Dots & stripes cake

For sweet Claire, whose birthday is on New Year's day- she had a pre-Christmas birthday party at a candy store, complete with face painting and glitter tattoos. The cake was vanilla with vanilla filling.

P&G eStore Holiday Specials

Ok, so every now and then I post a book or product review on here. I participate in a great blogging network called BlogHer (see that ad column on the left? That's why that is there. Clicking on it would be awesome, thanks). For the holiday season, they've asked some bloggers to help promote Proctor & Gamble's eStore. Here's the skinny on what's in it for you:

• 15% off on a first-time order from a new customer, using promo code: A9Z-MN5-KY3-ISA 
• Free Shipping on orders over $25
• Free Samples with every order

You had me at "free samples." Here are a few products that I honest-to-goodness love. LOVE.

I started using these years ago when they first came out because I saw an ad in a magazine and got them at some special promo price. They seriously get your teeth so white (it's the first thing all my husband's friends in Italy notice about me. Crazy Euros), and they're easy and quick to use. There are quite a few different types. I just go with the basic because that's what I'm used to. I'm sure the others are amazing as well. For a full list and to order, go here.

These new Tide Pods are Laundry Detergent + Stain Remover + Brightener in one. Just throw the pod in the washer (with some laundry) and you're done! I love the Spring Meadow scent, but it also comes in Ocean Mist and Mystic Forest. For a complete list and to order, go here.

Batteries. I'm a mom. We have lots of toys. Enough said. Our batteries of choice (or, rather necessity) are AA and AAA. Duracell is also having a sweepstakes where you can win $100 of batteries! Enter here.
Some other great products: 
Oral-B Rechargeable Electric Toothbrushes
Olay Skin Care 
CoverGirl Cosmetics 
Downy Unstoppables 
Braun Electric Razors 
Gillette Bundles (men) 
Check out the eStore. With free shipping and 15% off, you can't go wrong!