Eleven Shoes

I recently was doing a search for shoes for the boys, when I ran across the Eleven Collection of shoes for children. Eleven based in Portland, Oregon, is a sister company with See Kai Run, a children’s shoe company based in Seattle, Washington.

Eleven shoes are not just any shoe in my opinion. When I first got the Eleven trainer and the Martin shoe, I took them out of the box and immediately started “kicking the tires” so to speak. Since I have toddlers, they aren’t always the most stable on their feet, so I look for a shoe that allows for that. A lot of shoes on the market for their age range, are often big and clunky to me. So, when I took these shoes out of the box, I immediately noticed how lightweight these shoes were. The shoes are well constructed, durable, and the soles are extremely flexible. These are the features that I personally look for in a shoe for my boys. First off young children need a shoe that is going move with them, and not get in their way, and secondly a shoe that will hold up to their rough and tumble ways.

Eleven shoes also come in bright and fun colors, which appealed to me. I personally am not a big shoe person but I like things that are different. Eleven shoes stand out from the ordinary shoe. The boys have worn them out to the park and out to dinner. Both of them didn’t want me to take them off when I put them on.

Eleven’s shoes feature:

* All premium materials and construction
* Uppers and inside lining made with premium leather to provide comfort and breathability
* Durable and sturdy soles with superior traction
* Cushioned insole thoughtfully designed, making each step a comfortable one
* Easy on and off
* Sensational fit to ensure natural growth
* Sizes 9-1 for girls and boys
* Vibrant colors
* Intelligent, timeless, and quality footwear
* Classic casual, city-chic style

Sizing:
Eleven’s shoes are available in whole sizes (9-3) and are great for toddlers through early school age children (age 3-8).

If you are looking for a shoe that is different, well made and comfortable then take a peek at Eleven shoes. They are definitely a step above the rest.

The Boon Potty Bench

Both of my boys are just at the age where they are showing an interest in potty training. They usually tell us when they have given us a little present in their diaper, so I figured that we should probably think about getting a potty of some sort.

The Boon Potty Bench has exceeded all of my expectations for a potty. I couldn’t make up my mind whether I was going to allow the boys to sit on the big toilet, or if we would do potty chairs for them. The logical choice, I decided, would be a potty chair. First off it is easier for them to get to and secondly, they both want to do the same thing at the same time.

The Potty Bench has locking compartments on the sides that lock when the lid is closed on the bench. The compartments are roomy and hold a roll of toilet paper, a container of wipes, and can also hold a little book or some potty training rewards. When the potty isn’t in use, it doubles as a step stool or bench. Both of the boys have been using it to wash their hands and to brush their teeth. They actually can both stand on it at the moment, side by side! It is even sturdy enough to hold me and can manage up to 300 lbs. I was pleasantly surprised, and intend on getting a second one, so there is no fighting over it. It is definitely worth the investment. Last thing you want is a potty that doesn’t hold up to wear and tear.

The Boon Potty Bench typically sells for about $35 and 10% of their profits are donated to children’s charities. So not only are you getting a great product, but you are helping a good cause.

Princess Linens and Your Little Artist

I had the wonderful opportunity to do a review of Princess Linens. The store is charming and seems to carry a little bit of everything. One thing in particular that caught my fancy was their Doodlebugz crayon keepers.

Both of my boys are getting to the stage where they are requesting to draw almost daily. We just keep all of their crayons in a plastic bag. The box they come in, almost never holds up. The crayon keeper does the trick! Each one comes with 24 crayola crayons, and can hold up to 64!

Each one of them can be personalized with your child’s name. They are perfect gifts for your little artist. I plan on ordering a couple more for my two as they love to DRAW!

Princess Linens would like to offer DoubleBugs readers 15% off their purchase. Just enter the coupon code (DOODLEBUGS) at checkout!

Lark and Loon Artistic Clothing for Kids

I first ran across Lark and Loon clothing for children, while I was searching for clothes for the boys. I love their clothing not only for the wonderful and whimsical art but for how soft and durable their clothing actually is. When I first received the shirts for the boys, I immediately tossed them both in the wash, like I do with everything I get for them due to their sensitive skin. I have washed their shirts a total of three times so far and the shirts are holding up beautifully, as well as, the art work.

Another thing I absolutely love about their clothing is the fact that the screen printed art isn’t that chemical smelling plastic stuff that you get with most t-shirts that have a design on them. The folks at Lark and Loon went with water-based rather than plastiol for their screen printing – much more of the good stuff and less of the bad.

Lark and Loon is also giving back! 5% of their proceeds are donated to Amercians for the Arts! In doing so Lark and Loon hopes to encourage an appreciation for the arts. Americans for the Arts is a non-profit organization.

I encourage you to take a look at all their wonderful items at Lark and Loon. The designs are fun and unique and your child is sure to stand out.

For a limited time (10days) Lark and Loon will be offering DoubleBugs readers the opportunity to receive 25% off of their purchase at Lark and Loon. Just enter the promo code doublebug at checkout. Head on over to Lark and Loon and check it out!

That Baby DVD/CD: Not just any music!

Our family just recently received a copy of That Baby DVD and CD. The company was nice enough to send me a copy for our review. If you are looking for a unique baby gift this would be it.

I had heard some really good things about the CD and DVD so, I wanted to to see and hear for myself. We are huge fans of music for our kids, and it seems the boys are almost always listening to something. In fact, their little heads bob up and down in the back seat of our car when they hear something they like.

That Baby CD and DVD were created by a mom and dad, Lisi and Rob Wolf, in Mercer Island, Washington. The CD/DVD features kid-friendly acoustic cover versions of songs written by artists like Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon, Natalie Merchant, Joni Mitchell, and more. The CD/DVDs are manufactured right here in the US with recycled material and they offer a no questions asked policy as well as free replacement of scratched or damaged CD/DVDs. How can it get any better than that?

We as a family, had first listen to the CD on our way to an outing and it was a pleasant surprise, but then on a particularly hectic day, I decided to pop in the DVD which has all the same songs as the CD. Both of the boys were absolutely mesmerized and I was just in love with music. I wouldn’t even call this a rock CD, but more easy listening and it has such a wonderful calming effect on my two and me. They have watched the DVD almost every day and I just love watching and listening to the music. There is one particular section where the alphabet is recited. I was around the corner folding laundry when I just had to stop, because I could hear Monkey reciting the alphabet for the first time to the DVD! I hit rewind and he did it again with the biggest smile! So, not only is the music awesome, but here was my 23 month old reciting the alphabet!

I love everything about the CD and DVD. The DVD and CD are wholesome, and kid friendly so you don’t have to worry about the content. I am a firm believer in keeping our children young and innocent as long as we can. Thank you Rob and Lisi Wolf for a job well done. The CD and DVD will be a long time favorite in our home.

Stop by and check out That Baby CD and DVD and if you are looking for a gift for a friend who has young children or ones with a little one on the way, it is well worth the expense. YAY for the good stuff in this life!

Boogie Wipes “Snot Your Average Wipe”

With having two little ones running around, I inevitably have someone with a runny nose! If it’s not allergy related it is the dreaded cold and we all know that most toddlers aren’t great at getting to a kleenex right away. I know when my son Monkey sneezes it sort of goes everywhere and before I can trip over the toys to the kleenex, he has managed to use his arm… ugh! It never fails!

The hardest part about kids with colds, is the dried up crusties and crud that they manage to have everywhere. A lot of times they wake up with it dried to their little faces and its hard to get off without practically scrubbing off their skin! The stuff is worse than super glue I tell ya!

So, I ran across a product called Boogie Wipes. Finally someone developed a product that was useful in managing the dreaded booger fest! I tried Boogie Wipes out and, they take the dried crud right off their faces without scrubbing your kid to death.

Boogie Wipes are made with extra saline and makes for gentle removal of dried on mucous. They are hypoallergenic, alcohol free and moisturize with added Chamomile, Vitamin E and Aloe.

Boogie Wipes will definitely be in stock in my cabinet!

Keeping Cups in Place with No Throw!

The No Throw bottle and sippy cup holder is a must for anyone with small children. I don’t know how many times I have had to pick up a sippy cup off the floor and sometimes having to contort my body to reach where the thing rolled off to! As you know, kids and babies just love to throw stuff! Sometimes, they make a game of it and other times just toss the thing when they aren’t so happy lol, but either way this product lives up to it’s name.

We first tried our No Throw holders at the zoo this past weekend. I had recently gotten the boys some nice stainless steel thermos style cups and didn’t want them getting lost or thrown while we were at the zoo. First off, they were expensive and secondly, I can only imagine what kung foo goo is lurking at the zoo with all those animals! We did quite a bit of putting the twins in and out of the stroller and a couple of times their cups got knocked over but the No Throw was there to save the day. There was no fumbling around down at the foot of the stroller for the cups and I also saved my back!

The No Throw is definitely worth getting, and I would recommend having a few on hand. I will be keeping mine in the diaper bag, some in the car and extras at home. They aren’t big and bulky so they fit nicely anywhere. You can now get No Throw at your nearest Walgreens, sold in a two-pack!

Mudpuppy Toys

Mudpuppy toys are thoughtfully designed and provide hours of fun for your little one! The folks over at Galison were nice enough to give me the opportunity to try a few of their items. My two boys were instantly captivated when I took them out of their boxes! I am a big fan of toys that encourage some level of thinking and imagination.

Mudpuppy’s “Little Golden Books” block puzzle ($13) was an instant hit. Each block puzzle contains nine two inch cubes that can be stacked or formed into six different pictures. And most importantly made from non-toxic inks. There are 13 block puzzles in all to choose from at the Mudpuppy site! I found myself playing with the puzzle while putting together the Pokey Little Puppy side which brought back memories of one of my favorite childhood books. This puzzle is definitely a keeper and will undoubtedly be a long time favorite.

Mudpuppy’s ABC Ring Flash Cards ($12) are versatile and great for travel or to bring along to restaurants to keep your toddler busy. The set includes 26 sturdy 5 x 2-1/4″ two-sided cards. On one side the letter of the alphabet in both lower and upper case and the animal it represents. And on the back more words that start with that particular letter of the alphabet. My boys have a blast with these and even made the animal noises to match. With 8 sets to choose from you will have no trouble finding something special for your little one.

Mudpuppy also carries a whole line of beautiful stationary. I love their butterfly stationary ($12). Each set contains

20 sheets measuring 6-2/3 x 9″ 10 sheets each of 2 complementary designs 21 color-matched envelopes with decorative interior Portfolio with elastic closure

So while you are busy shopping for your little one you can go ahead and indulge with a little something for yourself!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!

Thank you to all who entered!

Would you like to win a set of ABC Flash Cards for your little one?

Here’s what you need to do!

Visit the Mudpuppy website and tell me what you like on their site.

Come back here to DoubleBugs and leave me a comment about it.

Please leave me an email so I can contact you if you win, if you are chosen you will have 2 days to respond before another winner is chosen.

For extra entries post about this contest on your blog, or grab my badge! Please let me know you have done this and leave me a link!

Contest open to US and Canadian Residents

That’s all there is to it!

Contest runs from July 5th to July 13th

GOOD LUCK!!!

Give plastic a toss…There’s a New Ball In Town

Ever have to make a quick jaunt to the store? Ever find yourself without a place to put wet clothes or just need an extra bag to put things in? I recently ran across a great product called Flip & Tumble. They are reusable bags that go from ball to bag in seconds!

Flip & Tumble is great for carrying the few items you may need from the store or even makes a great bag for the beach or trips to the gym! One of my kids had wet clothes and I just got out my handy Flip & Tumble bag unrolled it and tossed the wet clothes in there! They are about the size of a tennis ball when not in use so I keep mine in my glove compartment.

To my surprise the process of going from ball to bag and back is incredibly easy! I had no trouble getting the bag back to a ball and vice versa.

The bag is constructed of lightweight nylon ripstop, 12x14x5, has a padded shoulder strap, and can hold a whopping 25lbs! The bag comes in 5 stylish colors and sells for only $12! Not too shabby!

So load em up on your next grocery trip and have a ball with Flip & Tumble!

Hanging Your Purse in Style

Wouldn’t it be great not to have to put your purse on the floor or hang it on the back of a chair? I know when I go out to restaurants I either have to hang my purse on the back of my chair where it can easily be stolen or put it on the less than clean floor somewhere by my feet crowding my leg room.

Well now there is a place to hang your purse away from the dirty floor and where you can keep an eye on it…a place to hang your purse in style!

ChicClip is a compact, lightweight (less than 3 oz), silver purse hook that wraps around itself. Its very easy to use, unfold it rotate it and place it on the table. The ChicClip can hold purses up to 9lbs! There are many stylish colors to choose from and come packed in a very stylish compact discreet pouch. I know I won’t be leaving home without mine! This would make a great gift for anyone and even a great stocking stuffer!

If you would like to get a ChicClip, Stylagio is offering DoubleBugs readers a special discount! If you enter the promo code DOUBLEBUGS20 at checkout you will get 20% off (no minimum purchase necessary). Also, there is Free Shipping on all orders to the US and Canada!

« Previous Page — Next Page »