I was gallivanting around Facebook in the wee hours of the morning (so, what’s new?) when in my friend feed appeared this adorable little girl, wearing this adorable personalized tee.  You know me…I was all sorts of, “Whaaa?”  “Who?”  “Where?”  “I want!”

The little girl happens to be the daughter of my almost IRL friend, Lindsey (we were this { } close to hanging out over the summer!) and the super cute tee she’s wearing comes from Sassy J Boutique.

Aside from all of the fun personalized goodies, boutique owner Jackie Parker, has got Pillowcase Dresses (I’m sort of in love with these things).

The holidays are fast approaching and first up is my personal favorite, Halloween.

The Pumpkin Ensemble $40

Super. Reasonably. Priced.  I’m just sayin’.

In case you’re in the market for a new Christmas Tree Skirt, you can consider getting one personalized.  There are a lot of other fancy, personalized holiday gift items at Sassy J Boutique.  You can browse the holiday section here.

You can also Like ‘em on Facebook.

As a woman who struggles with shape and weight loss (after two child-births), I have been open to trying just about anything that will help me “hide” my mid-section.  So, when I was contacted about trying a pair of M’Chic’s capri-length jeans, I jumped at the chance. I thought it would be a nice change from the stylish, yet, “maternity” cargo pants and belly band (egh-hem, aren’t we “post” maternity now?) that I would still occasionally use.

These jeans don’t take away the fact that I need (and want) to get into shape, so I can finally feel comfortable in my skin again, but they do boost my self-confidence.  They aren’t something I wear around the house because, frankly, when I’m bumming around my house, I want to see my muffin top so I’m more inclined to get on the treadmill.  M’Chic apparel was created by someone who shares a common interest with me; she’s a mom.  She knows that energy and time are all factors in getting back into shape post-baby.  Energy and time are a huge factor for me at the present.

What I like about the M’Chic jeans is the strong, spandex band that helps smooth and hold in the extra me from my ribs down to my hips.  The band is an extension of the top of the soft denim and smoothes your shape, so it is hardly noticeable.  ”Smoothes your shape” is the key phrase here.

A problem I notice with the panel-type pants or spanks is that they roll down when you go from standing to sitting to standing again.  This really isn’t much of a problem with the M’Chic jeans.  This is one of the main reasons I wanted to try them out. Hi, I have a problem with the rolling of the panel. I can honestly tell you that this spandex panel is taught enough that I rarely need to re-adjust it after any amount of time.

Jeans by M’Chic are at a $40 to $50 price point.  Not bad for a specialty jean, in my opinion.

Now, to get the ladies at M’Chic to design a little black dress…hmmm…

My daughter is very active, so I generally dress her (actually, she dresses herself) in comfortable clothes that she can move around freely in.  I’m planning on getting her involved in some activities, something like gymnastics or soccer in the coming months.  Something where she can burn off some of that crazy amount of energy she has.

With this in mind, when I was contacted about a company out of Vancouver, B.C. called LiLiKiKs, a company specializing in sportswear for active girls, I was immediately interested in learning more.  They sent us the Courtney Tank and Borealis Capri for review.  The outfit arrived before our first two trips this summer, so it was a no-brainer for me that Hailey would wear the outfit on our four flights, two of which were five hours long.  I needed something comfortable and durable.

The tank and capri’s have become a favorite of hers (and mine).  The tank is made of Shea fabric and has UVF 50 protection (which makes me happy) and the capri’s are made with KiK Dri fabric (which makes her comfortable and happy).  LiLiKiKs line of active wear for girls and tweens range in size 6 to 14 (XS to XL).  I like it that you can shop by sport on their website.  Makes narrowing down your choices much easier.

As soon as a decision is made as to which sport(s) we’ll try first, I know I can confidently shop at LiLiKiKs for quality and comfort.

When my 3 yr. old lays eyes on this Bambi dress, she’s going to wig out.  She adores Bambi.

A Tante Tinus creation available at Zazou.eu for $34.95.

Our winner has been notified via email

The Children’s Place is a store that I think of when I want bright, colorful clothing for my little girl.  I have never been disappointed with the quality and I have owned many different outfits and outerwear from their collection.  Most recently, a certain 3 year old that I know received a couple of outfits from The Children’s Place for her birthday; like the yoga babydoll top, yoga pants, the shine heart hoodie and these fleece pants.  And, since potty training is in order at our house, she can’t always wear one-piece footie jammies.   So, these adorable monkey pj’s work perfectly.

I could drop a ton of links back to The Children’s Place right now because there are so many cute things to choose from but I’d rather give you the chance to head to a store near you or click over to their online store and do some shopping withe the two $30 gift cards we have up for grabs.

To enter: leave a comment on this giveaway post (comment section is located below the post, under “Category” and “Tags”.  In your entry comment, let us know if you win these two gift cards, valued at $30 each, if you will spend them on your own kiddo or if you will give one or both of them as a gifts.

A winner will be chosen at random and emailed the day after the giveaway closes.  Last day to enter is Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at midnight PST. Be sure to check your SPAM folder so you don’t miss the email notification.  This post will also be updated with the winner’s name and blog/website (if provided).

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*Take me back to the Holiday Giveaway Guide so I can enter more giveaways!
*Hosting a giveaway or posting a gift guide at your site?  Make sure you link to it on Mr. Linky HERE
*Do you “Twitter“?  We’d just adore you if you would “Tweet” about this giveaway!

I recently got my hands on a gorgeous little dress from Gimos Kidswear, an online boutique.  You’ll find adorable clothes of excellent quality for girls and boys alike.

Of course, the girl clothes and accessories are to die for but the boy clothes are just as cute.  If I had a boy, I would definitely spend some time at Gimos checking out all of the unique apparel.

They have an exceptional line of clothing and accessories to get you read for Fall.  Like these socks:

Their apparel runs from size 3 mos. to 14 yrs., with a newborn line debuting soon.

Stop by Gimos Kidswear and browse around a bit, I’m willing to be you’ll find something you like!

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.

Lark and Loon is one of those boutiques that we really, really dig. Why? Because of the soft simplicity of their apparel and their conscious effort to support a great cause: art. The whimsical art found on articles of clothing at Lark and Loon are designed by eleven or so commissioned artists. Check out their site to learn more about the artists who really bring Lark and Loon apparel to life.

At their online boutique, you will find drops (long-sleeve, short-sleeve and tank), pants (long and capri) and tees (cap, long and short). Laura posted a review earlier this year, which you can read HERE. There you’ll see Noel’s “invincible” long-sleeve tee and Hailey’s long-sleeve “little gathering” drop (also pictured below), which is by far one of my favorite pieces of apparel in her closet. Lark and Loon apparel is made of pure cotton in the U.S.A. and the designs are water-based screen-printing, which makes the artwork just as soft as the clothing.

Of course, we love to boast about boutiques that are giving back. 5% of Lark and Loon’s proceeds are donated to americans for the art:

“americans for the arts is the nation’s leading non-profit and non-partisan organization for advancing the arts in america. it works with the public and private sectors to generate more resources for the arts and art education.”

Gretchen and Priscilla, boutique owners also blog at their “all aflutter blog” where you will get an even more in depth view of Lark and Loon apparel and the artists involved.

Right now, until July 15th get a generous 25% discount off your entire order.

Hailey wearing “little gathering”:

*Original MumsTheWurd post

Lands’ End rocks our world with all of their quality apparel. Lately, we’ve been eying up their swimwear. What’s so great about it? Well, when you have a toddler that you want to protect from those damaging UV rays, you pay more attention to valuable facts like Lands’ End swimwear provides 50 UPF protection. That’s MAJOR protection for that delicate little skin.

There are many different swimwear selections for boys and girls and for the adults too. Mix and match. Pick up a beach towel or tote and some beach gear.

We’re giving away a Lands’ End GIRL’S swimwear package. Here’s the scoop:

One lucky ParentSphere reader will win:

Side-tie Tankini
• Double crisscross straps stay up on her shoulders
• Ties at the side allow slight fit adjustments
• Sun sensible with 50 UPF protection
• Quick-drying convenience
• Front lined for added coverage
• MSRP: $32.50

Short Sleeve Side-tie Rash Guard
• Partial-zip front eliminates overhead struggles
• Ties at the side allow slight fit adjustments
• Can be worn alone with swim bottoms or over her suit
• Sun sensible with 50 UPF protection
• Quick-drying convenience
• Front lined for added coverage
• MSRP: $26.50

Kids’ Beach Towel
• Generous 32″Wx64″L; plenty of space for kids to wrap up or bask in the sun
• 100% cotton, plush and absorbent
• Provides cushioning from the pool deck or sand
• MSRP: $17.50

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this post (comment section is located just under the post title above, after you click the comment link, scroll back down to the end of the post) Your comment will be counted as one entry. One entry per person and this contest is open to residents within the continental U.S. Contest ends on Thursday, June 26th. Winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via email.

*MumsTheWurd! is giving away a Lands’ End BOY’S swimwear package. Go ENTER.

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