NearbyNow Saves You Legwork and Hassle

I know that you have had those moments in the store where you come across that great pair of shoes or the perfect shirt and it just happens to be in the wrong size or color.  It never fails for me, when I go shoe shopping that the store never has my size in stock.  I usually do one of two things, ask the sales person if there is another store I can go to, or I am inevitably standing there waiting behind 50 people just to ask if they have something.  I have spent many shopping endeavors looking for something that I can’t find and by the end of it all I am without what I was looking for and too tired to want it.

There has to be a better way and there is with NearbyNow.  Basically this is what I have needed all along, and I don’t have to leave my house to go on a wild goose chase.  NearbyNow will tell you which retailers have this item near you, place a hold on a specific product you’re curious about  – and even find out which items are on sale.  NearbyNow saves you time you’d normally spending searching multiple sites for a specific item; then it saves you money by locating the items you want, and indicating where they are on sale. In addition, you’ll receive directions to the local stores where these items are currently available (and the name of a helpful clerk), as well as the opportunity to feel and even try on the items before purchasing.  I love being able to sit here in the comfort of my home, find out if the stores even have what I need, and it saves a whole lot of potential hassles.

This is such an awesome resource if you are trying to find what you need and it saves so much time.  Plus when you have two little ones like I do, if I can get in and get out it makes my life much easier!  With NearbyNow, I can just enter my info in, do a search and get what I need.  Now I don’t have to leave the stores empty handed and with a big headache!

Site In Progress

Along with my changing age, I am currently in the process of changing my site.  So, if you notice things looking a little  bit crazy for the time being, it is because I am trying to get comfy in my new digs.  I am really liking the new layout and am totally excited about it.  It will be a refreshing change from what I am used to.

Today we celebrated my birthday and I went out to lunch with my best friend and it was so nice to just go out minus any kids.   We then did a little window shopping and sort of browsed around and bought a few little things.  We all had dinner at the Japanese steakhouse and the boys loves it!  They had so much fun watching the chef throw things around and they were really good.  So, all in all, it was a great day.

Crafty Baby Makes Nap Time Special

Being a mother to twins has my days completely full and busy.  One of my most favorite times of the day is nap time,  I get a chance to gather my thoughts, enjoy the silence, and the boys get to wind down.  Special items like blankets, and pillows help to make the transition so much easier when they have something of their own.     I was very excited to try out the Nap Packs from Crafty Baby!

Nap packs are a very portable, soft, and special way to make your child’s nap time more appealing.   It comes complete with a blanket that has ample room and an attached pillow.   When your child is done napping, it is a snap to just roll up and tuck away in a cubby, or hang on a hook.   When I first rolled them out the boys were eager to jump right in.   You could tell that they both loved how soft they were, and I found myself wishing I had one too!  The Crafty Baby Nap Packs are even perfect for rolling out on the floor and letting your child snuggle up to watch his or her favorite movie.

Crafty Baby also offers the perfect pillow and pillowcases for your toddler.   I know both of my boys love to have a pillow but the standard size pillows seem to be too much for their little beds.   It was difficult for them to sleep on such a big pillow so up until now they have done without.   These pillows are just right and the the pillowcases are perfect!   The pillowcases come in bright and cheerful patterns like trains (a huge favorite of my two) and many other fun prints.

And the best part, all of these things are machine washable which is so important when you have young children.   I find that I am always throwing things in the wash.  So not only are they convenient, they are also practical, and that means time and consideration went into their design.  Thank you Crafty Baby for such wonderful products.   Take a look at Crafty Baby, you are sure to find something wonderful for your lil one.

Organic Cotton For Your Baby by B-Nature

When it comes to clothing for little ones, I am a sucker for organic cotton. There is something about the way that it feels, and just knowing that it doesn’t have anything that will harm your baby. When they are little and especially in those newborn years, babies have such sensitive skin.

With a mother and daughter team running the show, B-Nature has developed a wonderful line of pure organic clothing. Not only does the clothing feel incredibly soft but they have such a cute and wide selection of clothing. They have incorporated calm yet stylish colors into their new line such as Green Tea, Wheat and Pistachio. B-nature’s color grown line is produced with only naturally colored organic cotton, which means it is minus all the harmful dyes and chemicals, but not without the “totally adorable factor.”

Another nice thing is that B-Nature’s clothing has no tags! I know I personally look for clothing, that is minus the tags. It is one less thing to irritate your child’s skin. Organic cotton, also washes up so nice. I have quite a few pairs of pajamas for the boys that are organic cotton that I choose for them first, before anything else to wear.

Although, they don’t have larger toddler sizes just yet, I still found myself looking at all the really cute clothes. And after awhile, it just makes me want to have another little one, so I can put him or her in one of B-Nature’s gown or rompers.

All B-Nature’s clothing and gift sets are:

• made from the finest 100% organic cottons
• produced without the use of harsh pesticides
• made from organic cotton grown in healthy farming communities
• sewn under fair labor conditions incorporating living wages, employee housing, meal plans, and health care.

I definitely give B-Nature the “Mommy Seal of Approval.” I firmly believe that companies that have a goal of giving safer eco-friendly options for our children should always be my first choice. B-Nature has some really cute gift sets that would be perfect for a new mom, not only as something special but as a way to introduce her to another alternative in clothing her baby.

Cute Cuddly and Smart…Smart-E Bear

My boys are just at the age where they are interested in music and singing songs and are growing leaps and bounds in their development. Sometimes with their short attention span it is hard to hold their interest to any one thing for very long, before they are on to the next. So any toy that holds their interest for longer than a few minutes is simply at the top of my list.

I am a huge fan of toys that inspire imagination or toys that actually teach the boys something so it is a learning experience. So many toys today have batteries but I swear they are there only to annoy parents rather than provide anything useful. I was recently introduced to SmartE Bear and I instantly fell in love with him and everything about this soft, smart, cute and cuddly bear. This bear is simply brilliant (literally!).  Designed by Intellitoys in a joint effort with Kids Preferred, SmartE Bear combines a little bit of the traditional with technology and brings your child a fun and interactive toy that can tell stories, play simon says, or even sing them to sleep. Together they created the newest software tucked in a very soft bear, dog and cat. These technology-friendly pals are simple to program and easy to customize.  You simply connect SmartE to your computer and you can download songs, stories and a whole lot more!

One of the boys’ favorite songs is “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” so I went in and downloaded it onto the bear and played it for them. Neither one of them wanted to put it down after that, and well when I put “Jingle Bells” on there, Mommy had a hard time getting the bear away long enough to adjust the volume.

This one is definitely a keeper and well I found myself playing with SmartE well after they went to bed.  It is just so much fun!  This would make a really fantastic gift for the holidays and is sure to put a huge smile on any kids face.   I know my two just love it!

Smart-e-bear • $79.99 • Ages 2+
Designed primarily for non-reading 2 to 6 year olds, smart-e-dog, cat or bear encourages children to discover and explore through a library of literally thousands of award-winning songs, interactive stories, educational games and other content that parents can selectively purchase through the Internet and download to the toy with a super-easy USB connection. Measuring 13” tall, this plush pal utilizes electronics about the size of a deck of cards. The squeezable, adorable animals will enchant little ones with their “smarts” from hearing a song to reading a story to playing a game. There’s always something for kids to discover as the software changes and grows with the child’s interests from the nursery to kindergarten.

DoubleBugs is offering its readers the chance to win a SmartE Bear, Dog or Cat of their choice!

All you have to do is visit SmartE, take a little tour in the Learn more section and check out all the fun things you can download.  Come back here and leave me a comment on what you would download if you won a SmartE and which one you would choose.

Leave me an email so I can contact you if you win

Good Luck

Deadline is December 17, 2008

Avon Beauty For You and Your Home

I have always been a huge fan of Avon products.  I can remember them from when I was child, so they have been around for a long time which tells you something about their products.   I love to get their catalogs and especially during the holidays, because they offer such a wide variety of things that can be given as gifts or just to pamper yourself.   The prices are reasonable too, which is a big plus, when you are on a tight budget.   They have things for the home, cosmetics, stuff for the kids and for the men in your life.

Around this time of the year, I am a huge fan of all the sights and smells that surround the holiday season, and I have always been a fan of lighting candles throughout my home.   I have just recently been introduced to the reed diffusers, and have always seen them in the stores but have never tried them personally.  I was very excited to try Avon’s Botanical Reed Diffuser (19.99).  Natural bamboo reeds absorb scented oil and diffuse fragrance throughout your home and the scent isn’t too overpowering.   I love the Summer Blossom scent.  It actually brings warmth into the home when it’s cold outside.   Avon’s reed diffuser, is perfect for a housewarming gift, a gift to yourself, or for holiday giving.

Not only can you beautify your home, but  you can have all your personal beauty essentials all in a compact location with Jillian Dempsey for AVON Essential Beauty Palette ($7.99). This fabulous palette includes 2 lip colors, 2 eyeshadows, 1 blush and a 2 sided applicator and mirror. This is perfect for your purse and for those quick touch ups when you are on the run. They are available in both cool and warm palettes. They are also great for gift giving and stocking stuffers!

DoubleBugs would like to offer it’s readers, the chance to win Avon’s Botanical Reed Diffuser and an Essential Beauty Palette! Also for all your shopping needs by entering the code JINGLE30 you will be entitled to free standard shipping with a $30 order when you shop with an eRepresentative. This offer expires on January 1, 2009.

Here’s all ya gotta do:

Visit the Avon site and let me know what your favorite product or products are and leave me a commant here.

Please leave me an email or way to contact you if you win.

If the chosen winner does not respond in two days, a new winner will be chosen.

Contest starts December 2,2008 and ends December 16, 2008.

Good Luck!

Cheekeyes and Oompa Toys

When you have young children, you undoubtedly have a whole myriad of toys laying about.   I have one room in the house designated for their stuff.  I found in the boys’ two short years, that there are toys that just aren’t going to last and ones that I know will be around for a long time.   Of my most favorite things, are their wooden toys.  I’ll admit I am a sucker for them.   There is something about the quality of wooden toys, when you first open the box and get a glimpse of them.  I find myself wanting to put them up on my mantle or hording them like my prized possesion.  They aren’t the toys that you just give away.

With wooden toys there is something magical about them for children.  They are usually fairly simplistic in design, but my kids seem to play with them the most.  Not only that, they encourage them to use their imagination, whether it is making a tower or a tunnel, or making walls or making their wooden lion roar.  For me, that is worth it’s weight in gold, because this day and age, it seems like we encourage that less with television, and toys that are battery operated.  Wooden toys are such a refreshing change from that.

When I was offered the opportunity to review Cheekeyes, I immediately snatched up the offer.  I love to see what is out there with regards to wooden toys.  These totally too cute wooden toys are not only durable but are made from eco-friendly rubberwood.  Handmade and partially painted, each of the Cheekeyes is unique; there are no two the same. From the hands of Dutch designer Rogier van Zijp emerged Arctic, African, Forest and Farm animal sets plus Dinosaurs, these animals sport a distinctive red cheek and painted eye (reflected in their name, Cheekeyes) that will endear them to children and caregivers alike. They are very smooth (as all wooden toys should be) and they have paint only on the sides.  When I told my Dutch husband about where these toys came from, he seemed rather proud. The 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio has given Cheekeyes its prestigious Platinum Award for one of this year’s best preschool toys.

We received the African Animals set, which included whimsical interpretations of a lion, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, elephant and giraffe.  Cheekeyes also has various wooden scenery additions such as rocks and trees to make your little ones animal menagerie complete.  I found myself making the giraffe eat the imaginary leaves off the trees, and the rhino took a nap on the rock.  The boys got such a kick out of mommy playing with them and what a great way to spend family time.  These will be around for a very long time to come and the boys simply adore them already.

Forest Animal Set ($29.99)
The Forest Animal set comes complete with a bison,
wild boar, wolf, goat, and grizzly bear. Cave and tree
sets sold separately, $16.99 each.

African Animal Set ($29.99)
The African Animal set makes a charming collection
of inhabitants for your desert terrain, which includes a
lion, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, elephant and giraffe.
Tree set and rock sold separately, $16.99 each.

Arctic Animal Set ($29.99)
The Arctic Animal Set includes all of your
favorite polar critters, including an orca, seal,
whale, penguin and polar bear. Icebergs sold
separately, $16.99 each.

Farm Animal Set ($29.99)
The farm animal set includes all your favorite
barnyard critters, including a sheep, pig, goat,
cow and horse. Fence set and tree sets sold
separately, $16.99 each.

Cheekeyes are available online at Oompa toys and would make a perfect gift for this holiday season for your special little someone.  What a perfect way to make their holiday light up.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!!

Would you like to win a set of Cheekeyeys animals for your own special someone this holiday season.  DoubleBugs and Oompa toys are giving away one set of your choice to one lucky winner!

Here’s all ya gotta do!

Just visit Oompa Toys and tell me what set of Cheekeyes you would like and something else you like about the Oompa site.

Leave me an email so I have a way to contact you if you win

Winner has two days to respond or another is chosen.

Contest Starts November 24, 2008 and Ends December 8, 2008

Good Luck!!!

Green Girl Los Angeles

I am a huge fan of the fashionable yet posh ways in which we can help save the environment.   We do a lot of shopping at Whole Foods and such, and we always have reusable bags with us, or we recycle the paper bags that we have.   Let’s face it, the reusable bags you typically get aren’t very fun or trendy looking.  At least if you are going to save the Earth, you should have some fun doing it!

The average family uses about 1,000 plastic bags a year!  Most of them end up in landfills where they sit for an astonishing 1,000 years before they decompose and do even more damage to the soil.  That’s a pretty shocking statistic and one big mess I don’t want to help pass on to future generations.

I was recently given the opportunity to review Green Girl reusable eco-totes especially designed for women.  They are perfect for shopping, a day at the beach, or trips to the gym. And one of the coolest features is that they are reversible!  Each side has a fun bold pattern to fit your stylish mood for the day.   These hip bags are made of machine washable cotton, and have plenty of room for all your stuff. The straps are super comfy which is a plus for busy moms on the go, and especially when you are lugging kiddos around.  And after your shopping spree, or day at the beach, you simply roll up the bag and secure it with Green Girl’s signature silver ring so you can store it in your purse or glove compartment.

Green Girl eco totes ($45) are now available nationwide, and at Lily Pad Baby and coming soon Green Girl World. Eco-totes are perfect for holiday giving too…try stuffing one with fun stuff for the holidays!   Get yours now and start saving the Earth!

Green Girl will also offer, jute totes that say it all with eco-inspired messages, kids’ totes, a bath, body and home line, jewelry and more!

When Customer Service Flies Out the Window

This day and age everything is so fast paced and streamlined when it comes to the retail world.   You can do a lot of your shopping in your pajamas in front of the television (which I love!).  I think with these many conveniences, you tend to lose track of what it is like to personally deal with people as a consumer, and it makes it easier for retailers to avoid working with them when a problem arises.

I recently ran across a great deal on a couple of car seats for the boys.  We currently have car seats for the boys but they seem to be outgrowing them and the things appear to be falling apart.   They will be in them for at least two more years, and I am afraid that they won’t last.  So I popped online when a friend told me that Target was running a terrific deal on Britax car seats ($42.99), so I rushed over and purchased two of them online.   Well come to find out, they were mispriced and they wound up canceling my order.  I was pretty bummed to say the least and felt a bit jipped.   Most places would typically honor the priceif it was a mistake on their part.

I was informed in my cancellation notice that, if I still wanted these seats that I could purchase them at the regular price of ($280) per seat!  WOW!   Now I can understand, that they made a mistake, but as a customer I feel like I am really the one paying for it.   Whatever happened to actual “customer service?”  Instead with this email, it felt more like welcome to “TARGET we are at our service.”   So basically their policy is in place to protect only them so only they profit or don’t lose anything?  Something seems a little backwards about that…don’t you think?   How is this anything remotely akin to customer service?, not only that, if you call, you more than likely will get someone in India!

Several of my friends had called about this mishap and were reassured that the price would be honored, then their orders were canceled, and a few lucky people…so I hear, had their seats shipped.   I am totally irked by all of this, and I am not usually one that complains much about this sort of thing, but I guess it just struck me as very seedy like practice.  How convenient it must be not to follow through, or just be able to send out a cancellation notice and poof your problems are over.  I usually have to deal with the mistakes I make, and their isn’t any way I can erase them….why should it be any different for Target or anyone else?  If I showed up and didn’t have my receipt, it would have been I am sorry but we can not refund your purchase.  I would seriously reconsider where you shop next time…I definitely won’t be shopping at Target anytime soon!

Here is the email I got in response to my letter I sent through their online help.  Notice the letter is from Sinu and none of the other responses I have read that other folks posted were from names I could pronounce.   Wow, what a way to do your customers…send out a general letter and not address the issue at all.  Not much different from the cancellation letter they sent to everyone.

I’m sorry, but we had to cancel your order with us for Britax marathon car seat. Because of an error, our website showed the wrong price for this item, and we can’t sell it to you for that price. If you’d still like to buy the item for the correct price, you can go ahead and place a new order.

We work hard to make sure that all of the prices on Target.com are right, but the rare mistake does come up. That’s why we always double check prices when we ship your order. In this case, we cancelled your order when we found the mistake. In other situations, we may choose to contact you for instructions before cancelling or changing your order.

Everything we did is in line with our posted pricing policies. If you want more information about those policies, you can look them up here: http://www.target.com/help

I know that you count on more than just great products from Target.com, and that having the right information on our website is just is important. I hope we haven’t disappointed you, and that you’ll continue to shop with us.

Best regards,

Sinu Thomas

Target.com Guest Service

http://www.target.com

Power Scouts and Skull Mountain

Both of my boys are car fanatics, so naturally when they get a car it is the greatest thing on earth to them.  Monkey has to be my biggest fan and he loves to line up his matchbox cars, and count them, and drive them into imaginary garages and use his books as ramps.   He is already two and his imaginary play impresses me.

Naturally when they opened up their power scout and skull mountain they were just as giddy with excitement as I am when I get something new.

Mattel Matchbox Land Skull Mountain Playset is the ultimate test for the super scouts where treacherous roads and falling boulders are just the beginning of a challenging and treacherous journey. Use the super scout 4x4s all-wheel drive to master the crushing climb to the top of Skull Mountain and then get ready for a frightfully good time inside the skull. Sure to inspire loads of manipulative fun and imaginative play, Skull Mountain features enough challenging barriers and touch-point obstacles to impress even the bravest explorer, power scout included!

Power Scout vehicles are tough enough to take any terrain. The Power Scouts vehicles go from neutral freewheeling mode to battery-powered all-wheel drive, and all you have to do is give it a tap on the back of the truck to activate the motor.  These cool new battery powered vehicles have super-grip tires to climb the steepest inclines. Battery included.

You can find power scouts and most toy store locations and online at Amazon.com and they are small enough that they are perfect for little hands.

POWER SCOUTS™ SKULL MOUNTAIN
ARP: $32.39 Ages: 3+ Available: Fall 2008

POWER SCOUTS™ VEHICLES
ARP: $6.99 Ages: 3+ Available: Fall 2008

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