Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Won't You Be My Neighbor??


Happy Halloween!!

In a round about way, this post has to do with Halloween (I will show you in a second).

I remember having the coolest airport playmat when I was little.  It had runways, a parking lot, the streets around the airport etc..  I got my son something similar at Ikea, and he really likes it.  However there is a new playmat on my radar.




Boardstiff, makes these fabulous neighborhood playmats.  They come in three sizes, and they personalize the playmat to your street address.  You can also specify important locations and intersections.



I would have loved this growing up!!  Actually I should probably still get one, considering I give directions by landmark (not street).  It is a great way to teach someone the names of the streets in their neighborhood, and just so fun!!  Who doesn't want to drive mini cars and trucks down there own street??






Which brings me back to my Halloween connection... think of the Trick or Treat "pre-gaming" that could go on with this mat??!!  You could sit around your mat and make a great plan of which direction covers the most homes.  You could even mark the spots with stickers, or figures:)

This would make a fantastic holiday gift, just tie some cars or trucks on with a big bow:)  Head over to Boardstiff and order yours today.  Since it is a personalized gift, you do not want to wait until the last second to order it.


Monday, October 29, 2012

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!!!


With the election around the corner, I thought these would be a cute thing to share!!






Aren't these cute??  They are Future President Birth Announcements from Totfudge.  They make both genders, and every skin tone.  Your baby's face shows through the cut out, but when you open the card it is laid out like a typical announcement.




I did a "traditional birth announcement" for my son, but if I am lucky enough to have another child I would definitely do one of their cute announcements.  I love them!!  They have so many other cute ones to choose from such as ballerina, linebacker, hellraiser, flower child, rock star, prince, slugger.....

Totfudge also has a bunch of cute personalized items, and we know how much I love personalized items;)


Thursday, October 25, 2012

Little Orso Birthday Deals



I hope that you were able to take advantage of some of the great offers last week!!

Here are the offers that are still going on...enjoy!!!


**Marigold Baby (Etsy Store)- 12% off anything in the store, with code LITTLEORSO12.  (Good thru 11/30) **


**Creative Play (Etsy Store)- 12% off, with promo code CREATIVEPLAY12.  (Good thru 10/31) **



**Baby Boards- 12% off, with promo code  BABYBOARDS12 (good thru 11/3)**

Love, Love, Love...Skip Hop Edition



All of the items in today's love, love, love post are from Skip Hop.  I had some other items I was going to share, but then I saw the new Skip Hop wooden line and fell in love<3

I am a huge fan of wooden toys, and these are cute and affordable.


Rock and Stack Pull Toy



Busy Bead Tree




ABC House Blocks


I love this company so much!!  I am always so excited to see what they come out with next, and none of their items ever disappoint me!!

Needless to say these are all in my cart:)



Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Rockin a Stylish Do !!


Recently I started doing my son's hair...I am not sure what drove me to start styling his hair (considering I hate doing mine).  He loves brushing his hair, and looking at himself in the mirror:)  I think that may be most of my influence.

Luckily for him (hahahah) he was blessed with my unruly hair.  It grows fast, and there is a ton of thin hair.  Unfortunately this leaves us with some ugly bedhead in the morning. Of course he still looks cute to Mommy!!

I wanted a cut that would make his hair easier, and keep it out of his eyes.  He has a great cut, and we can either spike the front up a bit, or comb it to the side.  Him and I both lean towards spiking it up.  I love grown up looks on little ones.  Something about "big boy" stuff on little boys is so adorable.

We need a gel to achieve this look, so I looked into all of the products out there.  I wanted something that works well, but is safe.  I don't want chemicals sitting on his scalp, or getting into his mouth or eyes.




I asked a few stylists for recommendations, and fell in love with Original Sprout Products.  They are 100% natural, and made by a family on a farm.  They do not have any of those "dangerous ingredients", and the best part is that they really work.  His hair stays styled all day (even with his little hands touching and pulling it).  My favorite part is the smell, it smells like "vacation".  I didn't think my son could smell any better!! The organic rosemary in the product, is also said to keep lice and other insects away!!

I can't wait to try the rest of the line on him, and the rest of the Orso family!!

It is a little more pricey than some of the well known baby hair lines, but most of those contain such scary things.  One huge brand even admitted they have dangerous chemicals in their products:( I don't mind paying a little extra to keep him safe!

My trick for buying items like this, is to put them in your cart (I know one day I will receive a letter about not encouraging people to fill their carts with stuff for later;)), and then check back every once in a while.  There are so many online retailers these days, and they all run sales every few weeks.  Just keep an eye on your carts at the different stores, and when you see an item like this that you love stock up!!

You can also follow Original Sprout on Facebook, they put deals on there every once in a while.





Monday, October 22, 2012

Naptime Production!


I love when people share new places to shop with me, especially when the shops are theirs!!  There is nothing I love more than buying things from friends, and sharing these great things with all of you.

Recently my friend Beverly shared her new shop Naptime Production with me.  Cute name huh??!! The shop is run by two moms, that create these adorable items during "nap time".  With 14 nap times a week (if they are lucky), between their two homes, there is always something new!!  They have inspired me to be more productive during our own nap time;)

The stuff at their store is so cute!!  As you all know I am a sucker for personalized items, and they really hit a home run with theirs.  There are so many cute items to choose from!

Here are some of my favorites...



Personalized Canvas





Football Blanket (obviously this would be even cuter with Packers fabric;) )





Tie and Suspender Onesie





Rudolph Thermal
 




Sailboats and Red Polka Dot Flannel Blanket





Breast Cancer Ribbon Tie T-shirt






Personalized Mickey and Minnie Shirts







Birth Stats Art



And because I can't share anything this cute, without giving you a chance to win one, we are doing a Giveaway!!  Naptime Production has offered one special reader a personalized Birth Stats Art (the image directly above).  You just supply them with the info, and they will make you one for your very own wall:)

To enter this Giveaway:

1. "like" Naptime Production's Facebook Page

2. "like" Little Orso's Facebook Page

3. Leave your name below in the comments. You do not need to log in to leave a comment.

One winner will be chose using random.org tomorrow (10/23), at midnight pst.  The winner will be announced the following morning on our Facebook Page.

Good luck :)


Friday, October 19, 2012

**Birthday Deals**


Here all of the Birthday Deals!!

Please make sure that you check them out right away, many end this weekend.

...and they are from some of the greatest stores around:)



**Great Stitch  (Etsy Store)- 12% off anything on the site, with code ORSOBIRTHDAY. (Good Thru 10/20) **


**Super Sock Monkeys (Etsy Store)- 12% off everything, with code SUPERSOCKMONKEYS2YOU. (Good thru 10/20) **


**Buds N Branches (as seen today on Little Orso)- 12% off your purchase with code ANNIV12.  (Good thru 10/20). **


**Marigold Baby (Etsy Store)- 12% off anything in the store, with code LITTLEORSO12.  (Good thru 11/30) **


**Creative Play (Etsy Store)- 12% off, with promo code CREATIVEPLAY12.  (Good thru 10/31) **



**Arizona Sunshine Girls (Etsy Store)- 12% off with promo code ORSOBIRTHDAY. (Good thru 10/20)



** Inspired by Grands (Etsy Store)- 12% off, with code BDAYEXTRA1520.  (Good thru 10/20) **



**Angel Baby Pins - 12% off with code ORSO. (Good thru 10/20.) **



**Small Bird Studios- 12% off of anything in the store, with code LITTLEORSO12 (good thru 10/20)  **


**The Midnight Orange -12% off, with code LITTLEORSO  (good thru 10/20)  **


**Miscarriage Blankets and More- 12% off of everything, with code BIRTHDAYORSO (good thru 10/20) **


**Baby Boards- 12% off, with promo code  BABYBOARDS12 (good thru 11/3)**


**I Will Hold You In My Heart Forever Baby Books-  $5 off of your order.  Email your order in to michelle@foreverheart.ca and mention Little Orso to get the discount (their site does not offer promo codes) (good thru 10/20)**


Happy Shopping:)



 

Final Birthday Giveaway!! :)



We saved one of the bests for last:)  A month ago my friend Antoinette from Butterfly Kisses and Rainbow Wishes guest blogged for us, and shared some of her favorite items at the time.  Here is that post.

She is one of the most talented people that I know, and has added so many new items in the last month.  Each item cuter than the next!!!  And each one so filled with so much love.

When I was a child we would make an ornament each year, so that we could keep a "piece of that year" with us.  It was one of my favorite traditions!!  Now that I have my own family I am always looking for things like this to do for us. 

Well I have found that "one thing" that every family needs on their tree.  A personalized ornament from Butterfly Kisses and Rainbow Wishes.
 



Antoinette really does a great job of capturing your family.  I can't think of a better gift to give family members this holiday season.

I tried to limit myself to a few things that I love at her store, but honestly I love them all!!

I knew you would all love them too, so I asked her to take part in our giveaway or give us a special deal.

She did both!!! 

"In honor of Little Orso's 1st anniversary celebration, I have decided to take part in an exciting Giveaway. And who doesn't like FREE STUFF!!

The 1st item available to win for FREE (to any winner inside the USA) Is the snow-family ornament. (shown above) This has been one of my most famous ornaments to date. Everyone loves the whimsical look and the best part, it can include ANYONE in your family. Whether they are your furbabies, or your babies in heaven. If you want them there, they will be there!


 



The 2nd item was just created this week. Its a GORGEOUS ornament. I swear I love this as if I didn't create it myself. 



Since I love rainbows SO MUCH, I am offering this single item for FREE SHIPPING (inside USA). So everyone that qualifies is already a winner!! Free shipping to USA addresses expires sunday oct 21st at 11pm eastern time.

Good luck to everyone who enters!!! SO EXCITING!!!!


Thank you to Butterfly Kisses and Rainbow Wishes for taking part in our Birthday week :)

If you would like to enter the Giveaway for the Snow Family Ornament...

Head over and like Butterfly Kisses and Rainbow Wishes on Facebook.

Then leave your name below in the comment section.

Good luck to everyone!!  A winner will be randomly picked at 11:59pm pst tonight!!  

Hurry and Enter now!!!

 

 





Looking Back on Year 1...Day 5


I am such a sucker for cute bedding, especially for kids rooms!! 

I have seen some of the cutest sets ever, at an Etsy Store called Birds Have Flowers


I originally featured them last Thanksgiving, click here to see the post.

Birds Have Flowers hand makes every one of their adorable items.  The store is owned by a very cool mom named Rebecca, when she isn't being a  mom and making cute sheet sets, she fronts a band!!

I can't wait to do my sons room, and get him some of these adorable sheets:)

You all don't have to wait though, because Birds Have Flowers has given us a special deal good through the end of the month. 

15% off fitted sheets....


Seriously could they be any cuter??




and 15% off blankets...




Just enter the promo code BLANKETSHEETS at checkout.

Head over and check these items out now.  They have so many fabrics and patterns to choose from.  You don't need to do much else to your room when you have bedding this cute :)






Thursday, October 18, 2012

Giveaway 4, Day 4


I know how hard it is to find time in your busy day to do anything, especially read my little blog.  That is why I wanted this week to be all about thanking you for a fabulous year!!

I wanted our birthday to be "a real thank you" to those of you that come back every day...so I tried to fill this week with things that I would want to win.  I can honestly say that I want every single one of them, and wish that I could enter my own giveaways:) 

This next item is definitely on my "want" list.

A few months ago I featured these adorable charm necklaces from Stella and Dot.  My good friend Heather, is a top stylist with Stella and Dot and introduced me to their beautiful items.  This company does so much good, and offers beautiful items at affordable prices.  Here is the original post

Can you honestly tell me that you do not want everything off of their site??

I asked Heather for something fun to give away. And she gave me something that I know you all will want....





This item is sold out!!  It is the Pave Double Bar Necklace from Stella and Dot.  This is your only chance to get it.  It looks great long and alone, or twisted and layered.

To enter this giveaway head over to Heather's site, and tell me which item is your favorite in the comments below.  

Yes, one step to be entered to win a fabulous necklace. 

I had her set us up our very own link, so that way you can make a wishlist for the holidays, and ask her questions about all of the items.  Heather is fun, and knows everything about Stella and Dot.

Just like the other giveaways, you can leave the comment anonymously (meaning that you do not have to log in). But if you do please put your first name and the first letter of your last name in the comment. (ie Carrie D)

This giveaway ends today 10/18, at 11:59pm (pst)!!  So hurry!!

The winner will be randomly picked used random.org.

Good luck!!



We know how sad the end of a celebration can be, so we wanted to remind you that today is not the end;)  We are celebrating all week, and promise to go out with a "bang" tomorrow!!!



Giveaway 3....Day 4


A few weeks ago we featured a wonderful infant loss organization, called Barrett's Blankets.  They provide blankets to those that have lost a child. 

To read all about them, click here.

When we reached out to everyone that we had featured in the last year, we told charities to tell us what THEY needed from us.  These groups are so giving, that most still wanted to give us something <3

Barrett's Blankets was one of the groups that would not take "no" for an answer.  That should tell you something about this organization.

They have given us a T-Shirt in (size large) to give away....




Wear this shirt proudly at the next infant loss walk or event.  There is nothing better than bringing awareness and help, to a great cause like this.  Of course this shirt is yours to enjoy as you like, so feel free to wear it privately and remember someone special <3


To enter this Giveaway...

Please head over and like Barrett's Blankets on Facebook.

Then just put your name below in the comments.

Just like the other giveaways, you can leave the comment anonymously (meaning that you do not have to log in). But if you do please put your first name and the first letter of your last name in the comment. (ie Carrie D)

This giveaway ends today 10/18, at 11:59pm (pst)!!  So hurry!!

The winner will be randomly picked used random.org.

Good luck!!


Giveaway 2...Day 4


Parenthood brings so much joy, but it also brings a ton of stress and exhaustion.  Many times we let ourselves go, so that we can do more for our children.  I know I dream of one of those "Knock Knock Makeovers", showing up at my door, and making me look "like my old self".  Since that is probably never going to happen, I try to read any great tips about how to look and feel great in a short amount of time.

That is why I was so excited last week, when I got to actually feature one of those helpful articles on Little Orso.  The best part is that it came from a friend who knows what she is talking about.  Here is the life changing post that I am referring to.  It was a gift from Kimberly of Suburban City Chix. She helped us find a way to get "10 Minutes of Me Time". Kimberly is a certified Yoga Instructor- RYT-200, who teaches Ashtanga, Hatha, Power Yoga, Tweens and Kids yoga classes in New York.  She was excited to share some of her fabulous yoga tips, with those of us that can't get into the yoga studio.  I have been doing them every morning, and can't tell you how much better I already feel:)

She also owns Suburban City Chix, a website that was started by moms to unite women together in "Strength, Confidence, and Courage".  It is a virtual magazine that covers topics, that are important for helping women live a healthy and balanced life.  They also have a fabulous store that sells items that help you achieve those goals.  They really are a great place to stop by, and get some "me time".

Suburban City Chix has been so generous with us!!  They have given us a special promo code, so that you can start taking care of yourself today.  The promo code allows you to take 20% off of anything in their store.  Just enter code ORSO12  at checkout.



.....And one lucky reader will be going home with this beautiful green scarf!!!




It is an ancient Indian printed cotton voile scarf.  It is extremely soft, and can be worn as a shawl, wrap, scarf, belt, on your purse....  It will spice up any outfit or mood.  There is no better way to add some excitement to your casual daily outfit, then by adding a beautiful scarf.  Not to mention how many times have you run out the door with a sweater for everyone, but you??!!  Nothing is better than throwing a scarf like this around your shoulders.  You can stay warm, while looking stylish and ready for what they day may bring!!

To win this fabulous item you must like Suburban City Chix on their Facebook Page.

Then leave a comment below, with what item (s) caught your eye in their store.  There are so many great things to choose from. (The Cucumber Melon Venus Body Butter caught my eye...that scent takes me right back to the spa even if I am in line at the grocery store)

Just like the other giveaways, you can leave the comment anonymously (meaning that you do not have to log in). But if you do please put your first name and the first letter of your last name in the comment. (ie Carrie D)

This giveaway ends today 10/18, at 11:59pm (pst)!!  So hurry!!

The winner will be randomly picked used random.org.

Good luck!!



Giveaway 1...Day 4 :)


As you all know I am a little neurotic, and when it comes to my son it hits an all time high.  I would love to glue him to me for life, so I could keep him safe.  However we all know that we can't do that.  Eventually we have to let them have their own lives.  Luckily I am not even close to the stage where he will move out, but he is old enough to walk away from me...and that terrifies me.

That is why I love products like this...




These are personalized identification bracelets from Tig Tagz.  They were created by a mom, when she realized that her 4 year old could not always remember her phone number.  Click here to read our original post on Tig Tagz.

The bracelets are disposable, and can only be removed by cutting them off.  Of course we can't guarantee that nothing bad will ever happen, but taking precautions like this helps keep our kids safe.

Take the time to personalize these with your kids, and not only will they be safe, but they will enjoy wearing them.  Tig Tagz has tons of design options, and you chose what information the bracelet shares.

Every family should have a set of these, especially with the holidays around the corner.

...and here is your chance to get a set for free:)

Tig Tagz is giving away one set of bracelets (17 in a set) to a lucky winner.  

To enter head over and like Tig Tagz on Facebook.

Then leave a comment below...nothing fancy could just be a happy face:)  Just like the others, you can leave the comment anonymously (meaning you do not log in). But if you do please put your first name and the first letter of your last name in the comment. (ie Carrie D)





This giveaway ends today 10/18, at 11:59pm (pst)!!  So hurry!!

The winners will be randomly picked used random.org.

Good luck!!



Happy 1st Birthday Little Orso!!



Today is our Birthday, and we want to give you our gifts:)

We have had a fabulous 1st year, and can't believe it all started with a little post about a treasure chest.





We hope that you will join us for another year, we already have so many exciting things planned!!!


Let the celebration begin!!  Today will be filled with Giveaways and Special Deals...keep checking in with us!!  You don't want to miss a thing!!  There really is something for everyone :)






Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Giveaway 2 :)


The last time we gave these away our blog crashed for a few hours:)  Today we are giving away three signs from Dishwasher Sign (there will also be one in the gift basket for the person that sends the most new fans to our Little Orso Facebook page).





The winners will get to pick the color of their sign and what sign they would like (dishwasher, bathroom, bedroom, pet...)  I personally have my eye on one for our dog, and one for our guest bathroom.

This giveaway ends at 11:59pm pst today 10/17/12.

The winners will be announced first thing tomorrow morning.


To enter you must like Dishwasher Sign on
Facebook.

Then leave a comment below with which sign you would like.

You can leave the comment anonymously (meaning you do not log in), but if you do please put your first name and the first letter of your last name in the comment. (ie Carrie D)

The winners will be randomly picked used random.org.


Good luck!!


***This Giveaway is now closed the winners are 1. Jaime Hoyles MacKay, 2. Leslie Matteson, &
3. Bethany Rine ***

Giveaway 1 :)


Our first giveaway today is for these adorable Light Blue Seersucker Jon Jons from Buds N' Branches.





You can have them personalized for your child, anyway that you like:)  These are so cute!!  Perfect for play, vacation, church...any day that you want your child to look cute, but still be comfortable.

If you live in an area that is already too cold for shorts, just order a size or two up for Spring!!



This giveaway ends at 11:59pm pst today 10/17/12.

The winner will be announced first thing tomorrow morning.


To enter you must like Buds N' Branches on
Facebook.

Then leave a comment below with what you would get on your shorts.  (name, monogram, first initial, picture...)


You can leave the comment anonymously (meaning you do not log in), but if you do please put your first name and the first letter of your last name in the comment. (ie Carrie D)

The winner will be randomly picked used random.org.


Good luck!!



***This Giveaway is now closed, the winner is Jessica Malloy***

Exclusive Birthday Offers...Day 3


We have some more great deals to share with you.  I have been trying to showcase some of the fabulous items that these companies sell on our Facebook page, but if you get s second click on their names and check them out yourself.

Take advantage of our Birthday to start your holiday shopping.  Most of these items will not be on sale again before the holidays!!!


**Buds N Branches (as seen today on Little Orso)- 12% off your purchase with code ANNIV12.  (Good thru 10/20).


**Marigold Baby (Etsy Store)- 12% off anything in the store, with code LITTLEORSO12.  (Good thru 11/30)


**Creative Play (Etsy Store)- 12% off, with promo code CREATIVEPLAY12.  (Good thru 10/31) **



**Arizona Sunshine Girls (Etsy Store)- 12% off with promo code ORSOBIRTHDAY. (Good thru 10/20)



** Inspired by Grands (Etsy Store)- 12% off, with code BDAYEXTRA1520.  (Good thru 10/20) **



**Angel Baby Pins - 12% off with code ORSO. (Good thru 10/20.) **



**Small Bird Studios- 12% off of anything in the store, with code LITTLEORSO12 (good thru 10/20)  **


**The Midnight Orange -12% off, with code LITTLEORSO  (good thru 10/20)  **


**Miscarriage Blankets and More- 12% off of everything, with code BIRTHDAYORSO (good thru 10/20) **


**Baby Boards- 12% off, with promo code  BABYBOARDS12 (good thru 11/3)**


**I Will Hold You In My Heart Forever Baby Books-  $5 off of your order.  Email your order in to michelle@foreverheart.ca and mention Little Orso to get the discount (their site does not offer promo codes) (good thru 10/20)**


Hurry most of these offers end this week!!!

Happy Shopping!!!

Stay tuned for two fabulous giveaways at 12pm pst today!!


Looking Back at Year1...Day 3


We have featured so many cute things on Little Orso, that is has been hard to figure out which items to re-share with you.

Here are two of my favorites...


We featured Buds N Branches in one of our first posts, because they were one of the first Etsy stores to jump out at me for kids clothes.



The store is run by Sabrina, a stay at home mom, who realized that there was a need for unique, cute, classic, & reversible clothing for boys and girls. 



We agree:)  And she does them so well!!  Just picture these outfits in your holiday pictures, or for your holiday card.  She offers so many different fabrics, looks, personalization, etc.. you really can find something for every event.  Click here to read our original post on them, and learn more about Buds N Branches. 

Stay tuned to Little Orso today, because we have some surprises from Buds N Branches coming up:)



Another item that got readers talking, and that I personally have and love is the dishwasher sign featured  back in July.




As I shared in the original post about them (seen here), my husband and I were having an issue with unloading dirty dishes.  This sign has literally changed our lives.  No more emptying dirty dishes!! 

The Etsy store is called Dishwasher Sign, but they also make signs for pets, Nursery's, Bathrooms etc...




I definitely will be purchasing some more for our home, and these make a great housewarming gift as well.

If you are thinking about buying one, you are in luck:)  We have some special surprises from them coming up later today:)




Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Giveaway Time #2


The second item that we are giving away today is a pin from Angel Baby Pins.




The winner can any pin that they like.  Meaning you can choose the colors, the cause, what the angel holds etc... Please check out her page for other options.  There are quite a few to choose from.

This giveaway ends at 11:59pm pst today 10/16/12.

The winner will be announced first thing tomorrow morning.


To enter you must like Angel Baby Pins on
Facebook.

Then leave a comment below with your favorite number.  If there are duplicates we will pick a name from a hat.  We have a special number in mind.  You can leave the comment anonymously (meaning you do not log in), but if you do please put your first name and the first letter of your last name in the comment. (ie Carrie D)


The winner will be randomly picked used random.org.


Good luck!!


***This Giveaway is now closed the winner is Michelle Averett Ramirez*** 

Giveaway Time #1



The first item that we are giving away today is a beautiful lace cuff (for adults) from Arizona Sunshine Girls.




You wear them on your arm like a beautiful bracelet.  They brighten up any item, and will look good with your holiday outfits:)

The winner will be able to pick any color that they like.

This giveaway ends at 11:59pm pst today 10/16/12. 

The winner will be announced first thing tomorrow morning.

To enter you must like Arizona Sunshine Girls on Facebook.

Then leave a comment below with what color you would pick for your bracelet.  You can leave the comment anonymously (meaning you do not log in), but if you do please put your first name and the first letter of your last name in the comment. (ie Carrie D)

The winner will be randomly picked used random.org.

Good luck!!


***This Giveaway is now closed, the winner is Karen Murray Rivers***

Exclusive Birthday Offers...Day 2:)


The deals from yesterday are still good, so feel free to scroll back and grab them.  Here are some more to hopefully brighten your day:)

If you click on the name of the stores in today's and yesterday's post, it will take you directly to the stores.  Take a minute to check them all out.  All of these places have been featured on Little Orso, and have fabulous items!!


**Creative Play (Etsy Store)- 12% off, with promo code CREATIVEPLAY12.  (Good thru 10/31) **


**Arizona Sunshine Girls (Etsy Store)- 12% off with promo code ORSOBIRTHDAY. (Good thru 10/20)


** Inspired by Grands (Etsy Store)- 12% off, with code BDAYEXTRA1520.  (Good thru 10/20) **


**Angel Baby Pins - 12% off with code ORSO. (Good thru 10/20.) **



Stay tuned for today's giveaway at 12pm pst. :)




Looking Back at Year 1...Day 2 :)


One of my main goals at Little Orso is to share things that other "larger" shopping blogs may not share.  Such as family run businesses, charities, and businesses with a purpose.

Today I want to look back to two great businesses that were both started for a reason.

The first is Arizona Sunshine Girls, we first shared this company back in July.  Click here to read all about them.



At the time I was only featuring items for boys on Little Orso.  However my friend Emalee asked me if we could share her sister's store.  Her store had adorable things for little girls, but more importantly she started the store to raise money for her upcoming lung transplant.  How could I say no? But in all honesty sharing her store ended up being good for me too.  I got a ton of emails thanking me for sharing items for little girls. 

It was that day that I realized that by only sharing boy items, I was doing the exact thing that had driven me to start my blog in the first place. (leaving someone out).  From that day on I decided to change the intentions of Little Orso, from only items for boys to items for everyone.  (I still do share a little bit more for boys though, because it is still hard to find items for them.)

I am happy to report that Sarah, the owner of Arizona Sunshine Girls, is currently feeling good and her store is doing great.



Another favorite store is Angel Baby Pins... first featured here.  Angel Baby Pins was started by a friend of mine named Kandis.  She lost her son Isaiah, three years ago this month.  Since then she has done so much for the baby loss community.  From donating memory boxes, to offering support to those around her.  She is just a genuinely good person.



Sadly Kandis has had some trouble with infertility, and started this store as a way to help with IVF funds.    Her pins have become a favorite in the baby loss community, and with anyone looking for a way to raise money or bring awareness to a cause.    Her pins are amazing, and even more beautiful in person.  I recently wore mine to an infant loss walk.  It made me so happy to look down at it, that I decided I wanted to take it everywhere with me. So I pinned it to the interior of my car.  My angel now sits above me as I drive. <3

Businesses like this typically get overlooked in mainstream America, but hopefully we will have the ability to keep sharing items like this with you.


Monday, October 15, 2012

Giveaway Time!!


In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, I figured we should give away this touching pendant from one of my favorite stores Kayce Jones Designs.

It is hand-stamped with wings and a halo, and says "Angel Mommy"..




Absolutely beautiful!!

I know anyone that lost a child will enter to win this, but I really urge those of you that haven't lost a child to think of a friend or family member that has...if you win this for them it will mean so much.  There is no better gift than remembering our children!!

This giveaway goes from 12pm pst (10/15)- midnight tonight.  12 hours only, so enter now!!!

To enter head over and "like" Kayce Jones Designs on Facebook.

Then leave a comment below with the name of the baby (babies) that will be remembered when wearing this pendant. (you do not have to use a name...ie my friend's daughter, my angel baby...)

You must do BOTH things to be entered.

Winners will be chosen randomly, by using random.org

The Winner will be announced first thing tomorrow (10/16) morning.

Good luck!!!  And thank you to Kayce :)



***This giveaway is now over!!  The winner is Heather Mohr:)  Congratulations!! ***

Exclusive Birthday Offers!!


Every single day I will share some more special offers just for Little Orso Readers.  These are from some of our favorite companies, and a fun way to help us celebrate our birthday!!

Today's offers are centered around Pregnancy and Infant Loss, because of it being Awareness Day, but all of you not touched by loss hold tight...the rest of the week has something for EVERYONE!!!


Here are today's special offers (they all go until the end of the week, unless otherwise specified)...
(Many will be 12% off promo codes because we suggested 12% to celebrate our 12 months)


**Small Bird Studios- 12% off of anything in the store, with code LITTLEORSO12 (good thru 10/20)  **


**The Midnight Orange -12% off, with code LITTLEORSO  (good thru 10/20)  **


**Miscarriage Blankets and More- 12% off of everything, with code BIRTHDAYORSO (good thru 10/20) **


**Baby Boards- 12% off, with promo code  BABYBOARDS12 (good thru 11/3)**


**I Will Hold You In My Heart Forever Baby Books-  $5 off of your order.  Email your order in to michelle@foreverheart.ca and mention Little Orso to get the discount (their site does not offer promo codes) (good thru 10/20)**


Don't wait too long these offers are only good for a limited time, and you will not find them anywhere else.  Thank you to all of the companies that took part in today's celebration!!


Stay tuned for our Giveaway!!!!






Looking Back at Year 1...


As I mentioned before, we will spend this week looking back at some of our most popular posts and features.  Since today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day, I figured I would start by looking at some of the great organizations that we featured this year.  Then share some exciting deals from companies that offer items for all of us that have been touched by loss
 ...and end the day with a really exciting item that any parent that has lost a child would be thrilled to win.

Usually giving gifts feels better than receiving them.  I have so much more fun shopping for the holidays, than I do opening my gifts.  I typically buy people something special, for celebrating my birthday with me.  I figured why should my Little Orso birthday be any different.  So I reached out to the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Organizations that we covered, and asked them what they wanted for our birthday.  They do so many amazing things, and offer so much comfort to so many. I wanted to help them for once. 

So here is a recap of some of our favorites, and ways that you can help them keep giving and helping.  Please share with anyone that you think may be able to help. 



*Tiny Heartbeats- this is an organizations that loans dopplers (the instrument used to listen to fetal heartbeats) out to parents that have suffered a previous loss.  To read more about Tiny Heartbeats, and how you can get a doppler sent out to you, click here!!  Tiny Heartbeats is looking for used dopplers, doppler gel, or financial donations.




*A Little Thunder- They supply local (Kansas) hospitals with amazing comfort boxes.  As fellow loss parents, they know how hard it is to leave the hospital with empty arms.  They wanted to make sure that other families had something to help them.  To read more about them click here.  They are actually holding an online auction today to raise money, please head over to their Facebook Page to join in.




*OC Walk To Remember-  This organization is special to our family.  They are the ones that hold our local walk, and they provide the memory boxes and cameras to local hospitals.  Without them, we would not have anything to remember our daughter with.  Our pictures and memory box are all because of them.  I can't even emphasize how important these items are to us.  They may be a local (Orange County, California) organization, but they make an impact beyond our area.  They often donate to national infant loss organizations, and offer support to everyone.  Their fundraising for the year ends today.  Please click here to help them!!




*Robby's Rabbits-  They provide stuffed bunnies for families that have lost a child.  The bunnies can help fill our empty arms. They give you something to hug, when you miss your child the most. To read more about them click here.  They are asking for stuffed bunnies (and other animals), and money to help with shipping.





* Barrett's Blankets- Provides hand knit blankets for families, so they have a baby blanket to remember their child with.  They are handmade, so that you can feel the love when you wrap them around yourself.  To learn more about them click here.  They need donations of yarn, supplies, money, and shipping supplies. Also contact them about knitting or crocheting blankets for them.





*Calvin's Hats-  No head is too small, when it comes to Calvin's Hats.  They provide families with hats for their babies.  These little hats give you a huge amount of love and healing.  To read about their hats click here.  They could use donations to help keep them knitting.





*Miscarriage Blankets and More-  They started as a way to give people that suffered a miscarriage a way to remember their child.  Typically they do not get anything physical to hold on to.  They offer handmade little blankets (according to the size of your baby), and other items.  To read more about them click here.  They also run Kaitlin's Angels, which provides memory boxes to hospitals.  Both organizations could use donations and supplies.





*Solace Foundation- They help connect you with the best form of support for your particular loss.  They also provide comfort packages to local hospitals.  To read more about them, click here.  They need small teddy bears, butterflies, angel keepsakes, hand made shawls, and money.



These are just a handful of the great Pregnancy and Infant Loss Organizations that we have featured and worked with this year.  To see the complete list of resources click here. (if you would like to have your organization added to our directory please email me)  It is our up to date Infant Loss Directory.  I started it as a way to help families that have suffered this horrible loss.  When I first lost my daughter, I searched everywhere for support or anything that could bring me comfort.  My hope is that this directory will help others find the support right away. 

The event that brings you into this community is horrible and tragic, but the community is fabulous and so filled with love.

Stay tuned for some special offers and a Giveaway...




1st Birthday Celebration!! Day 1 :)


Yay our birthday week is finally here!!  I can't believe that Little Orso has been around for a year. 




Getting back into fashion and retail has been a dream of mine for a while. However at this time in my life it is not practical for me to work out of the home, so I toyed with ideas of things that could give me a "taste" of the retail world.  I thought about doing a blog for a few years, although at that time it was going to be women's accessories blog.  I have such a passion for women's accessories!!  I kept putting it off, until I had my son. 

I could not handle that all of the kids blogs that I was reading, only featured items for little girls.  What makes people think that moms of boys don't like to shop??  We like cute accessories, and outfits too!!  Being irritated was the thing that finally gave me the push to start my blog (that and years of Daddy Orso saying "you know you really should start a blog!")  We started as a blog that would cover items for little boys, but have evolved into so much more.  We now have a Little Orso Council that help us with reviews, guest bloggers that share their passions, cleaning tips, Giveaways....and so much more!! However our main goal will be to always include boys!!

Thank you for making this 1st year so fabulous!!  Our dream for the next year is to make Little Orso more exciting, and incorporate more items that will make your life easier and more exciting!!  The main way that we can do this is by getting suggestions from you.  Please email, message, call, write, sing...anything that you would like to see us cover.

...and with that let the celebrating begin!!!

All this week, we will do 3 posts during the day. 

*The first will be a recap of some of our most popular features and posts.

*The second will share exclusive deals, that some of our favorite companies have shared with just us.  (get ready to start your holiday shopping!!

*The third will be filled with Giveaways!!  We have some fabulous items to give away this week, so don't miss a day.  The giveaways will be one day only events!!

We will be posting some of those giveaways in a bit, but here is one from us to get things started!!!

If we were to have an Orso Birthday Cake, the wish that we would make blowing out our candles, would be to double the amount of friends that we have at Little Orso.  So our week long Giveaway Event is this...


The person that sends the most new friends to our Facebook page, will win a special gift basket from us.  It will be filled with items for you, and your kids!!

To enter all that you need to do is share our Facebook page with all of your friends and family.  Have them either put "your name" sent me on our wall.  Or you can send me a message on Friday (by 7pm pst) with all of the friends that you have sent over.  They must "like" our page to be counted.  The contest ends Friday (10/19) at 7pm pst, and a winner will be announced by 9pm pst that day.

Start sharing and good luck:)


Friday, October 12, 2012

10 Minutes Of Me Time


Today we have a special guest, my friend Kimberly of the website suburbancitychix

Kimberly is a certified Yoga Instructor- RYT-200, who teaches Ashtanga, Hatha, Power Yoga, Tweens and Kids yoga classes in New York.  She is also currently obtaining her certification in Nutrition.  I don't know about you guys, but this post couldn't have come at a better time for me.  I am constantly stressed out, and take no time for me.  I can't wait to enjoy Kim's 10 Minutes for Me Plan.  We have another exciting post scheduled in the next few weeks, that will show you how to include your kids in your "me time", and Kim has some surprises in store for us for our birthday celebration next week.  Make sure you head over and check out her site today, and let us know how you enjoy your "ten minutes".




Sometimes, we wake up and get stuck in a routine.  Our routine, often does not serve us in a good way.  Yes, we take care of our children, then we either go to an office or work from home or maybe we are cleaning the house and running errands.  The fact is by the time we finish these tasks, the kids are home, dinner has to be served (whether cooked or bought), homework needs to be done and our husbands need attention.  We often live a life of 24 hours filled with a to do list that has nothing to do with ourselves.



So, how do we start and end our day with taking care of ourselves?  First, let’s start with a mantra “Today I choose Self-love”.  You need to repeat this to yourself every morning when you wake up and every night when you go to bed.  By saying these words out-loud you are telling the universe that you need time for yourself.  You may feel this is selfish, “But I need to take care of my children and my partner”, etc, but the truth is if you do not take care of yourself first, everything in your life falls out of harmony.

Let’s talk about time, and how to manage your day.   Many of you may be thinking, I do not have the time, I have so much to do and I just cannot fit in any exercise or quiet time in.  But, if we are going to be honest with ourselves there is time, you just need to carve it out.  Trust me, I am speaking to you from experience.  I worked for Fortune 500 companies for years, I commuted to the city  (about 4 hours daily) and now I run my own business and teach Yoga. What, I have realized is that through all the madness, I must make “Me time”.  Whether that means waking up at 5:30am, or 15 minutes before you usually do, make the decision to tell yourself, “Today I choose Self-Love”. 

Here are some quick easy fixes you can do when you wake up:


Wind Removing Pose



First, while lying in your bed, take one knee into your chest, clasp your hands around the outside of your knee, (directly under it and pull your leg into your chest, while the other leg is straight on the bed with your foot flexed.  Take a few breaths here and then repeat on the other side.  This pose is great for stimulating your colon, strengthens the arms, improving hip flexibility, and firming the abdomen and thighs.
Then, roll onto your side and out of bed.


Next find a quiet room, put your IPod on, or sit in silence and listen to your breath. Come into a comfortable seat on the floor, in Yoga we call this Easy Seat.   

 Sitting up tall on your floor/mat in a cross-legged position, shoulders rolled up, back and down, with your head in a neutral position. Note* you can sit on a blanket or a block which will help you to sit up taller and change the angle of your pelvis, which in turn will help keep your back in proper alignment. Once seated, start by inhaling simultaneously by sweeping the arms up and overhead palms touch, and then exhale breath out as you bring arms down, let them fall to either side of you.  Keep your neck in a stable position.  Repeat this 3x’s then on the 4th, sweep your arms up, take a deep inhale, now exhale and twist your upper torso to the left (left hand comes to outside of the buttocks and right hand comes to left knee and neck turns to face the left). Hold the twist and repeat on the other side.  Note* if you used a blanket or block remove it before moving into the next pose.



Come onto your knees and push back into Child’s Pose.   

 
To get into this pose, kneel on the floor or mat, touch your big toes together and sit onto your heels, slightly open your knees out to hip distance.  Sit up tall take a deep breath in and fold over your legs, exhaling all the stale air that does not serve you out.  Bring your arms in front of you, hands pressing into the ground and shoulders rolled back.  Press into your forehead (if your head does not touch the ground, then utilize a block, a book, or a rolled towel) that will allow the sensation of the point in between your eyes also known as Third Eye to be stimulated.  Then, relax your arms and just breath.  This pose is a resting position that will help calm the thoughts in your mind, while relieving stress and fatigue.  It will also stretch your hips, thighs and spine and will help to alleviate any back/neck pain or stiffness.  Hold this pose for 5- 10 breaths.



Slowly move your hands back so they are framing the top of your head.  Push into the ground with your palms and pull up into a tabletop position.  Knees may need to be adjusted.  Make sure that your hands are shoulder distance apart and knees are hip distance apart.  Tops of toes are pushing into the ground (so envision you are standing on your tippy toes). Your head is neutral and you are looking down.  Now, we will move into Cow/Cat pose.   



Inhale fresh positive energy and pull your chest up, shoulders come down naturally and sit bones pull up, don’t over strain your neck let it go with the flow of your movement. Now, exhale release the tops of your feet to the mat/floor, round your spine, belly comes in and head releases toward the ground.  Repeat this for 3-5 breaths, with control.  This pose will stretch the spine and massage it at the same time.


From tabletop, we move into Down-ward Facing Dog.  

  

Spread your fingertips, push into your palms, while, pushing into the tops of your feet and lift your knees and hips off the ground. Stretch your heels toward the floor, continue to lift through your legs engaging all the muscles, but do not lock the knee (you may keep a small micro bend).  Now, while pressing into the palms your going to do a mini roll with your forearms and upper arms outward, you should feel your shoulders roll into one another.  Your head should be in between your upper arms, with no stress, but not hanging like a rag doll either.  The benefits of this pose are amazing; it calms the mind, it helps relieve stress.  And, it also, stretches your spine, shoulders and hamstrings.  It will help you build strength in your arms and legs and it will improve your digestion. 

Finally, float back and forth from child’s pose into down dog 3-5xs and repeat after me, “ Today I choose Self-Love”.  This entire routine will last 10- 15 minutes, depending upon how many breaths you take between each pose




Thanks Kimberly, I am off to get my "10 minutes of me time", I hope you all join me:)





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