"Unexpected Goodbye"

As you all know I like to feature great resources for families that have lost a child.  These resources can't bring your child back, but they can help comfort you.

I found a lot of comfort through reading books, written by others that had lost a child too.  I felt like I knew them, and could relate to almost every page of the book.  You don't want anyone else to feel the pain of losing a  child, but there is comfort in knowing that you are not alone.

This last year has been very exciting for me, because two close friends wrote books about losing a child.  I am so proud of both of them.  The first was written by my friend Lori, and it is called Wandering Purgatory.  We featured it here.

The second book is called Unexpected Goodbye: When your Baby Dies.  My friend Angela wrote this book, and just recently released it.

Angela lost her beautiful daughter Charlotte in May of 2010.  Just like everyone else that loses a child (me included), she immediately looked for some sort of guide to tell her what to do next.  There really isn't a protocol for what to do when your child dies.

I felt lost when she died. I felt adrift at sea and incapable of being rescued. I wanted someone to take my hand, tell me what to do and walk with me as I learned how to live without her. I wanted a written guide, but such a thing didn’t exist. I wrote Unexpected Goodbye to help other parents who lose babies.

In the short time that this book has been out, it has already gotten a lot of praise.  I can't wait to start reading my very own copy.  

I am so proud of the friends that I have met through this journey, we didn't let our loss (in some case losses) hold us down.  We all are doing great things to bring awareness to pregnancy and infant loss.  Hopefully in the future, it will not be such a taboo subject.  At the very least I know that families suffering this loss, will now have a guide to turn to.

Angela has been gracious enough to give us a copy (e book- it is only available in this form as of right now) of Unexpected Goodbye, to give out to one Little Orso reader.

You only need to do 2 things to enter.

1.  "Like" Angela's Little Bird Facebook Page.

2.  Leave a comment below with your name (just first name and first letter of your last name)

The winner will be picked tomorrow (12/11) at midnight pst, and announced the following morning on our Facebook page.

Even if you have not personally lost a child, consider entering and giving the book to a friend or family member that may have suffered this loss.  There is no greater gift than remembering their child.

 

The Most Exciting Invention Ever!

Recently I was sent a Net Zero 4G Hotspot to try out, and then share with all of you.  It could not have come at a better time.  With my husband's illness and preparing for the holidays, we are spending a lot of time away from the house.

My son and I have had to sit at the hospital for hours at a time, one day we were there for over 18 hours.  Do you know how hard it is to find things to do with a toddler for that many hours?  That is why many of my recent posts have been about items for the car, or to use when waiting at appointments.  If I find things that work for us, you bet I am going to share them with you!

I have a cellphone, but can not afford a high data plan.  Also I am sorry but I hate typing anything more than a text on those touch screen buttons.  I am not sure how some of you do all of your online stuff on them;)  So many times I had to skip blog posts, or wait to do my banking etc.. until I got home.  Well now that I have my Hotspot and Net Zero Broadband, everything is different.

I am able to do my blog posts, check emails, online shop and more all from the comfort of my car...or in the sand at the park :)  The hotspot is the size of a cocktail coaster, and does not weigh much more, so it is easy to take everywhere.

It takes seconds to connect to the internet, and the connection is as secure as the one you have at home. Actually if you get a hotspot, you do not need one at home anymore.  You can do all of your online needs with your Net Zero Hotspot.  You have the ability to connect up to 8 wifi enabled devices, isn't that amazing??!!?  All I can think about when using mine, is why couldn't they have invented this sooner?  Especially when I was in college, and had to hand write my papers at the library or on the lawn, and then go home and spend hours typing it all out. (For you younger readers...I went to college in the 90's before lap tops...can you imagine the horror??!)

Now I know what you all are thinking...this device does sound great, but I don't want another bill or contract to deal with.  Well that is what makes Net Zero so appealing, there are NO contracts or commitments.  They don't just say this, they are serious.

Right now their 4G Broadband service is available in 80 cities, with more on the way.  They have a few data plans to choose from, including a free option.  Yep free!!  They offer you the chance to test out their service for free.  Another feature that I love about their service, is that you have the ability to adjust the speed of your connection.  By using a lower speed (when you are doing things that do not require a high speed connection, such as downloading a video), you are able to save yourself more service for that month. (their plans are calculated by MB/GB usage).  I will not lie I do not know much about these things, however I can tell you that their service works just as well at a lower speed.

My Net Zero Hotspot and service has taken such a weight off of my shoulders.  It gives me so many more options while I am out.  My son and I can watch movies, sing along to Elmo and Yo Gabba Gabba (one of my son's favorite things to do...luckily he does not realize how bad my voice is yet), pay bills, etc...

We all have so much to do, why not find a way to make things easier?!  That is why I am so excited about the fact that I get to share this gift with one of you!!

One lucky Little Orso Reader will win $300 worth of Net Zero Products and Services. (4G Hotspot and 3 months of service).

There are a few requirements needed to win; you must be at least 18 years old, and must live in the United States.

Winner: Denise Pupo 







a Rafflecopter giveaway




 **Disclaimer- I am part of the Mom it Forward blogger Network. Mom it Forward and Net Zero partnered in support of this campaign.  Net Zero compensated me for participation in this campaign.  However, all thoughts and are my own.

 

Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty Giveaway is Back!

I am sharing this as a blog post because I know that many of you miss our Facebook updates, and I don't want any of you to miss this event!!

Every year Melissa and Doug (one of my favorite companies) gives away their top 20 favorite items.  They already did one round of giveaways, but have decided to do another as a treat for all of us.

Make sure you enter today, click here to enter. 

One entry is all it takes to be entered for all 20 days.  There are so many great toys.  Think of how wonderful it would be to win, and scratch some items off of your shopping list:)

Good luck!!  Like I always say it I can't win, I hope one of you does:)

**The post above is a sponsored post.  We received free products, or financial compensation from the above mentioned company.  However the reviews and thoughts of Little Orso were not influenced in any way, and are our genuine thoughts and feelings.

 

"If You Want To Take My Picture..."

Recently I was given the opportunity to try a new Photo service called Modern Greetings.  It is similar to the other photo sites on the web, in that you can make photo projects, and other personalized items.

I make photo books for every holiday, so I was excited to try out a new company.  I decided to make my Halloween book, with them.

The first thing that I really liked about Modern Greetings, was the many themes and options that they offered.  They seemed to have a theme for every holiday and event that I could think of.  I really liked their Halloween options, and found choosing a template very easy. 

However I found their site to be a little less user friendly than the others.  I had trouble uploading and editing my pictures at first, but then again I am not great with new technological things.  It probably was just me, because actually after a few pages I seem to have their system down
.

If you are someone that takes a lot of pictures, you will love their photo books.  They seem to have twice as many slots for photos, than the books that I usually make. I had a hard time filling all of them, so I decided to leave some of them blank.  I have thought about doing this in the past, so I could have spots to write memories in.  This time I actually did it, and am so happy that I did!!

I bought two Sharpie markers (I am going to have to do a post about them soon, and everything that I have been able to do with them). They worked perfectly on the photo pages, and didn't smudge one bit.  I was able to write special memories about the night, and things that we may not remember some day.  I know my son will have a great time reading these when he gets older. (like the temper tantrum he threw when we tried to take him home;) )  The marker looked great on the pages, and really stood out.  I really recommend trying this with your next photo project.  I know you can have text printed on the pages, but there is something special about having the memories written by hand.

A huge plus for Modern Greetings, is their customer service.  Leaving blank spots in a photo book is not typical, so they actually called me to confirm that I wanted the spaces left blank.  I was blown away by their individual customer service.  It was nice to know that a book that was so special to me, was special to them too:) 

Modern Greetings sells more than photo items, they also sell personalized stationary, invites, greeting cards etc...

I picked up some personalized stationary from them, and am very pleased with it.


I have some exciting news for all of our readers...we have a Giveaway that all of you will win!!  Yep everyone is a winner today!! 

Modern Greetings has given us a link to share with all you, that gives you all a free photo book (like the one that we made above).  What a perfect time of year to get a free photo book!!

Just click here to get your free photo book.  

My only request is that you share what type of book you make. Photos of your book, would be even better;) Share your books with us on our Facebook page, or in the comments below.  We are so excited to hear about what you decide to make:)

Have fun making your books, and checking out Modern Greetings.










**The post above is a sponsored post.  We received free products, or financial compensation from the above mentioned company.  However the reviews and thoughts of Little Orso were not influenced in any way, and are our genuine thoughts and feelings.

Daddy Orso is in Love

My husband loves helping with Little Orso, but this was hands down the best thing I have asked him to do.  A company called Xenon Project asked us if we would review one of their remote control helicopters.  My husband could not say "Yes!!" fast enough.  When he found out that it would be a Marine Corp helicopter (he is a retired Marine and loves anything Marine related), I think he may have stopped breathing ;)

His assignment was to play with the helicopter all weekend.  We played outside, and inside.  We shared with the neighborhood kids, and let our 20 month old son play with it.  I am happy to report that the helicopter is still in one piece:)

Doesn't that look like a real helicopter??

I have to admit that I was very impressed by the helicopter too.  The design was amazing, it looked so real.  No chunky pieces, like the remote control vehicles of my childhood.

There was almost no assembly required, just add some batteries to the remote control and charge the helicopter (plug it into your computer with a USB cord, or you can charge it off your remote control iteself).

The remote was very user friendly and comfortable to hold.  I remember some being so bulky or heavy, that it took the fun out of using them.  It is very sensitive though, so it does require some practice.

The helicopter is recommended for children over 14 years.  I think maybe 10 and up, if they have previous RC experience.  However that should not keep you from buying one for younger kids.  My 20 month old son had a fabulous time chasing the helicopter around, and even sat still and watched it take off and land (you know how hard it is to get a toddler to sit).

The best part is that the helicopter is safe for inside and outside play.  I have a lot of delicate items (up high and out of reach of little hands), and I felt ok with the helicopter being flown in the house.

This helicopter was a huge hit in our home!!  I really don't have anything bad to say about it, and was shocked at how affordable they are.

Xenon Project is a Southern California based company, that sells high end items like this. They specialize in remote control vehicles, and carry many other items besides this helicopter.

The company was started by two RC enthusiasts that wanted to bring great items to their customers, and they have hand picked some of the best items out there.  Not only did we have a great weekend playing with this helicopter, but I now know where to shop for my husband and son for every holiday.

We are thinking that a boat would be great, for the near by lake or pool:)  My husband is leaning towards some tanks to battle me with...lol

And here comes the fun part for you...Xenon Project is letting us give the helicopter away to one of our fans. (I have a feeling that some men may actually stop by today)

To enter this Giveaway you must do 3 things:

1.  Like Xenon Project on Facebook

2.  Be a fan of Little Orso on Facebook

3. Leave a comment below telling us which Xenon Project is on the top of your wish list.  Remember you do not have to log in to leave a comment, but you do need to put your name in the comment so we know who to contact.

This Giveaway will end tomorrow (11/20) at midnight (pst). A winner will be announced on our Facebook page on Wednesday (11/21) morning.

Good luck!!

**The post above is a sponsored post.  We received free products, or financial compensation from the above mentioned company.  However the reviews and thoughts of Little Orso were not influenced in any way, and are our genuine thoughts and feelings.

"Click Take a Pic..."

If you guys are anything like me...then you take a ton of photos and then wonder what cute things you can do with them.  I am always looking for ways to display them around my house.  I hate leaving cute pictures in the package they get sent in, or in a photo box somewhere. (although digging through those boxes is fun on lazy nights)

Frames are always a fun option, but so many of them are boring.  They either have no distinguishing qualities, or too many.  I can't stand the overdecorated items that they have in most kids departments.  The photo should be main feature, not the frame.  The frame is there to be the fabulous supporting actor;)  I have been looking around for cute frames for the last month...and then leave it to another Little Orso reader to share a great frame with me!!  That is the best part about this blog not only do I share things that I love, but you guys take the time to share things that you love too.  Love it!!  Keep sharing:)

How sweet is that frame?  I love how it has a vintage feel, with a modern design.

This frame is from Picture This, a cute online store that sells personalized frames.  The store is owned and run by Jessika, who lives in Iowa and runs an at home daycare.  She said that she loves the children like her own, and is eager to start her own family.

When she isn't working, she is usually creating new items like these frames, jewelery, scrapbooks... Always something new and fun:)

Not only do I get to share these cute frames with you today, but one of you will get the chance to win a $15 gift certificate to Picture This !!  Which is fabulous to win right now, because they are running a two for $30 special.  Frames are usually $18, so this a great deal:)

To enter our Giveaway you must do 2 things:

1. Head over and like Picture This on Facebook.

2. Post a comment below letting us know what frame you would like to win. Remember you do not need to log in to post a comment.  Just make sure that you put your name in the comment (with the first letter of your last name...ie Buckley F.), so that we know who our winner is.

This Giveaway ends tonight (11/14/12) at midnight (pst).  A winner will be picked randomly using random.org.  The winner will be announced on our Facebook page tomorrow morning.  Make sure that you like us, so that you get our announcements:)

Good luck!!!

Rainbow Creations Boutique

Today is a post for you mamas with little girls!!  I try not to feature items that are too gender specific (hate leaving people out), but these are just too cute not to share!!

I know a lot of you will be taking holiday photos, and attending recitals and parties in the next few weeks.  I also know that many of you will be hunting for a cute bow or headband for your daughter...

Well search no further, because Rainbow Creations Boutique has some of the cutest little girl accessories that I have ever seen!

Rainbow Creations  is owned by Cally, a stay at home mom that decided that she needed to create something cute for her daughter...and that would stop people from constantly asking if she was a boy or girl.  It amazes me how people can sometimes be confused.  Maybe it is just our new "PC society's" way of not assuming things??!! 

Rainbow Creations carries flower clips, headbands, hair-bows...and recently started to carry a little something for moms and other special ladies in your life.

These beautiful bracelets would make a great gift for anyone.  They also are the perfect accessory for you to wear to those recitals and parties.  We often forget to get something special for ourselves.  They are just like the famous European bracelets, but you can get them at a fraction of the price.  Which means that you can actually have a completed bracelet to wear:) I have one of those other bracelets, and have been working on completing it for a few years;)  These look just as cute, and actually offer some styles that I have never seen before.

In the short time that this boutique has been around, it has already become a huge hit!!  I can't tell you how many moms have shared them with me. You guys are excited about this boutique, and that is why I am so excited to share our special Giveaway!

One special reader will win the holiday bow featured in this picture (seen above).

To enter this Giveaway you must head over like Facebook and like Rainbow Creations Boutique.

Then leave a comment below letting us know which item you would love to see your daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister, etc...wear this holiday season. You do not need to log in to leave a comment, but if you do not log in please put your name at the end of your comment (ie Buckley F.).  This way we can announce our winner tomorrow.

This Giveaway ends at midnight (pst) tonight (11/5/12).  A winner will be randomly picked using random.org, and announced tomorrow morning.

Good luck to all of you!!

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 :)

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!!!

 

 

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!!

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***

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***

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:)

Rainbow Pixie Dust Kisses... Handmade from the Heart ♥ Giveaway Post!!!!

Last week I featured a Super Why beanie, in my Love, Love, Love- Tv Edition post...

Evidently there are a lot of Super Why fans, because the post got a ton of traffic and I got quite a few messages about it.

I figured if you were all impressed by the Super Why beanie, then you would love the rest of the items that Nikki has at her Rainbow Pixie Dust Kisses Store.  Nikki opened her store in March of 2011 (ohh that is when I had my son :) )  She features beanies, bows, jewelry, and a bunch of other adorable handmade items.  Her grandmother taught her how to crotchet when she was 7, and she has been making beautiful things ever since:)

 

Nikki plans to add some new holiday items and baby blankets, in the next few weeks.  I am really excited to see her Halloween beanies, they are a great idea for those kids that are still a little young for costumes. You can buy the Brobie beanie above, and then dress your baby in a green onesie.  Cute, easy, and a great way to keep little heads warm on those brisk October nights!!

Now let's get to the exciting part...the GIVEAWAY!!!  Woo hoo:)

Nikki has offered to give away a beanie of your choice.  The winner will be able to pick any beanie (current or future item) from the Rainbow Pixie Dust Kisses Store. 


To enter the Giveaway:

1. You must like Rainbow Pixie Dust Kisses on Facebook

2. You must like Little Orso on Facebook. If you already like us then you must send 1 friend.  Have them put that you sent them on our Facebook wall.


...and Nikki has said that if she gets 150 new "likes", then she will give away a 2nd beanie!!! 

2 chances to win one of these fabulous beanies, and all you have to do is share this fabulous store!!

The Giveaway will run from now, until Monday 8/20/12 at midnight (pst).  Winners will be chosen randomly with random.org, and will be posted Tuesday 8/21/12 on both Facebook pages.

Head over and enter now!!  Good luck:)

Giveaway!!

Due to the overwhelming response regarding Friday's post, we have a Surprise Giveaway!!

The company that makes the signs Dishwasher Sign, has offered to give away 2 signs. (yes 2 different winners)

You can pick from any of their signs.

To enter the giveaway you must do 3 things:
1. Follow them on Twitter- https://twitter.com/dishwashersign
2. Follow them on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001895112250
3. Follow Little Orso on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/LittleOrso....

...for an extra entry follow Little Orso on Twitter- https://twitter.com/littleorso
(comment below letting me know that you have done these things )

Good Luck:)