Help bring Lily home and enter to win FABULOUS prizes!

Who doesn't love giveaways? I will tell you who, no one! Absolutely everyone loves free goodies and what better way to win amazing prizes than to donate to a good cause? Well in all honesty the prizes are not free, but they can be yours for as little as $5.00! What is this amazing cause you ask? Well you will be helping to raise money for a deserving family to adopt a little girl from South Korea. This family has dealt with their share of trials and tribulations. They have survived through 6 miscarriages and 2 failed adoption attempts. Adrienne, the mother, writes a blog called Preparing for a Miracle. In her blog she details her life's struggles as well as miracles.

As you know, this past year we lost 2 more babies to miscarriages and now have had 2 failed domestic adoptions. It's hard to believe we've gone through 8 losses since we first started trying to have a baby. Since November, we've felt God tugging us toward adopting a "waiting child.....

Last week, we received the test results from the tests our doctor had requested, and they were normal. We had the answer we had been waiting for. We believe God held baby Soojung for us until now so that we could adopt her as our Lily. She just might be named Lily Soo. :)

So, this week while we were at the beach with Jim's family, I called the adoption agency and spoke with Ms. P, and we have begun the process to adopt our baby girl from South Korea!!

In order to bring Lily Soo home, Adrienne must raise 25,000 dollars! And you can help out by purchasing $5.00 raffle tickets towards donated prizes. She is giving away some really nifty stuff, items ranging from a Canon Rebel XS 10.1 MP Digital XLR Camera to a $25.00 gift certificate for one of a kind No Slippy Hair Clippies! :) Yes, we have donated to this important cause, how could we not? What a beautiful thing to love an orphaned child as your own... it is probably the most gracious gift that a person can give.

So, here's how it works...

*If you would like a chance to win one of the incredible items below, make a $5 donation by clicking on the Bring Lily Home ChipIn (top left of blog under header). Each chance to win is just $5 so you are welcome to try to win more than one item!

*Then, leave me a comment on this blog by clicking on Comments under the item that you are interested in, and then type your comment in the comment box and save it, telling me which item you would like a chance to win. You can also leave me a comment on the ChipIn site and I will put your comment on the blog for the random drawing.

For more details and to enter the contest visit: http://preparingforamiracle.blogspot.com/

A Generous Review for No Slippy

I reviewed a beautiful little online store called Brea's Baby Boutique a bit earlier this month. The owner is a wonderful mother of two girls and does a really wonderful job with her business as well. I just love the tutu's and petti skirts that she sells, they are extremely charming and a bunch of fun! Anyway, she has just recently wrote a post on her blog about No Slippy Hair Clippy and it is really terrific. She uses our products on her own two daughters, a toddler and a new born, and she has nothing but good things to say. Here is an excerpt:

The No Slippy Hair Clippy does it all! We weren't kidding when we said the name says it all. They actually dont slip! I have been honored to try these AMAZING hairclips for my 2 year old daughter. I dont know about you, but everyday is a constant battle of putting my daughters hair clip back in because it is always sliding out. I might add that my 2 year old loves them. She is always playing in her hairbow basket and the first thing she pulls out our the No Slippy Hair Clippies. Smart Girl, huh? She knows just as well as I that they are designed with your kids comfort in mind.

I am so proud to announce that their baby bows do not leave dents in your sweet baby's head. I can't tell you how my headbands I have for my 3 month old daughter and when you take them off there will be a little dent there. My hubby cringes when this happens! He things I am completely cruel for putting them on our baby girls head! Well, when I showed him her new bows that stay in place and don't leave little marks, he was thrilled!!

Read the entire review here:
http://breasbabyboutique.blogspot.com/2009/07/we-love-no-slippy-hair-clippy-name-says.html

Thanks Brea! We are truly humbled by your kind words and promise we will continue striving to create the very best in hair accessories! :)

The sweetness of the Birkheads

If it wasn't enough that Larry Birkhead is raising a beautiful vibrant little girl all on his own... now he has proven to be a very gracious and thoughtful man as well. Even in the midst of his hectic schedule, he took the time to write, Mary Lenore of BopStar-PR, a thank you letter for the No Slippy Hair Clippies that were sent to him for Dannielyn.

Mary,

Thank you so much for the No Slippy Hair Clippy shipment. Dannielynn was nearly out and she wore them this weekend out to a park where we were mobbed by paparazzi. I also am attaching a picture of her in some of the flower clips that you sent. I do not have any of the pictures from Larry King, or I would give them to you. It was a last minute appearance. CNN might have some but I do not have any personally. Again, thanks for the clips; they come in handy for a single dad that has no earthly idea how to fix a little girl's hair.

Thanks,
Larry Birkhead

Well thank you for the thank you Larry. It just shows your immense strength of character. And keep up the good work with Dannielynn, she is turning into a fine little lady. I am sure that Anna Nicole would be proud!

These images are courtesy of CelebrityBabyScoop.com.

*Mary Lenore is from BopStar PR. She does all of the PR for BopStar Baby Baskets and also for NSHC.

Another Celebrity Sighting!

Isla Fisher, the Australian born actress, most well known for her hilarious role of Rebecca Bloomwood in this years blockbuster "Confessions of a Shopaholic" was seen walking in West Hollywood this past week with her daughter Olive. Olive is just now 1 1/2 years old and her father is the always funny Sacha Baron Cohen best known for his comedy "Borat". Olive Cohen is seen here snuggling up to her Mommy wearing one of our clippies.




These images are courtesy of CelebrityBabyScoop.com.

A little Princess

The always precious Dannielynn Birkhead (daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead) was seen playing at a park in Beverly Hills this past weekend with her daddy. Some adorable shots of the two playing on a swing were found on Celebrity Baby Scoop. She is shown wearing a No Slippy Hair Clippy Whitney Princess - 3 ½ inch Princess Bow®. t




Doesn't she look like the perfect little Hollywood starlet with those pink glasses? What a doll.

Boom Boom Room's 2009 Pre Golden Globes Event

This year's Golden Globes were as always, a star studded occasion worthy of only the very biggest names in the industry. One of the very special events prefacing the big night was, The Boom Boom Room's Pre-Golden Globe Awards Baby and Kid Wonderland Villa. All manner of celebs flocked to be a part of this wonderful opportunity to get their hands on some of the very best baby and children's products on the market today.

No Slippy Hair Clippy was honored to be a part of this gala event, and our own President and CEO, Annie Salyer attended herself to give away NSHC products in the BopStar Baby Celebrity Baby Baskets. Take a gander at some of the precious pictures taken at the Boom Boom Room:

Tori Spelling

Sally Richardson

Scott Baio & Family

Rena Sofer

Ryan Newman

Kelly Hu and Cookie

Jodie Sweetin and Annie

Joely Fisher & Daughter and Annie

*All information pertaining to Bop Star Baby Celebrity Baby Baskets is obtained by BopStar PR.*

Infants and the Boob Tube

It is nothing new to hear about how bad excess T.V. watching is for children. Kids who watch a ton of television are more likely to be overweight than children who get outside and play. Also attention spans have proven to be shorter in those kids who are exposed to prolonged T.V viewing. Not to mention that there are so many more productive activities that a child could be engaging in other than zoning out in front of a television set.

When I was a kid I spent hours and hours of my day adventuring out doors; climbing trees, playing hopscotch and building forts. My imagination was stimulated every moment and I was able to make a connection to nature that I am afraid is completely lost to many children of today. T.V is becoming a substitute for real life interaction. Interaction with their own imagination, other kids, their parents, etc...

I have come across an article that specifically pertains to infants under the age of 3 years old and how television exposure can possibly stunt their growth and prove to be a potential problem for them as they develop. This article answers 11 important questions that can explain in greater detail why it is so imperative to monitor your child's television watching.

Does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend against TV viewing for children under the age of 2?

Yes.

In 1999 the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement about media and children. In it, the organization discussed the benefits media education can have as well as the health risks TV poses to children, especially those under the age of two. Specifically, the AAP said:

"Pediatricians should urge parents to avoid television viewing for children under the age of 2 years. Although certain television programs may be promoted to this age group, research on early brain development shows that babies and toddlers have a critical need for direct interactions with parents and other significant caregivers (eg, child care providers) for healthy brain growth and the development of appropriate social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Therefore, exposing such young children to television programs should be discouraged."

To read the full statement: American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on Media Education

I think that T.V. like most other things in life is best in moderation. There is of course some good in showing your children educational programs. They can stimulate the mind and the creative spirit. My favorite educational kids program is Cyberspace on PBS.

In my opinion, if your toddler is over the age of 3, shows that are purely for entertainment value should be fine too. I would just make that I was monitoring the frequency and subject matter. As long as they are getting a good mix of of other stimulation in their life such as reading, spending time with family and playing outdoors, a bit of T.V. is an appropriate indulgence. Just my two cents, for what they are worth. :)

Read the rest of the above article here: http://www.pbs.org/parents/childrenandmedia/article-faq.html

Birthday Bonanzas

In just two weeks my little niece will turn the big -1- year old. I simply cannot believe how fast time has flown. I remember when she had just been born, she was infinitesimally small. I could fit 10 of her little hands in mine. She was fresh and snuggly and held all the promise that new life affords. And now one year later she is all the more beautiful! She is deserving of the most spectacular of birthday celebrations, alas I will not be in close enough proximity to help facilitate this. So, in honor of my precious little niece, I have written a list of 5 must haves for any one year old birthday bonanza:

1. Buckets of love, you know the good stuff, wet and sloppy!



2. A special birthday outfit: http://breasbabyboutique.com/category_40/Birthday-Outfits.htm



3. A special birthday clippy: http://hairclippy.com/shop_novelty-amber.asp







4. Cupcakes! So much easier than a whole cake and a lot cuter if you ask me. Here is one of my favorite recipes: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/polka-dot-cupcakes?lnc=98d20356c0041210VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&backto=true&backtourl=/our-best-cupcakes?lnc=98d20356c0041210VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=slideshow_food_our-best-cupcakes&contentid=85cb0000342f0210VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD#slide_1



5. Decorations! The cheesier the better! They will be small enough for silliness for only so long you know.. : http://www.1stbirthdayparty.com/



Happy Birthday to all those little sweet peas turning one this month!

Breastfeeding Controversy

Would you let another Mother breastfeed your baby? That is the question I am asking myself after reading a recent article from Parenting Magazine. Apparently it is a growing trend for new Mothers to allow other new Mothers to breastfeed their babies and vice versa. There is also some controversy surrounding this as there are noted benefits and risks to the practice.

In addition to exchanging expressed breast milk, some moms skip the bottle and cross-nurse, splitting breastfeeding duties with another woman and her baby. Cross-nursers say they enjoy the flexibility as well as the four-way bonding that occurs between the moms and their children. And some moms go as far as hiring a wet nurse -- a woman paid to breastfeed another child -- when they can't perform the task themselves.

Informal sharing is naturally more controversial, but a significant number of moms are open to the idea. According to a nationally representative Babytalk survey on momconnection.com, 40 percent had either a positive response ("beautiful!") or a neutral reaction ("each to her own") when asked how they felt about milk sharing.

Yet the majority of the medical community warns against it. "We support breastfeeding, but if you can't nurse, we recommend breast milk from a milk bank, or that you use formula," says Ari Brown, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and author of Baby 411. "Even if you have a good friend who wants to donate milk, you can't guarantee that it's free of infections, like HIV. Breast milk is a bodily fluid, just like blood. Would you be willing to give your baby a blood transfusion without first having it tested?"

Read the entire article here: http://www.parenting.com/article/Baby/Feeding/Breastfeeding-Controversy-Milk-Sharing/1

I personally think that it all depends on the women in your life. There are most assuredly certain friends of mine who I would trust to feed my baby if some emergency arose. I simply KNOW that they are free from diseases or infections, so I would feel more than comfortable allowing them to feed my child. However if I did not know an individual well or thought that they conducted themselves in any kind of questionable manner, I would never even dream of allowing them to do so.

How do you feel about this? Is this something that any of you out there have done yourselves? If not perhaps you know someone who does. I would love to hear all about it. Feedback is always appreciated!

Baby and Kids Magazine

No Slippy Hair Clippy is privileged to grace the pages of yet another children's publication! NSHC products are featured in the May addition of Baby and Kids Magazine! And Ryan Newman once again models our clips beautifully.

July brings new clippies and patriotic festivities!

Welcome to July folks! This month brings the birth of our independent nation, stunning fireworks displays, yummy barbeque's and a whole lot of time outdoors. While enjoying all that blessed fresh air, there are two things you should try and remember:

1. Do not forget to slather on the sunscreen (liberally)

2. Accesorize with NSHC patriotic bows!

These clips are just too perfect for Independence Day and I recommend them for any little girls 4th of July weekend outfits.




Also for July, our new clip is featured! The Danielyn - Cross Knot Dot Baby Bows. I absolutely love this one, just the right amount of dainty! The Danielyn comes in four rich colors, Shocking Pink (as shown below) Citron, Pink and Lavender.


HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICANS! Enjoy the day's festivities and perhaps take a moment to be grateful for the wonderful country that we live in. :)

Brea's Beauty-full Baby Boutique!

I have had the recent pleasure of coming across a special little store. Upon entering their website you are instantly aware that you are about to venture where only the cutest, sweetest baby things are.. pictures of little angels in leopard leotards and flapper style hats let you know that you are in for a unique experience. This is not your average Baby Boutique. In fact this is Brea's Baby Boutique, and I couldn't recommend them highly enough.



They carry so many wonderful things that it is honestly hard for me to pick my favorites, but painstakingly I managed, and I will share a few of them here with you:

Their Birthday Rainbow Tutu in Sparkles is an absolutely adorable way to make your little girl feel like a princess on her birthday. Brea's has many tutus and pettiskirts to choose from, all wonderfully crafted and all with their own distinct style.



Another favorite of mine would have to be their baby shoes. ALL OF THEM! They carry cute little fuzzy booties, trendy leather sandals, cowboy boots and patent leather shoes. My favorite for girls are the Wee Squeak Hot Pink Patent Sandals.

These fun little shoes help crawlers walk and walkers run. Each shoe squeaks (with the exception of the Wee Snaps) when the child walks correctly heel to toe. When quiet time arrives, the squeaker, located in the heel, can be pulled out by an adult.

How ingenious is that?? Not to mention stylish of course. And for boys I just love the Wee Squeak Camo Tennis Shoes. They boast the same walking helper design as the girls sandal and an unmistakable cool factor. No doubt that all the girls will be asking to share his crayons from now on! :)



Something that I myself am always on the lookout for are new fun baby shower gifts. Sometimes it feels like it's all been done. I have had sisters, girlfriends and co-workers alike for whom I had to become a brilliant baby shower gift giver. If only I had seen this earlier! The Cashmere Bunny Friendly Frogs 3 Tier Diaper Cake is a plum ripe with all sorts of goodies from disposable diapers and hooded towels to baby powder and a manicure set. Anything and everything a new mother would EVER need, all wrapped up in a cute little frog cake package! Beyond edible, don't ya think?



And last but most assuredly not least, is what I secretly wish for for myself, in a big girl version of course! Baby Bella Maya Zoe Zebra Pink Ruffle Infant Car Seat Cover. Now your little girl will be traveling in style! This oh-so-chic car seat cover is the epitome of cool.. who knew being safe could be so much fun?

Baby Bella Maya infant car seat covers offer parents a safety benefit not available on other car seat covers: snaps. The covers adds style to infant carriers, but in the safest possible way.

If you haven't seen anything here to convince you to hop on over to one of the chicest baby boutiques on the net yet, then I suggest you go to http://www.breasbabyboutique.com/ and see for yourself. I assure you that there is something to tickle your fancy at Brea's *very unique* Baby Boutique.