My Sleeping Angels

In honor of 5 Minutes for Mom's Sleeping Angels photo contest*, here are my favorite pictures of Roo and Jasper, sacked out in slumberland.


I love this road trip diptych.
They look so much more alike when they're passed out!

My kids are super flip-floppy sleepers. Check out the gigantic feet on Jasper (this is my contest entry, by popular demand!):



Roo's hair is extra curly when she wakes up. She dreams so hard, she breaks a sweat…



They were even sweeter when they were newborns. The first two pictures are Roo and the last two are Jasper.






Wow! They look way more alike in retrospect… I was so worried about Jasper being in the NICU initially that I didn't see it at all. I wish he slept that soundly now, at 14 months…

*Visit 5 Minutes for Mom to see how you can enter to win a new bedroom set from Home & Bedroom Furniture for your Sleeping Angel. I would like to win the Summer Breeze Bedroom Set for Jasper. Wish me luck!

TAG, You're It!

Roo is learning to read and constantly surprises me with how much she already knows. She can spell her full name and Mom and Dad (although she prefers to write B-O-B!) and Jasper. At bedtime, she "reads" books from memory, but it seems as though she is actually starting to pick out words.

She is at the perfect stage for the Leapfrog Tag Reader, an electronic stylus that "reads" stories aloud. I was really impressed with how quickly she took to it and learned how to use it. The Tag Reader can "read" by the word, page or full story. It's kind of an updated version of the filmstrips I remember as a kid: "when you hear the bell, turn the page…" only you control the speed and can go back and forth as you please. Being a typical four year old, Roo enjoys repeating the same words and pages over and over and over again… at least repetition builds recognition, right?!



The Leapfrog Tag Reader comes with one introductory book called Ozzie and Mack. We also received the Tag Classic Storybook Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, which we already were familiar with, but Roo swears this version is better. Apparently the voice actor has a more compelling way of rhyming than I do! There are currently 20 other Tag Classic Storybook titles available, including many characters your child knows and loves including The Cat in the Hat, Ariel, Diego, Dora and Kung Fu Panda. The next titles we'll be getting are two of Roo's favorites: Fancy Nancy and Olivia. I, personally, love Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends so we might have to get that one, too. And, of course, the pretty pink Tag storage case to stuff them all into…



An unusual proprietary feature of the Tag Reader is the LeapFrog Learning Path, a free online tool that lets you see your child's learning progress. It's kind of a virtual assessment, based on your child's use of the Tag Reader. You can monitor your child's style of reading and discover new ways to encourage their growth and learning. And as they grow, their LeapFrog Learning Path will suggest different titles and products to transition into. Smart. Like your kids!

Meet and Greet

Craftsbury Kids has introduced a new shopping section. It's called Meet the Artists and it allows you to discover more about the creators of your favorite handmade items. Meet the Artists also lets you see everything on offer by that artist, so you can covet more freely!

I love the stylized animal masks by Abigail Brown, especially the little fox:



And the bonnets by Portland-based Beek are decidedly not frumpy or Little House on the Prairie-ish. The Blueland Tree Winter Bonnet is absolutely lovely and modern.



Check out the Little Ida blog to see how you could win a spectacular sampler of Craftsbury Kids' wares, including items from both of the artists mentioned!

Pear-a-phenilia

***WINNER PICKED 10/16 WITH RANDOM.ORG***

***CONGRATULATIONS, Barbara (non-blogger)!!!***

her comment...
My favorite item is the Chloe bracelet. Thanks for the great contest!


I love handcrafted items but am easily overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff available on sites like Etsy. It's fun to peruse all of the goodies for sale but I have lost countless hours clicking through so-so shops looking for something specific. It's easy to get fed up. The Pear Project is an online boutique featuring artisan goods that have been pared down (pun totally intended!) to the best and the brightest. Brooke Fuller's mission is to incorporate artisan goods into everyday life. She founded The Pear Project to showcase her own artwork, like the Car in Blue manipulated Polaroid SX-70 print below, and that of other artisans.



My favorite items at The Pear Project are the letterpress coasters by Minneapolis artist Krista Stout. I don't really use coasters at home much but these would look fabulous framed or nestled in a shadowbox, too! The Drinking Girls set is especially great:



The Pear Project also has a great selection of handmade jewelry, all at very reasonable prices, ranging from $6 to $85. I really like the Fotini Designs pieces, which have a very classical style reminiscent of long-lost treasures. The Abbey necklace looks like it could have been snatched from the Little Mermaid's jewelry box…



To enter and win a Kbags Reusable Grocery tote by Karen Parrish (a $32 value) filled with other handcrafted goodies, including Sara Sacks' adorable koi fish chiyogami Scrabble tile necklace (an $18 value) pictured below, a fine art print of Car in Blue by Brooke Fuller pictured above (an $18 value) and a packet of coupons from independent artisans, please comment on this post with your favorite item from The Pear Project.


Entries will be accepted through October 15th and I'll pick the winner using Random.org. US readers are eligible. Only one entry/comment per person, please.



For an additional entry, post my button on your blog or subscribe via email or reader and leave an extra comment letting me know.


Make sure you leave an email address in your comment or that you have one accessible on your blog so you can be contacted if you win! Or, you may choose to check for your nickname at Prizey.Fetch, a site that compiles winners in one convenient place:

***Click Giveaways on my sidebar to see what else you could win!***

Surprise! It's a girl!

Hello there! You have found the Cheshire Cat… please click the image or the button below to return to the Scavenger Hunt at Fractured Toy.
(After you read about the lovely doll below, of course!)


Oh my goodness! Look who came to join our family, all the way from Cobble Hill, British Columbia:



I've been in love with Bamboletta dolls since I first saw them on Natural Pod. Their gorgeous yarn hair and sweet expressions hooked me immediately, not to mention their adorable handmade ensembles. I found Christina's blog and realized we both had Jaspers born in the same month of the same year! Amazing. She asked me for my address as she had a surprise to send but I had no idea it would be something like this beautiful girl! Right now she is "rainbow flower heart" but that will probably change a few more times before Roo settles on a permanent name.



I've never seen a Waldorf-style doll in person before and I am really impressed with her. Aside from sheer cuteness (which she obviously has in spades!), her huggability is what really differentiates her from other dolls. She has a heft to her that makes squeezing her tight unusually satisfying. Bob joked that I would have to keep her for myself because I couldn't stop cuddling her! Christina makes the Bamboletta dolls with exquisite materials (organic cotton interlock from the Netherlands, wool sourced from a local shephardess, handspun, hand-dyed yarns) and it definitely shows. Her squirrel-print dress is appropriate because Roo's daddy wanted to name her Veronica Squirrel. And look at her little crocheted slippers:



I must admit that I totally adore her little polka dotted panties. Hopefully it isn't super pervy to show them!



Our Bamboletta is already making friends. Here she is with the Mark Spitz doll by Amy Arnold that my aunt Ellyn got for me:



Of course, our Bamboletta has one true best friend. I think they look great together, don't you?



For some reason, Roo likes to carry her upside-down. I'm not sure why (probably deep-seated psychological reasons!), but it totally freaks me out when she carries her like that! Like she's going to hurt the poor dolly…



Obviously, mommy needs to back off and let girls be girls.



We will give our Bamboletta a good home, I promise. I've even seen Jasper give her a big wet kiss, although he's too fast for my camera. He likes to hang out with her when Roo is at preschool. Isn't that sweet? Thank you so much, Christina! What a wonderful surprise.

Sak Attack!

Four new bags I am lusting after from The Sak:



The Silverlake Leather Convertible Crossbody is like a grown-up version of a school satchel. I love the hardware and flappiness; you can remove the strap and fold it over to use as a clutch. I would go for the olive green or dove grey leather for fall.



The Pacific Leather Slouchy Satchel is a classic. It looks like a slightly equestrian version of a vintage doctor's bag. The chocolate patent is stunning.



The Pacific Leather Slouchy Satchel combines the best aspects of the previous two. It looks luxe and can accommodate a ton of stuff. Without making you look like a pack mule. The braided handle is a lovely touch.



Last, but not least is the Bayside Shopper. This is my personal favorite. Its simple but elegant design is stripped down to the very basic essentials, with no extraneous doo-dads to fuss over. I don't usually buy handbags in multiple colors but I would love to own it in olive and teak and mushroom and black… this one won't ever look outdated.

I'm Registering for…

Holy moly! Renaissance woman Amy Butler has designed a stunning new collection of dinnerware for Mikasa. It's called Vintage Botanica and it is, predictably, unimaginably lovely. I just remembered that we never registered when we got married six years ago, maybe we should renew our vows just so we could register for this set…

Wow! Wow! Everyone!

***WINNER PICKED 6/12 WITH RANDOM.ORG***

***CONGRATULATIONS, Bev (non-blogger)!!!***

her comment...
I've always loved Cinderella. She went from rags to riches. You never know what will happen, until you put on those glass slippers. Thanks for having the contest!



We've been Noggin addicts since Roo was about Jasper's age and we know most of its programming by heart. We were really excited when Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! came on the air. Its simple storylines and drawing style are charming and the episodes wrap up with a catchy song that showcases the moral of the story. Every episode features a message about the importance of friendship, telling the truth, etc., but the lessons are never preachy or heavy-handed. Roo and Jasper love the songs most. When we received a package of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! items to review, I assumed Roo would be the one to go ga-ga over it. She did immediately latch on to the DVD (A Tale of Tails) but Jasper claimed the stuffed Wubbzy and electronic board book. I am slightly embarrassed to report that his first recognizable utterance is very clearly "Wow! Wow!"



Roo suggested "maybe Jasper and I can share Wubbzy!" Uh, yeah, you try to wrench the little yellow guy from your baby brother. Let me know how that works for you… I think we might be better off just getting a second Wubbzy doll! You can enter to win a giant Wubbzy prize pack on YouTube in the Wubbzy Dance Contest. Just film your child's stylin' dance moves and upload it for your chance to win a Disco Dancing Wubbzy Doll, Wubbzy, Walden and Widget plush dolls, a collection of 6 Wubbzy books and A Tale of Tails DVD!



Feeling camera shy? Scroll down…



To enter and win a Wubbzy gift pack, including A Tale of Tails DVD, books, Kooky Kollectible toy and plush Wubbzy!, please comment on this post with your favorite cartoon character and the lesson it taught you.


Entries will be accepted through October 8th and I'll pick the winner using Random.org. US readers are eligible. Only one entry/comment per person, please.


Make sure you leave an email address in your comment or that you have one accessible on your blog so you can be contacted if you win! Or, you may choose to check for your nickname at Prizey.Fetch, a site that compiles winners in one convenient place:

***Click Giveaways on my sidebar to see what else you could win!***


This review is also posted at Mums The Wurd! Enter over there for a separate chance to win!

Sweetheart of the Rodeo

I am not a giant fan of western garb, although I lived in Texas for a long time and now reside in the windswept prairie. The latest Grosgrain giveaway, the Sarsparilla Skirt and Vest, makes me want to hightail it out of Dodge or dos-i-do or something… hee-haw!





I love the scooped peter pan collar. So sweet!

New Wave, Incarnate

My cousin Sherri was the singer of a band called Get Wet. Was she not the epitome of new wave cool? She worked at the Betsey Johnson boutique and gave me my first cherry-print off the shoulder top. I wish I still had it, although I doubt it would fit me at this point. The grommeted patent snakeskin hip belts in acid neon still look as good as new, though. And the '80s are back, baby…like it or not!

Number Two

Being the little brother of a very strong willed older sister is probably tough. We all tend to follow Roo's lead and poor Jasper is constantly being schlepped around at this point. Literally, sometimes. Roo picks him up and drags him around like a gigantic baby doll that is almost as big as she is. I wonder how tolerant Jasper will be once he can walk unassisted and overtakes her in size. I often worry that he will resent her first child status, especially when she's being bossy and demanding. (Okay, that's pretty much all the time.) I worried that she would resent him for being the baby and taking all of my time since he has been the world's most sleepless and clutchy infant. But then I see them look at each other and all my fears subside. I even get a little misty-eyed watching them together. I'm an only child so I never knew about the crazy love that allows siblings to wrestle like feral dogs one minute and then snuggle like bunnies the next. The bond between these two is stronger than I could have imagined. Thank goodness.






This post is part of the online baby shower for Kristen of Motherhood Uncensored and Rebecca of Girl’s Gone Child who are expecting a number three and a number two, respectively. Join shower hostesses Catherine (Her Bad Mother), Katie (Mother Bumper), Liz (Mom-101), and Julie (mothergoosemouse) in celebrating these auspicious births… we are sure to read all about them soon! Link up at the Mo' Baby Shower with your own baby stories and maybe win something nice for your little 'uns, too.

Dial "C" For Complete

***WINNER PICKED 10/5 WITH RANDOM.ORG***

***CONGRATULATIONS, Margelina!!!***

her comment...
The pear scent remind me of the bath and body works pear scent. My 3 kids learned great hand washing from me, being in healthcare, I wash my hands a zillion times a day. They love the foaming ones because they are more fun. Great giveaway!!





Dial Complete is a foaming handwash that kills more germs than other antibacterial soaps but is mild and gentle enough for kids to use frequently. In fact, it is both antibacterial AND antimicrobial which makes it a good choice for kitchen and bathroom use. My husband liked the look of the plain, clear dispensers of Dial Complete enough to mention it to me and my daughter had to be cautioned not to overuse it because she kept locking herself in the bathroom and having hot tub parties with her dolls and the foamy soap…



There are four fresh fragrances available in Dial Complete, in addition to the Original scent, which reminds me of my ojiisan and obaasan's house for some reason. We tried the Soothing White Tea variety, which has a light, pleasant smell. (Light Citrus, Cool Plum and Fresh Pear are the other fragrances.) Roo LOVES the pump and foaming action as I mentioned before. I like the clean rinse and easy pump, too, but it seems to have a special appeal to kids. Dial Complete has recently launched The Campaign for Clean Hands to teach children the importance of hand hygiene.



The campaign encourages kids to creatively spread the word about cleanliness, which is especially important in school-age kids since flu season is about to hit. The Campaign for Clean Hands site features an old-fashioned arcade-style "germ blaster" video game, printable activities, and a sweepstakes with a great prize. Kids 18 and younger can create a 15-to-30-second long Campaign for Clean Hands video and upload it to YouTube, for the chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C., provided by NWA WorldVacations, and $1,000! All for extolling the virtues of cleanliness– it's a no-brainer!

To enter and win a case of Dial Complete, please comment on this post with your favorite Dial Complete scent and hand hygiene story.


Entries will be accepted through October 3rd and I'll pick the winner using Random.org. US readers are eligible. Only one entry/comment per person, please.


Make sure you leave an email address in your comment or that you have one accessible on your blog so you can be contacted if you win! Or, you may choose to check for your nickname at Prizey.Fetch, a site that compiles winners in one convenient place:

***Click Giveaways on my sidebar to see what else you could win!***