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Archive for December, 2009

Get Your Baby Skwished!

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

It’s SURELY one of the best toys ever and we just love it here! It’s the Skwish from Manhattan Toy and your little one is SURE to love it… and dad may think it’s pretty darn cool too… OK, AND Mom!  Stop by Magic Beans for your magic Skwish if you live close to Beantown, or just order it online for a good post-yuletide goodie!

PS – I don’t see us ever packing this one away or finding a new home for it, etc.  Talk about ageless, right?  Too, TOO cool… for school.  Hehe!  Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Get All Dolled Up With Corolle!

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Want the prettiest little baby dolls for the prettiest little baby doll?  Look no further than Corolle! You know they’ve been one of our Favorite Things for quite some time now, but we just wanted to show off a few great new additions to their lovely line, as well as some classic Favorites.  What Christmas would be perfect without a new doll for your little doll?  Yes, Corolle is here to help!

Check out www.Corolle.com for all of the dolls and accessories that you could ever imagine and also information on where to purchase.  Here’s a tip to try though… most independently owned toy stores carry Corolle dolls and are great places to support and shop, but if you hit it just right TJ Maxx is another place that I have seen a pretty nice selection of these wonderful toys!  You do have to hit it just right though:)!!

#SWAGALERT: Bamboo Snuggle With Shi Shu This Holiday!

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

We just found the coziest blankets and had to share it with you, well, since it’s -20 degrees here!!!  Baby it’s COLD outside!  I personally love bamboo clothing and anything else made of bamboo, so I just knew I’d love Shi Shu Baby and Shi Shu Home’s gorgeous and luxurious collection of hand-woven blankets from the moment that we found them!  Bamboo is so very soft and completely safe for your little ones too!  Everything from the vegetable dyes used to the all natural cotton ribbon packaging is totally safe for even the most sensitive of skins.  Shi Shu has come up with not only a beautiful line of blankets for baby,  but for mommy and daddy too!  What’s more fun than to match?  Check out www.shishustyle.com for more info or to purchase these fabulous blankets for your most loved little one or for yourself!

SWAG ALERT: One lucky reader is going to take a gorgeous Shi Shu Blanket home!  Just tell us what you love about Shi Shu Baby or Shi Shu Home and we’ll enter you in for a chance to win whichever one you love most!!

You know how it works and what to do.  This SWAG ALERT will be open until we say so.  Good luck to all and have fun with our newest ways to gain EXTRA ENTRIES!!!

EXTRA ENTRIES for this SWAG ALERT:

Make sure to enter all EXTRAS as a comment on this post or include the #SWAGALERT hashtag so we can track on Twitter!!  We always want to make sure that we get all of your entries!

Disclosure: We received a lovely sampling of products for review from
Shi Shu and are absolutely enjoying them here in what feels like Siberia!

About To Take Those First Steps For Christmas?

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

Well if you are then this is surely the gift for your little mover and shaker.  It’s our Favorite Walker and it’s by Italian toy and gear super company Chicco (pronounced “kee-ko”, by the way.)  It’s got a ton of fun activities on the front, has an extra wide stance to prevent topples and can be folded down for floor play quite easily.  It’s perfect in short!  Definitely a must-have this season for any little one ready to take that big first step into first steps!  There are lots of places to find it but we have ours coming any day now from our friends at Magic Beans :) .

Tasha Goes Blue: Santa Will Not Be Stopping At Our House!

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

tashagoesbluelogo

Yes, you heard me right!  Santa will not be coming to the Lehman’s this year.  Actually, he never has had the privilege of shimmying down our fireplace.  In fact we don’t even have a fireplace.  So I guess it’s good that Santa has never landed on our rooftop!

No, we haven’t been that bad this year.  Or any other year for that matter.  We just don’t believe in Santa Claus at our house.  GASP, I know, right?!  My husband and I never really believed in Santa when we were kids so it’s never been a big deal to us.  And my husband’s philosophy is, “I worked stinkin’ hard for the money to buy those gifts, I’m taking the credit for it, not giving it to some fat guy!”  I can’t really argue with that, especially since I only work one or two days a week only making enough money to pay for what I spent that day while at the store.  And we can focus on the true meaning of Christmas, presents and cookies the birth of Jesus.

Then we had our first son.  He was all innocent and full of trust and wonder.  How dare we not take advantage of this and lie bold face to him about a jolly fat man bringing him gifts on a sleigh with flying reindeer in the middle of the night creeping around our house?  I mean, who do we think we are, anyway?  So I tried, much to my husband’s dismay.  But it didn’t really work.  Little did I know that I gave birth to the world’s smartest two year old.

Even at such a young age, I could not pull one over on that kid.  He was in kindergarten when he told me, “Mom, how could Santa possibly be real? There is no way that one man can bring gifts to every singe child in the world in one night.  And reindeer don’t even fly!  And how could they carry that big fat man on a metal sleigh?  It would be too heavy!”  (Don’t even get him started on the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny.)

Then in first grade his teacher informed me that he announced to the entire class that Santa was, in fact, fake.  “Your parents are the ones who give you gifts, DUH!”  So then we had to have the “please don’t ruin the fun for everyone else” talk and he was all, “But MOM, we are right!!!”

Even when his friends and cousins tried very hard to convince him that Santa was real, he would end up making them doubt everything they’ve ever been told about Santa!  No, “Yes, peers, of course you must be right and I must agree with everything you say!”  Just, “Wake up people!  Quit living a lie!”  (I’m not lying, he actually said that…at seven years old.  God help me.)

But I have accepted my genius child and feel proud that he sticks up for what he believes in.  Even if that means getting a note from the teacher every year around this time.  So you can imagine my delight when my second born who is now in Kindergarten informed me last week, “Mom, I told the kids at school that Santa is not real and the elf that is sitting on the shelf watching to see who’s good and who’s bad is not real either and the teacher just told us that to make us listen.”  Oh goody, because the only thing better than one note from one unhappy teacher is TWO notes from TWO unhappy teachers.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Tasha

Homemade Gift Wrapping – Chic and Fun Project!

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

homemadegifttagThere is nothing that screams homemade Christmas like homemade gift wrapping!  I saw this quick little video on HGTV’s website and just loved this idea!  It’s a great way to make a special gift personalized and would even be a fun craft for the kiddos!

So head on over HERE and check out that and other homemade Christmas videos!

Then, top it off with a homemade gift tag from our favorite home maven, Martha Stewart!  Super simple and just the right touch!

#SWAGALERT: Hoosier Magnolia, So Chic!

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

SWAGhoosiermagnolia

Don’t you love the hand-made look… but without the look of home made?  Something really unique, made with lots of care, great design, and that eye-candy factor that we’re all so drawn to?  YES!  Hoosier Magnolia’s it and we wanted to show them off a little to those of you who still need some great ideas for the Holidays!!!  For more info, check them out at www.HoosierMagnolia.com where you will find their fabulous products as well as a list of stores in which you can find their products.  Also, feel free to give them a call personally!  Their charm is not limited to their products – owner and designer Michelle is such a sweetheart:)!

Cool fact: Michelle and I both went to MassArt!  Small world:)!  Take a look at the following images of her gorgeous quilts, mobiles, clothing and everything else and THEN go to HoosierMagnolia.com to see everything up close and personal:)!!  Order quickly for Christmas delivery too!!!

SWAG ALERT: One lucky reader is going to take a gorgeous Hoosier Magnolia quilt home!  Just tell us what you love about Hoosier Magnolia and we’ll enter you in for a chance to win one in your favorite quilt!!

You know how it works and what to do.  This SWAG ALERT will be open until we say so.  Good luck to all and have fun with our newest ways to gain EXTRA ENTRIES!!!

EXTRA ENTRIES for this SWAG ALERT:

Make sure to enter all EXTRAS as a comment on this post or include the #SWAGALERT hashtag so we can track on Twitter!!  We always want to make sure that we get all of your entries!

Disclosure: We received a lovely sampling of products for review from
Hoosier Magnolia and are absolutely enjoying them!

SWAG Bars, Delicious Christmas Treat!

Monday, December 14th, 2009

swagbars

When I came across this recipe, I just knew it was meant to be shared on Bellaziza’s Favorite Things!  I mean, we just love SWAG around here!  With all of the Holiday get-togethers, I’m always in need of a tasty new treat to show off.  You could also package these up in a pretty tin and it would make a lovely homemade gift!

SWAG BARS

Ingredients: 1 3/4  cups  creamy peanut butter, 3/4  cup  sugar, 3/4  cup  light-colored corn syrup, 1 1/2  cups  (6 ounces) chopped lightly salted, dry-roasted peanuts, 3 1/2  cups  (4 ounces) whole-grain flaked cereal (such as Total), finely crushed, Cooking spray, 1/3  cup  (2 ounces) chopped dark chocolate

Combine first 3 ingredients in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook 4 minutes or just until mixture begins to boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in peanuts and cereal. Spread mixture evenly into a 13 x 9–inch baking pan coated with cooking spray.

Place the dark chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute or until chocolate melts, stirring every 20 seconds. Drizzle chocolate evenly over peanut mixture. Score into 36 bars while warm.

Delicious and easy!  Hope you enjoy this delicious SWAG BAR ALERT!

:) Tasha

Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light January 2009. Photo courtesy
of www.foodphotoblog.com.

The Best of The Best: Steiff Bears!!!

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

So you have discriminating tastes, you say?  Want only the best of the best for yourself and your family… stuffed bears included?  You’ve simply got to see Steiff!

Steiff of Germany has been making the most luxurious stuffed animals for over 100 years now and are definitely the experts in their field.  They carry a broad selection of traditional toys that are of the heirloom quality that every child should be so fortunate to have.  They also have a new collection that’s better suited to fit any budget!  Perfect for any age and every occasion, be sure to check them out online at SteiffUSA.com for more information and where to buy.

Sophie The Giraffe Since 1961 and Our Favorite Baby Toy of 2009!

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

Here it is, no surprise – Our Favorite Baby Toy of 2009!  Sophie the Giraffe has been around since 1961 and manufactured in the French Alps with lots of care and with your baby’s safety as the priority right from the beginning.  She’s also been photographed with the hottest little celebutots and once we got out hands on one we saw why.  Sophie’s adorable, totally safe, squeaks and is the perfect toy for any baby this season… or any other season for that matter!  Go see our friends at Magic Beans to purchase ($22.95) or for more info on Sophie and the entire Vulli family of toys.  Vive la France and Joyeux Noel!

Our Favorite Green Toy of 2009: Imagination Box Company

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

imaginationboxco

When I found the Imagination Box Company, I knew it was something my boys would just have to have for Christmas!  It’s not very often that you find this kind of toy…eco-friendly, creative, American made…does it get any better than that?

The lovely people at the Imagination Box Company sent us the Firehouse Rescue Station.  I actually went ahead and gave it to my boys (who can wait for Christmas with something this fun!) so we could try it out and tell all of you lovely people all about it!  Let me just say, it was a huge hit!  The boys worked together to color and decorate it just right.  (Yes, they worked together!  It’s a Christmas miracle!)  Hours later…let me repeat that…HOURS LATER, they were finished and they haven’t stopped playing with it yet!

The Imagination Box Company has four fun designs to choose from and also sells extra sets of Sargent Art USA Made, Non-Toxic,  Washable Watercolors!  Oh did I forget to mention, each Imagination Box comes with a free set of the watercolors!!  Head on over to www.imaginationboxco.com to order a set (or two!) of your own!  For only $24.95, this is a must have gift  for your creative little Christmas angel!!

Quick and Easy Homemade Gifts With Style!

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

Homemade gifts can be easy and fun and very classy!  Here are some of our Favorite ideas from Better Homes and Gardens!!

photobooklet

Photo Booklet

Gather inexpensive supplies — card stock, photos, photo corners, and ribbon– for this easy-to-make card and frame combo. Cut a sheet of card stock in half lengthwise, and tape ends together to make one long piece. Fold every 4 inches. Attach photos with photo corners. Punch a hole in the back for ribbon to wrap around the booklet.  Voila!  Perfectly pretty homemade gift!

cdholder

CD Holder

Decorate a box for a CD by punching occasion-appropriate shapes from colored self-adhesive seals and decorative papers. Stick and glue the shapes to the box. Add a few small jewels for a bit of sparkle. Tie the box closed with a ribbon. How easy and fun is that!

monogrammedletter


Monogram Wall Art

Create a personalized, monogrammed gift with a wood letter and and crafts supplies purchased from a craft store. Paint the letter a neutral color, and embellish as you wish with fabric, buttons, ribbons and paper. Get creative and have fun!

Congrats!

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

SWAGpegperegoATV

Congratulations to Mrs. Cox for her big win of the Polaris Trail Blazer or Trail Princess by Peg Perego!  It’s such a fantastic toy and I know her kidlets will have SO much fun on it!!!  She won on Twitter!  Oh the power of Twitter and the RETWEET!  Follow us now for your chance to win like Mrs. Cox did!!!

Stay tuned for more great Favorites and more chances to win them!!!

Surely One Of The Best Games Ever… Chickyboom!

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

From the moment I saw this sweet little game, I loved it… but mostly because the box is just so wonderfully designed with its matte finish, bright colors and sturdy construction.  Very intentional.  I’m one of those people where “you had me at your well-designed packaging” applies more often than not.  *sigh*  BUT, then I opened it up and Isabella and I started actually PLAYING Chickyboom.  Wow!  It’s a really wonderful game that we both enjoyed immensely.  That was where I really started to love Chickyboom.  WE BOTH ENJOYED IT!  I love it when that happens… and it’s one of the more not-oftens for sure!  A good-time facilitator between kids and adults is always something special.  They had me at the packaging, but we fell in love once we opened the box!

Chickyboom is intended for children (and children-at-heart) ages four and up, but Isabella who is three totally loved it and played it multiple times without any problems.  She had a blast!  (I’m her mommy so of course I think she’s advanced, hehe!)  It’s also a recipient of the coveted Oppenheim Best Toy Award and Parents’ Choice Award!  For two to four players, it’s a sure hit and something that should be under a lot of trees this season:)!!  Check out your local independent toy retailer for your own Chickyboom, or visit our friends at Magic Beans for that and more!

A Homemade Christmas a la Kahlua Eggnog!

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

The hustle and bustle of the Holidays is enough to make you want to spike your eggnog.  Actually, I want to spike my eggnog even on a calm day, but that’s not important right now.  What is however, is getting through this season with our heads on straight!  Possible?  Of course!  You can always count on us at Bellazizas Favorites to provide you with the Best of the Best for the Holidays or otherwise.  We have shared some of our favorite “stuff” for the 2009 season already, but now let’s turn our focus off of stuff and onto more simple things, shall we?  Here is how we are going to simplify the holidays.

A Homemade Christmas!

So in the coming weeks, watch for some of our Favorite handmade crafts, delicious recipes and simple pleasures to indulge in this upcoming Christmas Season!  Until then, enjoy this spiked eggnog recipe I found at The Food Network.

Kahlua Eggnog

-2 parts Kahlua

-1 part vodka

-Prepared Eggnog

Pour ingredients over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, and/or mint sprig.

You’re welcome.

:) Tasha

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