with the rain :: slugs

I love my wellies. I purchased them because I adored the way they looked, but I love them because they make negotiating life as a mom doable in ALL weather. My only complaint with a good pair of rubber boots is that they don't offer a lot warmth when the cold sets in. But there is a solution! Instead of hibernating your favorite wellies for the winter you now have the opportunity to warm your toes with a super comfy pair of SLUGS from With the Rain.

With the Rain is an Etsy store based out of Ketchikan, Alaska. The company was started out of a desire to jazz up boots while keeping feet warm and dry. And, at HALF the price of other brands, these fleece boot liners not only offer amazing patterns, colors and designs but also deliver great value.

Fun patterns, solids, plaids... even sweaters -- SLUGS come in just about any desired style you could imagine. You can use them to coordinate your boots with outerwear or add some fun and color to an outfit. When you feel how comfortable they feel on your feet you may very well fall in love and find yourself wanting multiple pairs. That's the beauty though -- it is as easy as changing socks to change up the style and personality of your boots. I am hooked. Now I don't just love my wellies, I LOVE my SLUGS!

With the Rain :: $22.00 :: SLUGS

A SIMPLE COUPON ::
For ONE WEEK, from now until July 6, 2011, SIMPLE readers can get FREE SHIPPING with a purchase on the With the Rain Etsy site by using the code SIMPLEAK! Have fun shopping!
*I was provided a pair of SLUGS to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own*

two little wrens :: adorable headbands

I am such a sucker for adorable headbands for my girls. So in doing my usual hunt for some new headbands for them, I came across the Etsy shop, Two Little Wrens. Talk about cute! One of the things I truly loved about this shop is the wide variety of color and style that owners Sara and Jen use. I had a hard time trying to decide which one I wanted because of course, I wanted them all!

I chose a beautiful white satin and tulle 3" flower on a thin, stretchy headband. What I love about this headband is that it not only goes with everything the girls own, but the headband itself is the perfect width. Because it's a thinner headband, it's not as cumbersome for the girls to wear. I have found that with the wider headbands, they tend to want to rip them off their heads, but with this headband, it's super comfortable for them.

Two Little Wrens is the perfect shop if you are on the hunt for a cute headband for your kiddos. Not only do they specialize in headbands, they also have amazing barrettes, clippies and boutique bows. Oh, and did I mention that they are very reasonably priced? A lot of love and attention to detail go into their headbands, and the prices are right on track with the gorgeous product they offer.

White Satin and Tulle Flower Headband :: $8.00

*I purchased this product on my accord. The opinions expressed are my own.*

gumbo baby :: bumbo seat cover {giveaway}

Did you have a boy for your first child and then a girl for your second? Now you have all these boy things that you use for your daughter? That would be my situation.
Instead of buying all new things I tried my best to convert most of them to girly things...such as my car seat. I got a girly cover for it and then my bumbo...It was a blue one and not that it wasn't girly but I thought heck why not find a cover for it.

Guess where I went to look for that...my favorite place... ETSY! Yup and guess what I found? Gumbo Baby! Super cute and affordable bumbo seat covers. They are just so cute. I love the fabrics she uses and I love that they have a little tab that you can hang toys from. With the soft minky on the part it is sure to catch anyones eye.

These seat covers a made very well and fit perfect on the bumbo.  It doesn't slip off or have any trouble with anything.  You can also wash these if you have a messy one like me.

Gumbobaby features stylish and unique baby gift products. Whether you are looking for a Gumbo Bumbo Seat Cover, burp cloth sets, stylish bibs, hooded towels or anything else, you are sure to find something you love.

Gumbobaby Bumbo Seat Cover :: starting at $16.00

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!
One SIMPLE reader will win their choice of a bumbo seat cover by Gumbobaby!








*I was provided with a Gumbo Baby seat cover to conduct this review. These opinions are my own*

comfy creations :: neck wrap i pillow set

We've all had one of "those days". You don't have to be a Mom to feel the weight of the world sitting on your shoulders. But, as a Mom, I seem to be feeling this weight on a more regular basis -- let's just say daily. Short of winning the lottery and hiring a full-time masseuse I wasn't sure there was anything that could relax me out of the stress I seem to carry physically in my body. Comfy Creations, a wonderful Etsy store founded by a licensed massage therapist and Oriental Body Worker, has given me the hope I needed that relief doesn't only come in the form of a $90 massage session.

Developed to help ease her clients from the effects of chronic pain due to daily stress, strain, fibromyalgia and arthritis, Comfy Creations products can be used on just about any aching body part. Each product is carefully constructed to include ingredients known for their effectiveness in combination. Long grain white rice is most effective in creating moist head to penetrate muscles. Flaxseed helps retain heat. Aromatherapy through lavender helps calm and ease stress and tension (and of course it smells absolutely amazing).

I received my Comfy Creations Neck Wrap and i Pillow set in the mail after one seriously trying week. I immediately (as in, straight from the packaging) put the neck wrap on and started soaking in the delicious smells of lavender while feeling the comforting qualities of the gentle pressure from the rice. The cut of the pillow allows for a personalized and comfortable fit whether standing, sitting or lying down. After waking up STILL wearing the neck wrap I can attest that relaxation is a claim this product can stand behind.

At under $20, these products make amazing gifts. Do you need a gift for a Mom-t0-be or new mom? Why not shower her with the gift or personal relaxation. Really there isn't anyone who wouldn't appreciate these pillows. And you have to check out the many, varied and fun patterns offered -- I had a hard time choosing which one was my favorite. Life may deal you stressful times but that doesn't mean you have to suffer the physical effects of stress.

Comfy Creations :: $19.50 :: Neck Wrap i Pillow Set

A SIMPLE COUPON!
SIMPLE readers can take advantage of the great 10% discount at Comfy Creations Etsy store by using the coupon code COMFY10 with a purchase! Have fun shopping!

*I was provided a Neck Wrap and i Pillow Set to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own*

babamoon :: bunny hat {giveaway}

Baby Hats of all kinds. I am obsessed with them. I love them. Who doesn't?

While on my daily search on Etsy, the moment this picture caught my eye, I was intrigued and had to visit BabaMoon. I was excited to found this adorable Plum, White Flopsy Rabbit Hat because it is simply adorable.  I have been looking for a bunny hat for some time and I knew this one would be perfect. And to be honest this hat is the cutest one I have ever seen.  The design and quality is to die for. Plus once Macy out grows it, it will be perfect for my photography business.

This gorgeous hat came all the way from Birmingham, UK with love from Naomi.  She puts hard work into making these adorable hats from her own patterns.  She has two cute children that help her model these wonderful creations that she conjures up!

meeshma kids :: oilcloth smock {giveaway}

My son has recently given serious consideration to arts and crafts. Finger painting with yogurt, making grandpa pictures and just scribbling for fun seem to make my kid really happy. But the moment I first saw my little one grip crayon I realized some serious thought needed to be paid to safeguarding my home and our clothing against impending destruction by art supplies.

While an old t-shirt thrown over your child may seem like a great solution I will raise the red flag for you. No sooner than the ink or paint touches that old shirt and it is already sinking deep into the fibers underneath. But I have found the solution (and it is super cute). Meeshma Kids, another fabulous Etsy designer, creates fantastic oilcloth smocks to not only prevent arts and crafts mishaps, but encourage creative time.




Each smock is lovingly created out of waterproof oilcloth to prevent liquid messes from ruining cute outfits. They go on and off easily with Velcro closures on the back. And the designs couldn't be more adorable. Bright patterns and colors make up each piece stimulating the senses and surely some creativity. I was also impressed with the large pocket on the front of the smock, ready and waiting to hold art supplies or catch a dropped crayon. With both girl and boy designs (the "Executive Collection" is the fun style my son is wearing) there is a perfect smock for each child. And (bonus) each smock comes packaged with a cute cookie cutter :)


I think these smocks are almost a necessity for parents who want to maintain some kind of cleanliness while encouraging creative fun. Keeping a few on hand for fun play dates or picking out a special design for each child in the home is a perfect way to make arts and crafts time even more special. And don't forget all those birthday parties (you know... the hundreds your child seems to be invited to each year) -- what a great gift that the child will love and any parent is sure to appreciate.


meeshma kids :: $20.00 :: oilcloth smock


A SIMPLE COUPON ::
From now until the end of the month SIMPLE readers can get 20% off the total purchase by using the code: SIMPLE when checking out. Have fun shopping at Meeshma Kids!

A WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN -- VISIT THE SIMPLE WINNERS SECTION TO SEE IF IT WAS YOU!

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY! ::

One SIMPLE reader will win a fantastic Meeshma Kids Oilcloth Smock (your choice from the Etsy store). Here is how to enter:

• Visit Meeshma Kids Etsy store and come back here to tell me in a comment which smock you would choose (Required)

Additional entry opportunities:

• "Like" SIMPLE on Facebook (make sure to come back here and let me know)


• Facebook (Daily : Leave a link to your post in our comments) Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and this giveaway
  


• Tweet (Daily : Leave a link to your tweet in our comments) :: #Win a super adorable Meeshma Kids Oilcloth Smock over at @simplereviews: (http://www.simple-momreviews.com/) #giveaway


• Enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE to sign up for daily emails (make sure to tell us you signed up in our comments)
  


• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect (make sure to tell us you tell us in our comments)

Winner will be randomly chosen on June 15, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.

*I was provided the smock show above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

brideblu :: vintage and handmade jewelry {giveaway}

I'll admit, I'm not one to wear a ton of jewelry. You'll find me in a wedding ring every day and if I'm feeling particularly motivated, you might see me sporting earrings or a necklace once in a while. But there are moments when I come across an etsy shop and I suddenly find myself drooling over every item for sale. That's pretty much how I feel about BrideBlu. When Cat, owner and jewelry designer, contacted me about what piece I wanted, I had an extremely difficult time choosing just one. In the end, I gave her my favorites and told her it was her job to choose. A few days later I received the love dove necklace in antiqued silver and was absolutely delighted with what I saw.
The necklace is beautiful, delicate and hand crafted to perfection. As someone who doesn't claim to wear a lot of jewelry, I can wholeheartedly say this necklace will be worn quite often. It's stunning!

Cat's items are timeless, elegant and versatile. You can wear any of her pieces for a night out on the town or if you're anything like me, at home in your favorite jeans! She has the most unique designs, I can't help but marvel at the ideas she comes up with. Make sure to check out her well-known chalk board message necklace (like I said, genius!). Or if you're a shutterbug like me, you'll most certainly love the camera necklace

Brideblu offers a variety of items, from necklaces to bracelets to earrings. And if you have something in mind, custom orders are always welcome.

A SIMPLE COUPON!
Shop at BrideBlu between May 31st and June 15th and receive 20% off using the code: SIMPLE20

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!
One SIMPLE reader will win an item of their choice from BrideBlu's shop (up to a $26 value)! Here's how to enter:

• Visit BrideBlu's shop and come back to comment which item you would choose for yourself (Required)


• "Like" BrideBlu and SIMPLE on facebook and let us know in a comment. (Required)


• Facebook (Daily : Leave a link to your post in our comments) Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and BrideBlu and this giveaway.


• Tweet (Daily : Leave a link to your tweet in our comments) :: #Win a stunning piece of jewelry from BrideBlu over at @simplereviews: http://tiny.cc/stiz0 #giveaway #contest Please RT!


• Enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE to sign up for daily emails


• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen on June 14, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

*I was provided the necklace shown above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

{*Giveaway closed :: Check the winner's tab to see if it was you*}

shoe buddies:: the best way BEFORE they tie {giveaway}

One the hardest things having many little ones is getting OUT of the HOUSE:) Once we're out, we're good. But making sure everyone has clothing, underwear and footwear somehow takes forever;)

This is one reason I am delighted to share 1-2-3 Shoe Buddies with you!! They allow my children to wear shoe-lace shoes yet be very independent without knowing how to tie them! Which is wonderful for our crazy "getting out the door" routine or after playing shoe-less on our trampoline;)

Once the "buddie" is put on the kiddos shoes, the concept of getting their shoes on is as easy as 1,2,3. The children slide their feet into their shoes, tighten the laces and pull up on their "shoe buddie"!

I like the simplicity this is bringing to our "out the door" routine. I love that it's making my preschooler(s) more independent:) And that my kids found the designs that they really liked for THEIR shoes;) They are easy to attach to the laces, which makes this Momma's job even easier;)

1-2-3 Shoe Buddies :: $7.99 for a pair

A SIMPLE DEAL:: Use the coupon code SIMPLEMOMS until June 4th when you checkout to receive free shipping;)

{ THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED :: CHECK THE WINNER’S TAB!! }

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY ::
One SIMPLE reader will win their choice of 1-2-3 Shoe Buddie. This is how to enter:

• Visit 1-2-3 Shoe Buddies and pick your favorite design (Required Entry)
• "Like" 1-2-3 Shoe Buddies and SIMPLE on Facebook
• Watch 1-2-3 Shoe Buddies video and leave a comment about what you liked about them:)
• Post a status on your Facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and 1-2-3 Shoe Buddies.
• Follow @simplereviews on Twitter and send some twitter love to 1-2-3 Shoe Buddies, too:) #Win a @1-2-3 Shoe Buddies over at @simplereviews: http://www.simple-momreviews.com/2011/05/shoe-buddies-best-way-before-they-tie.html #giveaway #contest Please RT!
• Sign up for SIMPLE updates - enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE
• Follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect
• Leave a comment if you make a purchase during this giveaway:)

Winner will be randomly chosen on June 4th, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

* I was provided with 2 pairs of 1-2-3 Shoe Buddies to conduct this review:) The opinions are my own!!

ink & ivy :: eco-friendly goods {giveaway}

I have had a lifelong love for hot air balloons. So much so, that I decided to decorate baby's nursery with hot air balloon decor. So imagine my utter delight when scouring Etsy, I came across this adorable onesie by Ink & Ivy! I have seen other baby/toddler clothes with hot air balloons on them, but were way too cheesy for my taste. This Away We Go onesie is adorned with a distressed vintage style hot air balloon that is super hip, playful and fun. And better yet? It's environmentally friendly and safe for baby. Perfect!

At Ink & Ivy, you will find an assortment of modern, fun apparel for your baby. Their whimsical designs has me oohing and aahhing over everything! All garments are made with 100% organic cotton from American Apparel. They use water based ink that is non-toxic and lead-free. These onesies are ultra soft!


So if you're on the lookout for unique clothing for your baby or as a gift, you MUST check out Ink & Ivy! How clever is this typewriter design "In a land far far away..."?! (yep, I want that one too.) Wouldn't that one make a fun gift for a writer having a baby? (hmmm...I'm a writer...)

Organic Away We Go Hot Air Balloon Onesie :: $18.99


A SIMPLE COUPON!Use coupon code SIMPLE10 to receive 10% off your order at Ink & Ivy. Offer expires 6/30/11.

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!Ink & Ivy would like to give one lucky SIMPLE reader this World Love Onesie! Here's how to enter:

• Tell us one thing (or more!) you really like about SIMPLE (Required)
• Become a follower of Ink & Ivy's blog via GFC
• Follow Ink & Ivy on Facebook
• Facebook (Daily : Leave a link to your post in our comments) Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and Ink & Ivy and this giveaway
• Tweet (Daily : Leave a link to your tweet in our comments) :: #Win an adorable, organic onesie over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/6z4cad7 #giveaway #contest Please RT!
• Enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE to sign up for daily emails
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen and announced June 1, 2011. Please reference the "Giveaway Rules" tab before entering. Good luck!


*I was provided the Away We Go
Hot Air Balloon Onesie in order
to conduct this review. My
opinions are my own.*

lisa barbero :: handmade art {giveaway}

I love art. I love the way an artist takes a little piece of herself and chooses a medium on which to display it to the world. While I am not super artistically inclined, I enjoy having art around me -- especially artwork that has a special meaning or story to tell.

As a mother I hope to pass my appreciation for the arts on to my son. One of the ways I do that is to make sure there is always something interesting to look at on our walls. Well I have found a wonderful artist who has great meaning and stories behind her artwork. Lisa Barbero makes artwork from her heart and always shares her fresh perspective on the world around her.

With playful but purposeful statements like, "Do it as if there was fire in your skin." and optimistic visuals , like a beverage glass with the statement "half full," you come away from each piece of her artwork with a sense of empowerment intertwined with a bit of whimsy.

The two prints I have, "A Beautiful Thing" and "I Love You In Germany No.6," absolutely spoke to me when I first saw them, and I knew they would have special meaning to my family as well. With another family trip to Germany scheduled for the fall I love the idea of capturing our love for the country through a print on our wall. And the statement "A beautiful thing is never perfect" is an Egyptian proverb that stands as a gentle and happy reminder that life is full of imperfections -- and that makes it even more wonderful.

Lisa has a wonderful Etsy store where you can peruse and purchase her affordable handmade artwork.

Lisa Barbero 8X10 prints :: $20.00 :: printed on premium paper using fine art giclee printing

A SIMPLE COUPON!

Receive 10% off your next purchase at Lisa Barbero's Etsy store by using the code: SIMPLE10

{GIVEAWAY CLOSED :: CHECK THE WINNERS TAB TO SEE IF IT WAS YOU!}

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!
One SIMPLE reader will win a free 8X10 of your choice from the great current prints in Lisa Barbero's Etsy store (Print can be chosen from one of Lisa's many $20 or less artwork pieces). Here are the many ways you can enter:

• Visit the Lisa Barbero Etsy store and come back to comment on which piece of artwork you would choose for your home. (Required)


• "Like" Lisa Barbero and SIMPLE on Facebook. Come back and tell me in a comment. (Required)


• Post a status on your Facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and Lisa Barbero. In order to hyperlink, you need to be following both companies you will be hyper linking. Then enter the "@" symbol and start typing the name you want to hyperlink and choose it from the drop down that will pop up. Make sure to come back here and tell me in a comment.


• Follow @simplereviews on Twitter and send some twitter love. Tweet this (daily tweets allowed) :: Enter to win an 8X10 Lisa Barbero print over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/6kwp23z Please RT! -- then come back to tell me in a comment.


• Sign up for SIMPLE updates - enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE (let me know you have done this through a comment)

Winner will be randomly chosen on May 11, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

*I was provided with the artwork shown above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

thistledown & fairydust :: did someone say tooth fairy?

Lili is obsessed recently about losing her teeth. A few of her friends at school have started loosing their teeth, so now she thinks she will automatically lose one too. I don't even want to think about it. She is my baby! Well, not really, but I sure want to keep her that way.

So, like any good mother, I had to find an adorable tooth fairy pillow. My search went over to etsy and I found this adorable pillow through Thistledown & Fairydust.

This pillow is adorable. I just love the color combination. And it is sewn perfectly. On the front of the pillow is a tooth as well, super cute! Since giving this to Lili, she has actually been playing with it with her babies pretending to have them lose their teeth too. Kinda cute. I hope she is THIS excited when we have to actually get one of her teeth out! Eek!

Here is a little about her shop:
Thistledown & Fairydust is a creation of Sylvia Marvelli who in 1976 established Carolina Custom Draperies, a North Carolina sewing workroom. With her expertise and a staff of fine seamstresses, Carolina Custom Draperies continues to serve interior designers creating high-end custom sewn products. Their creations grace homes throughout the United States, and most recently, were commissioned for a palace in Saudi Arabia.

Thistledown & Fairydust is the whimsical creation of Carolina Custom Draperies, a North Carolina workroom to interior designers. Our beautiful, one-of-a-kind handmade Tooth Fairy Pillows, Baby Bibs, Quilts, Burp Cloths, and other unique products are designed with children in mind. Our hope is that their hand-crafted beauty will make a cherished gift or keepsake, so little heads can dream big.

You can find her at her etsy shop as well as see additional products she is offering at her website!

Tooth Fairy Pillow :: $29.99

A SIMPLE COUPON :: So you need one of these too? Well today you are in luck because you can get a 15% discount when you mention SIMPLE Reviews at checkout through Thistledown & Fairydust's checkout on etsy!

*I was sent a pillow like the ones shown above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

City Thistle

Spring is the time of year I love to purchase a few inexpensive pieces of jewelry that will go with all my simple tee shirts, tanks, and dresses. My wardrobe tends to be pretty plain, and I use accessories to dress up my style.

Hands down, without a doubt my favorite place to find treasures is online, particularly Etsy. I love Etsy in particular for two reasons.

1. I know I'm supporting small business, often times work at home moms.

2. My purchase is unique. Buying handmade goods typically ensures whatever you buy is being made in small batches, and oftentimes one of a kind.

City Thistle is one of my new favorite places on Etsy to shop for cool, reasonably priced accessories. Created by a mom of two small little boys, I love that she finds inspiration from both her childhood home in Tennessee, as well as her stay in far away Malawi.

Bethany, the owner of City Thistle, recently gifted me the Icy Rose Necklace ($23), and I adore it. It's the perfect blend of modern simplicity, with a vintage feel. It goes with almost everything I own, considering I'm the queen of black/gray and beige.

I've worn it just a few times, and have received compliments each and every time I put it around my neck. My next City Thistle piece might have to be this Pretty in Pink Necklace & Earring Set, or maybe a funky hair pin.

You know, Mother's Day is just around the corner!

Angelique, Ink Review & Coupon

I have been coveting one of these gorgeous address stamps from Angelique, Ink for some time now, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review one!  I received a custom address stamp (similar to the one pictured below) and I have been using it constantly.  It makes even the most mundane correspondence classy!  As soon as I received it in the mail, I sat down and wrote seven (no lie!) letters just because I was so thrilled to use it.

I wish I could show you my stamp, because it is just GORGEOUS, but I'd rather not share my home address with the world.  I promise you, though, Angelique, Ink's stamps are more beautiful in real life than in the pictures! 

 

And how sweet is this custom bookplate stamp?

Visit Angelique, Ink to purchase your own stamp.  Address stamps are $39-45.

SIMPLY A COUPON!
Use code "SIMPLE10" to score 10% off your purchase through 4/30/11!

*Disclosure: I was provided with a custom address stamp from Angelique, Ink to showcase and review on SIMPLE. My opinions are my own.