Tiny Oranges – Fresh, fun blog for OC moms

One of our friends got this beautiful, hardcover book, “The Wicked Big Toddlah” by Kevin Hawkes for Morgan’s first birthday and it has become such a hit in our house, I had to write about it and give my mommy review.  I am always looking for great gift ideas for kids and sometimes find myself stumped on the age or sex (I have no idea about boy stuff!) Therefore, when I discover a great gift that could be for a boy or girl, and could be given to a child ages birth through at least age 4 or 5,  it is like hitting the gift idea jackpot!

I personally love getting and giving books for birthday presents because you know it is a gift that will last a long time. And selfishly, after reading the same books again and again, as a mom I love to throw some different titles into the bedtime mix.  It is also nice to have books that I actually enjoy reading too. And this book is just plain fun to read!

With hilarious illustrations with clever detail, it tells the story of an overgrown baby named Toddie growing up during his first year in Maine {therefore the use of local vernacular like “wicked” and the pronunciation of “toddlah.”}

The book opens with a stork delivering a VERY large baby to the hospital and the baby’s uncle Bert yells, “That’s a wicked big toddlah ya got theyah, Jessie!”   The book had me laughing from page one.   Toddie is so big he takes baths in lakes and takes bites out of trees when he starts eating solids.  And the diaper changing page is hysterical.  Let’s just say it really does take a village.

Although Morgan at one is too young to appreciate this story just YET, big sis Emma, at 4 years, thinks this book is an absolute riot. I  have read it every night to her since we got it and she giggles at every turn of the page. Even trying out her own Maine accent, like Toddie, when he learns to speak and says, “Hihowaahya?” {Translation: Hi, how are you?”}

If you are like me and trying to simplify your life these days, pick up a stash of this title to have on hand for birthday parties, and you will not only give a great gift but will avoid a last minute dash to Target!  Buy enough to total $25, and you get free shipping on Amazon too!

Seriously, it’s wicked funny.

{Disclosure: We received the book as a gift and I wanted to share this fun find.  However, I am signed up as an Amazon Affiliate, which means if you click the link to the book above and purchase it online through my link I receive an itsy-bitsy sort of commission. You can click this link here too…The Wicked Big Toddlah…thanks!}

I found ZaZa Gallery awhile back when I started following them on Twitter (@PhotoCanvas).  Recently they tweeted a special coupon for 20% off until the end of the month using promo code “JUNE” so I wanted to share!  To me, photos turned into canvas art for your walls, is just about the coolest way to personalize your living space.

I recently did a ZaZa Gallery canvas of this beautiful photo, one of my ALL TIME favorites by Kristin Eldridge, taken when Morgan was about 4 weeks old.   It is one of my most treasured pieces of decor.

There is nothing I would rather look at on my wall than the faces of my children!

The quality is absolutely fabulous, crisp and clear, and I was just thoroughly impressed with the product, especially for the price.  8 x 10′s start at $25, click HERE for their pricing.  And, it is so easy, you just upload your file online. Love the idea of making your family into pieces of art!

www.zazagallery.com

{Disclosure: I received my canvas for free in a special Twitter promotion for bloggers, but this is in no way a compensated post. I was honestly, thoroughly impressed with the quality, I know you will be too!}

Today is my daughter’s 4th birthday.  I don’t know if this is normal, but every year on her birthday I get very emotional and sentimental!  The day she was born was a day that changed my entire life.  And, one of the three best days of my life.  I never knew such a love existed before I had kids.   Or, such joy.

I am starting a tradition today that a family member shared with me.  When she told me about it a few months back, it made me get teary-eyed because it is so sentimental and special!  

It is called ”Dear Sweet Child Letter Box” by a company called Once Upon a Family. Most places sold it for around $58.  I Googled it and ended up buying it on this site because orders over $50 get free shipping.

I just received it yesterday.  It is a pretty box with 21 ivory booklets inside.  On the night of your child’s birthday, you are to write them a letter about the past year.  Funny memories, special things they did, your feelings about them and what they mean to you.  On the outside there is a space for a photo.  I plan to put a photo in of my girls on the day of their birthday each year.

Then, when they are turning 21 years old (gulp), you have this as a surprise gift to give to them, and they will have 21 years of memories to cherish.   It makes me cry now as I type this because I think it is the most beautiful tradition.  And I get to start with my first one tonight!

Of course, you don’t need this box to do this, you can always write your own letters each year and include them in your own box.  I just loved the pretty ivory booklet and the space for their photo. 

So, that is my fun idea to pass on.   Now I have to get ready for our little celebration!  Happy weekend everyone!   See you back on Monday!

I know we have all probably seen a diaper cake in our time, but I can guarantee you have NEVER seen a diaper cake like  Chic Mama Diaper Cakes!   When Adriana the owner contacted me about sponsorship, I clicked on over to her site to check it out. Her diaper cakes were SO CUTE, STYLISH, HIP, TASTEFUL and UNIQUE that I immediately racked my brain on who I knew having a baby so I would have the opportunity to order one for someone!  And, now one lucky winner with have the opportunity to WIN one for someone with a fun Chic Mama Diaper Cakes giveaway…details below!

A diaper cake is not only a fun conversation point and beautiful display, but also a great practical gift as what new mom doesn’t go through a gazillion diapers?!?  And, the Chic Mama cakes are made with Pampers Swaddlers (my personal fave!) They use diapers to fit an average-sized newborn (8-14 lbs), however you may choose a different size to fit your needs.

I am crazy over this Gabriella one for girls and this Anthony one for boys and many of her designs also include useful items like receiving blankets, towels & stuffed animals. The cakes over $55+  also include a 5-pack of little J&J products like this GORGEOUS one. Loving that monogram!

If you do not see a design that catches your eye, they can put a Chic Mama touch on a customized cake.  Let her help you coordinate a design to match a new nursery, a parent’s hobby, a favorite place… the possibilities are unlimited!  Whether or not you have a particular theme in mind, or simply want pink, blue or “team green”, they can create the perfect cake that’s right for you.

You can also browse their line of chic, totally hip diaper bags and accessories!

Okay readers, I have two exciting things to  mention.  First, Chic Mama Diaper Cakes has extended a special coupon code for Tiny Oranges readers! Enter in “CMTO002″ in the section where it says “Voucher” on checkout and receive 10% off your order between now and 08/31/10!

Hooray! It’s a Tiny Giveaway!

Chic Mama Diaper Cakes is giving one lucky winner their choice of any of her $49 diaper cakes + free shipping!  WOO HOO!  Got a baby shower coming up??  New baby gift to send??  PERFECT!

Here are the entry options, please leave a separate comment for each entry!

1. Simply comment below and let me know YOUR favorite design!  Click HERE to browse her cakes!  Search by boy, girl, surprise or twins! – 1 Entry

2. {Like} Chic Mama Diaper Cakes on Facebook – 1 Entry

3. {Like} Tiny Oranges on Facebook – 1 Entry

4. Sign up to receive Tiny Oranges email updates – top right column “subscribe” – 1 Entry

5. Follow @TinyOrangesOC on Twitter!

Contest runs through Sunday, June 13th, 2010 at 5PM PST.  Good luck!

{Disclosure: Chic Mama Diaper Cakes is a Tiny Oranges Sponsor}

Can you believe it is June 1st today?  It is CRAZY to me how fast this school year went!  Since is officially June, that means it is the month of teachers, dads & grads and there are the CUTEST personalized gift options for all the above over at Erin Condren.  If you do shop Erin Condren, PLEASE start your shopping by clicking over to her site from Tiny Oranges as I am proud to be an Erin Condren affiliate!

Struggling to think of the perfect gift for your child’s teacher? Erin now has DARLING personalized deskpads. This is such a great gift that will last the whole year through!  And, you can never go wrong with personalized stationery or gift labels. Can’t decide? Give the gift of an Erin Condren gift card and let them choose!

Got a grad in your life this year?  Make their life a little easier by giving the gift of personalized stationery to write those zillion thank you notes after the announcements have gone out!

And, this is  a new one, and such a great idea…Erin Condren now has a men’s collection! I personally LOVE the deskpad with the family photo!  Great idea for dad or grandpa!  And don’t forget about Erin’s beautiful canvas collection where you can create a meaningful piece of art out of your favorite family photos.

Happy shopping!