Eco-Friendly Smelly Washer Review and Giveaway!

Nothing is worse than coming out of the shower, grabbing your neatly folded towel and as you're going to dry off your face you get that whiff of mildew left over from a stagnant washer. Our washing machine is about 4 years old, but we live in Florida. If we do a ton of laundry and accidentally forget to put the clothes in the dryer, there is no doubt about having to re-wash that laundry. The smell may even linger on those clothes or towels, after rewashing the load.

My son and I are terribly allergic to mold and mildew and as you can imagine, the smell makes us nauseas and irritable. It lingers in our noses and drives us completely batty! Honestly, we have to find the source of "the smell" and get rid of it as soon as it's located. We received our bottle of Smelly Washer to review about a month ago, and since we cleaned our washer (and any loads of unfortunate mishap), we have not had a single problem with smelly washer funk!

We even went to our neighbor's house and tried it on her washer. She's had the same washer for about 10 years now, and was complaining of horrible smells on her laundry and towels. We decided to treat her washer twice, and since we did, her clothes come out of the laundry smelling fresh and clean- with no more hints of mildew!

After checking out the Smelly Washer Blog, I found that you could also use Smelly Washer to clean your dishwasher to remove any excess detergent (or tomato sauce!) film from plastic and stainless steel dishwashers. They also discuss different causes of washer funk, and tips to decrease the build up of detergent film for bacteria to stick to. Smelly Washer has been featured on several news broadcasts, and you can watch the testimonials right online.

Smelly Washer is an ALL NATURAL, citrus based solution to removing washing machine odor, guaranteed! The container itself has enough for 24 treatments and should last a full year. You can use Smelly Washer in both top or front loader washing machines and on your dishwasher!

Want It?
Smelly Washer is available for only $16.99 online at SmellyWasher.com! If you order from now until August 31st, you can use the coupon code: 4BabyAndMom to save 10% from your order!

WIN IT!
Our friends at SmellyWasher.com have offered one lucky reader their chance to win a year's supply of Smelly Washer- (one 12oz. container)!

Here's How:
Visit SmellyWasher.com and click on their blog link. Find an article that interests you then leave a comment or question on that article. Come back here and link me to your comment on the article.


Extra Entries:

• Grab a Back to School Bash Button and add it to your sidebar- If you have this button it gives you 5 extra entries to all of our giveaways from now until August 21st!
• Subscribe via e-mail. Your email must validate or it will not count, & your comment will be deleted. Include email in your comment. (3 entries)
• Become a FAN of 4BabyAndMom on FACEBOOK!
  
• Follow 4BabyAndMom on Twitter and tweet about this review & giveaway. You may R/T: "Say goodbye to odors from moldy smelling clothes, towels, and linens with Smelly Washer! Enter @4BabyAndMom http://bit.ly/32Ny59 Ends 8/7!" Leave the link to the tweet in your comment, please. (Up to 3x/day, please!)
• Add the 4BabyAndMom button to your sidebar or add 4BabyAndMom to your blog roll. Leave your blog or website link. (2 entries)
  
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This giveaway is open to US Residents and Canada and will end on August 7th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to SmellyWasher.com for sponsoring this review & giveaway!

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Just a Teaser...

So do you want to know who has RSVP'd YES to the Back to School Bash?

Click HERE!

:o)

--Told you it was a teaser!

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I Need Potty Training HELP!!

Abbigaile started potty training about a year or so ago. She was doing fabulous- every poopie and pee-pee on the potty, no accidents, absolute perfection! Then, one morning she woke up, crossed her arms and said, "I no go pee-pee on the potty, Mommy. No poopies eee-bur!"

So, I figured we'd take a break, let her tell me when she was ready, and go from there.

She started re-potty training earlier this summer. Now you think for a kid that was almost 100% potty trained, potty training round two should go super easy. Nope, not with Abbigaile.

We got the movies, the Dora panties, the reward chart- the whole nine yards. My dilemma now is that about half of the time that she wears a pair of underwear, she has an accident. When she's NOT wearing underwear, she's touching her butt, pointing and touching her privates, and showing Alex. We've had the conversation that her privates are her privates, and that there's yucky germs in her butt, and nobody should see or touch her privates (except during diaper changes, etc), even bribing her with school- but she just can't seem to stop.

We are not a household that's bashful when it comes to our bodies.. we don't walk around naked, but the kids have seen us in our underwear. Potty training with Alex was obviously different, so I am at a loss.

Any suggestions on getting her to be potty savvy in time for school, and keeping her "privates" private?

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Nature's Baby Organic Review and Giveaway!

My son had super sensitive skin when he was a baby. He was allergic to Dreft- I'm serious.. and Ivory soap- anything that you could think of that is supposed to be natural, or wholesome, he broke out in hives. He was allergic to Johnson & Johnson Baby soap. I thought my child was broken! This was six and a half years ago, before the eco-friendly boom of truly natural and organic products.

Nature's Baby Organics was developed by a mompreneur facing the reality of a child with sensitivity to the chemicals in most bath and body products. With no parabens, no preservatives, no phthalates, no propolene glycol, no SLS, no synthetic fragrances, and no DEA, Nature's Baby Organics offers a full line of products developed to be safe (and and perfect!) for your baby's beautiful skin.

Whether your child has sensitivity to fragrances and dyes or eczema and dry skin, Nature's Baby Organic products are not only gentle on your skin, but leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean and nourished. Their full line of products include a shampoo & body wash, conditioner & detangler, face & body cream, diaper rash cream, deodorizer, powder, chest rub and more!

You may have seen Nature's Baby Organics on the shelves of your local Vitamin Shoppe or Whole Foods stores, but as of yesterday, you can now find Nature's Baby Organics on the shelves of select Target stores, as well as on Target.com!

We recently had the opportunity to try the Nature's Baby Organics Shampoo and Body Wash in Vanilla Tangerine. The kids absolutely loved the smell, and I did too.. it was so soft and childlike, and absolutely warm and delightful. The texture is thicker than most shampoos I've used before, but a little goes a very long way. Both of the kids hair looked fabulous after washing with this product, and their skin was silky smooth. After their shower and tubby, we sat on the couch, and I just snuggled and sniffed them until bedtime! Since using this shampoo and body wash on the kids, their dry scalps have dramatically decreased.

Nature's Baby Organics would make the perfect addition to any baby shower gift, or diaper cake, and the products are available individually and also as travel packs and larger gift packs.

Want it?
Visit Target.com or one of the Target stores that carry Nature's Baby Organics and make your purchase. Target Coupon Codes are readily available online, but right now CouponHeaven.com has posted a Target Coupon for $5 off of a $50 purchase! Visit Nature's Baby Organics to find a store near you that carries their products or to order online.

WIN IT!
Our friends at Nature's Baby Organics has offered one lucky 4BabyAndMom reader your chance to win one Nature's Baby Organics product of your choice from their website! (*Please note: this excludes Gift Bags, and this sponsor does not ship to P.O. Boxes, Hawaii, Alaska or Puerto Rico.*)

Here's How:
Visit Nature's Baby Organics and pick out the product you'd like to try out the most. Come back here and tell me why you want to win this item.

Extra Entries:

• Grab a Back to School Bash Button and add it to your sidebar- If you have this button it gives you 5 extra entries to all of our giveaways from now until August 21st!
• Become a FAN of 4BabyAndMom on FACEBOOK!
  
• Follow 4BabyAndMom on Twitter and tweet about this review & giveaway. You may R/T: "Great for kids/adults with Eczema, dry skin, or allergies!Win a Nature's Baby Organics Bath & Body Product! http://bit.ly/SRPem #4BabyAndMom" Leave the link to the tweet in your comment, please. (Up to 3x/day, please!)
• Add the 4BabyAndMom button to your sidebar or add 4BabyAndMom to your blog roll. Leave your blog or website link. (2 entries)
  
• Subscribe via e-mail. Your email must validate or it will not count, & your comment will be deleted. Include email in your comment. (5 entries)
• Tell the world about this giveaway, and that Target is now carrying this excellent line of products! Please include a link to both 4BabyAndMom and Nature's Baby Organics! Please leave the link to your post in your comment.
• Follow 4BabyAndMom on Blogger publicly
  
• Subscribe to my RSS feed
• Email at least 3 of your friends and CC me at 4BabyAndMom [at] gmail [dot] com
• Fave me on Technorati and comment with your ID.

This giveaway is open to CONTINENTAL US Residents only and will end on August 5th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to Nature's Baby Organics for sponsoring this review & giveaway!

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Save the Date! Back to School Bash at 4BabyAndMom!

<a href="http://4babyandmom.blogspot.com/search/label/B2SBash" target="_blank"><img alt="Back to School Bash" src="http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c5/Fluttergirl0117/4Babyandmom/BackToSchoolButton.png" /></a>

Back to School means much more than shopping for new clothes and colored pencils, and leave it to 4BabyAndMom to bring you reviews and giveaways during the Back to School Bash, August 10-21!

Who's coming to the Back to School Bash?
So far, Foot Locker, Tide, Bounty, Zero Water, LesserEvil Snacks, WordLock Padlocks, SinuCleanse Kids Mist, Funky Monkey Fruit Snacks, & a picket fence life are among the amazing, fun, and fabulous companies that have RSVP'd YES!!

We are still waiting for some RSVP's to come in, and don't want to give ALL of our sponsors away yet, but we do want to give you a greater chance to WIN!!!!

Grab our Back to School Bash button EARLY and add it to your side bar!! If you need a smaller graphic, please email me at 4BabyAndMom {at} gmail {dot} com. You may add this button to your website, blog, myspace, CafeMom profile, or Facebook account!

If you grab our button before the start of the Back to School Bash, you'll receive an extra 5 ENTRIES on every giveaway you enter from NOW through August 21st!!! **(You must post here to tell me you've grabbed the button EARLY, and B2SBash EARLY Entry #1-5 on all giveaways you enter.)**

If you grab the button after 12:00 noon EST on August 10th, you'll receive 3 extra entries during our Back to School Bash, just for grabbing our button!

For help with posting to Facebook, please become a FAN of 4BabyAndMom and I'll send you directions. For CafeMom, you must either place the button as a photo album cover and include a link as a comment to the picture, or you must place it as your profile picture and include a link as your thought bubble. Choose to share it on your facebook account, to make it easier!

YOU MUST COMMENT ON THIS POST TO TELL ME IF YOU GRABBED THE BUTTON EARLY SO I CAN VALIDATE YOUR ENTRIES. IF YOU DO NOT COMMENT, YOU'LL ONLY RECEIVE 3 EXTRA ENTRIES!! This post will be locked to comments at 12 noon EST, Monday, August 10, 2009.

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Armani Exchange Denim Sale!

For the most part, I write to tell you about fabulous sales, penny-pinching techniques and great deals on products for baby, mom, or the family. If money was no object, (and my waistline was exactly where I wanted it to be), I would be taking advantage of the Armani Premium Denim Sale. Prices range from $89-$125 for high quality designer jeans.

A|X Armani Exchange is accessible Armani, inspired by street-chic culture, fashionable dance music and everything that signifies freedom and personal style. Armani Exchange is the youthful label created by Italian designer and entrepreneur Giorgio Armani.

With Armani Exchange, Mr. Armani interprets his sensual and unique style to create a casual, yet sophisticated collection for the young, urban and sexy. It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products, including apparel, accessories, eye wear, watches, jewelry, and music.

If I had to pick my favorite three, I would choose the J70-Embroidered Skinny Flare Fit Jeans, the J57- Potassium Straight Leg Jeans, and the J24 - A|X Pocket Boot Cut Jeans. My favorites are the J57's pictured above.

For those of you that love designer jeans, but just don't have the cash, right now you can participate in the "Text A|X contest" to win a pair of denim every day for the entire month of July. Just text the keyword "DENIM2" to ARMANI (276264). You only have 4 more days to enter! What are you waiting for?!

For more information, updates on sales and promotions, follow Armani Exchange on Twitter, or visit the A|X Blog, where fashion, music and culture meet.

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Are You Going to IzeaFest, 2009?

IZEA Insider Drew Bennett (aka BenSpark) is crew leader of the "I'm Not A Famous Blogger" Crew and he has created the "I'm Not A Famous Blogger" Blog to spotlight all the latest IZEA info as well as crew members. Spotlighting bloggers on the crew is the main objective of this blog and who better to spotlight a blogger than the bloggers themselves? Crew members are invited to participate in crew interviews, and each interview gives a unique perspective on the challenges and accomplishments of the members of the "I'm Not A Famous Blogger" IZEA Insider Crew.

BenSpark is also trying to help his crew by creating unique opportunities on SocialSpark including the latest, a SocialSpark CPC opp for his Ultimate IZEAFest Prize Pack Contest. This opportunity is only open to members of the "I'm Not A Famous Blogger" IZEA Insider Crew.

If you would like to go to IZEAFest this year but you don't have a ticket, why not win one?? "I'm Not A Famous Blogger" IZEA Insider Crew Leader BenSpark has three passes to give away. Not satisfied with only giving away passes he's recruited sponsors to give away even more! Three people will win IZEAFest passes, but one very lucky blogger is going to win The Ultimate IZEAFest Prize Pack.

BenSpark teamed up with many of his favorite sponsors and bloggers to gather many of the 10 essential items for IZEAFest to put into a very special prize pack. The prizes range from an xshot camera extender to an Asus Eee PC 1000HA. However, "Runner up winners" will also get prize packs of their own.

The biggest prize of course is the IZEAFest ticket itself. With this pass, you'll get more than you can imagine! This includes a welcome party at Busch Gardens, to a blogger takeover day at Sea World, and of course the conference admission as well- all included in the price of the ticket. If you attend IzeaFest '09, you will be part of a very intimate gathering of bloggers, (the number of attendees is limited to 300 so this is pretty exclusive!!) You will be more likely to be able to chat with speakers like Brian Clark (copyblogger), Chris Brogan and even IZEA CEO Ted Murphy on a one on one basis than any other blogger conference!

So what are you waiting for? Purchase your ticket now, or enter to win! Who knows, maybe I'll see you at IzeaFest 2009!

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Living Rooms Direct $45 GIVEAWAY!

Everyone knows that your living room is the heart of your home. For our family, we are continually finding items to help round out our living room. We recently painted it this warm mocha color, and last year we got our leather sectional. I still have to try to find the perfect wall art, mirror and living room area rug, but my quest continues on.

While looking for area rugs and wall decorations, I happened to be introduced to LivingRoomsDirect.com! Living Rooms Direct offers a huge selection of furniture, couches, end tables, art for your naked walls, and everything you need to make your living room the way you dreamed it to be.

LivingRoomsDirect means shopping for living room furniture and accessories out of the comfort of your own home. You'll find pages and pages of endless selections in every color, shape, size, and finish available. They carry other furniture as well, like armoires, and console or entry way tables- (that's something else that I'd love to get!) I could get into tons of trouble at this website!

My personal weakness is mirrors. Small mirrors, tall mirrors, beveled edge mirrors, long mirrors, funky mirrors, round mirrors, it doesn't matter which- I love gorgeous mirrors! I have this large empty wall, and long for a beautiful mirror to fill it.. (or something else that strikes my fancy), but again, I haven't been able to find anything I loved. While browsing the selection at LivingRoomsDirect, I happened to find these two mirrors that I completely love. The sunburst style mirror is way out of our budget, but the rectangular one would be perfect for my wall! I still need to have my husband measure for it, but I think maybe this upcoming anniversary it will be joining our family.

LivingRoomsDirect has a new line of products called notNeutral, designed for the more bold colorful and modern styles out there. From pillows to trivets, and everything in between, notNeutral is exactly that! Bright oranges and greens, reds and blacks make up the majority of the bold pattens on this collection. The notNeutral line makes it easy to spice up a room, add a splash of color or express your individuality, creativeness and funk while accessorizing your couch, bedroom, or living room. If you tend to like more modern designs and bright, fun colors, check out their new collection, and tell me what you think!

Want it?
If you're in the market for any type of living room furniture or accessories, head to LivingRoomsDirect.com now and pick out your favorites. To our Canadian friends, LivingRoomsDirect now ships to Canada, too! If you purchase something from LivingRoomsDirect, please be sure to mention that you read about them here, on 4BabyAndMom!

WIN IT!
Our friends at Living Rooms Direct have offered one lucky winner their chance to win either a $45 gift certificate, or YOUR FAVORITE item under $45!


Here's How:
Visit LivingRoomsDirect and sign up to "Receive Deals Via Email". While you are there, find a product that you absolutely love. Come back here and tell me that you signed up for the newsletter, AND what product you love, need and have-to-have! Feel free to tell me where you'd put it, or why you need it, too!

Extra Entries:

• Follow 4BabyAndMom on Twitter and tweet about this review & giveaway. You may R/T: "Spruce up your walls, couch or hall! Win a $45 GC or your fav product (under 45) from LivingRoomsDirect! http://bit.ly/12PEbw Ends 8/3 #4BAM" Leave the link to the tweet in your comment, please. (Up to 3x/day!)
• Add a 4BabyAndMom button to your sidebar or add 4BabyAndMom to your blog roll. Leave your blog or website link. (2 entries)
  
• Subscribe via e-mail. Your email must validate or it will not count, & your comment will be deleted. Include email in your comment. (5 entries)
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to 4BabyAndMom and LivingRoomsDirect. Please leave link in comment. (5 entries)
• Follow 4BabyAndMom on Blogger publicly
  
• Subscribe to my RSS feed
• Email at least 3 of your friends and CC me at 4BabyAndMom [at] gmail [dot] com
• Fave me on Technorati and comment with your ID.

This giveaway is open to US Residents and Canada and will end on August 3rd, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to LivingRoomsDirect for sponsoring this giveaway!

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Top 10 Reasons I am Excited to Stay Home with My Family this Coming Weekend

All this week the buzz was all about the BlogHer '09 Conference in Chicago this weekend. I was close to going, but before I knew it, the tickets sold out. In the long run, things always happen for a reason and despite the fact that 1400 bloggers from across the country are up late playing board games, I am happy to be at home writing this post. Here's why...

Cozi is sponsoring 15 lucky bloggers with $100!- (this would be perfect to add to my IzeaFest '09 fund!!) The rules are the 15 blogs that have the most comments on their post wins, so I need your help!
10. I had no idea what Cozi was until this contest, so after church tomorrow, I'm going to set up my family calendar and check out all the great features on their site- I can't wait!!

9. My husband ended up working two Saturdays in a row. One or two worknights is ok for the kids to camp at Grandma's, but the whole weekend... during the summer? Grandma would need to take a vacation!

8. This week/weekend/up coming week there were 4 birthdays in my family. There is no way my kids and I could do our classic Jackson-family style singing (we wish!) on three way- it's just not the same!

7. Back to school shopping- yeah, I totally hit up the sales today. I got pencils for 5 cents a package. Woot, woot! Tomorrow, I'm going for folders and backpacks!

6. They might be driving me crazy, and the "vacation" would be nice.. but the kids are only little once.. and it's the summer time, so it's not like they have school to keep them busy.

5. We have the luxary of living right by the water. This weekend we took the kids to the park on the water and watched the sunset. You can't do that in Chicago.

4. Our head gasket just blew in my Jeep, it was nice knowing that extra money was still in our account, and we didn't have to wait to have it fixed.

3. I was able to catch up on a ton of work this week. I emptied my email box, posted 5 giveaways, and caught up on tweets. Now if I could only remember to sign onto Twitter on Fridays for Follow Friday!

2. The UPS and Fed-Ex Man would have missed my smiling face. :o) ..No, not smilie face!

1. Did I mention my family?? Despite all the rough patches with the kids- or hubby- not listening, they truly are my world. I love them more and more each day.

So there you have it. They may not be fancy, but they're my reasons. Do I still have BlogHer envy? Nah. Like I said, I fully believe that everything happens for a reason. If I went, I wouldn't be able to enter this contest, now would I?

Remember to leave a comment, so I have a shot at winning! Some of the other contestants have had their posts up for days!!! Tell me what you did this weekend, wish me luck, whatever you'd like to share!

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No Throw! Review and Giveaway

One day, just before Alex turned 2, we had one of "those" days. The types of days where you have a ton of running around to do, but your toddler doesn't want to be a part of it at all. As the day trickled on and my son's patience wore thin, I got him loaded into the car again, and off we went to the last errand on our list.

Theoretically, he should have napped somewhere in this day of travel. But instead, he was laced on sheer exhaustion, throwing a temper tantrum in the back seat of my Saturn, like no other. I raised the level of the radio, trying to tune him out- or get him to sing a long and pass out- when *WHACK!* The sippy cup went flying into the front windshield, and CRACKED IT!

I could not believe it! I didn't know if it was his strength, the angle the cup hit the window, or what it was- but there was a chip and a crack on the INSIDE of my windshield! No one ever warns you about the super-human strength of a very ticked off, over-tired, almost 2 year old!

The sisters that created NO THROW! went through some stressful times of traveling, both in the car and by airplane. Their solution is this amazing strap that loops onto your carseat, stroller, or shopping cart and attaches to your childs favorite sippy cup or bottle by an adjustable velcro belt. The strap itself is available in a variety of colors and fun designs, with a satin ribbon on one side and a textured ribbon on the reverse.

Just think, no more games of "chuck and giggle", or using mom-spit to clean any dirty floor germs off of the nipple or spout-- (don't get squeamish, you know you've done it!) This invention is sheer genius, and a product I *wish* I had that day in my Saturn!

Want it?
NO THROW! is available at most Walgreens locations across the country, and in several stores across US and Canada! You can also purchase NO THROW! online HERE. The cost is $5.

WIN IT!
Our friends at NO THROW! have offered one lucky winner their chance to win a NO THROW! in their favorite design!

Here's How:
Visit NO THROW! online and find your favorite design. Come back here and tell me which one you'd like to win.

Extra Entries:

• Follow 4BabyAndMom and NO THROW! on Twitter and tweet about this review & giveaway. You may R/T: "Put a stop to flying bottles and sippys! Win a NO THROW! http://bit.ly/19LX5M @4BabyAndMom @NoThrow_Baby ENDS 8/1" Leave the link to the tweet in your comment, please. (Up to 3x/day!)
• Add a 4BabyAndMom button to your sidebar or add 4BabyAndMom to your blog roll. Leave your blog or website link. (2 entries)
  
• Subscribe via e-mail. Your email must validate or it will not count, & your comment will be deleted. Include email in your comment. (5 entries)
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to 4BabyAndMom and NO THROW! Please leave link in comment. (5 entries)
• Follow 4BabyAndMom on Blogger publicly
  
• Subscribe to my RSS feed
• Email at least 3 of your friends and CC me at 4BabyAndMom [at] gmail [dot] com
• Fave me on Technorati and comment with your ID.

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on August 1st, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to NO THROW! for sponsoring this review & giveaway!

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A couple of great sites!

As a mom blogger, I often get a bunch of emails asking me to visit different sites just to check it out and see what I think. Sometimes, the websites or businesses are fabulous (then you usually see them featured here!) and other times.. well, they're not so hot. Over the last week or so, I happened to receive several requests and instead of making you all crazy with 5 different posts, I figured that one great blog article with all of the info was much better than 5 individual ones!

MyPlate-Mate.com sells these fabulous guards that attach to 8-9.5" plates so that your toddler, special needs child, or any child can learn how to self feed and make self-feeding more efficient. The raised rim catches food from falling spoon fulls and redirects it back onto the utensil. Keeping food on the spoon decreases your childs feeding frustrations, and means that more goes in their belly than on your table or floor. What an ingenious invention!


Little Brown Paper Bag Baby Clothing is a brand new ETSY company that offers adorable hand-embellished tees and onesies for your little one. Whether you're looking for something sweet and unique, for monogrammed baby shirts, or for a special birthday tee to celebrate your child's special day, you'll find it at Little Brown Paper Bag Baby Clothing!


MomCards.com offers mom contact cards at the most affordable prices online- without a special connection! Their designs are sleek and sophisticated, trendy, modern, and funky. Never be embarrassed by digging through our pocketbook for a missing pen again! Pick your design, customize your text, and order. Right now, if you use the coupon code: "momlove20" you can save 20% off of your order! Be sure to mention that you read about them on 4BabyAndMom!

DesignYourDorm.com offers a program even cooler than the Sears one I mentioned yesterday. No matter what college your teenager has been accepted to, you type it in and a 3-D layout of the dorm floor plan comes up within seconds! Not only can you truly design your own dorm, but you now have the visual aide to "see" what it's all going to look like put together! Special thanks to Danny's Mom for telling him about the Sears promo- and for Danny for telling me about DYD!

FabulousSavings.com is a brand new coupon savings site like no other. You do not have to have a log in, or register, or sign up for oodles of spam. You strictly click through their website and find the coupons you need, want and love- and shop. No fuss- no muss. Look for online coupon codes, and in- store savings as well, and printable coupons as well. I haven't found many printable coupons, but the online savings Hype feature they offer is fabulous! It allows you to compare prices at major retailers to get you the best price available. You can enjoy Fabulous Savings in the US, Canada, and the UK!

So, that's it for tonight! I hope you enjoy these websites, and if you know someone who might, feel free to send the link just by clicking on the "email post" tab below (by comments).

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A Penny For Your Thoughts...

I sit here at the mall, in what's supposed to be "my" time. The time away from the husband and children, so I can catch up on posts, a boat load of emails (that flooded my box over last weekend when I took a few days off), and not have to focus on anything aside from "4BabyAndMom".

So here I am, watching as the pied piper of ex-daycare workers plays hopscotch with my daughter and a handful of little preschoolers in the play-place that are following her every word, missing the days where I used to work in the schools, and kids flocked to me.

I wonder where I lost that magnetic pull, if it was somewhere between the great rice krispies massacre of 2009 and the time my daughter was added to our family, or if it happened before then.. when I just had my smiley-boo, little brute tagging along on my legs.

Is it because I don't have the energy (or the patience) I used to at 20 years old? Is it because I've started to "look" like a mom, or can the kids just smell the fear I have for more than a dozen needy eyes staring back at me? Don't get me wrong, I still love children and after my youngest starts school full time I fully plan on getting back into the education field. But somehow, it's different now.

Maybe it's because I chose to be a "Stay At Home Mom", and the delight of my own childrens eyes is more satisfying to me than any thing else imaginable at this point in my life? I can honestly say that I don't know. I don't know, because that desire of truly making a positive impact on a child's life is a feeling that never goes away. Some people call it 'a calling', some 'a talent', others 'a gift'. No matter what you call it, it still lingers deep inside of my heart, inside of my spirit.

I feel fulfilled at the moment.. with my life, with my family, with the uncertainty, and with the familiarity. On one hand I cannot wait to see what the future holds, but in the other I struggle to hold onto my children at the ages and stage they are now, knowing it will all fly by before I know it.

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Congratulations Winners for The Jimmies, MamaScarf, and iColore Giveaways!

Join me in congratulating today's winners for the fun children's CD "Make Your Own Someday" by The Jimmies, an original MamaScarf breastfeeding cover up, and the 5 iColore personalized tee shirt giveaways!! Without further a-do..

The winner of The Jimmies "Make Your Own Someday" is:
The winner of the MamaScarf is:

And the 5 winners of the iColore giveaway are:

#114- Furygirl3132
#154- Teri
#75- darlanpaulsmamma
#2- The Jacobsen Family
#149- Jen

Thank you to all the people who entered and toour sponsors for allowing us to provide these reviews and giveaways to our readers! Congratulations to all of the winners announced today. Please check out the WINNERS POST for more information on how to claim your prize!

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Visit Sears to Get Your Student Campus Ready!

When I was in college, money seemed to squeak, it was so tight. Between balancing full time school and part time work, and if you were lucky you could tutor for a couple quick bucks, no matter how you worked it, there never seemed to be enough.

As a college student you eat meals made of Ramen, scrimp and borrow money from whomever you can, whenever you can.

Sears Campus Ready makes it easier on college students with fabulous deals on clothing and accessories, as well as dorm room and apartment essentials. They even offer reload-able gift cards that can be purchased before your college student takes off, and parents can reload it online or in Kmart or Sears stores whenever funds are low.

If you know someone that is going off to college, be sure to check out the Facebook application that Sears has created to help assist your college student to be "Campus Ready" - CampusReady on Facebook. Design your dorm room, check out the gift getter, and Roommate Matchup to see what you and your new roommate have in common, or don't have in common.

I don't have a college student, but I do have an elementary schooler, who I've already begun my shopping at Sears with. Last year, I scored some amazing steals and deals, and this year I've gotten some great outfits at a fraction of the normal cost.

Check out Sears.com to find great savings now!

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JumpStart Winner!

Thank you to all the people who entered and to JumpStart for creating such a wonderful and educational products for our children, as well as for sponsoring this giveaway! Congratulations to our winner, please check out the WINNERS POST for more information on how to claim your prize!

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I need your help and suggestions!

My daughter.. The littlest love of my life, pain in my butt, super cute, fantabulous, little whiner, interesting, smarty pants- lost my earrings. *MY* earrings, from when I was a little girl. The only ones she wouldn't pull off, that have been on her ears forever, that she finally learned to pull off. The ones that I feverishly check her ears everyday, several times, just to make sure she still has them on- yeah, those earrings. (Which you can click on the picture from her b-day in February below to see them in more detail.) This is where I need your help... Don't make fun of me!

When it comes to jewelry- I am completely jewelry illiterate. I don't know ANYTHING about jewelry- (thank goodness my husband does!) The one thing he doesn't know about especially, is earrings. They are simple, pretty little pearls that dangle from a gold clasped-hoop thing. I have no idea what it's called- Do you? How do I call a jeweler and ask if they have something like this, if I don't know what it is? Ack!

Where do you buy your jewelry from? It's been so long since I've bought myself jewelry, or my children "good" jewelry. When I lived in NY, I'd head to the flea market- home to aisles of jewelers ready to bid their way into your pocketbook. Or if we didn't go there looking for something original or standard (like a chain, or a repair) we'd head to the local jeweler, who my cousin works for. I haven't bought jewelry for anyone in at least 4 years, since we moved down here.

Where do I go? What do I do? Do you buy gold earrings with pearls from online? What if they're too big, or too small?? How long will it take for her holes to close?? This is what I get for not being overly girly-girl! (Can you tell I'm panicking?)

I've searched everywhere, we even ripped up their carpet last weekend- (not related)- and moved their room to the other room, and despite searching high and low, the earrings are no where to be seen or heard of. When asked where they were, Abbigaile simply replied, "In my bed", and I assure you they are no where near her bed, under her bed, on her bed, in her sheets, the pillows- nothing. I am heartbroken. I know they are just earrings, but they're sentimental, and I don't have the money to be replacing these right now!

Somebody please put my mind at ease, and tell me what to do!

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"Hot On The Range" Children's Book Review and Giveaway!

I love reading with my children, and I have been since Alex was a baby. I firmly believe in not pushing anything onto kids- food, reading, potty training, and that when they want it- they will crave it. We reached a point in time where they both went through a phase where they did not want to read, they did not want me to read to them- they were over it.

For Alex it lasted about 5 months, with Abbie it was going on about 4 months, and would only read this small board book about horses until we got the book, "Hot on the Range", by R.D. Jentsch.

Abbigaile LOVES "horsies". LOVES horsies. When we received the book, she was so excited.

"MY Horsie book, mommy?? Iz for ME! I looove horsies, mommy. I read mine book, mommy?"

She sat on the recliner and flipped through the pages carefully, while intently examining the horses and barnyard animals illustrated throughout the pages. She got through "reading" the book and asked, "Say the words to me, Mommy?"

I sat down with her and read the book, cover to cover, twice. The story itself is super cute and tells about a very hot day on a Texas farm and how a beautiful painted horse named Chester, tries to stay cool.

While visiting the other animals in the barnyard, each animal and their personalities shine through their conversation with Chester, and their solution to the heat. Thankfully, Chester finds the perfect way to get cool, before he returns to his friend whom he left in the beginning, under a shaded tree.

R.D. Jentsch is a very talented author that strives to help young or aspiring authors meet their dreams. She writes for her nieces and her experience with children (and horses!) shine through her writing. The end of this August, expect the second new release from R.D. Jentsch, called "Froggy and Friends Go to the Creek".

Want it?

Visit Amazon.com to purchase your copy of "Hot on the Range" by R.D. Jentsch!

WIN IT!

R.D. Jentsch has offered one lucky reader their chance to win their very own copy of "Hot on the Range!

Here's How:
Head over to the Hot on the Range website and sign up for the email newsletter (on the bottom right-hand side), so you never miss a new release or any exciting info from this fabulous author.

Extra Entries:

• Follow 4BabyAndMom and R.D. Jentsch on Twitter and tweet about this review & giveaway. You may R/T: "Will Chester ever cool down? Win the childrens book: "Hot on the Range" by RD Jentsch! Ends 7/28 http://bit.ly/s0Ja4 @4BabyAndMom" Leave the link to the tweet in your comment, please. Up to 3x/day!
• Add a 4BabyAndMom button to your sidebar or add 4BabyAndMom to your blog roll. Leave your blog or website link.
  
• Subscribe via e-mail. Your email must validate or it will not count, & your comment will be deleted. Include email in your comment. (5 entries)
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to 4BabyAndMom and Hot on the Range. Please leave link in comment. (5 entries)
• Follow 4BabyAndMom on Blogger publicly
  
• Subscribe to my RSS feed
• Email at least 3 of your friends and CC me at 4BabyAndMom [at] gmail [dot] com
• Fave me on Technorati and comment with your ID.

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on July 28th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to R.D. Jentsch for sponsoring this review & giveaway!

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I know it's summer, but you could WIN!

I know the summer time is a time to enjoy your family in the gorgeous warm weather. You may have been at the beach or the pool today, I was yesterday! I wanted to remind you that we have 5 great giveaways that will be ending this week.. most of them don't have a lot of entries, and that means YOU have a greater chance to win. One of our giveaways is going to have 5 WINNERS! If you haven't had a chance to enter, enter now- it's not too late!!

• 3 Month Membership at JumpStart's 3D Virtual World! Ends 7/20
• The Jimmies Kids Music CD! Ends 7/21
• MamaScarf Breastfeeding Cover Up! Ends 7/22
• 5 Winners!! iColore Fun Pak! Ends 7/23
• Stay Organized with a PREGO PLANNER! Ends 7/24

Enter now, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

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A Long Weekend Ahead

This week has been very busy. I realized that I haven't had a moment to write a personal post in awhile, so I figured now is just as good of a time as any.

A couple of weeks ago, my minivan was repossessed. With the decrease in the building industry, my "new construction, residential journeyman electrician" husband's hours decreased dramatically. One week he worked 18 hours, the next 28, another 32. This fluctuated for months, until the only two major bills we had, (our house and the van), fell behind. The snowball continued to roll, and things got ugly.

We called a couple of advertised companies that promised financial help for homeowners in need, and after they figured out that we had only $2k in credit card debt, they basically laughed at us. At first, it was a huge blow to the both of us. But we took the reigns, and decided to be proactive, and productive.

We called both companies and tried to work with them. Thankfully, our mortgage holder was able to work with us, but the people who financed our minivan were not as flexible. We made a decision as a team, as a family, that we were going to have to let it go.

Yesterday, my girlfriend took us down (almost 2.5 hours!) to pick up our bag of "stuff" that was in our minivan. The only things of value- excluding my carseats-were the GPS, the portable DVD player, and my camera.. the only reason that stuff was in it is because the week it was repoed, I was helping my mom move, and needed things to keep the kids occupied, took pics of her new place, and well, the GPS is there for obvious reasons.

Well, I get the bag of miscellaneous stuff, and open it in the back of my friends van, and notice my GPS and my DVD player are GONE. The case and charger for the Tom Tom was there, but not the unit itself. The cords we used to rig the DVD player onto the seats were there- but not the acutal player. After another 20 minutes arguing with the guy, trying to convince him my stuff was in there, I called Alex over and asked him to tell me what we did the day before the van "disappeared". (God, I love the fact my son has an awesome memory!)

Me: "Do you remember what happened after we went to Perkins with Grandma the day before the van disappeared?"

Alex: "We got in the car and I was trying to turn on the Tom Tom. You got upset with me because I wasn't listening to you and getting in my seat. I put the Tom Tom back when you were buckling up Abbigaile, because I couldn't get it unplugged before you were done, and I didn't want you to yell...

Then... on our way back from Grandma's new house- not her old house where her and Grandpa used to live- we watched Madagascar 2, Return to Africa," oh-so-matter-of-factly.

I thanked my son, and sent him on his way, and looked at the man like, "SEE??!!"

The guy assured me that he would "look into it" and if it should magically show up, (my words, not his), they'll UPS it to me. I asked him if they had insurance if they couldn't find it. He asked for 48 hours, and we'd deal with that if we got to that point. I told him I'd call first thing Tuesday morning.

After our eventful morning, we stopped at Cracker Barrel with our friends, and met up with my cousin, Keith. Keith recently became a NYC Police Officer. It's hard for me to look at him and realize the boy that used to get into so much mischeif is now someone of authority. In one aspect, it's completely awesome, but in the other, it's horrifically scary! It was great seeing my cousin, and by the time we got home it was about 4:30pm.

I was shot. Emotionally, mentally, physically exhausted. I ended up going through all of the stuff again more thoroughly, and in the midst of the pile of CDs that were in the bag guess what I found?? Madagascar 2. Feh.

I called the guy again, left a message for him, and figured on Tuesday I'll figure out how to proceed. I'm hoping that they magically turn up in a UPS box on Monday or Tuesday morning, although I don't have high hopes.

We were fortunate enough to be able to buy a cheap, used, older Jeep, so my goal for today is to switch the license plates over from the van to the Jeep. I don't care that it's older, it fits my family, it runs, I am not above it. I do hope that we can get it unstuck from defrost, because me without air conditioning is just.. not good.

The fact that we don't have another super high payment we are obligated to pay, plus the insurance went down about $40/month, has definitely made the whole situation better.

Things are starting to turn around.. I can feel it.

On a really positive note, Brian's job is picking up. He came home from work the other day and asked if we had plans for Saturday. Although it's my mom's birthday, we have no plans.. He informed me that there was a note above the time clock that said all crews were required to work on this Saturday- MANDATORY.

I'm excited about a full day of overtime, but nervous that his job will decrease hours the rest of the week, or give them a sporadic day in the middle of the week that they'll be off, just because. As sad as it sounds, they've done stuff like that before, so I will rejoice completely on Thursday of next week, when Bri comes home with the full week in hours!

So that's what's been going on in my little corner of the world. I'm trying to re-coop from the storms a the beginning of the month, and catch up on all the reviews and giveaways that should have been posted. More will be posted come Sunday evening/Monday morning. I hope you are all enjoying your summer with the kiddos!

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Prego Planner & Tot Tags Review and Giveaway!

When I was planning my wedding, I had a binder or organizer that helped to organize all the lovely little details. Appointments, pictures, phone numbers and everything were all a page turn away.

When I found out I was pregnant, I improvised and wrote down everything in a notebook, but realized there was nothing like that organizer for pregnant women, (at least back then there wasn't!)

I remember a dear friend of mine was pregnant around the same time as I was, and her mind was always full of irrational thoughts. We went to a bagel shop once together and were talking, and she was venting to me. "What happens if I should pass out, and someone needs to call my doctor? My wallet contains all of my doctors cards, but what if my OB's info isn't there." (She ended up taping her OBGYN card to the back of her license.) She had valid points, and many pregnant women worry about stuff like this often. For me, it was keeping track of the water I consumed, and all of my appointments.

I was recently introduced to a product called The Prego Planner, by the creator and owner of Braelyn Bounty Bug, LLC, Heather.

The stylish cover makes it the perfect 1st time mom, "oops-it's-been-a-few-years" mom, or any expecting mom's accessory, at only 7.5" x 9", this portable binder contains pages for you to keep all of your important information. It contains a 12 month undated calendar, a place for insurance info, phone numbers, pharmacy details, and even a gift log.

You can keep your birth plan in this organizer, as well as read suggestions of questions for your potential pediatricians. If you're a list maker, (or list follower), you'll enjoy the check list of things to do before baby arrives, friends and family call list pages, and post delivery check list.

This planner makes one of the best, (in my opinion), and most unique baby shower gifts on the market! In fact, I think that this would be a very cherished memory for first time moms, especially! Before the baby comes, "Mommy Brain" starts and I can tell you from experience- I forgot a ton of important information from the time I was pregnant with my son and my daughter! The pictures are great, but the quality of this product in person is even better! Prego Planners were part of the Fall 2008 Celebrity BUMP Bag, filled with all of the best products for babies and moms! You can find the Prego Planner online, in several boutiques across the country, and in many Babies R Us stores, as well.

Another amazing product developed by the same super mom, Heather, is the fabulous Tot Tags. Again, another must-have for first timer moms, Tot Tags provide an instant mini-check list of stuff that should be in your diaper bag before you head out. The unique lined ID area allows you to write in your name or address, which makes it perfect for daycare, church nurseries, play dates or traveling with baby.

Affordable Tot Tags are available in several trendy patterns, which would complete that perfect baby shower gift! Best of all, the new mom-to-be would be sure to use your gift every day!

Want it?
Head over to Braelyn Bounty Bug, the home of the Prego Planner and Tot Tags, and pick out your favorite designs. Be sure to mention that you found them on 4BabyAndMom!

WIN it!
Our friends at Braelyn Bounty Bug have offered one lucky mom-to-be (or friend of a mom-to-be!) their chance to win a Prego Planner and Tot Tag of their very own!

Here's How:
Visit Braelyn Bounty Bug and tell me if there's a store near you that carries their product. Include the location info in your comment. Also tell me if you are trying to win this for yourself, or for a shower gift!

Extra Entries:

• Tell me why this planner would make the perfect shower or expecting-mom gift OR one thing/time that you wish you had a planner like this for when YOU were pregnant!
  
• Follow 4BabyAndMom and BountyBug on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You may R/T: "Enter to win a Prego Planner! Perfect for expecting moms, baby showers, 1st time moms! http://bit.ly/eBzAZ @4BabyAndMom @BountyBug Ends 7/24" Leave the link to the tweet in your comment, please.
  
• Add a 4BabyAndMom button to your sidebar or add 4BabyAndMom to your blog roll. Leave your blog or website link.
  
• Subscribe via e-mail. Your email must validate or it will not count, & your comment will be deleted. Include email in your comment. (3 entries)
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to 4BabyAndMom and Prego Planner. Please leave link in comment. (5 entries)
• Follow 4BabyAndMom on Blogger publicly
  
• Subscribe to my RSS feed
• Email at least 3 of your friends and CC me at 4BabyAndMom [at] gmail [dot] com
• Fave me on Technorati and comment with your ID.

This giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ only and will end on July 24th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to Heather from Braelyn Bounty Bug for sponsoring this review & giveaway!

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iColore Tee Shirts Review and 5 GIVEAWAYS!

My daughter loves to color.. She colors on herself, on her walls, on her clothing. We've been disciplining her as necessary, and three and a half years into the same routine we've adapted. We've created an art center in the play room, where she knows she can draw on without getting in trouble. We have a doodle bear which she knows she can draw on and we even have an Aquadoodle. These solutions were supposed to help, but I struggled with finding random scribbles on walls or on her legs all of the time! I cannot tell you how many times the picture to the right existed in my home.

I needed help finding an outlet for her creativity, and thought that it had to be impossible, until I found this fabulous company called iColore, which created the perfect outlet for artsy, creative children like Abbigaile!

iColore creates shirts (long sleeved, short sleeved and tanks!) with coloring book style graphics on them that come in pretty packaging and with a set of markers. Your child can then color in the graphic on his or her own shirt and wear them that day or the next- anywhere. The Fun Pak allows a non-permanent solution, so when the day is done, the shirt can be washed and then can be colored on again and again. Every time your child wears these shirts, it looks different because they create the design, color or pattern on it. They feel excited and proud of their art, and are happy to share what they "made" to everyone they see!

We took advantage of the rainy days that we had earlier this month, and had two iColore children's art project days with the kids. They laid their Fun Pak tees on the table and got to coloring. Alex helped Abbie, Abbie helped Alex- there was no fighting, no bickering. Once, Alex had both blue markers, and Abbie got a little upset, but it was quickly solved. They laughed, they colored, they really had a blast! Abbie NEVER colors in the lines, but with these shirts, she's always so careful and neat, it's quite impressive! (Who knew that something so simple could be so much fun?!)

Whether your child is 3 or 14, they will love this product and it's something that as they get older they might grow out of the size, but they won't grow out of the "fun" of the product itself!

I was very pleased with the amount of time it took to complete the ordering process, and the shipping was super quick! The package comes wrapped in cellophane with a multi-color raffia bow, which makes this item the perfect gift- ready to just grab and go! The owner and creator of this product was a pleasure to work with. She answered all of my questions, and gave me the solution I was looking for to keep Abbie from coloring on more random things! Since we've had the iColore shirts, I haven't had to clean marker or crayon off of any walls (or limbs!!) at all!

Want it?
Visit iColore now to view their great selection of tee shirt designs. Prices range from $18-20

WIN it!
Our friends at iColore have offered 5 lucky readers their chance to win their very own iColore Fun Pak! The kit comes with your choice of tee shirt design, washable markers, and easy to follow instructions.

Here's How:
Head over to iColore and find your favorite tee shirt design. Tell me which one you'd like to win. Remember, there's five winners, if you have two or more children, write down one choice for each child. If more than one of your numbers are chosen, you win that many iColore Fun Paks! You must complete this entry before you can submit additional entries.

Extra Entries:

• Sign up for the iColore Newsletter (2 extra entries)
• Follow 4BabyAndMom and iColore on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You may R/T: "Super cute iColore shirts~Perfect for crafty kids! 5 iColore Fun Pak winners! http://bit.ly/Tf5xA @4BabyAndMom @ValerieMana Ends 7/23" Leave the link to the tweet in your comment, please.
  
• Add a 4BabyAndMom button to your sidebar or add 4BabyAndMom to your blog roll. Leave your blog or website link.
  
• Subscribe via e-mail. Your email must validate or it will not count, & your comment will be deleted. Include email in your comment if not in your profile. (3 entries)
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to 4BabyAndMom and iColore. Please leave link in comment. (5 entries)
• Follow 4BabyAndMom on Blogger publicly
• Subscribe to my RSS feed
• Email at least 3 of your friends and CC me at 4BabyAndMom [at] gmail [dot] com
• Fave me on Technorati and comment with your ID.

This giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ only and will end on July 23rd, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to iColore for sponsoring this review & giveaway!

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MamaScarf Breastfeeding Cover-Up Giveaway!

I'll never forget the first outing with my newborn daughter and three year old son in tote. I had to go to the mall to get a dress for a semi-formal dinner, and I had nothing that fit me well postpartum. I packed up the baby bag, extra clothes, and snacks for my son, and extra breast pads. My milk had just come in, and my daughter wanted to feed ALL.OF.THE.TIME. I fed her before leaving, and headed across the street (almost literally) to the mall. I figured if I could find something quickly, I would make it home before having to feed her again.

While darting between big name department stores, her very well known hunger cry started. I remember looking around, seeing all of the older people walking, and tons of young children, and didn't feel that it was appropriate to whip out a boob and start feeding her on a bench. Then the idea hit to head back into Macy's and hide in a fitting room. There I sat, feeding my daughter thinking there had to be a better way.

Women everywhere struggle with this situation around the globe. In fact, a similar situation happened to the owner and creator of the MamaScarf, and inspired her to create a product for breastfeeding moms to be able to wear and feel confident while breastfeeding anywhere.

Stylish and available in neutral colors that coordinate with almost any outfit, the MamaScarf ties around your neck and shields any onlookers from your breast feeding experience. Your child can play with the fabric, without it falling or exposing you, and it's sturdy enough to provide a little extra support when your pillows and cushions just aren't available.

MamaScarf has been featured on television shows such as This Morning, the BBC, and Working Lunch. They have been published in popular printed media such as The Sun and Daily Express. The MamaScarf is a celebrity must-have, and have been spotted on several celebrities including ex-Spice Girl, Melanie C.

Want it?
Head over to TheMamaScarf and pick out your MamaScarf now! Don't be confused by the price in Euros, they ship to the states, and the converted price in US Dollars is only $26.39!

WIN IT!
Our friends at MamaScarf have offered one lucky reader their chance to win a MamaScarf of their own! This contest is open to readers worldwide!

Here's How:
Head over to MamaScarf and choose which color MamaScarf you'd like to win. Come back here and tell me your choice! You must complete this entry before you can submit additional entries.

Extra Entries:

• Tell me a breastfeeding in public incident, slip-up, funny story or fear.
  
• Add a 4BabyAndMom button to your sidebar or add 4BabyAndMom to your blog roll. Leave your blog or website link.
  
• Email at least 3 of your friends and CC me at 4BabyAndMom [at] gmail [dot] com
• Follow 4BabyAndMom on Blogger publicly
• Subscribe to my RSS feed (2 entries)
  
• Subscribe via e-mail. Your email must validate or it will not count, & your comment will be deleted. Include email in your comment if not in your profile. (3 entries)
  
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to 4BabyAndMom and MamaScarf. Please leave link in comment. (5 entries)
  
• Follow 4BabyAndMom and the owner of MamaScarf on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You may R/T: "Win a MamaScarf Breast Feeding Cover Up! http://bit.ly/dwWVh @4BabyAndMom @mamascarf Ends 7/22" Leave the link to the tweet in your comment, please. (Once per day)
  
• Fave me on Technorati and comment with your ID.

This giveaway is open to everyone world wide 18+ and will end on July 22nd, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to MamaScarf for sponsoring this review & giveaway!

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Need Some Fun Kids Music to Rock To?

I love music. My first "real" job was in a music store, I can't get enough of it.. I LOVE music. I used to go to concerts and listening parties for new CD's, demo shows for new or small town bands- did I mention, I love music?

Now that I'm a mom, most of my concert days have dwindled, but my search for great music branched onto other genres, most popular in my home- children's music. I need children's music to not be whiny or bratty, have rhythm and a non-irritating vocalist. I loathe childrens artists that after ten minutes, you feel like chucking the CD out of the window while driving over the speed limit on a major highway. My family's musical taste is very diverse, especially in this genre, and we always love reviewing several different styles of music.

While on Twitter one day, I happened to find this amazing "Kindie Rock" band called, The Jimmies. Out of sheer curiosity, I clicked on their link and it brought me to one of the funnest and interesting childrens music websites (and bands) I've ever listened to. Their header reads: "every day is a holiday", and by listening to a couple of these tracks, you get the feeling that this is how they live and work all of the time!

The upbeat tunes on this rocking album will quickly become favorites of your child. I wouldn't doubt it if this group ends up on a cartoon, or popular kids channel as an "in between" act.

As soon as I played Make Your Own Someday for the kids, they immediately started bopping in the back seat. As the CD progressed, they erupted into giggles listening to The Jimmies sing about using your 'wrunkle' when you sneeze and 'doing the elephant'. The rhymes are super cute, and fit perfectly with their style of music.

Another favorite of ours is 'Spanimals' which is a spanglish song about.. well, animals. The kids love the latin style to the song, and hearing all of the animals in Spanish and translations throughout the entire song.

Check out their website now for several samples of their songs, as well as super cute videos of some of their popular songs. If the bands name sounds familiar, it may be because you've heard them on XMKids. Their CD is available on their website for only $15.99. Keep your eyes open for the new release of The Jimmies DVD, "Trying Funny Stuff", jam packed with video goodness for the kids!

Want it?
Head over to The Jimmies website to purchase the album, Make Your Own Someday for 25% off, (which means it's only $11.25!!!), just for 4BabyAndMom readers and for a limited time!

WIN IT!
Our new friends at The Jimmies have offered one lucky reader their chance to score a copy of the fun and funky CD, Make Your Own Someday.

Here's how:
Visit The Jimmies, and get to know their band. Come back here and tell me something fun you saw in your favorite video (please include details so I know you watched it) and why you want to win. You must complete this entry before you can submit additional entries.

Extra Entries:

• Add a 4BabyAndMom button to your sidebar or add 4BabyAndMom to your blog roll. Leave your blog or website link.
  
• Email at least 3 of your friends and CC me at 4BabyAndMom [at] gmail [dot] com
• Follow 4BabyAndMom on Blogger publicly
• Subscribe to my RSS feed (2 entries)
  
• Subscribe via e-mail. Your email must validate or it will not count, & your comment will be deleted. Include email in your comment if not in your profile. (3 entries)
  
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to 4BabyAndMom and The Jimmies. Please leave link in comment. (5 entries)
  
• Follow 4BabyAndMom and the lead singer from The Jimmies on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You may R/T: "Rock out with great kids music! Win a CD jam packed with fun and funk from THE JIMMIES! http://bit.ly/10snYD @4BabyAndMom Ends 7/21" Leave the link to the tweet in your comment, please. (Once per day)
  
• Fave me on Technorati and comment with your ID.

This giveaway will end on July 21st, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to The Jimmies for sponsoring this review & giveaway!

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