#01 Boatboy

Today we celebrated Boatboy's first birthday race style at the track! It was an absolutely gorgeous day to celebrate his life with friends and family!

Part of the stroller brigade to start the morning.

Who knows...One day they might all pile into a station wagon together and head to the race.

The entire Blonde family. Mr got to squeeze out of work in 15 min. intervals a few times throughout the day.

The kids table getting ready to sing "Happy Birthday"

What was left of his first cupcake ever. Think he liked it?

The birthday boy with Grandma and Nana.

Mr. Blonde started a tradition of getting a photo with LA each year during the Month of May in front of the same row of bricks with the Pagoda in the background. This year, Boatboy gets thrown into the mix too.

Happy birthday precious son! We love you so much

A huge thank you to Indy Racing League Guest Services! You know who you are and we so appreciate your willingness to host all us animals over lunchtime.

shopping Manhattan without the traffic

Of course we all want toys that are both fun and aid in development for our children. Several times I've wondered if my boys should be playing with the toys they're playing with. Especially once Boatboy (11mos) got mobile and starting playing with LA's (2.5yrs) toys on a regular basis. It's also nice to know what toys are good quality age-appropriaate gifts to get for friends.

I have found a great company called Manhattan Toy. They are committed to providing quality toys and products that enrich our children's young lives and develop their minds. Manhattan Toy believes that playing in not only fun, it's essential to a child's cognitive, emotional and social development. Their website is so user friendly! It breaks every age and toy type into categories.



Boatboy loves his new Peek-Squeak Dog. This snuggly dog has great patterns and textures. It crinkles, squeaks and rattles. It even includes a little peek-a-boo bone. The teething rings have been a favorite for Boatboy. It even attaches to our car seat.

Manhattan Toy also has very high quality standards to ensure toys are both durable and safe. Prior to manufacturing, each Manhattan Toy design is thoroughly tested to comply with the most rigorous international standards for children’s products.

Additionally, when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast back in the fall of 2005, Manhattan Toys sent 60,000 dolls to displaced little girls! Love that!

Head over to Manhattan Toy and browse around. Sign up for the email newsletter while you're at it. You may not need a toy right now, but bookmark the site for a later need.

Thanks Manhattan Toy!

a BPM sponsor gets reader's choice nod

One of Blondes, Poop & Mascara sponsors, Sleepy Wrap, has been listed in Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine's Reader's Choice Awards!

Go vote for Sleepy Wrap!

If you vote you will have the opportunity to enter the Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine Grand Prize drawing.

...AND as a special thank you from Sleepy Wrap...a 15% coupon code for the new Organic Sleepy Wrap. Just enter "ivoted" and it is good until May 31st when the Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine poll closes.

If you haven't ever checked out Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine you really should. Great content for Moms or Moms-to-be.