Welcome to ParentSphere’s “Virtual Expo”! Join me, as I “virtually” walk around the ABC Kids Show in Vegas. We’ll check out the exhibitors and introduce you to their products. Some of the companies are even offering ParentSphere readers special discounts and giveaways – be sure to stop back each day this week to find out what’s new.
Now, on with the show…(pssst…you have to click “Read the rest of this entry” below to view this post in its entirety!)
Sometimes I feel it’s necessary to wear apparel on my toddler that will help people understand the things that she has a hard time communicating.
Punky Mae has all kinds of tees that will help the expressionally challenged kids.
Like, maybe they think Preschool is Cool or that Kindergarten Rocks.
Help them express what is really on their minds. Check out Punky Mae for more where these came from.
Nintendo’s Wii made its debut in our home earlier this summer and I must say, it’s just so cool. We love it. I have played my fair share of video games on various different systems but Wii takes the cake, hands down.
I have always thought the original Nintendo game console made a great family pastime, and now that I’ve experienced Wii, my love for Nintendo has been rekindled. I have already downloaded several old favorites from the Wii Shop Channel. Connecting to the internet from my video game console? Seriously? How freaking cool.
I love it that you actually have to get off of your butt to play some of these interactive games. Believe me, the first time I played tennis and boxing on Wii Sports, I broke out into a huge sweat and my legs and arms were sore the next day. I know, that says a lot about me, right?
We haven’t even used the Wii to its full capability yet, so you can bet this will be a product that is revisited many more times in the near future.
In the meantime, go get a Wii. It will not disappoint.
I’ve gone back and forth from electric toothbrushes to your basic brush. To be honest, I’ve never really concerned myself with what my toothbrush is made of, until now that is.
I’ve been introduced to Preserve by Recycline. Preserve is a line of products made from 100% recycled plastics and post-consumer paper. Eco-friendly items for your teeth and your home that won’t break the bank. Now, that’s what I’m talkin’ about. I could talk more about the Preserve toothbrush but a toothbrush is a toothbrush, right? It’s just cool that it’s a recyclable product and that’s something I’m more interested in talking about.
Recycline even provides a downloadable postage-paid label in order to return your used Preserve toothbrush, tongue cleaner and razor handles, so they can recycle them for rebirth. Preserve Tableware and Kitchen products are recyclable, too. Just stick them in your blue recycling bin.
Now that I know there is a Preserve Jr., I’ll be sure to pick up one for my toddler. You’re never to young to learn how to take care of our planet.
*Click HERE to print out some Preserve Toothbrush coupons.
I never have, nor will I ever rub my stomach, close my eyes, salivate and fantasize about a seafood dinner. Just the thought makes me shudder. To prove it, I spent my honeymoon in Hawaii, surrounded by oodles of the freshest seafood around, and I turned my nose up at all of it.
Now, I’m well aware that consuming fatty fish twice per week is recommended by the American Heart Association. For me though, it needs to taste good and satisfy me. So, of course the best alternative for a picky eater like me is a fish oil supplement.
GO3 has been on the market since February 2008. Soccer-extraordinaire, David Beckham, has partnered with GO3′s associated company of Findus, Ltd. in an effort to help motivate kids and families to live a more healthy and active lifestyle.
I can’t dish out all of the scientific information about this product but you can visit this section of the GO3 website to learn more. One thing I do understand is how beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids are for you and your all-around good health – there’s no question about that.
So, yes, this is only a supplement and eating fish is recommended but for me, taking a supplement is better than nothing. We (the adults) have been taking two GO3 supplements daily. GO3 is also available for kids ages four and up in chewable junior strawberry capsules (we think they’re kind of gross) and Vitamin Kicks chewable multivitamin gummy balls (haven’t tried these). All of these supplements are available for purchase on the GO3 website.
Olive Kids (one of my favorite boutiques) has some really fun personalized items available for the upcoming fourth of July holiday. If you’re heading out on picnics or to the summer cottage on the lake (like we are), pick up one of Olive Kid’s festive, personalized placemats.
I’m sure you’ll be toting around a bunch of swim gear, so name tags are a must. We’ve been talking about what your favorite summer reads are, so it’s a given that your kiddo should have a personalized bookmark to hold his or her place while they’re out romping around in the waves. Finally, when it’s time for that cookout, they’ll know exactly where their place at the picnic table is with their own personalized placemat.
Olive Kids would LOVE to give you a “Get Personalized for the Fourth” prize package!
One lucky reader will receive a personalized name tag, bookmark and placemat of your choice…just in time for the Fourth of July holiday!
TO ENTER:
Leave a comment on this post and let us know if you have any special plans this Fourth of July. If you’re just planning on lounging around at home and catching the neighborhood fireworks – that works too! :)
A winner will be chosen randomly on Sunday, June 22nd and notified via email. Bloggers and non-bloggers are welcome to enter. This contest is open to residents of the continental U.S. We will announce the winner on this post.
Good luck!
*Update: Congratulations to HEATHER, our Olive Kid’s “Get personalized for the fourth” giveaway! Heather is going to be BBQ’ing and watching the local fireworks this fourth!
From tutu’s to accessories for mama, you will be tickled pink after you finish browsing Fairy Princess Clothing’s online store. This all-girlie boutique offers quite an extensive range of brands and fashions and believe me when I say, I have been drooling over the adorableness of all that is flowery and frilly ever since I clicked into the store.
I absolutely love the Stackable Tutus by Pickled Hippo (MSRP: $23). You can stack up to four single tutus for a fuller look.
I had a chat over the phone with Katrina, Fairy Princess Clothing boutique owner, and she answered some of our burning questions:
Why did you decide to create Fairy Princess Clothing?
Katrina: My neighbor and good friend one day commented that my daughters had so many clothes that I should start a boutique. That sparked the idea. But my true inspiration came from my three girls. They love to dress up and adore “girly” things. It is gratifying to help other mothers find just the right thing…..from a first birthday dress to the perfect Halloween costume.
What kind of background do you have?
Katrina: Believe it or not, the only retail experience I had was my “shopping therapy” (albeit extensive!). I have taught myself this business from the ground up, from the retail perspective and the technical perspective.
Why did you choose to open an online store, rather than a physical location?
Katrina: My choice to open an online boutique rather than an actual store front came naturally. My husband has a background in information technology and I knew I had all the resources I needed to launch it. At the time I had (and still do have) small children at home. Our children are the very center of our lives and I did not want this venture to take me away from them. When I work my girls are always with me. For better or worse, that is why so often my customers hear them in the background!
Which item(s) that you carry did you just “have to have” for your own child(ren)?
Katrina: Oh my goodness…just about everything that arrives! I love the quality and workmanship of Sarah Louise dresses; the trendy and hip styles of Greggy Girl, My Vintage Baby and Luna Luna; the cute and funky designs from Frilli Lilli; and the sweet and timeless designs from Victoria Kids. Honestly, all of it has an appealing quality to it.
I hand select every single item in our boutique. When ordering I imagine how my daughters or other little girls would respond to such an item. So many of the baby items make me long to have another one (only momentarily!) so I can dress them in these darling outfits.
Which item(s) do you sell out of constantly?
Katrina: Some of my great sellers this season have been the Tutu Cupcake Dress, Tiny Tutu Princess Set, Tutu Dress by Luna Luna and the Froggie Princess and Rag Doll Dresses from Frilli Lilli. But, by far, my consistent best sellers are the Belle Ame Pettiskirts and matching tops. For crying out loud, I can’t keep them in stock! They are very soft and full and have an amazing “twirl factor” for little girls.
Are you a tech savvy mama?
Katrina: Oh, I’ve had to painfully learn my way around html and other techie stuff that I don’t even know what it’s called. Really, my knight in shining armor is my beloved and handsome husband. He is my “computer geek” as I like to call him. He works on the site daily. After his own job he comes home and spends hours working on mine! No kidding. I could not have even considered starting Fairy Princess Clothing without his help and support.
Give us an interesting fact about yourself.
Katrina: My oldest and youngest daughters are 16 years apart. With my oldest just graduating from high school and my youngest only 2, I’ve seen every stage of growth and development for a little girl.
At Fairy Princess Clothing, you will find personalized items, diaper bags and totes, furniture and just an array of other assorted items and gifts. This is boutique is a fantastic hangout for mum’s of little princesses…I know this first hand. ;)
*FPC has a newsletter, you can sign up HERE
