WIN Adorable NAOT Shoes or Boots

With the weather outside quite frightening- and good grief, it’s freezing!- you want shoes that are warm and comfortable, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to look cute as well.   NAOT makes some adorable shoes, boots, and warm-weather-wear like sandals ( I know, can you even remember warm weather right now?) for anything Mother Nature might throw your way, or what climate you might happen to live in or travel to.

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I’ve recently been sent the NAOT VISTOSO, and I have to say I really like them.  Here is what I had to say from my review-

“When you are ready to head indoors, and need something a little less “outdoorsy” but still ready for winter festivities, the NAOT VISTOSO will be your go to boot. Zipping up the side, this ankle boot is too cute with a little bow across it (ready for the holidays!) It is padded for extra comfort, and has a memory foam footbed. As you wear it, the bottom bed and microfiber molds to your foot, making it more and more comfortable as you go along. The heel is sturdy, the sole is flexible, and you won’t feel like you are doing a balancing act all evening. These are boots you won’t feel the need to kick off quickly. Get them at http://naot.com or Amazon for about $200.”

Want to get a pair of your own?  I suggest you do, right away.  You can also enter to win a pair here, your options should you win are listed below-

http://www.simonsshoes.com/products/naot-vistoso

Please feel free to enter using the RC form below.  A winner will be chosen at random on Feb. 17, 2016.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Must Have Kids Clothes from Rockin’ Baby

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this post.  All opinions are my own and honest.  Please see “I disclose” for more information.
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You know that my girls love clothes, and most days they love to match. I was so excited to see these adorable clothing items from Rockin’ Baby as well as learn the great story behind the company.

About Rockin’ Baby:

This company has a great heart for charity behind them. They like to give and to help and if you are purchasing some of their slings, pouches, or clothing items, they know you do too.

Every sling, pouch, or clothing item you buy they will donate an item to mothers in desperate need in Haiti or Kenya. They will do this through well managed, non profit organizations who are committed to helping these mothers living in terrible conditions. They call this their “Mother to Mother” mission.

When they started “Mother to Mother” in 2011 they wanted to make a real difference in the world and with your help, they really have.

Rockin’ Baby used to just be a company known as the the sling and pouch company that donates a new sling to every mother in need for every sling purchased, and they just launched their first children’s apparel collection that is also a one-for-one concept: You buy. We give. One-for-one.

For every item of clothing sold across all designs from the new Rockin’ Baby collection, an item from the Hero range will be gifted to an Ebola orphan, providing vital clothing for a child in need. The project is known as Child to Child and it will be carried out in partnership with Child Fund International.

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Judy Sweat and Print Dress:

For cooler days, dress your little one in this fantastic and rather funky sweater dress.

With a soft georgette fabric smarter skirt bottom and cotton sweatshirt style top, this dress is so versatile, and can be worn during the day time, and into the night.

It’s practically 2 items for the price of one and an easy go-to on rushed mornings.

This dress is available 18-24 months all the way up to 10 years.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this dress. I thought that it was adorable. The girls have warn it on warm days, just as well as on cool days and have loved it every time that they wore it. The dress is very soft and comfortable for the girls and not to mention absolutely adorable. The dress is too cute! Great fit and style for any little girl on your list this holiday season.

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MARGO Stripe Bubble Dress:

This lovely striped jersey bubble dress is a great classic piece that follows season to season.

This gorgeous bubble dress has embroidery to match back to the tee and chambray items in the collection.

This dress can be worn alone, but also great with some leggings and their smart wool coat or faux fur vest.

This adorable dress is available in sizes 18-24 Months to 10 yrs.

My Thoughts:

Wow, absolutely adorable. I’m sure that you agree with me. This dress is so cute. Right now it has been much to cold for my girls to be able to wear this dress without leggings, but it is so cute. They have gotten several compliments everytime that they put this adorable dress on.

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My Thoughts:

I got these adorable baby outfits as well, that will come in handy when my next little one arrives, and they are absolutely adorable and made very well.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing some adorable clothes, or even a sling, head on over to the Rockin’ Baby website and find the perfect item for the kids in your life.

Got a Peanuts Fan? You Will Love the Vermont Country Store

Have you seen the new Peanuts movie yet?  It’s hard to believe there is a new one out- but even if you haven’t, surely you and your family love watching the Christmas Special every year.  It’s definitely one of our favorites, and is for our parents as well.

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The Vermont Country Store (with physical locations as well as online store) has an exclusive Peanuts Collection of apparel, holiday cheer, and home décor – just in time for the holidays. Here are some of my favorites:

Peanuts Portable Record Player: Vintage-looking, lightweight, great sound, compatible with digital devices and made by Crosley – plus to go with it, a holiday record from the Peanuts gang too!

Super Soft Pajamas:  Available for men, boys, women, and girls and decorated with exclusive prints

Peanuts Christmas Clock: Sings holiday carols on the hour – but also has a light sensor so that the Peanuts gang keeps quiet when the lights are out!

Winter Flannel Sheets Set: Check out the gang skiing and having fun on soft Portuguese flannel sheets

Campfire Night Light: Snoopy and Linus, an adorable night light – the campfire flickers and adds a glow to the room

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There are so many more options to choose from.  We got my son a pair of the super-soft pajamas, and he just loves them.  Let me tell you, the name doesn’t lie- they are as soft as they claim to be. He is so snugly in them, he gets extra cuddles from mommy-  and he doesn’t mind yet, I think I still have a year or two before he whines at me for that, LOL.

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They also came beautifully packaged- you can send them as a gift easily, and the recipient will be thrilled.  Even if you buy them for yourself or your children, it really does feel like opening a gift- it felt “special” when you opened it.  These would be such a fun “family” holiday greeting card photo or Christmas eve matching set, and it feels so nice against your skin.

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He was so excited, I couldn’t get him to stay still for photos, LOL

We loved these PJ’s- so much so, that we are likely going to be placing another order shortly.  We are thinking sheets and one of those super fluffy blankets for the bed- ours are in need of a winter upgrade, methinks.  The store is really fun to browse in, and even more fun to shop at.  This is the perfect time of year to place an order- anyone from Vermont knows a think or two about making winter a little warmer.

More About Vermont Country Store

Vermont Country Store is  a new England staple when it comes to quality home, outdoor, and food products. Their brand is kind of a throwback to a simpler time, and has a unique New England practicality. It’s also important to note that most of their products are exclusives or are hard to find elsewhere.

Gifts That Give Twice With World Vision For The Holidays

Looking to give a beautiful, unique gift this year? Maybe you want to do something even better then that- maybe you want to give a gift that gives back. World Vision lets you do both- you can not only give beautiful gifts that the gift-ee will love, but when you buy, your money goes to those who need it most. World Vision is Fair Trade, and helps artisans make a living wage that they can raise their families on.

This year more than 50 percent of holiday shoppers plan to purchase holiday gifts online. Look into new gift ideas that give back with just a few clicks of the mouse from the World Vision Gift Catalog.
More than 250 items, ranging in price from $10 to $39,000, are available online and in the print catalog to help improve quality of life for women, children and families in the U.S. and around the world. Give help where it is needed most and receive handcrafted gifts that are beautiful accessories:

African Soapstone Box – New to the 2014 World Vision Gift Catalog, the hand-carved African Soapstone Box is a safe place to store necklaces and rings. Coated in light blue with an image of a giraffe, this ornate box features pretty details that will complement nearly any decor. Donations go toward the Kenyan artisans who crafted the box to help provide medical care for their families. $85

 

Royal Silk Scarf – A recent addition to the Catalog, this gorgeous silk scarf adds color to the holidays and supports the needs of children and families worldwide, including those in the community where it was crafted; the luxurious silk was woven by Vietnam’s Ma Chau villagers, who receive fair wages & sustainable income through their craft. $95
[Read more…]

When It Cools Down, These Will Warm You Up

Now that the weather outside has gotten a bit frightful, we will need to bundle up a little more.  But that doesn’t necessarily mean adding bulk or ugly, clodding boots- check out these lovely layers from some of our favorite brands (that last longer then a season, too!)

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When it’s cold enough to need a little more then just a shirt, check out the Craghoppers ‘Swainby’ half zip fleece for the man and teenager boys in your life.  Classic, comfortable, and nearly impossible to stain in my own personal experience (really, my guy has not been successful yet, and I could swear he’s trying), it also washes well without all the ugly pilling that some fleece get. Besides it’s good looks and great function, it’s really very warm and comfortable.  My son loves it because it’s soft (and it retains it’s softness after repeated washings), has a large pocket, and easy to pair with anything. It is made with a cotton fleece blend, and has insulating technology built in. With it’s high collar that can be folded down or left up for additional warmth, and elasticated cuffs and hem, it’s wearer keeps extra body heat in. Too warm?  No worries- just undo the half front zip for some air.  Get yours for $60 at http://www.us.craghoppers.com

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When you need a little more then a sweatshirt, put on the Skipton Jacket by Craghoppers.  Water resistant, so good for those days that are snowy or a bit rainy, it’s also soft, super insulated, and nowhere near as thick as you would think it needs to be.  It’s thin- as thin as your spring jacket- but it’s been doing the husband good in 3o degree weather with no complaints to be had.  Not only is it lightweight, but it’s also made of soft wool and has a satiny-smooth lining that feels great next to your skin.  It’s very smart-looking, great for work or going out, a compliment to any outfit.  It has both a zipper and buttons, and you can use either one or both together for added wind protection. To top it off (quite literally) is an attached hood.  There are two functioning side pockets, big enough for your hands, a pair of gloves, your keys, or a cell phone- yes, they really do function.  Get yours for about $180 at sites like http://www.backcountry.com/

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When it’s time to head into the snow, no one wants wet, cold feet.  The Icebug Diana BUGrip boots are amazing in cold, wet, icy weather- not only are they nice to look at, but they really do help keep a grip on the ground. Besides keeping your feet warm and dry (and stylish!), the half-calf high boot is good for tromping about on snowy days and keeping your pants dry, too. Insulated with soft fleece, they feel good on as well as looking good. Easy to put on, they zip up with no issues as well as have a front lace for adjustment.  No wasted time or aggravation fiddling and fussing. The BUGrip outsole helps give traction in winter weather conditions- and it really works.  You can even hear it softly sticking as you walk, which is both amusing and reassuring. Get yours at http://icebug.com/us/ or at stores like Amazon for about $200.

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Still have cold feet?  Check out the St. Moritz Lite 200 I WP- a mouthful, but a cute, cute boot. These are insulated, water resistant, weatherproof, and have a cute faux fur top.  They come in black, brown, and gray, so choose your favorite color.  Each has a fleece lining that will keep your feet warm as you stomp through the snow. If you work up a sweat, not to worry- these are odor resistant as well, so you will not need to leave your boots outside the door like some people (you know who you are!) With Thinsulate insulation built in, you know you will stay warm, even when the temperature drops. The adorable St. Moritz will have everyone asking where you got them.  You can pick them up at http://us.hi-tec.com for about $100, by the way.

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When you are ready to head indoors, and need something a little less “outdoorsy” but still ready for winter festivities, the NAOT VISTOSO will be your go to boot. Zipping up the side, this ankle boot is too cute with a little bow across it (ready for the holidays!) It is padded for extra comfort, and has a memory foam footbed. As you wear it, the bottom bed and microfiber molds to your foot, making it more and more comfortable as you go along. The heel is sturdy, the sole is flexible, and you won’t feel like you are doing a balancing act all evening. These are boots you won’t feel the need to kick off quickly. Get them at http://naot.com or Amazon for about $200.

Disclosure- I received the above in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.  For more, see “I Disclose”.

Getting Dressed Up for the Holidays #ExpectationsExceeded

The holidays are rapidly approaching, as you can tell by so many stores already “decking their halls” and whatnot.  Lest we forget, Thanksgiving comes first!  I’ve got the perfect outfit for my little man- he looks handsome, respectable- and it’s great for church as well as Thanksgiving dinner with everyone. And, since we know kids are kids, it will even be OK to head outside afterward for some fun and games.

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We shopped at Gymboree and Gap for his outfit (which is going to fall into his regular wardrobe afterwards, as it’s easy to care for and functional), and are happy to say that his clothes are made with Nanotex®.  Never heard of it?  You’ll want to.

If you are stressing out about what to dress your kids, husband, or partner in this upcoming holiday season, or just want a nice family photo for the holiday card , don’t.  Try selecting clothing made with Nanotex®, which uses nanotechnology to transform the molecular structure of fibers, creates fabrics with remarkable performance and comfort. Nanotex is dominating the apparel fabric market with its stain, soil and odor resistance, while preserving the natural breathability, comfort, hand and durability of apparel textiles. Nanotex clothing is available at more than 100 leading brands including  Macy’s, JC Penney’s, Target, GAP, Gymboree, Land’s End, Kohl’s, Adidasm and more.

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Check out the Nanotex Holiday 2015 Pinterest board at https://www.pinterest.com/nanotex/holiday-2015/

Learn more about Nanotex at www.nanotex.com. You can also follow on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nanotex

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nanotex  and use the hashtag #ExpectationsExceeded

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nanotex/

These clothes are cute, comfortable, and easy to care for, long lasting- and they also look good.  Not much else a mom could ask for. Why spend a ton of money on something uncomfortable that you can’t clean or wear often?  That doesn’t make much sense.  Head to your favorite store and see what they have to offer in Nanotex® for your holiday festivities.

Nanotex Clothing for School Days #ExpectationsExceeded

Everybody remembers their pictures day outfits! We plan, we try-on, we photograph. Luckily Nanotex makes shopping for clothes easier. Nanotex keeps apparel looking fresh as new, even after the wear and tear of a rambunctious kid and a tumble or two in the washer.

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Nanotex clothing is available at more than 100 leading brands including Target, GAP, Gymboree, Land’s End, Kohl’s, JC Penney’s and more. Nanotex® uses nanotechnology to transform the molecular structure of fibers, creating fabrics with remarkable performance and comfort. It offers stain, soil  and odor resistance, while preserving the natural breathability, comfort, hand and durability of apparel textiles.

We tried out Gymboree’s Play Proof line made with Nanotex – click here for the entire Play Proof line made with Nanotex from Gymboree -and especially loved their Oxford shirts and Khaki pants.

Learn more about Nanotex at www.nanotex.com. Please follow on social media for deals, updates, and more:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nanotex

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nanotex  use #ExpectationsExceeded

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nanotex/

 

Back to School Fashions with AG Doll Maryellen

Disclosure: The MaryEllen American Girl outfit was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
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I know that everyone out there does some Back to School Clothes shopping. My girls love to go shopping at the beginning of the year and I love to find outfits that will grow with them and that are definitely covering in all appropriate areas. I am so impressed with the Back to School Fashions featuring Maryellen‘s historically-inspired outfits for girls.

About Maryellen:

American Girl introduces fans to top-requested 1950s character Maryellen Larkin – an optimistic, energetic girl growing up in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1954. The Maryellen product line includes the 18-inch Maryellen doll and two-book series, several 1950s-era doll outfits and cool new accessories that combine iconic ’50s aesthetics with innovative features that extend the play experience for girls, including a TV console that works with a girls’ iPad, and a jukebox that plays ’50s-style songs and connects to electronic music players.

Maryellen Girls Clothing:

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The clothing items from Maryellen’s line are absolutely adorable for girls. My daughter loves the dress and cardigan that she has received and she is also excited about the other outfits that she is really hoping to receive for Christmas. I think that these items are adorable. 1950 was a good time to live and these clothes most definitely are perfect for the girls in your life. They truly are in style right now and perfect. These are perfect clothes for Back to School time with any little girl.

My Thoughts:

These outfits are absolutely perfect for my girls. I think that they are adorable and fit absolutely wonderful. I can tell that they are made extremely well. These outfits will last for both of my girls to be able to wear them. On top of the fact that my daughters love their new outfit, they also love that they are able to match their brand new American Girl Doll Maryellen. Maryellen is the perfect doll for my daughters and now they get to match her when they play or go out and about.

Purchase:

If you would like to purchase some clothes from the Maryellen line at American Girl, head on over to the website and find the perfect outfit for you.

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