Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
I'm no circus monkey!
OK....so I guess I have some followers that actually like what I write? Humph. So I'm what, supposed to fill your brains with my witty words, am I? Dance around and shake my ass for you?
FINE!
Well, I think I bit off more than I can chew with Zealand's 2nd birthday bonanza. It looks like it is gonna be a blast and a half....in my mind. In the real world, I have lists about lists of shit to do. Went to the dreaded Dollar Tree today. Talk about a time warp! On top of "How the hell did I just spend that much?.....Isn't this stuff supposed to be a dollar per item?" "Oh, really? I really just bought 45 things?" "Thanks for recounting for me.....I'll get the hell out now."
I painted two boxes today for the party while the kids played in the garage with things they shouldn't have been playing with, cause that is how I roll. And, no Mom, they didn't have clothes on and no, I didn't clean them up before we went out to eat Mexican food for lunch nor before dragging them all around town. A baby with enchilada sauce on her face, IS precious in some parts of the world! At least she had shoes on!
So, I'm off to hot glue some of the thousands of Diet Coke bottles I consumed over the weekend, so Zealand can have a ring toss game at his party. It was hard work let me tell you. Yummy, caffeinated, aspartame filled HARD work.....but hey I'm the MOM, I gotta do what I gotta do.
Show is over!
FINE!
Well, I think I bit off more than I can chew with Zealand's 2nd birthday bonanza. It looks like it is gonna be a blast and a half....in my mind. In the real world, I have lists about lists of shit to do. Went to the dreaded Dollar Tree today. Talk about a time warp! On top of "How the hell did I just spend that much?.....Isn't this stuff supposed to be a dollar per item?" "Oh, really? I really just bought 45 things?" "Thanks for recounting for me.....I'll get the hell out now."
I painted two boxes today for the party while the kids played in the garage with things they shouldn't have been playing with, cause that is how I roll. And, no Mom, they didn't have clothes on and no, I didn't clean them up before we went out to eat Mexican food for lunch nor before dragging them all around town. A baby with enchilada sauce on her face, IS precious in some parts of the world! At least she had shoes on!
So, I'm off to hot glue some of the thousands of Diet Coke bottles I consumed over the weekend, so Zealand can have a ring toss game at his party. It was hard work let me tell you. Yummy, caffeinated, aspartame filled HARD work.....but hey I'm the MOM, I gotta do what I gotta do.
Show is over!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Zealand turns 2!
A quick play by play.....
The day I found out I was pregnant with Zealand I got nauseous.
I stopped at the CVS on the way home from work.
Christian was eating dinner when I got home.
I went straight to the bathroom and took the test.
Two bright pink lines showed up before I even had my drawers pulled back up.
I ran out to show Christian the test.
He said "Take another."
He asked if I was hungry, as he pushed his plate away from himself, he had lost his appetite.
(Now grant it we WERE trying, I think he thought it would take longer!)
Not, the exact reaction I was going for from him
but not quite the reaction I thought from me either!
I had a pretty decent pregnancy, only gained about 25 pounds. I worked all the way till my blood pressure almost popped, that and my swollen cankles. I read every book on what I needed, what I didn't need (which turns out to be just about everything) how to discipline, how to use distraction methods, how to breastfeed, how to cloth diaper. I read books on swaddling, swaying, soothing and shushing.
(even books on shitting)
There was NO book in the world that would have made me understand, yet alone believe, how incredibly much I would love this boy. He fills my heart to capacity. Everything he does makes me so proud that I exist. I pray that I can help mold him into the best that he can be. I pray that I am doing right by him. Can I make him proud of me? Even more can I make him proud of himself? I want to be a better me, I want the earth to be a better earth.
I know that I cannot be perfect and that I cannot be everything he may want me to be. But I know that I can be his friend, his confidant, his consoler and even when he doesn't want me to be those things, I will ALWAYS be his Mommy.
(And I cannot think of a better thing to be)
Happy Birthday Zealand
(10/22/09)
The day I found out I was pregnant with Zealand I got nauseous.
I stopped at the CVS on the way home from work.
Christian was eating dinner when I got home.
I went straight to the bathroom and took the test.
Two bright pink lines showed up before I even had my drawers pulled back up.
I ran out to show Christian the test.
He said "Take another."
He asked if I was hungry, as he pushed his plate away from himself, he had lost his appetite.
(Now grant it we WERE trying, I think he thought it would take longer!)
Not, the exact reaction I was going for from him
but not quite the reaction I thought from me either!
I had a pretty decent pregnancy, only gained about 25 pounds. I worked all the way till my blood pressure almost popped, that and my swollen cankles. I read every book on what I needed, what I didn't need (which turns out to be just about everything) how to discipline, how to use distraction methods, how to breastfeed, how to cloth diaper. I read books on swaddling, swaying, soothing and shushing.
(even books on shitting)
There was NO book in the world that would have made me understand, yet alone believe, how incredibly much I would love this boy. He fills my heart to capacity. Everything he does makes me so proud that I exist. I pray that I can help mold him into the best that he can be. I pray that I am doing right by him. Can I make him proud of me? Even more can I make him proud of himself? I want to be a better me, I want the earth to be a better earth.
I know that I cannot be perfect and that I cannot be everything he may want me to be. But I know that I can be his friend, his confidant, his consoler and even when he doesn't want me to be those things, I will ALWAYS be his Mommy.
(And I cannot think of a better thing to be)
Happy Birthday Zealand
(10/22/09)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A day at the pumpkin patch
I am very much aware that I have been withholding valuable, precious pictures from you. I have possibly the world's worst camera. It eats batteries like candy and has a temperament of a toddler. I'm not sure I could pay someone to take it. So without further adieu....our day at the pumpkin patch.
Disclaimer: Zealand did/would not nap prior to our arrival and therefore was almost totally unamused by anything except the dump trucks at the sand playground.
Disclaimer: Zealand did/would not nap prior to our arrival and therefore was almost totally unamused by anything except the dump trucks at the sand playground.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
WINNERS!!!
Congrats to everyone who won and thanks to everyone who entered!
LocoMOmomma winner is #22 Nancy
Smart Mom winner is #45 bekki1820cb
EcoAyris winner is #28 coccinellegreen
RiNGLEY winner is #53 Jaime
Dr. Blooms winner is #30 Slee
Inspired by Finn- #19 Carol
I'll email you soon:)
48 hours to respond as always
LocoMOmomma winner is #22 Nancy
Smart Mom winner is #45 bekki1820cb
EcoAyris winner is #28 coccinellegreen
RiNGLEY winner is #53 Jaime
Dr. Blooms winner is #30 Slee
Inspired by Finn- #19 Carol
I'll email you soon:)
48 hours to respond as always
Monday, October 12, 2009
LAST MINUTE AUCTION
To help Prune Belly Syndrome!
Go here and out in your bids for amazing products!
Right Now a baby bjorn and a baby bloak blanket is going for $20!!!
Auction ends TODAY at 2:00 CST
I'm bidding on the mp3 player and the Shred sled for my nephew for Christmas....so hands off that one;)
You can donate as little as $1.00 for her many raffles as well.
Good luck and let's help with this cause!
GO GO GO!
Go here and out in your bids for amazing products!
Right Now a baby bjorn and a baby bloak blanket is going for $20!!!
Auction ends TODAY at 2:00 CST
I'm bidding on the mp3 player and the Shred sled for my nephew for Christmas....so hands off that one;)
You can donate as little as $1.00 for her many raffles as well.
Good luck and let's help with this cause!
GO GO GO!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sophie the Giraffe Review
I JUST got this in. As in yesterday. Minutes before I went to work. Christian (my DH) told me this morning that he had to get nasty with Zealand about it, because he kept stealing right out of Kingsley's hands. Which, I understand cause Sophie is DAMN cute! Her head and her belly squeak, with dog toy like enjoyment! Cause and effect in an early sense. Zealand was very imaginative with Sophie, walking her around his train table and having it kiss his other animals. Sophie has a way of just being fabulous, for no other reason that pure adorableness.
Sophie went into production of St. Sophies day, hence her name, back in 1961. Back then the only animal toys were farm animals or pet figures. Monsieur Rampeau wanted to design a toy, for a child's hand and decided that an exotic wildlife figure would be the way to go!
Sophie is EXACTLY the same as she was in the first production and is even still produced by the same process of over 14 MANUAL operations!
Sophie is made of 100% natural rubber from the sap of the Hevea tree.
Sophie's fame is typically spread by word of mouth, as I have never seen any advertising for her, on even seen her in a brick and mortar store.
She's just damn cute. What is not to like about her? I love the squeaking, rubbing noises as Kingsley rubs Sophie's foot on her gums. I hope I never lose her:)
Sophie went into production of St. Sophies day, hence her name, back in 1961. Back then the only animal toys were farm animals or pet figures. Monsieur Rampeau wanted to design a toy, for a child's hand and decided that an exotic wildlife figure would be the way to go!
Sophie is EXACTLY the same as she was in the first production and is even still produced by the same process of over 14 MANUAL operations!
Sophie is made of 100% natural rubber from the sap of the Hevea tree.
Sophie's fame is typically spread by word of mouth, as I have never seen any advertising for her, on even seen her in a brick and mortar store.
She's just damn cute. What is not to like about her? I love the squeaking, rubbing noises as Kingsley rubs Sophie's foot on her gums. I hope I never lose her:)
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Dr Blooms Chewable Jewels Review AND GIVEAWAY!
When I first saw the Chewable Jewels...I was stoked. It reminded me of the 80's. I honestly thought they ALL were going to be fabricated fake jewelry. Like ring pops KWIM?
I received the rectangle slide amber twilight combo. I am going to say, this is not a color I would have chosen for myself BUT they do have some wonderful colors to chose. I also, have to say that I am not a fan of the necklace they chose to use. It is a rubbery, sticky elastic cord that you have to knot yourself and rubs in your hair an awful way. On the side of it being an actual teether, BOTH Kingsley and Zealand love the bracelet. I actually don't know where it is right, now, because Zealand has gone off with it! And as I type, Kingsley is gnawing on the necklace. The rubber they use naturally attracts dirt and hair, and it is easy to rinse off but not easy to wipe off.
I received the rectangle slide amber twilight combo. I am going to say, this is not a color I would have chosen for myself BUT they do have some wonderful colors to chose. I also, have to say that I am not a fan of the necklace they chose to use. It is a rubbery, sticky elastic cord that you have to knot yourself and rubs in your hair an awful way. On the side of it being an actual teether, BOTH Kingsley and Zealand love the bracelet. I actually don't know where it is right, now, because Zealand has gone off with it! And as I type, Kingsley is gnawing on the necklace. The rubber they use naturally attracts dirt and hair, and it is easy to rinse off but not easy to wipe off.
Our Story:
Dr. Bloom Inc. was founded in 2003
by sisters Helen Bloom Smith DMD and Joy Bloom Wright along with friend Mary Wheeler Settlemier.
Our very first product to hit the market was conceptualized in December of 2003 while Dr. Bloom was sitting on the floor (seven months pregnant) playing with her twin nephews. As they were playing, she realized that they were drooling and teething on her jewelry. Being a senior in dental school, Dr. Bloom was concerned about their developing/erupting teeth because they were literally chomping and chewing on her glass beaded bracelet and necklace charm.
As a soon to be dentist, she quickly informed her sister that chewing on glass beads and metal may be dangerous to developing tooth buds. Her sister then told her “that is why new moms don’t wear jewelry, because babies chew on anything they can get their hands and mouth on”. After that, the search was on to find a material suitable for a teething baby. They searched baby stores, toy stores, and the Internet and came up empty.
Intrigued by the idea, Dr. Bloom continued to research the concept of jewelry designed for moms and safe for babies & toddlers. She realized this concept did not exist. As a mother of a two month old, she then designed and prototyped the first bracelet as a gift for her sister.
In July of 2004, while attending a wedding, she offered bracelets to her son and two nephews
All three boys loved them and stayed quiet for over an hour
(a dream come true for any parent). This was the “A-ha” moment.
She knew this would be a product she would love to have as well as her friends, family and other new moms.
She immediately set out in search of the material for her product and realized, through research and development that most teethers are made of plastics that leach harmful carcinogenic chemicals. It was then that she realized how important it was to produce a product that was not only utilitarian and fashionable, but also safe.
RECAP:
OK....I REALLY like their hexagon shape, I think it is just really youthfully appealing. If it is going to look fake, go all out right? I love their see through colors and don't care for their marbled colors. I don't like the cord they have chosen. Zealand and Kingsley both love it, none the less:) Which I guess really is the point, right?
Dr. Bloom's Chewable Jewels was created by a Dentist, Dr. Helen Bloom Smith. It is Phthalate, lead, BPA, PVC and latex FREE. It is best cleaned when wet and can even be thrown in the dishwasher.
If you HAVE to have one now, Use the code gogo09 and that will give you 10% off anything on their site!
If you wanna win some chewable jewels......enter here and enter now:)
Mandatory entry:
Which color and shape of Chewable Jewels would you want if you won?
Additional entries:
Follow my blog
Grab my button
Enter my other teething giveaways. 1 entry per each!
Follow me on twitter
Tweet away for numerous entries!
Ends October 15th with all the other teething giveaways!
RECAP:
OK....I REALLY like their hexagon shape, I think it is just really youthfully appealing. If it is going to look fake, go all out right? I love their see through colors and don't care for their marbled colors. I don't like the cord they have chosen. Zealand and Kingsley both love it, none the less:) Which I guess really is the point, right?
Dr. Bloom's Chewable Jewels was created by a Dentist, Dr. Helen Bloom Smith. It is Phthalate, lead, BPA, PVC and latex FREE. It is best cleaned when wet and can even be thrown in the dishwasher.
If you HAVE to have one now, Use the code gogo09 and that will give you 10% off anything on their site!
If you wanna win some chewable jewels......enter here and enter now:)
Mandatory entry:
Which color and shape of Chewable Jewels would you want if you won?
Additional entries:
Follow my blog
Grab my button
Enter my other teething giveaways. 1 entry per each!
Follow me on twitter
Tweet away for numerous entries!
Ends October 15th with all the other teething giveaways!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Inspired by Finn Review AND GIVEAWAY
I had seen other blogger's children sporting amber necklaces. I was curious as to their affect and fit. I was curious if Kingsley would wear it or if she would try to rip it off! I asked around and was pointed to Inspired by Finn.
I was amazed when I googled the effects of baltic amber in relation to pains of ALL types and how long amber has been used.
Amber are fossils that have been around Thousands of years ago. Amber is not a stone like some may think, it comes from tree resin. Baltic amber has been historically used in Europe and even known as a cure all.
When amber is warmed by the heat released from our bodies, small amounts of oils are released into the skin. The oils contain succinic acid which is natural plant and animal tissues beneficial in so many ways.
Baltic Amber is beneficial for:
Pain relief
Strengthening immune system
Restoring energy
Maintaining wellness
Inflammation
As of February 2009 the CPSIA (small parts legislation) no longer allows this necklace to be recommended for children under the age of 3. Which is a bit odd to me, since baby and infant girls can get their ears pierced...but hey, I'm just a mom right?
I feel compelled to say, I am nervous when she wears it, but not that she might take it off and eat it, just that it would get caught on something and choke her....so I am diligent in removing it for naps and bedtime. Kingsley has no teeth yet, but just today, she ate an ENTIRE cheeseburger, I am confident in her ability to eat:)
Kingsley has gotten so many compliments when she wears her Inspired by Finn necklace. Of course noone knows that it is a healing product. The amber looks so stylish with her
outfits...really truly!
Kate has bracelets, adult necklaces, belly belts and earrings! If you don't believe me, read her awesome testimonials!
Kate at Inspired by Finn has offered my readers an amber necklace with their choice of length under 16". (We asked for the 11''...in case you're wondering what size to get)
Mandatory entry:
So what size Inspired by Finn are you gonna get if you win?
Additional entries:
enter my other teething giveaways...each entry leave a comment
follow my blog
follow me on twitter
grab my button
tweet it to death:) leave a comment per tweet!
I was amazed when I googled the effects of baltic amber in relation to pains of ALL types and how long amber has been used.
Amber are fossils that have been around Thousands of years ago. Amber is not a stone like some may think, it comes from tree resin. Baltic amber has been historically used in Europe and even known as a cure all.
When amber is warmed by the heat released from our bodies, small amounts of oils are released into the skin. The oils contain succinic acid which is natural plant and animal tissues beneficial in so many ways.
Baltic Amber is beneficial for:
Pain relief
Strengthening immune system
Restoring energy
Maintaining wellness
Inflammation
As of February 2009 the CPSIA (small parts legislation) no longer allows this necklace to be recommended for children under the age of 3. Which is a bit odd to me, since baby and infant girls can get their ears pierced...but hey, I'm just a mom right?
I feel compelled to say, I am nervous when she wears it, but not that she might take it off and eat it, just that it would get caught on something and choke her....so I am diligent in removing it for naps and bedtime. Kingsley has no teeth yet, but just today, she ate an ENTIRE cheeseburger, I am confident in her ability to eat:)
Kingsley has gotten so many compliments when she wears her Inspired by Finn necklace. Of course noone knows that it is a healing product. The amber looks so stylish with her
outfits...really truly!
Kate has bracelets, adult necklaces, belly belts and earrings! If you don't believe me, read her awesome testimonials!
Kate at Inspired by Finn has offered my readers an amber necklace with their choice of length under 16". (We asked for the 11''...in case you're wondering what size to get)
Mandatory entry:
So what size Inspired by Finn are you gonna get if you win?
Additional entries:
enter my other teething giveaways...each entry leave a comment
follow my blog
follow me on twitter
grab my button
tweet it to death:) leave a comment per tweet!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
RiNGLEY review and GIVEAWAY!
Organic terry cloth and maple wood......a piece of teething heaven. I wish I had this BEFORE Zealand started teething, as he has now scratched to hell his dining room chair back and his new toddler bed rails. I had no idea that wood would be so comforting to chew on.....
but it seems to be!
I was sent the straight teether which has a perfect length for Zealand's molars....he keeps stealing it from her! I love that it can be used wet or dry....how about wet, frozen? YES!!! I also love how easy it is to throw in the wash, as cream colored does not stay clean for long!
I love the two different textures, to get just what your baby is longing for at the exact time. I'm highly interested in their knotted version....I think that would be ideal for baby's first teeth.
Here is RiNGLEY's story....similar to all of ours I bet!
The news is full of stories about toxic kid's toys, recalls and harmful plastics. As a new mom, on maternity leave, I was interested in finding safe toys for my child to play with and teethe on. I found many teething toys on the market, but nothing that would meet my child's ever-changing teething needs. Seeing how well chewing on cloth and wood helped my daughter through tough teething times, I felt that I owed it to my child and all teething babies to create RiNGLEY, a natural teething toy. RiNGLEY combines natural organic terrycloth and untreated Canadian Maple into one great teething tool.
I am a Child Life Specialist, working at a hospital, supporting children and their families through stressful experiences and procedures. I help normalize the hospital environment, through play and education, thus helping children gain some control over stressful life events.
I live in Toronto, Canada with my wonderful husband and beautiful daughter and son.
So, this is an easy review....I love it, Kingsley and Zealand love it. Adorable, functional and ORGANIC!!
This is a Canadian product so, you will have to contact RiNGLEY or do some googling tobuy one in the States!
Wanna win one? I KNOW you do!
RiNGLEY has generously offered their junior RiNGLEY to one of you!
Mandatory entry
Which of the RiNGLEYs do you like?
OPEN TO US AND CANADA
Additional entries:
enter another one of my teething giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)
follow me on twitter
follow my blog
snag my button
tweet this giveaway.....unlimited comments
GOOD LUCK
ALL TEETHING WEEK GIVEAWAYS END OCTOBER 15th
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
EcoAyris Review and GIVEAWAY and COUPON CODE
In the way of cool....this guy at EcoAyris is IT! There were SO many teethers that I wanted him to send me, I couldn't make up my mind if I had to. I was sent two, but only used one, just in case he wasn't offering a giveaway, I'd have an extra one to give to you.....but we'll talk about that later;)
The teether Kingsley tried out is a martini glass with olive shakers. Can we say adorable? Hand made tags and recycled packaging are the first things you will notice about your package. It is SO adorable, I "push" it on her. I beg her to take it places with us, so that other people can see how completely cool it is! There is also blocks, cribs and step stools available by EcoAyris.
It is handcrafted and sanded down super smooth. It is impeccably made by a Dad that cares!
Here is his cute etsy bio:
Once upon a time a girl met a boy... then they became friends and watched as the other figured out which way to go. One day the boy saw the girl with a baby girl of her own... and loved them both so much he couldn't let them go. She said yes, and on Friday the 13th they drove off into the sunset to grow their family. Years later the economy exploded, and they considered the future, their hopes and dreams, and they began to build their future... one crib at a time.
For Ayris, Wesley and Aizlin... and for our neices and nephews and cousins and friends and people we've never met... a safe, comfortable, fun and creative space for babies to grow up in, on, under and inside out
I really don't know what else to say about this? I mean the pictures really sell themselves. You no longer have to tote around tacky, mundane, repetitious teethers! You will be the envy of your friends. Really....how cool is this guy's stuff? I mean, this is my favorite visually pleasing teether and I WILL be back to buy some for my friends.
Wanna buy one like right now right?
He has offered a 25% off coupon with the code zealandsmom rocks!
This offer is good till Halloween!
Wanna win one now too?
So, I kept the martini glass and I'm gonna give one of YOU the Music Note!
Mandatory entry:
What else do you see that is wicked cool at EcoAyris?
Additional entries:
Buy something from EcoAyris
Heart EcoAyris' store
Follow my blog
Follow me on twitter
Tweet this giveaway once an hour using your time stamp as your comment
All teething week giveaways end October 15th at noonish
The teether Kingsley tried out is a martini glass with olive shakers. Can we say adorable? Hand made tags and recycled packaging are the first things you will notice about your package. It is SO adorable, I "push" it on her. I beg her to take it places with us, so that other people can see how completely cool it is! There is also blocks, cribs and step stools available by EcoAyris.
It is handcrafted and sanded down super smooth. It is impeccably made by a Dad that cares!
Here is his cute etsy bio:
Once upon a time a girl met a boy... then they became friends and watched as the other figured out which way to go. One day the boy saw the girl with a baby girl of her own... and loved them both so much he couldn't let them go. She said yes, and on Friday the 13th they drove off into the sunset to grow their family. Years later the economy exploded, and they considered the future, their hopes and dreams, and they began to build their future... one crib at a time.
For Ayris, Wesley and Aizlin... and for our neices and nephews and cousins and friends and people we've never met... a safe, comfortable, fun and creative space for babies to grow up in, on, under and inside out
I really don't know what else to say about this? I mean the pictures really sell themselves. You no longer have to tote around tacky, mundane, repetitious teethers! You will be the envy of your friends. Really....how cool is this guy's stuff? I mean, this is my favorite visually pleasing teether and I WILL be back to buy some for my friends.
Wanna buy one like right now right?
He has offered a 25% off coupon with the code zealandsmom rocks!
This offer is good till Halloween!
Wanna win one now too?So, I kept the martini glass and I'm gonna give one of YOU the Music Note!
Mandatory entry:
What else do you see that is wicked cool at EcoAyris?
Additional entries:
Buy something from EcoAyris
Heart EcoAyris' store
Follow my blog
Follow me on twitter
Tweet this giveaway once an hour using your time stamp as your comment
All teething week giveaways end October 15th at noonish
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Smart Mom teething bling Review and GIVEAWAY
I contacted Amy at Smart Mom because I thought having a teether that looked good on Mom was an incredible idea! Kingsley hasn't actually sprouted a tooth yet, so it's hard to tell just what she will like and what she won't. I CAN tell you what I like....and I like Smart Mom's teething bling! The first time I wore the jade necklace that they sent me, no one even knew it was made from rubber! I got numerous compliments from random strangers! I bet thieves were eyeballing me, thinking I had to be rich, to be sporting this hunk of jade! ;) I love the shape and that the necklace pops off if pulled, instead of breaking!
Here is some information about the product:
Teething Bling® products are non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, PVC and lead free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp.
Teething Bling® products are non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, PVC and lead free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp.
They also donate some of their sales!:
In honor of the many mothers and children who inspire us daily, a percentage of all retail sales goes to these worthy organizations:
http://www.curesearch.org
http://www.dressforsuccess.org
(in special memory of Maria Jankowski Maurer)
So, not only is Smart Mom a great company to work with and buy from they have won NUMEROUS awards!
They sell solid colors as well as patterns in their donut shape pendant, heart shape pendant, bangle bracelets and keychains. They also have onesies available and gift sets.
The price is great since you get alot of the benefit from this fabulous teether. I like to use it as a nursing necklace to distract Kingsley while we wait for her first tooth to arrive:)
Since Amy sent me 2 necklaces to review, I decided to keep one in the package and I will be giving it away to you!
Up for giveaway is one jade colored necklace!
If you are in the market for one RIGHT NOW.....Smart Mom is offering you 25% off with the code:
S-TEM
Now on to the giveaway part!
Mandatory entry:
What is your favorite color other than the jade?
Additional entries:
Buy something from Smart Mom (10 entries)
Follow my blog
Follow me on twitter
Tweet this giveaway once an hour and use your time stamp as your comment
That's it! All teething week giveaways will end on October 15th at noonish!
Good Luck!
The price is great since you get alot of the benefit from this fabulous teether. I like to use it as a nursing necklace to distract Kingsley while we wait for her first tooth to arrive:)
Since Amy sent me 2 necklaces to review, I decided to keep one in the package and I will be giving it away to you!
Up for giveaway is one jade colored necklace!
If you are in the market for one RIGHT NOW.....Smart Mom is offering you 25% off with the code:
S-TEM
Now on to the giveaway part!
Mandatory entry:
What is your favorite color other than the jade?
Additional entries:
Buy something from Smart Mom (10 entries)
Follow my blog
Follow me on twitter
Tweet this giveaway once an hour and use your time stamp as your comment
That's it! All teething week giveaways will end on October 15th at noonish!
Good Luck!
Monday, October 5, 2009
LocoMOmomma Review and GIVEAWAY
I contacted LocoMOmomma on my search for green, safe and adorable teethers for Kingsley. I was busy as a first time Mom with Zealand researching breastfeeding, sleeping and developmental progress that I skipped over some pretty important stuff. I am now finding that I only want to buy wooden or handmade toys. I gave Zealand so many teethers that carried ingredients that I cannot even pronounce let alone understand. Hence why I am bringing to you a natural teething week.
LocoMOmomma sent me her clutch set which includes 3 rings and a connector. Christian like to tether this into her carseat straps so her toy isn't dropped while driving. I don't know who is more clever LocoMOmomma for making this or Christian for executing;)
I love the detail work and the obvious love that goes into this product. Here is her bio that can be found on her etsy page:
I love the detail work and the obvious love that goes into this product. Here is her bio that can be found on her etsy page:
I grew up on a farm in Iowa and taught myself how to crochet, embroider, latch-hook, and macrame (yes, it was the 70's) to fend off boredom.
Fast forward 3 decades, now I'm a SAHM of 2 youngsters. I began making amigurumi toys after our first child was born. As a paranoid first-time mom, I was exceedingly careful that my toys were baby-safe (NO plastic eyes, felt pieces, buttons, etc. to worry about baby choking on). I have continued this practice even now that my kids are beyond the choking age.
Recently I stumbled upon some 100% organic colorgrown cotton yarn at my local yarn shop. Immediately a light went on in my mommy-frazzled brain--crocheted baby toys! Stuff them with natural wool and viola!--the perfect combination to make my toys as safe as I can for babies! No worries over what chemicals your precious baby is ingesting every time they suck on these soft teething toys!!
In addition to organic items, I am also passionate about upcycling and waste reduction (not waist reduction, that's a whole other ball of wax!). Frequently I troll my local second-hand store for unwanted wool sweaters then felt them and turn them into baby hats and booties. Revamping discarded things into baby items that are functional as well as beautiful brings me endless satisfaction. I hope I can transfer that joy to those who buy from my shop!
I have to say that we use the ring set more to hold her other toys than Kingsley uses them to chew on but I love the fact that she CAN chew on them. I know that what she puts in her mouth is important and I feel safe knowing that anything from LocoMOmomma's store provides that!
Her products are also priced really great! I think the most expensive item in her store is $13.75 and you get 2 things for that price!
LocoMOmomma has GRACIOUSLY decided to give YOU your choice of product from her store up to $12!
And if you NEED to buy now she is offering 15% off (excluding shipping) with the code zealandsmom in the message. She will refund money after order goes through:)
Mandatory entry:
Wow....so what do you want?
Additional entries:
Buy a product from her store (10 entries!)
Heart her store on etsy
Follow LocoMOmomma on twitter...tweet that you saw her on @zealandsmom
Fan LocoMOmomma on facebook...tell her you saw her @zealandsmom
Follow my blog
Follow me on twitter and tweet the giveaway once an hour till it's over!!!
(each time stamp is an entry)
All teething week giveaways will end on October the 15th at noonish!
Winners have 48 hours to respond to their email once sent.
GOOD LUCK!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Active Ion Review
I'm in a cleaning frenzy....right now.....as we speak. I am breaking to tell you all about the Active Ion. Maybe I should have just tried it on my carpets.....didn't think of that..... anyway, I contacted Active Ion after seeing it as a giveaway on Makes Mom Happy. I knew I wouldn't win and I knew I wanted it!
Trying to go green is hard! I love the bad stuff, like teenagers love the bad boys. I know deep down the good stuff will be loyal, caring and gentle.....wait are we talking boys or cleaners? Well, actually both!
The Active Ion comes with a charging cord (do NOT lose it) and the actual hand held machine (sorta heavy, but you get used to it quickly). There is a screw top where you fill it up with sink water and THAT IT IT! No, really, squirt and clean away.
One of my ABSOLUTE favorite things about this cleaner (can you say cleaner, cause it is just ionized water, so should I say water?hmmmm)is that you don't have to squeeze, squeeze, squeeze. You know EVERY other product you have to continually pump the handle and you have to keep it in an upright position. Which we all know is total bullshit. How can you keep a bottle upright when you're squirting the floor or table? So this "machine" you just hold it down and it will forever quirt at your leisure in whatever angle you feel best represents the job....well until you are out of water that is.
My second favorite thing about this product is that Christian LOVES it! Anytime you can get your husband's approval on something is a HUGE plus. He is STILL testing away, waiting to find something, anything that this "machine" won't clean.
My take on it? I love that I feel safe cleaning the kids stuff with it. I hate how paranoid I am around it, scared that I may drop it or Zealand may run off with it (with it's high price I consider it irreplaceable) I love the continual spray and how you can spray in any angle. I love how multipurpose this is. (I will list everything I have cleaned using it in a minute) I love knowing that besides a few of my staple cleaners that I HAVE have, I will NEVER have to buy another multipurpose cleaner. Did I tell you it also SANITIZES? I love that using an Active Ion is said to save 93 gallons of gasoline AND 2 barrels of oil. I love the I am taking a stand and saying "No more polluting the Earth" (one small step at a time but I'm doing it!"
Here's HOW it works:
Trying to go green is hard! I love the bad stuff, like teenagers love the bad boys. I know deep down the good stuff will be loyal, caring and gentle.....wait are we talking boys or cleaners? Well, actually both!
The Active Ion comes with a charging cord (do NOT lose it) and the actual hand held machine (sorta heavy, but you get used to it quickly). There is a screw top where you fill it up with sink water and THAT IT IT! No, really, squirt and clean away.
One of my ABSOLUTE favorite things about this cleaner (can you say cleaner, cause it is just ionized water, so should I say water?hmmmm)is that you don't have to squeeze, squeeze, squeeze. You know EVERY other product you have to continually pump the handle and you have to keep it in an upright position. Which we all know is total bullshit. How can you keep a bottle upright when you're squirting the floor or table? So this "machine" you just hold it down and it will forever quirt at your leisure in whatever angle you feel best represents the job....well until you are out of water that is.
My second favorite thing about this product is that Christian LOVES it! Anytime you can get your husband's approval on something is a HUGE plus. He is STILL testing away, waiting to find something, anything that this "machine" won't clean.
My take on it? I love that I feel safe cleaning the kids stuff with it. I hate how paranoid I am around it, scared that I may drop it or Zealand may run off with it (with it's high price I consider it irreplaceable) I love the continual spray and how you can spray in any angle. I love how multipurpose this is. (I will list everything I have cleaned using it in a minute) I love knowing that besides a few of my staple cleaners that I HAVE have, I will NEVER have to buy another multipurpose cleaner. Did I tell you it also SANITIZES? I love that using an Active Ion is said to save 93 gallons of gasoline AND 2 barrels of oil. I love the I am taking a stand and saying "No more polluting the Earth" (one small step at a time but I'm doing it!"
Here's HOW it works:
1. Charging
A water cell applies a slight electrical charge to the tap water.
2. Transforming
The charged water passes through an ion exchange membrane, creating an oxygen-rich mixture of positive and negative nano-bubbles.
3. Cleaning
The activated water now attracts dirt like a magnet and lifts it from the surface, enabling it to be easily wiped away.
Here is a list of things I have cleaned with the Active Ion:
Sliding glass door
Plastic/rubber dog door
Kitchen table
High chair
Kitchen Sink
Kitchen counters
Glass stove top
GREASE off glass stove top
Zealand's train table aka snack table
Christian's leather "man chair"
Bathroom mirror
Door frames
Walls
Toilet seat and inside toilet
Door knobs
(I had pictures then decided I really didn't want to show you the before pictures of my toilet, counters and stove)
I have to say that EVERYTHING came clean. Some things needed more than a wipe down but no actual elbows were injured while scrubbing.
The price is steep. It is a small price to pay, to feel confident in green cleaning though. To feel confident that you never have to get out of your pajamas to leave to the store for household cleaners. I recommend it to you, your family, your friends and hey...even your enemies.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Boy's Store WINNER
BobbiJanay!
Random chose #11
(You'll just have to believe me)
Speaking of does anyone know how I originally got the clip and screen shot button on my bottom navigational bar? I don't remember and I want it back! Dammit!
Ok so you didn't win? Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter for free shipping (once) and check out her $10 and under section!
Click here to enter The Boys Store
Random chose #11
(You'll just have to believe me)
Speaking of does anyone know how I originally got the clip and screen shot button on my bottom navigational bar? I don't remember and I want it back! Dammit!
Ok so you didn't win? Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter for free shipping (once) and check out her $10 and under section!
Click here to enter The Boys Store
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