Let's Get Personal

 Over the years of all the gifts that my kids received, the special ones that were kept and packed away to pass on to them when they become parents are mostly the gifts that were personalized in some way.  All the other toys and things seem to get broken or taken to the local collection box.  They were the same ones that could be replaced by a short drive to the local toy store.  These cherished gifts were either handmade items or personalized in some way.  Having your name on an item makes it feel like it belongs to you.  Before the ease of online shopping, there were only a few retail outlets where you could have an item personalized and usually the selection of items was limited.  I've found a great site online that has a huge selection of personalized gift products for any occasion.  The next time you need a gift, make it special and make it yourself or have it personalized.  For some gift giving ideas, check out these ideas.

Great Gift Ideas

LEGOS To The Rescue

Ask anyone to list some of their favorite toys growing up and LEGOS will probably be on the list.  With the holiday season fast approaching why not check out how many different sets the company now manufacturers.  They have it all.  They ship anywhere and every kids likes getting them.  Heck, my kids off to college next year and he still has a bin of assorted legos under his bed that he dabbles with on occassion.  He won't let me give them away and someday they'll be wrapped up and given to his kidsat a holiday celebration!

This link will take you to their site - just click:

LEGO SPECIAL OFFERS 

Great Kids Recipe For All Natural Dog Treats

With the holidays just around the corner - how about spending some time in the kitchen making these great dog treats:

3/4 cup hot water
1/3 cup margarine
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
3 cups whole wheat flour  

In large bowl pour hot water over the margarine. Stir in powdered milk, salt, and egg. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Knead for a few minutes to form stiff dough. Pat or roll to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into bone shapes. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes. Cool. They will dry out quite hard. Makes about 1 1/4 pounds of biscuits. Costs around 30 cents per pound.

This is a fun project to do with your kids.  Even if you don't have a dog you can make them for your doggie neighbors!  Purchase some small holiday printed treat bags and make a basket of goodies to hand out to all your doggie friends. 

For great gift ideas for your dog visit www.DogsBigDay.com

TOMS Shoes - One For One Campaign

I stumbled across TOMS shoes after reading an article in People magazine several years ago. With my daughter's birthday just weeks away, I decided it would make a great present and purchased a pair online.  They arrived quickly and packaged in a great eco-friendly box with information on TOMS mission.  My daughter loved them and we enjoyed following Blake's "One For One" campaign.  It's been two years and she still wears the same pair.  She says they are so comfortable and many times she goes without socks.  When it was time to purchase some new school shoes to go with her school uniform this year, she wanted another pair of  TOMS!  I just found out that Blake is doing a free talk at a nearby university next month and my daughter is so excited to hear him and see him in person.  I've also used his website and videos in a medical class I teach when we were discussing foot diseases in third world countries.  The students fell in love with TOMS mission and many wanted to try his day without shoes.  Now my daughter has the TOMS winter fashion wrap boots on her holiday list.

Awesome Wall Art Using Your Photos

I'm always taking snapshots of my kids everywhere I go.  Over the past six months we've been doing some home remodeling and updating several rooms in our home.  I have been just about everywhere local and online to try to find wall art to go with our furniture.  I stumbled across a great site that takes your photo and turns it into a piece of art on canvas!  The results were fabulous and what better way to highlight what I love best - being a mom.  You can use pet photos, travel scenes, just about any photograph can be turned into a piece of art.  Why buy other peoples pictures when they can be your own.  I've posted a link to this website on our blog - just click and check out their products.  

Children's Book Illustrator Creates Custom Portraits

1. 

Our staff has a partnered with New York children's book illustrator Margeaux Lucas to offer our readers custom children's portraits. Margeaux's work can be seen in the popular Dancing With Dinos Series of books along with hundreds of other publications including; Highlights For Children magazine and numerous educational books and workbooks. To see some of Margeaux's work go to http://picture-book.com/imagelist/86. Margeaux enjoys illustrating for children through books and other media. If you would like to discuss having her illustrate your child you can contact Margeaux direct by email at mlucas.nyc@verizon.net.

Uniforms, Backpacks and Books OH MY!

With three kids in three different private schools wearing three different uniforms, I needed to find a way to save on school uniforms.  After searching the web I found a great site with great savings on everything from uniforms to backpacks and school supplies.  They also have a huge selection of  kids clothes and shoes plus some great gift ideas.  The Kidorable site has some adorable rain gear and I found the perfect gift for an upcoming baby shower.  With the need to cut back expenses this year, here's a great way to start of items your kids can't live without!  Check them out online at UniformsAndBackpacks.com