Zip it up - chips!

Safeway has a new line of chips and I'm a fan - the Snack Artist.  We've now enjoyed a bag of the Bowl Fight, white corn tortilla chips, and they stayed crunchy until the end.  Large size, crisp, and a fair amount of salt (very important in this house).  Best of all, the bag features a resealable closure at the top, thus eliminating the need for fishing out the chip clip from the junk drawer.  These will definitely find their way into my cart again.

Let your soul glow!

I love a glittery, glowing mantle and these little candles from Crate and Barrel are a great addition.  Similar to mercury glass, the snowflakes dance when a tea light is lit within.  At $4.95 each, they are a steal!  They also make a perfect hostess gift. 

Time Flies!

One of my favorite things in my office is my 2010 Lilly Pulitzer wall calendar.  The colors and designs make me smile and I love having a splash of color at work.  Everything is better with something pink!  I was tickled to receive my 2011 calendar this week and can't wait to hang it up next month  

Strike a cord

Old Navy continues to be my favorite place for my little guy's pants.  I love their chinos and in the winter, I love their cords.  They have inside elastic, just as their other pants, and best of all - they snap, making it easy for young "I can do it myself" -ers. They're on sale this week for $15.

Let Go My Lego!

 

Looking for a great way to introduce you little one to the world of Legos?  Look no further!  This gem of a box is a terrific starter set and at only $15.88, it's a great value.  If your builder is on the younger side, this set from Duplo/Lego is the way to go.

Better than bare feet

For the third year in a row, the sandal of choice for my little guy is Keen's Newport H2.  I love these shoes!   They are virtually indestructible and come in a variety of colors, though we've opted for the navy and brown in the past.  They offer good traction and the covered toe makes them ideal for preventing skinned toes.  Best of all, when they get muddy and stinky (and they will), you just toss 'em in the washing machine.  I can't imagine a summer without them!

A tattoo a mother can love

Vacation season is nearly upon us and I must confess: I am a worry-wart.  I don't keep my three year old tethered to me, but in crowded situations, I definitely want reassurance that we can be reunited if separated.  When we went to Disney World in February, I picked up a package of SafetyTats.  These great temporary tattoos give you a place to write your phone number and they really stay put.  Choose from a wide variety of styles or customize your own.  They even have tats for allergies and disabilities.  Great for amusement parks, beach trips, school outings, and more.  Check 'em out!

Little birdies everywhere

I have great childhood memories of watching the birds in my backyard and thought it would be something my own little guy would enjoy.  I picked up the Garden Treasures Star Bird Feeder from Lowe's and three weeks in, we are having so much fun.  Keeping a bird guide at the ready let's us learn more about our new friends and enhances the experience.  The squirrels just discovered the feeder this week and now we truly have our own version of Animal Planet live.

Beach in the Backyard

Sand + water = hours of entertainment.  I absolutely love our Step 2 Naturally Playful Sand and Water Activity Center.  While the intent is to have water on one side (with a drain plug) and sand on the other, we tend to go either all water or all sand.  The table is waist-height for toddlers and lets them dig and scoop and create to their hearts content while minimizing mess.  The included umbrella is such a nice feature, providing instant shade.  Finally, it comes with a lid that securely fastens and keeps bugs, critters and neighborhood kitties out. 

doodling distractions

Mess-free distractions are always welcome in the car, be it a four-hour trip or running errands.  The same holds true for fitting rooms, restaurants, or anywhere mom and dad need a chance to focus on something on than junior. 

Fisher Price's Travel Doodle Pro stays in our car at all times.  After learning the hard way that a 2 year old should not have crayons while in the vehicle, this doodler has been the perfect solution.  A year and half later, my little guy still plays with it. 

Another option we love is the Aquadoodle Travel N Doodle.  Great in the car as well, though you have to remember to have water handy to fill the pen.  If you take this one on a plane, remember not to fill the pen until after you pass security. 

A safely distracted child = a happy parent!

apps rule!

iPhone apps are truly a parent's best friend.  Favorite apps of my three year old include: Jirbo Match - the classic Memory game with animal faces and  Duck Duck Moose's Wheels on the Bus (love that it is multi-lingual, too). 

USA Today put together a list of the best children's storybook apps and I can't wait to check 'em out.   http://usat.me/?37901976.  What are your favorites?

Classic Chinos

What's my go-to outfit for my three year old?  A pair of Old Navy chinos and a polo shirt.  The elastic in the adjustable waist is long-wearing and the overall size holds up over time (they don't shrink away into nothing).  I also buy Old Navy's jeans and cords for my little guy, but the khakis are my favorite.  A great value at $12.50, they are often on sale for $10.  Dress 'em up, keep 'em casual, they always work in our house.

happy for your phone

I've had the Speck CandyShell case for my iPhone since October and absolutely love it.  The last go'round, I rocked a pink plaid skin from iSkins with a clear hard shell.  However, when dropped, the case would pop off and I realized I needed something sturdier.

I like the CandyShell because it combines a hard outer shell with a rubberized interior.  Best of all, it is one piece and doesn't come off when dropped (which is bound to happen). The hubby has one in black and likes how easily it slides out of his pocket.

You can find Speck products at the AT&T store and Apple store.