Squarespace Blog / "creative play"
Christmas Wish Lists... Ms. Rozzlyn...
AHHHH! I could go on for hours and hours putting together all the things I would just LOVE LOVE LOVE to have for Ms. Rozzlyn. But I won't... Ill just put together my 5 favorites so you can drool over them with me too :)
Rocky The Zombie: Time for the next size up! 1/2 for Ms. Rozz!
Quinn: Because we CAN NOT have too many rag dolls :)
Wooden Name Puzzle: Because we want every wooden puzzle we can get our hands on... but we NEEEEED one that says Rozzlyn in cute pastels! :)
CaustinThreads: Because Cupcakes & Skulls are two of our favorite things. Pink in 18 months!
TwoChicksandaFish: Im so totally in love with these waldorf style unicorns... I think we need a white one with rainbow hair!
BellasLilBoutique: Rozz is getting to the age when she's interested in coloring... some nice big chunky crayons would be AWESOME for her to grab on to and scribble with.
Read more →
Rocky The Zombie: Time for the next size up! 1/2 for Ms. Rozz!
Quinn: Because we CAN NOT have too many rag dolls :)
Wooden Name Puzzle: Because we want every wooden puzzle we can get our hands on... but we NEEEEED one that says Rozzlyn in cute pastels! :)
CaustinThreads: Because Cupcakes & Skulls are two of our favorite things. Pink in 18 months!
TwoChicksandaFish: Im so totally in love with these waldorf style unicorns... I think we need a white one with rainbow hair!
BellasLilBoutique: Rozz is getting to the age when she's interested in coloring... some nice big chunky crayons would be AWESOME for her to grab on to and scribble with.
Giveaway #9: Stella Grace Boutique
If you remember, last week we talked about creative play for kids... and sort of detaching from all the flashing lights and sounds of the high tech toys and gadgets on the market. Today I want to ramble on about Stella Grace Boutique... A shop focusing on toys inspired by a Waldorf Education. "The educational philosophy's overarching goals are to provide young people the basis on which to develop into free, morally responsible and integrated individuals, and to help every child fulfill his or her unique destiny, the existence of which anthroposophy posits." (thanks Wikipedia) Long story short... a Waldorf Education focuses on imagination and a creative approach to play time... And Stella Grace Boutique has all the goodies you need to support that type of environment.
Kara, the mama behind Stella Grace boutique has some of the cutest toys on the market. I should know... I have quite the collection ;) Over the last few months we have bought one of the 18 inch dolls...a mini blanket baby... a sensory owl rattle... and Zavery has a custom dinosaur... all skully themed of course :) One of the things on our list to buy are her play silks... You get 6 hand dyed - rainbow colored play silks... they are "17 inch by 17 inch playsilks. They are wonderful for imaginative play, dress up, peek a boo, music and movement, circle time, and SO much more!" But the next MUST HAVE on our list will require a bit of penny saving. Waldorf dolls are pretty expensive, as they are made with very high quality, natural materials... "The face is made from bamboo cotton interlock and you can select a sleeper made from either knit or velour fabrics. The head is formed with 100% clean carded wool, in the traditional waldorf method. With a interlock body stuffed with carded wool too!!" to make it a little easier on the pocket book, she has an 11 inch "baby doll" listed. And we definitely want one :) With some sort of adorable skull nighty of course!
Last but definitely not least, we love her Teething Ring Blanket Loveys... They are "12x12 knit fabric, backed with soft hand dyed cotton velour fabric." Each one has a wooden ring attached with a snap for teething, and can be taken off when the lovey needs to be washed. Kara made one special for Ashely out of the cutest "I Love You This Much" fabric... with a beautiful blue velour on the back... and of course, one lucky winner will get one too! The winner of this giveaway will get their choice of any custom Teething Lovey...
How to win:
(EACH ENTRY MUST BE IN ITS OWN SEPARATE COMMENT BELOW TO BE COUNTED ACCURATELY)
#1: Heart Stella Grace Boutique on Etsy.
#2: Heart your favorite pair of item(s) in the Stella Grace Boutique Etsy shop, then come back and comment below, telling us what you love!
#3: Fan the Stella Grace Boutique facebook page.
#4: Fan the RockerByeBaby facebook page.
#5: Heart RockerByeBaby on Etsy.
#6: Follow the RockerByeBaby blog. (in the upper right hand side.)
#7: Blog about this baby shower giveaway! Linking back to our blog... when you are done come here and comment below with the link to where we can see the post!
Read more →
Kara, the mama behind Stella Grace boutique has some of the cutest toys on the market. I should know... I have quite the collection ;) Over the last few months we have bought one of the 18 inch dolls...a mini blanket baby... a sensory owl rattle... and Zavery has a custom dinosaur... all skully themed of course :) One of the things on our list to buy are her play silks... You get 6 hand dyed - rainbow colored play silks... they are "17 inch by 17 inch playsilks. They are wonderful for imaginative play, dress up, peek a boo, music and movement, circle time, and SO much more!" But the next MUST HAVE on our list will require a bit of penny saving. Waldorf dolls are pretty expensive, as they are made with very high quality, natural materials... "The face is made from bamboo cotton interlock and you can select a sleeper made from either knit or velour fabrics. The head is formed with 100% clean carded wool, in the traditional waldorf method. With a interlock body stuffed with carded wool too!!" to make it a little easier on the pocket book, she has an 11 inch "baby doll" listed. And we definitely want one :) With some sort of adorable skull nighty of course!
Last but definitely not least, we love her Teething Ring Blanket Loveys... They are "12x12 knit fabric, backed with soft hand dyed cotton velour fabric." Each one has a wooden ring attached with a snap for teething, and can be taken off when the lovey needs to be washed. Kara made one special for Ashely out of the cutest "I Love You This Much" fabric... with a beautiful blue velour on the back... and of course, one lucky winner will get one too! The winner of this giveaway will get their choice of any custom Teething Lovey...
How to win:
(EACH ENTRY MUST BE IN ITS OWN SEPARATE COMMENT BELOW TO BE COUNTED ACCURATELY)
#1: Heart Stella Grace Boutique on Etsy.
#2: Heart your favorite pair of item(s) in the Stella Grace Boutique Etsy shop, then come back and comment below, telling us what you love!
#3: Fan the Stella Grace Boutique facebook page.
#4: Fan the RockerByeBaby facebook page.
#5: Heart RockerByeBaby on Etsy.
#6: Follow the RockerByeBaby blog. (in the upper right hand side.)
#7: Blog about this baby shower giveaway! Linking back to our blog... when you are done come here and comment below with the link to where we can see the post!
Giveaway #5: OllieBeez
I can't even begin to count the number of times that I was completely overwhelmed by the flashing lights and annoying sounds of an interactive toy. I have 3 kids... I've been parenting for over 5 years now, and there have been so many toys in and out of our house that as the years go on, I am starting to change my thoughts on play time. At first as a new mom I wanted all the most interactive gadgets for my baby/toddler that I could get my hands on. But, looking back now, I wish I would have never given in to those things. It seems like now a days so many kids aren't even capable of just "playing"... Asking my oldest to go to the play room to play with the Thomas the Train set, or color in a coloring book is like a terrible chore for him... By the time I got to my middle son, I had realized how these things have changed their play time, and really started pushing more classic toys and creative play. It shows... he loves puzzles, coloring, playdough, etc. He is great at entertaining himself and doesn't need to constantly be stimulated like my oldest. And now this time around with Rozzlyn, I want to be really sure that we are going back to basics. With this is mind, I came across OllieBeez.
OllieBeez is a super cute shop specializing in custom wooden blocks for kids. She has everything from cowgirls to Dr. Seuss to shabby chic styles, monkeys and more. There is something for everyone. Not only are these blocks adorable decorations propped on a shelf in a nursery, but they are perfect creative play toys. Stacking, sorting, and building with blocks are a great way to stimulate your little ones imagination. And not only that but each block has 2 letters on it, all 13 combined represent the entire alphabet... therefore making it a great educational toy as well. Each block is hand painted with non-toxic paint, the papers cut and letters placed by hand as well. Then Sealed with non-toxic sealant making it safe for babies and toddlers. But always use common sense... they're play blocks, not teething toys ;) While searching through OllieBeez shop, I came across the CUTEST block set that I will have to get for Rozzlyn. They are perfectly girly, but still a twist of hidden Rock N Roll when you look closely. There are little skulls in the duck and the rattle! Love, love love ;)
When OllieBeez agreed to do this giveaway I was so excited. They seemed right up her alley. The mama behind the blocks was so sweet to work with and I can see that as a customer, her customer service is amazing. She responded promptly and was eager to get started on the project. And did I mention, a mom to 4 month old TWINS!? Where does she find the time!? Together she and I came up with the closest match to Ashley's nursery colors as possible (on short notice). If we had a little more time we could have gotten even closer by ordering specialty papers! But I think the final look is just perfect. We chose a light yellow base for the block... and then all sorts of shabby chic graphics in light aqua blues, grays, etc. I think it will go great with Ashley's modern with a vintage twist nursery... and can already picture the little man playing in his room stacking up blocks with mommy :)
Adorable, right? Well, don't feel left out. OllieBeez has been SO sweet as to give us a set for you... but not just any set - one special just for you :) The winner will choose from a custom designed block set from OllieBeez. Match your nursery, your play room, any place you want. Or maybe just your favorite character or theme! The options are endless. Good Luck!How to win:
(EACH ENTRY MUST BE IN ITS OWN SEPARATE COMMENT BELOW TO BE COUNTED ACCURATELY)
#1: Heart OllieBeez on Etsy.
#2: Heart your favorite pair of booties in the OllieBeez shop, then come back and comment below, telling us which one you would choose if you win.
#3: Fan the OllieBeez facebook page.
#4: Fan the RockerByeBaby facebook page.
#5: Heart RockerByeBaby on Etsy.
#6: Follow the RockerByeBaby blog. (in the upper right hand side.)
Read more →
OllieBeez is a super cute shop specializing in custom wooden blocks for kids. She has everything from cowgirls to Dr. Seuss to shabby chic styles, monkeys and more. There is something for everyone. Not only are these blocks adorable decorations propped on a shelf in a nursery, but they are perfect creative play toys. Stacking, sorting, and building with blocks are a great way to stimulate your little ones imagination. And not only that but each block has 2 letters on it, all 13 combined represent the entire alphabet... therefore making it a great educational toy as well. Each block is hand painted with non-toxic paint, the papers cut and letters placed by hand as well. Then Sealed with non-toxic sealant making it safe for babies and toddlers. But always use common sense... they're play blocks, not teething toys ;) While searching through OllieBeez shop, I came across the CUTEST block set that I will have to get for Rozzlyn. They are perfectly girly, but still a twist of hidden Rock N Roll when you look closely. There are little skulls in the duck and the rattle! Love, love love ;)
When OllieBeez agreed to do this giveaway I was so excited. They seemed right up her alley. The mama behind the blocks was so sweet to work with and I can see that as a customer, her customer service is amazing. She responded promptly and was eager to get started on the project. And did I mention, a mom to 4 month old TWINS!? Where does she find the time!? Together she and I came up with the closest match to Ashley's nursery colors as possible (on short notice). If we had a little more time we could have gotten even closer by ordering specialty papers! But I think the final look is just perfect. We chose a light yellow base for the block... and then all sorts of shabby chic graphics in light aqua blues, grays, etc. I think it will go great with Ashley's modern with a vintage twist nursery... and can already picture the little man playing in his room stacking up blocks with mommy :)
Adorable, right? Well, don't feel left out. OllieBeez has been SO sweet as to give us a set for you... but not just any set - one special just for you :) The winner will choose from a custom designed block set from OllieBeez. Match your nursery, your play room, any place you want. Or maybe just your favorite character or theme! The options are endless. Good Luck!How to win:
(EACH ENTRY MUST BE IN ITS OWN SEPARATE COMMENT BELOW TO BE COUNTED ACCURATELY)
#1: Heart OllieBeez on Etsy.
#2: Heart your favorite pair of booties in the OllieBeez shop, then come back and comment below, telling us which one you would choose if you win.
#3: Fan the OllieBeez facebook page.
#4: Fan the RockerByeBaby facebook page.
#5: Heart RockerByeBaby on Etsy.
#6: Follow the RockerByeBaby blog. (in the upper right hand side.)
A little effing "toy story" for you...
I wanna share a little about my day with you... and I want to start by saying, Zavery is absolutely obsessed with Toy Story... now, at first I found this to be ADORABLE, because I remember growing up when my little brother Austin would drag around his Woody doll... literally everywhere. we. would. go. So it was cute to see Zave follow in those same steps with Buzz... This all started walking through Wal-Mart barf one day to get some poly-fill... As we walked past the toy isle because I am a total idiot Zave saw a buzz dolll, and went absolutely nuts for it... Giant piece of plastic crap? No... Flashing lights, loud noises... and real live ninja chopping action? NO thank you... wings that pop out like weapons and flash lights? Umm. duh. $30? Abso-friggen-luetely not... I found cute little toddler style buzz... the wings snapped on and popped off... the helmet stayed open... and there was ONE button... and a nice soft plastic... just one button to get him to say his 3 little sayings... This cute little buzz was totally tot friendly... about half the size as the big one and not nearly as obnoxious... oh... and most importantly? It was like $10...
(as i write this he is literally climbing on top of me to point out that its a picture of buzz...)
This Buzz kept him completely happy and content for over a month... it went everywhere with us... It jumped from couch to couch with Zave saying "To Infinity & Beyond" and even with all my anti platic toy-ness... i liked it. HE was being creative... and I loved watching him create these little adventures with Buzz... and I loved the comfort it gave him when going to bed... now - last night all that changed... hubby went one a little shopping spree trip with his boss to check out the local competition... merchandising... blah blah blah BORING and on this trip... He dropped into the Disney store... (are you cringing yet? You know where this is going) Daddy saw the big Buzz... now for the Buzz crazed toddler this is heaven, right? Wrong.. its been an absolute effing disaster... Daddy was SOOO excited... he had already taken bux outta the box and all the wires and what not holding him in... ready for fun... and when daddy pulled that buzz outta the box it was like all his hopes and dreams came true... The real. big. buzz.
This Buzz is SO over the top that is has been nothing but drama since he opened it... My little TWO year old Zavery just can't keep up with Buzz... since he is totally jointed, he doesn't stand on his own like he wants him two... The wing release button is so hard to push that he can't do it... and when Daddy offer to help its a total meltdown... cuz little Zavery is still throwing two year old tantrums... He is hard plastic (and already scratched up), clunky and loud... and most likely lt will be broken with the month. Last night... Zave was up until almost 11pm fighting about buzz... finally, I had to take him away... Zavery drifted off to sleep... Big buzz was downstairs... and Little Buzz slept alone on the floor under the bed :( I woke up this morning to a screaming toddler who had snuck downstairs before me... OMG is everything ok!? No... its a disaster... Buzz's wings wont open... OH YES, because he still can't push the damn button in... In the two hours that we have been awake it has been nothing but Buzz Drama...Which is awesome... because Zavery is pretty much drama all the time anyways... so extra drama is always welcomed... the wings... those STUPID wings!! And if I have to hear the static of that laser one more time, i may have to cut off buzz's arm... I can already feel myself plotting the disappearance of Big Buzz... Craigslist? Maybe I can trick someone into buying him on Diaper Swappeers... Cute Buzzlight year toy! haha NOT So yeah, I feel so bad because daddy tried so hard to come up with such a fun surprise for him... and now were both ready to lose our minds over this little effing "toy story"... i miss little buzz... *pout*
Read more →
(as i write this he is literally climbing on top of me to point out that its a picture of buzz...)
This Buzz kept him completely happy and content for over a month... it went everywhere with us... It jumped from couch to couch with Zave saying "To Infinity & Beyond" and even with all my anti platic toy-ness... i liked it. HE was being creative... and I loved watching him create these little adventures with Buzz... and I loved the comfort it gave him when going to bed... now - last night all that changed... hubby went one a little shopping spree trip with his boss to check out the local competition... merchandising... blah blah blah BORING and on this trip... He dropped into the Disney store... (are you cringing yet? You know where this is going) Daddy saw the big Buzz... now for the Buzz crazed toddler this is heaven, right? Wrong.. its been an absolute effing disaster... Daddy was SOOO excited... he had already taken bux outta the box and all the wires and what not holding him in... ready for fun... and when daddy pulled that buzz outta the box it was like all his hopes and dreams came true... The real. big. buzz.
- Press button to hear five different Buzz phrases
- Features voice sampler and sound effects
- Press button for wing release
- Press arm laser button for laser light and sound!
- Retractable helmet
- Poseable joints
- Buzz's Space Ranger suit features special glow in the dark effect!
- Plastic
- 12'' H
- Requires 2 AA batteries, included
- Ages 3+
This Buzz is SO over the top that is has been nothing but drama since he opened it... My little TWO year old Zavery just can't keep up with Buzz... since he is totally jointed, he doesn't stand on his own like he wants him two... The wing release button is so hard to push that he can't do it... and when Daddy offer to help its a total meltdown... cuz little Zavery is still throwing two year old tantrums... He is hard plastic (and already scratched up), clunky and loud... and most likely lt will be broken with the month. Last night... Zave was up until almost 11pm fighting about buzz... finally, I had to take him away... Zavery drifted off to sleep... Big buzz was downstairs... and Little Buzz slept alone on the floor under the bed :( I woke up this morning to a screaming toddler who had snuck downstairs before me... OMG is everything ok!? No... its a disaster... Buzz's wings wont open... OH YES, because he still can't push the damn button in... In the two hours that we have been awake it has been nothing but Buzz Drama...Which is awesome... because Zavery is pretty much drama all the time anyways... so extra drama is always welcomed... the wings... those STUPID wings!! And if I have to hear the static of that laser one more time, i may have to cut off buzz's arm... I can already feel myself plotting the disappearance of Big Buzz... Craigslist? Maybe I can trick someone into buying him on Diaper Swappeers... Cute Buzzlight year toy! haha NOT So yeah, I feel so bad because daddy tried so hard to come up with such a fun surprise for him... and now were both ready to lose our minds over this little effing "toy story"... i miss little buzz... *pout*
Swinger Sunday - Hardcore mom of four.
Hey guys! Yet another Swinger Sunday... and this week, the beautiful... amazing... hardcore mama of Tout-est-des-roses... read... comment... and love her posts like i do... :) Also... (when you finish here of course... scoot over and read this post... it may be my all time favorite blog post I've ever written. I keep it bookmarked in my toolbar. It was a huge inspiration to me and really helped me make some big changes in parenting and inspired our creative play Christmas...
My name is Sara Sophia.
I have four children and I home-school, parent naturally and wear fairy wings while I garden.
I believe in being happy wherever you can, and with whatever you have--be that little or much.
I believe moments spent increasing faith and joy are the only moments worth counting.
I love babies.
I love ponies.
I love Jesus.
I love chocolate.
I love my husband.
I love organics.
I love life...kittens.... butterscotch....
(not necessarily in that order)
And dude, I completely realize how hokey I sound.
No--for real.
I realize that when you are a grown woman,
and you wear fairy wings in your garden,
that people think you have issues.
I realize that when all you really want to talk about
is love and patience and peace and joy--
that people think you are an idiot.
(Really, worse than that--
they think you are a self-absorbed, naive, ridiculous idiot)
But, I'm not.
I'm really and truly NOT an idiot:)
I am comfortable with who I am.
I am comfortable with my love of the whimsical and the childlike.
I am comfortable with the fact that I love my childrens toys
almost as much as they do (Etsy stuff is AWESOME).
I am comfortable with the fact that I will always be happy
wearing polka dots WITH stripes (Mother:).
I am comfortable with my beliefs
and my gratefulness for life and its blessings.
It is who I am. Candy fluff and all.
When reading the post Kyle of Barley and Birch wrote for Amber the other day,
on how being eco-friendly was hardcore
(because all she basically does is work her butt off)
---it really hit home for me.
When you fight for what you believe in,
and stay true to your ideals---no matter how small,
YOU are making a difference.
You can change the world.
Just by being comfortable enough with yourself to say,
"this is how we do things".
And its all good.
Because being comfortable with who you are, is hardcore.
Read more →
My name is Sara Sophia.
I have four children and I home-school, parent naturally and wear fairy wings while I garden.
I believe in being happy wherever you can, and with whatever you have--be that little or much.
I believe moments spent increasing faith and joy are the only moments worth counting.
I love babies.
I love ponies.
I love Jesus.
I love chocolate.
I love my husband.
I love organics.
I love life...kittens....
(not necessarily in that order)
And dude, I completely realize how hokey I sound.
No--for real.
I realize that when you are a grown woman,
and you wear fairy wings in your garden,
that people think you have issues.
I realize that when all you really want to talk about
is love and patience and peace and joy--
that people think you are an idiot.
(Really, worse than that--
they think you are a self-absorbed, naive, ridiculous idiot)
But, I'm not.
I'm really and truly NOT an idiot:)
I am comfortable with who I am.
I am comfortable with my love of the whimsical and the childlike.
I am comfortable with the fact that I love my childrens toys
almost as much as they do (Etsy stuff is AWESOME).
I am comfortable with the fact that I will always be happy
wearing polka dots WITH stripes (Mother:).
I am comfortable with my beliefs
and my gratefulness for life and its blessings.
It is who I am. Candy fluff and all.
When reading the post Kyle of Barley and Birch wrote for Amber the other day,
on how being eco-friendly was hardcore
(because all she basically does is work her butt off)
---it really hit home for me.
When you fight for what you believe in,
and stay true to your ideals---no matter how small,
YOU are making a difference.
You can change the world.
Just by being comfortable enough with yourself to say,
"this is how we do things".
And its all good.
Because being comfortable with who you are, is hardcore.