Tiny Love Sort N Learn Pelican Review for ebeanstalk

 

ebeanstalk.com is an on-line store with fun learning toys. They have a board of parent testers and I was chosen as one of them. Picking toys is not easy and ebeanstalk is dedicated to selecting good, safe baby toys. BUT they need help from moms like me which is why they started the toy testing programs. We will help them pick the toys. The toy they sent me is called Sort n’ Learn Pelican from Tiny Love, who makes great developmental toys Here is the deal on this toy…

TinyLove So they send age appropriate toys to my children. For the first month they sent me the Sort n’ Learn Pelican from Tiny Love. I have to tell you how it falls into each category.

* how good for learning, education, development

Educationally I would rate this toy very high on the list. The shapes are great. My daughter is learning how to say each shape. The shapes are four different colors and the colors are also mentioned in different languages. They can also open and close the beak and the shape layer.

* how fun is the toy

For the age group the toy is a lot of fun. Kids love to fill and dump at this age. Also, my son picked this up really fast. He’s only one and he was sorting those shapes. He was laughing too, he loves anything that makes noise.

* how unique

This is the only shape sorter I have seen that says the shapes out loud. Not only does it say the shapes out loud they are spoken in three different languages.

* quality/durability

This toy drives my daughter crazy because the head comes off way to easy. For how easy the head comes off my daughter should be able to put the head back on. I have found that even I have trouble putting the head back on. While my daughter is fussing over the head we can’t play with it.

* would you purchase it

I probably would have purchased it and then returned it because of the beak piece that comes off.

My Great find at TJMaxx today.

Today I needed to buy a suitcase. I have ended up with way too much stuff from blogging trips and from family and my own purchases. I went to three different places to find a Suitcase.

 

I went to Walmart

29          I found a Jeep suitcase with wheels that looked really sturdy but it was 59.00 so, I wanted to shop around. It looked good but I was hoping for something other than black.

 

 

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I went to Ross

         I found another name brand and now I can’t remember but it was also 69.00 so I wanted to look at TJMaxx before I made up my mind.

I went to TJMaxx

Chaps Varsity Elite Luggage Collection        I found the perfect suitcase at a great value, Chaps. For 59.00 I found a suitcase that was the largest size 29 in (same as the Jeep) and excellent quality. It was also not just the plain black that every other person has. It is blue and orange. I’m very happy with my great deal today.

I also had no idea how much fun kids can have in a suitcase.’

 

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Sara Lee Whole Grain Bread September #Giveaway

Following me for very long?

Last month I went to Visit Sara Lee at their Nutrition Summit. I learned a lot of fantastic tips on how to feed my family nutrition and keep them tasting new things. So it wasn’t just about bread.

We had a professional chef cook for us all day and she made us healthy treats with our children in mind. Everything we ate from breakfast to mid-afternoon snacks was perfect to give to your children.

They paid for my trip and gave me some coupons. Well, we also have coupons to give to some of my readers. I have so many coupons that I’m having one giveaway a month for seven months. This one is starting today but will be my September giveaway

 

Two People can win 5 coupons each. Each coupon is worth 5.00.

To Enter

Visit Sara Lee and tell me which loaf of bread you are going to try.

Extra Entries:

None Bloggers get and extra entry for every e-mail they send out linking to this giveaway cc louise@looksblue.com (be sure to leave a comment for every person you e-mail, for example if you e-mail 10 different people leave 10 different comments)

Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog about the giveaway include a link to me for 10 extra entries
Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry) Link to the giveaway please!!!
Add my button to your blog/blog roll 10 extra points if it is on your homepage
Dig, Stumble, or fav me on Technorati (two entries for each one)
Leave a comment for every entry

The contest will run until September 14 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org

Save 5.00 at One Step Ahead code is “5OFF”

I just got this in my e-mail box. I’m signed up for so many different newsletters. Here is the coupon code.

SAVE $5 off any order Thursday, Friday & Saturday!

Enter Code 5OFF at checkout. Details below. SHOP NOW >

About One Step Ahead.

For three decades, One Step Ahead has helped new parents navigate the complex baby market. Then in 1989, Leaps and Bounds, a sister catalog geared to children, joined the Chelsea & Scott family. Today, they remain committed to bringing you what parents want: high quality products…ingenious parenting solutions…outstanding service…and the toughest guarantees in the industry.

50 Percent off Purse Sales, The Sak and Elliot Lucca

The Sak Official Store, TSAK-1066 Pax Eco Shopper, thesak.com

Nice Purses like Pax Exo Shopper are in the price range I would buy them in. They are 50 percent off right now at the sak.

  • 12" Length, 6" Width, 11" Height, 11" Strap Drop
  • Exterior: 55% Jute/45%Cotton; Azo-free, all natural dyes
  • Interior: 100% recycled cotton
  • Magnetic closure
  • Features exclusive "peace print" by a Paris-born graffiti artist
  • Lining features two multi function pockets and a zippered backwall pocket; features inside "happy & free" message
  • Spot Clean with barely damp rag and mild detergent such as Woolite

     

    Retails for 89.00 now on-sale for 44.50

     

    stcrossbody

    Also on-sale is The Janet St. Mini Crossbody.

    • 7.1" Length, 1.6" Width, 7.9" Height, 22.8" Strap Drop
    • Exterior: 100% Polypropylene
    • Interior: 100% Nylon
    • Crochet
    • Zipper closure
    • Lining features two multi purpose pockets and a zippered backwall pocket
    • Spot Clean with barely damp rag and mild detergent such as Woolite.

    Retails for 29 now on sale for 14.50

     

     

    These are only two purses on sale at the sak. Some purses are up to 60 percent off you should check it out if you want a very high quality purse for a nice price. Free shipping on orders of 75.00 or more.

  • Over at Elliott Lucca the purses are 60 percent off.

    The

    Maxfield Demi maxfielddemi

    • Dimensions: 13" Length, 3.5" Width, 8.5" Height, 9.5" Strap Drop
    • Exterior:  100% Leather
    • Interior:   100% Cotton
    • Front and back outside pocket
    • Zipper closure
    • Lining features two open pockets and zippered back wall pockets
    • Clean with a water-based leather cleaner and moisturizer. Use a protective spray to protect the leather surface.
    • Retails for 148 but some colors are on sale for 96.20.

    IHOP Kids Eat Free Every Day

    IHOP Logo

    One of my favorite places to take my children to eat is IHOP. We are a pancake friendly family.

    These days going out to dinner as a family is expensive.  This summer, families can break out of their routine without breaking the bank by heading to IHOP, one of America’s favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, for its national ‘Kids Eat Free’ dinner promotion.  

    Kids Eat Free EVERYDAY from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

    · Promotions runs from August 17 – September 13
    · Families who dine in at IHOP daily will receive one free Kid’s Meal with each adult entrée purchase
    · For more information please visit www.iHOP.com

    FUN FACT:
    · Kids who eat most often with their parents are 40% more likely to say they get mainly A’s and B’s in school than kids who have two or fewer family dinners a week. (Time Magazine, “The Magic of the Family Meal,” 6/4/06)

    KEY: Spend time with your kids people!!!

    Mom Start Moment – Most Likely To be Paid To Buy Pop Tarts

    image 

    This was a few months ago. At My MOMS Club, I was voted as the most frugal mom in the group. I have found a system where I never pay for poptarts. I get them for free. I used this formula to help my family save money on groceries.

    Are you an Anne Geddes Fan? Did you know she sells clothing?

    Anne Geddes Online Gift Shop

    Not only does Anne Geddes produce some of the most popular photograph books of itty bitty babies, but she has a baby, toddler, and maternity clothing line.

    I had no idea that this talented photographer had her own inspired lines. Well, that’s for good reason. They are just being released to America this Fall.

    Anne Geddes’ collections will transform baby layette in America this fall when she introduces us to the best-kept baby secret from “down under”. This collection will start with a must-have garment called the pure Singlet™.

    Anne’s whisper-soft design creates a comforting, gentle layer beneath baby’s outer clothing, one-pieces, tops, or pajamas; her classic Singlet is a nurturing, newborn-perfect top that protects baby’s chest area from chill and supplies a soothing layer in the cooler weather. It can be worn by itself on warmer days. Made of beautiful organic cotton, Anne’s softly luxurious pure Singlet was inspired by the singlets worn by every Australian and New Zealand newborn—an essential purchase for all caring mums.

    That’s Moms here in America!!

     

    clip_image001

    · pure Singlet™ – A favorite must-have for babies “down under” that Anne is pleased to share with North American “mums,” this undergarment features Anne’s sweet newborn print at the front and soft muslin detail; $24.50;

     

     

     

    I couldn’t find any other pictures for all of these other items but man, does she have a lot of cute stuff at her online gift shop. This is a list of all the items that are going to be released in this line later this fall.

    · Cotton Lawn Gown & Petticoat Set – This gorgeous classic gown shows Anne’s sleeping infant print on the chest and a hint of muslin peeps from under the hem; the petticoat has delicate shell buttons on each shoulder; a lovely satin embroidered scalloped edge finishes both garments; $119.50;

     

    · Cotton Lawn One-piece – The classic baby boy’s outfit, made from 100% cotton lawn, accented with muslin at the cuffs, ankles, and chest; with Anne’s charming newborn illustration on front and a satin-ribbon tie at back; $69.50;

     

    · New Zealand Merino Hat – Pure and natural New Zealand-made merino wool combines with lightweight, open-weave muslin in this delightful hat, perfect for baby in every season; sold as a set with the Merino Booties – $39.50;

    · New Zealand Merino Booties – Lined in 100% cotton lawn with an outer layer of lightweight merino wool, these super-soft booties tie with a satin drawstring ribbon at the ankle, and show Anne’s sweetest baby print on top; sold as a set with the Merino Hat – $39.50;

     

    · New Zealand Merino Cardigan – A wonderful cardigan for baby’s homecoming from the hospital, with a curved front opening, a single wooden button closure, and Anne’s newborn illustration nestled on the front panel of this New Zealand merino wool and soft muslin

    combination; $44.50;

     

    · Organic Cotton Leggings – These soft footless leggings are made from certified organic cotton, finished with muslin trim at the ankle, and feature a small muslin pocket on the front, embellished with Anne’s sweet baby illustration “curled” inside; a soft fold-over waistband is gentle over baby’s tummy; $29.50;

     

    · Organic Cotton One-piece – Perfect for everyday, the Anne Geddes pure one-piece is made from certified organic cotton, and features a sweet little muslin pocket on front, with a soft muslin trim at the cuff and ankle and natural wooden button closures at the pant legs and neck for easy dressing; $49.50;

     

    · Baby Muslin Wrap – The ultimate in comfort for baby, this soft wrap is made from layers of 100% cotton lawn and muslin, with Anne’s gorgeous baby illustration placed subtly behind a muslin layer; $69.50;

     

    · Baby Muslin Washcloth – Layers of 100% cotton lawn and muslin make this washcloth perfect for the wonderful bath time ritual of nurturing and bonding; trimmed with cotton, it will be the cloth every mother desires for baby’s soft skin; $19.50.

    About Anne Geddes


    One of the world’s most respected photographers, and a multiple New York Times and internationally bestselling author, Anne Geddes creates images that are iconic, award winning, and beloved. Capturing the beauty, purity, vulnerability, and preciousness of children, her imagery embodies her deeply held belief that every child must be protected, nurtured, and loved. Reflecting this belief, Anne Geddes and her husband, Kel, are committed to “giving back” and honoring the preciousness of children. That is why, since 1992, designated funds have been donated through the non-profit Geddes Philanthropic Trust to help prevent child abuse and neglect.
    Anne Geddes’ images have been published in 83 countries, and been featured in her books that have sold more than 18 million copies worldwide and been translated into 24 languages. Her clothing collection, Anne Geddes Baby, was launched in 2001. For more information, please visit her website at www.annegeddes.com or the flagship Anne Geddes retail store located in the Downtown Disney® District, in Anaheim, California.

    Hallmark The Edge of Motherhood Card Review

    "This post was written for Family Review Network as part of a program for Hallmark, who supplied the cards for review

    The Edge of Motherhood has been around the blogosphere lately. We were asked to review them. They sent me an assortment of cards to look at and I was quite impressed. We, my family in Texas enjoyed looking at them. They were funny and I sent one to my husband.

    It was a talking card and I sent it to where he works. He said, Honey, I love you, I don’t want to embarrass you, but I LOVE YOU. In a very gushy annoying voice. Well, something like that but I think it brightened his day.

    Product Information:

    Hallmark is focused on helping people spread encouragement. They are currently focusing on those of us that are stressed to the max. We have quite a few tasks that we do from day to day. They call us mothers. Well, ok they are going to both to moms and to children (with back to school, team tryouts, and much more coming up). So I wanted to share a couple of their new collections that may be of interest.

    Moms experience moments that can only be fully appreciated by other moms. This is something I understand now that I’m a mom. Having kids has really given me an appreciation for my parents.

    So, to help encourage moms through the day-to-day challenges of motherhood – and give a few laughs along the way – Hallmark has introduced a new line of humor cards called “Edge of Motherhood.”

    There are quite a a few goods ones that I received.

    A recent national survey commissioned by Hallmark revealed two-thirds of moms say they handle the imperfect moments of motherhood by sharing funny stories with other moms about their experiences, and that 8 in 10 moms turn to each other for candid, empathetic, and unapologetic support and reassurance that “we are all in this together.” Ideally, these new, edgy humor cards will help moms share a laugh, connect with one another and celebrate motherhood — and they start at just 99 cents.

     

    Let’s not forget about the children here. For kids, Hallmark’s new collection of encouragement cards are designed to help parents provide an extra boost of confidence for kids as they experience “everyday” moments. There are so many crazy every day moments. For me they consist of changing diapers, walking, learning abc, so for you– whether it’s the first day of school, taking a test or trying out for a team. The cards incorporate humor and heartfelt messages to help adults show support, pride and give a special child a boost of confidence. I could have used one of these cards from time to time. My parents weren’t the best at saying good things, they were always better at saying the negative.

     

    (Some of the cards include originally recorded sound clips too, which play when a child opens the card!) These cards start at 99 cents, and the encouragement cards with sound retail for $2.99.

    Both collections of cards are available at select Hallmark Gold Crown stores and other retailers where Hallmark cards are sold. And some styles of the “Edge of Motherhood” cards are available online at hallmark.com: http://tinyurl.com/ll8d4m (full collection is only in stores).

    I’m going to be loving the cards that I have. It’s nice to have a spare card to just give to someone when they need to be cheered up and Hallmark has always been good at cheering people up.

    What Kind of Animal are you MJM publishing #giveaway

    mjmbooks MJM Books make reading fun. Yes that is their motto but it’s true. MJM Books has offered a review and a giveaway to Mom Start. I went to the website and was extremely thrilled to participate.

    Here’s Why.

     

    .

    • Customizable IMAGES and TEXT
    • Original Stories and Artwork
    • High Quality printing and binding
    • Humorous and Heartwarming
    • Commitment to our Community and Environment

    What does all that mean?

    What Animal Are You?They have books that tell a story that young children like. You can change the character to fit your child. It will ask you what features your child has and then your child will become the main character of the book.

    I haven’t seen the book yet because of my Adventures in Texas. Those of you who keep up with me know what I mean. My husband has the book and said, ahh, You got this book here and the kid looks like Miles.

    So, without even knowing what I was doing he got the point of the book.

    MJM Books are PERFECT GIFTS FOR:

    • BIRTHDAYS
    • A "You’re Special" message from Doting Grandparents
    • CHRISTMAS gifts from stumped relatives
    • Best Friends recalling the ‘Good ol’ Days’ (Who says children’s books are just for Kids?!!!)
    • Anytime you want your gift to STAND OUT

     

    If I Were Big

    MJM Books are advocates for education and literacy at an early age. As am I. Reading to your children can start while they are in the womb. They like to advocate by having the motto: "Making Reading Fun". This has driven guided them to create books that they feel will encourage kids to see books as exciting worlds that they can inhabit and connect with personally. 

     

    We hope that you will create warm and lasting memories of "Storytime" while reading our books and others with your children.

    Reading to your children will help them for their entire life.

    To Enter:

    Visit MJM Books and tell me which story you would select.

    Extra Entries:

    None Bloggers get and extra entry for every e-mail they send out linking to this giveaway cc louise@looksblue.com (be sure to leave a comment for every person you e-mail, for example if you e-mail 10 different people leave 10 different comments)

    Subscribe to my blog
    Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
    Blog about the giveaway include a link to me for 10 extra entries
    Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry) Link to the giveaway please!!!
    Add my button to your blog/blog roll 10 extra points if it is on your homepage
    Dig, Stumble, or fav me on Technorati (two entries for each one)
    Leave a comment for every entry

    The contest will run until September 14 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org