Does Mommy Love It?

Although it’s a Tel Aviv based company, the outstanding Imanimo gets its name from the Japanese word for “soon”.  This is quite a beautiful word for this clothing line, which caters to the chic expectant mommy-to-be.  As all mommies can attest, finding quality and beautiful maternity garments can be very difficult.  Thank goodness for such versatile lines like Imanimo that go beyond pregnancy garb for pieces that mommies can wear while pregnant or not!

I am currently enamored with their sleeveless scoop neck dress with a dropped waist in a fashionable nude hue. The dropped waist gives the modern dress a 1920’s vintage look that I absolutely adore.  The gorgeous fabrication is both very soft yet very strong.  This piece pairs wonderfully with leggings and ballet flats or boots and the neutral nude (color of the moment) is great for any occasion.

Pregnancy doesn’t have to mean forfeiting your wardrobe for 9 months.  These are pieces that appeal to fashionistas expecting and not.  I am not pregnant and love wearing Imanimo pieces!  It’s great knowing that as soon as that day comes again my current pieces will work!  Have a look at this darling collection and be prepared to crave every piece!

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the sample was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Uncategorized | tags: Clothing, Imanimo, Maternity Apparel. | #

I can spend hours perusing various sites and blogs for unique functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces and design ideas for my home.  It’s so refreshing when I do find online shops that are cleverly crafted with such exceptional products in one place.  For this reason, I have fallen in love with the Form Function Style site.  It’s full of pieces that “reflect one’s individuality and bring a level of comfort and ease.”

 Want this brilliant Jigsaw Plate

Form Function Style offers an excellent range of innovative, ethically manufactured and eco-friendly products from places around the globe such as Germany, USA, Australia, and more.  I have their Alphabetti Papermat made by one of my favorites companies The Lowercase!  These papermats are perfect placemats for either adult or child parties.  Simply lie out a pencil next to it and allow the artist’s imagination to soar as they create on these papermats.  You can either write a personalized message or leave it to the guest to decorate.  Endless possibilities for personalizing your party!

 my eldest enjoying a cup of juice at his cardboard table

In addition to the papermats, I have their Music Cardboard Stool.  This cardboard stool or side table is covered with a photo-real print of musical sheets.  I can easily transport this mini table or stool into a variety of places I might need it.  I allow my young boys to play with it as well.  My eldest loves setting up legos and other action figure battles on top of it.  I appreciate this piece for the sense of fun it brings to any space.

I get very inspired after searching the various categories of Form Function Style.  The site is logically organized into six sections: live, eat.entertain, sleep, give, wear, and organize.  I highly recommend having a look and investing in a piece or two to help spark some interest into any space in your home.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Furniture, Home, Kitchen | tags: Accessories, Alphabetti Papermat, australian, Form.Function.Style, home decor, interior design, Kitchen, Music Cardboard Stool. | #

Keeping up on the newest trends for your baby can be a bit daunting with all the choices available these days.  It can take loads of research and an investment of money to find what the best of the best is in terms of mommy and me products.  Thankfully, subscription company Bluum tests out and carefully curates products for you to try in deluxe sizes each month!

Each Bluum Box features around four to five deluxe samples that are hand-picked to pamper both you and your baby.  Each box comes with a theme in mind and remains a secrete till it pops on your doorstep.  Plans can start as low as $9.00 a month with memberships including reward points for every product review and friends who sign up!  You also get exclusive access to brands, products, tips and more. You get the lovely bonus of free shipping on full size versions of your favorite products!  You can also gift a membership to a friend or mommy-to-be!  I think this would be one of the coolest gifts given at a baby shower.  Some of the brands they feature are Plum Organics, Seventh Generation, Dapple, and more!

 Love my Bluum Box Samples!

As a mommy and child product connoisseur, I can say that Bluum selects some of the best out there to share in the subscriptions.  For only $12 a month, I highly recommend giving Bluum Box a go! You will enjoy the new baby and mommy samples!  Kuddos to the company!

Bluum is offering a one month subscription 2 of our readers!  Check them out and if you do sign up for a subscription let me know! Leave a comment stating how this would benefit you!

For additional entries:

12 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr. | tags: Bluum Box, gifts, subscription. | #

I am a firm believer in people choosing what they do, and doing it well, rather than doing a number of things at a mediocre level. Swedish company Moonkids does just that with their hand designed (in the design department in Stockholm) fashion collection for children. Brilliant.

 

The simplicity of function and quality are what Moonkids designers strive for and have succeeded in do so in spades. They make pure and timeless pieces for both boys and girls ranging from 0-12 years of age.  The quality of each piece is fantastic and if possible they only use Oeko-tex material.

 Here’s my young lad so stylish in Moonkids

Both of my boys have been wearing various Moonkids’ pieces and their garments have now become a weekly staple in their wardrobe.  I adore how well each piece fits as well as how stylish and comfortable my kid’s look in them.  Their baseball t-shirts fit like a glove and the texture of the fabric is amazing.  We also have their terry hoody that gives just the right amount of stretch.  It has a zipper front along with two pockets.  Adorable!  They carry the cutest striped leggings for both boys and girls.  I think I have my young one wearing them too often!

Moonkids make any young lad look smashing with their sweet apparel!  Be sure to check out their website to view their entire collection.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Apparel | tags: Apparel, Moonkids, Swedish. | #

Just as the holiday season comes to a close & you think you can rest easy knowing your cards have all been sent out, you realize that you can’t. Sure, the cards have all been received, but have the thank you cards? The party invitations that you need to mail next week? How about those birth announcements?? IT NEVER ENDS. Thankfully, the creators of Three Designing Women have you covered.

Their custom stamp was a lifesaver for me. With a retractable stamp and built-in ink pad, it is an easy & unique way to post your return address. The square shape makes for easy placement on the envelope; helping to avoid a crooked stamp. (I’ve had circle stamps before and they are not as easy to use!)

The company was created by women (hence, the name) and is now sold at over 2,000 stores in the US, as well as online retailers. With the addition of their InStampables line, you can now buy personalized stationary, bottle tags, bookmarks, luggage tags… you name it! It’s as easy as picking out a design you like & filling out your information.

Even if you’re not in the market for yourself, these make great wedding or house-warming gifts! They even have Grab N Go that make easy personalized gifts.

No Comments | In: Arts & Crafts, Contest, Organization, Personalized, Travel | tags: bottle tags, custom stamps, luggage tags, note cards, recipe cards, return address labels, save the date, stamps, Three Designing Women, wedding gift. | #

As I begin to get a bit more serious about trying to cook more often for my family, I find it important to have the right tools in order to set myself up for success.  The latest tool in my arsenal is the brilliant 12” Green Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri.

This earth friendly and healthy non-stick pan uses a state of the art Greblon ceramic from Germany, which are 100 percent PTFE and PFOA Free (no harmful chemicals or metals).  The elevations of the textured cooking surface create air pockets that help distribute heat underneath food to enhance the cooking performance.  I am constantly using my 12-inch pan for frying vegetables and meat.  I am amazed by how well and quickly my food cooks and heats up.

An especially important fact:

Conventional non-stick cookware is achieved through a coating of PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene), a synthetic substance that has waxy properties. At very high temperatures, PTFE begins to decompose and release fumes which are documented to be lethal to birds and small pets, and which can be harmful to humans.. With the Green Earth Pan’s GREBLON ceramic from Germany, even under high temperatures, no harmful toxic fumes are ever released into the environment.

In addition to its safety, it performs beautifully too.  The handle is ergonomically designed and the no-stick technology makes frying easy!  I use this pan on an almost daily basis and love that it for its ease of use and knowing it safe for me and my family.  With tools like the Green Earth Frying Pan, I can see myself cooking and frying more adventuresome dishes!

Ozeri is offering a Green Pan to 5 of our readers!  Check them out and let me know why you would desire an Ozeri Green Earth Pan!

For additional entries:

21 Comments | In: Feeding, Food, Kitchen | tags: Green, Green Earth Frying Pan, Kitchen, Ozeri, pans. | #

Bearpaw boots and footwear are great both for their functionality and also their wonderful variety.  Boots in all shapes and materials suited for all different personalities and needs.  Many of the styles are lined with sheep’s fur, which as sheepskin which naturally regulates the body’s temperature keeping feet warmer and drying in the cold and cooler in the heat.

Bearpaw:

“Tom Romeo founded the BEARPAW brand in 2001 with the intention of redefining casual footwear by utilizing sheepskin, nature’s own technical fabric, to create comfortable and stylish shoes.  Sheepskin naturally regulates body temperature so feet stay cooler and drier in the heat and warmer in the cold.  In one of the most competitive footwear market segments, BEARPAW has carved out a niche area by providing customers with comfort and sensibility to set itself apart.  From slippers to boots to casual footwear, only the finest materials are used to produce BEARPAW shoes.  Built to deliver quality and style, every pair of BEARPAW shoes focuses on comfort and fit, using the highest standards of craftsmanship.”

My Nikiski’s

Nearly all of my footwear including boots tends to be black in color. A welcome addition to my small collection of boots is my pair of olive colored all weather boots from Bearpaw.  These boots are very comfortable and warm for months such as this where the temperature seems to have just dropped and snowfall and accumulation has increased.  I also love the muted color which pairs nicely with my otherwise black daily uniform.

For stylistic footwear especially boots, BearPaw is a wonderful choice.  Boots with a great deal of variance and style for everyone can be found.     Check out their all weather boots collection and suit your feet with comfort and protection.

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the sample was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Shoes | tags: bearpaw, Bearpaw boots, shoes, winter footwear. | #

Amal Oils  is a wonderful line of organic and natural Moroccan skin care products. Translated, Amal means “hope” & that is what founder Jalila Bouchareb bases her company on. I recently began to learn more about the benefits of Moroccan Argan Oil  and I love the way it improves my skin. (Remember, this is coming from a girl whose skin tends to be on the oily side anyway.) When I came across Amal Oils and their entire line of organic skin care, I was eager to try it out.

Not only are the results amazing for your skin & hair, but Amal Oils is committed to supporting the Berber women of Morocco. Cooperatives made up mostly of women labor over the intensive process of harvesting raw argan fruit to make the oil. Amal Oils supports these women and the cooperatives they work for, encouraging sustainable farming where ingredients can grow in their natural habitats. Amal = Hope.

Plus, your skin and will look AMAZING.

The Moroccan Savon Noir  works beautifully on face and skin. Paired with the exfoliating glove, you can skip the spa!

Follow the Savon Noir with the Moroccan Rhassoul Clay. This clay, mixed with water, is a great face mask. You can also use it on your hair once a week for added benefits.

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the sample was received for this review.

Amal Oils is offering a skin care gift set to one of our readers! (Featuring some of the products reviewed!) Sign up to receive their newsletter, follow them on Facebook, or Twitter to enter.

For additional entries:

13 Comments | In: Ages- Pregnancy, Beauty, Contest, Green | tags: all natural skin care, Amal Oils, Argan Oil, Beber women, hair care, Hammam, Moroccan skin care, organic skin care, Rhassoul Clay. | #

Since my first child I have been mindful of the toys and products I bring in my home.  The more I learn about the chemicals used in products and the impact they have on our children’s health the more adamant I am to keep them from our space.  Thankfully, more and more companies are catching on to this trend and concern and supplying their shops with chemical free toys and products.  A very special online boutique, Vupbaby carries a very wide range of both practical and stylish toxic-free products for mummy and child.

VUPbaby

Vupbaby (Very Useful Products) is dedicated to providing you with a one-stop shop of the best non-toxic baby products from around the world, which are free from Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. OVERSEAS DELIVERY: we ship to Europe, USA and other parts of the World.  International postage is calculated automatically on checkout.

my boy pretending it’s his birthday!

After perusing their site I was overwhelmed by the amount of quality products and toys to choose from.  I’ve wanted to test out Sevi toys so I was thankful to receive from Vupbaby Sevi’s happy birthday musical cake.  Oh my, my boys are obsessed! My three-year-old wishes it was his birthday everyday so now we can pretend using this beautiful wooden toy.  Sevi toys are made from durable alder and maple wood and colored using vegetable dyes.  They are also free from BPA, PVC, and Phthalates.  Both boys love winding the handle on the underside and watch as the little clown figure dances on the surface of the cake to the classic “Happy Birthday” Tune! J  This cake also comes with wooden numbers from 1-9.  You can change up the age of your child by placing it next to the wooden candle.  Brilliant!

You can now have a birthday everyday for your young ones using Sevi’s Happy Birthday wooden musical toy.  In addition to this very special toy Vupbaby carries a wide range of earth friendly toys and such.  Have a look and be sure to be impressed!

Vupbaby is offering a product of their choosing to one of our readers! Have a look through their site and share a thought or two and please email it to them at (press@vupbaby.co.uk).  and leave a comment here stating you did so.

For additional entries:

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the sample was received for this review.

9 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Apparel, Green, Toys | tags: sevi birthday cake musical, Toys, Vupbaby. | #

Hoodie sweatshirts are comfortable staple for kids and adults of all ages.  My boys wear them often and my favorite one that my 3 year old wears comes from online boutique Orfeodesign.com and the children’s apparel favorite, Bobo Choses.  Orfeo Design carries beautiful clothing and accessories from a number of top children’s apparel designers including Kidcase, Noro, Ola & Olek, Noro, and many more.

 My son loves rockin this sweater

My son’s hoodie by Bobo Choses is made from a very thick cotton jersey material and is a navy blue with splashes of gold colored paint.  I love layering this beautiful piece under his jacket or coat for extra warmth and a splash of color during these chilly winter days.  The quality of material keeps him extra warm and cozy and the cool design adds a bit of pop to any ensemble.

Now is the perfect time to score some amazing fall/winter pieces from many of the exquisite clothing labels carried on Orfeo Design at discounted prices.  Visit their site before these fantastic deals sell out and be the first to check out their exciting new spring/summer collections now just starting to arrive!

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the samples was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Arts & Crafts | tags: Apparel, australian, Bobo Choses sweater, clothes, online boutique, Orfeo Design. | #

It isn’t hard to find activewear these days; from big box stores to specialty shops, everyone seems to be offering clothes designed for exercise. The trick is peeling away the layers to find companies that a) work well & meet your exercise needs and b) are designed with an environmental and social conscience. Green Apple not only offers well-made products, they are made from natural raw materials.

I own a few of their pieces and absolutely love them. Their Essential Balance Crop Leggings fit amazingly well; they are perfect for yoga, running, or just lounging. They are incredibly breathable, and made from organic materials. Each piece is carefully designed and coordinates well with others from their line. Their bras are all very supportive, and right now many of them are on sale!

 The Surrender Batwing Sleeve Tee is next on my list!

Designer and creator, Cristofer Smith, is a veteran athletic designer. In 2004 he decided to focus on green clothing and began Green Apple. With a belief that what you put on your skin is incredible important, he designs his clothes according to WRAP certifications and fair labor standards. By wearing Green Apple, you’re not only doing yourself a favor, but the environment as well.

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the samples was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Apparel, Clothing, Green | tags: Activewear, bras, eco friendly, Green Apple, loungewear, organic, pants, raw materials, tops, yoga. | #

Rickshaw Bags are a relatively new messenger bag company made by a very creative crew from San Francisco.  The bags come in a number of different sizes and countless fabrication and color options.  You have the option to choose an already made bag or customize your own unique combination.  What I find truly remarkable is that even the customized, hand made bags ship in 7-10 days from when the order is placed!

Visit Our Factory Store from Rickshaw Bagworks on Vimeo.

I love that these hip bags and slips are all made here in the United States and the urban vibe seen in the designs.  Who couldn’t use a hip bag like this to transport their Mac Book or iPad?  I have one of the smaller sized bags in a grey nylon and both my husband and I use it as a camera case for our DSLR.

my hubby sporting Rickshaw

For a truly customizable bag that is hand made right here in the United States at a very competitive price, I recommend Rickshaw.  This is another product that you can feel proud to own thanks to its great design appearance and quality and ethical manufacturing in San Francisco!

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the samples was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Accessories | tags: Accessories, bags, ipad covers, Made in America, messenger bags, Rickshaw, sleeves. | #

Les Enfantines is a beautiful French label that lets you design your own children’s cashmere sweaters. (Within reason, calm down.) A shopper is able to choose from sweaters or dresses available in six colors. From there, choose the collar that you would like attached to the sweater. Each collar is detachable, allowing each piece to be interchangeable (or worn sans collar.)

Elle is so comfortable this winter in her cashmere sweater with it’s sweet “Col Claudine” collar. The flower print on the collar is perfect (not pink!), and is easily detachable. Based on it’s color and quality, the sweater itself is destined to be passed down to brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. I love a good gender neutral piece!

Les Enfantines believes with a passion that dressing your child should be fun (for both of you!) They make their pieces simple and comfortable, yet classic. “Casual, yet chic, and assembled as desired.” 

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the samples was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Clothing | tags: cashmere, design your own, detachable collars, dresses, french children's clothing, Les Enfantines, sweaters, ties. | #

Recently my husband and I have begun to really look into how and where our clothes are made.  It can be disheartening to find out how much of our apparel is made abroad in less than fair and safe conditions.  Fortunately there are apparel companies who are doing it right like Australia’s 3Fish!  They are passionate about the importance and dignity of each life and produce their garments in sweatshop free, eco friendly environment.   I am very proud to present to you the fastest growing fair trade company in Woodend, Australia-3Fish!

 wearing 3Fish while sitting in a stunning Herman Miller chair

3Fish apparel is brilliant not only in their passion for ethical production, but also in the design itself!  I have their crème colored tunic and love how versatile it is to wear.  The fabric is thick and made with a great deal of attention paid to quality and construction.  I often pair it with black leggings, a long-sleeved tee, and scarf. I also have their grey whisper dress that I wear incessantly because I find it to be incredibly comfortable and chic. When I need to get a bit a more dressed up I am quick to grab my narrow A-Line skirt that’s made from 100% cotton Jersey.  I pair it with heels and a collared white shirt for a look that is both put together and simple.  Love It!

3Fish’s passion to make garments that are made in ethical and socially responsible factories in the world makes wearing their chic and comfortable collection all the more fabulous.  Leading by example is often the way that true change takes place.  If more companies follow the lead of lines like 3Fish, imagine how much better our world could be!  Take a moment to visit their online boutique and invest in chic clothing with a conscience!

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the samples was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Apparel | tags: 3Fish, Apparel, australian, Fairtrade, organic. | #

Since working in cosmetics the last eight years, I’ve acquired quite the collection of products.  As much as I would love to have things organized in just a few bags, it’s nearly impossible for me due to all the different color families I work with.  Hence the reason why I need lots of little toiletry bags ready to go whenever I am working a red or a warm peach hue look.  Thankfully, Attic Accessories has me covered with their darling range of bathroom bags!

Attic Accessories:

In order to keep things fresh and to offer our customers something exciting and new, we aim to produce a new range of cosmetic bags every six months. As well as working on new cosmetic bag designs we are constantly working on and developing new fabric prints. We like to keep an eye on current trends in print and pattern and take note of seasonal colour trends. Our office pin boards are covered with colour swatches and other inspirational bits and pieces that we refer to when creating new designs. We also listen carefully to what our customers want – after all, the customer is always right!

Attic Accessories have a created a range of bathroom bags in a variety of shapes, sizes, and prints to suit your need.  Aside from their colorful designed prints, I am so thankful that they are waterproof inside and out!  I cannot tell you how many products have leaked into my bags after use.  Fortunately, I can rinse my Attic Accessory bags after uses.

I have my luxurious Arbonne cosmetics and skincare organized neatly and beautifully in their Hazel, Bobby, and Alice bags.  Because I sell Arbonne, I am constantly schlepping my products around to various homes for prospective clients.  They store and transport safely and with style using Attic Accessories bags.  Thank You!

Choose your style and fabric for your bag of choice through Australian company Attic Accessories!  Hurry now, they are having an incredible sale!

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the sample was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Beauty, Organization | tags: Accessories, Attic Accessories, bathroom bags, cosmetic bags, toiletry bags, travel bags. | #

New York based Fina Du translates to “Lovely You”. With a passion to dress women in well-tailored wardrobe essentials, the Swedish-born owner chooses only the best Scandinavian designers. I love the effortlessly chic look in each of the pieces offered. As a working mom, I want to look (somewhat) put together without having to try!

I love the fit and comfort of my Essya Tunic by Malene Birger. It works easily with leggings or jeans, which works well since that’s about all I wear. It’s simple, chic, and elegant.

Gorgeous Cherry Silk Dress by Ida Sjöstedt

You can read about all of the contributing designers and read their bios. Their passion for quality  design is evident!

Fina Du is offering our readers an exclusive discount. By using the code, “Mommy75″ you can receive $75 off of your purchase! This code is valid until February 1, 2012, so check out their site and pick up a piece for yourself.

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the sample was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Clothing | tags: dresses, fashion, Fina Du, Scandinavian designers, skirts, tops, women's clothing. | #

As stated in previous posts, I have a dear love for screen-printed clothing.  San Francisco based company Tiny Teru has enlarged my screen print collection with their signature inspirational design “I AM ABLE” tee.  This tee features Thomas riding in his vintage racecar screen-printed with water based eco-friendly inks on an American Apparel tee.

 my little man 

Tiny Teru:

We wanted to capture the wonder and endless possibility of childhood by creating a collection of loveable and truly unique baby clothes.  Voila!  The I am Able collection was born.  Each design conveys a message with words that all contain “Able”, inferring hope, fun, & inspiration.  In Japanese, the name “Teru”(teh-du) means brilliant, shiny or to illuminate and we hope our collection warms your heart in the same way.”

One thing that challenges my love for screen-printing is pieces made in the USA.  Tiny Teru does just that by choosing to print their designs on sweatshop-free tees.  Love it!  Along with this charming racecar design, Tiny Teru also carries a vintage tricycle print on onesies and tees for boys and girls.  If you choose to throw a bicycle or recycle theme party they make amazing silk-screened prints onto a 100% sustainable Bamboo Blocks!  This is definitely on my purchase list for the next birthday party I throw!

It’s a passion of mine to find interesting, modern, and sustainable products to use and share with others.  Tiny Teru’s hand drawn designs are ones I was exited to share with you.  Check out Tiny Teru and purchase an item or two for someone you know would appreciate it! Kudos to Tiny Teru!

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the sample was received for this review.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel | tags: Apparel, eco, made in the USA, screen-printed, tees, Tiny Teru. | #

I have a thing for jewelry. I’ve said it before, and I’ll likely talk about it again. That said, when I come across a company that is doing good through their jewelry making, well, I’m all about it. That’s the case with Raven + Lily. Raven + Lily was created by a group of women who had a passion for design; yet desired to do something more with that, a desire to empower women through jewelry design & production.

Designed and produced in India & Africa, each piece has a story behind it. I’ve been wearing my Two-Tier Hoop Earrings almost daily. I love the simple & classic design; they go with most everything! It’s the story behind the earrings, however, that gets me. Made from recycled war weapons in Ethiopia (read more about the process) the earrings are crafted by HIV positive women; women who have been abandoned by their families with little hope for a life of their own. Raven + Lily is doing equally powerful things in India.

Take a minute to read the biographies of the Raven + Lily Artisans. They have crafted divine smelling soaps; as well as journals, notecards, and gift tags. It is so inspiring to see how a few determined women are changing the world; all the while creating some truly lovely designs!

Take a look at their site to see how you can weave your own story into what these wonderful women are doing!

Raven + Lily are offering 2 hand-crafted journals to our readers! Follow them on Facebook (which you should do anyway!) or Twitter to enter.

For additional entries:

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the sample was received for this review.

15 Comments | In: Accessories, Beauty, Contest, jewelry | tags: Africa, bracelets, earrings, empowering women, ethiopia, gift cards, HIV, india, jewelry, journals, necklaces, Raven and Lily, soap. | #

I have expressed my love for Bobbles, the Danish company that makes play furniture and tumbling tools all made from brightly colored highly dense foam material.  Many of the Bobbles are in the shape of a cute animal.  We have the Crocodile (comprised of three stepping stairs in the shape of the croc) and the Pig (cylindrical and perfect for a stool, seat, or for rolling).  The crocodile was an instrumental springboard teaching both of my sons how to walk up and down steps and now serves quite literally their springboard for jumping off of!

darling mat 

I also recently added the Bobbles Floor to their playroom, and love the added color and comfort it brings to the space.  The circular floor is made of dense foam and comprised of 5 interlocking pieces.  The pieces can also be rearranged to form different shapes and the center circle piece can be interchanged with one of the their tumbling animals!  My three-year-old son is currently obsessed with his growing collection of Star Wars action figures and Legos and I recently chuckled after spying on him pretending that the Bobbles Floor was Darth Vader’s Death Star.

I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of fostering a play environment that beckon a child’s attention and nurtures their creative spirit.  The Bobbles line deliver in spades in these areas and offer a number of creative and practical uses for their various animal objects.  The Bobbles Floor provides a wonderful cushion for play and as my son discovered a great interactive play element in and of itself!

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the sample was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Educational, Furniture, Nursery, Recreation, Toys | tags: bobles, Bobles purple floor, gymnic toys, Toys. | #

Boys and trucks. There’s something about them that just seem to go together. Having both a boy and  a girl, it’s interesting to see what toys they gravitate towards. You will often see my son caring for a baby doll, or my daughter fighting off the bad guys with a light saber. However, there is something in my son’s blood that draws him to trucks and all things that go.

My son is a big fan of his Tonka Roadway Rig Life Guard truck. The truck is easy to maneuver and is big enough for a “big kid.” The truck pulls a tow hitch that has an actual LED screen which warns of “High Tide.” Additional slides come on the package and can be used as cut outs. I love the adventures we can go on using this truck!

Tonka’s current line of trucks is built for encouraging kids to use their imaginations. I’m amazed at the number of times this Life Guard truck has been used to rescue Luke Skywalker from the perils of our toy baby crib. Let your kids be the guide!

This review is based strictly my opinion.   Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No compensation other than the sample was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Educational, Toys | tags: ages 3 and up, Funrise Toys, LED, pick up trucks, Tonka, toy rescue vehicles, Toys, trucks. | #