Expecting Greatness

When I was pregnant with my son - nearly five years ago - I could not stop shopping for the right products, the hippest clothes and the newest items to help make life as easy as possible with a new baby - and more glamorous. Several sites cater to new moms and dads. Here are just a few that I've re-discovered lately.

1800 Diapers.com
A Running Stroller
Albee's
Baby Because
Baby Bungalow
Baby Center/ J & J
Baby Hugs
Baby Safe Home, Inc.
Baby Whiz.com
Baby's Choice
Babyant.com
BabyBazaar.com \ Half Pint
BabyCatalog.com
Babystyle.Com
Balkowitsch
Bare Babies
Bellini Baby and Me
Buggy Unlimited
CarlaPie
Chelsea & Scott, Ltd
Cullen's Playpen, Inc - Jackso
Dik Drug Co
DMSP Inc
Drugstore.com
Expressive Toys.com
Futchie Feature
Genius Jones
GoBeBe
Indoors & Outdoors
Just Juvenile & Breastfeeding
KidSmartLiving.com
Kiwi Kid
Let's Go Strolling
Little Folks Shop 123 East,
Little Man, Inc.d/b/a Kidsurplus
Magic Beans
Niche Retail
Portable Baby, The
Pottery Barn Kids
Safe Beginnings
SaferKidsAndHomes.com
Sensational Beginnings
Stroller Depot Stores
Strollermama, Inc
Sunshome Company
Tikesville
Tiny Traveler- Monterey
Top Man Merchants
Tots On The Go
Traveling with Kids
TwinzGear.com

Copacetique

I just love that word (copacetic). I hardly ever use it, but when I came across the site that carries the name (sort of), I just had to say it out loud to myself (several times).

There are more and more sites that I find every day which carry fun, unique, and bold designs and products.

Jessica Kagan Cushman

I've mentioned Giggle before, but it's a great site and one I rediscovered recently.

Super Sunday

Less than one week away, the Superbowl will be the most viewed television event this year (so far)! If you're looking for a great gift for the party, or a sports fan, don't miss out on these great gifts:

Valentine's Day Gifts

Don't forget the ones you love!

Send him a Pantygram!
A romantic twist on the usual Valentines Day gift.

Save 10% on any 6 month wine club membership Valid 1/23/08 – 2/29/08

LS10CLUB

Save 5% on $50 or more Valid 1/23/08 – 2/08/08

LSVALENTINE

Branding & Logos

Do you recognize these logos?

This site might seem overwhelmingly bombarded with logos and graphics, but if you look around our ever-changing world, it too is outlined by new designs and fonts every day.

In the marketing and advertising industries, branding & creating logos, that are not only appealing but recognizable, is becoming a greater challenge and producing more competition among graphic designers.

Capsule, a Minneapolis based company specializing in brand strategy and identity design services has published a guide entitled, Design Matters: Logos 01, An Essential Primer for Today's Competitive Market.

Essential is the key word here. This is a must-have for graphic designers, or anyone looking to brand their company, products or services.

978-1-59253-341-1
$24.99
(c) Rockport Publishers 2007

Winter Specials

It's that time of year. Get ready to save, shop for your loved ones and discover new ways to spoil yourself this Valentine's Day. The following specials are offered by our affiliates for a limited time:

• Free shipping on orders over $30
Use coupon code: AF31-SHIP
(Offer expires February 05, 2008)

Save $300!

Get the VOSTRO™ 200 SLIM TOWER for $449!

BabyUniverse: FREE Standard Shipping
on Hundreds of Select Baby Items (ends 2.4)

Find great gifts for Valentine's Day.




10% off all Gift Baskets with promo code ZK-8978



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with the coupon code: nis0308.
Expires 03/31/2008.


Get 10% off of Norton 360.
Secure your computer from internet threats.
Use coupon code: 360c08. Expires 03/31/2008.



Winter Getaway Sale: Vacations from $324 - Expires 2/29/08

Cruise sale at Expedia: 4 nights from just $199 - Expires 2/22/08

Ski getaways from only $332 at Expedia Expires 2/22/08


NEW AFFILIATES:

Heath Ledger 1979-2008

I was shocked by the news today of Heath Ledger's passing. He was a great actor (and father) who I could envision working in the industry for his lifetime. Sadly, his life was cut short at the age of 28, leaving behind a two-year old daughter (Matilda Rose Ledger).

Heath has a long-list of film credits to his name. My personal favorites:

1. 10 Things I Hate About You
2. The Patriot
3. A Knight's Tale
4. Monster's Ball
5. Lords of Dogtown
6. Casanova

His forthcoming picture, The Dark Knight, in which he plays the Joker, will be released later this year.

All You Need is Love

Since the beginning of the year, I've discovered that three of my friends from high school and college are getting married this year. Babies and weddings. I've got a lot to look forward to in 2008 so I'm on the look out for ways to help spread the joy. Here are just a few resources for companies who produce beautiful announcements and invitations.

Snow Days

In exactly one week, I'll be heading to Denver for a long overdue snowboarding weekend!

I'll be staying in the River Run Village at the Keystone resort and I am so looking forward to enjoying another visit to Breckenridge. It's been years since I've been there, and years since I've been on my snowboard but it'll be a nice getaway, and a weekend that I will remember for years to come.

But enough about that. I discovered recently that 5 of the 10 Top Ski Resorts are in Colorado. I have got to go there more often. Here's the list:

#1. Aspen, Colorado
#2. Crested Butte, Colorado
#3. Lake Tahoe, California
#4. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
#5. Keystone, Colorado
#6. Vail, Colorado
#7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
#8. Whistler, Canada
#9. Park City, Utah
#10. Mont Tremblant, Canada

Gift Guide

I can't say enough about the great sites that I have discovered recently and one in particular, Sweet Juniper, caught my attention because it too, discusses parenthood, design, books, music, and other topics that I also cover.

They put together a great Gift Guide in early December which features toys, clothing, and hats - mostly created by stay-at-home-parents who make their products themselves.

Written by a SAHD who moved his family from San Francisco to Detroit, the author of Sweet Juniper writes about life in the city as well as his adventures in parenting.

Pop Quiz

With Valentine's Day just around the corner - an annual celebration that people either love or love to hate - I thought I'd share some fun on line quizzes that I've come across. I haven't taken these myself (or if I have, I'm not talking) but if you're looking for a way to entertain yourself come February 14th take one or two of these and see if She (or He's) the One or determine if you are indeed a Sex Goddess!

And if you're looking for a unique site to shop for you loved ones (or yourself) visit Refinery 29 Shops featuring couture-type clothing at prices even you can afford.

Zen Dad

I enjoy quite a few other blogs - when I actually have time to read them - and I especially like those that cover a wide variety of topics while staying true to their voice. Zen Habits is one such blog and a recent post by this happy dad made me smile: Why I Love Being a Dad.

For those with children, you will understand why I enjoyed this post so much and why there are (currently) nearly 65 comments on this posting and why his blog is in the top 50 blogs found through Technorati.

Read it and weep. I did.

Don't Mess with Texas

I will be spending the night in Dallas, Texas - the fastest turn-around trip I've ever experienced (thus far). I know I will have no time, nor the energy, to shop but I do know that I will be back (in April and again in November) so already I'm making a list - and checking it twice - of all the trendy boutiques, shops and restaurants I plan on visiting during my upcoming return to this city - or at least doing more research on.

Clothing & Shoes:

ELEMENTS
(on Lovers Lane)

PUMA MONGOLIAN SHOE BBQ



kick pleat








Restaurants:

BLT STEAK





TILLMAN'S
ROADHOUSE

scene

Feedback or other suggestions welcome!