Softies have become trendy again, with all kinds of weird and wacky stuffed animals and creatures showing up online and in craft shops.
You can find ugly softies, monster softies and even some strictly R-rated softies that look like they’ve been in a horror movie!

More traditional stuffed animals and characters are still popular, with everyone from new babies to… well, the sky is the limit!
If you’d like to make some softies, but need some starting tips, Softie Making is a great website with how-tos, tips and links to other softie makers.
image: Stock.xchg

I love it when the makers of pet products get creative, especially when it benefits the actual pets!
Nina Ottosson Games has created a huge variety of different dog toys specifically to keep your pet entertained for longer than a game of catch or gnawing on a Kong would.
From wooden puzzle toys that dispense treats to toys that only require your dog to push a button, these are toys that will have your dog engaged as soon as they’re brought out, and since they’re made from wood or plastic you’ll both get many years of use out of them.
The toys …read more

I’m very excited about the giveaway I’m about to tell you all about! If you have kids, I KNOW you are going to want to enter this contest. We’re giving away one 500 Piece Mega Set of Bendaroos.

Bendaroos are flexible building toys that have a durable string base and non-stick wax that allow children to draw, build, decorate and transform. The colorful strings adhere to most surfaces, they hold their shape, and don’t leave a residue behind. The colorful, reusable Bendaroos can be made into 2-D or 3-D objects – from jewelry to window art and action …read more

I have a confession to make, I am a Pack-rat. Yes, that’s me over there in the corner that just dashed under the wall of stuffed animals. But out of all honesty I came out today to ask you for advice.
First, I have four children, the ages range from going on 12 to turning 2 today. For the most part I’m an Okay mom, no I’m not perfect. Even though I’d love to be that Beverly Cleaver mom, I already know I’m not her. I’m also a sentimental mom, every piece of clothing and toy has a speacial memory that …read more

No kidding.
Its evidence of God and Santa if any was ever needed.
Bratz will no longer be on the shelves after Christmas, the courts ordered the molds broken! The name can no longer be used.
More info over at Empowering Girls: So Sioux Me
Image source: Empowering Girls: So Sioux Me

For the last couple of days, I’ve been in a deep flu-fog — making typing errors, not wanting to deal with work, but mostly I’ve not done much but stare vacantly at the tv, like a child.
And just like a sick child, to find comfort, I spent Saturday morning watching cartoons. Mostly to avoid our world’s horrifying and frightening current news reports and images.
I love Dora The Explorer, Ed, Edd and Eddie and Kim Possible .
But as I was flipping around, I came across a darling and familiar face from my past: Madeline!
I was never …read more