Sometimes everyone just needs a good laugh!

My brother sends me the funniest stuff...I have to give him credit here!

Happy Birthday Lily!

We had two birthday parties this year, and it has only taken me 3 months to post pictures (her birthday is in August.)  One with all of our family in Florida at New Symnra Beach and one with all her friends back in desert at Pump It Up.

Lily loves the beach and everything about it.  She especially loves mermaids.  I had matching mermaid outfits made for Lily and Claire.  Tammy at Katie Bug Customs  helped me designs these outfits with a fabric I found on her website.  My mom made her the cutest cake for her beach party and I just had to post it!  It is a Williams and Sonoma Sand Castle mold.

At Pump it Up she had ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins.  They  did a good job and it was very reasonable.  We went to BR to have ice cream this summer and she saw this cake in the freezer and stared at it for like 45 mins.  When we left Walter said "Get her that cake for her birthday."  He is such a great dad and always wants her to be happy.  I  told myself I would never have a cheesy character birthday party but I succumb to the wishes of a 3 year old.  How could I deny her an Aerial themed party.  It looked like The Little Mermaid expoloded! LOL!

Got these great invitations from http://www.paperandpunch.com/  and matching thank you notes to go with them.  Tina was great to work with.

Introducing Cranberries and Capers

With a newborn we have "paci's" everywhere.  So I was looking for some cute paci clips and found some by Cranberries and Capers.  Isn't their name just adorable?  So are their paci clips and they are ONLY $8!  Check them out.  They are now available at LLB!

Whoever Coined the Phrase...

Whoever coined the phrase "Sippy Cups are not for Chardonnay" (as I pick up the millionth one off the floor tonight)  they were right, they are for VODKA on the ROCKS!  It's been a long day :)

I "UPromise" U Gonna Like This!

This is a little info about how much it is going to cost to send our kids to college and a great way to contribute by SHOPPING.  I used University of Florida (Go Gators!) as an example.  Right now the annual cost of attending UF today is $31,950.  The FUTURE COST of attending UF with inflation is $315,630 for 4 years.  Dang!  Hubby better start workin' cuz this blogging business sure ain't bringing home the bacon!

Here are three saving alternatives to fund your child's 529 Plan for their college education:

1.	You can Invest this lump sum now:	$ 75,929.19
2.	You can Invest this amount annually:	$ 7,707.48
3.	You can Invest this amount monthly:	$ 665.00

My BFF Megan is the queen of smart shopping. She told me about this website called UPromise, anything you buy from it gives you $$$$ towards your childs college education fund. So I of course had to check it out (since I am the queen of online shopping) and this is how it works.

You go to http://www.upromise.com/ and you set up an account, you then search "anything or any store you are in the mood to buy from" and the company comes up with how much they contribute and other discounts. For instance I need a new pair of Ugg Boots so I searched Ugg and it says they will give you 8% back and then offer you free shipping also. BINGO!

I just used it to buy all my photo's from Kodak Gallery and received money into my account for something I was going to buy anyways. There are thousand upon thousands of companies that offer you money. You can add your grocery store cards and your CC's too and get cash back from them.

Two things though.
1. You have to go to http://www.upromise.com/ first and then it will take you to the next website this is how it links your account. 2. You should have a 529 Plan linked to http://www.upromise.com/ that the money will be placed into grow.
College is expensive and every little but will help. Thought I would share the tip!

Introducing Cleaning Claire's Closet

We are introducing a new concept to Lily's Laundry called Cleaning Claire's Closet that will be starting within the next month.  After brainstorming with what to do with all the wonderful clothing my girls have accumulated over the years and knowing other mom's have the same issue LLB is going to start selling High End Pre-Used Clothing.  We will take up to 10 pieces of designer/unique kids clothing/accessories that is in mint condition at a time.  Clothing cannot have any stains or rips cannot be overly worn or damaged.  We prefer brand names or custom pieces.  You must email us photos before hand.  Items cleared to be sent will be posted within 14 days.  You will be paid 45% of asking price and are responsible for shipping to and from us.  Items that are not sold within 30 days will be marked down 20%, after 60 days they will be marked down 50% and after 90 days, they will be either donated to charity or shipped back to you at your expense.  Price of items can be suggested but will be determined by LLB.  You will be paid via PayPal within 30 days of your items selling.  If you have any items that you think fit this description please email me pictures.  Info@lilyslaundryboutique.com

The Cat's Meow!

Hope your having a Happy Halloween! Be safe and get lots of good treats!

Wine Country....

Every October we go on a trip to Napa, with some of our best friends.  My husband is a wine fanatic.  I love to go because we always stay at The Carneros Inn where you have your own private cottage.  The cottages come with the heated bathroom floors, a private outdoor shower, a fireplace, an enclosed private patio, 24hour service and the bed is to die for.  The resorts grounds and restaurants are picturesque too!  If you ever going to go to Napa you must stay here.
  www.TheCarnerosInn.com

Happy Little Ballerina.

We are now into dance.  Lily loves it.  Her teacher is so sweet and has so much patience.  All the little girls in her class are so darling.  Had to share some sweet photos.  She gets so many compliments on this tutu.  It is by Beary Basics.  We have sold out of them all but have a new order coming soon!

Chance to win TWO $25 Gift card to LLB!

We are having a couple of contest right now!

First One

Vote for Lily's Laundry on Divine Caroline's "Love This Site Awards."

We really want to win and we think we can with your help.

We are nominated for two awards.

One for the Boutique and one for our blog.  Vote for both and leave a comment on the blog saying you did and you will be entered to win a $25 gift card to www.LilysLaundryBoutique.com Contest Ends 12/4/2009

Vote for Blog!

Vote for Website!

Second One 

Sign up to follow LLB Blog and get 5 or more people to sign up too and be entered to win a $25 Gift Card to www.LilysLaundryBoutique.com. You must leave a comment saying who you referred to us to be entered into drawing. Ends October 26th!