I have a problem, or maybe an addiction or a hobby. What is it? Starting new hobbies. I still haven’t figured out if it drives my husband nuts or if he thinks it kind of cute and quirky. I’m sure it’s the latter of the two. Here are some of my hobbies leading up to the Pettiskirt. In no particular order:

Knitting

Crocheting

Lifestyle Photography (mostly of my own children)

Baking/Cooking

I’m sure I left a few out but now I can happily add sewing. I went and picked myself up this cute little Pixie Plus Singer machine and I decided to start with a bang and sew up a Pettiskirt. I used two different tutorials because I accidentally didn’t pick up enough chiffon. I also learned a very important lesson. If the tutorial or pattern calls for Nylon Chiffon and your store does not carry it, do not settle for Polyester. I did, and I’m sure many of you know what happened, but I had some big time fraying issues that I was fortunately able to fix enough for my needs, however, I do not recommend this. Overall I learned a lot and know what to do differently next time. My next project? A memory quilt using some of the kids’ clothing that was special to us.

Here is the result:

I’m going to be upfront and tell you my story about the first time I encountered a Shred Sled. It was right before the Holidays and my husband found one in the toy aisle at a local department store. He hopped on it thinking, well, I’m not sure what he was thinking, but he fell and I looked at him and told him that my children would not be getting one of these in the near future. Which really, my children are only 5 and 1, so that makes perfect sense. Time went on and before I knew it was spring and then summer. I have seen kids everywhere on these, and they don’t fall, in fact they appear to be quite agile. Curiosity was getting the best of me.

The opportunity arose and the kind people behind The Shred Sled allowed me to try it out for myself with my husband and nephew. My husband HAD to try it, but really the intent here was for my 9 year old nephew. Upon opening it up I was impressed. It’s more sturdy than similar styles I’ve seen. I appreciate the fact that it has 4 wheels, instead of two as some other inline skateboards have. The decks are nice and wide with a rough like surface so you have more traction.

I cannot begin to tell you what this has done for my nephew’s balance. Just watching him from not being able to do at all and being able to hold himself steady within 24 hours was incredible. It required muscle usage in different areas than one is used to and overall he is carrying himself  in a much more balanced fashion now that he has been riding it for a while.

Now that I’ve gotten to know this board a little better and see it in action I can definitely say that I would purchase this for my own children, or husband for that matter. As long as it is used properly with good sneakers, and protective gear. The Shred Sled is a unique addition to the equipment we exercise with, and it is very apparent how much fun kids really have on them.

To Buy:

Visit theshredsled.com. There you can find videos and additional information, as well as being able to purchase your own Shred Sled in your choice of 3 different colors for just 119.99.

With Olivia’s Birthday in a few short days and her Birthday Party with friends and family behind us now we have been scouring for the perfect Birthday gift for a little girl turning 1. You see, she’s at that in between age. Not really into “baby” toys anymore, but not quite ready for the big kid toys. Kushies came to the rescue with the ZOLO Play Garden. I can not think of a better way to encourage her interest in planting flowers and enjoying the outdoors with an indoor toy!

The ZOLO Play Garden came complete with flowers, plants, fun bugs and a watering can. All of which are squishy, fun and colorful all while being magnetic. The carrying case that the fun creatures and plants arrive in doubles as the garden which appears as the soil with grass surrounding it to plant your flowers, etc. Olivia was able to open this for her pre-Birthday party and has enjoyed every minute of playing with it. I can say that by far this toy is one that she has given the most attention to and she will actually sit for close to 30 minutes playing with. I can not say that of any other toy that we currently own. Even my 4 year old has a blast playing with this with his little sister.

Contains:

• Flower garden that doubles as a reusable carrying case for easy storage and 11 magnetic garden accessories

Encourages:

• dexterity
• flexible thinking explorative play
• independent play
• real life learning

Kushies offers many many more items than what I’ve talked about today! You can find apparel, diapering, swimwear, bedding just to name a few. They have something for everyone whether you’re looking for that perfect gift or just something you might need for your child for everyday life, they have it.

To Buy:

Visit www.kushiesonline.com for full details on this item and more.

Discount Alert:

Kushies is offering my readers a 10% discount on any order by entering the code hazeleyes10 at checkout. So what are you waiting for, get shopping!

*Kushies Zolo Play Garden Giveaway, being featured by Amanda at Divine Chaos. After you’ve visited the Kushies website head over there for your chance to win. Giveaway ends May 28th, so hurry!