DIY Tutorial for Fridge Magnets and Pushpins

I've seen several online tutorials for creating these bubble magnets and pushpins. Megan from Creative Outlet Design's offers a great tutorial for you to try. I love her choice of fabrics.
Pick up some gift tins from the check stand at Michael's and place the magnets inside. It's perfect for Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers.
Check out Flickr for inspiration...

Creative Outlets Designs

Belly Bean Designs Custom Photo Birth Announcements, Christmas Cards, Invitations, and More

The search is on for quality holiday photo cards that will really make an impression, which are essentially photo keepsakes for your recipients.
Belly Bean Designs has a unique selection of photo holiday cards creatively designed using colorful patterned layouts.

Belly Bean Designs specializes in custom photo birth announcements, custom photo birthday invitations, photo holiday cards, save-the-date cards and more. I was so impressed with the samples I received.
Absolutely gorgeous. The quality was amazing, the colors vibrant, and the layouts and color combinations are perfect. I also received one in a metallic finish, something I've never seen before and love.
Order a sample pack if you'd like to see just how gorgeous their designs are before ordering.
Features of Belly Bean Designs:

• Unlimited changes to get it just right.
• Choose from hundreds of designs or have one custom created to your specifications.
• No payment on birth announcements is required until you approve your proof.
• Choose from a variety of photo paper and card stock options.

Receive 10% off with code BBD
Visit Belly Bean Designs to view more designs.

Squid Soap by Airborne Teaches and Trains Children to Wash Hands

The flu already visited our home early this season, luckily it was mild. However, I'm sure it will return in full force, which is why I'm constantly on my kids to wash their hands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hand washing is one of the most important things children can do to help stay healthy.
I was lucky enough to receive Squid Soap by Airborne. It's the first hand soap designed to teach and train proper hand-washing technique to children, perfect timing for my three year old.

Here's how it works:

• Press the pump to get "inked" by the ink marker with vegetable dye.
• Wash for about 20 seconds thoroughly to remove the ink mark.
• Leaves the child with clean hands.
• Takes the guesswork out of whether or not your child's hands are clean.
• Fun and effective.

My three year old of course loves the squishy squid toy that came along with the "ink soap", as she calls it. At this age, getting her to wash her hands is certainly not a problem. I can't keep her away from playing in the water and making a huge mess in the bathroom. However, I do struggle with keeping the soap on her hands long enough to actually clean them. With Squid Soap, she keeps scrubbing until the ink is gone and we know she's cleaning them thoroughly.
Squid Soap is great kids of all ages and adults too, encouraging healthy habits that benefit the entire family.
Available at many leading retail stores throughout the United States.
To learn more visit Squid Soap

Chorebuster Organize and Distribute a Fair Chore Chart Online

I recently came across Chorebuster and love it! This cool site automatically creates a fair chore chart or schedule for you and others that you live with. Plus, it's FREE! Chores will even be emailed daily or weekly or print it out and post on the fridge.

• Enter in people and chores
• Specify how hard / undesirable each chore is, and how often it should be done
• ChoreBuster automatically generates a fair schedule of chores
• Schedule emailed to you daily or weekly - no need to log in

What I love even more is that you can download a widget and chores will appear on your desktop to easily view. It took me a few minutes to figure out because I'm not one to read instructions. But, it was really simple. Once it was downloaded, I right clicked the widget and added the ids that are provided in Chorebuster. Or, receive your schedule via RSS or on your mobile.

What a time saver!
Find out more at chorebuster.net

Craft Memo New Online Craft Organizer

Here's a great organization tool for craft enthusiests, Craft Memo. It's a fabulous new online tool enables you to organize and track:

• Inventory : Manage and keep track of your craft supplies.
• Suppliers : Keep records of all your suppliers and their contact details
• Projects : Organize & plan your projects before commiting.
• My Account : Change your account details and settings.

"CraftMemo is a flexible, easy-to-use record keeping & management system designed specially to cater for craft enthusiasts."

Check it out Craft Memo

Retrospective Design Photo Montages, Invitations and Announcements, Photo Books, Photo Restoration

I can't say how much I love the photo montage I received from Josephine Swanson, designer of Retrospective Designs. When Anja, our eleven year old dog, died last year, I wanted to create a montage of images that included the entire family as a tribute to her. However, I had no idea how to design one.

When I heard about Retrospective Design, I decided to submit a few images to see what Josephine could come up with. I simply emailed a few images and let her know that I was interested a montage in sepia or black and white. She came up with the most amazing montage that really touched my heart. Since we didn't have one image of the entire family together with Anja, I had to provide several various images. Josephine cropped the images and placed them together beautifully and seamlessly. She added little paw prints and left an area for me to add a sentiment to the montage. A proof was emailed to me to look over and make changes as needed. I received a gorgeous 8x10 print that is now framed for the entire family to enjoy.

The entire experience was wonderful. Josephine's expertise made it easy because she was able to capture exactly what I had envisioned to preserve our special memories of our beloved Anja.

Features:

• Submit photos digitally or by mail.
• Choose from a variety of materials (5x7 to 16x20, canvas, posters, and prints).
• Include dates, favorite quotes, and names.
• Montages, books, photo restoration and invitations, announcements or holiday cards.
• Beautiful and unique gifts for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, retirement, and more.

Receive a 20% discount when you mention code BOUTIQUEMOM when ordering.

Visit Retrospective Design for more information.

Earthwise Beauty Cosmetics Organic Skincare Products and Baby Skin Care Line

Earthwise Beauty, an independent homemade skin care line, is the maker of luscious, naturaland organic, environment friendly skin and body care products.

About Earthwise products:

• Ingredients and products are not tested on animals, the only non-vegan ingredients are ethically gathered organic honey and beeswax.
• No artificial fragrances (and no cleverly named artificial “fragrance oils”), no synthetic colors, synthetic oils or petroleum derivatives.
• Noncomedogenic--they won't clog your pores or cause breakouts.
• Products are biodegradable, and all their packaging recyclable.
• Handmade and hand packaged with care.

I received a wonderful selection of samples to try from Earthwise. I have to say first that I am a first time user of organic body care products. I can't believe what I was missing. I've used so many products throughout the years to help moisturize my skin and prevent blemishes, struggling to find the right balance. The products I use to clean my face leave it dry and rough, and then the moisturizer leaves it feeling oily.
I tried the disinfecting Lemon Balm Face Pads from Earthwise, they smell great and they left my skin feeling clean, smooth, and hydrated. They don't leave my face dry the way other face pads do. I applied the Carrot a Day Nutritious Face and Eye Gel to my entire face afterwards and my skin truly feels amazing. The gel is nourishing and moisturizing and is especially beneficial to damaged and aged skin, preventing wrinkles and diminishing acne scars.

Earthwise recently launched their baby line that is safe and gentle for baby. Pamper your baby with products that are 100% natural and hypoallergenic, including the Safe and Calm baby oil that is made with sweet almond oil and healing German and Roman chamomile. This 100% oil calms fussy and agitated babies while relieving eczema and skin inflammation. We received several items from the baby care line, including baby mango butter soap, baby powder, and the orange baby bath treatment. I love the 100% natural orange baby bath treatment that is soothing and moisturizing, bringing relief from eczema, dryness, irritation, and rashes. The Very Special Baby Powder contains finely ground calendula petals to help soothe eczema and irritations, and zinc oxide for the prevention and healing of diaper rash. It leaves skin feeling silky smooth.

I think what I like the most is that the products I sampled had a subtle scent and none of them had the chemical feel and smell that most skincare products have. They left my skin feeling clean and smooth.

Receive free shipping for any baby products through December 20, 2007 with code bmbaby in redemption code box at checkout.

Visit Earthwise Beauty to learn more about their line of organic products.

Tutorial for making stuffed felt monsters

These little felt monsters are too cute and kids love them. Nina of Informationi Inutili created this Flickr tutorial for making stuffed Felt Monsters. You could even have your child draw his/her own monster.

Belle Pearl Bridal Jewelry and Keepsake Gifts for Babies, Girls, and Mom

Belle Pearl is a mom owned company that has been designing stylish and elegant jewelry since December 2003. Owner and designer Angela Apon uses only the highest quality materials, including genuine freshwater pearls, Swarvoski crystals and sterling silver to create gorgeous collections for all ages for a variety of occasions.

We received the "Pretty in Pink" newborn bracelet from Belle Pearl.
It's the sweetest little bracelet that is handstrung and features three genuine freshwater pearls that is surrounded by pink Cat's eye beads, Swarovski Crystals, Sterling silver bead & daisy spacers. A sterling silver lobster clasp and adjustable sterling silver extender chain featuring a pearl dangle finishes this precious bracelet. The beads are of premium quality, the sterling silver has a beautiful bright luster, and it is handcrafted to perfection.

Belle Pearl specializes in designing exquisite collections in a variety of styles including:

• Gorgeous and stylish bridal jewelry and tiaras.


• Bridesmaids jewelry and gifts.


• Flower girl jewelry.


• Keepsake and newborn gifts.


• Mother/daughter sets, mommy and grandmother bracelets.

Boutique Mom readers receive 10% off with code BM10.
VISIT Belle Pearl to view their entire line of beautiful jewelry.

Breast Cancer Awareness Contest

Breast Cancer Awareness Contest
Urban Botanic is giving away two 8 oz. bottles of Urban Botanic nourishing Lotion to two lucky winners of their Breast Cancer Awareness month contest.
There are two ways to win:

1. Go to Urban Botanics and take the fragrance personality test…then submit your personality test results and a short tribute about a Breast Cancer Survivor that you know into blog comments.


2. Go to Urban Botanics and take the fragrance personality test…then submit your personality test results and a scent combination suggestion for the “Pink Hope” fragrance into blog comments.
   
   Winners will be announced on October 30th!

Tutu Couture Designs Upscale Gorgeous Handcrafted Embellished Tutus

"In a land where emerald grass touched turquoise sky, Tutu Couture was created for the whimsical princess in us all. A mother’s desire to make dreams come true led to Tutu Couture."

Tutu Couture designs the most amazing heirloom quality tutu's. Each gorgeous tutu is meticulously hand tied with more than 70 yards of premium featherlight tulle. Their line of designer tutus include three exquisite collections, the Costumes De Boutique, Classique, and Chic.

We received the Prima Ballerina Tutu from the Classique collection in Paris Pink and embellished with dazzling rhinestones throughout. My daughter loved it and looked absolutely adorable, even with her choice of footwear, pink rain boots. The Classique collection is available at FAO Schwarz, where you can design your own tutu, customized by you for your little princess. Simply choose from four lengths, pick from a variety of colors, then add your own touch, such as a bows, rhinestones, or pom pom embellishments.

The Costume De Boutique collection includes a wonderful selection of fabulous costumes such as a ladybug, cowgirl, and several whimsical fairies. Each style includes it's own unique accessory such as fur antennas, floral bouquets, and coordinating wings.
Tutu Couture tutu's are perfect for Halloween, dress up, or simply because your little fashionista knows how to accessorize.

Available in sizes 6 months and up at FAO Schwarz as well as a variety of high-end boutiques nationwide.



Visit Tutu Couture to view their entire collection.

Children's Books from Charlesbridge Publishing for Toddlers, Preschool Age, Early Readers, and Beyond

I remember spending hours reading books to my daughters when they were little. They are teenagers now, and I am so lucky to have one more little one to read to and experience the excitement and joy in her face when I read to her.

We recently began going to the library on Wednesdays. It is such an amazing experience and enjoyable time to spend with my daughter. We go to storytime and sing songs and watch muppet stories. After we've selected our books at the library, we walk over to the park or go on the train ride. I know I'm creating memories with her that she will last a lifetime and instilling the love of reading at an early age.

I was thrilled to receive Lola at the Library for review, a book by Anna McQuinn and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. It tells a story of a little girl named Lola and her visit to the library. Each Tuesday Lola and her mommy go to the library where they enjoy storytime. They return their books and check out some new books with their library card. Sometimes after their visit to the library, Lola and her mommy enjoy a snack together. This is such a great story to share with your child. My daughter just loved that Lola went to the library, just like her.

We also received How Much is That Doggie in the Window? and Shoo Fly written and illustrated by Iza Trapani. These are just two of her fun filled nursery rhymes from her collection and if you haven't read this author's books, run out and buy them now. They are so enjoyable to read and are by far my favorite books. I find myself singing the words instead of reading them and my daughter absolutely loves them. The vibrant and lively illustrations keep children engaged and smiling throughout the entire book.

How Much is that Doggie in the Window tells the story of a little boy who sees a waggely tailed dog in the pet store window. He sadly finds that he doesn't have enough money to buy the adorable pup and sets off to save money to buy the doggie. Along the way the little boy does many good deeds for his family and ends up with less money than he started. But, somehow he ends up with that little doggie in the window because of the nice things he does.

Shoo Fly! is a charming tale about a cute little mouse being pested by a mischievous fly. In his adventures to escape this annoying buzzing pest, he runs and hides to avoid the fly. It's a hilarious fun-filled rhyme that both you and your child will giggle and sing along to.

All Charlesbridge books are available where books are sold. This includes B&N, Borders, Amazon, independent booksellers, and through Charlesbridge directly.

Charlesbridge publishes high-quality books for children, with a goal of creating lifelong readers and lifelong learners. Our books encourage reading and discovery in the classroom, library, and home. We believe that books for children should offer accurate information, promote a positive worldview, and embrace a child's innate sense of wonder and fun. To this end, we continually strive to seek new voices, new visions, and new directions in children's literature.

Lint on the Go Sheets removes hair, lint, and dandruff and fits into your purse or pocket

I was recently sent a new product, invented by a mom. Lint on the Go Sheets are these fantastic individual disposable lint removal sheets (4 1/2" x 3") that fit in the palm of your hand and conveniently fit into your purse or pocket. I keep a couple in my purse, my car, work drawer, and the bathroom. I have a favorite wool coat that I wear in the winter, but hate dealing with the embarrassing lint and hair that it attracts. Now, I can slip some into my pocket of the coat and use as needed. Pet owners will LOVE these.

Each packet includes 20 individual sheets, priced at $12.99 or 3 packets for only $26.99.
How they work:

• Slide your hand under the clear cover.
• Use the other hand to peel away the protective liner.
• Pat off lint, hair, and dandruff.
• Discard.

If you've ever used those lint rollers, you know how bulky they are and since there's no protective cover, everything sticks to them while it's stored in the car or drawer. . I've also seen other lint sheets similar to these, but they don't come in individual sheets like the Lint on the Go sheets. So, you can't slip them into your pocket while on the go, unlike Lint on the Go Sheets.

Receive 10% off with code Boutiquemom! Plus, enjoy free shipping!

Visit Lint on the Go to learn more.

Custom Made for Kids Personalized Keepsake Books Adventures of Incredible You

I knew after reading the first page, The Adventures of Incredible You would be a hit with our three year old. It is delightfully written by moms and friends, Sarah Riley Headrick and Sarah Foreman Rivera, and colorfully illustrated by Jill Dryer Bartolucci.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and decided that it's such a special gift, we gave it to her for her birthday. She adores books and she sat, wide-eyed and intrigued as I told her of her adventures to her favorite places including a visit to the "purple park", as she calls it, with her best friend, Cloe. She shouted out with excitement, "That's my friend!" She was all smiles as we read the entire book, shouting out when we named her sisters and special places she likes to go.

• This hardcover book is full of vibrant and engaging illustrations and is customized with over 2o details about some of the most important people, places and things in your child's life.
• A dedication page includes a special personal message for the child.
• If the book is a gift and you don't know specific details, there are default options or order a gift certificate so they can customize themselves.
• It makes a perfect keepsake baby gift, baptism gift, birthday gift, or holiday gift for newborns and young children.
• The First Adventures of Incredible You is proud to be a 2007 iParenting Media Award Winner for Outstanding Product in the Gift category.

The book is perfect for every child:

• Boys and Girls
• Biological or Adopted
• Any Race or Nationality
• Ages 0 - 8
• Traditional & Non-Traditional Family Structures

The Adventures of Incredible You is such a charming book filled with rhyming text that is sure to delight any child.
Receive 15% off with code bmom15 when prompted valid until 10/31/07.
Visit Custom Made for Kidsto find out more and take a tour.

The Willow Online The Weighted Neck Pillow That's Always There

Designed by a nursing mom, the Willow's unique design features a detachable weighted tail that keeps the neck pillow in place when you stand from your chair. The Willow is great for not only nursing moms, but the entire
family and will be used long after you've finished nursing, including travel. My husband and I have both enjoyed using the Willow while relaxing watching TV or reading in our favorite chair or bed. The cover is made from ultra soft minkie and features a zipper and detachable tail for easy washing.

Features and Benefits:

• Allows you to stand up without the pillow moving and when you are ready to sit again the pillow is still in place.
• Place on a rocking chair, sofa, recliner or at your computer and it is always there.
• With the use of viscoelastic foam, or memory foam, the Willow provides comfort along with support and a pressure reducing effect. Viscoelastic foam reacts to body temperatures, softening with heat.
• Adjusts to body contours, potentially reducing aggravated pain at the back of the head and neck.
• All of the outer cover is 100% Polyester and can be machine washed, cold. Lay flat to dry.
• Available in six colors, blue moon, pinky dot, soft sunlight, pink lightning, lime fiz, western, plus new colors coming soon.

Visit The Willow Online to order your pillow today.

Breast Cancer Awareness Wandering Star Designs

To raise money for breast cancer awareness, research, and medical treatment, Wandering Star Designs has designed Pink Ribbon jewelry. The rose quartz, silver, Swarovski crystal, and beaded bracelets and necklaces honor the survival of each loved one. Plus, a portion of every sale is donated to the American Cancer Society. Visit the online store.

Breast Cancer Awareness The Pashmina Store

A must-have fashion accessory, an animal print 100% cashmere pashmina covers up cold shoulders and warms the hearts of those who wear it. Perhaps she prefers leopard, tiger, python and zebra with a splash of color to bring out her inner wildcat. The Pashmina Store offers exclusive animal print pashmina shawls, wraps and scarves that are hand-made in Nepal. Purchase any pink item and 5% will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Visit the online store.

Breast Cancer Awareness Placetile Designs Hats Off

Placetile Designs Hats Off, ceramic placetile honors breast cancer survivors. Five percent of all sales proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation 2.5" x 3.75" Includes pink organza ribbon. Set of six with an erasable pen in a gift box for $29.95. Visit the online store.

Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Zebra Boutique

In recognition of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Pink Zebra Boutique will be listing items supporting Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Research. A portion of the the proceeds will be donated to worthy Breast Cancer related charities.

Visit My Pink Zebra Boutique

Breast Cancer Awareness WearEase Post-Mastectomy Lingerie

WearEase designs and manufactures post-mastectomy lingerie for women to wear after breast or chest surgery. Products such as The Dawn Camisole by Wear Ease is a feminine cotton camisole worn home from the hospital after a lumpectomy or mastectomy. It is the ONLY undergarment on the market designed by a woman for women that offers unique support that women need in a camisole.

Visit Wear Ease to view their entire collection