{Boob Design} Review & GIVEAWAY! *CLOSED*

 Boob Design is a European {Swedish} company that offers both maternity and nursing wear mostly, along with some accessories and a few pieces of baby clothing.  Boob Design was established in 1999 when the founder, Mia Seipel, watched her sister "baring her waist to the icy, northerly wind" one day while nursing her baby.  Mia then knew there must be some kind of clothing made to allow for mothers to nurse in both comfort and style.  Hence, Boob Design was born!

Their clothing is made from organic cotton and then dyed in an environmentally sensitive process free of toxins, making them safe for both the wearer and the environment.   

So I received two different nursing tops from Boob Design.  One, a short-sleeve nursing top, and two, a "nursing singlet" (a.k.a, tank top).  How the designs work is that the tops are essentially made from 2 pieces of fabric.  One is the main bodice, and the second part is basically a flap that can lift up when you need to nurse.  The beauty of it?  You don't have to lift up the entire shirt to nurse, meaning you're not flashing your skin and waist to others when you're out in public nursing.  Discreetness, in a word.

The short-sleeve top I received is black, and you can hardly notice that this is a nursing top, as the horizontal line {where the flap is} is well-hidden in the black color.  My nursing singlet, however, is a vibrant yellow, and the line is not as well hidden on it.  Now, really this doesn't matter.  The line doesn't have to indicate this is a nursing top, but rather just part of the design/fashion of the shirt.  In fact, when I wore them, no one even seemed to mention or notice those features of the shirts.  So I think one could safely assume no one knows they're nursing tops.  Not that that would really matter anyway.  BUT.  If you're super shy and conservative, then this might be of importance to you.

What I really love is that the shirts are mostly cotton but with just the right amount of stretch, meaning they conform to your body nicely.  That's always a big bonus ~ especially when it comes to washing and drying, as they don't seem to shrink in the wash, and they don't seem to stretch out of shape when wearing them all day.  The quality is superb, and all trim {neckline and sleeves} is reinforced with thick ribbed binding.  The longer length of their shirts is right on par with what's "in" in fashion today, as well.  

And other than those more basic options I received, Boob Design has some other fantastic-ly stylish options, too, including their "smock camisole," as pictured below.

Regarding sizes when ordering, I was right in between their small and medium, and Boob Design recommended the small versus the medium, which turned out to fit just right.

BUY IT!  Visit Boob Design to find your own stylish and very-well fitting maternity or nursing wear today!  From their large variety of tops to their gorgeous dresses, you're sure to find something you like.

WIN IT!  One lucky Haute Tot & Baby Couture reader will win their own short-sleeve nursing top OR nursing singlet - your choice of style, color and size!

Mandatory Entry!

Visit Boob Design & 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 July 31st. Winner to be chosen August 1st, 2010 {open INTERNATIONALLY!}!

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)).

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

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

*Follow Piggy Paint on twitter for secret sales & special offers (1 entry)!

*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet, (1 entry - can be done daily):

"Win a European Nursing Top from Boob Design @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 CLOSED.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!
WINNER: KENDRAY

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com 

www.adamsblankie.com

Adam's Blankie COUPON CODE!

Here it is - good for purchase for 6/30/2010 ONLY!!

Enter code "JUNEBUG2" in the "notes to seller" upon checking out at www.adamsblankie.com to receive $10 off your order over $50!!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

The {Healthy} Soda Fix.

The next time your kiddo asks for some soda (or "pop," if you're from the Midwest, my Alma Mater!}, whip one of these fizzy drinks up for them instead!

Fill the glass with ice
Toss in some fresh fruit (orange wedges, cherries, raspberries, etcetera)
Fill up 2/3 with Seltzer (plain or flavored such as raspberry or orange)
Fill up the last 1/3 with juice (we like cherry or apple)
Finish with a twisty straw

They get all the fizz with some flavor and fresh fruit...not to mention some fun with swirly straw!  Oh.  And way less sugar. :)

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

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WIN 15% OFF COUPON - ENTER TODAY ONLY!!

Hey everyone!  Happy Monday to you!

To kick off the week right, I'm giving a 15% off coupon for ANYTHING you purchase at Adam's Blankie!  To enter: simply respond to this post with your FAVORITE item we carry!  Winner to be posted later today!  Good luck!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

 

Swaddling Blankets for Sale - Looking for Best Offer!

As we have recently "graduated" from swaddling at our house, I have a "Garden Pink" Miracle Swaddling Blanket & 2 muslin cotton Koala Kuddles ones for sale!  The Miracle Blanket is the most pediatrician-recommended swaddler in the world, and the Koala Kuddles ones are made from very breathable muslin cotton which helps keep baby from overheating.  The Miracle Blanket retails for $29.95 and the Koala Kuddles for $11.00 each.  Let me know if you'd like to make an offer on one or all of them!

adamsblankie@gmail.com

Miracle Blanket in "Garden Pink"

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Minky & Satin Ruffles, Rosette Bib Necklaces & More {Haute Arrivals}!

In these beginning lazy days of summer, my creative juices have been flowing, and I've come up with some haute new items at Adam's Blankie! My favorite is the "Duo Bib Set" ~ comprised of a bib for baby and a matching rosette fabric flower bib necklace for Mom.  BONUS?  You can choose your own designer fabric from the 40+ we have in stock at our shop!  DEFINITELY the hit gift of your next baby shower {rosette bib necklace is also sold a la carte just for you!}!

{below is our "little love rosette bobbies" 

~ just $5.25 each - choose any of our 40+ fabrics to design your own}

{and my new personal fave, the "shabby chic bib set in HAPPY" ~ OR design your own from our 40+ designer fabrics!}

 {and last, but certainly not least, 

our new Minky Minky Blankie with Satin Ruffles in Chocolate ~ ooh, la lovely!}

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

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www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com
 

Hot Car {Tragedies}.

If you got the latest Parents magazine recently, you {hopefully read and} were reminded of how children can die {quite suddenly!} in cars when left inside them.  The weather only needs to be about 75 degrees or higher outside in order for this to happen! In just 30 minutes, the temperature inside a car can raise 35 degrees higher.  And don't think that if you live in a cooler climate, you're safe.  Because this can also happen to kids who are overly dressed or blanketed, too. 

What happens is that the child cannot self-regulate his temperature, which rises uncontrollably, and the child dies of hyperthermia. And all can happen in a matter of just 15 minutes.  And cracking the windows does not resolve this, either.

What's interesting is, that it isn't typically "bad parents" that this happens to. Often times, as observed by responders to these situations, it's the "good" parents to whom this happens.  And the tragedy doesn't profile either ~ it happens to people of all races, genders, incomes and the like.

It breaks my heart to hear about this, of course, and it really upsets me when people say things like, "How stupid do you have to be to forget your kid in the car!?"  My child having survived his own near-death tragedy {although not from a hot car, as we're addressing today}, I realize how quickly things like this can happen.  Even to the best of us.  The culprits that you'll typically see with this scenario is a change in daily routine, lack of sleep & stress.  It's like one Mom said, "...all it takes is one sleep-deprived parent and one sleeping baby."  I think we can all relate to that scenario.

So, I bring this to you not to scare you {okay.  well, maybe a little!}, but to prepare you to make sure this doesn't, no, can't, happen to you!  "How?" you ask?  Read below {as taken from Parents magazine}:

*MOST IMPORTANTLY {in my opinion!}: Place your cell phone & purse {anything you really "need" when you exit the car} on the floor in the backseat by your little one.  


*Put your younger (or more quiet) child behind the front passenger seat.  You're more likely to see them there, versus when they sit directly behind you.

 *Keep a teddy bear or other stuffed animal in the car seat when it's empty.  When the child is in the seat, move the animal to the front seat of the car, so you are reminded that baby is with you.


*Have your nanny/babysitter/teacher call you right away if your child isn't dropped off as scheduled.


*Make a habit to always open the back door of your car after you park.


*Never assume that someone else has removed your child from their car seat - always check yourself.


*Invest in the Cars-N-Kids monitor that plays a lullabye when the car stop and a child is in the seat (carsnkids.com).  Or the ChildMinder System sounds an alarm if you walk away and leave your child in the seat (babyalert.info).

For more information on tips to avoid hyperthermia and other car dangers with children, visit Kidsandcars.org.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

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www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com
 

{Piggy Paint} Review & GIVEAWAY! *CLOSED*

 Piggy Paint creates "non-toxic, odorless, kid-friendly" finger nail polishes & removers designed especially for your little tykes. So they, too, can share in on some girly-nail-polish-goodness but do so without being exposed to toxic, harsh chemicals & odors!

Now, how Piggy Paint came about is a fascinating {and scary!} story.  It all began when founder Melanie Hurley was painting her daughters' nails with "kid polishes," mind you.  While painting them over a foam plate, some polish spilled onto the plate.  And shortly after, the paint started to bubble and "eat" through the plate!  {Can you imagine?!}  So she tested all their other "kid" polishes and got the same results.  It was at that point that Melanie knew she must create her own safe child nail polishes {Thanks, Melanie!}!

The polishes come in cutesy names your daughter will love ~ from "Angel Kisses" to "Girls Rule!"  They also feature a "Project Earth" line with names like "Eat Your Peace" and "Solar Power."  Additionally, they offer many inordinary yet "in" colors your girls will love - from their blue "Tea Party for Two" to their green "Dragon Tears."

We were sent the "Forever Fancy" nail polish {a vibrant pink!} and the polish remover from Piggy Paints.  Now, being as my baby girl is just a couple months old, I didn't use these on her.  I did use them on myself, however, in order to see just how well these Piggy Paints worked!

Piggy Paint does recommend using 2-3 coats, and I found that 2 was just fine.  Per their instructions, you let the paint dry for one minute and then blow dry for 1 minute.  This worked perfectly, and even without a top/protectant sealer/coat, the paint lasted a week before I started to see some wear on the edges!  This is pretty impressive, as I wear sandals every day here, too {being in the desert in the summer, especially!}! I especially like this fast-drying trait for little {squirmy} ones!

The nail polish remover has virtually no scent, which is a huge bonus {particularly when using with little ones}.  I certainly found that it doesn't remove nail polish nearly as effectively or as quickly as a regular remover, though.  You do need to press a saturated cotton ball onto the nail and even then rub more after that.  Even doing so, I found I wasn't getting all the polish off.  And 30 seconds per toe is just a bit much, in my opinion.  That being said, I guess if you're using it on itty bitty toes, it might go more quickly.  I don't have the patience to use on my own toes, however, so I'm thinking neither would a little one.

So my ultimate feeling on these if that they are a truly superior option for their paints ~ no chemical-ly smells, non-toxic, natural AND just as durable as the "regular" polishes out there!  I would forgo the remover for myself, however, and use only on the little ones...it certainly takes longer & is more difficult to remove, but if you truly want to keep the harmful chemicals away from them, then it's the way to go.

BUY IT!  I think these would make fabulous birthday gifts!  As Piggy paint states, it's as "natural as mud," so there's no harm in its use!  Visit Piggy Paint to purchase your own natural nail polish for just $8.99 a bottle {a bit pricey at first glance, but really a small price to pay for peace of mind that your child won't be exposed to nasty chemicals!}. Enjoy 10% off your entire order with code: COUTURE10L {expires August 31, 2010). They also offer FREE SHIPPING for all orders over $35 {in the USA}!

WIN IT!  One lucky Haute Tot & Baby Couture reader will win a $15 gift card to use on their website!

Mandatory Entry!

Visit Piggy Paint & come back here to tell me which color you like best AND one of their gift sets they sell (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 July 20th. Winner to be chosen July 21st, 2010 {open INTERNATIONALLY!}!

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)).

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

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

*Become a fan of Piggy Paint on Facebook (1 entry).

*Follow Piggy Paint on twitter for secret sales & special offers (1 entry)!

*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet, (1 entry - can be done daily):
"Win a $15 gift card from @piggypaint 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.

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 TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

WINNER: KATIE

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

 

{Juicy} Summer Savings!!

I'm in a {particularly fabulous mood} today and am excited to let you know about some {huge savings} out there!

*50% off Koala Kuddles swaddling blankets ~ you might remember I reviewed these a few weeks back. They're made from muslin, so nice & light, breathable & perfect for summer!  www.hippobargains.com

*50% off {and more!} at Adam's Blankie!  We're clearing out inventory and making room for new fabrics & lovelies! You won't want to miss this sale!  Their shop pricing includes new reductions on all regular-priced items, too! www.adamsblankie.com. Another current offer includes a matching FREE BURP CLOTH for all Stroller Blankies purchased {regular priced blankies only; offer good through June 30th; you MUST enter code: FREEBURP in "notes to seller" upon checkout, and refund will be sent via PayPal within 24 hours!}!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

 

{Bulk up} on Fresh Produce.

We as mothers know how important as ever it is to get the fruits and veggies in our little ones, but we also know how expensive that can be.  And in this economy, unfortunately healthy eating often goes by the wayside.


So one solution I've heard of {and thought about doing, but haven't yet pulled the trigger on!} is joining a food co-op.  That is, an organization that groups people's resources {a.k.a. money} together to be able to buy bulk amounts of {fresh, might I add!} fruits & veggies.  You get loads of fresh produce at a fraction of the cost of what you would pay at the grocery store.  Why?  You're buying in bulk and often times buying directly from the farmers themselves.  And all you need to do is pay the fee and pick up your produce.

I know there is the "Bountiful Baskets" co-op in Arizona, if you'd like to check it out!  And if you live elsewhere, just do an online search for "food co-op" with your city listed behind it, and you should be able to find some results.

Also, if any of you are involved in one, please let me know how you like it, and if you'd recommend it!

Have a fabulous day, everyone! :)

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

 

{Ringley} Review & GIVEAWAY! *CLOSED*

Ringley is a Canadian company that manufactures all natural teething toys, made from Maple wood and organic cotton terrycloth.  The maple wood is untreated and will not splinter.  These features make this the perfect solution for a teething baby, wouldn't you say?

Both the ring and cloth are easy for your child to grasp, and baby can use both for actual teething satisfaction.  I like to think of it as a dual teether, really.  Additionally, the Ringley teething rings can be used wet or dry, which I really like. 

The Ringley teething toys come in 4 shapes: knotted, straight, junior or ball.  We received the "junior" version.  All are a natural cream color (the only "color" an organic terrycloth can be without chemicals or dye, of course), so will go with anything and be practical for any parent out there - modern, traditional or otherwise.

We tried it out on our 2 month old...who interestingly enough already seems to be teething - yikes!  Anyway. As she's new to textures and feeling anything in general, she really liked the cloth portion of the teether.  She chewed on it a bit, and also just liked feeling it.  She's not into the ring yet, though, which I'm assuming is because she's so young, so the ring is a bit big for her at this point.  As far as my concern for the Ringley, I love that it's all natural, neutral, has 2 different textures to teethe on, can be used wet or dry and is washable {well, at least 2 styles are}.

One bummer with the straight and knotted versions is that they are made to be only hand-washed.  However, the junior & ball styles come with a removable ring {via velcro}, so you can just toss the cloth part into the washer to get clean!


BUY IT!  Visit Ringley to find a local retailer to purchase your own Ringley teething toy {MSRP $14.99 - $19.99, depending on style}!  {In case there wasn't one listed near you, I did find this online retailer who carries all 4 styles!}.


WIN IT!  One lucky Haute Tot & Baby Couture reader will win a Ringley teether of their own!

Mandatory Entry!

Visit Ringley and come back here to tell me which design you like best AND at least one of the awards Ringley has received (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 July 13th. Winner to be chosen July 14th, 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)).

*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 a Ringley teething toy from Ringley 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.

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 CLOSED.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

WINNER: WWILLOWS6.

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

www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

 

Passage of the "Nee-Nee."

Oh, how good it feels to get rid of "the nee-nee" in our house.  I'm talking about my son's pacifier.  I'm not exactly sure how we acquired that name over here.  I know we started by calling it his "Nookie" {after the brand, "Nuk."}, but it affectionately became known as the "nee-nee" thereafter.  I presume because my son {at the time} couldn't pronounce the word "nookie."  Anyhow.  At 3 years of age, he finally has given it up.  And, much to my liking, it was done very easily.

Now, we had pretty well weaned him of it {he used it only for naps & bedtime}, but still...the thought of trying to rid it completely was daunting.  Afterall, you never know what kind of fight lies ahead of you!  How it worked over here was that he began chewing on them.  And as soon as a hole developed, we'd throw it away.  I just told him that once there was a hole, it could grow bacteria and make him sick, so we had to throw it away.  When we finally got down to the last one, he actually chewed the nipple off {yikes!}.  So that took care of that.  No more "nee-nees" meant no more "nee-nees."  Simply as that.  He did ask for it the first night without it, but that was the last I heard of it {whoo-hoo!}.

Now, I know some of you struggle with this very same issue - ridding the "nee-nee." I know this because I've heard story after story about how to do it and WIN the battle!  Apparently it's not usually a very easy task, so I wanted to bring to light some ideas I've heard of ~ ones I considered using myself if need be.  Thankfully, we didn't get to that point, but just in case you do, here they are:

A) Throw a "Bye-Bye, Pacifier" {or whatever term you may use!} Party.  My brother used this one with his daughter when she was 3 1/2 {I'd think do the "half" birthdays is best, so as not to confuse with the actual birthdays}.  They invited her friends over, had a cake & everything {in fact, it was a Barbie cake, with Barbie holding her pacifier!}.  After the cake was eaten, my niece simply threw the pacifiers in the trash, saying "goodbye," and that was it.  She was done, cold turkey.  A bit of a production for this solution, but possibly worth every penny!

B) Cut off the nipples.  Now, I find this solution a bit extreme myself because there's no expectation of them being ruined.  All of a sudden, they're unusable, and your little one's not only miffed but probably also terribly upset!  However, if you don't want to beat around the bush {or spend any extra money, for that matter}, this might be a good solution for you.

C) Donate them to a new baby who needs them.  Tell your little one that a new baby {maybe a friend's baby} has come along and now he/she needs them.  Have your little one take over the news as a special gift.

D) Binkie Fairy.  I thought of this one on my own...not sure how well it would work since we didn't actually need to do it over here, but perhaps you might give it a try and let me know how it goes!  Anyway.  The concept is like that of the Tooth Fairy, of course.  Only this fairy comes to take all your nee-nees and leaves coins for them instead.

E) Trade for Toys.  Gather up all the pacifiers you have, and take them to your child's favorite toy store.  Have your child pick out a new toy and "pay" for it with the pacifiers {talk to the clerk beforehand to let them know what you're up to}.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com
 

Playbeds.

Have you all seen these before?  I hadn't, and I absolutely find them sensational!  What a fabulous way to make some great use of your precious space at home, too!

"What is she talking about?" you ask?  Playbeds.  Ingenius, incredibly crafted playbeds.  Save some space {especially handy for those of you who are like me and don't have the extra space for a separate playroom!!}, and make that room oh-so-adorably inviting with these playbeds from CedarWorks. 

And beyond playbeds, you can customize about any "regular" play structure you can imagine - for both indoor & outdoor play.  And these aren't plastic (hence the name "Cedar"works!), and they look mighty fine!


Now, unfortunately I don't know how much these bad boys cost {one can only imagine when you see the quality & ingenuity of them}, but you can always request a catalogue or contact them at 800-462-3327 to find out more.
 

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

 

Baby Bites

With "solids" just around the corner at our house with our baby girl, I am all abuzz with finding some deliciously divine dishes to cook up for her!  I cooked & pureed my own fruits and vegetables for our firstborn, and I fully intend to do the same for our secondborn.

But it has my thinking, "I just gotta find some good twists and "real" recipes out there for babies!"  Don't get me wrong.  I do love the basic, simply purees of whole fruits and veggies.  But I also want to find ways to sneak in some additional flavors that aren't typically found in kid cuisine.  Better to start early than late, right?  That's my theory anyway (especially now that I have a picky 3yo eater in our household!).

So here are a couple books out there that I found helpful on this topic:

 "Cooking for Baby" - ($19.95) We've got this book at our house now, but I have yet to delve into it...got it after the firstborn and before the second's arrival.  Has some really interesting-looking recipes, including "silken tofu & peach puree," & "edamame & yogurt puree."

 "Super Baby Food" ($13.57 on Amazon) - This one's a winner at our house. Goes over all the basics from cooking plain vegetables & fruits, at what age you should introduce them, and specific cooking directions from baking to steaming and more!

"Love in Spoonfulls" ($19.95) - From Parents magazine...still need to try this one out!  Anyone tried any of these recipes and recommend the book?  Let us know!! 

And for the older kids (toddlers, preschoolers & up), there's always "Deceptively Delicious," a.k.a, "Good ways to sneak in some good foods for those picky eaters of yours!"

Huge bonus?  Get a used copy for just $0.40 (plus shipping) on Amazon.com right now!!!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com
 

Cross {Christian} Couture.

 I thought it would be soooo easy to snatch up some adorable cross {or other "Christian"} couture fabric, but boy was I wrong!  Did you realize this stuff is virtually nonexistent in the market?!?? I.was.shocked.  Seriously.  How can someone not have created a designer fabric with crosses?  scripture?  or angels?

Sooo....Of course, my next thought led me to, "How can I create this?"  Enter appliques.  I decided that if I couldn't buy some couture cross fabric, I was going to make my own crosses out of fabric I already have and just applique them onto items {i.e., bibs, lovies and onesies} Check them out below & let me know what you think.  {By the way, they are also now on sale at Adam's Blankie!  And you can get them in ANY OF OUR FABRICS!!}

My next move?  Figuring out how to design my own fabric! If any of you know about that process, please let me know!  Seriously! :)

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com
 

Fab Faux {Flowers}

So my latest obsession of all-things-girly {I can't help it - got a new baby girl, and I just can't get enough!}  are the adorable fabric faux flowers you see everywhere!  Sure, my "obsession" began with those "plain" {as I now call them} silk ones you can buy in the stores.  But now I've become a flower "snob" and just can't get enough of the ones out there made by hand {my favorite, of course!}!  And, boy oh boy, are there some amazing artists out there who create these things!

Here are some that I've recently made:

embellishing a tank top

matching hair accessory

adorning a ruffled "belt" on tank top

Of course, this simply isn't good enough for me, and I plan to extend my flower-making "binge," making them even more opulently decadent!  Stay tuned!  Bonus?  Arriving at a store near you soon! :)

Have a product you'd like reviewed? 

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.etsy.com 

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

 

Bake it {Pretty}.

 Cupcakes are all the rage these days, aren't they?  And while I love a good cupcake {afterall, who doesn't?}, I also love the wrapping.  That is, the cupcake liner.  It's funny, we put so much attention and detail into giftwrapping presents to look oh-so-pretty, but we kind of just forget about the "packaging" of the good ol' cupcake.  Well, really, it's because the grocery store just sells plain white or silver ones, right?

Well, I have a solution!  A totally adorable, mod, chic solution to plain cupcake liners!  They come from my new fave site, "Bake it Pretty."  Cupcake liners in every size or style you could need, and all at a fairly good price, considering their uniqueness.

I absolutely {heart} these "damask" style ones!  They'd be perfect for a wedding or special girls' night! 

Or how about these red and green ones for Christmas?  Use them for your holiday party or your child's playdate or Christmas party!

And these "tilt-a-whirl" cupcake liners would be perfect for a summer, BBQ or birthday party, wouldn't they?

And another piece of eye candy there that I'd just love to get my hands on are any of their delightful cupcaker wrappers.   Instead of the hackneyed liner, why not try it with an adorably cute wrapper to boot?  This pink one with the children would be perfect for a little girls' tea party or birthday party..and "Bake it Pretty" has so many, many more that you just simply must check out.  Really!

And beyond their delicious cupcake liners, you can find loaf liners {perfect for gift-giving...especially around the holidays when we just can't help ourselves from baking up a frenzy!}, unique cookie cutters {like this adorable "onesie" cutter that would be perfect for a baby shower}, chocolate molds, candy melts and even party packs that include 24 {themed} cupcake liners and cupcake toppers.  Doesn't this pirate one make you want to throw a "Jack Sparrow" party for Halloween? :) 

Hope these inspire you for some {pretty} baking and simply delightful parties for your little ones {and yourself!}!

 

Have a product you'd like reviewed?

Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com

www.adamsblankie.etsy.com

www.gourmetplay.etsy.com