Pretty Easter purses from Warm Biscuit Bedding Company

I love the idea of being creative with Easter Baskets. Seriously, do you really need lots of pastel baskets around? The Easter Bunny and I have decided that we'll look for more practical options at our house.

Arielle will be starting school soon, so instead of a basket, this year the Easter Bunny will be bringing a new backpack instead of a basket. A purse is another great suggestion. And, we got to review these cute little personalized purses from Warm Biscuit Bedding Company.



The purses ($24.00 each) are handmade in the USA and can be monogrammed with a name or initial.

As you can see, Arielle was very happy. The purse is 7"x8" - just the right size for a doll, a bunch of Easter eggs, or a few small books.





And, Linnea loved seeing her name. "R...Q...A... it says Linnea". (shhh...Linnea is not doing very well with letter recognition, but she thinks she knows everything) She loves to carry small toys around in a bag.





Both Linnea and Arielle were pleased with these very girly purses. They come in six different colors: red, pink, yellow, purple, brown and peanut butter - something to match every Easter outfit or your child's favorite creative clothing combination.



They are very well made. I love the printed lining. I had concerns about the ribbon handle, but the girls say it is beautiful. They know.

They like them best for play shopping.

Check out Warm Biscuit for a variety of personalized gifts and toys for girls and boys. Thank you for letting us review these great purses.

Thoughts of spring...

We're expecting a nice snow storm tonight, but I'm tired of winter and it seems like it's time to think about spring.

Arielle is certainly dressed for it.




Her crown and wand are from Her Flying Horses. I love Her Flying Horses for reasonably priced, handmade dress-up clothes. The wands and crowns would make excellent Easter gifts or are a nice way to think spring. Wands are $14 for a set of two and crowns are $16.

We got these last Easter and they've stood up well to lots of play.

The bright flamenco dress was a gift from nice Uncle Jeremy who went to Spain.

While I'm talking spring, I promised to mention Violet's Peapod. Violet's Peapod offers made in the USA sleep sacks for babies.

Check out the pink pixies sleep sack ($53.95)



If only I had a baby... They come in sizes up to 24 months and there are several designs available.

I believe Arielle is playing Princess and the Pea. She's carefully placing a bead under a pile of play silks and then pretending to toss and turn. Too funny.

I've got some great Easter reviews lined up in the next few weeks. I hope spring comes to all of us soon.

Stuff a stocking and win a really good prize!

My two favorite places for stocking stuffers are A Toy Garden and Stubby Pencil Studio. A Toy Garden has a special section devoted to "little things" and stocking stuff. Stubby Pencil Studio has a large selection of eco-friendly art supplies, toys and a selection of gifts under $10. Both stores make it possible for Santa's elves to bring smiles on a budget.

So, let's stuff an imaginary stocking. Ho, ho, ho! The rule is nothing over $10.

1. Wild Cards Bugs ($9.95)



Arielle and her daddy love reading books about animals. These cards are printed with beautiful buggy photographs and educational facts. They can be used to play three different card games: Memory, Old Maid, and Go Fish. They are suggested for ages five and up. There are two other sets available, North American mammals and Who's hiding? (camouflage).

2. Play Silk ($7.00)



Who doesn't love play silks. A Toy Garden's silks are made in the USA and are available in 24 different vibrant colors. They are 36x36 inch, hand-hemmed, home-dyed, thick (8mm) play silks.

Becky, a blog reader, emailed recently to tell me about how she uses play silks. She bought some some suction cups with hooks and expandable curtain rods to hang on the hooks. So she can hang a rod in a corner or between some chairs, and then she attaches the play silks with clothespins to make a temporary playhouse. The rods can also be set up in a hallway or a doorway to make a puppet stage. Thank you, Becky, great idea!

My girls use them as doll blankets, dress up clothes, and lately they like to blindfold each other and spin around. These are very versatile toys.

3. Washable Markers ($3.95)



We always need markers. Arielle uses hers every day. And, they must be washable because Linnea can't always be trusted (and washable marker wipes right off ultrasuede with a damp cloth). These markers are made in the USA from 25% recycled plastic. The packaging is 100% post consumer recycled.

4. Ornament

If you give your child an ornament each year, they'll have the start of a nice collection when they grow up.

I went shopping with the girls this morning and every ornament we saw was made in China - and not particularly well made. And of course, my kids get their hands all over them and in their mouths and up their noses... If you search on "ornament" at A Toy Garden, there is a great selection of inexpensive ornaments, made in the USA and Germany or that handmade fair trade items from other countries. Here are a couple I like from Germany.

Ladybug Ornament ($4.95)



Puppet Theater Ornament ($8.95)




5. Finger Puppets ($9.95)



These fair trade puppets are hand knit in Peru, so no two are the same. They come in sets of five, so you can split them between your kids. We love puppets here. Whenever we go on a car trip, the girls fill their purses with finger puppets, and they play with them while I drive.

6. Mini Animal Set ($9.95)



These are not for kids that put things in their mouths - they are teeny - only 1/4" to 1 1/4" tall. Arielle loves itty bitty little animals like this and will sit for hours making up stories and adventures. The set includes a deer, rabbit, pig, dog, cat, frog, hummingbird and snake.

7. Tie-Up Shoe ($7.95)



Eventually, even velcro-lovers have to learn to tie shoes. It's much easier when the shoe isn't on your foot. Five-year-old Arielle is getting one of these. I'm sure Linnea will try to string beads on the laces. She's silly.

8. Starlight wand ($5.95)



Tap the wand and it plays a note. The wands are fun for both boys and girls and are made in Mexico. Arielle and Linnea have never seen these, but my older kids tried some out at a fair when they were little, and they were fascinated.

9. Snifty Gingerbread Pen ($2.00)



My girls love ballpoint pens and mine are always being snatched away. These pens are made in the USA, are nontoxic and cute and are seasonally scented (like gingerbread - yum!).

10. Wood Tea Bags ($9.95)



or treats from Haba. These are cute, sturdy and made in Germany. They will get years of play. But, the treats are doll-sized, so they are not for children who like to mouth their toys.

11. Made By Me Bug ($4.00)



I think I've mentioned these a lot. That's because the girls love them so much and they are such a good deal. All you need is a hammer and some art supplies. Your child attaches the wheels and then decorates the wooden vehicle. Voila! A personalized toy. And, they will be so proud. I'm putting more in Arielle and Linnea's stocking this year.

12. Ladybugs In A Pot ($9.95)



Our very favorite!! These were Linnea's favorite toy last year and she still plays with them almost daily. She uses them as ingredients in soup, for counting and sorting, as little pets, and today she was wrapping them in a play silk and giving them to me as a gift.

And now for your holiday surprise. One very lucky reader will win a $25 gift card from A Toy Garden and another will win a $75 gift card (with free shipping) from Stubby Pencil Studio. That can stuff a whole lot of stocking.

How do you enter? Go to both sites and then post a comment suggesting one stocking stuffer from each site that I haven't mentioned. There are so many good things on both sites, that this should be super easy. It doesn't have to be under $10.

I'll announce the winners on December 12th, so there will be just enough time for shipping.

Good luck!

Having one of those days?

Try Mama's Mood Lifter's Deck.

No, I'm not dealing drugs. Mama's Mood Lifter Deck is a set of cards with activities with children ages 2-5 in those moments when you just need to change the mood in your house. You know, when the kids are fighting, and you have a million things to do, and you are way too stressed to think of a fun activity?

Mama's Mood Lifter Deck ($16.95)



You can either pull out the Mary's Soft Dough or grab a card.

These arrived at the perfect time for a review because I've had that kind of week. In addition to writing the blog, I work as a freelance writer. I'm currently finishing up a few projects. My husband is also out of town, and Linnea is dropping her nap which means she is very emotional. I had ample opportunity to try the cards out (and to get some good use out of the soft dough).

When everyone is hollering, you pop a card out of the deck and read the inspirational quote.

"The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you do the work." - Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

You think about that a moment and then introduce the activity. This card suggested a game of Hide and Seek, so I got a few minutes of peace while I hid under a blanket.

The girls had a great time looking for me. They found me and jumped allover me which was a good excuse for tickles. They giggled, and then it was their turn to hide.

I pretended that I had no idea where they were. Ari was under a blanket on the couch, so I (gently) sat on her and said "My this couch is lumpy!"

After a few rounds of hide and seek, we cleaned up the play room together.

Later, we danced in order to diffuse a meltdown. "No, Linnea, you can't have chocolate chips for dinner." I am such an unreasonable mother.

Other suggestions include Simon Says, playing Bus Stop, doing simple tricks for each other and making a kiddo burrito. There are 31 fun activities that will definitely make your child smile and give her treasured happy-childhood memories.



My kids loved it, and so will yours.

The cards are inspiring. When the freezing rain let up this afternoon, I decided it was time to walk to the post office. It was cold! Linnea was refusing to walk and screaming about wearing her "fat jacket". Arielle was screaming at Linnea to stop screaming. I was trying to convince Linnea that she wanted to spare my back and walk. Half a block from home, it started snowing. I wondered if we'd survive the next block and a half and wished for an idea. Then I thought of the mood lifter cards.

I put Linnea down and said, "OK you brave Arctic explorers, tippy-toe so you don't wake up the polar bears." The mood immediately changed, and we happily braved polar bears, sea lions and frigid arctic wind as we bravely made our way to the post office igloo. Linnea was finally able to stop screaming and admire all the Christmas decorations.

There are a few blank cards, so you can include your own ideas.

The cards are made in the USA and are sold at Down to Earth Toys. So, if you've been a mostly good mommy this year, ask Santa to put these cards in your stocking. They aren't nearly as messy as soft dough and no supplies required.

Thank you, Down to Earth Toys, for making a big difference in my week! and for offering such an awesome selection of natural toys and toys made in the USA.

Fairy Puzzles at Palumba

So pretty!

Fairy Puzzles ($9.99 or 3 for $24.99)

These puzzles are perfect for fairy-loving little girls. The illustrations are from the work of watercolor artist Betty Sturley. She's a gardener as well an artist, and you can tell that because of the loving attention to detail that is in her paintings.

Linnea was so jealous, but these puzzles are not for beginners. So, Arielle got to try "Ofrey and Archie". The fairies are helping the little hummingbird.






Arielle really enjoyed the challenge and the beautiful artwork. And, puzzles are great for learning perseverance, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, geometric relationships and logical thinking.

These would make a nice take-to-school gift.

The puzzle is printed in the USA on recycled chipboard using soy ink. The completed puzzle is 8"x10".

Is it a lemonade stand? From Down to Earth Toys

This was a surprise review, and I never would have thought it would be such a success. This toy inspired so much fun and creativity; I have to tell you about it.

The FedEx guy showed up with a big package. And, I was so sure it was the rocket ship that I'll be posting a review of in a few days. So, we did a little "the rocket ship is here!" dance.

When I opened it up, there were lots of big cardboard pieces...



But, when I looked at the instructions, they said lemonade stand.

Lemonade/Advice Stand ($78.95)

Well... the lemonade stand was quickly and easily put together (it took one small mommy about 10 minutes). Arielle wanted to sell pretend lemonade.




It was delicious. There's nothing like imaginary lemonade (LIMUNaD) on a chilly November morning!

When Arielle ran off to get more wooden lemons, Linnea discovered the best part...




The little doors on the bottom of the lemonade stands open up to make a perfect Linnea-doggy house. Woof Woof!



Later on, we played store.

Mommy Linnea arrives at the store with her children Cassie and Anna.



She looks over the selection of groceries.



"Do we need eggs?"



Here she is getting ready to pay for her purchases.



Ring them up, Store Lady Arielle.



"Oooh... that will be $100."



It's a hard job.



The lemonade stand has also been used a library and a bunk bed. The bunk bed option is not recommended. Although it is sturdy enough to support little girls, the thought makes mommies nervous. Their favorite thing is climbing inside.

Today, I draped it with a big play silk and it became a puppet theater.

The name of the show - "The Queen"



The audience is excited.



The star (she will be interviewed/reviewed soon).



The finale.



Best of all, it came in a big flat box. And the best thing about big flat boxes is....







The lemonade stand in made in the USA by Cardboardesign. It is made of sturdy 100% chemical free recycled cardboard. When children are done with it, it can be recycled.

Tomorrow, this one is going to a nearby preschool where I'm sure it will be used for years.

So, is it a lemonade stand? Or is it really a multi-purpose play center in disguise? What do you think?

I think if you don't have the room or budget for wooden play stands, this is an eco-friendly alternative that may offer even more play options. And, it breaks down for storage or transportation.

Down to Earth Toys has offered our readers 10% off in stock toys. Check out all their organic and natural toys and toys made in the USA. Use the code "SARA" through 12/31/09.