Santa Belt Nails

I'm terrible about getting my nails all polished and pretty on the best of days, so when I'm busy around the holidays you can forget about it. That's why I went super simple with a fun design that takes no more time than a regular coat of polish and still looks fun and festive. If you wanted to add more you could put a belt on every nail, but to keep it simple and quick I just did my middle finger on each hand.

To make your own Santa Belt Nails you'll need red, gold and black polish and some sort of fine tip nail brush or a toothpick would work. Paint your nails red as a base, then using your nail brush apply a thin black line a third the way in from the outer most part of each side of your nail. Add a small square of black to the middle between the two lines. Finally, using your nail brush again, paint a larger square of gold around the black square in the middle. You can add a top clear coat if you like, I didn't have time. Keeping it simple, just the way I like it!

REVIEW Dr. Scholl's Active Series Insoles

Influenster sent us another box. This month I got to review Dr. Scholl's Active Series Insoles. I wanted to love these because I've really been wanting to ease foot soreness and lessen my tendency to twist and sprain my ankles. Unfortunately these just didn't work for me for a couple of reasons.

First off these are super easy to cut to size, you just pull your current insole out, lay it on top, trace and cut. That part was easy, the trick is getting them to fit right back in your shoe. It takes a little adjusting but once in they fit well. Here's where my problems started.

The insoles are much thicker than what was in my shoe and when added to a nice snug fit athletic shoe your shoes becomes too tight. I didn't need to tighten my laces, I couldn't even if I'd wanted to they fit so tight. Then the arch was wrong. I only wear a size 6.5 so I'm on the small end of the sizes these were made for and the arch seems to be designed to suit larger feet better.

So with all that in mind if you had larger shoes, both in fit and foot size, these would probably work out really well.....just didn't make the cut for my shoes.

 

I received all products complimentary from Influenster.

The views and opinions expressed are purely my own.

DIY Play Makeup

My kids love to play pretend and their favorite pretend play has always been with makeup. We have felt toy makeup and real kids makeup and all sorts of plastic toy makeup. I hate the real stuff (as much as they love it) because they come out looking like tiny little ladies of the night every time!

So in the hopes of having something that looks a lot more real, but isn't, I decided to give them some of my old makeup cases with 'real look' fake makeup inside.

 

This is probably the easiest DIY kid toy ever because all you need is an empty makeup case and nail polish. If you are like me you have loads of hideous or old nail polish that is never going to used but now can be. For the case just wait until you've used your makeup item completely or pull out the metal part so you can use it in something else (I keep my makeup in an Unii palette). Wipe out the case and pour in the polish. My polish had gotten thick with age so it came out in this cool thin line so I had some fun and made swirls and drew a heart!

Close the lid and set this outside somewhere (it stinks and you don't want it indoors while it dries). Give it a day or two to set up. The thicker you poured in the polish the longer it will take to set up. When it is all dried your kids will have a fun play makeup that isn't cheap plastic or messy and best of all lots of fun!

Zombie Nails

I love doing cool things with my nails, but only if it takes absolutely no skill or time to do them! So when I bought this yellowish green crackle nail polish I knew right away this was the color for Zombie Nails!

This couldn't be more simple or easy to do and they turn out so neat. The only trick is to find the right yellow tinted shade of green in crackle polish.







Once you've got your Zombie rotten green color you just slap on a base coat of red (any shade of red works fine) and cover with a coat of your green crackle. You can top coat or not, I think a matte finish for this looks better.

As with any crackle polish the cracks you get depend on how thick you put on your coat of crackle polish. If you want more red showing, do a thinner coat. If you'd like deeper and fewer red lines do a thicker coat. The point is, they are supposed to look messed up and gross so you really can't mess this up!

Back To School Giveaway

Enter to Win 

Prize Package of awesome gear for your little ones going back to school Includes:

• Yummi Pouch Brights - 2 sets of reusable food pouches ($30 value)
• milkdot - Striped lunch tote ($27 value)
• Applepark - Preschool backpack ($39 value)
• EasyLunchboxes - One lunch container set, one set of Mini-Dippers,
  and one cooler bag ($30 value)
• Early Lingo - 6-DVD box set, and the winner can choose the language ($100 value)
• SNOOKNUK - Once Upon a Day, A Little Less Tears album ($14.95 value)
• Pura Stainless - Stainless Steel Kiki Sippy Cup ($15.99 value)
• Name Bubbles - School Labels Pack ($34 value)
• Sock It to Me - 4 style sock set: Kids Dinomite & Green Monkeys, Youth PB&J Sock, Youth Super Juicy Sock, Juniors Red Ninja Power Sock ($41 value)

Total Value = $330+

Yummi Pouch - Reusable Food Pouches

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Yummi Pouch Brights - 2 sets - Retail Price: $30

Yummi Pouch Brights (Set of 4) combine style and convenience in an eco-friendly container you can fill with homemade smoothies and blended snacks! Easy to fill and clean through the top zipper opening and enjoyed by drinking from the side spout, Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches are great for kids taking healthy snacks on the go. Includes set of 4 assorted patterns. For more information visit yummipouch.com.

• Set of 4 Yummi Pouch Brights reusable food pouches
• Dishwasher and freezer safe
• BPA and phthalate free
• Great for on the go snacks!
• Hold up to 6 ounces each
  

milkdot

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One Stoh stripe lunch tote, winner can choose the color - Retail Price: $27
Winner can choose from green apple, blueberry, or raspberry.

milkdot believes that good design can be appreciated by anyone, big or small where each product is created with love for design, color, simplicity of clean lines, versatility and love for the world we live in. Contemporary products with an all-ages appeal. Products that are not only safe for kids, but also fit a kid's need to be cool and unique with the functionality and style that parents love. For more information visit milkdot.com.

Applepark

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Preschool backpack - Retail Price: $39
Winner can choose the style from online store.
Apple Park makes eco-friendly products for babies and kids using only the finest organic, sustainable and recycled materials!

• These adorable backpacks are made from 100% recycled fabrics
• Fabric: 100% recycled material from PET bottles *Bottles saved from landfills = 24!
• Made of 100% recycled fabrics from plastic bottles, your kids will make a style statement while you feel good knowing that you're helping out the planet.
• Size: 10.75" x 12" x 5.5"

For more information visit applepark.com.

EasyLunchboxes

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One lunch container set (winner chooses from BRIGHTS or CLASSIC), one set of Mini-Dippers, and one cooler bag (winner chooses from 7 colors). - Retail Price: $29.85

The best selling lunchboxes on Amazon! For all ages. BPA-Free, easy-open lids. Make homemade "Lunchables" kids will love! Foods don't "touch", and just one lid covers all. No more time wasted looking for the right size container & lid or baggie for every item you pack. And EasyLunchboxes make portion control easy - just the right amount of food, without having to weigh or measure your meals. The cooler holds everything needed for a great meal - container(s), water bottle, ice block, extra snacks, even a thermos. No more wasteful baggies, mismatched containers, or struggles to fit your meal in one bag. The lunch containers are long lasting, reusable, and of much heavier quality than similar 'take and toss' products. (Not leak proof). The sleek and functional, zip-shut insulated cooler will hold even a whole day's worth of food and keep it fresh. Roomy enough for up to three of the lunch containers. Small dip and sauce containers are leak-resistant. For more information visit easylunchboxes.com.

Early Lingo

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6-DVD box set - Retail Price: $99.99
Winner can choose the language from online store.

Early Lingo is an entertaining and educational DVD series for ages 6 months to 9 years that allows children to become familiar with foreign languages through immersive and repetitive learning techniques. Currently there are 6 languages available: English, French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin and German. The 6-DVD box set includes parts 1-6: Colors and Shapes at the Park, Numbers and Counting at the Farm, Opposites at the Beach, Alphabet at School, At the Market and In the City. With approximately 210 minutes total running time and over 450 words and phrases, each set will give a child a solid foundation in the language of their choice. For more information visit earlylingo.com.

SNOOKNUK

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"Once Upon a Day, A Little Less Tears" album - Retail Price: $14.95
An array of songs covering topics from the time your child wakes up until sleepy time. Use as your companion while teaching your child to brush their teeth, wash their hands, potty training, eat vegetables & more. Melodies are catchy, easy to remember and the music is Enchanting. Makes for a great day!!
SNOOKNUK is a brand that is dedicated to creating original and innovative content to make childhood a magical adventure. We are focused on children’s early development, specifically on teaching important life lessons and basic hygiene, producing products such as Music, Videos, Shows, Toys, Books & more! For more information visit snooknuk.com.

Our Goal is to:

• Provide parents with a fun way to teach and engage their child.
• Help make kids less resistant.
• Motivate children to have a healthy outlook on life.
• Create amazing memories for kids and families.
  

Pura Stainless

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Stainless Steel Kiki Sippy Cup - Retail Price: $15.99
Winner can choose the color from online store.

Pura crafts the safest infant and toddler sippy cups on the planet from stainless steel with silicone components and NO PLASTIC. Our completely modular and interchangeable system grows with your child from infancy through grade school. Silicone bottle components include infant nipples, sippy cup spouts, and sealing disks. The sealing disks convert the bottles to both snack cups and water bottles.
In 2012 Pura was recognized with 11 product & business awards and is now available in more than 30 countries. Most importantly, we remain a family-owned business focused on innovation and unparalleled quality.
Pura Stainless' award winning bottles can be found in most Whole Food markets, fine children's boutiques, or on-line at Amazon.com and PuraStainless.com. For more information or to order visit PuraStainless.com.

Name Bubbles

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Name Bubbles School Labels Pack - Retail Price: $33.88
The Name Bubbles School Labels Pack is a collection of our customer-favorite name labels, designed to keep all of your child's school supplies and gear coming home. These award-winning personalized labels are waterproof and durable enough to stick strong to backpacks, lunch boxes, school supplies, water bottles, sports equipment, uniforms, and clothing for the entire school year. With dozens of styles, icons, and colors to choose from, personalizing a pack to fit your child's unique style is a breeze.
Name Bubbles personalized labels will help keep the entire family organized for daycare, preschool, school, and at home. A recipient of the Parent Tested, Parent Approved Seal of Approval, our award-winning name labels are made from top-of-the-line materials that are guaranteed to last. They're waterproof, fade resistant, and contain an ultra-strong adhesive that means they'll stick where you need them while staying bright and vibrant. Perfect for anything from bottles, blankets, and clothing headed to daycare, to jacket and supplies headed to school, these labels will stay strong and keep everything coming home. Available in individual labels or our customer-favorite Value Packs, personalization and organization has never been easier. For more information visit namebubbles.com.

Sock It to Me

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4 style sock set: Kids Dinomite & Green Monkeys, Youth PB&J Sock, Youth Super Juicy Sock, Juniors Red Ninja Power Sock - Retail Price: $41
Winner can choose sock size, which may affect style from online store.
Sock It to Me is a business that sells fun, funky socks. We are talking about knee high socks with ninjas, unicorns, and monkeys; men's socks with mustaches, monsters, and beer. With over 200 different sock designs, there is something for every personality, from punk rock to peacock and everything in between. Sock It To Me is a Portland-based brand selling socks worldwide. For more information visit sockittome.com.

Enter to Win this Fabulous Set of Prizes!

One Winner will be selected September 19th. Have fun and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waverize It! Toy Catcher Apron

To celebrate National Sewing Month and Waverly’s 90^th anniversary, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores and Waverly fabric bring you the Waverize It! Facebook Contest. All you need to do to enter is sew a fun, unique, or even crazy project using Waverly fabric. Winner will receive $1,000 in Waverly fabrics and a $250 gift card to Jo-Ann Stores.

What does it mean to Waverize It!?

A bunch of us bloggers were given 2 yards of fabric to come up with our own interpretation that we each get to share with all of you. My creation is a Toy Catcher Apron. I knew as soon as I saw the bight color and pattern of the fabric that I had to make something 'big' to really show off the colors.

As far as patterns go, I didn't have one. I was totally making this one up as I went, but in the end it actually turned out to be a pretty simple project sewing wise.

I used the entire two yards and started by folding the fabic in half and sewing the right sides together down both sides with a hole about 1/2 inch wide left near the middle fold line. Flip everything inside out, fold down a test pleat and then stitched it in place with an elastic waist band hidden under the fold over.

At this point I had a very long skirt with no back!

This is where I added a long length of ribbon fed through the holes left along the folded edge. Once the apron is on you simply bring up the bottom edge and tie the ribbon around your waist. The looser you tie the more open a pouch area you have.

I spread my creation out on the bed to take some photos and when I turned around 'lil C had crawled up and was happily playing in the middle of the toy pile. So it looks like it also works as a toy blanket!

Review SKRIBS

We were contacted this month to review SKRIBS Customizable Wristbands. SKRIBS are customizable wristbands that let children (or adults) write and draw whatever they like WITH whatever they like (ballpoint pens, dry-erase markers, permanent markers). You simply rub your finger or a tissue across the band's writing surface to erase. SKRIBS come in a colorful pack of three wristbands plus a dry-erase marker. We got all black to test out and an assortment of writing utensils to try on them. So what do we think?

We LOVE them!

 

These are seriously fun. I even sat down with the girls and colored on these over and over. I tried out a few markers/pens before handing them over so believe me when I say, everything wipes right off. The proof is in the pictures!

After trying out a bunch of different writing utensils we have decided that the ones that work and look the best are dry erase markers and metallic sharpies. Pens write well but fade a little when the ink dries. Crayons actually do write on these (I didn't think they would but the kids wanted to try, they just don't color very well).

A has worn hers to school everyday this week with notes and reminders written on it. B likes to match the patterns on her clothes by drawing on hers. And me? Well I would like these as the walls in my house!!

More information about SKRIBS Customizable Wristbands and its Walmart Get on the Shelf Entry can be found at www.skribs.com. Voting for Walmart’s Get on the Shelf Competition ends September 2nd so hurry over and cast your vote.

Watercolor Nails

Here is a fun and easy nail art trick. All you need is white nail polish, rubbing alcohol, and newsprint. I decided to go with a bright ad with flowers but you could also use black and white print for a high contrast look.


Start by painting your nails a good base coat of white. Clip out your chosen prints into small squares. Pour a little rubbing alcohol in a bowl big enough to do one toe or finger at a time (or use a shot glass).

With everything lined up dip your nail into the bowl for 20-30 seconds. Take your nail out (do not dry) and immediately place your clipped newsprint onto your nail and press it down. Once you have it pressed all over you nail, peel the paper off and throw it away. Continue dipping each nail, one at a time, until they are all done. Finish off with a clear top coat. The top coat will make the colors brighter and give them a real pop!


As you can see, what you end up with is a really neat watercolor look of whatever image you pick. For your comparison the red and yellow tulip print in the first photo is what I used on my right big toe.

Pretty Petti-Flower Gift Bag

We love gifts in our clan. Getting, giving, and most of all wrapping! Lately I have fallen into the lazy world of gift bags and everyone gets something tossed in a sack. All be it a pretty sack, it's still just a cheap paper bag. So when I recently scored a deal on petti-skirts to give as gifts to A and B's friends I also bought some adorable purses to use as gift bags to make something a little more fun to give.









With a quick fold and roll we stuffed the petti-skirt into the purse with the ruffles out at the top. It looks like a bag filled with blooming flowers. And I'm happy to say the Birthday Girl loved her gift!

Super Summer Giveaway

Since summer is winding down it's time to get outside and enjoy with some cool new gear for your little one that's perfect for going on walks, taking snacks on the go, and adding a little décor to your life!

Super Summer Prize Package:

• Yummi Pouch - Little Munchkin Set with Yummi Pouch Brights. ($29 value)
• Luca & Company - Chocolate Chip Cookies or Pink Lemon Aid Artwork ($90 value)
• Sticky Bellies - $25 gift certificate
• Mixie Baby - 8oz Mixie Bottle ($19.99 value)
• SVAN - Totseat portable child seat ($35 value)
• Greater Than One Kids - Hold-On Handles - Bumblebee Single Handle Set ($19.99 value)
• Simple Nature - 8 fl oz Fragrance Free Diaper Rash Cream, 8 fl oz Fragrance Free all in one Shampoo & Body Wash, 8 fl oz Fragrance Free Face & Body Lotion ($35.47 value)

Total Value = $255

Yummi Pouch - Reusable Food Pouches

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Little Munchkin Set - Retail Price: $28.95

The Little Munchkin set has everything you need to get started with using Yummi Pouches! Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches are perfect for filling with homemade baby food, blended snacks, healthy smoothies, and more. Designed by a husband a wife team, Yummi Pouches are dishwasher and freezer safe, BPA-free, phthalate-free, easy to fill and clean through the wide zipper opening, and encourage healthy snacks for active kids! For more information visit yummipouch.com.

• Set of 4 Yummi Pouch Brights reusable food pouches - hold up to 6oz each
• 16oz filling funnel pitcher
• 10 dishwasher safe name label stickers
• 2 decorative dishwasher safe sticker sheets
• 6 mixed color extra pouch caps

Luca & Company

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Chocolate Chip Cookies or Pink Lemon Aid artwork - Retail Price: $90.00

Luca and Company makers of the multi-award winning FunPod which provides a safe environment to get toddlers from 12 months up to six years up to the kitchen worktop on their own safely constructed platform comes the Classic Recipe Collection. Choose from Chocolate Chip Cookies or Pink Lemon Aid artwork which is perfect for the family who loves to cook. This series is not only for children – these prints would be lovely in any kitchen. MSRP $90. For more information visit lucaandcompany.com.

Sticky Bellies

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Sticky Bellies™ - $25 Gift Certificate

Invented by a mom, Sticky Bellies™ are removable stickers that help parents document baby's amazing growth with style and ease! By combining the look of a custom shirt with the convenience of a sticker, Sticky Bellies™ help create adorable pictures from pregnancy through the toddler years. Simply peel, stick, and snap a pic! 13 new styles will be available on September 1st. For more information visit stickybellies.com.

Mixie Baby

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8oz Mixie Bottle - Retail Price: $19.99

Mixie is the revolutionary formula bottle that allows you to fix a bottle now and mix it later. Powder formula is stored in an airtight container separately from water. When you are ready to feed, simple press the button at the bottom of the bottle to release the formula into the water, shake, and feed. Moms on the go will never again need to fumble around with formula containers in public, and a pre-mixed bottle is already ready when you need it. Mixie is great for caretakers and grandparents, travel, and those sleepy middle-of-the-night feedings. For more information visit mixiebaby.com.

SVAN

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Totseat - Retail Price: $35.00

Our newest seat for children is the original portable, washable, and "squashable" seat. Made of fabric, The Totseat is designed to safely attach to all types of chairs. Adult chairs can be quickly transformed into the perfect seat for a baby or toddler.
Available in 6 colors with a variety of patterns, The Totseat eliminates the need to hunt down a highchair when traveling. The Totseat is ready to go in its own carry pouch which fits neatly into your diaper bag, purse or other carry bag. For more information visit svan.com.

Greater Than One Kids

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A Bumblebee Single Handle Set from the popular Bizzy Bugs collection - Retail Price: $19.99

Hold-On Handles from Greater Than One Kids helps keep children within arm’s reach without restraint. It is the first stylish stroller accessory and walking rope for 1-3 children. Snaps easily onto strollers or worn on parent’s wrist/belt loop. Children love the whimsical handles. Available in Double and Single Handle Sets in three fun themes, Bizzy Bugs, Ocean Odyssey and Zany Zoo.
Greater Than One Kids designs mom, baby, and kid products for growing families with greater than one child. As parents of multiples, company founders Susanne Budofsky and Robyn Spritzer experience first-hand the challenges parents of greater than one face each and every day. Although life may be challenging at times, with the proper gear, organizational tools, guidance, and a sense of humor, raising more than one child need not always be difficult. In fact, it can simply be greater! For more information visit greaterthanonekids.com.

Simple Nature

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1 Fragrance Free Diaper Rash Cream
1 Fragrance Free all in one Shampoo & Body Wash
1 Fragrance Free Face & Body Lotion Retail Price: $35.47
Simple Nature is a fresh new brand of truly all natural and certified organic baby care products that are stylish, effective, easy to use and totally free of harsh ingredients and toxins! Based out of Las Vegas NV, the brand was created by a licensed cosmetologist and skin expert who felt that children deserve only the best. Inspired by her daughter who has very sensitive skin, Simple Nature's founder created the most luxurious products available that are:

• Dermatologist tested and approved
• Fragrance free
• pH balanced perfectly for newborn skin
• Tear free
• Soothing, gentle and non irritating
• Does not contain synthetic fragrances or dyes
• Does not contain scent masking agents
• Biodegradable and Eco friendly
• Does not conduct any animal testing
• Completely free of toxins and harsh/irritating ingredients
• Suitable for all ages
• Vegan
• Made in USA

For more information visit simplenature.co.

Enter to Win $255 in Great Prizes!

One Winner will be selected August 19th. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway