Coffeecake

Baby Tree of Life Throw from Lion Brand Yarn Company

via www.lionbrand.com

While perusing the latest Lion Brand Yarn catalog, I came across this petite version of Nicky Epstein's well-known Tree of Life Afghan.  I have long admired the pattern in its adult size, but am really charmed by this sweet baby size.  It's knit with only a single skein (1020 yd) of Lion Brand's Pound of Love of acrylic yarn.  I have long been a "yarn snob", and thought about knitting this in a specialty yarn, but am going to give the Pound of Love a whirl.  It is machine washable and dryable, which you can't beat (but I will probably still handwash).  And you can't beat the price of $9.49 for the whole afghan!!

P.S. if you haven't checked out Lion Brand lately, check out their new website with TONS of FREE patterns, join them on twitter, Facebook and Ravelry,or better yet, get their iPhone app (I did and it is very cool!).

Luxury Plush Throw Collection from Restoration Hardware: Great Deal on a Luxury Throw!

via www.restorationhardware.com

I am convinced this is the best deal out there, anywhere! For only $39 you can have this wonderfully plush throw from Restoration Hardware. Plus, they are now offering an extra 10% of sale merchandise (code RSA01 at checkout).  I have already bought two of these.  I bought the silver sage for my bedroom, which is a silvery, slightly bluish grey, and liked it so much I went back for one for my family room. The second time, I got the brown, which is a true chocolate brown.  I have already washed and dried both in the washing machine (but did not use fabric softener), and they are just as nice as before.  These make a great gift for others, or for yourself.  If you are in a cold climate, they are perfect for cozying up with a good book.

The website describes it as follows:
Made of supremely soft poly plush. Ultra-soft and generously sized.  Finished with a mitered 2-1/2" border. Imported.  Machine wash. In ivory, tan, caramel, silver sage, graphite, garnet and chocolate.

Dimensions: 45" x 65"

SALE: Pottery Barn Kids--Halloween on sale--20% off!

Pottery Barn Kids now has Halloween on sale! 20% OFF all Halloween items.  Free shipping on costumes and treat bags. 

Great ribbon and labels on sale at Namemaker.com

The website www.namemaker.com now has 20% off on its entire site for a limited time only. Namemaker has a great selection of personalized ribbon and clothing labels. The website has been featured both in Oprah's magazine and on the Martha Stewart show--so you know is has to be good!  Get beautiful ribbon for holiday or school crafts or personalized labels to sew into kids' clothing or add a personalized touch to craft projects.  I personally have ordered labels to put into knitting and sewing projects.  (Note-- the ribbon featured in the picture above is from my own collection and is not available on the website). 

Great Fall Colors at Ann Taylor Loft--including Maternity items

I recently stopped into Ann Taylor Loft to check out their fall maternity items (yes, select AT Loft stores carry maternity!)  They had some very cute items, and in great colors--rich reds, turquoise, gray and black and white prints.  I got a long gray sweater jacket and a top with a black and red floral print.  The regular line also had great colors--including a rich mustard yellow that I loved.  I also loved the crinkle patent tote for only $49(!), which came in a variety of fall colors.  There seems to be a better selection in the stores, so check it out at your local Loft. 

Koala Baby Storage Tote-- Great Organizing Find

 

In my efforts to control the clutter of toys and books, I recently purchased a couple of storage totes by Koala Baby from Babies 'R Us--1 each in Sage and Blue.  They are currently 2 for the price of one (along with other Koala Baby bedding basics and storage items) at www.babiesrus.com. 

I am really happy with this purchase.  The totes are in nice bright colors, made of a textured plastic with a laminated finish and handles for carrying.  The dimensions are generous--15" high by 16# wide.  I have already filled one, and they hold a lot of toys, while not being so deep that things get lost in the bottom. 

I have previously been a fan of Pottery Barn Kids canvas organizing buckets and floor totes, but I am liking the change of pace of the Koala totes so much so that I am thinking of getting some in a neutral color for other rooms in my house.

Back to School Sales

(Stock Photo)

Lots of websites and stores have big sales going on now, just in time for the new school year. 

Gymboree currently has a Labor Day sale for an additional 20% off all sale items and Gymbucks are currently on (earning Gymbucks), too.  They have some really cute fall items including Halloween costumes. I have been wanting to find a vampire costume for my son, and they have a really cool one I am going to order.

Talbot's Kids is closing, and the stores are giving 50% off on all children's clothing. They have some beautiful items for newborns...knits with coordinating hats and blanks...great for gift giving.  Also, really nice cordoroy overalls for boys.  Sale items cannnot be returned or exchanged.  The website does not feature as big of a discount on children's clothes.

Pottery Barn Kids has up to 65% on tons of items including many accessories from diaper bags to picture frames.  Also lots of party decorations are on sale.

20% off at Seejanework.com

In case you haven't yet checked out this site, the current sale is a great reason.  See Jane Work is offering 20% off the entire site by entering code "domino" (for domino magazine) at checkout. You don't have to be a domino subscriber to get the 20%.  The site has beautiful things for home, office, or the home office, including many great mommy products, such as packing and shopping checklists. 

I just placed an order for some great Mother's Day gifts for my sister and I few items for myself too.  Check back for a review of the products I purchased.

Toy Sale at Babystyle.com

Babystyle.com is featuring $10-$30 off toys, free shipping on orders over $125!

Sale at Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids is offering 30% off on over 400 new items added!  There is a lot of great stuff on sale including accessories (I love their frames), bedding, clothing, and more.

Great Baby and Children's Bedding--Javis Davis

Today I want to tell you about one of my favorite finds ever. I do lots of my shopping on the Internet, so I was intrigued by the ad in Cookie magazine for a site that claimed to sell custom bedding in a short timeframe.  We adopted our son, and had very little notice between the time we were matched and his birthdate. We had to get a nursery together--fast, but we didn't wanted to buy a bunch of stuff, then have be stuck with it if things fell through.  Enter Javis Davis.  The site has an incredible selection of styles and fabrics for crib bedding, children's bedding, or even adult bedrooms, as they make bedding up to a queen size bed.  The prices are very reasonable, and comparable with store-bought bedding. 

The fabrics they offer include traditional girl/boy styles, as well as contemporary styles.  They have fabrics collections already put together, or you can design your own.  I designed my own transportation-themed crib set.  You can also add throw pillows, quilts, tablecloths and other accessories, also custom-designed.  To guide you in making your decisions you can order fabric swatches, at $3 for a fabric grouping. A plus--the swatches are generously sized.

When I initially called, I got an answering machine, and was a bit nervous about that. The staff promptly called me back.  They are super-friendly and extremely helpful in suggesting ideas, what colors work well together, fabrics that work better for certain products, etc.  The company is a small family-run business out of Alabama, and the products are made in their workshops by a small staff. 

When my crib bedding arrrived, I was amazed at the quality of the workmanship. I sew myself, and I am amazed they can provide the bedding for the cost that they do.
I was so pleased to be able to purchase a product that is actually made in the USA by a local family-owned company.  I was very pleased with the quality of the fabrics, and they have been wearing extremely well.  Family and friends also were amazed at the quality.  I cannot say enough great things about this product!! I was so happy with it that I already ordered twin bedding for my son.  I only wish they made king-size bedding, because I would order it for my own bedroom.

Javis Davis also makes fabric yardage available, if you want to sew your own matching accessories.