December Must-Haves…!

Before you go…”OMG, December is almost over!”…there’s still time to treasure and cherish the last few weeks of 2011. Once December 1st rolls around it seems like a whirlwind of activities and no-one ever takes the time to stop and enjoy life as it is. That’s exactly what Mama is doing these next few weeks — taking it easy because really, life with a newborn hasn’t been as EASY as Mama thought it would be. While Mama still manages to get a lot done in the day, it seems Everyday Mama has taken a back seat — SO SORRY — but in 2012 there will be plenty of time to enjoy the funny, whimsical parenting and fashion advice Mama has to throw your way. WHY? Because Mama can and well…she will, regardless of being asked (don’t you know that Mama loves to share her opinion about anything and everything).

So while December seems to be a flurry of shopping bags and holiday cookies, Mama is giving you this one piece of advice — don’t try and do it all because you can’t attend every party, make every cookie that Martha tells you to make and you don’t have the budget to shop to you drop (unless you do — then Mama wants your number). Take it easy and just enjoy being a family and loving the simple things this December like your child’s face when they step on stage to perform in their holiday play, the first snow of the season, going puddle jumping in the rain, making and delivering cookies for a neighbor, and making simple crafts with what you already have around the house. It’s these things that you’ll actually remember next holiday season — not the million toys that you bought the kids and all the parties you attended.

With that being said…here’s a few of Mama’s must-haves, must-dos and just MUSTS for December…Enjoy!

Must-have for the kids: Remember when Mama told you there’s no such thing as too much electronic play this month because well, there’s only one of Mama and three of them…Well, Baby Boy has noticed this and has taken it upon himself to claim Mama’s iPhone all to himself. In fact, Mama thinks he knows the password to the iTunes store to download his own games because now there are four more that Mama never had downloaded before — EEK! However, one that Mama did download was the new HappiTaps from Infantino, available at iTunes.com and at Step2.com for FREE (always a bonus). It’s toddler perfection because there are so many different functions that it keeps them interested rather than just one game that after five minutes they cast aside. Mama had also received the cute little protective HappiTaps Bear Case in the mail because it keeps little fingers from breaking and drooling all over the precious phone, $19.99 (and ships FREE – great stocking stuffer for the tot), at step2.com. It’s no wonder that Baby Boy has claimed the phone as his own! The games include: a sing-a-long, peek-a-boo, expressions, rattle and fun, ABCs, story time and bed time — each of them providing a fun and interactive experience but also teaching them an important lesson. Little CeCe is going to love this thing in about 10 months — Mama just knows it. A definite must-have for the kids during this busy time of year of plane rides, road trips and strolling through the sales at the mall.**

Must-wear: Mama only has one word for you — SEQUINS! It’s all about sparkle this month and you can work it in many ways whether you dress casually or fancy. Of course, Mama’s favorite online store, Piperlime.com, has the most bang for your buck this month and has some amazing sales happening. Here’s two picks that you can’t go wrong wearing: Theme Sequin Sweater, $69, and Greylin Embellished Elastic Waist Dress, $158.

Must-read: What’s better than all your favorite stories piled into one giant book?! Pretty much nothing…so Mama is recommending (and loving) The Family Storybook Treasury, $12.91, at amazon.com. The Family Storybook Treasury is a collection of your most well-loved picture books and poetry, in one beautiful keepsake volume with bonus audio CD (we know how kids love to be read to…even when you can’t do it). Stories include:  Curious George and the Firefighters by Margret and H. A. Rey; Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh; Lyle Walks the Dogs by Bernard Waber, illustrated by Paulis WaberSheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw, illustrated by Margo Apple; Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinge; Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow; The Great Doughnut Parade by Rebecca Bond; Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton. Oh and Mama is GIVING AWAY 2 COPIES of the book!! Enter below…

Must-do: give back — any way you can! Mama has her own favorite charities as Mama is sure you do in your own area. Buy an extra toy or two for kids in need, volunteer at the food bank, or make cards to send over to soldiers fighting for our country that can’t be with their own friends and family this holiday season. Although the economy has taken a toll on everyone this year, there’s always someone worse off than yourself and that’s when it’s time to be thankful and give back whether it’s time or money you can donate. If you’re here in San Diego, Mama recommends helping out Promises2Kids with their annual toy drive providing toys to foster children that have been displaced from their families — for more information visit, promises2kids.org. If you like to SHOP to give back, Mama thinks your kids will love these Pet Balloons (great for kids that want a pet this holiday but you’re just NOT willing!) that give back to the organization, Canines for Disables Kids, every time a balloon is bought. Mama is loving the PUG, $14.95, at myownpetballoon.com — check it out!

What’s on your MUSTS list this month?

**I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Infantino HappiTaps and received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.