first day of school traditions...

As hard as it is to believe, summer has come to an end, and most schools in the area are beginning their first day of school tomorrow.  To help you with your last minute errands, we will be OPEN from 11-4 today!!

Since my niece is starting Kindergarten, my sister was feverishly searching for a first day of school tradition to start, and I'm dying to see the outfit she is going to wear.
She has decided that she is going to make her a special breakfast and decorate the kitchen/dining room to help celebrate.  The outfit is still being decided because my niece is having trouble deciding which one is her favorite!
...I'll make sure to post a picture from the bus stop tomorrow morning.

Here is the winner!

What are some of your first day of school traditions?  And more importantly, what look is your child rocking for the first day??

fave looks contest winner...

The Fave Looks Facebook Contest has come to an end.  I can't begin to tell you how much we enjoyed seeing these cuties collect votes in their outfits purchased at Growing Kids!

With 97 votes, little miss Gianna has won!  It was no surprise to me, since her Mom is always asking me for fabulous divalicious items for her little boutique baby and both Gianna and Mom are always dressed so incredibly perfect.

Here is the look she won with...

and here is another photo of this adorable little diva...

Shout out to Carlana for taking 2nd with 61 votes...

and Baylor came in 3rd with 34 votes...

You can view all of the contestants here and make sure you keep your eyes out for future photo contests!!

kid's funniest quotes...

Well we finally made it!  Thank you to everyone who sent in funny quotes from your kids, it really helped make the trip more enjoyable and it was so hard for us to pick just one!! 
Although there is just one winner, we decided to share the top 5 with you.

5.  Lauren:

Anthony and I were driving in Hackensack. He was three years old and extremely speech delayed he was sitting in his little car seat with his sippy cup when I happened to stop short to avoid hitting a car in front of me.  Out of nowhere Anthony says, "F**king street!" I turned around shocked out of my mind that #1 he cursed and #2 he used the horrible adjective correctly. Ahhhhhh...where did he hear that from??

4. Keri:

Since I commuted the GSP every day with Brielle from 5months old to 3 yrs. old she witnessed my road rage daily.  It got to the point, where I would honk my horn and she would blurt out, "F*CK YOU MAN!!!!" like Pavlov! On cue each time. No matter where I was, whenever I hit the horn she yelled, "F*CK YOU MAN!" It was tooooo funny not to laugh! Apparently I used that line a few times while driving.  Not my proudest moment as a parent.

3. Jennifer:

My oldest daughter was about 2 years old.  I was feeding her lunch.  She had gotten turkey for a few days and I decided to give ham a try.  When I put it on her tray for lunch she asked, "What is this crap?”

2. Ceceile:

My 4 year old girl asked me a question last night - "Mom, if I came out your belly, who came out of Daddy's belly?"

And our winner....

1. Erica:
Car: Mama, where are my sandals? 
Me: I don't know Car - they're not my responsibility. 
Car: So much for knowing everything, huh Mom?

For some more laughs, you can view more of the entries in the comments section of Road Trip and on our Facebook Page 

Thanks again to everyone who participated, I hope you enjoyed it as much as we have! 

road trip...

Well, the time has come...we are moving back to New Jersey.  We sent the earthquake your way, just so you knew we were coming!!!

We have about a 6-day drive ahead of us, so we're going to need your help to get through it.

Please let us know the funniest thing your child has ever said.  Whoever gets us laughing the hardest before Monday 8/29 wins a $25 gift certificate!

LA for 5-days, with a 5-year old...

My sister finally made it to California!  After much discussion about what to do, and trying to find kid-friendly activities in Los Angeles, we came up with 5-days filled with fun and excitement.

First stop was Hollywood.  I was a little nervous heading over there, because while adults enjoy sightseeing, I wasn't sure if Kaila was going to be bored...I should have known better.

Inside Hollywood and Highland

We found small hands and high heels outside Grauman's Chinese Theather!

We could see Shirley Temple's hand prints but unfortunately there was a movie premier going on and it was blocked off.

iCarly on Sunset Blvd.

 Don't tell anyone, but I am so happy that driving past Nickelodeon Studios and saying, "Look! iCarly is filmed there!" generated enough excitement and we didn't actually have to go in.

The next day was Manhatten Beach and the Dodgers game.  Don't expect anything glamorous in the south bay.  You have to take into account that you can see oil tanks right on the beach, but I prefer it over Malibu simply because there is less traffic, an emptier beach and warmer water.  

The Sand Dune Park is a great stop to make before the beach. 

100 ft sand dune - note to self, next time bring cardboard and you can slide down!

Fenced in playground

The water is warm enough to stay in all day

Kerri and Kaila at the Dodgers game - a great way to end a perfect day

 Next stop. Disney.

 

We walked the entire California Adventure Park, but The Grizzly River and Soarin' Over California were my two-favorites

 

Fantasy Land was great, Kaila really enjoyed walking upstairs inside the castle, the parade, Space Mountain and Fantasmic.  Note to anyone who loves BBQ...The Big Thunder Ranch all you can eat was no joke!

They asked for all the kids to join them and learn how to dance like a princess during the show - so cute.

The next day we drove closer to the Hollywood sign for a photo, Griffith Observatory and American Girl at the Grove.  Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos at the observatory, but I found this great album online by Kayte Deioma that can show you all of the cool things inside!  Click here

The lemonade stand at the Grove

The last day we started out with the Los Angeles Zoo and then went over to Santa Monica for the Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier.  We actually contemplated going down to San Diego for the day, but to be honest...the LA Zoo was actually impressive, and much less expensive!

 

A monkey feeding her baby!

Barney's Beanery on the Third Street Promenade is enjoyable for everyone, and they even have a "make your own s'mores" dessert where they bring fire to your table!

The last night was spent on the Santa Monica Pier and it was so much fun!

There was no chance of me getting out of this one...believe me I tried!

Kaila is one fearless little girl - love that face!

I had a great time showing my sister around Los Angeles and I'm so happy I have the ability to share our experiences with you.  I hope you enjoyed it!

getting ready for baby...

I would like to apologize to all of our expectant mothers, for leaving you out during our blow out sale, I should have realized maternity clothes needed to be on sale also!

To make up for it, we are offering a special sale for all new Moms and Moms to be, now through Wednesday August 24th you can have 15% off all maternity and baby gear.

• Not expecting?  Send a friend and you will receive $3 store credit in the mail, just make sure they mention your name at checkout.

We have some outstanding baby equipment in stock including, but not limited to the photos below.

Kolcraft - Easy Reach Bassinet

Kolcraft - Preferred Position Bassinet

Bright Starts - Baby's Play Place

 

Bumbo Chairs in a variety of colors!

Baby Einstein Exersaucer

Leap Frog Exersaucer

Graco Duo Glider Double Stroller

Also available in Black!

Fits most infant car-seats!

 

We also have a variety of vibrating bouncy seats and swings!  

Our maternity section has also grown tremendously with new fall arrivals daily.  Don't forget to stop in before Wednesday to take advantage of this great opportunity. 

PS - Tomorrow is the last day for our Fave Looks Contest photo submissions...hurry up and send your pictures over for a chance to win $50!!!

handbags...

Continuing my excitement over the new arrivals in the store...these bags speak for themselves.

Alice + Olivia Sequin Hobo

 

Originally $597...Renewal's Price $59.99  www.aliceandolivia.com

BCBG MAXAZRIA convertible satchel with chain fringe

R&Em Groupie Bag - Spring 2011 Collection, sold out everywhere!

R&Em Nook Cover

R&Em Runaway Tote

Coach Crossbody Swingpack and 2 wallets

Tano - Piece to have - Originally $295...Renewal's Price $100

Via Spiga Suede Clutch

Nicole Lee Handbag

 As always, there are plenty more where these came from!!  Stop in to see for yourself!