Sew Magical, Sew Cute (what parents will do for their kids)

Let the games begin… about a month ago we were informed by one of my colleagues that Lalaloopsy Dolls were the “in” toy this year. Her boyfriend and her were looking for them everywhere for his daughter, and we were all told to be on the lookout. This line of dolls are cute little creatures with button eyes that closely resemble the classic rag dolls from years ago (Think Tim Burton meets Strawberry Shortcake). The general story of the Lalaloopsy dolls is that they magically came to life as soon as the final stitch was sewn, and the magic that brought them to life also imbued them with personalities that matched the materials used to make their clothes. One Lalaloopsy doll's clothes were made from a baker's apron, and she loves to cook. Another's clothes were made from a painter's overalls, and she loves to paint. You get the gist. To me, it’s a marketing ploy to get girls to beg their parents to buy these rag dolls. They don’t really do anything.

While in Philly doing some Christmas shopping, I came across the last two in Toys R Us and called her to ask her if she wanted me to get one. Not sure if it was one of the ones she already has (There are 10 in the set), I bought one knowing I could return it if needed. Then it hit. The bug. Knowing that I had a coveted doll (I should have bought both), stirred up a monster in me, and it was contagious. The bug bit Chris as well.

The next day we were in our local Toy R Us and the crowd got brutal. A new truckload of dolls had arrived. Out of nowhere, Chris and I knew this meant ‘game on’. We were now going to hunt for all 10 of these sadistic creatures. The makers of Lalaloopsy did it right; they don’t have a single store sell the complete set. You have to hunt. And hunt we did. Long story short (because I have to get ready to Drive to Massachusetts in a couple hours), we were in 3 states, 12 stores, tons of pushing, biting, and pulling hair (between me and Chris for wondering why we’re doing this for a doll that our daughter doesn’t want or care about), and we finally collected the complete set. Many have told us to sell them on eBay to double our investment, but we couldn’t do that to our KGrace. So instead, we adorned our Christmas tree with them. Behold, our life size Lalaloopsy doll.

Think outside the socks...

Is matching is over rated? I don't think it is... and it erks me to no end when Chris dresses Kensington in the mornings and her socks don't match her outfit. I know it's something I should get over, right? So, image my surprise when our friend Kathi brought over a gift for Kensi, a collection of LittleMissMatched items. This company began with the wacky idea to sell colorful missmatched socks in odd numbers. LittleMissMatched has created socks, leggings, gloves, sleepwear, swimwear, bedding, electronic socks, and a book (My MissMatched Life, Chronicle Books) – all incorporating their core design philosophy that nothing matches but anything goes.

Each collection allows for thousands of clever combinations using unique color waves and patterns, giving girls the chance to express their creativity and individuality every day of the year.

But does clever combinations = good taste? I'm still not sure. While I was getting her ready for school on Monday, I tried to let down my fashion gaurd and place two MissMatched mismatched socks on her little feetsies. I stood her up and looked her over. The gay-gene in me made me take them off and place the matching socks that coordinated perfected with the outfit. The socks and the leggings are, by themselves, absolutely precious. I just need to take baby steps so when my baby takes her steps, she does it in style.

Protect those precious little baby legs!

BabyLegs has grown from one mom’s diaper bag essential to an essential product for all. They began as a solution to keep little legs warm, and now the uses are endless!

Now that our little chickpea is mobile, we needed something to kept her knees protected while crawling, and provided sun protection when we go outside on the back deck. These kneecap savers, which we found at Cinderella's Closet, were the perfect fit. After looking up the company online, we noticed that tons of places around the country offer these. You can find a retailer close to you by clicking here. Kensington loves her rainbow BabyLegs... and they go fabulously with her rainbow onesies that we found at Gymboree.

Our first give-a-way...

The stacks of unread magazines and unsolicited catalogs continue to grow, and grow. They're piled up next to the garage door, ready to be taken to the recycling center (which will hopefully be something Chris takes on, because I have ZERO urge to do so).

Every so often, I will walk by and a teaser on the cover will catch my attention and actually make me pick it up (so to the cover illustrators / editors... you're doing something right!).

One catalog that intrigued me is One Step Ahead [link], which is filled with innovative baby & toddler products that I haven't seen anywhere before (honest - this is not a paid advertisement, nor was I solicited by them to create a post about their products or website). Whether you're looking for designer crib bedding or baby slings, carriers, or teething aids, you'll find them here at One Step Ahead, along with a great selection of educational toys.

Having an adorable daughter with a unique (and notable) name, it is impossible to find items that has her name on it, but this company can personalize items that end up looking divine: from toy boxes to canvas bookshelves, puzzle stools to travel beds.

In addition to the personalized products, they have items that I've never seen before, such as these garment extenders. Kensington, having been given so many cute outfits, is outgrowing items that she's only worn once or twice. What a SHAME!!! These will help s-t-r-e-t-c-h the lifespan of her one-piece outfits! What will they think of next? This garment extender set not only works with Carter's and Onesies, but GAP, Old Navy, and many other popular brands.

Because I'm so excited about this product, as well a new site to do tons of shopping at, we're giving away a $20 e-Gift card to One Step Ahead... and because we love our readers all so much, we're making it easy to enter with multiple ways to win.

Receive one entry when you comment on this post. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Comments/contest will close on June 30, 2009 at 8 PM EST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit)

Extra Credit:

2 entries if you become a new Follower to It's Daddies. Plural. on blogspot (see the "these people are the best followers ever..." section on the right side of this page and hit "follow")

1 entry if you are one of the amazing 51 people that are "following" us currently on blogger. Just state that you're a follower in your comment.

2 entries if you blog about this giveaway on your own blog. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a link to your post when you leave a comment. If others visit our site and give your blog credit, you get an additional entry.

The winner will be chosen by Random.org.

We hope you enjoy this give-a-way.

Dad of Invention

When Jim Whitney's daughters were ages 3 and 5, this Toronto dad found himself watching his kids play and wondering why there wasn't a toy that could be assembled and reconfigured in different life-size shapes. "I wanted something that could be a cave today, a pirate ship tomorrow, and a castle the next," he says. "Oh, and you'd be able to drape sheets over it for hiding." Voila! The Crazy Fort was born. Check them out at www.crazyforts.com or go directly to Barnes&Noble to buy the product here.

Children of all ages love building fun structures where they can play endlessly in their imaginary worlds. And Crazy Forts makes play so easy and so fun. Simply connect the balls and sticks and cover the structure with bed sheets to create places where imaginations flourish.

Help Block Out Skin Cancer

A little sunshine is a good thing, but your little one can easily get too many rays. A baby's skin is 10 times more sensitive to the environment.... and those under the age of 6 months should never be exposed to the sun.

With a thinner skin and a developing natural protection system, a baby's skin needs special protection from the sun and irritating chemicals.

While flipping through "American Baby", I saw a wonderful ad with my two favorite brands - Johnson & Johnson and the American Cancer Society. Johnson & Johnson's Neutrogena has come out with a Pure & Free Baby Sunblock stick. I can't tell you how excited I am about this (I know, I know... I'm a little geeky). This product has no irritating chemicals, is fragrance free, hypoallergenic, won't sting eyes and has no dyes and oils. Perfect for our little Kensington!

Skin cancer is a very real issue, and melanoma is deadly. One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, and one that is relatively easy to prevent. You should learn the signs, visit your dermatologist to check for skin cancers, and be vigilant about using sunscreens such as this one. Actually, you can visit the American Academy of Dermatology here and find a free screening in your area.

To find out more information about skin cancer, prevention and detection, contact 1.800.227.2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and Neutrogena, working together to help prevent skin cancer, support the use of sunscreen.

Designer Dad

After having children, Chris Pegula, aka The Diaper Dude, realized that diaper bags were way too feminine for guys to carry with any enthusiasm. So the Santa Monica, California, dad decided to design his own line and in the process changed how fathers deal with diaper duty (no more toting baby's gear in a gym bag). Check out his line here.

What the Flock...

OMG. It's Wednesday night and I still feel bloated from all the food I ate over the holiday weekend. Multiple cookouts on Saturday in the Poconos... followed by multiple cookouts on Sunday (at Cathy & Kyles), and more on Monday. Needless to say, I didn't hold back. And I should have. No really. I should have! But the food was SOOOOOOO amazing.

Reaching out into the bloggershere, POM Wonderful graciously sent us a sample of their 100% Pomegranate Juice to try and review. I know, I know... is this what you're reading the blog for? We thought about this long and hard before we considered writing a product review... and then we realized, that's what we've have been doing for other items and those companies didn't send us a sample. We've been sharing products that work for us... whether it be types of wipes, toys, facial products, etc. It's about what makes our lives easier now that we're parents, and hopefully guide others to leading a try things that work for them.

Besides tasting great, you can do so many great things in the kitchen - and on the grill - and at the bar - with POM Wonderful Pomegranate juice.

So... what does one do on a holiday weekend and numerous dishes to cook up? Break open a bottle of POM Wonderful Pomegranate juice and get creative. And so we did...

First up: Mango Tequila Pom Shrimp



In a food processor, combine the mango, cilantro, jalapenos, onion, and garlic and finely chop. Gradually add the all the juices, salt and sugar. Pour this mixture over the shrimp; cover and refrigerate for 30-45 minute. Turn the kabobs several times during this marination.




Next Up: POM Wonderful Pomegranate Barbecue Ribs.






















For step-by-step photos and technique, visit fotocuisine.com - Note that we eliminated the lemon juice.

And the finale of the POM Wonderful recipes, my famous Ménage à trois cocktail (usually made with Three Cherry Pomegranate Vodka... but this version uses 100% pomegranate juice and is much better). This version has been renamed Ménage à POM.