v 3 issue 25: Initially Yours

This week we review products that are personalized for your little ones. Products include clothing, blankets, room decor and more.





Cover photo by Connie Hill




Initial This



1 Two Tina’s is the place to shop when looking for personalized goods. Their line of personalized blankets and clothing is just too cute and makes the perfect gift for a baby shower. Their onesies are adorned with an ultra-suede initial while the blankets have washable felt monograms. Onesies are available in sizes 3-6 months and 6-12 months ($26); blankets are one size ($48).
2 Never loose a binky to the floor again with the totally Blinged Out Initial Clip by Baby Posh. This clip will definitely grab the attention of on-lookers due to the sparkling rhinestone crystals of your little one’s initial which attaches with a leopard print ribbon.
3 A monogrammed banner from Lisa FROST is the perfect addition to your child’s room. Each banner is painted with quality paints on heavy weight canvas, attached to a dowel rod, embellished with fun fringe and hung from a shiny satin ribbon.
4 At Funky Daisy you will find custom embroidered clothing that is stylish and unique. We love the Audrey and Patrick Essential Sets that combine a soft onesie and hat with an embroidered initial. But the Jersey Tee is a must for all little boys. With your last name and the birth year on the back of the tee, this will be loved by both the child and dad.
5 Name Tiles make a great gift for a special child or a birthday gift for one of your child’s friends. Prices range from $18 to $38 depending on the size you choose. Each name tile is a unique and colorful, hand-painted ceramic plaque that make a great decoration for a playroom, bedroom, or nursery.
6 This beautiful sterling silver baby cuff bracelet found at the Silken Thread makes a beautiful gift for a special baby girl. Engraved with baby’s monogram, this bracelet will certainly be treasured for years to come. Available in two sizes (perfect for a newborn or for a first birthday gift).
7 A portrait from Kiki & Polly will bring a smile to all who see it. Artist Lisa Golightly creates unique portrait art paintings by weaving your child’s face into a modern yet sentimental piece of work. Each work of art is hand-painted and created with whimsy, humor and imagination. We also adore their personalized portrait greeting cards as well.

8 MJK Knits Initial Sweaters make a great gift for a little one or for the whole family. These sweaters ‘that spell out fun’ are made in the USA of 100% cotton. Available in hundreds of color combinations and available in sizes 6 months to size 12.



Winter Reading


Dream Snow by Eric Carle is a favorite of all snow lovers. As in all of Eric Carle's pushbutton books, this one will delight your child in hearing a holiday tune. Carle creates wonder with a plastic snow page hiding a critter on each page. Perfect for ages 2-6.


Ages 4-8 will love There Was A Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille Colandro. This story provides a different take on the old lady who swallowed a fly. Her large appetite becomes a snowman when it is spit back out, which your kids will find hilarious.



Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner is a favorite of our kids, they love seeing the snowmen come out to play! At night the neighborhood snowmen gather at the park for a night of fun including snowball fights, making snow angels and drinking cold cocoa. The illustrations provide a bit of extra fun when your children look for hidden images. Best for ages 3-7.

It's Winter (Celebrate the Seasons) by Linda Glaser is part of her well-known Celebrate the Season's book series. The book not only describes the surroundings of the season but discusses hibernation habitats as well. In addition, Ms. Glaser has included a list of suggested nature activities. Ages 4-8.


Winter Babies Wear Layers by Michelle Sinclair Colman is great for babies through age 4.




Frozen Noses by Jan Carr is an adorable book that has been a favorite of little kids for years. Styled as a poem and brightly illustrated, this book inspires outdoor fun.

Snowballs by Lois Ehlert will be enjoyed by children ages 3-8. They will love the collages on each page and the decorated snowmen. The book ends with winter facts, a recipe for popcorn balls and photos of snowmen.




This Week's Mom Tips


Cleaning Tip: Before hanging shower curtains, soak in salt water solutions to prevent mildew.

Organizing Tip: Make your bed first thing in the morning when you get out of bed.

Time Saving Tip: Create a box/folder just for bills. Compile all you need to get the job done including stamps, envelops, checkbook and of course the bills. Having it all in one place allows you to easily get the task done. Just pull out the box whenever you have a free minute.

Green Tip: Replace 5 light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). According to the Department of Energy and the US EPA, Energy Star CFL bulbs are up to 66 percent more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than standard bulbs.