An Island Review

We've Moved!

2008-08-13T23:58:00.001-10:00

Don't forget to update your feeds, bookmarks, & email subscriptions.

New url
New feed
New email subscription

See how easy that was?
:-)

Nana Star Giveaway

2008-08-06T23:02:00.002-10:00

Stop by the new Island Review for a chance to win a Nana Star book & plushie for your family!

An Island Review Has Moved

2008-08-05T10:09:00.002-10:00

I'm so sorry for the delays in posting the giveaway listings, however, An Island Review is finally moving over to WordPress.

You can now visit me here:

http://islandlife808.com/islandreview

Don't forget to bookmark me to receive the latest giveaways around the blogosphere!

I'm Back . . . and Jet-Lagged!

2008-08-01T20:52:00.004-10:00

I'm finally back from Cincinnati where I was attending the Pampers Mommy Bloggers event. It was an awesome experience but I'm glad to be home.

I've received all your emails requesting your giveaways to be listed and I plan to go through them this weekend with a post scheduled for Monday. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Giveaway: Little Einsteins Flight of the Instrument Faries

2008-08-01T20:32:00.003-10:00

From the site: Hold on tight and let fun take flight, as Rocket transports you through a dazzling rainbow sky on amazing adventures.

Journey to the breathtaking Arctic wilderness where a band of Musical Instrument Fairies "paints" the sky with colorful, shimmering light. But now, the Fairies need your help! So before you can say, "Up, periscope!" - Rocket transforms into a submarine and leads Quincy, Annie, June, Leo - and YOU - on a thrilling underwater quest.

And there's more magic in store as you pat, clap, sing and dance your way to exciting adventures in faraway lands. Whether you're waltzing at a grand ball in Vienna or helping Rocket foil Big Jet's latest tricky plan, Flight of the Instrument Fairies is fairy tale-inspired fun that will light up your child's imagination!

If your child is a fan of Little Einsteins like Baby Bug, they will love this brand new DVD. It's packed with 4 different episodes:

Flight of the Instrument Fairies
The Puppet Princess
The Glass Slipper Ball
Little Red Rockethood

Also included is a never-before-seen Alaska Expedition and the Music Mix-Up game. Fun for everyone!

Since our family loves music, this DVD was especially entertaining for us. It gave the kids the opportunity to learn more about the different musical instruments and the sounds each one makes.

This DVD is scheduled to be released on August 5th but one lucky winner will win one here! To enter:

Mention in comment who your favorite Little Einstein is before midnight, August 8th. That's it!
A random winner will be selected and notified on August 9th.
The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn more entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra ticket. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Subscribe to my feed.
Place my button in your sidebar.

This giveaway is open to everyone world-wide. Good luck!

Review & Giveaway: Life After People DVD

2008-07-29T20:34:00.000-10:00

Talk about an eye opener!

This 94-minute DVD from The History Channel explores what could possibly happen to the planet if one day people just ceased to exist. They're not talking nuclear war or natural disaster, just if people suddenly disappeared.

From the site: "If humans were to suddenly disappear, what would happen to our planet - the structures we've built, the everyday items we take for granted, domesticated and wild animal, plants, trees? What would become of the things that define our species and leave our mark on this Earth?"

When I first received this DVD, I wasn't sure how I would feel about. However, when I started watching it, I was intrigued at the thought of "Life After People". I mean, who will feed our pets, keep the generators running, protect the structures from being overcome by vegetation? The strangest feeling of all is when you realize that in their portrayed senario, you no longer exist either. Creepy!

This DVD can be purchased through Amazon for $12.99.

Giveaway: Would you like to win a copy for yourself to check out? To enter:

Mention in comments why you'd like to win this DVD before August 4th. That’s it!
A random winner will be selected and notified on August 5th.
The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn more entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra ticket. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Subscribe to my feed.
Place my button in your sidebar.

This giveaway is open to everyone world-wide. Good luck!

Review & Giveaway: CARES Restraint System

2008-07-29T10:00:00.000-10:00

As a flight attendant, one of the most common questions I receive from traveling families besides "Do you have extra diapers on board?" is "Have you ever heard of the CARES Restraint System? Is it really that easy?"

Well, thanks to **, not only can I say I have heard about it but I've also had the opportunity to actually test it out on a recent flight to Maui.

First of all, let me tell you that anything that will decrease the amount of things I need to lug to the plane is always a blessing in my book.

Secondly, it was really easy to install. The only thing is that you'll need to temporarily put down the tray table of the person behind you and they may not always be the most cooperative people on board. However, once they realize that it will not interfere with their "personal space" in any way, they're usually pretty understanding.

Third, Baby Bug loved that she could sit on the plane's seat like her big sister. Plus it helps that she's always been really good about strapping into her car seat. To her this was a treat!

Overall, we loved using the CARES Restraint System and would highly recommend it to anyone traveling with young children. However, just be prepared to explain to the flight attendant what it is. Even though we (flight attendants) have all been informed that the CARES System is FAA approved, many may not have seen it in person yet.

The CARES Restraint System sells for $74.95.

Giveaway: Guess what? I have a CARES Restraint System to give away to one lucky person! To enter:

Stop by CARES before midnight, August 2nd.
Then come back and mention in comments one step on installing it. That’s it!
A random winner will be selected and notified on August 3rd.
The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn more entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra ticket. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Subscribe to my feed.
Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here and to CARES.
Place my button in your sidebar.

This giveaway is open to US addresses. Good luck!

Giveaway: Veggie Tales Tomato Sawyer and Huckleberry Larry's Big River Rescue

2008-07-26T22:00:00.000-10:00

These days, it's hard to find quality family entertainment for kids of all ages. That's why our family has always been big fans of Veggie Tales.

From the site: Meet Tomato Sawyer and Huckleberry Larry – two friends homesteading along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Tom and Huck look forward to owning their own land, building a home and opening Huck’s Jerkyland and Tom’s Tax Preparation. But everything changes when they meet a mysterious stranger who is on the run and trying to find his mama. Will Huck and Tom risk losing all they’ve worked for in order to help someone they hardly know? Find out in this exciting river rescue that reminds kids of the importance of helping others.

This newly released 50-minute DVD is great for the whole family and includes a brand new song - The Biscuit of Zazzamarandabo. If your family is a Veggie Tales fan, they will love it! This DVD can be purchased at Amazon.com for $13.99.

Giveaway: I have one brand new copy available to give away to a very lucky family. To enter:

Mention in comments what you like about the Veggie Tales team before August 1st. That’s it!
A random winner will be selected and notified on August 2nd.
The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn more entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra ticket. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Subscribe to my feed.
Place my button in your sidebar.

This giveaway is open to everyone world-wide. Good luck!

Friday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-24T17:51:00.002-10:00

** I will be on a temporary break from posting giveaways until I'm back from my Pampers Conference on August 1st. Thank you for your understanding.**

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Celebutopia - $10 to iTunes (?)

Just for Women

Bloggy Giveaways - $40 to Fourteen Beads (July 28th)
Fitness for Mommies - New Balance Bonita Skirt (July 29th)
MomFinds - $100 to Busy Mommi (July 30th)
Mamanista - Tee from PeaceLoveMom (July 31st)

Just for Kids

Skimbaco - Wooden Blocks and Teether from Little Alouette (July 27th)
Sally's Clippies - Scarlet & Crimson Clippie (July 27th)
The Clan McLeod - A signed copy of The Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly: Costa Rica by Debbie Glade (July 29th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - Navy Blue colored Sun Hat from A Toy Garden (July 31st)
Crunchy Green Lovin' Mom - Herbal Insect Repellent for Kids (Aug 1st)
Crunchy Domestic Goddess - Felt King or Queen Crown from Green Party Goods (Aug 7th)
Moomettesgram's Musings - New Boutique Hartstrings Sailor Prep Dress (Sept 2nd)

Baby Essentials

Mama Speaks - Bamboo Black Band from Baby Be Mine Maternity (July 27th)
Momma in Flip Flops2 - Safety Caps for your entire household (July 27th)
Cool Baby Kid - grobag egg room thermometer from Keen Distribution (July 31st)
The Giveaway - A Cowboy Bear Blanket and matching Taggie blanket from Whisper Lane Designs (Aug 2nd)
Froggy Reviews - A set of My First Scrubs from Princess Linens (Aug 4th)
Sassy Frazz - grobag sleeping bag for babies from Keen Distribution (Aug 4th)
Baby Cheapskate - 12 bumGenius Cloth Diapers (Aug 6th)

Home & Garden

Savvy Housewife - Cleaning Products from Weiman Products (July 27th)
Green Mom Finds - three-tier stainless steel lunch carrier (July 31st)
The Galiwag - 3 items from our home office line (July 31st)
mod*mom - Wall Candy Decal Set (Aug 25th)

Books for GrownUps

The Opinionated Parent - Somebody's Daughter by Marie Myung-Ok Lee (July 30th)
Boutique Cafe - Mother Nurture: Life Lessons from the Mothers of America’s Best and Brightest (July 31st)
The Secret Life of Kat - 3 Marriage and Parenting books (July 31st)

Contests

The Motor Company is searching for female film makers who can capture the sense of empowerment, freedom and adventure that is inherent when women get behind the handlebars of their very own Harley-Davidson motorcycle in a two minute short film. Not only will the winning film maker have the opportunity to release their film during a special premiere party in Los Angeles, they’ll also receive $5,000 for their next film project, a high definition video camera and a Harley-Davidson leather jacket. Rules, regulations and full contest details are available at www.bikescameraaction.tv.

Review: T-Mobile@Home

2008-07-23T10:29:00.005-10:00

T-Mobile recently announced that they're entering the home phone market. A great thing for all existing T-Mobile cell phone customers.

For just $10/month, which can be added to your current T-Mobile cell phone plan, you'll receive free unlimited nationwide calling, caller ID, call waiting, & voicemail. This service makes use of your current broadband internet connection using a special Linksys WRTU54g-TM router and provides you with up to 2 phone lines.

When I first received the phone & wireless router, I was a little overwhelmed. I just couldn't understand how it was all supposed to fit together. However, once I read the manual and actually started looking at the components, it all made sense. First, I installed the wireless router program into my PC and which didn't take much time at all. Then I inserted the SIM card into the back of the router. Finally, once it was connected to the internet, all I had to do was plug in the phone and I was all set. I found the sound quality to be very clear on both the sending and receiving end.

Overall, I felt this was a great service at a great price!

For more information, stop by T-Mobile@Home.

Wednesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-22T22:39:00.002-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Brighter Minds Media - Dodge that Anvil, Venture Arctic, Wedding Dash, Thomas and Friends, and Brainiversity (July 27th)
Moms In A Blog - Ice Cream from IceCreamSource.com (July 31st)
Mommy Mandy - $10 to Baskin-Robbins (Aug 2nd)
Go Visit Hawaii - First Class Upgrade Travel Kit (Aug 15th)
Wp Theme Designer - Flip Mino Video Camera (Aug 17th)

Just for Women

Musings of a Housewife - A pair of earrings by Fresh Gems (July 24th)
Bloggy Giveaway - $50 to Stamped Sterling Jewelry (July 27th)
All Because Two People Fell In Love - Mom's Ultimate Family Organizer (July 27th)
Chic Shopper Chick - One set of social stationery and one set of Momager Calling cards (July 30th)

Just for Kids

dkMommy Spot - Fire Fish by Davy Liu (July 25th)
Little One's Baby Gifts - My Dwink Box (July 26th)
A Window To My Crazy Life - Parking Pal (July 29th)
The Giveaway - An OnTray Shopping Cart Tray (July 31st)
A Bookworm's Diary - Joy is the Greatest Gift (July 31st)
The Giveaway - A pack of "My 411 Wristbands" my Mabel's Labels (Aug 1st)
A Bookworm's Diary - A pair of shoes from Shoo Shoos (Aug 4th)
Mamanista - $30 to Divas & Rockstars (Aug 5th)
Barefoot Book Reviews - Bun Bun, at Bedtime from Barefoot Books (Aug 15th)
Barefoot Book Reviews - 10 Award Winning Books from Barefoot Books (Aug 25th)

Baby Essentials

My Mom Shops - Baby Sling from Serena & Lily (July 24th)
Green Mom Finds - Klean Kanteen 12 oz Stainless Steel Sippy Cup and Spouts (July 29th)
Within the Corners of my Kitchen - Diaper Pouch from AbbaDabba (July 29th)
Seven Dogs & A Baby - Sterling Silver Anklet from Baby Emi (July 31st)
One Day At A Time - Number One Bus Tour Print by Carla Daly(July 31st)
Due Maternity - Daily Diaper Bag Giveaway (Dec 31st)

Home & Garden

Tangled & True - Stationary Set from A Punkin Card Company (July 24th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - MomSpit Face Cleanser (July 26th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Large Personalized Blanket from Baby Fabulous (July 26th)
The Post-It Place - Multi-Slicer (July 26th)
The Giveaway - A bar of handmade natural Lavender Soap by Soap Werks (July 29th)
Retro Housewife Goes Green - Ecosafe Trash Bags (July 30th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - The Ultimate Tea Diet Book & Craving Tea Sampler (Aug 5th)

Books & Movies for GrownUps

Film Gecko - College Road Trip DVD (July 26th)
A Book Blogger's Diary - How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg (July 31st)

Review & Giveaway: Beyond The Bomb

2008-07-21T14:29:00.007-10:00

This giveaway is closed. Thank you for your participation.
The winner is Misty @ Planet Misty.
Congratulations!

Every once in a while, we all need a little pampering.

Beyond The Bomb is a brand new company that specializes in bath bombs for adults and children. They come in four different sizes and many different scents to choose from. And did you know that BTB bath bombs even have health benefits? The different scents may be able to help with different medical conditions.

Want to make your kids' bath time more fun? They also have various bath bombs in the shape of rocks, beach items, glass slippers, ducks, footballs, sticks of chalk, popsicles, and even a cupcake! How cool is that?

These bath bombs also make perfect favors for baby showers, weddings, birthdays, and even teacher gifts!

We were lucky to have received a few bath bombs to try and let me tell you, it was heavenly. I took one with me on a layover and could hardly wait to get off the plane and into my hotel room. I ran the water, dropped one in, and soaked my passenger troubles away. Ahhhh . . .

Giveaway: How would you like to win a gift set of 3 different sizes of bath bombs in your choice of scents? To enter:

Stop by Beyond The Bath before midnight, July 28th.
Then come back and mention in comments your favorite scent. That’s it!
A random winner will be selected and notified on July 29th.
The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn more entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra ticket. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Subscribe to my feed.
Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here and to Beyond The Bath.
Place my button in your sidebar.

This giveaway is open to US addresses. Good luck!

Monday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-21T09:09:00.003-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Gift Rap - Boom Blox for Wii (July 24th)
Robyn's Online World - $50 to Amazon.com (Aug 1st)
Money007 - Playstation 3 Grand Theft Auto 4 Bundle (Aug 6th)
My Blog Contest - $150 worth of FaceBook Ads (Aug 15th)

Just for Men

BlackCardSource.com - Titanium Money Clip (July 23rd)

Just for Women

Subu, Inc. - Pendant Necklace from the Mall Girl Collection at Pretty Betty Designs (July 25th)
The Giveaway - A hand-stamped "Carpe Diem" copper necklace by BeadNest Designs (July 28th)

Just for Kids

My Trendy Tykes - Doodlebugz Crayon Purse from Princess Linen (July 25th)
Goody Blog - Summer Travel Survival Kit (July 25th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Toys and Games from Education.com (July 25th)
Chic Shopper Chick - Ugly Doll (July 27th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - A Pair of My First Shades (July 28th)
Cool Baby Kid - Total Sun Protection Package from Sun Protection Zone (July 28th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - Boogily Bunnie or Stitch Kitten (Aug 1st)
Mommy Mandy - Little Fit Hat (Aug 2nd)

Baby Essentials

dkMommy Spot - Set of Baby Bambu Utensils (July 24th)
Project Nursery - Hand Painted Wall Letter from Pink Taffy Designs (July 25th)
The Giveaway - Your choice of baby/child moccasins from Nowa Li (July 27th)
Green Mom Finds - Nature BabyCare Diapers (July 28th)
Seven Dogs & A Baby - Vanilla Key Lime Baby Blanket from Lychee Line (July 31st)
The Giveaway - 'Teething Bling' Necklace and Bangle set from Smart Mom Jewelry (Aug 3rd)

Home & Garden

A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - BPA-Free Camelbak Water Bottle (July 27th)
I Love Give-A-Ways - Photo Collage from Announcement Galore (July 27th)
Val's View - 20 notecards from babycakesart (July 27th)
Seven Dogs & A Baby - HP A526 Printer (July 31st)
Mother 2 Mother - Personalized Greeting Cake from Dejacreations (July 31st)
The Celebrity Cafe - Dippin' Dots Ice Cream Party (Aug 12th)
Mother 2 Mother - 12 Assorted Mia Bella Voltives (Aug 15th)
Mom Logic - FHI Heat Brushes (?)

Books for GrownUps

Walking on Sunshine - Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes (Aug 2nd)

Review & Giveaway: Prima Princessa DVD

2008-07-18T09:45:00.004-10:00

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
The winner is Shelly @ Shelly's Bookshelf.
Congratulations!

If you have a little ballerina living in your home, she's going to love this!

Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake takes you on a journey to the Paris Opera Ballet as they dance to the classical Swan Lake Ballet. "In between each act, the children return home,dress up in fun pretty tutus, and learn a simple ballet step. Each step is playfully shown mixed into a colorful montage of toys, animals, birds, children and young dancers from the School of American Ballet."

My daughters enjoyed this interactive DVD and the narration by Prima Princessa helped them understand the story behind Swan Lake. Even I learned a few new things! The transformations between animation to live performances kept this DVD entertaining and was able to hold my girls' attentions longer than most DVDs.

That's always a good thing! *don't judge me - hee hee*

Aimed at pre-school girls, this 40 minute DVD may be purchased at Amazon.com ($19.99) or visit the Prima Princessa site today!

Giveaway: How would you like to win a copy of your very own? To enter:

Stop by Prima Princessa before midnight, July 24th.
Then come back and mention in comments one photo you saw in the slideshow. That’s it!
A random winner will be selected and notified on July 25th.
The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn more entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra ticket. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Subscribe to my feed.
Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here and to Prima Princessa.
Place my button in your sidebar.

This giveaway is open to everyone world-wide. Good luck!

Friday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-18T07:50:00.002-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Make Money Online - iPod Nano (July 24th)
Million Dollar Portfolio - Flip Video Ultra Camcorder (July 31st)
SunEGrl Loves To Shop - 500 Entrecard Credits, Italian Charm Bracelet With 5 Charms,
125x125 button on my blog for one month, or $50.00 Target Gift Card (July 31st)
My Investing Blog - $300 Amex Gift Card (Aug 6th)

Just for Women

MomFinds - $200 to The Fine Art of Family (July 23rd)
The Giveaway - Porcelain and Denim bracelet by bluewhitejewelrywear (July 23rd)
SheFinds - $200 t0 Julia Bristow Jewelry (July 25th)
Lookit! I Spy . . . - Tight Curves Protein Powder for Women (July 25th)
The Giveaway - $30 Gift Certificate to Andrea's Beau (July 26th)
Help4BreastCancer.com - Pink iPod Nano(Aug 31st)

Just for Kids

Busy Mommy Product Review - Custom Tutu from Sara Rose (July 19th)
Tots Magazine - One Hardcover Book from Frecklebox (July 23rd)
Savvy Housewife - Toy Horse from Paradise Toys (July 24th)
Props and Pans - Eco-Kids All Natural Art Supplies (July 26th)
Sassy Frazz - Hair Accessories from Oopsie Dazie (July 28th)
Clementine NW - 1 Pair of Robeez (July 31st)

Baby Essentials

Bloggy Giveaways - Bodysuit/Burp Cloth or Toddler Tee from Emily Allyn (July 22nd)
Mamanista - Squeaky Clean Methodbaby Line (July 31st)
Pink with Sparkles - HABA Stroller Chain from Gem Gem (July 31st)
Lisa Reviews - That Baby CD/DVD (July 31st)

Home & Garden

dkMommy Spot - $20 to LaundryTree (July 20th)
dkMommy Spot - $25 to Whole Foods (July 21st)
The Clan McLeod - Personalized Clipboard from Sheltered Not Shattered (July 22nd)
Witin the Corners of My Kitchen - Hottie HotHolders (July 22nd)
Tots Magazine - $50 to Bugaboo Announcements (July 24th)
Seven Dogs & A Baby - $50 to Warm Biscuit Bedding Company (July 25th)
3 P's Mama Says... - Skin MD Lotion (July 29th)

Books & Movies for GrownUps

Sassy Frazz - Love As a Way of Life by Dr. Gary Chapman (July 28th)
A Mom's Review - College Road Trip DVD (July 31st)

Giveaway: Twisted Silver Jewelry

2008-07-17T14:00:00.001-10:00

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation!
The winner is Kristinia @ Loving Heart Mommy!
Congratulations!

Well, they've done it again. Twisted Silver has come out with some amazing new jewelry pieces that you're sure to love.

The Hardware Necklace ($100) & Bracelet ($50)
Both are 50% off from July 29th - August 5th.
Code: HARDWARE

The Tassel Necklace ($60) & Earrings ($30)
Both are 50% off from August 5th - 12th.
Code: TASSEL

Funky Earrings ($30) & Bracelet ($40)
Available in gold or silver.
Both are 50% off from July 22nd - 29th
Code: FUNKY

How would you like to win the Funky Earrings & Bracelet set in silver? To enter:

Stop by Twisted Silver before midnight, July 23rd.
Then come back and mention in comments your favorite piece. That’s it!
A random winner will be selected and notified on July 24th.
The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn more entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra ticket. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Subscribe to my feed.
Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here and to Twisted Silver.
Place my button in your sidebar.

This giveaway is open to everyone world-wide. Good luck!

Thursday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-17T10:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

Just for Women

Mums the Wurd - Hannah and Haley snack bags in Pink Paisley (July 18th)
Shopalicious - Silver Lurex Mini Hobo Bag (July 20th)
I'm No Supermom - Teeny Tiny Initials necklace from Lisa Leonard (July 22nd)

Just for Kids

Green & Clean Mom - William is Going Green by James Martin II (July 18th)
Mums the Wurd - Joy is the Greatest Gift by Lisa Rey Marks(July 18th)
Seven Dogs & A Baby - Booda Bellie Tee size Small (July 19th)
Mom Most Traveled - Child's Messenger Bag from Ellie Bellie Kids (July 19th)
Green Mom Finds - Totem Boys or Totem Girls Puzzle (July 20th)
Bloggy Giveaways - DVD Series of Bilingual Fun Spanish for Children (July 21st)
simple - RileyRoos Shoes (July 21st)
Tots Magazine - Backyardigans: Mighty Match-Up! DVD (July 23rd)

Home & Garden

No Time Mom - Boon Tableware & Utensils (July 18th)
Mommies United - 8 x 10 picture of your choice from Pigtails Ink (July 20th)
My Trendy Tykes - Johnson & Johnson Giveaway (July 21st)

Books for GrownUps

Green Mom Finds - Seven Wonders for a Cool Planet by Eric Sorensen (July 24th)

Wednesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-16T11:17:00.001-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

1sweepstakes.com - $100 to Amazon.com (Dec 31st)

Just for Women

Free Birthday Treats Blog - Salty Chix Beachwear Tee - winner choose either Emily or Megan Tee (July 19th)
Little Window Shoppe - A Set of Frownies Facial Pads (July 24th)
Mommy Track'd - $500 to Lucky Jeans (?)

Just for Kids

dkMommy Spot - $25 to Bambino Land (July 19th)
Classy Mommy - Pokemon: The Rise of Darkrai DVD (July 19th)
Hip Mama's Place - CARES Child Aviation Restraint Systen (July 23rd)

Baby Essentials

Mama Speaks - Balboa Baby Slings (July 19th)
Seven Dogs & A Baby - Lovebirds Blanket (July 23rd)
Cool Baby Kid - Stuk On U Sleeper (July 23rd)
The Giveaway - Your choice of Minky Blanket from Quilt Baby (July 23rd)
The Giveaway - A Onesie and Pants set from Stickee-Buns (July 24th)
Mommy Mandy - A Pair of My Baby Pajamas (July 29th)

Home & Garden

good::bloom - "It's a New Day" 8 x 10 print (July 18th)
TheCelebrityCafe.com - Dippin' Dots Ice Cream Party Pack (Aug 12th)

Tuesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-15T07:53:00.002-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

5 Minutes for Mom - $500 courtesy of Libby's (July18th)
Mommy Mandy - Gather Round Dinner Game (July 18th)
The Smart Mama - Wii Console & Wii Fit (July 22nd)
Da Vinci's Blog Log - $20 AMC Movie Gift Card (July 31st)
Sketchers - $1000 shopping spree (July 31st)
InspiredMoneyMaker.com - Flip Mino, 2 GB USB Pen, $50 MarketLeverage Card (Aug 14th)

Just for Women

kirtsy - Pink Ninendo DS Lite & Brain Age 2 (July 19th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Meridian Camera Bag from Wicked Stitch Designs (July 19th)

Just for Kids

I'm No Supermom - Hair Accessories from Oopsie Dazie (July 20th)
Tots Magazine - SafetyTats (July 21st)
Goody Blog - Laurie Baker's Rocketship Run CD (July 22nd)
Classy Mommy - Trendy Ribbon Belt from Chesapeake Ribbons (July 26th)
Boutique Cafe - $30 to BLB Group (July 29th)
MomReviews - Nana Star Book & Plush Doll (July 29th)

Baby Essentials

Momma in FlipFlops2 - Medium Custom Wetbag (July 20th)
Props & Pans - Shoo Shoos (July 22nd)
The Giveaway - Your choice of Minky Blanket from Quilt Baby (July 23rd)
A Mom's Review - Book from Begin Smart (July 25th)

Home & Garden

Subu Inc. - White Egret Photograph (July 17th)
Mama Speaks - Fresh Wave Kitchen Candle (July 18th)
Little One's Baby Gifts - Personalized Bag Tag (July 19th)
All Because Two People Fell in Love - Precious Moments Birthday Collectible (July 20th)
The Giveaway - 3 packs of 10 Handmade Fabric Buttons by Buttonsandsuch (July 21st)
Within The Corners of my Kitchen - HotHolders (July 23rd)
Green Your Decor - Pot holders, kitchen towels, & cutting board (July 29th)

Movies for GrownUps

Seven Dogs & A Baby - Step Up 2: The Streets DVD (July 22nd)

Contests

GoodyBlog - Enter their Family Vacation Photo Contest and win an Olympus E-420 or Olympus 850SW (July 31st)

Monday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-14T09:41:00.004-10:00

Stop by An Island Life to enter the T-Mobile, Crate & Barrel giveaway!

For Everyone

Walking on Sunshine - $25 to Wendy's (July 15th)
MentalMagma.com - $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com and a used Pictionary game (July 18th)
CrunchNow - iPod Nano (July 25th)
Zaldydalisay.com - $100 (Aug 6th)

Just for Women

MomFinds - Dante Beatrix DB Haul Tote (July 16th)
Musings of a Housewife - Silverlake Flap Handbag (July 16th)
SheFinds - $500 shopping spree at Gemma Redux (July 18th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Luxury Silk Liberty Peacock Clutch Bag (July 18th)
Fitness for Mommies - NuMetrex Heart Rate Monitor (July 19th)
The Giveaway - A medium Crimson Wine purse by meplusmolly (July 19th)
I Love Give-A-Ways - $50 to Star Hitched Wagon (July 20th)
Tots Magazine - TOMtote (July 20th)
Mindful Momma - Emerita Microdermabrasion Face Scrub (full sized) and 2 packs of facial care samples (July 20th)
MomLogic - Mom Works Inc. Gift Bag (?)

Just for Kids

Gift Rap - U.B Funkeys Speed Racer Starter Kit (July 17th)
Walking on Sunshine - It's Raining Cats and Dogs by Jackie Franza (July 20th)
Sassy Frazz - Nana Star plushie and book or Moonman lovey and book (July 23rd)

Baby Essentials

The Giveaway - A reversible Rockin' Baby Pouch in "Rasberry Beret " by Rockin' Baby Sling (July 19th)
Seven Dogs & A Baby - Tiny Town Traveling Cloth Book (July 20th)
teensygreen - 3-6 month onesie OR a toddler tee from cloud9 (July 20th)
Mommy Mandy - Preggie Pops or Queasy Drops (July 22nd)
The Giveaway - Your Choice of Shopping Cart Cover from Tick-A-Too (July 22nd)
Mommy Mandy - Cream Bear Lovee (July 21st)
Ann Taylor Loft Maternity - Bundle of Joy Giveaway (Aug 11th)

Home & Garden

dkMommy Spot - Organic Peppercorn & HimalaSalt Trio (July 17th)
Reviewing Baby Gear -An Organic Market Tote from fiercehugs.com (July 18th)
The Giveaway - $50 to Warm Biscuit Bedding Company (July 18th)
Metropolitan Mama - Seventh Generation Living Home Starter Kit (July 19th)
Metropolitan Mama - Cascade Complete & Electrasol (July 20th)
Green Mom Finds - Lemon Paper Journal from Eco-Paper (July 21st)
Metropolitan Mama - Dirt Devil Spot Scrubber Power Reach (July 21st)
Mommy Mandy - Mom Agenda Planner (July 23rd)
MomReviews - Scrapbooking Kit from Modzy (July 26th)

Books & Movies for GrownUps

Walking on Sunshine - Angels of Darkness edited by Marvin Kaye (July 17th)
Seven Dogs & A Baby - College Road Trip DVD (July 21st)
Laura Williams' Musings - Love As a Way of Life by Gary Chapman (July 21st)

Contests

Kids Travel Writing Contest - Young Readers are invited to write a short story about one of their own real life or imaginary travel adventures anywhere in the world. The best stories will be published on smartpoodlepublishing.com and lillybadilly.com. Three lucky winners will each receive $25 in cash, a free copy of the Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly: Costa Rica, autographed to each winner by Author/Illustrator/Voice Talent Debbie Glade.

Friday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-11T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Traveling Mamas - Around the Table Family Games (July 15th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Ball of Whacks (July 17th)
Mamanista - BeachPack Mini (July 18th)
Blonde Mom Blog - Ultreo Ultrasound Toothbrush (July 20th)
Earn on the Side - $25 cash (July 31st)
W.O.W.! Are You Ready To Get Noticed - Various Etsy prizes worth $166 (Aug 9th)
Enermac - Apple 16GB iPod Touch (Sept 30th)

Just for Women

Lookit! I Spy . . . - Secrets De Sothys (July 16th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - Mommy and Me New York Chic Sunglasses (July 17th)
Retro Housewife Goes Green - Aubrey Organics Perfume (July 20th)
Mommy Mandy - Silverlake Convertible Satchel from The Sak (July 30th)
An Ordinary Life - Silverlake Convertible Satchel from The Sak (July 31st)
SAHMAnswers.com - Tight Curves Protein Powder (Aug 31st)

Just for Kids

Bloggy Giveaways - $75 to Fairy Princess Clothing (July 14th)
Kidbits - $200 to cwdkids.com (July 14th)
Green Mom Finds - Solar Powered Helicopter (July 17th)

Baby Essentials

The Giveaway - 2 Personalized Burpies (Burp Cloths) by butt-ums up baby (July 17th)
Save Your Money Mama - Serana & Lilly Market Sling (July 18th)
Mamanista - High Chair Hair Care & No Bath Bubble Bath by Oopsie Daisy (July 23rd)
Along For the Ride - 5 Essential Babywearing Carriers (July 31st)

Home & Garden

dkMommy Spot - $20 to LaundryTree.com (July 13th)
Laura Williams' Musings - Fountain Jet Seltzer Lover’s Start-Up kit (July 18th)
Loving Heart Mommy - A Better Bottle by Camelback (July 18th)
Quiskaeya - 200-ct box of eco-friendly, degradable 13gallon kitchen bags (July 23rd)

Books for GrownUps

Bloggy Giveaways - TripFLIX DVD (July 15th)
An Ordinary Life - College Road Trip DVD (July 22nd)
LI Reviews - City of Men DVD (July 23rd)
A Mama's Blog - A year's subscription to KIWI (July 24th)
LI Reviews - Only the Valiant DVD (July 29th)

Thursday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-10T12:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Cars for Girls - 4GB iPod Nano (July 11th)
Mrs. Mogul - $10 iTunes Card (July 13th)
Val's Views - Gloves In A Bottle Shielding Lotion (July 19th)
Brighter Minds Media - Snapshot Adventures: Secret of Bird Island game, disposable camera, & set of binoculars (July 20th)

Just for Women

Vermillion Rules - Red Metallic Earrings from Creations Julie Jongleuse (July 11th)
The Giveaway - A pair of Jasper and Agate earrings by wire tree Jewelry (July 12th)
One Chic Mama - Sterling Silver Nine Months Necklace (July 14th)
Mommy Mandy - Island Flowers Top from Stellarocco (July 23rd)

Just for Kids

Livin' With Me - $25 to Chocolate Cake Club (July 11th)
Goodies for Mom - Joy Is The Greatest Gift from Focus Friends (July 14th)
Womb Within - 3 Random House books (July 14th)
Little Window Shoppe - Shirts from Fliggity (July 15th)
Froggy Reviews - Starter CD Package from Wiggle, Giggle, Learn (July 21st)
Parent Reviewers - Tee of your choice from Trendy Tadpole (July 31st)

Baby Essentials

Traveling With Baby - Ultimate Diaper Bag from Pottery Barn Kids (July 11th)
Metropolitan Mama - 3 Busy Baby Books (July 14th)
Someone Spoil Me - Ultimate New Mom Giveaway (July 20th)

Home & Garden

Jackie's Thoughts - Sun Protection Zone Giveaway (July 11th)
The Post-It Place - Mojo Seasoning for Meat, Poultry, & Fish (July 12th)
Simply Sentimental -Peanut Butter & Chocolate Popcorn (July 12th)
Tots Magazine - Note Cards and Matching Stickers from Dani Notes (July 13th)
I <3> - Crystal Light On The Go (July 16th)
mod*mom - Natural Hair Care Products from Whole Foods (Aug 4th)

Books for GrownUps

Green & Clean Mom - $50 to EcoBrain (July 12th)
Literary Illusions - Stop Loss DVD (July 15th)
Mamanista - Margarita Mama: Mocktails for Moms-To-Be (July 18th)

Review: The Savvy Source & LeapFrog

2008-07-09T06:42:00.002-10:00

As a parent of a child who has a love learning, I was very interested in finding out more about The Savvy Source for Parents.

The Savvy Source is a place where parents can go for endless resources on topics such as educational resources, toys & games, classes & activities, books, and many other helpful topics. This site is geared towards parents of younger children and also includes interactive educational quizzes to help you identify your child's strong areas as well as those they need a little help with.

The cool thing about The Savvy Source is the Preschool Assessment Guide. It's a tool where you answer a few questions and it will produce a customized guide of books, games, & activities based on where your child's development is right now. There are different areas to explore which includes visual arts, science, abc's, music, early math, social skills, movement & coordination, and time & space. It will also keep track of the child's progress throughout the program.

We tried a couple of the quizzes - visual arts & music. The quizzes consisted of about 10 multiple choice questions long and didn't take very long to complete. Once you're done, you'll immediately get your results and a list of books & activities gears towards your results.

As a part of this campaign, I was also fortunate to be able to review the Leapfrog Tag Reading System. Basically, it's a computerized wireless pen-type instrument that reads as your child points to the words.

Installing the program wasn't as easy as I thought it would be and it took longer than expected to download and set-up. However, once that was done, everything worked perfectly. My older daughter loved that she could use the pen to figure out words she didn't know without having to ask for help. My younger girl was amazed that it "talked" to her and help to reinforce her alphabet recognization. It came with a few books including Kung Fu Panda which was a big hit with my girls!

Finally, you see that cool Savvy Widget in my sidebar? Answer those 2 questions and you're on your way to improving your child's learning skills with fun activities for the whole family!

Thank you to the Parent Bloggers Network for this cool review opportunity!

Wednesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-09T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

American Greetings - $100 gift card or $10 to iTunes (Aug 31st)
BAS - License & download of Photoshop CS3, Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, & VMware Workstation 6 (?)

Just for Women

The way I see it... -Brown/Pink Tote from Kennedy Grace (July 15th)
Skirt Sports - 1 outfit every month (Aug 30th)

Just for Kids

Apron Strings Aflutter - Box4Blox Lego Sorter (July 10th)
Mama Sparkles - Two Decoy graphic novels or One Loch Trilogy (July 14th)
A Window To My Crazy Life - Starter Kit from Bows 2 Cute (July 14th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - $20 to Ribbon Rain-Bows (July 15th)
Now What Baby - Pink Taffy Tutu (July 15th)
Green Mom Finds - $25 to No Strings Attached Toys (July 16th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Fireman Sam to the Rescue DVD (July 16th)
Cool Baby Kid - Tee from Hipster Hugs (July 16th)

Baby Essentials

Bravado Designs - New Mommy Gift Pack (July 15th)

Home & Garden

Beauty in Real Life - Oil of Olay Gift Basket (July 12th)
Bloggy Giveaways - $75 to Posh Peacock (July 13th)
The Hostess With The Mostess - $200 to Rosanna (July 14th)

Books for GrownUps

Mama Sparkles - Unshelved Volume Six: Frequently Asked Questions (July 15th)

Tuesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-08T08:29:00.002-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Mommy in the Mountains - $15 to Amazon.com (July 10th)
What's That Smell? - $10 to Best Buy (July 11th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Jishaku Magnetic Game (July 15th)
To Think Is To Create - Nintendo Wii (July 16th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - $75 to More Than a Photo (July 21st)
Save Money - $25 gas card (July 31st)
Tech Treak - $100 + other prizes (July 31st)
Rider Reviews - Icon motorcycle riding gloves (Aug 1st)

Just for Women

dkMommy Spot - Hair & Beauty Products from Yes to Carrots (July 10th)
dkMommy Spot - Lounge Wear Set from Maggie's Organics (July 11th)
Bloggy Giveaways - $100 to Shellamie Jewelry (July 11th)
mk ashley - Heart of Gold Necklace (July 13th)
reLYME - $25 to Forever 21 (July 18th)
Mom Logic - Harvey's Seatbelt Carriage Medium Tote Handbag (?)

Just for Kids

Mommy Mandy - Nana Star or Nana Star and the Moonman gift set (July 10th)
Classy Mommy - Tutu from Lily Cait (July 13th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Bob the Builder: Let's Build the Beach DVD (July 15th)
Pink with Sparkles - $100 to My Fancy Princess (July 20th)
What's That Smell? - Parking Pal Magnet (July 22nd)

Baby Essentials

MommyBlog Reviews - one pink BumGenius 3.0 one-size diaper (July 9th)
Musings of a Housewife - 2 Personalized burp cloths from Stylish Baby Boutique (July 10th)
Sassy Frazz - Bathing Gloves from No Slip Charlie (July 18th)
What's That Smell? - Blanket Clipz from 3 Kids Designs (July 22nd)
Babylune - Potty Training Success Packages from Huggies (July 27th)

Home & Garden

Bloggy Giveaways - 2-piece Gourmet Knife Set (July 12th)
I Love Give-A-Ways - Greeting Cards from Lineuponlinecards.com (July 13th)
Green Mom Finds - BPA-Free Summer Picnic Pack from The Soft Landing (July 14th)
The Giveaway - A set of 5 hand-stamped Red Petals "Happy Birthday" cards made by Tina Lina (July 14th)
Eat Your Veggies - A complete box of Pop'rs (July 14th)
Within the Corners of my Kitchen - Glass Magnets (July 15th)
An Ordinary Life - A jar of P.b. Loco Peanut Butter (July 16th)
Boutique Flair - Apron from The Hip Hostess (July 21st)

Books & Movies for GrownUps

Seven Dogs and A Baby - TripFLIX DVD (July 12th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - City of Men DVD (July 15th)
Momsational - Just Who Will You Be? by Maria Shriver (July 21st)

Monday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-07T12:12:00.001-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

MentalMagma.com's Haiku of The Future Contest - $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com and a 100 yen coin (July 11th)
Money007 - Playstation 3 Grand Theft Auto 4 Bundle (?)

Just for Women

The Pink Ribbon Review - An OtterBox limited edition pink "Strength" case for either the iPhone or the iPod Nano 3rd Generation (July 9th)
The Giveaway - A Pair of Agate and Jasper earrings by wiretree (July 12th)
Blonde Mom Blog - A silver custom hand-stamped necklace from Tiny Tags Designs (July 20th)

Just for Kids

Subu Rose - Cinnamon Roll Earrings by Across the Pond (July 9th)
The Post-It Place - Sapphires and Rubies Mining Kit (July 9th)
Little Window Shoppe - Kids Tees from Fliggity T-Shirts (July 15th)

Baby Essentials

Cool Baby Kids - 2 Begin Smart Books (July 14th)
The Giveaway - A Nap Pack by Crafy Baby with your choice of fabric (July 14th)

Home & Garden

Samsakara - Recycled Paper Sampler from Lets Go Green (July 10th)
Free Birthday Treats Blog - Custom-made Soy Candle Set 10 oz. & 20 oz. (July 12th)
Momma In Flip Flops2 - Cleaning Sampler from Lets Go Green.biz (July 14th)

Friday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-04T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Chief Family Officer - Tickets to Dr. Pepper/Indiana Jones via Fandango (July 7th)
IHeartMusic.com - Trip to Hollywood to see Miley Cyrus (July 11th)
Lookit! I Spy . . . - Computer Bag from Cool Computer Bags.com (July 11th)
Design Mom - Trenton Shoes for the family (July 13th)
Sassy Frazz - Jishaku Magnetic Game (July 16th)

Just for Kids

The Opinionated Parent - Dixieland Jazz for Children CD (July 6th)
Sally's Clippies - 2 Flower Clippies & 1 Headband (July 6th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Thomas & Friends Special Delivery Computer Game (July 7th)
Boutique Cafe - Hildegard tee in yellow size 3 (July 10th)
MomReviews - Suite Life of Zack and Cody DVD (July 11th)

Home & Garden

The Homeschooling Blog - The Schoolhouse Planner (July 7th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Love Your Veggies Giveaway (July 8th)
Mommy Mandy - Recycline Preserve Toothbrush (July 10th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Busy Body Book (July 11th)
Katydid and Kid - A stylish pair of Ethel Gardening Gloves (July 13th)

Books for GrownUps

The Dating Weblog - Get Your Dating Game On by Jennifer Worick (July 10th)
Metropolitan Mama - Mozart's Magic Flute Diaries (July 11th)
Help My Hurt - Pain Relief by Hal Blatman, MD (July 14th)
The HDR Room - Batman The Move Blu-Ray (July 31st)

Thursday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-03T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

My Wooden Spoon - $250 Visa Card (July 11th)
Mommy Mandy - Jiskaku Magnetic Game (July 13th)
Pinay Mommy Online - Cash via PayPal & Entrecard Credits (July 20th)

Just for Women

To Think Is To Create - $250 cash for Blogher '08 from HP (for people attending Blogher only) (July 7th)
Style it Less - $200 to Twisted Silver (July 8th)

Just for Kids

Brighter Contest - Thomas and Friends Special Delivery PC Game and an Ultra Soft Thomas blanket (July 6th)
Green Mom Finds - Classic Fire Truck (July 9th)
Simple - Winners choice of one Bamboo Collection Game carried by Moolka (July 9th)
Cool Mom Picks - Frances England's Family Tree CD (?)

Baby Essentials

Boston Mamas - Sweet Pea Diaper Service Starter Plan (July 4th)
dkMommy Spot - Chair Booster from Kaboost (July 7th)
Chief Family Officer - Chair Booster from Kaboost (July 9th)
Now What Baby - Cevan Metro Diaper Bag of your choice (July 13th)
Musings of a Housewife - PJ of your choice from My Baby Pajamas (?)

Home & Garden

Within The Corners of my Kitchen - 4th of July tie-dye apron (July 4th)
The Opinionated Parent - 8.5oz tub of Snacktrition smoked almonds with calcium (July 5th)

Books & Music for GrownUps

Love Well - Matt Maher CD (July 7th)
Real Life Reviews - The List by Gary Wheeler (July 9th)

Wednesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-02T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Mental Magma - $25 Amazon.com gift certificate (July 4th)
Biz Chicks Rule - iPod Shuffle (July 13th)
MoneyBytes - $75 via PayPal (July 15th)
Goody Blog Vacation Photo Contest - Olympus Digital Cameras (July 31st)
John Chow dot com - Flip Video Camera (July 31st)

Just for Women

A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - $25 to Kathy's Corner (July 8th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - Cosmetic Case & Jewelry Bag from Opulent Favors (July 9th)
A Treasury of Giveaways - Regionz Kidz Organic Tote Bag (July 9th)
SuperMomz - $30 to SuperMomz.com (Sept 28th)

Just for Kids

Mama Sparkles - A pair of Shooshoos (July 7th)
Goodies For Mom - Bumkins Organic Chin Bib (July 7th)
Props and Pans - FlapDoodle & Whizizzle Phonics Cards (July 8th)
Chic Shopper Chick - Custom kids tee from Kat in the Hat (July 10th)
MomReviews - $25 to Build-A-Bear (July 15th)
Lille Punkin' Reviews - Tessy & Tab Reading Club 6-month Subscription (Sept 2nd)

Baby Essentials

Boutique Cafe - MoBoleez Cafe au Lait nursing bonnet (July 9th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Gabi Romper in turquoise/green in 12m (July 9th)
An Ordinary Life - Baby Signing Times DVD Set (July 10th)
From Dates to Diapers and Beyond - Stuk On U Romper (July 10th)

Home & Garden

tutus and turtles - Wall Decals from Wallcandy Art (July 5th)
Fitness for Mommies - Box of Powerbars (July 6th)
Bloggy Giveaways - A black and white, 15x20 Pro Mat finished original portrait (July 6th)
Mama Loves Giveaways - Preserve Toothbrush (July 7th)
Crunchy Green Lovin' Mom - Picnic Sampler from Lets go Green (July 8th)

Books for GrownUps

Barefoot Books - Basketfull of Barefoot Books (Aug 25th)

Tuesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-07-01T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Because I Must Blog - $25 Visa gift card/I-Tunes Card (July 11th)
An Ordinary Life - Jishaku Magnet Game (July 13th)
Bringing Purple Back - Various prizes including a Sony Ericsson Z750 phone (Aug 4th)
Office Supplies Blog - Eee PC Laptop (Sept 15th)
Enermac - iPod Touch (Sept 30th)

Just for Women

Suburose - Sterling Silver Chainmaille Becklace by Beaded Baubles (July 3rd)
Boutique Cafe - Bath Body Set from Pure & Natural (July 7th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Photo Necklace Kit from Little Windows (July 7th)
The Little Window Shoppe - Secret de Sothys Cream (July 9th)
Mommy Mandy - Lotus Blossom Tee (July 14th)

Just for Kids

Bloggy Giveaways - $50 to PinkPlicity (July 4th)
Sassy Frazz - Music CD by Lanny Sherwin (July 4th)
The T-Shirt Lady - Little Amanda or Little Travis Tee (July 5th)
Mommy Mandy - 2 Felt Flower Clippies and Matching Headband (July 6th)
The Opinionated Parent - Peekaboo Beans Outfit from Apples n' Oranges (July 6th)
Stir-Crazy - Parking Pal Magnet (July 7th)
lilSugar - Little Tykes Giveaway (July 7th)
Simple - Summer Essentials Kit from Huggies (July 8th)
Mom Logic - one pair of tickets each for nine locations for Disney's Music Block Party Tour this July and August (?)

Baby Essentials

I Love Give-A-Ways - Sweet Sugar Baby Giveaway (July 6th)
A Treasury of Giveaways - Nomie Baby car seat cover (July 7th)
Cool Baby Kid - Wupzey High Chair Food Catcher (July 7th)

Home & Garden

Reviewsings of a Housewife - 5 PakNak Charms (July 2nd)
Mommy Cracked - 4th of July Giveaway from Olive Kids (July 3rd)
Bloggy Giveaways - $75 to SterJay Gallery (July 5th)
Green Mom Finds - Free personalized e-card birth announcement from Inventing Matilda (July 7th)
Mamas Like - 4th of July Giveaway from Olive Kids (July 7th)
MomReviews - Household Cleaners from Terracycle (July 14th)

Books for GrownUps

Deadlines and Diapers - The Pregnancy Journal (July 2nd)

Monday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-30T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the side bar.

For Everyone

Just for Women

Bloggy Giveaways - Ava Necklace from Occasionally Social (July 1st)
SheFinds - Beauty Booty from The SheFinds Closet (July 4th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Red Cherries Body Lotion & Bath Salts (July 5th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - $25 to Loose Lips NY (July 7th)
MomReviews - Suave Giveaway (July 11th)
The Fabulous Destiny of Akira - Juicy Couture Necklace (July 24th)
Mom Logic - Customized Charmed Pendant form Word 4 Word Design (?)

Just for Kids

dkMommy Spot - Lyra Window Crayons (July 1st)
MomFinds - Leap Frog's Tag Reader Pen & Book (July 2nd)
dkMommy Spot - Haba Sand Digging Set from Moolka.com (July 2nd)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - 2-Disc True Learning CD-ROM (July 4th)
Lookit! I Spy . . . - Piano for Preschoolers (July 4th)
Classy Mommy - Bob the Builder Let's Build the Beach (July 4th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Ham Sandwich from Lily Bean Market (July 5th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - Set of books from Cedar Publishing (July 6th)
petit elefant - Braincandy Bundle of Joy (July 6th)
Teen Lit Reviews - My Life Unscripted by Tricia Goyer (July 18th)
mod*mom - Summer Vacation Educational Toys (July 21st)
Grandparents.com - $500 to Playskool (Sept 19th)
MomToBeDepot Blog - Hannan Montana or High School Musica Decor in a Box (?)

Baby Essentials

The Nest Baby - Boppy Nursing Pillow (July 3rd)
Now What Baby - A Cupcake hat size 0-1 (July 3rd)
The Opinionated Parent - Baby Blanket from Designs by Mimi and Lola (July 4th)
A Treasury of Giveaways - Your choice of a Baby Bella Maya Designer Blanket (July 5th)
A Treasury of Giveaways - A Victorian Heart Baby Helper Bag from Sweet Baby Boutique (July 6th)
Mommy Mandy - Pants in a Pinch (July 9th)
Car & Caboodle - Bugaboo Frog Stroller (July 11th)

Home & Garden

Now What Baby - 2 Bubble Bath Cupcakes (July 3rd)
Now What Baby - Jumbo Cupcake Candle (July 3rd)
Now What Baby - Buttercream Frosting Guilt Free Treats Set (July 3rd)
A Treasury of Giveaways - Your choice of any signed 8.5"x11" Giclee print from Amber Maida's Shop (July 5th)
Baby Buy Products - 4th of July Giveaway from Olive Kids (July 6th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - $50 to Quotes on the Wall (July 6th)
MomReviwes - EnviroKidz Cereal (July 11th)
Mama Speaks - Any Craft Project from YouCanMakeThis.com (?)

Books for GrownUps

Now What Baby - Dirty Little Secrets from Otherwise Perfect Moms (July 3rd)
Red Room - Fourteen Best Selling Books (July 31st)

Go Green with Seventh Generation

2008-06-29T23:12:00.003-10:00

Recently, I've been introduced to a company called Seventh Generation whose mission is "to becoming the world's most trusted brand of authentic, safe, and environmentally-responsible products for a healthy home." Their products are non-toxic, recycled, and chlorine-free.

I was sent a Home Starter Kit which contained cleaners for Glass & Surface, Toilet Bowls, Showers, Tub & Tile, Kitchen, as well as an All-Purpose Cleaner in various scents. I even got 2 rolls of Natural Paper Towels & a Seventh Generation tote. How cool is that?

I've been able to test out each one of these products and can say that they work like a charm. Not only is my home clean but it makes me feel better knowing that I'm being responsible when it comes to the environment.

In addition, Seventh Generation has teamed up with Health Child Healthy World, the design firm IDEO, Rickshaw Bagworks and renowned architect William McDonough to develop an Eco Diaper Bag from Wee Generation. 100% of the profits go to the Health Child Healthy World which helps to protect kids from harmful environmental exposure. At $200, this may be a little bit pricey but just think about all the good your money goes towards. I think it's worth it.

Friday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-27T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

Just for Women

Hip Mama's Place - Beatnik Bracelet from Twisted Silver (July 2nd)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Chumby Tee and Charm Set (July 3rd)
Green Mom Finds - Skeeda Tote Bag (July 10th)

Just for Kids

dkMommy Spot - Dragon Bubble Wand (June 29th)
Classy Mommy - Transformers DVD (July 2nd)
Green Mom Finds - Think Green by eanine Behr Getz (July 4th)
mod*mom - Tickets to Doof-A-Palooza at Google HQ (July 9th)
MomReviews - Fancy Nancy Doll (July 10th)

Baby Essentials

Bloggy Giveaways - New Baby Gift Set from toby + Rei (June 30th)
The Opinionated Parent - Bloomer from Rufflebutts (July 3rd)
teensygreen - Go BPS Free Sippy Sampler (July 3rd)
Pink with Sparkles - Blanket Clipz from 3 Kids Designs (July 6th)

Home & Garden

Parenting Tips at NeenMachine.com - Suddenly Pasta Salad (June 29th)
dkMommy Spot - Indoor Gardening Kit (June 29th)
The Pink Ribbon Review - Autoglam Pink Butterfly Rhinestone Car Sticker (July 1st)
A Treasury of Giveaways - 8" x 10" print of the 0riginal oil painting 'Lucky Bird' (July 2nd)
Laura Williams' Musings - Hallmark Greeting Cards (July 4th)
Just a mom's take on things... - Schlage electronic deadbolt locks (2) (July 5th)
Mommy Mandy - Custom Name Plaque from A Simple Impression (July 7th)

Contests

Found Your Calling is hosting a video contest where someone could win $5000. To enter, just submit your video relating to one of ten targeted careers before August 15th.

Thursday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-26T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Click Consultants - Pocket Video Camera (June 28th)
Contest Blogger - $100 via PayPal(June 30th)
The Opinionated Parent - Around the Table Games (July 2nd)
Sweet Pea Cakes - 100th Post Celebration Giveaway (July 9th)
What's That Smell? - $10 to Best Buy (July 11th)

Just for Women

Now What Baby - Spinlash Brush (July 1st)
Hip Mama's Place - Twisted Silver Gold Bracelet (July 2nd)

Just for Kids

dkMommy Spot - Mini Soccer Ball from Fair Trade Sports (June 28th)
dkMommy Spot - Magnetic Fishing Game from Three Sisters Toys (June 28th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Charlie & Lola Games (June 29th)
A Treasury of Giveaways - $50 to The Frog and the Princess: Luxury Children's Boutique (June 30th)
My Personal Reviews - A Doodlebugz Crayola Crayon Apron (July 2nd)
MomReviews - Minutemen DVD (July 9th)

Baby Essentials

Green Mom Finds - BumGenius Diapers (July 2nd)
The Girl Indie Blog - Quick-Change in Pop Dot Chocolate (July 2nd)
The Trendy Mommy - $25 to Monkee Moos (July 8th)
The Trendy Mommy - Paisley Wet Baby Bag (July 9th)
MomToBeDepot - Bink-Tee (?)

Home & Garden

Eat Your Veggies - Two flavors of Pop'rs Seasoning (June 27th)
Simple - Paraben-Free Shampoo and Conditioner (July 2nd)

Books for GrownUps

Savvy Housewife - TripFLIX DVD (June 30th)
JLo Stalker - Maid in Manhattan & Fools Rush In DVDs (July 7th)

Contests

Bikini Zone invites you to participate in the Photobucket “Fun in the Sun” contest! Whether you’re playing beach volleyball or lounging poolside, summer is the time to show off that bikini! Log in or sign up with Photobucket and submit your best bikini pics for a chance to walk away with a $500 Apple gift card. There will also be 10 runner ups who will win fantastic Bikini Zone products. Deadline to enter is July 2nd.

Wednesday's Contests & Giveaway

2008-06-25T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

EZ DIY Electricity - $100 cash (June 30th)

Just for Women

Mom Most Traveled - Bamboosa Tank Top (June 27th)
Thingamababy - Conceivex Conception Kit (June 30th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - Hand Stamped Necklace from Bella Nota (June 30th)
For the Love of Baby - JellyBean Apparel Shirt (July 1st)

Just for Kids

dkMommy Spot - Green Toys Sand Play Set (June 27th)
Kids Health Notes - Protect-A-Bub Swimsuit & Hat (June 27th)
Peppers and Pollywogs - Chef Apron from BeanSoup (June 30th)
LI Kids - The Royal Diaries DVD (July 14th)

Baby Essentials

My Mom Shops - Kuster K1 Highchair in Beach Wood(June 26th)
Tangled and True - Bib & Burp Cloth Set and Blanket from Mairzey Dotes (June 26th)
The Opinionated Parent - Baby Buddy Nursing Pillow (June 26th)
Emilee Grace Company - BabyLegs (June 26th)
Mommy Goggles - Tee or Onesie from Baby Rock Apparel (June 27th)
Traveling with Baby - Boon Feeding Line (June 29th)
Green Mom Finds - Belle Baby Carrier (June 30th)
The Opinionated Parent - Compact Stroller Sunshade from Protect-A-Bub (July 1st)

Home & Garden

Superdumb Supervillian - YouCanMakeThis.com Giveaway (June 26th)
Fairy Tale Treasures - Popcorn Giveaway (June 26th)
dkMommy Spot - Badger Balm Summer Set (June 27th)
Simply Sentimental - HolyVisionArt (June 27th)
Apron Strings Aflutter - DYMO Label Maker (June 29th)
Mom Logic - TeaSpot Steeping Mug and Mango Tango Tea (June 30th)
Laura Williams' Musings - Old Glory Tagasaurus™ Bag Tags (July 3rd)
New Mommy Chronicles - Amazing Grace Pie (July 3rd)

Books for GrownUps

Mom Reviews - ”Blue Smoke and Murder”, “Yes, You’re Pregnant, But What About Me?”, and “Moose: A Memoir of Fat Camp” (July 8th)

Contests

Submit a group travel experience on Triporama and you'll be entered to win a professional-quality book (for up to 10 people in your group) from Blurb.com about your trip. All qualified entries will be published on the Triporama web site and shared with other group travelers. Deadline July 25th.

Tuesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-23T21:44:00.005-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Fitness for Mommies - BPA-free Water Bottle from CamelBak (June 30th)
Simply A Musing Blog - Palm Tungsten E2 Handheld Pda (June 30th)
MomReviews - Family Talk Game (July 7th)

Just of Women

Lookit! I Spy . . . - Frownies Face Pads (June 26th)
SheFinds - $100 to OohLaLuxe.com (June 27th)
Metropolitan Mama - Animal Crackers Scrapbooking Kit (July 1st)

Just for Kids

The Opinionated Parent - A pair of shoes from Buskins (June 27th)
The Opinionated Parent - Dream Time CD (June 30th)
A Bookworm's Diary - A pair of shoes from Bugaboo (July 14th)

Baby Essentials

Bloggy Giveaways - $25 to Cutiepies Coture (June 28th)
Chic Shopper Chick - A set of 6 Growth Sprouts Onesies (June 30th)
Mama Speaks - Bib & Burp Cloth Set from Bumble Bags (?)

Home & Garden

Bloggy Giveaways - $75 to Moon & Back Studios (June 27th)
The Little Window Shoppe - Body Bath Set (June 27th)
MOMMYVENTS - knock knock mouse pad (June 27th)
Mommy Cracked - Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn (June 28th)
Props and Pans - 6-pack of Elations Drink (June 28th)
Little One's Baby Gifts - Personalized Wall Art for Child's Room (June 28th)
The Review Lady - Room at the Table - Bed and Breakfast Cookbook (June 29th)
My Blog Contest - Green Your Bath Giveaway (July 7th)
There's A Frog In My Soup - “Mom Can I Help Around the House?” Chore System (July 11th)
mod*mom - Removable Art Car Decal Set (July 14th)
Let's Eat In - Whirlpool Appliances (July 31st)

Giveaway: Internet Password Organizer

2008-06-23T21:20:00.009-10:00

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
The winner is tlcfromtn.
Congratulations!

From the product:

The experts agree, creating a unique, difficult to guess, strong password and then writing it down and storing it in a secure place is the best way to protect your accounts from being compromised by hackers.

The Internet Password Organizer provides you with a single centralized location in which to store all your online account login information. Intuitively designed and carefully crafted to provide you with an experience that enables you, not overwhelms you. 5.5" x 8" pages allow you to write comfortably, not crammed; and spiral binding allows you to open the book flat so you can write the full width of each page. Reinforced laminate tabs keep your information organized and easy to retrieve so you spend less time searching and more time surfing!

So stop using post-it notes and loose scraps of paper to record your login credentials and get organized with the Internet Password Organizer today.

It's your lucky day because I have one to give away! To enter,

Mention in comments one of your favorite websites (besides mine *wink*) before midnight, July 1st. That's it!
A random winner will be selected and notified on July 2nd.
The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn extra entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each option is another extra entry.

Subscribe to my feed.
Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here.
Place An Island Review's button in your sidebar.

NOTE: Due to the overwhelming responses received for extra entries, from now on please submit a separate comment for each extra ticket you're submitting. This will ensure that all your extra efforts are counted. Thank you!

This giveaway is open to everyone world wide! Good luck!

Monday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-23T08:51:00.005-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Seven Dogs and A Baby - PC version & DS version of Kung Fu Panda (June 28th)
Save Money - $25 Gas Card (June 30th)
The Celebrity Cafe - $500 to Shop.com (July 31st)

Just for Women

The Nest Baby - Riveted Flower Necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs (June 26th)
dkMommy Spot - Variety Gift Bag of Eco-Friendly Beauty Products from Save Your World (June 26th)
JavaFit - Beauty Products from Skin Appetit (June 30th)
Boutique Cafe - 2-week supply of Healthy Enegry (June 30th)

Just for Kids

GoodyBlog - Carnival Themed Birthday Party (June 25th)
The Homeschooling Blog - Educational DVDs from BraincCandy (June 25th)
dkMommy Spot - Orange Hop Ball from LivingPlaying (June 26th)
Mommy Daddy Blog - Double Scoop of Cherries Jubilee Hair Bow (June 26th)
Hip Mama's Place - Henry and the Hidden Veggie Garden by Kimberly Williams-Paisley (June 27th)
Musings of a Housewife - Land's End Swimwear Package (June 27th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Eagle Plush from Shining Stars (June 28th)
Mama Loves Giveaways - Hair & Bath Products from Circle of Friends (June 28th)
Sassyfrazz - Littlest Pet Shop V.I.P. Giveaway (June 28th)
Metropolitan Mama - No No Yes Yes by Leslie Patricelli (June 29th)
lilSugar - American Girl Shopping Spree (June 29th)
Metropolitan Mama - Winner's choice of child's pajamas from My Baby Pajamas (June 30th)
Sassyfrazz - Name Your Tune CD (June 30th)

Baby Essentials

Metropolitan Mama - Bibs and Match 3-piece Set (June 27th)
The Daily Grind of a Work at Home Mom - Go Gaga Diaper Bag (June 27th)
I Love Give-A-Ways - Bib or Burp Cloth Set from Sweet Sugar Baby (June 29th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Duck Giggle Ball from Bright Beginnings (June 29th)
Hip Mama's Place - Classic Scootababy Baby Carrier (June 30th)
Mommy Mandy - Long sleeved train tee in size 6-12 months and matching track pants (June 30th)
Metropolitan Mama - Graco sweetpeace Newborn Soothing Center (June 30th)
Chic Shopper Chick - Set of 6 growth tees in winner's choice of pattern from Culpeper General (June 30th)

Home & Garden

Laura William's Musings - 4th of July Placemat, bookmark, & name tag from Olive Kids (June 26th)
Metropolitan Mama - Frog Pod from Boon (June 28th)
An Ordinary Life - 4th of July Placemat, bookmark, & name tag from Olive Kids (June 29th)
Green Mom Finds - All-Natural Alternative to Antibacterial Disinfectants from For My Kids (June 30th)
Cake Space - Wilton 3-D Cupcake Shaped Cake Pan (June 30th)
Laura Williams' Musings - WedgEZ Outlet Plug Remover (July 1st)
Laura Williams' Musings - Funky Monkey Snacks (July 2nd)
Mommy Mandy - Stationery Items from Moo (July 5th)
Boutique Flair - Suds In A Bucket (July 6th)

Books for GrownUps

Traveling Mamas - William Joseph CD (June 24th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Spiderwick Chronicles Collector's Edition (June 26th)
Mommy Mandy - Josh Groban or William Joseph CD (July 3rd)
DesignHER Momma - TripFLIX DVD (July 28th)

Friday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-20T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Fun and Free Giveaways - $10 to Starbucks (June 25th)
A Bookworm's Diary - $50 to Bamboosa (June 25th)

Just for Women

Bloggy Giveaways - $25 to Love Las Muertas (June 23rd)

Just for Kids

My Mom Shops - Jottum Twiggy Skirt size 5 or 7 (June 22nd)
The Secret Life of Kat - $50 gift certificate to KrispyBananaKids.com (June 24th)
MomFinds - $100 to Cabana Life (June 25th)
Mamas Like - Spanish for Children DVD (June 25th)
Froggy Reviews - Boutique Bow by LLL Designs (?)
Froggy Reviews - Educational CDs Regionz Kidz (?)
Froggy Reviews - Miss Pinky Fairy Dress (?)

Baby Essentials

Mama Loves Giveaways - Nursing Cover by Peanut Shell (June 25th)
Green Mom Finds -one year membership in the US Organic Baby Club (June 26th)

Home & Garden

MommyBlog Reviews - 1 free lifetime membership to PearBudget.com (June 24th)
An Ordinary Life - Yummy Mummy Brownie Box (June 24th)
Bloggy Giveaway - $40 to Inkspot Workshop (June 24th)
Hip Mama's Place - Complete BabyGanics Cleaning Kit (June 26th)
teensygreen - Seventh Generation Starter Kit (June 26th)
Chic Shopper Chick - $50 to Warm Biscuit Bedding Company (June 26th)
Boutique Cafe - 6-pack of threaded pear patterns–winners choice (June 27th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - Carla Darly Zebra Nursery Wall Art (June 28th)
MomReviews - 2 rolls of Adhesive Gift Wrap (July 3rd)

Books for GrownUps

Green Mom Finds - Hey, Mr. Green! by Bob “Mr. Green” Schildgen (June 25th)
Metropolitan Mama - The Good Deed Book by James and Lisa Grace (June 26th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Home Improvement Season 8 DVD (June 26th)

Contests

"Calling all Boston-area Moms! Mom Central & American Standard Heating and Air
Conditioning is giving away a complete home comfort system, including an
AccuClean air filter, to one lucky family in the greater Boston area. There
is no purchase necessary and it is free to enter. Click here to sign up before August 8th!"

Thursday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-19T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Just for Women

From Dates to Diapers and Beyond - "Why Can't I Have a Time Out?" Tee and a Flip & Tumble Bag (June 27th)
Froggy Reviews - Organic Cotton Tote Bag from The Green Path Company (?)

Just for Kids

kidbits - Mulberribush Tee (June 23rd)
Cool Moms Rule -Kibbles Rockin' Playhouse DVD (June 25th)
Props and Pans - $30 personalized gift pack from Olive Kids (June 25th)
Now What Baby- Loopa Bowl (June 25th)

Baby Essentials

Now What Baby - Tee or Onesie from Edible Baby (June 24th)
Cool Baby Kid - Slurp and Burp Nursing Wrap (June 28th)
Now What Baby - Car Seat Cover from Dressy Dribbles (July 1st)

Home & Garden

Bloggy Giveaways - Car Little Bag from Bitsy Blossoms (June 22nd)
mod*mom - Whole Foods Market Natural First-Aid Kit (July 4th)

Books & Movies for GrownUps

Chief Family Officer - Rational Investing in Irrational Times by Larry Swedroe (June 25th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Army Wives: The Complete First Season DVD (June 25th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - definitely maybe DVD (June 25th)

Contests

TypoBuddy Blog - Win $50 to eBay by submitting the worst typo found on an eBay listing using TypoBuddy (June 23rd)
Emerging Pictures Blog - Ticket to the premier of Full Grown Men + other movie related items (June 23rd)
Company Kids - Trip to New York and photo shoot for the cover of Company Kids + $500 gc (July 30th)
Church Hill Classics "Proud to Be An American" Photo Contest - $300 US Savings Bond + photo frame (July 31st)
Grandparents.com - Enter the PLAYSKOOL "Preschoolers at Play" Photo Contest and you could win a $500 Playskool Toy Package

Wednesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-18T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Musings of a Housewife - Nintendo DS Lite & DS Crosswords Game (June 19th)
Adventures in Babywearing - $25 to Hanes.com (June 23rd)
Sassyfrazz - Lug Travel Giveaway (June 23rd)
Gagenista - Sony Ericsson Z750A Clamshell Phone (June 30th)
TheCelebrityCafe - $500 to Shop.com (July 30th)
Gofobo - Apple iPod Touch (Dec 31st)

Just for Women

Savvy Housewife - LTD Chix Tee (June 21st)
Baby Tea Leaves - You could win various prizes such as a free blog makeover, Camelback Hydration pack, or a gift pack of lotions and shower gels from Bath and Body Works in the Weightloss Challenge (June 23rd)
Hip Mama's Place - Shrink To Fit Cream and Tummy Toner by Mama Mio (June 24th)
JivaFit - Set of 5 Skin Appetit beauty products worth $75: Optim-Eyes Firming Eye Gel, Nutri-Pro Night Serum, Nutri-Collagen Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, Detoxifying Nutri-Cleanser and Nutri-Moisture Balm Stick (June 30th)

Just for Kids

My Mom Shops - Emily Green "What's Up?" kids' place setting(June 18th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - 4th of July placemat, bookmark, & name tag from Olive Kids (June 20th)
Classy Mommy - The Spiderwick Chronicles DVD (June 23rd)
Froggy Reviews - Korker Bow from MarieLynn Boutique (June 23rd)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Wonder Pets: Save the Nursery Rhyme DVD (June 24th)
The Opinionated Parent - Safety Tots Gift Pack from Tick-a-Too (June 24th)
Props and Pans - Mia Reading: The Bugaboo Bugs Software (June 24th)
Mama Sparkles - Owly by Andy Runton (June 25th)
Mamanista - Paul or Emma Potty Training Doll (June 26th)
ParentSphere - Land's End Girl's Swimwear Package (June 26th)
MomReviews - Sunglasses from Baby/Kids Banz (July 1st)

Baby Essentials

Classy Mommy - Spa Baby Tub from Generation Orange (June 23rd)
Metropolitan Mama - Baby Signs Potty Training Kit (June 24th)
5 Minutes for Mom - Chicco Smart Support Backpack (June 26th)
HerBigIdea Podcast, Blog and Social Network - SmartMom Jewelry Teething Bling Pendants (June 30th)
MomReviews - Jellybean Reversible Baby Sling (July 1st)

Home & Kitchen

Froggy Reviews - Greeting Cookie Card (June 23rd)
Fun and Free Giveaways - $20 to Camille Love Designs (June 24th)
Crunchy Domestic Goddess - Nature’s Avenger Organic Weed Killer (June 27th)
A Mama's Blog - Household Products from Let's Go Green (July 1st)

Tuesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-17T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Metropolitan Mama - $150 to Restaurant.com (June 23rd)
Church Hill Classics - $300 U.S Savings bond and a new frame (July 31st)
Web Contest v1.0 - 42' LCD TV, 15" Laptop, or 80gig Ipod (Aug 25th)

Just for Women

dkMommy Spot - L’Occitane Products worth $98 (June 19th)
MomReviews - Sunblock and Skin Care Products (June 20th)
I Love Give-A-Ways - Cooper Earrings from Occasionally Social (June 22nd)
Bag Snob - Miu Miu Ruched Frame or the Fendi doctor bag (July 2nd)
The Sak - Sak Bag filled with books

Just for Kids

Bloggy Giveaway - RC Color Bug (June 21st)
Metropolitan Mama - Huggies Little Swimmers Summer Essential Kit (June 22nd)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - The Jungle Book 2 DVD (June 22nd)
Just a Mom's Take on Things - $30 to Sher's Wares (June 23rd)
Hip Mama's Place - Eleven Trainer Shoes size 9 (June 23rd)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Go Pets Plush Black Cat (June 23rd)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - The Suite Life of Zack and Cody DVD (June 23rd)
Goodies for Mom - Scholastic Book Custom Chosen for Child by Scholastic (June 23rd)
Mommy Mandy - Collector's Skirt (June 25th)
Cool Baby Kid - Little Fit Hat (June 28th)
Mama Speaks - Boys Route Shirt (?)

Baby Essentials

tutus and turtles - $50 to Little One's Baby Boutique (June 19th)
Green Mom Finds - Belle Baby Carrier in organic cotton (June 30th)

Home & Kitchen

The Daily Grind of a Work @ Home Mom - Yummy Mummy Brownies (June 20th)
The Opinionated Parent - UV coated (premium) photo cards by Moon and Back Studios (?)

Books for GrownUps

Bloggy Giveaways - Indiana Jones: The Ultimate Guide (June 20th)

Giveaway: Sex and the City: The Movie Book

2008-06-16T15:00:00.004-10:00

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
The winner is Daniel M.
Congratulations!

From the book: "From the team who brought you Sex and the City: Kiss and Tell comes this must-have companion to the movie millions have been waiting for. This sleek hardcover volume gives readers exclusive entree' into the world of Sex and the City: The Movie. In addition to a storybook-style telling of the film, the book includes mouth-watering bonus features not available anywhere else: behind-the-scenes stories from Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, star and producer Sarah Jessica Parker, writer and director Michael Patrick King, as well as producers and other key cast and crew members; a guide to the movie's multi-million-dollar fashion closet, including insights from costume designer Patricia Field; and an insider's tour of the movie's many locations, some of which have never before appeared on film."

I'm probably one of the few fans who have still not seen the movie so this book was a real treat for me. It pretty much covered all the main points of the film including how it ends. However, what I really found interesting was all the behind-the-scene glimpses into what it took to make this major motion picture. Things you would have never known about otherwise.

The full-paged color photos are absolutely breathtaking and it gives you a close-up view of all the details that were put into the clothing, shoes, accessories, hair and make-up. After all, isn't that what this movie is all about?

Enter to win a copy for yourself!

Mention in comments who your favorite character is before June 23rd, midnight HST. That's it!
A random winner will be selected and notified on June 24th.
The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn extra entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each option is another extra entry.

Subscribe to my feed.
Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here.
Place An Island Review's button in your sidebar.
NOTE: Due to the overwhelming responses received for extra entries, from now on please submit a separate comment for each extra ticket you're submitting. This will ensure that all your extra efforts are counted. Thank you!

This giveaway is open to everyone world wide! Good luck!

Problems with BlueHost?

2008-06-16T07:11:00.002-10:00

Anyone else out there having servers problems using BlueHost?

For the past couple of days, I haven't been able to access my personal blog - An Island Life. When I try to log on to my BlueHost account to find out what's going on, I get the same time out error message.

Oh no, why am I in time out?

Monday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-16T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Adventures In Mommyland - $10 to Starbucks (June 17th)
Metropolitan Mama - $25 to Hanes.com (June 21st)
Metropolitan Mama - $25 to Outback Steakhouse (June 22nd)
The Net Fool - Flip Video Mino and a $50 MLRewards Card (June 25th)
Val's View - Theraplex Combo Pack (June 28th)
Blog Contest on the Net - Digital Photo Keychain (July 6th)

Just for Women

Crafts by Katie - 10 piece package of Lokta Paper (June 18th)
MJennings Designs - Customized Name Bracelet for your or your child (June 29th)

Just for Kids

The Full House Reviews - Fancy Nancy Doll, Orville Redenbacher Popcorn, $5 to Blockbuster (June 17th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - The Sword in the Stone (June 21st)
My Greening - Visor Beanie (June 21st)
Pink With Sparkles - The Suite Life of Zack and Cody (June 22nd)
Notes From My Nest - Cupcake Apron (June 25th)
Superdumb Supervillain - Mia's Reading Adventure DVD-ROM (June 26th)
What's That Smell? - Educational Software from Weekly Reader (July 1st)
Superdumb Supervillain - Blume personalized clothing or Skimbaco gift certificate (July 9th)
Mama Speaks - Wild Anamalz CD (?)

Baby Essentials

BabyLuxe - Little Dipper lounge set by Baby Star (June 17th)
Mom Most Traveled - Bink-Tee pacifier tee (June 18th)
Busy Mommy Product Review - Pair of BabyLegs or Huggalugs (June 18th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - Personalized Gift Set from The Whimsical Stork (June 22nd)
Mom Most Traveled - My Little Seat (June 23rd)

Home & Kitchen

The Little Window Shoppe - Laminated Luggage Tags (June 17th)
SeaBird Chronicles - Personalized Fruit Roll-Ups (June 20th)
Mama Speaks - $50 to Warm Biscuit Bedding Company (?)

Books & Music for GrownUps

Fazer - We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things CD by Jason Mraz (June 19th)
Pink With Sparkles - definitely, maybe (June 22nd)

Friday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-13T10:11:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Lookit! I Spy . . . - "Grateful Dad" Tee and/or $10 to Boston Market (June 15th)
steepingbeauty.com - $20 to Amazon.com (June 18th)
WP Theme Designer - Premium WP Themes (June 30th)

Just for Men

From Dates to Diapers, and beyond! - Blume baseball Cap (June 14th)

Just for Women

Bloggy Giveaways - Caged Bird Necklace from Beads In The Belfry (June 17th)
SheFinds - Short Sleeved Polo Shirt from One Eye Toad (June 20th)

Just for Kids

kidbits - $300 to CWDkids.com (June 15th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Go Diego Go! Great Gorilla! (June 20th)

Baby Essentials

Design Mom - Diaper Bags for Dad (June 16th)
The Nest - Retro Stripe Diaper Bag (June 19th)

Books & Music for GrownUps

Lookit! I Spy . . . - Alanis Morissette CD/DVD Collection and Ben & Jerry Ice Cream (June 18th)
Metropolitan Mama - The Rookie Mom's Handbook (June 20th)

Thursday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-12T09:00:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Froggy Reviews (for pets) - Collar with 4' lead from Paw Print Palace (June 13th)
4 The Love of Animals (for pets) - Cotton Doggie Tank from Paw Luxury (June 14th)
John Chow dot Com - Flip video camera, $200 Market Leverage Amex Rewards card, USB drive that is also a pen, iPod Nano from Market Leverage (June 20th)
Save Money - $25 Gas Card (June 30th)
Life and Me - $25 Cash and other prizes (June 30th)
Video Game Memories - 2000 Wii Points or 1600 Microsoft Points (June 30th)
My Looneyverse - $25 to Amazon.com or Subscription to Online-Sweepstakes.com (June 30th)

Just for Women

Celeb Tots - Little Lychee Diaper Bag (June 17th)
Now What Baby - Gami Works Wonderland Glass Pendant (June 17th)
Hip Mama's Place - "Live Laugh Love" Sterling Silver Necklace (June 18th)
No Time Mom - "Mom Open 24/7" Shirt (June 19th)
MomReviews - Momager Calling Card (June 20th)
A Daycare Life - Shirt from Leave Me B (?)

Just for Men

Chic Shopper Chick - Casio Waveceptor Timepiece (June 14th)
From Dates to Diapers, and beyond! - Grateful Dad Tee (June 14th)

Just for Kids

Froggy Reviews - Pink and Brown Dots Polymer Clay bracelet (June 13th)
Props and Pans - Doodlebops Live in Concert DVD (June 17th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - A pair of shoes from ShooShoos (June 18th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Transformers Animated: Transform & Roll Out (June 19th)
The Opinionated Parent - Boogie Wipes (June 19th)

Baby Essentials

Froggy Reviews - Funky Eyelash and Satin Lovey (June 13th)
Tangled and True - Virtual Baby Shower Giveaway worth $695 (June 17th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - Ruffle Leg Onesie from Snuggle Bug Baby Boutique (June 17th)
A Window To My Crazy Life - Burp Cloth Set from Posh-a-Bye Baby Boutique (June 18th)
MomFinds - $150 to BeanNewYork.com (June 18th)
Classy Mommy - $50 to Travel Babees (June 18th)
Cool Baby Kid - Prize pack from Bored Inc. including a onsie or tee, one Decorama and a pin (June 28th)

Home & Kitchen

Hostess with the Mostess - $100 to Invitation Consultants (June 15th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Personalized Print & Stationery from Baby Cakes Art (June 16th)
Mama Loves Giveaways - Stationery from Good Thoughts Paper Co. (June 18th)
Laura Williams' Musings - 30-count Personalized Fruit Roll-Ups (June 19th)
The Opinionated Parent - Secret Garden Wallababies (June 19th)

Books for GrownUps

Wish List Worthy - Real Simple Solutions (June 16th)
Green Mom Finds - Eco-Libris Green Book's Guide for Father's Day (June 18th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - House of Dark Shadows & Watcher in the Woods by Thomas Nelson (June 20th)

Wednesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-11T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

tutus & turtles - Grateful Mom or Grateful Dad tee (June 12th)
Mommy Mandy - Alanis Morrissette Giveaway (June 21st)
Laura Williams' Musings - Spanish Homeschool Software (June 24th)
An Ordinary Life - Year's supply of Shine To Go shoe polish (June 30th)

Just for Women

dkMommy Spot - Jatamansi Organic Bath and Shower Gel & Organic Bath Milk (June 13th)
kirtsy - Birthday Giveaway Event (June 14th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Note Card Set from Thorntree Curios (June 15th)
Mamanista - “Cruelty Free” Chocolate Tank Top (June 16th)
Metropolitan Mama - Bliss-Phillips Bikini Perfect Deluxe Spa Edition System (June 17th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - Blair Top from SWAKdesigns (June 30th)

Just for Kids

The Full Mommy - In A Blue Room by Jim Averbeck (June 16th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - TaDoodles by Crayola (June 17th)
MomReviews - Handheld Games from Techno Source (June 17th)
alamodestuff.com - "No Whining" Necklace (June 19th)
ParentSphere - Lands' End GIRL'S swim package (June 26th)
MumsTheWurd! - Lands' End BOY'S swim package (June 26th)

Baby Essentials

Metropolitan Mama - DadGear Diaper Backpack (June 17th)

Home & Kitchen

ParentSphere - Personalized Fruit Roll-Ups (June 12th)
The Clan McLeod - 5 containers of Pop'rs (June 13th)
From Dates to Diapers, and beyond! - 2 bottles of Country Bob's Sauce (June 14th)
Metropolitan Mama - Photo stretched on canvas from photofiddle.com (June 17th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - Custom Name Plaque from Little Painted Polka Dots (June 18th)
MomReviews - Personalized Fruit Roll-Ups (June 18th)

Books for GrownUps

There's a Frog in My Soup - The Rookie Mom's Handbook (June 13th)

Tuesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-10T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Popular Baby Products - 60 4x6 photo cards by Polka Dot Bumblebee (June 1tth)
Gardenaut - Nalgene On The Go Tritan and Classic 32-oz. HDPE water bottles (June 13th)
Livin' With Me - From*me Tee (June 13th)
Bloggy Giveaways - $75 to Junk in the Trunk (June 14th)
5 Minutes for Mom - Insignia 2GB MP3, $10 Best Buy Digital Music Store download card, Init armband, Water bottle (June 14th)
Gadgenista.com - Pelican i1010 iPod Case (June 15th)
Sassyfrazz - Item of your choice from Lug Travel (June 23rd)
Mommy Mandy - Nintendo DS & Crossword Game (June 23rd)
An Ordinary Life - Nintendo DS & Crossword Game (June 23rd)
Gadget5.com - Digital Photo Keychain (July 6th)

Just for Men

Petit Elefant - Nankeen necktie in elm pattern (June 11th)

Just for Women

One Chic Mama - Abby Roo "Cheer" Carryall Bag (June 12th)
One Chic Mama - Summer Survival Packs for Moms from CVS.com (June 13th)
Mom Most Traveled - [bump] Babies Maternity Tank (June 15th)
Hip Mama's Place - Jasmine Envelope Clutch (June 16th)
Lipstick to Crayons - Babycakes Art gift set (June 16th)
Mommy Daddy Blog - Lucky Mom Cantaloupe Soft Tee by PeaceLoveMom (June 16th)

Just for Kids

MumsTheWurd! - Princess Prize Package from Fairy Princess Clothing (June 13th)
Gunning It - Chesapeake Ribbon Belt (June 30th)

Baby Essentials

Green Mom Finds - Organic Cotton Crib Sheets from NewBornMom (June 16th)
Boutique Flair - Stardust Lullaby CD (June 22nd)
5 Minutes for Mom - Chicco Smart Support Backpack (June 26th)

Home & Kitchen

Ribbon Rockstar Blog - KitchenAid Stand Mixer (June 13th)
pinkpurpleandorange - Art print of winner's choice from Blue Citrus Art (June 14th)
Just a mom's take on things... - A Camp/School pack of Mabel's Labels (June 16th)

Books for GrownUps

Savvy Housewife - The Baby Bonding Book for Dads by James di Properzio & Jennifer Margulis (June 12th)
From Dates to Diapers, and beyond! - Wear Clean Underwear! by Alexis Martin Neely (June 14th)
5 Minutes for Mom - Date Night in a Minivan by Lorilee Craker (June 15th)

Review & Giveaway: Build-A-Bear Workshop

2008-06-09T11:40:00.001-10:00

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
The winner is Frugonomics 101!
Congratulations!

What child doesn't love Build-A-Bear Workshop? I know my girls can't walk past the store without insisting on going in. That's why I don't know how we got so lucky to be able to review the newly released Tropical Hello Kitty by Sanrio.

When it arrived in it's cute little cardboard home, Girlie Girl's first comment was, "Wow, she's so soft." And she was! It was all I could do not to keep squishing her! She had on a cute little demin skirt and tee that said "Hello Kitty Hawaii" on it. The outfit was completed with a pink flower on her left ear. I guess that means she's not available, huh?

Did you know that Build-A-Bear Workshop has a flickr album dedicated just to Hello Kitty? Stop by and check out all the new homes she has! Can you guess which is my photo?

To celebrate her arrival, Build-A-Bear has generously donated a $25 gift card to be used at their store. To enter:

Stop by their site before June 16th and take a look around.
Come back and mention which animal is your favorite. That's it!
A random winner will be selected and notified on June 17th.
The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn extra entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each option is another extra entry.

Subscribe to my feed.
Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here and to Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Place An Island Review's button in your sidebar.
Please let me know if you’re doing/did the extra credit so I can make sure you’re entered properly.

This giveaway is open to everyone world wide! Good luck!

Monday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-09T08:40:00.003-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

MomFinds - Shiatsu Massaging Cushion from Homedics (June 11th)
Momsational - Cash & Gas from Edmunds.com (June 12th)
Free From Broke - $25 to Amazon.com (June 13th)
SheFinds - $100 to Swimsuitsforall.com (June 13th)
MommyVents - $50 to Mango Ink (June 13th)
The Opinionated Parent - Digital Photo Keychain (June 15th)
Laura Williams' Musings - $25 to Hanes.com (June 16th)
Save Money - $25 Gas Card (June 30th)
Matress Firm - Brand New Matress in the Sleepless in America Sweepstakes (June 30th)
Geeks of Doom - Playstation 2 & Buzz game (July 5th)

Just for Men

GoodyBlog - Father's Day Giveaway (June 13th)
An Ordinary Life - Casio Waveceptor Wristwatch (June 14th)

Just for Women

Musings of a Housewife - Lithe Long Silver Earrings (June 11th)
The Daily Grind of a Work at Home Mom - Hip-T (June 13th)
Chief Family Officer - Johnson & Johnson Melt Away Stress Prize Package (June 13th)
Chic Shopper Chick - Claire Bag from The Kat Sak (June 14th)
Chic Shopper Chick - $50 to Bag Borrow or Steal (June 17th)
Beauty Secrets Revealed - Bramble Berry's DIY Eyeshadow Kit (June 30th)
MJennings Designs, LLC - Personalized Name Bracelet (June 30th)

Just for Kids

Seven Dogs and A Baby - Turbo Tooth Tunes Toothbrush (June 13th)
Surrender, Dorothy: Reviews - $25 to Build-A-Bear (June 13th)
Don't Try This At Home - $25 to Build-A-Bear (June 13th)
Bloggy Giveaways - 3 Sets of Cap Trappers (June 13th)
Metropolitan Mama - Clip Caddie and 5 Gator Clips (June 14th)
Metropolitan Mama - Gabi Unisex Romper from Picaflor (June 15th)
Props and Pans - Bob the Builder DVD (June 15th)
Metropolitan Mama - Anne of Greene Gables 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition DVD Set (June 16th)
simple - Set of Hair Accessories from Glamorous Girl (June 16th)
The Opinionated Parent - 50 pack Q-BA-MAZE (June 16th)
Classy Mommy - Jungle Book 2: Special Edition DVD (June 17th)
Modern Mom - $7 to Vincent Shoes (June 18th)

Baby Essentials

Chief Family Officer - Gymboree Baby Play Book (June 10th)
I Love Give-A-Ways - $30 to Micki's Wing (June 15th)
LilBaby - Storksak Diaper Bag (June 15th)
Cool Baby Kid - 3-pack of Webbanub Pacifiers (June 16th)
Baby Buy Products - Sol Protector, Baby Tee, & Burp Cloth from Whimsical Walney (June 25th)

Home & Kitchen

Chief Family Officer - $10 CVS gift card & Cascade dishwashing gel (June 11th)
Mommy Mandy - Popcorn Bowl & Popcorn from Orville Redenbacher (June 12th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - Coffee and related items from For A Love of Coffee (June 13th)
Chief Family Officer - Oliso Frisper Freshkeeper (vacuum sealer) (June 14th)

Books & Movies for GrownUps

Chief Family Officer - Alive and Kicking: Legal Advice ... for Boomers (June 12th)
JLo Stalker - Maid in Manhattan DVD (June 16th)
save the assistants - The Hollywood Assistants Handbook by Peter Nowalk and Hillary Stamm (June 16th)
Laura Williams's Musings - With Endless Sight by Allison Pittman (June 19th)
We Covet - Sex and the City Movie Book (June 30th)
Parent Reviewers - Parenting Powers DVD Set (June 30th)

Shop Till The Card Doesn't Swipe #3

2008-06-06T19:48:00.004-10:00

This week we're focusing on one of my favorite things to do - baking. Being that I'm not the most creative person around, I'm always looking for ways to make decorating a little easier. Here are some of my favorite finds.

Linen 'n Things - If you've ever wanted to make a turtle cake, now's your chance. Linen 'n Things sells this Pull A Part Cupcake Mold that makes it so easy to do. Just bake 12 individual cupcakes in this silicone mold, put the baked cupcakes together, & frost! Hey, even I can do this! The mold has a quick release permanent non-stick surface and is refrigerator, freezer, microwave, oven and metal utensil safe.

Pfaltzgraff - Or if you're not into turtles, Pfaltzgraff has all kinds of animals and other design molds to help you make a fun birthday cake. My favorite is the butterfly or flower basket! Let's see, who's birthday is coming up?

Estilo Weddings - And speaking of cupcakes, how gorgeous are these cupcake wrappers? Turn any plain cupcake into a masterpiece with these easy to assemble, laser cut wrappers. It's available in a wide variety of colors and designs to fit any party theme. Then add a touch of sparkle with this 4" swarovski crystal dragonfly. Sure to be the hit of the party!

Target - Then when you're all done, you can serve your beautiful creations on this pretty Corelle Square Set made of chip- and break-resistant glass. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Friday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-06T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Love Shak Baby - Digital Photo Keychain (June 11th)
Metropolitan Mama - Nintendo Wii (June 13th)

Just for Women

The Little Window Shoppe - Blush Topless Undershirt (June 9th)
My Greening - Bicycle Tote Bag (June 11th)
Green Mom Finds - Daily Facial Therapy Facial Moisturizer by Grateful Body (June 12th)
Lipstick, Powder 'n Paint - Herbal Essence Gift Basket (June 29th)

Just for Kids

Good for the Kids - $40 gift certificate (June 9th)
Lipstick to Crayons - Corey in the House DVD (June 9th)
Woolies - Needle Felted Bunny from Little Elf's Toyshop (June 9th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Bilingual Prize Pack from Boca Beth (June 10th)
The Girl Indie Blog - Ashley Bracelet from Sassibella (June 12th)
An Ordinary Life - Boogaloo (June 20th)

Baby Essentials

Apartment Therapy: Ohdeedoh - Boon Feeding line, including Squirt, Catch Bowl, Benders, Groovy, Fluid, Snack Ball and ModWare (June 9th)
MumsTheWurd! - BabyBjorn Bathroom Line (June 9th)
What's That Smell? - SwaddleMe Infant Blanket (June 18th)

Home & Kitchen

Mommy Mandy - Thoughts on the Wall Giveaway (June 15th)

Books & Music for GrownUps

Rocks in My Dryer - WOW Hits 1 CD (June 7th)
Stop, Drop, & Blog - Sew U: Home Stretch, The Built By Wendy Guide to Sewing Knit Fabrics (June 8th)
Lipstick to Crayons - Minutemen DVD (June 9th)
Adventures In Mommyland - In an Instant by Lee and Bob Woodruff (June 9th)
Green Mom Finds - Big Green Purse by Diane MacEachern (June 13th)

Thursday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-05T06:33:00.003-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the side bar.

For Everyone

Tangled and True - Father's Day Medley from Dancing Deer (June 7th)
One Million and Beyond - $50 to Amazon.com (June 9th)
dkMommy Spot - Super Echinacea from Herb Pharm (June 9th)
The Girl Indie Blog - Scrapbooking Prize Pack from Brambleberry Lane (June 11th)
Metropolitan Mama - Personalized Fruit Roll-Ups (June 11th)
From Dates to Diapers and Beyond - Fun in the Sun Gift Pack, including Aveeno products (June 16th)

Just for Women

petit elefant - Marrakesh-Leslie Bottle Bag (June 7th)
Pink Ribbon Review - Fujifilm Quicksnap One-Time-Use Camera (June 11th)
Green Mom Finds - Grateful Body’s Daily Facial Therapy (June 12th)
Leslie's Life - Clothing from Missphit (June 20th)
Oh My Baby - L'Bri hand and body lotion (June 25th)
Chic Shopper Chick - SATC Handbag Giveaaway (?)

Just for Kids

Lookit! I Spy . . . - $25 to Build-A-Bear Workshop (June 11th)
Pink with Sparkles - $50 to The Frog and the Princess (June 12th)
Mommy Mandy - 2-in-1 Harness Buddy from Kustom Memories (June 13th)
A Bookworm's Diary - Toys from ImagiPlay (June 15th)

Baby Essentials

Cool Baby Kid - Customized Hotsie Totsy Sneakers (June 11th)
The Girl Indie Blog - Custom Framed Birth Announcement (June 12th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Nickelodeon Sleepytime Lullabies CD (June 13th)
Mairzey Dotes - $25 gift certificate (June 30th)

Home & Kitchen

Design Mom - Kaboost Chair Booster & Alphabet Ice Tray (June 6th)
In My Bag - $25 Lowes Gift Card (June 8th)
Bloggy Giveaways - HomeHero Fire Extinguisher (June 9th)
My Wooden Spoon - 2 Wilton Jumbo Muffin Pans & other cool prizes (June 11th)
Wombwithin - Seventh Generation tote bag filled with cleaning products (June 19th)

Books for GrownUps

Laura Williams' Musings - The Last Real Season by Mike Shropshire (June 15th)
A Book Blogger's Diary - The Whole Truth by David Baldacci (June 15th)
A Book Blogger's Diary - A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander (June 15th)

Review & Giveaway: Stardust Lullaby CD

2008-06-04T18:20:00.006-10:00

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
The winners are Kari of The redhead in the corner? That's me
& Katie of Crafts by Katie.
Congratulations!

I'm always looking for ways to make bedtime a little easier for the girls and for myself. That's why I was thrilled to receive a copy of Stardust Lullaby - Audible Chocolate for Sweet Dreams.

From the site: "Award-winning singer/songwriter siblings, Cher & Gene Klosner, have just completed their fourth CD, Stardust, a 2-disc collection of lullabies for all ages. Stardust features Cher & Gene Klosner’s trademark rich, lilting vocals accompanied by the talents of several members of the Omaha Symphony and Omaha Conservatory of Music, and top shelf jazz players."

Being a jazz lover myself, I especially enjoyed this wonderful musical compilation. The 2-disc set included familiar lullabies which the girls could relate to as well as brand new songs that are sure to become some of our family's favorites. The best part is that it's all presented in a way that not only appeals to children but to parents as well. No matter how hectic my day was, I found myself starting to relax to these very soothing tunes.

It also came with a lyric book for those like me who sometimes forget the words. Thank goodness since my girls think I know everything! LOL!

Now for the good part, Stardust Lullaby has generously donated two (2) copies to be given away to some very lucky people!

To enter, just stop by the Stardust Lullaby site before midnight, June 11th and check out their playlist. Then come back and mention which song is your favorite. That's it!
A random winner will then be selected and notified on June 12th.
The winners will have 3 days to claim their prize.
To earn extra entries you may do one or all of the following:

Subscribe to my feed.
Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here and to Stardust Lullaby.
Place An Island Review's button in your sidebar.

Please let me know if you're doing/did the extra credit so I can make sure you're entered properly. Don't forget to leave a way to contact you in case you win!

This giveaway is open to everyone world-wide! Good luck & sweet dreams!

Wednesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-04T09:17:00.002-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Hostess With The Mostess - SanDisk Cruzer Gator Drive (June 6th)
Green & Clean Mom - $100 to Zappos.com (June 7th)
Gadgenista - Personalized Blurb Book (June 8th)
SweetHacks - $100 (June 13th)
Compu2000 - Macbook Air or iPod Touch (June 12th)
Val's Views - Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion (June 15th)
SavvySugar - Tax Rebate Giveaway (June 18th)
SearchWarp - Cash prizes for various Writing Contests (varies)

Just for Women

A Mom in Red High Heels - $340 worth of beauty products (June 5th)
My Mom Shops - Enjoy Every Moment Necklace from CNK Designs (June 5th)
Chief Family Officer - $50 to Heels.com (June 10th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - $25 to Glam Shirts (June 10th)
Little Window Shoppe - Firefly Photo Jewelry (June 12th)

Just for Kids

Bloggy Giveaways - $75 to Kobold Toys (June 7th)
One Chic Mama - $100 to My Princess Closet (June 8th)
My Mom Shops - Fold-Away Climber from Little Tykes (June 10th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Crayola Color Wonder Giveaway (June 13th)
Pass the Torch - Spitfire by Kate Messner (June 13th)
Laura Williams' Musings - $35 to Wild Dill (June 13th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - 3 items of your choice from Ooh La La Mama (June 18th)
The Opinionated Parent - Dino Backpack from GemGem (?)

Baby Essentials

Design Mom - Baby Blanket & Onesies (June 4th)
The Wee Review - Jogging Suit and Matching Tank Onesie (June 7th)
Chief Family Officer - Kaboost Chair Booster (June 9th)
Chic Shopper Chick - Neat Solutions Giveaway (June 10th)'
Chief Family Officer - Gymboree Baby Play Book (June 10th)
Now What Baby - Baby Butler (June 10th)
Hip Mama's Place - Diaper Doodie Diaper Bag (June 11th)
Pink with Sparkles - $30 to Sweetie Pie Baby Boutique (June 11th)
Modern Mama's Fabulous Finds - "No, You Wave Bye Bye" Bib (June 13th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - 12-24m loafers from JazzyToes (June 13th)

Home & Kitchen

Bloggy Giveaways - Canvas Print from Show Offs Art (June 8th)
The Clan McLeod - 4 piece set of Knorks in stainless steel matte finish (June 8th)
CelebTots - Pilot Plane Decals from Wallcandy Art (June 9th)
5 Minutes for Mom - Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and Reddi-Wip (June 11th)

Books for GrownUps

Lively Women - High Heels to Hormones by Dr. Christina Lasich (June 6th)
JLo Stalker - He's Just Not That Into You (June 12th)
Laura Williams' Musings - Living on the Black by John Feinstein (June 14th)

Review & Giveaway: My Fruit Roll-Ups

2008-06-03T05:00:00.000-10:00

When I was younger, Fruit Roll-Ups came in different colors and flavors but other than that were pretty generic. That's why I was surprised to see that you can now personalize them with an image and message to fit any occasion! How cool is that?

And I found it to be really easy to do. Basically, I just went to their website and chose to "Make My Design". I selected one of the endless choices of images which included general pictures as well as specific ones for holidays, graduation, birthdays, new baby, & announcements. Then you type in a simple message, view your creation, and hit the "Order Now" button. That's it! Not only was it easy but it was also kind of fun to do!

A couple of days later, I received an email saying they were on their way to Hawaii. I can hardly wait to see it in person! I personalized my order for Girlie Girl to give to her classmates on the last day of school. I bet they'll be really surprised! What a great gift idea!

Want to win some for yourself? My Fruit Roll-Ups is giving away a carton (30-count) of these delicious treats to one lucky winner. To enter, just stop by their site before June 9th and check out all their cool designs. Then come back and mention in comments which design you'd use if you won. That's it! A random winner will be selected and notified on June 10th. The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn extra entries, just subscribe to my feed and/or mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here and to My Fruit Roll-Ups. Please let me know if you're doing/did the extra credit so I can make sure you're entered properly.

This giveaway is open to US addresses only. Don't forget to leave a way to contact you in case you win! Good luck!

Thank you to the Parent Bloggers Network for this great review opportunity!

Tuesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-03T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Just a Mom's Take on Things - 1GB Kingston Data Traveler (June 8th)
Brighter Minds M edia - $200 to Target (June 15th)
Michael Talk - iPod Touch (June 30th)

Just for Women

Fitness for Mommies - "Run Mommy Run" Tank (June 4th)
Mom of 3 Girls - Bracelet & Earring Set (June 8th)

Just for Kids

Lipsticks to Crayons - Fancy Nancy Doll (June 3rd)
Superdumb Supervillian - Glamorous Girl Hair Accessory (June 4th)
Popular Baby Products - Corn Bag Critters (June 4th)
5 Minutes for Mom - VPZ retro lunchbox (June 7th)
Green Mom Finds - Turtle Shower Timer (June 10th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - Tell Me A Story CD (June 10th)

Baby Essentials

Design Mom - 12 months of gifts from Tiny Sprouts (June 3rd)
Keeping The Castle - The Peaceful Nursery: Preparing a Home for Your Baby with Feng Shui by Laura Forbes Carlin and Alison Forbes (June 4th)
The Girl Indie Blog - Minky Chenille Polka Dot Teddy Bear Lovee from Waffles and Ice Cream (June 9th)

Home & Kitchen

Goodies for Mom - Pink Cupcake Bath Bomb from Sassy Pink Boutique (June 3rd)
Tangled and True - Alphabet Poster from Lucky Paperie (June 6th)
From Dates to Diapers, and Beyond - Fresh Brush Max & Flushable Brushes (June 10th)
LisaCooking.com - EnvironKidz Cereals (June 13th)
mod*mom - FLOR eco-friendly alexander girard area rug

Review & Giveaway: Align Dietary Supplement

2008-06-02T09:44:00.005-10:00

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
The winner is bison61!
Congratulations!

From the site: "Align is a daily dietary supplement that works naturally to help build and maintain a healthy, balanced digestive system. Align is an easy-to-swallow capsule that you take just once a day, every day to help even out the ups and downs of common digestive upsets such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, urgency, gas, and bloating. Align capsules contain Bifantis, a unique probiotic strain that has been clinically proven to build and maintain a strong, healthy digestive system."

I admit that when I was first presented with this review opportunity, I had never heard of Align and wasn't sure I wanted to ingest something unfamiliar. I'm just strange like that. So I did the next best thing, I made DH take it. ;-)

Now, he wants everyone to know that he's a very regular person, if you now what I mean, and has no problem sitting on the throne a couple times a day. I kind of envy that about him. That's why he wasn't sure if Align would even benefit him but he was willing to give it a try.

Guess what? He actually liked the results. So much so that he inquired about purchasing more.

He was warned that he may feel a little bloated for the first week but it only happened on the 2nd day, and not even that bad. During the rest of the 30-day trial period, DH felt less gassy (a good thing for me), no bloating after eating, and a settled feeling in his lower abdomen. He felt it to be a great remedy for those who suffer from various digestive problems or are not able to eat as healthy as they would like. There's even a handy chart printed on the box which helps you keep track of your daily results and overall impression of the product.

How would you like to try it for yourself (or give it to your husband)? Align is giving away a 30-day supply to one lucky winner. To enter, just mention in comments before June 9th on what digestive problem you would like to remedy. That's it! A random winner will be selected and notified on June 10th. The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn extra entries, just subscribe to my feed and/or mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here and to Align. Please let me know if you're doing/did the extra credit so I can make sure you're entered properly.

This giveaway is open to US addresses only. Don't forget to leave a way to contact you in case you win! Good luck!

Monday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-06-02T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

The Nest Baby - Flip video ultra camcorder (June 6th)
The Nest Baby - Sterling Locket Cufflinks from Red Envelope (June 6th)
Metropolitan Mama - Thermos Element 5 Prize Pack (June 7th)
Classy Mommy - $10 Gas Gift Card (June 8th)
Metropolitan Mama - Cool Zephyr Ceiling Fan With Light (June 9th)
Boutique Cafe - Anti-Bacterial Cleaner by MomSpit (June 9th)
Mommy Mandy - Intelligent First Aid "Talking" Kit (June 30th)
Life and Me - $25 Paypal cash and other Fab Prizes (June 30th)

Just for Men

Mama Speaks - Autographed copy of Dadditude, a DadGear Courier bag and Grill Charms (June 5th)
The Nest Baby - Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads, by Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden (June 6th)

Just for Women

Shop Diary - SATC Giveaway (June 6th)
I Love Give-A-Ways - Busy Body Book (June 8th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - Black Market Tote from The Monogramming Lady (June 8th)

Just for Kids

MomFinds - Kids' Cobian Sandals (June 4th)
Robust Cooking - Henry and the Hidden Vegetable Garden (June 8th)
Mommy Mandy - Multi-Colored Tunnel from Back to Basics (June 20th)
Classy Mommy - Playskool Rose Petal Cottage (June 27th)

Baby Essentials

Chic Shopper Chick - Bath Luve (June 5th)
The Nest Baby - BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Synergies with six BABYBJORN Baby Bibs (June 6th)
The Nest Baby - Dash Deluxe Diaper Bag (June 6th)
The Nest Baby - Rockabye Baby! CD Gift Box (June 6th)
Classy Mommy - 3 Laugh and Learn! DVDs (June 7th)
Metropolitan Mama - Where is Baby’s Belly Button? by Karen Katz (June 8th)
lilSugar - $100 to BabyStyle (June 8th)
Mama Loves Giveaways - ITZBEEN™ Baby Care Timer (June 9th)
My Designer Baby - $25 gift certificate (June 9th)

Home & Kitchen

Musings of a Housewife - 50 Custom Photo Cards from Polka Dot Bumblebee (June 3rd)
Bloggy Giveaways - $40 to Word Candy Vinyl (June 6th)
Sunflowers in the Kitchen - The Comfort Table Cookbook by Katie Lee Joel (June 6th)
The Hostess with the Mostess - Macbeth Collection Party Tray and Party Tub (June 7th)
The Opinionated Parent - My Plate Mate (June 9th)
Hip Mama's Place - No Slip Bathing Gloves from NoSlipCharlie.com (June 9th)

Books for GrownUps

Laura William's Musings - Fatal Deduction by Gayle Roper (June 12th)

Shop Till the Card Doesn't Swipe #2

2008-05-31T00:01:00.000-10:00

With Summer just around the corner, I thought I'd share some really great items for those who may be traveling this season.

Packing Cubes from eBags - This 3-bag set comes in small for toiletries, medium for pjs and underwear, and large for regular clothes. The theory is that you would pack these items in the specified bag which would then make it easier to unpack at the hotel. Small bag goes in the bathroom, medium bag goes in the drawer, large bag goes in the closet. Being an organization fanatic, I actually like this idea! The set sells for $25.

CARES Airplane Safety Restraints for Infants & Toddlers - I have yet to see anyone use this on my flights but it seems like a good idea. This restraint is for kids from 1-4 years old and takes the place of lugging around and using a car seat. I kind of like that! It's been approved by the FAA and is available at Amazon.com for $75.00.

Luggage Tags & Passport Covers from Kit2Fit - Ever since a passenger walked off the plane with my rollerboard, I've been trying to find a luggage tag that would make my generic black bag stand out from the crowd. I love the colorful and modern patterns Kit2Fit has! Tags are $9.99 and Passport Covers are $19.95.

Friday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-30T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Gather Little by Little - $75 to Amazon.com (June 1st)
Contest Blogger - $100 cash (June 1st)
Training4Cyclists - $25 via PayPal (June 5th)
Boys' Life - Eureka Tretragon 9 Tent (July 30th)
The Watson Review - $25 Visa Gift Card (end of every month)

Just for Men

A Monkey on the Roof - Father's Day Tee (June 8th)

Just for Women

Seven Dogs and A Baby - Sweetleaf Massage Oil (May 31st)
Pink Lemonade - Spring into Summer Giveaway (May 31st)
Bloggy Giveaways - $50 to This Is It (June 2nd)
Chic Shopper Chick - Bath Luve (June 5th)

Just for Kids

Kids Health Notes - A Pair of Pediped Shoes (June 2nd)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - Little Fit Hat (June 5th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - $25 to Oopsie Dazie (June 5th)
teensygreen - $35 to Wild Dill (June 6th)
mod*mom - Futuristic Plasma Car (June 23rd)
Li Kids- Cabbage Patch Doll Giveaway (July 27th)

Baby Essentials

Seven Dogs and A Baby - Baby Blanket from AllyZabba (June 5th)

Home & Kitchen

Kids Health Notes - Penguin Puffs & Leapin Lemurs Cereal (June 2nd)
Mom Logic - $100 to Trader Joe (June 7th)
Audrey's Spot - Tupperware Cereal Container (June 30th)

Books for GrownUps

SideReel - Law & Order Criminal Intent DVD Set (May 31st)
Green Clean Mom - Backcountry Betty Roughing it in Style by Jennifer Worick (May 31st)
The Opinionated Parent - Child of Wonder by Ginger Carlson (June 5th)
Cool Moms Rule - Sleep Deprived No More by Dr. Jodi Mindell (June 5th)
Grrl TV - In Plain Sight Giveaway (June 10th)

Thursday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-29T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

One Chic Mama - $10 Gas Card (June 1st)

Just for Men

Mamanista - Bird Dog Bay Neckwear Tie (June 9th)

Just for Women

The Hostess With The Mostess - Sex and the City Giveaway (May 31st)
Purple Pink and Orange - Vera Bradley Messenger Bag (May 31st)
Lipstick to Crayons - Winner's choice of Nankeen tote or big bag (June 3rd)
Lookit! I Spy . . . - Sex and the City Soundtrack & $25 Fandango Movie Gift Certificate (June 4th)
No Time Mom - Save the Ta-Tas Gift Basket (June 5th)
The Little Window Shoppe - Pink Bench Headband (June 8th)

Just for Kids

Out With The Kids - Frances England Family Tree kids' CD (June 1st)
Cool Moms Rule - Prima Princessa Swan Lake DVD (June 3rd)
The Opinionated Parent - Little Capers Big Cape of your choice (June 4th)
Pink With Sparkles - Monster Go Away! spray (June 4th)
Green Mom Finds - 12 fabric monsters from Green Party Goods (June 5th)
Boutique Cafe - African Dreamland CD from Putumayo Kids (June 5th)

Baby Essentials

Mindful Momma - HAPPYBABY Baby Food Prize Package (June 3rd)
Sassyfrazz - Tee or Onesie from Rebel Ink Shirt (June 6th)
Traveling With Baby - Prince Lionheart's BebePOD PLUS baby seat (June 8th)
Kidoinfo - Umi pre-walker infant shoes in winner's choice of size and style (June 9th)
From Dates to Diapers, and Beyond - Graco Pack 'n Play (June 20th)

Home & Kitchen

Boutique Cafe - The Apron Lady Giveaway (June 5th)

Wednesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-28T06:51:00.003-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Ear Sucker - Various prizes including a Guitar (June 18th)
Shauryadeep - $200 cash via PayPal (June 20th)

Just for Men

Traveling Mamas - LUSH Gift Box (June 3rd)

Just for Women

BlogHer - Tickets to BlogHer '08 in San Francisco (May 30th)
dkMommy Spot - Skin Care Trial Kits from Alchemilla (June 2nd)

Just for Kids

Bloggy Giveaways - 4 Games from Wiggity Bang (June 1st)
Cool Moms Rule - Piano for Preschoolers (June 2nd)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Dinosaur from The Willow Tree (June 3rd)
Hip Mama's Place - A Pair of Robeez Shoes (June 4th)

Baby Essentials

Traveling with Baby - a pair of ShooShoos (June 1st)
The Opinionated Parent - Wupzey High Chair Food Catcher (June 3rd)
Mama Loves Giveaways - Wupzey High Chair Food Catcher (June 4th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Organic "Mini Pools" BabyLegs (June 4th)

Home & Kitchen

Genesis Moments - Rice Cooker Plus from Pampered Chef (May 30th)
Close to Home - 30-count Box of Personalized Fruit RollUps (May 30th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - Personalized Place Mats from Rock Paper Scissors Invitations (June 1st)
Now What Baby - Wash Cloth Lollipops from Sassy Pink Boutique (June 3rd)

Books & Movies for GrownUps

Jessica & Ashlee - My Dad, My Hero: Thoughts on Fatherhood (June 8th)

Tuesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-27T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Walk With Me - Motorola Tracfone (May 31st)
Metropolitan Mama - $40 gift certificate to framAgram (June 2nd)
Lipstick to Crayons - Birthday Blog Bash Giveaway (June 3rd)
Concho Lake AZ - various prizes included an iPod Shuffle (June 4th)
What's That Smell? - $10 to Starbucks (June 6th)

Just for Women

Musing of a Housewife - Hip-T of your choice (May 29th)
I Love Give-A-Ways - Personalized Sterling Silver Necklace (June 1st)
Musings by Melinda Zook - Therapeutic Facial Repair Formula (June 6th)

Just for Kids

Hip Mama's Place - Braincandy "5 Senses" DVD Series (June 2nd)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Boon Treat Ball (June 2nd)
The Opinionated Parent - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo CD (June 2nd)
Green Mom Finds - Sand Play Set from Green Toys (June 3rd)

Baby Essentials

tutus & turtles - Bibs & Burp Cloth set from Maisey Mae (May 29th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Orange Mod Highchair from Mozzee Designs (May 31st)
lilSugar - $100 to BabyStyle (June 1st)
Mommy Mandy - 3 Holiday Bibs from Violet Gumdrop (June 2nd)
MommyVents - Bib & Burp Cloth Set from woobeekids (June 2nd)
Metropolitan Mama - adem + anais Muslim Wraps for Swaddling (June 2nd)

Home & Kitchen Items

The Opinionated Parent - Flipper Toothbrush & RazorHolder (May 28th)
Bloggy Giveaway - TasteBook (May 31st)
Metropolitan Mama - Snikiddy Snacks (June 1st)

Books & Movies for GrownUps

Laura Williams' Musings - Skid by Rene Gutteridge (June 5th)

Review: Maiden America Hair Accessories

2008-05-26T05:00:00.001-10:00

If there's one thing I know about, it's hair accessories. This comes from having 2 little princesses in my home who insist on dressing up on a daily basis. So when I had the opportunity to review Maiden America, I was thrilled!

Maiden America specializes in no-slip barrettes as well as other hair accessories for girls. Like their name suggests, all products are made in America using high quality materials and excellent craftmanship.

For this review, I was able to actually order directly from their site to see first hand how easy it was to go through the purchasing process. The instructions were very user friendly and easy to follow along. There were so many cute pieces that I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to get. In the end, I chose the following designs:

Flat Crystal Daisies (pink): This one was for Baby Bug because she has a lot of flowery Spring dresses that would go perfectly with it. The clips held her hair comfortably and securely and she looked adorable in it!

A Velvet Crystal (pink): I really liked this one for Girlie Girl because it was simple enough to wear on a daily basis with the crystals adding a little touch of sparkle. What girl doesn't like to show-off a little bling?

All in all, we were very happy with our selections, the quality of the hair accessories, and the ordering process. We would highly recommend Maiden America for your little girl!

Thank you to the Parent Bloggers Network & Maiden America for this great review opportunity!

Monday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-26T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

The Full Mommy - Tote bag and gift certificate for Skinny Cow Skinny Dippers ice cream (May 28th)
Props & Pans - Memorial Day Giveaway (May 29th)
New to TV - 30GB Black iPod
IMBlogger - $300 via PayPal (June 15th)
Everyday Finance - $100 + full post on his blog (June ?)

Just for Women

Seven Dogs and A Baby - Bottle of Sweatleaf Baby Massage Oil (May 31st)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - 2008 Year of the Hips and Curves Tank (May 31st)
Carol's Corner - Glass bead bracelet or ladybug earrings (May 31st)
Chic Shopping Chick - Marriage Tee from From*me Tees (June 1st)
The Beauty Counter - Spinlash Mascara (June 2nd)
Mom Logic - Heavenly Scent Pomander Balls (June 6th)

Just for Kids

Celeb Tots - Whirl N Go Turtle (May 30th)
WebGoonies.com - Butterflies & Lollipops Giveaway (May 30th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Hi I'm Riff DVD (May 31st)
LI Kids - Minutemen DVD (June 1st)
LI Kids - Cory in the House DVD (June 4th)
MomReviews - Cahootie Fortune Teller Game (June 6th)
All Because Two People Fell in Love - 100 Things to Do on a Trip (Activity Cards) (June 6th)
Sassyfrazz - Sydney Clair’s Season of Change & Mesi: A Girl ’n Grace in Africa from The American Girl (June 6th)
Kidazy.com - Discovery Exclusive Remote Control Moon in My Room (June 7th)

Baby Essentials

Baby Blog Addict - Turquoise damask bib and burp cloth from JackaroosBoutique.com (May 27th)
Metropolitan Mama - A pair of socks for Mommy and Baby from Karen Neuburger (May 31st)
Mommy Doodles - Honey B Nursery Bedding Set (June 17th)

Home Items

Keeping the Castle - Halo UV-ST Vacuum Cleaner (May 28th)
Mom Most Traveled - Flipper toothbrush holder in bear design or Razor One razor holder in pink (May 29th)
Genesis Moments - Rice Cooker Plus from Pampered Chef (May 30th)
My Greening - Eco Filter reusable coffee filters (June 1st)
Mommies United - The Cupcake Courier (?)
An Ordinary Life - Dyson DC25 Vacuum Cleaner (?)

Books & Movies for GrownUps

Are We There Yet? - The Book of Mom by Taylor Wilshire (May 26th)
carp(e) libris - Improvise in the Amen Corner by Larnell Custis Butler (May 27th)
Womb Within - Simple Principles For a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy by Alex A. Lluch (May 31st)
Sassyfrazz - Skid by Rene Gutteridge (June 5th)

Shop Till the Card Doesn't Swipe #1

2008-05-25T00:01:00.000-10:00

Since I'm usually away on layovers during the weekend, I've been finding it a little difficult to post the daily contests & giveaways for Saturday & Sunday. After all, there's just too much shopping to do! So, what I've decided is to run the listing from Monday - Friday and use the weekends to spotlight some great (& unusual) shopping finds I come across during the week.

First of all, I've been looking for a non-boring laptop bag that shows a sense of style and came across Kolobags which specializes in all kinds of ways to carry around your precious laptop - briefcases, totes, messenger bags, backpack, wheeled, & sleeves.

My favorite is the mcklein (in pink of course). "Professional and sophisticated, this laptop tote is styled of Italian leather and is as organized as you. The top zip compartment provides quick access to main a section with separate file divider and a padded laptop section. A front organizer section will hold gadgets like a cell phone, business cards, and other miscellaneous items. No matter what your taste, there is a color to match: black, blue, green, red, orange, pink and white." $159.99

Next, I've been totally into polka dots lately and fell in love with this wall decor from Oras Designs. You can use them in the nursery, your child's room, or anywhere you'd like to add a little fashion statement. Personally, I would hang it in my room!

They come in lots of different colors and geometric shapes which move delicately and are always changing, casting beautiful shadows that transform with changing light. What a fresh, modern and playful take on traditional mobiles. $148.00

Finally, remember when your parents used to do the "airplane bit" when trying to feed you? Or do you still do that with your kids? How cool would it be to use an actual Airplane spoon? The Spoon Sisters have an extensive line of products for everyone in your family but their spoons are the cutest things around. The plastic plane slips off so it's easy to clean. The spoon is stainless steel and measures 5 1/2" x 5". $16.00

Well, that's it for now. Have a great weekend!

Friday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-23T00:52:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Fitness for Mommies - 6 month subscription to demandFITNESS (May 27th)
DiggItLive dot com - $350 and .com domain (May 30th)

Just for Men

Mom Gadget - Casio Waveceptor Wristwatch (May 29th)

Just for Women

The Daily Obsession - Clinque Beauty Products (May 25th)
Spoiled Pretty - Light Brights Lipstick in Limelight (May 25th)
Ribbon Rock Star - Secret Garden Collection from Victoria's Secret (May 26th)
Pink Ribbon Review - Pink DaysAgo Digital Day Counter (May 28th)
Petit Elefant - An Eliza Gran dress (May 29th)
Shop Diary - SATC Goody Bay (May 29th)
efron freak - Make-up and Accessories (May 29th)
Hip Mama's Place - Mama Mio O-Mega Body Oil (May 30th)
Lively Women - Schick Quattro Pro Razor (May 30th)
Mom Logic - Shampowder (June 3rd)
Mom Logic - RAW Natural Beauty mineral makeup gift set (June 4th)
Mom Logic - Set of 5 Porcelain Bead Bracelets from designer Allison Dayton (June 5th)
New to TV - Relative Madness Tee & Coffee Mug (June 12th)

Just for Kids

Bloggy Giveaways - Tee of your choice from Trendy Tadpole (May 26th)
MomFinds - $100 to KoBoldToys.com (May 28th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Bob the Builder The Three Musketrucks DVD (May 29th)
The Opinionated Parent - Giftventure (May 29th)
Mommy Mandy - Critter Backpack from Kenana USA (June 1st)

Baby Essentials

Ohdeedoh - Skip Hop Crib bedding set (May 25th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Diaper Cake from Classy Baby Cakes (May 27th)
Pink with Sparkles - 3 DVD Laugh & Learn Set (May 28th)
The Nest Baby - Cuddle-U Pillow (May 29th)
Green Mom Finds - Natursutten Pacifer (May 30th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - Tiny Tie Onesie from The Baby's Bundle 3-6 months (May 30th)

Home & Kitchen

Design Mom - Reusable Market Tote filled with cool Method products (May 26th)
Lookit! I Spy . . . - Camp/School Pack of Labels from Mabel's Labels (May 28th)
The Post-It Place - 2 Jars of Pop'rs (May 28th)
dkMommy Spot - Custom box of nine 1-ounce jars of Smith & Truslow spices (May 28th)
Mommy Track'd - Cotton Cloth Napkins from Fabkins (June 2nd)
Momsational - Personalized Fruit Roll-Ups (June 5th)

Books for GrownUps

Metropolitan Mama - The Real Deal Guide to Pregnancy by Erika Lenkert (May 29th)

Thursday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-22T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Bloggy Giveaways - $50 to Expressions Photo (May 25th)
Designs by Sheila - Custom Blog Design for Blogger/Blogspot (June 1st)
Beliefnet.com - Tickets to Mike Meyer's upcoming movie "The Love Guru" (June 20th)
Virtually Organized - 1-month Virtual Organizing Packages and one 6-month Virtual Organizing Package (June 30th)

Just for Men

An Ordinary Life - Various prizes just in time for Father's Day including a Roomba (June 1st)

Just for Women

Musings of a Housewife - Birth Necklace from Julian & Co. (May 23rd)
Lady Bugs Boutique - Wristlet Keychain (May 25th)
A Mom In Red High Heels - Argan Body Skin Care Products (May 25th)
DIY Treasure Trove - Custom Photo Pendant from Little Bugs Boutique (May 25th)
Metropolitan Mama - No Sun Intended Bronzing Powder by Arbonne (May 25th)
Sew Christine - Handmade handbag (May 28th)
Laura Williams' Musings - Spa Products from Soapier.com (May 29th)
Mom Logic - Matching Adult & Toddler Apron from Beansoup (June 2nd)

Just for Kids

Metropolitan Mama - Swim Suit from Sun Protection Zone (May 25th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - Stuff a friend from The Zoo Factory (May 25th)
The Trendy Mommy - Ali-Oops Toy Clip (May 26th)
Hip Mama's Place - Parking Pal Magnet (May 28th)
Green Mom Finds - Nuby Eating Gear from The Soft Landing (May 28th)
The Opinionated Parent - $35 to Wild Dill (May 28th)
5 Minutes for Mom - $25 to Bambina Ballerina (May 29th)
A Bookworm's Diary - $25 Gift Certificate to Sherswares (May 31st)
Superdumb Supervillain - Glamorous Girl Accessories (June 4th)
Urbano Kids - Skuut wooden balance bike (June 15th)
An Ordinary Life - My Pee Pee Bottle (?)

Baby Essentials

Classy Mommy - Baby Sunglasses from Baby Banz (May 26th)
HerBigIdea.com - Pink RuffleButts Bloomer with embroidery (May 27th)
Now What Baby - $25 Gift Certificate to Baby Spare Wear (May 27th)
Boutique Cafe - "Clone" Infant Onesie from baby&mommy (May 28th)
Traveling with Baby - Pair of ShooShoos infant shoes (June 1st)
Traveling with Baby - Pendant/bangle Teething Bling set by Smart Mom Jewelry (June 2nd)

Home & Kitchen

tutus & turtles - Healthy Home Cleaning Supply Pack from Shaklee (May 23rd)
Kids Health Notes - Bed Linens from Natural Mat (May 28th)
Skimbaco the Lifestyle - Brother's All Natural Snacks (May 30th)

Books & Movies for GrownUps

5 Minutes for Mom - Trading Places by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott (May 25th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets DVD (May 27th)
A Book Blogger's Diary - Autographed Emilly Griffin book (May 31st)
A Book Blogger's Diary - Jane Porter's hit Bellevue Mom series (June 1st)
Beliefnet.com - Autographed copy of Prince Caspian (June 2nd)

Wednesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-21T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Metropolitan Mama - $50 to Hanes.com (May 26th)
Sassyfrazz - Around The Table Family Game (May 31st)
MomReviews - Everyday Bottles from Nalgene (June 3rd)
Momsational - Pizza Hut Tuscani Pasta (June 3rd)

Just for Women

The List Maven - The "Transfer Bag" from Accessories by JoAnn (May 24th)

Just for Kids

Kid Health Notes - Fairy Chronicles Book Series (May 23rd)
The Food Bowl - Marty the Dog Stuffed Animal (May 23rd)
Li Kids - Bob the Builder DVD (May 25th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - 15" Stuffed Animal from The Zoo Factory (May 25th)
Good for the Kids - $100 gift certificate (May 28th)
The Opinionated Parent - $15 to Clippopotamus (May 29th)
Laura Williams' Musings - Parking Pal Spot (May 29th)
5 Minutes for Mom - $50 to Suzi Homemaker (May 31st)
superdumb supervillian - Yoko Boogaloo Doll from BlaBla (May 31st)

Baby Essentials

dkMommy Spot - Blanket Friend from For Your Bug-a-Boo (May 23rd)
Along for the Ride - Ergo Baby Carrier (May 30th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - True Fit Car Seat (June 19th)

Home & Kitchen

One Chic Mama - Shoe Wheel from Rakkiddo (May 23rd)
PurplePinkandOrange - Stationery Set from Just Jenn Designs (May 24th)
A Wrestling Addicted Mommy's Blog - 2 Jars of P.B.Loco Peanut Butter (May 24th)
Metropolitan Mama - Letters and Numbers Ice Tray Set (May 24th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Stella Print from Bumblebird (May 27th)
Peppers and Polliwogs - Hello Cupcake Cookbook by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson (May 31st)
5 Minutes for Mom - Magic Bullet (June 5th)

Books & Movies for GrownUps

The Nest Baby - Barenaked Ladies CD (May 22nd)
Literary Illusions - Rambo The Fight Continues DVD (May 24th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Strange Wilderness DVD (May 27th)
Literary Illusions - Rambo Blu-Ray DVD Set (May 27th)
Literary Illusions - Rambo The Complete Collectors Set (May 30th)
Classy Mommy - The Business of Being Born DVD (May 31st)
SheFinds - Palm Beach Perfect Skin by Dr. Kenneth Beer (?)

Tuesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-20T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Fun and Free Giveaways - $10 to Starbucks (May 21st)
HerBigIdea - One year membership to ListPlanIt.com (May 29th)
Brain Foggles - SEO Optimized Hosted Blog with lots of bells and whistles (May 30th)
Bloggin-Ads.com - MacBook Air & $1000 (June 13th)
Outdoorzy - Fuji Crosstown 2.0 Bike (?)
DotSauce - Sony Cybershot Digital Camera (?)

Just for Women

Lookit! I Spy . . . - Tee from promom couture (May 22nd)
Mama Loves Giveaways - IcyBag Mini Cosmetic Bag (May 23rd)
I Love Give-a-Ways - Stationery from Isabella's Umbrella (May 25th)
Leslie's Life - Flower perfume by Cynthia Rowley (May 28th)
Soap Deli News - One of a kind purselet by designer Gill Boulter (June 20th)

Just for Kids

Seven Dogs and A Baby - The Muppet Show Season 3 DVD Set (May 21st)
Metropolitan Mama - A pair of Robeez Tredz Sandals (May 23rd)
Chic Shopper Chick - A turquoise/aqua swim set and hat in size 2T only (May 23rd)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Nerf 'n Strike Recon CS-6 (May 23rd)
Hip Mama's Place - Zoobie Pet (May 26th)
simple - Hair Clips from Pink Owl Creations (May 26th)
Sassyfrazz - Cahootie Fortune Teller Game (May 26th)
From Dates to Diapers, and beyond! - $10 to Chic Baby Rose (May 26th)
Mamanista - $100 to Natural Pod Toys (May 28th)
Leslie's Life - BOCA BETH Beginner's Set (May 29th)

Baby Essentials

HerBigIdea - A Wupzey High Chair Food Catcher (May 20th)
Seven Dogs and A Baby - Dream with Me Tonight Lullabies CD (May 22nd)
Celeb Tots - A pair of BabyLegs (May 22nd)
Bloggy Giveaways - Stardust Lullaby CD (May 24th)
Goodies For Mom - 3 Beech-Nut totes backed with their products (May 25th)
Momma In Flip Flops2! - Baby Banz sunglasses (May 26th)
Mommies United - Hair Clips & Baby Kimono from Tomo&Eddie (May 26th)
Mommy Mandy - Oopsie Toy Clip from My Book Fairy (May 26th)
Momsational - Deluxe Reading Kit from YourBabyCanRead.com (May 29th)
Modern Mom - Celebrity BUMP Bag filled with $3600 worth of products (May 31st)

Home & Kitchen

petit elefant - Joey & Jane Underbed Zip Bag from Kangaroo Storage (May 22nd)
Green Mom Finds - 4-pack of Phyllis reusable produce bags (May 22nd)

Reading for GrownUps

The Clan McLeod - Signed copy of Child of Wonder by Ginger Carlson (May 23rd)
Green Mom Finds - Year subscription to Kiwi Magazine (May 26th)
Jessica & Ashlee - The Busy Girls Guide to Looking Great by

Review: Were You Raised By Wolves?

2008-05-19T08:40:00.002-10:00

From the site: "Perhaps, in your parents' eagerness to smooth life's bumpy road, they took such good care of you that you never learned how to be a self-sufficient human being. And now here you are, all grown up. What next?

You may think you don't really need to know how to make a proper cup of coffee. You've never given much thought to your listening skills, or how one goes about saving money, or stocking a bar. But knowing these things will really make you a much more well-rounded and all-around more charming and useful person, one who is more apt to be invited over for dinner. In fact, a lot of us might benefit from having a few gentle hints about housekeeping, habits, and behavior lobbed in our general direction. With advice and information ranging from How to Boil an Egg to How to Go a Whole Day Without Spending Money—in chapters as diverse as the Upside of Being Single and Lonely and the Hangover: Badge of Courage or Waste of a Day?—Were You Raised by Wolves? will help you come away more confident about important issues such as where the hell to put those flowers somebody brought over last night."

Were You Raised by Wolves by Christie Mellor turned out to be a very fun and entertaining read. It's aimed at young adults who are newly on their own in the world and may need some help adjusting with doing things for themselves. The books covers areas such as keeping your place clean, getting acquainted with your kitchen, dress ettiquite, hosting dinner/cocktail parties, dealing with holidays, personal relationships, handling your finances, and how to stop relying on your parents. It even gives you step-by-step instructions on how to sew on a button!

I would have definitely appreciated this book as a graduation gift. It would have given me a heads up on things to come and would have saved me a lot of headaches!

The book may be purchased through Amazon.com for $13.57. Thank you to the Parent Bloggers Network for this great review opportunity!

Giveaway: Avatar The Last Airbender DVD

2008-05-17T00:01:00.002-10:00

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
The winner is Mannequin of Life and Times of a Geeky Mom!
Congratulations!

Okay, I have to admit that I've never heard of Avatar before. *gasp!* But in my defense, I have 2 little girls who prefer ballerinas and princesses. So I was shocked at the response from my sister's family when I mentioned I was giving away the brand new Avatar DVD. My niece and nephew started bombarding me with all kinds of facts about the show! Even my BIL was excited until I told him that my family was not eligible. :-(

From the site: "In this highly anticipated release, the eclipse has come but where is the Firelord? Aang searches frantically for him, but finds trouble instead. The kids are forced to flee the Fire Nation Palace with Azula and her war ships hot on their heels. At the Western Air Temple, a surprise mentor joins them and offers to be Aang's Firebending teacher. Together the new team must figure out a way to get Aang back in the fight."

Avatar: The Last Airbender is a 123-minute DVD which features audio commentaries by the series' creators and crew, an exclusive mini comic book, and five new episodes. Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, Avatar: The Last Airbender sells for $16.99.

You can win your copy here by mentioning in comments before May 23rd what your favorite thing is about the show Avatar. That's it! A random winner will be selected and notified on May 24th. The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn extra entries, subscribe to my feed and/or mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here. Don't forget to let me know if you're doing/did the extra credit so I can make sure you're entered properly. Also, leave a way to contact you in case you win!

This giveaway is open to everyone world-wide. Good luck!

Review & Giveaway: Sleepytime Lullabies CD

2008-05-16T00:01:00.002-10:00

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
The winner is driven873!
Congratulations!

Anyone with a baby knows how important sleep is for everyone in the family.

The newly released Nickelodeon's Sleepytime Lullabies CD features classic and some not-so-classic bedtime songs arranged in a way that will ensure your little one will fall into a peaceful sleep.

From the site: "This collection of tender tunes was recorded with a full string ensemble and produced by award-winning composer Fred Mollin whose expertise in soothing music for children has yielded in previous lullaby productions selling close to 1 million units worldwide."

The 13 song disc includes songs that even new parents are familiar with such as You've Got a Friend, Moon River, You Are So Beautiful, and (They Long to Be) Close to You. You'll find yourself humming along as your baby drifts off to sleep. There's also a bonus track included - One Magic Kiss by Brandi Carlile.

How would you like to add this CD to your music library? To enter, just mention in comments what your favorite lullaby is before May 22nd. That's it! A random winner will be selected and notified on May 23rd and the winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn extra entries, subscribe to my feed and/or mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here. Don't forget to let me know if you're doing/did the extra credit so I can make sure you're entered properly. Also, leave a way to contact you in case you win!

This giveaway is open to everyone world-wide. Good luck!

Maui, Here I Come!

2008-05-15T00:02:00.001-10:00

While I'm soaking up the sun on the Valley Island of Maui, I'll be taking a short break from posting daily listings of giveaways. I'll be back on Monday. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-15T00:01:00.001-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Lisa Reviews - Coupon for a free pasta dinner from Pizza Hut (May 16th)
Blogging Experiment - $25 Cash (May 19th)
Mom Most Traveled - Family Talk table game (May 19th)
Mindful Momma - ECO-green Nikon S52 Digital Camera (May 21st)

Just for Women

superdumb supervillain - Little Windows Small Square Custom Necklace (May 18th)
Metropolitan Mama - Puddle Jumper Overnight Bag by LUG (May 18th)
Metropolitan Mama - $25 to Layers Clothing (May 18th)
Hostess With The Mostess - A Prize of your choice for you and a friend from Delight.com (May 18th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Personalized Engraved Necklace from Warm Biscuit (May 18th)

Just for Kids

My Mom Shops - 4 Anamalz from Petit Baby (May 15th)
Windy Ridge Chronicles - $50, $100, and $250 gift certificate to Eden’s Bouquet (May 16th)
Just A Mom's Take On Things - A pair of Baby/Kids Banz (May 16th)
Green Mom Finds - Lunchbox & Organic Cotton Tee or Onesie (May 20th)
The Opinionated Parent - Joy is The Greatest Gift (May 20th)
Boutique Cafe - Scholastic DVDs (May 20th)
Did You See That? - Mia Reading: The Bugaboo Bugs! DVD computer game (May 22nd)
Everything Moms - I Care About You by Marianne Richmond (May 31st)

Baby Essentials

Seven Dogs and A Baby - A pair of Baby Banz Sunglasses (May 21st)
Sassyfrazz - A Baby Bistro Box (May 23rd)
Simple Me Boutique - Polkadot Papoose Baby Sling (May 24th)
MomReviews - A pair of BabyLegs from Emilee Grace (May 28th)
Mamanista - $107 Natural Pod Gift Certificate (May 28th)

Home & Kitchen Items

Now What Baby - Custom Camp Pack of Mabel's Labels (May 20th)
Petit Elefant - Kangaroom Joey & Jane Underbed Zip Bag (May 21st)

Wednesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-14T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Prime Time Money - $50 to Amazon.com (May 15th)
Fun and Free Giveaways - Surprise Gift (May 16th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Game Software Package from Brighter Minds Media (May 16th)
Hip Mama's Place - $30 to Announcements Galore (May 19th)
Jenny's Wandering Thoughts - $15 or $20 cash (May 31st)

Just for Women

One Chic Mama - $100 to Stewart + Brown (May 16th)
Metropolitan Mama - Wardrobe 911 Recipe Box (May 17th)
PurplePinkAndOrange - Reusable Bag from Evirosax (May 17th)
A Mom in Red High Heels - Black and White Daisy Handbag (May 18th)
Boutique Cafe - Chloe & Jane: The Perfect Duo gift set (May 21st)
Mom Logic - Portrait of Love Necklace (May 26th)
BellaSugar - Vanessa Bruno sequined tote bag filled with Bobbi Brown Beach products (May 27th)

Just for Kids

Bloggy Giveaways - Large Bow Holder from Bambina Ballerina (May 17th)
Classy Mommy - SuperWhy DVD (May 17th)
The Clan McLeod - Growing Cooks Child Size Apron, Chef's Hat, and Rolling Pin (May 17th)
The Little Window Shoppe - onesie or toddler tee, pin, & decorama wall decal from Bored Inc. (May 19th)
Hip Mama's Place - Child's Ribbon Belt from Chesapeake Ribbons (May 20th)
Superhero Profiles - LEGO Indiana Jones IV - River Chase Set (May 21st)

Baby Essentials

Your Heart Out - Burp Cloth & Ribbon Binkie Clip from Baby Bintz (May 14th)
Musings of a Housewife - Boho Baby Sling (May 14th)
Tangled & True - Bib, Burp Cloth, Swaddle Blanket, & Skull Cap Set from ja*lu (May 15th)
Mommy Mandy - Apple Blossom Jingle Bell Cloth Ball (May 20th)
Chic Shopper Chick - Boon Snack Ball snack dispenser and Flo bathtub faucet cover (May 20th)
Momsational - Candy Dot Lime Frog or the Hot Pink Dot Elephant on a white short sleeved t-shirt from Ambajam.com (May 27th)

Home & Kitchen Items

One Chic Mama - Roomba 560 from iRobot vacuum cleaner (May 17th)
dkMommy Spot - Numi Organic Bamboo Book filled with 30 tea bags (May 18th)
A Wresting Addicted Mommy's Blog - Oops Mat (May 19th)
Mommy Mandy - Mabel's Labels Camp/School Pack (May 22nd)

Books & Movies for GrownUps

teensygreen - The Green Parent book by Jenn Savedge (May 16th)
Metropolitan Mama - Books that will improve your "smarts" (May 17th)
5 Minutes for Mom - The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting (May 18th)
I Love Give-A-Ways - The Black Cloister by Melanie Dobson (May 18th)
Classy Mommy - National Treasure 2 DVD (May 20th)

Review & Giveaway: Backyardigans High Flying Adventures!

2008-05-13T11:01:00.006-10:00

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

My girls are big Nickelodeon fans. Everything from The Wonderpets, Blue's Clues, Wow Wow Wubbzy, Dora, and of course, The Backyardigans.

The Backyardigans are back in a brand new DVD - High Flying Adventures - where the gang goes on 4 different escapades accompanied by various types of music. It even includes 2 special music video features.

From the site:

Fly Girl - Fifties music backs the cheery efforts of Pilot Uniqua to deliver singing telegrams to a grumpy pirate, a quiet-loving queen, and even the Abominable Snowman!
Who Goes There? - It's a madcap museum adventure set to Flamenco as rookie Security Guard Tyrone tries to chase down some runaway works of art before Curator Tasha returns.
What's Bugging You? - Rumba plays as Pest Controllers Tyrone and Uniqua try to rid Lady Tasha's mansion of Wormans so she can get ito Mr. Spiffy's Spiffy Club.
Chicken Itza Pizza - College fight songs rock the ancient Mexican jungle as Uniqua and Tasha embark on an adventure to deliver a pizza to fearsome King Tyrone!

This video is being released today for $16.99 and kicks off the Backyardigans Nationwide Live Tour which takes place coast-to-coast through Summer 2008.

You can win a copy of High Flying Adventures right here courtesy of Nick Jr. To enter, just mention in comment below what your favorite Nicklelodeon show is before May 20th. That's it! A random winner will be selected and notified on May 21st. The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.

To earn extra entries, subscribe to my feed and/or mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here. Don't forget to let me know if you're doing/did the extra credit so I can make sure you're entered properly. Also, leave a way to contact you in case you win!

This giveaway is open to everyone world-wide. Good luck!

Tuesday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-13T00:01:00.000-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Organizing LA - Internet Password Organizer (May 13th)
Notes From My Nest - Prizes from Serena & Lily, Hand Picked Pumpkin, Lucy Sykes, Mamma Made Designs, Starlooks Boutique, Duck Duck Goose, Tree Hollow Toys, and many more (May 16th)
Fitness for Mommies - Fuji Crosstown Bike, a $75 check for professional assembly, 5 coupons for Free 1.5 Liter Bottles of Lipton White Iced Tea (May 16th)
Lookit! I Spy . . . - Norton 360 Version 2 Software (May 18th)
My Apartment Map - $50 to Amazon.com (May 31st)

Just for Women

Little Piddles - Kim Lane Designs Purse (May 16th)
Shop Diary - Sex in the City Giveaway (May 30th)
Green Mom Finds - New Mama Nurture Basket by Love & Blessings (May 31st)
Soap Deli News - Chasing Lilies Bracelet (June 12th)

Just for Kids

dkMommy Spot - $35 to Wild Dill (May 13th)
From Dates to Diapers, and beyond! - $30 Skimbaco gift card (May 15th)
tutus and turtles - A Pair of Bugaboo Shoes (May 15th)
MommyVents - Children Books from I See Me (May 16th)
RS Designs - A Pair of shoes from Bugaboo Shoe Co. (May 19th)
The Opinionated Parent - Any Item from Glamorous Girl (May 19th)

Baby Essentials

Table for Five - A Pack of KN Karen Neuburger Infant Chenille Lounge Socks (May 16th)
Bloggy Giveaways - Cowgirl crib bedding set from Dwell Studio (May 16th)

Home Items

Boutique Flair - $50 to Quote The Wall (May 25th)
mod*mom - Green Depot Home Cleaning Kit (May 31st)

Books for GrownUps

teensygreen - The Green Parent (May 16th)
I Love Give-A-Ways! - Your choice of novels from author Melanie Dobson (May 18th)
Laura Williams' Musings - Healing Promises by Amy Wallace (May 22nd)

Sunday's Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-11T04:21:00.003-10:00

For a list of my current giveaways, please see the sidebar.

For Everyone

Props and Pans - SanDisk Cruzer Gator Flash Drive (May 14th)

Just for Women

Design Mom - $200 to Paper and Ink (May 12th)
Design Mom - Necklace and Earring from Darleen Meier (May 12th)
eFamily Blogger - Star50 Handbag (May 12th)

Just of Kids

An Ordinary Life - A Pair of Polliwalks from Barefoot Bella (May 20th)

Baby Essentials

Cool Mom Picks - Slainte Supertote Diaper Bag (May 1th)
dkMommy Spot - $35 to Wild Dill (May 13th)
MomFinds - Gift Basket from Neat Solutions (May 16th)

Home & Kitchen

Design Mom - Breakfast in Bed from Williams-Sonoma (May 12th)
Apartment Therapy - Lavender Essentials Home Spa System (May 12th)
Design Mom - 12 x 12 Print from Meart (May 12th)
MomReviews - Gift Basket from Oral-B (May 24th)

Review: Sony Digital Reader PRS-505

2008-05-09T07:00:00.000-10:00

I'm an avid book reader. I love books and take them with me to work so I'll always have something to keep me occupied while sitting in airport terminals, during my breaks on the plane, and to keep me company on layovers. The only problem is that I have to be selective on which book to bring since they make my rollerboard pretty heavy. Because of this, there were more than one occasion when I had wished I brought a different one with me.

Well, no more. The Sony Reader Digital Book PRS-505 is the answer to my prayers.

One of the most attractive features is it's size. At less than half an inch thick, it's thinner than most paperbacks, and the 9 ounce Reader easily fits into my bag without weighing me down. The large rectangular 6-inch LCD makes it easy to read the pages and it feels comfortable in my hands even during longer periods of time.

In order to download books, you must install and sign-up with the Sony Connect CD-ROM software included with your purchase. It was really easy to set-up and I was able to figure out how to use the program in a matter of minutes. It was pretty cool to be able to get my book instantly and it saved me a trip down to the bookstore. Keep in mind that it is not Mac compatible.

The size and font of words are easy to read and adjustable to accommodate your preference. The pages were viewable even at angles, dim or bright lights, and can also be changed from portrait to landscape mode.

However, like with anything else, there are a couple of downsides that I noticed. First, when I tried to view some downloaded family photos, they seem pixelated at first and took a few moments to sharpen. Also, the photos are displayed only in black & white which made it difficult to see some of the details.

Another downside is the lag time when pressing the menu buttons or turning pages. It's not a big deal but I guess I've gotten used to immediate responses with other electronic gadgets.

All in all, I really like the Sony Digital Reader Book and plan on making good use it. I can now bring tons of books, stored on memory cards, along for the ride. I don't think it will replace books all together but it does offer another option to consumers.

The Sony Digital Reader Book sells for $299.00.