A Mom's Balancing Act

Thousand Words Thursday!

2009-07-16T08:18:00.002-05:00

Not even two years old yet and she already loves to accessorize! :)

Visit Cheaper Than Therapy for more Thousand Words Thursday entries!

Hazelaid: Hazelwood Jewelry For Adults & Babies Giveaway

2009-07-15T12:00:00.016-05:00

If you're like me then you always look for the most natural and non-toxic products out there...especially when it comes to your little one. Before having Kaelyn I really didn't think twice about the products I used...however, after having her my whole perspective on the issue changed completely! It became my top priority to give her the very best start in life and that meant choosing wisely when it came to the products we use...whether it be food, lotions, soaps, cleaners, etc. I am always open to learning about new products available and was excited to be introduced to Hazelaid, a company born from a family who was introduced to the healing properties of all-natural hazelwood products!

The daughter of Severine Stegner and her husband (Hazelaid business owners), was suffering with severe eczema at a very young age at the time they learned about these necklaces. They tried them out and within 2 weeks of her wearing it, her eczema was gone!! That was the beginning of their journey with hazelwood necklaces and their online business, Hazelaid!

The daughter of Severine wearing her necklace at 6 months old

In browsing their website, you'll find that they offer hazelwood necklaces, bracelets and other related products that have natural therapeutic properties. They can help to alleviate teething pain as well as eczema and acid reflux in babies, children and even adults! What I found to be most impressive about these products is that they're all-natural, organic and safe for both babies and adults! Hazelwood has actually been used for hundreds of years by the Native Americans to help alleviate their babies' teething pains. They have since found that it can also help to allieviate many other ailments causing an acidity imbalance in the body, such as....

Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Acid reflux
Heart burn
Ulcers
Acne
Cold sores
Eczema
Headaches
Migraines

These hazelwood products can help you alleviate your/your baby's symptoms in a natural way. Just read some of their testimonials from customers who have used these products.

Their hazelwood necklaces come in adorable baby-safe child models, fashionable adult models, as well as bracelets and anklets. And....here's the best part! Severine has offered one lucky reader a piece of Hazelaid jewelry of their choice (either a child necklace or an adult necklace, bracelet, or anklet)!!

One example of the many baby models

One example of the many adult models

How To Enter To Win: All you have to do is visit Hazelaid and come back leaving me a comment letting me know which piece of Hazelaid jewelry you would choose.

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act. Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to both this post and Hazelaid) and leave me a comment with the URL to that post. Also, be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

3. Follow me on Twitter here

4. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter: You can copy and paste - Hazelaid Jewelry For Babies and Adults Giveaway @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/156Axc

5. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blogroll and leave a comment with the URL to your blog.

8. If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me.

9. Enter my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found at the top in the right-hand column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

10. For THREE extra entries, purchase anything from the Hazelaid website before the end of this giveaway (be sure to leave THREE separate comments when doing so to ensure each entry is counted).

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end July 29th and is open to the US and Canada!

Winner Announced and Giveaway Ending Tomorrow

2009-07-15T11:49:00.005-05:00

Thank you SO much to everyone who entered the following giveaways...all of your comments and interest are greatly appreciated! Be sure to check back frequently...I have some other great giveaways coming very soon!!

My giveaways can always be found towards the top in the right-hand column! There are some great ones going on right now that you don't want to miss!!

And the winner of the Creativity For Kids Giveaway is.....

Commenter #6 Xenia said...."I'm a subscriber"

Also....the NoThrow Giveaway ends tomorrow night! If you haven't already, enter to win today! This is such a handy little thing that makes life MUCH easier for any parent!! Good Luck!

MJM Books: Customized Children's Book Review and Giveaway

2009-07-14T10:34:00.028-05:00

Ever since Kaelyn was very young she has enjoyed having books read to her and looking through them on her own. Many times a day I will find her sitting on the floor looking through books and talking and pointing at pictures as she goes. It's neat to see her learning and developing a love for reading at such a young age! We've noticed she especially enjoys books that have her name in them. We often replace names in books with hers and this sparks her interest for the story even more! I mean, who doesn't love seeing and hearing their name in a story, right?! That's why I love personalized books so much! As a mom, and former early childhood educator, I feel that it's a wonderful way to get kids involved in reading as well as getting them familiar with their own name.

We were recently introduced to MJM Books and their line of customizable children's books. I was impressed as I browsed their website and saw the stories that they offer which are aimed at engaging young children's interest in reading! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review one of their books as well!! I chose the If I Were Big book and was very happy with their customer service and how quickly the book was sent. They make it very easy for you to customize the book, not only with your child's name but also their illustrated likeness. You can choose from a variety of options such as hair color, skin tone, gender, etc. It was neat to receive a book with a little girl that resembled Kaelyn....a feature that I have not found with any of the other personalized books we've seen.

The moment our book arrived in the mail, Kaelyn wanted to read it. We read it once through and she was begging to read it again. The second time through she was pointing to the little girl and saying "Kaelyn" and loved hearing her name throughout the If I Were Big story. It's so neat when parents can make reading fun for children! That's why I appreciate these customizable books and the time put into creating them! They are good quality and offer fun, catchy stories anyone would enjoy! I like that this is a family company, started by three brothers who want to "Make Reading Fun"...a motto they are passionate about when it comes to the children's books they create.

The other two books they offer also look really cute and I am sure would be a great addition to anyone's collection of children's books! They have the, A Day At The Park book as well as the, What Animal Are You? book...both of which I would encourage you to check out on their site where you can actually preview the whole the story...illustrations and all!

Buy It: You can purchase the customized children's books from MJM Books on their website for $15.95 each.

How To Enter To Win: The innovative brothers behind MJM Books have generously offered one of my readers a customized children's book of their choice. To enter to win, all you have to do is visit MJM books and leave me a comment letting me know which book you would choose.

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act. Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to both this post and MJM Books) and leave me a comment with the URL to that post. Also, be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

3. Follow MJM Books on Twitter here

4. Follow me on Twitter here

5. Become a Facebook Fan of MJM Books

6. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter: You can copy and paste - MJM Books Customized Children's Book Giveaway @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/pdy2Z

7. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blogroll and leave a comment with the URL to your blog.

8. If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me.

9. Enter my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found at the top in the right-hand column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

10. For THREE extra entries, purchase anything from the MJM Books website before the end of this giveaway (be sure to leave THREE separate comments when doing so to ensure each entry is counted).

Free Veggie Tales DVD!

2009-07-13T23:48:00.005-05:00

Thanks to "Cents"able Momma, I came across a great "freebie" for those who enjoy receiving free stuff in the mail!! I am always utilizing the free sample page on sites like Walmart which is always fun, but I was really excited to see that it was possible to get a Veggie Tales DVD for free. You can receive one of the three DVDs pictured below for free when you sign up for their Veggie Tales e-newsletter...all you have to do is pay $2.99 in shipping. I thought that was great for a DVD...I couldn't pass up an offer like this...especially one from the Veggie Tales which Kaelyn adores!

The Spunky Monkey Traceable Wall Mural Giveaway

2009-07-13T12:19:00.016-05:00

As a Mom to a toddler with our second baby on the way...I can't tell you how much I enjoy finding new sites offering unique children's clothing, accessories, gifts and decor...especially when those products help to make my life a bit easier! About a month ago I happened to come across The Spunky Monkey. This is a super cute online store with so much to offer parents....Stacy has it full of unique items that everyone will love! Whether it be personalized baby gear or decor....The Spunky Monkey has it all! Even if you don't have young children, The Spunky Monkey would be a fantastic place to find all kinds of great baby shower gifts! You definitely have to check it out!!

As we have been transitioning Kaelyn to her new room and 'big girl bed', I have been enjoying browsing for unique decor ideas. Decorating a little girls room is so much fun! I was happy to find many options on The Spunky Monkey Website. I was thrilled to see that they had accessories, cute storage solutions, wall murals, shelving, and much more....all in one place! I would have to say the biggest thing I was hung up on for so long was how to paint her walls. That's why I was so excited to find Trace Designs Traceable Wall Murals in The Spunky Monkey online store, which give you a professional looking wall mural for your kids room and nursery decor with just three easy steps that anyone can do!! I would have to say my favorite design would probably be the Repeating Diamonds ....as it would look absolutely adorable in Kaelyn's new room!!

What's even better is that Stacy over at The Spunky Monkey is generously offering one of my readers their choice of a traceable wall mural!!

How To Enter To Win: To enter to win all you have to do is visit The Spunky Monkey and leave me a comment letting me know which Traceable Wall Mural you would choose!

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act. Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to both this post and The Spunky Monkey) and leave me a comment with the URL to that post. Also, be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

3. Follow The Spunky Monkey on Twitter here

4. Follow me on Twitter here (if you already do, leave me a comment letting me know)

5. Become a Facebook Fan of The Spunky Monkey

6. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter: You can copy and paste - Spunky Monkey Traceable Wall Mural Giveaway @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/AI5ob

7. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blogroll and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

8. If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me.

9. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found at the top in the right-hand column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

10. For TWO extra entries, sign up for The Spunky Monkey monthly e-mail newsletter (can be found on the right side of their website at the top....type in your e-mail address and click go!)

11. For FIVE extra entries, purchase anything from The Spunky Monkey website before the end of this giveaway (be sure to leave FIVE separate comments when doing so to ensure each entry is counted).

Creativity For Kids Giveaway Ends TONIGHT!

2009-07-13T12:11:00.002-05:00

The Creativity For Kids: Big Fun Crafts Kit Giveaway Ends TONIGHT! If you haven't already, hurry for your chance to win and enter today!! This is a super neat kit full of creative things you and your children can do together!

My other giveaways you may want to check out....

NoThrow Giveaway-Ends July 16th
Zutano $75 Gift Certificate Giveaway-Ends July 20th
ThumbPeople Children's Book and Giveaway-Ends July 21st
Midwest Dairy Council Coupons/Prize Pack Giveaway-Ends July 23rd

Winners Announced!

2009-07-12T13:24:00.014-05:00

My giveaways can always be found towards the top in the right-hand column! There are some great ones going on right now that you don't want to miss!!

I have winner's for FOUR giveaways to announce:

The winner of the AppleCheeks Cloth Diaper Giveaway is....

Commenter #347: Jessie Kaitlin said - "i subscribed 2"

The winner of the Baggino Learner's Bib is.....

Commenter #37: Tj and Amy said - "I have your button."

The winner of the Aunt LaLa's Baby Log is....

Commenter #44: Kristen said: "Following RosieBear on Twitter! #1"

The winner of the Itzbeen Baby Care Monitor is...

Commenter #72: Janet and Maya said - "I like that it has a backlight so that you can read it in the dark."

Baby Gear Wishlist

2009-07-10T16:19:00.005-05:00

We just had our 20 week ultrasound Wednesday for our second baby and it was so great to see him/her again!! The weeks just keep flying by...I can't get over how quickly this pregnancy is going compared to the first. As we walked out of the Drs office after having made our next three appointments which bring us even closer to the due date, I realized how many things we still need now that we're adding another little one to our family. One of these things was a twin stroller. I'd really like a side by side stroller...that's why I was THRILLED to see that Dee over at Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House is giving away one Indie Twin Stroller from Bumbleride!! I couldn't help but pass it along as I thought it was so great with parents who have more than one child!! Entering is super easy...just make sure you do it before it comes to an end on August 11th!!

Dairy Makes Sense: Midwest Dairy Council Giveaway (IA, MN, ND, & SD Residents!)

2009-07-09T13:05:00.009-05:00

As many of you may already have known...June was Dairy Month. It's a great reminder to us all of the benefits of dairy, not only nutritionally, but also for those who are looking to maintain their healthy lifestyle while still sticking within a budget (especially given the current state of our economy)!

Just a few quick facts on milk and dairy that may be of interest to you....

Milk packs nine essential nutrients at only 25 cents per glass. Many designer drinks, sodas, and fruit drinks are high in calories and expensive!
Though protein is one of the most expensive parts of the diet, dairy foods are one of the most economical sources of protein and calcium, both of which are important for the growth and development of strong bones and teeth.
A 1 oz serving of hard cheese, like cheddar for instance, contains 8 grams of protein, and an 8 oz serving of yogurt provides nearly a third of your suggest daily calcium intake.

These are just a few of many facts which can be found at Dairy Makes Sense. I am thankful to have come across this site after being introduced to it on behalf of the Midwest Dairy Council. It's a wonderful resource where you'll find a variety of nutrition value tips and information, as well as a number of recipes you can try out. I really appreciated the shopping tips that are given.

I am so excited to celebrate the benefits of dairy with you by hosting a giveaway so generously sponsored by the Midwest Dairy Council! They are offering 7 readers a prize pack full of coupons and more! This giveaway is open to those who live in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. Each of the 7 winners will receive a coupon bundle as well as some other great items as pictured:

2 FREE Land O Lakes milk coupons
1 Old Home or Gaymont Product Coupon
4 Borden Single Sensations Cheese "one free and $1 for a friend" coupon
Reusable grocery bag
Jump Rope for Kids (or the kid at heart)
Recipe Booklets
Magnetic Fridge Pad

Don't miss out on your chance to continue to stay healthy and get some FREE groceries!!

How To Enter To Win: All you have to do is visit Dairy Makes Sense and leave me a comment letting me know something you learned!

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act. Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to both this post and the Midwest Dairy Council) and leave me a comment with the URL to that post. Also, be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blogroll and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. Digg this giveaway ("Digg This" can be found at the bottom of this post) and leave me a comment once you have done so.

5. If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me and let me know once you have.

6. Follow me on Twitter here (if you already do, leave me a comment letting me know)

7. Tweet about this giveaway. You may copy and paste the following...Dairy Makes Sense: Midwest Dairy Council Giveaway - dairy coupons/prize pack for MN, IA, ND and SD residents http://bit.ly/QrOCH

8. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found at the top in the right-hand column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Thousand Words Thursday

2009-07-09T12:51:00.005-05:00

Watching fireworks for the very first time this 4th of July!!

Visit Cheaper Than Therapy for more Thousand Words Thursday entries!

ThumbPeople Review and Giveaway

2009-07-07T11:55:00.018-05:00

I believe it's very important to speak positive words over our children! Words truly are powerful and have the ability to build someone up or tear them down. It's important to surround their daily lives with love and encouragement. That's why I was so impressed with ThumbPeople! I was recently introduced to this company and from the start knew that it was something I would be interested in learning more about. Their products are based on the verse, Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Their goal is to help develop self worth within children and their Thumbuddy character in the books they have encourages children to embrace their uniqueness and leave their imprint in the world. Just as your thumb leaves a thumbprint that's one of a kind...your life leaves a one of a kind imprint in the world as well.

I am thankful to have had the opportunity to review four of their many wonderful products. I was sent the Thumbuddy You board book, the children's music CD You Are Thumbuddy, the Words of Love CD and Lesson #1 from their Preschool Curriculum for Church which goes along with the Thumbuddy You book.

The board book, Thumbuddy You, is adorable and one I would recommend to anyone with young children! It's all about how Thumbuddy is a miracle and so is your child. What a positive message for anyone to hear! What Kaelyn enjoyed most about this book was that it is simple and has bright colorful pictures to go along with each page. She loved listening to me read it over and over again, especially when I replaced the word "you" with her name! It's always fun to listen to a story that's personalized just for you!

The two CD's we received were great as well! I love how many of the songs on the children's CD, You Are Thumbuddy, are familiar tunes to both parents and children alike. It was easy to catch on to the songs that way. What's best is that each song offers empowering and positive words. Kaelyn just loved it. We both find ourselves dancing around singing them. The Words of Love CD is one I really enjoyed...it was so relaxing to listen to! The words of encouragement and blessings spoken over soothing music are incredible!

As a former preschool teacher I was thrilled to also receive Lesson #1 from their "For My Church" Preschool Curriculum. There are seven lessons (one that goes along with each book). The You Are Thumbuddy CD is also incorporated into each lesson as well. In reviewing this lesson I could tell that it would be a lot of fun for both teachers and children. It included goals to help your child know that they are special, music and movements, activities that are age appropriate, crafts that help to make the lesson more meaningful to children, activities to do at home, dialogue for leaders and other simple instructions. I was amazed at all that was included in this one lesson! The layout was so easy to follow and everything you need for the lesson is right there...including activity pages, etc. I enjoyed it so much that I would love to get the rest of the Preschool Curriculum to do with my own children at some point.

The message ThumbPeople portrays through their music, books, and curriculum is amazingly powerful! It's so important to believe in one's self and to know that you are a unique and special miracle with so many wonderful things to offer this world. They give you and your child a wonderful opportunity to spend time with one another and bond in such a special way.

That's why I am thrilled that ThumbPeople has generously offered one of my readers the Thumbuddy You book along with the You Are Thumbuddy children's CD.

How To Enter To Win: To enter to win all you have to do is visit ThumbPeople and leave me a comment letting me know a product they carry that you like.

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act. Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to both this post and ThumbPeople) and leave me a comment with the URL to that post. Also, be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

3. Follow ThumbPeople on Twitter here

4. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blogroll and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

5. Digg this giveaway ("Digg This" can be found at the bottom of this post) and leave me a comment once you have done so.

6. If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me and let me know once you have.

7. Follow me on Twitter here (if you already do, leave me a comment letting me know)

8. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter and include a link back to this post.

9. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found at the top in the right-hand column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

10. For FIVE extra entries, purchase anything from the ThumbPeople website before the end of this giveaway (be sure to leave FIVE separate comments when doing so to ensure each entry is counted).

Zutano Review and Giveaway

2009-07-06T15:54:00.015-05:00

Two new parents who realized how limited their choice of baby clothing really was when it came to style, fit, and originality, decided to take their artistic talent and creativity and started Zutano! I don't know about you, but I often find the selection of baby clothes out there to primarily be pink or blue. While that's fine in some instances, it's also nice to have a variety of colors and style for Kaelyn. That's why I was so happy to come across Zutano and the quality line of baby clothes they offer. They even have an Itzy Bitzy line just for premies and newborns up to 3 months old. There are two sizes in this particular line....4-8 lbs and 9-13 lbs. It would have been great had I known about the Itzy Bitzy line from Zutano when Kaelyn was first born, but I'm happy I have the chance to get some cute clothes for this next baby!!

Zutano was kind enough to let me review a few pieces from their collection for Kaelyn. The moment I opened the package I was already impressed. I could tell that they were high quality and even cuter in person! What I liked about the clothes we received, as well as all those offered on their website is that they are easy to mix and match. The options are truly endless. Between the cute designs and great colors....many outfits can be made from just a few pieces of clothing. I love this. Having an option like this means saving money and super cute outfits!!

If you're looking for unique, high quality, and cute baby clothes, I would urge you to check out Zutano. They are a perfect way to add style to any little one's wardrobe and would make a fantastic baby gift for anyone!!

Buy It: You can purchase Zutano items online or in a number of stores easily found with their store finder.

Zutano has generously offered one of my readers a $75 gift card for their Itzy Bitzy shop (newborn sizes)!

How To Enter To Win: To enter to win all you have to do is visit Zutano and leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite print or item is.

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act (can be found along the right-hand column) and leave me a comment once you do. (If you already do, leave me a comment letting me know). Also, be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to both this post and Zutano) and leave me a comment with the URL to that post. Also, be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

3. Follow Zutano on Twitter here

4. Become a fan of Zutano on Facebook

5. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blogroll and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

6. Digg this giveaway ("Digg This" can be found at the bottom of this post) and leave me a comment once you have done so.

7. If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me and let me know once you have.

8. Follow me on Twitter here (if you already do, leave me a comment letting me know)

9. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter and include a link back to this post.

10. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found at the top in the right-hand column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

11. For FIVE extra entries, purchase anything from the Zutano website before the end of this giveaway (be sure to leave FIVE separate comments when doing so to ensure each entry is counted).

AppleCheeks Cloth Diaper Giveaway Ends Tonight!

2009-07-03T07:33:00.001-05:00

The AppleCheeks Cloth Diaper Giveaway ends TONIGHT!! You won't want to miss your chance to win one of these high quality and adorable reusable diapers!

On a side note: Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July!! Have a GREAT weekend!!

Baggino Learner's Bib Giveaway Ends TONIGHT!

2009-07-02T19:48:00.003-05:00

The Baggino Learner's Bib Giveaway Ends TONIGHT! Hurry for your chance to win!!

Also don't forget to checkout my other giveaways going on...all can be found in the upper right column!

A Thousand Words Thursday

2009-07-02T19:24:00.004-05:00

With our second baby on the way, I knew we needed to transition Kaelyn to her "big girl bed" sooner than later. We decided to do it this week. We made a BIG deal about her new bed and she got very excited! I wasn't sure what to expect...would she get out of bed in the middle of the night and play?....turns out she absolutely loves sleeping it and stays there all night and throughout naptime! In fact, she likes it so much that she asks to go to bed. She runs back to her bedroom the moment we say it's time to go to sleep. I'm so glad it's gone smoothly....our little girl is getting so big!

Daddy and Kaelyn trying out her new bed!

Visit Cheaper Than Therapy for more Thousand Words Thursday entries!

NoThrow Review and Giveaway

2009-07-02T15:59:00.005-05:00

When Kaelyn was younger she thought it was a fun game to throw her sippy cup on the floor and say "uh oh". It was cute the first few times, but then became very tiring for us. She doesn't do this anymore, but I do find that when we travel and she's in her carseat or stroller that it falls to the floor or ground a lot. That's why I was excited to find the NoThrow....a product I know we would have gotten much use out of when Kaelyn was younger...and one we'll use for years to come!!

I am so thankful that twin sisters, Karla and Karen, came up with a solution to keep bottles and sippy cups in place. This is truly a product that all parents will find useful for babies/kids of all ages! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review a NoThrow and can tell you this product is absolutely genius!! It's simple design of unique tether and a Velcro strap make it super easy to use and most importantly...it really works!! All you have to do is attach the velcro end to the sippy cup or bottle and then hook it to a car seat, stroller, high chair, etc. It definitely makes travel a lot easier and less stressful!

Buy It: The NoThrow can be found at Walgreens locations, select baby boutiques, many grocery stores and on the NoThrow website. It comes in 16 different designs!

The generous people behind NoThrow have offered one lucky reader a NoThrow of their own!

How To Enter To Win: To enter all you have to do is visit the NoThrow website and leave me a comment letting me know which design is your favorite.

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act (can be found along the right-hand column) and leave me a comment once you do. (If you already do, leave me a comment letting me know). Also, be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to both this post and NoThrow) and leave me a comment with the URL to that post. Also, be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

3. Follow NoThrow on Twitter here

4. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blogroll and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

5. Digg this giveaway ("Digg This" can be found at the bottom of this post) and leave me a comment once you have done so.

6. If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me and let me know once you have.

7. Follow me on Twitter here (if you already do, leave me a comment letting me know)

8. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter and include a link back to this post.

9. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found at the top in the right-hand column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

10. For THREE extra entries, purchase a NoThrow from their website before the end of this giveaway (be sure to leave THREE separate comments when doing so to ensure each entry is counted).

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end July 16th and is open to US/Canada!

Giveaways Ending Soon....

2009-06-30T20:09:00.003-05:00

Two fantastic Giveaways are ending this week!! Hurry for your chance to win!!

The Baggino Learner's Bib Giveaway ends this Thursday, July 2nd!! We just love ours. It saves on huge messes and works perfectly as an art smock as well!

For anyone looking for a quality cloth diaper....don't forget the AppleCheeks Cloth Diaper Giveaway which ends this Friday, July 3rd!

Don't miss the other giveaways going on...and stay tuned for more to come!

The Itzbeen Baby Care Timer Giveaway - Ends July 6th (US Only)
The Creativity For Kids: Big Fun Crafts Kit Giveaway - Ends July 13th (Us/Canada)

The I Believe Bunny Book Review

2009-06-30T19:33:00.004-05:00

I was introduced to the new series of books, The I Believe Bunny, by Thomas Nelson Publishers. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to review one of these books that teaches children how to put their Faith into action. It delivers a sweet story, as well as a message that teaches nothing is impossible for God and no matter how little we may be, He can do big things through us! This message of Faith and the Power of Prayer is a wonderful encouragement to anyone reading this story...young and old alike!

The moment I opened this book I was impressed. It begins with a scripture that relates to the story you are about to read. As I read it with my 20 month old daughter, I found the pictures to be captivating and ones that truly made the story come to life. The author uses a rhyming tone that makes the story flow well and something a child can listen to and enjoy quite easily. Kaelyn just loved this story and I forsee her enjoying it for many years to come!

The publishers recommend this book for ages 4-8, but in my opinion a child is never to young to share God's Word or the joy of reading! I would recommend this book to anyone with children...it's one you'll find yourself reading many times throughout the years!!

Creativity For Kids Review and Giveaway

2009-06-29T12:04:00.008-05:00

I am always looking for new and fun things Kaelyn and I can do together that encourage learning and creativity. I think a bit of this comes from my past work as a Preschool Teacher....but more than anything...like any parent, I just enjoy seeing her learn and having fun while she's doing it! Although young, she is learning constantly. Whether it be through the books she reads, the children programs she watches, or interaction with kids and adults...I can always see that she's learning something new! It's one of the most amazing things to witness as a parent!

I was recently given the opportunity to review one of the craft kits from Creativity For Kids and was thrilled to do so! Their mission as found on their website is: To provide children with experiences that stimulate and encourage their natural creativity. Our open-ended products offer fun-filled opportunities for children to create, pretend, explore and learn! I found this statement to be very true of their products as we reviewed the Make Your Own Animal Puppets kit. I liked how the kit made it possible for kids to be creative. There wasn't a specific way you had to do something....in fact, there weren't even directions. It gives children the opportunity create and explore in a way which is meaningful to them.

The Make Your Own Animal Puppets kit comes with three socks (to be made into animal puppets). There were also felt shapes, fur, pom poms, yarn, and wiggly eyes as well. Using these materials....a child can create any animal they want. They show examples on the box of a shark, cow, pig, etc....but the choices are endless with a little imagination! This kit is made for children 3 years of age and older because of the small parts. I found that although Kaelyn is younger than that...she still enjoyed it immensely...with adult supervision of course since there are small parts! It was a great sensory and fine motor experience for her....and a wonderful opportunity for her to become more familiar with different animals and colors as well! We had so much fun! Another great thing about this kit was that no glue was needed! It wasn't messy at all....so clean up was a breeze!

If you're looking for fun and creative activities to do with your children...Creativity For Kids would be a great place to start! You can check out their fantastic products on their website, and can even purchase them there. There's also a handy store locator on their site as well.

How To Enter To Win: I'm so excited because Creativity For Kids has has generously offered one of their Big Fun Crafts Kits to one of my readers!! To enter, all you have to do is visit the Creativity For Kids website and leave me a comment letting me know one other product they carry that you like.

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act (can be found along the right-hand column) and leave me a comment once you do. (If you already do, leave me a comment letting me know). Also, be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For TWO extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to both this post and Creativity For Kids) and leave me a comment with the URL to that post. Also, be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blogroll and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. Digg this giveaway ("Digg This" can be found at the bottom of this post) and leave me a comment once you have done so.

5. If you have Entrecard, drop your card on me and let me know once you have.

6. Follow me on Twitter here (if you already do, leave me a comment letting me know)

7. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter and include a link back to this post.

8. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found at the top in the right-hand column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

9. For THREE extra entries, purchase anything from Creativity For Kids before the end of this giveaway (be sure to leave THREE separate comments when doing so to ensure each entry is counted).

Aunt LaLa's Baby Log Giveaway Ends Tonight!

2009-06-29T12:02:00.002-05:00

The Aunt LaLa's Baby Log Giveaway will end tonight, June 29th! Hurry for your chance to win one of these great journals! They are perfect for keeping track of all those diaper changes, feedings, sleep schedules, etc when your baby is born! Would make a fantastic baby shower gift as well!

Also...don't forget to checkout the other giveaways I have going on and keep your eye out for more great giveaways to come very soon!

Mom Needs Chocolate: Hugs, Humor and Hope for Surviving Motherhood Review

2009-06-29T09:02:00.000-05:00

Having never heard of it before, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I had the opportunity to review Mom Needs Chocolate: Hugs, Humor, and Hope For Surviving Motherhood, but once I received it I haven't been able to put it down! This book/devotional is packed full of humor, biblical insight and more! Each devotion is 3-4 pages and covers many aspects of a mother's life...pregnancy, children, marriage and more! Author, Debora M. Coty begins each with a heartwarming story and applies scripture to real life situations! She then ends it with a prayer and questions for personal devotion and reflection. I love that I can SO relate to much of what is written in this book and enjoyed the humor this author has added. It is very easy reading and perfect for the busy moms out there! I thoroughly enjoyed it and plan on giving it to many of the mom's I know!

Here's the book's description as found on the back cover of Mom Needs Chocolate:

"Your spirit yearns to soar, but your feet---and faith---are stuck in the diaper-by-diaper mud of everyday responsibilities. How can you de-muck when you're chronically exhausted and relentlessly robbed of abundant life by the joy-sucking dully-funks? Mom Needs Chocolate will help you get back in touch with rejuvenating joy and empowering faith! In mom-to-mom, smile-eliciting style, humorist Debora Coty paints her offbeat picture of reality with a tangy twist, and offers outrageous coping tips, off-the-wall insights, sisterly hugs, and warm encouragement. With witty frankness and wild abandon, she tackles the highs and lows (and mediums) of marriage, the horror of embarrassing children, the defeat of depression, aging gracefully, and a veritable grocery list of other mud-between-your-toes issues. You will glimpse the all-too-familiar in these hilarious and heartwarming stories, and remember how to hear God's still, small voice above blathering kids, howling pets and snarling traffic!"

Mom Needs Chocolate can be found on Amazon.com

Ebeanstalk: Educational Learning Toys

2009-06-27T07:11:00.003-05:00

I'm sure many of you have heard of Ebeanstalk before, but if you haven't...I wanted to give you quick idea of what they're all about. Ebeanstalk has a group of 700 moms and 5 child experts that pick ALL of their toys and match them to a child's stage of development! This is great because you know that these items have been chosen by those who know and have kids of their own!

I was browsing their website the other day and was impressed not only with their user friendly website, but also with the large selection of educational toys that they offer! What I like about their learning toys is that they are divided into groups based on age. I am always looking for toys that are developmentally appropriate for our 20 month old daughter...and Ebeanstalk has made that very easy. There are so many great choices with information on how this is positively effecting your child's development for each!

What an easy way to shop for those educational toys you've been wanting for your kids. With Ebeanstalk you know you're getting something that's high quality and that has had a lot of thought put into it. Oh...and not to mention great prices too!!

Check them out if you get a chance!

Aunt LaLa's Baby Log Giveaway Ends Monday Night!

2009-06-26T22:31:00.004-05:00

The Aunt LaLa's Baby Log Giveaway ends in just three days...Monday Night!! Don't miss out on your chance to win this super cute journal!! Whether it's something you'd like to use for yourself and your little one...or something you'd like to give as a baby gift....hurry and enter today!!

Also be sure to check out the other giveaways I have going....and stay tuned for more to come!!

Current Giveaways:

*Baggino Learner's Bib - Ends 7/2

*AppleCheeks Cloth Diaper Giveaway - Ends 7/3

*Itzbeen Baby Care Timer - Ends 7/6

FREE Murad Acne Spot Treatment Deluxe Sample from Sephora!

2009-06-26T22:28:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't like free right?!? Well, I learned from Zack, aka Coupon Dad, that right now you can get a FREE Murad Acne Spot Treatment Deluxe sample at Sephora!! Now through July 31, 2009 (while supplies last) you can get this sample by just asking the sales associate in store or by using the online code: MURADACNE3! It's that easy!

Note: Not valid at Sephora inside JCPenney or the Sephora Canada stores

What's great is that there's no purchase necessary! Check it out and get your free sample today!