Because I Said So!!! Mom Knows Best!

Rowan is now a bath nut! Love, love, loves
them! It is all I can do not to drag her little butt out
every night kicking and screaming. She has a blast sitting
in there playing with her little toys and the dog is right
there with her. But the dog is not the only animal watching
my little angel take her bath, she also has a ducky and
a couple of Squirting Whatzits and now her Narwhal that
floats around on his own little Iceberg. She Adores it
and I love the fact it doubles as a sponge and not only
keeps her company it gets her all shiny and clean.
Her Narwhal was part of a gift set we had the chance
to review from Perennial Toys.
Perennial Toys is this awesome little store that is
dedicated to the education of our children and their main
desire to educate them on the Habitats of animals that
are not going to be around much longer if we do not take
action now. The best way to save an endangered species
is to teach our children why they are important and what
we can do as a civilization to help preserve and protect
their informants now. Perennial's main focus is on aquatic
habitats and to help save them they have created a whole
line of Eco-friendly toys and gifts where a portion of
Perennial's proceeds goes into supporting wildlife conservation
efforts. I can't think of a better way to accomplish a bunch
of tasks in one swoop. Teach your child and entertain them
and keep them happy and clean and feel good about helping
a just cause in the process. Talk about a sweeping gesture!
Perennial has books and gift sets to help the cause
and not only are they really reasonably priced they have
some fantastic products. The starter set Rowan received for
review came with the Narwhal that doubles as a sponge
and works like a charm and the floating Iceberg, a flexible
magnet and also a mini Coloring book. Everything I just listed
for under ten bucks and I can't express enough how good
of a deal that is. The starter set comes in the Narwhal
and a Polar Bear and also a King Eider. Other products
they have are the Full Gift sets and Pails that are more
then adorable and there is also the make your own set,
where you can pick and choose and create a set for any
situation. The web site itself is not only informative but
fun and has some coloring pages and links to loads of
resources and events and some pretty great contests that
are going on. If you are looking for a way to help save
some Animals that are in dire need or just save yourself
some headaches at bath time with a Sponge that JR won't
mind using to get clean, go on over and check out
Perennial Toys for a great solution to both of those
situations! Rowan has been swimming with a smile and
a whale ever since we did!

Perennial Toys!

I have had the best time creating Rowans
room. The painting and the trim and the
wall art and details such as framed pictures and
pillows and curtains and everything else it takes
to turn a boring old room into a Princess Paradise.
The blankets and sheets and even decorating the
dresser and what Nick knacks she needs has to be
just so to give it that perfect vibe. I was almost
there. All I needed was some framed photos and art
for her walls to give her room the finishing touch.
I have been waiting for the perfect picture so I
could get it turned into a painting at photo Fiddle
for I so love that places but knew there must be
other sites on-line that offered unique one of a kind
items to add a personal touch. I know I am the
one decorating Rowans room for she is too small but
I wanted to let it reflect her in as many ways as
possible. Then I came across a site called London
Bridge Children. These guys are the bomb! They
have the most adorable selection of paintings that
they make to fit your child.
London Bridge Children has a selection of wall
art that features little girls and little boys in
a variety of situations they can normally be found
in. From Baseball to playing dress up or just hanging
out. Each painting is very careful not to show the
face of the child and for a good reason. When you order
one of the pieces they will put your child's name onto
the painting. For the little boy or girl playing baseball
your child's name can be found on the team shirt, for
dress up on the purse she is carrying. Each piece if
adorable and would look perfect on its own but the
personalization is what gives the art an extra ump and
makes it pop! I was sent a picture of a little girl in
a ruffled booty sitting next to a bag that her name was
put on and I think it is the most adorable item ever. Even
more so since Rowan has some ruffled booty pants and
a travel bag close to the same size as the bag in the
photo that does have her name on it. There is not a doubt
in my mind that Rowan is going to tell everyone she knows
that the picture is of her and why not? It is so cute
I like to think it is as cute as her so it is her! They
have a great selection of girls and boys paintings and
if Rowan ends up being the tomboy I was I know I will
have to be back soon for they have the most darling little
tomboy picture with pigtails and a fishing pole. I spent
more time fishing and swimming when I was little then
anything else so I like to giggle and say that photo was
painted just for me. I am sure my mother would agree for
she knows just how much of a tomboy I was. There was not
a tree on the block I didn't climb and as a little girl every time
I was mad at my grandparents I would scurry up the big old
tree in our back yard so high it made my Grandmother nervous.
She even went so far as to have my Grandfather cut off the
lowest branches or the tree so I could not get in it. Did
anyway! Back to the word from our sponsor here, London Bridge
Children has a great selection of boys too as well as art that
could go in a boy or girls room. Have more then one little one
at home or does you child have a couple of friends they have
to be pried apart from? Don't worry, they have you covered
and have paintings with multiple subjects in them as well.
They definitely had the finishing touches I was looking for
and Rowans room is just about complete. All I need now is a
frame for a painting so wonderful.
London Bridge Children has more then just paintings on the
site, they also have a ton of gift ideas, Bedding and decor'
like crazy. They just got in hand stamped jewelry and we all
know what a hit those can be and they also have items for Mom
for she deserves a break after spending so much time with that
little bouncing bundle of energy. I am assuming your kids are
as crazy as Rowan can be and if they are not want to trade?
On the site I found a little lids hat that is too cute and
i have never seen something like that before. Same thing with
the sets of Burp Cloths and matching wipe containers. In fact
just about everything on the site is either a hand crafted item
or looks it and they specialize in one of a kind and monogrammed
items and only bring you the best of the best. You have just got
to check out the book holders and the growth charts for it is
just like I told you, that hand made detail and appeal. Everything
I saw was not only gorgeous it was and item I have not seen it
all over the place. Most children's stores I have been too are filled
with the same old items over and over again. As cute as their
products are I can only take so much Melissa and Doug and I
was craving items that were fresh and sometimes to get the fresh
feel you have to start back at scratch with items that have that
hand made charming appeal and London Bridge Children was just what
I had in mind. They are a perfect gift destination and when you
get a gift from them you can be sure you are not buying your child,
friend or relative a gift that ten other people are getting as well.
I for one plan on grabbing a book holder as soon as possible for
they are just too cute and Rowan already has a large collection
and they are starting to end up all over the house.
London Bridge Children is offing a print for one of my readers
as well. One reader will win a 11x14 print of their choice and to enter
just head over to the site and take a look around then come back here
and post what you liked best or your favorite item from the store.
The contest will start tonight and run to Midnight on April 22nd.
USA and 18 and older can enter daily and the winner
will be contacted by email and have 72 hours to
contact me with their mailing information. As always
you can earn a bonus entry by entering the contest of
the day every day and then posting that you did here
and other ways to enter are posted below.


London Bridge Children




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Jimmenie Crickets does Andrew loose money. I swear
that unless you staple it to his forehead it is gone like
the wind. It doesn't matter if you give him a dollar or
a hundred dollars he will loose it just the same. And
Fast too! I bought him wallet after wallet but they are so
clunky they are either too much of a hassle for him to
put in his pocket or they work themselves out for he
can only fit it in his back pocket and pockets now a days
are cut smaller and they just sort of "Pop" out with all
the getting up and down he does in school. I have also
just let him carry it in his pocket but he forgets it is even
in there and it ends up getting washed and sometimes it
makes it, sometimes it doesn't. Now the boy has to
have something for let me tell you he is bad, bad badddddd
with money. Last Summer, now mind you he was 15 at
the time, we went to the corner ice cream store. It is two
blocks away and we go all the time and walk the dog for
it is the perfect walk distance and hey, who doesn't want an
ice cream. Well I don't carry my purse and I know better then
to give it to him so I had the money but when we get there
we can't take the dog in. He holds her, I run in and see what
I want. I come out and take the dog and tell him what I want
and I gave him a 20 dollar bill. From where we are standing to
the counter, 15 -20 feet max and there were maybe three people
in line ahead of him. He goes in and stands there. One person
leaves with their goodies, then another, the third is helping their
kids get a grip on their ice creams and Andrew walks to the
order spot then I see him freaking out and he walks out to
me.
"I lost the money."
"What?"
"I lost the money."
"Andrew, how could you loose money in 20 feet?"
"I don't know, it's just gone."
Okay, I lost it a little. I was in the middle of a riot act
and the woman with the children came walking out and quickly
looked down. I knew she must have picked it up for she would
not even look at me and though I was angry with Andrew nobody
would call it abusive so it wasn't like she felt bad for him. She
was trying to scramble to get her three kids in their seats and I
was telling Andrew I guess we are not getting ice cream then for
I do not have my purse and I am afraid if we walk home and get
more money he will just loose it again and besides I just don't have
20 dollars to throw away every time he is irresponsible. Well I
guess her conscious got the best of her for when she was walking
back in front of her car to get in the drivers side she stopped and
said she thinks she might have his money. She wasn't sure, it
could have been there all day for all she knew but did have money
she found in the store and could we tell her what denomination the
bill was. Andrew quickly told her it was a twenty and she reluctantly
handed it over and then climbed in her car and drove off. I was
kind of stunned for I was not sure who I should be upset with,
Andrew for once again loosing money or this lady who had to have
seen him drop it and instead of doing the right thing she was just
going to keep it and if I had not had a mild temper tantrum there
was not a doubt in my mind she would not have given it back at
all. Well, anyways, the point is that is just how fast that boy can
loose money. So when I got a chance to do some product reviews
for a group of companies and one of them was a money clip from
clip-money.com I knew just who to give it too.

I admit I was afraid at first. If Andrew looses money the clip is
not much bigger, would he loose that too? Is he the best person to
do the product review for John really wanted it too! When his band
plays out he can not carry his wallet and he needs money and
has been just cramming it in his pocket and swears it is the biggest
pain in the butt to dig it out and he also looses it in his pocket.
"What is it with guys loosing money in their pockets if it is not
in or attached to anything?" Even more so he hates having to dig
his wallet out in general and about a year ago he started using a
big paper clip as a money clip and was sticking it in my face showing
me the proof that he really needed a money clip. Well after reviewing
the site and checking out other money clips I realized this Titanium
money clip was the best clip I was going to get for my money for
you just could not beat the price on the site and I would end
up buying one for one of the boys anyways and since John is
an adult and does not loose money nearly as much as Andrew,
or at least he is smart enough not to tell me about it, I decided
to start with Andrew and then just buy one for John. I wanted
to see if this would solve the big problem before moving on with
the little. John stormed out of the room for there is something about
men and the word Titanium that gets them acting all crazy and Juvenile.
I wondered what the big deal about Titanium was so I decided to
look it up as Andrew skipped away with his prize looking like the
cat that ate the canary.
What I found out was Titanium makes for a super good
base to make products out of. It is a metal that is has a fabulous
Strength to weight properties and what that means is it is super strong
and hard to bend or mutilate or destroy. If Andrew left it sitting on
the floor of his room like he does so many things it would still be
sitting there looking as good as ever even after he stepped on it
72 million times unlike his video games and well, just about everything
else he owns and has crushed. It also stands up to different temperatures.
It is not going to melt or get cold and crack and if you leave it in
a sweltering car it wont loose its shape like something plastic would
or even get soft like gold. The other part that I really like, and
I mean really really really liked is that is has a high corrosive value.
That means that most chemicals would be like water rolling off a rock.
Andrew can wash it over and over and it won't be ruined, he
can drop it in just about anything and it can be cleaned off and
put back into service and still look like new. He had a hunting tool
that had a leather or plastic, can't really remember but it was
the handle and that boy dropped the whole thing in a can of paint
because he was daft enough to use it to try and open the lid.
Okay, knife was covered in paint, he dipped it in some sort of
solvent the boys have for God knows what and the handle melted
and the knife lost its edge. If it were pure Titanium it would have
never done that. So I like it because just about whatever they
will do to it the money clip will still be here. They might be in
the dog house but the clip will still be right as rain! Still, those
are all practical reasons and I can't see men having such an affection
for practical reasons, they are after all men and if it isn't a guy
toy of some sort they just don't get all thrilled. There had to be another
reason so I kept looking. Well, guess what? Titanium because of
all the things I told you about is the metal to have for it is used
in Body parts, Big machine blades and other heavy duty equipment and
computers and other gadgets and even airplanes and spacecraft. Now
I get it. All the stuff men think is cool is made with Titanium. It is
also going to be the metal of the future for they are just hitting the
tip of the iceberg on its practical applications. Ahh, I really get it
now, cutting edge man toys. Duh, of coarse they love it!
So now that I know how did the review go? Well, Andrew
put it through the washer 3 times, moved the old love seat to
his room when I got new furniture and sat the leg down on it
then plopped on the couch. Left it on the stove while he was
cooking and it is still ticking. Not only is it still ticking it looks
just like it did when I took it out of the box. He also has
not lost it or lost any money since he has had it. It fits in
his front pocket perfect and is just heavy enough where he knows
it is there but not too bulky that it bothers him and clips his money
in perfectly in fact so good it made it through the 3 trips to
the washer and DRYER with the money still attached when he pulled it
out. He loved it and I loved the fact that not once in the last
2 weeks did he come up to me and say, " Mom, I can't find
that 5 dollars you gave me for lunch, can I have some more?"
My only complaint is that he is so happy with it he lost track of
his wallet all together and that has his ID in it and now I have
to pay for a new ID. Well, that complaint and the fact that
every day when I inquired how the clip is working for the
review he smiles and goes on and on about how much he loves
it and Johns glare gets more and more angry. Ah, I have to get
off my duff and order his before there is an all out war between those
two over a money clip and I end up paying for a Titanium knee
replacement.
The Money clip from Clip-money.com also looks great.
Any guy would be more then happy to carry it around, even if
you didn't tell them it was made with Titanium. It is sleek and slim
and simple with no garish designs that will turn them off and the
only decor' on it is the word Titanium written neatly at the top
and that's a big plus for the guys. They are also available regular
or with a Carbiner attached so the guys can hook it to a belt or
a key-chain and everything is so reasonably priced. Seriously, when
I heard they were made with Titanium I was thinking ut oh, here
is a small fortune and that is so not the case. You guys will be
shocked too! So my final thoughts on the Money Clip from
clip-money.com is that it is stylish, perfect for a guy, fantastically
useful and effective and will last forever and affordable and they
not only stood up to my son they saved his little butt for if
he lost money one more time he might be the one fertilizing
my garden this summer. Really folks, it is a great deal on
a great product and makes an even better gift, I just can't be
any more clear then that!


Clip-money.com is also going to give one of my
readers a money clip too. You don't even have to give it
to your teenage son though they will love you if you do!
To enter just head over to the site and take a look around
then come back here and post what you liked best in a
comment. The contest will start tonight and run to midnight
on April 19th.
USA and 18 and older can enter daily and the winner
will be contacted by email and have 72 hours to
contact me with their mailing information. As always
you can earn a bonus entry by entering the contest of
the day and other ways to enter are posted below.


Clip-Money.com




Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.


1. Become a follower of my blog or Twitter
and post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.


2. Enter any of my other contests. 1 entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.


3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.


4. Blog about this contest somewhere else
and post the link here. 5 Entries Please
post five times.


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please post five times.


Hey there, while you are here don't forget to enter
my Mommy Tool Box and Port a Pong Contests!

I know I have been speaking about craftsmen and artisans
a lot lately. I can't help it for I see some of the work
these extremely talented people do and just have to share.
When people talk about products being made in the U.S.A
they always forget about these kinds of products and
these are the items that really separate our citizens
from other citizens. I don't just mean craftsmen and Artisans
from the US either, I mean from everywhere in the World. A locally
made item reflects the culture around them and I like to think
of it as product Olympics. Instead of Bob down the block showing
the World how fast he can run or Betty how high she can jump
they are showing you how creative they are in a design of a
quilt or a Coffee Table. I don't know about you guys but when
I see an item that was hand made I am proud the person who made
it is a member of my neighborhood for it reflects the best of
us and the skills our neighbors and friends have. When I buy wind
chimes from a craft show at the local Church the first thing out
of my mouth when someone asks about it is that it was made by
a local person. It makes me proud to be a member of our community
and when I find stores that feature craftsmen that honor old fashion
skills and make items by hand I am proud to shop there for I know
that tradition and quality have not gone down the Assembly line
with Edsel Ford or worse yet, outsourced to another country. I
can still buy it right down the block. When I go on vacations I
seldom hit the tourists stores and instead look for the road
side stands or craft fairs where I can buy an item that truly
reflects the people in that region not just a T-shirt, made in
Taiwan with a Florida Stamp on it. Give me the Sea Shell Necklace
that the lady picked the shells herself and strung in a specific manor
to the wee hours of the night. I want Maple Syrup from Vermont and
Pecans from Georgia. Florida is Oranges and not Coffee Mugs
and better yet is picking them yourself. I support hand made
dolls and toys and clothing and that is one of the reasons I
am so fond of Etsy. It breaks my heart that the guy who hand crafts
a rocking chair that will last several generations can't compete
with the cheap furniture you can pick up at Walmart. If they
only realized that Walmart chair will be gone before their children
outgrow it and the one Gary the Carpenter made will last forever, they
might think twiceabout where they spend their hard earned cash!


I found a store I want to share with you guys for it has that
old world charm, the forgotten quality, that eternal nostalgia
and is created by a man with more talent for his craft then
a whole warehouse of particle board shelf makers at Value Village!
Apply Valley Woodwork's is the name of the store and they dabble in a
little bit of everything as long as it is made out of wood. I
was so impressed with his work I had to contact him and tell him
all about it. When I was young I had a rocking chair, one that was
made just for children, that I loved with all my heart. I passed it
on to Andrew for it was passed on to me from my Mother. I don't know
if it had a history prior to that for I never thought to ask but I
do know had I not suffered a house fire when Andrew was around 5 it
would still be going strong today for it showed no signs of wear and
Andrew was already getting to big for it. It wouldn't have been much
longer before I stored it for his Children and I wish I would have a
little sooner for the only rooms in the house to loose everything were
Andrews room and mine. Had I put it in the basement Rowan would
be rocking away on it today. I have never seen a chair just like that
but because of the love I felt for it I always look at woodworking stores
and privately owned furniture stores. My dream is to someday run across
one and be able to snatch it up for future generations in my family and
though it is not the original it would be an Heirloom to me none the
less. So far I have not came across that style but I have found a lot
of beautiful items and some remarkable products over the years and I
may have walked into a store looking for one thing but I never came
out empty handed. I can't remember just what I was looking for when I
found this next store but once I saw the word "Wood" I knew I had to
check it out for it would be just my luck the one store I didn't look
at would be the store that had just what I was looking for. Now they
did not have my chair but oh, my, the items I found. He offered to
send an item for review and this will be an item that stays in my family
forever too! It is a step stool for Rowan that has her name hand painted
on it and is so superbly crafted I had a hard time telling it was hand
made at all. If it wasn't for the fact you can see the grain in the
wood and swirls from the natural hue of the wood you would swear it was
made from pressed wood for it is just that smooth. A lot of love went into
its making and even more pride for it is completely perfect in its
design. This is something you buy for your child and they pass it on
to theirs and someday a great great great grandchild of yours will be sitting
on it listening to Robo Whatzamabob read them a story while their parents
jet off to Mars for the weekend. This is one of those items in a home that
has history and a story and each person passes down a little more love
with the stool. This is something you daughter asks for five minutes after
she tells you she is going to have your first Grandchild. Something she
explains has to be in the Babies Nursery or the room would just not be
complete. This is a piece of Furniture you build a room around not something
that fills up space. Items like this vibrate with the love of everyone who
sat on them and come with stories and memories all of their own.
Rowans stool is a work of art in my eyes and she already knows it is
hers and though I am not quiet there when it comes to trusting her to sit
on it she has it right next to her in play area 2 ( my room) and it is
her leaning post and where she sets her toys she is busy taking inventory
off and right now she is using it as her own little table and soon I know
I will see her dragging it through the house. Not I am sure she will also
use it to get in a little mischief for hey, if you can't reach the cookie jar
her handy little stool will work great in a pinch but it will also be there
for her when she gets on and off the potty her first time. Or brushes her
teeth at the big girl sink. Or stands next to Mommy and helps to make Holiday
cookies or we cook our first meal together. It will be there with her when
she finds her first hiding spot in the closet or is peaking on the top shelves
of mine looking for a Holiday present with her name on it. She will have it
when we all sit together as a family for a movie or just needs an
extra spot for a friend to sit for her first sleep over. The point is
Apple Valley Woodwork's doesn't make Furniture they make memories
and traditions. Nothing is sitting around waiting to be bought, everything
is made for you. From the time you place your order your piece is
given special attention and detail that reflects in the quality and
is made to last lifetimes. They have the stool that I love so but
you can also get your little Princess a Cradle for her baby that
will stay with her forever. Wooden toys with old fashion charm and
banks that make the perfect gift for any child. Walk over to the
adult side and you will find a Mantle Clock that is so stunning it
took my breath away. We had one in our family forever and I told
you how my Mother and I neglected to fall in love with heirlooms
we should have and made the mistake of giving it away to another
family member. When I saw this one I realized how we never should
have done that for when you own an item like this is becomes a
part of your family's spirit.

Apple Valley Woodwork's has many items you can
personalize and some you can choose the wood or finish or both
and colors to please all. I have always been fond of a natural
finish in my items but as you can see by the Photo of the
Stool they made for Rowan the color and paint gives it a little
girl charm and you know it was made for someone as darling
as she is. Every child has a step stool sometime in their youth
and I am proud Rowans came from a place like Apple Valley
Woodwork's where I know it has the quality to keep up with her
energy and was not only made for her it reflects her personality.
If I had got the stool on my own I would have set her Easter
Basket on it for it would make a darling Easter gift for any little
boy or girl. If you are looking for an item for your own children,
your grandchildren or just a friends or even for something for
yourself, you can not go wrong with a one of kind, gorgeous
item from Apple Valley Woodwork's! I know I will treasure it
forever. I have so fallen in Love with a Rocking Burro the have
on the site and know I have got to get something like that for
Rowan for her Birthday. The only complaint I have is I already
know I will have to listen to a three hour very convincing story
on how the stool would not only look better, but would be safer
at my Mothers house and how she should hold onto it to Rowan
is older and can appreciate it. Now I know as she reads this she
will deny it but she is more like my Grandmother then she knows
and hey, Mom, if it doesn't go perfect here I have no problem painting
for a stool like this makes the room not the other way around!
HAH!


Apple Valley Woodwork's was super great to work with and truly
have as much heart as they do skill at their craft. They have offered
to give one of my readers a stool like Rowan received personalized for
their own child. To enter just head over to their site and take a look
around then come back and tell me what item you would love the most
and who you would give the stool too! The contest will start tonight
and run to Midnight on April 16th.
USA and 18 and older can enter daily and the winner
will be contacted by email and have 72 hours to
contact me with their mailing information. As always
you can earn a bonus entry by entering the contest of
the day and other ways to enter are posted below.


Apple Valley Woodworks




Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.


1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.


2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.


3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.


4. Blog about this contest somewhere else
and post the link here. 5 Entries Please
post five times.


5. Tweet about this contest elsewhere. 5 entries
please post five times.


Hey there, while you are here don't forget to enter
my Mommy Tool Box and Port a Pong Contests!

Valentines Day is here and gone and
you would think Jewelry Stores are closing the
lids on their boxes to Sweetest day but you would
be wrong. Jewelry is one of those items that makes
a perfect gift for every Holiday and I find I just
can't get enough of it. I think it is in a Women's
Genes though I know a lot of guys who wear it as well.
Some who shouldn't. Easter is right around the bend
and behind that the Mother of all Holidays, Yes, you
guessed it, Mother's Day. One of the largest days of
the year for Jewelry and Flowers! Mom's are also one
of the hardest people to shop for and I know I am
speaking of my own demographic group here. Mom's have
a habit of skirting the subject when you ask them what
we want with whatever you get will be fine. I have said
it, my Mother has said it, My Grandmother has said it
and I am pretty sure every Mom through the history
of the world has said something similar over the
coarse of their lives. It is not that there isn't;t
anything we want, there is, we just can't help but
to utter those words for two reasons.
1. We don't really want to be a bother
2. We spend the rest of the year making sure
our kids and Husband get what they need,
they want. We take care of friends and family's
birthdays and parties and always handle any gift
event, cards and thank yous. We do not hide what
we like and it is not our fault our family does
not pay attention but on Mothers Day or our Birthday
or any event made just for us we don't want to feel
as if we have to tell you what to buy, we think you
should know. We keep track of every detail in all
your lives and feel as if you can at least pay attention
to one small thing that makes us happy without us writing
it down for you.
Now we don't expect small children to run to Macy's and
grab our favorite scent. Grade School kids to save their
allowance for a certain charm or chain we have had our eye
on. Hand made gifts are fine for we really do love them but
if Dad or grown children are taking the retail road we at
least expect something we would want. A Cordless Drill?
Ah, No! A work out video you got free with a full tank
fill up at the Grocery Store? Please Dad, if you admire
you anatomy you will not drive down that street! We want
something that says Mom I know you work hard and give us
things before you ever think of yourself, I know you often
go without so we can have and here is this-FILL IN THE BLANK-
for you really deserve it. And for those of you people out
there who can not fill in the blank, first go take a time
out. Sit in the corner and think about why you have been
so self focused and absorbed you do not know what it takes
to make your Mom or Wife happy. Then spend whatever time
you have left fixing it!

If you are truly stuck and really don't have any clue,
I will give you are couple of hints. The first one is
Jewelry, you just can't go wrong for there are so many
different styles in the fashion world and styles always
evolve so any item from the Jewelry counter will be cared
for because Mom never knows when that will be " just the
thing" she is missing from her outfit. The other thing
you can't go wrong with is anything that celebrates something
important in Mom's life. A Picture, a Statue, a Book or
even a musical piece that lets her honor or remember an
important event in her life. Something like that let's Mom
know not only do you pay attention to what is important to
her and remember these things you care about them too and
want to share that with her. Now if you can celebrate a special
time in her life AND do it with Jewelry, you may have struck
Gold, sometimes even literally. That's why through the ages
lockets and Cameos and Mothers Jewelry has been so big and
has stood the test of time. It really means something to us.
For the next review I found a place that does just that
and can make any Mom smile!  3 Hip Chicks allows
you to start from scratch and make Mom a Hand Stamped
necklace that is made only for her, inspired by her and all about
her every step of the way. You Start with the Chain and choose
the metal and length then add charms and messages that are special
to her. You pick the design, the font and the words, so it comes just
from you and even little extras such as charms or beads or
Birthstones and stamped pictures and dates. Have your children
or pets names or the date you were married or met stamped and
turned into a necklace or bracelet she will remember forever.
3 Hip Chicks has items for every occasion because you personalize
them just for the event. For review I was sent a necklace that
had Andrew and Rowan stamped on two charms. It was perfect, hand
stamped, Hand Polished and an item that was made to order so it
would always be something that is one of a kind. You can order
one with your kids names on it or pets or maybe just a few key
dates that are important to your life and who says you have to
order the hand stamped disc for they have charms too, Boy Howdy do
they have charms. 3 Hip Chicks has a selection that will make
even mom proud. What you do is pick a necklace ( or bracelet) from
their selection and then pick your charm or charms. You customize the
message and font and add all the details and life to your creation to you
find what you like. They have charms for any taste or style and every single
one is beautiful though,  I like the hand stamped ones the best for
they have that "special" touch and make the piece all about you
or your loved one. There are items for your children, pets and
even Key chains and they have a large selection of other items on
the site as well. In the Child's charms they have a Photo Frame
I might have to order and add to mine for the simple reason it is
just too adorable and when something makes you smile like that you
should have it! At 3 Hip Chicks you can have charms with a birth
date stamped right on them or add a Swarovski Crystal, the date of
your anniversary of find an item that represents you. Everything
is high quality for last memories. Even my son, who has only found
one piece of jewelry in his whole life ( a Celtic cross) that he would
wear for he is MANLY MAN fell in love with the style and professed how
he would love to have one with his sisters name and his dogs name
on it. I was pretty taken back for I have asked him more then once
if he would like Jewelry for a Holiday or event and was always met with
a "Are you nuts, Mom?' remark. If they can turn my son 3 Hip Chicks
has some skills! The Prices are extremely reasonable too and for as little
as $35.00 you can have a necklace and charm made. Add on's and extra
charms start at just $5.00 so you can see where they really do fit any
pocket book! SO next time you are looking for Mom or anyone really and
want to pick a gift that is not only special but one of a kind and
made just for them take a look at 3 Hip Chicks and see how easy it
is to fall under their spell!


3 Hip Chicks has a little of everything and they are just as awesome
and have tons of gifts for Mom and everyone else on your list!
With a Large Selection of Jewelry as well as Candles and Mugs and
anything else you could ever want with that personal touch. These
Ladies have you covered no matter what your wish is!
 3 Hip Chicks would also like to enchant one of my readers with
a charm of their own. One lucky reader will win a Necklace like mine (2 Charms)
To enter just head over to the site and take a look around then come back
here are post what you have seen in a comment. The contest will start tonight
and run to midnight on April 10th.
USA and 18 and older can enter daily and the winner
will be contacted by email and have 72 hours to
contact me with their mailing information. As always
you can earn a bonus entry by entering the contest of
the day and other ways to enter are posted below.



3 Hip Chicks




Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.


1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.


2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.


3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.


4. Blog about this contest somewhere else
and post the link here. 5 Entries Please
post five times.


5. Tweet about this contest elsewhere. 5 entries
please post five times.


Hey there, while you are here don't forget to enter
my Mommy Tool Box and Port a Pong Contests!

I used to sit at the edge of the bed and just
wait. Most likely the only time during the whole
day I was quiet. Just wait for my Grandpa to come in
and read me a bed time story. Sometimes he would get
caught up and it would take a while and sometimes I
felt like I was waiting forever but he always came.
We never talked about it, this was more of an unspoken
thing. A story before bed every night. I had my favorites
too. I am sure there were ones when I was really young
but the books I remember and will never ever forget and
have made sure to pass on to my own children were The Giving
Tree, Rikki Tikki Tavi and Where the Wild Things Are. I
could hear any of the three over and over again and though
I knew every single word by heart and could read it cover
to cover myself, I would wait for my Grandfather. Those are
things you remember from your childhood that make the world
worth living in. When Andrew was getting ready for Pre-school
I wanted to get him those stories as well. I can't get over how
hard it was to locate them for I had always considered them
classics. I found an old copy of "Where the Wild Things are"
and had to go as far as to order the Giving Tree and Rikki Tikki
Tavi ( if you have not read any of the three do it!) and for
Rikki Tikki I know I paid a small fortune. Well Thank goodness
they are back, Boy and How are they back. Eric Carle has
been every where with his Hungry and I did love that one too
but Where the Wild Things are has also made a come back and
I can't wait to see what else is on the Horizon. Mudpuppy
has recognized that need for good old fashioned wholesome fun
and had brought us some delightful items to commemorate those
classics in the form of Puzzles and Sticker Books and they
don't stop there either, Mudpuppy has items to keep any child
up to their very busy elbows entertained. Mudpuppy, Galison
is a shop that celebrates children and their creativity and
imaginations. Puzzles, Stickers, building sets, games, magnets
and so much more that are meant to keep little fingers entertained
in the most simple of ways with products that allow them
to explore their own sense of adventure. No batteries required
and children never run out of imagination.


We were sent a "Where the Wild things are" Puzzle set that
has clunky pieces for little hands and though Rowan is too young
to expect a certain book she loves the puzzle and I love that she
is playing with an item I can get excited about and stand behind.
It is fun to bring the picture into shape and for me to be able to
tell her all about what we are creating and she feeds off my excitement
for the puzzle as well. It is pretty easy to see I am nuts about it!
The Where the Wild Things Are puzzle we received is just one of
many items on the site that keep your kids busy and their energy's
focused. They have more award winners then you can shake a stick
at so it is pretty easy to see they are skilled in their field and
know what is takes to keep a child captivated and a parent happy.
Not only do your favorites come alive like in the puzzle we received
or the Goodnight Moon Floor Puzzle or the many others they also
have items with an educational touch that will have your kids sneaking
in a little bit of learning while they just think they are having
fun. The Solar System or Our World Floor puzzles are some great
examples or for those ruff and tumble types who love the Roaarrrrrr
of adventure check out the all about Dinosaurs learning wheel. I know
my son would have adored that and it might have saved me some printer
ink for the only thing he had was the Dinosaur page in my computers
encyclopedia that he printed about 500 times.
They still have old school favorites that I enjoyed such as
sticker books because when I was young my Lisa Frank Collection
was a huge part of my childhood and Dairy's and journals and
Stationary Galore. I had to go to the book store and order those
Favorites of mine for Andrew and Mudpuppy has them right on
the site. You really have to love the computer age for bringing
your kids the best from all worlds. I can't wait to Rowan is a
little older so we can play with the magnetic figures for they so
remind me of the paper dolls I had as a child but these are a
little tuffer and a lot more durable. I don't think it matters what
section of the site you look through Galison-Mudpuppy has more
then a little to make your kids get all excited and fuzzy. There
are so many things that would make the perfect Easter Basket
fillings I would not even know where to begin.
One thing I do know is a child will forget the candy bar when it
is gone but always remember the time you sat down on the floor with
them and helped with a puzzle. The Eggs will make their way into
the trash or a salad but your daughter will always treasure her
first diary. The Jelly beans, hey, send those to me, at least the
white and red ones, the rest are for you but the point is someone
will enjoy them but only for a moment but the memories you can
find at Mudpuppy will last a lifetime! Rowans puzzle is also
her first set of blocks and as we sit here and play with it and
piece it together time and time again ( Hey, she likes to knock
down as much as build) she is learning how to enjoy herself and
play and I am remembering how much fun it was when I took the time!
Truthfully I couldn't even tell you who's toy this is, I guess we
will have to share! My Final Review for Mudpuppy is they are just
a fantastic company with products that brings back memories, fuels
new adventures, allows you to construct some fun and keeps you thinking
no matter what way you go!
Mudpuppy has also thought of my readers and has offered a discount
code for you guys to save you some hard earned cash on their
products. When checking out just enter ZZZ2 to receive a 15%
discount on your purchase. Have fun and I hope you score some
great stuff for Easter!

Mudpuppy!

Look for them to be on the Easter Gift Guide Posted soon!