Product Review: Tea Collection

Every once in a while you discover something incredible. While going through my mail the other day I discovered a catalog for a Children's Clothing. Flipping through I was thinking my goodness how cute! Oh look at that! Oh that one! Oh my! I showed my Enginerd and even he was in awe. Usually with catalogs such as this, you look through, sigh about the expense, then toss it. Well in this situation there was a hitch. Woah. Wait a minute, these are actually reasonable prices!! Thus today, I would like to introduce all of you Mamas to the Tea Collection, love it like we do... 

*Thanks to the Tea Collection, AppleBlossom was able to get cozy in a 6-12 mo Sleeper Set and Circle Geo Wrap Romper.* Oh my goodness have you ever seen such cuteness! The Tea Collection is made up of Children's Clothing that inspired by the beauty found in cultures around the world. While it is true that here in our household we really enjoy our Carter's clothing and whatever else we find in Target *wink*. All of the clothing we find today are rather bland. When I discovered the Tea Collection I was ecstatic to know that there is something else out there! 

Close fitting, luxurious Pima cotton is brushed inside for extra softness. Our inspired prints and cozy knit rib will make bedtime your child's favorite hour. Slim fit conforms to CFR 1615/1616. Imported.

• 100% pima cotton
• Machine washable

** We strictly adhere to the US government regulations for tight fitting sleepwear. For the most comfortable fit order one size up.

From newborn to 8 years old the Tea Collection has something for you. In Baby (0-24 mo) there are so many things to choose from like rompers, body suits, dresses, pants, shirts, sweaters, sleep wear, sandles, sets and even an organic selection. Truly, it's like a clothing eye candy store! Usually when you find "cutesy" baby clothes, they have odd washing instructions and care, but that is not the case with these. The clothing we have is simply machine washable. *grin* It does not get any better than that with baby clothes. The material is so breathable and soft. I want some Pj's like those! 

rompers

Circle Geo Wrap Romper

Sizes XS (3-6mo) to Md (12-18mo)

The circle geo print romper has a wrap neckline. Trimmed in raspberry. Diaper snaps at inseam for easy dressing. Imported.

• 100% cotton
• Machine washable

style no. g02211l

$25.00

AppleBlossom is just starting to really become mobile, and she is really able to move in both of these outfits. In the Romper during the day and the PJs in the evening. She is as cute as can be and stylish to boot! I think having something different and ethnic is very educational and something we plan to incorporate over the years. It is difficult to find such things in general stores, and it is comforting to find out about brands such as Tea Collection.

With out a doubt I know that we will often be looking back at what is available from Tea Collection over the years. From what I have seen with their selection you can really not go wrong. 

www.teacollection.com

Fan Tea Collection on Facebook  

Follow @TeaCollection on Twitter

CFBA: Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

This week, the



Christian Fiction Blog Alliance



is introducing



Sixteen Brides



Bethany House (April 2010)



by



Stephanie Grace Whitson





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four home schooled children Nebraska history.



She was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year.



Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends.



Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.



ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1872, sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising "prime homesteads" in a "booming community."



Unbeknownst to them, the speculator's true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledgling community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival! Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them.



These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances--especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Sixteen Brides, go HERE.

My Other reviews of Stephanie Grace Whitson titles. (This will be my first historical). 

A Garden in Paris
A Hilltop in Tuscany (sequel)

Dress Up Pirate Toy

Have you discovered Growing Tree Toys yet? If not, you are really missing out and should check out all of their educational toys. Thanks to Sarah at Growing Tree Toys we were sent a Dress Up Pirate Toy for review. It is one of the cutest things I have seen! It is an 18th month toy, and as AppleBlossom is just now turning eight months so does not enjoy the entirety of the toy (as much as the Enginerd does...) but so loves it already anyway.

This is a dressing activity doll where you can snap, button, velcro fasten and buckle! There is a cool fabric pirate sword in his pocket (probably the Enginerd's favorite part) and there is even a parrot friend that rattles. The shoes can be zipped or tied and the learning possibilities are endless. I know that as time goes on she will love to play with this pirate, although for now it's under observation only. *Grin* SisterL, mama of five says that they have several of these type dress up learning dolls in their family and her kids love them! 

The Dress Up Pirate Toy from Manhattan Toy is the perfect toy for your growing pirate mate! Dressing like pirate will become easy with the Dress Up Pirate Toy, and growing toddlers will be able to learn important skills while playing with their new pirate friend. A soft plush doll, the Dress Up Pirate Toy features multi-colored and multi-textured fabrics to explore, as well as buttons, snaps, ties, zippers, and hook-and-loop closures to help teach important dressing skills. And no pirate would be complete without their classic parrot friend! Completely engaging instead of fear-inspiring with a cute eye-patch and pirate hat, the Dress Up Pirate Toy from Manhattan Toy will have kids sailing away for a day of play and skills development. Measures 15”H.

Features

• Plush doll that is a perfect toddler toy for learning important skills
• Features buttons, snaps, ties, zippers, hook-and-loop closures, parrot friend, eye-patch and pirate hat
• Helps teach dressing skills
• Measures 15”H

I personally love all the different colors and textures with his outfit and hair as well as accessories. I can remember growing up loving the activity books where you could button and snap and so on. The idea of having it all on a doll is fabulous to me. Plus he is just so cute!

Check out the Deal of the Day! One toy, at a super discount price, until it sells out! Check back daily and buy quickly when it's gone, it's gone! Visit www.growingtreetoys.com/deal

This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano & Illust. Mark Elliott

This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano

Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes ToA Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.
Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God. and

Through engaging rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”

This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

Anthony DeStefano is the author of The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.

Mark Elliott’s brilliant illustrations have appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales series. His acclaimed artwork delivers inspiration, wonder, and timeless beauty on every page.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This Little Prayer of Mine is a book full of wonderful pictures that spark the imagination and with a few words per page it really allows a child to take in and fully absorb the message within. It is never too early to start teaching your children how to pray and that their prayers, as are all prayers, are important to God. This book is a perfect tool to help in teaching that lesson. This would be a great book for bedtime or anytime, or even a good one to memorize.

*Thanks to Staci Carmichael of WaterBrook Multnomah for providing a copy for review.*

View all my reviews >>

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Network with WaterBrook Multnomah:

WaterBrook Multnomah Press Facebook Fan Page

Twitter @WaterBrookPress

Buy it:

Available at any major bookstore as well as from RandomHouse WaterBrook Multnomah, if your favorite store does not have it, ask for it! Or buy from Amazon or ChristianBook.com.

Win it!!

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This giveaway is open to the US only and is open until April 9th. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Product Review: Bambino Mio #clothdiapers

When I was first shopping around for baby stuff at the beginning of my pregnancy with AppleBlossom in New Baby Products in Georgia I discovered a cloth diaper brand Bambino Mio. Thanks to Regal Lager, Inc I was able to review some Bambino Mio Trial Packs to see what it is all about. My husband loves our Bambino Mio diapers and the entire system is awesome. 

Bambino Mio Trial Packs consist of a prefold diaper, flushable liner and Velcro diaper cover. The covers are available in a handful of different prints (I love the new ones that have just been released in Berry and Citrus!! [edited to add, only available in the US at this time]) as well as a white solid. While the covers are available in five different sizes, the prefolds are available in two sizes that with different folding fit the covers perfectly (and last longer).

One of the things that I love about the Bambino Mio diaper system is just how slim fitting these diapers are, true as you move up to a bigger prefold there is a little more bulk but they fit very appropriately. The patterns are adorable and easily gender neutral without being boring. The nappies (or prefolds) are super soft and my husband's favorite of our prefold stash. The gussets are incredible and we have yet to have a leak or explosion and I doubt we will. 

Bambino Mio has only recently been introduced to the US market as it is an Italian English company that does fairly well on the other side of the pond. [edited to add: Don't believe everything a shop owner tells you! They are not Italian, but English. Regall Lager set me straight!] 

 the company, in contrary to what you would think (!) is English. They started the business in England, married couple, first running a diaper service for many years, then starting to produce a more complete system and for consumers other than those using the diaper service. They had small children, and that was the motivation to come up with a good cloth diapering system. They have grown in popularity I the last 12 years and they have been market leaders in England for several years, and are close to be in France and Italy. The system is sold in most countries in Europe. Totally 71 countries are selling the system.

 What is fascinating to me is that Bambino Mio provides an entire system that has everything you could need for cloth diapering your child from birth to potty training. They are the only company that I know of that provides it all. You can even buy a kit that will get you from Birth to Potty Training in diapers. I think that the products that Bambino Mio offers are incredible as well as cute. 

Bambino Mio offers:

Nappies

Covers

Swim Nappies

Potty

Training Pants

Mio Liners

Muslin Squares

Mio Fresh Nappy Cleanser

Mio Wipes

Nappy Bucket

Laundry Bag

Nappy Bag

The only problems that I have had with these diapers is something that could easily be fixed with a renovation. No longer will AppleBlossom wearing these during all day, for instance if she is crawling or very active the velcro will turn inward and she'll rub her belly. But they are great for calmer times or naptime. There are no laundry tabs for washing, so I have to be very alert to refasten the Velcro to the front of the diaper to avoid a Velcro war in the wash. When there is a messy diaper, or a fidgety baby this can be a bit of a bother. The other issue is that after a few months the inside of the cover seems to crack a little (like an old t-shirt's logo). But having on the one diaper that is washed in every load has given it a lot of wear and tear. Even with these issues, they are great diapers and I highly recommend them! 

Network with Bambino Mio: 

BambinoMio.com

Bambino Mio Facebook Fan Page

Twitter @BambinoMio

Spring!!

Oh my goodness I want this software!! www.iScrapbook.com

The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough

The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough

Check yourself into the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series by Vickie McDonough, where you’ll meet Luke Davis, marshal of Flat Rock, Texas, who flippantly tells friends he’d get married if the right woman ever came along. When three mail-order brides are delivered to Luke a month later, he’s in an uncomfortable predicament. How will he ever choose his mate? Rachel Hamilton’s long-time admiration for Luke recently turned to love. So when three mail-order brides appear, she panics. Will she find the courage to tell Luke that she loves him? Or take an anonymous part in the contest for his hand?

I love this book. In the way that I absolutely adore the writing of Christian Historical Romantic Comedy Author Mary Connealy, I now feel the same about Vickie McDonough. This book had me gasp and inwardly scream. I laughed out loud and snickered to myself. I turned the pages without abandon and I am so eagerly excited for the next book in the series Second Chance Brides that I forget about the pile of to-be-read books waiting for my attentions.

There are many books and authors that I like, but you have to be something really special for me to absolutely love it. And I love it. I recommend this book without fail. Read it, love it, and escape within the pages to a humorous situation in a historical time that will leave you laughing, giggling and sighing with satisfaction of a wonderful read.

*Thanks to Vickie McDonough and Angie Brillhart for providing a copy for review.*


You might also be interested to know that you can win a copy off goodreads through April 15th!!

The Anonymous Bride (Texas Boarding House Brides)
by Vickie McDonough

Release date: Apr 01, 2010

Check yourself into the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series by Vickie McDonough, where you’ll meet Luke Davis, marshal of Lookout, Texas, who flippant…more

[close] Check yourself into the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series by Vickie McDonough, where you’ll meet Luke Davis, marshal of Lookout, Texas, who flippantly tells his cousin he’d get married if the right woman ever came along. When three mail-order brides are delivered to Luke a month later, he’s in an uncomfortable predicament. How will he ever choose his mate? Rachel Hamilton’s long-time love for Luke is reignited with his return to town. So when three mail-order brides appear, she panics. Will she find the courage to tell Luke that she loves him? Or take an anonymous part in the contest for his hand? [close]

Enter to win

Giveaway dates: Apr 01-Apr 15, 2010
35 copies available, 129 people requesting
Countries available: US

View all my reviews >>

You might also be interested in my reviews of books from Mary Connealy:

- Lassoed in Texas Trilogy

Petticoat Ranch

Calico Canyon

Gingham Mountain

- Montana Marriages Trilogy

Montana Rose

The Husband Tree

Wildflower Bride

- Stand alone novels

Christmas Cowboy

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

Healer's Apprentice from Magnus Creative on Vimeo.
A book trailer for Zondervan Publishing Group. All video was shot on the 7D. This was a fun challenge of shooting in the beautiful but very dark location of Shove Chapel.

Pumpkin Pants Review (SALE!!) #clothdiapers

Are you loving Etsy as much as I am? I helped my mother start up an Etsy Shop for embroidery and gifts and started searching all around at different shops. Then through the influence of my friend Lindsey, I found Pumpkin Pants and I am in love.

Right now, one of our nighttime go-to diapers are our Kissaluvs fitted diapers. We use different covers including our Bummis Super Whisper Wraps in Medium (review to come of the Super Stars), but with these on she can never seem to move just right. Not even to mention the issue of snap pressure marks or velcro rubbing. Recently she has taken to rolling over on her belly, then waking up because she is stuck and screaming. During the day, she is able to roll over, and mostly roll back, but with all the bulk at night with the covers restricting her movement she just cannot do it. Plus, the PUL covers are not exactly cozy. Enter Pumpkin Pants.

Pumpkin Pants are made of fleece and they are oh so soft and fuzzy. They come in a plethora of fabrics and custom requests are invited. Jenoa has sets ready to go and will also work with you to get the perfect fit. *Thanks to Jenoa of Pumpkin Pants for providing a pair of Kaleidoscope Fleece Soaker/Diaper Cover and a Sketched Floral Longies/Fleece Pants for review.* Just spending time browsing through all the options of fabric prints I am plotting a to-buy list. (Can I just have one of everything please?) As you can see I chose some girlie prints (and the additional models did too), but she has boy worthy prints as well including a few things like Jungle Animals, Sharks, and Outerspace.

These soaker covers aren't just for cloth diapering mama's!
Super cuddly fleece fits nice and snug around baby's legs and waist to prevent leaks over fitted or prefold diapers. Fleece doesn't absorb liquid, it repels it. This cover will keep your baby dry on the outside, and thus your lap dry! There is an extra layer of protection in the crotch.

I gave Jenoa AppleBlossom's measurements and she worked with me to figure out the perfect size and these fit as if they were made for her. I asked her to leave the longies long, and that we would roll them up if need be so she would have some space to grow in them and they are fabulous. They are so soft that I have to fight with AppleBlossom to put them on and not just let her snuggle with them.

Buy it!!
Check out all the different patterns and cuteness available at the Pumpkin Pants Shop. Soakers cost just $6.50 a pair and that's definitely a deal. Then with longies at $9.00 with an additional dollar for XL sizes there are no excuses not to invest in some of these fuzzy covers.

***BIG BIG SALE!! We will be moving shortly, and I really need to de-stash some discontinued prints or limited quantities. Now is the time to build you stash by scoring a great deal!
Here's how it works: Buy any 3 regular price diaper covers/longies/skirties, or $20 worth of any combination of items (before shipping) and then choose the FREE soaker you would like. All the free soakers are located under the Buy 3 get 1 free section in my shop. Simple, right? Enjoy! oh, sale is a limited time only, so get while the getting is good =)***