Mom's Ultimate Family Organizer {GIVEAWAY}

**This is a sticky post, please scroll down for new posts :)**
**This contest will run from 7/21-7/27**

Mom's Ultimate Family Organizer: A One-Stop Planner for Busy Moms (Diary)

Product Description:

This comprehensive, one-stop organizer is an essential tool for the busiest person of them all mom! Inside the sturdy binder is a system for managing motherhood: calendar pages to keep track of family members' schedules, directory pages to locate everyone from the kindergarten teacher to the carpet cleaner, and planning pages for birthday parties or the family vacation. Helpful sticky notes and tear-out lists make it easy to stay organized, while survival tips and tricks from real moms offer encouragement. When life gets hectic, this binder is in control.
Includes:
-Month-at-a-glance and week-at-a-glance calendar pages

- Fold-out summer break planner

- Catchall pockets
- Perforated tear-out lists and notes

- Sticky notes

About the Author

Amy Keroes owns and operates mommytrackd.com: The Working Mother's Guide to Managed Chaos, a Web site dedicated to helping working mothers stay organized. She lives in Mill Valley, California.

Available at Amazon for $24.95

Now for the GIVEAWAY:

To WIN this Family Organizer:
1. Leave a comment letting me know something about you (it can be anything)!
2. Subscribe via feed reader or email (and let me know in a seperate comment) and you will have an extra entry!!

3. Blog about this contest with a link back to my blog (also, let me know in a seperate comment) and you will have another extra entry!!!
*This contest will be open to US residents only.

**This contest will end at Midnight on July 27th and the winner will be announced on July 28st

***The winner will be picked with the random number generator!!!

****Thanks so much for entering****

I will be submitting winner info to PRIZEYWinners!

Blogging for Blood Cancer

The first annual “Blogging for Blood Cancer” event will take place from August 11-18, 2008. This first time event will bring bloggers from across the United States together to raise awareness for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and its mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
The event is being hosted by Goodies for Mom in conjunction with the Friends of Heroes (FOH) National Light The Night Team.

Please check out the site and grab a button to help spread the word!

Win a trip to a SPA!!!!!!!!!

Prilosec has a started contest called "Heartburn Escape" and if you enter you can win a trip for two to a luxury spa for 5 days and four nights.

You can learn more about it here:http://www.heartburnescape.com/

It's easy to enter, and you can enter to win once a day between now and September 30.

Just download the above widget so you don't forget to enter each day!

Primo Water Review

From the Primo Water Site:
Primo is the first nationally available bottled water whose bottle is made from plants, not crude oil! Primo offers you the convenience and great taste you're looking for – in a bottle that's friendly to the environment.
How? It's all about the plastic we use. It's called Ingeotm, the world's first and only performance plastic made from 100% annually renewable plants. Nearly all other plastic bottles made in the United States are manufactured from petroleum, a non-renewable and diminishing resource.
Want to see how we change plants into Primo bottles?Click here to watch this amazing story.

Our Thoughts:

We drink lots of water at our house so we were eager to try this new product!!! Not only is the bottle better for the environment but it taste great at well!! Even the kids agreed that this water is much better than any other bottled water they have tasted! In thousands of blind taste tests conducted nationwide by an independent agency, the results make it clear: 3 out of 4 consumers preferred Primo over the nation's top-selling spring waters. That's why we trademarked the term, "Taste Perfection."

You can pick some up today at your local Kroger! Kroger is the first national grocery retailer to offer Primo single-serve bottles in their stores.

The Travel Adventures of Lilly P Badilly: Costa Rica

We were extremely excited when we were given the opportunity to review the Book/CD, The Travel Adventures of Lilly P Badilly: Costa Rica!!

About the book (from their website):

It is a fascinating story about a little millipede with a brilliant mind and an exceptional talent for playing the piano. She lives in a teeny, tiny hole in the wall in the Miami International Airport with her grandparents, Nellie O. Badilly and Willie Z. Badilly. Together they embark on a most unique, and sometimes hilarious, travel adventure deep into the fertile rain forest of Costa Rica. It is there that Lilly is forced to face her biggest fears in order to save the lives of her family, herself and her new friends. Along the way, Lilly learns a lot about geography, culture and the plants and animals of Costa Rica. Best of all she discovers that if she uses her brain, she can work through her fears and turn a frightening situation into a celebration! Included with this book is a most entertaining, 35-minute, fully narrated CD. The characters of Lilly P. Badilly come to life with voices that children of all ages and adults will enjoy. Complete with music and authentic Costa Rican sound effects, readers can listen, read and sing along at the same time. This book is best for children ages 5-10. (More about the Book)

Our Thoughts:

Both my 4 and 9 year throughly enjoyed this book!! It is really different than other children’s books we have read (and we have read A LOT!!). My curious little ones certainly enjoyed Lilly's Adventure. As a mom (and teacher) I love how Debbie was able create a story in which the character was able to use her intellect and creativity to get her family out of a scary situation. I like that the book does not focus on being pretty, athletic or popular instead it conveys a meaningful message to the reader. The message that Lilly teaches us about working through our fears and about the world around us is a powerful message that I think all children should be exposed to through literature. More importantly Lilly teaches us how to have the confidence to solve our biggest problems. Having the story recorded on CD with music really makes it unique and helps keep the attention of the younger readers. There aren’t many fiction books for young readers recorded on CD availabe today so upon receiving this we were excited to read and listen to this great book. I am excited to share this adventure with the students (and other teachers) in my class when we go back to school in August!
Calling all Writers (ages5-10):

Smart Poodle Publishing Travel Writing Contest
Calling all Kids Ages 5-10: Submit Your Original Story to our Travel Adventure Contest!
Young Readers are invited to write a short story about one of their own real life or imaginary travel adventures anywhere in the world. The best stories will be published on smartpoodlepublishing.com and lillybadilly.com. Three lucky winners will each receive $25 in cash, a free copy of the Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly: Costa Rica, autographed to each winner by Author/Illustrator/Voice Talent Debbie Glade.
Contest Rules
* This contest is free!
* The story can be short, but make it no longer than 1,000 words.
* The story should be based on a real life or imaginary journey you took anywhere in the world. (What did you see and do that made this adventure unique? What happened that was different or exciting?)
* The story must be original. Do not copy any other published work in your story!
* Parents, please do not help your kids write their stories.
* Submit your story via email to smartpoodle@comcast.net or mail it to

Smart Poodle Publishing

PO Box 817468

Hollywood, FL 33081

Please include a parent’s email address, so we can notify you if you are a winner.
* Deadline is September 1, 2008.
* Contest is open to readers in the USA in 3 age groups.
ages 5-6
ages 7-8
ages 9-10
* There will be 3 winners - one winner in each age group.
* Each entry will be judged upon creativity, interest and how well the story is written.
* Winners’ stories will be published on our website using only the authors’ first names and last initials.
* Winners will be notified by September 31st, 2008.
* If you have any other questions, send an email to smartpoodle@comcast.net

Our 1st Blog Award!!!

I would like say THANKS to Angie from Angelica Grace Designs for presenting us with this 2008 premio award!! If you haven't already you must check out her blog and well as her on-line boutique. There you will find "haute trends and couture styles for you and your little ones!!"

We are so honored!!

I'd like to honor the following blogs and award them a 2008 Premio as well...
1. Erin, The Vintage Pearl

2. Beki, Pampering Beki

3. Beth, Chic Galleria

4. Andrea, The Laughs will go on
5. Angel, ChicStories.com
6. Heather, Freebies for Mom

7. The Girls from MomDot.com

*They don't officially open until Aug. 1st*
2008 Premio Award Rules:

1. When received, you may post the premio to your blog.
2. Link to the blogger you received it from.

3. Give it to 7 blogs

4. Link to those 7 blogs

5. Leave those seven bloggers a comment about receiving the brilliant premio.
***Thanks again Angie. Your the BEST***

Win a SATURN!!!!!

Saturn is promoting their new car the Astra.

Saturn is currently hosting a contest to win a brand new 2008 Astra.

To enter, log on to http://www.saturnkissmyastra.com/and upload a photo of yourself kissing an Astra.

Anyone in the U.S. can enter for a chance to win a 2008 Saturn Astra five-door XR!!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Take me out to the BALLGAME!!

Swimming Fun!!

So, we finally got a break from baseball (Ethan has had a baseball game or practice almost every day this summer) this week so we took a quick trip to Cincinnati!! The kids enjoyed a day of swimming at the hotel and then we went to a baseball game!!

Ella got tubes put in her ears a couple of weeks back so we had to battle the earplugs most of the time!! It was just nice to get away for a couple of days!!

Prima Princess Presents Swan Lake DVD

We were lucky enough to be sent a copy of the DVD "Prima Princess Presents Swan Lake" to review!!
Description:
This is a hip new twist on learning about ballet, featuring the Paris Opera Ballet and Students from School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center, Official Academy of New York City Ballet. This 40 minute DVD is a cool, fun, beautiful show with a brain. Prima Princessa, an animated fairy ballerina, magically transports a group of little girls to see the Paris Opera Ballet performs select segments of Swan Lake. In between acts, the children return home to learn simple ballet steps which are playfully shown mixed into colorful montages of toys, animals, children and young dancers from the School of American Ballet.
Producers:

Mary Kate Mellow and Stephanie Troeller are both stay-at-home moms who despite no prior movie-making experience teamed up to produce this show. They were both inspired by their children's love of dance. They both live in Montclair, NJ. Be sure to check out their blog to read about the journey of two movie-making moms!!

So as you can see by the pictures below our 4 year old dancing diva is trying to become a graceful ballerina!! Shewas so captivated by this movie!! The short segments of actual ballet lessons, scenes from the Paris Opera’s performance of Swan Lake, and clips of little girls dancing in tutus trying to imitate the dancers was enough variety to keep Ella interested! She was up trying to mimic every move!! This was a movie that I even enjoyed watching! We were able to learn the some ballerina terminology (like pirouettes, arabesques, and jetes)! Ella loved the animated fairy that magically transported the preschool girls to the Opera! She can't watch the movie without dressing the part and twirling around the room!!

So if you are looking for an instructional and entertaining DVD to introduce your young child to ballet then check out Prima Princess Presents Swam Lake!!! With easy to learn dance moves your little ballerina will love it.

To purchase "Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake" click here.

For more information please visit their website at http://www.primaprincessa.com/

There you can view clips of the show and print coloring book pages!!

Precious Moments Winner!!!!!!

We are excited to announce the winner of our Precious Moments Figurine!!

According to random.org, the winner is:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:14
Timestamp: 2008-07-21 16:47:44 UTC

CONGRATS: Dena

who said . . . . .
I would love to win this to give to my niece for her birthday. She will be 10.

Thanks so much to all that entered!!!

We have new giveaway starting today so be sure to check it out!!!

MomDot.com Launch Party

MomDot.com is a blog and boutique listing site, that will feature 15 feature bloggers a month to help guide you around the Blogosphere. They are technically, NOT OPEN yet!

They will open officially on August 1st.

MomDot.com will also include:

Be sure to join the launch party for some great giveaways (around $4000.00 worth)!!

Precious Moments Birthday Collectible {GIVEAWAY}

**This is a sticky post, please scroll down for new posts :)**

**This contest will run from 7/14-7/20**

PRECIOUS MOMS.COM:

Precious Moms.com has become a favorite place for many moms looking to make the most out of life's celebrations. With all of the tools and tips available at Precious Moms.com they are quickly becomg a favorite place for Moms to go when planning some of the most special days of each year: their children's birthdays. This site offers many different topics including: celebrations, family life, mom-to-mom, inspirations, and a Precious Moments Shop!

THE PERCIOUS PARTY PACKAGE:

The Precious Party Package has quickly become a hit with moms and children!! It has everything you'll need to plan a birthday celebration your precious one will never forget, from recipes and activities to a party planning checklist. Whether you're planning a blow-out party for an entire grade level or an intimate gathering at home, the Precious Party Package contains all the tools you'll need for a celebration your child will never forget!!!
Precious Party Planning Tools Include:
Children's Birthday Party Checklist

Use the step-by-step checklist to make planning the perfect children's birthday party a snap!
Precious Moments Invitations

All you need is a color printer to create your own Precious Moments Birthday Invitations.
Precious Moments Thank You Notes

Show your appreciation to your party guests with these adorable cards.
Party Ideas & Planning Tips

Suggestions for age-appropriate activities and party flow from an experienced Mom.
Birthday Party Themes

Themes, favor and activity ideas guaranteed to make your party a success.
Flower Power Slumber Party

If a slumber party is on the top of your precious girl's wish list, check out this party kit, complete with games and movie suggestions!
Festive Cupcake Recipe

These individual treats are a great alternative to the traditional birthday cake.

Click here to explore the site for yourself!

Precious Moments, the gift company known for their collectible figurines, helped work on developing this website so that it meets many mothers' desires to integrate spirituality into the everyday life of their families. They were kind enough to send us two of the "Birthday Wishes with Hugs and Kisses" figurine! One to keep and one to giveaway to one of our lucky readers!!! These adorable figurines are the perfect way to mark the passing of another precious year.

Be sure you sign up for their newsletter which contains practical advice and inspirational messages.

Thanks to MomSelect for this great opportunity!

GIVEAWAY TIME:

To WIN the Birthday Wishes With Hugs And Kisses figurine
(A $37.50 Value):

1. Leave a comment letting me know if you would keep it yourself or who you would give it to.

2. Subscribe via feed reader or email (and let me know in a seperate comment) and you will have an extra entry!!
3. Blog about this contest with a link back to my blog (also, let me know in a seperate comment) and you will have another extra entry!!!

*This contest will be open to US residents only.
**This contest will end at Midnight on July 20th and the winner will be announced on July 21st***
The winner will be picked with the random number generator!!!
****Thanks so much for entering****
I will be submitting winner info to PRIZEYWinners!

High School Musical 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We can't wait for this at our house!!!

Life as Mom: Christmas in July! Ideas, Recipes, Giveaways, Fun, Fun, Fun!

Starting July 20th!!

Click the link to join in all the fun!!

Life as Mom: Christmas in July! Ideas, Recipes, Giveaways, Fun, Fun, Fun!

Giving Back at 25 cents a Glass

Lemonade stands are a staple of childhood. This summer, your kids can take part in this timeless tradition while also raising money for charity. Sunkist Growers is distributing 20,000 free cardboard lemonade stands through the end of August to children who pledge to raise money for a charity of their choice. Kids ages 7 to 12 who pledge their commitment to a charity online at www.sunkist.com/takeastand receive a free, 5-foot-high, cardboard lemonade stand. It’s colorful and easy to assemble, with space on the front panel to write in your cost-per-cup of lemonade and your charity of choice.

Train Stop Shirt Dress GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Grosgrain used a very, very soft black and white plaid homespun fabric. To add a splash of color she made the belt and buttons candy apple red. It has a shirt dress fit with retro buttons down the front.

Check out this giveaway by clicking below:

Train Stop Shirt Dress GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Snacktivate! from Kelloggs

To encourage moms to turn snack time into an opportune time for good nutrition and family fun, the Kellogg Company has teamed up with family life expert Deb Geigis Berry and registered dietitian Rachel Brandeis to give moms a way to create healthier snacks for their kids while spending quality time with their kids.

The initiative is called Snacktivate, and it helps moms incorporate kids into meal planning and preparation by providing healthy recipes and snack options that are as much fun to make as they are to eat.

For example, Moms and kids can combine Kellogg's® Frosted Mini-Wheats ®cereal and other baking ingredients and use a Snacktivate recipe to make crunchy peanut butter cookies.

Or, by pressing flax seeds and raw almonds into the cookie dough, they can make the cookie look like a sunflower. Just insert the cookie sticks, bake and enjoy a sunny snack time centerpiece. Each finished Sassy Sunpop provides a sweet snack with about 130 calories and 6 grams of sugar.

Moms and kids end up with a fun craft, a tasty snack and necessary nutrition all from one Snacktivate activity. Even if time is limited, Kellogg offers some great grab-and-go, healthy choices including classic Rice Krispies Treats® Original Squares, with four B vitamins and 90 calories each, and Nutri-Grain® cereal bars made with real fruit and whole oats can be easily packed in the game bag or stored in the car for long trips.

The Kellogg Company provided our family with two boxes of Kellogg's® Frosted Mini-Wheats® cereal, along with instructions on how to use it to make Sassy Sunpops, plus a reusable cereal-on-the-go cup to take a healthy snack with you.

Cereal on the Go is designed to keep milk cold while you travel.

The botttom part is a freezer gel milk container. You simply put the container in the freezer for 4 hours before using so that you milk will stay until you reach your destination!

The top part is your cereal bowl and storage for your dry cereal.

Under the lid of the cereal bowl is a snap in spoon :)

Then place the cereal bowl into the upside down lid to keep your table free of milk drips!!

Now for the TASTE test:

My handy little helper LOVES it!!!

For more information about Snacktivate, to download the free activity book and nutrition facts, visit here!

Thanks so much to Mom Central for another great tasting opportunity :)

Wordless Wednesday ~ Homemade Ice Cream

Don't forget to enter our GIVEAWAY!!!

Join Jordan Pruitt, Samsung, Microsoft & DIRECTV to give students a voice for a brighter, greener future!

Jordan Pruitt Official spokesperson for Samsung's 2008 Hope for Education

About Hope for Education
As a global technology leader, Samsung Electronics America believes in good corporate citizenship. Their worldwide charitable efforts to give back to the communities that nurture us reflect this ideal. Their Hope for Education program illustrates this belief. Hope for Education was created by Samsung in 2004 to support U.S. schools K-12 with the latest technology products to assist in the educational process. Each year the program challenges students, teachers, parents or anyone who knows of a school in need to write an essay regarding the importance of technology in education, and how it can benefit a school in their community. Essays are evaluated by an independent judging committee, and winners earn various awards of Samsung products for their designated school. In the four years since its inception, the program has awarded more than 250 U.S. schools with over $7,000,000 in Samsung electronics and Microsoft software.

About the Contest :
Each year, Samsung's Hope for Education holds a contest where students from schools nationwide can write a 100-word essay about how technology benefits and helps education.

Parents, Teachers, Students, and Administors may submit an essay.

You may submit an essay of no more than 100 words on the following topic:
"How has technology educated you on helping the environment and how or why has it changed your behavior to be more environmentally friendly?"

Essays should focus on:
1. How current or emerging technologies increase your awareness and understanding of environmental issues, and cause you to make environmentally friendly changes in your life.
2. How technology products can be made, used and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
3. Why technology will play an increasingly important role in educating people and helping them to change their lives in an environmentally responsible way.

Entries are open now. Contest will run until August 31, 2008.

Grand Prize

Winning School receives:

$100,000 awarded in the form of Samsung Merchandise

$100,000 awarded in the form of Microsoft software

$5000 (awarded in the form of a check)

one(1) Classroom Assistant Dog

DIRECTV GOES TO SCHOOL® package

First Prize

30 First Prize winning schools receive:

$30,000 awarded in the form of Samsung merchandise

$30,000 awarded in the form of Microsoft Software

$1,000 (awarded in the form of a check)

DIRECTV GOES TO SCHOOL® package.

31 Nominators:

Each Nominator whose entry is determined to be a Grand or First Prize winning entry will receive (1) Samsung Ultra Mobile PC (Model NP-Q1U)