My daughters are grown, but as a Mom, I’m still always ‘on-call.’ That’s just the way it is, and actually, I’m thankful that I have such a good relationship with my daughters.

Starting today, and probably through next Friday, I’m going to be on ‘red-alert standby’ to take care of ‘Lil Moomette, as my daughter is due to deliver my grandson any day!

Every Grandma needs a goody bag to keep the kiddos occupied when going out to eat. (I like to go out to eat whenever I can!)

I have a Sister-In-Law who always has the most spectacular goody bags at-the ready for the grandchildren. You wouldn’t believe what was in them to keep 5 grandkiddos occupied at a golf tournament! But the irony of it all was that my Sister-In-Law was never blessed with children of her own, and rather that the little darlings are my late Brother-in-Law’s grandchildren!

Thus, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to review the Doodlebugz Crayon Pink Stripe Purse from the Doodlebugz Crayola Collection from Princess Linens!

Doodlebugz™ Crayola Crayon Purse-Pink Stripe

The Doodlebugz Crayon Purse is designed for children ages 3 and Up. The product that I received to review comes complete with a pad of paper, perfectly sized for small hands, and 10 Crayola washable crayons, and 16 outside crayon pocket-holder.

Made from a durable canvas-type fabric, this colorful handbag-style carrier is sure to be a hit with all the little Princesses! Don’t they all like to carry a purse, just like Mommy?

Every little girl likes to see her name in print, and personalization is available.

Safety information on the plastic tube container that the purse comes in, indicates that the crayons are Non-Toxic and meet all ACMI Performance Standards.

Other products offered from the Doddlebugz Crayloa collection include Crayon Aprons & Toolbelts, Chalk Talk Table Mates & Doodlebags.

The second product that I am delighted to review from Princess Linens are the My First Scrubs!

Now if these aren’t the cutest must-have’s I’ve seen lately! I’m having so much fun discovering how little ones are becoming Fashionistas at such a young age!

Although my grandson is due any day now, I can just imagine how adorable these would be when he is toddling around! My First Scrubs are perfect for the doctor or nurse-to-be, and are so authentic! Made with 100% cotton, they have faux drawstring pants for authenticity, and are perfect for the new baby or older sibling. I was thinking they’d be a great idea to use as jammies, but are not marked ‘flame resistant,’ according to U.S. Standards, and are manufactured in China. In any event, they look super-comfy for casual playgroup wear, or just relaxing around the house. Dress them up with accessories ~ and you’d have a super easy Halloween Costume!

Available in sizes up to 4T in three colors:

Lab Green, “No More Blues” Blue, and Candystriper Pink. Lab Green scrubs are available in larger sizes up to size 8! Currently larger sizes are only available in Lab Green.

Princess Linens Fine Hand~Made Baby Gifts also offers Personalized shortalls and baby boy clothing. Princess Linens also offers luxury baby clothes, big brother gifts, big sister gifts, personalized bibs and personalized burp pads. I fell in love with the shortalls and rompers from The Hamptons Collection, personalized with the name “Ethan.” ~ I think that’s what my new grandson will be named! Made of 100% cotton pique.

Princess Linens would like to offer readers of Moomettesgram’s Musings a coupon code (MOOMETTE) to receive a 15% Discount off of any purchases. Visit them at http://princesslinens.com

Wholesale orders also available.

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Now that I’m going to be a Grandma again for the second time, I’m so happy to be on the lookout for cute hand crafted baby items!   When I had more time, I was quite crafty.   I always used to love dressing my two girls in feminine little outfits, and the girls always enjoyed “accessorizing.” They still do!

There are so many talented, artistic moms around today, and I love to feature their “indie” hand crafted wares.

Today I am featuring a new item from Cozy Cuddlez. Valery is an artistic mom with a sharp eye for the unusual, and creates Diaper Wipe Cases. Each handcrafted Diaper Wipe Case comes stocked with wipes already in them.

These are so cool. The trendy Pink and Brown one that I received is well crafted, with attention being made to all fine details. The cases is somewhat padded; the horizontal lines on the fabric are straight and; all edges are securely finished. I especially like the silver heart “bling” as an extra bonus ~ it reminds me of the hardware on a Brighton purse that I have!

Valery’s website description states:

You can use these for just about anything. The ideas are endless. Mini First Aide Kit, Coupon Holder, Make up case. Throw one in your purse, glove box or diaper bag. This would be a perfect Baby Shower Gift as well.

At Cozy Cuddlez, Valery will also custom design a case for you if you are looking for something special.

The cases are priced at USD $15 before S/H. Visit Cozy Cuddlez and start your holiday shopping early! Choose a unique, thoughtful gift for your favorite Mommy (or even Grandma!)

Mother 2 Mother is having a June Giveaway Contest! I’m one of the sponsors, and will be offering an Artisan Hand-Crafted Ladies wire LAPIS gemstone Sterling Silver Ring from my Moomette’s Magnificents Olde Towne Shoppes.

This would make a memorable graduation present, or a special bauble for yourself or someone special!

Mother 2 Mother Blog contains entries on their WAHM Giggles & Sugar Kisses store products, parenting tips, everyday life events, and monthly contests/give aways. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the posts. Don’t forget to enter their giveways. Today could be your lucky day!

I’ve joined a Blog Party to try to meet other Moms and Grams like me!

Blog Fests and parties are a great way to see what’s going on and get to visit some new Bloggers.

Many of the Mommy Bloggers are sponsoring Contests and Give Aways. Here’s a chance to get to take a break from your daily routine or WAHM obligations, and visit some good reads. Enter some of the terrific contests and win some fabulous prizes too! What a selection!

Join in Now for MommyFest! MommyFest, happening May 12-16, 2008 to visit cyber-moms & grams blog all over the world!

I’m sponsoring eBook giveaways from my Moomette’s Magnificents Olde Town Shoppes site. I have some wonderful eBooks with immediate download for your reading pleasure ~ everything from Recipes, Crafts, Gardening, Children & More!

Come Join in on the excitement!
Visit MommyFest to learn how to sign up and get in on the A-C-T-I-O-N!

Now that I’m a Baby Boomer, as I get older, I think spending quality family time together is important. This past Sunday was such an occasion. The fam arrived at 11:30 on the dot, all respectibly dressed. We headed South on the highway, straight towards the beach and Connecticut shoreline, my favorite spot!

Turned out my two DDs and Charming Son-in-Law treated DH and I to an early Mother’s Day holiday brunch at Water’s Edge, the Number 1 rated “Best Brunch in Connecticut”, and a belated Birthday celebration present for DH. We had a delightful time, and the Brunch was absolutely spectacular ~ no need for dinner that night! We had a waterside view table overlooking Long Island Sound, and the temps were in the 80’s for May! It was the kind of day we Connecticut folk like to say “you can see straight across” ~ meaning we could see the 12 miles across to Long Island.

I feel so fortunate to be living so close to my daughters and granddaughter (although DD #2, the college student is still at home - most of the time.)

If you aren’t able to be with your own Mom for mothers day, or would like to show your affection to your own daughter or daughter-in-law who may be a Mom herself, send a gift of Flowers!

I love receiving flowers and bouquets, and what makes it extra special is the fact that I can appreciate them now - while I’m still above ground!

Happy Mother’s Day to you all.

All Ladies love Lavender ~

Scents are so sensual and bring back so many memories…

Lavender is best known and loved for its fragrance. The herb has been used since ancient times in perfumery. As an aromatic plant, lavender lifts the spirits and chases melancholy. Taking just a few whiffs of this sweet-smelling herb is said to dispel dizziness. Traditionally, women in labor clutched sprigs of lavender to bring added courage and strength to the task of childbearing. …. The dried blossoms, sewn into sachets, may be used to repel moths and to scent clothing, or may be lit like incense to scent a room. Because of its fumigant properties, the herb was hung in the home to repel flies and mosquitoes, and strewn about to sanitize the floors. Lavender essential oil was a component of smelling salts in Victorian times. Answers.com

This Mother’s Day, give someone special a gift of Lavender from Lavender Love! Independent Consultant Affiliate Opportunities also available.

Use Code Word “Showers” in the voucher area of the shopping cart and receive 10% off when you place your order before April 30th for Mother’s Day at Lavender Love.

Now that Thanksgiving 2007 has come and gone, for me it’s time to start planning for Christmas. Little Moomette is up and running now, and our tree will probably be decorated with ornaments from the top to about half-way down. Again. My DDs are grown, but I have plenty of pictures of only a half-decorated tree with only the most precious ornaments out of reach! And the Cat is now 11, and too lazy to attempt to play with anything. He prefers to just ‘hide’ from Moomette anywhere he can find ~ and probably to get away from those Antlers we have him wear for photos!

I’m trying to start some ‘New’ traditions, and came across this delightful article at SMARTMOMS~SMARTBUSINESS that I’d like to share with you. Happy Holidays!

Christmas Tradition: Ten Tips for Your Family This Year

Christmas Tradition is one of those bedrock moments that create family memories. In this fast paced world and with families living so far apart it is hard to keep family Christmas traditions alive. Don’t let that stop you from cultivating really meaningful traditions that transcend time and locations. I will give you some great and easy tips that will make your family smile for years to come. You are only young once, and children adore the mystery in Christmas. It does not take and should not take a lot of money for you to have a very meaningful, fun filled Christmas season.

These tips take a little time and preparation but the memories gained will far out weigh the work put into them. Remember, these are memories that will last a life time. Slow down this Christmas season and savor every moment, because in the end, your children will rarely remember what they got for Christmas. They will remember what you did as a family and your thoughtful Christmas tradition.

Amber Bishop is the co-founder of www.smartmoms-smartbusiness.com and www.smartmoms.freeforums.com ;online resources for work at home moms. She is also the owner of www.homeschool-diva.com She stays home and home schools her three children while building a successful home based business._________________

Amber Bishop
Smart Moms - Smart Business!
Homeschool Diva Blog
4fabmoms blog