Going to a Party? Get Fancy!

It seems like there's a birthday party to go to every other week! Having two boys, I'm used to shopping for the "Pirate, Star Wars, and Indiana Jones" type parties. However, when we get invited to a little girl's party, I rejoice! I never get to shop for the little ladies, so when I do, I like to go all out. One of my new favorites is to get fancy, with Fancy Nancy that is! For any of you who have been living on the moon, Fancy Nancy is an adorable little character with spunk and style. Written by Jane O'Conner and illustrated by the uber talented Robin Preiss-Glasser, Fancy Nancy is sure to become a fast favorite in your home.

I was recently introduced to the Fancy Nancy Posh Bedroom Game by Briarpatch. A great gift for the little birthday beauty in your life, this game is designed for little ones ages 5+ (although my four year old testers had no problem playing). The game requires no reading skills. All you need to do is gather 2-4 little cuties and play away transforming Fancy Nancy's bedroom from plain to posh! Take turns rolling the die to see what you get to add to your room: boas, ribbons, tiaras and more, the first one to complete the posh room makeover wins!

Visit the Briarpatch site and pick up the Fancy Nancy Posh Bedroom Game for the next posh party on your social calendar. Pair it with a Fancy Nancy book and some Fancy Nancy Dress Up Shoes and your gift will be the hit of the party!

Hot Huggers for Arms and Legs

Okay, so we all know Baby Legs makes cute leg warmers for babies and kids alike, but I have come across a new brand whose leg warmers are softer and don't cut off circulation for those little ones who have cubby legs. Huggalugs from Australia are made using a super soft cotton and nylon mix with a little spandex for stretch. And the thigh opening is a little bigger than the ankle opening, which keeps those terrible red marks from appearing on chubby thighs! They have a new organic line that has launched for Fall 2009. With over 70 patterns to choose from, there are Huggalugs to satisfy any fashion enthusiast. My favorites are the Mahendhi, Berry Mums and L'il Pirate (retail from $12.00 - $14.50). Huggalugs are the perfect gift for babies, kids and the expecting parents.

check out Huggalugs at http://huggalugsusa.com

Get a free bottle of Sauve - today only!

Sauve is doing their part to ensure we look good even when the economy is ugly by offering a one-day Suave Beauty Stimulus on January 14. We encourage women everywhere not to give up on their beauty - just to stop overpaying for it – and receive a FREE full size bottle of high performance product.

Click here for details!

Club Med’s Family Vacation Photo Album

Register on the new Club Med Canada Facebook FanPage, leave a comment in the discussion named "Cub Med's Family Vacation Photo Album Contest" for your chance to win one week family holiday exclusively from Club Med!! Who couldn't use a holiday right now?!!

Enter before November 15th!! For complete contest rules, click here.

Visit Club Med Canada Facebook FanPage

A Banana Saver A Day Keeps The Brown Spots Away

The Banana Saver has been my life saver. My son never liked to eat his bananas, which are his favorite fruit, in his school lunch if they had been smooched or browned in anyway. Since I have used the Banana Saver I haven't had one uneaten banana return home. He thinks it is just great. He also says he likes it because he can eat half for snack and save the other half for lunch with out it or his lunch box getting "all yucky."

The Banana Saver can be used for more than just protecting your banana. It also has a small slot at the other end where you can insert a popsicle stick, into a peeled banana and place into your freezer for a frozen banana treat. This product is dishwasher safe and cleans up easily.

This inexpensive banana saver has not only saved the bananas, but it has also saved me money from not having to through away so many bananas. Visit bananasaver.com to purchase your own today.

Golden Child Jewelry

You have to check out the swanky designs by Golden Child Jewelry! I have the Lightening & Thunder necklace! It is fab and funky! I like the fact that the chain is both gold and silver so you don't have to worry about mismatching your accessories as it matches with everything! I was told that Gwen Stefani also has the same necklace, so it is obviously a very fashionable piece! Golden Child Jewelry designs are bold and sassy and are all handmade in Maui by the owner and designer, Andrea Akeo.

To find out more, visit the website http://www.goldenchildjewelry.com/

Vincent Shoe Sale: Great Deals, Great Shoes!

One of my favorite shoe companies is having a fantastic Winter SALE, visit Vincent Shoes today and stock up on some great shoes at some great prices. Check out these Doris sandals for $11.25, adorable, and the Mini Betty only $6.25, oh I wish I had a girl. For boys, the Herman style is a great buy! Visit today before selection and sizes are all wiped out!

WiFi Fantasticness: Printing with the Epson Artisan 700

The last 8 weeks, have been sort of a nightmare for my family in the technology department. It started with my desktop crashing, followed by the death of my son's computer, and then there were none. We were computerless for a few weeks! What did we do before computers and the internet???

Anyhow fast forward to today and I've never been happier with my personal internet cafe! After a massive shopping spree at Best Buy, my son and I have new desktops (personal use) and I'm typing on my new laptop (business use) right now. Blissful, right? Well that's not even the best part! Normally each computer would need a printer. Not anymore. Thanks to the genius minds at Epson, you can now print wireless from any computer, anywhere in the house. The new Epson Artisan 700 is a super sleek, super fantastic WiFi printer sent from the heavens above. The printer was easy to install and has all the bells and whistles you need to print everything from a word document to ultra hi def photographs that last up to 4x longer than pics printed in a lab.

We've been using the Artisan 700 for about 2 weeks now and I honestly love EVERYTHING about it. From the ease of ink changing (no moving ink carriages, the inks just pop into place in the bottom right hand corner of the unit) to its compact size and capabilities, this thing does it all. The Artisan 700 allows you to go above and beyond with your creativity. Create greeting cards, calendars, personalize photos, print your own cds and dvds, and much, much more.

OH, and I forgot to mention it's a scanner too. I've already used the scanner a bunch. It's so fantastic that all of the computers in the house can use the scanner without any hook ups. I haven't tried it yet, but this little wonderment allows you to scan old photos and restore them. I am debating telling my mom about this feature. I'm not really that interested in becoming the family's full time photo restoration center!

All of the features of this printer are great, but the best feature is the price. For $149.99 (plus free shipping), you can purchase the Artisan 700 directly from Epson and immediately solve all of your printing problems. I have to say that sharing one printer for the whole household is so great. My hubby even added his laptop, so when he brings it home from work, he can print his purchase orders and other necessary documents. I'm telling you, ditch your current printers and go with the Epson Artisan 700, you won't regret it. I never thought I could feel such happiness when I hit the print button!

Visit Epson today and join the WiFi revolution!

Clickfree

This is a product everyone with a computer must have – it is awesome. And it is as easy as it sounds too! You simply plug it in and your Clickfree automatically backs up everything on your computer!! I love it! I no longer have to worry about losing my photos and files. Alot of people dont backup their files as they have no idea where to start, and are intimidated by the process. Clickfree is a simple, effortless way to save yourself alot of grief, time and money.

Clickfree would like to offer our readers an exclusive discount of $25 per unit with coupon code "cfr3304".

Visit www.goclickfree.com

Noobee

The Noobee is a multifunctional toy for your tot! It was designed to keep your baby's hands busy while feeding and at the same time keeping their mind active. The Noobee comes in the Jr. or Sr. The Noobee has the full alphabet and numbers 0-20 on one side, and on the other side bright objects and shapes on the Jr. (newborn Noobee) and Nursery Rhymes on the Sr.(preschooler Noobee). It is made of a soft microfleece fabric so it is appealing to your baby`s sense of touch. The Noobee can fit easily into your purse or diaper bag to keep your child busy any place, any time – in the car, the doctor's office, grocery store, mall. A fabulous toy developed by a fellow Canadian Mom!

Visit www.pookafun.com

Ease the Flu with a Sick Bear Bowl

Unfortunately, the flu has hit our house this holiday season and it has spread like wild fire to all four of us. Luckily, my boys didn't have to spend any time hugging the toilet. Instead, they could stay in the comfort of their rooms knowing that their Sick Bear Bowl would do the job. Simple and sturdy, the melamine bowl comes in three colors, pink, yellow & blue. It is the perfect size for little ones, not too big, not too small with child sized handles. It doesn't tip and is dishwasher safe.

Visit www.sickbear.com today and pick up a Sick Bear Bowl for your little ones. Shop now and receive a free TY Stuffed Animal of your choice (while supplies last) with your purchase of any Sick Bear Bowl. This is a great deal for only $10!

Purchase today and tuck the bowl and buddy away for the next time your little one is feeling under the weather, it will make a perfect little pick me up!

Dry Weather? Lips Rejoice with Supergoop!

Looking for a way to protect your lips during the cold dry winter? Check out the 4 Lips Pocket Stick Set by Supergoop and give all the lips in your household some love! Made by the same company who makes my favorite sun protection products, Supergoop goes above and beyond any other lip protection. This minty twist up easy to use lip balm is a must have for any pocket, purse or backpack. The aloe based SPF 30 protection is combined with Vitamins A, C & E to make your pucker feel smooth, soothed & protected from the sun. Whether you're hitting the slopes, sand, or shops, don't leave home without your Supergoop!

On a side note, my family went up to the local mountains today and both of my boys have very sensitive skin that chaps after one lick in the cold. We brought our Supergoop Pocket Sticks and guess what??? No chapped lips!

Visit www.supergoop.com and protect the lips you love!

Santa Speaking

My kids just got their call from Santa this evening and the looks on their faces were priceless! This is our second time receiving this service and it is an absolute 'must' for our family every year! My sons even asked, 'I wonder if Santa is going to phone again this year?". I absolutely love to watch them as Santa asks about what they have been up to and what is on their Christmas list. He tells the kids that they are on his good list and also, he mentions things they could improve on. My oldest sons' mouth dropped to the floor a few times, it was funny. Each call is totally personalized with tons of personal details that only "Santa" would know about their life. You can also request a copy of your recording so you can listen back to the whole conversation. A great keepsake item!

Visit www.SantaSpeaking.com

Joobles: Love At First Squeeze

Looking for a new lovie for your little one this holiday season? Meet the Joobles from Fair Indigo! The most adorable little characters I've seen in a long time, these soft and squishy creatures are hand made in Peru under fair trade conditions (READ MORE NOW). They are made of organic cotton and dyed with eco-friendly dyes, so you can be sure your little one can love away with no worries about safety issues. There are 9 Joobles to choose from and trust me, the choice will be hard. I promise you though, no matter who you choose, you'll instantly fall in love. My favorites are Fair Bear and Jiffy the Giraffe.

Visit the Fair Indigo site today and purchase with pride. I mean how often can you buy something and KNOW for SURE that the people creating it are being treated the way you'd want to be treated? Great concept, great company and super cute products! Shop Fair Indigo this holiday season and give gifts of goodness.

IT'S A SWANKY GIVE AWAY!
Which is your favorite Jooble? Send your answer to me at heather@swankymoms.com If you're the lucky 10th person, you will win your very own Jooble to cuddle with.

Magnet Street's Swanky Christmas Cards

I am so excited to send out my Christmas cards this year because they are SO cool!! Not only are they wonderful photos taken by my favorite photographer and friend, Tere Quintanilla, but they are a fabulous design by Magnet Street and the best part.....the card is a magnet!! Your friends and family will be super impressed with your holiday cards this year!

Magnet Street is fantastic! They have all sorts of fabulous layouts and designs and you can upload them yourself and change fonts, colors, etc. It is like your own custom printing shop! Magnet Street has designs for the holidays, weddings, birth announcements, business cards, and much more!

For a limited time only, enter SAVE50, good for 50% off!

Visit www.magnetstreet.com

PS Merry Christmas from my family to yours this holiday season!
xxxooo Amber Hewitt, Owner of SwankyMoms.com

Photography By Tere Couture

Smarty Santa Chooses Smart-e-Bear!

The hottest new gift for all good little boys and girls this year should definitely be Smart-e-Bear or another member of his crew, Smart-e-Cat &
Smart-e-Dog. No matter which furry friend Santa chooses, your little one will not be disappointed! When you think of electronic toys, soft and cuddly doesn't normally come to mind. However, the Smart-e-Bear and friends are so soft and squishy, that you will forget all about the little box inside that makes them come to life.

When our Smart-e-Bear arrived, I couldn't get him out of the box quick enough. My 4 year old was immediately drawn to him and was playing Simon Says before I could even free him from his twist ties. All of a sudden, there was my 7 year old (usually way to cool for a "stuffed" animal) fighting for it. Is it really that cool? YES!

Smart-e-Bear and friends have an internal box that acts as their "brain." The software includes preloaded songs, games, and stories that are appropriate for little ones. With a squeeze of a hand or foot, your cutie can navigate their way around, choosing exactly what they want to listen to or play. The fun doesn't stop there though! Smart-e-Bear and friends each come with a USB cord and can be connected to your computer. The Smart e Bear site is sort of an "iTunes" for kids. You can purchase additional songs, stories, and games as well as add your child's name so that their new friend greets them personally!

The Smart-e-Bear makes the perfect gift for any little one on your holiday shopping list. Designed for kiddos 2 and up, you can choose what you put on your little one's new best buddy. Add some lullabies for nap time or have a dance party after breakfast! Smart e Bear and friends are sold at retailers nationwide. Costco seems to have the best deal. However if you don't have a membership, there are other options. Visit the Smart e Bear site to find a store near you.

IT'S A SWANKY GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!
ONE lucky Swanky Mom will get their very own Smart e Bear this holiday season! Visit the Smart-e-Bear site and take a look around. Be the 2nd person to e-mail me at heather@swankymoms.com and tell me 2 awards that this great product has won and you will be our lucky winner!

Dark Night, Bright Feet, Brilliant Idea!

Ok, so I have to say I have found this year's gift worthy of giving to everyone on your holiday shopping list! When I first discovered Bright Feet, I chuckled, I mean light up slippers, silly right? Ummmm, no! Genius. These things are perhaps one of the most fabulous inventions I have ever come across. I've been wearing them the last few nights and I have to say they are the most useful item I have ever slid my feet into. Not only are they comfy, but they are built to last. The soles are sturdy and perfect for walking indoors or outdoors. Their surface is easy to clean, and the battery compartment is hidden well, but easy to get to.

How do they work? Super simple, these "smart" slippers have a sensor on the side that tells them if it's dark out. A little pressure from your little piggies, along with some darkness, and voila! A bright path awaits you. My favorite use, going upstairs in the dark. I also used them last night to take out some trash and to switch the laundry in the garage. I'm telling you, Bright Feet are something you never knew you needed, until you have them!

There are so many uses for Bright Feet. If you're a camper, these are perfect for walking around the campground at night. Need a night time potty break and don't want to wake anyone up with the lights? Slip them on and head to the bathroom. Nursing mommies or bottle feeding daddies can wear them and make it safely to baby without disturbing anyone. Also great for power outages, or emergencies.

Bright Feet come in 5 different colors. Their sizing is clear and true to size and they are unisex, so they're easy to buy for all of the feet on your shopping list! This year I plan to buy them for several people on my list including dad, grandpa, grandma, uncle and auntie too!

My only complaint? I'd love to see Bright Feet in kids sizes. I can just imagine the fun with a family "Light's Out Dance Party!" Visit Bright Feet today and brighten up your holiday season.

*Free shipping with 2 or more pairs!

Great Girlfriend Gift Alert: FUMI

It's very seldom that I post a review THE DAY I get the item. But I'm telling you this little puppy is a must have for anyone that carries a handbag. The perfect girlfriend gift this holiday season? The FUMI. I know you're probably thinking, "The What?" FUMI, it stands for Fashionable Unique Multi-purpose Innovation. Simple and elegant looking, this thing is a beast! Strong as an ox, I tell ya. The FUMI is a purse holder (but also doubles, I mean triples, as a bracelet or purse accessory). I tested the FUMI out today on a Tory Burch tote FILLED with all of my mommy goodies: wipes case, wallet, make up bag, check book, camera, the works. My bag is heavy and the FUMI kept it all in check, balancing perfectly on the edge of the table keeping my bag up off the floor with ease. The FUMI now has a permanent spot in my bag. I can't wait to take it out to dinner (yes, it deserves its own date).

Whether you carry a tiny handbag or a mega mommy bag, the FUMI is a must have. Visit their site today and stock up on girlfriend gifts! There are seven different styles and lots of other fun goodies at the FUMI site. I also think this would be a great teacher gift and if you've got teens, tell Santa it makes a perfect stocking stuffer.

A Great New Year's Resolution for Kids: READ More!

Looking for a great gift that will double as a great New Year's Resolution for kids? Give the gift of reading! Excite Books is a new program that allows children to get their hands on new books every month. Easy and affordable, all you do is go to the Excite site and choose a grade level, from preschool to teen. There's also an option to receive cook books or puzzle/activity books. You then choose your plan, between one and 3 books a month. The price ranges from $4.99 to $14.99, depending on the amount of books you choose. Once you've chosen and paid, your surprise package (teacher approved books) arrives in a super fun red metallic envelope. Who doesn't love flashy mail!?!?!

We tried out the 3 book pack which also comes with some surprise goodies (wooden glider, bubbles, etc). Another item in the package is a postage paid envelope addressed to a school in need! Why you ask? Let me tell you:

What I love most about Excite Books is the charity aspect. When your little ones are over their new titles, they can choose to ship them off to a school library in need. However, if they love the book, they keep it! The choice is theirs. My boys each got a package (one pre k and one first grade). They chose to keep a few and send a few. So cool and so affordable!

What kid doesn't love mail? A cool looking package filled with educational items that helps kids learn about charity, you can't beat that! As a former teacher, I think this is a fantastic program, definitely worth a try. AND, speaking of try, Excite Books is happy to give you a free trial of their program (just pay shipping). Another great feature of this company? No pressure. If you're done, your done. There's no contract and you can cancel at any time.

Visit Excite Books today and sign up the little reader in your life!

Little Ruler, Just Like Daddy USED to Wear!

Oh my! Can you say, instant flashback?

Skater boys, I used to love them in high school... And now, I have one in training. Knowing how wild those boys were, I'm not sure if it's good or bad that my son is following in daddy's skateboarding footsteps. Nonetheless, he can at least bring back the style. Little Ruler has all of the old school skate designs that will jog your memory. With everything from Independent Trucks to Santa Cruz classics, you're sure to find a tee or onesie that will take you back. They even have Thrasher Magazine gear, so super fun. I absolutely LOVE our new Little Ruler tees, they fit well, are super soft, and the designs couldn't be cooler. My only complaint? We need big boy sizes in all this cool stuff too, please!

Little Ruler also has rockin' band tees and onesies that match the taste of the old school skater music. I mean where else will you find a Black Flag onesie or a Descendents toddler tee???

Looking for something a little more mainstream? Done! They also carry brands like Hurley, Quiksilver, DC, Vans, DVS & Reef. Visit Little Ruler today for some GREAT sales, they've got Reef Flip Flops on sale for as low as $6, a total steal considering I paid, well, much more than that for the same ones elsewhere... Go. Shop. Now!

Visions of Chocolate Dance in My Head

If I get to pick between Sugarplums and Chocolate this holiday season, I totally pick chocolate! Visit Chocolate Impressions and create some tasty treats that will be the talk of the holiday season. This super fun (and super delicious) site allows you to put your own picture on anything and everything chocolate. Choose from ornaments, cookies, portraits, CD's and more! If you are a business owner, think holiday gifts, who's going to forget a chocolate business card!?!?! How about sweetening up your packages this year? Design a "Mini Disc" chocolate gift tag (Love from... with your family picture) and attach them to your gifts.

Visit Chocolate Impressions today and have a chocolaty holiday season, YUM!

Sweet Shopping at Sugarplum Dreams!

Looking for some great deals on this year's holiday gifts (without ever leaving your house)? Visit Sugarplum Dreams and save 15% on all orders over $50. Sugarplum Dreams is your one stop for all gifts baby and more. Their user friendly site allows you to shop with ease and their selection is fabulous. Use the code "swankymoms15" at checkout! Happy Shopping!

Monkeying Around Has Never Been So Fun!

I think I've found my new favorite toy company! With two boys who love to monkey around, Monkey Business Sports has tons of unique toys that are sure to keep them busy, active and having a blast! We recently gave their Stomp Walkers a spin and I'm telling you, if my 7 year old could wear them to school, he would. A few years back we saw a parade at Disney's California Adventure that had several stilt walkers along the route. Since then, we've been to the circus and have seen various performances with "stilt" type entertainment.

Both of my boys are completely obsessed with stilts, and have been wanting their own. I've been nixing the idea, "No way, stilts are not for kids, you have to take lessons, they are dangerous, blah blah blah." BOY WAS I WRONG! I never even knew "kid friendly" stilts existed until I found Monkey Business Sports. Technically, Stomp Walkers are for ages 6 and up, but these things are so kid friendly that even my four year old can do them (he just needs a little help getting up).

Supporting up to 100 pounds, Stomp Walkers have a wide foam base that look like giant feet! The platforms are also nice and big, so little ones can hop up and stay on. Another fantastic feature is the fact that Stomp Walkers are super easy to put together. It took me less than 10 minutes to get them up and running.

Visit Monkey Business Sports today, and check out all of their wonderful gear. You're sure to find something perfect for the monkeys in your life. Oh, and you might want to tell Santa about this site! Keep an eye out Swanky Moms, there's more Monkey Business to come...

Put an extra SPARKLE in your daily life!

The Ultimate Rhinestone Kit

Almost all little girls love things that sparkle, and my daughter is no different. I was always looking for a way to add an extra sparkle to her outfits, but was not quite sure how until I found "The Ultimate Rhinestone Kit".

This kit comes with everything you need to get started and addicted to embellishing just about everything! The kit comes complete with all that you need all the way down to the 150 Swarovski crystals in 3 different sizes. What I like best about the kit is all the fine tuning tools that are included that allowed me to create with ease. The fine metal tips allowed me percise application of the glue with the finest of dots, and the wax crayon gave me complete control of the rhinestone placement. Nothing was left out of this kit.

My addiction started with adding an extra sparkle to my daughter's fairy wings for her Halloween costume and has continued on from there. With this kit, and the purchase of addional rhinestones, I have embellished shoes, bows, shirts and a lunch box! Now everything else on my daughter sparkles as much as her smile does.

Visit SanDanceInc.com to purchase The Ultimate Rhinestone Kit and to check out other wonderful items they have to offer.

Huru Humi Doll

Short for “Who are you? Who am I?”, the Huru Humi dolls are interactive dolls with their own little personalities and expressions. The Huru Humi collection was designed to interact with tweens and other Huru Humi dolls. Your Huru Humi can tell jokes, chat, play games, and more! You can also customize the look of your Huru Humi with the optional accessories. A fun way for your child to play with a friend who is available for them 24-7!!

Huru Humi would like to offer 2 of our Swanky Moms' readers a doll! If are interested in entering this contest, please send us an email to newsletter@swankymoms.com and tell us what you like about the Huru Humi collection and we will enter your name in the draw. The two winners will be randomly selected. This contest is open to US and Canadian residents only. The contest will end at 11:59pm on Thursday, November 27th and winners announced on November 28th.

To find out more, visit www.huruhumi.com

Dabbawalla Bags: So Cute, So Fun, I Guarantee You'll Want One!

The minute I walked by the Dabbawalla Bags booth at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas, I fell in love with them. The bright colors and adorable designs caught my eye and then when I spoke with Swanky Mom and creator, Susan Givens, I knew I had to share this amazing line with our readers.

Not only do these bags bring a smile to your face, but they are also flawless in design. Roomy and easy to carry, the bags were designed for the preschool/elementary aged munchkin in mind. They are flexible, strong, and made of water resistant neoprene. and have zippers that are easy for little hands to use. Dabbawalla Bags come in two styles, lunch bags and backpacks. I am in love with the ladybug lunch bag. I have to confess, I've been using it more than my kids! I've also been using it as a snack bag when we are out and about. I love that it's "squishy" and can fit just about anywhere. Another bonus? The bag stores completely flat!

You think I'm done? Nope! Not only does this company have an amazing product, but they have an amazing story to boot. Dabbawalla Bags has partnered with a woman owned and operated facility in rural Taiwan to manufacture lead safe, PVC Free bags that are dyed with certified safe dyes. Dabbawalla Bags has provided the company with a micro loan that has helped the factory to expand and meet its growing business, which in turn provides valuable fair wage jobs for woman in this rural area.

Wondering what Dabbawalla means? Susan is a former travel industry executive with a passion for India. During her travels there she was constantly fascinated with the complex system of dabbawallas, delivery man who brought home cooked lunches to thousands of office workers.

Visit Dabbawalla Bags today and get some great gear with an even greater story!

ZipBins: Creativity+Organization = Perfection!

Last year we had the pleasure of reviewing this fantastic line and I'm thrilled to have them back this holiday season! ZipBins are perhaps one of my all time favorite toys. I have a huge pet peeve with storage. Being a super over organized person, I love a product that has a solution, play then put away. Zip Bins allow kiddos to do exactly that. With an added bonus of portability, ZipBins can easily be an "on the go" toy as well. All ZipBins unzip to form a flat play surface that allows children to immerse themselves in creative play.

I absolutely love the Mini Farm ZipBin and so did our "testers." It's a great solution for a grab and go toy that you can whip out anywhere for a complete playset. The adorable bin looks like a little red barn and comes with a mini sheep, horse, pig and cow. What I love about ZipBins is that you can add your own toys to expand the fun! We have some other little farm animals as well as a little farmer figure that we added to our set and my boys love to play "pretend farm." Another show stopper is the ZipBin Softie Racer Play Set. This great set comes with two die cast vehicles and the "car" shaped back pack unzips to form a small village with drivable roads. Perfect for the Hot Wheels lovers in your life. Add a few more of your own cars and you're good to go! For the little ladies in your life, the ZipBin Chateau is fantastic. The super cute "play house" unzips to form a cute little cottage complete with rooms and comes with a doll. It also has "roof top" pool (aka lid) so your little one can throw a fabulous party for her dolls and their friends. Another great feature of the Chateau is that is has three storage pockets built in so that extra clothes and accessories can be tucked away when not in use.

Visit the ZipBin site today and stock up on your holiday gifts. This is literally a one stop shop for the little ones in your life. Affordable and adorable, you're sure to find the perfect theme for anyone. My personal favorite is the ZipBin Dinosaur. We received ours last year, and it has been used just about daily since. My boys had a bunch of dino figures that they added to their bin and after a romping roaring play session, it packs up nice and neat. Pass the word on to Santa, purchasing a ZipBin this holiday season will make both kids and grown ups happy!

Solid Threads: Go Green this Christmas!

Looking for a great tee this holiday season? The whole family can go green with these fantastically funny and eco friendly tees from Solid Threads. Living in California, we have the luxury of warmth year round. This winter break, my family will be sporting their "Word to Your Mother" tees from Solid Threads. These organic tees are not only soft and comfy, but purchasing them helps the environment! How can buying a shirt help the environment you ask? Well, with 10% of all organic tee sales going to the Alliance for Climate Protection, you can help global warming and look cool too!

Visit Solid Threads to check out all of their fun tees, they've got sizes for the whole family and they're sure to make you smile. I think the "That's How I Roll" Big Wheel design is hysterical. There are also some pretty funny "grown up" tees. If you need a White Elephant gift for the holidays, or are looking for a new St. Patrick's Day "drinking" tee, Solid Threads is your one shop stop! Comfy, hilarious, and eco friendly, you can't go wrong with Solid Threads.

Shop their site today and pick up some holiday gifts for the good humored people in your life!

Dreem

Dreem is a fabulous company for women, they carry a hip line of mommy and maternity tees. These tees are top of the line, made with 95% cotton, 5% spandex, making them very soft and comfortable to wear. Celebrate being a hot mom, soccer mom or not so desperate housewife with a sexy mommy tee! Lots of cool designs to choose from! A great place for us 'swanky moms' to shop!

Visit www.shopdreem.com