November 26, 2009
Toy Quest is more than a toy store. It's definitley a shopping
experience. The innovative website with all it's videos and eye
catching advertising is fun to shop in and the toys are beyond fun for
the kids. The amount of toys that Toy Quest has to offer is truly
remarkable. From doll houses to water guns, action figures to ball pits
and everything in between, Toy Quest has proven for over 30 years that
they are serious when it comes to having silly fun!
Toy Quest doesn't limit it's toy selection to a single age group or
interest demographic. The toy choices span all ages and both genders.
The toys are innovative and definitely keep in mind that the most
important thing is a child's desire to have fun.
The Toy Quest brands include the always fun and quite amazing Banzai
line of backyard water slides. These are truly spectacular. My kids
would be beside themselves to have something like the Banzai water
slides in our backyard. They are invaluable for birthday parties and
last long enough that you'll definitely make it through more than one
summer with them.
The licensed brands of toys at Toy Quest include products like the
currently popular Monsters v. Aliens action figures and the Blue Man
Group Keyboard Experience. The latter is an excellent gift idea for an
older child. You can change the tempo and volume with a wave of a hand,
play with the 9 different instrument modes and have fun with original
Blue Man Group songs. Exciting new licensed toys from Disney, Nick,
Tony Hawk and Barbie are coming soon to add even more fun to the Toy
Quest line of toys.
One of the really cool licensed brands available at Toy Quest are the
NFL ProBots. If you have ever caught a Sunday game on Fox then you've
seen the silly robot dancing in the corner of the screen. My kids love
that robot and it seems perfect that Toy Quest has brought the NFL
ProBot into homes and into the hands of kids. You can choose from over
a dozen different players and each one comes in the uniform of the
player's team. The action figure is moveable and poseable and has a
magnetic grip that allows it to hold it's football. To add more fun,
the head switches from the player to the robot. My son loves this toy
and so does my husband. While this is a wonderful toy for a child, I
personally think they are great gifts for men as well.
Buy It!
Toy Quest toys have been featured on countless tv programs and magazine
hot lists as THE toys to have and give. The NFL ProBots were named on
the Hot Half-Dozen list in FunFare this year. Toy Quest toys can be
found at places like Kohl's, Walmart, Target, KMart, Amazon and many
other retailers worldwide. NFL ProBots are available at all Toys R Us
stores for a wonderfully affordable $10.99. For more retail locations
visit Toy Quest's online site.
Win it!One lucky reader will win an NFL ProBot!US onlyTo Enter: Visit Toy Quest and fill out entry form belowExtra Entries: -Follow the Lolidots Blog in the google friend connect-Sign up for RSS feed of the Lolidots Blog-Sign up for the Lolidots Mailing List-Follow Lolidots on Twitter and tweetWin an NFL ProBot Toy! @lolidots http://lolidots.com/giveaways
Posted by Robin Haws. Posted In : Toys
November 26, 2009
My kids run everywhere. If they are moving towards something, they are more than likely running. They set their sights to get where they are going with constant disregard for puddles, sticks, rocks, end tables and anything else that may be in their path. When shoes come off they are haphazardly tossed aside, thrown into closets or baskets and shoved under beds or couches. My kids aren't abnormal. They are kids and kids are hard on their shoes. Children's shoes should be built to last. Kids don't wear shoes for very long before they outgrow them. In that short time of wear, a good shoe will still be in tip-top shape once the little foot inside is ready for the next size.At Umi, children's shoes are created and crafted with incredibly high standards. Only the highest quality materials are used to create the shoes at Umi. The shoes go through more than twenty quality control checks to make sure that they will pass the test of the busy kids who wear them. 
The styles at Umi are eye catching and the perfect blend of trendy and classic. The rich, bold colors of the shoes make a statement while the classic designs keep the styles fresh and fun. Perfectly adorable detailing give each and every pair of shoes a unique touch that is totally Umi. Girl shoes from Umi range from ultra girly to fun and sporty. The boy shoes are all boy and the shoes offered at Umi are perfect for little dudes with big style. 
I was thrilled to get a pair of these shoes into my hands. Umi sent us the Prairie style shoe. Yes, they look absolutely amazing on my daughter. The red is such a perfect shade and the detailing is impecable. Each stitch is perfect and the strap feels nice and durable. At two years old, my daughter is enjoying freedom of shoes that she can put on and fasten herself. That strap will get tugged on quite a lot and it's nice to know that it's made to take it. The sole of the shoe is thick and strong while the inner sole is extremely soft and comfortable. The sides and top of the shoe are nice and thick which I like for the added protection of my daughter's feet. I really love these shoes and would adore if more shoes in my daughter's closet had the Umi brand. 
Umi shoes offer kids a fresh and stylish option in footwear. The creative minds behind the scenes at Umi are serious when it comes to making sure that children have shoes that are fun and comfortable enough for the kids while being something that parents can count on to last. Umi is also passionate about the earth that their shoes walk on. Only non-toxic materials go into making Umi shoes. Leathers are drum-dyed and tested for ultimate durability. Shoe packaging is made from recycled materials and all the manufacturing goes on in an environmentally sound area. Umi is absolutely a company that cares about kids, their products and being environmentally conscious. I definitely recommend the shoes from Umi for kids of all ages. Their baby shoes are just as adorable as their big kid shoes and every pair is made from the same high quality products and with the same high standards. Umi wants to give you all something! From now until 12/3/09 use the code lolidots1203 during checkout at Umi because they would like for each and every one of you to have this $10 gift coupon! Also, be sure and check out the Umi Facebook fan page because every month Umi gives away a pair of shoes!
Posted by Robin Haws. Posted In : Shoes
November 23, 2009
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSEDThe collective art that oozes from every inch of Tender Loving Empire covers so many genres. Tender Loving Empire is a record label and event production house that produces comics, art and tshirts that are instantly the best thing in your closet. The Portland, Oregon based company is so cool you may need a jacket for the rest of this review. Don't worry, they sell those too.Barely scratching the surface of Tender Loving Empire, you'll notice right away that the clothing from this company is funky, fresh and uber stylish. I love the unique designs that are offered on tees for men and women, cardigans and hoodies. The different artists that lend their talent to the tee designs are beyond amazing. Every design is standout fashion. Designers like Lloyd Winter take their rad work with concert posters and give TLE something they can flawlessly print on some of the best pieces of clothing around. 
The tee that Tender Loving Empire sent me to check out is sah-weet. First, the chocolate brown tee they've chosen is such a great color and the tee is soft and, what I like to call, everyday-wearable. The design is unlike anything I've ever seen. Another fantastic Lloyd Winter design, the Smoking Falcon is hip and ultra-cool. He just seems like such a laid back kind of bird. It's a fun design that is perfectly printed on the tee. The Tender Loving Empire logo art is on the back bottom of the tee and I think it adds just the right amount of flair as you're walking away.
While you're hanging out in your TLE tee and hoodie, head over to their website or myspace page and check out the music. The funky sounds of the bands from Tender Loving Empire are all beyond enjoyable. Each band has it's own unique flair and every song has such an enjoyable melody. Just as quirky as the clothing, the music under the TLE label is sure to please.Tender Loving Empire seems like quite a force in the world of art and music. Their storefront makes me wish I lived in Portland and the shirt they sent me makes me wish I had more of them. In a world of cookie cutter style, I love companies like TLE that take raw talent from amazing artists and give it to the world through so many outlets. Their shirts and hoodies are perfect for anyone wanting to make a fashion statement with clothing so comfy that you'll never want to take it off.
I'm thrilled to say that Tender Loving Empire is giving one of my readers a tee of their choice!US onlyTo Enter: Visit Tender Loving Empire's Etsy store and fill out entry form belowExtra Entries:-Follow the Lolidots Blog publicly in the google friend connect-Add Tender Loving Empire on Facebook as a friend-If you are a member of Etsy, "heart" TLE's shop-1 extra entry for each item you "heart" in the shop-Bonus Question #1- Tell me the name of an artist TLE uses for their shirts other than the one mentioned here.-Bonus Question #2- Tell me the name of one of the bands under the TLE label (visit their main site HERE)10 entries- Make a purchase from Tender Loving Empire during this giveaway
Posted by Robin Haws. Posted In : Clothing
November 23, 2009
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSEDHand stamped jewelry is very "in" right now. Because of my love for all things personalized, hand stamped jewelry tops my list of fantastic things. Each pendant, whether on a necklace or some other piece has the ability to be perfectly tailored to the person receiving it. I love gifts that are unique and meaningful. My favorite place for jewelry that rocks the handmade market is Emilina Ballerina. I have two necklaces from the Emilina Ballerina shop. Well, I have one and my husband has one. My necklace is one of the incredibly unique Bubble Charm Necklaces. I got it just before Halloween and it says "Witchy" on one side. The other side of the bubble has an interesting design that goes with the overall style of the necklace so well. I love having such a funky piece of jewelry that is still dainty enough for me to feel comfortable wearing. This is another of the Bubble Charm Necklaces that I adore.
My newest score from Emilina Ballerina was a necklace for my husband. The hand stamped pendant on a suede necklace is perfect for him. I love the rugged look of the initials (ours and our children's) and the spiral was my custom request. Susan, the crafty, creative and super talented mastermind behind everything at Emilina Ballerina, took my requests and suggestions and created exactly what was in my mind. When I got the necklace it was even better in person. My husband loves it. The suede was my idea because I like that look on a man but, Susan can put any of the pendants on the other chains she carries. 
There are plenty of pre-made designs to choose from. You'll find fantastic gifts for men and women at Emilina Ballerina. 
I loved working with Susan to design my husband's gift. Her dedication to making sure customers are satisfied is obvious and her skill at the art she creates is apparent when browsing through the shop and once you receive your jewelry. My husband was pleasantly surprised and, with his critical eye, gave the hand stamped necklace his definite approval. I'm also loving that this piece can absolutely have more initials added to it as we add to our family. Something like this would be a great gift for a new dad or mom.
I'm so excited to be doing another giveaway from Emilina Ballerina! The winner will get to work with Susan to create a custom hand stamped piece of their own! US onlyTo Enter: Visit Emilina Ballerina and fill out entry form belowExtra Entries:-Follow the Lolidots Blog publicly in the google friend connect box-Become a fan of Emilina Ballerina on Facebook and comment on their wall that you found them on Lolidots-If you are a member of Etsy, "heart" Emilina's shop (If you aren't a member, I highly recommend it. There are so many amazing shops to browse and buy from and everything is handmade or vintage. Tons of fantastic presents there!)-1 extra entry for each item you "heart" from the shop-Follow Lolidots on Twitter and tweetWin a custom hand stamped necklace from @lolidots http://lolidots.com/giveaways5 entries- Blog about this and link back here10 entries- Make a purchase from Emilina Ballerina during this giveaway
Posted by Robin Haws. Posted In : Jewelry
