Wordless Wednesday

Giveaway: Go Belly Go custom necklace

If you are pregnant..When are you due? Say it in style with a Go Belly Go necklace. I found this very fashionable everyday necklace. It is such a great way to let everyone know when your baby is coming into the world.

If you are carrying a child, I know you want to tell everyone you talk too. I sure did! Especially during the I-just-feel-fat-and-not-yet-pregnant stages. So tell the world with your own "Due in ____" maternity necklace. It is a beautiful and simple piece of jewelry that makes an awesome keepsake for the baby book when you are done wearing it!

Hannah (The Mom/Owner) of Go Belly Go could not resist designing a necklace for woman to show off their blooming bellies and announce their due date in style.

This Go Belly Go necklace makes such an awesome gift for the famous question: "When are you due?" It comes in a beautiful silver box. The pendant is made from zinc and hangs on a 18"sterling silver spring clasp closure. And it is handmade in good ol' USA!

I love this necklace and I can't even wait to be pregnant again to wear one myself!

Buy it: Head over to Go Belly Go and support a stay at home Mommy that has created a unique product! Get 10% of your order by sending an email to hannah@gobellygo.com and letting her know you're a Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader!

Win it: Hannah has graciously agreed to give away one necklace of choice to a Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader. Head over to Go Belly Go and let me know which one you would choose and why you should win this pendant. If it's for you, tell me about your expectant bundle of joy. If it's for a loved one, let's her about her story.

For extra entries:

1. Become a follower

2. Become a subscriber

3. Grab my button

4. Blog about this giveaway on your site

Thanks for entering! I will select a winner March 28, 2009.

Giveaway is now closed!

Congrats to

Doll House said... I would choose September as that is when our little one is due! (but I am ok if this buddle is an August baby!)

Have you ever seen...

...a front tooth this big on an infant? I mean seriously. Click on this photo and have a look at the magnified version. That thing if huge!

fun in the sun

LA kicking around the prestine soccor ball Dadda found in the creek last weekend. Pretty sure we have creek flooding near the soccor field upstream to thank for this new pastime.



He's almost too big for this swing anymore! Wow. This will probably be the only summer both boys can use it. Then, we'll need to upgrade to an old Firestone racing slick or something.



Throwing walnuts in the creek.



And, busting up sticks for the firepit. We're not certain if LA or Mr Blonde enjoy this more. One thing's for certain...fire is always fun for boys.

Giveaway: Sunglasses for Spring!

EDITOR'S NOTE: As of Sunday, July 1, 2012, we have been asked to remove all links to Sunglass Warehouse dot com by their communications staff. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Who doesn't want a new pair of sunglasses when the seasons or trends change? I know I do but I can never afford a new pair. Sunglass Warehouse offers the newest hottest sunglasses for Men and Woman. Sunglasses for any budget.


The prices are so affordable! All of the glasses are under $20 and they start at 7.99! They are quality. They fit and feel great. I am picky when it comes to my sunglasses and so is my husband. We both have sensitive eyes and have to wear sunglasses all the time! You would be crazy not to head over to Sunglass Warehouse and pick out a new pair of quality High Fashion oversized sunglasses.


Buy a pair: Go get a new pair of sunglasses at the Sunglass Warehouse

Win a pair: Sunglass Warehouse is graciously giving away 2 pairs of sunglasses of your choice to 2 Blondes, Poop & Mascara readers. Just leave a comment letting me know which pair you would choose.

Extra entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog
2. Become a follower of my blog
3. Grab my button
4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog

I will choose 2 winners on Tuesday, March 24. Thanks for entering!

This giveaway is now closed!
Here are your random numbers:

21 9 

Timestamp: 2009-03-25 17:20:43 UT

handmade perfection

I would like to introduce you to Nicole of Little Miss Lexie Designs. Perfection and quality met with a true eye for design. Little Miss Lexie designs was started out of Nicole's love for color, design and sewing. Her first creative love came in the form of faux painting and putting together draperies for her own home. She has now moved to designing clothing and bedding for toddlers and babies.

Nicole says, "I feel so blessed to have a God given passion and talent for placing different textures and colors together and watching them take shape!"


I have seen her baby bumper pads, quilts, shams, pillows, dresses, pants and boys t-shirts. You would be crazy not to purchase a piece of Little Miss Lexie clothing. Her items scream perfectionist! She is so easy to work with and keeps customer service top of mind. Tell me you haven't you ever envisioned having your very own custom bedding made just to your liking? Or super adorable little girls clothing handmade or very cool boys t-shirt?

I know I have. When I was looking for the perfect nursery bedding, I just couldn't find anything that I absolutely loved. It would have been great to pick out my own fabric and have it handmade to my liking!

She is even open to making an item that is not listed on her website. Just recently I wanted a guitar on a boys t-shirt. So, I picked out the t-shirt and she suggested fabric for the guitar and wallah! Believe me when I say Nicole is very easy to work with.

I love supporting a Mom who puts work into her passion into her talents. Head over to Nicole's Etsy shop Little Miss Lexie Designs!

As mentioned, she does custom made-to-order work too!

a brother loving his sister

A progression: good times with the little ones from Confessions of a Cereal Mom...

customize your own book

Talk about your child wanting to read a book over and over. My little LA loves to read, but when we received our "personalized" book and he realized it was about him...he wants to read it with everyone who walks in our door!



It really is such great idea. We chose to review The First Adventures of Incredible You. It has the most bright vibrant illustrations I have every seen! All of the text rhymes. LA has memorized his favorite pages already. The First Incredible Adventures of Incredible You takes your child through the first day of his or her arrival to so many incredible adventures of life.

It is really so simple to create this book as a keepsake or a gift. Whatever book you decide to choose it becomes completely personalized with just a little input from you and your child regarding people and places that are special to the child. The personalized children's book also includes a dedication page so the child never forgets the keepsake book. You can even take a virtual tour of The First Adventures of Incredible You.

Here are some of the things you can include...

Favorite Sports Team Neighborhood Street Nearby Park

Favorite Food Vacation Spot Nearby Zoo

Siblings/Friends Pet

I am really impressed by the quality of the book and the contents. I would give this book to anyone and know they would be so thrilled to have it.

Head to Personalized Children's Books and Gifts to get your customized book today! Be sure to take advantage of the 15% discount they are offering to Blondes, Poop & Mascara readers. Just use the code custom15 at the checkout.

Giveaway: LuvLoo Tshirt & Wranglers

I found some very cool and hip Tees and Onesies! LuvLoo was started 4 years ago by a Momma (and now Owner) named Kristy. The very clever name LuvLoo came from her son Owen. LuvLoo is how he first pronounced "love you!" How cute!


LuvLoo offers engaging designs that kids love to wear!! LA wants to wear his helicopter tee every day. And he also wants his brother to wear his dinosaur onezie so he can look at it. It is great...the shirt designs help establish letter and word recognition with bright and fun designs. Brilliant! LuvLoo offers planes, dinosaurs, bunnies, horses and many more.

My absolute favorite thing is every piece is individually silk-screened in the US, in sweatshop-free facilities. Made from the softest cotton available, the shirts have woven satin labels ironed on to the inside of each garment so never to irritate your little one's skin.


LuvLoo also carries a ToyWrangler. Clever; I must say. The Toy Wrangler keeps toys off the floor and within baby's reach! The design allows you to use just one or all three colorful bungees to keep baby happy while you eat or shop. Durable plastic removable rings make it easy to interchange all of baby's favorite toys, big and small.

Also available is the Mini ToyWrangler. This toywrangler is perfect for high chairs, shopping carts, stroller and activity centers.

I love attaching LA's paci to the Mini Wrangler and Boatboy's toys or teething rings to the Toy Wrangler.

Purchase your own Tees and Toywranglers at LuvLoos. Get 4.00 off any order. Just type promocode FREESHIP.

Win them: Kristy over at LuvLoo has graiously agreed to giveaway a t-shirt of choice and 4 Mini Wranglers. That means we will have 5 winners for 5 Blondes, Poop & Mascara readers! All you have to do is head to LuvLoos and let me know what t-shirt you would choose.

For extra entries: 1. Subscribe to my blog 2. Become a follower 3. Grab my button 4. Blog about LuvLoos giveaway on your blog

I will select 5 winners randomly on March 17, 2009. Thanks for entering.

Giveaway now closed!

Winners-
Wrangler winners

1.Medley Family
2.Lollipops
3. HawkGirl
4.Anonymous- Debra
---------------------------------
T-shirt winner
1. Lil Wifey

sticker your walls - in a good way

I have come across a one-stop-shopping-experience website. Raspberry Kids is a very easy-to-use website including one page checkout, faceted navigation and more. Raspberry Kids also carries many exclusive brands like Colette Kids, Kuki Kids, Lucy and Michael, baobab, Little Chipipi, Yoozzoos, Abe Jones. And, the pride they take in themselves for great customer experience is actually real. It's not just marketing language!

I got to to play in a very girlie room with some gorgeous adhesive artwork Little Chipipi (pronounced chipeepee). These wall stickers are removable and very easy to reposition. As you can see from the pictures they are tons of fun! They allow your child to create their own interior designs for a quick and effective way to brighten up a room. These premium Australian made stickers will remove without damaging walls, windows or doors and leave no residue. Don't like all the pink and butterflies, they have cars for boys too.


Buy a set: Head over to Raspberry Kids and pick up a set for15% off with the discount code blondes 15 before March 31st. Each set includes 42 wall stickers: 9 butterflies, 3 posies, 10 flowers, 10 hearts and 10 dots.

The discount code includes ALL products. Head over to Raspberry Kids and pick up something for your kiddo. And, they have great gift ideas!

Have a good weekend!

Friday Finds: new rockin' shoes!

Have I said that I like shoes? I really do enjoy boys shoes. But I really enjoy them when my 2.5 year old can put them on himself and they look REALLY good! The latest shoes we have tried that flex to my liking are Pedipeds. The next best thing to bare feet as the tagline indicates. And, that's a plus in our house. They also give back a portion of their proceeds and product to many great organizations.

I am very impressed with Pediped footwear. We reviewed the Zach in the Original Pediped line and the Demetri in the Flex line.

The Zach shoe is from the Original line (0 - 24 months). They really stay on Boatboy's feet while he is rolling around on the floor and they flex very easily as he in the crawling position and ready to take off. The leather is by far the softest leather I have ever felt! And, the leather is made with premium, non-toxic, ECO grade leather throughout!


And, here we have the very adorable Demetri shoes from the Flex line (ages 1 - 5). I think the best thing about these shoes are the foam insoles that are provided. They offer a comforatble fit along with a soft yet firm heel to absorb shock. The velcro fasteners allow LA to put on and take off his own shoes.

Check out all 45 fashion forward styles in girls and boys and make your purchase for a new pair of quality shoes for the Spring/Summer season!

Fashionthropic's new Boymobile line

Get over to Fashionthropic and check out the new line they've dubbed Boymobile. Very fun stuff! All the proceeds benefit Chaucie's Place. A fantastic organization working tirelessly as advocates for child victims of abuse.

In case you're not keeping up --- We have here Made-In-The-USA clothing, created by workers paid a fair wage, cool designs for your boys and 100% of the proceeds are given away to a non-profit org helping kids who have been neglected. Top that!

*Bargain Meal Monday*

I recently came across a site that listed bargain meals for a family of 4 under $5.00. I will be posting a meal every Monday.

Here is your first Meal:

This ~$3.00 dinner provides 4 ounces of cooked chicken, 1 cup of rice, and 1/2 cup broccoli per person.

Kroger shopping-
Buy: Chicken leg quarters, broccoli
Pantry: Oil, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, rice, chicken broth.

For 4 servings
2.5 lb chicken $1.50
1 bunch broccoli $1.00
1 1/4 C rice $0.35

Use the chicken broth instead of water to cook the rice. After the chicken has baked, skim off the fat from the juices left in the pan, and pour the flavorful juices over the rice at the table. Sprinkle a bit of lemon juice over the broccoli as it is steaming for a bright flavor!

Enjoy!

I thought you said "pee pee?"

Before we walk you through the following exchange, let's remind you of three things...

1) Mr Blonde is a neat freak. Things have their place. And, things need to be clean.

2) LA is in the midst of potty training. And, doing very well if we do say so!

3) Mrs Blonde thinks anything to do with poop is the funniest thing on the planet. (see: blog name)

"Why are they taking so long. I wonder if he's having to poop," thinks Mrs after Mr and LA have been in the bathroom at a local grinder shop for 5 entire minutes.

Out they come and Mr has an expression that indicates something just happened. Not a bad something. There was no frown or look of disdain. But, something just happened.

LA is happy (so, it had to be something good that happened right) and steps a few feet away to play basketball on a sweet little 4.5 foot goal beside our table.

Because there are other guests in the restaurant Mr isn't incredibly willing to share great detail of the experience. But, Mrs must know. It can't wait. It's her design. She must know. Now.

Mr: (LA had just told us he had to "Pee pee.") "We got in there, he was standing on the seat just like normal and he seemed like he was pushing an awful lot. (Remembering I had smelled a couple toots a few minutes prior, but didn't think much of it because he had already poo'ed in the potty chair at home earlier in the afternoon. He's a one-a-day sort of lad.) So, I checked his bottom and there was a giant 50-cent-in-diameter five-incher giving way to gravity. Oh, you're going poo poo! Without any options, I turned him around bent his legs up a bit (picture baby cradle sort of hold) when the beast plummeted into the tank. Like a dart to a bullseye. Then, a little trailer missed the mark a bit when it smacked the lid and flopped to the tile."

LA: "Big Poo Poo!....Poo down there too!" (pointing toward the floor)

Mr: "Yeah. Don't worry about that. You did a good job going poo poo. Dadda will clean that up."

Mrs is laughing. No really. Laughing! Hard! Her face is red. The family sitting sort of behind us knows something happened. LA is riding the little train ride a few feet away oblivious as to why his Momma is laughing as hard as she is. But, she is.

"Wait, that's not all." interjects Mr.

Mrs: "What?!"

"It was big. Big enough to clog the toilet! After we flushed (it almost overflowed). Washed and dryed our hands. Then, I stood LA over in the corner and told him to watch Dadda. This is a plunger. You get to watch Dadda plunge the toilet. Luckily the bowl was relieved with a couple yank/pushes."

Mr. re-washed hands and leaves bathroom laughing silently and congratulating LA.

Mrs: "Oh my gosh! (through tears of laughter) This is so going on our blog."

Giveaway: Boogie Wipes

During the cold season we should all have some Boogie Wipes on hand. These nose wipes are a great alternative to tissues that seem to irritate and rub little noses raw. My little guy actually asks for "Boogies Wipes in Grape." It is great!

These wipes have added saline and offer quick, gentle, effective relief of stuck on boogies (mucus) caused by the common cold & allergies. They are offered in grape (LA's favorite!), fresh and menthol scents. You can even purchase single packets to have with you at all times. Boogie Wipes are sold at just about every store.

Buy some: Head to Boogie Wipes and receive a 20% off discount. Just type in “boogie time.”

Win some: Boogie Wipes is giving a Blondes, Poop & Mascara reader 2 packages of 30 count wipes in grape and menthol scent. And 10 on-the-go packets. Leave me a comment telling me what feature you like about Boogie Wipes from their website.

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to my blog. Current subscribers count too!

2. Blog about this giveaway and link back to it.

3. Post my button on your blog or site.

I will select a random winner March 5, 2009. Thanks for entering!

the look of fear

In my job at the Indy Racing League, I get exposed to a lot of unique and incredible opportunities. In my seventh IndyCar season of producing and directing creative, this was a first...



...yes, it's real. And, it's spectacular. EJ doesn't have that blank look of fear that I do.

- Mr Blonde

Giveaway: See Kai Run

I kind of love shoes myself. But, now I REALLY love finding great shoes for my boys. See Kai Run has created handsome little shoes that are so comfy, sturdy and well designed. They are handcrafted from sheepskin leather. They have a very flexible rubber sole for developing feet. The soft leather and velcro closures make them very easy to put on. In my opinion these super adorable shoes marry fashion and function, making them nice enough to wear with a casual outfit and also a fleece one piece to roll around in. When I opened the box and saw the leather sole I was a little concerned that Boatboy wouldn't be able move around. But I was so wrong, it is such a soft sole. Great pair of shoes! You can sign up on the See Kai Run's homepage to receive updates of new products and specials.

See Kai run has 3 lines...
1. "Smaller" 0-18 months.
2. "See Kai Run" 6months - 3 years
3. "Eleven" 3-8 years ( Which I just reviewed)

Buy a pair: See Kai Run from 24-46.00

Win a pair: See Kai run has graciously agreed to giveaway 1 pair of shoes. The winner will get to choose their favorite pair and size from the "Smaller" or "See Kai Run" lines. Head over to See Kai Run and let me know what pair of shoes you must win and just love! Be sure to leave your email address in your comment.

For extra entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway on your site.

2. Subscribe on See Kai Run's homepage for email updates

3. Grab my button
4. Subscribe to my blog.

Thanks for entering! I will choose a winner Feburary 28th.

rock star in (potty) training!

Happy Saturday!

life beyond dot com

Where have I been? For the last 2 weeks I have been without internet. It has been quite hard actually. I have about 2.5 hours everyday for me time during the boys' simultaneous nap. Blogging. Cleaning. Laundry. Working out. Showering. Journaling.

Most days the laundry doesn't happen. Note: I wrote cleaning and laundry. Two different things. I don't have a problem with cleaning, but I do with laundry. I am terrible at it. And it drives my husband crazy. He doesn't say much about it though and he will just start doing it...you would think I would be jumping for joy! A husband helping with laundry and wanting too! But no, it eats at me that I can't ever keep up on it.

Well...since I have had no computer for 2 weeks I have kept on on laundry, spent quality time with God, prayed for my amazing husband more than normal, worked out and felt great about the home.

So what I am trying to say is I don't think it is that I am bad at or can't stand laundry. I think I have to work really hard to prioritize my 2.5 hour break. So, even though I really missed keeping up on bloggy and email things, it has been a great 2 weeks. I even did a load of laundry today with the computer on! Yes, I am very proud of myself!

I shall not forgot to mention we are in the midst of potty training LA. I decided it was time to try again. So we said bye bye to diapers and hello to big boy underwear. Oh, he looks so stinkin' cute in them! I just want to squeeze him!

We've brought out the candy, cars and Thomas trains for rewards. I decided to take and week and hunker down. Monday and Tuesday were tough. Lots of messes but many successes. Today being day 4, I am one proud Momma. It has definitely been work But, today was 4 out 5 peeing in the potty chair! YEAH! Yippee! I am doing a happy dance right now...the same one I do when he goes pee pee or poo poo.

Any ideas or suggestions from you Elite Moms of potty trained children? I would love to hear them!

Giveaway: The Wee Hat

With both of my children I wanted to find a simple angelic hat to bring them home in. Because we didn't find out the gender in advance of either of our boys, I searched HARD at many stores. I did end finding some that were 0-6 months and, of course, they were way too big...and I had chunkers! Because of my fashion design experience, I thought both times it would not be that hard to just whip one up. Never happened. So what hat fit perfectly on my boys' heads? That scratchy polyester "hat" (fabric tied with a piece of yarn at the top) from the hospital.

When I came across Wee Baby Hats I was very excited to have found these sheek and cozy hats.They are made of cashmere-like cotton sweater yarn, very soft to the touch. And, they are made in the USA!

The packaging is so super cute. I am telling you this would be such a great shower gift. Every Mom wants a hat to fit your babies head perfectly that is super cozy. That head has been through some trauma!

Buy a set of 3: 35.00

Win a blue set:

Wee Baby has graciously agreed to giveaway a blue gift set. Head over to Wee Baby and let me know what you love about these great hats! I will select a random winner on Feb.22. Be sure to include your email address.

For extra entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway on your site.

2. Become a follower of my blog

3. Subscribe to my blog
4. Grab my button!!

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering!

push-button westie

LA got Chloe with a heart sticker last week. Doesn't she look like she has one of those "push here and I'll sing Go Tell It On A Mountain" type buttons?

LA's HEMI

Remember that photo contest we won a couple months back? We finally reaped the rewards by taking LA and Boatboy to RideMakerZ at a local mall for Valentine's Day. It was an extremely good time!

Woah! ...so much to choose from.



After we picked "the orange one" (a Dodge Charger)... it was time to accessorize! We got chrome wheels and made it an RC (remote control, that is).

This store is a design wonder overall! Diamondplate, steel, chrome, tools, cars, noise...and as you see above even a setup area for putting the cars together with your own store mechanic. "Andy" tried with LA, but you can see the little guy's expression is clear..."I don't know you. Just put my car together and I'll be on my way."

Chrome and my boys!

Boatboy never got out of the stroller while we were there, but doesn't seem to mind. MEGAcuteness!

Does he look excited?

Calling Nana to tell her about the car

Only two complaints about the store:

#1 - It's really pretty expensive. Had we not had a gift card, we would not have gone. That said, it IS a destination experience (ie: Grandson is turning 3 and Grandparents take him there after building it up for weeks. It's the only gift he gets.)

#2 - There are no IndyCar chassis to build from! What in the world?!

...still...GREAT TIMES!

Infections and really big trees

We've been a bit quiet around here. Our home PC got a virus. And then some spyware. And then another virus. And then pretty much became a robot to all the evil hackers out there. Chances are our ip address ended up sending out "male enhancement" and "hot Asian" emails before we realized how bad it had really gotten. So, we're in the shop thanks to a really good friend of ours using his expertise to get us healthy again and better than ever. And, a really big tree smashed into the road last night during a storm and knocked our power out. But, never fear. Stay tuned for more megahertz, gigawatz and tiramisus to a BPM near you!

Eddie, U2 and a song about heaven

...caught on tape in a hotel lobby. Not a bad way to start the week off...