Squinkies

Let me introduce you to the NEXT BIG THING!

Yep, move over hamsters. Squinkies are coming!!

Squinkies, the only collectible small doll line that comes packed in a surprise toy bubble

We received a special BUBBLE PACK which included a variety of Squinkies (16 total). Included were babies, kitties, ponies and puppies. Each one comes in a plastic bubble as the "surprize". *Totally cute!

My girls love these.

I split them up between the two of them and I could hear them in the other room trading. 

"I'll give you a pony for that piggy."

~Can you believe it? Squinkies actually brought out the sweetness in them.....for a few minutes anyway.

Psst...You can also add a Squinkie to the end of your pencil or pen. Now that's TRENDY!

Right now there are (I believe) 96 different Squinkies to collect. Go ahead and grab them all : ) In October 2010, they will be unveiling new Squinkies to collect.

Along with the Squinkies, you can also collect fun themed playsets such as the Cupcake Surprize Bake Shop, Tea time Surprize Play set, and so many more.

Got a little diva like I do? She will enjoy the jewelry surprize sets.

Collect them all.

~recommended for children ages 4 and up due to the size~

Where can you purchase Squinkies? 

Target

Toys R Us

Wal-Mart

Amazon.com

***** 

Stay connected :

Squinkies.com

Squinkies Blog

Squinkies on Facebook

Squinkies on Twitter

Be sure to come back here next week because I will be giving away some AWESOME Squinkies products!


We did receive a Squinkies Bubble Pack to review as part of this feature. The thoughts above are entirely my own.

I dig ruffles.

Aren't these ruffled leggings swell?

Even better?

You can make them yourself with No Big Dill's tutorial!

minted...the freshest designs on paper

I hear it all the time. I see it posted on message boards, facebook posts and twitter streams.

"Where can I find trendy birth announcements?"

"I'm searching for the right baby shower invitations." "Where do I look?"

Well, let me tell you about Minted.com.

Minted offers a wide variety of invitations, announcements and personalized stationery. 

You can also find holiday cards on their website.

After browsing through a few of the designs I could tell you that Minted is my kind of site.

Their designs are clean, fresh and stylish.....just how I like it.

They just look so elegant.

More about Minted.com : 

At Minted, we love the idea that our stationery will find its way into your most personal celebrations, and we don't take that honor lightly. That's why we only carry brands that use fine paper stock, rich inks, and crisp printing methods. We guess you could say that quality is an obsession for us. We stand behind our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Because we believe that online stores should make your life easier, we also offer a suite of add-on services, including custom design, calligraphy, and hand-addressing of envelopes.

·Their designs are sourced from the best independent designers around the world through ongoing design challenges.

· Minted is currently running a promotion - $20 off your first order, with no minimum order size. To take advantage of this offer, you just need to sign up for their email newsletter. 

So, the next time you hear a new momma screaming for HELP! because they can't find the PERFECT birth announcement.....

Just shout back with MINTED.COM!

Candy for the eye

Pictures.

Pretty Pictures.

Pretty CREATIVE Pictures.

Oh, how I dig thee.

Pictures featuring adorable babies . . .

Well, that just TOTS MY TATER!

in other words . . .  PUFFY HEART LOVE <3

Check out Mila's Daydreams.

diggin' the eyewear!

Some more of my favorites:

Katherine Marie Photography

J Cooper Photography

Tonya Joy

Pop on Pals...A whole new world of "POPABILITIES"

Have you heard of Pop on Pals?

With endless mix 'n match fun, little ones can be anything they want to be. A fireman can become a musician, a princess can become a baker, a puppy becomes a ballerina. Pop on Pals encourage imaginative play and help develop fine motor skills.

Just press down on the pal and pop on mix 'n match rings....Super easy!

See their imaginations run wild with an endless amount of fun.

Pop on Pals encourage imaginative play and help little ones develop fine motor skills. Pals are perfectly sized for small hands to play with and the signature "POP" sound adds to the fun.

We were sent the Pop On Pals Amusement Park playset.  

You can pop your pal in 5 different activation spots for the lights, sounds and music.

Recommended for ages 2 and up

Where to buy: Target, Toys R Us, Kmart and Sears

There are several different playsets and pals to choose from. The prices range anywhere from $9.99-$34.99.

For more information visit www.poponpals.com

This feature is part of a Team Mom campaign. We were sent the product mentioned above in exchange for our thoughts on said product. No other form of compensation was received. 

Owl have one of each, please!

I figured that since our "Drool Worthy" theme for the week is owls then I would scour the web for owl craftiness.

Look !

1.) Felt owl hair clip tutorial from The Green Wife

2.) Cute sock owl from WhimsyLoft

3.) owl cupcakes from My Muffin Thursdays

~Trendy Mom~ The Vintage Pearl handstamped necklace giveaway

~Closed~

We have a winner!

As usual, I asked for a random number on twitter (1-208) and the first number to come through was . . .



Comment #45 belongs to :



So, a SUPER BIG CONGRATS to Genelle!

***

Have you met my friend Erin of The Vintage Pearl?

Surely you have by now. She makes the hottest hand stamped jewelry around. HOT as in HAUTE! 

She definitely knows how to make a momma look trendy.

I've known Erin for years now. We first met over on ebay when we were both designing and sellers in the world of Custom Boutique Children's clothing. She of course made jewelry and I made hair bows. 

I have several of Erin's jewelry pieces but not yet had the opportunity to wear one of her beautiful and OH SO TRENDY hand stamped necklaces.

Until NOW that is . . .

Check it out.

Isn't it beautiful? As I was browsing through each one of her designs I found the OUR FAMILY NEST necklace under the "Simple" category. Can you believe it? 

UHH ERIN, this is no where near SIMPLE! 

Anyhoo, as soon as I saw the birds....Well, you already know how I feel about the birds!

I had to have it.

It has each of our names around the tree. Of course, 5 birds are sitting on the branches. (SQUEAL!)

I must tell you that I was having a hard time choosing between the one above and these two :

bird nest...I die!

layered mother of pearl (Classic)

Erin's handstamped jewelry is top knotch. 

The names are perfectly stamped yet still have that one of a kind look.  

She also makes these hand stamped leather cuffs for men.

Aren't they rugged YET trendy at the same time?

I heart them!

Do you own a hand stamped necklace from The Vintage Pearl?

No? Aww that's just too bad.

Wish I could help ya out.

OH WAIT....

I can!

:snicker:

Erin has generously donated a gift certificate for one of my lucky readers.
Guess how much?
$75.00!! OH MY! You could buy a necklace and a cuff for the hubby.

~Required~

All you have to do is visit her website, The Vintage Pearl.

Browse...

&

Then Browse some more.

Come back here and let me know which is your favorite piece. 

~Extra entries~

Tweet about this giveaway on twitter.

Copy and Paste the following:
 The Vintage Pearl g/way (handstamped jewelry) from @lindatweetsalot @thevintagepearl http://tinyurl.com/2a5jd2v

Blog about this giveaway on your site. 

Follow my blog publicly.

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel.

*Be sure to leave an additional comment for each task that you complete.

This giveaway will end on Monday, August 2nd.

Need a giggle ?

We sure got one!

(Click HERE to make it bigger)

I'm still up for that "MOM OF THE YEAR" award, right?

:giggle:

P to the S...embarrassed? Nah, He just keeps asking if he can make a lot of money on the video. LOL!
He watches too much America's Funniest Videos.

~Trendy Mom~ Sleek and Smooth hair

Yeah Yeah....

I know. The blog is MY TRENDY TYKES. It's all about the kids....BUT doesn't mom deserve to look super FAB standing next to her Trendy Tyke? Uh, YEAH!

That should actually be a rule.

Let's talk hair. My hair is neither straight nor curly. It's rather IN BETWEEN with a side of frizz. 

In other words  ~ugh~

Due to this ugh-ness, I prefer to straighten my hair with a flat iron.

I have tried many different types of flat irons. The one that I am using now is a pretty expensive one and I love the way it straightens my hair however, I wish that it was a little wider so I could straighten more hair at once.

AHEM...I can be a little impatient at times.

Question? What type of flat iron do you use?

In the market for one? I highly suggest checking out some flat iron reviews before making your purchase. 

(BELIEVE ME....the most expensive one does not necessarily mean THE BEST) 

Also, you pay for what you get. REMEMBER THAT! *I have tried the cheaper ones too (wink)

I was browsing through the reviews on All Reviews.com and found the Karmin Titanium Review and the Karmin G3 Salon Pro Review.
Both of these received raving reviews.
They both have everything that a great flat iron should have . . .

 lightweight, scratch resistant and produces an even distribution of heat, prevents static electricity, smoothes and seals the hairs cuticle and adds shine

I'm curious to see if anyone has one of these? What are your thoughts?
Uhh....Where am I going with this post?

Research!
That's it.
Research before you buy.....that goes for anything.

Also, if you straighten your hair with heat *flat iron* how do you protect it? What products do you use?

Pork Chop Kids ~knee socks~

I love love LOVE knee socks!!

I found Pork Chop Kids while browsing one day. 

~WEEEE!~

I don't know what I like more . . .

the knee socks

or 

the name of their site!

Find these knee socks and many more at PorkChopKids.com

Ice Cream PARTY

It's not YOUR birthday.

It's not HIS birthday.

NOPE, it's not Mom's day or Dad's day.

SO WHAT!

Celebrate anyway.....with ice cream!

*Back to school is coming up, ya know? 

There's a valid reason.

Vintage Ice Cream party by Birds Crafts

Printable ice cream stickers from Style Crush

ice cream cone cupcakes from Martha

Ice Cream sugar cone favors by la*T*da

Sweet enough to wear...

Double Scoop Ice Cream hairclip from RoseyPoseyBowtique

YUM YUM!

General Mills/Nickelodeon Penguins of Madagascar giveaway

~Closed~

We have a winner thanks to LilyBeanDesigns on twitter.
I asked for a number *1-151 and she chose the first number.
It was  . . . .
#46



Congrats goes out to :




General Mills is teaming up with Nickelodeon’s The Penguins of Madagascar to bring the action-packed adventures of summer to your very own breakfast table.
Inside specially marked boxes of General Mills cereals you will receive one of five characters from Penguins of Madagascar.
Each character launcher comes with special mission details on the back of the box.

* Dive In, Soldier – Set an empty plastic cereal bowl on the table and try to pop your launcher into it. Wear a helmet or you’ll be squid bait.

* Longest Propulsion Launcher – Challenge your troops to see who can launch their character the furthest. Go long or go back to the zoo.

* Target Practice – Create a landing zone with a spoon and try to strategically drop your character into the sweet spot. Hit the target or go back to the drawing board.

* Clear the Wall – Do you have enough projectile pop to push your launcher over the top of the box? Proceed launchin’ troops, earn those wings!

Collect all 5 for even more fun!

We were recently sent our own Penguins of Madagascar prize pack and included were two of the character launchers *and another in the Trix cereal box. My children had a blast competing on their missions after they viewed the movie. They also said the cereal wasn't so bad either....ha! Gotta Love Trix!

~Giveaway~

Would you like to win a Penguins of Madagascar prize pack?

Included in the pack :

one box of Trix cereal, a Penguins of Madagascar launcher and the new Penguins of Madagascar movie, The Penguins of Madagascar Operation

***All you have to do is leave me a comment below....

Tell me which Penguin is your child's favorite

(If you've seen the cartoon)

If not then let me know which General Mills cereal is your favorite.

Extra entries?

Tweet about this giveaway on twitter (copy and paste the following)

General Mills/Penguins of Madagascar giveaway from @lindatweetsalot http://tinyurl.com/2cdg73d *cereal/dvd/penguin launchers

Post about this giveaway on your facebook page

Follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect

Giveaway will end on Monday, July 26th


My Blog Spark on behalf of General Mills will be supplying the prize pack for this giveaway. They also sent my family one for this feature post. We were not compensated in any other way.

Next Day Flyers ~Giveaway~

~Closed~

Congrats Cheryl!! You are the winner for this giveaway.

Cheryl said...


Lots of cool stuff on their site! I would get the rounded business cards for BlogHer. The prices for the cards are great, so I may order from here whether I win or not. :)
July 20, 2010 4:06 PM

Hey guys! I have a great giveaway for you this week.

I was going to say that this giveaway would be perfect for businesses but after browsing through the website I noticed that it will be great for anyone!

Next Day Flyers offers a wide range of printing products such as business cards, flyers, posters, brochures and so much more.

A little bit about the company :

Next Day Flyers is an online printing company that delivers top-quality printed marketing materials with one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry. 

We specialize in full color printing of custom business cards, brochures, greeting cards, postcards, as well as specialty die cuts and other marketing materials. We believe all businesses, no matter their size, deserve easy access to custom promotional and direct mail material.

Order your prints by 6pm PST and they will ship out the next business day. Now, that's what I call speedy service!

Our purpose is to get your message out exactly as you intended and at precisely the right time. We are committed to exceeding your expectations at every opportunity. As part of our service to you we offer:

1. Next Business Day Printing

2. Easy Online Ordering

3. Free Design Online Service

4. Free Specialized and Seasonal Templates

5. Next Day Flyers’ Blog with Design and Marketing Tips

6. Customer Care via Phone, Email, and Live Chat

No wonder they are trusted by over 80,000 customers.

SEE FOR YOURSELF!

~Giveaway~

NextDayFlyers.com has generously donated a $25 printing credit good towards anything on their site.

Headed to Blogher? You will need business cards.

The holiday season is getting close, Stock up on greeting cards.

Want to get the word out about your new business? You need brochures.

Sound good?

Here's how to enter...

Head over to NextDayFlyers.com.

Browse around.

Come back here and tell me what you would use the $25 on.

It's that simple!

Giveaway will end on Monday, July 26th.


NextDayFlyers compensated me for this feature. They are also providing $25 credit to the winner upon giveaway closure.

Hopscotch Designs ~Boutique Children's Clothing~

Aren't those shirts hip and RETRO ? They remind me of vintage bowling shirts....for lil dudes.

This Sophie tattoo dress? C to the U to the T to the E, CUTE!

Is that birds I see? ~SWOON~

These designs and more can be found at Hopscotch Designs.

Check 'EM out!

A tutu is a tutu is a tutu but not really....huh?

What the HEE HAW are you talking about, Linda?

NOT all tutus are created the same. That's what I mean.

Just look :

1. Cinderella tutu by Crafterhours

2. BunnyLegs/baby legwarmers with tulle by littlebunnytutus

3. ballet tutu hairbow holder by more Love more Joy...more Chaos

TUTU cute!

SmartyRents.com

My inbox is often overwhelmed with emails about new products, new clothing, great tips, food ideas and the list goes on. I try my best to feature those items that I think you, the readers would appreciate.

When I received the email from SmartyRents.com I thought...."Wow, that is a great idea!"

And well....I now have to share it with you because that's just WHAT I DO! lol

A little bit about Smarty Rents :

SmartyRents.com is an educational video game rental company featuring LeapFrog and VTech games. We RENT games for eight game systems including Little Leaps, Clickstart, Leapster, Didj, V.Smile Baby, V.Smile, V.Motion, and V.Flash. All games are available to rent including those no longer available on the market for purchase. Families can choose one of several SmartyRents rental packages to meet the individual needs of all children in the family. Our company works similar to Netflix in that customers choose from a variety of game titles with no late fees that are shipped free, directly to their door.

 Brilliant concept, right?

I mean there are already companies such as Netflix and GameFly that delivers movies and video games straight to your door for rental so why not one that does the same for the Leapster.

I happen to love the idea of "renting" games before actually buying.

If your kids are anything like mine, some of those GOTTA HAVE video games get played once maybe twice before they are at the bottom of the toy box.

Why waste the money if they are not going to play with it?

Renting is the way to go!

***

Would you like to try Smarty Rents?

They have generously offered you a promo code worth 1 FREE month of the 1 Game at a Time package or $9.99 towards the package of your choice.

Promo Code: 

 d1cbdd

Expires: 8/31/10

Go ahead and give it a try!

Happy GUMMI WORM DAY !

Yes, there's a holiday for everything.

No, I didn't make any of them up.

However, I'm thinking about talking to the powers that be about a "MOMMY DOES NOTHING" Day.

 or

A "NO WHINING ALLOWED DAY"

or

A "Mommy AINT picking up after you DAY"

or

A "Serve mommy bon bons and Dr. Pepper in bed DAY"

What do you think?

Anyhoo, I found this the other day and thought it would be perfect for today.

Ya know, National Gummi Worm Day

Make your own gummi candy with this tutorial from Skip to My Lou.

Also, make candy sushi with gummi worms and rice krispie cereal.

Happy Gummi Worm Day!

Lemon Loves Lime

I stalk a lot of children's clothing boutiques....a lot!

I like to oooh and ahhh and plan the kiddos next wardrobe change.

One of my NEW favorite sites . . . Lemon Loves Lime

Styles so YUMMY that I could eat them up!

See what I mean?

I was just checking out their Fall 2010 line and I am in LOVE yet again . . .

Ok, quit drooling and head over to Lemon Loves Lime. 

You can also purchase Lemon Loves Lime clothing at Everything but the Princess.

I've created little monsters.

I made the mistake of letting the "Tykes" (Well, 2 of them) take the FLIP around this week. They've been vlogging and filming just about everything around the house. I was just viewing footage from today and there is like 30 minutes of them talking! They are quite the little pros.

I was catching up on some of my subscription videos yesterday and caught the little princess jammin' out during Rhett and Link's Epic Rap Battle.

What's bad? She comes up to the computer screen and asks me "How many people have watched my video today?" LOL!

MONSTERS!

 

Check out Epic Rap Battle by Rhett and Link (full version).

We would love for you to subscribe to our (AHEM I mean MY) Youtube channel !

Let's find a deal.

When I am shopping for clothing in ANY STORE, the first place I make my way to is always THE CLEARANCE RACK. 

Some days I find tons and some days....none.

BUT

It never hurts to look, right?

When I am shopping online the same thing.....always head to the "Sale" or "Clearance" link FIRST.

I found a few things that one or a few of you may want to snag :

I'm a sucker for anything smocked.

Jumping Jellybeans butterfly smocked top $3.60 *Found at Kohls.com

&

This crochet trimmed skooter is just $4.80 (available in several colors) *Found at Kohls.com

Think ahead . . .

While browsing Target.com, I found these school uniform pieces for CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!

(You don't even have to use them as part of a uniform either. They would look cute paired with other clothing pieces as well.)

Boy's French Toast white long sleeved shirt just $3.14!

The ribbon cardigan is $4.54.

Let's not forget about the shoes *My favorite part!

I know that we are dealing with the hot heat of July but winter is a-coming.

Now is the perfect time to buy boots.

These are just $6.98.

I also found these boy's sandals for just $4.98.

Target.com (Under Clearance)