Merry Christmas to All, and to All, a Good Night.

Thanks for Making 2007 Such a WONDERFUL Year!Merry Christmas!

With Love,
Hailey & Noel
and
Amy & Laura

Epson Stylus CX8400 Printer Review

I know, I know...this review is a bit "different" from the norm here on MumsTheWurd.com. But I have to be honest...I'm a digital photo buff and anyone who takes digital photos needs a means of printing them out. I also have a HUGE stack of pre-digital-age photos that need scanned and saved, otherwise, they are going to get yellow with age and I'm all about preserving my memories.

So, that being said. I'm really digging the new Epson Stylus CX8400 All in One printer/scanner/copier. No, no one is paying me to write this review. I have this printer and I LIKE it.

This all-in-one retails for around $99.99 but with a couple of instant rebates offered, you can get this baby for as low as $59.99, which makes for an affordable Christmas gift!

I've had a couple of different scanners/printers over the years and so far, this one runs smoothly and I haven't had any trouble with it. The colors are vibrant and the individual ink cartridges retail between $12 and $17 at your local office supply store.

Of course, here are some notable features of the printer:

*Epson DURABrite Ultra Ink: It dries instantly.
*Auto Photo Correction with advanced face detection: If you aren't a Photoshop pro, never fear! The printer is smart and can help you out with photo corrections needed prior to printing.
*Epson Easy Photo Fix: Great for scanning those old family photos that could use a "touch-up" or two.
*BorderFree Photo Printing: No perforations or edges to trim (hello, time saver?!)

The printer has met all of my needs thus far, whether it has been printing directions to a holiday party or scanning a receipt to print and send in for a rebate, it has worked as good as gold. I've been pleased with the quality of the photos I have printed as well.

The Epson Stylus CX8400 is definitely worth checking out!

*Epson was a part of our holiday scavenger blog hunt!

Play Along with a Book







Before I knew who Publications International, Ltd. was, I already had quite a few of their electronic books on Hailey's bookshelf.

Included in her collection are some of her favorite characters; Nemo, Elmo, Dora, Baby Einstein and her absolute favorites, the Little Einsteins. We also have the Disney Princesses floating around our house somewhere...

She has enjoyed these books ever since she could sit up and use her motor skills, which has been a long time now. Her most recent favorites are the Little Einsteins book pictured above and her "Party Time with Blue" book. She loves moving the hands of the clock and listening to what time it is. She's actually learning how to tell what time it is at age 2 because she plays with this book so much. Don't get me wrong, I'm still the best teacher for her but a little help along the way doesn't bother me in the least.

You can find these electronic books virtually everywhere and they make for GREAT, inexpensive gifts (generally retailing under $20) for the little ones.

We've also just discovered the Story Reader line by Publications International, Ltd. The Classic Story Reader Line (ages 3-8 yrs) and My First Story Reader (6 mos-3 yrs) are fantastic additions to your gift list this year. Both retail for around $20 and include three interchangeable books. I highly recommend the Story Reader books. We actually also have the Leap Frog Little Touch LeapPad and I prefer the Story Reader books to that, plus they are cheaper.

So, you may have to run back out and grab something from Publications International to put under the tree this year...you still have plenty of time left! :)

Tutor.com to the rescue!

I feel for kids nowadays. With parent's busy schedules, there's less and less time to spend quality time on homework. I know that when I was younger, I had a very difficult time in school, mainly with math. Had there been a service like Tutor.com around, my parents wouldn't have had to stress with me when it came to homework.

Luckily, this incredible service is available for us today. Students from 4th to 12th grade can feel at ease using Tutor.com. Online tutors are available on demand from 2pm to 1am EST, 7 days per week. Students will sit in a virtual classroom, in real-time and work one-on-one with one of the thousands of professional tutors available. It is the tutoring option of today, ladies and gentlemen!

Right now for a limited time, Tutor.com is offering a limited amount of FREE 25 minute tutoring certificates - these would make GREAT stocking stuffers!

All you have to do to receive your free tutoring card is go to the Tutor.com holiday gift page and enter your gift message. Tutor.com will mail out the card to the recipient of your choice.

Take full advantage of this offer because it ends December 31, 2007.

*Tutor.com was a part of our Holiday Blog Hunt!

Born to Love Clothing

...The title says it all, don't you think?

Recently we came across this great little shoppe that makes the most adorable visor beanies for the lil' ones. Born to Love Clothing is an online shop started by a stay-at-home-mom out of Bakersfield, CA. They carry knitted beanies that are super stylish and right now is the perfect time of year for them. Each beanie has a signature Born to Love logo on the side.

A great selection for the little gals and the little dudes alike. Hailey gets "aaawwww's" wherever we go because she's always sporting her Born to Love Visor Beanie. Works perfect when she plays out in the snow too, especially when the sun is so bright and glaring in our backyard winter wonderland.

Born to Love Visor Beanies come in a range of sizes from 6 mos. to 7 T and are stretchy too. They are available for purchase through "A Lady and Her Baby", an upscale online boutique full of apparel to room decor. The boutique offers a selection of the beanies from prices ranging from $20.50 to $22.50. You will also get free shipping if you order by December 31st, 2007. That's a pretty great deal if you ask me. Just use shipping voucher code "SHIP07" at checkout.

Don't miss out on that great free shipping deal and all of these adorable visor beanies!

A Quick Treat for Your Sweet Tooth!

Want a big box of goodies for Christmas? Tootsie Roll wants to give you and yours a giant box of treats just in time for the holidays! In order to get this to you by The Big Day, we have to make this a one day contest...so hurry up and enter to win a truckload of Tootsie Pops, Tootsie Rolls, and Andes Mints. After that big ham or turkey dinner, you can make yourself nearly sick on candy! Yeah! Email us to enter: mumsthewurd[at]gmail.com

We'll pick the winner TOMORROW at 2 PM CST. Best of luck!!

Bronwen Handcrafted

Bronwen Handcrafted is the ultimate in "baby bohemian". If you know me, you know that I've always aspired to be more of a hippie (with little success), but I was excited nonetheless, when Bronwen asked me to review one of her slings. Bronwen's line is right up my alley. The less "adorned", the better, in my opinion. That's why I really love her elegant, yet simple designs. I haven't been able to use this sling much with Noel because there's just not a lot of room for him on my hip right now :), but I love the material and the design! I like that the tail isn't too long. In my (limited) experience with other ring slings, I've often noticed that there is way too much unnecessary material. This blue flocking design is silk and very lightweight with big, velvety flowers. It will be perfect for carrying Lennon about town.

Bronwen also has a great selection of other ring slings, and a couple of other styles as well. I really wanted to try out the podaegi, but I could not justify a "warm" sling in this Texas weather. Isn't it gorgeous??

Bronwen also has a nice selection of other wares. If you want a little Guatemalan nebaj and shoes for your tiny tot, or some other groovy duds, check out these cool, comfy clothes! Bronwen also has some beautiful and unique quilts and jewelry for the big folks that are quite lovely. For anyone that wants something cool and unconventional, head over to Bronwen Handcrafted!

It's a Wonderful Life Train

We're excited to announce the following giveaway via MumsTheWurd and Lands End:

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE TRAIN

This train is sure to be a hit under the tree this Christmas and we're happy to be able to supply one MTW reader with it!

Lands End carries the "It's a Wonderful Life Train", which retails for $299.00.

It features:

  • Themed with scenes from the award-winning film, It's a Wonderful Life
  • Ready-to-run set includes die-cast locomotive, cars, track, and caboose
  • With steam whistle sound and illumination headlight
  • Remote-controlled forward, neutral, reverse
  • Certificate of authenticity
  • Track pieces included!





This giveaway will run through Tuesday, December 18th. The winner will be chosen on the 19th, so there is enough time to deliver by Christmas. How would your little one(s) like to wake up Christmas morning to this fabulous train, chugging around the track!?

CONGRATULATIONS, SANDRA!:

*If you'd like to make a purchase at Lands End online, they have offered MTW readers FREE SHIPPING through December 19th. Just enter coupon code "JOY" at the LandsEnd.com checkout. Happy shopping!

Tag It!

Is your child the ONLY one with a Disney Princess backpack? I didn't think so. How can you distinguish your child's items without junking up their things with the industrial-sized Sharpie? Olive Kids comes to the rescue with these adorable personalized name tags! Amy & I received ours, and I'm thinking we'll use them on diaper bags and luggage. Wouldn't these be great for holiday travel???

WIN IT!

Win 3 tags of your choice, with your names of choice (you can choose 3 different styles with 3 different names if you'd like!)! Please send us your favorite design in an email with the subject line "Olive Kids" to mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com & we'll pick a winner on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 12 PM CST. Good luck!!!

The Mums Merry Gift Guide 2007



The Mums Merry Gift Guide 2007
Special holiday finds from around the web
Brought to you by MumsTheWurd.com

We've been so anxious to share with you our Merry Gift Guide! Finally, here you have our unique holiday finds from around the web. We hope you find some great gift ideas here - just in time for the holiday!
Ga-Ga
baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
*Rockabye Baby - A Baby Rock Christmas ($11.95)

baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress

*Manuella Bib (Red/Green) ($14)
baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress

*Ga-Ga Ho Ho Ho Headband ($12)
Chocolate Cake Club
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*The Elf on the Shelf (A Christmas Tradition) ($29.95)
baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
*Goffengel Christmas Pop-Up Photo Album ($72)

Check out these too!

*eeBoo Skating Dogs Christmas Advent Calendar ($7.95)

*eeBoo Christmas in the Woods Advent Calendar ($7.95)
Belly Bean Designs
baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
*Photo Holiday Cards (see website for pricing)
*10% discount on your order (use code BBDtake10 at checkout)
Baby Rock Apparel
baby_rock_apparel_beanies
*Beanies ($16)


Baby Dagny
baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dressbaby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress

*Holiday Pom Pom Dress ($44)
*2 pc. Christmas Tree Outfit ($48)

*Free shipping on orders $50 or more (use code MERRY7 at checkout)
Good for the Kids
baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress gftk_zoobie_pets
*WubbaNub Penguin Pacifer (limited edition) ($11.99)
*Zoobie Pets (assorted) ($32.95 ea)

*Free shipping on orders $50 or more
*Free Ty stuffed animal with any order (not incl shipping) over $40
*Super Secret Holiday Gift Sale!
Little Showoffs
little_uni_happy baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
*Holiday Baby Cap (choose from 10 holiday sayings) ($10)
*Holiday onesies and tees (choose from 10 different holiday sayings) ($14-$21)

*Free shipping on orders $100 or more in the U.S.
Golden Key Toys
golden_key_mini_red_pianobaby_dagny_holiday_pom_dressbaby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
*Mini Red Piano ($59.99)
*Rosy Cheeks Holiday 15" Doll (Blondie
or Brunette) ($24.99)
*Automoblox - T9 Pick Up Truck
($29.99)

*Free shipping for orders $100 or more
HappyGreenBee
happygreenbeebaby_dagny_holiday_pom_dressbaby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
Some of the CUTEST stripey apparel out there! MANY colors & items to choose from:
Cardigan ($28), chemise ($32), kimono ($22), long sleeve tee ($24), short sleeve tee ($18), leggings ($18), skort ($30), dress ($36), beret ($10), sock hat ($10), socks ($6), abbee doll ($28)
Hatley Nature
hatley_moose_red_scarfbaby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dressbaby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
*Moose on Red Kid's Scarf ($30)
*Moose on Red Kid's Mittens ($26)
*Penguin Children's Pajama Set ($26)
*Santa Coverall and Knot Cap ($24)

*Free shipping on orders $55 or more
Little Uni
baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
Holiday onesies and tees (choose from 14 different holiday designs) ($28 - short sleeve, $30 - long sleeve, personalized: $30-$32)
Lollipop Kisses
lollipop_kisses_dottie_wooden_frame baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress lollipop_kisses_jolly_snowmen_pers_placemat
*Personalized plates ($48), frames ($32-$42), personalized ornaments ($29-$32) and placemats too!
*Also check out their address labels, gift stickers, enclosure cards, holiday invitations and photo greeting cards!

*Free shipping on orders $95 or
more
Bitty Braille
baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
*Holiday tees (Ho Ho Ho / Jingle / Believe) ($25)
Love-Me-Knots
lovemeknots_softly_snowingbaby_dagny_holiday_pom_dressbaby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
Seasonal hair bows for girls (Med - $8, Lg - $9)

*Free shipping on orders $50 or more
ModernKid
modernkid_flensted_christmas_tree6 modernkid_schaaf_fleur
baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
*Flensted Christmas Tree 6 ($35)
*Schaaf Fleur (wooden rattle) ($24)
*Katvig Apple Bag Pink ($48)
*Ugly Doll Ox ($33)
Natural Pod
natural_pod_hardwood_choo_choonatural_pod_med_stacking_stone_cave
baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dressnatural_pod_skittles
*Hardwood Choo Choo ($75 CAN)
*Medium Stacking Stone Cave ($29.99 CAN)
*Teething Ring ($10.95 CAN)
*Skittles ($31.99 CAN)
Mommy Tags
mommytags_mommy_tags_necklace mommytags_tot_tags_bracelet
*Mommy Tags Necklace ($65 +)
*Tot Tags Bracelet ($55 +)
Skimbaco
skimbaco_peggy_ruby_velvet skimbaco_sierra_mtn_graphic_top
*Peggy Ruby Red Velvet Coat ($50)
*Tea Collection Sierra Mountain Graphic Top ($20)
Olive Kids
olive_kids_floor_pillow olive_kids_penguin_placemat
olive_kids_name_tags olive_kids_snowman_clock
*Personalized Floor Pillows ($47.99)
*Personalized Placemats ($9.99)
*Personalized Name Tags ($7.99)
*Snowman Personalized Clock ($24.99)

*Free shipping on orders $175 or more
Small Concept
small_concept_childish_chill_onesiesmall_concept_childish_oneofakind_onesie
small_concept_haba_nativitysmall_concept_snow_bowsmall_concept_olive_other_reindeer

small_concept_snow_buddies_book

*Childish Chill Onesie ($32)
*Childish One-of-a-Kind onesie ($32)
*Haba Nativity Scene ($99)
*Flip-a-Word Snow Bow Book ($12.95)
*Olive, the Other Reindeer Book ($19.95)
*Snow Buddies Book ($9.95)

*Free gift wrapping!
Plaja Pets
plaja_pet_boomi_itzelplaja_pets_chizu_yongi
plaja_pets_tashi_chumbo
PlajaPets Minis are here!!!
Meet the new line-up:

*Mon-Mon Pair-Pack ($16.99)
*Platyger Pair-Pack ($16.99)
*Pino Pair-Pack ($16.99)
TeeWit
teewit_santas_little_helper
teewit_elf_sized
teewit_first_xmas
TONS of different holiday designs to choose from and have placed on many different products (range of prices).

*$10 off any order of $50 or more (use code HOLIDAY 2007 at checkout)
Zutano
zutano_girls zutano_boys

zutano_girl_fall zutano_gift_card
(Pictured above)

Girl: Pool Mini Pea Coat ($60)
Plaid Twirling Dress ($44)
Pool Good News Cap ($24)
Aqua Plush Scarf ($20)

Boy: Bordeaux Cable Knit Sweater
($44)
Plaid Pull On Pant ($32)
Knit Stripe Scarf ($20)
Grey Good News Cap ($24)

(Girl and Boy sizes 2-4)

Infant: Fitted Crew "Pipkin" Pink ($20)
Pink Stripe Palazzo Pant ($28)
Pink Knit Stripe Ball Hat ($24)

(Infant sizes 12-24mos)

*Free ground shipping + gift wrap on all orders until 12/13!
Cool Tech Gifts from Staples
Here are some really great "tech" gift ideas for mom and dad!
staples_omnitech_digital_picture_frame
Omnitech Digital Picture Frame ($129.98 - save $70!)
staples_pure_digital_flip_camcorder
Pure Digital 30 minute Flip Camcorder ($109.99)

staples_microsoft_zune
Microsoft Zune 30GB MP3 Player ($189.99)
staples_canon_digital_camera
Canon PowerShot A560 Digital Camera ($129.98)

Buy the above camera and get TWO FREE PRINTERS AFTER REBATES!

staples_canon_selphy_photo_printer baby_dagny_holiday_pom_dress
*Free Canon SELPHY CP740 Photo Printer (a $99.98 value!)
*Free Canon iP3500 Photo Printer (a $79.98 value!)

There you have it! It was hard to just chose a few items from these select shops and we really could have gone overboard and listed many, many more boutiques but you'd be reading forever then instead of visiting all of these FINE places!

xo
The Mums,
Amy & Laura
Our "fine print" is that any of the above prices, items or specials are subject to change. Just click the link to each boutique to find out if there is still stock of the item(s) you'd like to purchase or learn more about.