Birthday Bash - Century Novelty Review

When I started to plan my daughter's "Tea for Two" birthday party I knew I wanted to do something special. I wanted to make or create something that we could hold onto. The first thing that came to mind was carrying on a tradition from her first birthday. Last year I painted flower pots that said "Fun to Be One" and had them on every table. They were unique, special, and we still have a couple on our windowsill. We were also able to give one to each of the grandmas, which they loved! So how could I recreate something like that without doing the exact same thing?

While on my search I came across Century Novelty and they had the perfect item! They offered a set of Design Your Own Tea Cup Planters. Wow! This is exactly what I wanted. The set comes with 6 tea cups and 6 saucers. I planned it all out so that each cup would be a little different, but all the cups would be painted in the colors of her party... pink and purple.

My mom and I decided to tackle this project together, which was so much fun. Century Novelty also sent me some small butterflies that we attached to the handles of the tea cups to bring the butterfly theme into it. I think they look perfect!

Century Novelty talked to me about my party plans and picked up on what would add to my theme. They kindly sent me a whole bunch of decorative butterflies that I will hang throughout the yard to create the feeling of being in a butterfly garden.

There were several things about Century Novelty that really impressed me. The first being their wide selection of items. Any kind of party you can imagine, Century Novelty has the decorations and favors! Another was the great customer service. They asked questions and helped me find just what I needed. And finally, their shipping was quick and everything came in great condition.

I would definitely recommend you check out Century Novelty for your party planning needs.

Birthday Bash - CafePress Review

I am always looking for clothing that is unique. I love things that are personalized, but I also really like when I can find something that just fits my daughter's personality. You know, that shirt that you look at or read and just go, "oh that is so you!" CafePress is a great place to find both of those things in clothing. They offer unique and personalized t-shirts for kids and adults.

CafePress's selection is huge! You can find something perfect for everyone you know. You can get personalized gifts or make your own custom t-shirts. They have everything from television or movie inspired shirts, to shirts for different causes and awareness needs. And they have a great section for family shirts. Shirts for big brothers, big sisters, super moms, great dads... everybody... even grandparents, aunts, and uncles. This is the section I went to when picking out a shirt for my daughter and myself.

Since my daughter is turning 2 I found the perfect shirt. It's kind of been a joke around my house the last few months that she has hit her terrible two's early. Really, it hasn't been too bad, but she gets frustrated easily and wants things her way. She is not a fan of the word "no" and has been spotted throwing herself on the floor in a tantrum Yikes! And then three seconds later it's like nothing ever happened and she's all smiley. So when I saw the shirt "Two's aren't terrible. I'm having a blast!" I knew it would be perfect for her. My husband cracked up the minute I showed it to him and said it was totally her!

For myself, I went with something a little more sentimental. The most important thing in the word to me is being a mom. So I chose a shirt that says, "Happiness is Being a Mommy." So true! I love this shirt and wear it proudly.

I really recommend you check out CafePress and look at their great selection of t-shirts, mugs, stickers, banners, and more! I am sure you won't be disappointed with the selection, quality, or prices.

Birthday Bash - Pear Tree Greetings Review and Giveaway

Pear Tree Greetings is the place to go for all your stationary needs! I was introduced to this company about a year ago when I won a giveaway that was being offered by this company. I was so excited to order a few things with my gift certificate when I realized just how much I could get! Their prices are incredible and I was able to get personalized stationary, return address labels, and gift tags with my daughter's photo on them. It was incredible.

But what was even more exciting was when the products arrived and I saw the quality. For the price I wasn't expecting too much, but was totally blown away. The cards are on thick card stock and the personalization was clear and perfect. The gift tags were incredibly clear considering the size of the picture! People were blown away when they looked at their gift and saw a gift tag that was personalized with a photo.

I have been spreading the word about Pear Tree Greetings because it's a company I believe in. They are always offering giveaways, contests, and discount codes. They have everything from invitations to save the date cards to birth announcements. There was no question that this was where we would turn for our daughter's 2nd birthday invitations.

Since they have such a wide variety of themes, I knew they would have something great for my little princess. We decided to have a "Tea for Two" party and I was beyond thrilled when I found these Tea Time invitations.

The website walks you through your personalization process. It's easy and quick. I love the design, layout, colors, and images. It was truly a perfect fit. When the invitations arrived I was thrilled. They are thick and impressive looking and feeling. They are the perfect way to kick off this party! I even ordered the matching return address labels and am thinking about getting the matching thank you notes!

Use code - BDAYBASH15 for 15% off a $25 or more order for kids’ birthday products; including invitations, address labels, thank you cards and gift tags


GIVEAWAY: One Lucky Reader will win a set of up to 16 Personalized Kids Birthday Invitations from Pear Tree Greetings.
 
HOW TO ENTER: Leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to leave your e-mail address!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell me which invitations are your favorite from Pear Tree Greetings!

EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Enter another one of my current giveaways(1 entry per giveaway)
2. Follow my blog 
3. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (1 entry per tweet - 1 tweet per day)
4. Fan me on Facebook 
5. Grab my button and tell me where it is (3 entries)
6. Subscribe to my blog via e-mail

This giveaway is open to US and Canada.
This giveaway ends on May 23, 2011 at 5:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified by e-mail. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Good Luck!

Winners!

Random.org has chosen our winners for the Katie Crafts and ProFlowers Giveaways!!

Katie Crafts - #46 Lesli

ProFlowers - #169 Kolpin

Congratulations to our winners! E-mail notifications have been sent. The winners will have 48 hours to respond or we will have to choose another winner.

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Birthday Bash - Vera Bradley Review

When we found out we were pregnant the first thing I said to my husband was that I wanted a trendy, cool diaper bag. So upon the birth of our daughter my husband surprised me with a beautiful Vera Bradley diaper bag  in Raspberry Fizz.

At the time I had a couple of Vera Bradley bags and my husband knew that I really liked them. But since then my collection has exploded! He is well aware that a new bag is a safe bet for any holiday or special occasion! And since they come out with so many new patterns and colors, there is always a new favorite on my wish list! And with their wide variety of additional items, such as headbands, notepads, flip flops, and more, your list could go on and on!

This spring Vera Bradley introduced 4 new colors. All were vibrant and just made you think spring! But my favorite was by far the Boysenberry. This purple print was just so me! I love purple and wear it often. So when I was given the opportunity to review this new color I was thrilled!

I received the jewelry box, the tech case, an umbrella, and the Get Carried Away Tote. I was so happy with the items I received. When I travel I tend to go with a lot of jewelry. Too much for a travel jewelry case, but I certainly don't want to lug around my large wooden jewelry box. The jewelry box from Vera Bradley is the perfect size for me to carry several of my favorite necklaces, bracelets, fashion rings, and lots of earrings.

The tech case is perfect for slipping my cell phone into for convenience and protection. I can easily toss it in my bag along with my new Boysenberry umbrella! I am not a fan of the plain black umbrellas that make you blend in with the crowd. I like my fashion to carry through my entire look and just love the bold colors of this umbrella! I stand out in a crowd in the best possible way.

The Get Carried Away Tote is the perfect bag for our weekend get aways. We often visit family on the weekends and I find myself needing more room than my diaper bag will allow. By the time you add snacks, extra clothes, toys, and the necessities I am beyond the normal limit! This bag offers just enough more space to get it all in without becoming too cumbersome to carry.

Vera Bradley has a fantastic selection. As I mentioned before, the colors and collections are fantastic. But some of the other reasons that I love them so much is their selection. You can find the right bag for you with the right handles (I have to be able to put my bag over my shoulder) and the right amount of pockets with the right closure (I need my bag to be able to close with either a zipper or a snap). There is something for everyone in terms of style, taste, and functionality. Add to that the fact that they are high quality and built to last! The material is easy to clean and the bags don't stretch out or loose their shape. I am a huge fan!

Check out all their fabulous colors, collections, and products on their website!

Birthday Bash - Build a Dream Playhouses Review and Giveaway

I had come across Build a Dream Playhouses on another mommy blog not too long ago. I remember looking at her pictures and reading what she wrote and thinking to myself, wow. Some companies really still get it. They get the idea of old fashioned fun. They encourage kids to use their imaginations. They take pride in their products and it shows through what they produce.

Build a Dream Playhouses offers a fantastic variety of eco-friendly cardboard playhouses made right here in the US! They have everything from cars to a castle to a lemonade stand to a rocket ship. There is something for every interest and imagination.

Cardboard boxes were a favorite toy of mine. The bigger the better! I will bring my toys and make it into a house. Or I would sit inside and pretend it was a car or boat. I had hours of fun with something as simple as a box. I know I would have had an absolute blast with the products from Build a Dream Playhouses.

The really cool thing about these playhouses is that they are totally customizable. They come in pieces with simple directions. For older kids this can be the start of their fun by helping you put it together. Since my daughter is little my husband and I took on that task.

In a matter of maybe 15 minutes we had it all put together and looking great! I was very impressed with how well made it is and how sturdy the cardboard is. I think this will last for awhile, even with my rambunctious toddler. And once it's all put together the kids can decorate, color, paint it however they want!

We left ours blank and are going to put out markers and stickers at my daughter's party and let the kids go to town decorating. It's a fun project that they can all work on together and then play with when they are done! This can provide hours of fun and imagination!

GIVEAWAY: One Lucky Reader will win a playhouse of their choice from Build a Dream Playhouses!
 
HOW TO ENTER: Leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to leave your e-mail address!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Build a Dream Playhouses and tell me which design is your favorite!

EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Enter another one of my current giveaways(1 entry per giveaway)
2. Follow my blog 
3. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (1 entry per tweet - 1 tweet per day)
4. Fan me on Facebook 
5. Grab my button and tell me where it is (3 entries)
6. Subscribe to my blog via e-mail
7. Follow Build a Dream Playhouses on Facebook 
8. Follow Build a Dream Playhouses on Twitter 

This giveaway is open to continental US only.
This giveaway ends on May 19, 2011 at 5:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified by e-mail. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Good Luck!

Winner!

Random.org has chosen our winner for the Baby Legs Giveaway!!
#107 GabbyLowe
Congratulations to our winner! An e-mail notification has been sent. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or we will have to choose another winner.

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Birthday Bash - Little One Books Review and Giveaway

Sometimes finding the perfect gift for a child's birthday is tough. Even more so if you don't have little ones that age in your home. As we are all aware, books make great gifts. My daughter loves to look at books and have me read to her. But very often I receive books that are either too young or too old. 


Little One Books gives you a place to turn for information to help guide you in the right direction for your children or a child you are  shopping for. Little One Books offers a great selection of books, DVD's and CD's for children ages birth to 5 that isn't too overwhelming. They have broken everything into appropriate age categories to get you headed down the right path.  But they have taken it a step further and provided a brief section that explains why they have chosen to offer each individual item.  Everything about this site is really well done! It's easy to navigate and full of useful information!

For this event Little One Books sent my daughter a book about her favorite friend.... Dora. Dora's Big  Book of Stories is filled with seven fun and exciting stories. I love that my daughter gets excited to sit down and read this book with me. She's familiar with all the characters and knows all their names, but we aren't sitting in front of the tv. Instead we are sharing a story together, and it's great!


I was impressed with the organization and selection of products from Little One Books. I will definitely be looking to them for more suggestions of great materials for my daughter!


GIVEAWAY: One Lucky Reader will win a $25 Gift Certificate to Little One Books.
 
HOW TO ENTER: Leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to leave your e-mail address!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Little One Books and tell me one item you would love to get!

EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Enter another one of my current giveaways(1 entry per giveaway)
2. Follow my blog 
3. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (1 entry per tweet - 1 tweet per day)
4. Fan me on Facebook 
5. Grab my button and tell me where it is (3 entries)
6. Subscribe to my blog via e-mail
7. Follow Little One Books on Facebook 
8. Follow Little One Books on Twitter 

This giveaway is open world wide.
This giveaway ends on May 18, 2011 at 5:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified by e-mail. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Good Luck!

Birthday Bash - Ecomom Review and Giveaway

Ecomom has made a place for itself in my house. They are one of my all time favorite companies for several reasons. I love that they take the time to select high quality, safe products for their site. This takes the guess work out for moms. I know I spend so much time researching this, that, and the other thing when it comes to my daughter. I love that I can go to Ecomom and trust that they are putting that work in for me and I don't have to give it another thought. I also love, love, love their customer service. Never have I seen a company respond faster or work harder to make their customers happy. And a third reason is how much they care what we (moms and dads) think. They are always asking for feedback, suggestions, comments on the products they carry, the services they offer, and how we feel with the overall experience of working with them.

For all of those reasons, and more, I have featured them on my blog several times and am thrilled to continue that relationship with them. I love sharing different products they offer with my readers! So here is the latest item I would like to show you.


For little miss's 2nd birthday we decided to get her a play kitchen. And we wanted to stock it with all kinds of fun play foods. It's pretty easy to find baking sets, cakes, cookies, ice cream, and that all kind of stuff. But we wanted to have a representation of healthy foods as well. Ecomom carries the Melissa and Doug Food Groups Set which is exactly what I was looking for. 

This set comes with 4 wooden boxes for sorting the foods into groups of fruits and vegetables, dairy, meats and fish, and grains. I feel like having this set in my daughter's kitchen will provide a good influence about food. Of course she will have cookies and cakes and things like that as well, but I feel it's important for her to play with and recognize healthy foods. Plus, it gives us the opportunity to talk about the food groups and practice sorting them.

Ecomom offers a wide variety of toys, books, organic foods and snacks for babies, toddlers and kids. They also carry eco-friendly products for the home, bath, and more. You can check out their entire selection on their website. And shipping is FREE on orders over $50!

You can also join their newsletter and follow them on facebook and twitter to keep up with all their sales, deals, giveaways and more! You can also check out their amazing discounts with their Daily Deals.


GIVEAWAY: One Lucky Reader will win a $20 Gift Certificate to Ecomom!
 
HOW TO ENTER: Leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to leave your e-mail address!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Ecomom and tell me something you would love to get!

EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Follow my blog
2. Follow me on Twitter (1 entry) and tweet (1 entry per tweet - one tweet per day)
3. Enter another one of my current giveaways (a list can be found top right - 1 extra entry for each one you enter!)
4. Fan me on Facebook 
5. Subscribe to Ecomom's Newsletter 
6. Follow EcoMom on twitter 
7. Follow EcoMom on Facebook 
8. Grab my button and tell me where it is (3 entries)
9. Comment on a nongiveaway Birthday Bash post

This giveaway is open to US and Canada.
*Winner cannot have won a prize from Ecomom in the last 45 days.
This giveaway ends on May 17, 2011 at 5:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified by e-mail. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Good Luck!