Archive for the ‘Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More’
Three dimensional movies are way cool, but the glasses that the theatres hand out are, um, questionable. RealD, a leading global licensor of stereoscopic (three-dimensional), or 3D, technologies, sent my children some ReadD kid-size 3D glasses of their very own with which to watch Toy Story 3.
They’re designed to fit kids 8 & under, and all theatres showing the 3D version of Toy Story 3 have received shipments of these little guys so be sure to ask for them. Bonus: they’re new so you don’t have to worry about the questionable cleaning methods of the recycled ones! (Tip: keep them and clean them yourself for re-use.) They’re made to the same high quality standards as the adult RealD 3D glasses for a bright & immersive 3D experience.
Win it! Want your kids to have their own sanitary, child-sized pair of realD 3D glasses? FIVE randomly selected commenters will each win TWO pairs! Comment on this post before noon mst on August 4 to be entered.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED
Posted on on July 27th, 2010 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, For Big Kids (6+), For PreSchoolers (3+), Gadgets & Goodies |
10 Comments »
There are many joys, big and small, for a mama with a little girl. One of the small joys that I adore is choosing new hair bows & clips to match every outfit. I have no time for crafts, so luckily there are a ton of shops online selling fabulous products at reasonable prices, like fromalicebows.com
The variety is great – check out their signature collection – and the prices range from a very reasonable & demure $4 to a gorgeous, layered & fancy $15.
Win it! We’re giving away a selection of 5 “pretties” valued at $40. Visit From, Alice and comment on this post with one of your faves before noon mst on July 31, 2010 to be entered to win!
Posted on on July 22nd, 2010 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, For Girls Only, For PreSchoolers (3+), For Toddlers (1-3), Giveaway! |
17 Comments »
Ordering eyeglasses on the internet is something I never thought I’d do. I figured it was just too risky.
Then I got an email from Glasses USA requesting a review and jumped on the chance to let them prove me wrong. We had recently gotten new prescriptions, so got my very poorly sighted husband some titanium (read: hopefully child resistant) specs in the Air Black style. He has been wearing prescription glasses since he was a small boy, and was very impressed by not only the range of styles available but also the fabulous prices. The style he chose was only $80 including the lenses, and he’s never had a pair under $350 in the past. When the glasses arrived, I immediately opened them even though the rightful owner wasn’t home because I am a curious cat. They looked great, and look equally great on my husband. The only complaint is that what were supposed to be super thin lenses are actually rather thick and thicker than any he’s ever had which makes them slightly less clear than they should be. He won’t drive in them because of that, but if I’m driving or if we’re hanging out at home he wears them regularly.
My other concern about ordering eyeglass frames online was that I wouldn’t like them or they wouldn’t fit and then I’d be stuck with them. Glasses USA offers a satisfaction guarantee. If, even after you check the very specific measurements that they provide, they don’t fit or even if you just don’t like the style you can just send them back for your choice of a refund or a replacement. There’s really nothing to lose! Though there was the lens thickness concern with our review pair, we didn’t return them because, well, they were free. And they work. And they look great!
Win it! A free pair of glasses with single vision lenses is up for grabs! Simply comment below before noon mst on February 28 to enter. Become a Glasses USA fan on Facebook or follow them on Twitter for additional entries (comment separately for each entry, please.) These are in addition to the 5 entries you can get in every TOP giveaway.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on February 20th, 2010 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Giveaway! |
95 Comments »
My daughter, until two weeks ago, had never had her nails painted. There just wasn’t a safe enough option for those porous little nails. Sure, there’s toluene & formaldehyde free polishes everywhere now, but the other ingredients are enough to send you screaming & running in the other direction.
We recently discovered Piggy Paint and are now thrilled to be able to paint her nails any time she’s feeling the need for a little extra pink.
It’s got no harsh, nasty chemicals in it – it’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, Bisphenol A, ethyl acetate and acetone. Check out the difference between Piggy Paint and other children’s nail polish on a styrofoam plate. It’s rather astounding. Piggy Paint is non-toxic, low odour, water based, hypoallergenic, and the fun colours all dry to a hard & durable finish. My daughter absolutely loves having pink nails to match her pink clothing, pink boots, pink coat, pink toys…you get my drift.
We also have some Piggy Paint remover but actually haven’t used it yet because the Piggy Paint wore off fairly quickly. It looked great for about 3-4 days and then came off over the next day or three. Perfect for a little girl who would hate for me to use remover on her. We didn’t cure it with a blow dryer as they recommend, and just put on two coats. I honestly wouldn’t want polish on my child that lasted for much longer, so she and I absolutely loved it. It’s going to make it much easier to change colours regularly as well. When we do need to use the remover, I’ll use it without reservation because it also is made from natural ingredients, is low odour, acetone-free, hypoallergenic & biodegradable.
Piggy Paint was founded by mom of two Melanie Hurley and is made in the USA. Natural & safe products for kids that are still sparkly & fun? Piggy Paint is just the kind of product and company that Opinionated Parents love to recommend and support with our own hard-earned cash.
Save 15% on your Piggy Paint (including sale items) with the code OPINIONATED15L until January 31, 2010.
Win it! Comment below before noon mst on December 24/09 with your favourite Piggy Paint shade to win a $15 gift certificate!
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on December 16th, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Beauty, Skin Care & Other Such Stuff, For Big Kids (6+), For Girls Only, For PreSchoolers (3+), For Toddlers (1-3), Giveaway!, Green Living & Organics, Naturals, Special Offer |
45 Comments »
I’m a bona fide accessory addict and am just absolutely THRILLED with the selection of products from Itty Bitty Bowtique.
Denise is a work at home mom of two who loves her clips & bows to be “Sweet & Petite ~ Just Like Your Princess!” All of her bows and clippies measure 4 inches and under so your little one can make an entrance without her bow entering the room before she does. She uses only high quality ribbon and embellishments for all of her products, including genuine Swarovski crystals. All ribbons, buttons and other embellishments are mounted securely to the clip or barrette using a non-toxic adhesive. Her petite bows are hand-sewn in the center to allow for years of wear.
There are two things that I feel make Itty Bitty Bowtique stand out among the throngs of moms making bows these days. First of all, everything is made-to-order which allows Denise to add custom details that you won’t find at boutique stores. If you don’t see what you want, Denise will gladly make it or add it for you if she can! Second is her incredible selection. Look down the left hand side of her site and choose from over 20 categories! (Among them, we really love Bugs, Tuxedo Bows & Streamers, but I could really go on forever so you’d better go look for yourself! My own daughter and Nicole’s daughter (Nicole, the quintessential opinionated parent of T.O.P. fame who brings us all of these great finds) have been wearing Itty Bitty Bowtique bows for a couple of weeks and have been stopped by friends and strangers alike who want to know where we got the awesome accessories. I have bought several hand covered headbands in the past from local markets and have never seen any as well made as the headbands from Itty Bitty Bowtique. There are bows that match perfectly and the combination is cute enough to melt you on the spot. The bands are lined with a velcro strip to keep them in place and it works wonderfully & never wears out. All of the items at Itty Bitty Bowtique are very reasonably priced – I’d never be able to even make them for those prices with my lack-of-craftiness – and I highly recommend everything I’ve seen from this awesome store. - By Andrea M.
Win it! We’ve got a HUGE selection of products from Itty Bitty Bowtique to give to one winner, including bows from all of the categories and headbands with matching bows! To enter, visit Itty Bitty Bowtique and comment with your fave(s) before noon mst on July 24, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED.
Posted on on July 16th, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Giveaway! |
80 Comments »
Sick and tired of playing “find the soother” when your baby is screaming? Or maybe you’re not so fond of the “I throw it, you pick up eleventy gajillion times” game? Sure, it’s cute at first, but it gets old fast. Especially when you’re outside and the surfaces onto which things are thrown are absolutely repulsive.
Momtrepreneurs Michal Prevor and Irit Maor have developed a stylish & affordable solution to this problem. Through their company, Tutim NYC, Michal and Irit developed their Paci Sitter and Toy sitter in an astounding array of colours & patterns that have been stylistically influenced by the inventors’ international upbringing.
The Tutim NYC sitters prevent children’s pacifiers & toys from getting dirty, lost or swapped with the local booger-factory. They can attach to any outfit, stroller, car seat, carrier or high
chair. The clip on the Paci sitter is plastic covered which greatly reduces any marking of clothing, and the loops on the Toy sitter are adjustable in size – perfect even for the clunkiest of strollers.
At only $10-$12, one of each makes a great small gift and a super add on to a nice shower gift. With their huge selection of trendy matching fabrics, there’s something every parent will love.
Win it! We’re giving away a set of the Paci & Toy sitter to TEN winners! To enter, simply choose your fave fabric patterns from Tutim NYC & comment with one or two of them before noon mst on June 25, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED
Posted on on June 18th, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, For Babies (0-1), Giveaway! |
60 Comments »
Chelsea Gossett, creator of the Count Me Healthy bracelet line, is one smart cookie. Functional jewelry is so often clunky & hideous, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from my new bracelet. Colour me impressed. The newest addition to the line, Mommy and Me, was created with the active, modern mom in mind. Mommy and Me is the first and only bracelet used to monitor health goals for baby, mom or the expecting mother. A stunning stirling silver bracelet with shimmering beads that are each assigned a value depending on what you’re tracking, the Mommy and Me bracelet can help a mama track pretty much anything – daily feedings for baby, fruit and vegetable servings for mom, pre-natal vitamins, extra calories during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and even books read. You track your daily progress by sliding beads from side of the bracelet to the other, and the patented jump ring systems keeps the beads exactly where you want them. Mommy and Me can also be effective in reducing mom’s bad habits, such as sweets, sugary sodas, caffeinated beverages and artificial sweeteners. Or, if you’re like me, it’s a gorgeous accessory that you’ll forget to use – but it won’t matter because it’s totally gorgeous. Easy to use (and can be as simple or as detailed as you wish)
The Mommy and Me bracelet retails for $88. Pick yours up at www.countmehealthyjewelry.com.
Posted on on May 25th, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Bling |
No Comments »
It was almost exactly a year ago that we shared a great Canadian company with you – a company whose new products are so fab we’ve brought them back again! Clippopotamus (Clippo for short) isn’t just clips anymore. T.O.P. contributor Susan shares with you three new products from Clippo:
Soother Clippo:
If you have a child that uses a soother you will agree those things are like gold. The soother clippo could be your saviour. The material they use for the tether is made from fully washable grosgrain ribbons and the clips are stainless steel with plastic teeth that won’t ruin fabrics.
I only wish my daughter’s soother had something I could clip on it… however, I used the soother clippo as a toy leash as they recommend on the Clippo website. I’m sure many of you can relate when I say if I had a dollar for every time my daughter threw something out of her stroller I would be a rich woman. Of course I know it is just a game she loves to play and generally I don’t mind… except when we are in a disgustingly dirty public washroom and she decides to launch her teething toys or worse yet her “surface wash only” plush teddy bear, eeeew. So, needless to say I was thrilled to put the Clippo to the test. And I am impressed. My daughter who is also very strong and determined was not able to pull her toy off the stroller thanks to the Soother Clippo.
Bib Clippo:
This is the coolest design ever! In case you haven’t guessed my daughter is also one of those kids that hates to wear a bib. She reefs on the Velcro bibs I have for her, tears them off, swings them around, and throws them on the ground. So, we tried the Bib Clippo while we were away this weekend, and I love it. I got the idea from the Clippopotamus website because I wasn’t sure how to use the bib clippo… but when they talked about being caught someplace without a bib and trying to stuff a napkin in a child’s collar, I laughed because I am totally guilty of that, and yes it was a bust. This is obviously one of those brilliant mom inventions. Just carry your bib clippo in the diaper bag and you’ve got yourself a disposable bib-on-the-go.
Honestly, I think my grandmother, who was 93 when she passed away, would have appreciated this product. She lived in a care facility where they had adult bibs, just what you would put on a baby only larger. If they had the bib clippo they could use napkins or paper towels attached to these sophisticated tethers. I definitely would have bought her one of these.
The other great thing about the bib clippo is because of the adjustable size moms can use it to make a quick and easy nursing cover. Now I would say I am middle of the road liberal/modest when it comes to nursing in public. Generally I have no problem whipping it out to feed my baby, however I was once stuck in the middle of a very busy mall on a Saturday in an unfamiliar city and was trying to cover up some with a blanket… well my daughter would not have this, so over and over again would try to pull it off her head and expose me for all to see. The bib clippo will keep your receiving blanket in place!
Blanket Clippo:
I don’t have a little one in a bucket car seat anymore but if I did I would want a blanket clippo. See their website for a visual. With the wind gusts we get here in Southern Alberta, the Clippo’s fierce bite is crucial. The blanket clippo straps on to the carseat or stroller and ensures your child’s blanket stays put. It is a nice alternative to those car seat covers. We were caught in a hail storm this weekend while at a park, and the Blanket Clippo came in very handy to keep my daughter’s blanket in place on the stroller. I have been known to run over a few blankets in my day… it’s extra special when the stroller wheels are nice and muddy.
What fantastic products from a fine company that prides themselves on giving back to the Canadian community. Four dollars from the sale of selectively designed soother clippos goes to the charity SickKids in Toronto.
Speaking of designs, did I mention the amazing variety of patterns to choose from? Very trendy, and there’s something for everyone’s taste.
Win it! We’re giving away one of each of the featured Clippos to one randomly selected T.O.P. reader. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on May 26, 2009 including your favourite fabric(s) form the Clippopotamus
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on May 19th, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Canadian Businesses, Canadian-Made, For Babies (0-1), Giveaway! |
46 Comments »
I have never met a mom of a little girl who has never felt the exasperation of trying to keep up with their ever changing tastes. Mag-Tagz, a new line of magnetic interchangeable jewelry is perfect for the tween set because it allows them to change their jewelry to match their outfit or their mood without having to break the bank buying a bunch of new necklaces.
Mag-Tagz necklaces come with a standard magnetic pendant base (which is cute enough to wear alone, actually) and the tagz charms can be easily interchanged at any time. New & limited edition tags are released every few months so there’s always something different to try and they’re a great thing to trade & share amongst girlfriends. Who needs hockey cards?
Invented by mom Anita Worth, Mag-Tagz involve young girls in every step of their business. Her daughter and her friends shared their input right from the start, and now the site includes several interactive features. They can play “Tag, You’re It!” where they can enter a code found on the back of each tag to get a clue. The goal is to collect four clues and decipher the common trait. Once they’ve solved it, they can submit their answer and be entered to win awesome prizes. (Wii!) And it’s not just a grab to get your kids to buy more Tagz. Girls are actually encouraged to share codes with each other and trade their Tagz in order to learn more clues. Though if it were, at only $3.99 – $4.99 most girls could afford to buy them with their own money. The necklace base sells for $9.99, and a starter pack with a base and 3 tagz goes for $19.99 (small) or $23.99 (large).
Girls (and, I suppose, boys, if they’re into that kind of thing) are also encouraged to design their own Tag and enter it into the Mag-Tagz design contest where they’ll be voted on by blog readers. If they win, their design will be produced as a limited edition Tag and their name is even engraved on the back! How thrilling would that be?
Use the code blogger20 to save 20% on purchase of $20 or more.
Win it! A necklace base and either the Green Earth Tag or the Bee Tag is up for grabs. Take a look at the design winners page and then come back to comment with your choice to be entered to win.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED (Congrats Terra!)
Posted on on May 6th, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Bling, For Big Kids (6+), For Girls Only, For Tweens, Giveaway! |
5 Comments »
With Earth Day having just passed, there’s no better time than now to introduce you to the Etsy shop of Ruth Smith, a Winnipeg-based Canadian working mom of two, PeriwinkleDzyns. Ruth got tired of seeing all the obsolete electronic components go into the garbage at a local factory and was industrious enough to rescue them, combine them with her jewellery making skills and create her line of upcycled e-waste jewelery.
Her custom original geekery lanyard is the coolest geekiest. It’s 44″ total length (adjustable to your specification) and has a sterling plated chain around the back of the neck for comfort. It’s very sturdily made of new resistors (never in contact with solder or circuit boards) that have been rescued from going to the landfill. It comes equipped with a 0.75″ key ring for your keys, pass card or whatever you need to have within reach. She makes some cool jewelery that’s less function and more fashion as well. I love this one and this one.
Another cool find in Ruth’s shop are the vintage pinback 1.25″ buttons made by her daughter Kendra. She uses words from vintage dictionaries and thesauri to create these cute accessories which she sells for just $2 each, keeping the books out of the recycle bin, increasing her vocabulary and learning basic business skills all at the same time. What a great venture for an obviously smart little girl!
We love a find that allows you to have it all – shop online, support a mom, support a kid and protect the earth.
Win it! We’ve got BOTH of the pictured items up for grabs – a yellow geekery lanyard and a full set of Charlie Brown dictionary buttons. To enter, visit the PeriwinkleDzyns shop and come back to comment with your fave(s) that were not mentioned in this review. Contest closes at noon mst on May 1, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on April 24th, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Canadian Businesses, Canadian-Made, For Dad, For Mom, For The Folks, Giveaway!, Green Living & Organics, Hardware & Techie Stuff |
44 Comments »
There’s no doubt that we’re in the midst of a recession, and even if you’re one of the lucky ones who hasn’t lost any money or jobs you’re sure to be feeling the urge to be a little bit more careful with your spare cash. However, that doesn’t mean you’ve lost your desire to splurge for yourself and your babes on high quality and functional merchandise.
Medicine Hat, Alberta based ChicPeek, offers a great variety of incredibly high quality products at great prices. Owner & designer Echo Wells is a mom of three who has been creating beautiful items for over 15 years. Her experience is evident as soon as you see her products in person. They’re of a highly professional quality but sell for a handmade price.
The ChicPeek nursing covers (a steal at $24.99 without your discount – see below) is truly one of a kind. (Pictured in the two centre images at right.) Made of a gorgeous cashmere & silk pashmina (black or brown), it’s the required amount of discreet and modest, but unusually fashionable for a nursing cover. There are enough “Hey, guess what? I’m breastfeeding!” (a.k.a. ugly) nursing covers out there; it’s about time someone made one like this. Essentially just a long & wide scarf that’s strategically sewn with a head & arm hole, it covers all the way around, making it fully tug-proof. There’s an open side so one hand is always free to multi-task, and it’s the perfect weight to not swelter you or baby while you cuddle. If someone notices that you’re nursing, it’s likely either someone who has seen one of Echo’s great covers before or who spotted the gorgeous little toes peeking out from underneath. Even better is that when you’re done nursing or in between children, your nursing cover is a beautiful scarf that you can wear several ways without anyone having any idea that it once hid your boobs from strangers.
ChicPeek offers a large selection of Miklips hair bows & clips for newbies and right up to moms. From the most adorable corkers to gorgeous big bows, the Chic Peek clips are of top quality, stay in your hair and are absolutely gorgeous.
Most of all, though, I was thrilled to discover the ChicPeek buggie hugs shopping cart cover ($49.99 – two bottom images at right). I have looked everywhere – brick and morter as well as online – and ChicPeek is the first place I’ve found stylish looking covers with holes and belts for two children to share the front seat of a cart. (The standards is two holes and one belt, but just ask and Echo will put another belt in for you.) The design of her buggy hugs are brilliant. Aside from the extra wide leg holes to accommodate one leg or two, these are also the only covers I’ve seen come equipped with an attached caribiner to secure the cover to the cart. My kids ride in the different shades of red pattern, which is gorgeous and commented on everywhere we go – particularly Costco when both kids are germ free & buckled in the front seat of the cart. If you’re going to have a second child before your first turns four, I highly recommend you pick up a Chic Peek buggy hug and get a second belt put in. The longer you can contain them safely, the happier you’ll be. Trust me on that.
Mention T.O.P. when you order and Echo will refund 10% of your order (because her cart won’t currently accept discount codes.)
This is just one of many great exclusive online shopping discounts that you’ll find in our TOP Shops.
You’ll notice that ChicPeek was the first to purchase one of our brand new image based TOP Shop spots, right at the top of the page. Check out her adorable ad!
Win it! Thanks to ChicPeek, we’re giving one very lucky randomly selected T.O.P. reader a gorgeous nursing cover, a selection of MiKlips AND a shopping cart cover! To enter, visit Chic Peek and come back to comment with your favourite items, patterns & styles, being sure to mention something that you didn’t read in this review in order to qualify. Open it in a new tab – you’ll want to go back and spend some more time browsing! Contest closes at noon mst on April 7, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on March 31st, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Bling, Canadian Businesses, Canadian-Made, For Babies (0-1), For PreSchoolers (3+), Giveaway!, Nursing Mama, Parent Gear, TOP Shops |
49 Comments »
I live in a drought ridden area of Canada, but have a lot of family & friends on the coasts where the rain is so prevalent and so heavy that it’s not only depressing but also keeps people inside when they should be out playing. We love to visit, but it’s always so nice to get away from the rain when we leave.
Some people can’t just fly home to dry off, though. For those, thank goodness for Raindrops Baby Gear, a company based in the small & rainy community of Pitt Meadows, BC. Owner and designer Corri Seers has created some awesome designer style baby & toddler rain hats without the accompanying designer prices. Both of my children wore a Raindrops hat in our last (relatively rare so always exciting) rain and not only did they love being able to play out in the rain without a cumbersome hood restraining their movements and restricting their vision, but I loved that they looked far cuter than really should be legal. The wide brims actually kept water off the children’s faces, unlike their hoods, and the velcro straps kept the hats on while they puddle jumped with an insane amount of energy. If you’re looking for a fashionable way to get your kids out in the rain, you’ll find it at Raindrops for under $30.
Corri uses 100% designer cottons that have been coated with polyurethane to make them waterproof. The hats are lined with either soft bamboo cotton or bamboo fleece. All of her products are both designed and manufactured in Canada, and Raindrops Baby Gear uses sustainable products wherever possible. Sizes XS – XL are available, covering newbies to school aged kids.
Win it! Raindrops Baby Gear is giving away a hat to one randomly selected T.O.P. reader. To enter, visit the Raindrops site to choose your style and size and then leave a comment letting us know your choice before noon mst on March 31, 2009.
(Thanks for the emails about the link issue. It’s now fixed, and fyi you can click on the image in any post to be taken directly to the reviewed site.)
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on March 24th, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Canadian Businesses, Canadian-Made, For Babies (0-1), For PreSchoolers (3+), For Toddlers (1-3), Giveaway!, wearables |
72 Comments »
If you’re looking for some out-of-the-ordinary accessories at out-of-the-ordinary low prices, let me introduce you to Manic Mittens. Canadian SAHM & entrepreneur Lorien van der Veen hand makes a huge selection of very unique bling for the heads of everyone from newborn baby girls to angst-filled emo teens to the stylish working mother.
I just love the handmade hair bows – they have a perfect boutique look but a craft sale price (ranging from $6-$7 for a pair), and it just doesn’t get much better than that.
I checked out the infant snap clips and they look absolutely adorable on my girlfriend’s nearly hairless baby girl. And they stay in, which you’d think is pretty amazing too if you saw her lack of hair. I think she has around seven hairs on her whole head, and these clips stay in one or two! A set of three sells for just $4.
The Manic Mittens’ selection of no slip clippies is rather astounding. She makes the standard ribbon clippies (only $8 for four!) but also button clippies, embellished clippies, and initialed clippies.
Lorien also makes a selection of way gorgeous Victorian-esque bobby pins for moms (or any woman, mama or not, I suppose!) that are different than any I’ve seen before. The pins are obviously high quality and grip the hair very well. The 2 1/2 inch long clips have a lovely silver (plated) shine to them and look quite stunning on – if I do say so myself.
Check out her sale page for some even more amazing deals!
Win it! We’re giving away the prize package pictured here to one lucky randomly selected winner…snap clips, clippies, bows & bobby pins…something for almost everyone! To enter, visit the Manic Mittens site and come back to comment with some of your favourite products or patterns not pictured here (be specific!). Contest closes at noon mst on March 9, 2009
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on March 4th, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Canadian Businesses, Canadian-Made, For Girls Only, Giveaway! |
77 Comments »
It would come from this awesome new T.O.P. discovery.
There is certainly no shortage of pitches from people who make hair bows & clips in our inbox every week. We’re choosy about those we choose to check out, and even choosier about who we recommend once we give the product the opinionated-mom-test.
I am THRILLED to introduce you to Sarah’s Bowtique, a Chilliwack, British Columbia based business that features an absolutely huge variety of hair bows, clippies and tiny little snappies. There are small bows, medium bows, korkers in several styles, amazingly cute holiday styles and some of the most gorgeous and functional bow holder boards I’ve seen to date. You know, one with more than two usable ribbons? Count them – twenty! Twenty ribbons with room to clip 50 or more bows, depending on the styles you like. The photos on the site don’t do the holders or the bows justice – they’re truly awesome. Owner, designer & mom Kendra Christie covers all of the bases for your little one’s hair, from newborn peach fuzz to long school aged locks.
As if great style weren’t enough, the no-slip grip used is free of latex and toxins, and the ribbon is heat sealed to stop fraying without toxic glues. Now that’s what I’m talking about.
Want to help your friends save money on these fab bows and earn a store credit for doing it? Have an e-party! One of the best ideas I’ve heard in a while!
Another way to save – check out the bow of the month which is always buy one, get one free!
Yeah, I know I’m perhaps a little too excited about bows. I mean, they’re just bows, right? But these? Worth it.
Win it! We’re giving away a bow holder and a selection of super duper cute bows (including at least four of those pictured above, package valued at over $50) from Sarah’s Bowtique. To enter, visit the site and take a look around. Come back and comment with a few things that you hope are coming your way if you’re the randomly selected winner!
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on March 2nd, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Canadian Businesses, Canadian-Made, For Babies (0-1), For Big Kids (6+), For Girls Only, For PreSchoolers (3+), For Toddlers (1-3), Giveaway! |
43 Comments »
I’ve always wanted a tutu. < / embarrassing confession >
The tutus from Janie Dale’s Baby Cha Cha Boutique fit the bill perfectly if you’re looking for a sassy tutu for your little girl. (Or for you – she can custom make anything so I’m sure a 30″ waist wouldn’t be a problem.) They’re all elasticized to grow with your little girl and made with a metric tonne of soft-ish tulle so they’re super fluffy & full as a tutu should be.
The standard sizes run from newborn to seven years. The newborn (0-12 months) sample we received was too small for my daughter at 10 months (which, quite literally, broke her heart because it’s so darn cute) so I recommend buying a size up if you have a child with any sort of belly going on. (Mine is very long & lean but has a nice solid Buddha thing going on which makes the elastic too tight. It would have fit her as a newborn, though. Just something to keep in mind when you’re ordering.)
You’ll also find some longer halter style tutu gowns in the Baby Cha Cha Boutique that I know would be a huge hit with any little girl. She also makes adorable hats, headbands, bows, onesies, flip flops and some wall decor for baby’s room – all of which are equally adorable and sassy.
Win it! We’ve got a white crochet headband with a red rosette attached to give away to one randomly selected reader. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before noon mst on February 11, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on February 4th, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, For Babies (0-1), For Big Kids (6+), For Girls Only, For PreSchoolers (3+), For Toddlers (1-3), wearables |
65 Comments »
Even here in the great white north, we get a lot of sun. Enough that our little ones’ noggins need protection, and wouldn’t it be a shame if that protection wasn’t fashionable?
How cute is this? A bandana for your baby! Not that my baby has any hair to keep out of her eyes, or works up much of a sweat in her Exersaucer, but she looks super hip with her baby bandana from Tsitah Threads on!
Tsitah Threads was founded by a new mom with a “desire to outfit her babe in comfort, happiness, and cheetah print”. This cute little bandana is 100% cotton and has a Velcro closure to allow for adjustable sizing. My daughter who is 7 months old not only looked adorable in her bandana, but had no trouble keeping it on. Just beware of the other children around that may try to snatch it from your baby’s head! Tsitah Threads currently makes these fashion statements for infants 0-12 months as well as a newly released toddler size. Organic cotton is available as well. They come in a variety of patterns and colors, so check at www.tsitah.com for your faves.
Be aware that the baby ones do fit a tad on the small side so if you have a baby with a large cranium or who is over 6 months old, you may want to grab a toddler size.
Tsitah Threads. Quality designs inspired by Earth & made in Canada. - By Susan
Win it! We’re giving away a baby girl bandana from Tsitah Threads on size 0-12 months. To enter, check out the Tsitah Threads site and come back to comment with your favourite fabric style. Contest closes at noon mst on January 30, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on January 23rd, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Canadian Businesses, Canadian-Made, For Babies (0-1), For Toddlers (1-3), Giveaway!, Green Living & Organics |
42 Comments »
Having a baby girl is such a joy for so many reasons. Not only do you finally get to buy cute little dresses and 101 pairs of pretty shoes, but you get to fill jewelery boxes full of beautiful accessories to adorn her in. Hair clips, elastics and headbands are lovely & welcome additions to your baby’s already perfect head.
When I opened my package from Cuckooboo I was struck both by the cuteness and the quality of the products. The little hair clips, the elastics, and the headband were used over the next week on both of my girls. The clips and elastics stayed in my 11 month old daughter’s hair all day, which is amazing as it seems that nothing will stay in that fine baby hair. My six year old daughter loved wearing all the hair accessories as well, and received numerous compliments.
There are a few reasons why I am so impressed by the accessories and by Cuckooboo. First, Cuckooboo is owned and operated by a work at home mom and I love supporting WAHM’s. Second, the accessories are made extremely well, all with non-toxic materials and methods. Third, they are so stinkin’ cute. And lastly, the price is right. It’s not every day you’ll find something of such good quality for such a good price.
Cuckooboo has a huge variety of items from clips to crayon rolls and everything in between, all beautiful of course. There are items for your little girls, little boys, and you too (I’ll admit it, I wore the clips as well). The beautiful accessories are available at the Cuckooboo website store along with other select locations like Twig and Cuckooboo’s etsy site. Go ahead, find bliss in accessories – without breaking your bank account. – by Andrea
Win it! We’ve got a gift pack from Cuckooboo to give away including some cute clips and elastics. To enter, visit the Cuckooboo site for some window shopping and come back to comment with your fave(s) before noon mst on January 27/09.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on January 20th, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Giveaway! |
82 Comments »
My children, it seems, were fortunate to inherit my husband’s long, lean figure. It’s wonderful…until their pants fall down. My son, in particular, loses his drawers with astounding frequency.
That is, he did. Until I found Dapper Snappers. The adjustable waist on all his pants don’t adjust enough to fit him well because of the size he needs to accommodate his height. Invented by a mom of two skinny toddlers, Dapper Snappers attach to the belt loops on the back of a child’s pants and cinch them tighter without the dreaded belt. The last thing potty training or gotta-go-right-now youngsters need is a belt to fiddle with.
If you’ve got a slimline kiddo in your midst, I highly recommend the Dapper Snappers rather than a belt – you won’t be sorry when you’re not undoing & redoing a belt multiple times a day. They’re just the right size for a stocking stuffer, too. They’re available online from ToddlerTech USA for only 9 bucks or buy big in a three pack for $24 or a six pack for $40. For girls, the cutesie Snapcessory collection is stepped up a notch for $13. Totally worth it for something as necessary as keeping your pants on. (Unfortunately, I don’t have that problem. I just can’t get them on in the first place.)
Win it! We’re giving away two original Dapper Snappers to two separate winners. To enter, visit the shop to choose your favourite colour. Contest closes at noon mst on December 16, 2008.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED
Posted on on December 9th, 2008 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, For Big Kids (6+), For PreSchoolers (3+), For Toddlers (1-3), Gadgets & Goodies, Giveaway!, wearables |
51 Comments »
I’m a very proud breastfeeding mother. I feed my kids anywhere, any time they’re hungry. Both of them have had the awesome habit of stroking my neck or chest while they’re nursing and it’s fabulous, but it’s not so fabulous when they get a little older and it becomes hair pulling, eye gouging and nose picking. I wish I’d discovered the Etsy shop Risky Beads a few years ago. The Risky Beads nurse purse is the perfect solution for preventing non-breast nursing injuries. (Sorry, they won’t stop the nipples as a teething toy thing.)
I have the Pomegranate Nurse Purse (pictured) and both my daughter and I love it. It’s a stunning 33 mm red carnelian gogo donut strung on dark brown waxed cotton cord. It’s the ‘downscaled for the purse’ version of the linked image, which is an agate gogo donut strung on red and gold organza ribbon and dark brown leather cord and accented with a tiger iron rondelle. Extender chains are available if you like your necklaces extra long.
My little Bella loves holding onto and staring at the pendant while she nurses, and it prevents her from pulling my hair the majority of the time. The Risky Beads stones are cold and smooth to the touch and have a hole in the middle that makes it easy for babies to hold onto.
The nurse purse sells for only $12 (I know! Crazy!) and makes a great baby shower gift for the new mama. I love having mine with me everywhere I go – it especially distracts my daughter from pulling my clothing off while she’s nursing on the bench at the mall. Necklaces are also available sans the purse & fancied up for under $25 in the regular necklace section.
With your purchase, you’ll get promotional offers from several other Etsy sellers. You know what’s risky? Not having a nurse purse handy when your baby is hungry. Buy one – your eyeballs and hair follicles will thank you.
Win it! Your choice of nurse purse is up for grabs! Head over to this link to choose the one you want most, and come back to comment with your choice. Contest closes at noon mst on Friday, December 12, 2008.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED (#25)
Posted on on December 5th, 2008 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, For Mom, Giveaway!, Nursing Mama |
39 Comments »
When Amy Shek, a stay home mom of two, couldn’t find just what she was looking for in stay-put hair clips for her daughter, she made her own. Once she found what she considered the perfect clippie formula, she decided to share it with the world.
At the newly launched www.CustomClippies.com, you’ll find a huge assortment of clips, all of which Amy makes herself. Each one comes with a no-slip grip. Her designs are unique, lightweight & comfortable, and the clips are very affordable for the boutique quality that you’re getting.
My own daughter, with her super fine hair, is able to keep these clippies in for several hours – and she looks darn cute!
Win it! We’ve got a set of two of the cutesie double flower stack pictured above to give away to a reader. To enter, go have a browse around www.customclippies.com and come back to comment with another one or two of her designs that you dig.
CONTEST CLOSED AND WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on November 27th, 2008 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, For Big Kids (6+), For Girls Only, For PreSchoolers (3+), Giveaway! |
28 Comments »
With the economy the way it is and the trend toward frugal living becoming larger by the day, many parents choose not to buy their children a new backpack for every school year. Or maybe your child has a new one but it’s not the Cadillac of packs. Or maybe you just have a kid who likes to express their individuality. Whatever the reason, chances are your kid will love PakNaks. Paknaks are decorative accessories that transform plain backpacks, bags and other random stuff into personalized, ever-changing, colourful
works of art. With 40 plus designs that are interchangeable, weather resistant and quickly and easily adhered to (no ironing, sewing or pinning – hooray!) all of your stuff, PakNak “makes changing your style as easy as changing your Nak.” Check out this YouTube clip of PakNaks in action. It doesn’t get much easier. And if you ever want to move your PakNaks to another piece, the custom velcro is removable too, so you don’t end up with a black dot on your backpack.
Green News: The Portland, Oregon based & mom-run company makes their PakNaks from recycled plastic!
Whether you’re trying to make last year’s backpack work for another year or just make the ones you have look a little cooler, PakNaks may be just the thing. They even make the five dollar WalMart special look cool.
Save 10% with the code PAK10
Win it! We’re giving away a set of five PakNaks to two winners. To enter, simply browse the great selection and leave a comment listing the five you’d choose should your number be selected as a winner. As always, the winners will be selected via random integer generator but you must leave a qualifying comment to be entered. (i.e. In this case, “I want to win” would disqualify you.) Good luck!
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED
Posted on on October 15th, 2008 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, For Big Kids (6+), Giveaway!, Special Offer |
27 Comments »
Some of our long time readers may remember my review of the Wrap N Mat from February 2007. With the shift toward green living becoming larger (yay!) every day, it’s time to revisit this great invention which is now available from the new-ish Vancouver-based Canadian boutique Lavish and Lime.
Lavish and Lime carries only the Wrap-N-Mats with the phthalate-free LDPE lining (the same material as plastic sandwich bags but a thicker grade to ensure re-usability) and carries a selection of the nicest available fabrics. I’m especially digging the dots fabric (pictured at right) for it’s decidedly not bright and ugly style. These fabulously green reusable sandwich wraps are not only great for sandwiches but also for muffins, crackers and other snacks. When opened they provide a clean place to eat that can be brought home, washed in warm water and re-used for an entire school year. At a price of $7.50, you’ll not only be doing your part to save the earth but you may even be saving money if you’re not buying as many costly ziploc bags.
Save 10% at Lavish and Lime with the code TOP
Win it! We’ve got a reusable sandwich wrap from Lavish and Lime in the rainbow fish print to give away. To enter, leave a comment on this post before midnight mst on October 14, 2008.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on October 14th, 2008 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Canadian Businesses, For Big Kids (6+), For Dad, For Mom, For PreSchoolers (3+), For The Folks, For Tweens, Gadgets & Goodies, Giveaway!, Green Living & Organics, Random Reviews, Special Offer |
101 Comments »
Allow me to introduce you to a brand new mom-run company. It’s one of my favourite things to do.
Top Appeal brings a unique and fashionable headband & hair accessory product line to the market for young girls. Unlike traditional headbands which are primarily limited to a single fabric covering in a single colour, Top Appeal’s headband collection is specifically crafted to permit the removal/interchangeability of their creative design appliques called “Nuneez”.
Fabric covered headbands ($10) and Nuneez ($11 for a 5 pack) are sold separately allowing young girls to easily interchange the Nuneez designs on the headband colour of their choice. They’re also available in a set for $19.95.
Nuneez are super easy to use (click to see video) and the interchangeability is great for the fashion conscious child who wants their accessories to match their outfit.
We’re giving away a denim Top Appeal headband and a set of 5 red hot & blue Nuneez to one reader. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before 11:59 mst on October 14, 2008.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on October 7th, 2008 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, For Big Kids (6+), For Tweens, Giveaway! |
96 Comments »
Helmets for people under the age of 18 are the law in my neck of the woods, but it’s not that way everywhere. Even here, the law doesn’t always supersede stupidity. It doesn’t happen often on bikes but I regularly see kids on scooters, rollerblades & Ripstiks with their craniums bare for the smashing. With my background working with the brain-injured, it makes me cringe every time. (Wanna know what makes me cringe more? Helmet wearing kids bike riding with their soon-to-be-useless-bare-headed parents. Now I’ll step off my soapbox and tell you about a great solution for the raging stupidity!)
Tail Wags helmet covers are fun new accessory that has kids excited to wear their helmets! There are over 30 animal characters to choose from. From tigers and bears to turtles and dinosaurs, children love playing dress-up with Tail Wags helmet covers whether there’s a helmet around or not! My son wears his monkey on his head around the house, on his bike helmet and his hockey helmet and this winter we’ll be bringing it to the ski slopes as well because Tail Wags fit them all – even equestrian helmets!
Designed by Canadian mom Karyn Climans and made exclusively in Canada, Tail Wags not only encourage little ones to develop the helmet habit but they also help to increase the visibility of the wearer on the slopes, roads and skating rinks. Tail Wags are made from warm high quality fleece and are designed with a slit at the back to allow the wearer to access the helmet’s goggle clip. They’re made from top quality materials, are resistant to colour fading and tearing, and are sturdy enough to be worn under all kinds of conditions.
Check out the promotional video at the Tail Wags site or on YouTube.
Tail Wags helmet covers are available online and in retail stores worldwide for $40. Wouldn’t it make a great accompaniment to that new bike & helmet or skates & helmet that you’re buying? I think so.
Save 10% on your Tail Wags helmet cover order with the code opinion.
Win it! We’re giving away an adorable & gender neutral lion helmet cover from Tail Wags to one randomly selected winner. To enter, leave a comment on this post listing your two favourite animal characters from the Tail Wags line before midnight on September 9, 2008.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on September 2nd, 2008 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Canadian Businesses, Canadian-Made, For Big Kids (6+), For PreSchoolers (3+), For Toddlers (1-3), Giveaway! |
76 Comments »
When my own daughter was born with a mop on her head, I was pretty pumped to put girlie things in it to prevent little old men from calling her a “husky little guy.” (Yes, that happened. She was wearing pink and looks very girlie. Moron.) However, within a month she looked like her Grandfather, with hair only above her ears and some peach fuzz left on top. How depressing.
Ladybugs and Lullabies to the rescue! The huge assortment of clips designed by Canadian mom Allyson Grabish include both snap clips and alligator clips for kids with everything from peach fuzz to long thick locks. Her snap clips are the most amazing little things. With a clip that’s designed especially for Ladybugs and Lullabies, these cute little bows, bugs & more stay in, literally, one strand of hair or a patch of peach fuzz. My daughter wears one pretty much every day and we’re constantly complimented on how cute they are.
Allyson uses only top quality, non-toxic materials on her bows and clips and all ribbon ends are heat sealed – even the ones you can’t see. There are no chemicals used at all – no stiffeners, anti-fray liquids or strong adhesives. You can tell when you see them up close that they’re made with attention to detail and will last for years. When you’re done with yours, pass them on. Because every girl deserves a bow.
TOP readers save a whopping 25% off with the code TOP25. Find this code in the TOP Shops, too!
Win it! We’ve got an assorted 5-pack of clips to give away. To enter, visit Ladybugs and Lullabies and come back to comment with your favourite style(s) from the collection. Contest closes on August 21, 2008.
Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.
Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on August 14th, 2008 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Canadian Businesses, Canadian-Made, Giveaway! |
127 Comments »
Some of our very opinionated reviewers have been testing out Baby and Kidz Banz sunglasses. Read on to see what they thought of them and, of course, to enter a giveaway!
We always love to test out new kid products and Kidz Banz since birth. My first born actually came home from the hospital in some cool black Baby Banz that I had purchased while pregnant. With starting that young, we never had issues with them being ripped off because the kids were used to having them on anytime they went outside. My baby has somehow become a big boy (what’s up with that?) and now loves wearing his Kid Banz when he’s out and about. They’re comfortable on his face and thanks to the comfortable & adjustable neoprene headband they stay on no matter how active he is. They’re even comfortable under his bike helmet, which is saying something. I have no hesitation recommending Banz if you’re looking to protect your kids’ eyes. – Nicole
I was excited to try Baby Banz for my little girl because I know how dangerous the sun can be to young eyes. Until almost 10 years old, children have no natural filters in the eye to block UV light. I’ve read from several sources that you can actually do more harm to the eye if you put an inferior lens in front of it than putting nothing at all. Behind any tinted lens, the iris opens to allow more light into the eye. If the lens doesn’t protect properly, more UV light gets into the eye potentially causing severe damage. Banz lenses are rated UV400 and block out the entire spectrum of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays from the sun. I knew this was what I wanted for my toddler but had my doubts about the comfort of a hard plastic frame and whether she’d be willing to keep them on. Thankfully she thinks they’re “Cooh Dude!” and they now go with us everywhere. -Cindy
As a parent of a special needs child, I was so excited to read that Baby and Kidz Banz sunglasses “are Rx-able and are capable of being cold fitted with a prescription lens up to +/ – 8 diopters.” I took the pair I received for review to my local option and, sure enough, my little darling now has cool looking prescription shades that actually stay on. Thanks, Banz, for making such a great product! -Andi
I am a Banz convert. After reading the Banz site as research for this review, I will never buy a cheap pair of sunglasses again. Not that Banz are costly – they’re only $15 a pair – but the drugstore and dollar store shades just aren’t worth the few bucks you might save (and they might even be more!) Banz were originally designed in Australia for one of the world’s toughest UV environments and they’ve passed the most stringent standards on sunglasses in the world. They’re made of durable polycarbonate (don’t worry – they’re not in contact with food) and are almost indestructible. They’re all fitted with a Neoprene elastic strap that has side adjustable velcro allowing for years of wear as the child grows. My son has been wearing his day in and sometimes day out for the three or so weeks we’ve had them and they’re fabulous. I am here to tell you – don’t waste your money and protect your kids eyes with Banz. They’re the only eyes they have. - Krista
Win it! Banz is giving away a sunglasses & hat combo in the colour of the winner’s choice. To enter, leave a comment on this post letting us know the colour you’d choose if you win AND because we’re nosy, please tell us where you live. (Don’t post your address, please…just the city/state/country/whatever.) Contest closes August 19/08.
Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on August 12th, 2008 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, For Babies (0-1), For Big Kids (6+), For PreSchoolers (3+), For Toddlers (1-3), Giveaway! |
129 Comments »
Father’s Day is just one week from today. Are you ready to honour your partner in crime?
As much as every guy wants a new tie or club head covers every year - ahem - it might be time to start investigating some alternatives that Dad doesn’t feel tempted to hide once the celebrations are over.
WholesaleKeychain.com not only offers hundreds of super-hot licensed keychains to make a statement about Dad’s wheels or favourite sports teams but they also carry a line of quality digital photo keychains that you can load up with images of the people he loves most.
For cool on top of cool, you can engrave a personalized message just for him on any of their products for just six bucks! (And if you’ve tried engraving at the mall lately, you know that’s a super deal.) The eleven letter limit per line is just perfect for “I love you Dad!”
Win it! We’re giving away two digital photo keychains with the T.O.P. url engraved on the back! To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on Father’s Day!
Get up to three additional entries into this contest!
1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).
AND/OR
2.Subscribe to our RSS feed. Leave an additional comment to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid email address so we can confirm your subscription.
AND/OR
3. Place our button in your sidebar or add us to your blogroll. Leave an additional comment to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid url so we can confirm the addition.
