Friday, March 30, 2012

Guy and Eva Review and Giveaway

Guy and Eva is a high quality, fashionable jewelry company. But they make buying jewelry even more fun through their unique style of business.

Become a Style Advisor:
Guy and Eva offers some amazing opportunities to serve on their team as a style advisor. They have three different areas that would allow you to have the career you've dreamed off with flexibility. It also allows you to work from home! Take a look at their website for even more details.

Host a Guy and Eva Jewelry Party:
Invite all your girlfriends over and get your hands on the latest styles being offered by Guy and Eva. By being a hostess you can take advantage of some great freebies and incentives! It's fun and rewarding! Take a look at their website for more details on setting up your Guy and Eva party!

Shop:
Guy and Eva offers a fabulous selection of items in a wide range of prices. No matter your style you are bound to find something you can't live without!

Guy and Eva launched their new spring and summer collection on March 1st and it is full of fun and stylish pieces to complete your summer ensembles. They gave me the wonderful opportunity to browse the selection and pick a piece to check out in person. It took me quite some time to decide on which piece because they offer such a nice variety of styles and colors. I had a blast flipping through their catalog, and I finally decided on the Connor necklace.

I love the color combination in this piece. I imagine myself strutting the streets of a beach town on my way to a seafood dinner wearing this necklace. I wore this with an orange sweater and got tons of compliments. I think the colors make it stand out as an unusual piece.

My experience with Guy and Eva was a very positive one. The necklace arrived quickly and was safely wrapped up in a soft bag inside a beautiful lined box. The piece has a nice weight to it. It's not to heavy hanging around your neck, but it's a quality piece. I think this one is made to last and I look forward to getting lots of use out of it!

You can check Guy and Eva out online, follow them on facebook and twitter, and keep up with them and their products on tumblr and pinterest.

Since I love this piece so much I am thrilled to be able to offer the same necklace to one of my readers (a $39.00 value).

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Start Your Day on a Pure a Fresh Note with Tropicana


Mornings are a crazy time in my house. Saying that I'm not a morning person would be an understatement, and I tend to roll out of bed ten to fifteen minutes behind schedule. Then the mad rush begins to get myself and the baby dressed, get out lunches packed, try to get some breakfast on the table, and be out the door in time to drop her off at day care and get to my office on time.

Getting our day started is not an easy task but we never leave the house without a complete breakfast. After all, it is the most important meal of the day. And in my opinion, it sets the tone for the rest of the day. So we like to stop and sit down as a family before we start running again! Our family of three takes twenty minutes out of our busy morning where we simply focus on eating a healthy breakfast and talking to each other about our upcoming day. I find that time to be really special and important. And since my daughter is a major grazer, this is my opportunity to get some good food into her! Luckily for us she loves orange juice!

Tropicana has been a part of our morning routine for quite some time now. Tropicana Pure Premium is 100% pure Florida orange juice. With Tropicana being the single largest buyer of Florida fruit they support 22 Florida counties. This is a great way of supporting farmers within the US and feeling comfortable and confident in the product that you're buying.

With our family breaking out the orange juice on a daily basis it's important for us to know that we are getting the freshest juice possible. Orange juice offers a lot of healthy benefits, including vitamin C. And with the long, cold winters we want to make sure we are getting the best possible nutrients. Tropicana works with a variety of different groves that offer different microclimates and soil types. Because of these factors the oranges reach peak maturity at different times of the year. This allows for Tropicana to provide us with the freshest product throughout the entire year.

Getting each day started the right way becomes a little easier with the pure, fresh taste of Tropicana Pure Premium. I love the confidence I can feel giving it to my family and knowing that they are getting the best possible fruit that ripened at the right time. And knowing that all of the oranges in each bottle came from our neighbors to the south makes me want to buy it and support Tropicana even more. I have a lot of family in Florida so we spend vacations there sometimes. So helping to keep those groves going and getting fresh fruit growing right here in the US is very important to me.

So take a minute to stop each morning and get your day started right. Sit down with your family and talk about what's coming up that day. And while you're at it, grab a nice refreshing glass of Tropicana Pure Premium and get a taste of Florida.

Tropicana is also holding a sweepstakes where you have the chance to win one of the 100 Florida prizes, including one year supplies of Tropicana and a trip to Florida to visit an orange grove. How cool would that be?!? You can learn more and see all the rules and regulations at the Tropicana Facebook page under the "sweeps" tab.





I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Tropicana blogging program, to earn My SocialMoms Rewards Points. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.

Doodle Roll Review


I love brilliant products that have a mom's sanity in mind. Doodle Roll is one of those brilliant products. Doodle Roll provides an all-in-one kit that has a roll of paper and crayons in a compact package. These little packages are perfect for tossing in the car or diaper bag for spur of the moment creativity time! Just imagine, waiting at a doctor's office for a long period of time and the kids are starting to lose it. Whip out the Doodle Roll and they are busy drawing, playing tic-tac-toe, writing a story... the possibilities are endless.



I was really excited to have the chance to check out the Doodle Roll. My daughter loves to color and she loves to color with someone even more. So being able to make the sheet of paper as long or short as we need is great. Having the crayons right in the package means we are never without them. And being able to toss it in the diaper bag means I can whip it out in restaurants, doctor's offices, the park, anywhere at any time.

The Doodle Roll is available in two sizes, so we keep the smaller one in the diaper bag and use the bigger one at home. It has a safe EZ tear edge that allows us to rip off her drawing neatly so it can be hung on the refrigerator. This really is a great product! Check it out today and take a moment to vote for Doodle Roll to "Get on the Shelf" at Walmart. This would make it even more convenient for you to pick one up!

Stuff Every Mom Should Know


While I was pregnant with my daughter I felt completely overwhelmed. There was so much I was supposed to know and no handbook for me to study. The answers from other moms were all the same, you'll figure it out. That didn't make me feel any better. Then once my daughter arrived within minutes I was the expert. No one knew how to take care of her better than I did. I had to instruct my mother on how to hold a baby, because clearly when I was a baby she must have done it wrong. Even with her reminding me that she did raise two children I still felt the need to instruct her on every little thing.

But every once in awhile something comes up in my mommy world that I am just baffled by. And it's always the stuff that I'm either too embarrassed to ask for help with or that no one can seem to help me with. So I was excited to check out the book, Stuff Every Mom Should Know.

This book is not your typical "how to" book. It does cover some of the basics like what foods to introduce to your baby. But then it has some really great, unique tips that I myself went searching for on the internet, like what to pack in your carry on when traveling with a baby. It even has the lyrics to some of those lullabies that you start singing only to realize you only know the first 5 words.

I love how this book covers more than just the baby stage. It covers little kids, big kids, and tweens. And I love that it does cover some serious topics in a light way, like how to keep your kids safe on the internet.

This pocket sized book is a great one for every mom to read. And a fun gift to give to that overwhelmed new mother to help her relax and realize it never gets easier... haha! Just kidding.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Pinterest... Consuming All My Time

Is anyone else finding themselves being sucked into the world of Pinterest? Seriously, I sit down at the computer to do a little browsing and I look up 3 hours later. I don't know how it happens... but I think they need to start support groups to help us "addicts" better manage our time on there.

So the question I most often get when trying to explain Pinterest to newbies is what kind of stuff I "pin." Well, I think my biggest board is my FOOD board. Recipes are flying around on Pinterest and the images truly make my mouth water. From desserts to crock pot recipes... I have enough recipes pinned to feed my family for a year. The only problem is that I am pinning all the wrong food. Where is the healthy recipe board? I must search for it today.
Brownie Batter Dip... yes, please!
My next biggest pinning area of obsession is birthday ideas for kids. I have found the cutest DIY projects to make a birthday super cute! My Minnie Mouse board is overflowing with cupcake designs, favors for the guests, and decorations. This year we are doing a princess party for my daughter's 3rd birthday, so my board for that is constantly being updated. Some people are so creative!

My pinning list goes on and on. I have decorating ideas for my house, products that I love... or dream of having, crafts for every holiday. The possibilities are endless on Pinterest. But I warn you... it is addicting.

You can check out my Pinterest by clicking on the "Follow Me on Pinterest" button on the top right of this page or clicking HERE. Do you pin? Leave me a link to your boards so I can check them out! Happy Pinning!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Classic Books for Brilliant Babies

Have you heard of the popular Baby Lit series? It began with the inspirations of Pride and Prejudice and Romeo and Juliet and turning them into board books for babies. Now of course they are not taking the language or even the story, but simply using artwork and elements to introduce children to classics while still gearing the books towards the intended age group of newborn to 3 years old.

Now they have released two new titles, Jane Eyre: A Baby Lit Primer, and Alice in Wonderland: A Baby Lit Colors Primer. I was very excited to get to check out these books in person and share them with my daughter.
 

Jane Eyre focuses on teaching children to count. Throughout the board book you experience beautiful pictures that go along with the classic novel by Charlotte Bronte. It's a great way to introduce your children to a world of classic literature while still remaining true to their level of understanding and interest.

Alice in Wonderland takes your child into an exploration of colors with illustrations reflecting Lewis Carroll's classic story. This books is filled with bright and vivid illustrations that had my daughter's full attention.

I think these books are brilliant. They are fun and educational at an appropriate level while still introducing children to classic literature. The illustrations are just beautiful! I would highly recommend you check these books out.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Silverlicious Game for Nintendo DS


Following the enchanting storyline of Silverlicious™ written and illustrated by Victoria Kann, Silverlicious the game lets players set out on an adventure as Pinkalicious who has lost her ability to taste anything sweet.  Help Pinkalicious regain her sweet tooth as you practice kindness, good manners and helping others in need.  Unlock magical rewards including butterflies, sparkle rides and fireworks, as you explore the beautiful lands and meet new friends. Along the way you’ll learn that true sweetness comes from much more than cupcakes and cookies.  Whether playing alone or with others, Silverlicious the game creates an imaginative and fun way to drive home the importance of kindness and manners.

Additional Silverlicious In-Game Features:
Collectables: Dress up Pinkalicious in three different costumes from a beautiful dress to fairy catching gear; accessorize her outfits with over 20 collectible accessories!
Meet Fun Friends: Explore across holiday-themed neighborhoods and meet new friends like Carlos Cupid, Edgar the Easter bunny, Easter chicks and more!
Holiday-Themed Neighborhoods: Twirl, glide and dance in three holiday favorite lands including Very Valentine’s, Easter Excitement and Christmas Caroling.
Positive Messages:  All modes and gameplay focus on the importance of practicing kindness and good manners, like using “please” and “thank you” to increase the sweetness meter.
Rewards: Gain special rewards and bonus items for performing acts of kindness!

This game is perfect for the little girl in your life. A video game that promotes kindness and good manners? You really can't go wrong. The graphics are fun and inviting for girls. I really liked the dress up section where you could put different outfits on your character.  The adventures are fun as you meet new people, earn rewards, and do different activities. Your little girl can really get wrapped up in a sweet world with this fun game for the Nintendo DS! And you can feel good about her playing a video game for hours.

Developed by First Playable, Silverlicious for Nintendo DS is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB.  For additional information about GameMill’s line of products, please visit: www.game-mill.com.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

How To Con Your Kid


Let's not deny it. As parents we all know the question has passed through all of our minds. How do I con my kid into doing what I want/need them to do? I know I've been there. Sometimes in times of desperation and sometimes just because I know there has to be an easier way. Being a parent is hard! And this book is hysterical, if not down right useful.

David Borgenicht and James Grace are dads. They have stood in our shoes and asked our questions. But they have ingeniously come up with the answers. But they didn't do it alone, so don't feel too bad that you didn't come up with the answers first. They enlisted the help of their wives (yes, they are first on the list because they are all knowing), doctors, family therapists, and other parents to try and figure out the world of children. 

This book covers a wide range of areas where cons might be useful. And to be honest, a lot of the "cons" are common sense. They take the things we all know about kids and make them useful and relevant at some of the most frustrating times. We all know kids like to make their own decisions and have some control. So why not let them make decisions in a controlled manner. Give them two choices, both of which work for you, so they think they are making the decision but it's still a decision you wanted them to make.

This book is full of tips and tricks to make many situations easier. It's a fun book and I am sure you'll walk away with a trick or two. 

For more information or to post your own cons and queries, please visit www.quirkbooks.com/conyourkid .

A Disney Day with Jamilas Accessories


Jamila's Accessories is the perfect place to shop for your little princess! With the selection of hair bows and tutu's you will be in your glory! From holidays to everyday you can find something sweet and stylish. And I was lucky enough to receive two beautiful bows for this fun event!

These bows are fun fun fun! I LOVE the feather look of the red Minnie Mouse bow. It makes it really unique. It is one of my daughter's favorites and she has worn it on several occasions.
The red Minnie Mouse bow also matched out matching shirts that we wore on our first day in Disney! Here is a picture of my little one meeting Daisy Duck wearing a Jamilias bow. Lots of people commented on her bow and asked where we got it. It was the perfect accessory!
I couldn't be happier with the quality and look of the two bows I received. Every bow is heat sealed and made with care. The prices are very fair and the turn around time is fast. Head on over and browse this great selection!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Videotron's Smart Find

This past year has been a busy one for our family. We went from not really traveling with our little one (anywhere over 2.5 hours) to hitting the roads and the sky! We started the year off with an eight hour drive to Canada and we just returned from her first flight to Disney World. And I am happy to report that both trips went well and we are ready to be world travelers! Well, maybe not since money doesn't grow on trees. But we are much more open to venturing out of our comfort zone.

One of the places I have always dreamed of going is the Montreal/Quebec City area. My brother-in-law and his new wife chose that as their destination for their honeymoon and they had a wonderful time! With the summer creeping up on us there is no better time to start thinking about family vacations, and wouldn't it be wonderful to experience the history, attempt the language, and enjoy the food! They loved the food!

When planning a trip to Montreal or Quebec City I have a tool that will prove very useful in your planning. Videotron's Smart Find phone directory allows you to quickly and easily search for specific locations or general locations in that area. For example, you can run a search for hotels in the Montreal area and get a list of them with address and phone number. It also provides a map so you can see where things are located to help plan a smooth trip.

This is a great site to help make the planning and organizing of a trip to Montreal and/or Quebec City much easier. With Montreal being the largest city in Quebec you want to make sure you see and do everything on your list. So safe yourself some time and use Videotron's Smart Find to find great places to eat, museums to hit, and other fun things to do! With my time playing with it I am itching to plan a trip of my own!

A Disney Day with NanaSewsBest


Handmade dresses are my absolute favorite! I love how unique they are. When I dress my daughter in an adorable outfit created by a talented Etsy seller I am sure she will be the only one on the playground wearing it. And all the other moms will be asking me where I got it. Nana Sews Best is the perfect place to go to get that special outfit.

Nana Sews Best offers a variety of unique items for babies, toddlers, and girls. The shop is full of crib sheets, tutu's, changing pad covers, and my favorite... pillow case dresses. The fabrics that she uses are fabulous! And the best part is the prices with most dresses listed for about $15 to $20.

Nana Sews Best was kind enough to send one of her best sellers, a beautiful princess dress. I wish I had my camera handy when I showed the dress to my little princess. Her eyes lit up as she named all the princesses that were so clearly displayed on this bright, fun pattern.
While the fabric is beautiful my favorite part is the ruffle at the bottom. That touch really made this dress stand out and brought something fancy to the princess style. I love that this dress will grow with her because of the adjustable straps. From a dress to a tunic top it will last for several years. And while we are still in the midst of spring I can throw a pair of leggings under it and a sweater on top. Then once summer hits it will be the perfect sundress!

This dress was clearly created with love. Each seam is perfect, the princesses are prominently displayed front and center, and the ruffle at the bottom is outstanding. I would highly recommend you check out this shop. You can also contact the seller for custom outfits!  

Monday, March 19, 2012

The Lion King 2 on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital

The Lion King 2, Simba's Pride, is the final chapter of The Lion King trilogy. This film is an exciting final piece that really brings the original film and The Lion King 1 1/2 together with a new generation of characters. First off, I have to say how thrilled I am that they managed to keep the original cast of voices together for this trilogy. It makes a world of difference for kids to have the characters be consistent throughout.

So after meeting Simba as just a young cub and watching him grow in The Lion King, and then getting a closer look at his entourage in The Lion King 1 1/2, The Lion King 2 is just a beautiful continuation of this heartwarming story. In this film you get to watch Simba experience many of the same things his father experienced with him. Now a father himself, he watches as his rambunctious daughter, Kiara, portrays many of the qualities he himself had. And keeping an eye on this little lion is a challenge. Luckily for Simba he has loyal friends in Timon and Pumbaa, and they try to stay on top of things.


Of course being adventurous always leads to some sort of trouble. And in Kiara's case it mirrors her father's troubles with the introduction of a lion cub, Kovu, who is being groomed to lead Scar's pride. I found Kovu to be much more likeable from the very beginning then Scar ever was. He was truly bad to the bone, while Kovu showed a great potential to be Kiara's friend. But with two very different prides being friends may be very challenging.

We had a great time watching this fun family film together. It was great to be able to share in an all new movie that stemmed from a favorite from my childhood. It was really a film we could all enjoy. And be sure to check out the Bonus Features! Learn about the night sky through the perspective of the ever hungry Timon and Pumbaa in Insectapedia. And learn some answers to those puzzling questions, like why do we sneeze in Timon and Pumbaa: Find out Why.

The Lion King 1 1/2 on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital!



We are Disney fanatics in my house and love to watch the classics as a family. Let's face it, Disney movies make the best family movie nights, in my opinion! And The Lion King is a good old family favorite. Aside from the sad moments it's a fun film filled with good music, lovable characters, humor, romance, and action. And while many immediately think of Simba when they think Lion King.... I think Pumbaa!

Yes, it's true. I have a soft spot for the warthog and his pal, Timon. So I was so excited to get the chance to check out The Lion King 1 1/2 because these two really are the stars of the show. These two are true characters with real personalities. They are voiced by the original  cast and the film is full of appearances by other original favorites.

In this film Timon and Pumbaa take center stage and let you know the real story. From before Simba walked into their lives through helping him save the Serengeti. You get a behind the scenes look through their eyes. Let's just say it's a much more comical point of view.

This quickly became a family favorite and we watched it twice in one weekend! The laughs just keep coming with this dynamic duo. Check it out today! And don't forget to check out the bonus features. Our favorite was Timon and Pumbaa's Vacation Safari. In this feature Timon and Pumbaa watch home movies of their friends at Disney's Animal Kingdom. And since we were just there it was even more exciting. Oh, and look who we met while visiting Animal Kingdom!

A Disney Day with The Princess and Me

The Princess and Me is a fabulous Etsy shop that offers well over 100 adorable accessories for the little girl in your life. They have everything from solid colored bows to bows with characters to a great selection of holiday bows. They also offer flowers and embellished hats. You have to take a look and browse the incredible selection!

The Princess and Me sent me a beautiful Minnie Mouse bow for this event that I just adore! I love how it is created with a variety of colors and ribbon selections. The Minnie in the center really pops with the pink that surrounds it. And the polka dot and zebra are so funky and fun!

My daughter was so excited by this bow. And I love that it is pink since most of her outfits are pink. It is very well made and secured on a clip that is easy to stay in her fine hair. 

I would highly recommend you check out the great selection offered at The Princess and Me. The prices are fantastic and the quality is even better. They stay-at-home mom behind this business clearly puts love and time into each piece. And be sure to check them out on Facebook for sales and other information!

Friday, March 16, 2012

A Disney Day with MadeCuteJust4U


I adore the shirts offered by MadeCuteJust4U. There is such a nice variety of themes and characters that can be personalized for your little one. These are perfect for birthdays, every day, and trips to Disney!


I was so happy when this shirt arrived! It arrived quickly and looked perfect. The Minnie Mouse design stands out on a nice pale pink shirt. The name is embroidered at the perfect size that is easy to read. It's clear and beautiful. I couldn't wait to show this to my daughter and let her wear it in Disney World!


The green army men at Hollywood Studios even loved the shirt! From this shot you can see how clear and what a nice size the design and name are. The shirt is very well done and I am thrilled! We will continue to wear this again and again. And even after washing it still looks new!

Head on over to check out this fabulous shop on Etsy. The high quality shirts will make any event even more special and personal. And be sure to "like" them on Facebook and let them know I sent you!

Happy St. Patty's Day from The Muppets!

I hope you all have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Vote for Doodle Roll to "Get On the Shelf"

Have you heard of the Doodle Roll? It looks really cool and convenient. The all-in-one kit contains a roll of paper and crayons. So you can grab it on the go and your kids can get creative wherever you are. I think my daughter would love it! She loves to color and I could easily toss this in my bag when we're on the go. It's available in two sizes and has a safe EZ tear edge.

Well, Doodle Roll is competing in Walmart's "Get On the Shelf" competition and they need your help. With your votes their products could be available in Walmart stores and on Walmart.com. Wouldn't that be great?

You can vote daily everyday until April 3rd at www.getontheshelf.com/product/1288/Doodle-Roll. You can vote via facebook or text message. And be sure to tell your friends and family to vote!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

St. Patty's Day T-Shirts with Just Your Home Printer

Saint Patty’s day t-shirts with just your home printer
So if you’re planning on celebrating this Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17th in traditional style, it will usually involve you and a gang of your friends plus one or two pints of Guinness. Alternatively you might be spending it at home with a traditional meal with the family? Or perhaps you simply want to take the opportunity to get the kids into the swing of things? However you plan on celebrating this year, a commemorative t-shirt is a fun way to add a little something special to the proceedings. Here we look at the different ways you can create your very own Saint Patrick’s Day t-shirts. Whatever your level of skill – or amount of time to spare – there’s no excuse for not getting involved this year!


  1. For beginners
The simplest way to create your own Saint Patty’s Day clobber is to use a downloadable stencil. You’ll need clip-art, a basic white tee – it’s a good idea to buy it a size larger and wash it before you begin to avoid shrinkage – some fabric paint, a fabric marker pen, cardboard and your home ink jet printer. All you have to do is print your template and cut it out, place the card inside your t-shirt to avoid paint going through, and trace the outline of your design onto the fabric using the marker pen. Fill in the outline using fabric paint and leave to dry overnight – child’s play!

  1. Stencils

If you’re feeling a little more ambitious you could try using a stencilling technique. Either download a template or create your own using Adobe Photoshop, depending on how your creative skills stand. It’s a good idea to get yourself some acetate photo paper for printing, as this creates a strong base for your stencil, prevents buckling and makes it much easier to use. Depending on the complexity of your design, it might also be a good idea to use a craft knife to cut your stencil out. Simply use sticky tape to attach the stencil to your tee and apply the fabric paint using a roller. Don’t forget to put a sheet of thick card inside your t-shirt to prevent paint seepage. Leave to dry overnight – or speed up the process using your hairdryer. Once your handiwork is dry, carefully remove the stencil and iron through a sheet of baking paper to seal. 

  1. Iron-on transfers

Iron-on transfers are really easy to get the hang of and provide professional results with the minimum of fuss. All you’ll need an ink jet compatible printer, an iron and a pre-bought set of transfers to get started. Once you’ve selected your artwork print a preview onto standard cartridge paper. If you’re happy with the results you can proceed to printing the design onto an HP iron-on transfer – it’s a good idea to print two and do a test garment first. Cut out your transfer, leaving a small border and turn your iron to its highest setting (be sure to switch off the steam). Use a low flat surface to iron on your transfer, applying as much pressure as possible, and then gently peel away the paper backing. 

  1. Embroidery
If you’re good with the needle and thread, why not use embroidery to fill in your design instead of fabric paints? It adds a classic and sophisticated edge to your home printed tees. 



  1. Embellishment

Alternatively, if sewing really isn’t your cup of tea you could add fashionable embellishments to your printed t-shirt. Bring a touch of bling to your Saint Patty’s Day tee with sequins, beads or diamante details – as can be seen in this feminine example.




Author Bio: This post was written by Clickinks.com, an online distributor of printer ink and toner cartridges. Clickinks carries a wide range of products for the top printer brands on the market, such as Canon ink cartridges, like the Canon Selphy CP740, Epson printer ink, or any other brand!

A Disney Day with Maddie B's Boutique


If you have a little girl who loves princesses you have to visit Maddie B's Boutique! These bows are so beautiful and exactly what every little princess needs. I look at these bows and I see the time and precision put into each one. It's obvious that each bow was made with talent and love.



While my daughter was beyond thrilled to see two of her favorite princesses, Belle and Rapunzel, on beautiful bows... you can find princesses and so much more at Maddie B's Boutique. From holidays, to characters, to sports teams... With over 150 items listed you are sure to find something (or in my case "things") you love.

With prices that are great, variety that's amazing, and having a product made the way you want it (different clips for different needs and custom orders are welcome!) this is a great shop to visit. I love that the Rapunzel bows are the perfect size to be worn in pigtails but can also be used alone with a pony.

Be sure to check out the awesome selection at Maddie B's Boutique. And head on over to Facebook, give them a "like" and let them know that Momma Drama sent you!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

A Disney Day with CareFree Tees


When I came across CareFree Tees on Etsy I was amazed at the selection offered. From Dr. Seuss to Sesame Street to Disney, there is something special for every boy or girl. I of course was drawn to the Disney shirts and had a tough time settling on a design. Winnie the Pooh, Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear? So many of my daughter's favorite characters. But I decided to go with the Princess Belle design.


The shirts looked awesome on the computer. They looked bright and fun and I adored the personalization factor. But this short blew me away upon arrival. The image and the text were bright and crystal clear. The shirt was incredibly well done and I could not have asked for more. And the prices on these shirts are very reasonable at about $13.95 each.


My daughter was thrilled to wear this special shirt in Disney World. Lots of cast members commented on her cute shirt and everyone was calling her "princess Leah." Since being home we have washed the shirt twice and it still looks brand new. This is a clear favorite!

I highly recommend you check out CareFree Tees and find an adorable shirt for your little one. The quality and price are unbeatable! You can also check them out on facebook to keep up to date on what they offer. Stop by and tell them Momma Drama sent you!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

A Disney Day with My Lucky Hair Bow

One of the major perks of having a little girl is being able to dive into all things girlie. And with that comes hair bows! Yay! If you are on the hunt for beautiful hair bows then My Lucky Hair Bow is a great place to look. With over 200 items listed you are sure to find something perfect for your little girl.


For this event I was lucky enough to get to check out the bows pictured above. My daughter doesn't have too much hair, so I really like to pull one side back with a simple but adorable bow. These bows are perfect to add a sweet touch without overpowering her hair.


These bows are very well made. I love that I was sent a red and a pink bow. This way they go with a variety of outfits. Disney bows are so much fun and these really add to any outfit!

I would definitely recommend you check out My Lucky Hair Bow to see the great variety of products. From clips to boutique bows... you can find everything in one spot!

Monday, March 12, 2012

A Day in Disney!

On Leap Day my family arrived in Disney World. We were there for the 24 hour One More Day celebration! It was the most magical vacation I had ever been on. As a child we visited Disney World often and were true Disney fanatics. We always had a great time as a family. But this vacation took my love for Disney to a whole new level.

For the first time ever I was able to witness the magic through my daughter's young eyes. I saw her dance on Main Street with Jessie. I watched her face light up when Cinderella walked in to greet her at the castle. And I saw the excitement in her eyes as she experienced a new ride. We are still living on the high from the trip by looking back at our photos and talking about all the fun things we did!

To share my excitement with you I am so excited to begin this wonderful event, A Day in Disney. This event will introduce you to some fabulous Etsy shops that offer super cute and super fun Disney items. All of these items went to Disney World with my daughter and were used in the parks. But whether you are planning a trip or just have a favorite character... you will love what you see.

Each seller that I worked with was friendly, helpful, and willing to bend over backwards to create something special for my daughter. This was a wonderful experience all around! I hope that you will help me show appreciation for their work and talents by commenting on their reviews, visiting their Etsy shops, and "liking" them on Facebook.

I hope you enjoy this event!
Lara

Sunday, March 11, 2012

The Fall by Chana Keefer


The Rapha Chronicles 
This story has been told-but never like this.

No, Rapha would not strike with physical force this day. But he could not resist goading his enemy just once. Looking up, he fixed the peace of Adonai on Lucifer like a laser, held that malicious gaze for one eternal second-and smiled. A flicker of uncertainty stirred in Lucifer's eyes.

Rapha opened a single thought to Lucifer as he disappeared with the creature still cradled to his breast:
You always did hate secrets.
 

Rapha, a powerful angel, had seen it all in his countless years of service. at least he thought he had. Then he met Adam.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Red and Yellow's Noisy Night - Book Review


Red and Yellow live together in an olive tree but the two are as different as can be. Lively and energetic Red likes to play his strummy long and loud while sweetly docile Yellow wants to curl up with a pillow and sleep. Together the two very different friends must find a way to get along. Will they succeed?


This was the perfect bed time story to share with my little girl. We curled up one evening and red the tale of two very different critters trying to get along. These two seem to be quite the opposites. We had a lot of fun talking about the two different personalities and trying to figure out what they could do to make things work for both of them.

This book has so many important lessons in one beautiful story. Red and Yellow teach children that it's ok to be different, but that you need to respect each other's differences. They also teach lessons about learning to get along in even the most difficult situations. And in the end accepting each other for who you are can be fun!

This adorable book is based on an animated TV series that currently airs on over 100 channels around the world and is a part of Little Light Foundation, a non-profit public charity whose goal is to create original media that will help children around the world learn about conflict resolution and mutual respect. “The Olive Branch” was inspired by creator Josh Selig’s experiences working in children’s television with Israelis and Palestinians in Jerusalem and is the foundation’s first creative endeavor.


Disney for Little Kids

Leading up to this trip I was a little nervous that I jumped the gun. My daughter loves Disney everything. She watches the movies, knows all their names, and adores the princesses. But would be too scared to ride the rides? Would she run screaming from all the over sized characters? Would she melt down because she didn't get her afternoon nap? Was I planning a vacation or 6 days of torture?

With all those things in the back of my head I decided I needed to just take the vacation as it was. I didn't do too much planning so that I could be flexible and go on her schedule. I booked a few sit down meals so we could do the character meals. But I made sure to only book one a day so the rest of the day could go however we needed it to. I had a list of what I definitely wanted to do with her, a list of maybe's, and a list of definitely not's. And off we went.

We booked two character meals... The Crystal Palace for dinner and Cinderella's Royal Table for breakfast. If you have a little girl who loves princesses you HAVE to do the Royal Table. It was the most magical part of our trip. Cinderella greeted us downstairs and my daughter's face lit up. She was thrilled to meet her, Belle, Ariel, Snow White, and Aurora. Each princess spends a nice amount of time with your little one. The food was very good and the setting was amazing. You truly felt like you were dining in a castle. Be sure to have a reservation well in advance!

The Crystal Palace was also a lot of fun. Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, and Piglet made the rounds as we dined on a buffet of American style food. Every once in awhile they stop and do a parade. The kids adore it and you're in the Magic Kingdom, so it's very convenient.

We also had dinner at The Cape May Cafe. For breakfast they have characters, but at dinner they have a seafood buffet that is incredible! All the clams you could eat, mussles, pasta, chicken, steak, chicken nuggets... tons and tons of food with a great variety. This was may favorite in terms of food.

And did you know you can get your haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street? They do something extra special for first haircuts, so we signed my daughter up. It was a lot of fun! They do take reservations so call ahead.


We read a lot about what rides to avoid with a 2 year old. Snow White, Pirates, the Haunted Mansion, the ride at Norway were all on the "skip" list. Well, we did them all except Haunted Mansion and Pirates was my daughter's favorite! Every kid is different so you won't know how they will react until you try. Do some easy rides first... like Peter Pan, It's a Small World, and Winnie the Pooh. Then try something a little scarier so they don't think all rides are scary.

Napping was a challenge. She didn't nap at all the first day. Who would with all that excitement!?! But the following days she did sleep for short times in the stroller. It may be worth it to go back to your hotel for a nap if your child depends on one to get them through the day.

Overall this was an incredible trip! I didn't feel she was too young at all. She ran to characters with arms wide open, loved going on rides, and was a trooper on long days. I think it will be a different experience each time that we go.. but I can't wait to go back!!