Happy 5th Birthday!

It's hard to believe that 5 years ago today, my little lady came into this world. Happy Birthday, Babs!

Read more...

What a way to brighten a mood! Special gifts from Pearl Paradise

Every Valentine's Day, my dear husband never really spoils me with something "fabulous". Which is usually why we host our Fabulous February Fiesta. Obviously, this year we did not. "Why???," you ask...

Well, we're moving. As we speak I am trying to organize, re-schedule, and pack. Excited about our new beginnings, but feeling a little gloomy, I got a great little surprise in the mail from Pearl Paradise.

These gorgeous black pearl earrings were so much more than I expected. I love black pearls. I have a necklace that my great-aunt had given me many years ago, and these earrings matched the black pearls in the necklace perfectly. Pearl Paradise has a large selection of Freshwater Pearls- from earrings to rings and everything in between- in many different colors. Not only do they have a huge selection, their prices are amazing. These gorgeous earrings would sell for $210 in stores, but Pearl Paradise sells them for only $43!

So did you get a special gift from your significant other this Valentine's Day? With these prices, you can afford to go and get something special for yourself, without breaking the budget.

Stay tuned for a special giveaway..



Special thanks to Pearl Paradise for allowing us to review these earrings.

Read more...

One of those days... Have you had them??

Have you ever had 'one of those days' where 3pm rolls around and you wish you stayed in bed? One of those days where it feels like if everything that COULD go wrong DOES go wrong?? Yeah, I'm having a week like that, and today was the worst day of them all.

I have had a lot of new visitors recently, and I would like to insert a disclaimer here by saying that 4BabyAndMom is usually not this unorganized and helter-skelter. In fact, this month has been one of the most difficult months we've ever had.

Marissa went back to school (and is graduating at the end of this semester), and my family is preparing for a move- one which was supposed to have happened twice over now, and frankly I'm tired of packing and unpacking, then packing again and trying to live out of boxes until the new place is ready. We're going to be moving to a gorgeous home, one that has a huge office for me, and a pool, so we're all really excited. I know that once we're there things will be better, but God, getting to that place has been quite the journey.

I appreciate all of your warm wishes- on Facebook, Twitter and here- and really want you to know that as soon as I'm established at our new house, with our new 4BabyAndMom office suite, that not only will be be back in full force, but we will be back delivering delicious recipes, awesome reviews, and spectacular giveaways.

Don't go away, because there will still be some great reviews and giveways in the interm, but just bare with me... and in the mean time, make sure you spread the word that the new and improved 4BabyAndMom will be here before we know it.

Read more...

YepYup Hanging Pet Organizer Review

February brings a lot of feelings of love. The kids had valentines both at school and at home. My husband and I had a lovely dinner and we played a video game after the kids went to bed. One person in our family that got a super special valentine was Penelope.

I don't talk about Penelope much on here, but if you know me in real life you know I have a love/hate relationship with her. (She's our dog.) She's a wonderful dog, but at a year old, she's full of energy, and well... lately, I'm not.

We're getting ready for our move, and I know that I've been "neglecting" her. (READ: not being able to cuddle with her as often as usual.) But I know that once we've settled in the new place that she's going to feel so much more love. I've been working on getting her some new toys, and some extra-special treats so she likes the new place as much as she loves it here. While I was looking for ways to keep her area organized, I happened to find an awesome company just for pets called YepYup.

I fell in love with this great Heliotrope hanging organizer- perfect for Penelope. It has an attached bracket to hang her leash, and plenty of pockets for all of her stuff. I don't have to worry that the kids are going to grab the wrong plastic tube with square 'crackers' in it thinking it's their food any more. That alone is worth its weight in gold! If I feel she needs a quick brush, I won't have to go on a scavenger hunt to search for her brush and with all of the pockets, her toys will be easy to access.

I am so super excited to be able to really have something for "her", as we are constantly misplacing her stuff. Even my husband loves the fact that it's easy to mount on the back of a door, hidden and out of sight. For those of you who have more than one dog, this organizer even comes with a place to add a photo of your pup, so you know who's toy you're grabbing.

YepYup makes an entire designer line of products for pets from feeding mats to beds. Perfect for the family that loves to spoil their dog!

Do you have a pet? Do you think you spoil him/her?





I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Read more...

"Celebrating Love" with 1-800-Flowers

Maybe you didn't get the warm and fuzzy feelings from your significant other today, or maybe you got exactly what you were wanting. No matter what this Valentine's Day brings, know that 1-800-Flowers has put together another amazing book filled with everything one may need to "Celebrating Love".

Filled with quotes and words about love for every season, this book makes a great gift for anyone on your list.

Before you know it, Mother's Day will be here, and "Celebrating Love" would make a perfect addition to the gift you pick out for mom.

While you're at 1-800-Flowers.com be sure to check out their huge selection of beautiful bouquets, scrumptious chocolates, and gifts for any occasion.

Our friends at 1800Flowers have offered one of our lucky readers their chance to win CELEBRATING LOVE!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US. This giveaway will end on February 18, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST. One winner will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. After winner validates entry, the gift code will be emailed directly to the winner. Please include a valid email address in your comment. If we cannot find a way to contact you, we will not, we will choose another winner. We do try to email all winners, but due to the volume of giveaways offered on our site, delays may be expected. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. Special thanks to 1800Flowers for providing a press sample of Celebrating Love, and for offering a copy for our winner. As always, what you have read is strictly the opinion of 4BabyAndMom.

Read more...

Wow! Wow! "Wubbzy Be Mine" DVD Giveaway!

From the PR/news release:

Roses are red…Wubbzy is yellow!

As Valentine’s Day is approaching, I wanted to share with you the release of Wubbzy’s newest DVD called “Wubbzy Be Mine.” The festive new DVD, which offers loads of Valentine’s Day–themed fun for young viewers and their families, is set to spark lots of “Wubb love” and laughter – just in time to celebrate the special day!

“Wubbzy Be Mine” (SRP $12.98) is an irresistible compilation of three episodes featuring the series’ well-loved characters, Wubbzy, Widget, Walden and Daizy. In “Mr. Valentine,” Wuzzleburg’s trusty mailman falls ill on Valentine’s Day and Wubbzy steps in to deliver all the valentines, but he soon discovers there are none for him…. To Wubbzy’s surprise, his pals personally deliver his valentines, saving the best for last! In “Cupid’s Helper,” Cupid pays a visit to Wuzzleburg, but loses his prized bubble-blower. When Wubbzy finds it, he starts blowing bubbles bringing together some of Wuzzleburg’s oddest couples. And, in “My Speedy Valentine,” the third love-filled episode on the new release, Wubbzy and his pals try to find the fastest way ever to make their own valentines, but something keeps bugging Walden….

Both of our kids love Wubbzy, and this Valentine's Day, they enjoyed receiving the new DVD as part of their gifts. To spread the "wuv", our friends from Wuzzleburg have offered one lucky reader their chance to WIN a brand new WUBBZY BE MINE DVD and some special Wubbzy candy for your little valentine.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US. This giveaway will end on February 18, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST. One winner will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. After winner validates entry, the gift code will be emailed directly to the winner. Please include a valid email address in your comment. If we cannot find a way to contact you, we will not, we will choose another winner. We do try to email all winners, but due to the volume of giveaways offered on our site, delays may be expected. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. Special thanks to the PR firm representing WowWowWubbzy for providing a press copy of this DVD to 4BabyAndMom, and for sponsoring this giveaway. As always, what you have read is strictly the opinion of 4BabyAndMom.

Read more...

Red Envelope and ProFlowers Makes Valentines Easy *Giveaway*

Every year my husband and I celebrate Valentine's Day with dinner and a movie at home. I usually try to make something special like shrimp scampi, or something out of the norm. We rarely give each other gifts, as we feel that we show our love throughout the year. This year, with a move on our horizon, our gifts have been more along the lines of file cabinets and stuff for the new place to help stay organized and make it feel like a home.

While searching for some home decor and things that really fit our style, I found RedEnvelope.com and knew right away what I wanted for our "Valentine's Day Gift". For the first time in our adult life, we have a hallway. I know, it doesn't sound like a major thing, but what do you do with a hallway?

My first impression was to put pictures in it, but I wanted something more than that. I found this beautiful Hall Gallery Frame Set, and knew that it would be perfect for that space. Isn't it gorgeous?! I knew as soon as I saw it that I would have to get it for our new home.

While I was there, I decided to look around and splurge a little on something for Brian. After all, this year we've celebrated 10 years of being together, and it's been awhile since the last time I bought him something just for him. He's an electrician, and doesn't have an office, so most items for men that are on the market during Valentine's Day is stuff for a desk, or cufflinks, or tie tacks and the like. While browsing I found the coolest thing for him, a Buffalo Nickel Money Clip Wallet. He loves old coins, and I thought that this would be perfect for him to use on weekends, or in exchange for his bulky wallet. Part of me was thinking of the Home Brewery Kit, (perfect for a man who has everything), but I wasn't sure if I wanted to take that step.. His brother brews his own beer, and well, I like the fact that my husband only has one on occasion.

The greatest part about RedEnvelope.com is that they not only have gifts for men and women, but gifts for the whole family, and for the house. If you can't decide what to get for your loved one, you can send a more traditional Valentine- flowers and chocolate! Whether you are looking for decadent chocolate covered strawberries, truffles, or just a bouquet of bright flowers for your mom, you will find it at RedEnvelope.com. You all know how I love "one stop shopping", and this place is it! Once you’ve picked out the perfect gift, choose delivery dates (including day-of shipping), select gift wrap, add a personalized card, and you’re set. No more trips to the mall for tired greeting cards and tacky ties!

While you’re shopping, be sure to check out ProFlowers.com too, for fresh, colorful flowers and gifts! From roses to lilies, plus add-ons like gourmet truffles and chocolate-dipped berries, you’re sure to find the sweetest gift for the ones you love – for Valentine’s Day and beyond!

To share the love with my readers, RedEnvelope.com is offering a $100 gift certificate for one lucky reader!


CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

Please refer to our WINNERS PAGE for more information on how to claim your prize!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US. This giveaway will end on February 13, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST. One winner will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. After winner validates entry, the gift code will be emailed directly to the winner. Please include a valid email address in your comment. If we cannot find a way to contact you, we will not, we will choose another winner. We do try to email all winners, but due to the volume of giveaways offered on our site, delays may be expected. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. Special thanks to RedEnvelope and ProFlowers for providing two gift codes for the use of 4BabyAndMom. As always, what you have read is strictly the opinion of 4BabyAndMom.

Read more...

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones Makes a Great Valentine's Day Read!

A quick read, but definitely a great one. The book did a great job of combining romance, God, politics, a Cinderella-esque story, and community without being offensive and while hooking it's readers totally, and completely. 

I've never read a Christian Romance novel. In fact, most of the romance novels I review are quite steamy and seductive. I had no idea that this book was a Christian Romance novel until I dived into it. Despite it's references to praying, only a few church services, and the fact that the heroine founded a faith-based organization, it's not "religious" at all. It never felt uncomfortable reading, or as if Christianity was being professed or forced upon its readers. In fact, throughout the book, the two main characters shared quite a connection, with tons of steamy, sizzling sparks within their personal chemistry.

Lucy runs "Saving Grace", a home for over-age foster children.. otherwise known as the kids the 'system' forgets about. This novel weaves in a few of the kids personal stories through it's pages, which really pulls on your heartstrings. With the state of the economy, the funding of the home is being cut from many of its sponsors. If they do not meet their amount of private funding, they will lose their grant, and Lucy will be forced to close their doors.

While attempting to persuade board members of a predominant company, Alex (ex-NFL player, playboy, who is currently campaigning for Congress) steps in to help remove her from embarrassing herself. Somewhere in the middle of the sheer humiliation and minor chaos that ensues, Alex and Lucy make a deal to form a "fake" relationship that ends up budding into something much, much more than that.

I recommend this book for anyone that loves a quick read, a great love story and a quirky, but solid plot.




PRODUCT DETAILS:
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595545395
ISBN-13: 978-1595545398
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1 inches



 

Special thanks to BookSneeze for allowing me to review this advance copy, with the sole intention to provide my truthful review.

Read more...