Thursday, August 30, 2007

Win $100 to Shade Clothing

Host Blog: Your Heart Out
Deadline to Enter: September 3, 2007, 10pm
Prize: $100 gift certificate to Shade Clothing

Already thinking about fall fashions? Maybe $100 to Shade Clothing could help! To enter, just leave a comment at the contest post.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Review: Blast Off to Planet Zula

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Science has never been one of my favorite subjects. In fact, I sometimes can't even answer Girlie Girl's questions. I know the basic ideas but I'm not great at explaining how things work.

That's why I was thrilled when The Parent Bloggers Network gave me the opportunity to preview a new soon-to-be released show called The Zula Patrol which is targeted towards pre-kindergarteners to third graders.

The Zula Patrol is about a group of animated aliens who travel through space to solve science-based problems as well as develop character-building lessons in a way that's fun and interesting. Their comical voices and colorful scenery help to keep kids tuned in. In fact, even my 20 month old was fascinated with it.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

In the first episode, we learn about how 3 different types of rocks are made- sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. In the show, these 3 rocks represent a rock group (get it?) who are about to perform a concert. An argument ensues and they split up and go their separate ways. By thinking about the properties of each rock, The Zula Patrol is able to figure out where they went and convince them to perform.

The second episode is about an active volcano named Fielding who does not want to erupt. He's afraid of his neighbors being mad at him if spews lava over everything. Now, living in Hawaii, this was a great episode for Girlie Girl in helping her to understand how volcanoes really work. All she usually sees is the eruption. This gave her an insight into what happens beneath the earth's surface.

In the end, we found The Zula Patrol to be fun and educational especially since there really isn't many science based kids shows out there. However, it is not scheduled to air in all states. If you're interested in having your local PBS station consider this as part of their their fall line-up, give them a call. I know I will.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Win a Doll Sling for Your Child

Host Blog: Musings of a crunchy Domestic Goddess
Deadline to Enter: August 31, 2007, 10pm MST
Prize: a homemade doll sling

What little girl doesn't love playing Mommy? Win an adorable doll sling for your child! To enter, you must:
  1. Sign the Mr. Linky on the contest post
  2. Leave in comments (on the contest post) the reason you'd like to win
  3. Link back to the contest post from your blog

HP Photosmart A626 Compact Photo Printer

Host Blog: 5 Minutes for Mom
Deadline to Enter: September 9, 2007
Prize: HP Photosmart A626 Compact Photo Printer

Who wouldn't want to win this great little compact printer? To enter, just mention the giveaway on your blog linking back to the contest site. Then leave a comment there to let them know you'd like to enter. A winner will be announced on September 10th.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Giveaway: Redecorate with Olive Kids

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
The winner is Laura Williams' Musings! Congratulations!

Tired of seeing the same old television characters in your child's room?

The founders of Olive Kids were and decided to come up with their own line of kids room decor with bright and colorful designs. "We feel kids should be able to surround themselves with art, design and decoration that encourages creativity and fun without all the hype and sales pressure of TV and movies."

What a great concept! And boy, do they have the cutest things!

They sent me a personalized wall clock for Girlie Girl just like this one (only with GG's name on it). What really impressed me was the way it was packed. *I used to work for a pack-wrap-ship place while in high school* Very professional and secure - nothing was getting to that clock! It's now hanging in Girlie Girl's room and she loves it! What I also like about it is that it's quiet. You can't even hear the tick-tick. Definitely a plus!

They also have very affordable bedding ensembles in bright colors and designs that would enhance any child's room. Add some coordinating rugs and wall art and you're all set!

And how about these cute place mats? I know my kids would love to eat on these especially with their names on them!

But don't take my word for it, try it out for yourself. Olive Kids is giving away a $50 gift certificate to one lucky winner. How cool is that?

Here's how to enter:
  • This giveaway will run from August 21st to August 27th.
  • Post something on your blog linking back to this giveaway and to Olive Kids.
  • Leave a comment below indicating one of your favorite items at Olive Kids.
  • Don't forget to leave a way to contact you!
  • That's it! A random winner will be selected using Random.org.
  • Good luck!

Breast Cancer Awareness

Host Blog: mod*mom
Deadline to Enter: October 1, 2007
Prize: a pink Dyson Vacuum Cleaner ($399 value)

Are you a survivor of Breast Cancer or know someone who is? Stop by mod*mom and share your experiences with Breast Cancer and how to detect it early and you could win a pink Dyson Vacuum Cleaner! This limited edition is sold only at Target which will donate $40 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every pink vacuum sold. How cool is that!

A Girly-Girl Giveaway

Host Blog: Mama Loves Giveaways
Deadline to Enter: August 29, 2007
Prize: a Girly-Girl Pack ($162 value)

To celebrate the end of summer and as part of Trista's End of Summer Giveaway, the Ladies of Pinks & Blues are giving away a cool prize pack filled with wonderful girly things! Stop by their giveaway post to leave a comment and check out the great items!

Win a Beautiful Handbag!

Host Blog: Scribblescratch.com
Deadline to Enter: August 31, 2007
Prize: a handbag by Rebecca Weis (value $35)

Isn't this a gorgeous handbag? I love it and it isn't even pink! That's saying a lot. For a chance to add this to your handbag collection (we all have one, don't we?), write a post about this giveaway in 50 words or more. It must contain a link back to the contest post as well as Scribblescratch.com.

Even if you don't win, check out her Etsy shop. She has some really cute things there!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

How Do You Stay Organized?

Host Blog: Life From My Laptop
Deadline to Enter: August 31, 2007
Prize: Kitchen Folio & Daily Planner by Momagenda

How do you stay organized when the kids go back to school? That's what Life From My Laptop wants to know. Leave your reply on her contest post and you could win a Momagenda Kitchen Folio & Daily Planner.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

KooKoo Bear Kids Giveaway

Host Blog: Two Moms in A Blog
Deadline to Enter: August 27, 2007
Prize: Pink Plaid Funky Lunchbox from KooKoo Bear Kids

How cute is this lunch box? In fact, I think I want one for myself!

For a chance to win yours, here are the rules:
  • To Enter ONCE - leave a comment at the contest post letting them know what your favorite Playtime Room idea is from the Koo Koo Bear Site.
  • To Enter THREE TIMES - leave a comment as above AND write about the contest on your blog, linking back here. Make sure to mention that you blogged when you comment so they can give you your extra entries:)
  • To Enter FIVE TIME!!!! - same as above, but include a link to our sponsor Koo Koo Bear Kids, in your post!
Good luck!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Why Do You Like Kaboost?

Host Blog: Mod Mom
Deadline to Enter: August 31, 2007
Prize: Kaboost Portable Chair Booster

Do you have a child who wants to sit in a regular chair like everyone else in the family? Kaboost has come up with a clever way to solve this problem.

To win your compact collapsible chair booster, stop by Mod Mom and tell her why you like this product. Don't forget to leave your email so she can contact you if you win!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Maven Designs Giveaway

Host Blog: Your Heart Out
Deadline to Enter: August 27, 2007
Prize: Adult apron & a Suite Roll (diaper carrying changing pad) from Maven Designs - value $65

To enter this giveaway, just stop by the contest post and leave a comment before August 27rh.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

August Group Giveaway

Host Blog: Laane on the World
Deadline to Enter: August 31, 2007
Prizes: varies

Laane has decided to start her own group giveaway project. If you'd like to participate or enter any on of the great offers, please stop by her site for more info.

As part of this event, Just Write is giving away a DVD of your choice from Amazon.com or yesasia.com. All you need to do is leave a comment on her giveaway post. Easy!

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Product Review: Dry Cleaner's Secret

I've actually heard of similar products before but never had the nerve to try them out. The last thing I want is to permanently damage my favorite silk blouse. So instead, I spend a fortune on dry cleaning.

Even some of Girlie Girl's dresses (that were gifts) are Dry Clean Only. Who in the world would make Dry Clean Only clothes for kids? Worse yet, would buy these outfits? Okay, I admit I have some crazy friends (bless their generous hearts) who believe that looking good is worth any cost. However, these friends don't have kids of their own and have never experience the mess a child can get into within 5 minutes.

Enter Dry Cleaner's Secret.

I decided to test it out on one of my blouses first. Girlie Girl would never forgive me if I ruined something of hers! The directions are simple:
  1. Spot clean the garment by removing any visible spots with the cleaning cloth.
  2. Place garment in dryer with the Dry Cleaner's Secret cleaning cloth.
  3. Tumble dry on medium heat for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove garment immediately and hang.
This is the before shot:


And this is the after shot:


As you can see, my blouse is still in perfect condition with no shrinkage. It also smelled really good!

This product is not to be used as a replacement for professional dry cleaning, but instead as a way to "freshen up" an outfit you've probably only worn once. In addition, the Dry Cleaner's Secret Cleaning Cloths are environmentally safe and non-toxic. They do not contain
perchloroethylene (perc) or trichloroethylene, the chemicals used by some dry cleaners.

It's already been given the
"Queen of Clean Seal of Approval" from Linda Cobb, and featured in publications such as Real Simple, Parade, Domino and, coming soon, O the Oprah Magazine,

Bottom Line: As an occasional treatment, it worked the way that it promised. I think I'd use it on some of my clothes. However, I'm still a little weary about throwing my favorite cashmere blouse in the dryer. I'm just not that brave.

Would you like to try it for yourself? Just visit the Dry Cleaner's Secret Blog and tell me how they suggest you clean a musty/sour towel. The first 3 people who email me with the correct answer will receive a sample of Dry Cleaner's Secret to try out for themselves! Good luck!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Win $25 to The Silly Wagon

Host Blog: sk*rt
Deadline to Enter: August 17, 2007
Prize: $25 gift certificate to The Silly Wagon

Three lucky winners could get a gift certificate to The Silly Wagon. To enter the contest, just click “Love It” on at least 10 items in the Up-and-Coming section and at least 5 items in the Popular section. Then email sharethelove@sk-rt.com and let them know you’re a voting expert.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

FranklinCovey Giveaway

Host Blog: Design Mom
Deadline to Enter: August 16, 2007
Prize: Matching handbag and planner by FranklinCovey (value $240)

Just in time for back-t0-school! Keep track of all your kids activities and look stylish doing it! Design Mom is giving away a matching handbag and planner from FranklinCovey. To enter, just leave a comment on the contest post. How easy is that? Hurry, it ends Thursday, 12 midnight, PST.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Review: Fathering Your School Aged Child

Fathering Your School-Age Child: A Dad's Guide to the Wonder Years, 3 to 9
by Armin Brott


I initially signed-up to do this review for DH's benefit. I thought this book could be a source of valuable information for him. Don't get me wrong, he's a great Dad. It's just that he's never had kids around while he was growing up, let alone girls! So, even though he's still a big kid himself, he sometimes feels a little confused about what's going on with our 5 year old daughter.

Normally, the only thing he reads are surfer magazines or body building type books, so I was surprised that he actually took it with him on his layover. When he returned, he had nothing but great things to say about it.

  • He liked that it was written by a fellow Dad who has actually experienced what it takes to raise a child. It's written in a straight-forward, no nonsense way that I think men can relate better to.
  • He also liked the way the book was broken down into manageable parts. It was easy for him to find just the right information he was looking for.
  • The part that he liked best was the helpful suggestions the author made regarding activities that parents can do with their children. I think he was grateful for the alternatives to playing Polly Pocket.
  • The resources towards the end is an endless list of books, magazines, and websites where you can find information about almost any parenting subject you can think of. Talk about research!

However, not only does this book talk about the special relationships between a father and his kids, it also gives us mommies some great information as well. For example, did you know that tooth decay is a contagious disease? If one of your kids has tooth decay and shares a cup or straw with their sibling, the second child could also develop it as well. I did not know that!

So far I've only read up to the 5th year and decided to stop there for now. I'm already overwhelmed with Girlie Girl growing up faster than I ever imagined. When the time comes, I'll definitely continue reading.

I recommend this book to any Dad with a child ages 3 to 9. You will find a wealth of information written in a way that will keep your interest. Let's face it, kids are truly a mystery.

For more information about this book or where to purchase a copy, please click here. Thank you to the The Parent Bloggers Network for this great review opportunity.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Signing Time Giveaway

Host Blog: My Two Boys
Deadline to Enter: every Friday for the next 5 weeks
Prize: 5 Signing Time prizes given out weekly

Researchers say that teaching your baby to sign is a great way to help build communication skills. That's why My Two Boys are so excited to be bringing you this amazing 5 part giveaway of various Signing Time DVDs.

To enter, just write a post linking back to Signing Time and My Two Boys giveaway post. Then add your name and url to the Mr.Linky. A random winner will be chosen every week.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Monday, August 13, 2007

Giveaway - PicaJet Photo Organizer

Thank you to everyone who entered this contest. The winner have been selected using Random.org. They are:
1st Place - Lulu's Laundry
2nd Place - Janet
3rd Place - hhoj

I'll be contacting the winners via email. Congratulations!

Talk about perfect timing.

I take tons of digital photos of the girls and they have been accumulating on my memory card pretty quickly. In fact, when we went to the park a few days ago, I could only take a few more pictures before I ran out of space.

Then I received an email asking me if I'd like to give PicaJet Photo Oragnizer a try and in return they would sponsor a contest for 3 lucky winners. Since I'm always thinking of you guys first, I agreed.

Downloading the trial version was a snap. The whole process probably took only a few minutes. However, what really impressed me was how user-friendly the program is. It didn't take long to figure out how to upload my photos, categorize & name them, and burn a copy onto a disc. I love it when I don't have to read the instructions!

One of the cool features that I found is that PicaJet FX automatically enhances images making them brighter and sharper, removes red eyes and comes with a notable set of editing tools that is on par with the leading photo editors. Importantly, while editing, the original image is NEVER replaced, so it can’t be lost or damaged. (Check me out with the surfboard! *wink*)

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

PicaJet FX also comes with a smart printer option – the pictures can be printed in 8x10, 6x8, 5x7 or custom sizes with a single mouse-click, without cropping, resizing or rotating. The program prints images one by one or in series. All images or photo albums can be backed up to CD or DVD. Other cool features include duplicate image finder, missing link locator, hidden file search, password protection, and a slideshow creator.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

The downside is that it does not contain the ability to create projects such as screen savers or greeting cards. However, PicaJet’s success lies within a simple strategy on concentrating on few important features, rather trying to be many things to many people.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Bottom line: I really like this program. In fact, I think I'm going to upgrade my trial version even if I have to pay for it myself. Check it out!

Now, here's the good part, the nice people at PicaJet is giving away 3 fabulous prizes:

1st - PicaJet FX + RoboImport (value $80)
2nd & 3rd - RoboImport (value $30)

To enter:
  1. Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back to this post and to PicaJet.
  2. Leave a comment here with a link to your post.
  3. Don't forget to leave an email address so I can contact you if you win.
  4. If you don't have a blog, just leave a comment below to enter.
  5. That's it!
The giveaway will run from August 9th till August 15th with the winners being announced on August 16th. Good luck!

Win a Bag of Books

Host Blog: Welcome to My World of Dreams
Deadline to Enter: August 26, 2007
Prize: a book bag filled with books & bath products

Judy at Welcome to My World of Dreams is celebrating the launch of her new book review blog - The Long and Short of It - by giving away a book bag full of books!

There are THREE ways you can enter this wondrous contest:

  • Several of their reviewers have blogs. Head over to The Long and the Short of It, the blog, meet them, and click on their names. If you leave a comment on their post announcing the contest, you'll be entered. Only enter one time please, per reviewer, but you CAN visit more than one reviewer. Oh... and don't forget Judy and Marianne.
  • You can share the good news about the contest on your own blog. Simply link to us in your blog entry then fill out the Mr. Linky here. Please use the url to the actual blog entry, please.
  • You can sign up for their newsletter here.
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Saturday, August 11, 2007

You Are Invited to a Virtual Baby Shower!

This event almost makes me want to be pregnant again.

The ladies at Tangled and True want to throw you a virtual baby shower. Here are the rules to sign up.

Send in an application to tangledandtrue@gmail.com {titled: virtual baby showers} with your story. All applications must include:
  • your name and address {we have to get those gifts to you}
  • a photo of you and your belly {if applicable- adoptions will be celebrated as well.}
  • your due date
  • whether you are expecting a boy or girl {if you know and/or want to share}
Keep it creative!

Winners will be surprised and all baby showers will be thrown {on Tangled and True} unannounced.

Comfy Easy PC System Giveaway

Host Blog: 5 Minutes for Mom
Deadline to Enter: August 23, 2007
Prize: Comfy Easy PC System Giveaway (value $90)

What is it about kids that they just love playing on your computer? Well, 5 Minutes for Mom is giving one lucky winner a chance at owning the Comfy Easy PC System. This system is a uniquely designed keyboard and also comes with your choice of software. For more info, please visit their contest post here. A winner will be announced on August 24th.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Friday, August 10, 2007

Win a Micralite Toro Stroller

Host Blog: Mod Mom
Deadline to Enter: September 15, 2007
Prize: Micralite Toro Newborn Transportation System (value $789) from Sparkability

How's this for an awesome prize? Even if you don't have a baby, this would make a great gift for one of your friends. They will love you forever! To enter, just subscribe to Mod Mom's email list and leave a comment on the contest post. Good luck!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Glam Boutique Stationary Giveaway

Host Blog: The Glam Boutique
Deadline to Enter: August 20, 2007
Prize: a stationary item from Glam Boutique

Who couldn't use more stationary? The Glam Boutique has the cutest feminine designs to choose from. To enter, just write a post and link back to the contest post.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Review: Word World is Coming to PBS


How would you like to live in a world where words come alive right before your eyes? Well, that's what a typical day in Word World is like.

This brand new show, which is set to debut on PBS this fall, is geared towards children ages 3 - 5 years old. Visit with Dog, Pig, Sheep, Frog, Duck, Ant, and many others as they go through many adventures in Word World.

We were lucky enough to be able to preview 2 free episodes of Word World. Now, I admit that Girlie Girl watches her share of television. That's why I figured she would be the perfect person to test this new series out. Boy, did she love it! In fact, not only has she been watching it every single day since we've gotten it, she can also now spell every single word on the show!
The key to this new show is instant word recognition. It's a visual way to introduce children to the power of words. It kind of reminds me of when I was younger and my Mom labeled many items around the house to help me learn how to spell. It worked!

So, mark your calendars and be on the lookout for Word World coming to PBS on September 3, 2007. Your kids will love it, and so will you!

Experience a world where words come alive right before your very eyes!


Thank you to Parent Bloggers Network for this great opportunity.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Track Your Child's Milestones with Bundlo

Host Blog: Pediacast
Deadline to Enter: August 30, 2007
Prize: a Lifetime Membership to Bundlo

Bundlo is an online service where you can track all your child's milestones in one easy to access location. What a great keepsake this would be! Dr. Mike of Pediacast is giving away 3 various lifetime memberships to some very lucky winners.

Here are the rules:
  • Episodes 44, 45, 46 and 47 of Pediacast will each contain a code word (or words).
  • Listen to Pediacast and collect the code words from those 4 episodes.
  • Unscramble the code words to reveal the secret phrase and then email the secret phrase to: pediacast@gmail.com.
  • Put “bundlo contest” in the subject line.
  • Entries accepted through August 30th, 2007.
  • The winners will be announced on the September 3rd episode of Pediacast.

A Pediascribe Giveaway

Host Blog: Pediascribe
Deadline to Enter: August 15, 2007
Prize: A Nursing Cover Up From BumbleBaby Mommy

Here are the rules:
  • Winner must be in the US.
  • You must post on your blog about this contest.
  • Your blog post must contain a link to this contest AND a link directly to BumbleBaby Mommy.
  • You’ll need to comment on this post after your blog post is up so your entry can be verified.
  • Entries will be accepted until August 15th at noon at which time a winner will be chosen at random.
What a great giveaway for a new Mommy or a Mommy-to-Be!

Win a Nintendo Wii

Host Blog: ClubIT
Deadline to Enter: August 31, 2007
Prize: Nintendo Wii (value $250)

This is an easy one to enter. Just stop by their website and fill out the entry form. That's it! Good luck!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

We All Scream For Ice Cream

Host Blog: Confessions From The Rubber Room
Deadline to Enter: August 31, 2007
Prize: Cuisinart Pure Indulgence 2 QT Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker (value $79.95)

Perfect for the hot Summer days! For more info on how to enter, stop by Confessions From The Rubber Room.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Cute As A Bug Giveaway

Host Blog: Musings of a Crunchy Domestic Goddess
Deadline to Enter: August 3, 2007 11:59pm
Prize: a shirt from Cute As A Bug (your choice)

To celebrate the launch of Cute As A Bug, they're giving away a free shirt (your choice) from their site. All you need to do is write a little something on your blog, link back to the contest post, and add your name to the Mr.Linky. One random winner will be selected on August 4th.