It’s every mothers dream to be able to turn pictures of your beloved child into an adorable blog and, now, children’s book. “When Baby Dreams” is a compilation of baby Mila taken by her Finish mother, Adele, while on her maternity leave. Adele used to used to introduce herself as a copywriter & concept designer in advertising, but that’s not that relevant anymore. Now she’s a mother and a housewife, and loving it!  What mother wouldn’t? Not only has she created a new revenue stream for her family, but she has also created a life lasting memory for her sweet daughter.

Two weeks after baby Mila was born her mother took her first photograph with her simple camera, Canon IXUS 750. She used blankets, stuffed animals and pillows to create her first forest scene. After posting the picture to her Facebook in June 2010 and blog for her family and friends to see, little did she know that 2 weeks later her site would have over a million visits.

Flash to January 3rd and the launch of her first book title. Enersen and her husband are now expecting their second child. How will she ever create such memories for their next child? Maybe a sequel?

About “When Baby Dreams” by Adele Enersen

Sometimes, Mila dreams she’s a butterfly . . . .

Sometimes, she’s a bookworm . . .

Or a surfer girl , or even an astronaut.

When Mila dreams, she can be anything.

From the brilliant mind of new mother Adele Enersen comes this imaginative journey through the irresistible dreamscapes of a newborn. A love letter to babies everywhere.

Toni Danielson

Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!

    

See larger image When My Baby Dreams (Hardcover) By (author) Adele Enersen List Price: $14.99 USD New From: $8.45 In Stock Used from: $5.50 In Stock Release date January 3, 2012.

when baby dreams | adele enersen is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

I suddenly realized this weekend, that the holiday season has snuck up on me once again and is just around the corner. This always happens…Halloween arrives and the next thing I know, I am packing up the Christmas decorations and making New Years resolutions. After my brief moment of “I can’t believe the year is almost over,” I couldn’t help but giggle with joy. I LOVE the holiday season, yippee!

Now that I am fully aware of the fact that there are only 64 days, 3 hours and 40 minutes until Christmas Day, I decided to get out my list of this years products, and hit the web to find the BEST gift ideas for 2011. So of course the first website I hit was Etsy–it never disappoints! The only problem I have on Etsy, is that there are so many amazing shops it is hard to choose favorites.  And then I met Apple N Amos. Wood has never looked so good, and I can’t wait for the holiday season so I can gift some Apple N Amos toys to my favorite little niece. Not only would these rainbow delights be the perfect touch of color for your nursery, I can only imagine that the variety of sizes, textures, shapes, mix-n-match lids and coordinating sets will keep your babes and tots busy for hours. With puzzle-like options, these wooden collections make for great educational toys. Here are a sample of toys available in the Apple N Amos’s Etsy shop:

Arcorns? Lids? Take your pick, they go both ways…

I fell in love with the classic apples, they would be perfect for an outdoor kitchen/playhouse, or for a themed nursery…

Can’t beat the classics…

This will keep those little ones busy for hours! And what a great way to learn colors and counting…

You can also check out the Apple N Amos Blog to learn more about the wonderful mom behind the designs.

Shannon Hughes

Co-Founder/CEO of HappyHourMom.com, Freelancer, Internet Marketing Consultant, and Social Media lover. Wife to an amazing husband, mom to two beautiful little girls, and follower of Jesus Christ. I am a Happy Hour Mom…are you?

    

top gift ideas 2011 | wood toys by applenamos is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

My sweet girl starts her summer ballet class tomorrow and I can’t wait. She may not be the most coordinated kiddo in the class, but as long as she has a smile on her face, the class will be a success. I just hope she is not too hard on herself or to shy to enjoy herself. When kids are younger everything is just “cute.” Whether it is singing, dancing, playing sports, as tots everything is fun, innocent, and adorable. But once they hit 6-8 years old, things start getting brutal and expectations are often set pretty high. The talented are set apart from the “less gifted” dancers, titles are applied, and distinctions are made. My daughter has very high expectations for herself so I am anxious to see how her first class goes. The poor thing has grown almost a foot in the past year, and advanced nearly 3 shoe sizes, to a whopping size 4, in the past 4 months, and while I am sure she’ll do great, it’ll be interesting because she’s hardly had time to grow into her body at this point. My hope is actually that ballet will help with her coordination, balance, and confidence. My husband is 7 feet tall, so I have a feeling she is not going to stop growing any time soon!

Do you have little ones in dance? Ballet? Has any of the discipline and skills they’ve learned in class carried over into their daily routine or overall attitude? I would love to hear your thoughts/experiences, please share in the comments below…

image credit: Sweet ballerina shoes, Sweet ballerinas all in a row, Sweet baby ballerina beet

Shannon Hughes

Co-Founder/CEO of HappyHourMom.com, Freelancer, Internet Marketing Consultant, and Social Media lover. Wife to an amazing husband, mom to two beautiful little girls, and follower of Jesus Christ. I am a Happy Hour Mom…are you?

    

sweet ballerina is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

Now that school is out for summer, it is our job as parents to make sure our children continue to learn and stay attentive over the next couple months. At the same time, we must also adjust to the fact that they will be home with us 24/7 and craving the interaction with their peers. This is when play date season is in full swing for parents with school-age children, and it is time to get creative. The top play date for Summer 2011 is up for grabs, and starting a book club for your child and his/her friends might just take the prize. Exercise those minds by challenging them to read new books and keep it exciting by encouraging discussion amongst peers. Here’s how it works…

1. Select a group of peers who are at just about the same reading level, or at least have books that are in the same reading level.
2. Set a date, once a week, twice a month, whatever your preference is, and find a location. You can coordinate with other parents if you’d like and take turns hosting the play dates, or you may decide to keep it on the home front and host it yourself.
3. Have each child pick out his/her favorite book and read it and some point before the scheduled meeting day. Then have the child bring the book to the play date.
4. When the children arrive, they will be paired up and exchange their favorite books with their assigned partner. You may serve treats and juice, and can even find fun and fancy plastic eating-ware to make them feel special.
5. Then off they go with their “new” book to read. Have them read the book that has been loaned to them and have them draw a picture or write something about the book that they liked. This keeps them “thinking,” helps with their writing skills, and will jog their memory at the next play date book club.
6. Each week the child will bring his/her picture and the book they read for the week. You will pair them up with someone new and repeat step 5 each week.

Depending on how many kids you have in the group, and how long you would like to continue the club, you may need to have the kiddos bring a new copy of their own favorite book to exchange. Eventually all of the kids will have read each of the books and they can all talk about what they liked (or didn’t like) about them. It is a fun way to keep them engaged and a great way to expose them to knew literature. (It is also a lot cheaper!) As the ring leader of the event, I would recommend bringing a few extra books just in case one of the children comes without a book. You may also want to consider pairing the play date with a book club for the mommies involved. This really is a great idea for friends with kids who are close in age–fun for everyone!

We would love to hear about your top educational play date choice for summer 2011, please share in the comments below…

Shannon Hughes

Co-Founder/CEO of HappyHourMom.com, Freelancer, Internet Marketing Consultant, and Social Media lover. Wife to an amazing husband, mom to two beautiful little girls, and follower of Jesus Christ. I am a Happy Hour Mom…are you?

    

top play date choice for summer 2011 | book club for kids is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

After spending a majority of the past 6 years abroad, I have a soft-spot for internationally-made and -inspired toys, clothing and decor. There is a distinct style and quality when buying well-made items overseas. Referred to as Prams or Push-cars abroad, and most commonly referred to as strollers in the United States, these baby-movers are a necessity for busy parents. It is no wonder that little ones love to play pretend and push their baby dolls around in their very own little prams. I found these adorable wooden prams for your little “mommies” on one of my favorite European-inspired blogs BabyccinoKids.com, These wooden Moover Prams are perfect for little girls, ages 1+ and can be purchased from Kinderroom, based in the United Kingdom, at 69.95 Euros. Now that my family and I are back in California, I thought I would seek out some local options for wooden stroller toys. Here are a couple places you can order from in the United States:

$55.00 at NovaNatural.com family-run business based in of Williston, Vermont.

$49.95 for a J & S Custom Crafters American Girl Baby Doll Stroller sold out of Atlantic City, NJ.

While the strollers created in the United States are wonderful, the Kinderroom Wooden Pram really is in a league of its own. It probably has a lot to do with the full-size, real-life baby “Prams” and “Strollers” that have two distinct looks. Certainly the creators of these wooden toys drew inspiration from their own strollers, after all, every little girl wants to be just like her mommy, right?

In Europe you will find the posh buggy-type stroller with a hint of luxury in every design. With plush fabrics, larger wheels for a smooth ride, and larger price tags, the European Strollers really are top-of-the-line when in the stroller world. The US strollers vary greatly in design and style, with a less distinct look. In recent years, however, the European Prams are making their way into the US market. The Quinny is one brand that made its way into the US market, and one that my family has enjoyed. What do you prefer–The Euro Push-car or the US Baby Stroller?

photo credit (in order seen above): Kinderroom, NovaNatural.com, J & S Custom Crafters American Girl Baby Doll Stroller

Shannon Hughes

Co-Founder/CEO of HappyHourMom.com, Freelancer, Internet Marketing Consultant, and Social Media lover. Wife to an amazing husband, mom to two beautiful little girls, and follower of Jesus Christ. I am a Happy Hour Mom…are you?

    

euro toys v. american toys | wooden pram v. wooden strollers is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

These last minute stocking stuffers are calling your name. Instead of filling your stockings hung with care with the usual fluff of candy, give them the gift of functionality. Gaddy Nipper has created an amazing effort to reduce, reuse and recycle while creating specially molded crayons for craft time. Check out Gaddy Nipper’s fun, custom, recycled snowflake crayons. They take only quality crayons and turn them into new and fun shapes. My season’s favorite is in the shape of snowflakes.  GN also offer a variety of other shapes, for all your gift giving needs. This set is six assorted colored Swirly Snowflake crayons. One each of red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and purple Silly Swirly crayons.

Each Crayon measures approx. 2″.

Our crayons are non-toxic, safe for my little one and yours.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com and sponsored by Favorite Wigs Shop Name Brand Wigs at Low Prices! Large Wig Selection of Estetica Wigs, Quality Wigs. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Toni Danielson

Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!

    

gaddy nipper crayons review is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

Give the gift that gives back. Knock Knock has the perfect stocking stuffer that doesn’t require batteries and can occupy your kids on a long road trip, in turn, easing those stressful, long car rides this season. Try to stay unplugged for extended periods of time,. we dare you.  Let the minds of your kids run free while searching to find matches to an old school favorite. Call it like you see it and check your spots off each time you come across a bridge, satellite dish or a flat tire! Besides Bingo, Knock Knock offers product design, functionality and modern style to the highest degree. Whether you are looking for a unique gift for kids or a quirky present for a friend Knock Knock can be at your door. They really do put the fun in functionality.

Toni Danielson

Toni Danielson, ad agency working mom of a big brown-eyed little man, wife to an amazing husband, Digital Media Lover. Blogger. Infographic-obsessed. Expat. Happy Hour Mom. BBall Wife. Not all in that order. Join me in my journey to become the ultimate Happy Hour Mom!

    

knock knock games | bingo is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER, Kirby C. You are going to love your new Quinny! Thanks to all of our wonderful readers who entered–If you didn’t win, don’t worry. We  have another REALLY EXCITING giveaway coming up!

Are you a mommy fashionista? Don’t mind being stroller gawked, even secretly enjoy it? Take it from two proud owners of the European style, Quinny Buzz Stroller System. We’ve heard it all, “does it come with a remote?” “can I get one of those in my size?” I even had someone hunt me down in a parking lot to ask the brand of the stroller. Since all of our overseas travels, seeing a Quinny isn’t that unusual because the majority of strollers are super sleek and have attachments for a bassinet (in this case, the Dreami Cot).  My favorite feature is that the stroller seat can be front or rear-facing, allowing for more interaction between parents and their munchkins even at the older stages. Plus, for infant use it coordinates with the Maxi Cosi Car seat or, as already mentioned, the Dreami Cot (which can double as a portable bed). Stylish, functional, lightweight, and a great quality. Sounds Dreami, doesn’t it?

Well, it gets better! HappyHourMom.com is thrilled to offer one lucky reader a Quinny Buzz Stroller! The Holidays will merrier than ever for the little babe who gets to cruise around in style for the next few years.

The more ways you enter, the more of a shot you will have to win. As a special bonus, for this week only, when you Visit Happy Hour Mom’s Daily Dose and share your happy Hour Tip of the Day (you submit your tip at the bottom of the page). A new feature here on HHM, where you can share tips for moms to take time to themselves. Keep it 140 characters or less–the length of a tweet, it will count as 3 entries!

Prize: Quinny Buzz Stroller! valued at over $400!

How to Enter:

1) Comment below with where you will be most likely spotted pushing your little Babe in his/her new ride!

Extra Entries:

2) Visit Happy Hour Mom’s Daily Dose and share your happy Hour Tip of the Day (you submit your tip at the bottom of the page). A new feature here on HHM, where you can share tips for moms to take time to themselves. Keep it 140 characters or less–the length of a tweet. (Counts as 3 entries, increasing your chance to win!!) (Counts as 3 entries, increasing your chance to win!!)

3)”Like” Quinny Buzz on Facebook

*please note that you will receive the Quinny Buzz Stroller, not the additional accessories, Maxi Cosi, or Derami Cot.

Contest ends Midnight December 17th, 2010. Winner will be randomly selected and contacted via email with further details. Please be sure to respond within 48 hours or we will have to select another winner.

*********************************************************************************
disclaimer:
We were not paid in any form of cash for this posting.
We did receive product or services to keep for my testing purposes.
You can read more about Happy Hour Mom’s Policy Disclosure {HERE}.

Shannon Hughes

Co-Founder/CEO of HappyHourMom.com, Freelancer, Internet Marketing Consultant, and Social Media lover. Wife to an amazing husband, mom to two beautiful little girls, and follower of Jesus Christ. I am a Happy Hour Mom…are you?

    

WINNER! quinny buzz giveaway is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

Esthex, a line of  adorable stuffed dolls and animals for adults and kids,was born in 2003, as a drawing was found hidden away. Esther Schuivens found a sketch she had drawn as a child, during a visit to her parents house. What was once a sketchy drawing of a little girl (Sophie), soon became the first of many dolls. The simply sweet, innocent dolls lead to an array of cute and cuddly animals. The creations are perfect to hang on the pram ( AKA stroller) or cradle, for baby. I am smitten with the simplicity of the designs, and originality of the items–from the bibs, to the dummyholders (AKA Pacifier holders), to the dolls that started it all. Perfect gift for the mommies and babes who have it all.

Shannon Hughes

Co-Founder/CEO of HappyHourMom.com, Freelancer, Internet Marketing Consultant, and Social Media lover. Wife to an amazing husband, mom to two beautiful little girls, and follower of Jesus Christ. I am a Happy Hour Mom…are you?

    

unique dolls, accessories and toys for baby and tot | esthex is a post from: Happy Hour Mom

I loved playing “Memory” with a deck of cards as a child. I would play it over video games, and just about any board game–that is just how much I enjoyed. So you can imagine my excitement when I introduced the game to my 4 year old and she loved it just as much as I did. Whiling browsing a newly discovered and oh-so-fabulous site this afternoon, KidsHaus, I came across these incredible Wooden Chips that have been used to create a memory game. The fabulous creator, Lemon Tree Studio, can be found on Etsy.com.

The Etsy description reads:

“Made with super smooth 1.5 inch wooden discs that each have cute images, hand stamped with water resistant, permanent non-toxic ink!

There is a total of 22 pieces (11 matches). One side is blank and the other side features fun forest critters, like bunnies, birds, owls, flowers, trees, hedgehogs, and squirrels…..and eco designs….so cute!

Comes with a handy dandy, handmade drawstring bag for storage…..perfect for travel or gift-giving. Fabric placement may differ slightly, since each bag is handmade.”

At only $16 (prices may vary slightly, but $16 seemed to be the going rate) this Eco-friendly Memory Game makes the perfect gift for the little ones in your life. (Or if you are a friend of mine…ME).

What was your favorite game as a child?

Shannon Hughes

Co-Founder/CEO of HappyHourMom.com, Freelancer, Internet Marketing Consultant, and Social Media lover. Wife to an amazing husband, mom to two beautiful little girls, and follower of Jesus Christ. I am a Happy Hour Mom…are you?

    

memory game on wooden chips | lemon tree studio is a post from: Happy Hour Mom