Saturday, February 28, 2009

31 Awesome Birthday Cake Designs

Fresh from the pages of Parenting (visit: http://www.parenting.com/activity-parties-gallery/Activities-Parties/31-Awesome-Birthday-Cake-Designs) are 31 fun and easy to make cakes with pictures and step by step directions. Here's one, visit the site for all!


Ingredients:
5 sugar cones
2 Kids Cones (mini–ice cream wafer cones)
3 pink ice cream wafer cones
3 Tbsp light corn syrup
½ cup pink decorating sugar
1 (8-inch) round cake
1 (9-inch) round cake
1 jumbo cupcake, paper liner removed
2 cans (12 oz) whipped vanilla frosting
1 roll Bubble Tape
¾ cup Smarties
Orange and pink Runts
2 bags sour gummy Life Savers
2 rolls Necco wafers
What you'll need:
A serrated knife
A pastry brush
A bread knife
A serving platter or a cake stand
Craft scissors or a pastry wheel
For the turrets:
Trim 2 of the sugar cones with a serrated knife so they can fit, mouth to mouth, into the Kids Cones.
Trim 1 pink wafer cone, 2 inches from the base, for the top of the cake.
Heat the light corn syrup in the microwave 5 to 10 seconds until bubbly. Caution: Hot corn syrup can burn and should not be handled by children.
Pour the pink sugar into a dish.
Brush the sugar cones with corn syrup and roll in the pink sugar to coat.
Press the sugar cones upside-down into the wafer cones to make the turrets; set aside.
Trimming the cakes:
Using a bread knife, trim the tops of the cakes to make level. Trim the 8-inch cake down into a 6-inch round.
Place the 9-inch cake onto a serving platter or cake stand. Place the 6-inch cake on top and to one side of the larger cake.
Place the cupcake on top of the two cake layers and to one side, as pictured.
Decorating the castle:
Spread the cakes with vanilla frosting and make smooth.
Trim one long side of the Bubble Tape with clean craft scissors or a pastry wheel to make a decorative edge. Press the Bubble Tape along the bottom edge of the top 2 cake layers.
Press the Smarties into the circumference of the base of the largest cake. Press the orange Runts around the upper circumference of the middle cake layer. Press the pink Runts around the upper circumference of the bottom cake layer.
Cut the gummy Life Savers and Necco wafers in half. Place the gummy Life Savers and Necco wafers in a decorative row along the top edge of cakes (see photo).
Add the cone turrets on top of cake using the trimmed cone for the highest cake. Press into the frosting to secure.
Pour the remaining pink sugar on top of the bottom cake layer.

Friday, February 27, 2009

30th Anniversay Edition of the Cozy Coupe


Yes, it's been 30 years since the cozy coupe first came on the scene. And kids (including mine!) have loved it ever since. Visit http://www.littletikes.com/ to see this special car!

For 30 years, this kid-powered ride-on has been a staple in homes. Kids love being behind the wheel while adults love the durability. Now Cozy Coupe® is better than ever!

New redesigns feature a friendly face on the front and a removable floor. Take the floor out allows kids to use foot-to-floor power. When the floor is in, little ones’ feet are protected while an adult can use the cut-in handle in back to push the car. High seat back allows for improved comfort for kids and there are cup holders in the back for an over the road refreshment break. Moving, clicking ignition switch and open-and-close gas cap provide interactive fun. Front wheels turn 360 degrees and driver’s side door features optional inside lock.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Gardening Fun

This is one green toy that I plan to buy right away. What's better for spring than an indoor garden! Visit http://www.oompa.com/ to see all of their Green Toys, new for Spring '09

Start your garden out right with this durable, deluxe potting set, made entirely from recycled materials! The set comes with everything you need to get your green thumb going, including three yellow pots, a green planter's tray, an orange shovel, soil pellets, and three packets of organic seeds (Teddy Bear Sunflower, Basil, and Zinnia). Also includes detailed planting instructions.

Green Toys designs and produces all of their toys directly out of California, USA. Every part of the toy making process is done with consideration for the environment, in the materials they use, and the process by which they produce and distribute their toys. All Green Toys are derived from recycled milk jugs, then reprocessed into new, harder plastic (HDPE, considered one of the safest, cleanest plastics around). The packaging for Green Toys is extremely minimalist; no plastic film, styrofoam or twist ties are used, only 100% recyclable, corrugated cardboard.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Grocery Store / Lemonade Stand

This looks like so much fun, I think Anna and John would really get a lot of use out of it (and learn something too!) Melissa and Doug's Grocery Store/Lemonade Stand is a great idea, indoors or out.

Features portable plastic bins for pretend shopping or storage, removable chalkboard signs, a spacious countertop and a reversible fabric awning. Available for $129.99 at www.target.com

Monday, February 23, 2009

Custom Stationery

Head on over to www.BabadooDesigns.etsy.com shop to see these clever stationery sets for your little guys and girls. What a great gift and certainly will inspire them to write more. I can't wait to order mine!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Hand Stamped Necklaces

These beautiful necklaces are more for you than for your children and I just love them. I have something similar (4 circles with the kids' initials surrounding Emma's fingerprint on a sterling oval.) I wear it all the time.


I think these are beautifully done and there are so many choices. Even some for your tweens and teens that I think they'll adore. But this post is mostly for mom, I think this is a gift you'll enjoy for a long time to come. www.silvermependants.etsy.com

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Handmade Raincoats

Never lose your child in the payground again!! This is a really bright and colourful coat that little girls will adore. Soft pvc outer with a cerise pink fleece lining. Fun and practical. This coat will be available to order. Limited edition so order now as there's not gonna be many around! See www.bluepeach.etsy.com for this and other styles!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Custom Easter Basket


I think this personalized chenille basket is adorable and will be sure to order Anna's soon. It's a bit pricey at $44.95 but can be used for other things too. http://www.kuttinup.etsy.com/ has other cute offerings too (dresses, bibs) but this basket is worth the look!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

A book for you!


A Blogger friend of my through the web (a former infertile like me) who is from South Africa wrote a book about her journey to motherhood. I just ordered my copy (it has just become available in the U.S.) Definitely a great read so please consider ordering it at: http://www.amazon.com/So-Close-Infertile-Addicted-Hope/dp/0620430303

Tertia's blog (www.tertia.org)

Fun fashion for spring

Here's a super cute set from Deux Par Deux, it's a fun coquette skirt set that includes the long sleeve tee with retro bird design, printed ruffled corded skirt and matching leggings. Find this at http://www.pureandhonestkids.com/ for just $54.99!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Bargain Dresses

Want to get your little one some cute new spring dresses but definitely don't want to pay retail (why should you??) Head over to http://www.bargainchildrensclothing.com/ and click on the girls dresses links and you'll be surprised by the selection and prices. This cute red number by Lipstik is on sale for $14.95 (down from $78!) There's plenty more too!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Personalized plates and more

I found this adorable shop on etsy today while browsing their "pounce" feature. You can see items that just sold and pounce on the store that sold them to see what else they have to offer. I saw an adorable hand painted cross that sold so I clicked to see what else was to be found. I immediately ordered the custom ceramic personalized necklace for my niece's final bday present (I've been sending her gifts for the past few weeks to spread out the joy!)

What really impressed me were the custom plates and serving dishes. I love the platters for families that can be personalized (wonderful gift) and think these children's plates are just fun! And at $18.95 I think you'll find they're the best price around (others sell for $40 and up!) Got to http://www.cutiepatooties1.etsy.com/ to see everything!

Monday, February 16, 2009

Fun in the Garden

It's warm here in Delaware today and has us thinking of (and longing for spring.) I've been promising John that we'll plant a garden and that he can be "in charge" this year. He has his John Deere Tractor all ready with the trailer on the back to spread grass seed and now, with this garden tote and tool set, he can plant to his little heart's desire.

Visit http://www.peanutgallerygifts.com/ to see all the cute options for this tote and other gardening gifts!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Butterfly Pavillion


http://storeforknowledge.com/ offers this wonderful and educational butterfly pavillion for your nature loving little one. Comes with a certificate for 10 larvae with special food and instructions.


"Witness the wonder of the butterfly lifecycle with this child-and-insect friendly habitat. The 2-foot tall, reusable Butterfly Pavilion is the perfect environment for young entomologists to raise butterflies. Lightweight, durable construction makes for easy hanging. See-through mesh with zippered entry allows easy access for care and feeding, and keeps butterflies inside until you set them free. "

Saturday, February 14, 2009

See you later Alligator

This is a fun addition to any child's room (and you'll probably see it in my child's room soon!) An alligator chalk board for $65.00 from http://www.uncommongoods.com/. (They have giraffe's too!)

Friday, February 13, 2009

Natural and lemon grass spot baby Blanket


Hand felted with 100% Australian Merino Wool. Beautiful design and colors, simply stunning. Other colors and matching pillows available also. Visit http://www.olofsdaughter.etsy.com/ to purchase yours.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Customizable PJ's at Disney


What a deal! Just $7.99 on clearance at the disney store. You pick the princess and then add the name you want in the color and font you choose! Very clever and super cute! Can't beat this deal. Follow this link:

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Adorable Sweaters


This sweater (size 2) is so beautiful and unique. Hand knit by http://www.pawpawgirl.etsy.com/ for $35.00, other colors and styles also available but this pink elephant sweater just beats all!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Baby ties

Super cute and super sweet and what fun! Baby (and little boy) ties in fun colors and styles (she'll do custom too!) No old fashioned granddad ties here! Let your little boy stand out, be cute and have fun too! www.butteredtoast.etsy.com and just $12.99!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Shamrocks!

Order early and dress the part. Adorable Shamrock t's and onesies for all you Irish folks (and wannabees like me!) Visit http://www.addyreeceboutique.etsy.com/ for personalized St. Patty's Day gear!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Hearts Blanket for baby


Now this is a great Valentine's gift for baby! Beautiful and soft quilt adorned with hearts full of love for your baby. See this and other fun baby gifts at http://www.toysrus.com/! Just look for the Banian Pink Hearts Quilt!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Topsy Turvy Doll

This is just as cute as it can be (and I can't wait to get one!) It's called a topsy turvy doll and you can find them at http://www.faoschwartz.com/. It has Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz on one side and then flip it over to have Toto on the yellow brick road! Ingenious!

Friday, February 6, 2009

Chocolate Alternative...

If you think you're little one might be getting a bit too much sugar this Valentine's Day, how about a book about chocolate?? visit Amazon.com for this yummy treat:

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Matching PJS for Girl & Doll


What a great alternative to the American Girl Catalog (which I love) These custom made matching pajamas for your little girl (size 2 - 10) and her AG Doll (18") or Bitty Baby (14") at just $32! See http://www.seasideviola.etsy.com/ for all info!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Bugs and Blossoms closing its doors

http://www.bugsandblossoms.com/default.asp is closing its doors and is offering 50% off everything in the store. Use coupon code newhope

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Rocker Baby Dress Sale

Get your order in now, big sale but order before the law change on February 10th (when many of us crafters may have to put our stores on hiatus.) Check out this gorgeous dress and then head on over to www.rockerbaby.etsy.com
This Soiree Dress is on sale for $28!
Cool gray snuggle for baby just $22!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Company Kids Clearance

Remember these chairs from my post this summer when they were $139 each? Well, now they're on sale for $54.99!! Check out all of their clearance at www.companykids.com

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Yummy Jewelry

Here's some cute jewelrey from http://www.thedearest.etsy.com/, a newer shop over at etsy offering their own designs. Shown here are their muffin and ice cream necklaces.
Don't forget our etsy shop at www.jlperillo.etsy.com for great deals on Snanimals shoes and our favorite shop at www.threelittlegoblins.etsy.com!