Amy Adele Note Cards Review

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As much as I love throwing birthday parties for my children, having them end is also a huge relief. Once all the "fun stuff" is over, there are still decorations to take down and thank you notes to write. Of course, writing thank you cards is not on my children's list of favorite activities so I like to get them ones with fun designs that they can just fill in rather than having to start from scratch. Amy Adele is an online stationary store that is your go-to-place for kids stationary, address labels, invitations, calling cards, and thank you notes. Their themes seem endless and their selection is adorable.

Their assortment of flat cards are designed to be the perfect size for notes to send your family and friends. Flat card designs are available in a wide variety of designs to include seasonal themes, fun critters, floral themes, and many more. They can be used as invitations, announcements, thank you notes, or just to send a hello note to a friend. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to review the Happy Daisy Row Cards. 

Customizing the cards was a breeze because I was able to enter all the personalized information into the site and instantly preview my design to make sure that everything looked perfect. The note cards arrived quickly in an adorable bag (I love the little touches). They were printed on good quality card stock and the finished product looked great. The bright colors of the daisies were very appealing and my daughter instantly fell in love with them. I designed it so that she would only need to enter the name of the recipient and her signature which made filling out thank yous much less painless than in the past. We both really loved these cards and I would definitely shop with confidence from Amy Adele in the future. 

*Disclaimer

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Kushyfoot Review and Giveaway

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As the weather gets colder and I start replacing my darling summer sandals with more sensible shoes, my freezing toes are reminding me that going barefoot under shoes is not ideal. Not only can it mean chilled feet  it can also lead to foot odor and foot discomfort. However, who wants to sacrifice style for comfort? Not me! Kushyfoot offers a line of foot and legwear products that were designed to give you the best of both worlds: comfort and fashion. 

Kushyfoot's fall line provides the ideal finishing touch for dresses, skirts, and pants and include:

• Fleece Trouser Socks
• Fleece Fishnet and Classic Styles (pre-packed as two pair)
• Microfiber crew socks in both nude and black
• Light Support Trouser (all-day sleek comfort) in both black and nude
• Sport Foot Cover fits into loafers and sports shoes to provide super breathable comfort

Review: I always struggle with having to wear socks again to work in the fall. I get very accustomed to the sockless look but get very cold easily so having my feet stay warm is a must. What I love about the Kushyfoot line of products is that there are styles that show and styles that are hidden under your shoe so you can still have that sockless look without actually being sockless.  For when I want a fashionable sock to show, I really loved the Trouser Socks. They were extremely comfortable, stayed in placed without having to fuss with them throughout the day, kept my feet the perfect temperature, and looked great.

The Sport Foot Cover was amazing as well. There are few things more uncomfortable than socks bunching up underneath sneakers and these covers were not only amazingly comfortable to wear, I did no have to adjust them once.  The Crew and Knee High Socks were awesome as well. In fact, I would do so far as to say they are the most comfortable ones I have ever owned.  They were comfortable on every part of my foot and were light and breathable. These beat regular old sock any day of the week!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I was provided with the above mentioned products for the purpose of facilitating this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Muddy Puddles - Waterproof & Children's Outdoor Clothing

As much as I would love to go shopping for adorable outdoor clothes for my children, I have to shop for function more so than looks because we tend to have the harshest of seasons where I live. I would love to not have to sacrifice style for practicality which is why I adored looking through the Muddy Puddles website. Muddy Puddles has year-round styles for the outdoorsy kid. The company believes in nature and adventure can be exist in adorable clothes.

When I think fall, I think of two survive-the-elements clothing needs: jackets and boots (or as the UK-based company calls, Wellies).  They offer a cute selection of Kids Waterproof Jackets designed to allow kids to get on with their day in any type of weather. Their waterproof selection range from lightweight to ultimate for all year round. I absolutely love this polka-dot PuddlePac jacket. It is perfect for warmer weather and actually folds up into a pocket so your child or you can easily store it in a bag if the weather improves. No more toting around jackets - hooray! 

To complete the look, you can select from one of their great Kids Wellies designs. Jumping in puddles is one of my children's favorite activities and if they had a great pair of rainboots, I wouldn't have to stop their fun. The Muddy Puddles wellies are designed to keep your child's feet warm and dry in eye catching designs. They also offer thick welly socks and welly linings for extra protection.  Plus, what little kid wouldn't want to go around wearing these! They are beyond adorable. Now, if they could only create an adult line....

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How to Make an Ice Cream Cone Pinata

When my daughter asked if she could have a pinata this year, I thought "sure, why not". Then she informed me that she "had" to have an ice cream cone shaped one or it just would not fit her ice cream theme party. Again, I thought "sure, why not". It took a full week to make this baby, but it was well worth it and it looked amazing when it was done! It was a lot of work, but we made it together so it was a great mother-daughter activity and daddy even joined in the fun of making it at the end!

Step 1: Gather your materials for the top of the ice cream cone

You will need: 
1 balloon, inflated (no helium)
newspaper
flour
water

Additionally, you will later need:
1/2 sheet poster board
rope
glue
tape
colored tissue paper

Step 2:  To make the actual pinata, you will be using a paper mache technique. To make the glue, ix 1 cup of flour with 1 &1/3 cup water.  Stir until it is well blended and there are few, if any, bumps.

Step 3: Rip pieces of newspaper into 2-3 inch wide strips. Dip both sides of the strip into the mixture and then slide two fingers over the wet newspaper strip to remove the excess glue. Place the strip on the balloon. Continue to place the strips over the balloon until it is entirely covered. You will want to position the balloon on a bowl of some kind and may need to let the majority of it dry overnight before you can flip it to do the underside. You will need to put 4-6 layers (drying overnight in between each layer) so that it is very sturdy and can handle being whacked by the party guests.

Step 4:  Once the pinata has dried completely and is very hard, cut a small hole into the top (keep the piece removed from the hole) for the candy. Cutting into it will pop the balloon, but you should remove the balloon nonetheless. If it falls to the bottom, use a metal hanger to fish it out.   Cut two more small holes (smaller than the candy hole) for a rope. For extra reinforcement, you can attach a small piece of cardboard to the ends of the rope. You will want to place the cardboard on the inside portion of the hole buy working through the larger candy hole (see picture below).

Step 5: Fill with candy and then replace the removed piece of the pinata and tape to close it. Masking tape worked best for this job.

Step 6: Make a cone out of poster board, trimming the upper portion as necessary to make a more perfect cone shape. Tape the cone together and then use masking tape to adhere the cone to the paper mache ice cream top.

Step 7: Cut gold or tan colored tissue paper into 2 inch strips and begin wrapping the paper around the cone, gluing as you go. 

Step 8: Cut strips of the ice cream colored tissue paper (about 3 inches wide), cutting small slits 3/4 of the way through the paper all the way down the length of the strip. Begin at the base of the ice cream, closest to the cone, and begin glueing down one layer after the other of the colored paper, wrapping around the ice cream as you go. Make sure the entire top is covered by the layers.

Step 9: Tie additional rope to the rope on the pinata and hang it up. Be prepared to cry as little kids bash away at your masterpiece! Since the kids will probably assume that the cone holds candy too, you will get a laugh when the code flies off and they stare at the empty floor beneath them with the most adorable, confused looks on their faces. Hey, that's what they get for batting away at my artwork!

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How to Get the Most from Your T-Shirt Printing Company (Guest Post)

Whether you are starting up a new clothing line, or are taking advantage of printed t-shirts as an effective marketing tool for your business, it is important to find the right full-service printing company in Denver to enjoy the best experience possible. Choose a company that offers virtually limitless options. They should be able to accommodate both large and small orders, all types of budgets, and provide you with a beautiful result that you feel proud to give to your customers or fans.

Can They Meet Your Needs?

Custom t-shirts can provide a simple advertising solution and build customer loyalty with low overhead costs, a fast process, and little or no future obligation. Make sure to let your screen printing company know what you are looking for upfront. While some companies can offer design services, it is better to have a good idea of what you need so that the company has clear guidelines. If you have a detailed design or image in mind, make sure that they can skillfully print this design.

When you are looking for a qualified printing company, there are a number of things you should first ask yourself. Can the company accommodate your needs and expectations? Do they offer high-quality printing and products? Can they meet your budget and timeline needs?

Online Reviews

If you can get a recommendation for a reputable printing company in your area, that is usually the best place to begin your search. Take a look at online reviews to see what others have to say about your printing company of choice. Experience and customer service can go a long way, so make sure that they seem willing to help and are committed to your satisfaction.

Request a Quote

Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, request a quote from your printing company in Denver. Once they understand your needs, they can provide an accurate estimate on what the services cost. Make sure to also inquire about any deals or discounts they may offer. Oftentimes, ordering in bulk or choosing more than one color or option can result in a discount.

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FRAAS Review

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May contain Affiliate links

I really love autumn. Fall is my favorite time of year to bake, I love the festivities, and adore the fashion - especially scarves. My husband asked me last year, "when will you have enough scarves".  My answer, "there is no such thing!"  They are not only a great way to accessories, they are totally functional. I am always cold so it helps me keep warm while looking amazing!

FRAAS offers a fall and holiday line of scarves that work with a variety of wardrobe choices - from jeans to dresses. Their color palettes (brights, mid-tones, and neutral shades) mix and match into a unique scarf. Did I mention they are reversible! The scarf is available in four shades: petrol, dark red, purple, and black. They are made of viscose and acrylic and measure 14x72 inches. 

Review: I received the black scarf to review and was immediately thrilled with the color because it will go with just about everything in my closet.  The scarf looked pretty and I loved how incredibly soft it was but it was not until I put it on did I really appreciate the beauty and feel of this scarf.  The material was just heavy enough to add some warmth and allowed it to lay perfectly on my chest.  Even though it was made of a heavier material than a spring scarf, it was very breathable and I did not feel overheated when wearing it. 

Of course, that fact that it is reversible is awesome. There is nothing like getting two for the price of one! I was not able to pull off the fully reversible look with all scarf styles because of necessary twists of the scarf, but it certainly worked for the way I most frequently wear my scarves:

I was not sure how I would like the patterned side but it looked amazing. The black side would look great as an accessory, but the printed side looks great as the centerpiece of the outfit! The scarf is certainly versatile in terms of uses as well. I plan on wearing it to my son's football games as the weather continues to cool, can wear it with a pair of jeans for any occasion, and also plan on jazzing up some of my work blouses. This FRAAS scarf is going right to the top of my scarf basket! 

Buy it here: The FRAAS scarf can be purchased for $40 via department and specialty stores as well as online retailers. You can also order from the company by calling 212-575-0191 (060607 is the scarf featured in this post) or you can order select styles from Fraas.com or Amazon.


*I received the above mentioned product for the purpose of facilitating this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Purex UltraPacks plus Oxi Review and Giveaway

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New Purex UltraPacks plus Oxi combines the convenience of easy-to-use Purex UltraPacks with the stain fighting power of Oxi. The formula works to powerfully fight over 101 of your toughest stains. The UltraPack design contains a full load's worth of concentrated liquid detergent in each pack hat dissolve quickly as you toss and god.  Plus, the Purex plus Oxi's single dose laundry formula helps save you money (up to $45 a year). 

Review: There is only one thing I like more than Purex detergent is Purex detergent with stain protector! I have been going through some acute medical problems lately and have barely been able to stay awake for more than 20 minutes at a time let alone get housework done. When I was able to get a load done here and there, having these UltraPacks on hand made the tasks so quick and easy.I was very impressed by the cleaning and and deodorizing power of Purex plus Oxi. The clothes came out smelling great and the stains were gone! I would definitely buy this for the cleaning power and convenience. 

Purex Sweepstakes: To celebrate the release of Purex UltraPacks plus Oxi, the Purex brand is hosting a sweepstakes. Just find the red jersey and win $50!  Enter here.

Win it here:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

*The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex UltraPacks plus Oxi in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

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McCain Grocery Goodness Giveaway on Facebook

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for McCain Foods. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.

Despite our very busy lifetyles, we do try to make every effort to spend quality time together as much as possible. One of the easiest ways to do this is to schedule dinner around extracurricular activities so we all eat together, discuss your day, and even plan for the following day. On the most perfect of days, our kids can even join in on cooking the meal! Sometimes I give my children complete creative control over choosing the recipes and preparing them (helping them with the hot stove and sharp knives) and it is so great to see the look on their faces when you bite into their creation with delight and acceptance. 

McCain Grocery Goodness Giveaway Details: 

McCain Potatoes is running a Facebook Contest where they will select 1 winner each week (8 winners total) to receive a $500 grocery store gift card!  Contestants can also check out the Grocery Goodness Giveaway tab for to receive a $1 off coupon off any 1 bag of McCain Potato products!

Connect Here: You can connect with McCain through their Facbook page. 

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Green Party Goods Eco Cupcake Stand Review

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Greenpartygoods.com was founded by a "Greentrepeneur", Carole Soss, who set out to offer practical and attractive party supplies that were also environmentally friendly.  After receiving numerous requests from brides for green wedding supplies, the company joined the cupcake craze and began offering eco-friendly cupcake wrappers and toppers. The biggest challenge, however, was finding an attractive way to present the cupcakes. This is how the Eco Cupcake Stand was born.

The Eco Cupcake Stand is a reusable and recyclable cupcake tower made from two-sided, coated, recycled corrugated cardboard that can be wiped clean and redecorated and used over and over again. The Eco Cupcake Stand comes in both a round and square option. They come disassembled for easy storage. 

Specifics: The Eco Cupcake Stands can be decorated in any way to fit the theme of your event. The top tier can display a small cake, candles, flowers, or whatever your creative heart desires. The stand is 20 3/16" tall and is designed to allow ample space for high frosting and toppers, something that many other stands cannot offer. 

Review: As you saw earlier today, my daughter had an ice cream themed birthday this past week. She is extremely crafty and was the one who actually decorated the stand with minimal help from me. She painted the stand purple and we  glued ribbon on the sides. She also made the topper which is a large ball of yarn in a sundae glass topped with a wooden cherry. We added some cascading, colorful ribbons down the side and it looked so adorable when it was all done. 

The stand is so easy to put together that my daughter (8 years old) and her friends put it together without any help. They wanted to surprise me and show me what they did, though I would have preferred that they let the paint dry first! It is lightweight, yet very sturdy. It can really hold a lot of cupcakes and there is a nice space in between tiers so you can still fit cupcakes with embellishments   My party guests LOVED this stand and so did I. The decorating possibilities are endless! 

Buy it here: You can buy the Eco Cupcake Stand, and many other cupcake craze products, from their website

*I was provided with the above mentioned product in order to facilitate this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Ice Cream Birthday Party Ideas!

It was my daughter's 8th birthday this past week and she decided that she wanted to celebrate with an Ice Cream themed party - complete with a sundae bar! We had so much fun making all the party decorations and she was fully involved in all the planning. I will feature some tutorials throughout the week, but for now here is an overview:

The Invitations: These cute one-sided Ice Cream invites came from Pear Tree Greetings. I really believe that invitations help set the tone for a party so I still rely on good old fashion paper invites. They are pretty adorable!

The Centerpieces: Would you believe my daughter and her friends made these all by themselves?! That's right, these super-cute yarn ice cream sundaes are that easy to make. 

The Pinata: My daughter was insistent on having a pinata this year; however, I could not find a reasonably priced ice cream pinata anywhere. Thank goodness for Pinterest because we found out how to make our very own pinata! This sucker took us about a week to make but we were both so proud of it by the time we were done!  

The Cupcakes: Of course, I make the biggest deal out of the birthday cake - or cupcakes in this case. Since there were so many people at the party and there would already be a bit of chaos with the sundae bar, I decided it would make more sense to have cupcakes than a cake I would need to cut and serve. My daughter and her friends painted the stand and we worked on the rest of the decorations together - I LOVED the finished product and will review it later today!

The cupcakes were: white cake with Oreo filling and a buttercream, chocolate ice cream topping with a cherry on top and a spice cake with apple filling, buttercream with caramel ice cream topping, and a cherry. Unfortunately a couple of days before my daughter's birthday I become acutely and, unfortunately, hot rock bottom right after her party and had to go to the ER. This definitely was not my best work and my husband did all the baking (and just about everything else for the party - he deserves husband of the year for that one!)

The Party Hats:
I usually like to plan some sort of craft for the kids so this year they made their own party hats out of headbands, tissue paper, ribbon and waffle cones.

And, of course, the Birthday Girl!

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BUILT Reusable Shopper - the Perfect Trick or Treat Bag!

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I was about 7 years old. It was a dark and spooky Halloween and I was Trick or Treating with my parents when the most horrific and unthinkable thing that could happen to a child on Halloween occurred - my candy bag ripped open blocks from my house. I watched in horror as all my hard-earned candy spilled across the sidewalk. Yes, I know it sounds dramatic but that really is a tragedy when you are young! These were the days before reusable bags and you relied on plastic bags (or in my case pillow cases every year after this happened). 

BUILT's Reusable Shopper is the perfect grocery bag that can double as a pretty awesome Trick-or-Treat bag.  They are made with a soft neoprene shoulder pad that doubles as a carrying case. It is machine washable and comes in a variety of patterns. 

Review: I have a huge collection of reusable bags because I really hate using and wasting plastic. This is the first bag that I have ever used that has a shoulder pad and I love it! It is so much more comfortable to use when I go grocery shopping - so much so that this has become my "default" bag. It is nice  that it can fold up into the shoulder pad but I can't seem to get it too look quite as nice as it did when I first received it.  Regardless, I can get it in there good enough so I can just keep it in my purse. It is on the smaller side as compared to a lot of my other bags, but I actually like having a variety of sizes and this is a great one for small grocery lists. It is built strong and will be great for Trick or Treating and beyond!


Buy it here: BUILT's Reusable Shopper is available for $9.99 from the BUILT website.

*I was provided with the above mentioned product for the purpose of facilitating this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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