Boo Boo Bunnies from Jul's Sew Crazy

I love, love, love getting packages in the mail - and we were super excited today to receive our package from Jul's Sew Crazy! We had ordered some Boo Boo Bunnies, to be part of a gift for an expectant mommy in the family, and I have to share them because these are the best-quality bunnies I've ever come across. Boo Boo Bunnies are cloth, usually terrycloth, shaped into a bunny with an opening to tuck an ice cube into, which you can then hold on an ouchie. The cloth absorbs any drips from the ice as it melts, and it's cute and cuddly and emotionally soothing for little ones.

First off, HOW CUTE ARE THESE?!?! We ordered one each in pink and purple. They are very generously sized and shaped, so even though they are perfect for small hands, they're also a good size for an adult - and you know you wish you had a boo boo bunny when you step on a LEGO in the middle of the night. I love that these are bigger than the bunnies you get at retail stores typically. And, as you can see, the faces are completely embroidered and very nicely done - my pictures are awful but they have little mouths and whiskers under there! And the best part?

LITTLE EMBROIDERED TAILS!!!!

A rubber band holds the shape in place, which is covered by the ribbon. My only wish would be that it was sewn/tacked in place instead, something I'll probably do before mailing off as a gift. There was also a cute card enclosed with a little poem about the Boo Boo Bunny, which was a sweet touch.

Jul's Sew Crazy has a bunch of Boo Boo Bunnies and other gorgeous embroidered items in her shop on Etsy. Boo Boo Bunnies sell for $5.00 each and come in a variety of colors - a great price for the little one in your life!

Mom's Internet Finds: Custom Boutique Pettiskirts and More by Magical Attic

Come on Moms, you all know you want one too! I became quite envious myself, when I stumbled across these adorable Custom Boutique Pettiskirts made by Magical Attic. She makes them in your choice of a wide variety of colors as well as specially made designs in prints as well. I originally found them on Bonanzle but when I contacted the designer she also provided her Etsy Store in which I found even MORE awesome treasures!

She offers these really cool custom Superhero Capes as well, suitable for your little boy OR girl and fully customizable with colors and themes. And they are a steal at under $20! If you're in the market for a sweet customized gift without being overindulgent, I definitely urge you to visit Magical Attic!

All photos borrowed with permission from the owner. :)

Mom Reviews: First Years Smart Serve Suction Bowl With Lid

Finding adequate tableware for a two year old boy who now wants to do everything himself is a headache in and of itself. I admire my son’s desire to feed himself with a fork and spoon and use his own “big boy” plate. Our kitchen, however, was starting to resemble an elementary school cafeteria after a food fight after every meal, as my son would inevitably throw his plate across the room as soon as he declared himself “all done” with his food. With the intention of saving the paint on the kitchen walls - and my sanity - I picked up two First Years Smart Serve Suction Bowls while shopping.

What it is...
The First Years Smart Serve Suction Bowl with Lid is basically exactly what it sounds like - a bowl, a suction cup, and a lid. The bowl is hard plastic and is proportioned just right for a toddler-sized meal, about the same size as a standard soup or cereal bowl. Attached to the bottom of the bowl is a large rubbery suction cup, and also included is a hard plastic lid that snaps securely to the top of the bowl for travel. The set comes in a variety of color combinations - I have a red/blue and green/yellow. Many others are available, including more feminine combinations if you have a little princess rather than a little prince. There are two small handles on either side of the bowl which help when you are trying to get the suction cup to grip the surface.

The bowl...
As I mentioned earlier, the bowl is just the right size for toddler meals. While it doesn’t have a divider, it does have a little ridge in the center to somewhat divide the foods. The bowl comfortably holds several cut up chicken nuggets with carrot dices and applesauce - a favorite combination in our house - with no problem, and the little ridge keeps the applesauce from seeping under the chicken. The bowl is a very sturdy hard plastic and is dishwasher safe. It has been used for many other things by my adventurous two year old, including a mini stepstool, a hat, a drum, and a frisbee and it has held up wonderfully.

The suction cup...
The suction cup on the bottom of the bowl holds it reasonably in place. I usually have to wet it slightly to get the initial grip onto the high chair tray, but it holds well. On an extremely stubborn day, my son has been able to yank it from the tray, but it takes him long enough to do so that I usually catch him before it goes flying. If the surface underneath is wet, he is also sometimes able to scoot the bowl around without losing the suction as well. Overall, it does its’ job. It holds up well from the dishwasher as well, and the rubber has not dried out at all, even after several months of frequent use and washing.

The lid...
The lid is made of an identical hard plastic as the bowl and snaps securely to the top for travelling. While I do not recommend travelling with a full bowl of food, as tupperware holds up much better, the seal is tight and it has not leaked, even when accidentally tipped sideways in the diaper bag. Affixing the lid to the bowl also makes for a good toddler-sized drum, should you need emergency entertainment.

Overall...
This bowl has been a lifesaver on many occassions. It is an absolute necessity for restaurants, where plastic dishware is often nonexistant - nothing says “Time to leave the restaurant!” like a couple of broken salad plates. Cleanup is a snap - when travelling the parts can be wiped clean with baby wipes, and all parts are easily cleanable by hand or dishwasher. I would be happier with a slightly stronger suction cup, but this one does get the job done 90% of the time, which is good enough for me. The price is reasonable at an average of $1.99-$2.50 depending on where you buy them, which is cheap enough in case you accidentally leave one somewhere. I feel that I have more than gotten my money’s worth out of them, and I never leave home without it.

Price $1.99 to $2.50 (varies by store)
Available at.. Target, Wal-Mart, Babies R Us, many others

Featured Etsian Of the Week: KeepYourBabyClose

Featured Etsy Seller of The Week KeepYourBabyClose

Kicking off the newest article in my blog - the Featured Etsy Seller of the Week!

This week I'm featuring the fabulous Keep YourBabyClose - designer of some of the most gorgeous baby carriers around!

Besides doing beautiful work, she is also an absolute darling to work with, and her carriers are of only the top quality!

Her shop has a variety of Mei Tais, slings, nursing covers and wraps guaranteed to suit any mama! So whether you're shopping for yourself or for a gift for the new mommy in your life, be sure and check her out!