Preview of Hippos Toes Clothes....

These are just a couple of examples of some of the clothing that I will be offering on my Hippos Toes website for my launch on October 9th!!! Be sure to check back on my blog on that date as I will be offering a discount code in celebration of my Grand Opening!! Also be sure to read my About Us page on my site so that you get an idea of why I feel so passionate about offering these adorable clothes to you! The clothing is fair trade and exceptionally made, not to mention adorable as well.

Vacation Time......

We finally made it to Cape May, NJ. This is our annual trek to the Cape. We originally came here when we got married three years ago. We have been together about 9 years but just didn't see the need to actually tie the knot. Having been down the aisle before, I didn't want a large or extravagent wedding. We actually got married more for my mom than anything else. She was terminally ill with leukemia and we knew that she would like to see us married before she passed. So we just decided to get married in a very small ceremony, just the two of us, as my mother was unable to attend and we just didn't want to bother with the whole wedding affair. That really isn't my bag, or my husbands either. If I'm going to spend thousands of dollars I'd rather have a beachside house :). So we came to Cape May for a quick weekend getaway after our wedding and we fell in love with it. We now make a point to come here every year at this time. The weather is ideal, in the 70's during the day and cool at night. The beach is virtually deserted because all the kiddies are back in school. And the rates are dirt cheap in the off season. We rent a house for the week so we have as much privacy as possible. That works out great with a little one too! Plenty of good reasons to love it here. But the real reason is because the beach and the town are just so quaint. We were remarking last night that it feels like a throwback to old times here. Clothes hanging on the line, cute little neighborhoods. I would love to live here.

The entire town of Cape May is on the National Historical Register. Cape May began hosting vacationers from Philadelphia in the mid 1700s and is recognized by the United States government as the country's oldest seaside resort. Cape May became increasingly popular in the 18th century and was considered one of the finest resorts in America by the 19th century. It is noted for its large number of well-maintained Victorian houses — the second largest collection of Victorian-era homes in the nation after San Francisco. It's also wonderful here this time of year because everyone is preparing for Autumn, so you see pumpkins and Halloween decorations everywhere. That really adds to the charm as well.

The Cape May area is also a world-famous location for the observation of migrating birds, especially in fall. With over 400 bird species having been recorded in this area. There is a lot to love about this area. That's what keeps us coming back.

After all that great build up to Cape May, it's easy to see why we spent 7 hours in the car with a 1 1/2 year old toddler that does not like to nap in his car seat. Add to that the fact that it was pouring down rain and the traffic was crazy and that = WINE!!!!! But it was worth it because now we are here and we can enjoy morning walks on the beach, bike rides and siteseeing of the gorgeous Victorian architecture. Victorian isn't really my thing, but you can't help but admire the beauty and history of this amazing place.

Check out http://www.capemaychamber.com/ to see more about this amazing place. I look forward to this trip every year at this time. And it never disappoints. The only sad thing is leaving.

Budgeting Help.....

Are you like me and the thought of cumbersome budgeting software makes your eyes bug out of your head? Too many charts and graphs and tax related garbage that really is of no use to you? On the flip side, maybe you make your own homemade spreadsheets and those just don't seem to everything that you want them to.

Well you definitely need to check out Pear Budget. Their tagline says “Really Simple Budgeting,” and that’s the truth. It’s not more than I need, in fact it’s exactly want I want in a budgeting software. This looks like something that is very user-friendly - not all that junk that I really don't need. It's online, it's cheap, easy to set up and safe, among many other great features. It has three simple steps 1)Plan (your budget), 2) Enter (your receipts), 3)Review (your spending). What could be simpler than that??

Check out Gidget Goes Home, as she is offering a giveaway of one free year's subscription!!! She also goes into more detail so you can learn more about it. Go to her blog now!! What are you waiting for? In these lean times it's a great idea to get yourself a budget, and Pear Budget makes it easy!

Wordless Wednesday

Okay, just a couple words. Mommy spends too much time at the computer, don'tcha think?

Keep Baby Warm during Bathtime....

I remember when I used to give my little guy (now not so little), a bath, I used to worry that he was exposed and too cold, and I didn't know how to keep him warm in his little tub. So I ended up hurrying through his bath so that he would spend as little time as possible in his birthday suit.

Well Bathluve has a great solution to this problem. It's an adorable 100% soft cotton terry cloth cover that comes in bright colors and fun shapes - a fish, duck or frog. You just get it wet with warm water and lay it over your little one's tummy. Not only is it adorable (makes for some great pics ;), but it also keeps the tiny one warm and snuggly while you attend to the business at hand - bathing.

Visit http://www.bathluve.com/ to purchase your Bath Luve. And coming soon, Bath Luve Buddies, a wonderful addition to the bath for older babies!

Head on over to Ohana mama to learn more. She is offering a giveaway of the Fish Bath Luve to one lucky reader!! Another great invention from a savvy mom entrepreneur - you gotta love that!!

Reflective Mood.....

Today I woke up in a reflective mood. I was thinking about how when I was younger, we're talking teen's and early 20's, I didn't think that I ever wanted children. I was never the type to go for the baby dolls when I was a child. I always like Barbie and Velvet (do you remember Velvet and Chrissy??), that's how old I am!!! I loved my stuffed animals and liked to dress them up in my brother's old hand-me-downs, but I never felt this strong urge to be a mommy of an actual person (animals, yes). Frankly I didn't understand how and why anyone would want to deal with them. With their tantrums, their snotty noses, their poopy pants, and their just plain neediness. ICK!! I just felt I couldn't be bothered. Fast forward 20 years (gulp), or so later and here I am dealing with snotty noses, poopy pants, tantrums and neediness and I LOVE IT!! I can't imagine my life without my little guy. When I wake up in the morning I can't wait to see him sitting there in his crib waiting for me. The first thing he says when he sees me is "mommy". That is music to my ears. Nothing could sound sweeter than hearing him say that word to me. How did I become this person? How could someone that really didn't like kids become such a different person?

This doesn't just apply to my son. I used to see little babies or toddlers on TV or out and about and I just looked the other way. Not really interested in them too much. Now I see them in a whole new light. I laugh and giggle and it just warms my heart. I sort of feel like the Grinch that Stole Christmas. My heart has totally changed. If someone would have told me this would be how I felt one day I never would have believed it.

I can remember when I was pregnant with my son, I was afraid that I wouldn't love him as much as I should. I was fearful of that. My dear husband used to say, "you save worms on the sidewalk after it rains," of course you will feel love for your own son (dear man :) ). And he was right. It did happen. It happened instantly. It happened when he was inside me and it just grew and grew as I grew and grew.
How wonderful these little people are. What a treasure and what a gift. I am thankful for my little guy every day and I know I am blessed. Mommyhood is the greatest thing that I've ever done!! I'm tearing up as I'm typing this........ don't know why I woke up with these feelings today, but I wanted to share them with you. Did any of you feel this way before you had children? Or did you always know that being a mommy was going to be the greatest thing you've ever done??

Peek at Hippos Toes Clothes

Here are a couple pics of some of the clothing that I will be selling on my website. Not only is the quality exception, but they have such cute and unique designs! Every season there will be a new clothing line with a new theme. This fall it is a Quest theme for the little boys and a Bug Tea Party for the little girls. The themes always try to incorporate nature, bugs, flowers, animals, etc, to foster that awareness of nature in your child. The clothing has a whimsical feel as well, which further enhances the uniqueness of the clothing.In anticipation of the launch planned for OCTOBER 9TH, I will be posting periodic pictures of the clothes so you can get an idea of the clothing line.I also want to mention one of the most important features of the clothing, and why I decided to sell this line. The clothing is Fair Trade and made in South Africa.

When I was in South Africa a little over 2 years ago, I couldn't help but notice the disparity in the way some of the people lived. They had very rudimentary conditions, at best. Apartheid just ended only 12 years ago, so there are still a great deal of people that cannot find good paying jobs or living conditions. That is where Hippos Toes comes in. The women that make these clothes are mothers just like you and me. They are trying to provide for their families under conditions that you and I will never have to face. The fact that the manufacturer of these clothes provides a fair wage and good working conditions just sold me on these clothes. I would much rather purchase clothes for my son from a place that makes a difference in people's lives (especially mothers!), than clothes that only makes a difference in the pockets of some big wig corporation. And I'm hoping that you feel the same!!! Please stay tuned for more examples of the clothes and please be sure to visit my site October 9th for the launch. You know I will remind you!! Also, please be sure to sign up for my enewsletter so you can be aware of what is going on in Hippos Toes land!!

Wordless Wednesday

Tattoo You......

I've always wanted a tattoo, but I just haven't found the time to get it done. And, I must say, I'm afraid about having it forever........well, if you have always wanted a tattoo and are afraid the permanence of it, Mother Ink Tattoos has a great solution. They have temporary tattoos that are hand-designed and really cool looking. They are made of FDA-approved vegetable based inks, and best of all......they come off!!! Perfect for commitment-phobes, like me, that want a little extra body accessory.

Mother Ink Temporary Tattoos come in an awesome assortment of designs. And they'd be great to put on a beautiful pregnant belly for maternity pics for the wild or hip mama.

Right now, Mother Ink is sponsoring a giveaway on Ohana Mama. They are giving away 3 multi-packs (5 tattoos in each pack) to 3 Ohana Mama readers!

Head on over to Ohana Mama and check out this great giveaway!!

Check out this Fun Site.....

Where do our newborns and infants hang out most of the time (besides their cribs sleeping)? You guessed it! On our shoulders, in our arms, or on the floor for tummy time… So why not stimulate their vision with something that they can actually see while doing something that they really love…snuggling with you!!

Zeebabee offers two products…The Baby See ™ T-shirt and the Burp See ™ Burp Cloths. She is also working on a few new items... The Baby See ™ Cloth Book and a playmat that will also enhance your baby's development. I wish I would have known about these when my little guy was a newborn!!!

I love to support other mom's that are starting their own businesses and I hope that you feel the same way. Please take a peek at her adorable baby items and see for yourself!!! I know you'll want some!!!

South African lover.....like me......

Met a darling lady yesterday at a restaurant where I was ducking in from the rain that popped up out of nowhere. Had my little guy in his stroller so we made a fast break for this little coffee shop/bistro type of restaurant. Anyhoo, I noticed this older couple, and the husband had a South Africa t-shirt on. I couldn’t resist, I had to ask if they were from SA. Turns out they have visited there several times, Durban and Capetown. They absolutely love it, as do my husband and myself. We got to talking about the country and how beautiful It is and how gentle and innocent the people are. Of course we also discussed the crime issue. South Africa does have issues with crime, which is unfortunate, because it is such an incredible country. Well it turns out that out that she has a niece living there. Basically we just chatting for about 15-20 minutes about the country and how much we love it. Of course I told her about Hippos Toes and the clothing line that I sell that is made by local women living in the townships. http://tinyurl.com/5j4sva

She was so excited about it. She has been to the townships so she understands the need for income opportunities that these people face. Especially the women that do not have many opportunities to earn an income and they have children and families to support. Oftentimes, they are the sole breadwinner in their families so they must find work that pays a fair and honest wage under good working conditions. That is what the manufacturer of these clothes provides. They can employ from 50+ women, depending upon the orders. My goal is to employ as many of these women as I can, that is why I am selling their clothing. Not only are the designs unique and adorable but the quality and workmanship is excellent. And most importantly it employs these women so that they can earn money to feed and clothe their own families. I am going to try to do some “interviews” with some of these women an feature them on my blog periodically so that you can get to know the women that make these incredible clothes, and that you will come to care about them as much as I do.

I’ve rambled on enough for today. I was just so re-energized after speaking with that kind women yesterday that I felt the need to tell you all about it too.

Please be sure to visit my website on October 9th and see the adorable clothes for yourself. It’s not too early to start thinking about Christmas (smile). Sign up for my newsletter! I am planning to have a giveaway as well at launch time so you must come back for that!

Awesome Jewelry Giveaway.....

My Name's Not Mom is hosting a great giveaway in honor of her one month anniversary. You really should pop by her site and check it out!! I'm including the image so you that can start drooling now......I just love it! It is so simple, yet so dressy at the same time!! A must have, in my book! So go check out her giveaway to find out how you can enter to win! Go! Now!

Wordless Wednesday.....

Photo Album Giveaway.......

Head on over to Cool Photo Ideas to check out their photo album giveaway. They are getting ready to roll with a new blog and are excited to offer their first giveaway! For those of you familiar with Molly West, there is no explaining needed as to how gorgeous this album is! A mauve velvet mixed with an elegant floral brocade make this a stunning album that will be an amazing display for your favorite photographs.

This paper page album measures approximately 11″ wide x 7″ high and has 25 cream colored paper pages.

This album is one of the last USA made Molly West albums, so the quality is the finest that they produced. It retails for $125.00, so this is quite the giveaway to launch our new blog!

Hippos Toes Clothes Finally Here.....

I can't believe the clothes for my website are finally here. They look awesome. They have such cute and unique designs and the quality is exceptional! Every season there will be a new clothing line with a new theme. This fall it is a Quest theme for the little boys and a Bug Tea Party for the little girls. The themes always try to incorporate nature, bugs, flowers, animals, etc, to foster that awareness of nature in your child. The clothing has a whimsical feel as well, which further enhances the uniqueness of the clothing.

In anticipation of the launch planned for OCTOBER 9TH, I will be posting periodic pictures of the clothes so you can get an idea of the clothing line.

I also want to mention one of the most important features of the clothing, and why I decided to sell this line. The clothing is Fair Trade and made in South Africa. When I was in South Africa a little over 2 years ago, I couldn't help but notice the disparity in the way some of the people lived. They had very rudimentary conditions, at best. Apartheid just ended only 12 years ago, so there are still a great deal of people that cannot find good paying jobs or living conditions. That is where Hippos Toes comes in. The women that make these clothes are mothers just like you and me. They are trying to provide for their families under conditions that you and I will never have to face. The fact that the manufacturer of these clothes provides a fair wage and good working conditions just sold me on these clothes. I would much rather purchase clothes for my son from a place that makes a difference in people's lives (especially mothers!), than clothes that only makes a difference in the pockets of some big wig corporation. And I'm hoping that you feel the same!!!

Please stay tuned for more examples of the clothes and please be sure to visit my site October 9th for the launch. You know I will remind you!! Also, please be sure to sign up for my enewsletter so you can be aware of what is going on in Hippos Toes land!!

Maternity Week at An Ordinary Life

In honor of Maternity Week at An Ordinary Life I am trying to win a gorgeous Elliott Lucca Limited Edition handbag. It's not your ordinary purse either, this bag also can function as a diaper bag! Maternity Week starts September 13th and there will be tons of great prizes. (Including another big surprise!)

This Elliott Lucca bag is valued at $368.00 and is Limited Edition ONLY! Giveaway ends Sept. 24th. You should enter too!

Need a Blog Makeover????

Is your blog looking tired and boring? Do you need a blog makeover? Even if you just want to do a little tweeking - you should go see Shabby Creations! I wanted to add three columns to my blog because I really like that look, and she did it for me quickly and very reasonably priced! She even changed some colors for me which I think really helped to enhance my blog. Check out Shabby Creations and see what she has to offer. She created Ohana Mama's blog design, (which I think is fab!). She even has pre-made blog designs.

Check her out! She's fantastic to work with!!

You are my Sunshine......

my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray.......

That is the first lullaby that I have ever sung to my son. When he was a newborn I started singing it at the hospital. It just seemed like the right words for how I felt about him. I remember thinking, "I know someone is going to come in and take him away, he can't be mine." We waited so long for him that it just felt so surreal. Since then I have been singing it to him every night before bed. It's our song.

What is your favorite lullaby to sing to your little sweetie? Do you have a favorite that you sing every night or do you like to change it up and sing something different? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Virtual Baby Shower.....

Check out the Virtual Baby Shower Giveway at What's That Smell! They are giving away weekly prizes from Sept to Oct!! Grand Prize is worth over $2000 and there are over 50 sponsors participating!!! You can even win a Baby Shower!!

Sounds like a great giveaway. Makes me wish I was having another baby!! Check it out!! :)

PURSE CONTEST......

Did that catch your attention?? Who doesn't want another purse to add to their already overflowing purse collection? I can just hear my husband now, "don't you have enough purses? All you need is a black one." If he only knew......

So, if you are a purse whore like me ;), head on over to MomDot and check out the purse giveaway sponsored by Elliott Lucca. It is the Elliott Lucca Tropez Demi in Raspberry Patent. This beautiful bag can be yours!!! Valued at $118.00 this is a purse you need to add to your collection, or start your collection with!

Check out their site too!! They have some fab bags!!

You can never have too many purses!!