Valentine's Day with cute stick figures! CLOSED

I'm not the most romantic person and as such, I often have a hard time choosing a Valentine's Day gift for Mike. If I were to buy him a watch he'd probably lose it (don't shake your head at me, Mike, you know you would!) and ties are actually contraindicated while working in a lab. So...yeah, Mama G is usually fresh out of ideas. But this year? It's not going to be such a challenge for me! My upcoming sponsor Datevitation.com lets you create fun custom date coupon books. Creative, personal, and adorable (read: cute stick figure illustrations!)

More about Datevitation:
Datevitation is the first online platform to create a custom love coupon book. Unlike the pre-packaged love coupon books on the market, you pick the dates and can customize the text to your liking. Once you are done customizing the text in your book, Datevitation will print it out and ship it to you in a ready-to-gift box.

What a fun idea! What inspired its creation?
Launched in 2011, Datevitation is the brainchild of Alex Karpman, a UCLA graduate and USC School of Law alum. “This all started when I gave my girlfriend an iPod for her birthday along with a card describing a fun date night I had planned for us,” explains Alex. “When she was visibly more excited about the card than the iPod, I knew I was onto something. I set out to build tools and a platform to help anyone in a relationship create the most unique, thoughtful, and romantic gift imaginable. It’s all about giving your special someone the gift of having fun and spending time together."

Before I show you the book I created for part of Mike's Valentine's Day present, I want to tell you how much fun I had making it! There are over 60 cover options to suit any occasion and the library contains over 200 fun date ideas ranging from skydiving to stargazing to steamy adult-only activities (some of which, by the way, are HILARIOUS). I took my time looking through all of them to pick the perfect ones for my book. And I seriously can't stop giggling about their X-Rated illustrations. Each date has a fun blurb that you can leave be or edit to your liking. I modified all of mine just slightly. I bet you can tell what I added on the first page below ;)

Top: cover, Below: three of the pages in my book!

In addition to the unique and fun date ideas and corresponding illustrations, something else I love about Datevitation is that their gender-neutral figures make it possible to make a book for anyone. There are male-male and female-female versions of every illustration in the date library.

Shop:

Books start at just $20 and are perfect gift for Valentine's Day! You can use the code GEEKY for $5 off your purchase.

Win:
Datevitation is generously offering a custom date book with 5 pages to one of my readers!

How to Enter:

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Click "Read More" below and then follow the instructions on the widget. Make sure to click "Enter!" after you complete each entry. All currents count! The giveaway is open to US Residents Only and ends at 11:59 PM EST on Friday, January 25th.

The first entry is mandatory - Visit Datevitation's library of over 200 date ideas and tell me which is your favorite! Once you complete this entry, the widget will give you the option of completing the rest. Complete more steps for more chances to win!

Carina's favorite gift - nuked mermaid, anyone?

Carina has always been intrigued by watching us cook, to the point that Mike is sometimes forced to whip up pancakes one-handed, with Carina in one arm and the spatula (or "patch-a-ta" as she calls it) in the other lest we all suffer through an epic tantrum.

He might kill me for sharing this one

There, that's better

Before she could piece together sentences she would holler, "cook Daddy!" or "cook Mommy!" as soon as we turned on the stove. At the time we hoped that she didn't intend to actually cook us, but rather cook with us. Now she can clearly articulate that she wants to help, and not sauté Mommy or Daddy.

We had a play kitchen on Carina's Christmas List but couldn't afford one this year, so we were quite excited to learn that my parents (Carina's Mimi and Pépère) went all out and not only purchased one for her, but tricked it out with all sorts of food and sundries.

Carina's kitchen in all its glory

Playing with her cousins (left), cooking (top right), and about to refrigerate Snow White (bottom right)

In addition to cooking play food and putting it in the refrigerator and cabinets, she also enjoys placing her Disney princess figurines inside every nook and cranny. Her favorites? The microwave and oven. Every now and then I'll discover that she is cooking up a dozen princesses.

A regular occurrence around these parts

What was your little one's favorite gift?


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This week's Toddle Along Tuesday co-host is Heather from Mama Dish and topic is favorite Holiday gift! Now that the Holidays are over, what gift has proven to be your child's favorite? (or yours!) There are no rules here, except that you link up a relevant post (old or new) rather than your whole blog.


Next week's TAT topic will be how you met your significant other! Let's flashback to when it all began.

2012 Holiday Gift Guide - For the little ones!

 

1. Periodically Inspired Made by Geniuses onesie
Periodically Inspired gives you a way to chemically compound your nerdiness with GENIUS, BABY GENIUS, NERDY, WISE ASS and OMG t-shirts, baby onesies, coffee mugs and more - all inspired by the Periodic Table of Elements! Since 2010, we've put the rad in radioactive for scientists and science-lovers alike! No lab coat required. Use code BLACKFRIDAYWKND from November 22-26 to get 50% off, plus a free WISE ASS bumper sticker! Carina has a genius tee, too, and it's adorable.

2. Bealoo Kids Fairy Friends Canvas
Bealoo Kids sells fun, funky art for kids' spaces. I was a stay at home mom, former animator and artist, debating whether to go back to work. Tired of “fall-off-the-wall” stickers and mass-produced, humdrum decor that was available for kids’ rooms, I decided to create my own. One piece at a time Bealoo strives to decorate your little one's space with style! Get 15% off of your order with coupon code BEALOO15. Every kid needs a Pirate treasure map in their room, right?

3. Sandy Storck, Independent Scentsy Consultant Scentsy Nursery Warmer
I was introduced to Scentsy through another new mom. I thought that this idea as a safe alternative for a traditional candle was a great idea! Scentsy is a warmer, powered by a lightbulb designed to melt wax that comes in many different scents, there's a scent for everyone! The November scent of the month is Peppermint Dreams & the Warmer is Holiday Lights - both are 10% off. Fragrance foam and select Scentsy buddies are buy one get one free! I am a bit obsessed with Scentsy - it makes our house smell so good!

4. Reese's Pieces Hand Painted Growth Chart
I'm Corinne, mom to two little girls. I hand paint custom children's art, including wall letters, growth charts, and canvas art. I love Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, and anything you can come up with! US orders submitted by December 1st are guaranteed to arrive by Christmas, and code FREESHIP will get you free shipping! We've been having so much fun tracking Carina's height on our double growth chart! Check out Corrine's amazing nursery art, too.

5. A Bit of Lovely Crocheted Baby Booties
I'm a wife and mother to 3 boys, & one on the way! My grandma taught me to crochet and I loved it from the beginning. I make baby booties, headbands, diaper covers, hats...all great for anything from baby shower gifts to photo props. Besides my family and crochet, my other passion is running! Get free shipping on your order through December 10th with code HOLIDAY2012. These are the cutest booties I've ever seen. And? New little cowboy boots..eee!

6. Melondipity Darling Damask Printed Baby Girl Hat
Melondipity is the largest online baby hat and headband boutique on the planet! Melondipity offers one of a kind products that are hand selected to be not only adorable and unique, but also the highest quality. Use code melongeeky for 10% off of your order through November 27th! This hat is so adorable and will look perfect with any baby girl's holiday outfit! I also love the Little Turkey Hat.

7. Burt's Bees Sweet Memories Keepsake Photo Box
Help the new mother in your life welcome her bundle of joy into the world with this little bundle of joy from Burt’s Bees. Burt’s Bees provides completely safe and natural body care solutions for newborns. With this Keepsake box, she can cherish her little one’s natural “firsts” with a supply of beloved Burt’s Bees Baby Bee best-sellers made with soothing ingredients to pamper baby’s delicate skin. I can't tell you how much we love Burt's Bees products! They have some great gifts for Mommas, too.

8. Morning Tempest Studios Embroidered Baby Bib
Morning Tempest Studios is an eclectic boutique for the exceptional soul. We cater to those who want something they can’t find mass marketed and want to create something truly personal. From custom colors, adding a special message or name, to daydreaming of something completely new, I strive to make each of my customers feel special like an old friend. The holiday themed bibs are so fun!

9. Geekling Designs Acute Baby onesie 
My name is Jennifer Thornton and I am the mom behind Geekling Designs. Geekling Designs provides infant, toddler and maternity clothing and accessories with designs inspired by geek culture. You will find a wide range of geeky goodies inspired by Star Wars, Harry Potter, Doctor Who and more! Coupon code GROWINGUPGEEKY will get you 15% off of your order! If you're a Big Bang Theory fan, check out the Soft Kitty onesies. SO CUTE.

Giveaway time!
There are 7 great prizes from my generous participants, so we'll have 7 winners! All prizes can be shipped worldwide, woohoo! The 1st winner will have their choice of the prizes and the 2nd winner will have their choice of the rest, and so on!

Prizes: 
Periodically Inspired - Item of your choice
Bealoo Kids - Set of 4 8x10 art prints (your choice)
Little Reese's Pieces - $25 shop credit
A Bit of Lovely - $20 shop credit
Melondipity - Mr. Frosty the Snowman Beanie Baby Hat
Morning Tempest - Bib of your choice
Geekling Designs - Onesie/bodysuit of your choice

How to Enter:

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Click "Read More" below and then follow the instructions on the widget. Make sure to click "Enter!" after you complete each entry. All currents count! The giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, November 24th. There are no mandatory entries, but the more you complete the more chances for you to win!

2012 Holiday Gift Guide - For the Mommas!

1. Kristine's Keepsakes Hand Stamped Sparrow Necklace
I design and create hand stamped jewelry and keepsake pieces. Each one is individually stamped, so no two pieces are identical. I am a single mother to an amazing little boy! He is the one who has inspired me to create so many of my pieces. Order by December 10th for guaranteed delivery by Christmas! I have ordered a necklace from Kristine and plan on ordering more - they are so unique and special!

2. Jac & Elsie Small Pearl Silver Earrings
My name is Jaclyn, and I'm a features reporter for a daily newspaper by day who found that making jewelry is an incredibly relaxing, and fun, pasttime. The style of the jewelry I make has changed over the years, and it's become very vintage-inspired -- I love taking old pieces and updating them -- and easy-to-wear. You're much more likely to find an awesome long necklace with bold beads or a funky pendant than you are the little beaded pieces I started out making. The pearl earrings are so dainty, they match everything! Be sure to check out Jac & Elsie's best-selling friendship necklaces as well.

3. Inlite Bags Silver SolClutch
Inlite brings you Light-Up purses and bags that illuminate with the click of a button. The patent-pending technology features LED lights that make it possible to see what's in your bag so you'll never have to fumble around your purse looking for your items again. Add some light to your holiday season with Inlite! Makes a perfect gift for friends and family. Receive 15% off of your order and free shipping with code HolidayLights! If you lose things in your purse and can't see them in the dark (like me) this is the bag for you. A geek girl's dream. They have a number of awesome styles, too!

4. Saving Grace Designs Diaper Clutch

I'm a stay at home Mama to four little ones who enjoys creating baby items that I, myself, have found to be useful and fun. This clutch is perfect for those quick trips when you just want to carry around your giant diaper bag. It fits a diaper, some wipes, a binky, and snack perfectly. Be sure to check out Danielle's muslin swaddling blankets, too!

5. Awkward Designs Plastic State Charm
I am a Californian stay at home mom with a passion for crafting. Selling my favorite Scrabble tile jewelry online has allowed me to keep busy and do what I enjoy. Until 1/1/13 use code GEEKY for free domestic shipping on any purchase. These state charms can be customized with a little heart or star over your hometown and make great necklaces or keychains. Kira makes fun scrabble pendants as well.

6. Something Sweet by Tay Royal Icing Holiday Cookies
Something Sweet by Tay is a small specialty bakery located in Arizona. We offer all kinds of yummy things, but we're famous for our Royal Icing Sugar Cookies, which can be shipped nationwide. This bakery has been a dream of mine since I was 7 or 8 years old, and it was a family-wide effort to make that dream a reality. Get 10% off of your order with code GEEKYHOLIDAY. All I can say is YUM. At only $1-1.50 each these cookies are a steal and would brighten anyone's day. I think I'll be ordering some for Carina's birthday party (and hopefully I won't eat them all myself...)

7. Jennifer Tingwald, Independent Origami Owl Consultant Living Locket
In June of 2012, I started selling Origami Owl as a way to fund-raise for our second adoption, with hopes of bringing home our second child from Colombia! Living Lockets are an extension of YOU - because each and every piece is custom designed to tell a story of your life + of what's important to you. I fell in love with the product and have been so blessed to help women across the country tell {their} story! Through November 30th, any order that is emailed to me {SimplyCharmedJenn@gmail.com} directly will include a free chain 18-20" ball chain with every locket purchased. Origami Owl lockets are so unique and customizable they make the perfect gift that you can add to over time! Check out all of the adorable charms.

8. Claire Lakin-Koel Independent Tastefully Simple Consultant
Bountiful Beer Bread Mix
Tastefully Simple is a direct sales company that features convenient, easy to prepare foods such as appetizers, soups, dips, spices, desserts, and drink mixes as well as wonderful gift packages. I love Tastefully Simply because it has always made my life easier by allowing me to make delicious, easy meals that have a homemade feel to them. From now until December 10th, Tastefully Simple is offering a peppermint stick for $1.99 and a special holiday recipe book called "Make the Holiday Sparkle" which make great additions to any gift! The Bountiful Beer Bread and Nana's Apple Cake are my personal favorites. So quick and easy!

9. Jennifer Moran, Independent Thirty-One Consultant Timeless Beauty Bag  I am the happily married mom of an almost two year old rambunctious little boy. I joined Thirty-One because I loved the product and also liked the idea of making extra money for my family. Through November 26th spend $35 and you can purchase a medium utility tote for $5. From November 27th through December 31st, for every $31 you spend you can purchase a timeless beauty bag, timeless wristlet, cinch sack, thermal tote, or mini utility tote for $5. While the Timeless Beauty Bag is perfect for makeup, ours is used for storing some of Carina's toys. She loves it and will not stand for Mommy using it for anything else ;)


Giveaway time!
There are 8 great prizes from my generous participants, so we'll have 8 winners! Some of the prizes can be shipped worldwide while others can only be sent to residents of the US or US & Canada. The 1st winner will have their choice of the prizes that can be shipped to their country of residence. The 2nd winner will have their choice of the rest (again, that can be shipped to them), and so on!

Prizes: 
Kristine's Keepsakes - Dainty Monogrammed Necklace
Jac & Elsie - Bracelet of your choice
Saving Grace Designs - Winner's choice of muslin receiving blanket 
Awkward Designs - Custom state key chain
Something Sweet by Tay - $20 credit to purchase Royal Icing Sugar Cookies
Jennifer Tingwald (Origami Owl) -  $25 credit to Origami Owl
Claire Lakin-Koel (Tastefully Simple) - Bountiful Beer Bread Mix & Nana's Apple Cake Mix
Jennifer Moran (Thirty-One Gifts) - Timeless Beauty Bag

How to Enter:

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Click "Read More" below and then follow the instructions on the widget. Make sure to click "Enter!" after you complete each entry. All currents count! The giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, November 22nd. There are no mandatory entries, but the more you complete the more chances for you to win!

My 2012 Christmas List

1. Personalized Hand Stamped Snowflake Ornament from Kristine's Keepsakes (Etsy). I'd really like to start a tradition of getting one customized family ornament each year.

2. The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig. This is book #6 in a 10 (and counting) book historical fiction spy/mystery series. It's my guilty pleasure; they are easy reads.

3. The Margo PJ from Majamas. I reviewed a similar pair of these recently and love them so much; I need a long-sleeve pair for the Winter.

4. Cuisinart Programmable Breadmaker. I dream of fresh bread and dough and have NO time to make it all myself these days. Does anyone have one of these? Are they worth it?

5. Camera Strap Cover from PaisleyMaizie (Etsy). It's about time to start getting some accessories for my camera that I got a year ago ::hides:: I love the minky fabric on this one.

6. Opteka DSLR Case. Another desperately needed camera accessory. My current camera case was part of last year's Black Friday deal and it's a giant backpack. Momma needs something a little smaller.

7. Cognac Knee High Boots by Nectar. It doesn't have to be this exact pair, but I would like to venture into the world of riding boots. This {extremely fashion unconscious} Momma has never owned a pair.

8. Sofft Valda Mary Janes. Another pair of shoes I have fallen in love with recently. These will go with anything practically.

9. Empire scoop neck nursing top by Milk Nursingwear. My other Milk Nursingwear top is so comfortable and allows for easy nursing - I would like to expand my wardrobe!

10. My heart's in Massachusetts necklace by Zailove (Etsy). Having lived in Massachusetts for most of my life, this one is self-explanatory :)

What's on your holiday wish list this year?


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This week's Toddle Along Tuesday co-host is Maria from Layers of Meaning and the topic is Holiday Wish Lists for yourself! What does Momma want this year? I may or may not be stalking your lists for ideas for myself ;) There are no rules here, except that you link up a relevant post (old or new) rather than your whole blog.

Next week's topic is birth order! Has it affected your kids' personalities, or yours? Is there any truth to that philosophy, in your experience?

If you like advance notice for TAT, check out the bottom right of my blog - topics for the next couple months are listed. Would you like to submit a topic idea and/or volunteer to co-host one week? E-mail me!

Carina's 2012 Christmas List

1. KidKraft Pastel Coffee Set - $29.99. She loves coffee, what can I say? ;)

2. Monkey Scentsy Buddy - usually $25, but currently Buy 1 Get 1 Free through 10/31! I may or may not have already bought 4 of these to save for gifts for others...

3. Step2 LifeStyle Custom Kitchen - $89.99. She loves to help us cook!

4. Ikea MALA Easel - $14.99. Carina loves her crayons but doesn't have a designated space for coloring. Right now we just tape paper to our coffee table. This would be much better.

5. HearthSong Pink Eco-Friendly Tool Set - $27.98. What girl doesn't want pink tools?

6. Ralph Lauren Striped Velour Dress - $29.99. Yes, I know I have an unhealthy obsession with Ralph Lauren baby clothes!

7. Lego Duplos - $39.59. Mike's folks have a bunch of these and Carina went crazy playing with them when we were visiting last week. She yells "doo-puh-loes!!" and it's the cutest thing ever, I promise.

8. Old Navy Performance Fleece Booties - $7.94. Carina has these but is about to outgrow them. She loves them so much, so we'll have to get another pair in the next size up.

9. Big Anthony and the Magic Ring by Tomie dePaola - $7.00. Ever since we checked this out from the library Carina wants to read it ALL the time. It's worth buying it at this point.

10. Calico Critters Cloverleaf Manor - $179.95 (eek!) This might be overkill, we'll probably look for a used one if we even get it. Carina plays with these critters for hours, though, so it might be worth it.

Whoa, that's a lot of stuff. We won't be buying all of it for sure...a few things for Christmas, and a few more for her birthday just 3 days later. Now to decide which to get! That's the fun part, right?


What's on your little one(s) holiday lists?


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This week's Toddle Along Tuesday co-host is The Stay-At-Home Attorney and the topic is holiday wish lists for your little ones! What is on his/her wish list this year? We'll do lists for ourselves in a couple weeks ;) There are no rules here, except that you link up a relevant post (old or new) rather than your whole blog (or business, #comeonnow).

Next week's topic is Halloween! I can't wait to see your costumes!

If you like advance notice for TAT, check out the bottom right of my blog - topics for the next couple months are listed. Would you like to submit a topic idea and/or volunteer to co-host one week? E-mail me!

2012 Holiday Gift Guide Submissions!

I sent out a Tweet and Facebook post a few days ago asking if anyone would be interested in being considered for my Holiday Gift Guide. I was really surprised (and excited!) to see how many people were/are! So now I'm doing what I should have done a few days ago - providing you with more information :)

Do you have an Etsy shop or business? Would you like to share what you make or sell with my readers? I'd love to include you in my 1st Annual Holiday Gift Guide! Your items will be featured on my blog and via social media for thousands to see. For info regarding my stats and reach, head on over to my Sponsorship page.

I am accepting products for:

• The Mommas - although it doesn't have to be for Moms specifically, just the ladies in general!

• The Little Ones - clothes/toys/items for ages 3 and under

Interested? Please see my 2012 Holiday Gift Guide page for more information and/or e-mail me at growingupgeeky@gmail.com. Hurry, spots are limited! And I apologize in advance if it takes me a couple days to get back to you - the baby won't let me put her down ;)

Carina's Christmas List

If Carina could talk, I'm pretty sure that she would tell me that she wants these things for Christmas... ;)

1. Boikido Wooden Musical Building Blocks
2. Sweet December Hats Holiday Elegance headband - use code GEEKY10 for 10% off your order
3. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Tea Set
4. Rockabye Buzzy Bee Rocker - on Zulily for 50% off through 11/27 (just bought this yesterday!)
5. Ralph Lauren Short-Sleeved Velour Dress
6. B. Toys Zany Zoo Wooden Activity Cube 
7. Tiny Tillia Plush Bowling Set - check out my Tiny Tillia giveaway going on right now!
8. Melissa & Doug Picnic Basket Fill & Spill Toy
9. Chaos and Love Shop Crocheted Viking Hat - use code GEEKYFALL10 for 10% off your order

What's on your little one's Christmas list?

My (slightly embarrassing) Christmas gift

When I was young I had an American Girl doll named Molly.  She had so many cute outfits that I would dress her up in and I loved reading all of her WW-II era stories.  I knew that one day I would want Carina to have one of these dolls. 

Over the last few years, the American Girl company has been discontinuing many of the historical dolls in favor of producing more of the modern dolls (that you can create to look like you and wear clothes like you).  I think this is kind of a shame; part of the fun, in my opinion, was learning about a different period in history and how young girls lived then. 

When I realized that they are discontinuing the Felicity and Elizabeth dolls from the Revolutionary War/Colonial era at the end of this year, I was really sad.  These dolls have the most gorgeous dresses and interesting stories.  I mentioned to M that they are being discontinued a couple weeks ago, and look what I got for Christmas:

Felicity (left), and Elizabeth (right)

They will probably just sit in their boxes for a few years, but once Carina is old enough, I think we'll have so much fun playing together!

So yeah, I got dolls for Christmas.  What did you get?  ;)

My Elfster Gift arrived!

The ladies on the January 2011 Moms board did a gift swap, and my gifts arrived today.


Mrs2DUCKSinLOVE sent me a $5 Target gift card, two adorable barettes, pacifiers, a Baby on Board sign and 5 really cool tissue poms whose colors match our nursey scheme! Thank you!

The poms come broken down (and I didn't want to set them up yet), but here is what they'll look like when set up! I stole this photo from the etsy site.


I think she actually makes these, and I think this is her Etsy Site. I'm trying to get a hold of her to confirm this. These pom poms are so cute. Thanks again, Mrs2DUCKS!

What a tease :)

I promised my shower guests that I would wait until after my showers to open any gifts that were shipped directly to me.

Look at all the pretty boxes lined up in our spare bedroom, just waiting to be opened:


Lend me some will power? ;)