I know “sew do it” is a cheesy title, but I like it and it embodies my relationship with my sewing machine.

I learned to sew at a very young age on a very old Singer.  We had an affair, this lovely machine and I, one summer sewing what my mom called “hippie tops” and then parted ways.  Once I had my daughter, a surge of domestic drive revived my want to sew.  It stayed there, a want, for awhile.  Projects collected and some even were started, but not much came to fruition (hello tree skirt, curtains, and doll bedding).

Then this little thing called Pinterest infected my life, begging me to spends hours a day looking and pinning everything from hair-dos  to gardening tips.  I ignored the sewing projects for some time.  Then, I gave in and started pinning my “sew do its”.  But, nothing pushed me to act and complete until I saw a tutorial for kids pajama pants.

My daughter has a lot of pajamas but it never seems like enough.  After all, she does wear them every night and sometimes into the lazy days.  And those ever-growing legs of hers–I cannot keep up.  I bet many of you can relate.  Back to the tutorial–I found this very detailed tutorial by Dana Made It and it just spoke to me.  I said, out loud, to no one in particular, “I could make those”.   The first thought that came to me was almost a bully reaction of “so do it” (see, title, get it?).

So, I did it and they turned out so lovely we’ve got two more pairs waiting to be created.  Being the generous soul that I am, I’m sharing it with all of you who have not yet pinned it.  See the full (dummy proof) tutorial here at Dana Made It.  Dana really spells it out for you, making this sewing project doable for anyone.  And what could be more relevant than PJ Pants?

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1.  Hopscotch Kids by Scotch $11.99  2.  SpaRitual $10  3.  Priti Princess by Priti NYC  $8  4.  Suncoat Girl  $8.99  5. Keeki  $9.99  6. A Beautiful Life $12

Was that 6? whoops!  Have Top 5 requests?  Send them to us or tell us in our Cafemom Group!Tweet

I have spent my entire life with small patches of itchy irritating eczema on the back of my arms and I’ve never really been able to get rid of the completely. Unfortunately, I passed eczema along to my son, he too gets small patches of it on various parts of his body. Since he started to develop eczema, I have been using every type of natural washes and lotion out there. While these products didn’t further the irritation it didn’t get rid of it, so my son still doesn’t get the relief he so desperately needs! It is especially bad during the dry winter months, I swear we both sat on a 6 hour flight just after Christmas scratching away the whole way home.

When I was introduced to Exederm, my son and I both did a little dance! Knowing that there may be a product out there that could ease our  irritation is definitely something to be excited about. Exederm, is an ultra sensitive skin care solution made for both adults and children with eczema, dermatitis and dry or sensitive skin. This one of a kind product contains no fragrance, no parabens, no color or dyes, and the list goes on. Using the only the mildest ingredients possible they have created a miracle in a bottle! I swear after 1 week I noticed my son’s itchy red spots start to fade, not to mention he stopped asking me to scratch his itches. The Exederm baby line includes everything from baby bath to baby oil, anything and everything to clean your kiddos after a long day of being well kiddos. The best part about it – they are all AFFORDABLE!

Exederm isn’t just for the babies either, they offer adult products as well. Think about how many different chemicals we, women especially, put on our faces sometimes before we even leave the house in the morning. I swear I have at least 20 products for my face alone. No wonder most of us have dry red skin. So at the end of the day clean all of those chemicals off of your face and your body with clean hypoallergenic products made specifically for sensitive skin. In my opinion, we all have sensitive skin so every one should buy some!

Product was supplied for review purposes.

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I think arrows are a very overlooked decor must for Valentine’s Day.  Cupid’s bow and arrow are pivotal parts of the love day lore so put down the hearts and pick up some dowels!  I think a jar of arrows is the perfect addition to your holiday decor–simple yet interesting.  A few have entered my home and become bedazzled with pinks and reds, but others I decorated neutral to keep around all year.  To make your own arrows, follow this simple tutorial and get creative!

Integrate arrows into your valentines with  DIY Valentine Arrows  found at Two Shade of Pink

Oh, and why not throw a few arrows through your Red Velvet Cupcakes from Bakerella?

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While planning for baby number 2, I’ve begun to amass a collection of cloth diapers that all seem to be of the pocket variety.  As a second time mom but a first time cloth diaperer, the pocketed diapers seemed like the easiest route.  This clearly shows my ignorance on the subject to close my eyes to the different varieties, but I am getting an education.

The first time I reviewed a diaper from Thirsties, I explored the Duo Diaper, a fabulous pocket -stuffing option.  While speaking with a representative at Thirsties, I learned that the Duo Wrap with Hemp Prefolds is actually a bigger seller.  I decided these veteran cloth-diapering parents, who have spent a lot of time in the tiny trenches, knew what they were talking about.  Throwing caution to the wind, I decided it was time to step out of my comfort zone and go pocket-free.

The initial benefits of the wrap: less laundry and more affordable.  Since the Duo Wrap and Prefolds act in a symbiotic relationship, they are basically different entities.  Instead of stuffing the diaper, you are simply lining the inside.  This creates a beautiful poo situation (did you know there was one?) where you can remove the prefolds to wash and simply wipe clean the wrap.  Yep.  You can reuse the Duo Wrap (with fresh prefolds) several times.  Not only is this easier on your wallet–since you will need less diapers–but it is also easier on your laundry loads, and therefore also easier on the environment.  Gotta love that.

Now that you know some perks that could sway any parent, let me say that all wraps are not created equal.  There are hang-ups that  can occur with this type of diapering system.  And these are big hang-ups (think leaking poo).  Here is where I tell you that Thirsties diapers are the way to go.  This is my second product from the trusted company and it will not be my last.

The Thirsties Duo Wrap is adjustable and grows with your baby.  There are two sizes only– 6-18 lbs and 18-40 lbs.  I know that one-size is a very attractive selling point for other diapers around.  During the six months of development, the Thirsties team decided that the one-size was just to big on the average newborn and too small on a 24 month old.  It was realized that consumers using the one-size diaper would most likely also need newborn and toddler diapers as well–that’s three diapers, not one.  With this research findings, the team decided two (still adjustable) diapers would be the best for your baby and your wallet in the long run.  Each size has three rows of snaps to adjust rise and shape.

The Duo Wrap consists of 100% polyester with urethane coating FREE of VOC’s, PVC, phthalates, lead, and latex.  This makes the diaper waterproof, which is an essential.  It also allows for breathability and is way pliable and non-restricting.  The design of the wrap is superb, featuring perfect leg gussets that will not dig into your baby’s skin, yet they will contain any leaks. For the Duo Wrap, you have two closure options–Aplix or snap.  I happen to prefer the Aplix because it’s just so darn easy to put on and take off.  Snaps certainly have their place in the cloth diapering world, and here are two pros: they are harder to unsnap (think prying toddler hands) and they are indestructible.

Other things I like: the thin wrap which reduces bulk under clothing, the variety of bold colors and patterns available, and Thirsties customer service.  Any questions you have will be thoroughly answered.  Most everything you could be wondering about is answered in their online Customer Center, including wash and care instructions (these are important!).  Find a retailer near you.

Remember that symbiotic relationship I was yapping about earlier?  The crucial partner to the Duo Wrap is an insert–and the Hemp Prefolds are fab.  Made of 55% hemp, 45% cotton, the hemp prefold is 25% more absorbent than plain cotton, not to mention more durable and antimicrobial.  The hemp jersey prefolds are really soft, perfect to be right up against your babe’s most sensitive areas.

Thirsties Hemp Prefolds are the best because they are only two layers thick.  “But Sarah, don’t we want the prefolds to be as thick as possible to hold more?”  NO!  Your average prefold is eight layers thick in the middle which does absorb a lot.  But, it also makes it more difficult to clean all layers properly and take forever to dry.  With two layers in each panel, air and washing water can more freely pass, cutting down on drying time as well.  Believe me, you’re going to love them!

Let’s put it all together, shall we?

Now to the good part,

WIN

One lucky reader will win their own Thirsties Duo Wrap Diaper and Hemp Prefolds!

To enter: click over to Thirsties and find the color/design you like best.  Report back here.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Please leave a comment for every extra entry you complete

1. Like Thirsties on Facebook

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3. Blog about this Giveaway (4 entries)

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7. Tweet this Giveaway with link  (once a day)

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9. Link this Giveaway in Facebook

10.  Vote for ITKM in any (or all) of the “click and vote” options (right sidebar, once a day)

11. Join our Cafemom Group

Contest ends February 5, 2012 at Midnight PST. Open to USA and Canada.

Winner will be chosen by Random.org and emailed.

Products were provided by Thirsties to facilitate this review.

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Top 5 stores to shop for boys, as requested : )

In no particular order: Tea Collection      J.Crew      Toms      77kids      H&M

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This is Mr Man’s favourite brownie recipe and it has taken me a while to post because I felt like it needed perfection. That has taken a while and ironically enough it was only when I ran out of a few ingredients and substituted others that finally made it ‘perfect’. I should stress that I use that term loosely because our perfect brownie might not be yours.

Our perfect brownie never lasts longer than a day in our house and I am pretty sure it may be the case in yours – perfectly dense and chocolately with a paper thin, crisp and crackly top. Mighty fine eaten straight from the pan but absolutely sensational with a chaser of ice cold milk!

Ingredients
120 grams/4.2 ounces dark chocolate
120 grams/4.2 ounces milk chocolate
240 grams/8.4 ounces butter
1 1/2 cups caster sugar
3 small eggs
2 cups plain (all purpose) flour, sifted
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips or chunks – white or milk

Heat your oven to 350f and line a 11″ x 7″ pan with foil, then grease.

Place milk chocolate and dark chocolate in a double boiler with the butter and melt together over a low heat. Seat aside to cool slighty.

Place flour into a large mixing bowl with baking soda and set aside. In another bowl, mix the eggs and sugar together with a whisk. Pour into the flour and fold with a spatula, add in the melted chocolate mixture and combine till fully incorporated.

Fold through chocolate chips, pour into the pan and bake for 30 – 40 minutes, till set. Remove from oven, allow to cool for 5 minutes then remove from the tin and allow to cool further before cutting into pieces.

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Little genius, Grayson, had an idea at just 9 years old. While he loved his Legos and Mega Blox, he wished he could remove the stickers that came with the sets. If these sets are all about imagination then the stickers should be able to move around too, right? Grayson thought so and BrickStix was born.

These stickers harness the power of static cling to stay on to your brightly colored connecting blocks. When you’re ready to move on, the stickers move with you. Totally reusable. BrixStix is breathing life back in the the plastic classics. So if your children have let the Legos fall by the wayside, introduce these clings that won’t leave ick on your brick.

The sticker packs range from girly to neutral to rough and tough boy. I love all of the sets and my daughter does too. Her favorite stickers are the “shirts” that give the townspeople some personality!

That one brick can now be a cafe sign, a stoplight, a ladder…wherever your kids’ imaginations take them.

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A new year has arrived and with that year comes more fabulous products from our beloved (and trusted) baby brands.  What gear can you expect to see?  Just about everything is getting a facelift.  Here are a few of my favorite new gear on the go products:

Now Available

Boba3G - a favorite carrier of mine, this is Boba’s third incarnation of its carrier.  With over a dozen new features and improvements (including expanding weight limit to 7-45 lbs) this carrier will be the one to beat for 2012.  SEE and ORDER

Spring 2012

Orbit Double Helix – the sought after stroller company is releasing a double stroller (its first).  It will be available as a complete double, or as an add-on attachment to convert the G2, if you already have one.  The mere design of the Double Helix is enough for me to sign up, but it offers many important features. SEE

Summer 2012

Clek Foonf – the long awaited convertible car seat from the super modern Clek is on its way.  It has a rear-facing weight limit of 45 pounds and a forward-facing weight limit of 65.   Other perks: extended height limit, LATCH technology, and their new REACT safety system–setting the safety bar even higher.  SEE

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I’m all about the pinks and reds right now. Full blown Valentine fever. I have to admit that I haven’t yet tried the freezer paper trick, but this time it looks really easy in this tutorial for painting dots into a heart shape for a tote bag. This is just such an adorable idea and over at Vand Co. the easy to follow steps are just that….easy! They sell these bags at Michaels for insanely cheap amounts. This is a great idea for your child to bring home their Valentine’s day cards or even to incorporate for birthday party favors. Check out the full tutorial here.

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