Does Mommy Love It?

Holy handmade cuteness.  Maple Shade Kids is an Etsy gem.  Handcrafted by a mother of 3 from New Hampshire, each eco-friendly piece is more adorable than the last.

Add a whimsical collage to your child’s room (Penguin Love is my fav) or hang your cutie’s hoodies on the Hoot the Owl Peg Rack.  I plan to put my Turquoise Owl next to my daughter’s bookshelf so he can keep a watchful eye on her library. A small notch on the back makes hanging a breeze.  Just the sight of these little guys makes your day brighter.

Maple Shade Kids uses only Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood, recycled or FSC certified paper and non-toxic adhesive and sealer. As someone with a child who has a tendency to put all things in mouth, this is much appreciated.

When shopping at Maple Shade Kids you will have two problems: 1.) deciding which wooden friend to bring home and 2.) actually putting it in your kid’s room instead of yours.

Maple Shade Kids is giving away a $25 gift card to one lucky reader!  There is also currently free domestic shipping on all orders. All you have to do to enter for the gift card is visit Maple Shade Kids and leave a comment here that you did.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends April 23rd, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Maple Shade Kids provided the product, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

30 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts | tags: collage, eco friendly, etsy, FSC certified, maple shade kids, owl, peg rack, recylced, wooden. | #

Sure, wide-ruled (or college-ruled) spiral notebooks have their place in the world (especially in August when back-to-school shopping is in full swing), but Ecojot’s kids notebooks are truly special:  eye-popping cover designs, and ample sheets in-between of 70lb, 100% post-consumer recycled paper for doodling, etching, sketching, and writing to their heart’s content.

Canadian-based Ecojot is eco-conscious in seemingly every way:  All paper & board is acid-free and chlorine-free; All inks and glues are vegetable-based and bio-degradable; Protective packaging is corn-based and made from locally-made raw materials; No new trees are used to make their paper.

What makes the brand more lovable is their recently launched business model committed to directly advocate children’s arts and literacy in developing countries.  Through their “Buy One, We Give One” campaign,  Ecojot partners with three organizations (Ve’ahavta, Free the Children, The Stephen Leacock Foundation for Children) to donate a notebook for every Ecojot journal and sketchbook purchased -  targeting poor areas around the world where young students cannot afford and are not provided basic school supplies.  Fun and fabulous, kind and compassionate, what’s not to love?

Ecojot has offered a kids sketchbook to one of our readers!  To enter, simply visit Ecojot and then leave a comment here on our site.  For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends March 20th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above.  Ecojot provided a sketchbook, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

47 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Learning, Stationary | tags: 100% recycled paper, acid free, buy 1 give 1 program, chlorine free, eco friendly, ecojot, Kids, notebooks, sketchbooks. | #

I’m always on the lookout for toys that encourage imagination, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment.  I came across a DIY bird house at a children’s toy boutique and was thrilled to have received one to review from The Little Experience.

It’s called the “build-it bird-café kit”, and it’s that and more.  The package is equipped with:  11 wooden pieces, a paint palette, paint brushes, varnish, glue, string (for hanging on the tree), and a convenient splash mat to protect work surfaces – altogether this retails for $18.99.  To boot, it includes directions on how to “recycle” the packaging by making a bird mobile out of the box it comes in.  How cool is that?

The Little Experience is an expert at creative things for children to make and do… They even have a page dedicated for “free stuff to do” on their website – packed with fun activities sure to spur the budding chef/crafter/builder in your home.

Target age is 5-12 for the bird cafe… In my opinion, this is the perfect project that will help kids develop an appreciation for nature, season after season.   It certainly makes me want springtime to come just a little sooner.

The Little Experience has offered a Build-It Bird Café to one of our readers!  To enter, please visit The Little Experience and leave a comment on here with your thoughts!  For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends March 15th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above.  The Little Experience provided the Build-It Bird-Café Kit, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

68 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Arts & Crafts, Educational, Learning | tags: Build it bird cafe kit, crafts, diy, The Little Experience. | #

Nico & Zoe online website carries uncommon and artisan made toys.  I absolutely love the assortment of wooden toys that they carry.  One of my favorites is from a line call Voila.

Voila is owned and operated in Thailand and has won many awards for their quality of toys and for the way they operate.  Their collections of wooden toys are fabulously made and definitely spur on the imagination.  The Voila Yummy Pizza Play Set has been a hit with my son and his playmates! The set includes a pizza, base and rolling wooden pizza cutter.  Not only can your little one pretend with the pizza, but it can also be used as a math lesson.  Using the pizza cutter, your little one can slice the pizza into six equal pieces thus enabling your child to learn basic fractions!  Some of the yummy toppings included are mushrooms, pepperoni, shrimp, and more.  Each ingredient is fitted with pegs that can be removed for new pizza combinations.  It can be a bit tough to remove the ingredients so you may have to help your child until they develop the muscles to do so.  The plus side to this is you wont have to worry about pieces missing or dispersed around the room.

Nico and Zoe is a great place to look for quality educational toys for kids.  I am truly thankful to find this site and learn about new wooden toy companies that are out there!

Nico & Zoe has offered a Voila Pizza Set to one of our readers! To enter, please visit Nico & Zoe and leave a comment on here with your thoughts!

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPYus on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends Feb 20th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different
opinion or experience with the product listed above. Nico & Zoe
provided the samples and  I provided my honest opinion. No
other type compensation was received for this review.

99 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Toys | tags: nico & zoe, Toys, voila pizza play set. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATS STACIE, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

Keeping a well organized home is easier when you have an attractive system of organization.  Australian company Fiona Kate makes storage boxes, bags, sacks, labels, decals, and more.  They are modern, sturdy, and very easy to put together.  When I received two of their cherry red boxes along with the chalkboard decal stickers, I was very impressed!

Fiona Kate boxes are made from corflute, which is a super strong polypropylene. They are definitely durable enough to hold some heavy cargo.  I turned my two boxes into a “craft box” and “animal box”.  I just slipped on the label and placed all the items in the appropriate spot and voila! – a beautiful storage system that is easily accessible!  The prices range from $13 to about $80 depending on size.  You can also invest in their starter pack for about $120.00.  This is pretty reasonable considering a few of their boxes can be used as table and chairs.  When you purchase a set of these boxes be sure to add on their adorable “chalk spot” labels!  I haven’t found chic, recycled boxes like these yet! I am totally in love!

Fiona Kate has offered three of our readers a box! To enter, please visit Fiona Kate and leave a comment on here with your thoughts!

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPYus on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends January 29, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different
opinion or experience with the product listed above. Fiona Kate
provided the samples and  I provided my honest opinion. No
other type compensation was received for this review.

65 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Organization | tags: bags, fiona Kate, labels, Organization, sacks, storage boxes. | #

As a child, I used to love to create with play dough.  I could not wait for my child to reach the age to share this experience with.  The possibilities are endless as the creative juices begin to flow. As a green mom, I was fortunate enough to find Organic Fun Dough!

Miss Brittany’s Fun Dough is an organic homemade preschool concoction that’s handmade in the US and comes in five fabulous colors!  The deluxe kit includes three 7oz containers of dough, 100% organic toddler apron, wood rolling pin, and four wooden shape stampers.  This is one of the most adorable collections.  This is definitely on the top of my gift giving selections.  Any child would appreciate this.

Fun Dough is easy to work with and you do not have to worry about any harmful ingredients that can lurk into your child’s skin or mouth.  Fun Dough is made of filtered water, organic flour, Mediterranean Sea salt, organic canola oil, kosher cream of tartar, organic vitamin c, and nontoxic USA made liquid watercolor.  The dough is also packaged in 100% recycled containers that are also made in the USA!

You can’t go wrong investing in a Miss Brittney’s Organic non-toxic play dough gift set.  This is a definite must-have in every creative child’s home.  Did I mention how much I adore their packaging as well?  Lovely!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different
opinion or experience with the product listed above. Miss Brittney
provided the samples and  I provided my honest opinion. No
other type compensation was received for this review.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Craft, Green | tags: apron, Miss Brittany, organic fun dough, rolling pin, stampers. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATS KATRINA FULLER, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

I recently picked up sewing and was looking for something to introduce my kids to the joy of crafting.  I was so pleased to come across EeBoo’s Lacing Cards themed “things that go”, which help little hands enhance their hand-eye coordination.  The set includes 5 cards and laces for kiddos to practice the skill of stitching the outline of an airplane, school bus, sailboat, train, and a fire truck.  The lacing cards are super sturdy and holds up to the grasp of an energetic toddler and an even more energetic preschooler.  The laces resemble colorful shoelaces, but with extra-long plastic ends to help little fingers master the art of tying a knot and stitching through the holes with the “needle”.  It also makes for easy de-threading when it’s time to switch lacing colors.  These have been a big hit in our house!

EeBoo has offered a set of lacing cards to one of our readers!  To enter, simply visit Eeboo and then leave a comment here on our site with your opinion.  For additional entries…

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPYus on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends December 30th, 2009 Midnight EST.  

Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

65 Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts | tags: EeBoo, Eeboo lacing cards, hand-eye coordination. | #

Zid Zid does it again with their meticulously designed animal mask and cape!  These enchanted capes are double sided for extra play with animal print on one side, superstar pattern on the other!  Fashioned with the highest of quality fabrics, appliqués and the best Zid Zid embroidery.  I am an advocate of pretend play and aim to have loads of products that bring that imagination out!  The fabrics of the capes are made with poplin, phalate-free vinyl appliqué with embroidery details and snap closure.  The masks are made from recycled cardboard with an elastic string.  This is my only hang up with this outfit.  Due to the cardboard material, the mask can easily become worn out from only a couple of wears.  I thought about laminating mine to make it last longer.  Nevertheless, Zid Zid masks and capes are a must have in the home and would make for great Halloween costumes, pretend play, or party outfits!  Be sure to check out their site for more Moroccan furnishings, clothing, and accessories for children!  

No Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Apparel, Arts & Crafts | tags: cape and mask, costumes, pretend play, zid zid. | #

I was visiting one of my most artistic friends, when my eye caught her daughter playing with a beautiful felt board.  I knew I just had to have one.  The Felt Tale storyboards are a wonderful tool designed to inspire the imaginations of young minds. These are most appropriate for ages 3-7. However, I already use them as a teaching tool for my young one. Each play set creates an opportunity for hours of open-ended play for children.  I am a huge fan of toys that promote self-play and active imaginations like these do!

Felt tale storyboards come in a variety of different settings such as Cinderella at the ball, busy day on the farm, busy day at the zoo, and more!  I have used the boards to teach my son his animals, and objects.  This is easy because each board comes with 20 felt pieces and a story starter that is specific to each title to promote interaction and inspire the imagination.  The one recommendation I would suggest is that the storage bags for the felt pieces attach to the board for easier storage and transportation.  All in all, I love these boards and looking forward to collecting more of them!

4 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Craft, Educational, Toys | tags: Babalu Inc, Educational, feltboards, FeltTale, play, storyboards, Toys. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATS TO JILL, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

The whimsical illustrations on these organic tee shirts remind me of simpler times. The images on these sweet tees and totes are silk-screened versions of an original drawing in thread using free-motion sewing.   KLT works is the brainchild of Kristin Loffer Theiss, an artist whose background has allowed her to approach her line with a painter’s instincts:  concerned with color, texture, and form.

Loffer Theiss uses her artistic eye to observe her surroundings and create fanciful stories in image. Her children’s collection salutes a child’s creative spirit.   Along with these very trendy tees, KLT works carries mobiles, handmade plush animals, illustrations in print, pillows, and totes.  Be sure to check out Sayer’s nursery for clean modernist inspiration.

KLT Works has offered a tee to one of our readers!  To enter, simply visit KLT Works and leave a comment here on our site with your favorite product!  For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check outDoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends Nov 25th, 2009 Midnight EST.

Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

27 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Arts & Crafts, Nursery | tags: illustrations, KLT works, Kristin Loffer Theiss, nursery. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATS MEGAN, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

Most children’s music that I have been exposed to tends to give me headaches and make me slightly nauseas.  The combination of over-stimulation, cheesiness, and all around “zaniness”, makes me avoid much of the music for my child.  That is why it was so wonderful to hear the music of Frances England.  Her albums are a breath of fresh air to children’s music.  Her ‘Family Tree’ album is beautiful, soothing and the lyrics are something that children and their parents will appreciate.  The heartwarming “You and me” deals with a young one growing up.  The song’s lyrics are so moving; they actually brought tears to me eyes. Another favorite is the much more lighthearted “Tea Party” with instruments used being a guitar, fiddle, and shaker.  The lyrics include:

“One little bird sitting high in a tree

Turning his head, he was looking at me

I said, “Birdie, oh, birdie just

what do you see?”

He said, “A sweet little boy having a tea party.”

The blankets spread wide for your guests

The saucers and cups are laid out to impress.”

In addition to the two albums she has released, she recently wrote an ABC song for web magazine, LMNOP.  This was how I first discovered her music.  I kept the song on repeat as my little one danced happily around the living room!  I am in love with the music of Francis England for its simplistic, beautiful arrangements and my son and I look very forward to her next release.  If the ‘Family Tree’ album is not in your music collection yet, go out and pick it up!

Frances England has offered one of our readers a Family Tree CD! To enter, simply visit Frances England and leave a comment on this post with your thoughts and favorite song!  For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK GROUP!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends October 12, 2009 Midnight EST.

Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com

5 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Dvd & Music, Family Time, Uncategorized | tags: baby, CD, children, Family Tree, Frances England, music, play, sing-a-long. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATS ALICIA, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

It’s a bit nerve racking when I really consider all of the teaching responsibilities that go along with raising a child.  One of the major ones is teaching them the alphabet.  I have found that they learn best with repetition and consistency.  This can be tiring at times as a mom, but I am grateful for products like alphabet boards to assist me.

Etsy’s Polliwog uses sandpaper letters mounted on a 3×5 birch plywood board.  They can be used in the early stages as flash card alphabets and transition into tools for handwriting.  The consonants are red and the vowels are blue.  The nice add on to these is that each letter has a starting point to help the child recognize where to start tracing the letter with finger! I have personally used the letters for my son’s name and placed them on the wall!  These alphabet boards are a great tool for introducing your child to the alphabet and will also make the process a bit more fun as well.

Polliwog has offered one of our readers an alphabet set! To enter, simply visit Polliwog and leave a comment on this post with your thoughts on these boards.  For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK GROUP!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends October 10, 2009 Midnight EST.

Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com

16 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Educational | tags: Accessories, alphabet boards, baby, children, Educational, flash cards, letters, play, Polliwog. | #

          I have been more than slightly impressed by the variety of  top quality toys on the market available for children.  One of my favorites comes from Switzerland, a wooden toy company called Naef.    All of the wood used to make these toys is grown and harvested locally and all the paints undergo strict environmental regulations.  The toys are produced using the “heart wood” of the tree. This is the strongest part of the tree, and helps these toys last more than a lifetime.  As soon as I opened the packaged product, it became very apparent that this was no ordinary  wooden toy.   Two of the toys I was sent to me were the Schnurpfel Pony and the Modulon.

           The Schnurpfel pony is cleverly designed to aid in young children’s fine motor skills in things like tying their shoes.  They offer three different colored ponies in red, green, and blue with three contrasting laces.  It has been interesting to watch my son and his peers play with it and the designs they come up with.  It truly does leave a great deal of room for creativity while helping in the manipulation of small objects.

            The Modulon block set is a masterpiece all on its own.  It is ingeniously designed to expose the child to the proportions and color theories that are used by many artist and designers.  They can use the pieces to design any number of creations such as small hut or like my child, a tower. This truly is the pinnacle of all wooden toys.  A Modulon block set can cost you about $259.00.  This set is designed for generations of creativity and learning.  I recommend, if possible, investing in a few pieces of Naef toys because they truly are beautiful, durable, and timeless!  

Mommy Loves It!

3 Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Arts & Crafts, Educational, Toys, Uncategorized | tags: Educational, Modulan blocks, Naef, schnurpfel pony, Toys, wood toys. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!  CONGRATS JANET, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

When it comes to tools that help aid in my son’s developments, I try to use all resources that I can. At the end of the day, I often ask myself; did he have study time, activity time, and social time today? A bit extreme perhaps, but something I am very passionate about. That was why as an infant, I started flashing Wee Gallery art cards at him.

Wee Gallery jungle collection is a boxed set of cards that include 6 animals printed on a sturdy board. The 5”x7” size makes for easy looking and flipping for your child. These cards have provided great interaction time between my son and I. He now will go through them alone when playing in his room. The high-contrast visual patterns help promote infant brain development.

As an infant I would allow my son to look and stare at the cards over mealtime. And now, as a toddler, I go through them and help him point and name the animal. I love the versatility of these cards. You can use these as a mobile, art on the walls, or flash cards. I love introducing visual art to my son at a young age. It’s great to walk in the room after his playtime, to see the cards scattered around the area. You can purchase a set for about $13.00.

Wee Gallery has offered one box set to one of our readers! To enter, simply visit Wee Gallery and leave a comment on here on our site with your favorite box set! For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK GROUP!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends September 30th, 2009 Midnight EST.

Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com

7 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Books, Craft, Educational, Learning | tags: art cards, jungle collection, wee gallery. | #

I find it sad that many people have traded in personal card writing for quick and impersonal emails and now texts!  I find it incredibly encouraging and uplifting to receive a beautifully written message in an artistic card from a friend or loved one.

Egg Press makes the most amazing greeting cards using an old letterpress.  They use an antique press to print art on cards, calendars and more.  What I love best is that the studio resides in an old warehouse in Portland, Oregon.  It’s hard not supporting a line with such a wonderfully vintage look.  I was fortunate enough to receive their 2010 calendar that sits beautifully on my desk and an adorable screen-printed baby onesie.  They are most famous for their hand-made letterpress greeting card line.  I have personally loved using these cards for expressing my gratitude to my closest friends or just saying that I am thinking of them.

Egg press makes sending a personal card to a friend very enticing because they provide such wonderful starting points with their designs. Some of my favorites are “Oceans of Thanks”, “Vinyl Thank You”, and “I Love Your Birthday”.  Shop Egg Press when in need for cards or seek them out to personalize a set for a special occasion!

No Comments | In: Accessories, Arts & Crafts, Clothing, Craft, Stationary | tags: cards, Clothing, Egg Press, family calendars, invitations, onesies, Stationary. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATS, KAYLE, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

I really love the walls of my home to be very minimal.  I feel that I am better suited to think and breathe with more clarity when my walls are left uncluttered.  I usually find rooms that are covered in pictures, knick-knacks, and bright colors to be incredibly distracting.  However, the birth of my little one has opened my mind to the idea of having objects on the wall, with the intent of giving him something to focus on.  That’s how my discovery of Kiddie Designs happened.

Tracey Schmitt, the designer and founder of Kiddie Designs, creates the loveliest hand-painted and stick-on murals.  She painted very simple but meticulous circles above my son’s crib.  She enhanced one of the circles with the letter H, standing for my son’s initial.  I am totally in love.  She also left me with a stick on mural of a giraffe that can be used as a growth chart.   In addition, she custom paints and personalizes furniture such as stepstools, toy chests, rocking chairs, and more.

Along with her artistic talent, Tracey happens to be incredibly humble and flexible to develop your ideas into her artwork.  She is so pleasant to speak with and full of joy!  I felt comfortable having her in my home and getting ideas from her for future pieces.  She truly does bring an “artistic talent into your child’s everyday life, providing a fun and inspiring environment for them to grow up in!”

Tracey Schmitt has offered one of our readers a $100.00 towards her work! To enter, simply Kiddie Designs and leave a comment on this post.  For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK GROUP!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends September 25th, 2009 Midnight EST.

Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

14 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Nursery, Personalized | tags: Accessories, baby, kiddie designs, murals, nursery, paintings, tracey schmitt, wall decals. | #

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATS, REGINA, YOU ARE THE WINNER!

In my hunt for interesting pieces to display on my son’s wall, I discovered Fuz.   Designer Josh Jakus fashioned the line from recycled cork, industrial waste, scrap felt, and recycled plastic. This line is simple and sustainable with interesting pieces for your child’s room.

I recently hung the boy Dusty Chalkboard with an attached dog eraser on my son’s bedroom wall.   Dusty Chalkboard is made from 100% recycled wood core and the eraser cut from scrap felt.  This product manages to be both eco-friendly and affordable with the price of only $29.00.  I was very impressed by the fact that Josh designed a way for it to hold a piece of chalk!  The piece of chalk fits cheekily in the mouth of the dog eraser.

The website alone is worth noting because of it’s creativity. Along with the chalkboard, the site offers placemats, lights, felt baskets, and corkboards.  If you are interested in something for yourself, check Josh Jakus’s site for his modern and chic Um bags!  In addition to the products being made from recyclables, they are all made in the US!  Josh truly designs with perfection leaving no detail unnoticed.

Fuz has offered one of our readers a a dusty chalkboard!  To enter, simply visit Fuz and leave a comment on this post.  For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK GROUP!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends September 20th, 2009 Midnight EST.

Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

9 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts | tags: Accessories, children, dusty chalkboard, eco friendly, fuzfarm, josh jakus, play. | #

Sonny Boutique has the loveliest of gifts for mom and baby.  One of my favorites is their soy crayon rocks.  As a lover of the arts, I feel it necessary to encourage my ten-month old to begin expressing himself through coloring!

These crayon rocks are made of soy wax, grown in the US, which are non-toxic and healthier alternative to petroleum wax (used in another big crayon company).  There are sixteen shades to help your child to create his first masterpieces for hanging on the fridge!  According to Sonny, the shape of these rocks are designed to strengthen tripod grip and helpful for children with special needs.

In addition to all the wonderful benefits these crayon rocks provide they also make a very sweet décor in child’s room!

Sonny Boutique has offered our readers a 15% discount!   Visit their site, it’s fabulous! Coupon CODE:  sonny15

2 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Discount | tags: crayon, crayon rocks, fine motor skills, rocks, soy, soy wax. | #

I came across the Kumon First Steps series while browsing the book section at Target. It caught my attention because it does not look like your ordinary coloring or activity book for young children. So I picked up “Let’s Sticker & Paste” for my toddler.

The First Steps series by Kumon Publishing, contains 4 major titles:  Let’s Color, Let’s Fold, Let’s Cut Paper, and Let’s Sticker & Paste.  Each book includes about 40 different activities, meant to be completed sequentially. Each activity builds on the next, and the book masterfully nurtures your child’s fine motor skills – from peeling stickers and placing them in the correct location… to pasting tiny pink squares on a tree to create a cherry blossom scene. The book indicates that target age is for 2 and up. In my opinion, some of the later activities are a little too advanced for a 2-year-old, but the beauty in these exercises is allowing your child to go at their own pace. The colors are bright, the pages are thick, and upon completion of the book, you can award your child with a Certificate of Achievement, giving him a sense of accomplishment.

Besides, what kid does not love stickers?!

No Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Educational, Learning | tags: fine motor skills, First Steps, Kumon Publishing, Let's Sticker & Paste, toddlers, workbook. | #