The journey of an everyday wife and mother who is loving this wonderful adventure I am living and learning how to balance everything as I go
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Bright Starts InGenuity Playard Giveaway Ends TONIGHT!
Don't forget that the Bright Starts InGenuity Playard Giveaway Ends TONIGHT! Get those last minute entries in if you haven't.
Here is a list of my other current giveaways:
And...don't forget tomorrow beings my Celebrating Moms event! I'm so excited about all of the great sponsors that are participating. Be sure to grab the Celebrating Moms button along the sidebar...this will get you extra entries into each giveaway during this event!
Great Gift Idea ~ Pillow Pets Review and Giveaway

For the past 7 years, Pillow Pets have been bringing smiles to the faces of all ages. The idea that they can be transformed from a simple stuffed animal to a functional item like a pillow is wonderful! Why didn't I think of that? Made of ultra-soft chenille, Pillow Pets are much more than a stuffed animal. With a strap that closes underneath it transforms the pillow into a friendly pet. I love that they are an ideal travel pal and all around snuggly friend! Pillow Pets are available in jungle animals, farm critters and sea creatures – 20 different animals to choose from.
Just in time for Spring and Easter, Pillow Pets is featuring new spring/Easter-themed products. The bunny, the duck and the lamb are all adorable!
“We’ve been in touch with the big bunny who prefers the Pillow Pets bunnies in pink or purple for obvious reasons, but particularly because you can only get them this time of year,” said Jennifer Telfer, VP of Operations for My Pillow Pets. “However, the word we hear from children is that any of the Pillow Pet animals would be happily welcomed in their homes on Easter morning.”
My Pillow Pets sent us the duck for Kaelyn and Kaden.


Buy It: Pillow Pets are affordable with a "Special TV Offer" of just $19.95 at GetPillowPets.com with any additional Pillow Pet purchase priced at $15.95 (up to five).
Win It: One lucky reader will win ANY one Pillow Pet of their choice. To enter, visit Pillow Pets and leave a comment letting me know which is your favorite.
Extra Entries: (only valid after the required 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 Pillow Pets) 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. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.
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 Pillow Pet of your choice @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/ydvvbyf Ends 4/14
6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
7. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share
8. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
9. 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!!
This giveaway will end April 14th and is open to the US Only!
Midwest Dairy Council National Nutrition Month Gift Pack Review and Giveaway
Did you know that March was National Nutrition Month? This is a time dedicated to spreading the word about the importance of healthy eating habits, physical exercise and overall wellness. I do my best to take care of myself by eating well and exercising, but I know I can always do more and learn more about ways to keep it up and live a healthier lifestyle! That's why I was excited when contacted with more information from the Midwest Dairy Council on the lesser-known nutritional benefits of dairy and how these benefits contribute to healthier living!

- Vitamin D: Vitamin D (“The Sunshine Vitamin”) promotes calcium absorption and helps strengthen bones. Milk is one of the few dietary sources of vitamin D and just one 8 ounce glass provides 25% of your recommended daily value.
- Protein: Protein builds and repairs muscle tissue while giving you a boost of energy! The protein in milk, cheese and yogurt builds and repairs muscle tissue and can help you feel full.
- Potassium: Did you know that milk and yogurt contain as much potassium as a banana? Potassium regulates the body’s fluid balance and helps maintain normal blood pressure.
- Vitamin B12: Milk and yogurt are also excellent sources of B12, which helps maintain healthy red blood cells and nerve tissue.
For more information on dairy's nutritional benefits and links to several recipes, you can visit DairyMakesSense.com.
The Midwest Dairy Council wanted to help us make incorporating dairy into our diet tasty and fun! That's why they sent us a fun gift pack (and are offering one to giveaway) which included:

- A Cuisinart CSB-76 Smart Stick Hand Blender ($55 Value)
- Dairy Makes Sense recipe cards with new tasty recipes to try out
- Dairy Makes Sense apron
- Hot pad
- Cheese knife
- Grocery pad
- Refrigerator magnet
Ingredients:
- 1 cup low‐fat vanilla yogurt
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1‐1/2 medium bananas, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup low‐fat milk
- 8‐10 ice cubes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Preparation:
Clean and cut fruit. Place all ingredients in blender beginning with yogurt; blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into glasses and serve.
Kaelyn wants to try the Peanut Butter and Banana Breakfast Shake sometime, so we'll be trying that out as well.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fat-free or 1% low-fat chocolate milk
- 1/2 cup frozen banana slices
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth and creamy. Serve in tall glass or on-the-go drink container.
I am thankful that the Midwest Dairy Council educated me more on the benefits of dairy. They have helped to encourage my family and I to eat healthier while making it fun in the process.
Win It: The Midwest Dairy Council is generously offering one lucky reader the same gift pack I received.
A Cuisinart CSB-76 Smart Stick Hand Blender ($55 Value)
- Dairy Makes Sense recipe cards with new tasty recipes to try out
- Dairy Makes Sense apron
- Hot pad
- Cheese knife
- Grocery pad
- Refrigerator magnet
Extra Entries: (only valid after the required 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 DairyMakesSense.com) 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. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.
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: Win a prize pack from Midwest Dairy Council (apron, Cuisinart Hand Blender, etc) @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/yar9lu5 Ends 4/14
6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
7. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share
8. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
9. 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!!
This giveaway will end April 14th and is open to the US Only!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
SkinFix Review and Giveaway (4 Winners!)
I am always thrilled to find natural products that are safe for our family! I am probably the most cautious with the baby care products I use with Kaelyn and Kaden....I want them to be as natural as possible and effective. That's why I was excited to come across SkinFix and their amazing products.

As with most babies, my kids have both had their fair share of diaper rashes. Thankfully none of them have been too extreme, however, even the slightest rash can be incredibly uncomfortable for them. I have used products in the past that work 'ok', but am always open to trying new things...especially when they're natural and safe. That's why I was very excited when I learned that we were going to be sent the SkinFix Buttocks Paste to use with Kaden.

There are many things I love about this product. The paste itself is great! I love that it's lightweight, non-staining and is not greasy like so many of the other cream/pastes we've used in the past! It doesn't just sit on the skin like so many other products, but actually seems to absorb into the skin which is probably what helps with the healing and protection process. Also, a little really seems to go a long way. We got the 112g bottle which I imagine will last us a very long time!
Skinfix Buttocks Paste can also be used to help prevent cradle cap and by breastfeeding mothers who are experiencing discomfort (they note though, that it's very important to clean the affected area before breastfeeding).
I also think it's great that there is:
- NO lanolin
- NO nuts or nut by-products
- NO parabens
- NO sulphates
- NO wheat or wheat by-products

Win It: SkinFix has generously offered FOUR lucky readers the SkinFix product of their choice. To enter, visit SkinFix and let me know which product you would choose if you won.
Extra Entries: (only valid after the required 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 SkinFix) 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. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.
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: Win a @SkinFixInc natural health skincare product of your choice (4 Winners!) @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/yfhtklx Ends 4/13
6. Follow SkinFix on Twitter
7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
8. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share
9. Become a Fan of SkinFix on Facebook
10. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
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!!
This giveaway will end April 13th and is open Worldwide!
**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by SkinFix. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**
Winners!
I have several winners to announce!
Baby Genius Smile & Click Camera
Commenter #228 Jackie said "I entered the Baby Genius Pet Care Center Toy Giveaway"

Baby Genius Musical Vacuum
Commenter #227 Eileen said "Baby Genius on Facebook!"

Commenter #16 Alison said "I would like to learn ways to help myself not look fat, as I'm trying to lose some weight. Help myself feel good about myself!"

Commenter #113 CouponMom said "daily http://twitter.com/courtreporterON/status/11182462738"

Commenter #125 Anne said "I am a facebook fan (Anne Jolly)"

Thank you to all who entered these giveaways! The winners have been contacted and have 48 hours to get back in touch with me.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Two Giveaways end TONIGHT!
These two giveaways are ending tonight! Be sure to enter if you haven't already....
Cooking With Kids Gift Pack Review and Giveaway
When it comes to finding high quality products for my kids, I've found that handmade items are some of the best! Often they do cost a little bit more, but after learning the hard way many times...I've found that I'd rather pay a little more money on something and get good quality items than to find the cheapest price and get something that doesn't last for very long. That's why I was excited when my sister-in-law shared with me that she was planning to start selling some of the things she makes by setting up an etsy shop online soon.
Diana has a talent when it comes to creating and making handmade products...an area I will admit is not my strongest. Her desire to create everything from bibs and aprons to felt play food and more, comes from her two little inspirations...her sons! She also loves to cook and bake...a hobby she shares with her sons as well. She recently began by creating her blog, They Call Me Old Fashioned, as a way to share with others her love for creating, baking and family! It's not only a way to connect with others, but also to get feedback on the items she will soon be selling online.
In honor of her new blog where she posts many of her homemade items, yummy recipes and more....she came to me with the idea of doing a review/giveaway! Of course I was more than happy to oblige...I couldn't wait to test out a few of her newest creations and give you all the opportunity to win an amazing gift pack she's put together to kick off her soon to be online shop.
We were given two bibs, a child sized apron and felt play food for Kaelyn and Kaden.

I also appreciate the length...they're great for covering the whole front which means less clothes changes in a day, and less laundry to do....YAY! Aside from these things, one of my favorite parts is the fact that the bibs tie around the neck. Not only does this allow for us to make it a good fit for both Kaelyn and Kaden's necks, but also makes it next to impossible for her to take off by herself. Typically if Kaelyn gets the bib off on her own, we have food everywhere, so this is a feature I really like!


I love the idea of felt play food, so when she said she'd throw in some of the bacon and eggs she had made...I was thrilled! We have every kind of play food you can think of, except for felt so this was something new to us. I was amazed at how realistic they look, as well as the quality. This is definitely something that will last a long time which is what I want when it comes to my kids' toys. Kaelyn was tickled to have new play food to pretend with and took it right to her toy room where she could 'make us breakfast'.
These are just a few of the many things Diana makes, and is planning to make. As I mentioned, she loves to cook/bake...so her blog is also full of many yummy recipes and her newest creations, cookie bouquets which she will soon be selling on her Decorated By Di website! Aren't they cute?
She made Kaden this one for his baby dedication at church in February.
Buy It: Since her website and etsy shop are still in the process of being put together, Diana is selling her items via word of mouth on her blog. If you are interested in any of the items you've seen here or on her blog, feel free to contact her by e-mail for pricing, fabrics, styles and more.
Win It: To kick off what will soon be Diana's new etsy shop, she is offering one lucky reader the following gift pack which will help get your kids excited to help you in the kitchen and get their imaginations working when at play! The gift pack will include a few of her handmade items and some fun goodies as well!
-A set of Handmade Felt Play Food: Eggs and Bacon
-Nordicware Zoo Animals Cast Aluminum Muffin/Cake Pan
-Ann Clark Ltd. Cookie Cutter: The Car
-Recipe for Sugar Cookie and Frosting
-Kids Wooden Rolling Pin
-Colorful Teaspoon/Tablespoon Set
-Kids Size Whisk
-Purple and Pink Decorating Sugars
-Lorann Gourmet Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract


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 They Call Me Old Fashioned) 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. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.
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 fun cooking with kids gift pack (handmade items and lots of goodies)! @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/yaoawn3 Ends 4/12
6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
7. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share
8. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
9. 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!!
This giveaway will end April 12th and is open to the US Only!
**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**
The New Mutsy Easygrow Chairs Have Arrived!
I am a big fan of Mutsy and the great products they offer! That's why I was excited to learn that they just came out with two NEW chairs on their website.

The evolution of the Easygrow, the extraordinary high chair that grows with baby, continues with the debut of the Easygrow “Next”. The Easygrow “Next” features a sleek brushed aluminum finish and unique dinner tray tilting feature. The chair’s comfortable molded plastic seat features a luxurious suede-like texturized feel. The tilting feature lets the tray fold down and away from baby allowing for them to be placed and removed freely from the seat. This pioneering new highchair brings life to a home’s interior and offers a child a safe and comfortable place at the table. In addition to the dinner tray features include a bumper bar, flexible seat reducer and a 5-point harness. The flexible seat reducer allows use of the chair from the time baby can sit on his or her own. Both the seat and foot rest can be easily adjustable and can accommodate children from the time they can sit unaided to 12 years of age. Easygrow “Next” is lightweight at just 16.5 lbs., allowing for mom or dad to easily position the chair anywhere they want.
Available in: Navy and Brown
Recommended Retail: $249
The second is the Easygrow High Chair:
The new lightweight and durable Easygrow features a shortened wheel base designed to take up less room. Additionally, the new dinner tray tilting feature is offered along with an easily adjustable seat and foot rest. Easygrow can accommodate children from the time they can sit unaided to 12 years of age. A flexible seat reducer is included which allows use of the chair from the time baby can sit on their own.
Available in: White or Dark Grey
Recommended Retail: $199
Buy: You can purchase each of these products on the mutsy website at: www.mutsy.com.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Boutique Sweet Cheeks Bumbo Seat Cover Review and Giveaway


Boutique Sweet Cheeks offers custom made, high quality seat covers, and other items for mom and baby such as nursing pillow covers, baby security blankets, and bibs. Their products are made with high quality fabrics that are not only adorable, but will spark your baby's curiosity through discovering the different textures and sensations.
When I found out that I would have the opportunity to review one of these Bumbo Seat Covers, the hardest part was picking just one fabric that I wanted. They are all SO cute! I decided to go with the Bumbo Cover in the Disco Dot Blue fabric and am so happy I did.
When it arrived in the mail I couldn't wait to put it on Kaden's Bumbo Seat. As I slipped it on, I was amazed how perfectly it fit. I thought it might be difficult, but these are made to fit snuggly over the chair, making it possible to even use the Play Tray if you have one. I was very impressed! In just seconds his seat went from blue and boring to modern and fun!

- Machine Washable
- 2 Loopy tags made with coordinating ribbon to attach infant link toys
- 8" x 5" Pocket in the back to hold toys, bottles, pacifiers, etc.
- Textured and soft armrest fabric which gives it comfort, style and promotes sensory experiences
Boutique Sweet Cheeks also offers monogramming for $1 per letter and even takes custom orders! Don't see what you want? They'll let you send them the fabrics of your choice and make you a one of a kind Bumbo Seat Cover.
After having had the chance to use the seat cover first hand, I can't think of anything else it could possibly have. In my opinion, it has it all! It's easy to use and adds style and personality to any Bumbo Seat.
I would recommend Boutique Sweet Cheeks and their high quality Bumbo Covers to any parent. No matter what style you're looking for, you're sure to find something you like among their large selection of super cute fabrics. I for one love the Sock Monkey and Kleo covers as well...aren't they adorable??
Buy It: You an purchase the Bumbo Seat Cover from either of their websites at BoutiqueSweetCheeks.etsy.com or BumboCover.com for $26.99.
Win It: Boutique Sweet Cheeks has generously offered on lucky reader their choice of Bumbo Cover plus FREE Monogramming! To enter, visit Boutique Sweet Cheeks and leave a comment letting me know your favorite Bumbo Cover.
Extra Entries: (only valid after the required 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 BumboCover.com) 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. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.
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 Bumbo Seat Cover of your choice w/FREE monogramming from @BumboCovers @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/ybgzggd Ends 4/12
6. Follow Bumbo Covers on Twitter
7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
8. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share
9.Become a Fan of Boutique Sweet Cheeks on Facebook
10. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
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!!
This giveaway will end April 12th and is open to the US and Canada!