Reviews
Skidders shoes: no more sweaty slippy baby feet
Letting herself go writer Austin turned me on to these amazing shoes. These are the best baby/toddler shoes ever. They’re one of those I-can’t-believe-someone-didn’t-come-up-with-these-sooner products.
They’re called Skidders and I got them at Target for $12.99.
They’re super sturdy and actually stay on your kids’ feet all day long. I got these for my son when he was about 13 months old and just starting to walk. He seemed comfortable in them and never tugged them off. We got ones with cute little cars on them, but there were several varieties for boys and girls.
When he wears them, his feet don’t get stinky sweaty like little boy feet tend to and he can toddle right across our marble kitchen floor without slipping at all.
The outsole is rubber so the child can have better traction when learning to stand and walk. The upper material is knit so the foot can breath. It is lightweight, machine washable and comes in a variety of designs that can match with any outfit. The best feature is that it can be used indoors and outdoors.
review by Mom on a Wire
A Cake for You … Designed by Tracie
I can’t remember how I stumbled across Tracie’s website, but with two children’s birthdays in February my discovery was serendipitous.
Here, have a little eye candy:
Love these colors!
I almost picked this one.
We were having only small celebrations this year, however, so I decided to go with sheet cakes.
And here's my son's very chocolately cake. No white cake or frosting for this kid!
Both tasted so, so good! And the prices — wow. I paid only $25 for each of these cakes. I consider that a great deal. I’ve paid more for a supermarket cake that wasn’t nearly as cute or tasty as these!
Here’s a few more from Tracie’s website:
Love!!
Baby feet — too sweet!!
Hint, hint.
I marvel at this one.
Cute, no?
For more info, go here.
The Easter Egg by Jan Brett
This book is beautiful to look at and a joy to read. The perfect book for an Easter present and something parents and kids should cherish for years, pulling it out each Easter.
The tale is about the rabbit Hoppi trying to figure out how to decorate an Easter Egg. He wants it to be perfect but grows increasingly concerned after seeing each of his friends’ lovely egg creations.
The illustrations in this book are so exquisite that parents will want to linger on each page just to take in the colorful details.
You can get this book at Barnes and Noble, Books a Million and on Amazon for between $10 and $18, depending on markdowns and sales. It’s worth the money.
Review by Cindy of Mom on a Wire
Cosmetique eyelash tinting
I decided to get my eyelashes tinted and see how I liked it.
Two words — LOVE IT!
My eyelashes look so natural, and, even better, they're hassle-free.
I have to say I was a little nervous at first. The thought of dye that close to my eyes freaked me out a bit, especially after my friend told me you have to sit with your eyes shut for about five minutes. I am the kind of person that if you tell me not to do something, I will do it. I don’t know why, I just can’t help myself.
I told Connie, the esthetician at Cosmetique in North Little Rock, that I was a little nervous and she talked me through the process step by step. She told me when I needed to close my eyes and chit-chatted with me until time for me to open them.
The whole process was quick and painless with no burning to my eyes. Connie told me not to wash my face for at least two to three hours and the dye should last about 2 months.
The lash tint cost me $30 but I have not worn mascara since. Connie also does a tint and lash curl for $60, I am planning on getting that done in June before we go to the beach.
Contact Information:
Cosmetique Salon
Connie Turner
5503 John F. Kennedy
North Little Rock
753-6271
Located in North Little Rock
In search of customized party decor?
Disclosure: Amy Upshaw is a friend of mine. She’s also one of those really artsy-crafty people who actually knows what all that stuff in Hobby Lobby is used for.
This year, Amy made all the decorations — from hats to a banner to goody bags — for my 7-year-old daughter’s birthday party.
The theme: Bugs.
Amy made this adorable sign for the front door.
Birthday banner with glittery, sparkly letters!
Personalized goody bags. Note the names at the top of each bag.
Amy also made the hats, with ribbons that tie under the chin.
Amy’s a reporter like me, but has recently started making party decorations on the side. She came in and set up while the partygoers were feasting at a pizza joint. My little girl was so thrilled to come home and find all this cuteness waiting! And her guests loved their goody bags and hats.
If you’re interested in Amy’s work, you can contact her at aupshaw(at)arkansasonline(dot)com.
Graco Nasal Clear Nasal Aspirator review
Review by Yavonda of Baby and the Beasts
When Alaina had her first cold, we quickly realized that a bulb syringe just didn’t cut it. She absolutely hated having one put up her nose. She would thrash about and cry and by the time we were finished, everyone was exhausted. Even worse, Alaina’s nose was still stuffed up.
One day, I saw an ad for the Graco Nasal Aspirator in a magazine. I was desperate to help Alaina breathe, so I thought I’d give it a try.
It was $20 well spent.
The suction on this aspirator is great. It really gets all the gunk out, especially if you use it in conjunction with saline nasal drops. While having this stuck up her nose doesn’t rank as the highlight of her day, Alaina doesn’t seem to mind it nearly as much as she did the bulb syringe. I think it tickles, so she usually doesn’t fuss when we use it. The music feature also helps keep her distracted and entertained.
The only downside of the aspirator is it does seem to go through batteries pretty quickly. But as long as it helps my kiddo breathe, I’m fine with keeping some extra batteries on hand.
I’m such a fan of this aspirator that I gave one to a good friend of mine as a gift for her first child. I think this may become my go-to item for baby showers.
The Graco Nasal Clear Nasal Aspirator can be found at Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Amazon and Target. It retails for $19.99.
Mommy & Me Valentine’s Day Spa at Apricot Girls Party Studio & Boutique
Moody Mom tried out this package last year. Here’s the info and, below that, her review:
Friday, Feb. 12; Saturday, Feb. 13 (upon availability); and Sunday, Feb. 14. Pampering dates include a mini-mani, mini-pedi, mini-facial, make-up and hairdo. Also enjoy pink lemonade and light finger foods, and a keepsake frame with photo all for $50. For more information call 833-1000 or go here.
If you are looking for something for you and your little princess to do together for Valentine’s Day check out the Mommy and Me Valentine’s Spa at Apricot Girls in Sherwood.
I took Rebecca last year for Valentine’s Day. I also invited my friend, Brandy, and her daughter, Bevan, to go with us.
We were greeted at the door with robes and feather boas for us to wear. Bear got a BIG kick out of this! Then we were told to go have a seat in one of the BIG Plush pink chairs where we were served pink lemonade and a variety of snacks that included; cookies, snack mix and cupcakes before the pampering began.
Ready for her facial
We were each given a mini facial that included a facial mask and cucumbers for our eyes. We each got to sit back and enjoy the facial while they started on our mini-pedi. One of the girls that worked there was kind enough to snap some photos of us lounging in the chairs.
Now this is the life, Mom.
Moody Mom and Brandy relax.
Next, time for the mini-mani. We each got to pick out a color and style that we wanted. I picked out just plain pink but Rebecca had them paint her’s pink and had them draw white hearts on top of the pink.
The girls were having so much fun and Rebecca kept telling me over and over that this was the best day of her life. I think part of the fun was the teenagers who were pampering us, they look like they were having a blast with the girls.
Last but not least, time for make-up and hair style. Brandy and I just had them put a little make-up on us but the girls had their entire face painted. I had my hair straightened and Brandy left hers the way it was but they curled Rebecca’s and Bevan’s hair and they looked BEAUTIFUL!
Glam Girl
Time to perform!
It was a perfect day. Bevan and Bear had a blast and Brandy and I got to enjoy some priceless time with our princess.
Rebecca’s “Perfect Day” was not over. While we were getting pampered, Hubby set off to pick up her first puppy. Rebecca fell in love instantly and named her Koda. Read about Koda here.
New puppy Koda.
New Maumelle shop Absolucy sells hip kids’ clothing, hosts free baby showers
Moody Mom has the scoop on a new children’s clothing shop that also hosts free baby showers. Last night, she attended the open house and shot some photos for us. Here’s her report:
If you are looking for a new hip children’s clothing store, check out Absolucy Children’s Apparel in Maumelle.
I attended the friends and family open house that was held February 4 and totally fell in love with the atmosphere of this store’s brightly colored orange and pink decor.
Cute clothes, cute decor
I also loved the kids’ corner that featured a kid-sized table and chairs, dollhouse, TV, couch, and several other toys. Bear walked in, sat down and started playing with the dollhouse while I looked around the store.
Dollhouse for children to play with while parents shop.
Absolucy, which is named after the owner’s daughter Lucy, carries namebrand clothing in sizes ranging from infant to size seven for boys and size ten for girls. They also carry children’s blankets, some kids’ toys and other baby/child-related items.
Owner Marc Haynes and daughter Lucy
There are a couple of things that make this store unique: First would be the “Lucy Goosey Return Policy”. This policy allows you to return any item, over $40.00, and not “On Sale” at the time of purchase, with an original receipt for up to one full year after the original date of purchase. In return, the store will refund 25% of the items’ original purchase price with an AbsoLucy
gift card.
Second would be the free baby shower upon completion of a baby gift registry. The shower, which is be held in the store’s party room, includes a free maternity dress for the mother-to-be to wear to the shower, free invitations, cake and beverages.
For more details contact the store at 812-5829 or visit Absolucy’s website.
For the mini-Hog fans
Hello, Chocovine, my precious
A friend of mine heard from a friend of hers — a very manly law enforcement officer, no less — about this heavenly sounding concoction.
Chocovine is a Dutch liqueor blended with a French cabernet.
For chocolate lovers.
In a word: Yum.
If you like sweet, drink it straight. If not, there are cocktail suggestions on the website.
You can find it at area liquor stores in the Bailey’s, Godiva section.
Consider it an antidote for PMS.
Lisa Leonard Designs
I received this (see below) for Christmas after months of longing for one of these necklaces. I love, love, love it.
mama necklace
It reads:
*mama* hand holder dream soother love giver
This was a limited edition, so they’re not available anymore, BUT —
There are all sorts of equally gorgeous necklaces on the site. Next on my list is a customized design …
Like this one ...
… or maybe …
... this one.
There are so many choices! (bracelets, charms, etc…)
Each piece is handmade and so, so pretty.
You can look at more designs here. Or check out Lisa’s blog for featured designs.
After all, Mother’s Day isn’t too far off!
