Pint-Sized Fashion Editors: Totsy Guest Bloggers Nicole & Audrey

Less is not more when you are four.  And I'm learning to embrace this notion thanks to my young daughter.  We are a house of strong opinions, and my two girls make themselves heard.  Here are some words of wisdom from my oldest fashionista:

"Mommy you wear too much black." Guilty as charged.  I live in NYC a glorious cultural mecca, exciting to be sure, but without a doubt FILTHY.  I embrace black as my signature color out of practicality.  Thanks to my daughter, I experiment with color these days.  Two key pieces: a vibrant yellow Mackintosh and a pair of bright pink wool pants.  I've been wearing both pieces (not together) a lot this fall and I get a ton of compliments.

"Mommy why don't you ever wear this necklace?" Little girls love going through jewelry. My observant girl, picks out the items she never or rarely sees.  She's been a helpful reminder to not get stuck in a rut and to try something new.

"You should wear high heels every day." Clomp, clomp.  Uttered as she shuffles around the hall in my 4" Jimmy Choo stilettos,   Well, this isn't entirely practical considering I walk at least 2 miles everyday.  On the other hand, I do have a standing date night with my husband and I should slip into my pre-baby shoe collection more often.

What have you learned from the pint-sized fashion editors living in your house?

Free Software for Kids & Free Leapfrog Board Book

I didn't know PlanetCDRom has free software and all you have to do is pay shipping. Shipping for one item is $6.49 and it goes up from there.  Go here to learn more:  http://www.planetcdrom.com/

Did you buy a Leapfrog Junior Tag book over Christmas?  Link up your Leapfrog toy to the Learning Pad to get a free board book.  Just go here for more information: http://www.leapfrog.com/en/freebook/splash.html

Taylor Swift Birthday Party Theme

If your daughter is really into Taylor Swift, I gathered resources to help plan as my own six year old loves Taylor.  I really like Taylor as she's staying true to herself and is not buying into the whole sell your body mentality of Hollywood.  She's, so far, a good role model.

Party Decorations & Favors:

When planning your party, you will want to get the perfect party supplies for decorating.  It appears that Ebay is your safest bet in securing the party plates and other ware such as that.  Ebay and Etsy will also have party favors and other decor.

Here are links to my other posts with various Etsy shop's with unique, cute and nice Taylor Swift themed products such as invitations, buttons, magnets, Scrabble tile necklaces, bottle caps and much more:


http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/taylor-swift-party-ideas-more-great.html


http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/taylor-swift-party-ideas-more-ideas.html


http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/taylor-swift-party-ideas-buttons-more.html


Staging Area:

Once you decide on your party supplies, you can start planning for the "staging area" for decorating which you can find on Ebay, Etsy or be creative.

• Buy posters at Walmart or local stores.  Those will make nice decorations on the walls and can be easily transferred to the bedroom for a memorable party favor or given away as favors to your guests.
• Print pictures from the internet and make your own poster collages of Taylor.  If you are looking for a particular color theme, be choosy over the photos you select and most of the Ebay/Etsy sellers will customize so don't be afraid to ask for customized products with your own picture.
• Chicoparty.com has white musical notes that you can add to pink guitar picks such as the ones at http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ and decorate the table.  The guitar picks also make nice party favors to take home.  If you are crafty, you can even decorate the guitar picks with Taylor Swift pictures.
• Add the balloons, banner and streamers and you are ready to go with the decor.

Activities:

As the guests arrive, as they never arrive on time and it can be boring for those that arrived early or on-time, have Taylor's music playing in the background.  A fun activity to start off with is making something as it also breaks the ice for those that don't know one another. 

• Make name tags and let the girls decorate with bling.  Use the cheaper stick on types or if you are creative, you can make them out of cardboard.  Use pictures you found on the internet and print on sticker paper for a better look.  Etsy sellers will also sell stickers pre-made to give it a more professional look.  Choose stick on gems to add the bling that all girls love.  This is an activity that will keep them busy when they first arrive.
• Make Taylor inspired necklaces by choosing the Scrabble tiles (linked above) and buy your own string to have the girls finish the masterpieces.  They can use colored string to braid the colors together.  The possibilities are endless.
• If you are going to have food to take home, buy take out boxes and have the girls decorate with stickers and other craft items to personalize it to give it a Taylor look.  You can even have a contest on the best Taylor box.
• Get the new Wii Band game that has Taylor singing to let the girls be their own star or just have her music playing with the girls singing to them.  Buy blonde wigs, jewelry and let them have fun. Make a video as a keepsake of their band performance.  If you prelabel the CDs, it won't take long to download the video and save to each disc.  You can also preprint the CD covers with a picture of Taylor and let the girls decorate the CD covers.  They will love the idea of seeing themselves and each other again and again.
• Play Taylor Swift trivia by making little cards (index cards work great) and place the question on one side and the answer on the other side.  If the kids are little, an adult might have to read.  Turn the theme into anything Taylor related for a fun time.
• Have the girls decorate sugar cookies in the shapes of guitars and music notes.  This is always fun to do if you have selections of icing and cookie toppings like sprinkles.
• If you are disgustingly rich, you can book Taylor for your daughter's birthday at: http://www.bookingentertainment.com/artists/country/Taylor_Swift.php

Here is what I have put together for our own party still in the planning stage:


http://www.healthbeautychildrenandfamily.com/2011/01/our-ultimate-taylor-swift-party.html

Boz! The Green Bear Next Door Updated Review

There's a new kind of preschool program: BOZ! BOZ, the green bear next door, loves exploring God's world and discovering exciting new things with his friends Drew and Gracie, their family, and all their friends in the neighborhood.  Thanks to MomSelect, I received two full-length BOZ DVDs:

Bananas, Bubbles and Busy Bodies also came with a free toothbrush and my two year old LOVES it!  Boz and his friends, Drew and Gracie, provided entertaining fun that educated with exploring the world of God. 

BOZ, Drew and Gracie discover:

• God helps us grow stronger as we play with our friends
• That when we’re hungry for a tasty treat, God’s fruits and veggies are great to eat
• Getting everything squeaky clean — including ourselves — is lots of fun!

Click HERE for a free peek at the trailer.

A WowieBOZowee Christmas has fun sing along carols, a special retelling of the Christmas story and a great lesson that the best presents are not store bought but come from the heart.  It lasts 45 minutes which is perfect time for this wandering minds but there is enough action to keep them wanting more.  It even has bonus material that includes Boz's Christmas Around the World, Let's Go Caroling with Boz and Boz's Build Your Own Snowman game.  I was surprised as I didn't think my girls would sit and watch both DVDs back to back but they did.  There was laughing and participation with no fighting!  You can click HERE for your own sneak peek.

Both titles included song-filled stories, music videos, and lots of bonus activities designed to entertain, educate, and inspire preschoolers.  Both my children, ages 2 and 6, really enjoyed the videos. I even caught both of them dancing but of course when I grabbed the camera, they stopped as I wanted to capture a video for this post. 

Right now, you can get a free Start Singing with Boz DVD when you purchase one of the selected DVDs available HERE.  There is also free shipping on all orders over $30 within the 48 contiguous United States.

There are great family fun activities HERE to introduce or expand their knowledge about God.  My children loves these activities as they can color and I can sneak in teaching without them realizing it.

The entire collection is a great resource for your children and teaching them all about God.  The products range from DVDs, music CDs, books, toys and more.  My girls really did love the DVDs much to my surprise since they are pretty rigid with the shows they like.  It was entertaining and promoted activity as they were up dancing and singing.  I highly recommend this to parents with preschool children.

Updated:  My two kids, 2 and 6, still LOVE Boz!  Everytime it's on, they start rocking with the music, they watch it intently and thoroughly enjoy it.  It's a great series that teaches good things that include God.

Disclaimer:  I was provided the two DVDs noted in the review by MomSelect.  I provided my honest opinions and was not financially compensated for those opinions or this post. 

Atkins Free Quick Start Guide & More

Enter your address to get your Free Quick-Start Guide, which includes and Atkins Carb Counter & 3 Free Bars.  On Akinks, you could lose up to 15 pounds in the first 2 weeks.*

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Click here to get your own:  http://community.atkins.com/security/collectAddress.jsp?rc=FreeBars

* Courtesy of UtahDealDiva

ResourcefulMommy's Twitter Party Calendar for January

By TwitterButtons.com

Do you like Twitter parties as much as I do?  I especially like ResourcefulMommy's Twitter Parties because they are fun and if you win, you get the prize pretty quick.  They are full of great ideas, learning events and more.  Here is the schedule or click HERE to see more about ResourcefulMommy.

• January 8 - Sponsored by #EarthFootwear - 9 pm - 10 pm
• Januay 11 - Sponsored by Milk - 9 pm - 10 pm
• January 15 - Sponsored by #Chuggington - 9 pm - 10 pm
• January 21 - Sponsored by Q-Tips - 9 pm - 10 pm
• January 29 - Sponsored by Lunchables - 9 pm - 10 pm

All times are EST.

2009 Year in Review

I'm sitting here watching "1984" and have noticed that it's been playing a lot lately on cable which is ironic as at one time, it was nearly impossible to ever see this movie.  Granted, I've never watched it but heard about it from my father and since 2009 carried forward, more people referenced the movie "1984" and "big brother."  There are many fears we are turning into a country that looks a lot like this movie.  So for my year in review, the change in atmosphere is one of the biggies of the past year.  Time will only tell how it ends up in history but in my little world of history, my year was a good year and deserves a toast:

• My middle daughter's epilepsy finally was controlled and her medication is just right.  She is doing great in school now and is happy and full of life.
• My youngest stayed out of the hospital for a change!  2008 was a bad year that included a near death experience of being on a vent and intubated for two weeks.  Her asthma and allergies are now under control and she's a very active, lively, funny two year old.
• My baby turned 21 over the summer and it's so hard to believe!  She has grown up to be a very warm, caring, loving, responsible adult.  I'm very proud of her.
• My father remained cancer free which was a huge relief to all of us.  He will see his 74th birthday in April while my mom remains healthy at the great age of 69.
• My husband adopted my middle child back in October and words cannot describe the meaning behind this! 
• The Indianapolis Colts almost remained undefeated this season until they threw the game away ... boo!
• I entered the world of blogging and "met" some really nice people such as Cynthia, Colleen and MaryAnn along with many others from great sites such as TwitterMoms, SheBlogs, Mamabuzz, MyBlogSpark, Global Influence, MUIB, Product Review Place, MomBloggerClub, MomSelect, One2One and so many more!

Although I'm missing many other blessings, here's to 2010!

Book Giveaways' ReadingGlassesShopper Giveaway 1/19

Need some great looking reading glasses?  Check out Book Giveaways' review and giveaway for a $20 gift certificate to get your very own stylish reading glasses:

"Thanks to readingglassesshopper.com I got to review their super cute reading glasses! What a fun way to start out the new year with these. I picked the red and black Yolanda to try. The Yolanda is a delicate women's frame adorned by rhinestones and laser flower detailing. The sturdy plastic frame is a great all-purpose reader and comes with a protective case. I love the detailed flower on the sides and the rhinestones!

The are light weight and look and feel great! Thanks readingglassesshopper.com
for the great products!

If you don't wear reading glasses or know someone that does, they also carry a really cute glasses clutch that can also be used as a small purse!"

To Enter, go here:  http://bookgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/reading-glasses-review-and-giveaway.html

Pearl Necklace Winner Announced

Litfuse is excited to announce that Carol from Carol's Notebook won the necklace!


Carol left a comment on Freda Man's blog.


They are also giving away 5 copies of the Pearl Girls book this week on the Pearl Girls' blog. All they need to do to be entered is leave a comment before 1/8/10.


(The winner was chosen using random number integer.com. Amy from Litfuse).

Taylor Swift Party Ideas: Buttons & More by Creative Clam on Etsy

I think this will be my final posting on Taylor Swift theme party ideas showcasing Etsy sellers.  I was only looking for Taylor items but upon looking into the site, Creative Clam, I discovered they had more such as:

• Bags, Purses and Pillows
• Celebrity Buttons
• Celebrity Magnets
• Celebrity Keychains
• Music Collectibles
• Sports Collectibles
• Fruits and Flowers
• Funny Collectibles
• Medical Alerts
• More Stuff

All of the items are reasonably priced and she has received 100% positive feedback!  Here are two my favorite Taylor designs both in a magnet and a button:

The medical alerts are a great idea and are available in buttons and keychains.  My children would be covered if there was one for epilepsy but Creative Clam takes custom orders so that's not a problem.

Next time you want a button, keychain or a magnet, check out Creative Clam and don't forget to look at all the products for sale!

About Creative Clam:

Creative Clam offers original paintings, pet sketches, ACEO Art Cards and a clever collection of buttons, keychains and fridge magnets, and beautiful handbags/purses made from recycled clothing for purchase from Virginia Beach artist Tracey Riedel.

*I did not review a product and I did not receive any financial compensation in exchange for this review.

Here is what I have put together for our own party still in the planning stage:

http://www.healthbeautychildrenandfamily.com/2011/01/our-ultimate-taylor-swift-party.html

Brother Embroidery Machine: Any Opinions?

I'm curious if anyone has any experience or recommendations for an embroidery machine?  I like this one since it sews and does embroidery but I'm clueless when it comes to knowing what to buy.

Taylor Swift Party Ideas: More Ideas from Little Girl Creations Etsy Shop

As I've noted in my other posts, I'm taking a break to showcase Etsy/Ebay creators on their specialized talent to offer great products.  I love parties and with two coming up in the spring, I want to plan for the best.  I also know that some of the unique and best ideas come from the home.  This spotlight is on Little Girl Creations who has an Etsy shop.

Your choices range from hair bows to dresses to very creative bottle pop cap designs.

Since my theme is Taylor Swift, here is the example photo of the bottle caps:

If you need more ideas on what you can use the bottle caps, Little Girl Creations can use them to make hairbows, necklaces and bracelets.  These would make such cute party favors or prizes to any Taylor Swift theme party.

Want more information, go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleGalsCreations?section_id=5560921 to see for yourself!

A little bit about Little Girl Creations Etsy Shop:

We are a mom and daughter team working together to offer you the very best in handmade girls clothes, hair bows,accessories and ribbons! You will find our handmade creations to be very high quality! We professionally sew and serge all of our clothing. We have a wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles of fabric and ribbon. We have over thirty years of experience between the two of us and we LOVE what we do! We can custom make anything you can dream up! Just let us know what you need and we will do our very best to accommodate you. If you don't see the size you need, but you like the style, just let us know and we can make what you need in all sizes! Take a look and ENJOY!

Truly Unique Personalized Cards: PhotoCardDesign Shop on Etsy

I'm trying to be a good blogger citizen as well as a supporter of women being creative and selling their wares.  While I was exploring for unique party cards and favors on Etsy, I ran across PhotoCardDesign shop and thought at first that it would be another photo card shop where the image is obviously superimposed. 

The themes are a great choice if you are having a party for your little one:

• Thomas the Tank Engine
• Wonder Pets
• Minnie Mouse
• Logan and Lilly
• Photo Collage for 1st Birthday
• 12 Photo Collage for 1st Birthday
• Curious George
• Veggie Tales
• John Deere
• Dora the Explorer
• Fire Trucks
• Medieval Knight
• Dinosaur
• Backyardigans
• Star Wars
• Yo Gabba Gabba
• Superhero
• Family Photo Collages (various number of photos)

Here are some of my favorites and I couldn't help but laugh at the Curious George one as you can see, it is adorable!

The quality looks great from the picture.  I have not personally ordered any to provide an actual review but I will once it is closer to time for my daughters' birthdays.  I'm very impressed at how the image blends in so nicely with the background and body of the object. 

When you need that one of a kind, great looking card, don't forget to stop at PhotoCardDesign Shop for great choices at reasonable prices!  She also has 100% positive feedback.

Here is the order process:

1. Purchase the card style you love.
2. Email me at photocarddesign [at] gmail.com the size of card that you desire (4x6 or 5x7), the text/party information you want on the card, and the high resolution jpeg image of your child to use. Please be sure to send a high-resolution photo, straight off your digital camera. Low-quality photos will result in a fuzzy final product, and I want you to love your card!
3. I will create a proof for you to look over. Most proofs will be sent within 24 hours of order.
4. When you're thrilled with a final proof and have paid, I will email you a hi-res .jpg file of your card, which you can then take and print wherever you like, as many copies as you like

 * I have not reviewed nor received any compensation for this post/review.

Taylor Swift Party Ideas & More Great Personalized Products from HTM Designs

I'm making a series of party theme ideas focusing on Taylor Swift as there are so many great Etsy and Ebay shops out there that lets you have an effortless party full of great ideas! 

HTM Designs has two shops, one on Ebay and one on Etsy called MyHTMDesigns.  For the Ebay shop, if you are looking for perfect themed products, this is your shop.  You can pick from the following:

• Large Candy Bar Wrappers
• Mini Candy Bar Wrappers
• Seasonal and Holiday Products
• Kiss Labels
• Hot Tea & Hot Cocoa Wrappers
• Water Bottle Label Wrappers
• Hang Tags & Favor Boxes
• Girl Scout Products
• Address Labels
• Games and Coloring Pages
• Mint Matchboxes
• Lollipop Thank You Cards
• Popcorn Wrappers
• Bookmarks
• Advice and Wishes Cards
• Baby Shower
• Wedding and Bridal
• Jimmy Buffett and Parrotheads
• Religious
• Sports Stuff
• Other

Other than Taylor Swift, you can see there are many other themes available but I'm focusing on Taylor only.

This is a set of 24 CUPCAKE TOPPERS. Laser printed on heavy cardstock with the design on both sides. These do not include cupcakes. These are perfect for decorating your own cupcakes for parties, TV night and more. They don't have to be used in cupcakes, also great in appetizers too! An impressive addition to your table!

The photo shows the toppers on a lollipop stick, which I no longer use; I have changed them to be on a plastic pic stick (assorted colors), as they hold up in icing, and the lollipop sticks did not last in the icing.

The Candy Bar Wrappes are a favorite of mine as I really like the picture.  This is nice because the price does include the silver foils to place over the bars of chocolate.  Hershey quit using the silver wrappers some time ago and to make the bars look really nice, you will want to use the foil over them as they look so professional.

This is a set of 12 candy bar wrappers. These wrappers fit standard size Hershey chocolate bars. This does not include the chocolate bars. This is for wrappers only and does include the silver wrapper foils. They come pre-cut and ready to wrap (directions included). Laser printed on glossy paper for a totally professional look. 

This is a unique idea that I never thought of!  Napkin wraps adds to the look of the party especially when coordinated with the theme.  These Taylor Swift themed cutlery napkin wraps are perfect to finish off the look or if you are having an outdoor party, the wind won't carry off your napkins.

This is a set of 24 custom designed napkin/cutlery wrappers. A super addition to compliment your tableware and decorations! Each wrap measures approx. 1.5" x 4.5". Laser printed on heavy cardstock for a totally professional look. Wrappers come pre-cut. Simply wrap around your item and secure with tape or glue stick. So easy! These are can also be used to wrap around party favors and small gifts, too! A sure hit!

Now, game time!  What child doesn't like scratch off games?  This is a great party idea to jazz up the celebration.

This is a set of 20 scratch-off game cards. The cards read; 'Do you have Taylor's guitar?' Scratch off the 'silver scratch pad' to see if you find the guitar. There is one winner per pack. The remaining loser cards have Joe Jonas saying 'loser'! The winning card is always the first one in the pack. These are perfect for parties, sleepovers, goodie bags and more. Play for fun, or reward the winner with a prize (not included).  

Now if you don't like the idea of having "loser" cards, you can always have inexpensive party favors to hand out to the non-winners.

This is just a sampling of what is available at HTM Designs so the next time you are planning a party and want to do it inexpensively, visit the Ebay shop!

Go to MyHTMDesigns on Etsy for more great personalized products!  Just look at these great Where the Wild Things Are bookmarks:

New:  Get your personalized Valentine's Day Lollipop card holders!

Just contact HRM Designs for special requests!

*I was not compensated for this post or my opinions.

Valentine's Day Fortune Cookie Recipe

What a great way to express your love and personalize your own Valentine's Day message than this delightful how-to from Martha Stewart.  Even if you don't make them for Valentine's Day, they are a great idea for anytime since you can customize the message to fit the occasion or use them as party favors, place cards or whatever you can dream up.

Ingredients:

• Makes 15
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup superfine sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet liberally with cooking spray. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine egg whites and sugar, and beat on medium speed, about 30 seconds. Add flour and salt, and beat until combined. Add butter, heavy cream, and almond extract, and beat until combined, about 30 seconds.
3. Pour 1 tablespoon of batter onto half of the baking sheet, and spread with the back of a spoon into a thin 5-inch circle; repeat on the other half of the sheet. Bake until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown, about 8 minutes.
4. Transfer baking sheet to a heat-resistant surface. Working as quickly as possible, slide a spatula (an offset spatula, available at specialty kitchen shops, works best) under one of the cookies. Lift it up, and place it on a clean kitchen towel. Using your fingers, fold the cookie in half, pinching the top together to form a loose semicircle. Hold the cookie with your index fingers inserted at each open end, and slide your thumbs together along the bottom line. Press into the center of the cookie while bending the two open ends together and down to form the shape of a fortune cookie. This whole process should take about 10 seconds. Once the cookie hardens, which begins to happen almost immediately, you cannot fold it. Place the fortune cookie on the kitchen towel to cool, and shape the second cookie. Repeat until all the batter is used up. To speed up the process, bake four cookies at a time, staggering two cookie sheets by 4 minutes to give you time to shape. To avoid wasting batter, practice folding with a circle of paper first.
5. Write your message on a long strip of sturdy art paper, such as Japanese moriki. Thread the fortune through the cookie when it has cooled.  

* Photo and recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart