American Girl Bitty Baby House Party

We received products free from American Girl and House Party to facilitate this House Party and review.

My daughter Zari turns 3 years old on the 19th of October. I was fortunate enough to win a spot as a host for a American Girl Bitty Baby House Party. The Party was set by House Party to be on October 5th. I thought this to be fortuitous. The party day and her actual birthday were so close in dates. She was so thrilled when she opened her gifts from American Girl and House Party.

Exclusive American Girl Bitty Baby Party Pack

The party pack looked like so much fun! So many neat things were included. All the activities we did at the party were big hits!

Host Gifts

For me (the host):

• 1 American Girl Bitty Baby Doll Set (hair, skin and eye color based on my selection when I applied)
• 1 Additional picture story book (We received the hardcover Bitty Baby at the Ballet picture book.)
• 1 doll outfit (We received the Prima Ballerina Set: which included a tiny ballet dress, tiny ballet slippers, and pink tights.)
• 1 plush animal (we received Bitty's Hoppy Bunny)

Guest Gifts

For our guests:

• 15 American Girl $10 off coupons
• 15 Variety packs of Bitty Baby coloring sheets (45 sheets total)
• 15 Bitty Baby Wish Stars and 15 decorative sticker sheets
• 15 Bitty Baby puzzles
• 15 Bitty Baby bookmarks
• 15 American Girl bags
• 15 Tip sheets for Moms 
• 15 Keepsake illustrations and frames

Party favors and goodies: (sparkling pink lemonade, sandwiches, and sugar cookies)

Jaedan and I made sparkling (lemon-lime soda mixed) pink lemonade with real lemons and flower shaped ice cubes, heart shaped sandwiches, and homemade garden sugar cookies.

Zari's and Bitty Baby's first meeting

Hug

The all new American Girl Bitty Baby doll is a lovely 15" tall baby dolly that has a soft huggable cloth body with head and limbs of smooth vinyl. The eyes open when upright and close when put to bed. We picked a Bitty Baby with dark brown hair, brown eyes, and light skin because dark haired baby dolls are hard to find. It came with a white sleeper with scattered pink stars and a mock-wrap neckline trimmed with a ribbon ruffle, a soft cloth diaper, a hardcover Bitty Baby and Me picture book, and a sparkly wishing star that is just like the one from her book. We loved the Bitty Baby and Zari named her Maple because the dark brown color of her eyes reminded her of dark colored maple syrup.

Zari with the picture book that came with the doll.

These picture books that either come with Bitty Baby or you buy separately are beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Sue Cornelison. The stories are written by Newbery Honor winner Kirby Larson to inspire girls to get over fears and struggles by problem solving. Each book includes a "For Parents" section that provides insight and tips that have to do with the story. I read the stories to the girls at the party.

Lemonade and sugar cookies with Bitty Baby

Zari and Teela loved their sparkling pink lemonade (lemon-lime soda and pink lemonade) and homemade sugar cookies. Even Bitty Baby joined in and had a "tea party" with them.

Zari said that the Bunny (not pictured here), which she named Violet, was hopping around looking for carrots and spinach. The Bunny is featured in the Bitty Baby and the Ballet picture book. The bunny is super soft and great for snuggling. Her fur is purple with fabric accents on the ears. She has an embroidered star shape with a heart cut out in the center of the bottom of her paw. She has a weighted bottom to help her sit.

Wish Star activity

The Wish Star activity involved the girls to, with the help of their moms, write a wish on the back of the provided star and then decorate it with the provided stickers. These wish stars could be punched out of the surrounding paper. They could then take their wish star home and hang their wish star in their bedrooms as a decoration.

coloring activity

The girls enjoyed coloring the American Girl Bitty Baby coloring pages that were provided. There were 3 different pages that they could pick from. I love the cute illustrations from the books that were on them.

Bitty Baby Ballerinas

The Bitty Baby Prima Ballerina Set is very well made. It is a fancy dance dress for the doll that is adorned with 10 rosettes and a silver ribbon tied in a bow with a puffy attached tutu. Includes pink ribbed sweater tights and satin ballet slippers with criss-cross straps. It is so adorable on the doll and is easy to get on and off. The slippers are made so that one will fit on the left foot and one will fit on the right.

Thank you American Girl, House Party, and everyone who came to her party for making Zari's day so special! :)

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to facilitate my House Party and review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Wordless Wednesday Teela's Beco Baby Doll Carrier

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Subscribe to KIWI Magazine and Get a Free Gift

KIWI is one of my favorite magazines. I am currently a member of their Parent Advisory Board, but even if I wasn't I would proudly say that I am a dedicated reader. I love KIWI!

KIWI is dedicated to helping parents raise their children the healthiest way possible. They introduce families to the latest in natural and organic living and show us how to practice this lifestyle on an everyday basis.

Since I am big on natural parenting I support this magazine 100%. Since I am a blogging Mama I love searching for products that are good for my family and yours and promoting them here. This magazine has everything about parenting naturally and organically. From delicious healthy recipes to how to greenly entertain your guests this holiday season.

Right now KIWI is having a wonderful deal, but only while supplies last!

Take your pick of:
* A Free Beco Mini Doll Carrier for your little one ($29 value) with code BECOMN

or * A Free Organic Chocolate caramel crunch and coffee set from Equal Exchange ($11 value) with code EQLEXC

or * A Free SCI Fidelity music CD, Keller Williams KIDS (music for kids under 10)($13 value) with code SCIFCD

...with your paid subscription or when you pay for a gift subscription for someone else. Note this deal is only for US households and only good while supplies last. Click HERE to participate.

I chose the Beco Mini Doll Carrier for my daughter Teela and her dolls. This promotes babywearing and imaginative pretend play. I hope I got the subscription soon enough to get one because it says that I will not be notified in advance of my order if they run out of supplies. This is going to be a fantastic after Christmas present!

Fan/Like KIWI Magazine on Facebook. Follow KIWI Magazine on Twitter.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Because I am a member of the Parent Advisory Board for KIWI Magazine and a subscriber I wanted to share this deal I couldn't pass up on. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post.

Best Pals Review and Giveaway

My daughter Teela received two dolls, a tea set, and a music CD from Best Pals for free so that we may test and review them. Best Pals was created by Kathy and Janet Lennon, of the Lennon Sisters because of their lifelong friendship and love for a pair of handmade ragdolls they had as kids. Not only do they sell the newer versions of their childhood friends, but they have other wholesome dolls, toys and music CDs in their store as well.

I love the vintage looking fabrics and attention to detail the dolls have. The two dolls I received are exact replicas of the handmade ragdolls Kathy and Janet got as children. The 16" dolls have embroidered facial features, re-stylable yarn hair, and removable clothing. Each doll is also numbered as a limited edition and has its very own "Best Pals" baby bead bracelet. I love the nostalgic feel of the dolls. Ever since Teela got these dolls, they have been her favorites to carry around and give her hugs and kisses to.

One of Teela's favorite things to play with her dolls is her tea sets. The dolls love being her tea drinking companions. Teela loves playing pretend. The Best Pals Tin Tea Set she received she absolutely loves! This 15 piece tea set comes with a travel case that holds 4 plates, 4 saucers, 4 cups and a serving tray.

The Best Pals CD that we received Teela lovingly calls her "Tea Party Music". Kathy and Janet sing these 14 wonderful songs that were their favorite when they were young.

Songs included are:
1. We Are Pals
2. Won't You Come Over to My House
3. Dear Little Dolly
4. Rock-A-Bye Baby
5. All Aboard For Blanket Bay
6. Little Lady Make Believe
7. Christopher Robin
8. Are My Ears On Straight
9. Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ra
10. Shake Me I Rattle
11. Kentucky Babe
12. Love Is A Very Light Thing
13. Lullaby Of Love
14. All The Pretty Little Ponies (Hush A Bye)

BUY IT:
You can buy original Kathy or Janet dolls at $24.95 each. The Best Pals CD is $16.95 and the tea set is $29.95 in the Best Pals Gift Shop. They also have other CDs, multicultural dolls, Danny doll, mini dolls, other playsets, paperdolls and doll clothing.

WIN IT:
Audra from Best Pals PR has generously offered another Best Pals Prize Pack which includes: Best Pals Dolls – Kathy and Janet, Best Pals CD and the Best Pals Tin Tea Set to one of my readers to win.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the Best Pals website and tell me by commenting on this post something else you would love to get.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (2 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Best Pals in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

4. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the left) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

5. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

6. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

7. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog giveaway linky and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

8. Post this on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, and/or StumbleUpon. (2 extra entries for each)

9. Comment on one of my regular (not giveaway) posts. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

10. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

11. Tweet this: @finamoon: @BestPalsToys WIN A Best Pals Dolly Prize Pack #giveaway http://bit.ly/c6P0jU (Daily Extras are Available)

12. Fan/Like Best Pals on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

13. Follow Best Pals on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. If you subscribed, blogged about this, listed it, commented on another post, or faved me on Momfaves leave 2 entries saying you did. This contest ends on Friday October 08, 2010 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. Only!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Best Pals for providing me with the products for free to test and review. This giveaway is also provided free from Best Pals. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Wordless Wednesday Teela's Big Girl Bed

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Wordless Wednesday Teela Pink Mama

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Eco-Chic Baby 75% Off Sale

I just wanted to let you all know about a going out of business sale that The Eco-Chic Baby store is having. I just bought a beautiful Käthe Kruse Nicki Baby in Violet and a SmartMom pink cupcake teething bling bracelet there for 75% off! I saved a total of $43.27!!

The Käthe Kruse Nicki Baby is a soft doll in one piece sleeper suit and colorful pointed cap. It is made in Germany and is super cute! Teela was looking at pictures of it on their website and saying dolly over and over again. I am buying it for her as an early Birthday present (her Birthday is on April 15th) and I think she is going to love it! I think I bought the last violet one they had because a few minutes after I purchased, it says it is now out of stock.

The SmartMom Teething Bling Bracelet in pink cupcake is for me. I am a sucker for teething jewelry and even though Teela won't have an interest in chewing on it anymore it is perfect for her also to play dress up with. She loves playing dress up and the safer it is for her to play with the safer I feel about her having it. It is safe for her because it doesn't have small parts that she might choke on if she were to put it in her mouth and the material it is made from is safe also.

If you want to save 75% off in their shop you better hurry! Things are going quick and they are shutting down their shop in less than 2 weeks! Just type in the code: closeout and you can get the savings I did.

They are both shipping from Canada and I hope they arrive here safely. I will update this post when I get them.

Wordless Wednesday Teela and Her Carry-Along Dolly In House

Blabla Kids Review and Giveaway

ABOUT BLABLA KIDS:
Blabla's collection is designed by Florence Wetterwald and Susan Pritchett. They are a company that honors the fair trade ethic. Their products are knitted by Peruvian artisans and everything is made from natural fibers grown in Peru. The natural fibers make their line so soft, snuggly, and environmentally friendly. They make dolls, doll clothing, rattles, backpacks, finger puppets, blankets, mobiles, and clothing for their store.

MY THOUGHTS:
I received a giraffe Blabla doll named Gigi to review from Blabla Kids and I gave it to my daughter, Teela. Gigi is beautiful and made exceptionally well! I love the bright colors they use for the yarn. Teela loves her and takes Gigi everywhere she goes. She asks for Gigi by name when she does not have her and loves to sleep with her Gigi doll.

My other favorites at the store are: Mermaid doll "Anemone", Mermaid doll "Coral", Mermaid doll "Mini-Anemone", Mermaid doll "Mini-Coral", Giant Mermaid doll, Veggies rattles, Fruits rattles, Flower Blue hat, Butterfly Lilac hat, Boatneck "Pumpkin" sweater, and the Cardigan "Rose" sweater.

Thanks to ChicExecs, a company which was created to promote small business campaigns, I was able to let you know about this product.


WIN IT:
Susan at Blabla Kids is is giving one lucky reader a chance to win their very own doll.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the Blabla Kids website and tell me what doll you would pick and for whom?.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by email and let me know. (2 extra entries)

2. Become my fan on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Blabla Kids in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

4. Grab My Button - See Sidebar to the left - Leave your link (1 extra entry)

5. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

6. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra)

7. Follow me on twitter and retweet this: @finamoon: @blablakids WIN: Blabla Kids doll http://bit.ly/fzmHI
(Daily Extras are Available)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. Comment on any other of my posts and tell me which one. (2 extra entries per post)

10. Follow Blabla Kids on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

11. Fan Blabla Kids on Facebook.

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. If you subscribed by email, blogged about this, listed it, commented on another post, or faved me on Momfaves leave 2 entries saying you did. This contest ends on Friday October 9, 2009 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open Worldwide!!

Lil Miss Dolls & Friends Review

I happened upon this very charming website the other day because they added me on twitter and I have to share with all of you! Katrina Marie is exceptionally talented! She makes these very cute mod looking stylish dolls and has been selling them and their patterns on Etsy and Artfire. Now she has just opened the doors to a new website about the dolls. She and her associates will be developing the website and adding more to it soon so stay tuned. Coming soon to the collection of seven girl dolls will be patterns and pre-made: clothing, Lil Sis dolls (which are smaller 18" dolls), Lil Pets (15" cloth toys), Friends (model friends and guy friends). You can even buy a kit so you won't have to spend your whole week looking for supplies to make the dolls or you could purchase a cottage license to sew and sell your own dolls. These dolls are safe for babies or children and are totally customizable to look like your child!! How cool is that!?

Anyway, for all you bloggers out there you can download a free pattern in PDF format for her Lil Miss MISSY Doll! Just make sure to spread the good word on your blogs about them. They also have the instructions on how to make the dolls on their tutorial webpage also as a free PDF download. So enjoy these freebies while you can!!