LilyBugs! Review and Giveaway

Oh, do I have a cute little item for review today. What I like about this item is that it is so cute, innovative, and unique. I’ve not seen this item anywhere else and think it is SUCH a cute idea. Today, I introduce to you LilyBugs!

Lilybugs introduces their product with the following description: “As parents, we spend countless hours preparing for our new baby; primping and pampering with the softest blankets, safest bumpers, best toys and pretties nurseries…and then, we hand our new precious babies a hard, plastic and very ordinary bottle or sippy cup. Lilybugs aims to change this by introducing a fun and interactive cover designed to teach babies and toddlers how to lift, hold and enjoy their bottles and sippy cups!” Isn’t this statement so true? The mom who created this product, Crystal Cane, saw what the rest of us had been missing—the bottle or sippy cup which our little ones always have in front of their eyes as a potential visual and sensory stimulus!

I love how that the product idea came about and want to share this sweet story with all of you. Crystal was driving with her six month old baby girl when she tried to comfort her by handing her the bottle and it started leaking all over the baby. Sweet little baby Lily grabbed her soft pink blanket and wrapped it around the bottle. The mother watched as the little infant started stroking the fabric…and Lilybugs was born!

Some of the benefits of owning a Lilybug include:
*Provides visual and sensory stimulation for growing hands and minds
*Prevents condensation and leaks
*Decorative for fashionable parents
*Keeps little hands warm during the cold season
*Great for boys and girls of all ages and stages
*Teaches babies to lift and hold their own bottles
*Creates a smooth transition from bottle to sippy cup and from breast feeding to bottle
*Easy to use, fits most bottles and sippy cups
*Machine washable and no removeable parts
*Great for glass bottles and canteens

There are 25 fun designs to choose from and they are all SO cute! This product has already won some awards including the iParenting Media award for Best New Product and Hottest New Product in the feeding category, were showcased on ABC NEWS 40, have been donated to many celebrity endorsed charities, and were featured in the $100,000 gift bags of the 2007 Emmy Awards! So, as you can imagine these are hot products!

The first up for review is the Snowbug. This cute snowman bug features a 3D Carrot Nose, Big Fleece Padded Mittens, Green Wrap Around Scarf, and Musical Notes on the back. Pictures can’t do it justice, it is so adorable. If you really want to have a cutie for Christmas dinners and events, this would really pull your little one’s entire outfit together. Finally, no worries about the bright green sippy cup in the pictures!

The second is the PawBug which has finger holes, a red Christmas hat, and a green pawprint on the back. So soft and cute! I love the fingerholes.

Finally, we have the Octopus Bug. I adore this one becaue of the crinkly material on all of the arms. Can you believe this cute bug was designed by the company owners 3 year old daughter and her friend?

Here is a video of the owner demonstrating the LilyBugs-

Watch Video


Overall, I think this is such a great idea. It is very original and useful as well. This would be great for babies and toddlers. For the babies it helps them to hold the bottle and gives an interesting object to explore. Toddlers appreciate how cute the little bug is.



I have TWO Lilybugs to offer in a giveaway. The two being offered are the Snowman and Bear featured in the review above. They are both Christmas items and I can't assure they'll arrive in time. Therefore, I'd like the giveaway for someone who has a child who will still be using a bottle or sippy cup next Christmas. There are two different winners with the first drawn getting the snowman and the second the bear. These items were only used for taking the above pictures for a few minutes. They come in their packaging still. To enter go to http://http//www.lilybugs.com/home.shtml. Come back here and post your favorite design! A second entry for following me or subscribing to my feed.

Official Rules: IF YOU DO NOT LIST YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS ,IT ISN'T ON YOUR BLOG, AND THERE IS NO WAY TO LEAVE COMMENTS ON YOUR BLOG I HAVE NO WAY OF CONTACTING YOU. If I don't hear from you within a week, another name will be drawn and you forfeit your prize.This contest is open only to those with a United States Shipping Address .This giveaway begins 12/08/2008 and ends 12/14/2008 11:59 PM Central Standard Time.The name will be chosen by Randomizer.org.

I always love hearing about how my reviews lead these wonderful stores to more sales. I'd love to hear posts letting me know you decided to purchase some items!**I'm not responsible for item not arriving; Make sure all shipping info is correct, please.

Be Sure to Visit http://www.lilybugs.com/home.shtml

Adorable, Angelic, Awe-Inspiring Kanoodles Kids Review and Giveaway

Oh my! It is a Kanoodles Kids Review and Giveaway!

Kanoodles Kids is a great childrens clothing company that specializes in handmade crochet, knit, and boutique apparel. The owner creates the clothing using high quality yarns and fabrics. Each piece is inspired with a whimsical or vintage flair. My own description of the clothing line is "snugglelicious". I can almost guarantee you'll want to snuggle your little princess when she's wearing this oh so pretty hat. My daughter refers to these hats as her "princess hats". While only 2, she seems already to appreciate quality over quantity merchandisers. Meaning, her toys and clothing that is handsewn and OOAK, she appreciates more.

The owner, Debbie Maxwell, has a real love for creating clothing for children and with 25 years of experience, you know that she has the experience to make a beautiful item.

The first item up for review is this beautiful pink and white hat that is part of the Kanoodles Kids spring line. The pastel colors bring a softness to any little girl who wears it. The crocheted flower in the front brings a lovely touch to the hat. Notice the several pictures listed-if you have this little hat for your darling, you are going to have the same problem! The hat is so dainty, delightful, and adorable that you'll be sure to have many sweet pictures and have a hard time choosing between them. This hat has made me a admirer and long time customer of Kanoodles Kids. My little one is an avid hat lover. Since she was very small she has adored hats! When we go into a clothing store she bypasses the toys and other clothing in favor of the hats. Therefore, you can imagine my delight that she has chosen as her favorite (almost to the point of becoming a lovey) such a precious treasure of a hat.












ahe second item I have to review is this beautiful little spring hat by Kanoodles kids. This crochet hat is a blend of green, blue, and white with crochet flowers along the edge. While it is vintage inspired, the colored add a little modern funk to it that make it irrisistable. I like that the hat is stretchable, so this is something she can continue wearing for a few years. (BTW, my daughter has a play tattoo on her face and unfortunately I couldn't get it off before taking pics, lol).




I really, really love her items. I just have to show a few more of the items she has available.
*This little Christmas hat is the cutest idea for a little one. Wouldn’t this be adorable in holiday pictures? It comes in infant, toddler, and child sizes. That means, your kiddos could all wear one for their pictures! It sells for $40 at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17390632

*Crochet Sweater and Hat-This is just so beautiful. I love the pale pink color and the scalloped edge neckline sweater. She makes this set custom in sizes 12 months to 6. One of the prettiest sets I’ve seen. Such love in this set…The direct link to this item is http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9692765

*Vintage Look Crochet Dress Top and Cloche Hat; Well, it is official I’ve found the perfect dress for Easter portraits. I know $125.00 is a little pricey but when you consider this can be handed down for generations, it is like a gift of memories to your family. Here is the link to this set: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9896236

A few more beautiful hats...

The very sweet owner was kind enough to answer a few questions so that we might get to know her better...

Q: Can you start by telling the readers a little bit about yourself?

My name is Debbie Maxwell. I am the proud mom of 4 children and married to my best friend for 11 years. I have been crocheting and knitting for over 25 years now. My mom, who is a knitwear designer, has taught me everything I know. She is a fabulous woman and I'm very grateful for all she has taught me.

Q: What were you doing before deciding to start your own business? Before starting my business, I was a SAHM, taking care of my children. I knew there had to be a way to make money at something I love doing. So I started my business 4 years ago, actually selling my items on Ebay. Now I am looking to get my items in children's boutiques.

Q: How long have you been in business?

About 4 years

Q:What is one of your most popular items? The most popular item is my vintage cloche hat. It 's so sweet and will make any little girl smile. I also love to work with clients on custom made items where the customer will design their sweater or hat and we will make it for them.

Q: Do you actually do all the knitting yourself? If yes, wow! How long does it take to make these items?

Yes, right now I do all the knitting and crocheting myself. I can get a sweater done in a week and a hat done in 1/2 a day. I am now looking for people to help me with the knitting and crocheting because sometimes it can be very overwhelming.

Q: If you could give a one line phrase to describe your business what would it be?Fun....Sweet....Full of Style......

Q: What do you think makes your store unique?

I put my whole heart and soul into my designs and you can see that in the quality of my work. And I love that my clothing has a vintage flair along with looking so sweet on.

Q: Can you tell us about the Modie award you received? Yes, each year on Journal Modiste http://www.journalmodiste.com/ You can submit your work and the buyers and readers of this site get to vote. I was very proud to be the winner of this award.

Q: Do you make any products for boys?
I don't make any products for boys, right now but will be in the near future.

If you would like to add anything else about your business too, that wouldbe great!

I just would like to say thank you to Candice for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to be on her site. And, I would also like for everyone to keep visiting my site as I add new items. Big things are going to be happening and soon you will be finding a KaNoodles Kids sweater or hat in a store near you.

Would you like your own custom hat for your little girl? The good news is that you have a chance to win one! Debbie is sponsoring a giveaway for everyone. To enter to to http://www.kanoodleskids.com/store/WsAboutus.asp and sign up for her newsletter through the month of December. Then, come back here and leave a comment, letting me know you signed up for her newsletter. At the end of the month, randomizer.org will pick the winner. I'll verify with Debbie that the winner signed up for the newsletter. Want a second entry? Leave a comment stating your favorite item from her store. You can see her items at http://www.kanoodleskids.com or her etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5616272.

Official Rules:IF YOU DO NOT LIST YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS ,IT ISN'T ON YOUR BLOG, AND THERE IS NO WAY TO LEAVE COMMENTS ON YOUR BLOG I HAVE NO WAY OF CONTACTING YOU. ALMOST EVERY GIVEAWAY, THE ORIGINAL PERSON DRAWN TO WIN CAN'T BE CONTACTED THEREFORE THE GIVEAWAY IS GIVEN TO THE NEXT NAME DRAWN.If I don't hear from you within a week, another name will be drawn and you forfeit your prize. This contest is open only to those with a United States Shipping Address .This giveaway begins 11/29/2008 and ends 12/29/2008 11:59 PM Central Standard Time.

I always love hearing about how my reviews lead these wonderful stores to more sales. I'd love to hear posts letting me know you decided to purchase some items!**I'm not responsible for item not arriving; Make sure all shipping info is correct, please.

I highly recommend going over to her store and purchasing an item for your little girls as a Christmas present. You can give your child a heirloom quality, beautiful item and at the same time support a textile artist. Also, be sure to visit her blog at http://www.kanoodlesboutique.blogspot.com

Product Review: Whimsical Walney

I posted the review on this company a few days ago but decided to repost it with an update about the giveaway.

When you visit the Whimsical Walney website, there is a little poem on their website that I feel is a very good introduction to their company:

let children play

let naptime become optional

let their cheeks become red delicious from endless hours of play

let them color the cows purple and the sky green

let children play.

This company was established in 2004 and has sense brightened up the world of child products by designing products that let children play. Each piece they design is meant to "foster a child's sense of wonder and adventure."

This company has a really neat line of clothing called Use Your Words. It was created to expand a child's vocabulary. I love the idea of clothing that teaches! Currently, the line features English and Spanish and will soon be adding French words as well.

I was given the opportunity to review the "Blow Bubbles" shirt by Whimsical Walney. First, let me point out that the shirt is extra-soft interlock cotton and feels so good! This is the most perfect shirt for my daughter-this is one that I'll be keeping for her tee-shirt memory quilt that I'll make someday. So, why is this shirt so special? I have a little girl obsessed with bubbles. I hear the phrase, "Blow Bubbles" at least five times a day (usually more). There has actually been an incident where she awoke at 3 am to ask me if she could blow bubbles! So, I can honestly say that I can imagine no shirt better summing up who she is right now, at the moment! Here are a few pics of her in her new favorite shirt:

Okay, so there were more than just a few but how can I resist when she is playing with her favorite thing and wearing a shirt totally encompassing the moment? The shirts sell for $32.00. They come in sizes 6 months to 10 years. There are several other Use Your Words shirts in categories of Fruits and Vegetables, Professionals and Whimsical. As previously explained, the "Blow Bubbles" shirt is my favorite but a couple of others that I think are darling include:

Strawberry/ La Fresa

let's conga/Soy Rumbero

I'm an Angler

This store offers another clothing line called World Flags. Categories included in this line are Countries, States and Cities, and Whimsical.

The company has a line of fabric books for children. These books are great for kids because of the visual and tactile stimulation they bring. I love that these books can be machine washed and dried. Book themes include: Out of this World, Spring Blooms, Under the Sea, Sea, Land, and Space. They also have black and white patterned books for newborns. I love this idea!

Finally, the company offers the Sol Protector Blanket. This blanket isn't just a regular old blanket but has Solarweave® fabric which provides protection at UPF 40–50. This is a lightweight blanket that is great for sunny days.

I really like this company because of its focus on multiculturalism and language. I think this is a unique concept and is wonderful for parents teaching a second language to their children. However, even if you aren't teaching your children a second language, the products are bright and beautiful and makes a terrific clothing item.

The owner of the company answered a few interview questions I had for her-

Q: If you could give a one line phrase to describe your business what would it be?Let Children Play

Q: What do you think makes your store unique?At Whimsical Walney, we design products that promote a child’s curiosity and creativity. Each product is meant to cater to children’s needs at different stages in their development. Many of these products can also grow with your child. The Use Your Words™ clothing line, for example, starts with a child pointing to the picture and signing or saying the word when they’re toddlers. As they grow, it becomes a conversation about the object and what it is, how it’s used, etc. They may even be telling you what it is in Spanish or French if you’ve purchased one of those designs!

Q: Where do you get ideas for designs?It varies. Sometimes it’s a line in a song (like Soy pescador/I’m an angler which I explain in my blog) or as simple as a child’s everyday favorite things (blow bubbles). For the Use Your Words™ line the word has to be something fun or interesting to say.

Q: What are your top sellers?People seem most enamored of the artichoke, blow bubbles, and let’s conga/soy rumbero from the Use Your Words™ line. The CA state flag is also quite popular.

Q: Do you have a favorite line? It’s hard to pick a “favorite” really. I am still enchanted with the illustrations in the Use Your Words™ line but also know how much I enjoy creating the fabric story a child reads in a Telanovela™. Who doesn’t want to be able to read a book and eat it too?

Q: If you would like to add anything else about your business too, that would be great!If you have a minute, stop by the company blog (The Adventures of Whimsical Walney). We’ll be focusing on some great community organizations across the US, as well as online stories and language resources that benefit children and parents. We also welcome comments and feedback - so drop us a line at any time.

Here is a link to the website: http://www.whimsicalwalney.com/index.htm

Fancy Friday: NapTimeQuilts4Baby

I'm so pleased to review for my wonderful readers, this fabulous Etsy store. I'm sure most of you have heard of Etsy but just in case you haven't, let me start by telling you about this wonderful website. Etsy's primary focus is as an opportunity for the general public to buy and sell handmade items. I have always loved going to craft fairs and this great site is like being able to go to a craft fair every day, even every hour if you like! I am personally a huge supporter of buying handmade items and for so many reasons. A handmade item to me seems more full of love, care, and adds a special quality to any item. I love having items that are produced from skill instead of at a huge manufacturing plant.

Today, I have a wonderful Etsy shop to introduce you to. This shop is owned by a very sweet woman named Marci and her shop is named NapTimeQuilts4Baby. The direct link to her shop is at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5433472. Marci resides on a farm in Oregon with her 17 month old daughter and teaches middle school math 1/2 time. She's taken the last year off of teaching to stay home with her little one. She's been sewing for about 10 years, mostly gifts for her family. In November 2007, she was introduced to Etsy and started her shop. In January 2007, she began selling her baby quilts and learning toys at a gift shop as well. In June 2008, she opened up her fabric shop. She is hoping to spend the next few weekends sewing and adding new creations to her site that we will definitely have to check out.
The lovely product I'll be reviewing here today is her Snake Learning Toy. The original idea for this toy came from a free pattern she found online and she modified it. A few months ago she began offering toys made with organic wool and has found she really likes working with it. The snake learning toy is great for toddler-preschool age and is a toy that can grow with the child. The younger children enjoy feeling the different fabrics, buttons, and Velcro. The older children can practice their practical skills with this toy.

Our little ones can learn to tie...

Velcro....

Snap...

Button...

Play Creatively...

Then of course...there is chasing Grandma's with the snake

Then putting it in Grandma's bed at night so grandma will pretend to be scared and little one can laugh

My little girl is at that stage where she wants to prove she can do everything herself (and much she can thanks to Montessori practice). She spends a lot of time dressing, undressing, and redressing currently. This little toy gives her an opportunity to practice these skills while playing instead.

This toy is so well made and the sewing is spectacular. The fabric prints are so pretty too! The toys allows the child great fastening practice with the snake pieces having Velcro, buttons, snaps, and tying. This great toy combines imagination with motor development. I have to admit that some of the motor learning toys I've seen are...well...boring. This great toy gives her chance to better develop her motor skills while at the same time allowing for play, imagination, and creative use of the toy. Another reason (A REALLY BIG REASON) I love this toy is that it allows for quiet play. This toy is the perfect toy to take with you to church.

This product is offered at a great price. When I searched online, I found similar products selling for double the price she offers them at (and these were mass produced, not handcrafted with love)!

Below are a few pictures of her amazing baby/toddler quilts. They would make such a lovely and special gift for a little one that she could treasure forever and someday hand down to her own child:

She also offers child sized aprons, another huge plus for any Montessori mamas. I love that the aprons are reversible! She offers a fantastic price on these HAND SEWN aprons at only $10.50!
She's recently added handmade Christmas stockings to her store as well. I adore these so much! Again, the link to her shop is http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14479834.