Monday Mingle XVI

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Grab a cuppa -- I'll have a behemoth mug in hand, looking forward to hopping around. This is a good way to start off the week, mingling with other fabulous bloggers.

Grab your camera and start vlogging with Eighty MPH Mom!

Hope all you Minglers have a loverly Thanksgiving, where ever this holiday finds you.

BabyEtte Etsy Shop Babywearing Poncho Review and Giveaway

Continuing with my BabyEtte Etsy Shop 3-week feature, like I noted in last week’s feature {still time to enter that giveaway by the way!} Beth’s work has been featured on Etsy many times, in baby gift guides, accessory gift guides, and various treasuries. The workmanship is beautiful in each piece, down to the smallest of details.  This week I’ll be introducing my readers to a fantastic piece for baby wearing Mommas and Daddies. Here is the second part of my interview with BabyEtte’s creator:

Where do you pull your inspiration?

I’m inspired by the desire to keep my babies close and to help others do the same. I think of all the sweet babes being loved and held in my carriers, and all the mamas looking pretty in the awesome fabrics, and it makes me smile.

What handmade item do you own that you cherish the most?

A pair of saddle booties made by my Grandma, birthday cards from my Mother, and a baptismal gown I crocheted for my daughter.

Tell us one of the most memorable things while creating or selling your art/craft.

I tried making a line of sketchbooks, but my girls kept, well… sketching in them…

I was sent one of BabyEtte’s  Babywearing Ponchos just in time for the change in weather. A Babywearing Poncho is a simple idea that I think is a must-have for any babywearing parent! Often times when we have Charlie snuggled in a sling, our jackets and coats have to be left open, which is quite chilly for both parties involved. Beth came up with a fashionable solution to the problem with the Babywearing Poncho.

I tested it out during our trip to the pumpkin patch this year and I don’t think I could have chosen a more perfect time! While Mat and I dredged through the mud in search of pumpkins, Charlie was snuggled up in her sling, and contently looking around, people watching {one of her favorite things to do}. I took note of all the babies and toddlers around us. Not a one in a sling. All being carried on a hip, stumbling in the mud, or bumping along in a cold wagon. Mat mentioned later that he saw a few moms eyeing our poncho with interest. I had hoped someone would approach me, inquiring about it, but they all kept to themselves. Charlie and I both stayed warm during our pumpkin hunt in our Warm Cider poncho. I can’t wait to wear it when we go sledding this December especially! Charlie will stay warm, for sure.

Each Babywearing Poncho is available in 5 colors and made with anti-pill fleece, ensuring a long lasting source of warmth for both you and your babe. Beth has now added “frog closures” so you can fold your poncho shut when you take your baby out, making for a lovely poncho by itself! Ponchos are finished with a tight, serged rolled hem – giving a slight ruffled look. These would make for a wonderful gift for any current babywearing parent or as a thoughtful baby shower gift combined with a BabyEtte Ring Sling {a Pre-Holiday sale currently}. BabyEtte also makes Gnome Hats to match the poncho colors! How cute is that?!

BabyEtte’s deals and promos for next week ::

Trunk Show this Monday November 23^rd @ 7pm!! 

In the virtual labs BabyEtte will have 25% off the whole shop! Come in quick to get what you want, First come first served... it's going to be wild! http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php

In addition to free worldwide shipping during black Friday weekend, Beth is planning for another great discount! But you’ll have to keep your eyes out on Facebook and Twitter for that upcoming announcement!

Beth has generously offered one of my readers their very own Babywearing Poncho from BabyEtte! A $58.98 value!

Open worldwide

Here's the skinny on how to enter and remember for all extra entries leave a separate comment for each {please so my brain doesn't explode}...

◊1st entry {required} Tell me another item from BabyEtte that you'd love to have.

◊ Tell me which of the 5 colors you would choose if you won.

◊ Favorite the BabyEtte etsy shop, leaving your Etsy username for one entry.

◊ Become a fan of BabyEtte on Facebook for one entry.

◊ Follow BabyEtte on Twitter for one entry, leaving your username.

◊ Share this giveaway link on your Facebook page for one entry.

◊ Tweet about this giveaway, once daily. Leave one comment daily, including the direct link to your daily tweet. If you need a suggestion...

 @BabyEtteEtsy Babywearing Poncho #giveaway :: @MrsCox :: www.sliceoheaven.us :: RT Daily for extra entries Ends 12/13

◊ There's more! See all extra entries!!

 
•´.¸¸.•¨¯`´¯¨•.¸¸.´•

Simple stuff: {for complete entry rules look here}

You'll have until Sunday December 13th @ 2pm {Pacific} to enter this giveaway.

This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE.

Your email must be in your profile or comment; I won't be searching for a way to contact you.

Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

This review was written strictly based on my opinion, take it or leave it. I merely received product to review, no other compensation. You can read more about my reviews in my Acknowledgment Policy.

{A Troubled} Charlie Fix

Friday, November 20, 2009

She didn't like daddy's trickery. Not one bit.

Happy Friday,

K'NEX Sesame Street Neighborhood Collection Review

Thursday, November 19, 2009

There's something magical about a child's imagination. Charlie's imagination is already blossoming, and it's so fun to watch! Encouraging her creativity is important especially at this stage, that's why we're loving the Police Station Building Set from K'NEX. She's able to develop hand-eye coordination while I help her build a fun neighborhood, and helping her figure out what pieces to put together will help with cognitive learning and problem solving  as well. K'NEX has a variety of Sesame Street Building Sets, each comes with an activity sheet featuring fun and educational activities, tailored for preschoolers and their parents. The 4 different sets can be put together to build a neighborhood or fun on their own!

The Ice Cream Truck and Police Car Building sets come with a buildable Elmo dressed as an ice cream man or police officer. The sets include wheels too so any vehicles can be can maneuver with ease.

Since K'NEX's Sesame Street Neighborhood Collection is meant for children ages 2-5; the pieces are big and designed for her small hands to grip and work with easily. And each set has plenty of parts, they can be mixed and matched, making the building possibilities endless!

The K'Nex Sesame Street Neighborhood Collection {like the 1-2-3 Brownstone Building Set} can be found at many toy retailers like Target, Toys "R" Us, and Walmart to name a few. And with prices ranging from $9.99 to $19.99 they would make for great holiday gifts!

Right now K'NEX is holding a video contest offering the winner $1,000 worth of K'NEX Building Sets and a feature on their website.

All you have to do is make a video that spotlights your kiddo's K'NEX building skills! Be creative, have fun with it! The 10 best videos will be featured on their website and ONE will be awarded the grand prize. Deadline for entries is December 7th, so get cracking!! Good luck!

See complete detailed rules and official guidelines here.

 
This post was written as part of a program for Team Mom and K'Nex who supplied the item for review. This review was written strictly based on my opinion, take it or leave it.  I merely received product to review and am entered in to a drawing to possibly win more K'Nex products, no other compensation. You can read more about my reviews in my Acknowledgment Policy.

Consumer Reports Best Baby Products Giveaway

I'm sure many of you have heard the program changes put into effect at WIC in October. They've started an initiative to promote and encourage nursing moms. Which I completely applaud and think it's about time! Though, with that change came the reduced funding for infant formula. While I'm an avid believer that breastmilk is best, I'm also a strong supporter of taking care of your child period. Whichever choice the mother makes is her choice to make, not anyone else's

While many families are feeling the pinch these days, it is important for new moms especially to get the best bang for their buck. According to the 10th edition of Consumer Reports Best Baby Products: store-brand formula is as nutritious as national brands, essentially saving families up to 50%. That's great considering how expensive formula is!

Looking for formula discount coupons?? Check out storebrandformula.com

This is just one of the great tips you will find in Consumer Reports Best Baby Products. You'll also find tips on setting up your baby's nursery, read about recent safety recalls, childproofing tactics, and more! Consumer Reports is a great information source for product ratings and buyer guides. They've been helping consumers since 1936!

Team Mom and Consumer Reports is generously offering one reader a copy of Consumer Reports Best Baby Products, 10th Edition

{$16.95 suggested retail price, 368-pages}

Here's the skinny on how to enter and remember for all extra entries leave a separate comment for each {please so my brain doesn't explode}...

◊1st entry {required} Tell me one of your best baby tips {safety, money saving, etc.} or a must-have baby product that made your life easier,  for one entry.

◊ Tweet about this giveaway once daily. Leave one comment daily, including the direct link to your daily tweet. If you need a suggestion...

Consumer Reports Best Baby Products Book #giveaway :: @MrsCox :: www.sliceoheaven.us :: RT Daily for extra entries Ends 12/10

◊ There's more! See all extra entries!!

 
•´.¸¸.•¨¯`´¯¨•.¸¸.´•

Simple stuff: {for complete entry rules look here}

You'll have until Thursday December 10th @ 2pm {Pacific} to enter this giveaway.

This giveaway is open to US residents.

Your email must be in your blogger profile or comment, I won't be searching for a way to contact you.

Winner will  have 48 hours to claim their prize.

 
This post was written as part of a program for Team Mom and Consumer Reports who supplied the giveaway for my readers. This opinions in the post were written strictly based on my opinion, take it or leave it.  I received  no compensation. You can read more about my reviews in my Acknowledgment Policy.

Bluelight Specials At Kmart For This Weekend

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

◊ Sweeps run Nov. 12th {tomorrow!} till Dec. 23rd.

◊ Again, all you have to do is follow KmartDealsnNews on Twitter, and tweet daily using the hashtag : #KmartBLS -- super simple, right? The more the merrier too, each tweet betters your chances to score big.

Kmart is wanting to spread the love this holiday season for sure. Bluelight Specials are well known for bringing huge savings both in-store and on Kmart.com Saturdays and Sundays. With over 40 Bluelight Specials coming up, I'm sure you're dying to know what Kmart has planned ... so here's a little taste of the Bluelight specials for 11/21-11/22 ::

◊ Keep those kiddos warm! All Boy and Girls Basic Edition turtlenecks are just $2.99 {reg. $7.99}

◊ Pick up some frames for your favorite Christmas pictures. Or print out some memorable photos and frame them for an inexpensive, but sweet sentiment! All frames are 50% off {reg.  $1-$29.99}

◊ For your favorite cook -- Gosh, I hope the mister is reading this ... All Cookware is 40% off {reg. $6.99-$169.99}

For more information and rules: http://tr.im/KmartBLS.

This post was merely to spread the word about upcoming specials at Kmart, to help some of my readers save money this shopping season. I received no compensation for getting on my blow horn.

All Aboard The Fail Train!

That's how I've been feeling lately. With my time online receding faster than Jude Law's hairline, I find that I'm visiting the "Blogs I ♥" less, and I find that troubling. I've been aware of it for sometime, though it has been gradual. So for that I officially extend my sincerest apologies to those that may have questioned my friendship lately. That never was my intention, and I'm sorry. AND thank you for smacking me upside my head and calling me out on it.

Charlie, as I'm sure you can imagine, is needing me quite a bit more than before. And her needs, wants, and yearnin' for snurfles will always trump any blog post that I might need or want to work on. That should go without saying. BUT my online time lately has been reduced to her nap time...if she takes one. And after she's in bed, but sometimes I want to soak up the Mister. Yes, I Skype ... sometimes. Even that has taken a hit {ask around}. Usually when I "multi-task" and try to squeeze in some adult interaction while I check my emails, etc. during her nap.

So I'm working on wrapping up the last couple of review handfuls, bowing out of quite a few reviewing groups so I can be more selective. I've heeded advice of others, including my sweet Mister {who has seen this coming for a while now though kept his trap shut about it} and am going to be working towards getting back to my grassroots. Simple posts, nonsense thoughts, randomocity pictures {fair warning for any newer followers now}. Just bear with me while I get back to that point. I may be cranking out a few reviews and/or giveaways in the next few weeks just so I can clear my plate completely and breathe easy. Annnd make my rounds more efficiently to those places I enjoy visiting.