Does Mommy Love It?

I’ve been getting the crazy urge to nest. No, I’m not pregnant (that I know of) and my baby is nearly a toddler. I blame it on our recent relocation to a lovely sublet that was devoid of anything personal. As I put together a play area for my girl (thank you, Ikea) I started searching for some art that would be beautiful, child-friendly, meaningful and not crazy expensive.  Off to Etsy I went! And Leaves and Feathers I found.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I was already familiar with the artist behind Leaves and Feathers, Faith Evans-Sills. She was my amazing labor support doula during the birth of my daughter. But because I had umm, other things on my mind while I was in labor, it wasn’t until recently that I explored her talents as an artist.  I spent a good hour looking through all of her beautiful prints before ordering one that I fell in love with.

Faith, a Brooklyn-based artist and a graduate of Parson’s School of Design, draws inspiration from the world around her.  Images of nature permeate her work in bold but soothing tones and textures. She seeks to “inspire hope” through her work and I think she accomplishes this beautifully. Her prints draw you in and leave you with a peaceful and uplifted feeling.

Most of the prints are reproductions of Faith’s original mixed-medium paintings. They are printed with fad-resistant ink on hand cut watercolor paper. My print came carefully packaged in protective sheet with cardboard backing.

When I received my Grow print, I framed it and hung it (with one of those velcro hooks) low enough that my daughter could enjoy it. She regularly takes it off the wall and jabbers to it.  I can only imagine what she it telling the pretty flower in the picture…

Why not add some inspiration to your home for you and your children to enjoy? Send a Leaves and Feathers postcard to a friend and brighten their day. So many reasons to love it.

Leaves and Feathers is offering a free print of Awakening (image at the top of the post) to one of our lucky readers!  In addition, get free shipping when you use the coupon code doesmommyloveit in the comment section of your order. To enter the giveaway, simply check out the website 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 thepermalink 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.

6) Become a Facebook Fan of Leaves and Feathers and leave a comment that you did!

7) Subscribe to Faith’s blog and leave a comment that you did!

This contest ends October 5th, 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. No compensation was received for this review.

27 Comments | In: Arts & Crafts, Contest, Craft, Discount, Special Offers and Discounts | tags: art, faith evans-sills, leaves and feathers. | #

In order for my son to work on the many arts and crafts I have been writing about, I needed a space or area for him to work in.  As I was searching around for a cute little cubby to store the growing number of art supplies for my little guy, I came across a new toy company called Justb-byou.

Justb-byou launched about six months ago with their main focus being making toys that make a difference.  They are committed to the protection of the planet through their use of eco-friendly, recyclable materials.  For many of their toys, they have eliminated packaging altogether, instead offering the toys in reusable bags made from recycled polypropylene plastic.  The packaging reverses into wrapping paper!  I found this ever so thoughtful!  Though their toys are made of plastic, you can be sure it is lead and phthalate-free.

You can find a toy nearly for every age group broken down by B. curious, B. smart, B. creative, B. sculptural, B. lively, and B. caring.  We have the You Hue toy under the category of B. creative and absolutely love it!  It is a terrific “comfy creation center” that comes with 10 chunky washable markers, lift up storage, and 3 sided pockets and compartments below.  It is great having a home to store my sons’ ever growing art supplies and projects.  He is slightly obsessed with the use of crayon, markers, and pencils at the moment.  His passion for art is so extreme we have to monitor his time with it or the crayon ends up everywhere including wall, floor, or any other “canvas” once his paper is filled.  The You Hue is also very pleasing to the eye with its “fashion forward” colors and simplicity in design.

Justb-byou toys are funky, fun, and playful for any child.  They strive to be a voice to children in helping them explore all sides to who they are.  I love their motto, which reads:

“We want to be a voice to children that says it’s okay to be curious, to be pensive, to be loud, to be happy and sad all at the same time, to be generous, to be afraid, to be quiet, to be wild, to be fun, to be open, to be specific, to be poetic, to be giddy, to be serious, to be smart, to be free, to be you.  Just B. Just You. B. You”

Be sure to check all their website for their full collection of toys!  Available at Target and specialty stores only.

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the products listed above.  I was not compensated for this review aside from the samples provided by Just b.-b you.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Toys | tags: Justb-byou. | #

The Piggy Story is a company that makes childhood crafts and distractions that attempt to lure youths away from television and videogames and toward using their imagination and creativity.  After reading their passionate ethos on their website, I was very intrigued with their creative products.  I received the “Piggy Pirate” Art Set for my lil’ “Leonardo Da Vinci”.

He has had a riot using the colorful markers, pencils, and child friendly scissors (under Mommy’s supervision of course) to create all sorts of compositions.  Best of all the set which also includes a glitter glue pen and pencil sharpener, folds up neatly for easy storage and transportation on long car rides, or for bringing to school.  Stir out the creativity in your the little artiste with this wonderful art set.  Be sure to check out their full range of creative items for children on their site!

The Piggy Story is offering a Little Picasso Art Kit to one of our readers! Simply visit their site 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 thepermalink 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 August 30th, 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 Piggy Story provided the Kit and Coloring Book, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

50 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Craft, Educational | tags: coloring, crafts, pencils, scissors, The Piggy Story. | #

Restaurants can be the place where a total meltdown of a child can happen.  You need to have all the great weapons on hand to diffuse or prevent them.  I have found bringing activities that will keep them occupied will do just the job!  Hello Hanna has designed some of the best activity products for your child for trips out or simple craft ideas to do at home.

The Get-Set Placemats can be a perfect accessory to any excursion that requires your child to sit for a prolonged period of time.  Each special themed set comes with eight placemats and eight sticker sheets with four different designs.  They also get an important lesson on proper place setting with a coloring of a fork, knife, and spoon printed on the mat in the appropriate place.  The “Hello Me” placemat is the cutest for a four or five year old girl.  Each mat has a cut out of a girl that can easily pop up and be personally designed using the included stickers!  How unbelievably adorable and brilliant?  What a great idea to keep the little one occupied!  Hello Hanna also makes placemats with a robot and jungle theme. These mats would make a wonderful craft time activity for any child’s party.  The kids will love personalizing them and then throwing them in their goodie bag!

Along with their fanciful placemats, Hello Hanna has designed Hello Books. They are accordion card size books that include custom die cuts and 5 sheets of removable stickers shapes to build various images.  I love craft ideas that allow my son to create using his imagination with simple steps and little to no clean up!  My most favorite aspect is that each card is printed on FSC-certified recycled paper!  My son has the Monkey Business card and loves making the monkey sound as he creates a storyboard, with my help of course.  When he has tired himself with this card, we can mail it to grandma in a 5.5X5.5 envelope!

You can never have enough simple, yet clever craft products for your child.  I love the idea of lots of free and imaginary play for my son.  Hello Hanna is a company that is making well designed and creative modern ways of making imaginary play possible on outings that can be retraining for your child.  I am so thankful to have discovered this company and hope that you will journey along with them too!  Order a set, you will not be disappointed!!

Hello Hanna is offering a product to one of our US readers! Simply visit their Hello Hanna 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 thepermalink 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 August 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. Hello Hanna provided the Mats and Book, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

48 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Craft | tags: cards, crafts, entertaining, Hello Books, Hello Hanna, parties, Placemats. | #

Do you recall the simple pleasure of a new coloring book waiting for you to add your own choice of hues to the black and white pages?  Because coloring is one of my son’s favorite activities, I have enjoyed sitting alongside of him and joining in.   Charley Harper, a wonderful graphic illustrator of animals and wildlife fills the pages of our favorite new coloring book released from Ammo Books.  Recognizable shapes are found aplenty in Harper’s wonderful illustrations, and create phenomenal learning opportunities for your child.

Also from Ammo, is a set of Charley Harper’s beautiful flash cards and floor puzzles all in one!  The set of 26 beautifully illustrated cards shows your child the alphabet along with wildlife themed words, and the backs of the cards for two floor puzzles!  The importance of using flashcards to begin to introduce toddlers to reading has been proven to be vital and I can think of none more colorful than this gorgeous set.

Check out Ammo’s wonderful website for more of Charley Harper’s illustrated products and for a number of other inspirational creative products for your little one’s education.

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

2 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Educational | tags: ammo books, charley harper coloring book, charley harper floor puzzle. | #

Here is a fabulous craft that doubles as a toy once completed, providing hours of enjoyment for you little ones.  Calafant Cardboard Toy Kits allows your child to build tree houses, castles, haunted fortresses, buses, airplanes, and dinosaurs all made from recyclable cardboard!  Best of all they have different kits for different age groups!  These encourage creativity both in the building process and through pretend play, once they are assembled.  Awesome!  It’s such a joy to have this product around for these hot days as a nearly 9 month pregnant mom.  As a toddler, my son will spend 15 minutes at a time working on it.  It’s really becoming a piece of art!

Also available on the #mce_temp_url# site are the perfect reusable lunch bags by a company called Lunch Skins.  These dishwasher safe lunch bags are made from a German tech fabric that is moisture and grease proof, food safe, and dries amazingly fast.  This is what all reusable lunch bags should be, and obviously, a better choice for the environment.

#mce_temp_url# has these as well as a great deal of more toys and tools for your child’s growth.  They are a great company for school fundraisers as they provide 30% of the profits to the host school.  Their products are educational and beneficial toward the family so are a perfect fit for this type of sale.  Visit their website to check out all of the unique products they stock at Creativetoys.com and to learn more about their school fundraisers visit creativetoys.com/fundraisers.

Creative Toy Shop  is  offering a $25 GC  to one of our readers! Simply visit Creative Toy Shop and leave a comment here with your thoughts and favorites!

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 August 5th, 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. Creative Toy shop provided the Treehouse and Lunchskin, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

35 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Educational, Family Time, Green, Toys, Websites | | #

Dr. Toys’ 2009 best green product I Cherish Planet Earth is a fantastic way to introduce the preservation of Mother Nature to your child.  This book by Focus Bloom truly is a celebration of Earth’s life and beauty.

I have most enjoyed reading the section “I can help” with my son.  Living in an eco friendly building, recycling is a must.  The “I can help” section encourages the little reader to protect Mother Earth by recycling, keeping the air clean, maintaining healthy water and soil.  I have put this into practice by walking with my son to the recycling bin to dispose of our used plastic and paper products everyday.  My son loves being useful and having little responsibilities.  We are almost at the point where he can walk on his own to do this little chore.

When purchasing I Cherish Planet Earth you also receive a recycled paper and cardboard pair-matching game.  They come in a cotton drawstring pouch, illustrated with vegetable oil based inks, and manufactured in the United States.  What more could you ask for from a company that celebrates planet Earth?  I believe it is important to instill in my children good stewardship of our land.  There’s no better time than now!

FocusBloom is a book to one of our readers! Simply visit FocusBloom and leave a comment here about your thoughts and favorites!

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 August 1st, 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. Focus Bloom provided the book, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

19 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Books | tags: Focusbloom, I cherish Planet Earth, recycling. | #

Recently, I have been trying to teach my son how to hold a pencil correctly.  He has a lot more fun with me teaching him this with his new gourmet scented pencils from the Stubby Pencil Studio!  I remember scented markers when I was a child, but not scented pencils!  Also I am quite sure that those markers were far from being made from 100 percent recycled newspapers!  Each of the Smencils comes in its own Freshness Tube after being soaked in environmentally friendly liquids.  Bubble Gum, Watermelon, Cotton Candy, and Root Beer, are just a few of the fun scents in this set. These are number 2 graphite pencils so they sharpen and write just as a normal pencil would.  These are a fun for kids and adults and have been a great introduction to the pencil for my son.  Lets not forgot that they are very friendly on the environment as well!

I’ve been giving my son the opportunity to color cards for people through using the Color N Kids variety cards!  Each card is printed on 100% PCW recycled stock and come in a six colored envelops.  Stubby Pencils’ Beeswax Crayons have worked perfectly for his card coloring!  They are incredibly smooth and highly pigmented all awhile being petroleum free.  They are made of all natural and renewable waxes and pure beeswax.  They come in a set of 12 and packaged in a reusable drawstring cotton pouch.  This would be a great birthday gift for a preschooler!

Stubby Pencil Studio carries some of the best unique, non-toxic, recycled, fair trade, educational, sustainable or environmentally responsible products!  I am in love with all of their craft products and look forward to building a collection from here.  Next time you are in need of supplies check out Stubby Pencil Studio!

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

1 Comment | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Craft, Stationary | tags: arts, beeswax crayons, colored pencils, crafts, eco friendly, recycled cards, smencils, Stationary, Stubby Pencil Studio. | #

Ever since grade school, I have rather obsessed with penmanship.  During these years I remember practicing a certain handwriting style before it became a skill.  Writing letters to friends was an everyday activity and beautiful handwriting sure made the letter look more interesting.  In today’s age with texting, emails, and ichat, letter writing is becoming a lost art.  This is one art I do not want my son to bypass.  Thankfully, there are companies who are keeping this art alive such as Design Schooled Kids!

Tracy Sullivan created design Schooled Kids with hopes to recapture the art and skill of handwriting in this modern age.  She created Design Schooled Kids Note Cards to enable our children to learn printing and etiquette through old-fashioned letter writing.  They can learn through tracing the letters on the card and practicing their own handwriting on the blank side.  Each card comes with a sturdy turquoise envelope for mailing.  You can either purchase these cards in a set for 19.95 or individually for 4.95.  This would make a fun activity at a party or during craft time! J  It’s fun walking my child to mailbox and letting him drop the letter in and knowing it is going to brighten someone else’s day.

I stayed up late last night writing letters to friends and family.  There is something so special about receiving a handwritten note.  I pray we do not let our children lose such a beautiful and meaningful art.  I am so thankful for Design Schooled Kids for keeping it alive!  Invest in your children’s handwriting, friend!

Design Schooled Kids is offering a set of cards to one of our readers! Simply visit Design Schooled Kids and leave a comment here about your thoughts and favorites!

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 July 25th, 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. Design Schooled Kids provided the cards, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

24 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Arts & Crafts, Craft, Educational, Stationary | tags: cards, Design Schooled Kids, education, letter writing, Stationary. | #

Ammo’s Kid Made Modern is a wonderful new craft book for you and your children by renowned designer, Todd Oldham.  Nothing encourages me more to interact with my son through crafts than modern, hip, and eco-friendly crafts! I’ve been reading a lot about how important it is for children to express themselves through creative outlets, and this book is a great facilitator of ideas.  I have tried to encourage this outlet through a few of the highlighted craft ideas from this book!

One of my favorite aspects of the book is that it takes inspiration from mid-century designers like Charles and Ray Eames, Marimekko, Alexander Girard, and Dorothy Draper.  Each of the book’s sections gives a brief introduction of these wonderful designers before highlighting a craft project inspired by that designer.  What a wonderful introduction for your child to the design world!

The crafts themselves are awesome and include bulletin boards, jewelry, book covers, pet accessories, scarves, lanterns, and many more.  Best of all, the book uses items that most likely already have in the home, saving time and money.  While the book is recommended for grades 3-6, but under adult supervision, I think children younger will be enthralled with a great deal of the crafts found in this book.  This book is perfect for those long summer days when boredom can sometimes be a problem.  Reach for this book, and let their creativity soar!

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

Ammo is offering a copy of Kid Made Modern to one of our readers! Simply visit Ammo and leave a comment here about yourthoughts and favorites.

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 July 15th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com

20 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Craft, Family Time | tags: Books, crafts, Kid Made Modern, Todd OIdham. | #

I find stamps to be a wonderful craft for myself, and have been using them for years on stationary and homemade greeting cards!  That’s why when I learned about the Ready2Learn Giant Farm Animal Stamps for kids, I knew they would be a great introduction to printmaking for my son.  You can purchase a pack of ten 3-inch animal stamps with large handles from Center Enterprises.  These help your child to see cause and effect as they dip the large stamps into ink and place them on the page and are also a great lesson for learning colors.  I enjoy taking my son outside and setting out a huge pad of paper for him to cover with these colorful animal prints.

The stamp set includes a sheep, a pig, a horse, a goose, a goat, a cow, a turkey, a hen, a duck, and chicks!    The stamps can be used with paint or the giant washable inkpads also available from Center Enterprises.  I recommend these pads for the huge size, ease of use, and the fact that they are washable.  I recommend these to all families for a fun craft option and the unbeatable price (about 14 dollars for the stamp set and $18 dollars for the stamp pads).  These stamps have already filled hours of creative time for my son and I, and certain he will continue to love using these during his first foray into printmaking!

Center Enterprises is offering a seasonal kit of four circular pads to one of our readers! Simply visit Center Enterprises and leave a comment here about your thoughts and favorites.

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 July 8th, 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. Center Enterprises provided the stamps, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review

28 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Arts & Crafts, Craft, Stationary | tags: Center Enterprises, Jumbo stamps, REady2learn, washable stamp pads. | #

As I continue to explore the world of art and crafts for my son, I have found items that can be mess free and relatively easy to assemble.  Bendaroos is a perfect craft for a child three years and up!  There is no tape, glue, PAINT, or mess involved and the creations can be endless.  You can purchase a small box at Target for about six dollars and I totally think it is worth it.  In addition to the wonderful creative possibilities, I have used the different colored wax building sticks to teach my son colors and basic addition.

The one complaint that I would have is that you have to work in the wax to keep the sticks sticking.  Once I discovered this, my creations have kept together longer.  My son loves helping to create the animals and foods that the instruction manual provides.  For those looking for ideas, the manual is great because it guides you step by step on how to build the objects.  My personal favorite is the Food set!  It’s so fun making something so detailed and realistic!  Next time you are looking for easy and mess free entertainment craft for travel invest in Bendaroos!

Bendaroos is offering a kit of choice to one of our readers! Simply visit Bendaroos and leave a comment here about your thoughts and favorites.

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 July 4th, 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. Bendaroos provided the doll Cloud, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review

50 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Arts & Crafts, Craft, Toys | tags: arts, bendaroos, crafts. | #

As of late, my family and I have been on a massive crafting kick.  Making things with our hands is something we all love doing together for family time.  I have seen Sock Monkeys around for ages, and thought making one would be something fun to do as a family.  Although my son is not old enough to make these on his own he sure enjoys watching and assisting my husband and I in the process.

The SockMonkey.net website carries 3 different kits, each based on the amount of work you want to put in.  One has been pre-sewn for $22 and one that needs to sewn for $13.

This is a wonderful family activity that brings everyone together to create something that your child will adore for a lifetime!  Skip the television tonight, gather the troops together and start crafting!  Visit www.SockMonkeyFun.net for more fun creative one of a kind sock monkeys.  If you have any special requests she would love to hear them!

2 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Craft, Family Time | tags: crafts, Family Time, sock monkey.net. | #

Dressing up is something that my son has enjoyed doing for more than a few months now.  He loves trying on Daddy’s sunglasses, hats, and even walking around the house in our shoes!  That’s how I knew he would love Luna Organic’s Animal Medley Face Paint!

He is rather patient for a one year old, as I apply the paint to transform his face into any number of animals.  The payoff comes when I take him to a mirror and he laughs with glee at his transformation!

The face paint is made from organic, hypoallergenic materials and can easily be removed with a moist tissue (included).  In addition to the Animal kit, they also have a witch kit, fairy kit, ghost kit, and clown kit available for $14.95! Those with little a princess would love the fairy kit as it contains 5 sparkly eye shadows, and an organic glittery lip balm with cinnamon scent!  Absolutely adorable!

If your little one loves to dress up, I highly recommend Luna Organics Face Paint for pretend play they will love!  I am also planning to use mine for my son’s upcoming second birthday party!  Now available on Etsy Shop or Luna Organics.com!

Luna Organics is offering a Kit of choice to two of our readers! Simply visit Luna Organics and leave a comment here about your thoughts and favorites.

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 June 25th, 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. Luna Organics provided the kits, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

39 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts | tags: animal medly, face paint, fairy dust, Fairy kit, Luna Organics, organic. | #

Does Mommy Love It? are fans of Kumon Publishing educational workbooks for pre school and grade school!  They have an incredible selection of skills that you can teach your child.  They are hosting a giveaway and you can enter by becoming a fan and leaving a comment on their Facebook Fan Page!  Enter now!

Read our great reviews on the Kumon Publishing’s First Steps series as well as their Pre School series workbooks.

10 Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Books, Contest, Educational, Learning | tags: Educational, Kumon, Kumon Publishing, publishing, workbooks. | #

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

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.

54 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. | #

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

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.

50 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. | #

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

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. | #