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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Easter Basket Idea: Hatch & Grow Your Own Easter Bunny, Chick or Duck!

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DISCLAIMER: I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
I’m all about creating a memorable holiday for my kids, but with a two kiddos under 4, the thought of creating an Easter basket, full of candy, just doesn’t seem like a good idea! However, neither are stuffed animals or just more of the junk they already have. But when these Hide ‘Em & Hatch ‘Ems landed in my mailbox, I knew that I had to hide them from my kids because there was no one way they would be able to wait if they saw them! 

These pastel-colored eggs are great for hiding or filling the Easter basket…but here’s the twist: simply soak them in water overnight and out will “hatch” some new friends…a duck, chick or bunny!

Kids will be amazed and parents will delight in the fact that there’s no candy involved.

Hatch ’ems were the #1 Easter product on Amazon.com, but you can still score yours now – just in time for Easter!



During our first hatch, it took several days for the chick to hatch, so I want to share tips to ensure your egg hatches within just one day!
Instructions for the Best Experience with the Hide ’em & Hatch ’em Eggs!

1.  Place the eggs in ROOM TEMPERATURE water (this is critical to the grow process!)  Make sure the eggs are completely submerged.

2.  In 6 – 12 hours you will see small cracks in the shell.  At this point you can help your little friend out by cracking the shell (just like a mamma might need to do for her hatchling) or you can change the water and let it continue to grow.

3.  You will notice the water (and the baby) will be slippery.  This is the material that allows it to grow – it is necessary to change the water so your new friend can grow completely.

4.  Continue to change the water daily until your animal hatches on its own or until the animal is done growing.

5.  Enjoy your new friend – Once removed from the water shrinkage will probably occur but the animal will harden and is fun to play with! (Our little friend went on a train ride once he hatched!)

We hatched a chick our first-round, but we can’t wait to see what we hatch next! 

I’d love to see your photos of your little friends! Please share! 

Valentine’s Day Printable

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Love Week Continues! 

In addition to my normal tasks this week, I’m playing party planner for both kiddos Valentine’s Day parties. For the boy, we went with downloadable stickers that said “You Rock” on Pop Rocks and for my daughter, I had to create something a little bit more special. She’s changing schools, so I wanted to do something to say goodbye – even if she’s not even two yet. 

I already had some Play-doh in reserves (from last Valentine’s Day clearance) and then had to come up with something to pair with it: 


While the artwork isn’t amazing, if you’d like to use it, I thought I’d share – just in time for Valentine’s Day. 
Get this Valentine’s Day downloable PDF here.

For more Valentine’s Day fun, check out these posts:

Heart-Shaped Food Fun for V-Day

Healthy Valentine’s Day Treat with Easy S’Mores Flaxseed Cupcakes {Recipe}


The Cake Mamas Would Rather Wear Than Eat

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Want-it Wednesdays:

When you’re pregnant, the words “mint,” “toffee,” “chocolate” and “torte” immediately give you tasty visions of sugar plums (and probably create a little craving, too.) On the other hand, the idea of bras and undies when you’re pregnant certainly doesn’t conjure up any sweet thoughts, but rather ugly images of “boulder holders.”  

And that’s where the expectant and nursing moms’ lingerie line Cake cut in.
Taking one of the biggest complaints of moms and moms-to-be, the company gave itself a name that was sure to ignite the want in every mama! And just in time for Valentine’s Day, Cake’s sweet line offers the much-needed style and polish for new and expecting moms that can make you look beautiful when you don’t always feel that way (pregnancy certainly does a number on you.) 

Here’s a little sampler of the Cake line: 

(Hint to dads and hubbies: this is a great present for Valentine’s Day gift for your baby’s mama!)

Mint Toffee Bra and Boy Shorts
Toffee is a confection made by caramelizing sugar or molasses and adding butter and occasionally flour. The mixture is decadently sweet and so is Cake’s Mint Toffee.  Gorgeous green color and sleek styling, it is ULTRA HIP looking and sophisticated.



Shortbread Bra and French Knickers
Shortbread is a classic Scottish dessert made with flour, sugar, and butter. For centuries shortbread was expensive and reserved as a luxury for special occasions such as Christmas.  Shortbread from Cake pairs FUN COLORS of orchid and green on a smart tartan frame and then adds cream-colored lace! Sure to wow a young mama and make her feel like a goddess.

Cotton Candy T-Back Bra and Briefs
Remember watching spellbound as the cotton candy maker at the fair spins a confection that looks like pillows of wool but melts in your mouth like a snowflake? Light pink, soft and pretty and considered one of “The Most Comfortable Maternity Bras,: the bra has a feminine, sporty design. Uniquely constructed with a silky soft knit and intelligently placed support panels, Cotton Candy will expand and change with the woman who wears it.



Cake lingerie and sleep wear (so comfortable and beautiful) is sold in more than 30 countries and 350 stores worldwide including Nordstrom’s in Dallas as well as online. 

At least if you’re breastfeeding or sitting there with swollen feet your bra looks good, right? 
DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)


Secret Trick to Peanut Butter Fudge {Recipe}

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Food Fridays:

A holiday tradition in our home is the making of the Peanut Butter Fudge. I felt it was such a momentous occasion I even shared it with my Junior League anniversary cookbook a few years ago…too bad when I submitted the recipe, I forgot one ingredient. Can you guess what it was? 


Yes, it was the peanut butter! Worst of all, I didn’t notice until the NEXT year when I used the recipe to make sure I was forgetting anything and saw I left out the most important part. Thankfully, I did include the substitute just in case someone wanted to make normal chococlate fudge. 

However, since I’ve been asked about this recipe for many years (which is actually not mine, but my mother-in-law’s as I explain in the cookbook), I thought I’d share with you as well. 


It’s quick, it’s easy and as long as you don’t forget the one cup of peanut butter (LOL), it’s amazing. It’s perfect, cheap and quick to make for neighbor gifts and more!

Fill Their Holiday Stockings with These 5 Stuffers

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Wow Mom Wednesdays:

 At a recent holiday mommy get-together, the question of “What do you put in your stocking?” became a big topic of discussion. With a few days until the Christmas morning production, I thought I’d share some of the coolest finds I found for stockings this year for kids of all ages!

Holiday Specs
As one of our annual traditions, our family puts on our pjs, packs up the car with treats and hot chocolate to go look at holiday lights while we listen to holiday music. This year I added a new part to our holiday fun – these cool HOLIDAY Specs and they loved them! For under $5 a pair, you can watch as the special holographic lenses create beautiful 3-D images with colorful shapes like angels, reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees and more. These are perfect for holiday light watching or even just enjoying the lights on your Christmas tree!



Guggenheim Doodletop
Stockings are full of fun games, candy and toys and this is a great way one that can keep them busy for hours. This unique top-bearing the Guggenheim name is a toy that makes art.  Spin the top on paper to create spirals and patterns. Five replaceable color markers are included, so colors may be easily interchanged so your van Gogh can create a masterpiece with a turn of a top. 



Brush Poppin’ Buddies Toothbrush
Teeth-brushing time is still a chore in our household, so a fun toothbrush is normally a good way to get him motivated to brush his teeth and often. That’s where the Brushbuddy is going to play a main part in this year’s stocking. Available in five different animal designs (frog, vow, lion, tiger or elephant), with a push of a button, this compact toothbrush head pops up for a little hygiene fun.




Eco Princess Makeup
I still remember some of my favorite makeup products growing up were in my stocking (you know you remember the Bonne Bell lip glosses!) However, now that I’m a little older and have a little girl of my own, I’m a little more conscious of the stuff I’m putting on my skin and one day, on hers. That’s why I loved this cute little 100% natural Eco Princess Makeup set. Made by a mom, the sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free and vegan set includes two mineral eye shadows, a mineral blush, shimmer lip balm, and a water-based nailpolish all in a cute little bag.



Fun by Lush
The name of this stuff says it all – FUN. While it was made for adults, it looks like play-doh and serves as a natural, colorful shampoo and body wash. Best of all, you can let them play with it or you can take the leftovers and use it for a little soak in the tub.
$6.95 at http://www.Lush.com or at local Lush stores in DFW

Looking for more holiday gift ideas, then check out my HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE for everyone on your list!



DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)



Last-minute Gifts for Your Tech Tot, Teen or In-Between

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Tech Tuesdays:


It’s hard to imagine this time next week, all the work you’ve taken to carefully select the right item for the right person and then wrap it up beautifully under the Christmas tree will be sitting in a pile of trash after Christmas morning. However, like many people I know the tree is still bare and last-minute shopping is in high gear as those not done (or started) with their list clamor for the shopping centers or online in hopes to have something in hand when they show up for Christmas. 

To make things a little easier for finding the right thing for that special person on your list, I’ve put together a few last-minute items that can still be found online or on shelves for the kiddo with the avid imagination, the bigger kid thill-seeker or the next Van Gogh. While developed with kids in mind, some of these are cool enough your “big kids” (or even mom and dad) will want to get their hands on them. And like many gifts now available, each one has a tech capability, so everyone can share their fun and imagination when you attach it to your computer. 


For the Adventurer (in the making with an avid imagination):

NERF Nightvision Camcorder, Ages 5-9
I was so excited with this camcorder, I almost had to wrap it up and put my name on it. NERF has combined the world of toys and technology to create the perfect gift with a night-vision camcorder that not only allows you to see up to 50 feet in the dark, but records video with 4x magnification. Best of all, you can store those magic adventures with the SD memory card slot or with the USB port to plug into your family computer. Known of its durability, the Nerf Nightvision Camcorder includes a carry strap, removable lens cover and several button options to capture his/her latest adventure.

At just about one 1 lb., your little one can pick it up, but your big kids will be grabbing for NERF Nightvision Camcorder, especially on Christmas Eve to spot Santa in the act. (Perhaps this is what Santa should be bringing instead.)

SRP: $89.99 – Toys “R” Us, on sale for around $75 at Amazon.com
For the Thrill Seeker – skateboarder, snow ski enthusiast, biker:

Action Shot Camera, Ages 8 and above
Next to a helmet, this is the second thing your thrill-seeker should have – the Action Shot Camera. With the ‘Click & Grip’ mounting system, mount this small camera onto helmets, bike handlebars, skateboards and more and to record those “wow moments” they’ll want to share less with you and more with their friends. Includes a helmet mount, adhesive mount, protective or mounting case, USB connection and editing software is included with the camera as well as 128MB of on-board memory, MicroSD card slot to add more memory. With the digital capabilities of video – VGA resolution (640×480) at 30 frames per second, QVGA resolution (320×240) at 60 frames per second, photos- 640×380 resolution.  In a nutshell, they can get some great shots, but they won’t necessarily be able to display them on ESPN.

Thankfully, now with the Action Shot Camera they won’t try to use their smart phone and use both hands on the adrenaline-rush of the day.

For the Illustrator, Artist or Photography Nut:



EasyPen i405XE, KYA, Ages 12 and above
Another item that this mom was reluctant to wrap up and put under the tree for someone else is the EasyPen i405XE from Genius Tablet.  Ideal for anyone already with an artistic inclination and a computer, this plug-and-play digital art studio allows artists and photography nuts to create their own drawings and add their own creative touches to existing pictures with the ease of a cordless pen. The tablet attachment includes a wide selection of brushes, paints, pens and paper textures to allow the user to add unique touches to photos, scrapbooks, paintings, etc. and includes Corel Painter Essentials 4, one of the leading graphic software on the market today. 

The only limitations of the Genius Tablet is what can be created by the person holding the cordless pen.


If you’re still looking for the RIGHT present for the right person, make sure to take a look at my HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!


DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Make Family Time Fun with These 6 Must-Have Board Games

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Wow-Mom Wednesdays: 

I have a friendwho buys a board game every year for Christmas for each member of her family to encourage family time while building a collection that they can share with their family and friends. So this year I totally stole the idea and have decided to take it on for my family. Oh, I didn’t know what I was embarking on in my search for the right game for the right person. There is a huge selection out there, but where do you start? 
So here I share my recommendations:
For the Little Ones: Sonny the Seal

If you want to make a splash, Sonny the Seal is the game.  The goal of this game is simple, toss the ring around Sonny’s neck.  Every time you do, he will clap his flippers and bark his excitement!  My two kids (1 and 4 years old) loved this game and mom got the opportunity to play this one like a hundred times.
All ages
$29.95 


For the Toddlers: Cupcake Race


Cupcake Race is the board game that satisfies your sweet tooth!  There is a party tonight and you are bringing the cupcakes.  Be the first to mix, bake, frost and top your cupcakes and you win the cherry on top. Think CandyLand meets Sorry. Personal note: Since this game entered our home, we’ve played it no less than 100 times. Just watch out for the little sprinkles and cherries if you have a less than 2-year-old around.
Ages 4 and up
$19.99 

For the Tweens: Kwizniac

Trivia games – you either love them or hate them. Kwizniac puts a twist on trivia so that finally we can all feel smart.  With Kwizniac you get clues to guess the person, place or thing.  The fewer clues you need, the more points you get.  This game is easy to take on the go and play anywhere, anytime.  (And if you really want to upgrade your game playing, you can even get this game as an app on your smartphone!)
Ages 12 and up
$19.99 

Flash Point Fire Rescue puts a twist on traditional board games.  It is a cooperative game, meaning you will have to work together to win – just like a fire department.  In this game, you will have to work together to save the people trapped in the burning building, fight the fire back, rescuing victims or investigate points of interest. And unlike other games, there’s also different levels of difficulty, so there’s never a dull (or repeat) game. (I’m thinking this game is the perfect present for my fire-fighting friends!)
Ages 10 and up
$19.99 
For the Whole Family: Reverse Charades

Spice up your family game night with three new expansion packs for Reverse Charades.  Reverse Charades is the hilarious twist on the classic game- instead of one person acting out a word; the team performs for one person to guess.   And to keep the fun going all year long – there’s expansion packs to entertain whatever interest your group enjoys like Sports Edition, Holiday and Girls’ Night Out. Our family plan is to play this Christmas Eve with the whole family.

However, my favorite part of this tame is that a portion of every game purchased benefits childrens’ hospitals.

Ages
$9.99
For the Big Kids (Mom, Dad and their friends): Star Trek Catan


Boldly going where no game has gone before…with Star Trek: Catan.  It’s the latest in the Settlers of Catan board game series (which has a fond place in my heart since the first night I met my husband we played this game with friends.)  In this edition, travel to the final frontier with Kirk, Spock, Scotty and McCoy as you work to expand and save the Federation.  The most unique part of Catan is the randomized board so each time you play is completely different. A must for anyone who is either a Settlers, Star Trek or loves role-playing games.

Ages 10 and up
$49.99 (Available exclusively at Target)
Play on and celebrate a little family time this holiday. 

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Searches, Cards and Gifts that Give Back BIG

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Me Mondays: 


My “Me Monday” is all about checking off my holiday to-do list and perhaps thinking a little bigger – giving. Christmas is all about giving. So this Christmas consider not just giving a gift, but making a bigger impact with the gifts that you give. Here’s a great list of how you can make a difference by just buying a gift, creating your holiday cards or just searching for gifts online.

GIFTS

World Vision Gift Catalog | http://www.worldvisiongifts.org

The WorldVision Gift Catalog allows you to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. With the tagline, “Give a gift. Change a Life,” 86% of ever gift goes to programs helping children and families overcome poverty in nearly 100 countries.  As easy as thumbing through your Pottery Barn catalog, you can choose to make a specific donation for a specific cause like hunger, clean water, and medical attention for someone in need – like purchasing two goats and a cow to help a family be more self-sufficient to buying toys for children in a village.

Also, for those looking for something to give in honor of your donation, you can make a financial contribution, by selecting one of 36 Maximum Impact items that can be given to a loved one and at the same time help a person in need. And the items are as unique as the donations like an Artisan Beaded Necklace, a homemade, glass-bead necklace from Thailand.  However, the work of WorldVision and their need doesn’t end at Christmas, so visit their Facebook to learn more about this prolific Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential.


Inspired by the growing movement of Conscious Capitalism (think Tom’s Shoes), Ben Hurt and Blaine Iler endeavored to create a business that could change the world. So Dallas-based Impact Foods was born with a simple, but prolific concept:  for every bag they sell, a hungry child is fed.

While making it that easy to make an “impact” on someone else’s life is enough to eat another bowl of cereal, Impact Foods, an official partner of the World Food Program, they’ve upped the ante this December by feeding two children for every bag sold. With all-natural ingredients, whole grains, no fructose syrup and flavors like vanilla, maple oat and blueberry honey, when you pour it in a bowl, it’s just like it came out of the oven. So this year, if you’re a little short of time and creativity, consider a little Impact Foods in a pretty jar or bag with a spoon and a nice bowl for a neighbor, fitness friend or the gals at work.  They’ll be happy and you’ll done your good deed that might score you a few more points on Santa’s list. Get your bags of Impact Foods at Amazon, Whole Foods as well as many places in DFW.


Fresh Cup of Hope | http://www.freshcupofhope.com
Coffee baskets are one of the most purchased (and enjoyed) holiday gifts. Consider this holiday not only to give your obligatory coffee basket, but also to “make a difference, one cup at a time.” Because The Fresh Cup of Hope Cofee Co. works directly with the farmers and the principles of Fair Trade, they are ensuring that the farm they work with is self-sustaining and the lives of the workers are being improved with housing, better nutrition and overall health, tutors for the children and pastors who work directly with them. It’s amazing that something as simple as your choice in coffee can make a large, measurable difference in the lives of others, so consider pairing a bag of Jamaican Me Crazy, Cinnamon Pecan Brownie or Snickerdoodle with a $1 coffee cup from the Dollar Tree for a small gift that does big things.


HOLIDAY CARDS

Cardraising Greeting Card Fundraising | http://www.cardraising.com

Every year my mantle is full of Christmas cards from family and friends. Consider that each one of those cards sent could have also gone to help other organizations like your local school, church or even your child’s sporting team. That’s exactly what Cardraising does. Last year best friends Derek Sparta and Emil Jorge decided to create a sustainable business that could afford to give back 30% of its revenues to help others, so they developed Cardraising to help other organizations prosper when you create your holiday cards, birth or graduation announcements. While it’s still a growing business and 2012 is out for your organization to apply for the opportunity to participate, you can still pick out a lovely holiday card design that can benefit your preferred organization like Dallas-based Communities Foundation of Texas, one of the nation’s largest community foundations, in terms of total assets, gifts received and grants awarded.



ONLINE SEARCH


Save1 makes it even easier to make a difference, just by searching online for deals and discounts. Each time you use one of our coupons or special deals to save money, they use a portion of their commission to provide a nutritious meal for a hungry child. With 90,713 already purchased, they save you money and then they buy food for others (by doing what you are doing online to buy your gifts, anyways!) So consider using http://www.save1.com for your holiday shopping this year and while you are at it, you can buy a meal for someone else.


See what good you can do by just doing what you are already going to do this holiday. 
DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)


The Gift Dad Will Be Flying For

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Whoa! Wednesdays:

Buying a gift for my hubby (next to my mother) is one of the hardest things to check off my list each year. While I always plan to get him his obligatory sweaters, PJs, etc. I still try to give him something he really wants and can be surprised about. However, that’s a lot easier said than done; but this year’s Christmas came a little early…when he got the chance to Learn to Fly. 

Yep, I let him take his life into his own hands and go fly a plane. 
And he loved every minute of it. 



The experience we had at U.S. Sport Aircraft in Addison, was incredible nice, knowledgeable and helped the whole family to get comfortable with the thought of my husband flying an airplane. While the plane is just made for two people, we were able to climb in and take a picture before Dad went to the skies. 

After only about 20-30 minutes of instruction, he was in the air and flying over Dallas (with a little assistance, of course.) He said it was amazing and I know he hadn’t ever done anything like this before. He was able to direct the plane, look over the cities and waterways and just enjoy the adrenaline of being in the air. Mission accomplished! 



He has always wanted to get his pilot’s license so he could fly and I thought it was something that would take years and a lot of money to accomplish. However, I learned that wasn’t the case at all. It was just as simple of going on to Let’sGoFlying.com, pick a flight school location close to home and connect. Literally by the end of the week, he was in the air for his introductory flight. 


And with only 20 days left before Christmas, it is possible to give the gift of flying with some special holiday promotions like $169 Introductory Flight, Young American Eagles Program (for aspiring pilots ages 13-17) or even Flight School-in-a-Box. 


For him to become a private pilot (just for the fun of it), there are certainly qualifications, hours of instruction and flight time, but actually it’s something you can do in your free time or some people even take off a week or two of work and do it in one week. I know he is already purchasing some books so he can begin his required “homework.” 

While I’m sure my next purchase won’t be a plane, I’m sure there’s a pair of Ray-Bans and a flight suit with the tag “Iceman” in his future. 

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Get Dolled Up: Four Dolls Your Girl Must Have for the Holidays

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Wow Mom Wednesdays:

An Oldie (with a Twist): Cabbage Patch Kids BABIES


I can remember it like it was yesterday. Lillian Felicia was the name of my first Cabbage Patch Kid. She had brown hair and eyes just like me and I was the proudest little 6-year-old girl in the world when I opened her up that Christmas. Now I get to share the same experience with my baby girl. The Cabbage Patch Kids line has expanded its adoptions to include Cabbage Patch Kids Babies. With six different fashion styles in a large variety of hair and eye colors, silky hair and removable fashions, little mommies will love caring for their newly adopted Babies. Maintaining high standards of quality, each Cabbage Patch Baby comes in his or her own pajamas or onesie outfit, matching blanket and special CPK cabbage leaf, bottle and pacifier.  Also includes a birth certificate with one-of-a-kind-name, birth date and adoption papers (which online purchase on CPK allows you to change your baby’s name.)

Additionally, now until Dec. 31, each baby comes with a FREE Shutterfly 8×8 hardcover Photo Book (a $29.99 value) with the purchase of any specially-marked Cabbage Patch Kids product.  You can also enter the Cabbage Patch Kids® One-of-a-Kind Kid Photo contest by uploading a favorite photo of their child with or without their Cabbage Patch Kid at http://www.cabbagepatchkids.com/Shutterfly.  One lucky child will be featured on a future Cabbage Patch Kids doll package plus many other prizes will be awarded including Cabbage Patch Kids and Shutterfly gift cards.

Cabbage Patch Kids Babies
Ages 2-5
Starting at $24.99 at CabbagePatchKids.com, ToysRUsand Target
A Newbie: Positively Perfect Dolls



While Cabbage Patch Kids were made with several options to look like your child, there aren’t many other options available for multicultural children – until now. Designed by mom and former professor Dr. Lisa Williams, Positively Perfect Dolls are a new line of dolls created to give girls of African-American, Hispanic and Asian ethnicities a doll that that encourages dreams, promotes intelligence, challenges perceptions, and open their hearts to all types of beauty.

Each doll is made with specific details in both her look and story. For example:
Marvelous Maria is the athlete of the group, and she can jump high and run fast. She plays soccer and basketball, and beats most boys in school sports. She eats healthy food and encourages her best friends Dayna and Brianna to do the same.
  •          14″ long doll has amber skin tone
  •          Gorgeous brown eyes
  •          Soft, cuddly body that is ideal for hugging
  •          Comes clothed in a pretty pink and blue trimmed dress with silvery earrings
  •          Hair can be styled, washed, air-dried and styled again and again 

Positively Perfect Dolls
Ages 3 and up
Starting at $12 at Walmartand soon to ToysRUs, Target, Kmart, Sears, Overstock, HSN
The Big One: American Girl’s Caroline


The doll of all dolls, American Girl has written the book on dolls, accessories and experiential marketing. While I thought I was able to hold off before stepping into the world of American Girl, my daughter received her first Bitty Baby doll as a gift for her first birthday, so I’m already in deep as I’m already waiting for our first matching outfits for her and her doll. And let’s not even talk about our first trip to the American Girl Bistro for lunch with the girls…

Celebrating the potential of girls ages 3 to 12, American Girl encourages girls to dream, to grow, to aspire, to create, and to imagine through a wide range of engaging and insightful books, age-appropriate and educational products, and unforgettable experiences. And those experiences are what dreams are made of with salon visits, photos and even spend the night packages just for our doll at the Westin Galleria and that’s just for starters.

While there are other dolls for sale, this year’s doll, Caroline, is a must-buy for Holiday 2012 with Caroline.  She opens up a whole world of imaginative play and comes with authentic styles from 1812 with a soft pink empire-waist dress with a woven floral sash and ruffle trim, details common in her era, lacy pantalettes and ribbed-knit stockings to keep her proper and even cute little pink shoes to match. Each doll ncludes the Meet Caroline paperback book, the first story of this brave, adventurous girl.

American Girl Caroline
Ages 8 and up
The Little (and lovely) One: Once Upon a TreeHouse Dolls


While American Girl dolls have endless opportunities for accessories from head to toe, Once Upon a TreeHouse goes back to the basics with Waldorf doll style, heirloom quality pieces utilizing century-old woodworking techniques from Germany’s oldest doll maker. Each doll is handmade with a special story and unique look so that no one doll is the same.

Once Upon a TreeHouse creates handmade toys and interactive ideas for parents and grandparents in efforts to provide enriching experiences with their children and grandchildren. Developed by a mom/sister team, Once Upon a TreeHouse was born to fill the gap between inferior plastic and antiquated dolls and dollhouse toys they felt were typically found in the market today. Offering a range of eco-friendly, high-end custom dollhouse products, the company uses natural materials like wood, cotton and wool, safe paints and stains, and for the dolls’ clothes only Velcro closures are used, so no buttons or tying is required. And for every doll Once Upon a TreeHouse sells, they give a doll to a child in need.

Once Upon a TreeHouse
Ages 3 and up
Starting at $22 available at OnceUponaTreeHouse.com
DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)




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