Etsy Favorites Day 10!!

I saved one of the best for last!! 

 

TheLilybugBoutique is special to me, because it is owned by one of my close friends.  Jamie started her store right after the birth of her daughter Lily.  She makes the best taggie blankets out there!! (and the best brownies, she is a professional chef when not sewing).  Jamie sent us a Dr Seuss blanket when my son was born.  He loves it so much.  He is 9 months and still carrying it around.  We have seen others in stores, but none of them have the extra touches that TheLilybugBoutique puts into theirs.  Each one is backed with a snuggly minky fabric.  Jamie also heat seals all of the ribbons to prevent them from fraying, and triple stitches them to make sure that they do not come loose.

Her Dr Seuss and Hungry Caterpillar blankets are the most popular, but you can contact her directly to make any character or theme that you want.  Right now they have some holiday prints available.  Order now to take advantage of the special  $.99 shipping she has on all orders for Little Orso readers.  Just mention Little Orso at check out.

Etsy Favorites Day 9!!

Two more stores to go....and I saved two of the best for last:)

Our 9th favorite Etsy store is Little Monkey Doodles. They sell personalized door signs, growth charts, mobiles, clocks, frames, canvases, prints.  The store is run by Jennifer and her family. She is the mother of 4; and started her store because she had such a good time making things for her own kids that she decided it would be fun to make them for other kids too.  Her door signs are what drew me into their store, however once I started looking around I realized that I needed everything!!! Wrap up a door sign and clock, and now you have a great gift!!

There is always something new at Little Monkey Doodles, so check back regularly.  Right now they have offered Little Orso readers 10% off of their orders.  Just enter code LITTLEORSO at check out.  This code is good until they close for the holidays.  They have giveaways and sales all the time, so make sure you like them on Facebook too.

Etsy Favorites Day 8!!

Today's favorite is a special one for me.  I have always been extremely close to my grandmother.  Since I was young, she has bought me bags with my name or initials on them. Now that I have a son I wanted to get him started on the tradition.  I started looking around the internet, for a little bag or backpack that I could get for him to bring his toys in.  I should have started my search on Etsy, because I found exactly what I was looking for at a store called Inspired by Grands.  And how fitting that the store is run by a grandmother of 10 (soon to be 12)!!

Inspired by Grands makes personalized kids' backpacks, tote bags, diaper bags, and doll carriers.  The store is run by Terri, who has been sewing since she was 10 years old. It all  started when her oldest daughter wanted two small backpacks for a trip they were taking. She needed something small enough for her girls to carry on their own, but large enough to hold activities for the plane trip. This is when Terri started making the kids' backpacks featured in her store. Her daughter suggested that she start selling them on Etsy, and 2 years later her store is still going strong!! 

Head over and check out Inspired by Grands today.  If you want something for the holidays you need to get your order in before December 10th!!  I personally am going to get my son a backpack to take his sand toys to the beach in, or snacks and pacifiers for the park in:)  

 

Etsy Favorites Day 7!!

What kid doesn't love something cute and soft to snuggle with??

Mabelise, named after the owners' two kids Mabel and Elise, makes handmade lovies, blankets, dolls, and toys.  The owner, Gwendolyn, started making dolls after her second daughter was born.  Her daughter was having trouble sleeping through the night, and was waking up many times looking for her pacifier.  Gwendolyn decided that she needed to make something that would hold her pacifier, and that she could cuddle with.  This is when the "Blossom Baby" was born.  This doll solved the problem, and still remains her daughter's best friend (she is 3 years old now). 

Today Mabelise carries the Blossom Baby and tons of other cute items.  Gwendolyn's goal is to offer unique and special little lovies, that children will find years of joy and comfort in.  She has decided to offer Little Orso readers free shipping (domestic), so that you can find one of these items for your children.  Just enter the code THANKS2011 at checkout.

Etsy Favorites Day 6!!

Have you noticed that most of the teddy bears and dolls available in stores, are very cutesy and girl based??  Well Marijke did, and that is why she started her Etsy boutique. Littletinks is an Etsy store that offers hand knitted teddy bears and other unique baby gifts.

Marijke has been knitting since she was 8 years old.  When her friends started having babies, she had a hard time finding gifts that were "special enough".  She decided that she could make a better teddy bear, than she could find in a store.  Her friends loved the bears, and suggested that she start selling them. So earlier this year she started Littletinks.  They have cashmere teddy bears for that luxurious room, but also carry a wool version that is washable and as she puts it "boy proof". 

Littletinks is happy to offer our readers a 10% discount.  Please mention that you are a Little Orso reader at checkout.

Etsy Favorites Day 5!!

Today's feature store is all about keeping your head warm, while still looking adorable!! 

Marigold Baby makes some of the cutest hats I have seen. It is run by Erin, a stay at home mom of twin boys.  She has a background in apparel, specifically historic dress.  However when she had her twins, she decided to take a break from her studies and start a custom hat store. Since her background is in historic dress, she loves to mix this influence into her work.  This is why her hats have a vintage feel. 

Marigold Baby has offered Little Orso readers a 15% discount.  Just enter code LITTLEORSO at check out.  This promotion is good until December 15, 2011.

Happy Thanksgiving!! Etsy Favorites Day 4!!

We have a Thanksgiving treat for you today...a great Etsy store.  

Today's pick is Birds Have Flowers.  The store is filled with amazing custom made bedding. The store is run by Rebecca, a mother of two from Arkansas. When she was pregnant with her son, she realized that there was a lack of cute boy bedding.  She decided the only way to get what she wanted, was to make it herself!!  After that she started making bedding for her friends too.  Her friends were so happy with the bedding, that they suggested that she start selling it.

Check out the adorable bedding today!!...and if you do not find any patterns that you like, feel free to contact  Rebecca directly she makes custom sets with your own fabric choices too!!

Birds Have Flowers is offering us free shipping on all orders.  Just let Rebecca know that you are a Little Orso reader when you place your order.

Etsy Favorites Day 3!!

Today's favorite is a store called Supersockmonkeys.  They take sock monkeys to a whole different level.  They do have sock monkeys, but they also have bears, dogs, chicks, cows.....

Supersockmonkeys is owned by a woman named Becky.  Becky worked in the UK garment industry for many years. She was working at a sock store when she became pregnant.  She bought a book on how to turn the beautiful socks she was selling into toys for her unborn child.  The hobby turned into a career, when she learned that her child would require surgery and medical care.  Happily her daughter pulled through and is happy and healthy today!!  Becky says her store reminds her to never give up, even if things look difficult at first:)

Supersockmonkeys is offering all Little Orso readers 10% off their purchase.  Enter promo code LITTLEORSODISCOUNT at checkout.

Etsy Favorites Day 2!!

Today's featured store is BudsnBranches.  They offer custom shortalls and longalls reversible outfits, matching brother/sister outfits, coordinating birthday hats and bibs, dresses, shorts/pants, t-shirts sets, and blankets.

BudsnBranches is run by Sabrina, a stay at home mom.  Her son is the inspiration for her store.  She started the store because she realized there was a need for unique, cute, classic, & reversible clothing for boys.

Their stuff is so cute, and reminds me of an expensive line from my childhood.  My mother used to like to dress us all in outfits like these for the holidays.  Whether you have one child or ten, these outfits are perfect for the upcoming holidays or a casual day at home.

Sabrina has shared her special Black Friday promo code early with us. Enter BLKFRIDAY2011 at checkout to receive 10% off of your order.  This code is good until midnight on 11/25.

Etsy Greats!!

I am sure many of you spend a few hours each week searching Etsy for great finds!!  I know I do!!  That is why I have decided to feature some of my "little boy favorites" over the next week and a half.  Each day I will feature another Etsy favorite (in no particular order).  Check back every day to find out about another great store, and see what special offer they have for Little Orso readers!!

Let's get started!!



My first favorite is Stylin and Profilin. It is a baby accessory store run by Abby Dreyer.

Abby recently became an aunt, and had trouble finding items that weren't "too babyish."  She decided that the only way to get what she wanted was to make it.  She features pacifier clips, hats, bows, and wipe cases.  Her pacifier clips are what initially drew me in.  I couldn't find any brands that offered boy appropriate ones.  Many of the lines just made plain colored ones that could be used for boys too.  Abby had great sports prints, polka dots, solid color with trim etc...I had to order the monkey one immediately!!  The ribbon is a great quality, and the clips keep the pacifier in place without ruining clothes.  Not to mention that her shipping was extremely fast.  This makes her a great option for baby shower gifts!!  She just added wipe covers, and I can't wait to order one. Head over to Stylin and Profilin today, and grab some great baby accessories!!

Abby has decided to offer Little Orso readers 15% off,  from now until December 10, 2011.  Just enter code LITTLEORSO at checkout.

 

The Mail Must Go Through!

I have always been a fan of Melissa and Doug toys.  I have sold them at three of the boutiques that I have worked at, and they are always a huge hit.  They are well made, and find a great balance between educational and fun.

I bought my son the Stamp and Sort Mailbox, and it has become his new favorite toy.  There are three slots for them to put the mail in, they have to figure out which slot works.  The mailbox comes with letters and postcards, and each piece has such precise detail...like the postcard from Paradise or the Sweepstakes winner!! There are stamps that velcro on to each piece of mail.  There are just so many things to do with this mailbox.  My son is below the required age (and puts everything in his mouth), so we took the stamps away for now.  However he sits for hours putting his mail through the slots.  I highly recommend getting this mailbox for your little ones.  It is enjoyable for mom and dad too!!  And looks cute out in the room!!

To help with your holiday shopping, here is Melissa and Doug's 2011 holiday list:

To purchase or read more about any of these items visit their site.

Vote for your favorite toy on their list of holiday favorites, and get a 25% off coupon.  Here is the link.

It Is Never Too Early To Get Started!!!

Saving the world and looking cute in the process, what could be better??!!

Tiny Revolutionary is a company that allows you and your children to do just that!!  Their stuff is so cute, and supports some of the most beneficial charities.  They also spread great messages about love and living your best life. Make sure to like them on Facebook, because they often post special savings.

**Mommy Deals**

Royal Brat- Free shipping on all orders LITTLEORSO

Neiman Marcus- Free shipping with code FSNOV

JCPennney- Free shipping on orders over $69 SHIP69 or $10 off of $40, $15 off of $60, $20 off of $80 and free shipping to the store with code TURKEY

Shutterfly- Free shipping on orders of $30+ SHIP30 and 20% off of books BOOK20.

Snapfish- Free shipping and 30% off cards CARDS30OFS. Buy one set of flat cards get one free BOGOCARDS. Free shipping on orders over $25 FSNOV25.

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch...

I am in the process of redecorating my son's bathroom, so I have been searching for towels rugs etc.. I came across these yesterday, and thought what a great gift idea!!

Who doesn't like the Grinch???!

There is also a Cindy Lou one:)

They are from Kohls, and are on sale today (their whole site is on sale today and tomorrow 11/18 & 11/19). I have been told to wait until the "Power Hours" to buy them. During the Power Hours they mark everything down an additional percentage. The Power Hours are: 11/18- 2pm- midnight cst (online) & 3pm-11pm your local time (in store). 11/19- 12am- 3pm cst (online) & 7am- 1pm your local time (in store).

Finally!!!

I finally found a line that was founded on the exact reason that I started this blog...lack of little boys clothing!!

Tom and Drew- "Tom and Drew is inspired by and named after the nephews of founder Alexia Panza. When searching for fashion forward boys apparel for Tommy and Andrew. Alexia became increasingly frustrated with the selection and decided to start a line that exemplified both of the boys personalities, needs, and youthful spirit. "

You can find the line here. I had a hard time just picking a few pieces to feature!!

Bagging it up!!

There is no way to avoid having kids stuff all around your house, but that doesn't mean that you can't try to make it cute and organized!! I have a bunch of these LL Bean tote bags around the house. We have a burp cloth one, a bib one, a dirty laundry one, a toy one, and a park tote. I got them all the same color, and labeled them all in lowercase font to keep them young and fun.

Right now LL Bean has free shipping with any order, and every order over $50 gets you a $10 gift card...you can use that to buy yourself something cute:)

With a Rebel Yell...

When I managed a kid's boutique, Baby Rebels and Little Rebels was one of the top selling kids' lines. Their pieces are so well made and stylish. It was no wonder why we couldn't keep them in. I could barely dress the mannequins, before someone would buy the outfit off of it.

This is why I was so excited to see them on special at Zulily. Most items are at cost. Run over there before they sell out, or the event ends (ends 11/16). Here is a direct link to this event: Zulily

Bake Me A Cake As Fast As You Can!!

My husband and I always cook together, and can't wait to get our son involved. He already likes to sit in the kitchen and watch. Once he is ready to help, I am ordering him one of these from AddieKakesKreations on Etsy. She has the cutest aprons, and you can order personalized ones too. She also has a section where you can get a matching parent and child apron made. She has a bunch of other cute items too!!

"Watson Somebody Call Watson!!"

My son loves reading time, and this is one of the family favorites. The book and stuffed animal come from Hallmark. There are a few characters to choose from, but Watson is our favorite. Watson is a raccoon that always saves the day.

You start out by buying the stuffed animal, and first book "Watson and the Case of the Sneaky Stealer." However there are other separate books in the series. As you read the book, there are lines that trigger Watson. Watson will then say a line that goes with that part of the story. It makes reading time so much fun!!

Table for 2 :)

How cute is this table??!!

I want to get this for my son to eat at, but also so he would have a place to do crafts, puzzles, Play Doh, color etc...

I love the animal chairs:) Here is to hoping that I can squeeze myself on the other chair;)

**Mommy Deals**

Pottery Barn Kids- up to 75% off. No coupon or promo code needed for the sale. However for today (11/11) only if you enter code EXTRA10 get an additional 10% off the sale items.

Macys- 15% off and free shipping with code vet15.

Disney Store- 20% off your entire purchase with code disneypal, plus free shipping on any order over $75 no code needed.

Snapfish- 300 prints for $3 with code spooky300 & buy 1 photo book get 2 free with code myfallbks ( both offers through 11/13)

Gymboree- take an additional 25% off the sale items. No code needed.

Bloomingdales- free shipping on any order with code freehship11 (through 11/13)

Stride Rite- Buy one get one 50% off with code srbogo online and in the store (through 11/14)

Babies R us and Toys r Us- both are having their "biggest holiday sale" this weekend. Too many promos to list. Check out their site.

Birthday Shopping...

Today is my birthday, so I want to shop!! However unlike my early years (where I shopped for myself), I now only like shopping for my son. Here are two items I am getting today.

The top item are clothes dividers. Kids grow out of things so fast, that you need to have the next size or two on hand. I love the idea of organizing his closet like a store. The Etsy site I found these at have a bunch of cute designs. I am a little partial to this one, since I am married to a Marine and it is Veteran's Day. Check the other designs out here!



I am in love with this giraffe. This site makes really cute stuffed animals from socks. They are amazing!! It is so hard to pick out which one to get, since they are all so cute!!

Stylin!!

Appaman is one of my favorite lines and sites. They have great boys clothes, and actually carry stylish ones at that. Most sites give us a few boys items, while they have pages of girls stuff...not this one!! They usually have more boys stuff, and list boys first:)

They are definitely one of my favorites, wish I could buy the entire boys' line. These are some of my current favorites!!