I have a little fashionista in my house. She loves picking out her clothes every morning. Even picking out her PJs at bedtime is a blast! She has a fashion designing kit (from Santa) that lets her design and draw fashions to her heart’s content.

There’s something exciting about designing and creating something of your very own. That’s what your little fashion-loving gal can do at FashionPlaytes.com!

Signing up for a FashionPlaytes account is easy. In just a few steps your child can start creating her one-of-a-kind designs in the My FP Design Studio:

There are tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories, even doll clothes to choose from. Each basic item’s cost is displayed on the right-hand side, and most have several fabric color choices available. Your child can add as little or as much personalized embellishments as desired. From ribbon trims, embroidered applique, to rhinestones, there’s something for every personality.

My little fashion designer chose “The Cassidy” dress, an empire-waisted, long-sleeved soft knit play dress. She chose the color Geranium, which is a bold and beautiful coral color. The size chart was easy to follow and decipher. We received email correspondence every step of the way — and the shipping was fast considering it was a custom-ordred product — in a little over a week, it arrived just as she hoped it would — gorgeous and a perfect fit!

There’s more to do at the FashionPlaytes website, too:

- Create and customize a virtual model to sample the clothes created
- Enter the Runway Challenge for a chance to win weekly prizes
- Print customized “business cards” to hand out to friends
…and more!

Win it!

Courtesy of FashionPlaytes, one of you will win a $25 gift code for use on their site — so your little one can create and receive her own cool fashion creation!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, what item/style name you think your little one would pick — and if you want to add it in, what color!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close this contest at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, February 1st, 2012. US entries/addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #7, Kristie!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received a gift code for use on the FashionPlaytes website in exchange for an honest review. I received no other product or monetary compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Your little one’s feet will love being adorned with See Kai Run’s current line! There are so many adorable (and fetching) styles to choose from in a wide variety of sizes:

Brandi:

Emmett:

Jennifer:

Who is See Kai Run?

Kai is the son of founders Cause Haun and Chen Gang.
He’s also the inspiration behind See Kai Run.

Here’s more information from the website:

See Kai Run® is the idea of Seattle mom, Cause Haun. In 2004, she was on a quest for the perfect first shoe for her son, Kai. Unable to find shoes in fun, sophisticated styles that were suitable for outdoor play and still promoted the healthy development of little feet, she created her own line of shoes that satisfied all these needs.

In November 2004, See Kai Run shoes began arriving in specialty children’s boutiques, mostly in the Seattle area. The response was phenomenal. Parents echoed what she knew all along—there was an unmet need for stylish outdoor baby shoes that had flexible soles.

In 2008, See Kai Run introduced its answer to the soft-soled baby bootie with the birth of Smaller®, giving parents another option for outfitting their little ones. Smaller combines the same quality materials and urban flair as its bigger counterpart, but with the unstructured softness of a bootie.

In 2011, See Kai Run once again expanded its footwear family by adding its own collection of organic socks. A perfect pairing with See Kai Run shoes, these socks capture a classic, fun feel and offer a healthy and comfortable fit as well.

Since the beginning, customers have clamored for larger sizes. Their request will be answered in the fall of 2011 with Kai™—bigger shoes for post-toddler to school-aged kids. Kai has the same beloved signature styling fans crave,but with the right amount of sturdiness and durability for kids on the go. Now little ones can truly grow up with See Kai Run.

All of our shoes meet the American Podiatric Medical Association’s rigorous standards for foot health and functionality and have been awarded the APMA’s prestigious Seal of Acceptance.

See Kai Run sent over a pair of shiny, black Kendall kicks for our little girly girl. She’s surely smitten! She says they’re “super comfy” and she would wear them every day — even to bed — if we let her. The quality is visible from the outside, and our little product tester verifies that the shoes feel just as great as they look.

See Kai Run shoes and socks (and their sub-brands for the younger and older sets, “Smaller” and “Kai”) can be ordered directly from the See Kai Run website — or use their handy store locator to find retail locations near you who carry their fabulous shoes.

Win it!

Courtesy of See Kai Run, one of you will win your choice of shoe from their dazzling array!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, the shoe style and size you’d like most from See Kai Run.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close this contest at 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 21st, 2011. US entries/addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, # 72, Anissa!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received the above product and product information from See Kai Run at no cost per my review….but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

If you have kids that go here and there and everywhere during the week, Mabel’s Labels is for you.

If you love cute things, Mabel’s Labels is also for you.

Mabel’s Labels is a mom-founded company that creates superior quality, durable labeling products. It’s “labels for the stuff kids lose!”®

Since its start in 2003, Mabel’s Labels, headquartered in Canada, has been committed to fine quality and over-the-top customer service. The Mabel’s Labels line includes dishwasher-proof, washer-and-dryer-proof, dishwasher and microwave-safe labels for most everything kids need to tote.

Mabel’s Classic labels include Sticky Labels (for lunchboxes, baby bottles, sippy cups, portable electronic gadgets, and much more) and Skinny-Minis, just right for pencils and small toys. Tag Mates make keeping up with your child’s athletic wear, jackets, rain slickers and other apparel a snap. Iron-Ons are available, as well. (And let’s not forget the Shoe Labels!) These are just some of the fine products offered by Mabel’s Labels. Most come in a wide variety of colors and designs.

Mabel’s Labels are available separately or in combo packs.

We were recently contacted about receiving the Ultimate Back-to-School Combo. I jumped at the chance to see these labels in person that I’ve heard so many great things about!

The Ultimate Back-to-School Combo includes the following:

• 50 Tag Mates™
• 40 Skinny-Minis™
• 16 Shoe Labels
• 2 Teeny Tags™

The Tag Mates are already stuck on our daughter’s coats, jackets, and ballet apparel:

The Shoe Labels and Teeny Tags have also found homes:

I can’t tell you how versatile the Skinny-Minis are….they’re probably my favorite!

Each Ultimate Back-to-School Combo is available for $42 from Mabel’s Labels’ website. Ordering is a snap (and fun, I might add) and the turnaround time is exceptional.

Fingers are crossed for a school year without lost or left items…but if something gets left behind, Mabel’s Labels has us covered. *grin*

(Check out Mabel’s Labels on Facebook!)

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received the above products at no cost from Mabel’s Labels per my review….but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

From, Levi’s, the creator and crafter of rugged and fashionable jeans for generations, comes a new sub-brand of jeans for the entire family.

dENIZEN jeans are available in everyone’s favorite styles: Straight leg, skinny, boot cut, relaxed, regular, straight, and more. They’re available for the entire family: Men, women, girls, and boys. A variety of washes is available, as well, not to mention different rises in the waist. For women, there’s a waist slimming option on some styles.

Through Child’s Play PR, I was sent a pair of Levi’s dENIZEN jeans to try out.

I chose a boot cut in the dark wash. They are super comfy and look great dressed up with heels! I’ve already washed and dried them with no ill effects (shrinking, that is….the label specifies that dark washes need to be washed alone the first few times).

At just $24.99, this is a pair of jeans my budget can love!

dENIZEN jeans are available exclusively now at Target stores across the nation (and Target.com)!

(Use the dENIZEN “Find Your Fit” sizing guide to ensure a flawless fit.)

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received the above product at no cost from dENIZEN via Child’s Play Communications per my review….but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

It’s so common, the bashing of marriage and the verbal degrading of one’s spouse to others. Why not change the pattern? Why not celebrate and esteem your husband or wife instead of complaining about him or her? Union 28 helps you do that with fashion!

From the Union 28 company vision page:

“Union28 (formerly From*me Tees) was started by a married couple who knows what it is like to work through hard stuff and yet stay together and stay committed, choosing to forgive and be forgiven, only to grow in our love for each other MORE through it all.”

There are so many trendy and fashionable tee styles to choose from….for women and men….for newlyweds and not-so-newlyweds….even for kids (to brag about their awesome mom and dad)!

Union 28 sent over their “My Husband Rocks” tee for me to wear with pride, which I do, because it’s true!

It’s so nice to have well-fitting, marriage-honoring clothing to wear to celebrate one’s spouse. (I’ve gotten lots of comments and compliments on it!)

Use the coupon code U28MR10 to save 10% off your Union 28 order! (Offer good through 8/1/11.) Simply enter the code at checkout on Union28.net.

Win it!

Courtesy of Union 28, one of you will win a $25 gift certificate to use on anything from their site!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, what you’d buy at Union 28 if you won the gift certificate. (You can change your mind later.)

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest on Monday, June 27th, 2011, at 11:59pm EST. US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #20, Wendy R.!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received the above product from Union 28 at no cost per my review….but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Today and through this week, Lands’ End has paired up with Curvy Girl Guide to promote the very first National Swimsuit Confidence Week!

Lands’ End contacted me about being one of the supporters/participants and I just couldn’t resist! Although I’m somewhat extremely self-conscious about my super-pale skin, small bust, and spider veins (and the various rearrangement of things due to having two children!), I knew that shamelessly posting photos would project confidence toward other women who could also use some encouragement.

I received from Lands’ End the Women’s Beach Living Adjustable Tunic Swim Top and the Women’s Beach Living Shirred Mini SwimMini, both in “Deep Sea.”

The Adjustable Tunic Swim Top is comfortable and, as it says, fully adjustable thanks to the shirred sides with drawstrings. The straps are thick and don’t cut into the skin….and the front enhances your figure well without being revealing. The Shirred Mini SwimMini is simply adorable. The pant part adequately covers, and the overlaying mini skirt adds visual charm!

I was impressed at the perfect fit via the online sizing guide. I’m usually wary of ordering clothing online, especially swimwear, because of so much size variation and fit issues…but Lands’ End made this sight-unseen purchase simple and perfect! The 80% nylon/20% spandex fabric combo is ultra comfortable….and not to mention, the fabric provides UPF 50 sun protection…good news for my complexion!

What’s great about Lands’ End is that there are so many different styles and suits, for every taste and every body type. So many colors and cute prints to choose from — it’s a tough decision! But rest assured, Lands’ End will have something you’ll love to wear at the pool or on the beach this summer…and with confidence, too, I might add!

Join Lands’ End each day this week (May 23 – 27, 2011) from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CDST and participate in a series of National Swimsuit Confidence Week events on Twitter. The week-long movement was created to celebrate women of all shapes and sizes as well as educate and inspire them to embrace their swimsuit beauty and have fun this summer. Each day Lands’ End will give away 10 Lands’ End Swimsuits, 10 Lands’ End Beach Towels and announce exclusive swimsuit promotions!

Date: Each Day – May 23 – 27, 2011

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDST

Location: #landsend

Follow: @LandsEndPR

I have Swimsuit Confidence! – Get the Twibbon – Go to http://twb.ly/j2GmLn and display the “I have swimsuit confidence!” Twibbon on your Twitter profile photo. Send a tweet to @LandsEndPR proclaiming “I have swimsuit confidence!” #landsend for a chance to be entered to win a $500 Lands’ End gift card. Send now through May 27 – winner announced at 5:00 p.m. CDST May 27, 2011.

Schedule: (Date — Topic — Twitter hosts to follow)

5/23 Swimsuit Coverage @LandsEndPR, @5minutesformom

5/24 Swimsuit Trends for Real Women @LandsEndPR, @MomSpark

5/25 Swim Slenderizers @LandsEndPR, @CurvyGirlGuide

5/26 Bring Your Confidence to the Beach @LandsEndPR, @bookieboo

5/27 Ultimate Swimsuit Confidence Celebration @LandsEndPR, @MomTalkRadio

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received a product sample from Lands’ End at no cost per my review….but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Fila introduced this year a “wear anywhere, anytime” shoe that conforms perfectly to the foot. Introducing Fila Skele-toes.

Skele-toes are like uber-socks. They give you a barefoot-like experience, wick out moisture and are super flexible, yet they offer protection from outside elements.

What you’ll probably notice first about Skele-toes is that they look, well, skeleton-like. Even the exterior sole has a skeleton foot design, a clever add-on that makes them that much more unique. Also very evident is that there’s a separate compartment for each toe. (All except the last two, which share a space, thanks to the EZ Slide feature which allows for easy pull-on and off.)

Skele-toes can take you just about anywhere….from the street, to the sidewalk, to the beach, to the gym, to the hiking trail. Arch support assures your foot will still have proper bracing. Bungees help you pull these on quickly. Two-ply nylon add to the flexibility factor as well as give attractive and fashionable color combo choices. Wide footed? Narrow? No problem. Four-direction adjustment means that you can custom suit it to your foot.

We recently received a pair of Skele-toes for review — my husband eagerly put them to the test right away.

For his perspective, here are the pros:

~ Very comfortable

~ Very flexible

~ Great for the gym; thanks to the rubberized, textured sole, better grip when doing exercises like squats

~ Narrow enough to get your jeans on over them (when changing at the gym)

~ Adjustable in several directions

~ Cool, as in good for high temperatures in the summer; great alternative to sandals

~ Great for running; because of its sure fit, there was no excess space or friction due to socks, which, for him, meant no blistering.

What he wasn’t crazy about:

~ Potentially funny looks when worn outside of the gym (But for him, this was fun — he was excited to get to explain them to people.)

~ If worn in grass, you get things between your toes

Skele-toes are available in both child and adult sizes, both available in various sizes and color styles. Price starts at $55 for kids and $60 for adults, and are available at Fila.com or at most major athletic shoe retailers online and near you.

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received the above reviewed product via Fila and LaunchPad PR Inc. at no cost per my review, but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

It’s been a while since I’ve been able to share with you how fabulous Tsukihoshi shoes are! Our kids love ‘em! They are super lightweight, extremely flexible, and ultra cushioned. Plus, they come in vibrant, trendy colors in a variety of combos that are sure to please all!

A popular brand for children’s shoes in Japan for years, Tsukihoshi shoes are now available in the US and are taking the childrens’ wear market by storm.

Not only do these feature the traits I described above, Tsukihoshi shoes also have:

~ Antibacterial qualities to inhibit smells and other unpleasant “shoe ailments”
~ Removable insoles
~ The ability to be machine washed (hooray!)
~ Balanced landing ability
~ Sufficient arch support
~ “Barefoot-like comfort”

(Read more about the multi-functions here.)

Our son is sporting the style Youth 20 in the steel and lime color combo! He’s all about grey and green — his room’s walls are even these colors! These shoes go with so many of his pants and jeans. The comfort is evident and there’s such ease in putting them on and off thanks to velcro closure.

Our daughter loves her Tsukihoshi shoes in style Child 28. Her choice, the fuschia and mint, goes with all of her pink clothes (which she has a lot of). Again, a velcro closure makes it a snap for her little hands to put her own shoes on. One of my favorite parts of this shoe are the colorful and textured soles:

You can buy Tsukihoshi shoes for babies, toddlers, and kids at brick and mortar and online retailers nationwide (check here to find out where they’re sold near you).

Win it!

Courtesy of Tsukihoshi, I can give away one each of the styles reviewed above, Youth 20 and Child 28, in winners’ choice of color and size!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another Tsukihoshi style your kids would love (other than the two I mentioned). ALSO, tell me which style you’d prefer if you win.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest on Thursday, March 7th, 2011, at 11:59pm EST. US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

#5, Nicole, who won the pair of Child 28 shoes….and
#109, Julie Jones, who won the pair of Youth 20 shoes!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received the above reviewed products at no cost per my review….but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Do you wear eyeglasses? Have you ever looked at glasses frames online? Do you favor designer eyeglasses? But don’t want to pay designer prices?

Do you like the idea of being able to try glasses online? What if I told you there was a way to upload your photo and “try on” glasses online, all while sitting on your comfy couch? There is. It’s called GlassesUSA.com!

GlassesUSA.com carries cheap eyeglasses, lenses and frames for every budget and style. You’ll find hundreds of cheap designer eyeglasses, cheap eyeglass frames, cheap reading glasses, and cheap prescription sunglasses on their site.

Looking for cheap reading glasses online? Check these out.

Need to order some more prescription sunglasses online? GlassesUSA.com makes it easy.

GlassesUSA is an international company, with headquarters in New Jersey and a satellite office overseas. They believe that vision and good eyesight are a necessity, not a luxury. With the reasonably-priced frames and lenses sold here, you don’t have to sacrifice style for cost.

We were able to review a pair of glasses from GlassesUSA.com. My husband was more than happy to order some for himself, the only glasses-wearer in our family. We were impressed with the interactive eyeglasses try-on feature, letting him see how different frames would look before even ordering them.

It was a matter of days after placing our order that we received his glasses in the mail, packaged well and with a very sturdy storage case.

The frames fit exceptionally well and the prescription was matched exactly. My husband was super pleased to have his pair of designer glasses!

So whether you need cheap prescription sunglasses, cheap reading glasses, or just inexpensive prescription glasses to wear all the time, let GlassesUSA.com be your one-stop online shop for all of your discount eyeglasses needs.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT for my readers:

GlassesUSA.com has graciously offered each of you 10% off of your total online order with the coupon code Blog10!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received the above reviewed product at no cost per my review, but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

When you think of Petit Trésor, you think of luxurious goods, layette for baby that’s soft and one-of-a-kind, stemming from the famed LA boutique frequented by stars.

Petit Trésor debuted a collection in Target stores this past October 31st, making its appearance not only as a beautiful gift collection for infants, but also as a support of a charity.

Petit Trésor’s Target line has paired up with Jessica Seinfeld’s Baby Buggy charity, an organization that provides the most neediest families with the items needed to raise their children. 10% of the sales from this line will go directly to Baby Buggy.

We received a few samples from this line to preview, and I must say, the soft pastel colors are so endearing and the fabric is luxuriously soft. The only pattern is a simple, same-colored gingham that accents here and there. There are options for baby girls, baby boys, and “surprises,” for which there is an assortment of linens and accessories in a cool, mint green.

The prices are super reasonable ($9.99 for a long-sleeved sleep ‘n play). Shop online or hurry in to a store near you — the line is only in Target stores through January 1st, 2011.

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received the above reviewed product samples at no cost per my review, but my review is honest and my opinions are my own. I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”