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Friday, April 30, 2010

>Coming Soon!!!

>
Just got some exciting news in just now!

I am going to be reviewing and giving away an item from CSN Stores.

Here is a hint:
CSN Stores has over 200 stores.

Here is a Hint: It is from the Children Furniture Store.

While your browsing around the 200 CSN Stores be sure that you check out the Corner TV Stand.

*I did not receive any compensation for this post. I will be reviewing a product from csn stores in the near future. *

>Isn't She Adorable!

>

>Giveaways Ending Tonight (4/30)

>Ending Tonight!

>Mama Never Told Me by Emily Van Do ~ Book Review and Giveaway

>Mama Never Told Me - By Emily Van Do

I would like to start this review with quoting the first page of the book:


"Suddenly people (mostly coworkers, strangers) decide they have free reign in commenting on your appearance. They have no issues touching your belly or pointing out the unavoidable and beautiful transformation your body endures wile pregnant. If you appear annoyed then you are being hormonal. You are forced to laugh and bear it"




Being 34 weeks pregnant now ~ that is what grabbed my attention. Oh boy, the truth to it and how much it relates to myself as a pregnant woman was kind of a relief. Its nice to know your not the only one that gets comments thrown at them, especially in the work environment, which is completely inappropriate.



I enjoyed the book. I thought it was comical and true. My husband thought that she repeated herself a lot in the book. I agree that she did. However, the truth of pregnancy it does feel like you hear the same comments over and over.



Here are a couple things that I have heard that Emily Van Do may want to include in her next book:




So all this to get to asking for an envelope:

John: so how are you feeling Cindy?

Me: I am good.

John: so how much longer until the baby comes?

me: about 2 months.

John: oh, your getting big... (with his hands gestured a big stomach).. are you sure its not twins

me: yea, i am sure

John: oh cause your big

me: mmmm...

John: do you have a blank envelope.

me: yea, here..



This type of situation happens maybe once a week. Once he said "Your getting big, you must be eating a lot now huh?" My response: "I am pregnant!"



Just yesterday I was told by this guy Tom I work with that I am getting fat. I said "really - where have you been the last 8 months? Do you realize that I am pregnant?" He says "yea, I am just saying, it looks like there is a basketball under your shirt". Then I said "wow you are very observant".



It gets annoying hearing comments. Then there is always the after pregnancy comments. If you loose the weight or you don't everyone has a comment on your figure.



I would recommend this book as a gift to a friend that is pregnant. It's a cute baby shower gift. It is even a nice gift for yourself if you are pregnant. Its comforting to know that someone else has heard the same comments that you have during their pregnancy. It makes you feel like your not a big fat blimp, and people just don't know how to bite their tongue.



Where to Purchase: You can purchase your own copy at Amazon.com or Destination Maternity



Emily Van Do has offered one copy to one of my readers.

Enter to win your own copy of Mama Never Told Me by Emily Van Do. The giveaway will end May 18, 2010. The winner will be contacted by email and have 72 hours to reply, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.



*Contest has ended*


 



* I did not receive any compensation for this post. I received a copy of Mama Never Told Me for review purposes. Based on reading the book I wrote this post based on my honest opinions and experiences*









Thursday, April 29, 2010

>Baby Star Quick Change Diaper Pouch Giveaway & Discount Code

>
BabyStar.com has kindly offered my readers the chance to win a Quick Change Diaper Pouch.


The Quick Change Diaper Pouch retails for $10.00 and is available in many different styles. It is great for on the go, so that you don't have to lug around a huge diaper bag.

About the Product (from Babystar.com)
functional style for those unexpected emergencies, baby star's quick change diaper pouch can hold up to four diapers and a flat wipe case. perfect for short trips with your baby star. all of our products are made of 100% cotton and plush fabrics that are formaldehyde-free and AZO-free, making them safe for baby and the environment.

size: 6"x10".
styles: decorative fabric pouch.
detail: 100% cotton, imported and machine washable.

all products are FORMALDEHYDE-FREE, making them safe for baby and the environment

You can purchase your own Quick Change Diaper Pouch at BabyStar.com. They also have weekly specials posted on their homepage that you may want to check out. Their baby stuff is very cute.

Discount Code:
Get 20% off of retail by entering the code star20 at checkout.
Expires 12/31/2010

Enter To Win:
This Giveaway is open to US only. The contest will end May 16, 2010. Once a winner is chosen they will have 72 hours to reply to my email. Otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

Mandatory Entry:
* Visit BabyStar.com ~ Come back and tell me what your favorite item is (1 entry)

Extra Entries:
* Sign up for the baby star newsletter -click here- and scroll to bottom of pg. (1 entry)
* Follow @babystars on Twitter-
leave a comment with your Twitter ID(1 entry)
* Follow @babystar_mtkg on Twitter-
leave a comment with your Twitter ID (1 entry)
* Join I love baby star on Facebook Click Here (1 entry)
* Like baby star on Facebook Click Here (1 entry)
* Follow me on twitter @FAMILY_TIES - leave a comment with your Twitter ID (1 entry)
* Follow my blog - leave a comment telling me that you do so. (1 entry)
* Subscribe to my blog- leave a comment telling me that you do so. (1 entry)

* Add this giveaway to any Mr. Linky, leave a comment with the link (1 entry each)
* Tweet about this giveaway- leave a comment with the status link. (1 entry daily)
* Blog about this giveaway (5 entries)

* Enter any of my other giveaways (1 entry each)

* I did not receive any compensation for this post. The information on this post was provided to me by babystar.com. babystar.com kindly offered one of my readers a quick change diaper pouch.*

>Mothers Day Deals

>

25% off of all- valid thru midnite pst 5/10/10.
Use code moms25 at checkout.




20% Off Mothers Day Sale.
Use code MOM at Checkout for orders $50 or more.



Samantha>Organically Grown Review and Giveaway

>



I love that there are more and more places that have organic clothing for reasonable prices. And the clothes are getting cuter and cuter too. I would say you can get a beautiful organic outfit at
Organically Grown for the same price that you would spend at Babys R Us or Buy Buy Baby for a regular outfit. The only difference being it is better to buy organic for your baby. Everyone wants what is best for their child. Samantha loved the outfit and she loves posing, she is an absolute ham in front of the camera.







Organically Grown sent me the Organic Cotton Girls "Think Green Tree" Toddler 2 Piece Set ($30.00) to try out. The outfit was adorable, and extremely soft. The material feels much softer than other clothes that we have. I liked the outfit a lot. It just looked so comfortable on my daughter. It is light and casual for playing in the park during the summer.






PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:


TODDLER: As you know, we have recently added Organic Toddler Clothing to our collection. The collection is comprised of adorable two-piece outfits for boys and girls in sizes 12-24 months, and 2T-4T. With the cute and eco friendly slogans on each of the sets’ t-shirts, your toddler can wear their heart on their sleeve with a new message every day of the week!




INFANT: Also, be sure to check out our Infant Collection! Some of our best sellers include three-piece sets with baby gowns, body suits, jackets, pants, blankets and hats, all on padded hangers and priced between $12-38.


WHY ORGANIC?


As the awareness of the effect that pesticides and toxins have on the environment and individual health grows, more and more families are realizing the importance of choosing organic products. Making this choice is not only good for our earth; it is good for all of us. With your help, organic textile production will increase, becoming more of a standard in the clothing industry.


If you haven’t already, now is the time to choose organic fabrics for you and your family. Organic cotton has all the high quality, soft and cuddly texture with none of the harsh chemicals to irritate your child’s delicate skin. Our products are not only breathable and cuddly; they are also recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable. With products by ORGANICALLY GROWN, there is no need to compromise between your budget and your conscience. As well as being ECO-FRIENDLY, our clothes are AFFORDABLE and STYLISH.




*Contest has ended*




The contest ends May 14, 2010. One winner will be chosen using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and given 72 hours to respond. You will have the choice of which size and gender you want, however due to limited inventory you will not have the choice of style. If they fail to reply withing 72 hours, another winner will be chosen.

 

* I was sent a free outfit to review. I wrote this review which contains my thoughts and opinions which are honest and truthful.I did not receive any compensation for this post. *


 


Wednesday, April 28, 2010

>Radio City Christmas Spectacular Open House

>




There is a special limited-time “Buy Two, Get Two Free” with code KICKOFF. Expires 5/15

>Poop

>My 2 1/2 Year old has been doing so great with the potty lately.
I thought I would share this with you.

Here is something that I found that works:

Of course there is the potty dance and special sticker.

But Samantha is very very proud now when she does poop in the potty.

We are very proud of her too!

So, each time she takes a poop I take a picture with my camera phone.

Now she expects a picture to be taken.

She gets very exciting about pooping because I take a picture and she can show everyone.

We have to flush the poopy but pictures last forever.

Taking pictures for her has really helped a lot. We have 3 poopy pictures so far. I told my hubby with all the weird art out there, I am going to open a gallery with hundreds of her poopy pictures. Someone will like it and call it art.. lol.

I would have posted it to my blog ~ but I love all my readers and don't want you to click the unsubscribe button.

>34 Weeks Pregnant

>Time is going so slow now!
I went for a Sonogram on Friday ~ they told me everything looks good.
The baby is 4 lb 8 oz. They weren't able to get a good picture, which I was kind of sad about.

With my first daughter I have an entire album filled with sonogram pictures. With this pregnancy- I have at most 4. And all of the pictures they take are so blurry and hard to make anything at all out.

When I went to my ob/gyn 2 weeks ago they told me the next visit I would be able to pick the date of the C-section. Yesterday was the 'next' visit. He told me I had to wait a little longer to pick the date. I was pretty disappointed about that. We are hoping for June 4th.

I am hoping to get 3 months off from work with the baby. Money will be tight, but I really want the time with the baby and my daughter. It is going to be a big adjustment for everyone.

>Enter To Win ~ Awesome Giveaways from Awesome Bloggers

>Ladybug Soup is giving away 1 DVD of Madeline Lost in Paris.
The giveaway ends tonight (4/28)

The Bragging Mommy is giving away the Harry Potter Complete Box Set (Books 1-7)
The giveaway ends today (4/28)



>Winners

>Congrats!
Here are the three winners of the Alvin and the Chipmunk - The Squeakquel DVD giveaway:

I have sent an email out to each of them ~ they have 72 hours to reply, otherwise a new winner will be chosen

cdziuba said...64

tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/12247449292

Michele P. said...136

entered Tiny Ducky giveaway

micaela6955 at msn dot com

USCGWifey said...117

Blogged #1
http://thelifeofacoastguardwife.blogspot.com/2010/04/alvin-and-chipmunks-squeakquel-dvd.html
uscgwifey at gmail dot com

Monday, April 26, 2010

>Winners

>

Congrats !!! Winners have been emailed and have 72 hours to reply.


Curious Chef 6 Piece Cookie Kit Winner

Molomatic said...67

Tweet, thanks!

http://twitter.com/Molomatic/status/12365104128

molomatic at gmail

Randomline Squiggle On The Go Pad Winner

Mom Caboodle said...42

Entered your Alvin and The Chipmunks : The Squeakquel Giveaway

Sunday, April 25, 2010

>Baskin Robbins 31 Cent Scoop

>On April 28 you can get a Scoop of Ice Cream at Baskin Robbins for just 31 cents between 5pm and 10pm. Baskin Robbins partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and donates $10,000 for the event. Some Baskin Robbins will give you the opportunity to donate to your local fire Department.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

>Earth Day : Check Out dirtgirlworld on Sprout

>
In celebration of Earth Day, Sprout is airing a new show today. The show is called dirtgirlworld. I have not seen the show but I will be sure to check it out with Rose.


As part of being a member of Sprout's Band for Bloggers, they provided me with the following info about dirtgirlworld:

dirtgirlworld is the first green living series for preschoolers. It’s a contemporary, vibrant, eco-friendly show that was designed to introduce young children to the joys of outdoor play and sustainable, green living. The show is very music-centric and features a distinctive blend of live action and animation with photomontage and illustration that takes the audience to a world where the real and unreal collide.

To help kick-off the celebration The Sunny Side Up Show will feature crafts, games, activities, meet-the-character segments, clips and music videos from the showstarting Monday, April 19th. On Thursday, April 22nd, The Sunny Side Up Show will premiere the first episode of dirtgirlworld and stick around for a marathon from 12:00 – 3:00pm to get to know our new dirtgirlworld friends. Also, Earth-friendly programming will air throughout the schedule all week on Sprout, including an Earth Day version ofThe Good Night Show.

Games, crafts and environmentally-friendly tips for parents and preschoolers are available on both SproutOnline.com and SproutforParents.com. Be sure to check out the coloring book, and in honor of the environment, instead of printing you can post your finished artwork to facebook - http://www.sproutonline.com/sprout/games/dirtgirlworld-coloring-book.aspx.

After its Earth Day debut, dirtgirlworld will air on Sprout at 4:50 p.m. ET, as part of The Sprout Sharing Show.

Also, check out this clip:

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/mnr_lib/201002/players/player-single.swf?job=42012

>Happy Earth Day!!!

>Happy Earth Day Everyone!

Let's treat Earth Day as if it was New Years.

Everyone should make resolutions on how to help the earth and make it a better place for our children and further generations.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

>5 Great Giveaways

>In case you missed out ~ there are 5 great giveaways going on right now.

Come check them out, some of them are ending very soon. Good Luck!

>Wordless Wednesday- Pink

>We were at the New York Hall of Science Playground last Sunday and Samantha stood behind a pink screen and told me to take a picture because pink is her favorite color

>Stop and Shop $20 Gift Card Giveaway Winner

>Congrats To Comment # 22.

"Doreen said...
22

blogged 5: http://dietcokehandsanitizerchk.blogspot.com/2010/04/stop-shop.html

purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com


I will be emailing you shortly. You have 72 hours to reply, otherwise a new winner will be selected.


True Random Number Generator 22Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

>Exhausted From Life

>
49 more days until my due date.

I got a phone call from my doctor today with the results of my 24 hour urine.
The last time my protein was 298. Which I was concerned being I had preeclampsia in my first pregnancy. This time my protein level was 113, which I was really happy with. Then there is always a but...

So now my uric acid levels are high. Of course I am neurotic and no matter what the doctor says I read a ton of stuff on the internet which scares me. I have an appointment next week, so I will go into it further with them then.

So until then I am just left with worries.

>GIVEAWAY ENDING TONIGHT!

>Hey Everyone ~ Just a reminder:

Ending Tonight:

$20 Stop and Shop Gift Card Giveaway.


Good Luck!


Monday, April 19, 2010

>Earth Day Giveaway #3: tiny ducky Review and $40 Gift Card Giveaway

>



I recently came across a eco-friendly organic clothing line called tiny ducky. Tiny Ducky uses 100 percent SKAL-certified organic cotton from India. They gave me the opportunity to review their newborn gift basket and an additional blanket with a beanie. tiny ducky also offered a $40 gift card to one of my readers.



I was extremely excited to share this review and giveaway with my readers because Earth Day is just a couple of days away and because my baby is on the way. My due date is just 50 days away. Yep... I have been counting down.





The newborn gift basket included a onesie, a blanket, a beanie and a newborn pacifier. The material was extremely soft. They also have the logo of tiny ducky on it, which I find very adorable for baby clothes. The price of it is $40. This would make an awesome baby shower gift. Trust me, I know I would love to have this as a gift. There is a variety or colors and is available in sizes preemie through 3-6 months.




The beanies that they have come in 2 different styles - one know, or two knots, they cost $10 each. They sent me one of each style. I like the 2 knot beanie better. you can either leave the two sides un-knotted, knot each side, or knot the both sides together. As I mentioned in one of my previous posts about tiny ducky, they have a special earth day promotion going on, $10 off any purchase. Being that the beanies cost just $10, all you would have to do is pay the shipping fees. Just enter Earthday2010 at checkout. The blankets are so soft and tagless. They are perfect for a newborn baby.



Everyone expects organic clothing to be more expensive, but I think tiny ducky is reasonable when it comes to pricing. The quality of the products is money well spent.

About Tiny Ducky (from tinyducky.com)

Tiny Ducky, a line of 100 percent certified-organic cotton clothing for babies and toddlers, was conceived by a mom soon after the arrival of her son. A frustratingly small selection of soft, eco-friendly baby attire (particularly for a baby boy) prompted her to begin designing colorful and subtly stylish baby apparel with a green conscience. “Being a new mom made me think of how things like laundry detergent and clothing dyes affected both my son and the world as a whole,” she says. It wasn’t long before Tiny Ducky was born—simple, stylish and ultra-comfortable baby wear created with respect for the environment from start to finish.

Tiny Ducky clothing is made eco-consciously in India from 100 percent SKAL-certified organic cotton — the most rigorous organic certification on the planet. Our adorable hats, tops, bottoms, zip hoodies, blankets and onesies are available in thirteen vibrant, non-impact AZO-free colors which maintain softness, color, and shape wash after wash. A portion of Tiny Ducky’s profits are donated to 1% For The Planet and WCFS. Feel free to use our Website as a resource in developing your own eco-consciousness. Thank you for caring. We care too.





Discount Code:

Special Earth Day Promotion From Tiny Ducky:


Free $10 coupon code at checkout.

Enter Promo Code EarthDay2010 at checkout

$5 from all sales for the next month will go to 1% for the planet.

Offer ends 5/15/2010



*Contest has ended *

 

The contest ends May 7, 2010. One winner will be chosen using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and given 72 hours to respond. If they fail to do so, another winner will be chosen.


* I was sent free products to review. I wrote this review which contains my thoughts and opinions which are honest and truthful.I did not receive any compensation for this post. Pictures to come when my baby is born*

Thursday, April 15, 2010

>Earth Day Giveaway # 2: Sproutbaby Foaming Body Wash and 2 Supergoop Quiksticks Review & Giveaway

>



Sproutbaby.com is an awesome place to shop for products for your family. Their products are eco-friendly and have the best interest of their customers in mind. I have come to determine that after I read their promise. It is great to shop at a place that has the well being of your family and the planet in mind.


I was given the opportunity from sproutbaby.com to reviewEpisencial's Foaming Body Wash and Supergoop SPF lotion. The sent me a handful of samples of each to try out. They also offered to give away a full size bottle of Episencial's Foaming Body Wash and 2 Supergoop Quiksticks to one of my readers.



Episencial's Playful Foaming Wash Review:
Great for everyone! I tried the wash out on my 2 1/2 year old daughter and myself. We both loved it.


The scent is of Episencial's Playful Foaming Body Wash is orange scented. The orange scent makes you feel invigorating.


The wash leaves your feel soft and clean. My daughter liked the scent of it. As soon as I tried it on her she said "mmm, orange." She is also very sensitive when it comes to shampoo. She hates getting her hair washed and is extremely bothered if any water or soap gets near her eyes. Luckily, upon trying this product, it is sensitive to the eyes.


Check out the ingredients listed below. ~ all organic and natural. There are no chemicals. How can you not love that?


ABOUT THE PRODUCT ~ FROM SPROUTBABY.COM
Ultra pure hydrating hair & body cleanser
Features & Benefits


  • Won't irritate eyes or sensitive places. Rinses off fast!

  • Gentle and hydrating cleanser using thyme oil and plant-based surfactants. Sulfate free!

  • Fragrance free. Organic orange extract is our mild and fresh scent.

  • Organic ginko biloba and calendula extract to sooth the skin

  • Organic aloe and soothing oat extract to moisturize naturally.


Size: 8oz
INGREDIENTS: Water (Aqua), Sodium Lauryl-Glucoside Hydroxypropylsulfonate (Sugar Based), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Plant Derived), Aloe Barbadensis (ORGANIC Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate (Sugar Based), Lauryl Glucoside (Plant Derived), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Methyl Glucose Dioleate (Corn Based Thickener), Glyceryl Caprylate (Plant Derived), Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Ginkgo Biloba (ORGANIC) Extract, Calendula Officinalis (ORGANIC Marigold) Flower, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids (Plant Derived), Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange/Petitgrain) Oil, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Thyme Oil (ORGANIC), Citrus Nobilis (ORGANIC Mandarin Orange) Essential Oil, Citric Acid (Naturally Derived




Supergoop SPF Lotion Review:
Summers on its way, and sunblock is a necessity not an accessory. Supergoop is a SPF 30 eco-friendly sunscreen. This is the first time this year that we have put sunblock on, we had a few really nice days. My daughter Samantha, 2 1/2 was always sensitive to other sunblock (especially aveeno.) Her face would get all puffy. We would have to give her benedryl on occasions because of it. Of course I was nervous to try the Supergoop on her, but I did. I think it is because of the ingredients, she didn't have any reaction to it. It is great for sensitive skin. Also, it did not leave her skin feeling greasy like other sunblocks do.


ABOUT SUPERGOOP SPF LOTION- FROM SPROUTBABY:
Most sun damage occurs from incidental exposure during day-to-day activity. Doctor T makes daily application easy to remember and apply with this convenient and economical Super-Pump. Packed with powerful antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, Doctor T's Supergoop! is Aloe Vera based for calming and soothing sensitive skin. PABA, Oil and Alcohol-Free formula acts as an anti-irritant. Protects your skin from both UVA Avobenzone/Parsol 1789) and UVB rays (SPF 30) using only "SuperGreen" eco-friendly ingredients. New SP3 Technology won't break down as quickly when exposed to sunlight as most other sunscreens. Very Water Resistant. No-Slip Sports Grip perfect for the entire family. Pediatrician and Dermatologist approved. No animal testing.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone - 2.0%, Octinoxate - 7.5%, Octisalate - 3.0%, Octocrylene - 1.4%, Padimate O - 7.0%
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Adipic Acid/Diethylene Glycol Glycerin Crosspolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Steareth-21, Triethanolimine, Propylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Stearate, Steareth-2, Acrylates/c10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Carbomer, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben



Bonus~ Discount Code
Sproutbaby provided me with a discount code to share with my readers. Enter the code SBBL239 at checkout and receive 15% off your first order. It is good from today through May 15.


Giveaway:
As I mentioned earlier in the post ~ Sproutbaby is offering one of my readers a full size bottle of Episencial's Playful Foaming body wash and 2 Supergoop Quiksticks, which has the same SPF and the lotion.


*Contest has ended*

The contest ends April 30, 2010. One winner will be chosen using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and given 72 hours to respond. If they fail to do so, another winner will be chosen.

* I was sent samples of Episencial's Foaming Body Wash and Supergoop SPF lotion to review.
Based on trying the samples I wrote this review which contains my thoughts and opinions which are honest and truthful.I did not receive any compensation for this post.*