Monthly Archives: June 2009

They’re here! My new Frigidaire appliances are being installed as I write this!

Electronics, Frigidaire, New posts, , ,

Frigidaire Washer and Dryer installationTim walked in the room at about 8:05 this morning calling my name over and over.. Alicia, Alicia, Alicia!  I didn’t want to wake up.  The first morning I’ve slept in until 8:00 and he’s trying to wake me up?  About 30 seconds later I heard “Willie” call out “Your new appliances are here!”. just like they do on the Home Make-Over show.  That got me out of bed in record time.  It was so cool!

Willie our fabulous appliance installer, along with his 2 fast and efficient assistants and Tim straight from Electrolux are installing our new Frigidaire Washer and Dryer quicker than I ever could have imagined.

It’s 8:45am and we’re having a party in my garage!  My adrenaline is pumping and I can’t wait to report back to you when everything is installed and working!

Things are changing by the minute.. the Microwave just made its way inside so I’ll be back with more news as I have it!

–update– Willie just started the washing machine for me to make sure it works and it’s amazing!  The spin cycle is so quiet!

You can read more and see more photographs of my Frigidaire appliances and experiences on my new Gadget blog, GadgetGoddess.com.

From our friends at TheFind.com: Serena and Lily Market Sling

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Guest post: TheFind.com, New posts, , ,

Serena and Lily is based in California’s Marin County. Marin is known for it’s lush hillsides, organic produce and laid back bohemian vibe all set to the tune of luxurious living and a European car in every garage. To be true to their luxe California upbringing, Marin mompreneurs, Serena and Lily have launched a line of successful children’s bedding, furniture, and accessories.

serenaandlilysling

Our favorite item from the collection is the Market sling. This sling takes the most commonly drab or hideously bright baby sling and takes it to another level. The charming styles are hand-embroidered or screen printed with a modern pretty block print designed by Serena on 100% organic cotton and have a cuddly soft interior. The sling’s design is one seamless piece of fabric without buckles, belts or straps, fits snugly and is easy to wear. The market sling comes in three styles, the Catalina, the peacock and the Prague.


A mom’s review of the Olive Shoulder Bag from the Coach Bonnie collection

Handbags & Accessories, New posts, ,

Coach Bonnie olive shoulder bagAnd now for something different!  Moms this one is for you, just for you!

Being the practical moms that we are it is not every day that we would consider spending $248.00 on a purse, but this is certainly no ordinary purse!  Not only is it by Coach, the materials, construction and detail making this a one of a kind under arm luxury.

This satchel featured in Coach’s Bonnie Collection and inspired by famed Coach designer Bonnie Cashin, exudes quality and class, just what we moms want and deserve, right?  The body of the bag is beautifully supple leather in an Olive Green with accents in apple green leather.  Delicious!  The metal openings are covered with the same apple green leather which is a touch not expected in this price range.Coach Bonnie - Olive Shoulder Bag

The satchel is expandable by about two inches by activating the robust zipper around the bottom.  What do you see but a beautiful inset green leather expansion gusset?  This just gets better and better!

The leather and synthetic strap is removable turning this piece into a clutch that will simply make you feel good!

Of course we can’t forget the interior which is beautifully finished with a zippered pocket and a slide-in pocket.

Don’t forget, moms this one is for you because you cannot get diapers, bottles, fruit juice, or a days’ supply of wet wipes in this bag so you won’t be tempted.

Review:
JazzyToes Baby Socks

New posts, ,

JazzyToes Baby SocksFancy footwear for babies!  Throw out those plain white, pink, or blue socks.
Slip a pair of JazzyToes Baby Socks on your baby’s feet when shoes aren’t necessary, like during indoor play dates, airplane travel, and when learning to walk, and you’ll have moms and Grandma’s flocking to your baby.  Your baby will have the cutest little feet in the room at your next play date.
JazzyToes are great for pre-walkers because babies this age should have foot protection but shouldn’t wear shoes.  JazzyToes Baby Socks are available for babies 0-12 and 12-24 months but to my dismay.. not for older toddlers, with good reason though.  JazzyToes were created to serve a purpose which is to give babies adorable foot coverage without  having to wear shoes and what 3 year old doesn’t have several pairs of super cute shoes?  We found that JazzyToes Baby Socks run a tad big so be ready to slip them on when your baby is around 3 or 4 months, maybe not right out of the hospital.

JazzyToes Cowboy Boot socksA few of my favorite styles are the new Cowboy Boots style, Sneakers, and the Mary Jane style for girls.  The preppies out there will love the Loafers!  Just don’t try to stick a penny in them.  The colors are bright and the details are great as you’ll see in the Cowboy Boots photo to the right.

The socks are great quality, washable, dryable, and there are lots of styles available.  A 6 pack of JazzyToes Baby Socks runs $25 – $29.  Imagine getting 6 pairs of baby shoes for $25!  Can’t choose a style?  Get a variety pack.  JazzyToes Baby Socks are great baby shower and 1st Birthday gifts.  If you don’t know the gender of the baby I think your safe to go with the Sneakers style.

In accordance with the new standards set forth by CPSIA, JazzyToes socks were tested by SGS, a independent test company. The test results for the Lead and Phthalates content of our socks came back “ND” (not detected).

Review:
The No-Cry Nap Solution: Guaranteed Gentle Ways to Solve All Your Naptime

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Books, New posts, ,

The No-Cry Nap SolutionI am a firm believer in naps. It was difficult for me when Madelyn started fighting nap time at about 2 years old but I am determined for her to nap until she’s 10 at least 4.  Sebastian, now 9, took naps until he was 5 and still would if it was up to me! I need ‘nap time time’.  I need that couple of hours to work in peace, take a shower, or exercise and she needs the nap for many reasons.

In ‘The No-Cry Nap Solution‘ Elizabeth covers many reasons why your child may fight nap time including irregular schedules, being overtired and over-wired by nap time, and reliance on a specific sleep aid.  I believe that Madelyn started fighting nap time when we re-scheduled her nap time to 1:00 from her regular 11:30 nap time.  She was too wired and tired to settle down at 1:00 so it was difficult to get her to sleep.  I would not have thought about her being over-tired, but once we got her back to going down around 11:30-12:00, she fell asleep much quicker and with less of a fight.

Daytime naps might last just a few short hours, but they can affect all twenty-four hours of a child’s day. Naps can improve a child’s mood and reduce fussiness, crying, whining, and tantrums. Studies show that children who nap daily get sick less often, grow taller, and are less likely to be obese when they grow up. Naps enhance attention span and brain development. Naps can also help make up for any shortage in nighttime sleep. Even a one hour shortage in overall sleep hours can have a negative effect on a child – compromising alertness and brain function, and increasing fussiness and fatigue.

Author, Elizabeth Pantley, is the author of several other parenting books including the popular No-Cry Sleep Solution and has four children of her own so I trust that she knows what she’s talking about.  I highly recommend The No-Cry Nap Solution for any new parent or even parents of toddlers.. it’s never to late to figure out why the heck your child won’t take a nap and learn how to make nap-time happen!

You’ll find information about all 9 of Elizabeth Pantley’s books on her website.