Spiffies: For Baby's Teeth

I have fillings.  Lots of them.  It's something I'm not proud of and is a result of bad habits as a kid.  With that being said, I'm trying my damnedest to get my kids to take better care of their choppers than I did.  So far, so good.

Never a bother with Spiffies!

Those little baby teeth need to be taken care of.  Tooth decay is a bad thing.  Did you know that 40% of kids in the U.S.A. have cavities by age 6?  Ugh.  Not a very good idea of mine to clean a binky with my own mouth and then plop it back in kid's mouth.  (Shock horror, can you believe I would do such a thing?)  What a great way for me to pass on bacteria to my poor little babies.  Whoopsie.  

Juice didn't happen to Emily until she was four years old.  Ya, kid #1, I was super mom.  Juice happened to Aidan at about age 3.  And then there's kid 3, who I recently found sucking on a sibling's empty in the living room just the other day.  Awesome.  You know he'll be sucking 'em down at about 2, because super mom is nowhere to be found.  

Ok, ok, let 's get back to taking care of the little people's teeth.  Owen loves brushing and can hardly pass by the bathroom without calling out, "brush teeth."  (Whose kid is he anyway?)  But now he has a new word in his vocabulary and it's "Spiffies." Bedtime now usually ends with a request for "Moah Thpiffies!"   

Spiffies!

Spiffies are tooth and gum cleaning wipes for babies who are 2 months of age and older.  They smell delicious (grape and apple), but must taste delicious too, because Owen can't get enough.  If you're a mom who focuses on natural products for your kids, you'll love these things.  The magic natural ingredient is xlyitol, which comes from birch trees and can be found in many fruits and vegetables. It's FDA approved, fluoride free,  SLS free and gluten free.  The harmful cavity bacteria, which feeds on sugars in the mouth, can't use xylitol as a food source ~ xylitol may even cause the harmful bacteria to leave the mouth altogther if used regularly!  WOW!  Sign me up, right?  

How would you like a chance to win some Spiffies to try out for yourself?  Your kid is going to LOVE them!  Get going on good oral hygiene and have it be stress-free with these nifty little flavorful wipes!  Here's what to do:

• Leave a comment below (Mandatory for entry)

Please leave an additional comment for each of these extra entries you complete:

• LIKE Stowed Stuff on Facebook.
• Share this post on your Facebook Wall!
• Leave a comment on Spiffies Tooth Wipes Wall and tell them Stowed Stuff sent you!
• Follow @anniestow on Twitter.
• Tweet this giveaway!

Good luck!  Contest is open to U.S. residents only and contest period ends on April 11th, 2012 at 8pm EST.  Winner will be chosen by random.org and will have 48 hours to claim prize before a new winner is chosen.  

Spiffies Prize Package

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**I was given a sample of Spiffies Wipes and Toothbrushing Gel to take part in this review.  All opinions are my own.  

Vanilla Gorilla: A Review!

Vanilla Gorilla
Big Lettuce Studio:  Boston

Got a child who likes poetry and learning about exotic animals from all over the world?  You should check out Vanilla Gorilla, written by David Harrow and illustrated by Judith Krimski.  The illustrations were created using a technique called collage art, and they are quite exquisite.  Your child will feel like they are traveling the world as they learn about many different exotic animals from all different types of habitats. You'll read clever verse about animals like the aye-aye and the fanolaka!  Some of these scientific names can be difficult to pronounce, but you and your child will certainly have fun learning together as you flip through all 25 pages. They have even left space at the end of the book for your child to create their very own page about a favorite creature, which can then be shared on the Vanilla Gorilla Facebook page.  Kids of all ages will enjoy Vanilla Gorilla, but it's probably best for the school-aged child.  Check it out today!
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I was given a copy of Vanilla Gorilla to take part in this review.  

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?

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.

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!

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?

It's A Big World, Little Pig! A Book Review

Did you know that Kristi Yamaguchi, America's favorite world-class figure skating champion, has recently written two children's books?  Who knew, right?

First came Dream Big, Little Pig! in 2011, telling the story of Poppy the Pig and her journey to success to never give up and keep on dreaming.

Kristi's second book about Poppy, It's a Big World, Little Pig!, was just released yesterday! In this story, Poppy receives an invitation to the World Games ice skating championships in Paris, but she is nervous about the big trip!

Illustrated by Tim Bowers, the message is clear.  Yamaguchi does a fine job reminding children around the globe that even though we may all come from different backgrounds and different parts of the world speaking many different languages, we are all the same at heart.  We all smile in the same langauge!  I could totally relate to Poppy, as I look back on my first blogging conference, held a few weeks ago in Nashville, TN.  While at Blissdom, us bloggers had to do remember the same important message that Poppy tells in this delightful children's book ~

• Smiles go far and friendships can be made, no matter where you are.
• Take risks.
• Be kind.
• Be confident.

My kids enjoyed hearing the story, especially six-year-old Emily.  "When are we signing up for figure skating lessons, Mommy?"  

I hope your children enjoy this heart-felt story as much as mine did.  

___________________________________________________________________________________*Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing me with a copy of It's a Big World, Little Pig!

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.  

anewjewel on Etsy: Giveaway!

Congratulations to Lisa Deck, winner of the Valentine's Day Giveaway!  

I must admit, I'm not the crafty type.  However, it doesn't mean I don't love to cruise Etsy now and again to admire all the beautiful hand-made items by so many amazingly talented shop owners.

Meet my wonderfully talented colleague, Aly, who is the owner of the new Etsy shop, anewjewel.  Aly is a vibrant and dynamite kindergarten teacher.  I even have the pleasure of working in her classroom everyday with her adorable little six-year-olds.  We teachers have a lot of tricks up our sleeves, but making jewelry?  I guess that's what happens when you're the daughter of an art teacher.  Anyway, let's get down to business.

She crafts these gorgeous everyday pieces by hand and they are simple and elegant.  I love her style.  She's even offering her customers 15% off at checkout for Valentine's Day!  So please have a look-see and check out what she's got.  They make GREAT gifts!  She's got bracelets, earrings, necklaces and more.  She can even craft you a custom piece, especially designed for you.

One of my favorites from anewjewel
Large Infinity Turquoise Gold Necklace

Ok, are you ready?  Aly has so graciously offered up an amazing opportunity for the readers of Stowed Stuff.  One lucky winner is going to get to choose a piece of choice from anewjewel (according to availability.)  So get over there, start browsing and pick your favorite.  You'll have to leave a comment below telling me which piece makes your heart go pitter-patter for Valentine's Day.

Here's how to enter:  (MANDATORY, Good for one entry)

• Leave a comment below about your favorite piece from anewjewel.
• Like anewjewel on Facebook and leave a comment for Aly on her wall.

Make sure your comment below is not anonymous and lets me easily find you on the web.  I can't even tell you how many times I have chosen a winner that can't be contacted.  Sadness.  (Check your profiles, peeps!)

Red Hot Mint Dangler {LOVE}

For an extra entry, complete the following:  (LEAVE AN EXTRA COMMENT FOR EACH THAT YOU'VE COMPLETED)

• Tweet this giveaway
• Share this giveaway on your own Facebook wall
• Like Stowed Stuff on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to this blog

There you have it.  Contest period ends at 8pm (EST) on 2/14/12.  Winner will be chosen using random.org and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.  Open to continental U.S. residents only.  Good luck!
______________________________________________________________________________________________Many thanks to the the cute little red head in 428.

Join Me For A Twitter Party with HATCHEDit

Save the date, folks!  I'm hosting a Get Organized Twitter Party on Tuesday, February 7th at 9pm (EST)

You are all invited to join me over on Twitter to learn how to use Hatchedit.com, an online calendar for every family CEO, Mom!

Party Details

Where:  Twitter

When:  Tuesday, February 7th 9PM (EST)

Who:  Join host @anniestow or @hatchedit

Hashtag:  #FreshlyHatched

Grid:  http://bit.ly/ABSTO4

There will be tons of great prizes provided by The Container Store, Happy Baby Foods and HATCHEDit.com  In order to be eligible for the grand prize at the end of the hour, please RSVP below.

Can't wait to see you there!  Be sure to log into Hatchedit.com today so you can get your family's schedule organized, once and for all!

Thirty-One Gifts: Giveaway!

Congratulations to our winner, MaryAnne!  

So, have you checked out Thirty-One Gifts yet?  O.M.G.  I just got wind that their new Spring 2012 catalog is out and they've got some super cute styles for helping mom stay organized.  I can't get over the new products and prints available for the months of fun and sun (it's almost February ladies, and the school year is just about half over!)  Spring is really just around the corner.

Thirty-One is focused on providing useful, stylish products for the details of YOUR life.  Thirty-one bags are so hip and trendy.  I love the entire loot in the Spring collection.  Really.  Some of my favorites are the Tote-Ally Awesome Tote, Square Utility Tote (perfect for the back of the car!) and the Large Utility Tote.    

My local Thirty-One consultant is Stacy Colella and she's available to host your party, in person or online!  She even has a Facebook page you can join to learn more about becoming a consultant or hosting a party!   If you would like to get your hands on a catalog, place an order or host a party, she's your woman.  And look what she brought me...

Organizing Utility Tote in Pin Dots ~ so versatile!

So how would you like to win your very own Organizing Utility Tote from Thirty-One Gifts, courtesy of Stacy?   You will LOVE this bag!  It can hold everything you need for just about anything...I'm hoping to keep mine in the front seat of the Traverse as a catch-all for mail, preschool crafts and notices and daily errands.  It is SO cute!  

So if you'd like a chance to win your very own, leave a comment below telling me how you would use your Organizing Utility Tote from Thirty-One Gifts.  Contest period ends on Friday, Feb. 10th at 8pm EST and is open to U.S. residents only.  Winner will be chosen using random.org.  

Want an extra entry?  Leave an extra comment for each of the following you've completed.

• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet this Giveaway
• LIKE Stowed Stuff on Facebook
• Share this Giveaway on your own Facebook Wall
• Subscribe to this blog through my RSS feed

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I received an Organizing Utility Tote to partcipate in this review and giveaway!  Thanks, Stacy!!  I totally LOVE it! All opinions are my own, as usual.  

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!
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I was compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own.  

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.

Happy Family Baby Food: Giveaway!

This giveaway is now closed.  Congratulations to Diane T. & Heidi M.

When Owen was eating baby food, we discovered Happy Family Brands at Target and I'm not sure who loved this baby food more, Owen or Mom and Dad.  Owen devoured the yummy organic pouches without a hitch every time. We loved that they mixed the veggies with the fruit in the same pouch.  And we also loved the variety of flavors that Happy Tots offered.  Before we discovered this convenient way of dispensing baby food, we were opening two jars and mixing fruit with veggies so that they'd go down easier.  Thanks for making our lives easier Happy Family.  The best way for my kid to get the green stuff, was in a Happy Tot pouch of green bean, pear and pea. YUM!

The convenience factor is huge.  If you're a busy family on the go like us, you just pop some of these delicious pouches in the diaper bag with your Boon, and your set to go!  Just squeeze the pouch into the Boon Squirt when it's time to eat!  No mess!  No mixing!  And you know you're giving your baby nothing but the best!

Big kids love this stuff too.  Happy Morning is an organic super breakfast that all kids will enjoy.  Just tear, squeeze and go!  No soy, no wheat and gluten free too!  They are a super yummy snack on a hot summer day if you decide to chill a pouch!  Delish!   I'm really excited to get my hands on HAPPYBITES, their line of healthy frozen kids meals for toddlers and bigger kids that are high in protein and fiber.  

Owen and Aidan fight over the Organic Puffs, Happy Melts and Happy Munchies - no joke!  How else am I going to get my kids eating broccoli and kale?  It's the healthiest snack in the house!  

Here are some other great facts about Happy Family:

• Organic goodness
• Green packaging
• Available at Target
• Lower sodium
• Crazy antioxidants
• BPA free
• Contain Supergrain Salba
• Dr. Sears recommended
• Did I mention convenient?

How would you like a chance to become a happy mama and win some Happy Baby Food?  I'm giving away two prizes to two lucky winners!  Here are the details:

Happy Squeeze Giveaway (1 winner)

6 Squeezes

Recipe Cards

Nutrition Guide

Happyfamily FAQ

Toddler/Preschool Giveaway (1 winner)

2 Frozen Bites

2 Happy Munchies

2 Happy Tots

Recipe Cards

Nutrition Guide

Happyfamily FAQ

Here's how it works.  Leave a comment below telling me which Happy Baby Food Giveaway tickles your fancy. One winner will be chosen for each prize.  Coupons will be mailed to you.  Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prize before a new winner is chosen.  U.S. residents only.  Contest period ends on Jan 31, 2012 at 8pm EST.  

Mandatory Entry (Must do the following 4 things):

1. Leave a comment telling me which one you want!  
2. Become a fan of Happy Family on Facebook.
3. Follow Happy Family on Twitter.
4. Sign up for the HappyBaby Newsletter OR subscribe to their blog.

• Extra entry for following me on Twitter
• Extra entry for LIKING Stowed Stuff on Facebook
• Extra entry for sharing this giveaway on your wall on Facebook
• Extra entry for tweeting this giveaway on Twitter

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*I was given free trials of Happy Family Baby Food to take part in this review and giveaway.  All opinions are my own.  

Our New Lens at Work

Santa brought us a new lens for the Canon Rebel and we finally got around to testing it out.  Well, at least Daddy has!  He really is talented behind the camera.  We can't wait to use it more and more.  As always, the photos come out stunning when you've got natural light.   

And here are a few taken indoors at my nephew's basketball game last week.  We had so much fun cheering Liam and his teammates on. 

Got any good photography tricks you'd like to share?  We have a lot of fun messing around with our camera.  Still gotta get that lens hood.

Get Organized with HATCHEDit.com

I've read a lot of goals and resolutions for 2012 in the past couple of days.  It looks like "getting organized" is high on the priority list for most moms.  Let me introduce you to HATCHEDit.com

Log in today and set up your family calendar FOR FREE!  You're going to love it!  You can organize events and tasks -- even color code them according to each member of your family!  And then, after that, don't forget to download the FREE APP so you can have your family calendar at your fingertips all day long!   (iPhone app coming soon!) 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------** I was compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own.  

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?

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!

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?