A New Direction

I miss blogging.

I love to write. It gives me a feeling of peace and serenity. I also feel like I have so much I want to say that sometimes I feel like I might burst. I always have ideas, just not enough time to pursue them all or share them all. Upon reflecting on how much I have been neglecting this blog, I have decided to take it in a new direction.

For those of you that have been following, I will still occasionally put some updates about my adorable kids (Olive and Buttons) so you can continue to see what kinds of shenanigans we get into around here. Plus, they are just plain comic relief sometimes. Who can resist cute kids getting into mischief?? But I want to focus on some other aspects as well. I do still want to continue to point out the little things in life that make me happy and that I must savor because the moments flee so quickly and are soon forgotten. I want to bring you tips on things that make life easier and simpler so you can also take some time to enjoy the little moments. I will bring you product reviews (the good, the bad, and the ugly - but mostly the good), money-saving deals, quick and easy recipes, and general humor and fun. I am also making a concerted effort to be more "green" in my everyday life so will share with you my journey on that. This blog will be directed towards anyone and everyone who feels that their life is just a little too busy and hectic and could use some moments of zen sprinkled in. I don't want to be another one of those "mom blogs" because although they are useful, there are so many of them, and I want to appeal to more than just moms. I will always be looking for new products to review, new deals to be had, and all sorts of input from others so please please please contact me with any ideas or if you have a product you'd like reviewed (or if you want to advertise on the site).

I'm always open for comments and suggestions so please give me ideas of what you'd like to see. I will also return to doing some giveaways too.

Happy reading!!

Lindsey

Tuesday's Tip: Be Child-Like

Olive and I are here in Florida visiting my family and having some fun while poor Dennis is stuck at home transforming my former office into a new bedroom for Olive (she will move in there since it's bigger and the baby will get her old room - a perfect nursery). My parents and I took Olive for her first trip to Disney World over the weekend and let me just say - it was MAGICAL. Amazing. WAY better than I ever would have dreamed. And definitely more exciting as a parent than it ever was a child. Olive was a champ - she went and went and went. We rode several rides, watched the parade, climbed treehouses and play areas, met with lots of characters, and even stayed up to watch the fireworks over Cinderella's castle from our hotel room. All in all, an absolutely perfect trip (except for missing Dennis!) I've had so much fun both at Disney and here at my parents' house with her just enjoying being a kid again that I thought that would be a good tip for today. Just have fun - cut loose - be a kid - and don't worry what anyone else has to say about it (they're just jealous!) Here's just a (very) small sampling of some of our pics from Disney to share.



Arriving at the airport, ready for fun



At the entrance to Disney - Olive, me, and my mom



Olive and my mom watching the parade at Main Street Disney



Riding Dumbo the Elephant



My dad and Olive, with her souvenir Minnie Mouse ears



She got her face painted like Tinkerbell!



Meeting with Mickey and Minnie

Princess Aurora (aka Sleeping Beauty)

our favorite princess, Cinderella

Princess Belle (from Beauty & the Beast)

Remember these guys? Chip and Dale - she thought they were so silly ;)

Breakfast with Minnie Mouse

Breakfast with Goofy

Breakfast with Donald Duck

Breakfast with Chef Mickey

Breakfast with Pluto

Dancing on a platform and screaming (with arms in the air) - "We're going to party FOREVER!"

On the way home, we stopped at a fruit stand and ate fresh grapefruit. Dig in!

Tuesday's Tip: Watch a stupid movie

Sometimes we get so busy that we forget to take time out to do something just completely for fun, like watching a stupid movie that makes you laugh.

Last weekend, in the midst of the majority of the room transition (my office is becoming Olive's new room), Dennis and I took a break to relax and watch a comedy. We saw this movie, Role Models, which I think was surprisingly hilarious. It features Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (McLovin from Superbad), along with Elizabeth Banks (Scrubs, Zack & Miri Make a Porno). Also featured is Jane Lynch (manager from 40 Year Old Virgin). The basis of this story is that these two guys (Rudd & Scott) work for an energy drink company and they get in trouble and have to do community service working with kids. This is their hilarious tale of the worst role models who turn out to be OK in the end. Lots of debuts by other actors from these sorts of funny movies (the party guy from Superbad, the doctor from Knocked Up, etc.) Definitely gave us a good laugh and provided a little respite from reality. Like many of the similar kinds of movies, the language is foul and it can be a little questionable for the pure of heart but certainly a lot of fun.

Heidi's Heavenly Cookies - a delicious little treat

We just received a gift from a friend from Heidi's Heavenly Cookies and let me be the first to say that these may very well be the best cookies I've ever eaten. That's saying a lot, considering I eat a lot of cookies and am a self-professed sweet junkie. These cookies are SO good. Nothing I could say or do could possibly prepare you for the pure joy and ecstasy that comes when you take a little nibble of these delicious treats. Upon browsing their site, I think the ones we've tried are the various cookies in the Bites Assortment which include Oatmeal Raisin Bites (pretty good), Chocolate Chip Bites (very good), Toffee Chocolate Chip Bites (damn near perfect), and Chocolate Eclipse Bites (pretty good). We also were privileged to receive some of the English Toffee Candy (it doesn't get any better than that). I will definitely be ordering some of these as gifts for others because they are so above and beyond yummy. Check them out today and leave a comment with what looks best to you. My favorites are the Toffee Chocolate Chip Bites and the English Toffee Candy.

*Note: All items from Heidi's Heavenly Cookies are potentially cross-contaminated with nuts so keep out of reach of little nut-allergic kiddos (Olive thinks the pretty box contains a note from a friend, she has no idea about the yummy treats within, which, sadly enough, she'll never eat.)

Tuesday's Tips: Chicken Recipes

I am not the best cook you'll ever meet. I don't mind cooking per se but am often stunted on ideas and find the pre-planning of several meals per week a real bore. On top of this, I used to be much more creative and inspired in the kitchen but with a nagging toddler, it can really wear me out. I now typically prepare the majority of the dinner stuff during naptime (even more of a drag - I just want to rest). We predominantly eat chicken in this house and I've prepared two yummy chicken meals over the past week that meet my requirements: relatively simply and delicious. As always, I tweak recipes to fit what ingredients I have on hand so try some variations.

Three Pepper Chicken (not sure who should get credit for this recipe - I did not invent it myself - I'm sorry I can't remember who gave it to me)
1 TBS. all-purpose flour
20 saltines, crushed
1 tsp. Italian seasoning (I used Italian breadcrumbs)
4 4oz. boneless chicken breasts
1/4 cup egg substitute (I used regular egg)
1 cup red, yellow, &/or green pepper strips (I used all)
1 medium onion, cut in strips
1 clove garlic, crushed
3 TBS. margarine/butter
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups hot cooked bowtie pasta (I served over Jasmine rice instead)
chopped parsley, for garnish (I'm not that fancy)

In shallow bowl, combine crackers and Italian seasoning. Dip each chicken breast in egg substitute & coat with cracker mixture; set aside. In large nonstick skillet, over med-high heat, cook peppers, onion, & garlic in 1 TBS margarine until tender crisp; remove from skillet. In same skillet, cook chicken in 1 TBS margarine until golden brown on both sides, adding remaining margarine as needed, about 5-10 minutes. Remove chicken to serving platter; keep warm. Blend chicken broth & flour, stir into pan drippings. Heat until mixture thickens and begins to boil; stir in pepper mixture & heat through. Serve over chicken with pasta (or rice). Garnish with parsley.


Chicken Divan - Paula Deen

2 10-oz. packages frozen broccoli, chopped
6 cups shredded chicken, cooked
2 10.75-oz. cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream (I substituted cottage cheese b/c I forgot the sour cream, OK but s.c. is better)
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
1 TBS. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. curry powder
salt and pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan (I used the canister)
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs (Again, the canister)
2 TBS. butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350. Remove the outer wrappers from the boxes of broccoli. Open 1 end of each box. Microwave on full power for 2 minutes, until thawed. Drain the broccoli and put into a casserole dish. Add the shredded chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, Cheddar, lemon juice, curry powder, salt and pepper, to taste, and wine. Whisk together to make a sauce. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken. Mix well with a spatula. Place the mixture into a 11x7 casserole dish or 2 (9 inch) square disposable aluminum foil pans that have been sprayed with vegetable oil cooking spray. Pat down evenly and smooth with a spatula. Combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs, and butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake for about 30-45 minutes. Cook's Note: Try topping with Cheddar or Gruyere cheese.

Last Minute Holiday Shopping Tip

I had just a few last things to get today so I could send out some packages to distant relatives but I was stumped. What to get?? What part of town or area could I go to that I could get something for these several random people still on my list? Maybe gift cards? But not all to the same place, hmm... I was in a quandary so I called in the expert (Mama). She said, "Do you need to go to the grocery store today?" Huh?? Did she want me to send groceries?? "Uh, yeah, actually I do, why?" Then she reminded me that at most grocery stores they have oodles and oodles of gift cards from every sort of place imaginable. WHAT A GREAT IDEA!!! So I went and bought some groceries and finished some of my Christmas shopping, just like that. How nice! Word to the wise though: If you buy an American Express or Visa gift card (not sure about MasterCard, they were out of those), they charge a $3.95 or $4.95 fee for it so not sure if that's worth it to me. Think you can get Visa Check Cards and such at your bank for face value (ie, no extra fees). Anyway, just something to think about it if you're stumped and also out of time. Gift cards are also great for out of town gifts because it's so cheap to ship them! Bonus! Happy shopping!

Tuesday's Tips: Be on the lookout for holiday deals

Every year it seems like Christmas comes earlier and earlier. This year I saw my first Christmas stuff in stores in August, alongside the back-to-school stuff. AUGUST. 4 MONTHS BEFORE CHRISTMAS! This used to really annoy me - let me enjoy all the other holidays first! - but this year, it seems just right. I want to get things done early. I always say that and rarely do it but with toddler in tow, holiday shopping can be a nightmare. Hence comes the beauty of online shopping. Not only do you avoid the stores but you probably also save a few bucks because you aren't tempted by the 30 other "cute" things on the way to the register. Online shopping is also wonderful for those out-of-town friends and relatives - you'd have to send it to them anyways so save yourself the hassle of wrapping & packaging it (and visiting the dreaded Post Office) and have gifts sent directly. How wonderful! Several sites will also be doing free shipping promotions between now and the big day. Lots of stores and websites also do amazing deals right now where you can really get a good bang for your buck. So keep your eyes open, list in hand, and get shopping. I am hoping to get a lot of my shopping done early so I have time for my favorite holiday activity - baking. I bake lots of yummies for friends and neighbors (and maybe snitch a few bites myself!) I've not really started too much on my shopping yet (though I have pretty good ideas what I am getting everyone) but we've already done Olive's picture with Santa, working on our Christmas cards, and researching deals. It's tough work, but somebody's gotta do it! The first snow flurries hit here this morning and it's making me even more in the Christmas spirit. So shop early and remember to save some gifts, food, etc. for those who need it this season. They should be on your list too.

Rainy Day Activities

Being born and raised in the Sunshine State, I have very little appreciation for endless gloomy, rainy days. Every once in awhile it is nice but after awhile, it gets old.

On top of that, I have a toddler with the activity level of a Mexican jumping bean and between the two of us, we get a little stir crazy so I've been trying to think of some fun indoor activities for us during these seemingly endless gloomy days. Here are a few ideas I've come up with:

1. Good old-fashioned coloring book coloring

2. Coloring printables - find your kids' favorite characters and print them out for free at www.noggin.com or www.nickjr.com. They also have lots of fun craft ideas. We now have a Dora Thanksgiving placemat colored oh-so-prettily in blue. You can also find other printables at www.crayola.com.

3. Online games at www.noggin.com, www.nickjr.com, and www.disney.com.

4. Finger painting, watercolor painting, or better yet - Color Wonder painting

5. Arts & crafts projects - this can be as simple as sticking stickers on a piece of paper to something more elaborate for older kids. You can draw a scene of something and have the kid put stickers/decorations/color in areas you specify for them (ie, put a sticker of a flower OUTSIDE of the house). Color the dog's ears brown. etc. etc. For kids who know their numbers or letters, you can do color by number.

6. Thanksgiving craft idea - Tom the Turkey - trace your child's hand on construction paper, have them help you cut it out, then decorate with feathers or other scraps of colorful construction paper

7. Read some books together.

8. Cut out pictures from old magazines and make a collage of your child's favorite things. Then send to Grandma for an early Christmas gift (bonus: saves time and money at the store!)

9. Bake cookies or cupcakes together - be sure to check out the book Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann beforehand so the kids will be forewarned not to eat too many cupcakes ;)

10. Build a fort.

11. Hide and seek

12. Scavenger hunt

13. Build an indoor obstacle course.

14. Turn up the music and DANCE!

15. Help Mommy fold the laundry. Oops, how did that one get in there? Well it's a good chance to catch up on that too ;)

16. If all else fails, grab your favorite animated movie (ie, the one that annoys you the least), a bowl of popcorn, and curl up on the couch and have a quiet afternoon snuggling together.

Tuesday's Tips: Spread Generosity

Do something nice for someone today.

So it's a little early to think about Christmas, but we're headed into the time of giving where we think quite often about others. Unfortunately, we aren't as generous throughout the year as we can be during the holidays but it's time to start doing so, if even just a little bit.

Here are some ideas for kind things to do for others in the coming days and weeks:

1. Clean out your closets and donate your clothes, especially winter ones - there are so many people who will be cold this winter - go ahead and throw out that old jacket that you don't like - someone else will benefit from it's warmth

2. Write an old fashioned letter. Grandparents and great grandparents particularly appreciate this type of gesture. Send pictures to them too.

3. Make dinner for a friend or neighbor who needs the break. (someone with a new baby, a death in the family, friends who are coming to town, a particularly busy week, or just because...)

4. Offer to buy a friend a coffee. It will give you a chance to catch up and have some fun too!

5. Adopt a family for the holidays. Many of us moan and groan at the ridiculous amounts of toys our kids will get this Christmas from doting aunts and grandmas but there are so many children who have no toys under the tree (or no tree).

6. Volunteer in a soup kitchen for Thanksgiving or donate money or food so others may appreciate this holiday too.

7. Offer to watch a friend's kids so she can get her hair cut or go grocery shopping alone (what a luxury!)

There's no limit to what you can do and it doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. Just do something nice to make someone's day. I try to do something nice every day and hope that I at least sometimes succeed in making other people a little happier.

Tuesday's Tips: Never Trust the "Professionals"

That sounds sorta negative, doesn't it?

But the point I'm making here is that just because you pay someone to do something (give you advice, complete a task, etc.) doesn't always mean that they do it correctly or have your best interests in mind.

For example, this year I insisted that we get an accountant to do our taxes as I knew they'd be a bit more complicated with the business and the part-time contract work I was doing. I just knew that this was a great idea. I went with a referral from another small business owner and have never been more disappointed in my life. I won't get into all the nitty gritty, but let's sum it up by saying that it is now October (6 months after tax time) and we're still dealing with the fallout of the terrible job they did.

Another important thing is doctors and medical personnel. If you're lucky (or you live in a small town), you may get a doctor who actually cares, but unfortunately, more often than not, you just see someone who wants to get you in and out as fast as they can and move on to the next patient. Rarely do they take the time to get ALL the facts and they're so fast to whip out their prescription pad and send you on your way (they get lots of perks from the drug rep people and it's faster and easier to just give you some drugs than get to the bottom of it). I think it's important to question their decisions and diagnoses and tell them if you feel uncomfortable with anything they say. Sometimes it really is the best or only course of action, but you know your own body better than anybody else.

One other category that I think often falls short is contractors. You hire someone to paint your house, fix the leaky faucet, or whatever, and assume that they do a good job because you have no idea what they're doing. But it's important to double check their work and if you're not satisfied, question the way they did something or why or the price. Be sure to get estimates too, but realize that the cheapest is also not always the best. Same goes for car repairs. This is all too frustrating for me as a woman. I know nothing about cars but I feel like I always want to send my husband to the car place because I think they will not try to weasel him as much as they will me. They always want you to buy something and they don't always fix it just right.

So anyways, all I'm saying is that if something doesn't seem right to you, even if you paid to have it done, question it because it's probably not right. You are the best advocate for yourself and your family - don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Tuesday's Tips

If you read this blog with any regularity, you will know that I love bath and body products (ok, let's call it like it is...it's really quite an obsession). I am always posting about great things I find and since I like to use different products each time because I feel like there are so many great ones out there, I find a lot of new ones. But today I am excited because I have just added a new line of natural bath and body products to my business. I did a write-up on a few of them yesterday over at my other blog - little pink pansy. Here's a brief synopsis...

SUGAR SOUFFLE SCRUB

If you prefer a good, exfoliating sugar scrub that doesn't leave an oil slick deathtrap in your tub after use, you will like these creamy, foaming, sugar souffle scrubs that are moisturizing without leaving oiliness behind. Made with scrubby natural turbinado sugar whipped into a creamy soap and glycerin base with natural essential oils and/or vegan synthetic fragrances.

PUMPKIN PIE & LAVENDER PERFUME

A study by The Smell & Taste Treatment & Research Foundation determined that the combination of pumpkin pie and lavender had more of an arousing effect on men. The fragrance is wonderful-- spicy sweet pumpkin mixed with the warm, distinctive floral of lavender.

MEN'S SHOWER SCRUB GEL

A thick, mildly foaming shower gel with lots of finely ground walnut shell to really scrub off the gunk! Tested on actual men! No parabens, acrylates, or propylene glycol.

ALL-NATURAL VEGAN LIP BALM

This hemp oil-based vegan lip balm is soothing and moisturizing, not too slick and not too hard and waxy! These are flavored with natural essential oils - no artificial flavoring.

LAVENDER BRUSH-ON CUTICLE BALM (VEGAN)

All-natural, soothing cuticle balm in a click-twist brush pen is easy to apply to cuticles. Made with all-natural and vegan apricot, jojoba and sweet almond oils, lavender essential oil, and vitamin e.

REFRESHING BODY SPRAY

These body sprays are made with certified organic aloe vera juice to soothe the skin and are completely alcohol-free.

WHIPPED SHEA BODY BUTTER

Real shea butter is whipped up with apricot kernel oil, coconut oil and meadowfoam oil, vegetable glycerin, fragrance oils, and vitamin e. And, I do mean WHIPPED until it has the consistency of frosting. Melts on contact with skin and is a skin-soothing luxury.

For more information on any of the products, simply click on the picture or click here to see all of our wonderful new products in our spa collection.

Tuesday's Tips - a day late

It's time to go a little more green and natural with your cleaning products.

I have been phasing out all of our harsh chemical products and replacing them all with more natural ones. One of my favorites thus far has been a carpet cleaner from Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day. It actually works amazingly well, even on those mysterious carpet discolorations and also on our couch. The one we have is Lemon Verbena scent (quite nice but subtle) Carpet Cleaner. I cannot find this on their website so perhaps they have discontinued it, but I did find this other carpet cleaner that I suspect is very similar. I was quite skeptical of these at first but have been really impressed with the results. You can order online or look up a retailer in your area. I think most Whole Foods stores carry them, as well as many others such as Target.

Some other great product lines are:

Method
Seventh Generation
Clorox Green Works
Simple Green

I have used all of these except for the Simple Green. The best part about these products (besides being natural and avoiding exposing yourself and your family to harsh chemicals) is that most of them are pretty cost-effective too. For the most part, they cost the same or just a tiny bit more than the regular cleaners. I will also soon be carrying a new line of natural cleaning products at my online shop - little pink pansy - so check back there soon.

Do your small part to help make our lives a little more natural and a little greener. The more we all do, the cheaper and more mainstream these things will become. If nothing else, it makes you feel good and clean to use them!

Lazy Woman's Ways to go Green Part 2

A few other things I did yesterday to help make a tiny impact...

Never drove my car.

We walked to the big neighborhood pool. Not only was this great exercise and saved some money and energy on gas, we also saved water by using the pool that was already set up rather than our baby pool at home.

So just a few more ideas on how to green up your days in small ways.

Lazy Woman's Way to Go Green

Most of us are looking for ways to go green and be even a little bit more environmentally-friendly. Well, in my summer laziness, I have realized that I have done a few things that help without even meaning to.

For example, in our bathroom, we have a light with three bulbs. About a week ago, one of them burnt out and I just haven't gotten around to changing it. But look, I saved lots of energy!

The drain in our bathroom sink seems to be a little slow. I have tried several times to pull out the stopper to clean it out but haven't been able to get it and am afraid I'll break it (need to ask Dennis for help). In the meantime, I have cut down on my water consumption so as not to fill the sink.

Yesterday, Olive and I were walking with our neighbors for exercise. We needed to go to the grocery and were walking right by it so instead of having to make a separate trip (and loading up the car, kid in the carseat etc.), we just stopped on our way back. This also meant we brought our super sturdy reusable bags because the plastic just wouldn't cut it to walk home with.

So, if you're lazy sometimes, don't beat yourself up - you may even be doing something great for the environment!

Tuesday's Tip

Eliminate those people, places, and things in your life that bring you down.

I have a hard time letting go of things. I'm too sentimental. I hold on to things much too long. But now it's time to say goodbye to things that you just don't need. There's no reason to keep friends, lovers, jobs, houses, etc. that you just don't like anymore.

Today I said goodbye and let something go that I held on to for much too long and you know what, it feels great. I feel liberated.

So go ahead and take that step and eliminate the negative things that you have control over. You will be surprised what it will do for your state of mind.

Tuesday's Tips

Wear a daily moisturizer with sunscreen built-in.

Sounds obvious, right? Well, I am just now getting around to doing this myself. Olive and I are outside so much and while it's easy to remember to spray down her precious little skin with sunscreen, mine doesn't always get the same attention. So I decided that I'd start using a daily facial moisturizer with a built-in SPF so if I didn't get around to putting some on me, at least I'd have some protection. There are many different facial moisturizers that include sunscreen. Many are SPF 15, which is better than nothing, but in my opinion, maybe not quite enough for the summer months. Mary Kay makes a tinted moisturizer with an SPF of 20 (see here) which I like because it saves a step - it's foundation and moisturizer and sunscreen all rolled into one. I use this one a lot, but have also just found these Neutrogena Healthy Defense ones with Helioplex, which is supposed to be really good for helping to fight the UVA and UVB rays. It's available in SPF 30 and 45 (pictured). I bought mine at Ulta and Wal-Mart, but is also available at Drugstore.com or probably just about anywhere you normally buy cosmetics (though the 45 is a little harder to find). If I can ever use up the mass quantities of great lotions that I have, I will also start using a daily body moisturizer with an SPF. Most of these are 15 but 15 is better than nothing, and is great for the daily in/out that most people do.

Have a healthy and happy summer!

Tuesday's Tips

If you live in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, DC, or West Virginia, get yourself to a California Tortilla location today as they are offering free food for kids. See details below, listed on their website.

Cal Tort won best kids casual dining in Washingtonian Magazine Best of Online Poll. To celebrate, Tuesday, July 15th is Kids Eat Free Day. For each adult entrée purchase up to 2 Kids (age 10 or younger) get to eat for free! For each Kids meal we give away we will give a meal to Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic. For more information about them, follow this link.

So think of all the ways you win with this one:

1. You don't have to cook.

2. You don't have to clean up.

3. You are helping donate to a great cause.

4. You don't have to pay for that half-eaten kids meal.

5. You don't have to cook.

6. Did I mention that you don't have to cook?

See you later with a tortilla in hand!!

Tuesday's Tips

Don't buy a convertible crib unless you're sure you can get the conversion rails.

I'm frustrated.

Olive has the bed pictured here. It's very pretty and is supposed to be a 4-in-1 bed (crib, toddler bed, day bed, and full-sized bed). I had these grand illusions of her having this bed for the rest of her life because it's so beautiful and the bonus is - hey, all you have to do is get the conversion rails and eventually, a full-sized mattress. Plus, it was a gift from her grandmother and how special is that?? That's all fine and well except now little Olive has taken to climbing out of her bed so it's time for the toddler bed rails. I ordered them in March and here it is, 4 months later, and I still do not have them. Apparently they are discontinued and this makes it quite difficult to get them. I finally got a nice guy at Baby Depot (where we bought the bed) to locate them for me and have them shipped to my local store. This was a week ago. They were shipped from a town just an hour or two away. After about 12 phone calls to my store trying to find ANYONE who could help (my guy hasn't been there and no one knows when he'll be there, they are all clueless) as well as someone who actually speaks English (I have found 2 now) and still NOTHING. Apparently, they have been shipped from the other store so hopefully they'll arrive today or tomorrow (and hopefully they will be the right item) and we can assemble the bed. But now I'm wondering if I need to go ahead and order the full-size conversion rails (I didn't want to jump her right to a full-sized bed - it would be too high I think, plus her room is too small). We were going to just take off the front rail and let it be a day bed, but she's a pretty restless and flippy sleeper and this bed is a little higher than the standard toddler bed. We may have to do that if these rails never come! Anyway, just my tip... If you decide to go with a convertible crib, go ahead and buy all the rails up front. And also note that in a bed like this one, the front rail is lower than the back and not so hard for a crafty toddler to scale out of, even at the lowest setting. (Olive did it for the first time around 17 months)

Pixie Bows blog

Two of my favorite people in the world are also some of my best suppliers for my business. They make the most adorable hair bows and accessories. They have been in business for several years, working side-by-side making bows and attending craft shows. However, a little over a year ago, Sharon relocated from Georgia to California and they decided to dissolve the business. Sharon continued making bows and other great items such as tutus while Holly became a mommy again to a darling little boy. But it seemed that the universe was pulling them back into business together so they have rejoined forces and made it a bi-coastal venture. Since they will no longer be able to easily attend events together, they are creating a wonderful new website with some standard designs for hair bows, flower clips, and other great hair accessories. I can't wait for this site to be launched ~ target date is October. In the meantime, they have set up a great new blog to discuss their business progress. I still have lots of bows left over from their previous collections and they can be found here. Just as soon as their new collection is complete, I assure you that they will be up on the Little Pink Pansy site. Their bows are probably our biggest seller - they're a huge hit and almost all customers are repeat customers. So browse at what we have now and be on the lookout for what's to come in the future. And check out their cute blog. Yay for moms and friends making their business dreams come true!!

Tuesday's Tips

Today's tip is to tell you about a giveaway I'm offering on my other blog.




One lucky winner will receive a set of these adorable color-it-in birthday cards. They are small foldover cards with the pattern on both sides. It's a set of 24 assorted styles and also comes with mini envelopes and colored pencils. These are great fun for kids or adults and add a perfect personal touch to the birthday gift. This image is just one of the many cute styles included. (and I colored it myself to add a little pizzazz!)


We'll be doing the raffle next Monday, June 30th to determine the winner so enter now!