September 2008 Archives

It is a giveaway bonanza this month at Tot Snob! We have a $150 Macy*s Gift Card for one lucky winner. And you can get a lot for $150 at Macy*s, as you can see, I went shopping as well and these are what I got. For boys, I like to stick to basics and as far as graphic tees go, nothing is as cool as Ed Hardy, the logo tees are $50. I decided to splurge and get the North Face Denali fleece jacket - it is something that will be worn all winter and for $99, it is a very good buy.

For girls, I decided to get a bunch of different things. Again, Ed Hardy is always a favorite, for some reason my daughter is really into skull and cross bones but these are a little cuter and less pirate-y ($50). And of course, jeans to go with. I might divulge in certain things but $200 designer jeans for my girls is not one of them. They do no benefit from superior fit, which is what I think I'm paying for when I buy $200 jeans for myself. These Roxy jeans look just as great on little girls and are $27.50. I love Roxy for their cute little tops as well and these Embroidered Pixie tops are easy and fun, $29.50. I have a little baby girl but even if you don't, Polo by Ralph Lauren have the cutest little dresses and make excellent gifts. This Jacquard Quilted Dress is comfortable and absolutely adorable, $40.

To WIN the $150 Macy*s Gift Card, share with us your tot's most memorable or favorite Macy*s Thanksgiving parade float. I had no idea kids love parades so much, I actually Tivo it and my kids watch it again and again. I will pick one winner through a random drawing. Please enter your comments by Friday October 4th at 11:59pm EST. One entry per person, please!

There is one thing all kids love - chairs, of every sort and variety. But there is one type in particular they especially love, the beanbag. Yes, there are loads of beanbags out there and they all work the same, but this one is truly unique and has a feature that is totally ingenious. They have ears!! These pointed cat ears act like a chair back but what they are really for is dragging! When you bought your tot a beanbag, you did not realize you signed up for a part-time job as mover. The points make it easy for small hands to get a grip. Plus, this is so much cuter than your average beanbag! I know it's scary to think about Christmas already, but this would make a great gift! Happy Cat Beanbag Chair at Giggle.com for $258. Comes in turquoise, brown, pink and red.

Cute and a bit funky, this argyle and polka dots sweater is just the kind of fun clothes a little girl needs. My daughter likes to put her own ensembles together and she sometimes gets it so perfectly clashing that it's super fashionable. This is very well matched, of course, but it reminds me of that kind of spirit. Plus the pink and grey is super hip now that the 80's are back in full force. Enough time has gone by that I think the pink/grey combo is not only acceptable but darn cute! Now all I need is find a record player and put on some Scritti Politti!! The sweater is on sale now for $57 (was $64, so not a huge savings) at Arte Bebe.

Just like a baby, it is hard for me to believe Tot Snob is already ONE! Over this last year, we have reviewed many products, hopefully helping you pick out the absolutely best for your tots. To properly celebrate our first birthday, I have selected Tot Snob's best products for a giant gift basket giveaway prize! That's right, everything you see here has been assembled together as the ultimate party favor to thank you for a year of support, love and fabulous fun. The total retail value of this most amazingly fantastic prize is $1577.24!! You will not need to go shopping for a very long time. We have you covered from clothing, bath, toys, Mommy's pampering needs, bragging accessories, shoes and much much more!

To enter, sign up for our weekly newsletter that keeps you up to date on the latest from Tot Snob. We will select one extremely lucky winner through a random drawing. The giveaway ends September 30th at 11:59pm EST. If you are having trouble entering, please email me for assistance. This giveaway is limited to US residents only. Only one entry per person please.

Here is a complete list of everything in the gift basket:

By Guest Blogger, Jess Brooks (mother of an adorable 1 year old boy)

What a great combination of practical, no nonsense advice on sleep, schedules, older siblings -- you name it -- all told with a sense of humor. It is never preachy, just helpful -- like the advice you'd get from your best friend when you're crying because your life is suddenly out of control. Obviously, I don't have twins, but even as a parent of one, I found it incredibly useful. And I'd recommend for parents across the spectrum -- from folks who really are overwhelmed to parents who feel like they know what they're doing. My son is pretty easy, but even I appreciated her advice on schedules and sleep.

In addition to reading the book, I've met Meghan's (the author) kids, and they are awesome. Smart, inquisitive, polite (!!), even nice to each other -- and yet still these gorgeous, boisterous, happy, active, confident kids. And Meghan's a rockstar. Again, picture your best friend. Someone who tells it like it is; doesn't judge you; just offers support. Because she's been in the trenches and has gotten to the other side. Juggling Twins: The Best Tips, Tricks, and Strategies from Pregnancy to the Toddler Years at Amazon for $11.53..

It's too late for me now, but you girls out there who just had babies, get this immediately!!! Jessica Alba has been wearing this belly buster band and nobody can argue that she looks annoyingly awesome!! This concept has been around for years, centuries actually, but it is now perfected so that you can actually sit and breath with one on. Most doctors not only approve of this but recommend it to relieve pressure and swelling. This is one size fits all, but don't worry if you're not Jessica Alba's size, it is all velcro so you can adjust to your liking of tightness. This flexibility also allows for sizing down as you shed the bump. It is undetectable under clothes, which is good because you do not want to scare your honey with just this on. This would make a great gift for new moms, you just have to figure out how to get around the awkward insinuation that you think your friend is fat. At Lisa Kline for $40.

I would give anything to make going out to eat a little more enjoyable for everyone involved. I like to take my kids out to nice restaurants even though it is stressful and makes me widely unpopular among my friends and family. But I have to do it so they can get used to it because I like to eat good food!! I of course bring crayons, stickers and small toys but anything I can add to the rotation to make things more interesting is always a good thing. I prepare a new sticker book for those special meals out but this chalk placemat from Zookies is going to be my new special incentive for our upcoming anniversary dinner. We will have a romantic night out on our own but I like to celebrate with the kids as well because it makes it so much more meaningful. The novelty of this chalk board will hopefully keep them occupied until dessert where their interest in eating piques again. Comes in blue and yellow, includes 2 pieces of chalk and a cleaning sponge. At Barneys New York online for $18.

All the really cute sweaters and coats are easing the pain of moving into cold weather. But then again, I have nothing to complain about since I live in LA. But on those days that is isn't a perfect 76 degrees, this sweater will come in handy. It is cozy comfy and super hip and adorable. I automatically associate toggles with kids, maybe because of Paddington Bear. It has kangaroo pockets that all kids love. I am pretty sure the Petit Joie line follows the styles of the adult Joie line - I will have to go and find this sweater for myself! What do you think about mommy/daughter matchy matchy though? I only have done it with PJ's but this sweater is making me want to expand on that cheesy concept. At least we don't go to Hawaii all dressed in the same aloha print!! I draw the line WAY before that. Sweater is 70% Merino Wool, 30% Cashmere, $202 at Lisa Kline Kids.

Gia Giasullo, a mom and graphic designer, wants your tots' unwanted art! She is working on a book called Untitled_1 A Collection of Children's Rejected Drawings, which is pretty much self explanatory but just to be repetitive, it is a book of children's drawings that were thrown out for whatever reasons. She realized that these "rejects" were actually more interesting because of why they were rejected, like the picture above, the ponytail on the girl is "too big". We all have a pile of these in the house, what better way to cherish one of the pieces than to have it be a part of a book? If you would like to include your children's precious rejects which will now become prized artwork in her book, you can contact her by email. The jump page has full details and instructions on how all this works, or you can click here to download the pdf file of the same instruction sheet.

Rain could be so much fun if you are prepared for it! Especially with this rain ensemble from Trumpette. The Raincoat and Hat set is $39 and the Mary Jane Rainboots are $29. Now all we need are the adult versions then fun can be had singing in the rain and jumping and splashing through puddles! Seriously, one of the best things about being a parent is experiencing the joys of childhood all over again without the hardship of growing pains =) You should see the smile my husband has when flying a kite!