Blocks of any kind are great for kids - but I came across some unique blocks which I bought my son.  The first set has blocks filled with different color water by Plan Toys.  They are a lot of fun, whether we play peek-a-boo through the window or use them to build a pool in a block house.  The second is a set of sound blocks by Wonderworld and each one makes a different sound when you shake it.  Both are great companies (for example Wonderworld products are all made from rubber wood and use non-toxic materials) and while these are on the expensive side they are worth it for a special gift and/or to help expand a child's imagination!

                  

Don't buy this!

After buying so many things - toys especially - I get so frustrated with things that don't work.  It's frustrating enough being a 2-year old but when things keep falling apart it's no wonder tantrums come so easily!

I saw some decent reviews about the Yookidoo Discovery Playhouse - have you seen this thing? So sucker that I am - I bought it.    Anyone else?

First of all, it retails for $70 - I never buy anything that's not on sale and for this I think I paid around $40 (I want to say I got a great deal at diapers.com but I can't remember).

The problem with this is it has a plastic ball 'rollercoaster run' on the one side and the pieces keep coming off.  They ramps are supposed to snap into place but they NEVER stay.  I guess I could glue it but why should I have to?!  The thing also has a big footprint, no thanks to those giant orange feet that stick out.

Buyer beware - mine will be headed to freecycle.org shortly!

I love bracelets!

I'm always on the lookout for unique jewelry pieces and - Chan Luu obsession aside- I came across some interesting ribbon wrap bracelets at a little boutique in Maine.  I fell in love with them and found out they were made by artist Bronwen Lodato in San Francisco.  Her store has some great items and the necklaces are especially beautiful.  But I keep coming back to the ribbon wraps for their simplicity.  They start at $74 which is a bit pricey but if you're in the mood for a splurge or are looking for a special gift for someone check them out.

Full disclosure!

So this is the third post already of my blog and I just wanted to take some time to explain that I really want to create something useful for anyone visiting.  Since I have been home with my son I have done a tone of online shopping - so much so that I 100% shop online for everything but some groceries at this point.  For me it's a huge convenience and I've been able to find some really interesting things that I'd love to share with others.

Some of the products I find aren't necessarily the cheapest - so this isn't so much a bargain finder blog but more of a way to highlight some of the more unique shopping items you wouldn't find in the mall.  And, in full disclosure (and in case it wasn't already obvious!), I am an Amazon affiliate.  Amazon usually has the best prices on things but if I find  it cheaper I will link to that whether I am an affiliate or not - and I will link out to a bunch of shopping finds that you wouldn't be able to find on Amazon anyway.  Guess I figured I do so much shopping with them why not become an affiliate and make a few extra dollars for diapers?

So again I hope you enjoy the site and find some great shopping finds you can share too - cheers!
(oh wait before I go...I am not loving the name of the site but nothing else was available - ugh!)

The Chan Luu Obsession

What can I say - I LOVE Chan Luu.  Her wrap bracelets are my absolute favorite and I actually went to great lengths to try and make them myself.  I could never get past 3 wraps though...I don't know if any of you have tried it?  It's easy enough to learn...but my string kept breaking!

My husband bought me a turqoise 3-wrap Chan Luu which I do like.  But I have my heart set on a 5-wrap!

Anyway,  here's the real thing. It retails for $190

And here's a pretty good knock-off for $50!

Hate Sippy Cups?

ARGH!  As any parent out there knows, milk bottles and sippy cups can be a real nightmare.  I have yet to find anything that doesn’t leak – please let me know if you find this miracle.

My latest aggravation is juice boxes.  Perhaps I should have started by telling my son to s-q-u-e-e-z-e the box as hard as he can because he never does what I ask.  My problem is I bought the cheap juice box holders in the supermarket and they just do not do the job.

Actually, none of them are perfect but the Dwink "Universal" Juice Box holder does a decent job holding any size box, check it out: