Hip Hooligans

Paperless Post

2010-05-11T16:52:00.002-05:00

Looking to create a cute invitation and keep it green at the same time? PaperlessPost.com takes it one step beyond evite for gorgeous email invitations that are easy to create and spectacular to send. You get your first set of coins and stamps to send for free and after that it is $4.00 on average for every 20 invitations--- and trust me its worth it! Easy to create and creative to send, this site takes email invitations to a new level.

Don't Get Burned!

2010-02-27T08:42:00.004-06:00

Whether headed off to a winter vacation or just dreaming of summer fun, you have to consider these UV bracelets to help keep you or your hip hooligans from roasting in the sun. Made to remind you when it is time to get out of the sun or put on more sunscreen, these UV bracelet are a simple way to keep your family protected. You simply slide the bracelet on and cover it with sunscreen when you are applying it to your kids. As the sunscreen wears off the bracelet changes color and, voila, you know its time for action. You can find these at http://www.leapsandbounds.com/ for $9.95 for a 7 pack.

Watch it

2010-02-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

Potty training is tough as it is and add on top of that busy schedules that make time just disappear and before you know it, you have missed the critical window to get your child to the bathroom. In order to help your child become a part of the process and make sure that they make it to the bathroom in regular intervals, there is the Potty Watch. The watch can be set at regular intervals and it alerts your child to see when it is time for a break. The watch runs $10.95 at http://www.onestepahead.com/

Hip and Hilarious

2010-02-16T15:50:00.002-06:00

Looking for cool clothes, hats or a shirt that makes a statement? Check out http://www.babywit.com/. They have classic rock shirts, funny prints including "My mama drinks because I cry" and "Mullets Rule" This site also has amazing hats including the fedora posted on the left. The products make a statement without a doubt... and what toddler doesn't need a classic Nirvana shirt?

Bow Wow!

2010-02-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

In my girls' room, I have a basket with dozens of bows thrown into them. I often can't find what I am looking for and have to dig around to remember what color bows I have. Thankfully, I stumbled onto this great site where they make bow holders and even customize them for you! At www.iwantedtowonder.com you can find painted bow holders or customize your own. They run from mid $20-$45.00. I love to support small businesses and what a great way to do that and get a wonderful product for you or a gift for someone else. Shipping is free!

Don't Be a Drip

2010-02-01T08:00:00.001-06:00

How often has it happened that you open a juice box or bag and it drips out because you or your child is squeezing it? I can't even count how many times this has happened to me. Well, another problem solved by your dutiful blogger ;-). Announcing http://www.squeeze-free.com/ where you can buy the juice box or bag holders that will eliminate spills. They start at $4.29 and get cheaper the more you buy.

Grocery Gourmet

2010-01-28T08:09:00.000-06:00

Ever dread the grocery run because you know your child will get antsy in the cart? Check out these grocery cart trays that make it easy to place snacks into. They snap onto the cart and make it easy to fill with snacks. No more dropped snacks or boredom making our lives easier! You can get them at http://www.thesoftlanding.com/ for $6.95.

Gone Too Long!

2010-01-24T20:07:00.003-06:00

Sorry for the delay in postings. Illness and a crazy work schedule have kept me away... but I am back and will be posting often! Thanks for reading
Andrea

Monkey Bar Buddies

2010-01-24T20:00:00.004-06:00

When little girls get active, its often hard to find bloomers or shorts that fit for an older girl and aren't too bulky. Check out these Monkey bar Buddies at http://www.monkeybarbuddies.com/ or at Target. They come in a multitude of colors for around $16.00. The company also makes leggings and diaper covers for babies.

Smocks

2009-12-13T16:27:00.004-06:00

My kids are always heavily into crafts and art and I am always heavily into washing their clothes afterwards. I found these adorable smocks by 3 Sprouts which are eco- friendly and easy to pop on and off. You can find then for around $25.00 on http://www.amazon.com/. Pair them with some crayons or paints for a fabulous gift!

Adventures in Math

2009-11-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

Want to further your 1st-4th grader's interest in math and don't know how to engage them with the difficult to master concepts? Author Cindy Newschwander has developed a series of books named the Sir Cumference series. These wonderful books are in the vein of King Arthur but the themes are math and geometry related all designed to make learning math concepts a breeze. You can find them at http://www.amazon.com/

Edible Art

2009-11-24T12:37:00.001-06:00

Now is the time for baking and decorating those delicious goodies. And what a better way to have team work in the kitchen than to get your Hip Hooligans to bake with you? Kuhn Rikon makes wonderful decorating tools that are excellent for children to use and helps them exact their art. Check out these fabulous cookie and cupcake decorating sets for $24.00. You can find them that http://www.surletable.com/. Pair it with our favorite cupcake book, "Hello; Cupcake" (http://www.amazon.com/) and you have a fabulous holiday gift!

Tervis Tumblers

2009-11-20T11:16:00.003-06:00

This blog-worthy item isn't necessarily only for kids but they sure are a lifesaver when you have them. Tervis Tumblers (http://www.turvistumblers.com/) are double walled plastic cups that keep liquids cold or warm for a long time and then best news is that they don't leave rings on any of your furniture because the cups don't sweat. They can be custom-ordered with hundreds of designs including designs for kids and can come with lids and straws to avoid spills. I LOVE mine and wont drink out of traditional classes anymore. Plus, they come with a warranty that can't be beaten.

Free On the Road Fun

2009-11-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

With the holidays quickly approaching, many of us will hit the road for a long car trip. If you are looking for a fun and free way to keep you kids entertained, go no further than http://www.momsminivan.com/. On this site, you can print out fun games like car bingo, tic-tac-toe and a car scavenger hunt... hours worth of enterainment. This site offers a lot of great insight on how to keep your little ones entertained without having them watch hours of videos.

Eco Purse

2009-11-06T12:31:00.002-06:00

Many of use who have little girls soon notice their fascination with purses. While trolling around a resale shop, I stumbled across this adorable Eco Snoopers Purse for your little Hip Hooligan. Each character comes with an environmental message/ story and the best thing is that kids can wear them three ways. The strap is adjustable for little shoulders or they can wrap it around their waist or attach it to a belt. I found mine for under $12.00 and they are for sale at http://www.ebay.com/. Don't have a little girl? No worries there are boy characters as well!

Swimming Strides

2009-10-26T12:44:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine who taught swimming classes for many years emailed me about http://www.warmbelly.com/. This site sells wetsuits for children that keep them nice and warm while they are learning how to swim. According to my friend, being cold is the #1 reason children have trouble learining to swim. If they cold, they also get distracted. WarmBelly helps avoid the chills it they are swimming in anything colder than 98.6 degrees. Your child will love the suit as it won't interfere with swimming. They come in all sizes and run about $32.00 not including shipping.

Personlized Gifts for Kids

2009-10-24T08:03:00.003-05:00

Check out http://www.frecklebox.com/ for a wide array of personalized gifts for kids. Ranging from books to journals, you can find and personalize anything for your child or as a gift. You can even personalize books about becoming an older sibling which can ease the transition of your child into welcoming a new one. Reasonably priced at around $10.00 these books and journals can help engage your kids in reading and coloring. Also, this site offers personalized decor as well.

Fabulous Favors

2009-10-16T08:42:00.004-05:00

Having a party and have no idea what to give as a unique party favor? Check out www.beau-coup.com. They specialize in party favors from kids parties to holiday gatherings. I picked out a sample Fall party favor ($3.95 each) that you can personlize with any name including your Hip Hooligan's. Take time to check out some of their other ideas. I especially loved the mini gum ball machines for a child's party.

Rain, Rain Come and Stay

2009-10-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

The season's have changed and they are predicting a lot of rain this Fall. Why not adapt your little fashionista to the El Nino? Check out these cool rain boots by http://www.chooka.com/. They are a little pricier but if you are looking for something different and hip when it comes to rain fashion, this site has it for you.

Snap Caps

2009-10-10T08:58:00.003-05:00

For the last few months, I have been following the buzz of Snap Cap necklaces around our city. Made by two young Dallas sisters, Snap Caps are bottle cap designed in hundreds different colors, patterns and sayings that snap onto a necklace with a magnet. They are interchangeable and girls can swap them with friends or just based on their mood. I purchased one a few weeks ago for my daughter and special-ordered a Snap Cap with my daughter's school logo. They go for a little under $15.00 and if you go to the website you can find out where to purchase in your city. (http://www.m3girldesigns.com/). If you don't live near a city, just contact the designers via the website and you are on your way!

Personalize It

2009-09-28T08:17:00.002-05:00

I am one of those people who are naturally drawn to anything I can personalize, so imagine when I came across http://www.fontianemaury.com/. They have a wonderful assortment of unique personalized items inlcuding water bottles and plates! I love the plates because I think they are a great idea for parties or other gatherings. They are also BPA free, so your mind can rest at ease. They range from around $23.00 a piece and are great gifts!

Sight Word Success

2009-09-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Once your kids hit grade school, they need to learn site words . Fry's site words are the group of words most found in the English language. Once your child masters these, reading is much easier. I found this game that makes learning Fry's sight words easy and fun. You can find it for $14.95 from http://www.fishforwords.com/. What a great way to make your child a successful reader.

Coordinating Fun

2009-09-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

I saw my daughter using this puzzle at school and though it was ingenious. Children pull the magnetic beads along the maze with a magnetic stick to the coordinating animals belly- yellow beads go into the yellow animal. Not only does it teach them about sorting and colors but also hand eye coordination as they have to focus to move the beads along. You can find it at http://www.outofthetoybox.com/ for only $14.99

Birthday Memories

2009-09-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

For a recent birthday, I bought one of my favorite little boys this Birthday Book from http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/. It is extra special becuase it logs memories from each birthday up until the age of 18. You log favorite things of the year, nicknames and other musings. What a great keep-sake and at only $20.00 it is a gift that will continue giving year after year.

Locker Chic

2009-09-12T09:20:00.003-05:00

When our Kindergartner moved into First Grade, she had her own locker for the first time. As a nice surprise we bought her this locker mirror and shelf from http://www.potterybarnteen.com/ for $19.99- and they come in boy and girl patterns. Although you may think that Pottery Barn Teen is only for older children they have a lot of great school accessories for your school aged children. Check it out.

Publish Your Own Book

2009-09-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Titatok.com is a neat site that I stumbled across while looking for a cool party favor for my child's upcoming party. On this site, children can write their own books including illustrations and have a softcopy printed for $10.00 and hardcopies for $20.00. They can also upload their books and have them posted or other people can order copies (don't worry, on the site children are not allowed to use names, only nicknames are attributed to them unless parents purchase the books themselves). What a creative gift to give your child! As for us, my daughter is going to write a book and we are going to order copies to give to her friends as party favors for her sleep over party- each girl will be a character in the book.

Kindergarten Prep

2009-09-03T21:44:00.002-05:00

Its Fall and time to drop off those little ones for their first day of school.... Along with the anxiety of having them in a new enviroment is wondering if they are ready for Kindergarten. Let's Tackle Kindergarten is a wonderful way for you to begin Kindergarten prep or work with them after school. The kit comes with many tactile toys that help them learn and a scorecard to keep you on track. You can find it at http://www.learningresources.com/ for $44.99. Its also a great way to start prep for your kids who will begin school next year.

Lunch Chic

2009-09-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

I love the Fuel line of thermoses and containers. They come in a range of sizes including for drinks, food containers and utensils. They are designed to keep foods hot and cold which is a god send for the school year when you are trying to make healthy lunches for your little one. I found mine at my local New Flower Market but you can also find the line at www.chefcentral .com. They are also reasonably priced under $10.00.

Come Fly With Me

2009-08-30T18:03:00.002-05:00

When you are traveling with an infant lap child it's hard not to wonder about their safety if something were to happen or if you hit turbulence. B'Air Flight Vest® is a great way to ensure the safety of your infant without constraining them so much that they are uncomfortable. The vest attaches you to your baby by strapping it to your lap belt. You can find this product for $29.95 at www.familytravelgear.com

Back to School Gifts

2009-08-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Germany has a sweet tradition to celebrate a child's first day of school. Parents give their child a Schultüte, a giant paper cone filled with school supplies and small gifts-- and http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/ has reinvented that sweet tradition with these wonderful back to school cones. This is a sweet gift to give your child on that first day, which can be so nerve-wracking. They cost $65.00 and come in boy or girl colors.

Ride in Style

2009-08-20T11:19:00.002-05:00

We are struggling with teaching our six year old how to ride a bike without training wheels. I wish I would have known about the strider bike a few years ago! This neat bike allows children to learn to ride initially by using their feet and then coasting on two wheels, when they get uncomfortable, they just put their feet down for balance. Eventually, they learn to ride on just two wheels. The great thing is that you can ride on any surface and they come in many colors! Made for ages 2-5, this is a definite win. You can find them at http://www.theportablebaby.com/ and they are priced around $95.00.

Clothing Marker

2009-08-20T11:14:00.002-05:00

Summer is disssapearing and it is time for school once again. Last year at this time, I blogged about labels and this year I found another great way to mark your kids clothes. Check out this clothing marker from http://www.personalcreations.com/. It's a stamp that marks your clothes and the insignia wont wash or fall off. It cost 19.95

Polka Dot Designs

2009-08-09T18:36:00.004-05:00

Last year for my daughter's birthday, I was in a bind. Work was hectic and there was no way I could drag myself to the invitation shop to order her party invites... lo and behold that is when I stumbled upon http://www.polkadotdesigns.com/. The invitation selections are outstanding (as is the stationary) PLUS, I saved on time and gas (totally eco friendly). Check them out, you wont be disappointed. And for those of you who like to procrastinate, they have super express service available.

Car Seat Covers

2009-08-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

So, I had never purchased a car seat cover becuase I always felt they were more decorative than useful, until my hip hooligan got very sick in her seat. We tried to pull apart the seat to wash it but after frustrating hours, we never we able to get it disassembled. A that point, I heavily regretted no car seat cover. We ended up buying a new car seat altogether. And on top of that, I had just met the owner of Tatr Tots on a flight who had just told me about her company and great car seat covers. I took all of this as a sign from above- its time for a blog post. Anyhow, to save you buying a second car seat, check out http://www.tatrtots.com/ and look at the beautiful car seat covers. They run around $96.00-11.00 for infant or toddler seat covers and trust me, its worth it!

Color Your Bath

2009-07-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

Having trouble getting your hip hooligans into the water for bath time? Well, Tinti helps you solve that by making bath time fun with tinted water! Tinti has created natural bath tablets without residue that will change your bathwater into several colors and make it fun and inviting for your little one. You can get these tablets from http://www.amazon.co.uk/ for under $5.00 for a pack of three. For more Tinti products, visit http://www.tinti.co.uk/.

The Nap Nanny...

2009-07-23T21:14:00.004-05:00

I came across this innovative product for babies and wish I would have known about it when I had an infant. The Nap Nanny elevates your little one 30 degrees as most doctors recommend for babies with reflux, congestion and other health issues. When my son was young, we elevated one end of his mattress and he always just ended up just rolling down the crib, never staying elevated for any length of time. This product is a wonderful alternative that keeps the baby elevated and safely in place while sleeping. The product is available in many colors and can be ordered at http://www.napnanny.com/ $130

The Perfect Combination

2009-07-15T21:05:00.000-05:00

Indulge in the confort food you and your hip hooligans crave! Oven and microwave safe, this soup and sandwich ceramic tray duo is perfect for lunch service at home. Everyone enjoys cute dishes and serving trays...$30 for 2 trays and 2 bowls at www.uncommongoods.com

Manners Matter

2009-07-14T20:49:00.003-05:00

Learning manners is so much fun if you learn with little piggies! Good Manners Flash Cards teachs your child the right thing to do and what to say uisng a funny pig family. The fun deck presents a situation on one side and the correct response on the other. How cute is that? Also check out Good Citizenship and Respect the Earth flash cards...too cute! Just under $12.00 at www.barnesandnoble.com

The Mod Potty

2009-07-06T20:20:00.003-05:00

Check out this up-to-date potty chair that makes potty training easy. The chair's contemporary design of this potty makes it a potty chair you won't be ashamed of. This potty chair has an angled seat to catch any overspill, a built in toilet roll holder, enclosed side storage spaces for storing wipes and other supplies, a pull-out potty drawer for easy, sanitary clean-up and best of all you close the lid and it becomes a great stool for reaching the sink to wash little hands or a bench for when you are bathing your hip hooligan. You can find it at http://www.pottytrainingsolutions.com/ for $29.99.

Travel in Style

2009-07-06T20:04:00.002-05:00

I bought my girls some Sigikid suitcases and I could be more happy. They are made of very high quality durable nylon and have adorable prints for both boys and girls. We have the smaller roller bags and because we travel so much, we wanted something that would last. You can find big and small suitcases and cases at http://www.moolka.com/. The larger case shown to the side ranges from $148.00 but you can downsize and spend less. The other great thing about Moolka is that each time I have ordered from there it arrives so fast, you think they hand delivered it to your door.

Home Made Food

2009-07-03T08:00:00.002-05:00

Looking to make home-made food for your little one but want to make more than one serving at a time? Check out Beabe Babycook Mulit-Portions which you can find at http://www.bloommaternity.com/ for $19.95. This way, you can make a batch of fresh foods, freeze it and have many portions of fresh foods for days to come.

Daycare Days...

2009-06-30T04:45:00.000-05:00

This darling notepad can keep you informed about your childs day while your out taking care of business. Daycare Notes for Toddlers and Daycare Notes for Baby will keep you informed about eating, sleeping, fun activities and everything else you should know while your away. I found these at http://www.uncommongoods.com/ and the notepads come with 50 pages for only $8.00

Sorry for the Inconvenience!

2009-06-28T10:51:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the lack of postings recently, we have had issues accessing Hip Hooligan's to post. We hope to resolve this issue soon!

--Kate and Andrea

Two in One

2009-06-28T10:45:00.003-05:00

Potty training is tough by any one's standards, and then you have to decide what kind of potty training seat or chair you are going to use. I saw this seat at a friend's house and loved it because it meant that you didn't need a special contraption you needed to place on the seat or a separate chair. I also liked the fact that it hides quickly and easily. You can find these at http://www.target.com/ for $29.99.

Easy as ABC

2009-06-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Every fridge in America with small children has ABC magnets stuck to it at one point or another and kids love them. How about updating the look of your ABCs with these new magnets from http://www.rompstore.com/ They go for $35.00 and come with their own storage tube. Great for you or as a gift

Crayon Roll

2009-06-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

I checked out http://www.etsy.com/ and came across these adorable crayon rolls by RetroRugRats. For $19.00 you get an adorable handcrafted crayon roll that is personalized. You can chose from several designs and embroidered fonts. The best thing, is that they come wrapped in a cute package filled with your choice or regular or jumbo crayons.

We Will Rock You

2009-06-15T18:26:00.003-05:00

Crayon's are a favorite among all kids, so why not purchase some that are out of the box, some that truly rock? These crayon rocks can be found at www.rompstore .com and are $8.00 for a box of 16. What better way to get your Hip Hooligan outside to enjoy Summer weather?

Trash Free

2009-06-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

I try to wash my car once a week and clean out the inside, but after a week of hauling little ones all over, by the time I clean the car, it is covered with papers ranging from snack wrappers to school daily reports. I saw these car trash bags at http://www.etsy.com/ (under auto trash/ Alison Hill) and thought that they were a cute and stylish way to keep trash out of your car. They are $19.00 and fit a trash bag inside.

Teacher's Gifts

2009-06-05T12:29:00.004-05:00

So, every year when it comes to giving our teachers gifts, I blank out and have no idea what to do. Well, this year I have found that http://www.etsy.com/ has categorized gifts for teachers! Etsy, is a web site made for people who hand make or have vintage items to sell (I have posted about it before). I was surprised to see when I checked it out again a category specifically for teacher's gifts. Finally, a place where you can find unique and one of a kind gifts for the people who mean the most to you.

The Gift of Learning

2009-06-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

When our daughter was three, we started working on the Gifted and Talented workbooks by Susan Amerikaner with her simply because we liked how they made her use her imagination vs. some of the other workbooks that simply teach reading or math. These books made her think outside of the box and truly helped her once she entered kindergarten. Plus, she thought they were a blastI belive these books are for every child, not just those learing beyond their grade level. ! You can find them anywhere on the web including Amazon.

Eggcellent for You Baby's Health

2009-05-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Its truly amazing how many items have been invented in the past few years for babies and children. Check out this "Egg" which takes moisture out of the air to help those with allergies to mold and mildew. It actually dehumidifies the air and notifies you when it is full. You can just pop it in the microwave for a few minutes and empty it of moisture and start again.

Under Lock & Key...

2009-05-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

When it comes to "childproofing" I automatically think of having to drill through beautiful wood cabinets & big plastic devices hanging from kitchen drawers. What I recently found, (actually my husband found) was the only no-drill magnetic cabinet locks. They are self-adhesive and invisable from the outside of doors and drawers. $19.95 includes 2 locks, key & key holder. We have them in our house and I love them!

Starfall

2009-05-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

As they say, "the best things in life are free" and so they are. A great website for learning and fun is http://www.starfall.com/. It has been recommended to my by parents and teachers alike. My kids love it and best of all... its free! Kids can spend hours learning how to read and about phonetics with this wonderful website. Check it out!

Bigger Is Better...

2009-05-26T21:08:00.003-05:00

When it comes to bath mats... bigger is better! Most bath mats I have seen in stores only cover a small surface area but this Ulti-Mat Bath Mat found at http://www.onestepahead.com/ is big enough to cover the entire area of a standard bathtub. In addition to size, it also has 200 suction cups to keep it in its place and has a soft cushiony surface. $19.95

Stop the Sizzle

2009-05-22T09:06:00.002-05:00

While living in Arizona during the summer, I always had to hunt for shade to park underneath so that the seat belts and car seats for my baby wouldnt get too hot. I knew that when it was 108 degrees outside, the inside of my car was closer to 125 degrees- as hot as an oven. I just found this great seat cover that would have saved me the concern that my baby would get burned in her seat. For only $8.95, you can find this at http://www.leapsandbounds.com/.

Old School Is Cool

2009-05-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

I know we all love photo birth announcements but I found a company that uses classic letterpress printing with super cute designes all on recycled-cotton paper.

You can find a variety of styles and fonts at www.oblationpapers.com

Splat Mats

2009-05-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

When I first had an infant, I ordered a splat mat to keep the floors clean and now that I have two that are a bit older, they use the mat for art and a ton of activities. I have to admit, it was a great investment. I stumbled across these splat mats from http://www.landofnod.com/ for $49.00 and although they are a little more pricey, they are cheaper than damaged furniture or floors from an art project gone awry. Land of Nod has cute patterns and you can even get a matching apron.

Clean & Green

2009-05-19T18:57:00.001-05:00

A quick and eco-friendly alternative to clothing detergent is the Ecozone Eco-Wash Balls. They are rubber balls filled with ionized pellets that atttract dirt. All you do is place three Ecoballs in your washing machine instead of detergent. They are reuseable for up to 1000 washes! Just imagine not having to haul around big boxes of detergent any more! Hypoallergenic so suitable for sensitive skin including babies and children. Ecoballs are also anti-bacterial. I found them on www.amazon.com $20.00 for 150 washes.

Cush Tush

2009-05-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine told me about the Cushie Traveler which she uses for her little hip hooligan who is in the midst of potty training. What I love about it is how easy it is just to fold it up and bring it with you and then whip it out at that critical moment. It saves the toddler from having to hold themselves up on a dirty toilet seat. For someone who hates public restrooms, this is a must. You can find it at http://www.onestepahead.com/ for a mere $12.95

Here Comes the Sun...

2009-05-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Summer is here and our babies need protection from the sun! I found an ad in a magazine about Pure & Free sunblock by Neutrogena and went right out to get some. Pure & Free has 100% naturally-sourced sunscreen ingredients. Unlike most sunblocks out there, this one goes on smooth, not chalky and contains no irritating chemicals, dyes, oils, or fragrances, is hypoallergenic and won't run and sting eyes. It comes in a tube or you can get it in a stick (ideal for face and ears). It runs about $9.00 and can be purchased at www.drugstore.com or any local drug store.

Write On

2009-05-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Anything that helps my life become more organized is a good thing, so I was thrilled when I came across these dry erase bins at http://www.pbteen.com/. Just throw items in the bin and write the contents on the outside with the dry erase marker and erase the label when you need to. They actually are on sale now for $25.00-$55.00 depending on the size and they come all different colors.

Milk Madness...

2009-05-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a product I wish I would have known about when I had my hip hooligan...a test for breastmilk that lets you know if you have too much alcohol in your system to breastfeed.

Milkscreen was created to help extend the life of breastfeeding. Maternal self-confidence is critical to maintaining breastfeeding so milkscreen was created to help give mom the peace of mind that her breast milk does not contain a level of alcohol that may negatively impact Baby. The test kit is $10 at www.drugstore.com

Stay Put

2009-05-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love the idea of this stay put plate, utensils, and place mat. If your child loves to decorate your floor with food or fling their plate at mealtimes, this is for you! It also keep utensils where they belong. Plus when you remove the plate to clean it, underneath is a little smiley face. You can find this at http://www.moolka.com/ for$19.99

BamDino for your Bambino

2009-05-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

Introduce your hip hooligan to sustainability with all natural bamboo dinosaur head utensils. www.branchhome.com says...

"They're made from organically-grown bamboo with no bleaches or dyes. And measuring at 5.5" long, they're designed for small hands and mouths.They're durable, lightweight, and a great alternative to plastic utensils, either at home or on the go."

I love the look and the purpose behind these...too cute! $9.00 for the set of 3. There is also a spoon and fork for older kids!

The Gift of You

2009-05-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

Since Mother's Day is just around the corner, I tried to think of a great gift to give. Then I realized there is a great gift we can give our own Hip Hooligans, the gift of who we are as people, not just moms and dads. I found this book called "Picture of Me: Who I Am in 221 Questions " by Kate Marshall and it is basically a diary that prompts you to write about who you are based on your answers to questions. You can find it almost anywhere on line for as little as $8.50. Just Google it and see what you find. What a special gift to give your children when they are older, the gift of you...

It's time for a drink!

2009-05-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

Here is an innovative product for kids and adults...stainless steel drinking straws. Kids love using straws and Hip Hooligan parents hate adding to land fills. A 4 pack is $8.99 at www.alwaysbrilliant.com Buy these once and never throw away another straw again. They made with polished stainless steel and are dishwasher safe.

Permission Pad

2009-05-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

Once your kids head off to school or day care, they may start heading home with someone other than yourself. Instead of taking the time to write out all the details, how about using a permission pad? This pad, does most of the writing for you, leaving you to only fill in the details. It is a time saver and a great way to stay organized. You can find it at http://www.tickletickle.com/ for $5.95

Ding Dong

2009-04-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

It never fails...you finally get your child to sleep and then the dreaded "DING DONG"! It's happened to all of us but now there is a solution...the Bell Blocker! It's simply a doorbell cover with a small sliding door that either gives visitors access to the doorbell or covers it up with with a message of "Please Knock Thank You".

This little contraption will save you so much frustration

and it's only 6 bucks at http://www.babiesrus.com/

Sprout Baby

2009-04-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

While in the grocery store today, I noticed this novel new way to package baby food. Sprout has taken their organic baby food and placed it in a pouch which makes it extraordinarily convenient for travel or when you are simply on-the-go. No more bulky glass containers. The Sprout packages are made with eco-friendly materials that are safe for baby. The food is organic and comes in different stages for your child. Check it out and find your supplier at http://www.sproutbabyfood.com/

Wet-N-Wild

2009-04-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is a great way for your hip hooligans to beat the heat this summer. It's a big beach ball sprinkler! It's only $29.00 at http://www.potterybarnkids.com/ and this item has no shipping fees!

Reusable Sandwich Bags

2009-04-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

Once you start packing lunch and snacks for your little hip hooligan, you go through hundreds of plastic baggies a year. Why not go for a more eco friendly route? At http://www.snacktaxi.com/, you can find reusable sandwich and snack bags made of adorable materials all for about $8.00. The inside of the snack taxi is made from waterproof materials to protect the food and the cute bag.

Rock On

2009-04-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

If you love listening to your i pod while you walk or jog, this innovative product is for you....and your hip hooligan! For less than $30.00 you can listen to your favorite music on speakers that attach to your stroller. Why not share the music with your little one? The Stroll -A -Tune also comes with a carrier for your
i pod/MP3 I found it at www.buy.com for $24.95---Rock on!

Can It

2009-04-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ok- so who ever thought that Crayon, Inc would make a drink and that it would be good for kids? I often drink out of cans and my kids always want a sip which is a big no-no in my household at their age. Most of the novelty comes from drinking from cans, so I was really happy to find these drinks. The girls love them and I don't feel guilty about the contents. Below is the manufacturer's description of what's inside:

At Crayons, our refreshing beverages are made with 33% fewer sugar grams while retaining a nice sweetness level that kids love today. Crayons® Fruit Drinks also combine the world’s first SugarGuard™ Protection System to help control the rate of sugar absorption within the body. Combine these benefits with no high fructose corn syrup, only 90 calories per serving, 30% real fruit juice and 25% RDI of Vitamins A, D and E, 100% RDI of Vitamin C, 12% RDI of Fiber and 10% RDI of Calcium, you have a real winner. Crayons® comes in five bold flavors: Outrageous Orange Mango™, Tickled Pink Lemonade™, Wild Watermelon & Berries™, Redder-Than-Ever Fruit Punch™ and Kiwi Strawberry.

Check out the website www.drinkcrayons.com to find out where the drinks are sold.

Make a Wish-o-saurus

2009-04-21T04:58:00.000-05:00

What a way to add some spark to a birthday cake! This Wishosaurus is only $6.00 at www.amazon.com and is too cute for a little boy or someone who is as old as a dino!

Potty Caddy

2009-04-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for something to inspire your child to use the potty, check out the "Potty Caddy". This caddy comes with a toilet paper roll, magazines for reading on the potty including "Vanity Fairy" and "BQ" Babies Quarterly as well as targets and everything your child needs to take this important step. Written by an M.D. for a child's perspective, the caddy also has materials that answer your child's important potty questions and makes it a process they can understand. You can find it at http://www.target.com/ for around $10.00

Do It Up!

2009-04-16T22:10:00.003-05:00

My Hip Hooligan Sports Spikey Do's So Little Sprout Hair Products Totally Excite Me!
These Styling Aids Are Made For All Hair Types... Products Contain Organic Rosemary to Help Repel Lice & Insects, They Are Made With Natural & Organic Ingredients, Are Free of Fragrance & Soy & Just When You Think It Can't Get Any Better...The Company Does Not Test On Animals! Products Vary In Price & Can Be Found At www.originalsprout.com

Rookie Moms

2009-04-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

I just stumbed across the book "The Rookie Mom's Handbook: 250 Activities to Do with (and Without!) Your Baby" and I wish I would have had it when I had my first newborn. There are simple tools and things to do that can help you through the tough transition of raising a newborn. You can find the book at a great website http://www.rookiemoms.com/ for under $10.00. The book is also a great gift for babyshowers.

Pull 'em Into Town

2009-04-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Who thinks of these things? No, it's not a toy...it's luggage! This piece of luggage has a hard exterior, 4 wheels and a multipurpose strap that can be used to pull ’riders’ or for parents to shoulder carry. I don't know about you but I think this product solves the problem of little legs in big airports. This hip gear can be found at www.luggagepoint.com for just under $50.00

Reading Readiness

2009-04-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

Part of reading includes sounding out words, but another huge piece is memorizing sight words. Preschool Prep Series is a series of animated DVDs specifically designed to help with learning sight words. Before you know it, your child will have the basic sight words memorized and will be reading ready! You can find the series by the name of "Meet the Sight Words" at http://www.amazon.com/ for around $10.00. This series has won numerous awards and has been reviewed highly by other parents.

Chickin Feed

2009-04-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is a brilliant idea to keep your hip hooligans eating well. Chickin Feed is a magnetic board that you put on your fridge to help you keep up with what your family is eating. One side is what your kids need and the other identifies what they have had. Using this super cute board, I could see little ones loving to participate and making it into a daily game. http://www.chickinfeed.com/ offers these tracking boards for about $30.00 and has other items that promote healthy eating habits as well!

Make a Wise Purchase

2009-04-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

I stumbled across this Buddha night light while milling around Border's Books and thought it was super cute. Then I saw it lit up in a friend's house and adored the way it calmed her child's room, looked whimsical but not gaudy. These Buddha night lights are just over 8 inches hightand you can choose from six different Buddha child poses. They can be bought for $29.95 from http://www.buddhabuddahlife.com/ or at Borders and they also make banks in the same poses. It's a sure way to light up your little Hip Hooligan's life

Judge This Book By Its Cover

2009-04-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

Every mom must read this one! I had to buy it for the title alone...I WAS A REALLY GOOD MOM before I HAD KIDS--- then after reading it I was pleasantly surprised when the book itself was fantastic. Written by best friends who are mothers, this book contains conversations/interviews with moms all over the country and is a hilarious reminder that we all have similar thoughts, challenges and realities!
$18.95 at www.chroniclebooks.com

Tame Your Little St. Bernard

2009-04-02T21:07:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine at work raved about the Baby Bjorn bib and of course raves like that deserve a post. He stated that this bib was a life-saver for him and his wife who have a super-drooling baby (I have been there and know there is nothing like washing sopping shirt after sopping shirt). It costs a less than $10.00 and you can find it at http://www.diapers.com/

A Web Must!! Check it out

2009-03-24T20:33:00.003-05:00

I have to say that sometimes I stumble across a website or product that I am so excited about posting that I get on it right away, http://www.etsy.com/ is just that site. The site is for people who are selling their handmade items from jewelry to furniture to kids clothes and accessories. If you think that means the items are second-rate, think again. The items are gorgeous and awe-inspiring at how creative people can be. Just think, you are supporting the smallest business around, the individual. Anyhow, enjoy the site and the reasonable prices (the hat in the picture is $15.00). I could surf it all day long.

"Quote Me"

2009-03-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

Kids say such hillarious things that we don't ever want to forget...but most of the time we do. I recently purchased a book called "My Quotable Kid" and inside are the cutest pages with quote bubbles for each entry as well as lines specific for who said it- where it was said-and when it was said. When my 8 year old niece was 2, she said "I do whatever I can want" and so many other statements I wish had been captured. With this book around, it makes the memories so much easier to capture and share. $14.95 at http://www.chroniclebooks.com/

Capture the Moments...

2009-03-19T05:25:00.000-05:00

If you love to scrapbook but don't enjoy the expense or the mess, this software is for you. A friend of mine raves about it because she can create 12 x 12 scrap book pages that are amazing in quality without having to run around collecting all the right ribbon, stickers, and paper. This Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 will download all of your photos, allow you to edit photos and add all the extras like borders, backgrounds, and text. After you design your page you just have them printed at a local retailer. The software runs about $100.00 and can be found at www.bestbuy.com

It's All About Presentation

2009-03-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite clutter busters ever! This is a Li'l Davinci Art Cabinet, a frame for art work that opens like a cabinet for easy exchange of your hip hooligans masterpieces! There is room for storage of up to 50 pages and you have to admit... it looks so much better than a bunch of pages piled on the fridge! I think one frame cabinet for each child is a must for every household! The frame can be hung vertically or horizontally and comes in

8 1/2 x 11 ($28.95) or 12 x 18 ($36.95) at www.vat19.com

Stroll Smart

2009-03-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Its almost bathing suit season which means it is time to get out and get in shape (sadly). Running with a baby stroller can be difficult given that you have to sacrifice your natural stride to hold on to the stroller. I saw this brilliant stroller attachment that no longer gives me an excuse not to run. It is a hands free stroller attachment that allows you to use your arms when you run while safely connecting your stroller to you. The Stroll-Smart adaptor comes with a reflective belt that has two pockets ideal for MP3 player, mobile phone, change or keys. You can find it at http://www.stroll-smart.com/ for $49.95. They also have a video you can view if you are wondering just how it works.

Hide and Go Seek

2009-03-12T08:00:00.002-05:00

So, the philosophical question of the day is "if you don't see the pajamas, do they exist?". I tend to hide my children's worn pajamas behind the pillow for them to use the next night, but what about a cuter option? These animal shaped jammy pillows from http://www.mylittlechild.com/ have a little pouch in the back for ultimate PJ concealment. They go for $24.95 and come in different animal shapes.

Art at your fingertips

2009-03-11T16:07:00.003-05:00

Now our little ones can color even before learning how to hold a crayon. These finger crayons are perfect for your hip hooligans little hands...they just grab on to the chunky end of the crayon and let the art work begin. Older kids can enjoy the fun as well because each of these have a hole in the center which makes them finger crayons! I found them at www.highlights.com for only $9.99 per set

We Scream for Ice Cream!

2009-03-09T17:53:00.002-05:00

So the weather is getting a bit warmer and if you anything like me, your minds wanders to ice cream. So, if your mind is on the sweet stuff and you want to create something new and fun for your kids then how about home-made farm-shaped ice cream sandwiches? You simply need the molds from http://www.kitchenclique.com/ (they cost $11.00 for three) to begin your flavor creation. You just have to stamp the molds onto a sheet of cookies (homemade or store bought) to make the top and bottom of the sandwich, and then use the press to fill in the ice cream middle.

Teething Troubles

2009-03-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

This product is a serious life saver. Two weeks ago my son started getting his 2 year molars and kept waking up several times during the night. One of my husbands co-workers suggested we try Hyland's homeopathic teething tablets. I went to a local health food store and bought them the same day, I gave our son the tablets and we are all back to sleeping through the night! These homeopathic tablets, a combination of natural substances relieves the restlessness, whining and irritability caused by tething. The small 1 grain tablets melt instantly on the tongue.

$7.99 at http://www.drugstore.com/

Germ Warfare

2009-03-03T08:00:00.001-06:00

Each night, we go through the ritual of brushing teeth as we go to bed, and each night I look at my kids toothbrushes and wonder what is growing in there? The way to attack those germs without buying a new brush daily is to use the VIOlight Zapi UV toothbrush sanitizer. I like this one for kids because you can choose from several different colors and it bops and moves from side to side. You can purchase them for $30.00 at http://www.drugstore.com/ and hey best of all, it kills up to 99.9% of germs on your toothbrush in style. Germs like like E. coli, staphylococcus and strep- who could ask for anything more?

Label This

2009-02-28T21:27:00.004-06:00

I am so excited about the potential of making my life more organized with this next product, I can't even begin to tell you. I ran across "transfer labels" by Wonderful Graffiti at http://www.organize.com/ and the possibilities of how to use them to help organize us and the kids are swimming in my head. You can get transfer labels for each room in your house to help you and your family stay organized. They run about $30.00 and if you click on "more product information" you can see exactly what labels are included in each order.

Kitchen Magic

2009-02-25T20:43:00.003-06:00

When I saw this next product, I was green with envy that I didn't have this when my kids were younger. Here is an excerpt from the website www.bloommaternity.net. "The Beaba Babycook is a one-of-a-kind, patented compact countertop appliance that functions as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster to prepare fresh, healthy meals for baby. It starts by steam cooking vegetables, fruits and meats in less than 15 minutes, while preserving their vitamins and flavors. It then purees and blends them to the desired consistency. Parents can also use the Babycook to quickly reheat or defrost precooked foods.
The bowl is made from unbreakable Polysulfone (PSU) and the cooking basket from transparent polypropylene (PP). It comes with a 2½ - cup capacity bowl, cooking basket, spatula and recipe booklet. The bowl and basket are top-rack dishwasher safe. "Babycook sells for $149.95

BPA Safety-Tested
For babies 6-24 months

Lavender Lovies

2009-02-20T08:00:00.001-06:00

For Valentines Day, I bought my girls two stuffed dogs filled with Lavender that you can heat up in the microwave for gentle warmth and a lavender scent. They loved them and ask me to warm up their dogs for them every night before they go to bed. You can find them at http://www.sonomalavendershop.com/ for $30.00 and you can choose from over 10 different animals.

Tell Me a Story

2009-02-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

Kids are natural story tellers, so why not expound upon that skill? eeBoo Fairy Tale Mix-You Up cards are a great way to do just that! The theme is that someone has mixed up popular fairy tale stories and it’s up to your child to come up with the story of what happened. These new cards benefit your child three ways. "First, by encouraging your child to make up a story you are stimulating their imagination. Second, by setting up the foundation for elements of good storytelling. Third, we love any games that get kids talking with their parents and the premise for these cards makes for some funny stories. Finally, this is a great kids travel game because Mom or Dad can flash the card from the front seat and then your child can tell you a story for amusement on any road or plane trip." You can get these at http://www.chocoatecakeclub.com/ for $10.95

Music for Babies

2009-02-13T18:41:00.003-06:00

Looking for music for your child to soothe them at sleep time or cheer them up at playtime? Check out the series by ABT. "ABT's award winning Music for Babies series is a break-through for early child development; it's built note by note on the latest discoveries related to brain development in very young children. Created in a collaboration among experts across a broad range of scientific and artistic disciplines, each volume helps children achieve their extraordinary, and unique, potential." The CD come in a series for Sleepy Baby, Cheerful Baby, Peaceful Baby, and Playful Baby. You can buy at http://www.biof.com/ under music for babies and can buy them one-by-one for $15.95 or as a set for $59.95.

Swingers

2009-02-04T21:13:00.004-06:00

Ok, so this next toy is a bit pricey, but I would have loved having this as a kid, so I felt the need to blog about it and make some other kid's dream come true. Check out this swinging tent from http://www.moolka.com/. Ok, now to the nitty gritty, it runs about $300 which is a little steep but it looks so fun that may be worth saving up to give it for the next holiday. The swinging tent has stars on it that glow in the dark. And, if you don't like the flower design, it also comes in rocket ship!!!!

Brain Quest for your TV and IPOD

2009-02-01T11:19:00.005-06:00

Brain Quest is a series of games and flash cards that are designed to teach your child and help them solve problems. The purpose is to engage your child and make learning fun. Although, I was aware that Brain Quest had flash cards, I most recently discovered that they also have a DVD game version, a Ninentdo series (perfect for kids you have to drag away from the TV to learn) and an IPOD version. What a better way to keep them occupied during long car rides? You can find all of these products at www.brainquest.com