I’ve always tried to teach Madison that she can do anything. I was taught that and I set my sights for starts (not literally). I wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up. Then I realized how much school was involved and opted not to do that. (LOL) However, the decision was mine. Pigtail Pals has set out to do the same thing. They are redefining girly by showing girls they can be smart, daring and adventurous. Their designs are loved by girls and parents alike. Four of our designs are so popular with moms they had to start carrying them in adult sizes! Pigtail Pals also are a socially responsible company. The shirts are sweatshop free and child labor free. Everything they use in marketing and shipping is recyclable too. On top of all of this, each month they choose a Charity of the Month and contribute $1 from the sale of every shirt to them! Their tees are made sweatshop free and child labor free. They use local vendors when possible. Their marketing materials, shipping materials, and packaging materials are recyclable.

Madison and I ordered her the astronaut shirt that says “when you wish upon the stars”. I did find that their sizes ran on the smaller side (so you know when you order. They are also 100% cotton.). Madison loved her shirt, and I loved what it stands for.

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Tina Chadwick was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was eight months pregnant with her daughter Elizabeth.  She was in for the fight of her life.  She underwent an extensive brain surgery, performed by the same surgeon who operated on Robert Kennedy.  She had to re-learn how to swallow, talk, walk, and regain sight in her right eye. She was even unable to hold her baby.  Since having going through this, she decided to start bee well wishes. bee well wishes is an online retailer of feel good gifts with the purpose of spreading love and cheer.

You know you are a mom when you get all excited about a new winter coat for your 5 year old. However, this Lands’ End’s Kids Sport Squall Parka is Madison’s new winter coat and we couldn’t be happier! First of all, it is windproof with a  3-ply nylon shell with a DriOff™ finish.  For us here in Chicago, this means it keeps the kid dry and warm.  We’ve had plenty of icky weather so far, and this coat has passed that test!  I love the adjustable cuffs (which you can’t really see on this picture that they really are adjusted for her arms.  It’s a great way to keep the cold finding it’s way in.  I do like that the trim is reflective.  It makes it easier for her to be seen when we are in the parking lot (like at school for drop off and pick up.  I can only imagine I’ll be dropping her off in the dark come winter!)  A feature we don’t use but is on there is a MP3 player pocket with a cord port.  The waist also cinches so make the coat fit better and be warmer.  I can see us getting (hopefully) two years wear out of this.  The first day I had Madison wear this to school, her teacher complimented her on such a nice coat! The Lands’ End’s Kids Sport Squall Parka is available in 12 colors (differing for boys and girls) and come in youth sizes S, M, L and XL.  Your kids definitely want one of these for this winter!

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I live in Chicago where we have crappy winters. Really, we do. We have lots of snow and lots of cold here.  That being said, to get through a Chicago winter you need a great quality boot.  Sorel fits that bill.  They make their boots for purpose first.  I have admit I loved all the women’s boots.  It was really hard for me to decide which boot I wanted to go with.  I love the high boots, but my legs are short and they tend to look dorky on me.  These boots aren’t high, but are perfect for me instead.  I love that they have handles for my to pull on (with two kids I really hate having to tie anything).  They are super comfortable and warm too!  They also don’t make my feet look fat (all you women out there know what I mean about how winter boots can sometimes make your feet look a lot bigger than they are).  I love that they are fashionable too!  These will be the boots I pick Madison up from school with once the snow falls.

I love that Sorel gets that boots can be fashionable and serve a purpose too!  I can’t wait for it to snow!

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One of the most frustrating things I’ve come across is finding a belt for Madison. The kid needs an actual belt not just a pretty thing to hold up her pants (I wish I had that problem). The problem we were having was that I couldn’t actually find any belts in the stores that she could do by herself.  Step in Myself Belts.  These belts are a lifesaver in my house.  They are velcro, so Madison can do it herself.  Actually, Will my 2 year old can do it himself too.   It’s a great way to promote independence with your kids.  These are perfect for special needs too, because they literally can undo and do this belt with one hand.  They even have adult sizes (which I think is awesome since I can imagine how difficult a regular belt must be if you have arthritis).  Price wise, these belts are cheaper than anything I found in the stores (which Madison couldn’t do).

I can only highly recommend these belts.  My kids can do them by themselves, they are hardy, and the price is right.  What more can you ask for?

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