Monday, November 29, 2010

hibernation mode...

i have been gradually entering hibernation season with gusto.  cleaning out closets, reorganizing drawers and putting away summer/fall clothes.  with the weather getting colder and the days getting shorter it has reminded me to stock up on a few of my favorite cold weather items for me and the kiddos.  as you know, i like a product that can do more than one thing; and if i can use it for kids and grown ups alike, even better!  
l'occitane shea butter:  it is a bit expensive, but well worth it when you have kids with eczema patches, cracked hands, and chapped lips.  put it on your and your kids cheeks and lips before a romp in the snow.  i keep travel sizes in every bag and car we have.  a little bit goes a long way.  don't use too much or you'll  feel a bit slippery. 
smartwool socks come in a close second for me.  warm, washable, and natural fibers in sizes for the whole family; my kids love them as much as i do.  my feet are always cold, and i am not about to start wearing my ugg boots in the house (i know they make slippers too, but they don't come up high enough for my cold bones!).  midwestern winters really make this a worthy investment.  don't forget to check out their other products too, they make much more than just socks.
ugg bootssay what you will about these super popular boots and accessories, in my book they are simply great.  mine have lasted four years already, the baby booties were passed through 2 kids and could last at least one more.  my daughter has worn hers for two years (buy one size up and you'll make it through two years).  i am willing to invest in more expensive products when they last and ugg boots certainly have for me.
cetaphil gentle skin cleanser for my face, body, kids, and hubby.  some people love it and others hate it, but it works for me.  it keeps our family's skin in tip top shape and soft as can be.  use it with or without water.  
so hunker down and enjoy the cold weather for the great stuff it brings in to our lives: skiing, snowball fights, snow angels, hot chocolate by a fire, snow men, sledding, ice skating etc...lots of fun and cherished times with our family.  happy winter to all!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

say yes to baby carrots!



i have been a fan of yes to carrots skin care for many years.  their products have great ingredients, feel beautiful and most importantly, they work!  their baby line has been out for some time, but i am always resistant to trying new baby products  with my brood full of allergy ridden, eczema inflicted children.  my youngest is the least effected by these conditions, so i figured i would take the plunge and try it on him...the result: amazing!!!  yes to baby carrots gentle foaming shampoo + body wash has colored me impressed; 100% natural, petroleum, sls, & paraben free.  key ingredients include organic carrot oil, organic melon, and vitamin e.  here's the kicker: it is truly tear free!  my little guy loved the suds and proceeded to take a handful of them just before he rubbed his eye.  while i grabbed a clean wash cloth and braced myself for the screaming that was sure to follow, i realized that he was perfectly fine...really, no screaming, no tears, no red eye, nothing!  


bravo, yes to carrots.  amazing, conscientious products that don't cost an arm and a leg...that's right folks this amazing product only costs $7.99!  check out all of their amazing products through the link posted below.


yes to baby carrots

Sunday, July 25, 2010

if loving custom projects is wrong...i don't want to be right!


i have had quite a few custom orders lately and i am absolutely loving it.  i feel as though they give me new challenges and insights in to my creative process.  from using fabrics that i normally wouldn't to adding new pieces and shapes to old patterns.  it's extremely humbling and rewarding to know that i can help make someone else's ideas a reality.  okay, enough with the sap...back to the sewing room!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

svan fan...

okay, so i am a little slow on the uptake sometimes.  i recently needed a new high chair for my little guy and came across a great deal on a svan that i couldn't pass up.  after putting it together i discovered that the tray didn't fit.  a frustrating situation that led me to realize that i definitely chose the right chair.  after calling scandinavian child and explaining the situation, they immediately sent out the replacement parts that i needed.  perfection!  
the foot rest keeps him sitting in the correct position, the tray is easy to clean and store, and the front shield keeps him seated. the only downside to this seat versus a bulky plastic one is that you cannot recline the seat to give baby a bottle after his meal.  no big deal for me, but some might really feel they need that option.  
all in all, i love my new seat and my friends do too!  one of my friends recently used it for her son while at my house and can't wait to get one of her own!  for more information just click on the link below:
http://www.scichild.com/

no guilt for shopping with gilt!

these discount shopping clubs are very quickly becoming a danger to my pocket book! gilt offers great discount on all sorts of designer products for women, men, home, and children. they even have a wine club and vacation discounts. from kate spade to maclaren and everything in between, you will find great deals on amazing brands. you need an invite to join so i have posted it here...
http://www.gilt.com/invite/gryndesign

Thursday, May 27, 2010

flexibath is too cool!

i came across this nifty new baby tub from the easywalker people. it comes in cool color combinations and folds almost completely flat for easy storage. made from polypropylene and thermoplastic elastomeric means that it is free from pvc, phtalates, heavy metals, and other harmful materials. safe for the environment and your baby. the tub has a non slip bottom and is recommended for ages 0 months to 4 years. it is ample in size, which may make it a bit difficult to bathe little ones that cannot sit up yet. all in all it is a really great design in both function and appearance. flexibath-usa.com

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

abc123...

just finished a new quilt for the abc123 collection and love how it turned out. the kids loved the rocket! my oldest is not happy that it is being posted for sale; so i asked him how many quilts can one baby have? he really didn't have an answer for that.