a column where I write our daily duties. Our tasks and where we will be. I know that at 12:30 one of them should be in lunch on a Tuesday afternoon.



Want to know some other features?

Monthly Planners
One planner to record birthdays & anniversaries! Another to note next year's appointments & future events. Who can’t use that? I know anyone can. Just move it month to month to year.

Months-at-a-glance
An overview to help plan ahead for the holidays, vacations, or special events. That helps me so much just to see where they will be and when we have free on particular days. A large block all at once makes it easy for my spouse all at once to X out days.

Key contact pages
2 pages for your emergency contact information, doctors, coaches, babysitters. Also great for family you call a lot, repair men, poison control, friends, emergency personnel, or someone who has access to your house in the event of an emergency may need it.

Removable shopping lists
Perforated pages for creating handy grocery or gift lists, I like to tear away and go. They fit in most purses and you can make notes as you go along. Also a great way to give out your number or important info when you need to.

Two Pockets
Inside front & back covers provide a deep pocket to hold important papers, receipts, coupons one of my favorite features! Good for important meetings, taxes, Doctors appointments, school meetings. Bank meetings, you name it!

Bookmark … one of my favorite features so I can never lose my page and they don’t get all dog-eared.
Easily flip to what you want - anytime anywhere! Don’t fold over those pages anymore and dog ear another book!

Notes
A full page each week for notes, to do's, lists, or alerts. Plenty of notes pages in back of BBB too to record and keep important records. And in this day and age … are records enough? I can never have enough of them if seems. Emails, paper, the spoken word!



I utilized all of the above and have to say that my favorite times were when we pulled together and planned as a family. It was a nice time that we had together and meant a lot to us. Little things, they say, little things.

I reviewed The Busy Body Book for Maya’s Mom and momintheknow.blogspot.com.

Labels: agenda, review, The Busy Body Book

Walk a Mile in My Shoes

I walked a mile and then some. Foot Petals are the answer to stilettos and all feet that need love. I love heels and I’m sure it’s because I’m 5’3 when I stand up straight and smile big. I was lucky enough to test out the Stiletto Survival Kit and Travel Slippers. Now let’s talk about if they were worth the test.



As I have the Travel Slippers on, you decide there. I’ve always preferred the fluffy soft slippers until now. These glide right on and feel so smooth. Both elegant and comfortable, these slippers are embedded with their signature Killer Kushionz in the foot bed! Detailed with a black ribbon bow, a detail that I like and feel that it adds that certain something. Comes with their signature black satin travel pouch! Just slip in the slippers to stow away.



Then my favorite thing to test was something I wasn’t even aware you could pick up at your local department store. The Stiletto Survival Kit was made for people like me who hate flat shoes and any woman who wears them out, to work, or on the go. This is what it says … a survival kit. Included in the kits, directly from Foot Petals: "Keep your feet perfectly cushioned all day with Tip Toes, Heavenly Heelz, Strappy Strips, and Killer Kushionz - the best designer cushions in town!"



And of course, a must have for all shoes Sole Stopperz will help you strut safely in real life or on the runway and help preserve the soles of your new shoes!



Finally, you can organize, protect, and store your stilettos and cushions in style with their signature shoe bag, Petal Pouch! Large enough to fit a pair of shoes for the girl on the go!



My experience with Foot Pedals was like walking on air on all sides. I loved the stilettos and the slippers. I didn’t think stilettos could be that comfortable and I was proven wrong. Now I don’t have to wear my tennis shoes to give my toes a break, no excuses! I can always wear my heels and enjoy it.

Thank you Foot Pedals!



For more information and to view all of their products, please visit http://www.footpetals.com/cgi-bin/footpetals/index.html

Labels: Foot Petals, heels, review, slippers, stillettos

The World in my Eyes

I usually wouldn’t do a designer inspired product, but I figured I would give it a chance. Seems that they were well liked now I wish I had done it.

I used testers on these.



Tester 1 - Dolce and Gabbana inspired:

I have a round face, always have but with the extra baby weight (OK toddler weight), it’s become even more "moon like" which doesn’t really bother me... until its time to find sunglasses! They just don’t make sunglasses for my face. So when I tried these on I was shocked they fit AND looked cute.

The "Dolce and Gabbana inspired" glasses came in a carrying pouch; I loved this since I always scratch lenses.

They were a little flimsy, but they haven’t broken yet so that’s a great sign!

Tester 2 also D&G inspired:

A little flimsier than the real thing, the longer thinner style was great! I haven’t broken them and they told up to kids, dropping them and even sitting on them after a few drinks and a night out with the other moms. I don’t like that it seems that I get my hair caught in them more than the real designer ones, but for several hundred dollars less I will make that sacrifice. It may just be my hair! They make my face look longer and thinner and how can that NOT be a good thing?

Tester 3 - Men’s aviator glasses unsure of brand, Brad Pitt inspired:

The Aviator Sunglasses bring a sense of sophistication, constructed of metallic frames with tinted lens that provide quality protection against the glare of the sun. Pick these glasses up and you would guess they are of a designer ilk: A bit heavy but lacking bulk, well constructed, sturdy, and strong. The nose rest is especially comforting as the mounts rest on swivels that allow the glasses to find comfort on the bridge of you nose without pain or distortion, also allowing these aviator specials to rest symmetrically in front of you eyes.

I wore these glasses for some time and found them to be extremely beneficial in situations when the glare of the sun was a true problem with driving, allowing me to look forward without pain while my vision was undeterred in keeping my eyes on the road. Wearing them for long periods of time - one issue I was never forced to attempt - might be a tad, discomforting due to the weight of the glasses, but it is obvious these frames were built to last. The design of the nose rests could prove me wrong as I never felt, in wearing these glasses myself, the need to adjust.

Contact Shannon at info@qtsunglasses.net. These look like a value all around and you can’t tell the real thing from the inspired. Shannon was a complete joy to work with! The website is http://www.qtsunglasses.net/.

Labels: aviator, designer inspired, Dolce and Gabbana, QT Sunglasses, review, sunglasses

It’s your TuTu dance like a princess

I have a ballerina and a one there is no way to classify her. She’s not a tomboy, she’s not a girly girl, she likes the pop punk music and she, well does like to dress up. When she dresses up she adds her own flair, a red and black tutu over jeans or leggings and yes, she wants to wear it to school.



My ballet girl had a billion and one tutus, puts them on for everything, and even loves to sleep in them if I let her.



Laci Jo's Creations by Jen Nellans are a unique and one of a kind made especially for every customer. I can tell you that no two tutus were alike. I had three in all to review in addition to wrist tutus and they all matched my kids and not each other. Jen let me pick as many colors as I wanted, I had the option of embellishments, but I picked not to. I kept it simple on that part. I am sure they are fantastic when she does.

The product wasn’t stiff or flat even after shipping, one good shake and it was like right off the hanger. The way it was shipped helped almost as much as the crafting and seamless way it was made.

My tester is quoted as saying:

When I opened the box, it was slightly flat but my instructions said to give it a shake. I did and Voila! The cutest little tutu EVER! As soon as my daughter woke up, I put her in it and took a million pictures! She loved twirling around in it. It even came with matching bracelets, which she loves.

She wore it so much that it needed a good wash. I threw it in cold water, tumble-dried on low and it came out looking fabulous!

Now I had to repack to ship to her so if it was flat it was my fault, fearless readers! The way the tutu’s wrist and other have held up amaze me, I’m truly shocked. I’ve spent more than you can imagine having them made and in the store. These are top of the line first quality.



My little one twirled and danced in ballet shoes, vans, and wore them to bed. We had it all. I am delighted to refer you to Jen at Laci Jo Creations. But you had better order fast, word spreads quick!



Laci Jo's Creations
Custom handmade jewelry and accessories
www.lacijo.com
888-720-3805

Jen would like to offer a discount to your readers. 15% off any order - good through December 31st. They just need to use the code momintheknow. Here's a direct link that will automatically apply the discount. http://www.lacijo.com?code=momintheknow

Labels: ballerina, ballet, Laci Jo's Creations, review, tutu, tutus

Pull it tighter, almost there!

Do you have a child with little hips and an even tinier butt? What do you do for a belt? Just hope?



That was me until I found Myself Belts. I can even get away with using one luckily, and trust me it helps those big kids and adults that have a large waist.



My kids like them because they can do it themselves and no help from mom or dad, one handed even.



When potty training nothing is harder then getting that belt off and to the potty, Myself Belts are perfect for that. Look at the variety in girls alone. If I had known about these when I was potty training my youngest it would have saved many loads of laundry. She has a tiny bladder issue so we still need these and I know that I want to be a regular customer. They make plenty for boys don’t fret. And have a wonderful sizing chart on the site.



One thing I also discovered was adult sizes but for a reason that I didn’t think of right away
• Rehabilitation Patients
• Those with Physical Ailment
• Those with Cognitive Issues
• Hand dexterity problems.



That was one of the neatest thing I’ve ever found on the web. One thing that I hope for and want to work for on here, a great cause like this show me the “I’m allergic to” shirts next and I have a heyday!



So not only does Myself Belts help kids, parents, teachers and well it seems like everyone! They have great designs are simple and easy to use.
Want to give your child some self-confidence and make it a little easier on you? I suggest this, the feeling they’ll get when they do it on their own is priceless and the smile you see on that face makes you know you did the right thing!


www.myselfbelts.com

Labels: adults, boys, children, girls, Myself Belts, potty training, review

It's in the hole

I came across the Potty911 and was kicking myself wondering, "Why didn’t I think of that?" I have it all there! I have it all in my hands! All in my bag essentially! Why didn’t I … well you know that one!



The Potty911 has the following in its kit, just a clear plastic bag you carry in something as simple as a bag or purse:
The items included in the potty 911 restroom survival kit are:
1) 5 Sanitary and flushable toilet seat covers
2) 10 Flushable moist wipes
3) 1 travel size bottle of hand sanitizer
4) A learning card for your child illustrating proper hand washing technique
5) All the above items come in a safety-tied, convenient-to-carry, reusable, clear vinyl bag.

As a mother of two, yes, they are past the “toddler” age but they still use the restroom. I have one who refuses to use a public restroom with out a toilet seat cover. Another that happens to carry hand sanitizer everywhere. And I mean everywhere, backpack, car, jackets, anywhere she can. We sing a verse of a song as we wash our hands so we know that about 30-60 seconds pass.

All of these tips and items are in the bag. I enjoyed the learning card to help kids along, you know for when the parents have no idea what we are talking about (daily) and someone else had to tell them!

Deborah Conway can take credit so just order one or 10 from her at http://www.toddleressentials.com/ and tell her Mom in the Know sent you! You can also email her at customerservice@toddleressentials.com.

I hope you are as satisfied as I was with the product, the ease made it a breeze for me and my two (not so) little ones!

Labels: flushable, potty911, review, sanitary, toddler

Be safe - use this

There are things we just know as parents. If you have more then one child, they will antagonize each other for no reason. If you have one child, they will want a sibling. If you get them the red shirt, they want the blue. There is no such thing as a quiet Sunday morning anymore.

All of the above is true and I will save the rest for the innocent to find out on their own, that’s what makes parenthood rewarding.

This little nugget I have to share. Safety is a great concern for all of us and Chicks and Cubs offers many items, but the safety items are what drew me in. Inventive ideas that we can all use in our daily lives, things that you may not think of but you can use.



A Velcro ID bracelet that your child can wear anywhere! You just write the child’s info inside and it stays on fastened sturdy with Velcro. They come in pink and blue for the fashion conscious little ones. Your only worry will be what to do when the other parents bug you on where to get them! You’ll have to get Chicks and Cubs business cards to hand out to save yourself the trouble of saying the name a few hundred times.



Another great and efficient product was the Shoe Sticker ID tag, kids have to wear shoes, and this allows you to have options and several IDs. If they were to forget or lose the bracelet, they still have shoes!



Disposable ID bracelets for short trips, day outings, or even vacations are a great idea also offered by chicks and cubs.

A car seat ID? Who would have thought? My tester that did this one couldn’t stop raving. Every parent needs this! When I looked at it, I realized that I had gone almost 2 years without it and started to feel that guilt with which we are all so familiar. Therefore, I filled it out immediately and attached it to the side of her car seat. I feel so much better knowing that her name, DOB, emergency phone numbers, and her medical allergies are accessible in case I am incapacitated. I even have her picture and thumb print on there.



The information is clear, organized, and easy to read. Even I couldn’t mess this up! It came with a protective laminate to put it in after you've filled out the info. And a Velcro piece to attach it. I can’t stress how much I love this!

I think the above says it all! The car seat ID is a must-have for those parents who have little ones in car seats still!



Last but not least, the wallet ID kit was a winner, too! Each card holds child's photo, thumbprint, name, address, weight, height, birth date, emergency contact numbers, doctor's name and number, dentist's name and number, insurance info, plus a medical release signature allowing immediate medical treatment when a parent is not available or cannot speak for the child. In this day and age, that’s important in my opinion; there are times even in the cell phone era where we can’t all be reached. Out of range or in a meeting, and parental consent is needed? Now the powers that be have it!

To order contact Chicks and Cubs and look at all they have to offer!

Labels: car seat ID, chicks and cubs, disposable id bracelet, review, safety, shoe sticker ID tag, velcro ID bracelet, wallet ID kit

Please don’t feed the Bears - stuff them

"Mom, mom, mom, mom, can we do the bears today????”

Oh, I was asked that question for days. My package arrived on a Monday and I wanted to wait for the weekend so I could properly sit down with them and help, observe and see what the deal was.

Kim Popp, a Noah’s Ark Bear crewmember, contacted me. I had never heard of them before. Essentially you have a teddy bear or animal that is not stuffed and you stuff it yourself … all in the comfort of your own home of wherever you have your event.

Perfect to entertain a gaggle of giggling little ones that are bored with the usual parties in the strip malls, how many of those can you do a year

I need ideas for the big 8 coming up so I thought this was the perfect item for me as a mother and a consumer to test and I have my testers right here.

Okay, to the product...

Two teddy bears, stuffing, wooden sticks to get the stuffing right down in there, just a bit of advice you need a little elbow grease to get the stuffing in some places but that is why parents are there.

Okay, my oldest was digging in before I had all the supplies laid out (don’t you just love that?) and she was stuffing and shoving that right in there. One great thing about the bears, they just snap right up the back. It does make it that simple for the kids after you help a bit with the stuffing in the legs and arms.

Now the little one is very intense and methodical, she had to have it all placed in there so carefully make sure it was symmetrical, and that the bear was not going to be heavy and hurt her when she carried it (that was honestly just her dramatics, the bears aren’t heavy).

It took her much longer then the other one, as it had to be perfect. It was and hers took a little less elbow grease, she wanted hers a little fluffier.

The bears come with more then enough stuffing for firm bears, fluffy bears, or just middle of the road. I was quite impressed at the quality of not only the supplies but also the product overall. I would highly recommend a Noah’s Ark Bear party for your home. Outfits and accessories are available as well as so many options to choose from, why would you want a run of the mill party in an overpriced restaurant, strip mall or crowded play place?

Contact Kim Popp - she ships anywhere and is available by email and phone to walk you through with any questions. She is wonderful, amazing, and so knowledgeable I would not want to go anywhere else

Email: Kim Popp

Labels: noah's ark bears, review

Your face will feel refreshed. (It may even show you.)

Pangea Organics is the fastest growing organic skincare line in the world right now and I was fortunate enough to test them out. I love the thought of being organic as you will come to find out and the products that I usually find in the stores are advertised as “organic” then you discover that it has organic ingredients but it’s not an organic product. It’s a matter of fine print, and it gets all of us at one time of another.

Then there’s Pangea Organics based out of Boulder, Colorado they hand-pick ingredients for their products. When they say they use organic they mean it. They use organic herbal extracts and whole organic essential oils. Really.

So now what did I use and what did I think?

Egyptian calendula and blood orange facial cleanser - Egyptian calendula is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing. Blood Orange cleansing, nutritive and degreasing. What does all that mean? What type of skin should you use it on? Well, it’s great for all skin types which is perfect for a gift. If you want to just try it out you should have no fears then. If you have sensitive skin then the herbal extracts may be just the thing you are looking for. It’s safe and gentle enough for the softest and most sensitive skin.

Now when I tried it I like the creamy texture and the smooth feeling of the cleanser. It doesn’t have that foam to me means artificial ingredients. There was enough there to let me know I was getting clean, but not so much that I can’t see my hands through the suds. I felt my face and neck getting a through cleaning my pores were opened. The deep intense cleaning of my pores was the best part, I adored it. The scent wasn’t overwhelming, an added bonus. You want to feel clean usually not greasy and full of scents especially when you follow up with other items!

Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai and Goji Berry facial mask - Japanese matcha tea soothes and energizes, while goji berry is an anti-aging nutrient rich product. Now what is Acai? It has an antioxidant and a revitalizing quality in it. So, a facial mask what has anti-aging, soothes and energizes, while revitalizing and has antioxidants? Yep. How does it feel and how does it work, well read on.

The mask is a departure from others I’ve used in the texture and weight. It’s not nearly as heavy and the texture of it was much more even and fine then others I’ve used. You don’t feel it weighing you down and it has the consistency of a scrub more then a mask. All you do is scrub it on a moist face and neck, leave it on for ten minutes. Cleans out the pores, gets those blackheads, detoxifies, exfoliates, tones, moisturizes, reduces wrinkles. You’ll look and feel as polished and refreshed as I did. On top of that I didn’t have that itchy heavy feeling that other masks give me!

Italian Red Mandarin with Rose Facial Cream - With the revitalizing, nurturing and elevating qualities of the red mandarin and the balancing, anti-wrinkle and hydrating of the rose I know that when I put it on before bed I’m set.

It is a facial cream that you can really apply at any time; I put it on before bed and let the moisturizers work their magic throughout the night. This specific one is great for all skin types and comes in a handy pump container. That is the type of ease that makes it such a great product to not only travel with but keep in your purse, car and or diaper bag for a mid-day refresher. The rose wasn’t overwhelming but the scent was a light uplift that made me feel good.

French Rosemary with Sweet Orange toner - To top all these great products off was the toner. I personally love toner for a spray during the day, when I need a rush or a bit of uplift. The softening qualities (Sweet Orange) leave a bit behind for a nice touch, along with the regenerating and clarifying (Rosemary). Do you have a blemish? Or even suffer a cut of some soft? The anti-inflammatory (Sweet Orange) quality will help you with that.

The purified water refreshes you and helps take that edge off. As you nourish, hydrate and get that balance back in your skin. No matter if it’s hot, cold, humid, or dry, use that toner and feel regenerated. This toner is also safe for all skin types.

For more information: www.pangeaorganics.com

Labels: cleanser, colorado, facial cream, facial mask, organic, pangea organics, review, skincare, toner

Happy to be carded

Who doesn’t like to smile? Well, maybe the Grinch or a real Scrooge but there are exceptions to every rule. I’ve seen these cards in stores and always thought I would like to be on the receiving end. I thought it would be a neat idea to delve into them a bit more. Not only look at the outside.



Well, here I was looking at all of them. Smiles Made Easy is just as it sounds plus funky enough to make it into an Emmy gift bag. So, fun to test? I’d say so. With quotes like, “You're a great Mom because ...” for you to finish and that’s just the beginning!

I look up to you because ...
Can you believe we ...
You're especially good at ...
We had the best time when ...
You have a great way of ...

And many, many more. Five topics to pick from

I love it when ...
I have fun when ...
Remember when ...
I am proud when ...
You’re a great Mom because ...



Do you have someone special you just need a prompt? Well, each tin contains 15 Envelopes, 15 different thought cards, and one index card printed on high quality card stock. The stock held up well on several types of writing utensils and I would say it was above quality for the product and price.



I sent several to friends, my kids, and my husband. My kids started making their own to each other, even if it was when they were frustrated with one another, which was kind of cute and I had to laugh.



I know this review is not as long as most and it is not as in depth but the product really “speaks for itself”. Smiles Made Easy is helping you say what you want when you cannot. They ship from Canada so you may want to keep that in mind when you order to allow extra time and the prices are in Canadian dollars. Great teacher gifts, a thank you for a simple task or just because these are really cool! Karem, the creator, is a joy to deal with so order and enjoy! Smile made easy are just that, easy. Give someone that needs it a smile today.

Labels: canada, gift, review, smiles made easy, thoughtful, tin

Are you getting Lippy with me?

Here it goes... I love lip-gloss. I have a tad of an addiction to it. I have one in every purse even if I’m not using it. My daughters have inherited this trait at six and seven (okay, they don’t know that it’s usually lip balm that I give them) my point is, it is addictive. Loose Lips NY has the selection to help a gal like me.



Hint of Mint lip gloss in mint Divine... When it says hit of mint, it’s not just an expression. Yum. The colors are delectable and what a variety, as well as the smooth feel and look of the gloss! There was no sticky residue and I was quite impressed that there were minimal traces left on my straw that I was drinking from. Few leave behind the trace amount that I did and I am constantly reapplying. I didn’t truly have that need with Loose Lips NY’s product.

Lumi-Shine is another great product for those lippy lips. Such arrays again, smooth sailing with enough sparkle for a night on the town or adding a touch of pizzazz to your day. Personally, I wear it whenever I want. If you are a little more reserved and not ready to branch out for the daywear yet, just keep it in your purse and be ready for that night on the town.



Active, athletic and want a gloss with SPF handy? Try the equinox vanilla scented, in the handy golf ball container! Easy to carry in your pocket, purse keep it anywhere for the girl, or guy on the go. It has SPF and if you are out in the sun all day, even driving in the car after a hard day skiing, swimming, hiking it’s a great product to have.



Sherry has a wide selection of makeup products at www.looselipsny.com and you may contact her at sherry@looselipsny.com. I only tested the above products, but I liked the ones I tried!



Last giveaway question ...
Why does Mom in the Know Rock?

Must be answered by November 26, 2007 12AM MST

Labels: lip gloss, lip products, loose lips ny, mint, review, shine, sparkle, spf

It’s not your Mother’s backpack anymore

Walking up to the school in the morning dropping of my kids isn’t what it used to be. When I was a child it was 35 red backpacks, 39 pink, 45 blue, 18 black, you get my drift. Now there are the animated character ones, and many at that. The solid color ones, a few solid color ones with a stripe on it, maybe a patch to distinguish it from the others, right? What was going to make my daughters different?



Well, we fought over getting a pink one with black polka dots, yeah there’s a stretch.

Then I was lucky enough to test and review Four Peas Online. A funky green backpack with pink flowers, okay now I can spot her a mile away. No, it’s not that bright but I know she’s the only one (for now!) at her school with that particular backpack. I’ve been asked several times and I grudgingly tell the other parents about Four Peas, that is the point of my blog. I just hint they might find other patterns like a funky monkey, or sharks or even brown with pink polka dots more their child’s style. There is also a great orange with pink stars (I call dibs)! That’s going to be from Santa to my oldest if she’s a lucky one!



Now you are wondering is it sturdy, durable, how much does it hold? According to Four Peas, they are 14 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 5 inches thick with plenty of room for many items. I can attest to that myself. The durability is quite amazing. My kids have no concept of “gently placing your bag down” so we usually burn through a bag a year. So far no rips, tears, bumps or bruises on the fabrics or materials.

Also from the website the front pocket is spacious and contains 5 slots for pens or pencils. Yes and the notes home about what my daughter has told the teacher I’ll bring to school the next day without asking me first. That’s always the best. It’s great for little items like hair ties and anything that they don’t want to carry but want easy access to.



There are also two pockets, one on each side of the backpack, that have Velcro flaps to secure smaller items. The pockets are perfect for a bottle of water a cellular phone, calculator, etc. I like that feature myself, as it alleviates a lot of space inside. My daughter picked the side pockets for a water bottle and a snack. It’s a great snack pocket so I’m told.

Four Peas has been featured in several media outlets lately so if you want something get it now! I was lucky enough to feature them and find them online here. What a coup for MITK and our readers! Don’t forget the backpacks also come in toddler sizes, so you can match siblings!



To order and view more Four Peas products online, go to www.fourpeasonline.com



A special holiday treat for all! I have a lot of things I have one and extras that I have reviewed. So MITK has decided to have a giveaway here, possibly 4 days of it you'll have to check back and see. A number will be randomly selected.

Just answer the question that is asked.

They will be fun!

Question #1

Day one-
Favorite 80s song and why?

Answer, have fun, pass the game along.

Prizes are surprises. Look at past vendors. I have some from Happy Panda Baby that I also won and I would love to share and I am soon to review! Mary Kay a friend donated and if you want to donate, tell me.

Also MITK is getting a makeover and I'll have a HUGE reopening then so if you want to donate to THAT leave a message!

Now ... answer question #1 for prize #1

Day one-
Favorite 80s song and why?




Answers must be submitted by 12:00 PM MST on Monday November 25 2007

Labels: back pack, backpack, contest, Four Peas, freebies, fun, giveaway, review, student, toddler

One- Two- Sisters Gourmet!

There are several home food preparation services for parents on the go. I’ve tried several and the all offer quite a variety. Now you can add Two Sisters Gourmet to that list! Kristin McCann, a Two Sisters Gourmet Founding Team Leader sent me a variety of products. Blackberry Cherry Pepper Conserve, Peppery Herb Rub, Over-The-Edge Herbed Spinach all to tickle my palate, lucky me! What was I to start with?



Blackberry Cherry Pepper Conserve was a topper for the crackers that are ever so popular in this house. Cream cheese took a little of the bite out for my oldest and I even hosted a girls night where I served the conserve both ways. I don’t know if it would be everyone’s first choice but it seemed to pass muster here.



The Peppery Herb Rub was exactly as described. Instantly transforms ordinary cuts of meat into triumphant masterpieces that tempt every taste bud. Savory blend combines the kick of pepper with a hint of oregano, thyme and garlic. Sensational for grilled steaks, burgers, chops, and chicken. The taste was a tad strong for some taste buds, but if its flavor you are looking for then here is where you found it. Don’t get me wrong it was a great mix of flavors and it went well together. I liked it on chicken.



Over-The-Edge Herbed Spinach was great on my roasted potatoes. I added a little olive oil and baked on red potatoes. I served it with a pork roast and the Over-The-Edge Herbed Spinach mixed nicely with that as well, I’d put it on there as a seasoning!

By looking at the site I’m tempted to try several items and host a home show. I love anything that makes my days easier. For my kids if that’s who I was cooking for I would steer towards the lighter tastes with out the pepper, but let me stress how picky my kids can be. If you have kids that don’t change tastes daily then go for it!

It’s a good company with a vast selection of food products!

Contact:
Kristin McCann
Two Sisters Gourmet Founding Team Leader
http://www.GourmetWithMe.com
eyecatching1@sbcglobal.net

Labels: review, two sisters gourmet

Olive kids and you will, too.

Were you a little girl who saw the first release of “The Little Mermaid” and dreamt that you too could be one? I’ll tell you something I was, but I didn’t want to be Ariel, I wanted to be my own mermaid. Living in the aqua blue water under the sea?

Now every little girl can, without getting wet. Thanks to Olive Kids! What about little boys you are wondering? Cowboys, pirates, heroes, I can go on! Mermaids were just the beginning for the girls so let me tell you about what I was lucky enough to review.

My plush mermaid pillow was tested out by my six-year old who has an obsession with well, mermaids and all that is girly. She’s in first grade and has no desk. No desk you say? Nope! All the kids sit on pillows at tables low to the ground, just like them. I wasn’t sure how I felt about this at first but the theory was it made them feel more comfortable.

So, was there any pillow plush enough for her bony little butt? Ehhhh I didn’t think so.

Now the first few days passed and she said it was and I trusted her that it did. By day three of about 38lbs in the same spot, we had to fluff it up but otherwise it was good to go. Truly you can’t put pressure on something for 7 hours a day and not have to re-fluff. I was expecting to have to earlier. It’s quite soft to the touch and the design is original and unique.

What else does Olive Kids offer? Complete bedding up to Queen size. Makes me want to redo my room retro! Don’t think the husband would like that.

What else? Accessories, rugs, toddler bedding, infant bedding, drawer pulls, wall boarders, plush throws, shower curtains, personalized clocks, framed prints, holiday and personalized placemats, shaped hooked rugs, print accent rugs, growth charts, and more.

Not only is Olive Kids already priced to fit a variety of budgets but they also include a new bargain and closeout section.

I know another positive review? Well, stop sending me great stuff then!

Go to Olive Kids to order for the holidays now. Even YOUR new Mermaid bedbox (full sets in a box) today!

Labels: accessories, bedding, borders, drawer, growth charts, more., olive kids, personalized, placemats, plush, prints, review, rugs, shower curtains

Waiting tables

Are you the mom at school who brings a treat and wonders where do I store it? Where am I going to keep these treats, snacks whatever you want to call them so they won’t get messy? I have germ issues and my kids take the treats out no matter where we are zoo, movies, mall, and need to put said food on the unwashed table. I get chills just thinking about it.



When I discovered the OnTray, I wondered how it was different from the run of the mill storage container you buy in the store. I was about to find out.

First off, the enticing colors of OnTray would attract any parent and child - much more exciting than plain clear plastic! Yellow, red, blue, and green are fit for any sex and age. Even though my kids are older then the age this product may be geared towards, the OnTray can help any age.



Made of a durable FDA approved plastic that is microwave (take the lid off) and dishwasher safe (top shelf only) it would be hard to break. Mom-invented OnTray easily attaches to carts, stores easily in purses and diaper bags. It wipes so clean so easily that you want to use it for even the messiest snacks. The size makes it easy for your child to carry and use on their own; they can also be responsible for it themselves! That makes it a little easier on the parents and makes your child feel good, too.



Not sold yet?

Need another great reason to use the OnTray? Need a place to keep coupons and your grocery list when you are at the store? A great place to keep all of it is in the OnTray. When you do have that time alone to go to the grocery store and grocery shop by yourself - oh lucky you - keep all of it in the OnTray. Seriously, it’s all together not cluttering up your purse. It’s all right there at your fingertips - attached to the cart. It’s pretty nifty to have all that right there for your shopping pleasure.



One item that stores food for your child, your coupons, and any other little items you may want to keep accessible. Does your daughter do ballet? Keep her hair stuff in one and keep it in her ballet bag. Does your son swim? Keep his nose plugs and maybe a little change for the snack bar in the OnTray!

To purchase an OnTray, go to buy an OnTray.

Labels: container, mom invented, OnTray, review

Canvas-ing for the right bag

I could not even do my grocery shopping for days in anticipation for my Skeeda Bag. I was like most people I know, paper or plastic. Sure I saw the canvas bags at the store and thought that’s a great idea but when shopping for a family of four is it really feasible? I mean how much can I fit in that bag? Well if you are creative, a lot.



So, off to the local grocer I go with two Skeeda Bags in hand. Now, I’ll admit it wasn’t my monthly $200.00 shopping spree but it was pretty immense, enough of the staples and necessities in my six and seven year olds eyes (fruit snacks, granola). I wasn’t used to this but I was ready.

First I was asked more than once where I got my bags, was I buying them in the store, had I purchased them locally? No to both but I did direct them to the site. Not a hard name to forget, and there may be a question about that later. The feel of a Skeeda Bag was phenomenal as it was both soft and sturdy. Did you know that in 1999, the American Forest and Paper Association reported that Americans used 10 billion paper shopping bags, consuming 14 million trees? Using my new bag made that a little more special right there.



Okay, so now I’m at check out. Will all of my groceries fit? I have fruits, veggies, cheese, yogurt, granola, chicken broth, rice, meat, fruit snacks, feminine products and a book. Okay, yeah I had frozen fries in there don’t tell anyone I gave in to them. But was it all going to fit? I handed them to the checker how also commented on the look and said they were by far the most attractive bags she had ever seen. Could she have mine? I laughed and said no, but if she was really nice to me I’d write down the site for her.



$57.92 later all of my goodies were in both bags with room to spare. Really, cans, boxes, fresh stuff, meat and a frozen bag with my book on top. The canvas held it all so well and storing it in my *sigh* mini-van was so much easier then 5-7 paper or plastic bags. Even better I had two bags to carry into the house as my bulldog and black lab were adorning me with attention.

It held up to the grocery test now, would it hold up to the washer and dryer? You know how sometimes you wash canvas and it gets all wrinkled up and never gets its shape back? I was in fear of that happening. I would have been so disappointed if anything happened to my Skeeda Bag. It happens though. My solution, no dryer (better for our environment anyway) and it washed like a dream no colors ran and it was still soft as my labs coat (he eats organic so it’s pretty soft).



What else could I use it for? I had to go to the library. Yep, hounded even by a cute little older man who thought a “blue one would be nice for all his daily errands”. It held eleven thick hardcover books and my wallet, my daily planner, cell phone (yes, it was off I was in the library! and car keys). It was also used for school events, classroom volunteering, trips to the zoo, PTA meetings that I had to hold a TON of stuff, held snacks for a plethora of kids and yes, regular old shopping. Even for shoes, pretty things and a new purse. However, my Skeeda Bag held it all.

Man, woman, child, teen they have all styles for you. Contact them at http://skeeda.com/index.html for your bag today and just in time for the holidays you can bestow them upon everyone you know.

The ladies at Skeeda want to give you a bag free. The first person to email Mom in the Know with the answer to this question wins his or her own Skeeda bag!

How was Skeeda Named?

We already have a winner! Please comment here at Mom in the Know anyway!!!

Labels: bag, canvas bag, review, skeeda

Your Life in a Box

Do you have a place that you keep all your little things? Stationary, pens, stamps, stickers, mementos, anything special? What kind of box is it? A shoebox? A little plastic box? A box from when you were a child? Or just a bag even that hold memories?



I had a wicker basket that had seen better days. It was broken, and had little pieces of well, wicker sticking out everywhere. My items meant for the box weren’t staying in there. It saddened me as I’d had that box for a bit. Not only that where was I going to put everything? I have space issues with clutter! (I’ll get to the items I promise)



Then, Heather Topich of Mommy Crafts http://www.freewebs.com/mommycrafts and I spoke. I have to say at first I was bewildered she had so many things to offer that I didn’t even know where to begin and the scrappin madness page (http://www.freewebs.com/mommycrafts/scrappinmadness.htm) I really had no idea what scrapbooking involved and how could I review it? How could it help me? What would I do? What would I think? Then again, this is what I started a blog so I could figure all this out.

Heather sent me a memory box, and I was so eager to try it out. The wooden box is covered in paper that is stamped in gold and also glued on with ribbon. There are little cardboard embellishments on the top that make it quite unique. The box is approximately 8x10 and it is the perfect size to hold my personalized note cards (soon to be reviewed), post its, business cards and anything else I may need to access, but I want to have organized neatly and need to move from place to place.



http://www.freewebs.com/mommycrafts has such a variety of items I was astonished. I thought all scrapbooking had to do with was a book and my kids pictures! She has flowerpots, photo mats, memory boxes, gift tags, journals, tin boxes, recipe boxes, and a child prayer book where Heather wrote the prayer. She has so much more that she personally created I feel that I can’t do it justice.

Please contact Heather Topich of Mommy Crafts at http://www.freewebs.com/mommycrafts or via email at hokieez@yahoo.com and enjoy!

Labels: embellished, memory box, mom, mom owned business, mommy crafts, review, scrapbooking

Bottoms Up

If you are reading my blog, you probably have little ones or maybe you are expecting. Either way you need to know about what I think is a miracle product for your baby’s bottom. Momma Angel Baby Butt Cream cleared my six-year-old’s heat rash in no time, virtually overnight. Really.

Momma Angel Baby Butt Cream is vegan, organic and naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal essential oils. It is so safe for baby that you can use it on cuts, scrapes, cradle cap, and fungus anything! Not just diaper rash. An amazing first aid ointment contains no beeswax but organic olive oil.

In addition, to accompany this was Angel Baby Diaper Rash Soap. Again, more then soap for baby’s butt its first aid soap. I used it on cuts and scrapes! Made with all organic ingredients of oatmeal, lavender, calendula and more.

So, why do I think this is such a miracle product you ask? Well, my daughter suffers from a diaper rash-like condition but she is six and she no longer wears diapers. She gets a horrid rash and nothing would cure it. She would cry and could not sit due to the sores and rash. I was at a loss. The doctors would prescribe a plethora of items just to have the rash return. What was a mom to do? There was no long-term solution. Nothing that worked for longer then a few days and certainly nothing that took effect right away not like this ointment!

I seriously slathered this on and overnight there were traces of her rash left, mere traces. Years of her troubles were awash in a few swipes. I know that I am now a customer and I will keep coming back. Thank you, Mamas!

Do you want to hear more or buy products? Then, go to http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/index.html for more information and see their lines in pregnancy, labor ease, breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, and of course angel baby.

Labels: angel baby, breastfeeding, earthmamaangelbaby, labor ease, miracle product, ointment, organic, postpartum recovery, pregnancy, review, soap

Smell it like you write it

I want to share with you the coolest thing I’ve found in a long time. I know they are supposed to be for kids but I want them for me. They are called smencils and it’s just as it sounds, non-toxic scented pencils. They are quite green (environmentally friendly) too as they are made out of recycled newspaper. Remember scratch and sniff stickers from when you were a kid? Now you can write and sniff! Or your child can. The scents radiate as you are holding them, and come in their own plastic holders, to contain the smell and not mix with other scents.

The feature scents?

Orange - smells just like the produce section to me!

Watermelon - reminds me of a hot summer day.

Cherry - probably the most scent-full!

Fruit punch - packed full of “punch” it’s like drinking a juice as the kids do their math!

Grape - now here is a scent that can go either way, overwhelming or sticky sweet. Not either … it smells like grapes!

Peppermint - like the holidays in a pencil!

Cinnamon - if I had a cup of coffee and some icing … yep, it’s that good.

Bubble Gum - it’s the only kind I allow my kids to have and it’s close enough to home for them.

Root Beer - if you remember A&W then you will love this smencil. It’s seriously as if someone soaked it in a glass of the product.

Pineapple - I’m on Maui and I have a pineapple, wait no, it’s a smencil!



Now, one thing that’s really cool about smencils is that you can customize them - promote your business (I should make MITK ones!) or you can do fundraisers, or you can get your own kit to make them yourself. The smell is guaranteed to last two years in or out of the tube. All this and the best part is … they write just like a pencil! Just like they should and I love ‘em. I got mine via email: hello@charleystar.com website: www.charleystar.typepad.com.



There are many cool options out there for writing and I’d add this to my list, add them to a gift bag, a stocking stuffer, and just add on here or there. If nothing else, an easy reward because you love your child.

Labels: charleystar, customize, environmentally friendly, fundraiser, green, promote business, review, scents, smencil

Is there a Gourmet hiding in your cupboard

Teri Dempsey of The Gourmet Cupboard is going to be your new savior and best friend come dinner time. When I put out an email asking for people who wanted me to review their products, she replied with enthusiasm.


I just let her know to send me a few things to taste test and that we would go from there. Within days, the products were in my hot little hands and waiting to be made. Mexican meatloaf, old fashioned cinnamon pecan pancake, baked potato soup all sounding equally great. I liked the balance - something for breakfast, a bigger dinner item, and something lighter to have if we wanted a dinner with a side. The Gourmet Cupboard offers that variety everywhere on their site. Each mix is dry, and you simply add one or two of the following: water, sour cream, cream cheese, etc. There are a few that do differ from the common ingredients. Mexican meatloaf is one where you need several extra ingredients. But it’s worth it!



The soup was first up here, and it was not only simple and tasty but filling, too. It was a simple as the following (taken from the package and website).

Baked Potato Soup
Description: The taste of a baked potato with cheese, bacon, and chives- all in a soup! Add milk and water to make 7 cups of soup.

Instructions: Boil 4 cups of water and 2 cups milk. (Substitute half and half for milk for an extra rich soup) Add soup mix. Stir and serve! Yields 7 cups.

My kids who don’t like anything that isn’t their norm loved it and Teri better count me in for the long haul as a customer.



Next was the Meatloaf, and I like it spicy. I was in for it!

Mexican Meatloaf
Description: This is just one of the many products we're proud to put our name on! This popular recipe has been in the family for years. Requires picante sauce, grated cheese, green chilies, and ground meat. Makes 9x5 loaf

Instructions: Combine 1 lb ground beef, half-cup picante sauce, and contents of package. Mix well and press into ungreased 9x5 loaf pan. Combine ½ cup picante sauce, ½ can chopped green chiles, and ½ cup cheese and pour over top. Bake 375 for 30 minutes.

I’ll tell you now if you don’t like it on the spicy side, omit some of the chiles or be forewarned. My oldest didn’t like it because of that but my youngest went to town. She eats actual green chili dip or what you smother a burrito in by the spoonful and she is 6.



Last but not least, the old-fashioned cinnamon pecan pancake. Can I tell you frankly, I’m a French toast gal, I don’t like pancakes. I tried them anyway. I was impressed.

Description: Requires 1 egg, oil, and milk. Yields 7-10 pancakes.

Instructions: Mix contents of bag, 1 egg, l Tbsp oil, and 1 cup milk. Place ½ cup batter into hot skillet. Flip when bubbles appear and brown the other side.

The kids liked them, my husband liked them, and I’d say they were an all around hit.

Teri is extremely easy to talk to and a complete joy to be quite honest. I was very impressed. I’ve tried several of these “make-at-home” meals and there are few that I like as many as I like much as enjoyed this.

I did include the directions so that you can see the simplicity in the recipes. If you are a parent-on-the-go as most of us are, you throw a few things together and you go. I threw the seasoning together and put in the oven or whatever and clean, do homework with the kids, and let the aromas of the cooking take over. Then enjoy the food and relax.

To contact Teri, email her at dempsey1[at]sbcglobal[dot]net and she can help you start your culinary adventure at www.thegourmetcupboard.com.

Labels: directions, filling, food, meals, meatloaf, pancakes, recipes, review, soup, spicy, The Gourmet Cupboard

For those about to Rock - we will wear you

A green, ribbed tank top with a pink electric guitar can you say adorable on my littlest one? The stars and guitars shirt is on sale right now at www.slicksugar.com!

I have the epitome of girly girl - the hair and nails have to be done; everything must match. However, when I got said shirt in the mail from www.slicksugar.com, it was fair game in this house. My older one - she’s my little alternative girl – wanted it because this shirt is so her style. Nope, the little one took it. It’s one of the things a tester didn’t get as it was in one of their sizes. Score, as the older one said.



Aside from the unique style www.slicksugar.com provides, their quality is above standards. The stars and the guitar didn’t even look like they had been washed after several washings, no faded colors, no shrinking. And I’ll be honest, I didn’t follow the instructions on the site, I went and did it my own way and the garment still held up. I do wash it inside out now though.

With so many unique designs ranging in sizes from 3-6 month all the way up to 6 years, you are pretty well covered. On the site, there is a great sizing chart to help you along if you have any doubts about what you may need because we all know sizes vary!



A little about SlickSugar - the founders Michelle and Dana are both mothers and donate a portion of the proceeds to Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation (http://www.mhopus.org/index.asp), which supports music education and its many benefits through the donation of new and refurbished musical instruments to under-served school and community music programs and individual students nationwide.



Just pop on over and take a peek, I have my holiday shopping narrowed down a bit. There isn’t a store here in Colorado that sells their wares but I can buy online at www.slicksugar.com. Don’t forget to tell them Mom in the Know sent you!

Labels: donate a portion of the proceeds, guitars, mom, mom owned business, Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, music education, pink, review, SlickSugar, stars, t-shirt, women owned business

Curl up and nap

My daughter has a chronic illness and we are in and out of the local Children’s hospital a lot. We have tests done, just regular visits and sometimes we are in for a bit longer. To be honest, it’s not easy. Then I found something that made it a little easier for stays, http://www.napmatsandmore.com.



Christina Del Bueno sent me a “safari dreams” nap mat to review. My oldest daughter was the one who was lucky enough to have the honor of testing this out. When we opened the package, she was elated with the bright colors and the feel of the fabric. Not only was it soft, but it had her name embroidered on it.

I had her test it on several surfaces, the couch, a carpet and hardwood floors. The hardwoods were nap worthy, she fell asleep in the nap mat on the carpet, and she was snuggly warm on the couch. If you have a child in school that would need one, these are perfect! Any surface is great obviously. These creations are amazing; they even have a little pillow. I think that may have been the best part to the little one. It was as she put it, “A comfy place to rest my lil head!”



As for washing it, again it passed with flying colors. No colors ran and there were several colors washed at the same time. I washed it on a low spin and a high spin. I air-dried it; I put it in the dryer. For all you moms, it’s amazing. Now, I wash with a detergent for sensitive skin so it’s not harsh on fabrics and I cannot attest to what other detergents would do on these fabrics.

So, what does MITK say? Snatch one or ten up now! One for each child! A great holiday gift for anyone with a child, pass this along to a friend! Get one for home, the car, a relative’s house, daycare, or pre-school! They are wonderful and great people that are so helpful over there!



Do you want to know the best part? www.napmatsandmore.com will give readers 10% off with this code smartmom. Use it for anything on the site. Tell them MITK sent you!

Labels: daycare, home, house, mat, nap, nap mat, napmatsandmore, pre-school, preschool, review, smartmom, special offer

Bizzy Lizzy

I must confide in you all… there are times when my I want to hurt my husband. There are times when I literally want to hurt him because I fear he is doing just that to himself. He isn’t a spring chicken by any means, but he is too young to have the digestive problems he is having. Years of physical abuse and refusing to live health have taken a toll, and now that he is realizing the consequences of those decisions, it is difficult for him to deal.



More than anything, he gets upset about the simple act of eating. The doctors have told him to take so much of what he loves out of his diet, and he gets frustrated. It’s a struggle to find things that work for his health but keep him happy. Breakfast may be the worst. So much of what is viewed as the norm for breakfast is troubling for a person with a bad stomach. The dirty-spoon diner isn’t an option these days, and many of the choices that are put forth for his consideration are bland. Breakfast shakes don’t fill him up, most breakfast bars lack flavor, and there is little for a person on the go that isn’t a pain.

That made the call from Bizzy Lizzy Bakery so rewarding. Shelia Rae gave me a call to discuss her Hearty Gourmet Oatmeal Cookies, and at first, I assumed they were your average treat for the sweet-tooth portion of your day. I was wrong… Bizzy Lizzy Bakery makes cookies that are aimed to solve the problems many of us as parents face. Our children are barraged with commercials and ad campaigns aimed to keep the cereal market in business. Many of those cereals are nothing more than sugar and filler, horrible alternatives for a meal (much less the most important meal of the day). Bizzy Lizzy wanted to find something that would draw kids in but wouldn’t fill their veins with the fuel of the devil.

Thus the Hearty Gourmet Oatmeal Cookie was born. These cookies are made with wholesome ingredients aimed at promoting health and balance in the diet. They look like cookies… they taste like cookies… everything about them says cookie, but they offer a new and exciting chapter on the breakfast bar. I told Shelia to hook me up with a couple and I would give them to the biggest kid in my house (after all, he may be old, but he is as childish as any 30-something man you’ll meet and he used to eat all the cereal in the house anyway). It sounded like a great alternative for him to try, and I was anxious to offer him something that would excite him.

Within a couple of days, the cookies arrived, neatly packaged in a colorful Chinese-style serving box. Each cookie is individually sealed and wrapped to insure freshness and to retain moisture. I threw them in front of my husband with simple instructions: These are your breakfast this week. Enjoy.

A week later, he was a bit upset they were gone. Apparently, Bizzy Lizzy had hit the spot. The cookies are moist and filled with great ingredients, including whole-grain oatmeal and chocolate if desired. He was amazed at how moist the cookies were despite travel and time. The packaging was easy to open but did a great job. The cookies were filling and full of flavor, and he said eating one did him right for the entire morning. “They were cookies… just like eating cookies, but for breakfast. I can get with that.”



He was happy and I was more than happy to put something in his hand that got him excited about putting something into his diet that worked on all fronts. These cookies are flavorful, healthy, and work great for a family short on time. He leaves in the morning with one in hand and doesn’t miss a beat, and I don’t have to worry about the temptation of other alternatives that fit that bill but miss on the ability to keep him progressing towards health.

Bizzy Lizzy gets a big thumb’s up from Mom in the Know, and I couldn’t be happier.

Labels: bizzy lizzy bakery, breakfast, cookies, food, husband, review

Special Candle Offering!

Mom in the know is reposting a review this week, this is not of the norm. Candles by Chill of Mia Bella candles wanted to offer the readers a fantastic special so I decided to repost and offer the special. Thank you for your understanding and a new review will be available next week.

* You can shop online at www.CandlesByChill.com, but FREE items will be shipped from me personally and I will contact you by email or phone for scent choice.

Specials:
Spend $40 or more online receive a FREE car Freshener, sent directly from me.Two scents to choose from Sweet Orange and Chili Pepper or Fresh Apple.

Buy 1 Simmering Pot online receive two Mia Melt disks Free, sent directly from me, I will contact you about scent choices.


the following is a repost the above offering is from the below client review.

Cheryl Hill of Mia Bella Candles and I spoke recently about her candles. I'm a city girl and I know all about candle parties and mall candles but I had never heard of Mia Bella Candles. I thought, "Why not?" I have two dogs; one is a lovely but quite stinky bulldog and candles are one of my best friends in this house. But could Mia Bella Candles take center stage when scents of noxious persuasion seemed to rule this house?



The sweet orange and chili pepper candle was quite a delightful surprise. It sounded like an odd combination to me at first, but once I lit the Mia Candle, I was elated. Not only was it strong but not overpowering, it also lingered through the house. The Cinnamon Raisin bun was a pleasant scent to burn in the kitchen (well, anywhere really) as I was cooking to cover the smells of garlic, olive oils, or just to get us going during breakfast. My girls thought I was baking one morning. When you have two kids and a husband to see off each morning, you must choose between making homemade cinnamon rolls or burn a candle. I went for the candle and let them dream.



Have you ever had a candle that looked so pretty but then, when it burned, it just stunk? And then when you put it out it was all black and soot? Not these babies! The difference is that they are made from "alternative" ingredients such as vegetables and other natural renewable sources. I know, it's usually in the sales brochure you read and it's usually a marketing ploy, but I think with Mia Bella Candles that it can honestly be said that they smell is true to the scents that are advertised. Mia Bella Candles are clean burning as well; plus, I didn't have a "dirty" or "black" issue with either one at anytime.



I will buy Mia Bella candles. Cheryl's featured candle this month is Pumpkin Cheesecake. I can't wait to get one! Cheryl's website is www.candlesbychill.com. Alternatively, you can email her at candlesbychill[at]yahoo[dot]com.

Labels: candles, Mia Bella candles, repost, review, special offer

The penguin off my back

Did you ever wonder, “What’s a unique way to teach my child about animals and the alphabet?” So did the designers at biome5. These colorful, enjoyable t-shirts for children (why not adults??) are inspired. Where else will you get a newt for the letter “N”? In addition, the coolest part about it is the letter and the animal are one! “C” is for camel! “W” is for walrus!



I opened the package from biome5 and heard screams of delight for a “P” pink penguin shirt. Sizes range from 2T-6T. She received a 6T, which fit my daughter who is six and is usually a small in shirts. She wore it proudly. The shirt was loose in all the right places, not tight in the shoulders or belly like moms worry about! I did my mom tests; I pulled at it, washed it in hot water, and dried it on the hottest setting. Still the same size. Oh, now I had ‘em! Organic cotton, my daughter is allergic to synthetic fabrics! I’ll sniff ‘em out! No reactions at all. I’ve had several companies claim to be 100% cotton, or organic and we still get rashes and find out there is just a little bit of “something” in there. Not biome5.



Biome5 products are tagless (love it!), preshrunk, 100% certified organic cotton, made in the good old US of A, and as it says on their own website in sweatshop-free environments. They do recommend the larger size if your child is between measurements as t-shirts are made to fit.


http://www.biome5.com

Labels: animal, biome5, clothes, letter, review, t-shirt, toddler

Stop and smell the - a little bit of everything

Cheryl Hill of Mia Bella Candles and I spoke recently about her candles. I'm a city girl and I know all about candle parties and mall candles but I had never heard of Mia Bella Candles. I thought, "Why not?" I have two dogs; one is a lovely but quite stinky bulldog and candles are one of my best friends in this house. But could Mia Bella Candles take center stage when scents of noxious persuasion seemed to rule this house?



The sweet orange and chili pepper candle was quite a delightful surprise. It sounded like an odd combination to me at first, but once I lit the Mia Candle, I was elated. Not only was it strong but not overpowering, it also lingered through the house. The Cinnamon Raisin bun was a pleasant scent to burn in the kitchen (well, anywhere really) as I was cooking to cover the smells of garlic, olive oils, or just to get us going during breakfast. My girls thought I was baking one morning. When you have two kids and a husband to see off each morning, you must choose between making homemade cinnamon rolls or burn a candle. I went for the candle and let them dream.



Have you ever had a candle that looked so pretty but then, when it burned, it just stunk? And then when you put it out it was all black and soot? Not these babies! The difference is that they are made from "alternative" ingredients such as vegetables and other natural renewable sources. I know, it's usually in the sales brochure you read and it's usually a marketing ploy, but I think with Mia Bella Candles that it can honestly be said that they smell is true to the scents that are advertised. Mia Bella Candles are clean burning as well; plus, I didn't have a "dirty" or "black" issue with either one at anytime.



I will buy Mia Bella candles. Cheryl's featured candle this month is Pumpkin Cheesecake. I can't wait to get one! Cheryl's website is www.candlesbychill.com. Alternatively, you can email her at candlesbychill[at]yahoo[dot]com.

Labels: alternative, candles, Mia Bella candles, review

Hip clips

Accessories for your little girl’s hair are more than the rage. Hair accessories are a necessity now. I am a mom of two girls who are in the know and need, not want mind you, need to have perfect hair. I found Cynthia Lee of www.madisonsroom.com and her hair wares. When you pop on over there be sure to read her inspirational story as well, you’ll realize how much heart she puts into ever facet of her life.



She does not make bows - she creates clips, headbands, and caps. When I say, create, I mean, handmade creations like no other. Are you looking for apples, daisies, ice cream, candy, dragonfly, or flowers? She has you covered. Do you want polka dots and plaids with a few rhinestones? Cynthia is the creative genius behind these designs.



My youngest daughter is a maniac for clips, bows, headbands, and anything else that tickles her fancy now. I was looking forward to sharing Cynthia’s clips with her. My older daughter usually goes for black, pink, & red. I did not know if she would be as excited about the trendy clip that we would be reviewing. Color me wrong. As a struggle ensued over the petite Madison clip - I thought this was it - I finally found something both kids like and I can make them both happy!





Now for the test, one has very long blonde fine hair. The other has short a-line cut, thick, dark hair. With different textures and styles, we usually have a difficult time finding a clip or anything to stay in either girl’s hair. One falls out for being to fine; one falls out for being too thick. Not www.madisonsroom.com creations. It’s as if she knows every type and style of hair.



All clips are completely lined with satin or grosgrain on one side, then with velvet on the other side. All material is neatly tucked away, no fraying with the padded suede insert. This was important to me because most gator style clips have pointed ends, which can irritate babies/toddlers delicate scalps. All of her crystals are Swarovski. Madison’s Room is launching 50+ new clips and headbands within the next month or so, even cuter, hipper styles on the way!



I also spoke to Cynthia who is warm welcoming and accommodating, making your experience worth more then the trip. They have a simple contact us button right there on the main page (right side of the page) it can’t be easier to get in touch with www.madisonsroom.com plus take comfort in the fact that when you do you are in the best hands possible.

Labels: accessories, barrettes, clips, grosgrain, hair, hair accessories, hair clips, headbands, Madison's Room, review, satin

Mom has an Agenda and it works for us!

Are you like me and try to schedule your life to the moment, but you have kids and know that it is a joke? Well, not anymore. The creator of mom Agenda, Nina Restieri, is guess what? A Mom so she knows what we need. It has awesome features like a week at a view that have rows for each child, mom, a place for dinner if you have that much forethought! The colors are stunning, and stylish you will want to carry it, not hide it in your bag anymore!



Opening the book, the pages are pink in this section; there is a tutorial for the new user, helping us along. It is impressive to have the favorite websites, online resources, toll-free numbers, international holidays, and holidays for us to reference. If I need to find an acronym online, I have it readily available now. It is a neat little perk that I have yet to find in any other planner, which makes it a cut above others that I have looked into.



The next section brings you to a sectioned out calendar in pages of blue. Pink satin ribbons help you mark the pages you want to find. One part is the monthly view, the other a weekly view with planning sections and quotations atop for inspiration as well as a pick-me-up. In addition, it includes a small calendar for the current and following month. It is set up for four children at this point. If you have more than that, there is room to write in those sections. There is also a calendar view for the upcoming year. You can make notations to carry over anything needed.



Coming upon the green section, you have space to write in your favorite books, music, movies, fashion, wines, and restaurants, while also making a heath and fitness plan. There are pages to record gifts, entertainment resources, parties, vacation ideas and planning plus to a whole lot more. It is a fantastic tool for mom and alike. It may even give you ideas you did not even know you had.

There is plenty of room at the end on purple pages to jot down some notes, maybe make a grocery list here and there. All the colors flow together well, it is colorful in tasteful, light colors that match the chocolate brown that now never leaves my side.



I do not want to forget to mention the detachable “momEssentials” that was part of the book too. It is what sounds like, an essential address book. I liked the detachable part, just for the flexibility of running in and out of a school function, an office, even the store to get information. If you are the mom on the go that most of us are and need to get all the kids friends loaded here and there, it is so easy now. I hate having 200+ names in my cell phone that I am lost on, who is “Glenda”?

Now in my momEssentials I can make those notes and who’s friend it is, their parent’s name (which is always good - don’t you get a bit tired of being called yourchildsname’s mom?) and any information that you think is important. I will probably insert allergies, where they live, annoying traits … just kidding. No, I really do enjoy the little address book that pulls out and I plan to use it for the school and class functions more than for personal use.



I personally love the momAgenda and highly recommend them. There are several versions so you have to go look and find which one screams you. The colors are fun and funky. The agendas are functional and easy to use, if you get confused just turn to the beginning and there is an illustration for you. It cannot be any easier to organize your life then if you actually had an assistant.

Labels: mom, mom on the go, momAgenda, review

Still your Mom’s Watkins and more!

When I was looking for products to review, I happened to cross paths with Lin Ridley, an Independent Associate for Watkins. Sure I had heard of Watkins before, when I was a child I remember seeing the bottles in my grandma's cabinets. I thought for a moment before deciding to give it a try, what harm could be done? None except childhood memories, right?



Let me lead off by telling you I have a vivacious seven year old daughter who would live in a mud puddle if I would let her. Daughter + BRAND NEW JEANS + mud puddle = disaster = frantic mom. Not with Watkins Laundry Detergent ($11.99 up to 80 loads). A simple name for a life and laundry saving product stain remover needed. As someone who is usually adding any “get that stain out” ingredient, I was shocked to see that the mud was g-o-n-e, gone. I didn’t need to wash them three times, scrub at them, and use several products. How many times can I relay this?!? It works!

Along the food lines, I sampled onion soup & gravy base, beef soup & gravy base, and cinnamon. I made a fabulous pot roast with the onion and beef mixes. They complimented each other nicely, while still having their own unique tastes. The prices are right (7.49/8.29oz) for investing in the bases. Soups, gravies, a variety of options and there are several flavors for your palate. I made cinnamon and sugar toast for my family and again, not overwhelming and a pure, earthy taste that you know isn’t processed. You can’t fake that!



Last but not forgotten is the shea butter samples, which in Colorado our skin sucked up. Don’t be surprised if you see quite a few lotion reviews on here! Watkins has a lot to offer in the bath and body, home care and home remedies lines, which you may or may not be aware. We sampled the lavender shea butter (7.49/7oz), lemon shea butter ($7.49/7oz) and ultra rich hand cream ($6.49/8oz). Shea butter offers incredibly rich blend of shea butter, cocoa butter and whipped for a smooth, creamy feel. The driest and roughest hand are helped by the ultra rich cream, so if you or someone you know works with their hands or even washes them a lot, it a great idea! It’s helps seal in moisture and protect at the same time, as with most hand creams but this one will not rub off with contact.



With over 300 products, I like the variety they have to offer. Watkins has been in business since 1868 & offers a 100% money back guarantee on all products.

If you would like Watkins products or information on Watkins, you can contact Lin at jordankane@verizon.net or her website at www.allinthestore.com.

Labels: beef, cleaning products, detergent, food, gravy, lavender, lotion, money back, mud puddles, review, shea butter, Watkins

Here's the beef

One of the most stressful points of the day for a wife and/or mother is dinner. Rarely are we graced with the luxury of time. Often we are faced with the obstacle of taste. For many of us, the issue of health also looms large. Meeting all of those needs without sacrificing the sanity that will bring it all together is one of the more daunting tasks we will face during the day, and finding meals to ease that pain can be just as troublesome.



There are a variety of choices available to help in the cause to excel in this situation, but many of those options leave little to be desired. Frozen foods can be troublesome and may lack the ability to meet all of the needs you face. Prepared meals can be very convenient but may lack the taste or quality your family desires. For many, the option of choice may be right in front of your face… sitting next to you on the sofa… the primary voice of support for the meal. That option may be your husband. Give a man a grill and a fire and you may be shocked at the effort he suddenly puts forth to make a great meal.

Of course, no great deal is struck without compromise, and more often than not, that compromise will come at the choice of food. Men like meat. They like to grill meat. Beef, in any of its wonderful forms, tends to be the subject of choice when our male counterparts hit the porch and stoke the coals that will get dinner on the table. However, in today’s market, it has become almost impossible to find quality beef capable of filling an entire family at a reasonable cost without conceding either time, convenience, or health. Beef from the typical grocery store often comes from unreliable sources where the conditions would make it difficult for anyone to eat red meat without feelings of concern. The fat content is too high, the beef has come from tainted cattle loaded with chemicals, or the meat has been treated after processing with preservatives or additives that will mask just how dated and aged the product may be. All of this contributes to bad health in numerous ways, not to mention the price paid and the time lost traveling to and from the store to add it to the menu.



Enter La Cense Beef. In a world that turns towards healthy living and a view towards the future, La Cense is a wonderful new company that has taken that same approach and applied to a market few would consider for such motives: Healthy, convenient, quality beef products.

The La Cense Ranch resides in Montana, sitting along the Blacktail Mountains as one of the most storied and reputable cattle operations in the nation. They’ve been raising cattle since 1869 and done with a pure desire to raise the best cattle in the country. This area of the union happens to possess what may be the best environment available for this kind of farming as grass and hay rich in nutrients for the cattle to eat. This is the driving force of La Cense’s approach to the market, offering Black Angus cattle raised on natural grass, void of chemicals and preservatives. The ranchers provide a quality environment where cattle are treated as valuable commodities and are not forced to live in unsanitary conditions.



With this in mind, Heidi Toyne with La Cense dropped me a line and thought we should give their service a whirl. Their site (lacensebeef.com) offers a wide variety of products revolving around their primary product of mail-order beef. It may not seem wise to order beef products through the mail, but La Cense makes it all simple and worthwhile. The menu of choices is phenomenal, including a wide array of steaks, roasts, burgers, ribs, and various cuts including brisket, liver, and stewing beef. There is even a section of options for your dog, including meat and bones. If you like good meat, these guys have it covered and will bring it right to your door.

All orders are vacuum sealed in a USDA certified facility where the beef is dry aged for 19 days, enhancing the tenderness of the cuts. The meat is then frozen immediately after processing to insure no time is wasted and freshness is saved. Your order is sent in an insulated container with dry ice (a phenomenal idea as the dry ice evaporates, leaving no mess to clean) or freezer gel packs. Customers have just two choices for shipping, including next day or 2nd day air, an understandable practice considering the commodity at hand. The site includes a page that provides a detailed chart of the process and delivery times and schedules. You’ll make your order and know exactly when it will arrive.



The site is a great tool for those with remaining trepidation. Sections discussing their feeding processes, the La Cense philosophies of raising cattle and doing business, and the benefits of adding such products to your diet are there for your consideration, and you’ll also find a wonderful page of recipes and cooking instructions to help your efforts.

If you struggle to find great meals the meet your needs for health, convenience, and taste, you should give La Cense a shot. The meat is absolutely wonderful. Heidi was nice enough to send some burgers our way and they could not have been better. The meat, unlike the ground beef from the local market, was a solid beef patty void of fat or gristle. The flavor was perfect and they cooked as well on the grill as we could hope. Nice, thick, hamburger patties that were easy to make and flavorful… hard to believe you could get such a great product through the mail. If you struggle from dietary or digestion problems, this meat is a perfect solution. The lack of fat, chemical, and waste offers a burger that eats more like a steak.



Overall, this was a wonderful experience I would suggest to anyone. I realize the cost may be a bit prohibitive, but the expense is well worth it. The meat at the store may be cheaper, but after you factor the quality, the time and energy wasted going to the store, and the benefits for your health, you are sure to find the investment in adding La Cense to your list of options is a choice well made.

Labels: beef, Black Angus, brisket, filet mignon, food, hamburger patties, healthy, La Cense, mail-order beef, meat, natural, prime rib, review, ribs, roast, steak, steak burger

A menu as big as my head!

Fast food has come a long way in recent years. For my generation, fast food during our childhood years (when fast food is always at it’s best) consisted of burgers, burgers, and burgers. Pizza took more than 30 minutes for delivery, you didn’t have too many options, and life was drab.


Today, fast food has evolved in rapid fashion. You can choose what you eat, where you eat, and how you eat, and the list of options seems endless. Things are specialized s restaurants find their niche, drive it to your television and magazines with advertising, and hope you walk in the door with cash in hand.

With those changes comes good and bad. Finding a wealth of poor choices, especially for those of us with families on the go, is all too easy. Maybe it was my lack of knowledge or my desire to stick with the lessons I learned as a youth, but I failed to realize just how many choices there were… but Qdoba has changed my view.


A few short weeks ago, Scott from Qdoba dropped me a line and suggested we give it whirl. He sent some menus and vouchers for meals with a simple suggestion: “Check us out, I think you’ll be glad you did.”

To be honest, my view of Qdoba up to that point was fairly limited. I had been there once shortly after they opened their first store in our area and walked away with a simple impression. As had become the rave in fast food, Qdoba offered burritos that weighed as much as a roll-off dumpster, stuffed with various ingredients that were certainly filling but left little to be desired in terms of variety. If you liked enormous burritos, you couldn’t go wrong. If not, you went elsewhere.



Much to my surprise, unlike other restaurants that shoot for the same vein, Qdoba has moved on and discovered the rewards of choice.

My husband and I opened the menu Scott had provided, and while the burritos were there in all of their glory (they are damn good burritos), there was so much more. Soups, salads, quesadillas, nachos, tacos, and various other offerings led us to believe we should put the dated opinions of this restaurant behind and give it a go. We cleaned the slate, talked the kids into leaving the Xbox for a while, and took a drive.

After a short drive to the closest spot, we were standing in front of the site and made one immediate observation. “This place is pretty big.” Similar eateries tend to keep the dining space available onsite to a minimum, maybe a few indoor stools along a dining bar with a handful of tables. Qdoba offers a full-size dining room complete with the dining bar but also accentuated with booths, dining tables, and plenty of space for many to enjoy their meals without feeling rushed to do so. “I’ll guess we’ll eat here, huh?” my husband asked (he’s a total homebody… getting him to leave the house is like getting Bush to leave Iraq… it doesn’t happen). Mark one win for Qdoba.



We entered to review the menu, and to our shock and amazement, there stood before us a specialized menu… for children. A kid’s menu… I won’t repeat what my lovely-but-salty tongued husband stated, but needless to say we were both pleasantly surprised. In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in what I like to call the “upscale” fast food restaurant. These places offer food aimed at pleasing adults and the appetites adults will bring and seek to calm. The vast majority of these eateries rarely, if ever, offer any options that would work for children. Qdoba has an entire menu dedicated to the mouths of our children, a definitive bonus for a family on the go. Don’t believe me? Try this… go to a similar place and try to talk yourself AND your kids into eating a burrito that weighs more than their overloaded book bags from school. Experience that and then tell me you wouldn’t rather have the options of tacos or quesadillas.



My husband is on a restrictive diet and tends to stress trips to almost any restaurant. He’s not allowed to eat anything spicy, fried, or based in tomatoes. Despite the concerns, he was easy to please, ordering a Vegetarian Burrito. I decided to go out of my own comfort zone and selected the Mexican Gumbo. My oldest picked up an order of nachos while our youngest picked cheese quesadillas.

Clean and comfy atmosphere, food made quickly to our liking right in front of us, something for us all to enjoy… it was a wonderful experience. Qdoba has raised the bar on “fast” food, though it may not be fair to label them as such. Your grub gets done as quickly, if not more so, than most fast food joints, but there is no comparison in terms of flavor, service, and quality. My hubby was beyond happy, being able to eat out without worrying about his dietary and health issues. Our kids didn’t have to be conned into meals they didn’t want and we didn’t have to stress the waste of food and money on two meals for our children. I had options so many restaurants in this position fail to offer.


I struggle to list a negative from the entire experience. That is rare for a wife, mother of two, and lover of good food. If you have kids or not, this is an excellent option for a great meal at a reasonable cost, and the options beyond that are nothing short of refreshing.

Qdoba - www.qdoba.com

Labels: burrito, food, nachos, Qdoba, quesadilla, restaurants, review, taco

Sweet Pea Creations

Susan Stemple of www.sweet-pea-creations.com makes handmade birth, adoption holiday announcements in addition to invitations and note cards. When I received my package in the mail to review, it was a delight to open up and see the variety she offers. Not your run of the mill note cards and add a ribbon to them, oh no! Sweet Pea Creations offers an array of paper selections, paper styles, fonts, and options for the cards you are ordering. They have a personal touch you aren’t going to get by just going to a store – they are all handmade by her!



How many companies are on the web offering the same? Thousands I’m sure but Susan contacted me and responded within minutes and asked me what I would want if I could have anything for Mom in the Know. She seems to be able to cater quite well to what the customer needs. All of the paper stock she sent me is quality and feels fantastic to the touch, the pictures transfer are more then professional, her products are above par, plus it saves you a trip to a chain store that would cost 12 times more.



At Sweet Pea Creations you will have that one on one customer service you need with something as important as your announcements and invitations, her prices are great and I wouldn’t complain. Shipping is within post office regulations, and quick.



Now a little about Susan from Susan-

Thank you for visiting Sweet-Pea-Creations! Offering custom handmade birth and adoption announcements, baby shower invitations, baptism and christening invitations, and note cards for your special event.

A little about me...my name is Susan, and I am a work-at-home mom to my 5 year old daughter, 3 year old son, my husband, 2 cats and a dog! I am an avid scrapbooker and card maker. I designed an announcement similar to the ones offered here to announce the birth of my daughter in 2002. My family and friends raved about the announcements! I knew I could offer these to other families at a price they could afford. So I started selling on eBay. My announcements have been such a huge success, I decided I needed to expand my business. And so Sweet-Pea-Creations.com was formed and I opened my online store in July 2005. My goal is to design a card just for you. No two cards are ever alike. I will work closely with you to make sure everything is just as you want it. I am also happy to make any suggestions if you aren't quite sure what you want. I am happy to personalize these specially for you! I only use high quality materials on the cards I offer, and everything used is acid free, so you can even display the card safely in your scrapbook. I have been offering my creations for 4 + years and I am proud to say I have many satisfied buyers, so you can buy with confidence.

Please check out my Customer Comments page to see what Sweet-Pea-Creations customers have to say! Thank you again for stopping by.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to Email Sweet-Pea-Creations . I am always happy to help!

Labels: announcements, art, invitations, mom owned business, note cards, review, sweet pea creations, women owned business

Rockin Baby Sling

www.rockinkidshop.com or www.rockinbabysling.com


Lisa and Natasha were the first who truly reached out to me, and did they need to? NO! Just the day before they were flooded with calls as Gwen Stefani had been featured in a magazine and all over the internet wearing one of their slings. Within two days I had a funky, pre-washed cotton, reversible sling in hand and was ready to go. It comes in a great little package, not wasting a lot of space with clear and concise directions (pictures to show you even!) The positions are age specified for mom and baby, as neck and head usage dictate. Guess what? If you lose your pamphlet, you can look on the website and they have all the information there as well as contact information if you have questions. There is a cleverly disguised pocket for you to store your ID, money, and credit card, or whatever you want while you walk through the mall or wherever.

Now you are probably asking, is it bulky, easy to use, will I be able to use it alone? Are there hard plastic clips like the other slings? What makes this one so special, Mom in the Know?

Well, aside from the fact they have several different designs even ones that dad will be comfortable with, it is easier to use alone then most. You may want someone around the first time but I’d say that with any sling, the large rings make it easy enough to do alone though. The design is made so you can do it by yourself and so you can adjust it as well.

Rockin Baby slings are durable and comfortable for you and baby. Not hard, stiff, uncomfortable scratchy or boxy. Your baby just snuggles right into the fabric like he or she would a blanket in your arms.

Once on and secure, your arms are free. You can go about your shopping, moving around the house and daily business. Do your bills, watch television, read that book you’ve been wanting to read, walk the dog! Of course. exercise caution as you would do with your child.

Do you want to know something even better? They have a lot more then slings in stock! Pouches, for a closer fit, a great line of clothing for boys and girls to 10 years old, blankets and bedding, shopping cart covers, diaper bags, bathrobes, plates for your little cowpoke, art, accessories, books, and toys.

Are you sold yet? If not, then read a little more about Lisa and Natasha.

From Lisa herself-

Natasha and I started making Rockin’ Baby Slings in 2002. They both had babies back then and were using slings, but there were not very many companies then offering stylish options. They tended to be very pastel blue or very earthy. We both were into fashion and wanted something that worked better with the clothes they wore. We decided on a weekend at the beach together to make a few slings out of vintage fabrics for ourselves. As soon as we stared wearing them women would walk up to us on the street to ask us where to get one. We decided to maybe start a company and did a first run of about 20 slings in a great mix of vintage and new fabrics with trim on them. At first we were literally selling them out of our cars as moms and dads would ask where they could buy a sling. That was when we decided to start a company for real, realizing that there were actually other people like us out there who wanted more fashionable slings. We launched our website late in 2002, and started to sell them wholesale as well. We are both believers in baby wearing. The bottom line is it makes for a happier baby and a happier more connected parent. A baby in a sling can be close to mom or dad, right where they can hear a heartbeat, sleep there, check out the world, nurse and the parent is able to use their hands and remain functional.

Although the slings and pouches are packaged with instuctions, we have also always offered sling support via phone, email and in-person if they live in the greater Los Angeles area, so that people can feel confident using their sling or pouch.

We still choose all of the fabrics and trims ourselves, sometimes even printing our own fabrics, and always search for patterns and colors we think are amazingly cool. We have learned over the years how to manufacture an incredibly well-made and safe product. We pre-wash all of our fabrics in a warm salt water wash to set the colors, prevent shrinking and soften new fabric We also make sure all of the edges are overlocked so that there will be no fraying or tearing. We have also had our slings and pouches pull tested for strength and they did not rip until 1100 lbs. Nearly all of our slings are reversible, and all of them have pockets in the tail. All of our pouches are completely reversible, adjustable to 4 sizes via hidden zippers and have a padded edge on one side of the pouch. Nowadays, there are hundreds of companies out there, but we continue to strive to make the best product that we can. We continue to make our products here in Los Angeles, paying people a good wage.

We opened our store in Eagle Rock a little over two years ago now, which has been an entirely new adventure with its own learning curve and set of challenges, but thoroughly enjoyable all the same. We sell our products as well as clothing and accessories from hundreds of other companies for babies to 10 year old kids. We carry lots of great stuff from local moms, from small mom and pop companies like our own and from super cool and trendy companies we all read about in the press. Our address is:

Rockin’ Kid Shop
5048 Eagle Rock Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
www.rockinkidshop.com or www.rockinbabysling.com
888*645*baby

Lisa has one son, Seamus who is now 5, and Natasha has two kids, her daughter, Tova, who is 3 and her son, Finn, who is 6.

Labels: accessories, art, baby sling, bathrobes, bedding, blankets, books, clothes, mom owned business, plates, review, rockinbabysling, shopping cart covers, toys, women owned business

Do you want to participate?

Hi!
I'm Mom in the Know. I run a blog and I'm always on the lookout for samples to be submitted that I can review for you to garner publicity via my site! What's better than that? Not much! My site is geared towards people that like to shop at their fingertips and want honest answers and reviews from a person like them. Someone who doesn't have a
paid advertiser 3 pages later in their magazine. If I find an issue, I'll alert you before I post it. I also prefer grass roots causes, if you don't have the funds for advertising this is the best way to do it. Trading links and helping each other out. Just email me via this site and I will contact you. I can't wait to see what we can do!

Labels: about, accessories, bag, family owned business, link request, mom, mom on the go, new business, parent, parents, product request, product testing, purses, review, women owned business