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You are here: Home / Archives for 2013 Gift Guide

Need A Last Minute Gift? Here’s How to Make a Gift Card More Than A Gift Card

December 19, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

This is a compensated post

By Dayna

Ah, Christmas.  The time of year when we all rush around, making ourselves crazy trying to get our loved ones the perfect gifts.  And it’s always those last-minute gifts (you know, for those people you forgot) that create the most stress.  IMG_0696

In the past, I’d either regift something (shameful, I know, but what’s a busy mom to do?!) or grab a gift card and call it good.  Yet, gift cards are so impersonal.  But this year, as I was picking up groceries at my local QFC grocery store, I discovered the solution to my problem!  As I perused their extensive selection of gift cards, it dawned on me that by combining a gift card with a couple of choice items sold right in QFC, I could create the appearance of a well thought-out gift!

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For my foodie friends, I selected a gift card to a restaurant I knew they loved and added a bottle of wine and some nice cheese to pair it with.  For our five-year-old neighbor, I found a Toys R Us gift card and added a mug and hot cocoa mix.  There’s literally something for everyone, no mall shopping required!  And voila, Christmas shopping done!

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QFC is not only a great place to buy groceries, but also has a huge selection of gift cards, so you don’t have to run around town getting all the gift cards you need for the holiday season.

 

About Dayna:

Dayna is a children’s counselor turned stay-at-home mom after the birth of her first child three years ago.  She is married and has two beautiful daughters.  When kids permit, she and her husband love to travel, enjoy good food, and spend time with friends. And she is an amazing friend

Filed Under: 2013 Gift Guide, crafts Tagged With: holiday gift guide, QFC

American Girl Doll & Bitty Baby Books and Toys

December 18, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

If Zoe had her choice, she would choose the American Girl Doll Sage and purchase the Sparkle Party Dress. She loves her Bitty Baby and wants to add to her collection.

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If I could, I would spoil her with as many of the American Girl dolls as I could.

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Luckily, because of my blog we have five of the different Itty Bitty books and she’s been reading them for her homework assignments. She has a favorite that she’s used in her writing journal and I love that these books have sparked a growth in her reading abilities. Her favorite book is Bitty Baby The Brave:IMG_7643

Here is Zoe’s video showing off her favorite Bitty Baby Books:

 

Other American Girl Dolls, Bitty Baby accessories, Books and Toys to Choose From:

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My American Girl® Doll

Price: $110

Create the doll that’s just right for you. With your My American Girl doll, you can choose her look, interests, and even her personality. Includes:

o An 18” doll dressed in the True Spirit Outfit: a pink tee with tone-on-tone print, a flared skirt with a double-ribbon belt, pink underwear, and tall boots

o A charm-keeper necklace to hold her collectable charms (get a charm with every My American Girl outfit.)

o Codes that give you full access to online play at InnerstarU.com—a fun, enriching, safe online world created just for girls and their My American Girl dolls

Sparkle Party Dress + Charm for Dolls

Price: $36

This fancy dress is trimmed with rosettes and rhinestones, and features a bubble-mesh skirt with a sparkle print that peeks through, plus a satin sash at the waist. Includes a rhinestone-studded headband, cream tights, and sparkly red shoes, plus a “Fair” heart charm.

(Cover) Sparkle Party Dress for Girls

Price: $68

Made to match the doll-sized version, this fancy dress is trimmed with rosettes and rhinestones. It features a bubble-mesh skirt with a sparkle print that peeks through, plus a satin sash that ties in back. Sizes 6-16.

(Cover) Sparkle Headband for Girls

Price: $12

Add sparkle to your holiday look with this rhinestone-studded satin headband. Cream. One size.

1. Bitty Baby Doll

Price: $80

Designed for girls ages 3 and up, Bitty Baby is a 15-inch soft-bodied doll available in 11 different combinations of skin tone, eye-, and hair-color, allowing girls to create a one-of-a-kind companion that’s just right for them. Each Bitty Baby doll comes dressed in her signature sleeper, along with a special “wishing star” keepsake toy and a beautifully illustrated Bitty Baby and Me hardcover picture book.

2. Twinkle Party Outfit for Dolls

Price: $28

Bitty Baby can twinkle in this party dress. It features a knit bodice with puff sleeves and a sweet bow, plus a bubble-mesh skirt with a sparkly holographic pattern that peeks through. Includes a satin headband, ivory tights, and shiny red shoes with bows at the toes.

Twinkle Party Dress for Little Girls

Price: $28

Twirl and twinkle in this party dress! Made to match the doll-sized version, it features a knit bodice with puff sleeves and a sweet bow, plus a bubble-mesh skirt with a sparkly holographic pattern that peeks through. Red. Sizes 3-7

3. Deluxe Layette Collection

Price: $180

This 15-piece deluxe collection comes with the Bitty Baby doll of your choice, dressed in a cloth diaper and Cuddly Star Pajamas, plus the Bitty Baby and Me hardcover picture book that brings her story to life. Includes lots of mix-and-match outfits for playtime fun: a gingham dress with embroidery and eyelet lace at the hem, a knit cardigan with scalloped trim and embroidered details, knit pants with a gingham sash and bow, white tights with sweet rows of eyelet ruffles, pink shoes with a trio of rosettes at the toe, a soft star rattle with rings for shaking, a bottle for feeding time, a soft bib with star-hearts that dangle from green ribbon, and two fabric-covered hangers to keep her clothes neat and tidy. Everything fits inside the satin suitcase, featuring an inner pocket for organizing and a handle for carrying.

4. Bitty Baby and Me Hardcover Book

Price: $14.99
In this first story, a little girl introduces her new doll, Bitty Baby, to her family, including her prickly big sister. At nap time, the little girl tells Bitty Baby a story about a magical mermaid adventure—but the best magic of all is the creative way the girl makes her wish come true and gets her older sister to play with her. Includes a “For Parents” section that focuses on the social and emotional experience of preschoolers and offers parenting tips.

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5. Saige Doll & Book

Price: $110

Saige, the 2013 Girl of the Year, is a spirited and imaginative girl who loves painting and horseback riding at her grandma’s ranch in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In Saige’s story, she turns her passion into persuasion to promote the arts in her community. The Saige doll is 18” tall with light skin, freckles, long auburn-colored hair, and dark turquoise eyes. She has pierced ears with earrings, and wears a Southwestern ring on her right hand. Saige comes in an indigo knit dress with cropped sleeves, geometric embroidery, and a tiered skirt. Includes tall boots with wrap straps and blue cotton underwear, plus the Saige paperback book, written by Jessie Haas.

Saige’s Accessories

Price: $28

Saige adds splashes of color and style wherever she goes! Her bright canvas purse is perfect for toting art supplies on the go. She loves to mix and match her special jewelry: a pierced earring set with studs and dangles, a turquoise beaded necklace with a golden coin charm, and a red multi-strand bracelet with an adjustable closure.

6. Saige’s Painting Set

Price: $48

When Saige is feeling creative, she can bring out this art set. It includes an easel with a tray and cup for holding her supplies—it folds for easy storage when she’s done—plus five faux paint tubes and four brushes that Saige can really hold on to, a painter’s palette for blending the perfect shade, a sketch pad to plan out her paintings, a portfolio to store the finished product, and five of her paintings on real canvas.

7. Saige’s Sweater Outfit

Price: $34

When Saige paints in Grandma Mimi’s studio, she gets comfy in this artsy outfit. It includes an open-front sweater with a draped collar and a bold, geometric pattern, a printed tank top for underneath, stretch twill leggings, and faux leather sandals with a fancy fringe to finish off the look

8. Saige Book

Price: $6.95 PB

Saige’s new school year isn’t starting out well. She and her best friend, Tessa, seem to be growing apart. And because of funding cuts, Saige won’t have art—her favorite class—at school this year. Her grandma Mimi suggests that she do something about it, such as lead a “save the arts” parade and fund-raiser on Mimi’s horse Picasso. Soon Saige is training Picasso for the parade, which helps take her mind off her troubles at school. Then Mimi is injured in an accident, and Saige waits and worries, wondering what she can do. Can she ride Picasso in the parade and make her grandma proud? Can she still raise money to protect art at school? Saige is determined to try.

9. Saige Paints the Sky Book

Price: $6.95 PB

After Mimi moves into rehab to heal a broken leg, Saige misses her grandma terribly. She takes comfort in riding Mimi’s youngest horse, Georgia, and painting in her art studio. But when Saige learns that Mimi may soon sell Georgia, she’s devastated. Why does everything have to change? After making an exciting discovery at the rehab center, Saige hatches a plot to restore her art afternoons with Mimi—and maybe even jump-start the new art program at school. But she still worries about losing Georgia. Can she tap into her creativity and imagination to hang on to the horse she loves?

10. Saige Paints the Sky DVD

Price: DVD $14.95

Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack $21.95

Nine-year-old Saige Copeland is looking forward to the new school year, until she finds out that due to funding cuts, her Albuquerque school won’t have any art classes this year. Add to that, Saige’s best friend Tessa seems to be growing apart from her—and closer to a girl named Dylan. Why does everything have to change? For help, Saige turns to her Grandma Mimi, who rides her beautiful horse Picasso in the Balloon Fiesta parade every year. Mimi encourages Saige to do something to help—rally her friends to raise money for the art classes they love. But just as her ideas begin to take off, her grandma is injured in an accident. Can Saige ride Picasso in the parade and make her grandma proud? And can she still raise money for the arts? Saige will have to face stage fright—and friendship troubles—to find her voice and help save the arts at school. Stars Jane Seymour as Mimi and newcomer Sidney Fulmer as Saige. Running time: 90 minutes.

11. My American Girl Doll (see description above)

Price: $110

12. Sparkle Party Dress + Charm for Dolls (see description above)

Price: $36 image

13. Holiday Accessories for Dolls

Price: $28

This festive set includes a candy-cane holiday card, a silvery doll-sized bracelet inside a pretty gift box tied with a bow, and a “homemade” felt tree trimmed with sequin ornaments—it stands on a tiny thread spool. Everything fits inside the snowflake-embroidered stocking with beaded “icicles” at the top. Includes a furry shrug lined with satin for a fancy holiday look.

14. Brocade Holiday Dress + Charm for Dolls

Price: $36

This party dress is made of cream-and-gold brocade, featuring a velvet ribbon and mesh rosettes at the waist. Includes a flower-trimmed headband, cream tights, and golden shoes, plus a “Kind” heart charm.

15. Pretty Pink Coat Set + Charm for Dolls

Price: $34

This pale pink coat is trimmed in faux fur, and features a hood and a satin ribbon bow at the waist. Before heading outside, add the knee-high boots wrapped in pink ribbons to match. Includes a "Fair" round charm for the doll’s charm-keeper necklace.

16. Chestnut Horse

Price: $75

This beautiful horse is sure to be a true friend. She has a velvety chestnut coat, and her brown mane and tail can be brushed and styled. She comes with a maroon saddle blanket, a faux-leather saddle with adjustable stirrups, and a bridle for leading her.

17. Stable and Supplies

Price: $110

This rustic set comes with plenty of supplies to keep American Girl horses happy and healthy, including stable with doors that swing open, faux bolt details, and an attached horseshoe that doubles as a hook, four fence pieces snap together to create a cozy corral, a plaid blanket and a lead rope for the horses, a pretend water trough and two faux hay bales for mealtime, and a stable fork to keep things tidy.

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18. Molly Doll & Accessories

Price: $129

Molly McIntire, one of American Girl’s three original historical dolls, is a lovable, patriotic girl growing up on the home front during World War Two. The Molly doll is 18" tall with soft gray eyes behind silver glasses and long, golden-brown hair. She arrives in an authentic 1940s outfit with the Meet Molly paperback book by Valerie Tripp. Her accessories include a red shoulder-bag purse with a snap closure, a navy blue beret, a metal, heart-shaped locket that really opens and can hold a photo, a red-trimmed hankie embroidered with her name, and a metal reproduction of a 1943 steel penny.

19. Meet Molly Book

Price: $6.95 Paperback

For Molly McIntire, life seems full of change. It’s 1944 and the world is at war. Her father is far away caring for wounded soldiers. Her mother is busy working for the Red Cross. And everyone in America is so serious and practical that glamorous Halloween costumes are hard to get. Molly’s special hula skirt is a huge success—until Ricky, her pesty big brother, plays a mean trick. Molly and her friends are determined to get back at him. One mean trick leads to another until the fighting goes too far.

20. Emily Doll & Accessories

Price: $129

The story of Emily, Molly’s English friend, comes alive in this special collection. The Emily doll is 18" tall, with deep blue eyes and gingery-red hair, and she arrives in an authentic outfit from the 1940s and the Brave Emily paperback book by Valerie Tripp. Her accessories include a cardigan sweater, her grandfather’s World War One dog tags, a pretend English three-pence coin and a ration book, and her scrapbook with a note from Mum, showing pictures of her family and the English princesses.

21. Molly’s Floral PJ’s for Dolls

Price: $24

When it’s time for bed, Molly unbraids her hair and wears these pretty PJ’s. They feature a soft cotton top with sweet flutter sleeves and patch pockets, matching pajama pants trimmed in blue ribbon, and sling-back slippers with dainty heels for a fancy touch.

22. Molly’s Floral PJ’s for Girls

Price: $42

These sweet pajamas inspired by the 1940s includes a lattice-print pajama top with flutter sleeves and patch pockets, and matching pull-on pants with an elastic waist for comfort. Print. Sizes XS (6), S (7-8), M (10-12), L (14-16).

23. Molly’s Bed & Bedding

Price: $94

A cheerful way for girls to perk up Molly and Emily’s bedroom, this set includes a bright-yellow bed that features turned-wood spindles, a style popular in 1944, a pretty yellow bedspread with a dainty lattice print, and a soft pillow and a plush mattress.

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24. Bitty Twins Dolls

Price: $115

With the on-the-go Bitty Twins, you choose skin tone, hair color, and gender to create your favorite pair. Your twins arrive in adorable argyle outfits. The 15-inch bodies feature posable arms and hair for styling. Includes the Bitty Twins Learn to Share book.

25. Fair Isle Skirt Set for Dolls

Price: $24

Your Bitty Twins doll can stay cozy in this magenta sweater with a pretty Fair Isle pattern. Add a gathered purple skirt, plus ballet-flat shoes and a rosette headband, all made of corduroy to match. Includes The Bitty Twins Bake Cookies book.

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26. Fair Isle Play Set for Dolls

Price: $24

Your Bitty Twins doll can play on wintry days in this evergreen sweater with a buttoned collar and Fair Isle pattern. Includes gray corduroy pants with embroidery at the cuff, plus matching loafer-style shoes, and The Bitty Twins Bake Cookies book.

27. Cookie Baking Set for Dolls

Price: $38

Cook up some holiday fun with the Bitty Twins. The cookie sheet is double-sided—one is filled with sugar cookie “dough” cut into six wintry shapes. Take the “cookies” out and place them on the other side to the sheet to bake. Includes a fabric chef’s hat and apron, a rolling pin, and a mixing bowl with scalloped edges.

28. The Care & Keeping of You 2 Book

Price: $12.99

This thoughtful advice book will guide girls through the next steps of growing up. Written by Dr. Cara Natterson for girls 10 and up, The Care & Keeping of You 2 follows up the original bestseller with even more in-depth details about the physical and emotional changes girls are going through. With illustrations and expert contributors, this book covers new questions about periods, her growing body, peer pressure, personal care, and more.

29. The Care & Keeping of You 2 Journal

Price: $8.99

This new journal is especially made for girls 10 and older, and is the companion title to our newest book: The Care & Keeping of You 2. Older girls now have the perfect place to write about and understand the changes that are happening to their mind, body, and emotions. Girls will also find tips for building a positive self-image, and ways to avoid the influences of media. There is a helpful section on how to talk with parents, too, about these tough topics. Designed with quizzes, questions, checklists, and drawing assignments, this new journal will help keep girls on the path to feeling their best.

30. Day at American Girl Store

American Girl stores celebrate girls’ interests with engaging products and experiences designed just for them. Located at fifteen premier shopping and entertainment destinations nationwide, American Girl stores have been praised as leading models for experiential retail and provide a special place for girls to make lasting memories with their families and friends. For more information, call 877-247-5223 or visit americangirl.com

31. Personality Patterns Quiz Book

Price: $9.99

Filled with creative and unique quizzes like nothing girls have seen or done before. They’ll color in grids to find out how independent they can be. Draw a dog to show if they’re silly or serious at heart. A word scramble search will reveal inner secret emotions. This is a quiz book that follows its own pattern, and lets girls create one of their own.

32. Go with the Flow Quiz Book

Price: $9.99

Girls have never seen a quiz book quite like this before. They can fold out the pages to reveal fun-filled flowcharts to follow along. As girls answer the questions, they’ll discover a path that is unique to each of them. Instead of typical personality quizzes that have girls choosing and counting up As, Bs, and Cs, the answers in this book will take them on all kinds of twists and turns.

33. American Girl Magazine

Price: $22.95 1-Year Subscription (6 issues)

American Girl is the largest magazine in the country published exclusively for girls. The popular mom-endorsed, daughter-approved magazine is packed with fiction, games, puzzles, and party plans. American Girl magazine is a hit with readers and parents alike. Ages 8 and up.

34. Stitch and Send Book

Price: $21.99 Hardcover Kit

Girls can create personalized embroidery greeting cards with this crafty kit. Includes a step-by-step instruction book, stitch practice cards for perfecting their technique, 12 pre-punched greeting cards, 4 blank cards to let imaginations run wild, plus stickers, envelopes, and lots of other supplies to create one-of-a-kind messages.

35. Doll at Work Book

Price: $24.99 Hardcover Kit

Girls can put their dolls to work with this fun do-it-yourself kit. It includes a 32-page how-to book, plus supplies to start all kinds of businesses: doll sized posters, receipts, file folders, party invitations, T-shirt logo stickers, a 12-page business legal pad, business cards, and more. With every job from dog walking to party planning, a doll’s work is never done.

36. Design by Me: Treats Book

Price: $14.95 Paperback

Girls will love designing their own detailed desserts, sensational sweets, and complex confections. Large fold-out posters, special foil- and flock-art pages, and intricate art designs promise hours and hours of coloring fun. When girls are finished with an art piece, this book offers creative ways to make a craft from their work to decorate their bedroom or share with a friend. Includes coloring tips, display ideas, a portfolio, and a frame to help girls showcase their art.

American Girl products are available through the American Girl catalogue at 1-800-845-0005, at americangirl.com, and at our American Girl retail stores.

Filed Under: 2013 Gift Guide Tagged With: American Girl, bitty baby, Gift guide, holiday gift guide

Fossil Fashion The Erin Handbag in Red

December 17, 2013 by Momstart 2 Comments

I’m working with Fossil and I’m in love again. Fossil was a brand I adored as a child, yes a child. From then on I always felt extravagant having a watch that was a Fossil watch. As I got older I gave up watches for cell phones and now I’m tempted to put them back on, but I’ve found they also make such fashionable bags. This gorgeous red bag is The Erin. I love red, I love how it just splashes color to almost anything. I also love how big this bag is because my camera will fit perfectly in it. The leather is soft and it makes me smile. Silly I know for an item to evoke such emotion but it does. I LOVE it.

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The season’s most luscious shades—lavender, pastel green and golden yellow—make Erin an eye-catching treat. With a detachable strap, Fossil designed this chic satchel in our softest leather with a touchable, worn-in finish. I made a video so you can see it there too!

 

Details:

  • Closure: Zipper
  • Exterior Details: 2 zipper pockets
  • Handles / Straps: Detachable, adjustable strap and double handle
  • Interior Details: 2-media-pockets-and-zipper-pocket
  • Interior Material: Twill- 100% Cotton
  • Material: Leather
  • Measurements: 13.5"L x 6.5"W x 9.5"H
  • Origin: Imported
  • Warranty: 1
  • Drop: 18.5"
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This is something I’m going to keep. I usually donate almost everything we get from the blog, but during the Holidays I save toys for the kids and this is one item I’m saving for myself.

Filed Under: 2013 Gift Guide, fashion Tagged With: fashion, fossil, Fossil Fashion The Erin Handbag in Red, hand bag, handbag, holiday, purse

The Ugglys Pug Disgusting & Gross Electronic Pup Pet

December 17, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

I want to introduce you to Moose Toys’ newest brand of electronic burping and farting pets, the Ugglys. Wow, I was surprised at the cost of the Ugglys Pug. It’s a Disgusting & Gross Electronic Pup pet that will have your family ages 3 to 99 laughing out loud at the gross bodily sounds that come out of it. I created a video so you could hear the sounds it makes.

 

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If your kids are going thru that stage where any disgusting bodily function is the height of sophisticated humor, when they will love it since the pug simply makes long drawn-out burp/fart sounds.

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If you have a short fuze though you won’t want your kids to have this toy as they will be making potty noises for hours. I think it’s actually a fantastic gag gift or a perfect white elephant toy.  (this will not be going under our tree)

In addition to making over 30 rude, repulsive and hilarious noises, each mischievous mutt comes with an attitude that can be “tuned” to further amuse kids big and small by using the warp feature on its collar! Both parents and kids are sure to love these crazy canines, whether they’re partaking in the repulsive fun with their kids or using them to play tricks on their siblings.

Filed Under: 2013 Gift Guide, holiday, review Tagged With: electronic pet, holiday gift guide, pug, toy review, ugglys

Great Toy for Boys: Bows & Arrows: Zing Z-Tek Bow & Whistling Arrows

December 17, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

This toy performs really well giving great distance, and has a cool whistling sound as it flies through the air and does not destroy furniture when used indoors. The arrows are foam and one of them is a suction arrow. Says that you need to make sure the bow is not left in the sun as the bungee cord is UV sensitive. Since we haven’t played with ours we can’t make any judgments on how long the toy will last. It’s only 19.99 on Amazon right now.

 

Get the next big thing in bow technology with the Z-Tek Bow. Check out the sleek new design and shape. Shorter bungees for faster firing. Arrow clips right on the bow for quick reloads and a powerful presence. It’s an all new archery experience with the Z-Tek Bow. Hook in the Zartz Arrow or Zonic Whistling Arrow, position the shot, and watch it fly through the air for an incredible 100 feet!

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Includes:

  • 1 Z-Tek Bow
  • 2 Zonic Whistling Arrows
  • 1 Suction-Cup Zartz Arrow

This toy is going under our Christmas tree for Miles this year. His friends all have bows and arrows and gave him a broken one. I’m not sure how my son managed to fix it, and I’m proud of him for fixing it, but knowing what he’s up against I’m arming him with some reinforcements this year. He’s going to FLIP OUT with this Z-Tek Bow!

Filed Under: 2013 Gift Guide, review Tagged With: bow and arrow, toy, toy review, whistling arrows, Z-tek, Zing

2013 Toy for Zoe: Educational Insights Multiplication Slam

December 17, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

This is just a toy preview: Look for the full review in January after we open it on Christmas Morning! It’s under our Christmas tree this year!

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The slammin’ new way to master multiplication! Features five fun multiplication games that reinforce important multiplication concepts for numbers 1–9. Read the problem, scan the possible answers, and slam the one that’s correct! Better move quickly, though—each game is timed and the faster you get through the questions, the better your score! Missed problems are recycled until they are answered correctly, ensuring comprehension and mastery. Increasingly difficult levels, flashing lights, and fun sound effects keep kids slammin’ for more! Requires 3 AA batteries (not included). Grades 3+

 

We are sharing this preview because it’s a toy we feel should be under the tree as it is under our tree this year.

Filed Under: 2013 Gift Guide, toy review Tagged With: holiday gift guide, toy review

Heat Holders: The Ultimate Thermal Sock

December 17, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Heat Holders: The Ultimate Thermal Sock

By Christine:

Heat Holders (www.usa.heatholders.com) was established in 1947 in England. At that time the company used to trade yarn. The last few decades they have been manufacturing, importing and distributing socks.

The Heat Holder sock was developed by their talented product development team in house in 2008. The challenge was to make a sock that would be the warmest sock ever and comfortable and practical to wear in daily life. Since then they have sold more than 10 million pairs worldwide and distribution continues to grow. denim

Heat Holders use a combination of soft cashmere-like fibers that are carefully blended together in a unique three stage knitting process.  The patented extra-long looped pile adds to the overall warmth.  As far as it is known, and has ever been tested, Heat Holders are the warmest thermal socks in the world.

The socks boast a 2.3 thermal tog (thermal overall grade) rating, placing them far ahead of normal ‘thermal’ socks in terms of warmth and heat holding capabilities.  But these sensational socks are not only a fantastic example of thermal technology, they look great too! With separate ranges for men and women, as well as for little feet, Heat Holders come in a massive array of colors and styles. 

Why Heat Holders are so warm:

  1. Advanced Insulating Yarn
  2. Long Looped Thermal Pile
  3. Soft Brushed Inner

I was sent a pair of Ladies Original Heat Holders in Charcoal to try out and review.  They came just. In. Time.  My family headed over the mountains to an awesome Bavarian inspired town called Leavenworth, for the annual (outdoor) town and tree lighting.  I emphasize the outdoor part because it was so very, very cold outside.  When we drove through the mountain pass the thermometer on our vehicle read 3*.  Yep, that’s 3* Fahrenheit. Yikes!

My Heat Holder thermal socks kept me warm & toasty all the time we were outside enjoying the snow and beautiful lights.  I love how the Heat Holder socks are soft and fuzzy inside, wearing them feels like you’re wearing sweaters on your feet.  I wear them around the house all the time instead of traditional slippers.  They are warm and cozy, but breath a bit better then a slipper.

I absolutely recommend Heat Holders Thermal Socks to anyone who is looking for socks to keep them warm during cold or freezing conditions or for those of us who have poor circulation and endure cold hands & feet almost year ’round.

With prices starting at the ultra reasonable $19.99 for the socks Heat Holders are certainly a perfect warming accessory. For range details and colors please visit: www.heatholders.com.

About Christine:

Christine is our in house baby & household product reviewer. She has two daughters that are quite adorable.  One is a very active 2 year old and the other is 5 1/2. She works part-time at the local children’s hospital

Filed Under: 2013 Gift Guide, christine, review Tagged With: christine, heat holders, thermal sock

jijamas™ Incredibly Soft Loungewear for Parents

December 16, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

jijamas™ incredibly soft loungewear for parents

By Christine:

Recently jijamas™ (www.jijamas.com) launched as the proud project of parent entrepreneurs, Gustavo and Courtney Sanchez. Inspired by how soft their little daughter’s pajamas were and how the softness actually helped them unwind to go to sleep, they wanted adult pajamas that helped them relax too, and decided to createjijamas™. The name comes from their kids too, as they couldn’t pronounce pajamas and instead called them their “jijamas”.photo 2-6

The 2013 collection (The Soul Mate, The Therapist, The Lighthearted, and The Better Half) mixes sleepwear with a touch of loungewear and are made with 100% high-end Pima cotton – the same cotton used in pj’s for newborns – and was created with relaxation in mind.photo 3-3

I was sent a pair of The Therapist (http://jijamas.com/collections/the-therapist) in gray to try out and review.  When I first opened the package I was a bit surprised by the size of the jijamas and thought that I’d be swimming in them.  But the clever tag tied on top of the package gave instructions that they will be larger before washing, as they are 100% cotton.  I decided to wash and dry my jijamas before even trying them on.photo 4-2

They did shrink some after drying and the pants fit perfectly.  They are a little fitted and and the drawstring waist keeps them flowing but not sloppy.  The top doesn’t fit me quite right, it’s a bit short in the body and long in the arms.  I am partial to layering, so with a tank top underneath the top it’s a very comfortable combination.

I love the bottoms and know they will become a staple in my lounge wear and pajama rotation.  I would also recommend a pair to a new parent to offer some comfort during all the sleepless nights in the beginning.

5 1/2 reasons to get a pair of jijamas™

1. Made from the softest pima cotton.  They only use long staple Pima cotton which is used in sleepwear for newborns because of its extreme softness.

2. Two different length sizes to choose from.  Pajamas are usually too long or too short. Theirs aren’t. They offer two lengths based on your height (5’5 & shorter, or 5’6 & taller)

3. Only $5.99 flat shipping anywhere in the US.  And it’s free if you buy 2 items or more.

4. Sleepwear with a hint of loungewear.  Made to be worn all day so you can relax. There’s even a Capri style for the warm at heart.

5. They make a great gift.  Who doesn’t need a pair of pajamas? And who doesn’t need to relax?

   5½. Free and easy returns.  They we want you to be happy in your jijamas™, they’ve made returns easy and free (hence the one half a reason).

So whether you put on your jijamas™ after a long day at work or wear them all day on Sunday, we hope you relax. After all, that’s what jijamas™ are for.  You can get your own jijamas™ for at jijamas.com and run $90 plus shipping.

About Christine

About Christine:

Christine is our in house baby & household product reviewer. She has two daughters that are quite adorable.  One is a very active 2 year old and the other is 5 1/2. She works part-time at the local children’s hospital.

Filed Under: 2013 Gift Guide, christine, review Tagged With: holiday gift guide, jijamas, loungewear, pajamas, review

The Shark Pro Steam and Spray Mop – Safe Sanitizing for Your Home

December 4, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

The Shark Pro Steam and Spray Mop – Safe Sanitizing for Your Home

By: Ashley

clip_image002I am a lover of all things Shark. When I found out I was getting to review their Steam and Spray Mop I was super excited! (Yes, I am an admitted cleaning tool dork.) Shark provided the product, but all of the opinions are my own.

Ever since my oldest son was born, I have wanted to have clean floors. Once he started rolling and crawling I ran into a problem though. I wanted clean floors, floors that I wouldn’t mind him rubbing his mouth all over (because let’s be honest, it happens), but floors that wouldn’t be covered in some yucky chemical residue. Most of the time I ended up using vinegar (and every now and then I still do). Now I have another little boy rolling around and soon to be crawling… and now I can put away the vinegar and use steam to sanitize my hard floors. Check out my video review for more details and to see the Shark Steam and Spray Mop in action.

 

I love the versatility of the Shark Steam and Spray. It has 3 cleaning options:

1. Spray Only – For quick cordless cleaning.

2. Steam Only – For sanitizing without any cleaners.

3. Steam and Spray – For tough messes.

I also love that the cleanser made by Shark is non toxic, biodegradable, and safe for use around children and pets. The downfall is that you can’t refill the bottle on your own (at least that I’m aware of) so you do need to replace it with their product. Since you have the steam option though, you don’t have to use the cleanser all of the time anyway.

clip_image004 clip_image006

I have to honestly admit that I still have my refill-able vinegar spray floor cleaner that I use for quick spot cleaning. It worked great before my baby was rolling around everywhere. Now my standards have changed. When I actually want to have floors that are cleaned the right way and sanitized with steam, I use my Shark Pro Steam and Spray Mop. (See how clean and shiny it left my floors?) It’s definitely an EXCELLENT tool to have in your floor cleaning arsenal.

Here are the details from Shark:

Steam Energized Cleanser
The steam energizes the cleanser for a super reaction that excites the dirt molecules, releasing their bonds so they break up easily and quickly. 
Sanitize with Steam
Sanitize while steam blasts up the dirt and the chemical cleaning residue so it’s easily lifted away by the ultra- absorbent microfiber Shark pad leaving your floors spot free and streak free! 
Intelligent Steam Control
Select the perfect amount of steam for every floor type and every cleaning task 
Steam Only Mode
Sanitizing with no residue 
Spray Only Mode
Quick cordless cleaning 
Steam and Spray Mode
For tough messes 
What You Get:

  • WASHABLE MICROFIBER PAD (1x)
  • SHARK SANIFIBER DISPOSABLE PADS (2x)
  • 20 OUNCE MULTI-FLOOR STEAM ENERGIZED CLEANSER (1x)
  • FILLING FLASK
  • BATTERIES (4-AA)
  • REMOVABLE 25 FOOT CORD

Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at @Momicles2010.

Filed Under: 2013 Gift Guide, Ashley, review Tagged With: holiday gift guide, review

Holiday Gift Ideas for Dad

December 3, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Guest Post:

Holiday Gift Ideas for Dad

By now chances are you have already put a big dent into your holiday shopping list. You’ve probably scoped out the best deals, coolest products, and the most coveted items. However, there always seems to be one member of the family that proves to be elusive to shop for; Dad. Whether it is your own dad, or your husband, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve known them; they are impossible to shop for. Now, I realize I’m making a sweeping generalization here, but based on my own personal experience, finding a gift for my father has always proved to be the most difficult. He certainly isn’t going to encourage me to purchase him something because that would mean spending money that I should be “saving instead”, so I never have any luck getting hints or suggestions out of him. What this means for me is hours of online browsing until I’m finally able to find something that A: he doesn’t already own, B: would be considered appealing by him based on his interests, and C: isn’t lame. We’re all busy during the holidays, so I’ve put together a little gift guide for all the different types of dads out there, from the outdoorsy to the intellectual, to help you find a great gift without all the fuss.

The Chef

This type of dad is likely to have forced you to try a number of his different dishes while growing up, whether you liked it or not. He’s master the art of the holiday turkey and isn’t too proud to admit he has a Food Network addiction. An Omaha Steaks package is the perfect gift for him because it has a number of different options and what dad doesn’t like a good steak?

The Connoisseur

The connoisseur type of dad is known to drop some big bucks on his drink of choice. He isn’t the beer drinking man, he appreciates a good scotch, whiskey, bourbon, or vodka. This set of Luigi Bormioli glasses are a great gift option thanks to their stylish look and break-resistant, titanium-reinforced design.

The Outdoorsman

He’s more likely to have caught and killed his own dinner than he is to have bought it. He thinks that camping in a tent is actually fun, and knows how to skin and gut a fish in record time. This Bear Grylls ultimate survival kit will prepare him for any number of situations that might occur during one of his hunting, fishing, or camping trips.

The Sports Fanatic

With the sports fanatic it’s more than likely you were forbidden from speaking to him during the game, and saw the true meaning of rage when his team lost. While tickets to his favorite team’s game are a fantastic option, they can put a big dent in your wallet. Instead get him a customized scoreboard picture with his name on it for his man cave. It’ll be a great way to remind him how much you care the next time you accidentally talk to him during the game.

The Overprotective

You know the type; the dad who is likely to greet his daughter’s prom date at the door with a gun and who threatens her suitors with dismemberment if they ever hurt her. While his methods are questionable, his motive is pure love and concern for his loved ones. An ADT home security system will give him peace of mind that the most important people in his life are safe, just in case he isn’t there with a baseball bat in hand to protect them.

The Sharp Dresser

He’s no stranger to fine Italian leather and his dry cleaners know him by name. This dad is the type that knows the suit makes the man, and isn’t afraid to take a sartorial risk or two. These Geoffrey Beene cufflinks are a timeless design that will compliment any of his suits without being boring or unoriginal.

The Eternal Kid

He’s every little boy’s dream dad, because his collection of toys is bigger and better than any child’s. There have likely been a few times where he’s started to play with his children’s toys before they’ve even gotten to touch them. A remote control helicopter is the perfect choice for the man who gets more excited at Toys ‘R Us than his kids, but just make him take it outside, for everyone’s safety.

The Music Lover

This dad was likely in a band at some point in his life, and has some hearing loss due to one too many concerts. He’ll shush you when a guitar solo begins and he’s likely to have almost driven off the road more than once due to excessive head bobbing to the music. A pair of sound cancelling headphones will let him enjoy his favorite bands and spare you from having to listen along with him.

The Thinker

Often found with his nose in a book or watching the Discovery Channel, this type of dad is a source of endless information. His trademarks are an unquenchable curiosity and an extensive knowledge of generally useless facts. A Kindle or other e-reader allows him to have all his favorite books and magazines with him wherever he

Filed Under: 2013 Gift Guide Tagged With: gifts for dad

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