Monthly Archives: December 2010

M&M’s Charm Bracelet at Macys.com

“They melt in your mouth, not on your hands.”

That’s the saying that made M&M’s famous all those years ago.  But now, with an adorable bracelet that features each M&M color/character as a charm, you can add another line to that famous phrase: “…and they look yummy on your wrist.”

The goldtone mixed metal M&M’S charm bracelet is available at Macys.com.   You buy the bracelet for $18 and can add charms for $22 each.  I personally prefer the lady in green but all the other options are there.  If it’s not your style odds are there’s an M&M lover in your life who would drool over this bracelet the same way they drool over the last little M&M in the bag.  Let’s just call this flavorful fashion.

M&M's Charm Bracelet at Macys.com
M&M's Charm Bracelet at Macys.com

M&M’s Charm Bracelet at Macys.com

Disclosure: This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. I received product for purposes of this review.  Thoughts expressed in this post are my own and were not influenced in any way.

Alicia Hagan, Mom Blog editor

Crayola StoryStudio, 48 hour Access Code, and Gift Guide

Crayola holiday gift guide

My husband and I and the kids just spent 45 minutes sitting together at the kitchen table (almost a record time!) coloring our personalized Crayola StoryStudio printable coloring book pages.   We had such a blast and my husband even said “We need to have a coloring night every week.”.  No kidding, that’s what he said!  You too can try Crayola’s StoryStudio!  Use code access code PRY4DBJJ on Crayola StoryStudio‘s page to get free access to Crayola’s StoryStudio for 48 hours.

Crayola StoryStudio Collage
Here is one page from each of the kids' Crayola StoryStudio coloring books

There’s still time to order for Christmas delivery!

* Before you read further, note that as of today, December 23rd, you can still have some Crayola items delivered in time for Christmas from Amazon.com.  Here is a direct link to Amazon.com’s Crayola page.

Crayola holiday gift guide

Crayola is offering more than 30 ways to give the gift of imagination for under $30  this holiday season with a lineup  of gifts to inspire wonder, adventure and dreams in toddlers to tweens.

Crayola has created an on-line gift guide making it easy to select the perfect creative activity for the child on your list. It´s available at www.Crayola.com/gifts. You can search the Crayola Gift Guide by age, gender and type of product, like mess-free and washable products and activities that offer surprising experiences. Who wouldn´t be surprised to watch their artwork light up in the dark in multiple colors!

Top picks from the Gift Guide include:

Never before has paper been a surface for creating glowing drawings! Glow Explosion Spin Magic is a revolutionary activity toy that lets kids create multi-colored glow-in-the-dark art with markers that light up like glow sticks on paper. The spinning base lets kids create magical mobiles and whirling lanterns for a never-before-seen “glow show” that will wow the entire family when the lights go out. Colorful, glowing shapes like planets or hot air balloons appear as if they are spinning in mid-air. The base unit doubles as a lantern with five different scenes that create cool shadow-effects as they rotate around the radiant, glowing designs created on Glow Explosion paper. $19.99, 6+

Crayola Color Wonder Sound StudioThe Crayola Color Wonder Sound Studio makes coloring a magical mess-free adventure for little eyes and ears! Kids can add fun, action-packed sound effects like dinosaur roars, motor cycle engines, giggles and even the voices of Buzz Lightyear, Woody and the Disney Princesses to their coloring pages. Sounds play back when they color their pictures. Just choose a sound and add it anywhere on the coloring page to create one-of-a-kind coloring stories with surprising sound effects. Kids can also play back all the sounds they experienced while they were coloring. Sixty sounds can be matched to any image on any page for hours of colorful fun! $29.99, 3+ Buy here

Crayola Model Magic Presto DotsCrayola Model Magic Presto Dots received “Toy of the Year” honors from Good Housekeeping, Parenting and Parents magazines. The “magic” behind Presto Dots comes from Model Magic´s – a truly different modeling material that doesn´t crumble. It´s not clay, it´s not dough – it´s Crayola Model Magic. Kids can create 3-D, bumpy characters with the easy-to-use “Pop-Dot” tool that grabs just the right amount of Model Magic for building an original creature. A quick press and pop covers characters with presto dots. Pop away with different colored dots, or pop dots on top of dots to create original 3-D creatures that air-dry in 24 hours. $19.99, 5+ Buy here

So why are Crayola crayons, a holiday classic and a perennial stocking stuffer on the list? This year, specially-marked Crayola crayon boxes (48, 64, 96, 120-ct. as well as the 150-ct. Crayon Tower) include a free code that provides 6-month unlimited access to the Story Studio custom coloring book maker. What a great value! Available at Crayola.com, Story Studio allows kids to transform themselves into a cartoon character from a digital photo or web cam image, customize their character with hats, sunglasses, costumes and other fun accessories and then select a theme to create a custom story book they can print and color. Story Studio was named “High Tech Toy of the Year” by the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. $5-$15, 3+

If you are planning on shopping Crayola for the holidays, be sure to download a rebate form at www.crayola.com/promos/holidayFSI/. You could save over $20!

Crayola StoryStudio picture

For the complete Holiday Gift Guide, visit www.crayola.com/gifts. Also, be sure to “Like” Crayola on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to keep up with the latest news from Crayola and special holiday deals!

GIVEAWAY!

We are giving a lucky reader a Crayola Glow Explosion Spin Magic, Crayola Mess Free Color Wonder Sound Studio, Crayola Model Magic Presto Dots and a 64 Box of Crayola Crayons!

To enter, leave a comment below telling us how you plan on giving the gift of imagination this year or what Crayola gift you think their child would most enjoy.

Entries accepted through 12/28

Disclosure: Crayola provided you with the free Crayola products for yourself and to give away through MyBlogSpark.

Enjoy!

There’s still time to order for Christmas delivery!

* Before you read further, note that as of today, December 23rd, you can still have some Crayola items delivered in time for Christmas from Amazon.com.  Here is a direct link to Amazon.com’s Crayola page.


Ralph Lauren Layette Review

I love Ralph Lauren kids clothing and my kids have been wearing Ralph Lauren practically since birth.  Grandparents love to buy Ralph Lauren kids clothes, right?

Why have parents put their kids in Ralph Lauren clothing for years?  Quality, comfort, and style. Parents want only the softest clothes on their newborn’s skin and Ralph Lauren layette items fit the bill.. and the baby, perfectly!

Ralph Lauren baby layette

Here are a couple of Ralph Lauren layette items that I love..

Solid White Ralph Lauren Coverall

Solid White or Blue Ralph Lauren coverall - layetteRetail Price: $25
Sizes: 3 mos, 6 mos, 9 mos
Also available in Morning Pink and Pearl Blue

Essential long-sleeved footed coverall in soft cotton jersey.

  • Ribbed neckline and cuffs with fold-over detail.
  • Ring snaps at front and leg openings for easy on and off.
  • Turn-back cuffs fold over your infant’s hands to prevent scratches.
  • Our tonal embroidered pony accents the chest.
  • 100% cotton
  • Machine washable
  • Learn more and buy on the Ralph Lauren website here

Ralph Lauren Cotton Cable Hat & Bootie Set

Ralph Lauren layette - cotton booties and cap

Retail Price: $65.00
Sizes: One size
Also available in Morning Pink and Pearl Blue
Adorable baby’s hat and bootie set knit in soft, hearty cabled cotton.

  • Cable-knit hat with ribbed fold-over brim and seamed crown for a snug fit.
  • Cabled booties have a ribbed fold-over ankle cuff with a delicate cord woven through and tied at the ankle and textured knit sole.
  • 100% cotton
  • Machine washable
  • Learn more and buy on the Ralph Lauren website here

You can order either of these and more Ralph Lauren layette items online at www.ralphlauren.com or at your nearest Dilliard’s, Macy’s or contact their search their site for a location nearest you.


About Ralph Lauren Childrenswear:

Ralph Lauren Childrenswear is designed to reflect the timeless heritage and modern spirit of Ralph Lauren’s collections for men and women. Signature classics, including iconic polo knit shirts and luxurious cashmere cable sweaters, are interpreted in the most sophisticated and vibrant colors. Fashionable styles are inspired by Ralph Lauren’s unique vision each season—from All-American sportswear with preppy and equestrian inspirations to tailored and elegant ensembles for special occasions.

Ralph Lauren Childrenswear is available in a full range of sizes for children, from Layette, Infant and Toddler to Girls size 16 and Boys size 20.

Ralph Lauren Childrenswear can be found in select Ralph Lauren stores, better department stores and online at RalphLauren.com.
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Disclosure: I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Ralph Lauren and received a Ralph Lauren coverall as well as a Ralph Laurent hat and bootie set to help facilitate my review. Some of the product information featured in this blog post was provided by Ralph Lauren. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are 100% my own and are based on actual hands-on experience with the Ralph Lauren layette items.


Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – The Leader in Ear Tubes Procedures

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Ear TubesIt’s that time of year when kids are coming down with colds, the flu and ear infections. Ever wonder what causes these ear infections? Infections happen when fluid gathers in the ear with nowhere to go. And, even when the infection is gone, fluid may remain in the ear, which can affect your child’s hearing. Children who cannot hear properly may not develop speech normally. If your child has frequent ear infections, ear tubes may help.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Ear Tubes
The average ear tube is only 1.2mm

Ear tubes allow the middle ear to drain and prevent fluid from building up. The procedure itself takes about 10 minutes, so you can take your child home the same day. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has ENT doctors who deal with these procedures every day, in fact, Children’s did more ear tube procedures than any other hospital in Georgia in 2009.* Our ENT doctors did over 5,000 ear tube procedures last year.

At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, specialists have additional training in pediatrics. Children’s knows that adults and children are physically different and so are their healthcare needs. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), pediatric surgery specialists have the widest range of treatment options, the most extensive and comprehensive training and the greatest expertise in dealing with children and in treating their needs. The AAP states that infants and children should be managed by a pediatric surgical specialist in a pediatric facility.

For additional information, to watch educational videos on ear tubes, or to contact us with questions visit choa.org/eartubes.

Read a first-hand account from a mother whose child had ear tube surgery at Children’s.

*Ranking based on 2009 GHA data.

Some physicians and affiliated healthcare professionals who perform services at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are independent providers and are not our employees.Children's Healthcare of Atlanta ear tubes surgery

My Rice Krispies Treats™ Holiday Table Show-Stopper and a $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Earlier this month Rice Krispies and The Motherhood contacted me about participating in another Rice Krispie Treat Recipe Box Challenge with the goal of creating a Rice Krispies Treats™ Holiday Table Show-Stopper.  (See my winning recipe from the July 4th Rice Krispies Treats Recipe Box Challenge here.) I am very impressed with the other entries that I’ve seen which you can view here.  You will find a complete list of all 30 participating bloggers at the bottom of this post.  Judges will choose and announce the winner of this Rice Krispies Treats Recipe Box Challenge December 21st, so check back here to find out who won!

Below is a photograph of all of the ingredients and supplies I bought for my Rice Krispies Treats recipe, not knowing what I was going to make at the time.  The funny thing is.. my final Rice Krispies Treats™ Holiday Table Show-Stopper recipe doesn’t include ANY of the ingredients in the photograph below, except Rice Krispies and marshmallows… oh, and icing.

Rice Krispies Treats - The Motherhood Blogger Challenge

So, here it is..
my Rice Krispies Treats™ Holiday Table Show-Stopper

* Mismatched Rice Krispies Treats Gingerbread Men *

Rice Krispies Treats Holiday Table Show Stopper recipe challenge

Rice Krispies Treats - Mis-Matched Gingerbread Boys and Girls

Not only are these little Mismatched Rice Krispies Treats Gingerbread Men adorable (I think), but they are also a super fun activity for kids!  Give your kids a bottom and top half and some colored icing and let them have at it!  Like to party? Invite a few friends over and have a Mismatched Rice Krispies Treats Gingerbread Men decorating (and eating) party!  One complete Gingerbread Man equals one regular Rice Krispies Treats serving.

Recipe Ingredients and supplies:

  • 6 cups Rice Krispies
  • About 40 large marshmallows
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon  ginger – optional
  • 1 teaspoon  cinnamon – optional
  • Icing – various colors
  • Gingerbread Men cookie cutters

Instructions:

  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in large pan over medium-low heat
  • Add 4 cups miniature marshmallows to melted butter and stir until completely smooth – on medium-low heat
  • Optional – stir ginger and cinnamon in for ‘gingerbread’ flavor
  • Remove from heat
  • Stir in 6 cups of Rice Krispies
  • Transfer Rice Krispies Treats mix onto clean counter top or a shallow pan and flatten to about 1 inch thick
  • Use gingerbread man cookie cutter (use cooking spray to ensure easy removal from cookie cutter) to cut gingerbread shapes and transfer individual gingerbread men to wax paper
  • Cut gingerbread men in half
  • Decorate the halves as you like and enjoy the yumminess!

$100 VISA GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY courtesy of Rice Krispies

What do you think of my Mismatched Rice Krispies Treats Gingerbread Men?  Share a comment below and follow the rules below to enter to win a $100 Visa Gift Card courtesy of Rice Krispies!

1. Leave a comment telling me what you think of my Mismatched Rice Krispies Treats Gingerbread Men and/or what your favorite Rice Krispies Treats recipe is.

2. Contest runs from December 15th through December 22nd at 11:59am.

3. You may only enter the contest once.

4. Winner will be selected randomly December 22d and will be notified via email.

5. Winner has 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.

The Motherhood Holiday Rice Krispies Treats Exchange Blogger Giveaway Rules:

Abbreviated Rules. No Purchase Necessary. Begins no earlier than 12:00:00 AM (ET) on 11/29/10 and ends no later than 11:59:59 PM (ET) on 12/21/10. For complete Official Rules, go to http://web.mediacdt.com/docs/motherhoodholiday

Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Subject to complete Official Rules. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: TheMotherhood; www.TheMotherhood.com

Disclosure: I am working with Rice Krispies and TheMotherhood.com on this project and have received a stipend and supplies to participate.

Here is a full list of the bloggers who are participating in this Rice Krispies Treats Recipe Box Challenge:

Each of these wonderful bloggers is hosting a giveaway, so be sure to visit each of these terrific blogs and post a comment on their creations for a chance to win a $100 pre-loaded debit card!