Simply Wonderful!

Amy & I are the proud recipients of beautiful works of art by Simply Silhouettes. Patrick and Angela started Simply Silhouettes for one simple reason: so they could spend more time together, and as a family. This great business will capture any likeness you want to send, and put it on almost anything. You can get something simple, or gifts such as tote bags or jewelry, even apparel! Amy & I got room decor, where you have your choice of classic, design, or custom.

These are works of art that will be treasured by our families for many years to come. I am so impressed by the quality of these canvases, especially for the cost! Don't have kids? You can also get silhouettes done of yourself, your spouse (perhaps the two of you together?), even the beloved family pet!

If you want a keepsake or family heirloom, I highly recommend Simply Silhouettes. Wouldn't this make a wonderful gift for the grandparents for the holidays?

The Mums Will Always Love You, Vincent.

I don't really like to show a whole lot of preferential treatment, but I have to admit...when it comes to kids shoes, Vincent is tied for first place (along with the other cutest shoes ever) in shoe love. I was lucky enough to score THREE pairs of these sturdy, comfortable, and fashionable kicks. I love them ALL as much as I love Noel's first ever pair. Featured here are the MAX style. These will be great for fall and winter. In this pic, Noel looks like he's about to go hike the Appalachian Trail-I'm not into the hiking look-but with pants they look FANTASTIC. Inspired by the ultra-retro bowling shoe, these babies are sure to please anyone with an eye for cool.

Coming soon: ADAM (OHmygoodnessgracious how I LOVE THESE), and coming in February 2008: the Mini Frog (too adorable for words) Reviews.

Vincent still has a great sale going on too-Check it out!

**Don't forget to enter the CONTESTS if you haven't already!**

Whata-pets?

PLAJAPETS! Plajapets are the quirky and loveable new plush toys created by Jason Johnson and Adam Kittelson. "What's so different about Plajapets?" you might be wondering. Well, these imaginative toys have removeable (magnetized) heads and tails, so your tot can get crazy and mix up his or her pets! Ever heard of a panragold? How about a bunfida? A goldait? No? But they're right here!

Plajapets are super soft and cuddly, and come in a variety of "species" (you'll see the other three currently available in this post soon!). There are six different animals available currently, with six more coming soon! My only warning though, is if your child is pretty young, you may find your Plajapet with a missing head or tail...these smaller parts seem to go MIA pretty easily around the house, but luckily, we've manajed to keep all our pets with heads and tails fully intact, so far (just not at ALL times).

Can't decide what pet you want? Why don't you order three, and Jason & Adam will throw the other three in for FREE?!! That's almost a $40 savings! Just type Mums The Wurd in the comments section of checkout, and they'll throw the whole crew into your order. This discount is valid until October 30th.

Enjoy some Plajapets today!

Us? Why, Thank you!

Christine gave us the nifty "nice blogger" award! Isn't that cool? Aside from being totally rad and posting about every blog contest she can find, Christine is a mother of SIX CHILDREN-and she's sane! Give it up for Christine! Thanks for bestowing this on us! We're honored & flattered! *blush*

And who shall we pass this Nice Matters Award on to?

Natalie

Stephanie (I am SURE she's already received this award, but that's what happens when you're just that darn nice!)

Sis B

Katja

Don't forget! Nice Matters! :)

There’s a Monster in My Closet!

You’ll want a monster in your closet too! Sarah May is the creator of the unique t-shirt company, Monster In the Closet. Sarah custom makes and hand prints all of her items by hand, so it’s sure to be one-of-a-kind. Pictured here is Noel in his Robot/Rocket shirt (personalized too!). I just love these designs-simple, yet fun and unique. She's got lots to choose from, and you get a print on the front, and the back! As I already said, you also have the option of personalizing your shirt.


All sizes are available, from infant to adult. Shirts run average size-Noel's is a 4T and it should fit him for a while.

Sarah is always coming up with new ideas for her little shop too. Check out her blog, and see what she's got coming down the pike. Her new items, along with these adorable t-shirts, are sure to make your little monster squeal with glee.
Go order one TODAY! Or...

WIN IT!

Email us at mumsthewurd(at)gmail(dot)com and tell us when Monster In the Closet officially became a business. That's all you've gotta do! You can pick the print, size, and color of your shirt.

This contest ends on Friday, September 28th at 10:00 pm CST

GOOD LUCK!

The coolest thing in the canned fruit aisle

Earlier this summer, I was browsing around the grocery store when I came across a product that I hadn't seen before. Del Monte Fruit Chillers. Looked interesting and good. I picked up a couple of packs and stuck them in my freezer. When I tried them, I realized I was hooked.

Fruit Chillers are frozen fruit sorbets in a snack-size pack. A perfect healthy treat. I'm an ice cream fanatic, just ask my husband. This has "almost" cured me of my addiction. I don't feel guilty after eating these fat-free fruit treats. I don't feel guilty giving them to my toddler either and she LOVES them just as much as I do. I got Laura hooked too. :)

They come in three delish flavors: Arctic Strawberry, Polar Raspberry (my fav) and Glacial Mango. Each cup has 3/4 servings of fruit.

WIN IT!

We have TWO of these awesome Fruit Chiller prizes to give to TWO lucky MTW readers:

*Canvas Fruit Chillers tote bag (it's HUGE!) Perfect for that Fall/Winter swim class you and your little one have signed up for.
*GORGEOUS towel from The Company Store - one is Saffron (pictured) and the other is Daffodil (SUPER soft!)
*A Hilary Duff "With Love" netted tote
*A Botanics Weekend Pamper Kit (includes five miniature products)






Last but most certainly not least, a pack of Fruit Chillers!


This giveaway ends on Monday, September 24th at 10PM CST.

Good luck!

Mama Knows Breast

Ah...the joys of breastfeeding. Let's not mince words-breastfeeding isn't easy. It GETS easy after you've done it long enough, but those first few days and weeks can be a barrage of emotion. "Am I doing it right?" "Is my baby gaining weight?" "Will I ever sleep again?" My personal favorite, "WILL MY MILK EVER COME IN?"

Mama Knows Breast, by Andi Silverman takes a lighthearted approach to telling first time moms the ins and outs of breastfeeding. Mama Knows Breast covers the breastfeeding basics, and reassures you that IT WILL BE OK! There will be people that will disagree with this statement, but Andi also reassures those that find breastfeeding to be too overwhelming, that that's ok too. However, she provides the reader with a laundry list of breastfeeding resources in the back of the book. My friends, it can be done-and Andi has given us a great list of where to go (also available on her website!) if you are having problems.

Mama Knows Breast is witty, and informative, as well as a quick read. The time I have to dedicate to reading consists of about 5 minutes before bed before I fall asleep, and I had this book finished in about 3 days. I appreciate a book on breastfeeding that isn't overly militant and pushy-even being the strong advocate for it that I am. It is my belief that those types of reads can turn off those that may be sitting the fence on whether or not to breastfeed, and MKB certainly did not do that.

If you're a to-be first time mom (or even if you've already done it and need a refresher course), or need a great shower gift, pick up a copy of Mama Knows Breast. Get ready to use them as they were intended to be used-to bring the best nourishment possible to a new life!

Don't forget to check out our CONTESTS page and win yourself something cool! There's so much going on right now, your head will spin!

**No, Amy has not started doing this blog alone...I've been out of town and just all around swamped with life stuff-working outside the home full time and being a parent is difficult and can sometimes overwhelm. I did want to take a moment to just thank my awesome teammate & partner in crime, Amy, for making this site as great as it is. She is the brains behind the beauty of this site, and I could not do it without her. I just wanted to give her a public "Thank you" for being such a great person to have working with me on this site, and for being "the best friend I've never met." :)**

This just in - Zutano's New Fall/Winter Line!

Attention all MTW readers - Zutano has JUST posted their new Fall/Winter collection! Go to their WEBSITE and check it out!

Let us be the first to tell you that you do NOT want to miss out on this ADORABLE clothing line (for boys and girls) this season! Your little one will be the most colorful, warm, comfy and fashionable tot around this season.

We have a giveaway going on RIGHT NOW with Zutano! Enter to win a $150 eCertificate to their online store. How could you pass this one up? Don't be left out in the cold - email us at mumsthewurd[at]gmail.com with "Zutano giveaway" in the subject line to enter! We'd love to hear what you think of the new line.

Contest ends on September 30th at 10:00 pm CST.


(PS: If you've already left a comment on our other Zutano giveaway notification post, you need not email us. We've already got you entered!)

My bubba is a goofball

From the day that Hailey was born, I have always referred to her as "bubba". She was so tiny, weighing in at only 5 lbs. 15 oz. at birth (a month premature). She couldn't be anything other than a bubba to me. Well, that term of endearment has stuck and to this day, just shy of 23 months, she's still my little bubba. Any of my friends can vouch for me on that one.

So you can imagine my excitement when I found MeGiant and their adorable, tell it like it is collection of creepers and long-sleeve tees from 3 mos to 4T.

Hannah Wygal and Theresa Monica, founders of MeGiant, are keeping it real. If you call your little one a kitty rabbit or a boogey woogey, let it be known to the world.

Their first line of creepers and tees was Wee Bubba. Seven designs make up this line of name-calling, cutsie-wootsie clothing. The second line created was the Chirp Daddy line. Birds that go woof and pigs that meow. Why should we separate farm animals and zoo animals? They should all be one big happy animal family, right? The newest edition to the MeGiant family is the Twins line. The question is, who wears "copy" and who wears "paste"?

Yet another new edition is the Pirate line. Have a little Jack Sparrow on your hands, do ya? Arrr!

The Wee Bubba and Chirp Daddy lines come with their own cute, classic metal lunch box (as seen in picture above). MeGiant apparel would make perfect gifts for the new parents but don't just stop there, they would make perfect gifts anytime!

So tell us, what is your favorite term of endearment for your little squirts?

A tee that's made just for me

Living The Dream. Nina and Cindi, founders of LTD Chix are telling it like it is. It all began in the summer of 2005 when these two fabulous ladies left their families to go traveling across the country...no wait. Just kidding. That's a totally different story. Nina and Cindi created LTDChix.com because they are living the dream just like all of us. They realized that if you can't find humor in a situation, what fun is that? No one told us we'd have to give up our favorite t.v. show to get the laundry done or miss our favorite band in concert because we didn't have a babysitter. It's all just part of living the dream.

Here I am (before my super cute new hair cut and style) in my Living the Dream long sleeve cotton tee, showing off the Cleaning Mom logo. This tee is SO COMFORTABLE. I don't think they make them any softer than this. I'm glad the weather has finally cooled down around here so I can live in it wear it more often.

Choose from six different "mom" logos; Beach Cart, Laundry, Cleaning, Referee, Minivan and Shopping Mom. The gals have even prepared you for the holiday season with Halloween and Winter moms. If you live in or around New Jersey, you can find LTD tees at any of THESE locations. You can also make your selections at LTDChix.com.

I had the opportunity to look through an assortment of these tees recently. I received mine in a swag bag for being a part of the wonderful Chicago Moms Blog. You can take my word for it when I say that these tees are SUPER COMFY.

Now, don't forget to sit back and laugh a little bit. Show them all that "Living the Dream" isn't so bad after all. =)

See Kai Run: Urban footwear for first steps

When my husband and I found out we were having a girl, I immediately turned to him and apologized. I apologized to him because I knew that all of our hard-earned money would go toward her wardrobe. I'll have to admit, I never imagined my little girl having so many pairs of shoes before her second birthday. She may have quite the selection of shoes but by far the most flexible and comfortable are her See Kai Run shoes.



Here is Hailey, in her "Hailey" style SKR shoes. A perfect match, if I do say so myself! These shoes are made from flexible leather and have TPR (thermoplastic rubber) soles. They are very soft and durable, not to mention super stylish and adorable, just like your little one.




See Kai Run shoes range in sizes from 3 (6-9 mos) to 9 (3 yrs). Their shoes are available at select retail locations around the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe. They are also available at online boutiques. Prices range anywhere from $24 to $42 with most right around the $32-$36 range. If you are looking to purchase, I highly suggest browsing through the list of online boutiques listed on the See Kai Run website, which we've conveniently linked for you HERE. I'm confident you'll find a good deal at one of those shops.

**NEW** If you are looking for bigger sizes, visit See Kai Run's sister site, Eleven. Sizes at Eleven range from 9 (2.5-3 yrs) to 1 (7 yrs). Just because your little one is getting bigger doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the unique shoes! Eleven shoes will be available for purchase this coming February 2008. We think you won't be disappointed with the "bigger kid's" shoes! We'll also keep you posted when they become available.


WIN IT!

One lucky MTW reader will win a pair of See Kai Run shoes. Check out the shoes you can choose from HERE. Scroll down to the "Also Available" section and there you have it! Plenty of unique treads to pick from.
*This giveaway is NOT for anything in the new Fall & Winter Collection 2007.

*Sizes of select shoes may be limited, so make sure you have a couple of favorites in mind in case the size in the style you want is out of stock.

CONTEST HAS ENDED. PLEASE SEE OUR CONTEST SECTION FOR WINNER INFO! =)

"What month and year did See Kai Run shoes start arriving in specialty boutiques?"
I'll give you a hint...you can find the answer on See Kai Run's About page CLICK HERE! =)

This giveaway ends on Friday, September 21st at 10:00 pm CST.

GOOD LUCK!

*Don't forget about our other contests! Check out our CONTEST section for a list of current and past giveaways!

Bumble Bags: The oh-so-perfect diaper bag

I don't know what I was thinking back when I was pregnant with Hailey and I registered for some random ugly diaper bag. That is SO not my style! But I was a "newbie" and not aware of the fantastic shops out there who have just what this fashionista craves.

Bumble Bags are so stylish and roomy and are available in several different styles; Jessica Messenger Backpack, Kimberly Tote and Madeline Backpack. We have the Madeline Backpack Hanging Stroller Bag in Paisley and it instantaneously became my favorite bag. The material is soft and it is water and stain resistant. There are plenty of sections for mom and baby stuff.


Generally, what you see here is what I carry with me on a daily basis. There is STILL plenty of room after all of this stuff for her toys and whatnot.




The features that I love the most about this backpack/diaper bag are the zipped diaper pocket on the inside, the multiple bottle/sippy cup compartments inside and out and the extra zipped pocket on the outside.

The pop-out stroller straps are great if you ask me. I love being able to attach my bag to the stroller and still have room underneath for all of my shopping bags. I was getting pretty tired of my bag always slipping off of the stroller handle.

The backpack feature of this bag just can't be beat. I don't feel like I'm losing everything when I have to hurry up and chase my toddler somewhere. I know all of my possessions are right there in my bag, on my back and not flying all over the place.

Bumble Bags are available at numerous online retailers (our pals at The Polkadot Platypus being one of them!) as well as quite a few physical locations around the U.S. and Canada.

Don't forget, they also have infant and toddler car seat covers, as well as toddler totes!

***You can win a Bumble Bag! Not here but over at Get Knocked Up from Due Maternity! To enter to win, you pick a body, upload your photo, send to friends and enter to win. Here is me, virtually knocked up. Click the image to be taken to Get Knocked Up for your chance to win!

Witty tees at TeeWit

Witty tees are all the rage these days and we love it! Since we're huge music fans at our house and the iPods are constantly being used, TeeWit's "iPood" shirt was quite fitting for our toddler. We get a kick out of it, not sure how she'll feel when she's old enough to realize we used her as a billboard for cuteness but hey, we're the bosses!

TeeWit has a huge selection of funny toddler tees, onesies, bibs and gifts for the whole family. They also carry maternity tees that will ward off those "belly touchers". You know who I'm talking about, right? I wish I would have had something like the "Touch my belly, lose a hand" tee when I was pregnant with Hailey. At least I know where to find sassy apparel for the next time around!

It's hard to pick which TeeWit design is my favorite. Definitely the iPood/iPeed designs (for obvious reasons). It's nice to find a reasonably-priced apparel shop that has something for almost every personality. Oh and check it, they've got gifts not just for Grandma and Grandpa but for Abuela, Abuelo, Memaw, Mimi, Nana, Nani, Oma, Opa, Pappou, Pappous, Pepaw, PopPop, YaYa and YiaYia too! They are also ready to personalize a product just for you!

Halloween, my FAVORITE holiday by the way, is just around the corner, so take a look-see at TeeWit's Halloween designs. You didn't think they'd forget about Thanksgiving, did you? Of course, they have all of those in-between holiday designs too.

TeeWit would like you to stop by their site and do some shopping. They are generously offering one lucky MTW reader a $50 eCertificate to their online shop!

Here is what you need to do to enter:

Leave a comment on THIS post telling us how your kids (or grandkids, nieces/nephews, friends) refer to their relatives. Example, Grandpa is "PopPop", Aunt is "Nina" and so on. Hey, if it's good old aunt/uncle, grandma/grandpa, that's fine too! We're just nosey.

*PUH-LEEEASE don't forget your contact information! A lot of people with private profiles enter and we have no way of contacting you! Be sure your profile is public or you leave your email address, OK? Hey, if I were entering, I would want to make sure that I was reachable, that's for sure.

This giveaway will end on Tuesday, September 18th at 10:00 pm CST.

Good luck!

**Contest reminder: Don't forget to enter our Natural Pod $100 G.C., Zutano $150 G.C. and MomSpit giveaways!

MomSpit: In a bottle

I'm big on carrying antibacterial with me everywhere I go, so I was just thrilled when I heard about MomSpit. The name, right up my alley. The stuff inside the bottle, a perfect concoction of no-rinse cleansers safe for my toddler and me. What I love most about this product (seriously) is the fact that when I pump it into my hand while I'm driving (because I do those kinds of things), it doesn't drip down onto my legs or the gear shift. It comes out as foam, ready to cleanse my dirty playground, grocery cart, gas pumping hands. Oh, it's good for the kid too for reasons previously stated (minus the gas pump thing. I don't make her do that. Yet). I haven't tried it on the permanent temporary tattoo that my husband placed on my toddler's arm yet, nothing seems to get that sucker off but I think I'll put MomSpit to the test tomorrow.

This alcohol-free moussing liquid comes unscented or in two lovely scents: lemon and white tea, and fig and green tea. The spit is offered in two different sizes; 7 oz. ($18.00) and 2 oz. ($9.00) or you can get a MomSpit Tag Team of both sizes ($25.00).








WIN IT!

MomSpit and MTW would like to give YOU a MomSpit Tag Team set of your choice!

To enter, just leave us a comment on this post and let us know what "fun" things you've had to clean off of your little one with your "mom spit"! We'll submit your comments to the fabulous ladies who put MomSpit into the bottle. Please don't forget your contact info, so we can get a hold of you if you win.

Winner will be chosen on Sunday, September 16th at 10:00 PM CST.

Good luck!

*See where MomSpit is available for purchase HERE.

Sweeters: American Made

This morning was a perfectly brisk September morning to break out our soft, hand-knitted Sweeters sweater. You might remember reading my previous post about Sweeters right around the fourth of July holiday. Since today is 9/11, we thought the our sweater from the Americana Collection was quite fitting for this day of remembrance.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Sweeters' owner Sue today on the phone. She's just super sweet and so proud of her business. Her "knitters" can be found all around this great country and they do a fabulous job. Hailey was as cozy as can be in her sweater today and I'm happy that what was touching her delicate skin was a product made here in the states. Sue also informed me that her sweaters are machine washable and dryer safe.

Sue, any chance your sweaters come in adult sizes? :)

Sweeters' products can be personalized, too.


From sweaters, hats and scarves, to blankets for the new little ones to their brand new Pals dolls; you can make your little one feel unique in every way.

Speaking of the new Sweeters' Pals dolls...keep an eye out. We MAY just have one or two to give away later this week! More details on that coming soon.

Look, they even come in your favorite sports team!










We hope you'll give Sweeters a look when you're thinking about warmth and/or gifts this coming fall and winter season. We know we will!

*Contest reminder: Don't forget to enter our Natural Pod $100 G.C. and Zutano $150 G.C.
giveaways!

Go Back to School Zutano Style-with a Super Duper Giveaway!

They've got everything...style, color, creativity-they're Zutano, and they have some of the cutest, most unique clothes on the market today! We've shown you the terrific items they sent Hailey and Noel here and here. Such spiffy little duds for summer! Want your kids to look this cool? Well, it could happen! Zutano wants to give YOU a $150 e-certificate so your child can be the most happenin' kid in school-or daycare, since they've got sizes from newborn to 6T!

Here's what you need to do to win:

Leave us a comment on this post with your contact info (i.e. email address) so we can contact you if you win.

The winner will be announced September 30th, 2007, at 10 PM CST (aren't we official?).

Yes, I'll say it again! Enter now to win $150 worth of the cutest clothes on the planet! Good luck!

Don't forget to enter our Natural Pod contest for $100 e-certificate for all natural toys!
**Be sure to check our other contests, and sign up to receive our weekly newsletter!**

TO ENTER THIS CONTEST, OUR COMMENT SECTION IS LOCATED JUST BELOW THE LINE (UNDER THE DIGG IT BUTTON). IF YOU ENTER AS ANONYMOUS, DON'T FORGET YOUR CONTACT INFO IN THE COMMENT!

Natural Pod: A Safe Choice

More recalls in the news this week. My nerves are just about shot with all of this "Made in China" nonsense. As a mother of a toddler, it's my responsibility to educate myself on what she's got in her precious little hands. I've just been sick about all of these recalls, considering quite a few of her toys are from Fisher Price and "made in China". My husband and I have seriously contemplated just throwing everything out. Why don't we then? We're trying to remain calm and just make conscious decisions on the toys we buy from now on.

Thankfully, we found a company by the name of "Natural Pod" out of Vancouver. Natural Pod owners, Bridgitte and her husband are parents of two and make very well sure that their little ones are playing with safe toys. Are you going to pay a little bit more for these natural or wooden toys? Maybe in some cases but you have to ask yourself what is more important, a ton of flashy plastic toys in toy box that may be hazardous to your child's health or a few good quality toys that they will be just as happy with? I think I'll go with the obvious decision here.

If you take a look at Natural Pod's website, you'll see they have natural products ranging from the baby stages to school-age children. For instance, they have this fun wool fruit you see pictured to the left. An interesting texture for your baby to touch and soft enough for your toddler to toss around.

They also carry adorable natural baby dolls. Hailey has a pouchy doll that she totes around all over the place. Little girl's LOVE baby dolls, especially soft ones like the pouchy dolls. These dolls are filled with wool. Did you know that wool is naturally an anti-bacterial?

Wooden cars and trucks for the boys, clothing, bikes and musical instruments. Natural Pod has a huge selection of items and you can rest assure that there are no harmful ingredients in their products.



So, let's get back to the basics, shall we? We here at MTW really want to raise awareness about lead paint and these unsafe, exported children's toys and we'd love to involve you.

We are giving away a $100 gift certificate to Natural Pod's online store.

To enter this contest, here are the steps you need to take:

1. Leave us a comment on this post with your contact information (i.e. email address) so we can contact you if you win.

If you'd like to, go ahead and leave your thoughts and feelings on the recent toy recalls. We will compile all of your comments and submit them to the FDA (under Docket 2009N-0330) to be taken to a meeting held by the Bush Administration on October 1st. We need to be heard and they are giving us this opportunity, so let's take advantage. If you'd rather not, that's fine too, you can still enter, we'll just leave your comment out.

If you'd like to link up to this contest on your site, here are a couple of button codes for you:













<a href="http://www.mumsthewurd.com/2007/09/natural-pod-safe-choice.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mumsthewurd.com/np_mtw_120x180.jpg" border="0" /></a>










<a href="http://www.mumsthewurd.com/2007/09/natural-pod-safe-choice.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mumsthewurd.com/np_mtw_125x125.jpg" border="0" /></a>

This contest will end on Wednesday, September 19th at 10:00pm CST.

Good luck!