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Swanky Summertime Fun: Outdoor Movie Night with Epson's MovieMate
2007-07-24 06:51:00
If you ask either of my boys, last Saturday night was the best night of their Summer! We hosted a Star Wars themed outdoor movie night for 5 families and with the help of the best invention on the face of the earth, it went off without a hitch. The Epson MoiveMate is a portable high quality projector that can turn any wall into a SIMPLE "real life" movie theater experience. When the Movie Mate first arrived, I thought it might be complicated to set up. Boy, was I completely wrong. You literally plug the cord into the system and plug it into an outlet. Voila! With two simple steps, you have your very own cinema with the comforts of home. What is truly amazing about the MovieMate is that you can adjust the picture size and level with a simple turn of a dial. The picture can adjust from 80" to a gigantic 12 foot image. This means the movie will look just as great on the living room wall as it will on the side of your house! Getting ready for the party, we experimented a ton. We decided ...
More About: Night , Outdoor , Movie Night , Summertime

Facebook Phenomenon
2007-07-20 18:55:00
I don't know if you've discovered Facebook yet but I love it! It is a wonderfulnetworking site where you can reconnect with friends and family! It's basically a personal web page where you can upload photos, info about yourself and post what you are up to with your daily ramblings! There are also tonnes of fun applications you can add to your page! It is a great site and I spend many, many hours on it!Also, another great feature on Facebook is you can create groups! I have created several. Feel free to check them out an join if they appeal to you!http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid =2347362505http://www.facebook.com/group. php?gid=2331279141http://www.facebook.com /group.php?gid=3011880455Check it out!www.FaceBook.comwww.SwankyMoms.BlogSp ot.com ~ keep you up to date with what's hip!
More About: Phenom , Enon , Phenomenon

My Vintage Blankie: A Treasured Heirloom
2007-07-19 07:20:00
With all of the blanket lines out there, I love to find really unique treasures that stand out from the rest. With My Vintage Blank ie, I have done just that. Their beautiful designs are guaranteed to become a fast favorite of your little one and if they aren't loved to death (aka worn out until they can no longer be recognized as a blankie), they are sure to be passed on as a family heirloom. My Vintage Blankie offers 3 types of collections. Their beautiful Heirloom Collection consists of blankets, quilts, and accessories incorporating chenille and silk. This line is designed for special occasions such as "coming home," baptisms, or first photographs. The Vintage Inspired Collection is absolutely adorable. It includes blankets and accessories featuring hand embroidered vintage motifs. You must check out the duck pull toy and sleep sweet designs, so cute! My Vintage Blankie also has a Vintage Collection. These are true vintage blankies mint in the box from the 1950's. These items c...
More About: Sure , Treasure

Swanky Summertime Fun: A BIG Game of Go Fish
2007-07-19 06:45:00
Who doesn't love a game of Go Fish ? Well, how about a BIG game of Go Fish? With the Jumbo Playing Cards from Learning Resources, you can play your biggest game ever. My boys get such a kick out of playing with the Jumbo Cards. Each card measures 4.5" x 7" and is coated for durability. The cards are super sturdy and the graphics are adorable. Kings, Queens, and Jacks greet you with delightful expressions and easily hold the attention of their audience. The size of the cards helps little ones to organize more easily, plus it's just plain fun to play with giant cards! The deck is great for travel. I recently brought our deck on a train trip excursion and I had a line of kids waiting to play Go Fish with us. Even though they are "giant" they still fit well in the travel goody bag. Pick up a deck of Jumbo Playing Cards today, for $9.95 you can't go wrong. Surprise your little ones when you break out the giant deck while waiting to board the airplane, they will love it! www.SwankyMoms....
More About: Game , Big Game , Summertime

Hand Picked Pumpkin
2007-07-19 00:10:00
Hand Picked Pump kin is wonderful company specializing in custom clothing for fashionable babies and toddlers! Each item in the Hand Picked Pumpkin line is individually hand sewn in Chicago, IL from fashionable, cozy, premium quality fabrics. You are the designer and can customize your baby?s outfit with the fabrics of your choice or choose from ready made outfits if you want something in a hurry. Such a great idea! HPP?s designs are also becoming very popular with the celebrities! Check out the HPP press page! Visit www.handpickedpumpkin.com/ www.SwankyMoms.BlogSpot.com ~ keep you up to date with what's hip!
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Swanky Summertime Fun: FREE Shutterfly ABC Video
2007-07-18 06:05:00
Looking for a little something to cause some enormous belly laughs? Check out the FREE ABC Adventure feature on the Shut terfly site. By simply, and seriously, I mean simply, uploading a picture of your little one, your child can star in their own "Alphabet Adventure Video ." After uploading and watching, the Shutterfly site provides you with a permanent link to your child's video. You can then e-mail it to friends and family. The program knows how to take the "face" of your child directly from the image you upload. Everyone will enjoy watching your cutie drive a car, fly a hot air balloon, scuba dive, build a sand castle and much more! My boys were hysterically laughing the whole time. I even made one of myself and my husband. Talk about a laugh. Watch mine for yourself. It's pretty hilarious how the program makes your eyes blink! If you love the video, check out the books you can make just as easily. They have an Alphabet Adventure hardcover book as well as a Sesame Street Adventu...
More About: Free , Summertime

Swanky Summertime Fun: GO HOG WILD!
2007-07-16 07:49:00
Looking for some super fun kitchen activities to do with your little ones this summer? Visit Hog Wild Toys for all sorts of great accessories that your kids will have a blast with. My boys LOVE making cookies, so when I got out the Dino Puzzle Cookie Cutter, they could barely contain themselves. This giant plastic "puzzle" is simple to use, simply roll out some sugar cookie dough (we used pre-made dough found at the grocery store) and press the cutter into the dough. The size of the cutter is 13" x 8" which fits perfectly on a cookie sheet. What is super cool about the cutter is that the center is a removable little dino that can be used to make individual dino cookies. Also check out their one piece chopsticks, perfect for fine motor activities and a great trainer for the real thing! We have some of the Zoo Sticks and my boys love to use them at dinner time. It's actually quite motivating to use the sticks, they love the challenge of "cleaning their plates" with the Zoo Sticks. ON...
More About: Summertime

Good For The Sole
2007-07-15 05:46:00
Fashion doesn't always have to cost a fortune. These delicious Skimmer & Ballet shoes from American Eagle are the swankiest, cheapest, most comfortable footwear finds of the summer. I've had them a little more than a week now. After less than a day break-in period (which is really good for me), I didn't even know I had shoes on my feet. The slip-on style is perfect for busy moms who spend all summer in and out. I keep one pair by the front door and one by the back. They are canvas with non-marking rubber soles and dry easily after a session of splashing in puddles. But back to the incredible pricing on these. The styles above (Collide, Chrissy, and Confess skimmers) are all at Payless right now for $14.99 to $19.99. American Eagle sells the styles below (Polka Dot and Plaid ballet) on their site for around $29.99... a steal in my book!! And the darker hues look fabulous with jeans and carry you right through the fall. www.SwankyMoms.BlogSpot.com ~ keep you up to date with what...
More About: Good , Sole

Swanky Summertime Fun: Clean and Polite, Now That's What I Like!
2007-07-13 07:24:00
Looking for a great new placemat and good manners to go along with it? Check out the fabulous Piggy Platter by Smarty Parents. It's a placemat and a craft mat! What I love about the Piggy Platter is that fact that you can personalize it to your child's interest. Its clear surface allows you to slide pictures underneath. You can display your child's artwork, a favorite picture from a magazine, photographs, or, purchase the clever "Platter Pix" from the Smarty Parents site and help your child learn ABC's, 123's, Shapes, Geography and more! I LOVE the letter practice sheet. It comes with a child safe dry erase pen so your little one can practice writing letters and then you can just wipe it clean. Speaking of wiping it clean, the Piggy Platter is also dishwasher safe. Whether it's a messy spaghetti dinner or an afternoon of Play-Doh sculpting, the Piggy Platter keeps your table and your child clean! It also has a removable "gutter" to catch the spills or store the supplies. In ad...
More About: Clean , Like , Summertime , Poli

Nanny Gram
2007-07-10 21:48:00
If you?ve ever wished you could send a beautiful hand knit heirloom sweater for that special baby in your life but you can?t knit or don?t have the time to knit, then Nanny Gram is exactly what you need! Nanny Gram is a network of knitters that creates classic, handmade baby clothes using luxury wool. You place your order and it will be shipped within days to your gift recipient with a personal note and beautiful gift packaging! A truly classic gift! www.nannygram.com www.SwankyMoms.BlogSpot.com ~ keep you up to date with what's hip!

Elemental Memories
2007-07-10 21:47:00
What an incredible way to show off your loved ones! I have this Bead Dangle necklace and I absolutely LOVE it! It is SO gorgeous and I can show off my boys without saying a word! Element al Memo ries has an incredibly stunning collection of jewelry that I would recommend to all the Swanky Moms out there! Not only is the jewelry very fashionable and funky but also a fabulous family heirloom!www.em-jewelry.comwww.SwankyMoms .BlogSpot.com ~ keep you up to date with what's hip!

Swanky Summertime Fun: Sand-Off, A Beach Must Have
2007-07-10 07:26:00
Last week we took our first "summer" trip to the beach. It's always fun, until it's time to go home. That sandy mess that doesn't quite clean up even with a towel and lots of wipes of the hand. Well, sandy bodies be gone! I recently discovered Sand -Off Dry Bodywash. These powder filled "mitts" are a genius creation. Simple and super, all you have to do is clap to release the powder, wipe the sand off with the soft terrycloth and there you go, sand free and ready to hop cleanly into the car. Each mitt is good for 30-40 uses and the powder is all natural and unscented. The Sand-Off mitt also works with grass clippings and sawdust. So, after a serious afternoon of slip and sliding or playing in the blow up pool, use Sand-Off to get the grass off! Visit the Sand-Off site today, I highly recommend the "double" pack. This will get you up to 80 uses. The mitts come in sealable "zip" type bags and are easy to store in your beach bag. So, next time you hit the beach, make sure you have yo...
More About: Beach , Summertime , Must

Prissy Poofs
2007-07-04 18:20:00
Every little girl NEEDS a tutu! You have to check out Prissy Poofs! They have THE cutest tutus and tutu sets! I love the spooky collection, which are tutus for Halloween (or anytime) - from the ladybug to the little devil, they have it all! So girly and so fun! A definite ?must have? for your little princess! www.prissypoofs.com www.SwankyMoms.BlogSpot.com ~ keep you up to date with what's hip!

ducduc: It's Never Too Early to Learn Your ABC's
2007-07-03 07:36:00
Looking for a blanket to wow the ladies at your next baby shower? ducduc of NYC makes a luxurious baby blanket that as a teacher, makes me very happy! My new favorite blanket is their Alphabet cotton knit blanket. It's generous size is 33 x 39 inches and it is made of super soft 100% cotton. The alphabet woven into the blanket is "Hand Drawn" and it comes in two fantastically bold color choices: orange and blue or brown and pink. It's practical and stylish (remember literacy is cool) combined with comfy and cozy. The ducduc site is a must visit. They have incredible nursery and children's furniture as well as adorable crib bedding sets: check out the ABC sets that match the blanket! ducduc has a beautiful company philosophy based on self expression, nurturing, versatility, and environment. Something else I love, clean and sleek with no cheesy characters! www.SwankyMoms.BlogSpot.com ~ keep you up to date with what's hip!
More About: Early , Learn , Earl

Swanky Summertime Fun: No More Messy Squirts!
2007-07-03 07:13:00
Summertime means lots of time playing outdoors. It also means lots of juice consumption. It also means, lots of unnecessary squeezes and squirts from favorites such as Capri Sun and Tree Top. An easy way to make drinking and playing mess free is with the No Squeeze Juice Box Holder. This handy device is designed to hold juice boxes, juice bags, and even those funky square shaped milks (my boys love the soy chocolate milk "boxes" from Costco). It looks like a cup and all you do is load the drink, open, and your little one is good to go! They can squeeze all they'd like and no messy squirts! The No Squeeze also fits in car seat cup holders, so if you're one of those nice mommies (not me, sorry) who allows beverages other than water in the car, this will help you tremendously. We use our No Squeeze cups daily. Especially for outside play, I love the fact that they provide more stability for drinks too, bags and boxes are always tipping over after a few sips have been taken, but the N...
More About: Swank , Summertime , Squirt , Mess

Thank You, Thank You Very Much!
2007-06-29 07:26:00
If you knew me well, you'd know I am HUGE on thank you notes. No matter what you give me, my children, or my husband, whether it's material, mental or edible. You WILL receive a thank you note. My poor children have been signing thank you notes since they could hold a crayon. When I was a teacher, my students wrote thank yous for everything: guest speakers, guest art teachers, to classes that performed for us. You name it, we give thanks. Obviously manners are of huge importance to me. When I had the chance to try out the Made By Hands "Make Your Own Thank You Notes" kit, I said YES PLEASE! This wonderful kit comes with everything you need to create great thank you notes with your children. From paper cut outs, to cards, envelopes, and glue, your little ones can have fun making a special thank you for a special person. The kit also comes with a great "Thank You" manners book and has sample thank yous written by children ages 5-12. Visit the Made By Hands site and check out all of ...
More About: Hank

Pink Taffy Designs
2007-06-28 05:47:00
Pink Taffy Designs is one of my fave go-to mom shops. They have everything you {never knew} you always wanted. Seriously the cutest accessories, gear, apparel and furniture for babies and kids. The e-boutique has a section just for cool mom & dad stuff. I love this pink Rock n Rule Mom tee, $38. It's made of 100% lightweight Jersey cotton, and it's ultra soft and touchable. The shirt is slightly sheer and tapered just a bit at the bottom for a hot mama fit. The company was started by two sisters and stay-at-home moms Aimee Pool and Rebecca Stocker. The swanky pair were looking for a creative outlet, and by golly they've found it!www.pinktaffydesigns.comwww.SwankyMoms .BlogSpot.com ~ keep you up to date with what's hip!
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Swanky Summertime Fun Series: Learning Resources
2007-06-27 23:28:00
If you've never visited the Learning Resources site, it's a must shop for this summer's "edutainment" activities. Education and Entertainment all wrapped together! We don't have a swimming pool, so around here, summertime means breaking out the inflatable pool, which is pretty exciting if you're under 5! My boys love to bring out their bath toys and play with them in the pool. This summer we are playing with Learning Resource's Smart Splash toys and are having a blast. My favorites are the Shape Shell Turtles and the Letter Link Crabs. My 3 year old loves the Color Play Penguins, while my oldest also enjoys the Letter Link Crabs. He likes to find the letters of his name and link them together. Each set of Smart Splash toys is made of mold resistant plastic and comes with a great reusable mesh bag to store the items in. I love that they are durable, educational and well, just plain adorable (and some of them squirt water)! The learning opportunities are fantastic. You've got o...
More About: Series , Swank , Summertime

Skimbaco
2007-06-26 19:57:00
If you are looking for unique clothing for kids, you must check out Skimbaco! They carry unique designs for boys, girls and even mom! This Riiminka Design puppy outfit is so adorable. It is handmade and even the prints are first hand drawn and then hand printed! My son wears his and looks so cute and comfy! www.Skimbaco.com www.SwankyMoms.BlogSpot.com ~ keep you up to date with what's hip!

The "It Factor": If you don't have it how to get it.
2007-06-26 19:37:00
Who has "It" and who doesn't? What is "It"? To me, having the "It Factor " is that thing that makes your eyes sparkle, makes people want to be around you, and makes all good things come to you. But having "It", that indescribable quality we all want to own is hard to put your finger on. It's difficult to accurately desribe the "It Factor" in a few words but these are some of the qualities "It" people ALWAYS have:Sex appeal and they aren't afraid to let it showConfidenceContagious passion and inspirationThe "I don't really give a F*&^ what people think of me I"m doing it anyway just because I want to" attitude.Courage to take risks in work, love and life in generalI was at a conference yesterday with a group of very intelligent and accomplished women. Although many of the speakers were very informative and knowledgeable, I spent much of the afternoon studying the women around me. I noticed a certain amount of conformity in the room in the way people dressed, spoke and intera...
More About: Actor

Swanky Summertime Fun: Crayola Outdoors!
2007-06-25 08:49:00
Kick off the summer with fantastic new products made by an old favorite! Crayola has outdone themselves with a super fun outdoor line that will make kids of all ages (yes, adults too) smile. With everything from Giant Sidewalk Chalk, to Stencil Kits, Chalk Tools and even a Sidewalk Paint Sprayer, your family will have a blast turning the driveway into an art gallery. There's so much to do: teach your kids how to play hopscotch, have a family tic tac toe tournament, or brush up on those math facts and give your kids a big "driveway" quiz! Got a budding artist? Be sure to enter your child's art in the "Crayola Outdoor Art Contest." Winners will receive a fabulous variety of Crayola Outdoor Products. The possibilities are endless with these products. I love that the whole family can be involved with the Crayola Outdoor line. We've been out of school a week already and have had some serious games of driveway tic tac toe. You can also find Rainbow Rake markings all along the sidewalk ...
More About: Outdoors , Swank , Summertime , Door

Swanky Summertime Fun!
2007-06-25 08:35:00
It's HERE! This week is the first "official" week of summer. You're probably busy thinking of ways to keep the kids busy, right? Well, look no further, the Swank y Summertime Fun series will provide you with some fantastic activities to keep everyone in the family smiling. We're talking good old fashioned family fun with some twists here and there. Check back frequently, you won't want to miss out! www.SwankyMoms.BlogSpot.com ~ keep you up to date with what's hip!

Lilybugs: Bottle Fun & Learning Tool
2007-06-25 07:28:00
Another one of those you never knew you needed it until you have it items! Lilybugs are a genius idea created by Swanky Mom Crystal Kane. While out driving one day, Crystal's daughter had a leaky bottle, with no wipes or napkins on hand she instinctively grabbed her daughter's blankie and tied it around the bottle. Watching her daughter Lily grab the blanket wrapped bottle and feed herself inspired her to create the Lilybug! These cute furry friends simply hug a bottle or sippy cup. Little ones can grab them by their floppy ears or wings (depending on the design) and easily fill their tummies! Lilybugs currently come in 13 different designs with several more in the works. My favorite design is the zebra, so cute! This great product is easy to use, has no removable parts, and is designed for little ones of all ages and stages. Visit the Lilybugs site today and join the "bug club." Don't forget to get a few extra, they make great gifts!www.SwankyMoms.BlogSpot.com ~ keep you up to d...
More About: Tool , Learning , Bottle , Earning

Sponsor: Baby Bling by Belle Pearl
2007-06-23 06:30:00
The Belle Pearl jewelry line offers chic and elegant pieces made especially for stylish babies and their fashion forward families. The collection includes a variety of custom styles perfect as keepsakes and made of the finest Fresh Water Pearls, Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver. Signature packaging also included with each purchase. Featured here is the "Pretty in Pink" bracelet. Use coupon code: swankymoms10 and receive 10% off of your purchase! Click HERE to shop! www.bellepearl.comwww.SwankyMoms.BlogSpot .com ~ keep you up to date with what's hip!
More About: Baby , Sponsor , Bling

Focoloco: Cool Designs for Cool Kids
2007-06-22 09:20:00
When I came across the Foco loco site, I knew my boys would love their designs. Designed by Swanky Mom Suzy Helme, her cool not cutesy, funky and offbeat designs are just what I look for in clothing. We have the Mini Matey pirate and the Robots Heart Dancing designs. Perfect picks for my own 3 year old swashbuckler and funky Beastie Boys lovin' five year old. Something else that I LOVE about Focoloco is the fact that you have lots of choices. Each design can be put on various garments. Everything from bibs, to onesies and tees ranging in sizes newborn to 6 years. You can also choose the color: white, fire engine red, plum blossom, grassy green, or electric blue. We have the grassy green and electric blue tees and even after several washes, the colors remain vibrant. As a child of the 80's I can especially appreciate their "Recycle it's Rad" tee. Any company that uses the word RAD, is, well, RAD! Visit the Focoloco site today and pick up some tees with style.www.SwankyMoms.BlogSpot...
More About: Kids , Cool , Cool Kids , Designs

Olive Kids: Personalized Placemats with a BANG!
2007-06-22 08:38:00
Your table will never be the same after ordering personalized place mats from Olive Kids . Their bright graphics and great fonts are combined with fantastic designs that will make your kids love their place at the table. Click over to the Olive Kids site right now to order one of their new 4th of July designs. Available in a Fireworks or Patriotic design, you'll have a hard time choosing which one you love the most. The place mats are made of heavy weight laminate, they don't bend easily, so your little ones won't destroy them! Another bonus, with the wipe of a damp cloth, clean up is super simple. I'm telling you, you'll be addicted, my boys love their place mats, and have a hard time choosing which one to "leave out." Olive Kids personalized place mats make fantastic gifts. Bring them to your next party or baby shower and I promise you'll have the hit gift of the event. All of their designs are irresistible, so don't be surprised when you order about 10 of them! www.SwankyMo...
More About: Bang , Mats , Persona , Lace

Halo SleepSack: The Wearable Blanket
2007-06-22 08:01:00
Designed by a father who lost an infant to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), the Halo SleepSack is a wearable blanket that allows infants a safe way to stay warm. The SleepSack has been named the #1 Safe Sleep Product by First Candle/SIDS Alliance. This fantastic product is a must have for all moms. The SleepSack eliminates loose blankets, and keeps little ones cozy. SleepSacks come in sizes XXS to the 4T/5T Big Kid's version. They also come in various fabrics. The light weight cotton SleepSacks are great for summer, while the fleece will keep your cutie warm in winter. My son who is 5, has the Big Kid's SleepSack and LOVES it. He told me it's like "Wear ing His Blank ie to Bed." What I love is that it keeps him warm, but not hot. Halo products can be purchase directly on the Halo site. They have a great section with gift sets that will make new moms smile. Who wouldn't want something that's cozy, comfy, and most importantly SAFE. Visit Halo today and check out all of their fa...
More About: Blanket , Arab

Uncommon Goods Recycled Jewelry
2007-06-21 19:38:00
I have searching for an edgy piece of handcrafted jewelry, either one that would hold my son's picture or one that was the first letter of his name. G for Gavin. I found this Personalized License Plate Charm Necklace, $40, from Uncommon Goods and fell instantly smitten. Designed by artist Allison Strine, the vintage charm is cut from an actual license plate and is encased with colorful fabric visible on both sides through a beautiful glass and silver box. The necklace is handmade in Georgia, but mine came with a darling note stating that it was an old New Jersey license plate. Just love the history and mystery of it all. The charm is heavy, so I replaced the standard ball chain with one I had in my jewelry box. I ordered mine online but later dealt with the sweetest customer service rep. Plus, the shipping was reasonable and it arrived overnight. They could sell these for A LOT more than they do. Enjoy! Also from Uncommon Goods, this Personalized Letter Press Necklace, $62, was a ...
More About: Jewelry , Comm

Pokka Dots Maternity
2007-06-21 06:07:00
I know it's summer, and it's scorching hot in most parts. But I couldn't resist featuring this No Name Yet maternity t-shirt, $30, from Pokka Dots . When I was pregnant with my son, I was hounded daily by women with only two things on the brain... "Do you know the sex?" and "Any names yet?" Seriously, it happened on the subway, while walking my dog, at the checkout counter. So anything I can do to help relieve this burden for other mamas-in-waiting, I'm happy to do it. Let the shirt do the talking. And stay cool!Visit www.pokkadots.com.www.SwankyMoms.BlogSpot .com ~ keep you up to date with what's hip!
More About: Maternity

Warm Biscuit Aprons
2007-06-21 05:37:00
Whether feverishly entertaining a dozen dinner guests or just one picky child, you spend enough hours in the kitchen each week. You should feel pretty there. Now you can with the Spring Mom Apron s, $44 each, from Warm Biscuit. I fell in love with each of these darling designs (Yellow Floral, Posy, and Pink Polka Dot) the moment I set eyes on them. The apron is sure to spruce up any accidental ensemble you have on, even bringing a sense of old-fashioned charm and glamour to, say, cargo shorts and flip-flops. The company offers mother-daughter matching cotton aprons and several monogram styles and colors. Adult aprons are 60 inches long. Visit www.warmbiscuit.comwww.SwankyMoms.BlogSpo t.com ~ keep you up to date with what's hip!
More About: Pron