Earn FREE HAIR COUTURE by hosting a home OR virtual Adam's Blankie party! Email adamsblankie@gmail.com for details!!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

FREE Seeds to Start Your Own Garden!

So I was really stoked when I came across some information on "The Dinner Garden," a nonprofit corporation that gives free seeds, gardening supplies and advice to all people in the United States!  Their mission is simply to end hunger by enabling people to grow their own food.  Huge bonus besides saving moolah?  It's organic.  And it's conveniently in your backyard.


How does it work?  Well, they do rely heavily on donations, although "The Dinner Garden" also makes purchases from Main Street Seed and Supply. As they are nonprofit, all donations are tax deductible, so you can not only feel good about helping a good cause {if you'd like to donate money to them}, but you will also be "rewarded" come tax-time.

All you need to do is click here to receive your own free seeds! They offer several sites where you can pick them up for free, but if you're like me and don't live near one, they also offer a form you can fill out to request that they mail you some!  There is currently a waiting list to receive your seeds, but I'm sure it's well worth the wait!

Know what else I really love about this idea?  Not only will you save money and eat healthier, but what a fabulous way to bond and invest time with your children on such a great project as planting a garden together!  Plus, kids usually eat more of what they help prepare, so who knows?  Maybe your anti-veggie kid {if you've got one like me anyway!} will be snacking on some carrots & celery soon!

And another fabulous resource to utilize once you get your seeds is the World Food Garden website, where you'll find gardening blogs, how-to's and ever-important information on what and when to plant certain things.  You can either type in your address or use a zoom in on a map to show them exactly where you live, so they can offer you the perfect advice for your specific soil and weather!

Happy {and healthy} gardening!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

{GIVEAWAY} & Review of The Eli Monster *CLOSED

The Eli Monster is a mother-owned and run shop that produces utterly adorable cloth diapers. Let me repeat.  Utterly.  Adorable.



AIO in Amy Butler fabric
How adorable?  Well, for starters, they offer...Amy Butler prints!!  Now, if you're unaware of Amy Butler fabrics, then I'm not sure what rock you've been living under, but trust me on this:  Amy Butler prints are simply stunning {and quite addictive, but that's a whole other post}!  And to actually find diapers constructed in one of her prints is nearly impossible.  Especially ones that are AIO and do NOT need to be covered up with a diaper cover!  Whoo-hoo!

So beyond their spectacular array of designer prints for your cloth diapers, they also offer minky covers {again, very hard to find!,} fabulous fitteds and even some inserts {particularly for gDiapers}.

But of course the all-important question still remains..."How well do they work?"  After all, a diaper can be as cute as a button, but if it doesn't work, then it's worthless.  But, alas, I'm happy to report that we had a good experience with our little Eli Monster diaper.  Besides being the cutest diaper we own thus far, it is fairly thin when compared to other cloth diapers out there.  That being said, this is partly because it is a true AIO (all-in-one) diaper ~  one that cannot be stuffed with any additional inserts.  The beauty here is you save time because there's no stuffing.  The con here is that they take longer to dry, and you can't use these overnight.  But then again, why would you want to waste these diapers' beauty during bedtime?  Trust me when I say you will want to have your baby sporting these diapers sans any bloomers, shorts or pants that would cover them up!

All the Eli Monster diapers come with velcro closure.  As I've said many times before, velcro makes for diapers that are convenient,  fast to put on {that is, Daddy & Grandma-approved!}, and that fit well.  The drawback?  Velcro can lose its "stickiness" {albeit, purpose} after many washes, not to mention its potential to stick to other things in the wash. But these diapers from the Eli Monster do wash up well - no pilling thus far - just some additional time for drying (versus covers or pockets which you can "unstuff" thereby needing less time to dry).

Our little monkey in The Eli Monster AIO
The final score on this diaper is that we love it!  Overall, I'd give it a score of 8.5.  I wish it were a hybrid that I could stuff with additional liners for longer use {ours lasted about 3 hours during the day}, and I wish they offered snap closure.  Snaps would be more durable, and multiple rows of them would allow for the diaper to become a one-sizer that would last all through the cloth-diapering years.  But other than that, they're fabulous!

BUY IT!  Visit The Eli Monster to purchase your own designer print cloth diapers or covers today!  One AIO will run you $19.25, but if you purchase a Lot of them, you'll save some money {you can get a bundle of 6 for just $99, which is equivalent to just $16.50 per diaper}!


WIN IT!  One lucky Haute Tot and Baby Couture reader is going to win their own Eli Monster AIO diaper in their choice of print and size!  See below for how to enter!!

Mandatory Entry!
Visit The Eli Monster and come back here to tell me which product AND print you like best (1 entry)! Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn. Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through August 27th. Winner to be chosen August 28th, 2010!

Additional Entries!
Once you've completed the mandatory entries, do any of the following for more chances to win! {Again, please be sure to leave your email address in each entry!}

*Follow our blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry).

*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible; 1 via google and 1 via email feedburner (must be activated to count as entry)).

*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL (1 entry).

*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry) and score coupon codes!

*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet, (1 entry - can be done daily):
"Win an AIO cloth diaper from The Eli Monster and @adamsblankie! Enter at www.hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com!"
(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s!).

*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).

*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post AND a picture of the prize!! (3 entries).

*Enter any of our other current giveaways for one entry each (up to 3 entries possible) and leave a comment letting me know which giveaway/s you entered.

*Email up to 3 friends about this giveaway ~ be sure to copy me on the emails! (3 entries possible).

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly my own, and no one or nothing else has influenced me in my review.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
THANKS FOR ENTERING:
WINNER: T

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

Monday, July 26, 2010

Access to Designer Private Sales!

If you've always wondered how people get in on all those designer sales, I have your answer! Rue La La!!


So, how does it work?  Well, it's quite simple: you just need an account.  Once you have that, you will gain access to their 2-Day only boutiques that have designer items at private sale prices.  As access is granted by invitation only, here's your chance ~ I'm inviting all my blog readers!!  Plus, if you join by August 8th, you'll get a FREE $10 credit!!!

Click here to join this free party!  http://www.ruelala.com/invite/kmyers79

Happy shopping!!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

FREE Nursing Cover from Udder Covers - Use Code TODAY!

Just wanted you all to know that you can receive a FREE Nursing Cover from Udder Covers Today by using this promo code when checking out: Thanks.  The covers are valued at $32 each, but all you will pay is shipping ($9.95).  Even if you're not using one, get one now to save for your next baby shower!  Oh, and you can buy more than one ~ just open a new window to purchase additional ones.

Here is the link: www.uddercovers.com



Have a fab day!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

The Mommy's Guide to Pesticides

So I recently blogged about discovering {thanks to a dear friend ~ thank you, Ruth!!} the Environmental Working Group's website and how you can use it to check all your cosmetics, sunscreens, etcetera, to find the ones with the least harsh & fewest chemicals.  What I also mentioned was that they also advise on both the dirtiest and the cleanest produce you can buy for your family.  So that's what I wanted to talk to you about today!



The EWG has what they call the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean 15," referring to, of course, the dirtiest and cleanest or produce.  Why does this matter?  Well, pesticides "can cause lasting damage to human health, especially during fetal development and early childhood."  And now that studies have lasted long enough, scientists know the long-term consequences they can cause.

What I found particularly interesting is that people who eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day from the "Dirty Dozen" list consume about 10 pesticides per day versus those who eat from the "Clean 15" who ingest fewer than 2 pesticides daily {according to EWG research/website}.  So there really is a significant difference here, especially when you start multiplying those numbers by each day.

They do advise that washing helps a little, and so can peeling; although the problem with peeling, of course, is that many nutrients are in the skins of produce, so you ideally don't want to waste the skins.  A good approach, in my opinion, would be to buy organic when possible.  Use the list below {provided by EWG site} to help you on your future market trips!

Dirty Dozen {Buy these organic}
Celery
Peaches
Strawberries
Apples
Blueberries
Nectarines
Bell Peppers
Spinach
Cherries
Kale/Collard Greens
Potatoes
Grapes

Clean 15 {Lowest in Pesticides}
Onions
Avocado
Sweet Corn
Pineapple
Mangos
Sweet Peas
Asparagus
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Grapefruit
Sweet Potato
Honeydew Melon

Visit the EWG website to print off your own guide {wallet-sized!}; I have it printed already and just keep it in my purse for market & grocery store trips.  Or, if you have an iPhone, they also have an app you can download for easy reference from your phone when out shopping.


Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

Friday, July 23, 2010

And the winner is...

Katie!
{kat****rr@gmail.com}
You've just won a gift card to use at Piggy Paint!

Thank you to all who entered!  Many more giveaways coming!!

Please note, giveaways will also now be included at http://www.giveawayscout.com.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

Thursday, July 22, 2010

GIVEAWAY & Review for {CushyToosh} *CLOSED*

Cushy Toosh is a small American company {based in Wisconsin} that handcrafts cushy cloth diapers for your baby's bum.   And beyond just the cloth diapers, they also create diaper pail liners, eco-friendly {cloth} wipes and even diaper wipes solution {among some other non-CD products}!



We received one of their "Anytime Supremes" {a.k.a "CushyTOOSH Nite Nites}cloth diapers, which is a PUL pocket diaper with leg gusseting to help prevent leakage.  The first thing I noticed is that this is a different type of pocket than you're probably used to.  Unlike most other pocket diapers out there, there is no sleeve for you to stuff.  You simply place your liner/s into the center of the diaper, and the gussets on the inside of the diaper help keep it/them in place {from falling out of the diaper}.  This makes for some easy stuffing, which is a huge time-saver and will please Daddy if he's the designated stuffer in your house!

The one we received was velcro, but I did notice that Cushy Toosh offers both velcro AND snaps - your choice for the same price!  In my opinion there are pros and cons to each, of course.  Velcro is more convenient and quicker.  Snaps are more durable and offer no fuss during wash days {no folding tabs down, no sticking to other laundry}.  Now, as you probably know, I do tend to prefer snaps over velcro, but I will say that the Cushy Toosh diaper with the velcro we received has a very looooooooooong strip of velcro and super long and quite wide velcro tabs.  What does this mean for you?  Well, it's more secure and longer-lasting than typical velcro closures.  Obviously a perk with that feature when comparing it to other brands with shorter velcro tabs.  But like I said, whatever you prefer closure-wise, Cushy Toosh has you covered either way.

I do love that the liner that comes with the pocket diaper is an ultra soft cotton sherpa fabric.  It is very long, and so doubles over to fit inside the diaper, meaning more bang for your buck {it's like 2 liners in 1}.  What I don't like is that there is no layer in between the insert and your baby's bum.  Why do I think this may be a problem?  Because the moisture stays right there on baby's toosh instead of wicking it away, which can lead to rashes.  Now, that being said, personally we didn't encounter this; but if your little one's got really sensitive skin or having some acidic poops, this might be a problem for you.  And then again, maybe not.  Afterall, this is the same feature of fitteds and prefolds that just sit right up against their skin.



All in all, we were pretty happy with the diaper!  Our personal experience was that it lasted close to 8 hours during the night, before I noticed some leakage.  So it didn't quite make it through the night, but when talking to the owner of Cushy Toosh, she did advise that with her own son she used 2 of these liners AND an extra hemp one on the bottom.  It did fit our baby girl quite nicely, although the velcro at the top seems to want to "buckle" when putting it on.  I would say it's pretty standard for cloth diapers as far as the bulk factor goes, too.  And at just $18.95 a pop {insert included}, it's not a bad choice.  Especially considering they are made to last overnight ~ or, as in our case, last about 8 hours.   The Nite Nites also come in 8 color choices and 3 different sizes.  Cushy Toosh does, however, offer pocket diapers that are One Size Fits All {7-38 pounds}.  And better yet?  They offer all kinds of discounts and FREE DIAPERS for purchasing their pockets in quantities of 5 or more!

One thing we did unfortunately encounter were some of the stitching coming undone after the diaper being washed just 3 times.  I again spoke to the owner about this, and she informed me that she had sent me one of their earlier versions of the diaper, and she was aware of this problem.  She also told me that they have improved the diaper and that "the quality control has sped up 200%."  So if that's the case, you shouldn't encounter the stitching problem.  {I easily just restitched it in a matter of mere seconds, but if you aren't lucky enough to own {or know how to use!} a sewing machine, then that doesn't help you at all, of course}.


BUY IT!  Visit Cushy Toosh today to check our their wide array of products and get your own Nite Nites ordered ASAP!  If they can last you twice as long as your typical cloth diaper, these are quite a deal, meaning less laundry and diapers for you in general!


WIN IT!  THREE lucky Haute Tot and Baby Couture readers are going to win their own Cushy Toosh Nite Nite diaper with an insert included! 

Mandatory Entry!
Visit Cushy Toosh and come back here to tell me what product you like best (1 entry)! Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn. Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through August 21st. Winner to be chosen August 22nd.

Additional Entries!
Once you've completed the mandatory entries, do any of the following for more chances to win! {Again, please be sure to leave your email address in each entry!}

*Follow our blog via Google Friend Connect PUBLICLY (1 entry - right-hand column).

*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible; 1 via google and 1 via email feedburner (must be activated to count as entry)).

*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL (1 entry).

*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry).

*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet, (1 entry - can be done daily):
"Win #clothdiapers from Cushy Toosh @adamsblankie! Enter at www.hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com!"
(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s!).

*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).

*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post (3 entries).

*Enter any of our other current giveaways for one entry each (up to 3 entries possible) and leave a comment letting me know which giveaway/s you entered.

*Email up to 3 friends about this giveaway ~ be sure to copy me on the emails! (3 entries possible).

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly my own, and no one or nothing else has influenced me in my review.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
 THANK YOU FOR ENTERING!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Is your family's sunscreen safe?

So, if you're like me, you assume that when you purchase something that has the word "baby" in the title, it's safe to use on baby, right?  Well, perhaps.  And perhaps not.  Ugh. I know.  Just goes to show we can't buy into the marketing these companies send us.  Just one more thing for us Moms to research, right?

But I have some good news!  One of my friends recently introduced me to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) website.  EWG is a nonprofit group that provides the results of their research to find healthy choices for everything we purchase to ultimately protect the public health and environement.  They offer oodles of information on what is safe ~ from lotions and makeup to deoderant and the produce we purchase for our families.  They are a one-stop shop for checking all the products you already have, and for finding safe ones to purchase in the future.  Meaning healthy choices for you, and a very small time commitment in which to find them!

The EWG rates everything on a 1-10 scale, with 0-2 being "recommended," 3-6 meaning "{use} caution," and 7-10 being "avoid."  And, according to EWG's website, there is currently a "surge in exaggerated SPF claims above 50 and new disclosures about potentially hazardous ingredients, in particular recently developed government data linking vitamin A to accelerated growth of skin tumors and lesions."  Scary stuff.  So, the main precaution here is finding products with the fewest chemicals possible that could penetrate the skin. Regarding sunscreens, here are a few from their "recommended" list:

*Alba Botanica Sun, Mineral Sunscreen Kids, SPF 30



*California Baby Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance, SPF 30+

*Goddess Garden Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+

These all rank 2 or less, and there are many, many more options on their website.  Interestingly enough, if you're like me, I found most of these to be brands I'd never heard of before, but the redeeming part is that once you click on any of the sunscreens, the EWG site provides a link you can click to find online retailers who offer these products.  Oh, and one other word of caution is that you can't think that just because it's a certain brand, it's safe to use.  For example, some of the Neutrogena sunscreens rank as "3" and some as "7"!!  Huge variety - so be sure to check each specific type.  And to make it easier while going out shopping, there is an 2010 Sunscreen app for your iPhone if you happen to have one.  So, there's no excuse not to get out there and find some of these!!



Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

Monday, July 19, 2010

{GIVEAWAY!} and Review for the Pretty Peacock *CLOSED*

So this style of jewelry seems to be all the rage these days and makes for SUCH wonderful, treasured gifts for Moms, Grandmas, {even babies!} and all women alike! I bring to you customized, handstamped jewelry.





The Pretty Peacock offers such heirloom quality personalized "juju jewelry," as they aptly call it, and I would say it's a solid notch above most similar styles out there.  All pieces are handcrafted in Seattle using metalsmithing, flameworking and sculpting skills, and a plethora of options allow for you to find precisely what you're looking for!  From the color/s and number of gemstones to copper versus sterling silver and whether you'd like it hammered or not, you really can find exactly what you're looking for at The Pretty Peacock.


I received The Regal Family Tier, which is a multi-tier necklace showcasing none other than your beloved family, of course.  The necklace is comprised of 3 discs in 3 different sizes that gorgeously cradle one another.  My personalized piece includes the word, "love" {although you can, of course, select a different one} and my wedding anniversary gemstone, both my and my husband's names, and both our kids' names.  And I gotta tell you: it's stunning!  From the hook that the discs hang from to the style of the necklace they're actually strung on, this is a quality piece of jewelry.



Better yet?  The jewelry from The Pretty Peacock comes packaged adorably in its own jewelry box, complete with tissue paper, satin ribbon and a peacock feather to boot!  T.O.O. C.U.T.E!  And not only will you find lovelies for yourself {or a new mama-to-be!}, but you'll also find some stunning pieces for your husband or dad, like the cuff links and dog tag featured below:


Or how about keepsaking your wee one's foot or handprints {or even that special drawing they made for you!!} with a piece from their Tiny Touch Collection?


Want a piece for baby? Try their Personalized Infant Cuff.  Necklaces not your thing?  How about this absolutely gorgeous Embrace Keepsake Bracelet with Birthstones.

And the other component that I found to really exemplify their spectacular customer service, is that the jewelry also comes with cleaning instructions along with a sample of the cleaning cloths they sell on their site, as well.


 BUY IT!!  Visit The Pretty Peacock today to find your own amazing jewelry!  Spoil yourself or a Mom you know ~ these would make for some memorable gifts for a new Mom, too!  Score 15% off PLUS FREE SHIPPING on your order with code: ADAMS {good through August 20th}!


WIN IT!! One lucky Haute Tot and Baby Couture reader is going to win their own piece of stunning jewelry from The Pretty Peacock's Portal Collection {2 gemstones included}!  International entrants are welcome to enter, as well!  To enter, see below:



Mandatory Entry!
Visit The Pretty Peacock and come back here to tell me which jewelry piece you like best (1 entry)! Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn. Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through August 20th. Winner to be chosen August 21st, 2010!

Additional Entries!
Once you've completed the mandatory entries, do any of the following for more chances to win! {Again, please be sure to leave your email address in each entry!}

*Follow our blog via Google Friend Connect PUBLICLY (1 entry).

*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible; 1 via google and 1 via email feedburner (must be activated to count as entry)).

*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL (1 entry).

*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry) and score coupon codes!

*Become a fan of the Pretty Peacock on Facebook (1 entry) and score discounts!

*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet, (1 entry - can be done daily):
"Win Portal Jewelry from The Pretty Peacock and @adamsblankie! Enter at www.hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com!"
(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s!).

*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).

*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post AND a picture of the prize!! (3 entries).

*Enter any of our other current giveaways for one entry each (up to 3 entries possible) and leave a comment letting me know which giveaway/s you entered.

*Email up to 3 friends about this giveaway ~ be sure to copy me on the emails! (3 entries possible).

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly my own, and no one or nothing else has influenced me in my review.


THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!
WINNER: CLAUDE

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

Homemade Cloth Diaper Detergent Recipe

So you finally did it.  You started cloth diapering.  Do you like it? Is it as hard as you thought?  If you're like me, then the answer is a resounding, "No!" Hooray!  However, after the big investment you put into getting a nice CD {cloth diaper} stash, you've discovered you can't use regular detergent to wash them.  If you do?  Then you're bound for some stinky diapers with built-up residue. You need...{drum roll, please}....cloth diaper detergent.  BUT.  It's expensive.  Really. 

So.  Although I'm a definite Rockin Green Soap lover myself, I decided to try to make my own.  Now, mind you I haven't actually done this yet, but I do plan to make it this week using this easy-as-pie recipe:

Equal Parts:
*Borax
*Arm & Hammer Washing Soda {note: it's NOT baking soda!}
*Oxyclean {or other similar oxygen-cleaning powder}
*optional drop or 2 of your favorite essential oil {orange, lemon, lavender, tea tree, etcetera}.

That's it! Just add 1 - 2 Tablespoons per load, and you're set!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com



Thursday, July 15, 2010

WINNER!

Congratulations to WWILLOWS6  for the recent win of the Ringley Teether!  And a big "Thank you!" to all who entered!  There are still many more giveaways to come!!  Be sure to stop by often!!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com


Mommyhood-isms #2: Make Time.

You've probably heard the phrases, "Families Who Play Together Stay Together" or "Families Who Play Together Grow Together."

And while I couldn't agree more, I sometimes find it difficult to find time for this.  All the demands of being a mother {well, I don't want to stereotype here, but this is at least true in my circle of friends!} ~ from house chores to child care to cooking and running errands, it's exhausting.  Add in the fact that most mothers also work yet outside the home, too, and that makes for one exhausted mama!

But.  And this is a "big but" {no pun intended!}.  You simply MUST make time for your children.  Now, we can't actually make time in a literal sense, of course.  But could you imagine? "Dear God: Today I'd please like 26 hours in my day.2 extra hours for uninterrupted sleep today. Thank you. Amen."  So, I've been making a conscientious effort to spend more time playing with my kids. How?  Well, I've been cleaning less for one thing.  And if you knew me personally, you'd realize what a neat-freak I am, and that letting some cleaning go is actually a really big feat for me!  So things aren't always clean.  So what?  In fact, when I told my husband that I really needed to clean because I'd waited longer than normal to do it, he was like, "Really?  I hadn't noticed."  Hmph.  So all my effort cleaning goes to waste you're telling me?  Even more reason to do it less and put that effort into something that counts: family time.

Another suggestion would be to take 10 minute breaks here and there {whether you're a student studying, cleaning, working from home, etcetera} to spend one-hundred percent focused time on your children.  Get into their world and really just be with them.

I promise it will all pay off in the end.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com


Wednesday, July 7, 2010

**Score some FREE ADAM'S BLANKIE COUTURE!**

 If you haven't checked us out on Facebook or Twitter yet, you're going to want to start doing so! 


Why? Because we'll be frequently posting coupon codes good for $$ off your orders, free shipping, upcoming sales & events and more!

We already have TWO COUPON CODES up right now, so be sure to check us out!

http://twitter.com/adamsblankie
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adams-Blankie/18989349435

Oh.  And here's even more incentive to start referring your friends to our Facebook page!  Have them "like" us AND comment on FB that you referred them there.  Once that's done, you and your friend will both be entered into a drawing to win a FREE GIFT CARD to Adam's Blankie!!  Once we hit 250 followers, I'll select one new follower AND the person who referred the new follower to both receive the FREE GIFT CARDS! 

See ya there!  :)


Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

NEW "So Chic" Hair Clips from Adam's Blankie

Having a baby girl has really catapulted me into the world of all things girly {and fabulous!}! I've become a girly-girl overnight, it would seem.  So, the latest addition?   "So Chic" Hair Clips.  They are your basic clips for your little girl's hair, and they are ooooooh-so-chic!

Here are a couple I've made recently...what do you think?  What's your favorite?  They're just $1 each, so you can get one to match every outfit!  I'll be adding more to the store throughout the week, so be sure to check them out!


{chocolate hearts & daisies ~ $2.00/set}


{black and white cookies with rhinestone flowers ~ $2.50/set}


{whispering woodlands ~ $3.00/set}


{spring fever ~ $2.00/set}


{summer laughter ~ $7.00/set}



{preppy pink ~ $3.00/set}

COUPON OF THE WEEK for all you fabulous blog readers!  "SOCHICCLIPS" - If you buy 5, you'll GET ONE FREE, buy 10, and GET TWO FREE, buy 15 and GET THREE FREE!  Not too shabby! {Just add that coupon code into the "notes to seller" upon checkout, and I'll get you your freebies ~ your choice of free clip/s, too! offer good 7/6-7/12}.  I don't have them all on the site yet, but I do have all the ones pictured above available, so please just email me at adamsblankie@gmail.com if you'd like any of the above clips, and I'll set up a reserved listing for you! Thanks!! :)



Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

Saturday, July 3, 2010

{no slippy hair clippy} Review & GIVEAWAY! *CLOSED*

 
I absolutely love the concept behind "no slippy hair clippy" company.  That is, that your baby girl should never be mistaken for a boy when using their products.  I think as the mother of a newborn baby, we can all relate to this issue.

Now, I myself don't have the problem of NO HAIR, as our baby girl was born with a FULL head of hair!  In fact, it's the one thing nearly every single person comments on when they first see her - "Just LOOK at all that hair!!"  That being said, it's still baby-fine hair, so it's slippery like none other than, well, baby-fine hair.  In fact, we probably have more trouble than baby's without hair, because headbands {especially the crocheted versions} tend to slip right off her silky hair {versus a bald baby who's skin would grip the band more}.  So we, too, wanted to find something that would actually stay put in her hair, and were definitely up for the challenge!

"no slippy hair clippy" is a company that creates such clips & hair accessories to stay put in your baby's hair {even if nearly bald!}.  They use a Swiss velvet-wrapped metal clip to gently yet securely hug that hair, keeping the clip/band in place.

They offer 3 different types of clips - a Mini, a Standard Pinch and a French clip for girls with lots of hair.  They also have recently come out with their "Clipettes," which are modern grosgrain no-slip hair clips.  These are the least frilly of the options, in my opinion, so good for those moms who don't want to "overdo it" or just want a more simple option with less fuss.  They also offer headbands and accessories for both teens and women.

 Zebra Clipettes $2.95


Their products are made using a water-based kid-safe non-toxic glue to attach the velvet ribbon.  Good to know they're not risking the health of your child with their products, isn't it?  Afterall, we know these can slip into some small mouths by accident if we're not carefully watching our children.  That being said, "no slippy hair clippy" does advise using precaution to avoid getting them wet, as the glue can dissolve then {to help remedy against this, they offer a long strip for you to hang them from}.

Additionally, "no slippy hair clippy" has been nominated for the "Earnie" award for design excellence the past 5 years.  And did I mention it's a celebrity favorite?

So we received each type of their clips ~ from the clipettes and minis to a headband and standard pinch. 

Andrea headband $11.95

We really loved each of the samples we were sent ~ particularly the adorable little velvety purple mini clip with the attached butterfly {pictured below}.  The clipettes are perfectly practical and simple for everyday wear, while the floral clips are statement items ~ perfect for pictures, weddings, or just days you want your little girl to be a little more spectacular than she already is!  "no slippy hair clippy" also offers a few "themed" clips, like bunnies and shamrocks, that are spot-on for holidays, as well.

Presley - Tiny Butterfly - $7.95

Unfortunately the headband was too big for my baby girl's head {she's just 3 months old}, so we couldn't really test that out on her.  So instead I tried it on my 1-year old niece, and it was really beautiful!  It was a simple, plain white stretchy band with a gorgeous sequined white flower attached to it.  It looked gorgeous on her ~ really!  And I tested out the pinch clip on myself, since you need more hair for them.  Again, it was a beautiful flower {we received red} with sequins, and it added just the right amount of feminine flair to my ponytail.  And it most definitely did not slip whatsoever - the standard pinch flower worked fabulously!

All in all, we were very pleased with "no slippy hair clippy."  I was a bit disappointed that the headband was too big for our baby girl, but it will make for a great hair accessory a little bit down the road, for sure!  I really love the concept behind this company, and while we did experience a bit of shifting with the clipettes, we did experience less slipping & sliding versus other similar clips we have, and all the other items performed like a charm.

BUY IT!  Visit "no slippy hair clippy" to find some hair goods for your babe today!  They offer oodles for both babies, girls, teens & yourself!


WIN IT!  One lucky Haute Tot & Baby Couture reader will win $25 worth of products to use on whatever their little heart desires from their shop!

Mandatory Entry!
Visit "no slippy hair clippy" and come back here to tell me which hair product you like best (1 entry)! Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn. Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through August 2nd. Winner to be chosen August 3rd, 2010!

Additional Entries!
Once you've completed the mandatory entries, do any of the following for more chances to win! {Again, please be sure to leave your email address in each entry!}

*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible; 1 via google & 1 via email feedburner (must be activated to count as entry)).

*Follow the No Slippy Hair Clippy blog via Google Friend (1 entry).

*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL (1 entry).

*Become a fan of No Slippy Hair Clippy on Facebook (1 entry).

*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry).

*Follow No Slippy Hair Clippy on Twitter (1 entry).

*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet, (1 entry - can be done daily):
"Win $25 worth of hair clips and products from @iClippy and @adamsblankie! Enter at www.hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com!"
(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s!).

*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).

*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post (3 entries).

*Enter any of our other current giveaways for one entry each (up to 3 entries possible) and leave a comment letting me know which giveaway/s you entered.

*Email up to 3 friends about this giveaway ~ be sure to copy me on the emails! (3 entries possible).

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly my own, and no one or nothing else has influenced me in my review.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
WINNER: L'UBASA
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!!
Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com