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Yesterday, was free small Slurpee day at 7-Eleven because it was 7/11! But this year, 7-Eleven is celebrating it's 87th birthday and giving away treats ALL WEEK LONG!
This year’s birthday bash is being called, "7-Eleven Week", where guests will be able to redeem a FREE treat each day from July 12-19 through the 7-Eleven App, while supplies last.
The 7-Eleven Week offers change daily and include:
· Saturday, July 12th – Big Gulp®
· Sunday, July 13th – M&M’s® Brand Birthday Cake Candies
· Monday, July 14th – Grandma’s® Cookies
· Tuesday, July 15th – Hostess® Twinkies®
· Wednesday, July 16th – TWIX® or Snickers® Brand Ice Cream Bar
· Thursday, July 17th – Quaker® Chewy® Yogurt Snack Bar
· Friday, July 18th – Pillsbury® Cookie
· Saturday, July 19th – Small Slurpee drink
To receive each day's free offer, guests must first download and register on the 7-Eleven app. Guests can join in the ‘APP’-y birthday celebration by texting BDAY to 711711 to automatically download the 7-Eleven app, also available on Google Play and the App Store.
Forget the neck ties and tools this Father’s Day and personalize all your
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work day after day. Click here and take advantage of this great promotion, before it expires!
Super huge thanks to Ellen from Thrifty & Chic Mom for posting about the fabulous deal CVS is offering! I cannot wait to order the 8x10 of my kids for our room!
From now until the 21st, you can go to CVS and order your FREE 8x10 using the coupon code FREE8x10. Click on the ad above, or here for more details, and to order your free 8x10!
Raising children has been a difficult journey, so far. Most parenting books on the market have lists of do's and don'ts that never seem to fit in with my life, or the personalities of my children. At times, my kids are the sweetest things ever, and others- well, sometimes I really feel as if I'm trying to tame a wild animal or as if I am trying to teach a pirate manners.. it truly feels impossible!
When I received the book Guide to Pirate Parenting why you should raise your children as pirates and 101 tips on how to do it, I cracked it open while sipping a glass of wine after a particularly har
d day. After the introduction, I knew that this book would be exactly what I needed. No, not a hard core lesson on truly raising my kids as pirates, but an I-can-barely-put-it-down-because-I'm-laughing-too-hard type of book.
I will warn you, for this book you have to have a certain respect for Cap'n Billy "The Butcher" MacDougall's coarse way of expressing his opinions. Not to mention a sense of humor to really understand Tim Bete's warped, yet loving, non-traditional guide to parenting your pirate.
This book makes an excellent gift for new dads, parents that have children that drive them bonkers sometimes, but is not for the prissy, weak stomached parental units. My husband laughed even louder throughout this book than I, as I think Pirate Parenting might be interpreted a little better by those who share the Y chromosome, (and believe it or not, I think I understand the way men think a little bit better after reading this book!).
As Bete writes, "Men don't have to think about the reasons for raising children as pirates because they intuitively know the great benefits of doing so. It is the same Y chromosome that allows men to intuitively know the answer to "Why don't I try to dust the inside of the house using a leaf blower?" In all likelyhood, most men have all ready skipped ahead to the section about converting the family minivan into a pirate schooner, and are in the garage beginning the project. Converting a minivan into a pirate schooner is such a compelling project for men that they would do it even if it meant that they had to raise their children as rodeo clowns. (Legal disclaimer: Raising your children as rodeo clowns is an extremely bad idea, unless you want your children to grow into adults who wear heavy makeup, taunt other people, and then hide in barrels.) Women have an X chromosome instead of a Y chromosome. Studies show that the primary purpose of the X chromosome is to cross out- and negate- ideas created by beings that possess the Y chromosome. Men's personal experience will bear this out."
Want it?
If this type of parenting book sounds like something that you'd appreciate, you don't need a map to find PirateParenting.com. Head over there for more insight about pirate parenting, and to order the book for yer self.. ahem, yourself.
WIN IT!
In the meantime, (after twittering some with Cap'n Billy, and walking away with all of my limbs still in tact!) Cap'n Billy and Tim Bete have offered one lucky reader at 4BabyAndMom the opportunity to win their very own copy of Guide to Pirate Parenting!
Here's how!
Head over to the Pirate Parenting website and take a look around. If it doesn't scare you off, come back here and tell me why you want to win the Guide to Pirate Parenting, and an interesting tidbit from the site.
Extra Entries:
I just need to start off this review by saying that I am so blessed! Through the short period of time that I have been offering reviews on 4BabyAndMom, I have had the opportunity to network with some amazing companies. Companies founded by real people, with real families, and it truly gives me a better appreciation for the dedication it takes to be an entrepreneur in the world today.
One company that happened to find 4BabyAndMom that I need to rave about is Faithworks Boutique. The owner and creator Brandy, is one of the most professional, friendly, real, and genuinely empathetic people that I have ever met. Her kind words are always exactly what I needed to hear, and I thank her for the professional relationship we have formed.
Ok, now onto the fun stuff! :o)
One of the joys of having a little girl is the ability to accessorize. From shoes to tights, to pocketbooks and hair bows, a little girl can never have enough!
From the moment Faithworks Boutique opens on your browser, their upscale line of bows and accessories for your little lady will overload you with their cuteness! Faithworks Boutique offers crocheted flower beanies from infant through 'big girl', bow pens (great party favor!!) and boutique hair bows in every color, shape and style you could ever wish for.
Our friends at Faithworks Boutique were generous enough to send us a sample of 
one of their new style bows for Abbigaile. Days after we received them in the mail, my children decided to chop Abbie's hair (more specifically, extend her bangs) and gave her a mullet. Now that her hair is almost back to normal, I was able to get a super cute shot of her wearing her special hair bows. Let me tell you- Abbie LOVES hair accessories, but these bows are on the top of her list. She asks me to wear them all the time, and I felt bad not allowing her to wear them until her hair grew in a little. In the picture below, you can not only see the remainder of her "haircut" growing out, but the details of these beautiful layered bows. In the middle is a black button with the same swirly design that is on the pink ribbon. It complements many different outfits, and is versatile enough to dress up or down. I personally, cannot wait to put her hair in pig-tails again and take some more pictures with these bows in her hair! The bows we received are very well made and even have a no-slip grip so even in the finest hair, the bows will stay put.
Faithworks Boutique offers such a large selection of bows, and even offers a "Made-to-Match" Gymboree area. I think the next bows that we'll order are the Korker Bows, just because they are too cute to pass up!
Want it? Head over to Faithworks Boutique and pick out your favorite boutique bows. Be sure to mention 4BabyAndMom!
WIN IT!
Our friends at Faithworks Boutique have offered one lucky reader the chance to win a $15 gift certificate to use at their shop!
Mandatory Entry:
Go check out the Faithworks Boutique website and find your favorite product. Click on their link for their Facebook Fan page and become a fan. After you've done that, head back to 4BabyAndMom, and tell us about your favorite item, and that you've 'become a fan'. Please include your NAME and email address in your comment, so we can verify your entry. After that- you're more than welcome to get some extra entries below!
Extra Entries:
While clicking through some entrecard adverts, I happened to stumble upon BigListOfGiveaways.com! HOLY MOLY! No matter what you want to win, you'll find it here.. from a Hannah Montana CD to a play yard to earrings and other cool accessories! Easy to navigate, and browse through the huge variety of giveaways, BigListOfGiveaways.com will have you clicking until the inner sweepstaker in you is content. Check it out, enter some giveaways, and tell me what you think!
Are you looking for the perfect gift for a special child in your life? How about a reward for potty training or great behavior at school? Whether you're searching for an infant or pre-teen, you'll find a huge selection of kids things at KAZOO TOYS!
Kazoo Toys carries a large variety of toys that are made in the U.S.A. as well as many educational, building, developmental, and pretend play items from birth-12 years old. Their prices are great- there's something that fits everyone's budget; plus, right now they are running the Mother of all sales from now through Mother's Day (May 10th)!
Head over to KAZOO TOYS right now to receive 25% off everything in stock, in the entire store- and best of all, you don't need any crazy coupon codes! Also, while supplies last, Kazoo Toys is offering a free watch with any Corolle Doll purchase! After your purchase, come back here and tell me what you got.. but don't forget to tell Kazoo Toys that you read about them on 4BabyAndMom!
I LOVE candles, scented oils, melting tarts, and all plug in type air fresheners. I can never have enough yummy smelling scents around the house but because my sinuses are sensitive, I cannot have floral scents or strong perfumey scents, and often find myself sticking to the sweet foods or earthy autumn scents. (Think: apples and cinnamon, pumpkin spice, etc).
So the other day, overwhelmed by two children in diapers, I declared my independence and left my husband to fend for himself and all three children and headed to Wal-mart. I seriously used to live in Target and Wal-mart before NewBaby came around... but now, it's too difficult with a clingy toddler and a needy newborn. I'm a label reader, and well, reading labels is rather difficult when between every other word there's a "MOMMYYYYYY!!!" or a squeak from underneath the mountains of blankets. I digress...
Anyway, as I'm walking through the aisles, I notice that they finished the new Mainstays candle aisle, so I turn my cart and narrowly avoid a head on collision with a frazzled mom juggling twin toddlers and two pink candles. I smile as she apologizes- why do we always feel the need to apologize for our crazy children? It's not like her kids were frazzling me.. So I get into the aisle, situate myself near the beginning, as the echoes of a babbling brook (playing out of one of those buttoned machines) turns the aisle into my own personal getaway. I begin sniffing all of the candles, and stumble upon cranberry mandarin. Holy Yum, Batman!! What could be better?Oh yeah, it's available in a plug-in style air freshener- You wanna know what's even better than that?? It was only $4.74!! You have no idea, I wanted to screetch with happiness! There's only two scents in the regular plug ins that I can tolerate, and the fancy Febreze versions are too expensive, unless you have double coupons and a money maker deal at Walgreens. This plug-in scent holder part is glass, and the picture really does it no justice- it looks more "upscale" than it's price. Once the fragrance is used up, the glass refills are readily available and interchangable.
I am so in love with this product, (and the scent!), that I wanted to share my happiness with you all, so I am offering one lucky reader a $10 Wal-mart gift card, so you can go and check out their new line of home fragrance scents and purchase your favorite plug-in! My only rule for this one, is whoever wins this one, you need to drop me a line and let me know which one you picked out, and how much you love it!
Here's how to win:
Fine Print: Please include your email or contact information in your comments. YOU MUST post separate comments for each one of the tasks above that you complete. This drawing ends Saturday, 2/21 at 11:59pm EST. Any comments posted after that time will be deleted. If you post one reply saying you did all methods of entry, you will only receive 1 valid entry. One lucky winner will be selected using Random.org. Winner will be announced on Monday, 2/23. Any questions, please click on the Contact Us button on our sidebar. Thank you for participating!
Read more...
What do you get when you combine your favorite picture, plus the talent and dedication of the owner and creator of Sidder Bug Creations? Give up? Utterly adorable cards, invitations, and announcements, on quality photo paper, custom made just for you!
Whether you are in the market for newborn baby announcements, holiday cards, post cards or birthday party invitations, the possibilities are endless with Sidder Bug Creations. Custom made, all you need to do is provide your picture(s) and your vision or theme and let the natural talent of designer Sydney do the rest! Sidder Bug Designs started as a hobby but after so many compliments, Sydney decided to take a leap of faith and offer up her designs on the world wide web.
WIN IT!
Just in time for Valentine's day, our friends at Sidder Bug Creations has offered one lucky reader a digital format design of their choice! Think of how cute your little bug would look on a personalized card for his class or family! In need of an announcement or invitation? Choose that instead!
Many commercial soaps are made with a ton of artificial preservatives, and un-natural ingredients that are toxic to our bodies and linked to diseases such as cancer as well as developmental or reproductive toxicity. Don't believe me? Check out this site for the ratings of your favorite soaps, shampoo's and beauty products. The reality is unbelievably disturbing that manufacturers can actually sell that stuff!
So, I decided to start my hunt for more body & family friendly products. During my search, I happened to find HANNAHMADE SOAPS AND SCRUBS. Hannahmade Soaps and Scrubs was created by a young girl named Hannah, that wanted to make soaps with her mom and sell them at local markets. After her success and popularity at the local markets, Hannah wanted to share her hobby and dream with the online marketplace. Don't be fooled by the construction on their site- their products are AMAZING! Made from goat's milk, these soaps are so smooth and luxurious- your skin will feel renewed and rejuvenated after just one use! The products are all custom made with natural ingredients. Hannahmade offers sweet brown sugar scrubs and Dead Sea Salts so you can have a spa experience in your own home! If you are in the market for a new soap that's eco-friendly, safe for your skin and your family, has a great price point- HANNAHMADE SOAPS AND SCRUBS is for you!!
When I was pregnant, I had such difficulties finding jeans that worked for me. I'm 5'10" and during my first pregnancy, was slender with hips until my belly popped. When it popped I was HUGE, or so I thought. While I was pregnant with my daughter, I looked like I ate 5 adults for breakfast! I blew up like a balloon! NOTHING fit me. Pregnancy pants were either way too huge and short in between my legs, or regular jeans just couldn't stretch.. even with a rubber band chain going from the button through the hole and back again. (Come on, you know you've done something like that before!!)
Now I'm on a weight loss journey, 2 years postpartum- so it's not just baby fat any more. Either way, I'm on a very big road to make myself healthy but I've been experiencing problems like I had while pregnant. Some jeans are just way too tight and give me a lovely muffin top, and some are just way too loose, a week after I buy them.
So what is a woman in either situation to do? Thankfully, Ingrid and Isabel created an amazing product called a Bella Band. A Bella Band is a band of stretchy, comfortable, breathable fabric that allows for your too-tight pre-pregnancy pants to stay unbuttoned, stay up, and hide that muffin top- all at the same time. There's no more hiking up your too big pregnancy pants, or pants that don't fit because you're losing that baby weight!
I must admit, I was a little skeptical after browsing on the Ingrid and Isabel website because I felt the models were so perfect. These beautiful little belly bumps, on fairly normal, well toned women didn't really portray me when I was pregnant.. and the postpartum model looked like she was maybe (max!)a size 6. Definitely NOT me. So I contacted the company and bombarded them with a ton of questions; does it really work the same on a plus size mom as it does on the smaller moms? My pants barely stay up now, will they really stay up? Is it comfortable?
Their amazing customer service, (and the answers to my questions!) led me to try Bella Bands out for myself! As soon as I got the package, I put on my Bella Band. Right away, it helped my muffin top tremendously! I was excited! I can honestly say that for the past week or so, I haven't taken off my Bella Band except to bathe and sleep! I think this is one "accessory" that every women should own. It's comfortable, I don't have to worry about my undies peeking out as I bend over to pick up my kids, or my pants falling down. They stay where they are supposed to be- and occasionally I need to adjust them, but it's less than with a belt. It makes me feel good when I am working out, not annoying at all. It looks like it's supposed to be there, and that's one of my favorite parts. My best friend works in fashion, and she thought I was wearing a tank under a favorite shirt of mine! I feel much more confident while wearing my Bella Band and have already begun spreading the word of my new discovery to all of my pregnant, postpartum, and dieting friends!
Want it?
Head over to Ingrid and Isabel and check out the many styles that Bella Bands are offered in. At purchase, be sure to mention that you read their review here, at 4BabyAndMom
Win it!
Our friends at Ingrid and Isabel are offering 4BabyAndMom readers their choice of their favorite color, style and size Bella Band!
Here's how:
As a mom of a potty training almost-3-year-old, finding tights that are easy to take on and off has been quite difficult. When I received my Fantastic Fuchsia Leg Huggers in the mail, I knew that things were going to get a whole lot easier!
Abbigaile is a very active toddler, even though she likes twirling her hair and pink frilly things, you can often find her jumping, running, and playing with any ball imaginable. She's a tomboy at heart, and is very rough on her clothes. Most durable clothing is too scratchy, then she breaks out in hives and certain blends give her a rash. With her sensitive skin, and I need to be careful with the materials she comes in contact with. We've never owned anything made of Bamboo fibers, but wow these are soft! When we opened the package she beamed a huge smile, and told me they were her tights. So we put them right on, and we were both in LOVE!
"Oooh mommy, deez are soft!" she said, as she stroked her legs. "And look, iz a HEART! Iz two hearts! And more hearts.. Iz mine hearts on my legs!" as she points out the two hearts on her thighs and the row of hearts around each ankle.
They are super soft and comfortable, breathable, UV protective, odor resistant, and naturally antibacterial. If that's not good enough, they are made with no chemicals or pesticides, so I can feel comfortable knowing she won't break out with them on her little legs!
They are available in 13 fun and stylish patterns, from Retro Argyle to Popsicle Parade as well as two solid pink shades, for more conservative little ladies.
My husband thinks they're adorable too, (but blushes every time my daughter wants to show her upper hearts off), but after we remind her she's a lady- she giggles and drops the hem of her dress. We've washed them several times already, and I am very happy to say that they wear and wash VERY well- no pills, unraveling or fading; other brands have not withheld the extreme activities of Miss Abbigaile at all! I must say I am definitely impressed with the quality of this product! 
BUY IT!
Go to the LEG HUGGERS website and pick out your favorite designs and enter the coupon code MOMLEG10 to save 10% off of your purchase now until 3/1/09!
WIN IT!
Our friends at Leg Huggers have generously sponsored a pair of Leg Huggers for one lucky reader!
Here's how to enter:
*YOU MUST CREATE SEPARATE COMMENTS FOR EACH COMPLETED TASK!*
Tomorrow is February 1st, which means it's the first day of our Fabulous February Fiesta!!!! Be sure to share this post with your friends or followers, and subscribe to our feeds, so you don't miss our Fiesta and all of the spectacular offers from our
I am always in the market for cute, funky, reasonably priced stuff for my family. My style is rather confused, lol! Sometimes I like preppy clothes, sometimes my kids get decked out in retro tees and flower power dresses, sometimes they look like little punk rockers in training, and some days we wear our pjs all day long. While browsing some online shops and boutiques, I found GIGGLE BUG BOUTIQUE, and I am *so* happy I did! Giggle Bug Boutique carries an assortment of clothes and accessories for babies, children, moms, dads and even for your pets! If you need a gift, GIGGLE BUG BOUTIQUE is a perfect shop to get all that you need. You'll find a variety of designer diaper bags, clutches, personalized items, gift baskets, Bugaboo Shoes, Baby Legs, even CD's, and so much more! Let your child's inner super hero out in a handcrafted cape! Never loose another binky with paci-clips.. everything you need, just a click away! 4BabyAndMom was fortunate enough to be able to have a quick interview with the Giggle Bug Boutique Owner, Nicki. I hope you enjoy getting to know Nicki and the GIGGLE BUG BOUTIQUE as much as I did!
HI NICKI! I *LOVE* your boutique, the stuff on there is so fresh and funky, practical, and very reasonably priced.. I'd love to learn a little about you and what you were doing before Giggle Bug Boutique came about.
Let’s see…well, I spent 13 years in tele-com, mostly in data networks and boring geeky stuff like that. I had a brief couple of years in marketing, and though I loved that part of it, telecom can only be so interesting. So, after my last son was born, I decided it was time to do something I really wanted to do…and just be a mom and a wife. That only lasted for about 2 months. My brother and sister in law who created Bugaboo Shoes, called me and asked if I would help them market the new shoe biz in the Midwest where I live. A little hesitant to make any commitments outside of my immediate family, I agreed to help. We were only looking for specialty shoe stores and boutiques for the shoes, so I was meeting a lot of boutique owners. Listening to their stories on how they opened their boutiques, I got the craziest idea! I wanted a boutique that I would shop in. My taste is very eclectic. Some days I want the cute little tutu and tiaras and some days I want to rock out in my funky t-shirts, jeans and a pair of BabyLegs on my arms. I wanted a place to shop for the whole family including the pets that would be a fun experience where you could find not your every day designs, but some funk to it!
What was your inspiration behind the name of your Boutique?
The name was probably the easiest. My husband has always called me his Giggle, probably because I spend a lot of time laughing. Why not…there’s so much in life to giggle about! And Bug comes from our boys who are the inspiration in everything that Giggle Bug Boutique is about. We’ve always called them our Bugs. Our oldest, Mak, has moved on away from the Bug era, but even at 15 he’s still cute as one. Our youngest, Tate, is still Tater Bug though. Our boys give us inspiration every day in everything they say and do. I want them to see Giggle Bug is an expression of what we want for them…and that’s to play and work hard, love long and laugh so very much!
What do you feel is the most important quality in your business?
The most important thing to me about Giggle Bug Boutique is customer service. I run the store like a mom because I am one. I shop my designers as what I call a professional mommy! I want the best quality, the coolest and hippest styles at the most affordable prices. When you shop at Giggle Bug Boutique, you become our friends, even if you’re just browsing!
WOW~ Thanks so much to Nicki, owner of GIGGLE BUG BOUTIQUE for allowing us to interview you!
I really love learning about merchants- who they are and where they came from, and how their ideas developed into a reality. I think as a consumer, it helps allow us to remember that shop owners are real people too, and as a business woman, it reminds you that all things *are* possible, when you put your heart, mind and faith into it.
Wow! So life has been interesting to say the least.. adjusting to NewBaby, and having a sick toddler on top of everything- days are a little longer and nights a whole lot shorter, but the rewards are definitely worth it.
NewBaby is doing well. She's grown from 4lbs 13oz to 5lbs 2 oz!! Grow Baby, Grow!! The pediatrician is very impressed with how superb she is doing. She really is a little miracle baby!
Abbigaile is sick.. The other night she spiked a high fever and instead of just keeping a watchful eye on it, I decided to bring her to the ER because of NewBaby. Surprisingly, we were in and out in about an hour! Turns out she has an ear infection, and a sore throat, possibly strep, but the doc couldn't really see all the way in. Abbie has ear tubes, I thought infections weren't supposed to happen?? Oh well.
Alex is doing very well at school, now that they've advanced his reading group. He is in a 1st grade reading group, and LOVES it! Completely different from his old school that thought perhaps he had Autism or Asperger's Syndrome, or some other spectrum disorder. Amazing what some people can come up with, just because they're not willing to recognize excellence.
On to the fun stuff! 4BabyAndMom's Fabulous February Fiesta is coming up! We have only a few more slots left for sponsors, so if you know of an amazing company that you'd love to see featured, please let me know! You can contact me at 4BabyAndMom [at] gmail [dot] com.
You saw the other list of sponsors HERE, right? I cannot wait! There's going to be giveaways, discounts galore, interviews and many amazing products featured! Oh, now you want to know who else is participating?? Ok, ok.. Here's another sneak peek!!
4BabyAndMom is throwing a Fiesta in February, and you are invited! February 1st, 2009, starts a series of reviews of awesome products and stores that are perfect for babies, children and moms!! Subscribe now, so you don't miss out on your opportunity to experience raves and reviews, discounts galore, and who doesn't love exciting giveaways! Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, because trust me, you don't want to miss this!
Some of our fabulous sponsors include:
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