Gap To Hold Open Casting Call For Its "I Want Candy" Holiday Video

Calling all NYC Cuties: Are you a sweet snowflake with a big bright smile? Can you dance and sing with your own cute Style?

On Friday, October 14, 2011, girls between the ages of six and ten are invited to an open casting call at Gap's Fifth Avenue store in New York City. One lucky girl will be selected to fill the final spot in the GapKids "I Want Candy" Holiday video, which will launch online in November.

Joining the panel of Gap judges is Denise Albert, award-winning journalist and co-host of NBC's "Moms And The City & A Dad Named David," who will lend her expertise during the selection process. The winning girl will star in the "I Want Candy" video alongside viral music sensation Maria Aragon.

WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2011

Open Casting: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Callbacks: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

                       

WHERE: Gap, 680 5th Avenue (at 54th Street) 

New York, NY 10019

Important Details:

*In order to participate in the casting call, you must have at least one parent and/or legal guardian with you.

*If available, bring a headshot and comp card. These are not required. 

*If you’re cast in the video, you must be available on Sunday, October 16 for a fitting and on Monday, October 17 for the shoot. You must also have a work permit. To obtain a permit online, visit https://www.labor.state.ny.us/secure/welcome.asp.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.), 18 AND OLDER WHO ARE THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OF A CHILD AGE 6 - 10 YEARS OLD WHO HAS A CURRENT AND VALID WORK PERMIT. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Enter Contest by: 10/14/11.  For Official Rules and complete details, visit the Gap store at 54TH & 5TH – NY, 680 5TH Avenue in New York, NY. Sponsor: Gap, Inc., 2 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94105.

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show some love and LIKE Designer Diaperz!

One of our favorite go-to gals, celebrity trend expert, Rachel Florio-Urso is working on something new! Head over to Facebook now and like Designer Diaperz and show them some LOVE! While you are there make sure you LIKE Rachel's page and follow her on Twitter.  She seriously is amazing and we LOVE everything she does. Show your support too! 

phil & teds exclusive giveaway week -- win the highpod!

Oh, phil & teds. How we just love you so? You have once done it again. Made us fall so much in love with your products -- like love at first sight. Yes, can you believe it? We are referring to an obsession with a highchair. The highpod -- it is up way high on our list of must-have baby gear! 

When shopping for a high chair we always think -- you pretty much have to love it. Why you ask? Well, considering you will be staring at it for the next 24 months -- it is a major decision in the shopping for babe world. It basically needs to match the kitchen and the highpod fits perfectly in the world of modern, oh-so-chic Littles. 

One of our favorite features of the highpod is how super quick and easy it cleans up. No searching or digging for lost peas in this seat thanks to the seamless cushion. No more cracks for last weeks chicken to hid in. You can also thank the aerocore seat insert which is waterproof, ultra supportive, durable, anti-slip material that is -- just wait for it -- hypo-allergenic and odor resistant! Seriously, what's not to love? The seat can't get much easier to wipe down! For those who really need to disinfect -- just remove the seat insert! Easy as pie.

We absolutely love that your Little can just hang out in the kitchen with you! Forget the bouncy chair, this is the perfect spot to hang out while you cook or entertain! It is one of the only highchairs that elevate to counter top height. Just take the tray off (strap your Little in of course!) and it is perfect for the kitchen island. The innovative design makes it easy to adjust to any height and slide under a kitchen table for when your Little outgrows a high chair! 

Ready to win one? 

Enter below to win the phil&teds highpod now! 

exclusive giveaway week! WIN THE SMART with VERSO adaptor NOW!

Finding the perfect stroller can be rough. The choices of finding one seem endless right? Well, this time you can say goodbye to endless worry of finding the right stroller because we have done it for you. We are absolutely smitten over the Phil & Teds Smart stroller ($249.99) --- yes, I know -- you may recall our already confessed love here once before but, we can’t help ourselves. The lightweight stroller system just got better with the verso adapter.

• The lightweight aluminum frame is just as light as most umbrella strollers!
• One of the best seats with baby’s comfort in mind! Completely washable too!
• We can’t get enough of the super thin yet large sun-protecting canopy blocking your little with over 98.5% of UV rays. What other stroller does that? Forget that super thick fabric. The sun hood works perfect in both rear-facing or front facing mode providing lots of adjustable coverage.
• Easier than tying your shoe the smart glides into fold mode for super easy storage and travel. You can even easily remove the wheels if desired!
• It grows with your little! The smart is the most adaptable stroller from newborn to toddler! Attach a peanut bassinet ($149.99), add a car seat ($39.99) or change the direction the seat faces. You can’t ask for much more as a parent!

And lastly, the verso! ($34.99) Swap it around with just two verso adaptors to switch the smart seat. You can now choose between front facing to rear facing. This is just brilliant! Bond with your babe face to face or let them explore the world with front facing. We seriously love this feature.

{We gifted Tori Spelling with a Smart stroller and next thing you know --
she was photographed pushing it & featured in UsMagazine. Along with confessing her love in a thank you note!
Win one NOW!}

ENTER BELOW TO WIN!

editors pick -- phil&teds verve! WIN IT {exclusive giveaway week!}

Over the summer my girls and I spent some time at our beach house. And well, I didn't want to be the mom that everyone was looking at as I toted everything and the kitchen sink to the beach. So, I was presented with a challenge. What stroller do I take that not only holds my littles but all the extra baggage too? Not to mention, the thought of getting stuck in the sand as everything topples over. Get the picture? We all have been there before and it is so not the fun part of beach vacationing or a pretty sight. Lucky for me, I feel in love all over again when phil&teds sent me The Verve.

The best part for me? That I could wipe it clean after a mountain of sand had made its way in after 8 hours on the beach along with a side of ketchup and who knows what else! You can thank the washable seat pad for that one. Another perk is the contoured ventilated seat system.My little never even broke a sweat. Pretty good considering my 3 month old slumbered in it most of the day! The verve is contoured for ergonomic support and ventilated for temperature regulation. The soft padded liner comforts and supports those little ones. And when your strolling down the boardwalk and one runs one way and the other another - don't fret, the brake is there with a touch of a button conveniently located on the handle. Now that's what we call handling braking at your fingertips! It also is only 28lbs so you won't struggle getting it open and closed & is feather light when pushing which delivers an effortless stroller experience - just another check of the "why we love the verve" list.

{the verve in action through the sand, heart monitor and all!}

A few more reasons why we just can't stop pushing the Verve:

- Sleek, Stylish and Elegant. Yes, we are talking about a stroller. The dual front wheels with suspension give smooth handling and serious pavement control with dual front wheels and balanced shock absorbers. 

- Triple recline double kit. Smoothest, one-hand reclining. When they are snoozing away they won't even know you reclined to lay back position from upright. Same goes for the front seat! The infinite adjustment from newborn lie-flat to upright 6 year old is just beyond perfection. It fits for a smooth transition. 

- Ultra compact stand fold! Don't worry, it doesn't take up your whole trunk - you have room for shopping bags! Folds with or without the double kit and my favorite part -- it self stands for easy storage at home. 

- Safety certified for back seat drivers! The verve is safety certified in all three recline modes! You won't be juggling littles when loading and unloading two kids -- it easily carries one child in the rear and none in the front.

So, let's think back to circa 1990 when the double stroller was that purchase everyone dreaded because of hideous the choices were. phil&teds bleeds perfection because style is not an option - the Verve is your latest fashion accessory. Forget the handbags mommas. If you got littles ones - this is a serious must-have.

{thanks to phil&teds for sending us the verve for review purposes}

Read on to enter to win the verve which includes the double kit!

{GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED VIA FACEBOOK & EMAILED}

Llama Llama Red Pajama Reading Party at Gymboree for Jumpstart’s Read for the Record..Giveaway too!

Pledge to Read Today!

Looking for something fun, free and educational to do with your child?

Pledge with them to join Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, a day when millions of families and celebrities read to promote early education, and come to your local Gymboree Play & Music for a free “red pajama reading party” on October 6^th. In honor of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record day, Gymboree students at every location will read this year’s book, Llama Llama Red Pajama, by Anna Dewdney and participate in themed activities. Getting involved is simple. Pledge today to read at www.ReadfortheRecord.org and take advantage of your first free Gymboree class on October 6^th, for a celebration of reading and learning.

For the past three years, Gymboree and Jumpstart have worked together on this event in the company of celebrities like Justin Bieber, Nelly Furtado and Patti LaBelle, and families around the world, to raise awareness for the importance of reading early and often. Most parents don’t know reading to young children lays an essential foundation for literacy that’s needed before they ever set foot in a classroom. The reality is, 1 in 3 children in the U.S. begin kindergarten behind, and most will never catch up. The millions of children in the U.S. living in poverty are even more likely to fall into this statistic, as many grow up in homes without a single book.

By pledging to be part of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, you can be part of a solution. Reading with your child on this day helps prepare them to be successful in school and in life and also helps Jumpstart provide educational skills and resources to thousands of low-income children.

So pledge today, at www.ReadfortheRecord.org and come out for the festivities at your local Gymboree on October 6^th. Jumpstart has extended their giveaway entry deadline, so those who pledge before September 30^th have a chance to win a $77 gift card to 77Kids by American Eagle. Thanks for doing your part! Sit down to read and stand up for children.

In the Los Angeles area? Elisabeth Rohm is also teaming up with the cause again this year, and will be reading to children at the Gymboree Play & Music of Westside Pavilion in Los Angeles, Calif. on October 6th. Make sure you stop by! Check out a recap of last years events here. 


So head to your local Gymboree, pledge today and spread the word and break last year's record with 2.1 million readers now! 

{GIVEAWAY} Tell us: Did you pledge? We are giving away 5 copies of the Jumpstart's Read for the Record book {Llama Lkama Red Pajama} to our readers to say THANK YOU for pledging! Just leave us a comment below telling us you did! Don't forget to leave your email so we can't let you know if you win. Contest ends Friday October 7th, 2011 at 11pm, EST. 

Featured Etsy Designer -- Nicole of Sweet Things!

Oh, sweet things. We love sweet things. Ok, you get the point but we just can't stop droolin' over this Etsy Shop! Can you guess the name? Sweet Things! We just can't get enough of the oh-so-sweet goodies that fill this sweet HANDmade shop. And well, the designer of Sweet Things, Nicole is just a doll! Read on to get to know her and all about this charming little shop we love.

{What's in the name? Sweet Things. What inspired it?} 


I lost my job when I was out on disability during my pregnancy with my now 2 year old little girl. I already had an 8 month old at home and with another on the way I decided to try my hand at crafting. I started with pillowcase dresses and it has taken off from there.

{We can't get enough of this Pretty in Pink Tank, $17 - so whimsical & sweet}

{Tell us a little bit about you & what inspired the biz.}

Hi my name is Nicole and I am the owner and creator of SWEET Things 
(also known as SWEET Things kids). 

I am a wife. Even with a full-time job and being a full-time student, my amazing hubby Jeff always supports my dreams. I am so thankful he is a part of my life. 

I am a mom. My two little girls are my inspiration. Little R, age 3, is my sweet tomboy. She teaches me how to make an alien or dinosaur cute and girly. Little N, age 2, loves everything pink and sparkly. I am happy to report that she walks better in heals at age 2 then I ever will.

I am a lover. I LOVE all thins Harry potter, Cold Stone, Miami Dolphins football and an EXTRA large cup of coffee once, and sometimes twice, a day.

I am a designer. It took me a long time to call myself that. I love thinking of a new creation and then bringing it to life. I take a lot of pride in making quality handcrafted designs that won’t break the bank. My favorite part of my job is getting customer comments like...

“Amazing!!! It's even prettier in person! Everything fits perfect. And it's sooo soft! My 3 year old won’t take it off! Thank you so much!”

It makes me feel great to know that I can make a child’s SWEET dreams come true.

{so sweet Cinderella costume}

{What is your favorite item from your shop you just LOVE creating?}


I love our NEW Cinderella costume. I made it for my little girl, who is a true princess and it turned out perfect.

{Adorable skirt by Sweet Things paired w/ Pretty in Pink Tank}

{When did you begin to sew? What is the earliest memory of sewing?}


I started sewing pretty late in my life. My mom gave me one lesson at the age of 26 and I was off and running. I spent lots of time creating new things and figuring it out on my own.

{What is up next for the company?}


We have a lot of great new items coming out. Some sweet new tutus and super cute pajama pants for the entire family. My husband graduated from college in February so I will have more time to create some fun new items.

Getting ready for Halloween? Sweet Things is in full costume mode right now! Make sure you check out their shop not just for the perfect littles wardrobe but they have some of the cutest HANDmade costumes! We are just dying over this Jessie inspired combo!

{Jessie Inspired Costume, $44.50}

{All Things Sweet Things} 

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{Thank you so much to Sweet Things who sent us the most adorable outfit for review purposes.}