Holiday artwork

As you can see, I am by no means "artistic", but we did have a lot of fun with these holiday projects! It's the thought that counts, right?

We did the ChristmasTree plate at the local paint your own pottery studio last week. I picked it up the other day, and I am really happy with the way it turned out! We painted both feet of each of the boys, in a different shade of green, and stamped away. Then decorated with a 3D star, lights & ornaments. It is a gift from the children, to their Papa.


Colin made two of these greeting cards for his preschool teachers. We painted his foot orange & stamped it on the middle of the half-sheet. This is the reindeer's face. Then using yellow on his hands, we made the antlers. Actually, I think the antlers should have been up a little higher on rudolph's head, but we didn't have room... I let him decorate!

Heath Bar Candy

I plan to slow down with reviews and such the rest of the month, because frankly, I am sick of shopping, and reviewing products falls into that category for me... Also, we are heading north for a "White Christmas" this weekend, and my posting access will be limited through the middle of next week.

So I've decided to just blog about our holiday happenings. Tonight, I made my 4th batch of the best holiday candy recipe ever! My mom & I used to make this delicious treat every Christmas, for as long as I can remember. So now it's become a tradition in my house. I thought I'd share the recipe with you. You must have lots of patience for this one to come out the right way, but it is so worth the 25 minutes of your time!

I have never met a single person that didn't rave about this candy, and it actually won me first place at our cookie exchange contest a couple weeks ago!

Every little girl should have one of these!

So I first heard about Penelope Peapod dolls, through chit chat amongst my good friends at Mommies With Style. Honestly, I didn't pay much attention, as I have two sons, and don't really plan on introducing them to dolls any time soon. All the moms of girls however, just seemed so into these things, as if they couldn't get them fast enough! That was several weeks ago.

Fast forward to two days ago, and I get an email from Nancy, of Bailey Bea Designs. Nancy suggested that I might be interested in reviewing these dolls. "Hmm", I thought... "What is with these dolls??" So then today, I am out and about, still trying to finish up my Christmas shopping. I was in a local specialty toy store, and there they are, on proud display ~ a bunch of Penelope Peapods! Although I was already on the verge of being tardy in picking my son at preschool, I just had to check the dolls out.

All I can say is they have to be the most adorable little dolls I have seen in a very long time! They reminded me of the simple childhood dolls that I personally played with, back in the early 80's. Just a simple little doll, with a no frills floral outfit & matching cap, in a simple little wicker purse... that doubles as a baby doll bassinet! We all know how much little girls love to carry a purse, and be just like mommy. Penelope Peapod dolls are the perfect little purse, because once you reach your destination, and your little girl is getting antsy, just flip it inside out, and ta~da, it's a baby doll & bassinet to play with.

Bailey Bea Designs has a huge assortment and stock of these dolls, and all of their matching accessories! They are offering a generous 25% to BabyLuxe readers, with the coupon code, LUXE25! Code expires 12/22.

The Micralite Toro: definition of versatility

As you hopefully all know by now, I pride myself on practicality. Some people may consider me a bit of an analytical freak, but I will only pay top dollar for consumer goods, after I have done a thorough analysis of my options, and am convinced that the one I choose will outwit, outlast & outplay all of the other "contestants".

So that brings me to my topic of the day; the Micralite Toro. Considered one of the most versatile lightweight single strollers available in the competitive stroller market, this one will "grow" with your baby {and will make you look super cool while doing so}!

We recently test drove this stroller, and we can honestly say that this is one stroller worth its weight {price} in gold {functionality}. Aside from the many admiring stares we endured, my not-so-public-sleeper was able to fall into a cozy slumber, in full recline, as mommy finished up her holiday shopping this week.
So you say you want versatility :

• Unique recline system allows for seamless transition from full horizontal napping or newborn mode to upright toddler mode
• Air tires, more narrow in the rear, make it super easy to navigate the cramped Banana Republic sales section!
  
• Unique open-end handlebars, allow for easily transporting up to ten or more generously sized shopping bags {believe me when I say we put this function to the test}
  
• Convenient single hand fast~fold, essential during the busy season, when you have stalkers in the parking lot, anxiously waiting to take your spot
  
• All weather hood with zip on rain cover & all weather boot {which we unfortunately were unable to experiment with, due to our wonderful 80 degree southeast holiday heat wave}
• All terrain ability to venture out with us as we cut our Christmas tree down {yes, at a real tree farm}
  

Oh, and did I mention it has Graco Snug ride compatibility?

So you could be like everyone else and start off with a $300 travel system, then move on to a $100 umbrella stroller when baby outgrows the infant seat, only to soon realize that you need something bigger & better, and shell out another $200-300 for a top of the line stroller....

But what you should do, is just start out with the one stroller that will take you from newborn to four years in one smooth & seamless ride; the Micralite Toro.

The Toro is available at www.totsonthego.com where you can use the code "BABYLUXE" to get a FREE Micralite Toro colored liner {a $45 value}, available in several hip colors to match every personality.

Free same day shipping, available every day!

'Bout time someone thought about Dad! {GIVEAWAY}

When I was first introduced to this new little product, I was immediately intrigued. Created by Max 'n Maddie, the Papa Pillow is the perfect accessory for all the new dad's out there. What dad doesn't enjoy a cozy snuggle with his newborn on his chest? An endearing ritual that many fathers share, it was always a struggle to find just the right blanket for baby's comfort. They were either too thin, too bulky or too small. Although they all managed to get it right somehow, this new Papa Pillow eliminates the need to find just the perfect one. This IS the perfect one!


Made from plush latte chenille and trimmed in blue to suit dad, this thin pillow allows baby to rest in complete cozy splendor!

Available at Luca Bleu for 15% off, with code BABYLUXE15, this is the perfect gift for all the new dad's on your list!

Luca Bleu and BabyLuxe have teamed up to giveaway one of these super cool Papa Pillows to one of our lucky readers! To win, all you need to do is be a subscriber to BabyLuxe and Luca Bleu. Only subscribers of both editions will be eligible to win! You can sign up for BabyLuxe on the left hand side of this page. For Luca Bleu, go to www.lucableu.com and click on "join our mailing list" on the bottom right hand side of the page.

{THE WINNER OF THE PAPA PILLOW IS RENAE H. IN IDAHO!!}

For the music lover on your list

If you are looking for a soothing lullaby CD for your little one or as a gift this holiday season, look no further than the Rockabye Baby collection. The musicians behind Rockabye Baby have transformed timeless rock songs into instrumental lullabies, using the glockenspiel, vibraphone & mellotron, that are as sweet and soothing for baby, as they are nostalgic for you.

My sister-in-law, a new mother & die hard U2 fan, recently tried out Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of U2, for me. Not only did she shed tears of joy {new mommy emotions...} when I asked for her to review the album, but she reported back that both her and the little one were both sound asleep in a deep slumber within minutes of listening to it.


Don't expect this CD to sound exactly like The Joshua Tree, but do expect your little one to grow up to appreciate your love for beautiful music when he hears the sweet lullabies on this collection.

Available at tickle tickle, BabyLuxe readers will receive 10% off with the code BLUXE10. While you are there, check out some of the other Rockabye Baby CD's they have available. There's something for every music lover on your list!

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Add a little bling to her holiday attire {GIVEAWAY}

The owner/designer of super cute Bling Baby, recently contacted me with a very cool, exclusive BabyLuxe offer, available only to BabyLuxe readers! They are making limited quantities of these adorable holiday bling barrettes, and they are available by special request only. These barrettes would make the perfect addition to your little girl's holiday ensemble!

The non-initial designs are available as a set of 3, for $20.

The initial designs are available for $10 each.To purchase these festive barrettes you must email jen@bling-baby.com with the style you want {non-initial or initial}. Use "BABYLUXE" in the subject line, and you will receive an invoice via email. Shipping is FREE!

As an added bonus, they are offering a FREE set of 3 non-initial bling barrettes to one lucky BabyLuxe reader! To be eligible for this festive giveaway, you just need to be a {daily} subscriber by 9:00 pm EST Sunday 12/09/07!

{THE WINNER OF THE BLING BARRETTES IS ANNELIES C. FROM CALIFORNIA!!!}

Save an additional 20% at Babystyle!

Sitewide!! Use code SECRET20 for an additional 20% off. Many items are already on sale, so this is a great discount! Babystyle is a great place to find gifts for all the little ones on your list.

Happy Online Shopping!!!

For the inner rocker in all of us...

Check out these adorable beanies by Born to Love, a brand new children's clothing and accessories designer! So warm and cozy, yet totally adorable! When I put the Born to Love black and tan argyle beanie on my son, I was instantly smitten with his new little rocker look. With some jeans, and a black t-shirt, my little man was ready for a night on the town! As I held him with his new hat, in front of a mirror, he seemed to be pretty smitten as well. He just giggled at himself contentedly, for a good couple of minutes, as we "talked" to each other's reflection.


If you'd like to think of yourself as a hip & cool parent, you must check out these hats! As I said, they will keep your little one toasty warm this winter, but won't sacrifice style in doing so.

View their entire collection at www.borntoloveclothing.com

The Polkadot Platypus also carries some of this collection, and is offering 15% off with code "POLKADOT"

A Pregnant Girl's Life

With my first pregnancy, I tried to keep a journal... I really did. So when the 2nd one rolled around, I thought it would be nice to be able to look back and compare pregnancies. Well, after much rummaging through stacks of books and magazines on & around my nightstand, I found it. I anxiously opened it up to find... 4 measly journal entries. One was the day I found out, then two additional entries from my 1st trimester, and the last entry from the end of my pregnancy (a letter to baby). What a big smack in the face. Why didn't I record all of those miraculous milestones while my precious 1st child was growing inside of me? I promised myself that I would be a better journalist with my 2nd baby. Ok so that didn't exactly happen either. I don't think I have a single journal entry from baby #2.


If I had had one of these adorable calendars from Pulp Factory Calendars, A Pregnant Girl's Life, I know that I would have been a whole lot better at recording every kick, craving & emotion! This calendar is not only adorable, but totally practical for keeping up with pregnant mama's on the go! It contains 40 weeks, in which you fill in your own dates. It has 12 pages of stickers, which help to keep track of those all too limited mani/pedi & hair appointments, shopping for baby, ultrasound, first kicks & more. Each month has a whimsical picture of mommy with her growing belly, and there are two large pockets {one at the beginning, and one at the end} for storing ultrasound pictures, belly pictures, notes to self, etc.

Pulp Factory Calendars has an entire collection of calendars & accessories to commemorate the occasions of any modern girl {engagement, pregnant, new mom & new baby}. You can even purchase calendars and matching notepads as various gift set options - multiple calendars, or one calendar and notes. Whatever combo you'd like, Pulp Factory can do it!

Check out the entire collection here: www.pulpfactorycalendars.com
BabyLuxe readers take 20% off with code "luxe"!

Lillebaby Euro Tote 5-in-1 Baby Carrier {Giveaway}

{GIVEAWAY details below}

With the recent trend towards more modern strollers, many parents are trying to avoid the whole "travel system" approach to transporting baby, that was so popular just several years ago. But then the question always becomes, what to do with your sleeping baby when you need to run into the store, gas station, etc... And how many times has your grandmother or elderly aunt told you to "NEVER wake a sleeping baby!" While the infant carrier is great for that, it does tend to become rather heavy and awkward to carry after just a few weeks.

So the recent debut of the Lillebaby Euro Tote has just solved this problem for parents world-wide. It is literally a 5-in-1 baby carrier, functioning as a Moses carrier, bunting bag, stroller bag, play blanket & travel bedding. It fits most standard size car seats & strollers, and I assume {although have not tried} it would work perfectly in place of the Phil & Ted's newborn Cocoon for the E3 Classic Buggy. This would have been the answer to my prayers last winter while I was searching desperately for a double stroller that would accommodate my newborn without having to wake him every time we were in and out of the car. And at just 4.5 lbs, this carrier is much easier to manage than the bulky infant carrier.


Tots on the Go carries this product, along with many other travel necessities for babies on the go!

They are generously offering a FREE Lillebaby Euro Tote to one lucky BabyLuxe reader! To be entered in the contest, you just need to be signed up for the BabyLuxe newsletter by 9:00 pm on Friday, December 7th. One name will be drawn at random, and it could very well be you!

{Congratulations to Kristin B. in North Carolina!}

GiggleBrush Designs Sale

I found this fabulous sale at GiggleBrush Designs, for anyone coveting a designer nursery, but looking to save a little cash.

Enjoy 15% off and free shipping on all purchases over $100! Use coupon code "GBDHOLIDAY". Get Caden Lane, House Inc., Serena and Lily, and Dwell bedding sets plus many other fabulous products on sale now at GiggleBrush Designs!