The winner of the Nature Valley Snack Pack Giveaway is...
Commenter #120, Nelsby said: "#1...I am following your blog on Google Friend Connect"
The winner of the Busy Bee Baby Basics Item of Choice Giveaway is....
Commenter #171, Chelsea said: "follower 2"
Like most mama's out there, I thoroughly enjoy shopping for my kids...sometimes a little too much! I'd much rather do this than shop for myself. I enjoy coming across new sites that offer a variety of products for babies and children, and recently was introduced to an online boutique that offers just that!
The Le Petit Bébé boutique for baby, child and & mommy began in February 2009, when Mom of two, Susie Bilodeau, decided she wanted to do something from home...giving her the freedom to spend more time with her family. After trying different avenues, she found herself with an online boutique selling new products for moms and children.
I am so happy I was introduced to Le Petit Bébé! They offer a variety of products that many parents find ourselves looking for. There's a little something for everyone at prices that are quite reasonable. You'll find everything from diapers, baby carriers, and wraps to blankets, pacifiers and bottles. I think it's great to have all of this offered in one place. What's great is that Susie continues to add new products to her online boutique...items that are high in quality, unique and fun!
I found the Le Petit Bébé website to be very easy to navigate. Planning for a new baby in just a matter of a few weeks, I enjoyed browsing through the user friendly categories. I especially enjoyed looking through their Baby Carriers and Sleepy Time sections!
I am in love with this Peekaru original by Togetherbe- Fleece baby carrier cover now that the weather is getting colder...
As well as this Tino Bonding Doll...absolutely adorable!
If you're looking for unique products for babies, children or yourself...I would recommend checking out the Le Petit Bébé boutique and their unique line of products!
Coupon Code: Susie has generously offered A Mom's Balancing Act readers a 10% off discount on any order over $30! Just use the coupon code: mba10.
You can also find Le Petit Bébé on Facebook and Twitter. If you'd like to stay current on all that this great online boutique is offering become a Facebook Fan here and Follow on Twitter here.
**My honest opinions were given for this review. This was not a paid post and no product was received.**
It wasn't until I had our daughter that I began thinking about using safer products in our home. I want to make sure that I'm helping to give my kids the best start in life, which means being more cautious about the products we use and the foods we eat. I really like SproutBaby because they help support parents in their desire to use high quality organic and eco-friendly products at reasonable prices. They help bridge the gap for families between making healthy choices and making easy choices. I love that their products are not only safe for my family, but also for the environment...and to have it all located on one website makes it very convenient. We no longer have to sacrifice wholesome options because of affordability and accessibility thanks to SproutBaby.com.
I was recently informed of one of their newest products, the Thinkbaby Stainless Steel feeding set which offers the latest in 100% sustainable and certified organic utensils, especially made for newborns and babies. Using a feeding set like this not only helps to reduce waste, but also offers a BPA, Phthalate, PVC and Polycarbonate-free product with containers that come with lids for easy use while traveling! This is a set I feel would come in useful in many different situations and a product parents would absolutely love!
SproutBaby offers a number of other great products as well. One of my favorites can be found in the Baby Care category...the Sweet Knee Petite Baby Bag, full of some of their greatest products like the Sweet Knee Bubbly Soap and Oatmeal Cookie Baths.
Buy It: The Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Feeding Set can be purchased from the SproutBaby website for $39.99.
How To Enter To Win: SproutBaby has generously offered one lucky reader a Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Feeding Set of their own. To enter, visit SproutBaby and leave me a comment letting me know another product they carry that you like.
How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)
1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.
2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and SproutBaby) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.
3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
4. Post my Holiday Extravaganza blog button to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: SproutBaby: Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Feeding Set Giveaway @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/4vZzvs Ends 11/11 (If tweeting every day, you may have to vary this a little bit as Twitter is not allowing duplicate tweets anymore)
6. Follow SproutBaby on Twitter
7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
8. Become a Fan of SproutBaby on Facebook
9. Sign up for the SproutBaby Newsletter
10. For TWO extra entries, Follow my blog publicly
11. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!
12. For FIVE extra entries, purchase anything from the SproutBaby website before the end of this giveaway (be sure to leave FIVE separate comments when doing so to ensure each entry is counted).
Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!
This giveaway will end November 11th and is open to the US Only!!
This giveaway will end November 11th and is open to the US Only!!
**The product for this giveaway was provided for free by SproutBaby. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**
The Busy Bee Baby Basics Giveaway ends tomorrow night! The winner will get to choose the item of their choice from the Busy Bee Baby Basics website!! Check it out and enter if you haven't already!
Also be sure to check out the other giveaways I have running as well:
As a parent of one young child, and another on the way, I think it's important to think about discipline practices and what works and what doesn't. There are so many different views on discipline and parenting out there, that's why I enjoy learning more through reading some of the resources that are out there and readily available to us.
When I was given the opportunity to review the book by Thomas Nelson Publishers, The Well-Behaved Child by John Rosemond, I wasn't sure what I'd think. I know his thinking is a bit different than my own in some ways, but I do agree that for children to learn from their misbehavior there must be a meaningful consequences in place. In some ways his thoughts may be a bit more extreme than my own, but overall, I think he makes a lot of good points, and this could serve as a resource for parents in many different situations.
It's a book I'd recommend to parents. I think it offers a lot of good information and gives parents something to think about, and may be apply to their own parenting styles as they see appropriate.
**The product for this review was provided for free by Thomas Nelson Publishers. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**
With Halloween just around the corner, some parents may still be out searching for the perfect Halloween costume for their little one. It can be a tough decision! If you're like me, you not only want to find something that's cute, but also affordable. I am all about finding the best deals, and discounts when shopping online. Thankfully Coupon Trunk makes that easy! Whether it's deals on baby gear, home and garden or something else...they are a site which can serve as a very valuable resource to many online shoppers, especially with Halloween almost upon us. It offers updates daily with the most recent discount offers and promo codes.
Searching the site is incredibly easy. For instance, if you're looking for Halloween Costumes, simply put it into the search bar and several pages of stores and promotional offers come up. When I was searching, I was most impressed with the deals found at Extreme Halloween who is offering $5 off any order over $35, and Half Price Costumes who has Free Shipping Discounts on any Halloween Costume. I would recommend anyone looking for deals on Halloween Costumes to check out Coupon Trunk!
** This was a paid review, however, my honest opinions were given and were not influenced in any way by monetary means.**
As many of you probably know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! To help raise awareness, MyBlogSpark has teamed up with Pink Together to provide information on a great online community on MySpace and offer one lucky reader a Pink Together Inspiring Hope Gift Basket!
The online community is where you'll find those who have been touched by breast cancer. They can connect and provide support, comfort and encouragement to one another! I think it's fantastic! Anyone can share hope by sharing and reading stories on Pink Together website. To help support Pink Together, General Mills is donating $2 million to Susan G Komen for the Cure and is turning the packaging pink on a variety of brands. They will donate $1, up to $20,000, each time someone posts a comment of encouragement, sends a virtual flower bouquet, or shares a story on PinkTogether.com through October 31st!
As I mentioned, to help generate awareness, one lucky reader will win an Inspiring Hope Gift Basket that includes a:
- Sleeved Travel Mug (love it!)
- Running Ribbon Charm Bracelet
- Pink Leather Strap Keychain
- Pink Cinch Bag
- Set of Inspirational Note Cards
All of the items in this gift basket are from ShopKomen.com, where 25% of the merchandise purchase price benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the fight against breast cancer! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review one of these gift baskets and can tell you that the items are wonderful! What a great way to inspire and generate awareness!How To Enter To Win: To enter for a chance to win this fantastic Inspiring Hope Gift Basket, leave a comment sharing which women in your life inspire you the most, or what you find most inspiring about the PinkTogether.com Community.
How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)
1. Post a comment of encouragement, send a virtual flower bouquet or share a story on the PinkTogether.com website and leave me a comment letting me know that you did.
2. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.
3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
4. Post my Holiday Extravaganza blog button to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Enter for a chance to win a Pink Together Inspiring Hope Gift Basket @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/gr4Y Ends 11/9 (Since it appears Twitter is no longer letting you do duplicate tweets, you may have to change slightly if tweeting every day)
6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
7. For TWO extra entries, Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
8. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!
Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!
This giveaway will end November 9th and is open to the US Only!
**The information and products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Pink Together through MyBlogSpark. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**
This giveaway will end November 9th and is open to the US Only!
A couple of these are a little late in getting posted, however all winners have been notified and claimed their prizes already!
The Modern Baby Co Plush Baby Blanket Giveaway Winner:
Commenter #58, Luv To Save said: "twitter follower as luv_to_save and tweeted http://twitter.com/Luv_to_Save/status/4643804490"
The Cover Your Hair $25 Hair Accessories Gift Pack Giveaway Winner:
Commenter #18 Xenia said: "I entered your Anytime Costumes giveaway."
And, for the My Little Pony DVD Giveaway, the winner is:
Commenter #115 Michelle said: "I would love to give this to my daughter, Avery. Thanks for the chance to win."
Thanks again to all who entered these giveaways!!
Just a reminder: The Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters Gift Pack Giveaway ends TONIGHT!
Just a reminder: The Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters Gift Pack Giveaway ends TONIGHT!
I apologize I have been MIA for a few days. This weekend Kaelyn spent a couple of days with her Grandma and hubby and I devoted our time to cleaning the house and preparing for the baby (the nesting phase has kicked in even more). We have 4 more weeks left until we meet our little one...YAY! We decided it was time to get out some of the baby stuff and finish getting the nursery ready. It feels good to have accomplished so much. We even had a date...which was nice too!
There is not much to update, other than the day is getting closer. The third trimester has gone pretty smoothly so far...can't really complain much. I look forward to meeting our little one and seeing Kaelyn in her big sister role. She's going to be great!
I've also been prepping for my Holiday Extravaganza. November 2nd is the day it starts, so if you want to....grab a button found along the side column!!
We've been busy checking off our "to do list" these past few weeks, making sure everything is ready for our little one's arrival in just 4 1/2 weeks! At first we thought that we had everything we would need having had one baby already...however, after we got thinking about it, we realized that there was one big item we were still missing....a double stroller!!
I am the type of person who researches baby gear, like strollers, a lot! I want to make sure that whatever it is we get will suit our needs. The question I kept coming back to when it came to a double stroller was whether we'd want a side by side stroller, or a front to back one. I think there are benefits to both...but in the long run figured we'd probably get more use out of a back to front one as I think they are easier to maneuver...especially in stores or tight spaces!
Since I kept coming back to the front to back strollers, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review a Kolcraft stroller. Kolcraft sent us their Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller for our kids. Having looked at many other double strollers over the past few months, I can tell you that the moment we took it out of the box...I was very impressed. The quality of this stroller is amazing. It's heavy duty and well made...something I feel is important in a stroller that will be used a lot.
The thing that impressed me most about the Contours Options Tandem Stroller was all of the options! There are 6 options to this stroller...so everyone's needs are sure to be met. The seats can be set so they're both facing forward....an option I foresee us using when the baby is a little older and out of the carrier. Kaelyn just loves the front seat!
You can set the seats so they are back to back. This is where my favorite option comes in...because not every double stroller allows you to use a carrier on it. Using the easy infant car seat attachment that comes with the stroller, one can place most carriers so they face you while pushing the stroller. I love this feature and know it will be used a lot in those first few months! Our carrier fits perfectly.
Another option is to have the seats face each other. I definitely think this is a unique option and one we would use in many different settings. It's a great way for the kids to interact with one another.
An option I don't know that we'd use very often, but is still nice to have, is to have both seats facing the parents. I think this option would come in handy if you had two children who were napping or younger children that you wanted to keep a better eye on.
The final option, which gives you a LARGE amount of storage is one that would be great for one child if you were shopping in the mall, out for a day at the park, and many other situations! I have found it to be quite handy already.
Now, your first thought might be that having all of these options must be pretty complicated as far as usability goes. I have to admit, at first I was concerned about this too. It wasn't until we had it put together and tried out each of the options that I realized how EASY it really was! They have these easy to use little red buttons on each side which allows for the seat to simply pop out so you can place it in the position you would like. It literally takes second!
So what if you have more than two children? Well...they won't be left out either! This stroller has two handy loops on each side of the push bar so that older children can hold it while you walk. What a fantastic idea!
Not only did I find all of the great options to be fantastic, but I also appreciated all of the storage it has. One could easily take this on a day trip to the Zoo or amusement park with plenty of space for diaper bags, shopping bags, etc.
The stroller folds up easily as well. To fold it up, one or both of the seats must come off. I wish that both could be left on, but it's such an easy thing to do with those little red buttons that I really don't find it to be a nuisance at all. We typically keep our stroller in the car anyways, so it will be no problem to keep the extra seat on top of the folded stroller.
In the times we've been able to use this already with just Kaelyn, I can tell that it handles very well for a double stroller with its two 8" front single swivel & 10" rear never flat wheels. The reclining seats seem very comfortable and I love the infant head rest for additional support and protection of a newborn's head. The canopies are also large and allow for great protection from the sun when necessary.
Overall, I am very impressed with the Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller and would definitely recommend it to other parents who are looking for a double stroller. After all the research we've done, and all the double strollers we've seen, I feel this one offers a lot! I have not found any other stroller which has all the options that this one does. It is a bit on the larger side, but still handles well and is more narrow than a side by side stroller.
Buy It: The Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller can be purchased for $249.99. An additional Infant Car Seat Attachment can be purchased for $29.99 if you have twins.
How To Enter To Win: Kolcraft has generously offered to give one of my readers a Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem double stroller of their own!! To enter, visit Kolcraft and leave me a comment letting me know another product they carry that you like.
How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)
1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.
2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Kolcraft) and leave me FIVE separate comments with the URL to that post.
3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
4. Post my Holiday Extravaganza blog button to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Enter for a chance to win a Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem double stroller @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/5Qi3E Ends 11/19 (It appears Twitter is no longer letting you do duplicate tweets, so you may have to change slightly if tweeting every day)
6. Follow Kolcraft on Twitter
7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
8. Become a Fan of Kolcraft on Facebook
9. For TWO extra entries, Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
10. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!
Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!
This giveaway will end November 19th and is open to the US Only!
**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Kolcraft. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**
This giveaway will end November 19th and is open to the US Only!
Isn't it crazy how quickly the time flies?! Today is my 27th birthday and I think each year that passes goes by faster than the last. Having a birthday in the middle of the week makes it a little difficult to do much. That's ok though...I've been too busy nesting and planning for Kaelyn's birthday (in just a couple of weeks my baby will be 2 already) to even think about my own birthday. My hubby is always good to make every birthday special though.
We also had fun celebrating with my family this past weekend. We went out to eat and celebrated mine and my twin brother's birthday, as well as to celebrate my sister-in-laws birthday which is just 5 days after ours. It was great getting everyone together and the yummy food and cake were wonderful!
All in all I'd say so far this has been a wonderful 27th birthday.. Being with family is always my idea of a great time! Oh, and the highlight of the day would have to be when Kaelyn started singing "Happy Birthday" to me. :) Melts my heart. She doesn't know the verse "Happy Birthday Dear Mommy", so the whole song was "Happy Birthday to you" and it was absolutely adorable! It's the little things that mean the most!
Just a reminder....the Cover Your Hair $25 Hair Accessories Gift Pack Giveaway ends tomorrow night! If you haven't already, be sure to enter. They offer some really great hair accessories!
Also, don't forget to check out and enter the other giveaways I have running, all of which can be found along the side column.
It's only October and the winter weather is already here! We've had snow, freezing temps and icy mixes. Although the snow does not stick for long, I know it's just a matter of time before it begins to pile up in our yard. I am not a huge fan of winter weather, but something I do enjoy is being able to play with my daughter out in the snow! Kids just love this time of year. Last year she wasn't able to do a whole lot, but this year will be much different. She has all her winter gear and is ready to do a little sledding, make some snow angels and more! It will be a lot of fun, especially with her trendy new Ski BanZ from Baby BanZ!!
Last year I remember one of the things Kaelyn did not like much was having snow in her face. I don't blame her! With as much snow as we get each year, it's inevitable that while playing, sledding or skiing snow is bound to hit your face. That's why I was thrilled to be sent a pair of pink Ski BanZ from Baby BanZ!
They are perfect for playing in the snow and are made to fit children ages 3-7 (16"-25" head circumference). Kaelyn is just 23 months, but they still fit her well. They come in three different colors: pink, blue and black. I am comforted to know that because of these durable little glasses, her eyes will be protected from the snow and wind this winter. They seem comfortable and what I like most, is that they won't fall off. They have a strap that holds them securely to her face. Oh, and might I add that they are absolutely adorable!!
Baby BanZ offers many other very cute products for kids! I love their little Polarized Ultimate BanZ for instance...aren't they cute?! Made for ages 0-5 and offering a secure strap and 100% protection for UVA/UVB rays...these are perfect for any young child!
Not only do they offer great eyewear for kids, but also have a great selection of UV clothing as well! I love their cute Bucket Hats!
Buy It: You can purchase Ski BanZ from the Baby BanZ website for $15.
How To Enter To Win: Baby Banz is generously offering one lucky reader a pair of Ski Banz in their choice of color (blue, pink, or black). To enter, visit Baby BanZ and tell me another product you like.
How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)
1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.
2. For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Baby BanZ) and leave me a comment with the URL to that post.
3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
4. Post my Holiday Extravaganza event button to your blog and leave me a comment with the URL to your blog. (button can be found along side column) Having this button will get you three extra entries into all Holiday Extravaganza Giveaways!
5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Enter to win a pair of super cute Ski BanZ from Baby BanZ @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/1IBfDo Ends 11/3
6. Follow Baby BanZ on Twitter
7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
8. Become a Fan of Baby BanZ on Facebook
9. For TWO extra entries, Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
10. Subscribe to the Baby BanZ e-mail newsletter (found along the right column on their homepage)
11. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!
12. For FIVE extra entries, purchase anything from the Baby BanZ website before the end of this giveaway (be sure to leave FIVE separate comments when doing so to ensure each entry is counted).
Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!
This giveaway will end November 3rd and is open to the US Only!
This giveaway will end November 3rd and is open to the US Only!
**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Baby BanZ, Inc. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**
In the past couple of weeks I have received a few great Blog Awards from some wonderful blogging Mamas! Thank you, it means the world to me!!
One Lovely Blog Award
I was honored to receive the One Lovely Blog Award from Sarah over at Minnesota Mama's Must Haves and Bing over at Icefairy's Treasure Chest....thank you so much!
The rules are:
*Accept the award
*Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
*Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. (Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.)
Here are my 15 lovely nominees (in no particular order):
1. 1StopMom
2. Thanks, Mail Carrier
3. S Club 4
4. Mommy-Momo
5. Theta Mom
6. Small Sprouts
7. Smart Cents Mom
8. Midday Escapades
9. NW Money Savin' Mama
10. Look What Mom Found...and Dad Too!
11. The Divine Miss Mommy
12. MomStart
13. Frugal Mom Knows Best
14. "Deal"ightfully Frugal
15. Pink Lemonade
I was honored to receive the One Lovely Blog Award from Sarah over at Minnesota Mama's Must Haves and Bing over at Icefairy's Treasure Chest....thank you so much!
The rules are:
*Accept the award
*Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
*Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. (Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.)
Here are my 15 lovely nominees (in no particular order):
1. 1StopMom
2. Thanks, Mail Carrier
3. S Club 4
4. Mommy-Momo
5. Theta Mom
6. Small Sprouts
7. Smart Cents Mom
8. Midday Escapades
9. NW Money Savin' Mama
10. Look What Mom Found...and Dad Too!
11. The Divine Miss Mommy
12. MomStart
13. Frugal Mom Knows Best
14. "Deal"ightfully Frugal
15. Pink Lemonade
Honest Scrap Blog Award
Nicolle from Babee Love was kind enough to pass this award onto me! Thank you!
The rules of the Honest Scrap Award are tell you 10 honest things about myself....and then pass it on to 7 others....
1. I LOVE naps, but don't get them nearly enough
2. I don't mind living in Minnesota...but my heart will always be in Iowa where I grew up
3. I love my family and spending a day with them makes for the perfect way to spend my time.
4. I LOVE to take pictures, but am not good about getting them printed off. I have thousands sitting on my computer just waiting to be gone through.
5. I love a good snowfall on and around Christmas time, but other than that, I am not a fan of winters in Minnesota!
6. It's been 3 years since my hubby and I took a vacation. I look forward to taking one in the next year or so hopefully.
7. I am very excited to meet our little one and am counting down the days until he/she arrives...35 more days! YAY!
8. I thoroughly enjoy reading other Mom Blogs and wish I had more time to do it.
9. I am a sucker for almost any movie involving love and romance...The Notebook is one of my all time favorites!
10. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education and taught for two years, but am still undecided if I will go back into teaching once our kids are older and in school or not?!
I'm passing this blog award on to:
1. Suburban Saving Mama
2. Minnesota Mama's Must Haves
3. J. Leigh Designs
4. Fabulous Fun Finds
5. Natural Mommie
6. My Four Monkeys
7. Sweet Nothings
I'm sorry for getting the winner's up a little late...but, the three winners for the SafetyTat Giveaway are:
Commenter #32, Mommietj said "I Follow SafetyTat on Twitter."
Commenter #7, JoeandBridge said "I am a Facebook Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act."
Commenter #75, Jennifer said "I like the girl flower design best!"
I have e-mailed all three and they have 48 hours to get back in touch with me. Thanks to all who entered!
Also...don't forget that the Modern Baby Co. Giveaway ends tonight! Enter for your chance to win a super plush baby blanket!!
Now that the weather is getting colder and it's rainy out most days, I am always looking for new and fun things Kaelyn and I can do together indoors that encourage learning and creativity. I think a bit of this comes from my past work as a Preschool Teacher....but more than anything...like any parent, I just enjoy seeing her learn and having fun while she's doing it! Creativity For Kids is a wonderful place to go if you're looking for fun things to do with your kids that encourage creativity and learning! I have had the opportunity to review different products from them in the past, and was thrilled to have the chance to do so again.
For those who aren't familiar with Creativity For kids, their mission as found on their website is: To provide children with experiences that stimulate and encourage their natural creativity. Our open-ended products offer fun-filled opportunities for children to create, pretend, explore and learn! I found this statement to be very true of their products as we reviewed their first ever Halloween-themed kit called Shrinky Dinks Halloween Fun!
First of all....if you've never done an activity with Shrinky Dinks...you should! It's so neat to watch your creation transform from a Shrinky Dink sheet to a hard ornament in minutes. Not only will kids love it, but if you're anything like me, adults will too! Although the Shrinky Dinks Halloween Fun kit is recommended for ages 7 and up...I found it to be a fun one Kaelyn and I could do together. She obviously wasn't able to do the cutting yet...but she helped me color the shrinky dinks and had a blast doing it! Here's an example of two that she and I did (before they were shrunk and after).
I apologize these are kind of hard to see (they were cooling)...It shows how much they shrink.
All in all I thought this was a great activity. The kit comes with everything you need, including the tree which you can hang all your Shrinky Dinks on and display somewhere in your home.
They have some other really neat Shrinky Dinks kits available as well. I'd love to have their Shrinky Dinks Holiday Fun kit and their Shrinky Dinks Deluxe kit!
If you're looking for fun and creative activities to do with your children...Creativity For Kids would be a great place to start! You can check out other fun products on their website, and can purchase them right there as well.
Buy It: The Shrinky Dinks Halloween Fun kit can be purchased on the Creativity For Kids website for $16.99.
How To Enter To Win: Creativity For Kids has generously offered one reader their choice of any Shrinky Dinks kit they carry. To enter, visit Creativity For Kids and leave me a comment letting me know which kit you'd choose.
How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)
1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.
2. For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Creativity For Kids) and leave me a comment with the URL to that post.
3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
4. Post my Holiday Extravaganza event button to your blog and leave me a comment with the URL to your blog. (button can be found along side column)
5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Enter to win a Shrinky Dinks activity kit of your choice from Creativity for Kids @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/18B8qC Ends 10/30
6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
7. For TWO extra entries, Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
8. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!
9. For FIVE extra entries, purchase anything from the Creativity For Kids website before the end of this giveaway (be sure to leave FIVE separate comments when doing so to ensure each entry is counted).
Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!
This giveaway will end October 30th and is open to the US and Canada!
This giveaway will end October 30th and is open to the US and Canada!
**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Creativity For Kids. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**
I left the table for a minute, and upon returning I realized supper had become more of a 'sensory activity'....
Visit Cheaper Than Therapy for more Thousand Words Thursday entries!
Visit Cheaper Than Therapy for more Thousand Words Thursday entries!
Netherlands-based Mutsy, recognized for its modernistic stroller designs featuring a distinctive modular, flexible system, introduces the Transporter, the company’s most affordable and lightest weight stroller to date. The new combination stroller is ideal for the cost conscious parent seeking a high quality baby transport solution.
Ideal for parents on the go, this sporty, full-size Transporter can be used in combination with a bassinet (sold separately) or Graco, Peg-Perego or Maxi-Cosi car seat (optional car seat adaptors are sold separately). The bassinet and car seat adaptor easily clicks onto the frame over the stroller seat, easing mom’s ability to switch between modes. Additionally, the Transporter seat can easily be completely removed for a sleek look as a pram or travel system. Two front swivel wheels offer exceptional flexibility and maneuverability. Transporter can be folded quickly into an extremely compact form with minimal effort. The four quick-release wheels are easily removable, allowing for even greater compactness and lightness when folded. The deep and padded reclining seat and large, protective hood create a comfortable and serene environment for napping or strolling on a sunny day. A foot rest provides comfort for an older child, and a convenient shopping basket is also included. Other features include height adjustable 4-position push bar and back support adjustment. Available in Black, Grey, Red and Sand.
Buy It: The Mutsy Transporter is available online at www.mutsy.com and at leading specialty juvenile products stores nationwide. Recommended Retail: $399, $150 optional bassinet.
Coupon Code: There is a special coupon code for A Mom's Balancing Act readers. Use mba10 to receive a 10% discount on any order from www.mutsy.com.
**This information was passed along to me to share with my readers. This was not a paid post and no product was received.**
The winner of the CSN Stores: All Children's Furniture $30 GC Giveaway is:
Commenter #51 silverhartgirl said, "I like Deluxe Let's Cook Kitchen."
Thanks to all who entered! Be sure to check out my other giveaways along the side column and check back often, as I have many great ones lined up for my Holiday Extravaganza event. Grab a button if you haven't already!!
I always enjoy coming across new and unique products for kids, especially when those businesses are run by a stay at home mom like myself. This is why I was really excited to learn more about Busy Bee Baby Basics and all it has to offer.
Busy Bee Baby Basics was born when busy stay at home mom, Ericka Pawlowski, got her MBA and realized her dream of owning her own business. She was inspired to do so by her children! Like many of us, she enjoys baby stuff....blankets, burp cloths, bibs, etc and decided to begin making these types of products and offer them to other moms at a reasonable price.
Ericka was kind enough to send us a Floor Cushion to review.
I had the hardest time deciding which design/fabric to get...and finally went with the blue with white stars. I wanted it to be something all our kids could use over the years, and decided this was cute and gender neutral. Many of the items found at Busy Bee Baby Basics can be personalized. Ericka was willing to do this for our Floor Cushion if I liked. Since it was something that wasn't going to be used just with one child, I decided not to have it personalized...but think it's a great option and one many would enjoy! I don't know about you, but I LOVE when I can find personalized, handmade products for my kids.
When we first got the Floor Cushion, I could tell right away that it was well made and would last a long time. The idea for the Floor Cushion came when Ericka noticed her daughter playing with their dog bed and using it to play on, sleep on, etc. I was drawn to it because Kaelyn is much like this. We don't have a dog or dog bed...but she is always taking the pillows off our couches and using them to lay on, lay her babies on, and just use while she plays. I knew she'd love a pillow that was made specifically for this purpose, and I was right!!
I find her playing with it all the time. She loves to lay her babies on it, lay on it herself, watch TV on it....she uses it for everything! Shortly after receiving it, I found her carrying it back to her bedroom so she could use it while looking at her books. It's a great product for children of all ages. I love how soft it is, and appreciate that the fleece fabric can easily be removed to wash as it slips over the pillow and attaches with Velcro.
There are many other products Ericka carries that I think are absolutely adorable! I especially love the art smocks for kids, the large bibs, and great burp cloths!
Whether you're look for these things, or something else...maybe blankets, changing pad covers or nursing covers....Busy Bee Baby Basics has it all! I would definitely recommend this as a place to find many quality, handmade and great items for babies.
Buy It: The Floor Cushion can be purchased from the online Busy Bee Baby Basics boutique for $25.
How To Enter To Win: Ericka from Busy Bee Baby Basics has generously offered one lucky reader their choice of ANY item from her store! To enter, visit Busy Bee Baby Basics and leave me a comment letting me know which item you would choose if you won.
How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)
1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.
2. For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Busy Bee Baby Basics) and leave me a comment with the URL to that post.
3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
4. Post my Holiday Extravaganza event button to your blog and leave me a comment with the URL to your blog. (button can be found along side column)
5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Busy Bee Baby Basics Giveaway: Winner's choice-anything from store! @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/p0kbd Ends 10/28
6. Follow Busy Bee Baby Basics on Twitter
7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
8. Become a Fan of Busy Bee Baby Basics on Facebook
9. For TWO extra entries, Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
10. Sign up to get e-mail updates from Busy Bee Baby Basics (found near the bottom of homepage)
11. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!
12. For FIVE extra entries, purchase anything from the Busy Bee Baby Basics website before the end of this giveaway (be sure to leave FIVE separate comments when doing so to ensure each entry is counted).
Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!
This giveaway will end October 28th and is open to the US and Canada!
This giveaway will end October 28th and is open to the US and Canada!
**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Busy Bee Baby Basics. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**
