Bye bye Christmas...Hello 2012!

Happy New Year! 2012 is already off to a very busy start! We took our tree down and hubs will be taking the lights down this weekend (I hope!) We are not those people that leave the lights up year round..I promise!  That always makes me laugh when I see it though.   We were both ready to pack up the Christmas decor and start this fresh, new year.  My kids are still on vacation for another week so, we have been enjoying the San Diego weather. We spent a day at Sea World, hung out with my good friend in Cardiff-by-the-Sea  and ran back & forth to L.A. a few times for my son's auditions. Is it really only the 3rd day of the year? We look forward to a fun filled year and wish everyone Peace, Health & Happiness in 2012!

I'm excited to be working on a few new projects and look forward to updating the B.Y.O.G. line this Spring! 

Naughty or Nice?

Do you know which list you're on?  My son spent an hour at school perfecting his gingerbread house and...

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Top 10 Christmas Gift for Guys

Click on image to enlarge.

The little guys are a cinch compared to the big guys!  What do men want for Christmas?  Do they really want a membership to the beer of the month club?  They are a mystery when it comes to gifts.  Here are a few ideas for the impossible to buy for guy on your list. 

1. Star Wars Jedi Bath Robe $69.50

2. Slouchy Beanie by Krochet Kids $32.00 *A wool-blend beanie with a snug yet slouchy fit is hand-crocheted in Uganda. The 'Love' label offers a reminder of the company's mission of empowering people to rise out of poverty.

3. Nixon The 51-30 Rubber Strap Watch $400.00

4. Fridge Magnet Bottle opener $19.99

5. Personalized Pet Silhouette Art $59.95

6. The Man Cave Book $10.19

7. Motorized Grill Brush with Steam Cleaning Power $29.95

8. Obol®, the Never-Soggy Cereal Bowl $19.99  *Great Bachelor Gift!

9. Astronaut Ice Cream $6.00 Stocking Stuffer!

10. Bacon Lollipops  From Bacon Freak $3.60/pk of 5  Stocking Stuffer!

Top 10 Christmas Wish List for Boys 8-12

There are quite a number of list out there for kids but, not a whole lot specifically for boys (ages 8-12)  I know because I have boys in this category and they are hard to buy for!  Here are my top 10 suggestions for boys that are too big for Hot Wheels and not quite teenagers without mentioning the obvious big ticket items like the iPad2 or a XBox 360 Kinect.

1. Volcom Mask Hoodie ($65-$70) Nordstrom or Local Surf Shops.
My 9 year old is obsessed with these mask hoodies!

 

2. Neff Beanies from Tillys  $13.99

The must have item for boys.

3. NFL Jersey from NFLShop.com $39 and up

Pick their favorite team & player's number...Go Team!

4. Vinyl Wall Decals from Etsy. Prices start around $16.

You can find skate, surf or snowboard decals. They also offer industry logos like Volcom, Santa Cruz & Vans.

5. Skateboard Accessories ($6.99 at local skate shops) or Amazon.com

Perfect stocking stuffer!

     Tail Devils - "Sparks for your skateboard."

6.  Skull Candy ear buds Assorted colors & styles.

Great if they own an iPod, tablet or MP3 player.

$19.99 and up

7. Tabletop Foosball $27.99 Target and other large retailers.

My kids have this and they sit on the floor and play when their friends come over.  We added felt pads to the bottom and it slides underneath their beds. Love it!

8.  2G Surf, skate or snowboard USB Flash Drive from Staples. $10.99

Another great stocking stuffer!  My kids keep borrowing mine to transport school projects so, I was thrilled when I found these!

9. Video Games for their gaming console.

     Madden NFL 12 $37.49 at ToysRus

     Star Wars III $19.99 ToysRus

10. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Boxed Set $60 at BN.com 

or the recently released Diary of a Wimpy Kid Cabin Fever $8.37 at BN.com

On another note...this time of year one of the best gifts you can give your whole family is helping someone else in need.  Check with your local church, soup kitchen or school official to see if there is a family in need right in your own neighborhood. It doesn't take much to make someones holiday a little brighter!

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving 2011 {kids table}

I say this every year but, I can't believe Thanksgiving is already here!!!  My family loves this holiday and the simple tradtions we started when our kids were toddlers.  My hubby is an amazing cook so, he is our turkey guy.  Turkey one makes his famous apple pie each year and Turkey two decorates the table (and snaps the green beans in half.)  I was looking through Pinterest for table setting ideas and found some great options for a kids table.  Last year we made the paper bag turkey as seen here and year before last we had indian headbands as seen here so, time for something different and fun!

Southern Living



Home Stories A-Z




 Simplified bee



http://www.fiskars.com/

Wishing you a very HaPpY ThAnKsGiViNg with your little turkeys!

Turkey one.

Turkey two.

Gwen Stefani & Target present...Harajuku Mini!!!

Singer and (L.A.M.B.)  Designer Gwen Stefani is launching her Harajuku mini line for kids at Target.  I am a huge Gwen fan!  Love her music and covet her L.A.M.B. line and fragrance collection. She is pretty much "EVERYTHING" in my book.  The much anticipated line will cover clothing and shoes for baby, toddlers & tweens.  Let's hope she doesn't stop there!  The price points do not go over $30.00.  Love her for keeping it real! Launch date is November 13th so rev up your shopping cart (or keyboard) and let's hope that Target has worked out all the kinks since the Missoni mishap launch.  Gwen Stefani wore a B.Y.O.G. labor & delivery gown when she had her son Zuma as seen here in O.K. Magazine.

Sneak peak from Target.com...



The Baby Planners Picks featured on Perez Hilton's Blog Perezitos!

We've all heard of Perez Hilton...he's the pink haired blogger that is always stirring up gossip or "celebrity juice."  He has a long list of celebrity frenemies friends that most likely fuel his famous rants.  He has a new blog called Perezitos...A fun space on celebrity parents and all children.  We were delighted when we got the news from Ellie and Melissa, The Baby Planners that we were being featured as one of their picks on his blog!  They are the ultimate baby planners to some of Hollywood's most famous mamas-to-be.  So of course we were honored!!!  Here's a pic from the post on Perezito.com  Click on the link to read the article. If you want to keep up with the latest news and trends for parents to be...follow The Baby Planner and B.Y.O.G. on twitter @thebabyplanners  @BYOG.

What Not To Wear

(click here to go directly to the post.)

Missoni at Tar-jay!

Can you stand it?  House of Missoni is debuting their collection for Target (better known as "Tar-jay.")  The collection, which features their signature zig-zag knits for women, kids and infants will be available at Target stores across the nation and online at http://www.target.com/
When??

Tomorrow, September 13, 2011.

Hurry, because these pieces won't last. View the full lookbook at Fashionista

For baby...

For Mama...

 

For the home...

I might need to have this...

Do your kids help out around the house? Here are a few Chore Charts that might get them started.

My kids went back to school last week but, it seems today is the official day for most.  I realized by the end of last week that we are a family that needs to adhere to a schedule.  We do so much better.  Summer was fun but, a bit of a free for all.  And now between homework, late football practices and after school activities our house is getting tore up! I seriously need help and my kids are definitely old enough to pitch in on a regular basis. So, I decided it was time to get organized.  I've always threatened talked about using a chore chart because I don't want to yell ask three times to do a simple chore (make beds, pick up clothes off the floor etc...)  Now that I'm committed to using a chore chart, I started to search for one that will work for our family and not look too lame hanging in our kitchen (where it must be placed or I'll forget and never enforce it!)  I was surprised to see how many choices are out there and I'm so thankful for the Moms that took the time to share their creative ideas.  Cause, I'm way too busy picking up after everyone!  P.S. If you have toddlers, start with small task that won't overwhelm them (or cause more grief for you) like picking up a few toys etc.. You will thank me later:)
Here are my top picks:

#1. Chore sticks from Embellish Goods Free download here.

These would look kind of cute in a glass jar or even a vintage vase. 

They do not take up too much space...I think I have a winner!

#2. Decore Friendly Chore Chart from Tatertots & Jello

#3. Clipboard Chore Chart from Stacy Julian

I like these a lot!  It would be nice to print out a sheet each with different chores each week.

#4. This is chart from Brown Paper is Packages is cute

(if you have the time/talent?)

 #5. Ribbon Chore Chart

This chore chart can be customized to match any decor.

I couldn't find the original site but, it looks like you just need:

Ribbon (that you can write/paint on)

Fabric pens or paint

Clothes pins

Hanger or a loop on the back to hang.

#6. Clipboard Chart with Allowance Pocket

I like how this chart has included an allowance pocket.  I think most kids would want to check their chart  frequently if they there might be a little money waiting for them.  Good idea!

Good luck and I hope you are rewarded with eager helpers around the house! Now I just need to figure out how much allowance to give??

Coco Chanel Inspired Baby Shower

This quote sets the background for this Coco inspired soiree designed by Blair Britt Events.

"A girl should be two things...classy and fabulous."  Coco Chanel

 Simple and elegant.

This Perfume Bar is a fun idea!  Guest can mix up their own signature fragrance...love it!

The finished fragrance doubles as an elegant party favor.



Photo credit: Hostess with the mostess

   

Sweet.

Tissue pom-poms. Tutorial here and it's so easy!

Personalize this theme by adding vintage handbags filled with pink peonies and black & pale pink tables draped with pearls.  Just add  light fare and bubbly pink champagne.

A little Summer fun!

The days are dwindling down.  The aisles that once displayed beach towels and sand toys are now replaced with notebooks and three ring binders.  Nooooooooo!  I love Summer and I'm not ready to think about the rigorous schedule that is fast approaching.  I have enjoyed hanging out with my family and friends at the beach. Watching my kids learn to surf.  Swimming in the pool after dark.   The last couple months have been filled with many adventures and it's hard for my brain to make the switch.  I have also been perusing Pinterest (you may remember from an earlier post?)  and I found a few simple, inexpensive & F U N things you can do with your little ones.  Savor the last days of Summer!

#1.  Bubble snakes! From HowDoesShe.com

#2. DIY Car wash - Directions for similar project at Crafty Sisters

#3. Lava lamps from S L S Smith Photography

#4. Build a reading tent from My Cakies

#5. Marble race track from My Home Spun Threads

Dreading Back-to-school but, LOVE this idea!

We all take pictures of our kids on the first day of school or at least try to but,  this is a much more creative way to capture that image. I first saw this idea on my girlfriend Nicole's Pinterest board.  She has little ones so, I hope she remembers to do this!  For me this falls into the category of "I wish I would have done that!"  Still can but, we'll be missing a few years:)  It would be cute to have your kids create the sign on their own (when they can write.) The original post is from Ohdeeoh...love them!