Baby's First Hair Cut: After

And in with the new... (see the before pics here!)

"Ok, maybe it won't be so bad!"

One last look

Tonsils

"This sucks!"  

"Pop!"  

No pain, no gain...

Big boy

Time for another one...

Baby's First Hair Cut: Before

Out with the old... (see after pics here!)

Bath mullet

Lovely baby locks

Whispy bits

"I'm not so sure about this, Mom."  The forehead comb over in full effect

Hedbanz: #1 Game for Kids!

Hedbanz Family Fun

Last night we finally opened the new game, Hedbanz.  I had heard a lot of great stuff about the fun involved, but you really don't know the joy until you play it yourself.  The giggles are priceless.  I'm talking extreme, hiccup causing laughter had by all.

I'll have you know, Hedbanz was just as hard to find in stores this Christmas as the LeapPad.  But good ol' Benny's in Mansfield, MA helped us bring home the fun.  The game was out of stock when I was searching for it, but the lovely sales clerk put me on a call list so that I would get one as soon as it was back on the shelves.  Just a few short days later, Benny's called with the good news.

Hedbanz is fun for all ages.  You have to guess the card you are wearing on your head by asking each other questions.  The laughter is contagious and out of control, especially when the little people catch a glimpse of the new card going up on Mom or Dad's head.   HILARIOUS.  If you don't have Hedbanz in your house, you're missing out!  It'd make a great birthday gift for any kid.

What's your favorite family game?

Making Out

I used to want to make out with a good friend of mine, whom I share an office with at work.  I loved it when one of us was sad and needed to be hugged.  Inhale.

Now I just want to make out withy myself.

Thank you Jenn, for letting me sniff and hug you.  And I guess we have to really thank Betty too.  I love my wrists.  So subtle, and gentle - yet womanly.

Amazing Grace by Philosophy

Hug me, I dare ya.  You'll want to make out with me.  What's your favorite scent?

Ten Goals for 2012

If I write my goals down, then maybe I'll actually have to work toward them.  Here are ten that I'm willing to write down.

• Get my kids on skis.
• Keep the interior of my Traverse clean (I'll be accepting tips on how to do this.)
• Work out at least 2x week.  Run another 5K.
• Vlog more.
• Drink less wine.
• Cook more. (Quick, healthy choices for all 5 of us...accepting tips on how-to)
• Make less piles.
• Remember to put on my night moisturizer before I go to bed.  
• Travel more.  Book a family vacation.
• Fold the laundry as soon as it comes out of the dryer.  

I can do this, right?  Now it's your turn.  What are ten goals you'd like to achieve in 2012?   

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**I will not quantify the words "less/more."    

The Kid Can Talk

He just hit the 18 month mark a few days ago.   And he only just started walking steadily about three weeks ago.  You know us Stows.  I made a list of Aidan's, so I just had to start Owen's.  He's imitating everything!

1. Cup
2. Please
3. Thank you
4. Milk
5. Choo Choo
6. Mummy
7. Daddy
8. Emmy
9. Grandad
10. Pat
11. Aidy
12. Baby
13. Bunny
14. Car
15. Truck
16. Hot
17. No
18. Out
19. Pancake
20. Apple
21. Pasta
22. Pizza
23. Head
24. Nose
25. Eyes
26. Peek A Boo
27. Stinky
28. Poopies
29. Elmo
30. Go
31. Tree
32. Santa
33. Ruby
34. T.V.
35. Tub
36. Nana
37. O's
38. Doggy
39. Up
40. Binky
41. Grandma
42. Hi
43. Bye Bye
44. Uh-oh
45. Glasses
46. Wow
47. Cookie
48. Fishies
49. Boo Boo
50. Book
51. Hat
52. Boat
53. House
54. Toes
55. Ball
56. Cook
57. Shoes
58. Sock
59. Popsicle
60. Upstairs
61. Cow
62. More
63. Mmmmm, yummy!

At nap time today, he said "sweet dreams" back to me.  MELT.  I still call him "the baby," but he's growing up fast.  I was supposed to cut the baby's hair today.  Even though he's got a mullet, I'm having some issues with that.  

This is a great age.  Totally loving on him every chance I get.  I can't pick him up without smothering him in kisses.  I love my baby.

Maybe we'll cut the mullet tomorrow...

Calling All Sponsors for January!

The new year is upon us.  Not so sure how that happened so fast, but it's here.  I have had so much fun sharing my blog with the world this past year.  After attending Bloggy Boot Camp in May, I realized that blogging is much more than just a hobby for me.  I am absolutely immersed in social media and I'm loving the super fun opportunities that are ahead in 2012.  Get excited.

I'm heading to two amazing conferences this year (Blissdom and BlogHer) and would jump at the chance to get to travel more.  I have set new goals and have a new vision for blogging.  It doesn't stop there.  My readership is growing each month and I am so incredibly thankful for all of you who come here for entertainment, tips, reviews, contests and fun.  Thanks for being so kind and supportive!  Keep spreading the Stowed Stuff love!

Consider starting the new year off with a bang!  If you are interested in sponsoring Stowed Stuff in January, you can find more information on my PR/Brands page.  I am always looking for new brands to work with!  I'd love to hear from more Etsy shop owners in 2012 and help spread the crafty love.  If you have a blog or small business you'd like me to promote, we can do that too!  I will be offering three different ad sizes available for placement in my sidebar, so please get in touch if you are interested!  It's a super inexpensive way to advertise!

Email me at annie@stowedstuff.com for more information!

New Commercial: Queen of the Road

Top Ten Christmas Toys

Stow Christmas Morning 2011

My kids are 6, 3 and 1.  Who knew they'd start playing so nicely together at this age?  It just took about 30 new toys to let it shine through.  Christmas 2011 will go down in the books as one hell of a Christmas for my kids. They made out like bandits.   Here's what they're loving this morning:

• Hot Wheels Sky Jump Track Set - This was for Aidan.  Emily loves it and Owen managed to find the best Hot Wheels cars in the house to make it work!  They all love this thing!
• Discovery Kids Color Me Playhouse - Owen can now say "house!"
• Whoopi Cushion - need I say more?
• Hess truck - A Connelley classic from Nana (not intended for bringing to church.)
• Play-Doh Magic Swirl Ice Cream Shoppe - Thanks Uncle Michael and Auntie Aimee!  
• Leapster Leap Pad - Best baby-sitter in the world managed to get her hands on one!
• Flarp - Almost as fun as the Whoopi
• Time 4 Toyz Disc Blasters - Totally better than I expected.  I wanna play! 
• Melissa and Doug Parking Garage - This is Mommy's favorite.
• Remote Control Monster Truck - Thanks Uncle Michael and Auntie Aimee!  (6+, yeah right!!!)  

Now back to toy assembly.  What are your kids in love with this morning?

Bedtime Sucks

He's three.  He wants one more story, one more snuggle, a longer snuggle, and the latest - leave the lights on. Really?  Really.

For the past week, my three year old has insisted that we leave one of his lights on in his room.  He screamed bloody murder for a half hour when we said no and told him that the hall light is enough.  The nightmares have begun and the kid who used to go to bed with a kiss, an "I love you," darkness and a closed door is nowhere to be found.

We've tried everything.  We even try - are you ready? - shutting the light off when we go to bed.  But that doesn't work either because when he wakes up in the night, he quickly realizes that SOMEONE turned the light out and it needs to come back on PRONTO, even if it is 3am.  Daddy's loving that shriek, lemme tell ya.

So the light has been on.  I've tried reasoning with him - explaining that we're wasting electricity, etc.  "If we give all our money to National Grid, then we won't have any extra money to do fun stuff."  Yeah, right mom.

With the lights on, he then gets up earlier in the morning because he thinks it's 7am when it's only 5am.  So he's taking advantage of my beautiful king, by climbing in the middle again.  But the lights are out.  Does that count for anything?

Twilight Turtle:  This better work...

What is wrong with this picture?  Christmas is in 33 hours and I'm out at a freakin' toy store buying my son a Twilight Turtle so he can sleep under the stars.  This better work, gosh darn it.  If he treats this $32.99 turtle anything like he treats his two glow worms, I'll have to dig my eyes out with a scalpel.  Did I ever mention how wonderful age three is?  Bedtime sucks at three years and 5 months.   Really sucks.  Wish me luck tonight.

Oh, Dear!

Kindergarten: Holiday Cheer

Of all things kindergarten, this is my all time favorite...

Em and Mommy

Who Needs Toys?

Mommy Fashions

Ok, ok.  I did it.  I passed on the opportunity to go hang out with Boston lawyers at the holiday party last night and instead I went for the Chestnut Uggs.  I'm proud of myself.

But that's not all.  Let's call it fashion Friday.  You can't just wear Uggs with any old thing - remember, I didn't have any skinny jeans.  Until...

Lucky Jeans:   Bowen Street N Straight

Fell in love with this sweater at Nordstrom..

I think I got this one too...

And then ya know when a Mommy is out without 3 kids in tow, she kind of has to venture into Victiora's Secret too and get something for the girls...

Body by Victoria:  Full Coverage

So there ya have it.  What a hold up!  I strongly advise going Christmas shopping alone and treating yourself to some fun fashions.  Especially if you're like me, and rarely get the chance.   Go ahead, you deserve it!  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------**Disclosure:  Those are not my boobs.  I kinda wish they were.  

Caving on Uggs

$200:  Whoa Nelly.

Chocolate, Chestnut or Black?

I talk a lot.  The mom I recently cornered in the bathroom of the Picadilly Pub said her sister got her the chocolate ones and she liked them, but she thought that the Chestnut (shown) would have been better with jeans, etc.  I don't have ANY boots, fashionable or sensible.  I don't have ANY skinny jeans either.  That's because I'm not skinny.  What color!!!??  I feel like this is such a huge decision!  Help a 34 year-old mother out!  Black seems too "safe."  If I'm gonna go Ugg, then I better do it right!  

Grandpa In My Pocket

Wow, it's the witching hour and dinner isn't quite ready yet.  My kids aren't killing each other and it's peaceful in here. What the hell is going on?

We've just discovered a new show on ON DEMAND.  My kids think Grandpa in my Pocket is fabulous.  It's put out by the BBC children's programming network - CBeebies.  Who knew?  And where have I been?  I mean really, we know my kids are half English and fell in love with Fireman Sam a long time ago.

But this show is so creative and reminds them of all the fun they have with their very own British Grandad!  (I can't get over the huge sailboat sitting on what looks like the very same console table as Tillerman's - it's remarkable how much of this house looks just like Grandad's!)  The episodes are creative and as cute as can be.

Sorry, gotta run because they're shouting "I want another one, please!"  Holy hell, I think Grandpa in my Pocket is a winner!  And Grandad, they can't wait to watch it with you!

Fashion Playtes: Where Little Girls Design Their Own Clothes!

Yesterday afternoon, Emily and I had the pleasure of visiting the headquarters of FashionPlaytes in Beverly, MA. I had never before heard of a website where little girls can design their own clothes! I'm talking ruffles, sequins, feathers, rhinestones and MORE!  Emily and I had such a fun time designing her cute little dress on the computer together and when we saw our creation in real life, we were even more pleased!  It's totally adorable.  She is in love with her design and is insisting upon wearing it to school tomorrow.

My Fashionista

Check them out on Facebook for fun contests and discounts!  You'll have so much fun playing around on their site and designing clothing for the little fashionistas in your life!  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------**Disclosure:  I attended an event hosted by FashionPlaytes and was able to design a dress to take part in this review.  All opinions are my own.

Cheap Shampoo

I've tried a lot of different kinds of shampoo in my day and I keep coming back to the cheap stuff.  Call me crazy, but I love this.

No matter how much you pay, you still rub it in your hair, lather it up and watch it go down the drain.  Do you really want to be paying a lot of money for shampoo?  This stuff smells like fresh coconuts on a Caribbean island.  As I'm all lathered up, I hear the steel drums playing in the background while the bartender is whipping up my Bushwacker  (I seriously have to get back to the BEYC soon - damn you Tillerman!)  But seriously, this stuff leaves my super thick, curly hair feeling manageable and soft.  This stuff is cheap (you can usually find it for less than $3.00 a bottle!)  No matter what new brand of shampoo I try, I keep coming back to Suave's Humectant Moisture for Dry Hair.  I don't even know if I have dry hair (it's certainly wet when I use the stuff,) but hell, it doesn't matter. I just love the smell and the price!  You can't go wrong.

Have you tried it?  Watch out if you see me at Target in the shampoo aisle because I usually start talking it up and telling people to try it.  Sometimes I even make them smell my hair.  That must be why I can never find the shampoo and the conditioner available on the shelf together at the same time.   One or the other is always sold out!  I should keep my big mouth shut.

Gifts for Teachers

Having been the recipient of many a gift in my twelve years of teaching, I thought I'd share some good ideas for those who are looking to find a thoughtful gift for their child's teacher.  Here goes...

• Personalized Stationary/Fancy Note Pads.  I got an adorable one from my room mother one year and I can still remember how sad I was when I got down to the last sheet.  It sat on my desk all year long and I loved it so much and it was super useful and pretty.  Great for a newly married teacher. 
• Dunkin Donuts/Starbucks Giftcards.  What teacher doesn't love coffee?
• Fancy Christmas Ornaments.  I treausure my "specials" from my former students.  As I decorate my tree each year, I am reminded of the cute little cherubs who gave them to me. 
• Fancy candles and soaps.  We all love Yankee Candle and Bath & Body Works.  If you're gonna do a candle, do it right.  And if you're gonna do soaps, stick to something useful and decent.  We love gift cards to these stores too!
• Did I mention gift cards?  Teachers love them!  Barnes & Noble is always a big hit!  As is AMEX when it's from the entire class :)  But what about a nice restaurant in town, a manicure, or movie tickets?

Ok, ok.  I've also gotten some pretty lame gifts in past years.  Here are some things that we could live without:

• Mugs
• Chocolate  (Call me crazy, but enough is enough.)  Try to think outside the box.
• Clothes from your closet  (No joke.  I was the recipient of various articles of clothing belonging to my student's mother one year.  It's the thought that counts though, right?  I'll never forget it.)
• Body lotions  (See gift cards.)
• Figurines 

I hope this list helps.  Share some of your other great ideas!

Eye-Fi. Get it Now!

For more gift giving ideas this holiday season, please check out my holiday stuff!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------**I was not compensated for this post.  Just had to share the Eye-Fi love.

Hiring a Babysitter

Like I said, this is something I wish I did a LONG time ago.  Do it sooner than later people!  It feels good to have someone else I can rely on besides family...

Wordless Wednesday

Oak Hill Country Day Preschool Wooo!

Here's an oldie but goodie I came across today on the hub's YouTube channel.  Just had to post.  Yup, she's only 2 years and 10 month...

10 Reasons to See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

1. The production will put a holly jolly in your step!  As a dancer from Christmas past (I danced in the Ballet Theatre of Boston's Nutcracker as a kid), I was in awe the entire time.  
2. Holy Costumes!  Dazzling crystals, light up antlers, and candy cane tutus.
3. Watching my kids' eyes light up during "Here Comes Santa Claus."  Never mind, getting waves and winks from all the Santas as they ran through the orchestra section!  
4. Any excuse to set foot in the Wang Theatre - love that place.
5. The stunning Amy Biddle Owens.  She's center-line and GORGEOUS!
6. The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers was totally great.  
7. Streamers!
8. Camels, sheep and donkeys!
9. A 50 food LED Screen



We even took the streamers home!

10. "New York at Christmas" includes a lifelike double-decker tour bus moving through the streets of New York City - super cool.  

The opulent Wang Theatre!

Don't forget, you can use my PROMO CODE  "STOWED" to save 25% on tickets at checkout and you can enter for your chance to win tickets to the show here at Stowed Stuff as well!  Enjoy the show!  It was simply amazing!  

Hartstrings: Cute Clothes for Kids

You can shop for Hartsrings clothing here.

Follow them on Facebook to keep up with sales and deals!  And here on Twitter!  Happy shopping!
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** I was given free products as part of a promotional program with Hartstings and MomSelect.  All opinions are my own. 

Cushions

And they're off again!

He's a fast learner.