On the Fence?

Love Bites

21 Months of Goodness

This is why I am back on the fence.  The fence may be pointy and rotting and have sharp edges that could lead to serious splinters on the rear, but I can't seem to get off.  Last week I wasn't anywhere near this fence.  This is my life.  The more the merrier?  And he wants a roof box?  Can the kids ride in it?  Is he on to me?

Best Roof Box?

We can fit a lot of stuff into the Traverse when we need to, but I've been thinking it would be nice to have some extra space.  What if we could put sandy things like beach toys and beach chairs somewhere other than in the back of the car...especially now that it's clean again.  

As I was leaving work today, I saw the great looking Traverse that parks outside my office.  

They have a Thule roof box...hmmm that'd be a good place to put those beach toys when we go down to Rhode Island to visit Grandma and Grandad.  But, I wonder if our readers have other recommendations. 

What's the best roof box for a big family like ours?  Thule, Yakima, other brands?

Stroller Goodness: Giveaway!

I'm feeling generous.  It's probably because I've been hanging out with a number of cute babies with my bloggy friends.  I got cuddles with 5 week old Tessa, from Don't Mind the Mess, this past weekend.  Man, is she a sweet one.  Tessa's mom says #4 is headed my way.  She says she can "see it in my eyes," whatever that means.  Tessa's pretty damn cute, but I'm pissed that no one took our picture together.

And then there were the Blissdom babies.  I make friends with babies and their mommies wherever I go.  I like to talk to people at Target about shampoo for goodness sake, can you imagine what I do when I see a newborn?  Yup, I ask a lot of questions, make faces and embarassing baby-talk noises.

And now, for the Blissdom babies...

Not sure of this one, but mom knew I was being intrusive during a photography session.  Isn't it nice?  I was  learning about aperture.  

Callan and his beautiful baby-wearing Mommy from Stilettos and Diapers.  Yup, there's a baby sleeping in there during a Rascal Flatts concert!

Dylan from Love Live Grow

Let's get back to generous.  I'm giving away a super soft Special Collection Bugaboo Paul Frank stroller blanket and Hold On Handles for strollers!  We all know fleece blankets keep kids warm, but this one is especially cute.  The Bizzy Bugs (ladybug single handle set) teach kids to stay within arms reach when walking alongside mom or dad.  It's an adorable little handle keeping everyone under control while walking around town or at the mall.  It snaps easily onto most strollers.

Here's how to enter to win: 

• Leave a comment below

For extra entries, you can do the following!  Please leave one extra comment for each that you complete.

• LIKE Stowed Stuff on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Post this giveaway on your Facebook Wall
• Tweet this giveaway (Limit, once per day.)
• Follow my boards on Pinterest

The Goods

Sound good?  Sure it does. Good luck.  Contest period ends on April 12th, 2012 at 8pm.  One winner will have 48 hours to claim prize before a new winner is selected.  Continental U.S. entries only please.  Good luck!  

Traverse Cleans Up Nice!

Whilst I was away at a blogging conference all day yesterday (yes, again!) in Cambridge, my darling husband and six-year-old daughter managed to clean and vacuum and scrub and polish my Chevy Traverse.  OH MY GOD.

Ready for me

Spotless

Will the kids ever be allowed in again?

I get to drive it tonight to the Gender Reveal Party!?  A what, you say?  You can get in on the action and win some amazing prizes over on the Twitter around 8pm.  More information can be found here!  Don't forget to guess boy or girl for your chance to win some stuff!

Oh, and I made so many new friends over at Blog Better Boston yesterday.  Much fun was had.  I made friends with the drink ticket girl, Katy Rose.  She was a love, passing out extra tickets to the old fogie blogger lush crowd in the back.  She even takes amazing bloggy notes.  See what I learned?  I love new friends.  

Now, go make your husband clean out your car!  Oh, I can't wait to drive it!

Scotty Reiss Rings

Blue Sapphire Karma Ring

I splurged and bought this gorgeous ring for myself at Blissdom during the Handmade Marketplace.  I totally love its chunkiness, its bling factor and its sparkle.  You should get one too.

Exploring Brewster, MA

Quite a view!

The house has been settled upon for our week on the Cape and it's a full on Stow family getaway happening on the Brewster flats.  It's not gonna suck.

The beach at low tide.

I seriously need to start saving for a house of my own on the flats for one day when I grow up.  Spring seems to have sprung in these parts and summer is a' coming.  Time to dig out my bikini, I mean tankini, my old fart one piece and GET. IN. SHAPE!  

iHappy

Blissdom was really fun.  I'm so grateful to my peeps at Ebates who made this iPad win possible.  I can't wait to play with it!  Blogging is going to so much more fun now.  

What's Up With My Grill?

Totally bummed tonight when I tried to fire up the grill.  Newly filled propane tank -- but still low flames.  Not sure what the problem is...any ideas?



What now?  Annie needs her burgers!

I Went to WalMart

Emily and I ventured up 495N yesterday to WalMart.  It was a short shopping list, but I thought I'd save a buck if I tried WalMart.  (I never go there, really.)  And I've never done any grocery shopping there before, so I thought I'd give it a whirl.

Funny enough, we were in the same lot as Market Basket.  "Should we stop in?"

We quickly ran past the Family Fun Center and headed to the back corner of the store to get some Pull-Ups.  As we were deciding between cool-alerts, and overnites we heard yelling.  Lots of yelling.  It was all happening in the next aisle over by a loud, obnoxious mother.

First, my eyes began to bulge.  I looked at my Emily, whose eyes were also bulging while she was listening to every single word spoken by this lunatic mother.  A mother...how could a mother talk to a child this way.

I was cringing for Emily.  "We gotta get out of here, fast."  But part of me needed to catch a glimpse of this woman.  The poor boy was named Aidan, about 9 or 10 years old, sitting as far away from his Masshole mother as he could get, on some boxes of diapers at the end of the aisle, as his mom continued to berate and belittle him.  "You're such a spoiled brat, Aidan.  Don't you ever think about anyone else?  Oh no, it's all about what Aidan wants.  You're such a spoiled little brat.  What did you say?  Oh, and didn't I just take you to McDonald's?  Get over here so I can smack you."

She was probably around 30, pushing another little boy in a stroller, just screaming and yelling and hollering so everyone could hear.  It was so embarrassing.  I whispered to Em, "She's not a good mom.  She shouldn't be yelling at him like that.  She's a bully."

Was I on an episode of What Would You Do?  Where is John Quinones? When we walked past her, she didn't even stop the commotion.  Then I thought, "is she on something?"  I heard her son say, "I freakin' HATE you!"  Yikes.   And this is all taking place in public, at WalMart.  Imagine what life must be like when no other people are around?  Part of me really wanted to stand up to her and say something, but you know how it goes.  It's not my place, she might clock me, I have no business...but my heart ached for the poor kid.

So, like I said before, I don't typically choose to shop at WalMart.  After yesterday's escapades, I remember why.  And we wonder where these kids learn these behaviors?  It's the rotten apple trees.  One bad apple spoils the bunch.  Let's just say I couldn't get out of that parking lot fast enough and we didn't dare stop at Market Basket.

Bliss Kicks

At first glance, I thought they were ugly.  But then as I got closer, I warmed up to them.  Ok, maybe they aren't "clown shoes."  I'll take an 8 1/2 please.

My Famous Footwear Dr. Scholl's Free Step Kicks

I finally got to wear my "tongueless" sneaks for the first time today.  I'll have you know that I wore them for 15 hours straight today.   Why take them off when they feel like slippers?  And the more I looked down, the cuter they got.  I REALLY like them.  They're surprisingly super comfy.  I probably could have slept in them.  A featherweight pair of kicks without a tongue!  Love 'em!  And after discovering that they come in so many cute colors, I just might have to get another pair!  Have you worn your Bliss Kicks yet?

Weekend Shopping?

Has the promise of warmer weather gotten you in the mood to SHOP?  Here are some great deals you don't want to miss:

Headed to Old Navy?  Save $10 off $50 just by by signing up for their email notifications!
Old Navy $10 Off $50 With Email Sign Up

Shopping for the little ones?   Carter's is having a HUGE baby sale!
Carter's Baby Sale

Save 15% at Kohl's ~ no Kohl's card needed!
Kohls 15% Off Everything

Happy shopping!

Wordless Wednesday: What I Found at Blissdom

I had to travel to Nashville, TN to "dig a little deeper" to get to know Diane.  Who knew this match made in heaven would ever take place, on a tiny plane (or 4), in a city that wasn't Foxborough, MA?

You've got a friend in me, Dollops.  I can't wait for our next spring break, I mean blogging conference!

Watch Out, Nashville!

I haven't flown since Ellen.  Seems like eons ago.

A blogging conference, for real.  I've dreamed of this opportunity.

I'd like to thank all my Stow people for making this a reality.  Dear husband, Chris, you will be missed.  I'm not sure how I'm gonna make it through the next 5 days without you.  You best be following me on twitter! To my wonderful in-laws, coming to sit for my kids for the next few days ~ this is the best birthday present ever - just remember, night-time Pull-Ups, night-time diapers, and lots of wine and you'll be golden!  And to Blissdom, for holding a huge, awesome blogging conference during February school vacation week!  Woot woot!

I am nervous about cords and wires and exploding creams and shampoos in my suitcase.  The rest is a cake-walk. Watch out, Nashville ~ Annie and Diane are coming for ya!  We are kidless and ready to party it up in Nashville. Stay tuned world, there will be plenty of photos, tweets and status updates.

And a big shout out to my sponsor for Blissdom, Happy Baby Food!  This mama has left plenty of Happy Baby goodness for the crew while she's gone.  Stay tuned folks, my bags are packed!

My Mess...My Bliss.

Well, maybe.  It's a work in progress.  See you all in Nashville!

Sass Up Your Stroller With City Grips!

Congratulations to Calvins Mom, Amy B, ellen, Jackie F and Helen!!  Enjoy your City Grips!

City Grips

Looking to add some sass and spunk to your baby's stroller?  Check out City Grips!  I think they are SO pretty! Make your stroller stands out in a crowd with these soft and stylish grip covers!  These cute little covers come in a variety of patterns and are made to fit all strollers!  You can select the style that is right for you!  Forget the city, they're perfect for the 'burbs too!  So many super cute styles that would make a perfect gift for any new mom!  Don't forget to check out City Grips on facebook!

CityGrips are great for so many reasons:

• Machine washable
• Soft and comfortable on your hands
• Protect your stroller from everyday wear and tear
• Help to avoid grimy, sweaty hands
• Did I say stylish?  I LOVE THE LOOK!

Want to win your very own City Grips for your stroller?  I'm giving away a pair of CityGrips to 5 lucky readers! Here's how to enter:  

• Simply leave a comment below.

For extra entries, you can do the following:  (Please leave an extra comment for each that you do.)

• Follow Stowed Stuff on facebook
• Share this Giveaway on facebook
• Share this Giveaway on twitter

Contest period ends on February 29, 2012 at 8PM EST.  Winner will be chosen using random.org and will have 48 hours to claim prize.  Open to U.S. residents only.  Good luck!

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I was given my own pair of City Grips for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Ready for Blissdom

Pre-Conference Goodies!

The new business cards have arrived, the shopping has been done, the eye-brow is separated, there's a new suitcase ready to be Stuffed and I'm traveling with Dollops.  And today, they've announced all the fun surprises in store for us crazy bloggers.  Couldn't be more excited for our very own concert with Rascal Flatts!  Watch out Nashville ~  Blissdom or BUST!

Happy Birthday To Me

35

Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting
From the BEST baby-sitter in the history of the world:  Michelle Kelly

I'm a lucky lady.  Watch out world, I've got a BIG to-do list.  30's rock.  Thanks for having me, Mom and Dad. Life is fun.  xoxo

HATCHEDit.com: An Online Calendar for Families

This past week, I had the pleasure of hosting a blogger party with Megan and Kirsten; co-founders of Hatchedit.com.  An amazing group of women came together to learn about this new online tool which helps families stay organized.

The Ladies who came out for the Hatchedit.com Blogger Event!
They all went home with amazing loot from Mirassou Winery and The Container Store!

When you log into HATCHEDit, you can create an account for your family to keep track of all your events and tasks to make managing everyone's schedule easier.  The calendar allows you to connect as many as eight children to your account, each with their own username and password!  Each family member is marked with a unique color code so that their events are categorized.  The calendar even has the ability to set up recurring events that span certain days and organize events according to different categories, i.e., travel, work, academics, medical appointments, playdates.  You can even invite people to events and set permissions so only chosen people can see your events.  It's a pretty neat tool that gets rid of long, confusing email chains.  Hatchedit makes organizing events much easier for everyone in the extended family!

One great feature of Hatchedit is groups.  You can invite certain people to join your group and start discussions that everyone in the group can see.  It's pretty fantastic!  HATCHEDit groups would be great for planning a holiday meal ("Who's bringing the mashed potatoes?") or a family vacation ("How many bathrooms do we need in our cottage on the Cape?").  It's neat, tidy and easy to manage -- all in one place!

Hatchedit even allows for you to set up a personal blogfeed and newsfeed, so you can keep up-to-date with your favorite sites.  And, let's not forget the curation tab, where you can post images and keep track of your favorite things.  It's all right there on your dashboard when you log in!  Beautiful!

And, best of all, HATCHEDit is FREE!  So log in today, start organizing your family's busy schedule, and don't forget the app for your Android device!  You can download the app in the Android Market or at Hatchedit.com.  The iPhone app will be coming out in just a few short weeks.

Get yourself a free HATCHEDit.com account and you'll be able to invite family members to dance recitals, organize school pick-ups, playdates, notify baby-sitters of important dates, manage PTO meetings, and golf outings all in one place!
______________________________________________________________________________________________
I was compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own.  

Mirassou Wine for the Ambitious Moms

Annie is ready!  So excited to party with HATCHEDit!

Boston area bloggers should join us at Ambitious Moms so you don't miss out on any of the fun!  

We're ready to party!  

SleepBuddy: Giveaway!

"I got a present!" 

So, we went through a couple of weeks of hell after Christmas trying to get Aidan to stay in his bed all night.  I stuck to my guns.  Chris and I followed through with our plan to keep dragging him back to his own bed without speaking to him (except for an "I love you.  Goodnight.")  It's been going pretty well, however we have a small 25 watt light next to his bed that he still likes to have on at night sometimes.

But not anymore.  A few days ago, Aidan received a lovely little present from MomSelect.  He was so excited to open it and see what it was.  So was Mommy!  We got a SleepBuddy!  I absolutely love how it was gift wrapped and made Aidan feel really special.

SleepBuddy features a soft blue light that can sits on Aidan's dresser.  We no longer need any other light on in the room at bedtime.  HALLELUJAH!   The light is set to stay on while Aidan is sleeping (for naps and bedtime!)  We have set the light to go off at 7:30am, which means it is OK for him to get up!  And it's working.  Over the weekend he told me, "I swept weawy good wast night because I weawy weawy wike my SweepBuddy."  Too cute.

SleepBuddy comes with a cute children's book that explains how it all works, reinforcing healthy sleep habits.  It even includes a rewards chart with stickers to track your child's progress and a parent's guide to help you reach sleep success.  Emily loves encouraging her little brother and helping him with his stickers each morning.  It's totally great.

SleepBuddy is great for any child between the ages of 1 1/2 - 6 years old.  It's perfect for kids who are:

• Soon to be transitioning from crib to bed
• In the process of transitioning to a bed
• Sleeping in a bed, but not staying through the night  

Gift wrapped SleepBuddy

I know how important it is to get your beauty rest and teach healthy sleep habits to your kids.  One lucky reader is going to win their very own Sleep Buddy, the complete system for naps and nighttime.  If you're struggling with sleep, along with your little one, this may very well be the answer to your prayers.  

Contest is open to U.S. residents and contest period ends on February 5th, at 8pm EST.  In order to enter, please leave a comment below telling me a little bit about the sleep culprit in your house.  (Mandatory)

For extra entries:  (please leave one extra comment below for each that you complete)

• Follow SleepBuddy on Twitter
• LIKE SleepBuddy on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• LIKE Stowed Stuff on Facebook
• Subscribe to my RSS Feed
• Share this giveaway on your own Facebook wall
• Tweet this giveaway (one per day, must leave comment for subsequent tweets)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to MomSelect and SleepBuddy for realizing I needed one of these bad boys.  Love it.  All opinions are my own.  

Atrocious Bows on Babies

So you have a newborn baby and it might be a girl.  You love your baby girl to pieces and you dress her up in really cute girly clothes and you snuggle her and you snap lots of photos.  And then some of you do this to the poor child.

Photo By Savvy Britches Boutique

Call me crazy, but I hate it.  They are so weird.  What's even weirder are the people who purchase these giant things and put them on their baby's head for a professional photo.  Do these kids wear these on a day-to-day basis?  Or is this some sort of fashion statement that only looks *good* in photos?  I think it takes away from the sweet, dainty newborn child.  God awful.  Do the photographers think these giant bows and flowers are cute on children?  Or is it just "art?"  I don't get it.

ritzybaby.com

My dad used to always laugh and shake his head whenever he saw a newborn baby girl wearing something over her bald head.  But this brings it to a whole new level.  This is far worse than a headband from the 1980s and I know my Dad would not approve either.  Hair or no hair, just don't do it.

beautifulbowsboutique.com

See more at pinkbowtique.com

I think folks actually pay money for these things.  I think it's horrendous.