Shocking…it’s September already!  Even more shocking, the latest and greatest costumes of the year are already out of stock or on back order and Halloween is still 8 weeks away!  Basically, just like with Christmas, SHOP EARLY!  Make it your plan this week to find out what your children want to be this year so you can start the hunt!  I’m done I’m pleased to say!  Aidan is going to be a a superhero monkey {we’re improvising on this one using things we have since he’s at the age to not want to wear anything on his head or face so he’s quite limited in the costume department, no need to spend the money when he probably won’t wear it!}, Connor will be Mario from Super Mario Brothers {downright hysterical}, and Timmy is a Ninja Warrior!  And after 9 years of Halloween Costume Shopping, I’m still 100% pleased with my purchases {and samples this time} from Halloween Express.

For you mommies out there that still make your own Halloween Costumes year after year for your kids, I tip my hat to you!  I’ll say it again, I’m not that clever or crafty, store bought is the only way to go for us!  Thank goodness Halloween Express has hundreds upon hundreds of ideas, costumes, and accessories to fulfill our imaginations!  It’s not just Superheros and pretty fairies, the most adorable Octopus above proves that!  Dress your newborn on up to your Grandpa, all right at Halloween Express!

A BIG THANKS to Halloween Express this year for supplying our team with 4 amazing costumes!  Like I said before, C got Mario and T got a Ninja, Sarah’s oldest is going to be a Pilot, and Erin’s daughter is going to be a beloved Disney Princess {see our costume picks below}.  Whether you want to be unique, simple, creative, gruesome, or precious, you’ll find it ALL here!

Did you see the Bike Costume on our Weekly Picks Montage this week??  Straight from Halloween Express, super cute right?  Take some time today and browse, you’ll find decorations for your home, office, or spooky party, every Halloween accessory known to man, from Tom Arma originals to your fav movie characters…Halloween Express makes me long for cooler weather, falling leaves, kids high on sugar, scary movies on TV for weeks, apple cider, pumpkin pie, and the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg lingering in the home.  It’s my favorite time of year, my kids favorite time too!  To pretend to be something different, a hero, a villain, a make-believe adventurer…one time of the year their imaginations truly run wild and when they are finally allowed to embrace the make believe!  I can’t wait!!

Toy Story is still as popular as ever!!

IF Aidan would have allowed us to dress him up this year, a toddler version of Cat in the Hat is what I was dying to put him in!

Happy Costume Shopping!  Take 10% off your orders of $35 or more with the code BABYLUXE10 {subject to their coupon policy which can be viewed here}.  Lots of Free Shipping opportunities so be on the look out for that!

GIVEAWAY!!  Let’s start this season out right with $75 to spend at Halloween Express for one lucky winner!  What would you get??  Let us know for your chance to win!  Contest ends on September 12th.  Open to US residents only. Good luck to all!!

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NEW GIVEAWAY RULES – Please note that we will only accept a maximum of 3 entries per person, as outlined below.

To be eligible to win, you must:
1) Comment from above

Extra Entries {please leave a comment for each one}:

2) Like Halloween Express on Facebook

3) Follow Halloween Express on Twitter

Although the following are not part of the entry rules, we would love it if you did the following {but PLEASE do not leave a comment for these and see top of page for links}:
A) Subscribe to BabyElan {daily}
B) Become our Fan on Facebook {check out the new BabyElan {SHOP}Facebook page}
C) Follow us on Twitter

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Looking for bold colors, organic cotton & wild designs for your hip little one?  Whether it be for back to “pre-school”, your fall play groups or just hanging around the house, Zoolu Organics has you covered for getting your tot dressed in style!  We love their use of simple, yet eclectic & fresh designs, on comfortable, high quality basics.

As I look around at my friends’ photos on Facebook, I have been seeing all the adorable “first day” outfits that kids are wearing, and my favorites have been the fun & quirky t-shirts that many have on.  This only makes me want to get my kids dressed in their stylish tee’s as well, which will certainly include several from Zoolu Organics!

Patty Abbott, owner & designer of the Zoolu Organics brand, created her company out of a desire to find the perfect combination of organic materials, unisex design & animals to dress her newborn son in.   She has done a fabulous job at creating just that, and we’re proud to show off the pieces that she generously sent us for a review!

For a fabulous 30% off, enter “babyelan” at checkout!!!

It’s not often you find a bag/tote that’s perfect for work AND play; for days in the office with your laptop, to filling it with towels and swim suits for the pool or taking it to the market and piling it high with fresh goodies, OR simply using it daily as your carry all or diaper bag…one bag that “expands” for your needs, one bag that’s not flashy, not over-the-top, a bag that’s “Simply A Luxury”!

The simple luxuries bag above has been the highlight of my life for a few weeks now.  This classy bag has graced the Matthews Farmers Market, the CMOMS consignment sale, Harris Teeter on multiple occasions, business coffee meetings, pool-side and park-side…holding purchases from Trader Joes trips OR holding nothing more than my wallet and a diaper & wipes case.  It’s safe to say that I’m in love!  There isn’t a place this bag can’t go!  Since it comes with it’s own laptop sleeve, using this bag for work is a must as well.  For you work at home or work in the office moms, no need to have 3-4 bags to switch in and out from work, to the mall, to play-dates and more…ONE BAG from One Language Label is all you need!

Six subtle designs, with features you won’t find on other bags!  First, these bags are made from 100% natural canvas making it one of the sturdiest bags you’ll have in your collection {this is one canvas bag that won’t get shoved into the truck of your car!}.  My favorite feature, snaps on the sides to make this bag your perfect standard size or super big for all those beach towels or groceries.  Plus, each bag’s insides are lined with inspirational quotes, such a unique luxury!  There are several inside pockets for your cell, wallet, and baby items, and don’t forget about the laptop sleeve!  If you’re a bit sick of the bright and intensely colorful and LOUD bags out there these days…you’re in for treat with One Language Label!

I think the bicycle bag above could be one of my fav designs, this one would make a fabulous library tote, museum bag, wherever you venture with the kids, this bag needs to follow!  Think ahead to Christmas or upcoming birthdays, or baby showers…better yet, getting married or know someone who is, these totes would make the best bridal party gifts!  Shop away and take 20% off your purchase with the code baby20! Say hi to One Language Label on Facebook and Twitter!

If you’re anything like me, you’ve heard yourself say on more than one occasion, “I can’t WAIT for school to start!”  Seriously, I think I have said this to anyone who will listen, on a daily basis, for the past 2 weeks.  I’m just done with summer.  Plain & simple.  This is my first summer as a Stay at Home Mom, and now I totally understand why some moms make the choice to go back to work!

That said, here’s another reason I am excited for summer to end, and fall to start; The Kuza Strap!  After finally shedding those last few baby pounds, I am ready to start wearing my leggings and skinny jeans again this fall with all my favorite boots!  And thanks to the combined efforts of Kuza Strap founders, Shien-Ru Tsao & Annie Lim, I won’t have to worry about bunching at the knees!

Available in 5 stylish fashions, ranging from Preppy Chic to City Slicker, there is a choice for everyone!

The Kuza Strap is really a simple little product, but so fashionable & functional! Because not only can you use it to keep your pants down where they belong, but there are dozens of other uses for The Kuza Strap as well. Several pregnant moms wrote to the company explaining how they used theirs to extend the longevity of their bottoms before they fully have to shop for new maternity wear. Tell us, what other ways would you use yours?

BabyElan {daily} readers take 10% off with code “BABYELAN”!

Most of us are school shopping for our kids right now.  Do you want to have some fun with your kids styles this school year?  Mix and match organic blends, long sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, short sleeve all in great colors for the ENTIRE FAMILY   Your little girl can wear the same adorable tee as her big brother and you can match too!

NEW FALL STYLES

Colette Kids is a collection of hip, vibrant unisex designs for infants, toddlers and kids. striving to offer today’s modern parents fresh, age-appropriate apparel choices that are non-gender specific and can be shared amongst siblings. Let kids be kids! Colette Kids signature designs are made of ultra soft 100% USDA certified organic cotton and 100% baby rib/fine jersey cotton, all made in USA and individually screen-printed by hand.   Mom and Dad can share in the fun too with matching prints!

NEW Animal Ears Hats, Colette Kids has added 2 new colors -Raspberry & Turquoise – to their already popular Animal Ears
Hat collection! Mix n’ match with onesies and tees.  Need a last minute shower gift?  Or perhaps you are looking for something to spice up the new nursery or kid’s room? Check out Colette Kids new Animal Art Prints. Available in 9 designs, the prints are 5×7 in size, printed on archival quality semi-matte card stock and mounted on white 8×10 mats. Frame them individually or arrange in a series.  Fresh Fun

ART PRINTS

Cupcakes Anyone? Guess what?! You can now EAT your favorite Colette Kids animals.  A new partnership with TICINGS, serves up modern, edible icing stickers that apply to virtually any flat-frosted dessert! As featured in Pacific Weddings magazine, Ticings is gluten-free, OU kosher certified, 0 calories, FDA approved and made in USA. Want to see other Colette Kids designs on Ticings?

EDIBLE DESIGNS

Nicholas enjoys picking out his Momo Catepillar short sleeve tee or his newest long sleeve Randall Hippo tee to wear regularly.  They fit him comfortably. I’ve washed his caterpillar tee lots of times and the color hasn’t faded and the print hasn’t worn. I did shrink it though, so be aware, cotton and drying aren’t friends   Check the size charts to make sure you order your tees and onesies to fit perfectly, they run a bit small.  Enjoy!  Happy shopping.

RECEIVE 15% OFF AT CHECKOUT USING SAVE15.