What Mommies Need

Review and Giveaway: Uncle Sam's Cereal

2009-10-10T20:20:00.005-05:00

Finding a breakfast that is low in sugar for the family is not an easy task. I always worry about how much sugar Wyatt is ingesting before he heads of to school. Well, U.S. Mills has answered my concerns with their Uncle Sam's Original Cereal.

Uncle Sam's Original Cereal is a high fiber cereal and is made from a unique blend of toasted whole grain wheat flakes and flaxseed. Each bowl is full of powerful, heart healthy ALA Omega-3's from flaxseed, is low sodium and low sugar (with less than 1g sugars). Best of all, the toasted whole grain wheat flakes and flaxseed stay crispy and crunchy from the first spoonful to the last.

Uncle Sam's was nice enough to send my family a box of Original Cereal to try. Wyatt has just started eating cereal and was happy to try this one out. I did add a banana to sweeten it up some, which did the trick. He ate it up and I knew that he would stay full without the sugar rush when he gets to school.

Uncle Sam's cereal is available in Original and Mixed Berry. They also offer a variety of instant oatmeals. If you are trying to cut down on sugar for your family's breakfast, give Uncle Sam's a try.

Would you like to try a box of Uncle Sam's Original Cereal? One lucky winner will receive TWO boxes of Uncle Sam's cereal and a coupon keeper. Just follow the rules below for your chance.

How to Enter:
1) Visit Uncle Sam's and tell which of their products your family would like to try!

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)
2) Subscribe to my blog.
3) Favorite me in technorati.
4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/
6) Put my button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 24th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.
You must leave a valid email to win(or have one in your profile)!

Falling Into Fall Giveaway #7 Bake Me A Wish

2009-10-10T19:32:00.002-05:00

One of best things about Fall is all those yummy deserts that accompanies the season. Whether it be pumkin bread or sweet potato pie, they all have their special place with me. This is the time of year that I love to bake, because the oven warms the house along with all those pleasent smells.

So, when I found the Caramel Apple Crumb Cake from Bake Me a Wish, I knew it would be a perfect treat for Fall! This is the perfect treat for either a Halloween Party or Thanksgiving Day.

Bake Me a Wish! is the premium nationwide service for delivery of gourmet birthday cakes. Our cakes are made with only the finest, freshest ingredients by an award-winning family run New York bakery that also supplies pastries to some of Manhattan's most elite restaurants.

Through careful cost control and air-tight delivery systems, we are also happy to be able to bring you our fine cakes at an extremely affordable price. Now, whether it's your son in college, your trusted associate, your old friend, or your granddaughter across the country, you will always have a simple and wonderful way to remember them on that important day of the year."

Bridgette got a yummy crumb cake to try and this is what she thought:

When the Caramel Apple Crumb Cake arrived, I couldn't wait to cut into it! From the moment I opened the box, the aroma of cinnamon filled the air. The cake was not only delicious and moist, but was beautiful as well. The packaging was perfect and would make a great hostess gift for holiday parties.

This holiday season, why spend hours in the kitchen creating the perfect dessert when you can have it delivered to your doorstep? Bake Me a Wish offers many varieties of cakes including a Magic Bar Brownie Cake, a Red Velvet Chocolate Cake, and a Boston Cream Cake.

Want to try the fabulous flavors at Bake Me a Wish? They have generously offered one lucky reader their choice of a Carrot Cake or Caramel Apple Cake of their very own! All you have to do is follow the rules below, and then visit The Not-So-Blog and enter over there. That's right we are giving you double the chances to win! Entries will be combined before winner is pulled.

How to Enter:
1. Visit Bake Me a Wish and let me know another cake that you would love to eat!

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)
2) Subscribe to my blog.
3) Favorite me in technorati.
4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/
6) Put my button on your sidebar.
7) Enter this giveaway at The Not-So-Blog.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 23rd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only

Fall Into Fall: Giveaway #6 Warm Biscuit Treat Bag

2009-10-08T11:23:00.009-05:00

Here we are with Giveaway #6 and it is a must have for your Trick or Treaters!

Halloween is such a fun time for my family! The weather is starting to cool off and we start pulling out all our fun decorations and pumpkin scented candles. We start discussing Halloween costumes and all the accessories that accompany them. This will be Blake's first year of trick or treating, so he needed his very own treat bag. I am always on the look-out for those cute personalized items for my boys, which is how I found Warm Biscuit.

Warm Biscuit might be known for their selection of Kids Bedding, Fabrics, and Custom Sewing, but they have a great selection of holiday items as well. I found this awesome personalized Scaredy Cat treat bag for Blake and they have everything you need for your Halloween Party. From games and invites to decorations, this is one stop shopping.

Warm Biscuit's store has some great items available at some really reasonable prices. Be sure to keep Warm Biscuit in mind while Holiday Shopping this year, since they have a wide variety of classic toys for both boys and girls available in their gift shop.

Does your little one need a new treat bag? Warm Biscuit has offered one lucky reader the Halloween Bag of their choice from their store. All you have to do is follow the rules below, and then visit The Not-So-Blog and enter over there. That's right we are giving you double the chances to win! Entries will be combined before winner is pulled.

How to Enter:
1. Visit Warm Biscuit and tell me another item that you loved.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 22nd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

Winners!!

2009-10-08T09:12:00.002-05:00

Congrats to all the winners!!

Edward's Singles

Nancy S.
Here are your random numbers:

91
Timestamp: 2009-10-08 14:15:55 UTC

Stride Rite SRT Shoes

degood

Here are your random numbers:

104
Timestamp: 2009-10-08 14:21:05 UTC

Forte $30 Crate and Barrel Gift Card
Donna

Here are your random numbers:

286
Timestamp: 2009-10-08 14:22:50 UTC

Hasbro Games
cdziuba-Sweet Celebration Candy Land

staci-Spongebob Operation

Here are your random numbers:

87
15
Timestamp: 2009-10-08 14:24:54 UTC

Avon Fall Fashions

Linda K
Here are your random numbers:

1
Timestamp: 2009-10-08 14:28:28 UTC

Please claim your prize within 72 hours!Thanks to all who entered.

Fall Into Fall: Giveaway #5 Pumpkin Cookie Decorating Kit from Copper Gifts

2009-10-07T21:22:00.003-05:00

I love to bake with my boys, especially when the holidays roll around. We have done turkey cookies and chicken cake pops, but we have yet to try something for Halloween. If you like baking with your kid, you have to check out Copper Gifts. They have the cutest cookie decorating sets and they come with everything that you need.

Bridgette reviewed the Pumpkin Cookie Decorating Set and here is what she thinks:

When I found this Pumpkin Cookie Decorating Set from Copper Gifts, I began to feel like maybe (I said maybe) I would be able to contribute something creative to her Halloween party this year. About Copper Gifts:

"The cookie cutter line offered by CopperGifts.com is unique in that every cookie cutter is hand-made and hand-soldered. The soldered seam makes for a permanent closure that food particles cannot get into. Pastry Chefs and Bakeries love these heirloom quality cookie cutters because they are strong, safe and hold their shape even after years of repeated use.

BRAMAN cookie cutters come in six various sizes ranging from tiny all the way up to huge. The larger cookie cutters all have handles. The tiny and the regular size cutters do not need handles, but bakeries often request them. CopperGifts.com is a family owned and operated company that operates on the principles of traditional craftsmanship and small town business ethics."

Armed with my Grandmother's cookie recipe, and the 5 piece kit which includes Copper Pumpkin Cookie Cutter No. 1, 4-1/4 x 3-7/8, 1 bottle of Orange Sanding Sugar, 1 bottle of Wilton Orange Icing Color, 1 tube of Brown Cookie/Candy Writer, and 1 tube of Wilton Green Icing Writer, I set out to make cookies with my 4 year old daughter that we could both be proud of.

The Pumpkin Cookie Decorating Kit supplied everything I needed to create the perfect cookie. The copper cookie cutter was first rate and the decorating supplies were very easy to use. Lily helped every step along the way and together we made memories that will last long after the cookies are gone.

I can honestly say that the pumpkin cookies came out WAY better than I ever expected. They tasted yummy and looked even better! Lily and I can't wait to bake another batch for her class party in a few short weeks!

Copper Gifts can supply you with all of your cookie cutters, decorating supplies and baking accessories to make your next class party, birthday celebration or baby shower a success!

Do you want to create delicious, beautiful cookies? Copper Gifts has generously offered one Pumpkin Cookie Decorating Kit (ARV $19.89) to one lucky reader! All you have to do is follow the rules below, and then visit The Not-So-Blog and enter over there. That's right we are giving you double the chances to win! Entries will be combined before winner is pulled.

How to Enter:
1. Visit Copper Gifts and tell me another product you love

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)
2) Subscribe to my blog.
3) Favorite me in technorati.
4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/
6) Put my button on your sidebar.
7) Enter this giveaway at The Not-So-Blog.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 21st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

Review and Giveaway: Eucerin and Aquaphor

2009-10-07T20:33:00.004-05:00

Aquaphor is one of those items that we use at our house daily. Due to Wyatt's outbreaks of eczema, we must keep him extremely moisturized and Aquaphor does the trick. We first started to use Aquaphor when it was recommended by Wyatt's dermatologist.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment, which is made by Eucerin, protects dry, cracked or irritated skin to help enhance the natural healing process and restore smooth, healthy skin. Aquaphor does this by creating a protective barrier which seals in moisture. It soothes and helps protect extremely dry, chapped or chafed skin and lips caused by winter weather and is fragrance-free, preservative-free, and non-irritating.

Eucerin products are made with high quality ingredients and are clinically-proven to help keep your skin healthy.

Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion SPF 30 combines intensive moisturization with SPF 30 in a lightweight, non-greasy formula. It is easily-absorbed and provides 24 hour moisturization. It can be worn alone or under makeup and is fragrance-free, oil-free, non-irritating, and non-comedogenic which won't clog pores.

Eucerin Everyday Protection Body Lotion SPF 15 offers protection from incidental sun exposure and free radical damage while intensive moisturizers relieve your dry skin. It is formulated with a blend of sunscreens including titanium dioxide, and provides a broad spectrum of UVA/UVB protection to help prevent skin aging, long-term skin damage and skin cancer. Its non-greasy, moisturizing formula is clinically proven to relieve dry skin for 24 hours.

Both of these products are recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Eucerin was nice enough to send me samples of all three of these products to try. Since we are already huge fans of the Aquaphor, I can say that it is a great product for dry skin and eczema prone areas. It is greasy, but it does the job really well. I have not found another over the counter ointment that keeps Wyatt's skin healthy.

Both Everday Lotions are also really good. I have been using the face lotion on Wyatt mostly, but have also taken my turn trying it out. I find that both product leave my skin moisturized without being greasy and has not caused any breakouts on either of us. I would purchase any of these items for my family and think that Eucerin focuses on sensitive skin which is a huge must for my household.

Eucerin has offered one lucky reader a chance to win one bottle of Eucerin Everyday Protection Body Lotion SPF 15 and one bottle of Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion SPF 30. All you have to do for your chance is follow the rules below.

How to Enter:
1) Visit Eucerin and tell which of their products would be most beneficial to your family!

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)
2) Subscribe to my blog.
3) Favorite me in technorati.
4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/
6) Put my button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 21st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

You must leave a valid email to win(or have one in your profile)!

Wordless Wednesday: How Many Watts is your Bulb

2009-10-06T23:00:00.000-05:00

My husband found these in our house and asked me if I saw anything odd about them.

Funny, I didn't know that light bulbs were sold in a 67 Watt variety.LOL

Review: Safety 1st Complete Air Car Seat

2009-10-05T20:33:00.004-05:00

With Blake quickly outgrowing his current car seat, we went on the hunt for a new one. I had remembered seeing the New Complete Air Car Seat on display at BlogHer, so we did some research on this seat and this is what we found out.

The New Safety 1st Complete Air Convertible Car Seat with Air Protect Side Impact Technology is perfect for infants rear-facing from 5-40 lbs. and 19"-40" and toddlers forward-facing from 22-50 lbs. and 34"-45".

Air Protect Revolutionary Side Impact Technology is a breakthrough system that shields baby's head and immediately reduces side impact forces through the precise release of air. Their Quick Fit Harness System adjusts harness height from the front in one easy step without uninstalling from the car. And, one click LATCH installation system allows for faster and easier installation when moving between vehicles. This seat offers a 5-position adjustable headrest, which easily accommodates your growing child.

Here is some information from the Safety 1st site: 1 in 4 car crashes involving children are side impact collisions. They are by far the deadliest type of collision for children, accounting for 1 in 3 child fatalities; nearly all of which are caused by head trauma. Safety 1st engineers designed Air Protect™ using next generation testing methods that simulate the most violent types of side impact crashes, those with vehicle intrusion. Using this advanced methodology, Air Protect™ was engineered to defend your child in two vital ways. During a crash, the system immediately shields your child's head from the impact. In a second layer of defense, Air Protect™ allows air to escape from the headrest: channeling crash energy away from your child, creating more ride down time. It is this double layer of protection that makes Air Protect™ technology unique.

Safety 1st was nice enough to send us a Complete Air Car Seat to try in Harvest to review. First of all, I love the color, especially the brown on the headrest, which won't show sweat stains. I was impressed with how easy this seat was to install in the forward facing position. My favorite feature is the Quick Fit Harness system, which is awesome for fast growing babies! Blake really likes his new seat and here he is showing it off.

There are a few things that I recommend to Safety 1st for this seat. First, I would like for their to be either an elastic strap or Velcro to hold the straps when baby is removed from the seat. Second, I would like the bottom piece to Velcro in, as I found that it moves to easily from its position. And, lastly I would like the seat to come with strap covers for the neck area that would match the seat.

Overall, we are very pleased with the seat, and the suggestions that I have are for mostly cosmetic and ease of use reasons. I would recommend this seat to others and love that it actually accommodates kids till they are 50lbs as mine seem to hit that weight early.

Safety 1st Complete Air Seats are available at Babies R Us and retail for $249.99

Review and Giveaway: YoBaby 3-in-1 Meals

2009-10-04T20:26:00.005-05:00

I have shared with you all before Blake's love of YoBaby Yogurt. He eats his yogurt daily, which was why I was so excited to see that they had developed these new 3-in-1 meals.

YoBaby Meals are organic, 100% natural and it’s packed with fruit, veggies and essential nutrients. These meals consist of YoBaby yogurt on top, and an ounce of fruit and veggie puree on the bottom. Each cup provides more than a 1/3rd of your toddler’s daily protein & calcium needs, plus other essential nutrients like Zinc, Vitamin A and Vitamin D.

YoBaby meals are available in three varieties:
Pear & Green Bean
Peach & Squash
Apple & Sweet Potato

YoBaby was nice enough to send use some of their new yogurt meals to try. I don't think Blake has turned down a food yet, and these were no exception. He ate them up just like his regular YoBaby yogurt, without even knowing he was also getting a dose of veggies. I tasted the apple and sweet potato blend since I was curious, and I thought it tasted really good. Here is Blake enjoying his daily treat!

I did have trouble finding the new YoBaby meals in my area, but if they become available I would definitely put these into our yogurt flavor rotation.

YoBaby has offered one lucky reader a prize pack consisting of a YoBaby reusable bag, an Eric Carle growth chart, an organic YoBaby bib, a YoBaby travel bowl with lid and utensils, and 5 FREE YoBaby 3-in-1 meals coupons(pictured below). All you have to do for your chance to win is follow the rules below.

How to Enter:
1) Visit YoBaby and tell which of meal blend your kid would love to try!

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)
2) Subscribe to my blog.
3) Favorite me in technorati.
4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/
6) Put my button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 18th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.
You must leave a valid email to win(or have one in your profile)!

Review: Word World

2009-10-01T12:38:00.005-05:00

Word World is a series on PBS Kids that takes learning to read and spell to a whole new level. This show challenges kids to build words, learn what these words mean, and how they sound. Word World does this through a fun cast of characters that are actually words. If I am confusing you, look below to see what I mean.LOL

Aren't they super cute!! Wyatt absolutely loves this show, and with him just starting to read on his own, it has been wonderful to watch him sound out the words when viewing this program.

NCirlce Entertainment was nice enough to send us a copy of the Word World: Lots of Letters! Box Set Collection to review. Wyatt has watched both discs multiple times already, and he even chose it for movie night last week! In our house that is a huge honor.LOL I think this might be his new favorite show and PIG and ANT are his two favorite characters.

Word World: Lots of Letters! Box Set Collection was just released on September 29th and is a two disc set, which has a running time of 3 hours! This set includes the following episodes: Join the Word Friends for three hours of learning fun! This set includes 16 episodes full of Word World fun! You can purchase this set from NCircle Entertainment for only $22.99!

I would definitely recommend checking this show out and my family gives Word World two thumbs up!! This show is a must see and would make a great gift for any kid. Be sure to check out all the Word World titles available from NCircle Entertainment.

Holiday Gift Idea #1: Coffee Bean Direct

2009-09-30T16:40:00.005-05:00

I am always on the lookout for a nice gift for my pediatrician's office, considering the amount of times I call, they deserve it.LOL I always end up getting them sweet treats, which is why I was so excited about finding Coffee Bean Direct and their awesome selection of gift baskets.

Coffee Bean Direct is a dedicated gourmet coffee roaster. They are different, because they price their coffee and tea products at wholesale price levels by default, regardless of quantity or destination. Their roasting facility is in central New Jersey, which is where they roast/pack all their products immediately prior to shipment.

They offer a huge selection of coffees, teas, and great gift baskets. These hand-crafted gift baskets come stuffed with a choice of coffee, tea, or both and other assorted goodies! Coffee Bean Direct gift baskets start at only $29.95!Coffee Bean Direct was nice enough to send me a sample of their coffee to try. I chose the Caffienated Breakfast Blend for my mom, who can't move in the morning till she gets her coffee. She said thought coffee was very good, because it was very smooth and tasted great. She then wanted to know where I got it, so that she could replace her quickly shrinking sample.LOL

With such a great selection, Coffee Bean Direct has something for everyone. I will be looking to them for some great gifts this year. I think that their gift baskets are such a great find that I listed them on the Double Duty Diva Holiday Gift Guide.

Coffee Bean Direct has offered one lucky reader a Medium Coffee Lover's Gift Basket(pictured above), which retails for $49.95. This basket includes: Three 1lb Bags of Fresh Ground Coffee, a 12oz Package of Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans, one Package of Cookies, Six Assorted Biscotti, and Two Coffee Bean Direct Coffee Mugs. All you have to do to win is follow the rules below.

How to Enter:
1) Visit Coffee Bean Direct and tell which of their products you would love to try!

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)
2) Subscribe to my blog.
3) Favorite me in technorati.
4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/
6) Put my button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 15th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

You must leave a valid email to win(or have one in your profile)!

Wordless Wednesday: And He's OFF!

2009-09-29T21:08:00.003-05:00

Blake is officially up and running! I haven't decided if this is a good thing or not, yet.LOL

Noteworthy News

2009-09-29T13:40:00.005-05:00

Here are some happenings that I thought you all might be interested in.

- CitiBlocs, which recently won an Oppenheim Gold Award, was featured on the Today Show by Stephanie Oppenheim of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. CitiBlocs are eco-friendly wooden building blocks and every block is a precision-cut piece that is exactly the same shape and size. They are also very lightweight. They are sold in kits priced from $14.99 for a starter set
to $229.99 for 1000 pieces, and are ideal for children ages 3 and up. CitiBlocs are available online at CitiBlocsStore.com, specialty toy etailers, Toys R Us and other national chains

-Emmy Award winning show "Nick News with Linda Ellerbee" will explore the lives of children who live with life threatening allergies. This special titled I'm Allergic to My World will premiere on September 27th on Nickelodeon and will feature Dr. Robert Wood, Director of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at John’s Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, MD, explains the strange ways of allergies. They will also have interviews with kids and teenagers who suffer from allergies and explain what life is like for them.

-Just in time for the holidays, 20th Century Fox has just announced that "Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" will be arriving on DVD and Blu-ray December 1st! It will be available in three different options:

Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack: The Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack includes a high definition version of the film with over one hour of laugh-out-loud special features – including an interactive museum scavenger hunt game, gag reel, 12 deleted scenes with an alternate ending, features including “Cherub Bootcamp,” “Phinding Pharaoh With Hank Azaria” – a Digital Copy and a standard DVD. The pack is available for the gift-giving price of $39.99 U.S. / $49.99 Canada.

Monkey Mischief The limited edition “Monkey Mischief” double DVD boasts a second disc including over 30 minutes of entertainment complimenting the bonus materials featured on the first disc, including cast and crew commentary, six deleted scenes with an alternate ending, a gag reel, and more. The holiday two-pack DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $34.98 U.S. / $45.98 Canada.

Single Disc The Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian single disc DVD has one hour of special feature laughs from favorite stars including commentary by cast and crew, features, six deleted scenes with an alternate ending, and a gag reel for the suggested retail price of $29.98 U.S. / $43.48 Canada.

Hope some of this news was helpful to you.

Fall Into Fall Giveaway #4: Wubzy Goes Boo

2009-09-28T21:31:00.004-05:00

We are huge Halloween and movie fans at my house! Therefore, we spend the month of October watching fun Halloween movies, and are always on the lookout for some new ones. When they contain some of the boys favorite characters, it is like hitting the jackpot.LOL

The Nick Jr. hit TV series, Wow Wow Wubbzy, is now starring in a family friendly Halloween DVD! From Netflix:

"Join Wubbzy and his Wuzzleburg pals for a "woo woo"-worthy celebration of autumn and Halloween. The fun begins as Wubbzy, Widget, and Walden try to pick up every leaf of autumn and choose the best pumpkin for their jack-o'-lantern. Of course, there's plenty of singing and dancing along the way as Wubbzy and pals search for the scariest costume, go trick-or-treating, and even use Moo Moo's magic wand to get themselves out of a jam."

Bridgette from The Not-So-Blog go the opportunity to review this video out, and here is what she thought. Both of my daughters (ages 4 and 18 months) loved this program! The story is engaging, the songs made them get up and dance, and the colors kept Aubrie's attention just about the whole time. If your kids love Wow! Wow! Wubbzy, you should head over to Nick Jr. and print out a Trick-or-Treat iron on or even a Halloween decal!

Got you curious about the movie? Check out the Wubbzy Goes Boo trailer!

Would you like to give the Wubbzy Goes Boo DVD to your little one this Halloween? The Not-So-Blog has FIVE copies to giveaway! Yes, FIVE! All you have to do is follow the rules below, and then visit The Not-So-Blog and enter over there. That's right we are giving you double the chances to win! Entries will be combined before winner is pulled.

How to Enter:
1) Tell me which TV show is your child's favorite!

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)
2) Subscribe to my blog.
3) Favorite me in technorati.
4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/
6) Put my button on your sidebar.
7) Enter this giveaway at The Not-So-Blog.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 12th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

Giveaway: Naked Brothers Band Prize Pack

2009-09-28T15:36:00.005-05:00

If you have a child over the age of seven in your house, then you don't need me to tell you about "The Naked Brothers Band", but just incase you are out of the loop I will fill you in.

Alex and Nat Wolff have a hit show on Nickelodeon titled "The Naked Brothers Band", which is about a world-famous rock group that has documentary cameras following them, filming their adolescent exploits. Nat is the lead singer of the band and Alex, the younger brother, is the rebel drummer. Trust me, if you need more information, just ask your kids.LOL

Naked Brothers Band merchandise is now available online, and you can find anything from shirts, posters, and bags to stickers for your kids. These items are super cute and all "rocked" out! Tees start at around $15 and they have over 10 designs to choose from. Remember, now is a great time to stock up, with the holidays just around the corner.

I have an awesome prize pack to giveaway to one lucky reader. This pack includes a tee and sticker pack from their new shop, which is pictured below.

How to Enter:
1) Visit The Naked Brothers Band's Store and tell me what your kid would love to have.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 12th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to United States residents only.
You Must Leave a Valid E-mail Address to be eligible.

Winners!!!

2009-09-28T08:05:00.004-05:00

Congrats to all the winners!!

Michael Buble CD/DVD

leslie

colengal

sarah

lilbabypug

zesty wonderland

Here are your random numbers:

21
46

62
52

68
Timestamp: 2009-09-28 13:16:57 UTC

Ponds Towelettes

Staci

Here are your random numbers:

18
Timestamp: 2009-09-28 13:31:37 UTC

Peak Fresh Bags

These Happy Days

Here are your random numbers:

1
Timestamp: 2009-09-28 13:33:12 UTC

Douglas Plush Toys

tutugirl

Here are your random numbers:

57
Timestamp: 2009-09-28 13:35:01 UTC

Zula Patrol DVDs

grand prize: flower child

Here are your random numbers:

37
Timestamp: 2009-09-28 13:37:05 UTC

runner ups:

heather

erma

pixie13

cherdon

belinda m

andria

carol el

tracey

gianna

Here are your random numbers:

11
30
29
40
14

43
Timestamp: 2009-09-29 14:12:07 UTC

Halo Sleep Sack

Egare1

Here are your random numbers:

50
Timestamp: 2009-09-28 13:38:34 UTC

Please claim your prize within 72 hours!Thanks to all who entered.

Falling Into Fall Giveaway #3: Listerine for Kids

2009-09-27T21:17:00.006-05:00

The next item in our giveaway is just what you need for your little ones after they eat all of their Halloween candy. Listerine Agent Cool Blue and Listerine Smart Rinse will help keep your kids teeth clean, healthy and smelling fresh.

Here are some facts about these Listerine products from there press release:

LISTERINE® SMART RINSE™ is a post-brush mouthrinse especially designed for kids to help protect teeth against cavities and clean the mouth beyond brushing alone. It works like a magnet to attract the particles that brushing may leave behind and tints the particles –leaving proof in the sink of a cleaner mouth.

LISTERINE® AGENT COOL BLUE® is a pre-brush tinting rinse that can help kids brush better for a cleaner, brighter smile. It temporarily tints teeth blue, so kids know where to pay more attention when cleaning their teeth.

Listerine was nice enough to send us these products to try and I have been very pleased with them. I like that I can trust Wyatt to brush his own teeth when he uses the Agent Cool Blue. Here he is showing you his blue teeth.

He knows his teeth are clean when the blue is all gone. Wyatt really enjoys using this product and it makes the mornings easier on me. We also received a bottle of Smart Rinse to try in their mint shield flavor. This rinse leaves Wyatt with fresh breath and contains fluoride which helps prevent cavities.

Both of these products are designed to help kids learn healthy brushing habits and they have definitely helped in my house. Listerine Smart Rinse and Agent Cool Blue are sold at food, drug, and mass merchandise outlets.

Want to try these products with your kids, Listerine has offered one lucky reader a bottle of each to try. All you have to do is follow the rules below, and then visit The Not-So-Blog and enter over there. That's right we are giving you double the chances to win! Entries will be combined before winner is pulled.

How to Enter:
1) Visit Listerine and let me know which flavor of Cool Agent Blue your kids would like.

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)
2) Subscribe to my blog.
3) Favorite me in technorati.
4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/
6) Put my button on your sidebar.
7) Enter this giveaway at The Not-So-Blog.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 11th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. residents only.
You Must Leave a Valid E-mail Address to be eligible.

Fall Into Fall Giveaway #2: Spunky Monkeys

2009-09-26T22:19:00.002-05:00

Back in July, The Not-So-Blog had the pleasure of hosting a review and giveaway from Spunky Monkeys. Their products were so we wanted to invite them to take part in our Falling into Fall giveaway series!

Spunky Monkeys creates some of the most fun and impressive custom and appliqued clothing for both girls and boys. Jennifer absolutely loved the quality of the swimsuit coverup she reviewed at the beginning of Summer, so we thought you would want to learn more about this fabulous find!

From the website:

"Here at Spunky Monkeys it's all about the love of making custom children's clothing. We established our business in Jackson, AL in March of 2007 and moved to Leroy, Al in August of that year. If you're ever in the area stop by for a visit (located 65 miles north of Mobile, AL). We design and make each piece of clothing here in our shop. We employ local ladies to help with the sewing, and are currently teaching a new generation of seamstresses. We do all of our own monogramming and appliques here as well. We offer a wide variety of monogrammed gifts as well. We build great relationships with our customers and with each other. We have over 100 years of combined sewing experience. We pay special attention to details and each garment is inspected before shipment. All of our children's clothing designs contain covered cording around the neck and arm holes. While most other clothing designers do not include this, we feel it gives the outfit that extra special touch. We use only the best materials from designers like Fabric Finders, Michael Miller, Robert Kaufman, Nashville Cottens, etc."

Head over to Spunky Monkeys and check out the adorable clothes, diaper wipes cases, and baby gifts available for purchase (how cute are these minky dot pillowcases?). After you have bought your candy for Halloween, your little one needs to be festively dressed!

Spunky Monkeys has generously donated one appliqued Halloween tee (sizes 2T to 5/6) or one appliqued Halloween onesie (sizes newborn to 12 months) to a lucky reader! All you have to do is follow the rules below, and then visit The Not-So-Blog and enter over there. That's right we are giving you double the chances to win! Entries will be combined before winner is pulled.

How to Enter:
1) Visit Spunky Monkeys and let me know another product you would love to own!

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)
2) Subscribe to my blog.
3) Favorite me in technorati.
4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/
6) Put my button on your sidebar.
7) Enter this giveaway at The Not-So-Blog.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 9th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. residents only.

You Must Leave a Valid E-mail Address to be eligible.

Fall into Fall Giveaway 1: Hersheys Candy

2009-09-25T20:23:00.007-05:00

Since we have officially entered fall, although with the heat down here in the south you would never know it, Bridgette from The Not-So-Blog and I have lined up a great giveaway series for our readers. This series will consist of fun and necessary fall items and we are kicking it off right now!

Nothing for me says fall like Halloween, and nothing sells Halloween like some Hershey's Candy. I love Hershey's Candy, especially peanut butter cups, YUMMY!!! I am totally guilty of digging through Wyatt's bag and stealing all of the good candy.LOL

This year Hershey has some new options for me to pilfer from my son. Including, peanut butter pumpkins (I so will be taking these), and fun Halloween packaging on their miniatures and the variety Hershey pack.

Hershey's was nice enough to send me some Halloween candy to try and I am having trouble saving some for Halloween. The mixed bag contains peanut butter pumpkins, Hersheys' Cookies and Cream, and Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars in creepy skeleton wrappers.

The great news is that Hershey's has offered one lucky reader the chance to win some Halloween candy! All you have to do is follow the rules below, and then visit The Not-So-Blog and enter over there. That's right we are giving you double the chances to win!

How to Enter:
1) Visit Hershey's and tell me which of their candies is your must have.

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)
2) Subscribe to my blog.
3) Favorite me in technorati.
4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/
6) Put my button on your sidebar.
7) Enter this giveaway at The Not-So-Blog.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 9th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. residents only.
You Must Leave a Valid E-mail Address to be eligible.

Planning a Ski Vacation

2009-09-25T15:49:00.002-05:00

Living here in the south, snow is something of a rare occasion. I have only been skiing once, and I must admit that it was not a pretty site. I think even the instructor was at a loss for words and my husband was a little embarrassed to say the least.LOL

But, as the kids get older, I would love to be able to take them on a ski holiday. It would be so much fun just to watch them play in the snow, you know the kind that lasts more than five minutes. And, I think it would be a great way to spend some quality family time together. Think about sitting in front of a fire with your family while the snow is falling outside, just like in the movies. Yes, I really have no experience with snow.LOL But, since Blake has just turned one, I think we will have to wait a few more years before I try this out, but it is definitely on our list to do!

With so many different locations available for ski holidays, you could pick anywhere in the world to go and see. I would love to check out some ski sites in Europe, since I have never been there. Where would you like to go skiing?

Review and Giveaway: Avon Fall Fashions CLOSED

2009-09-23T20:49:00.004-05:00

Have you been searching for some fun new accessories? Then check out what Avon has in store for you this season. From stand out rings and stunning totes to sassy scarves, they have something for everyone, and at Avon's great prices.

Avon was nice enough to send me a few of their fall must haves to try out. I received an awesome tote, that is large enough to fit my laptop! A beautiful scarf and two rings. Here is a picture of my items.

The bag is my favorite of the bunch. I love the color and stud detail! It also has two separate inside compartments, and a couple of zipper compartments, plus a couple of pockets to stash your goodies. There is so much space in this bag that it could probably due double duty as a purse and diaper bag.

The scarf is soft and stylish, and the colors are beautiful blend of reds, pinks, purples, and grays. I would recommend it more as an accessory rather than being used for warmth. All the edges have been nicely ended to prevent frays.

The two rings that I got are great fall colors. One is tiger eye in a brass setting and the other is a bright turquoise disco ring. While both are larger than what I usually wear, I am hoping for a night out soon to put them to use.

Be sure to check out all of Avon's Fall Fashions while stocking up your closet for this season.

Now for the best part, Avon has offered one lucky reader some fall fashions of their own. For your chance to win, just follow the rules below.

How to Enter:
1) Visit Avon and tell me which item is your fall fashion must have.

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)
2) Subscribe to my blog.
3) Favorite me in technorati.
4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/
6) Put my button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 7th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. residents only.

You Must Leave a Valid E-mail Address to be eligible.

Wordless Wednesday: Finally a BlogHer Picture

2009-09-22T21:28:00.003-05:00

I am finally getting around to posting a BlogHer picture. Here is me with Mrs.Potato Head.

Doesn't she look great for her age?LOL

Looking for a New Printing Service

2009-09-22T20:27:00.003-05:00

With the holidays around the corner, all of us are looking for the best and easiest way to print our cards and gifts. Well, look no further than PsPrint for all of your printing services.

PsPrint has everything you need for your personal and business needs, and at great prices. They even offer you a sample kit of their paper stocks, so that you can make an informed decision before ordering. They have a great selection of cards, calendars, and invitations.

PsPrint has been around since 1990, where they started out in Oakland, CA, as a one room press shop. They have since developed into a cutting-edge Internet company, who focus on delivering quality, affordability, and speed. PsPrint will win you over with their simplified online ordering system and desire for to provide customers with a way to print, create and mail faster. They are even eco-friendly, by recycling all of their paper waste and using soy based inks.

With such a great online service available, there is no longer a need to leave the house for your printing needs, just visit PsPrint.com. And, with their lighting fast turn around time and a 99.7% accuracy on delivery time, you are sure to get you order almost a quickly as if you had went to your local printing shop, without the headache of driving in traffic and waiting in line.

Review and Giveaway: Hasbro Family Game CLOSED

2009-09-21T21:30:00.005-05:00

Be sure to mark your calendars for Hasbro's First Official Family Game Night!! It will be taking place on Wednesday September 23rd and offers you a great chance to spend some quality time with your family.

In hopes of bringing families together through laughter and games, Hasbro wants to encourage everyone to take a break from their hectic lives to reconnect. And, for families on a budget, National Family Game Night provides an opportunity to share an affordable night in.

There is a game available for every age. Personally, I love Trivial Pursuit! Wyatt's favorite is Candy Land. Hasbro has even released special edition family night games, so be on the lookout for them.

Hasbro was nice enough to send my family Sweet Celebration Candy Land and Spongebob Squarepants Operation for our Family Game Night fun! Wyatt was so excited when the box came in the mail that he was ready to play that night.

We decided to start with Candy Land, since Operation needed batteries. Wyatt really liked this new Sweet Celebration version, especially since he could design the board. I would suggest popping all the pieces out the night before, because it took around 40 minutes for my husband to assemble the game. Also, we were not exactly sure of all the rules, but that did not take any of the fun away.

Spongebob Operation is a new twist on an old classic. I remember loving this game as a child and Wyatt thinks it is super fun. The fact that he loves Spongebob didn't hurt either.LOL

In case you need a reason for a Family Game Night, check out Wyatt when he played Spongebob Operation for the first time. The jump is so priceless.LOL

So, take a break from your duties, and just sit down with your family and have some fun!! Play your favorite classic or let your kids pick out a new edition, either way you are sure to build some great memories.

To help you get your game night started, Hasbro has offered to give two lucky readers a game. The winners will receive either Sweet Celebration Candy Land or Spongebob Operation. For your chance to win, just follow the rules below.

How to Enter:
1) Visit Hasbro and tell me which game your family would love to play. Also, please leave a preference, if you have one, of either Sweet Celebration Candy Land or Spongebob Operation.

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)
2) Subscribe to my blog.
3) Favorite me in technorati.
4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.
5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/
6) Put my button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 5th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. residents only.
You Must Leave a Valid E-mail Address to be eligible.

Giveaway: What's Your Forte? CLOSED

2009-09-21T13:24:00.008-05:00

Kia's newest addition to hit the streets is the Forte. To celebrate the Forte's arrival, Kia has teamed up with The Food Network to determine, "What's Your Forte?".

The grand prize winner will receive over $10,000 in a KitchenAid Kitchen makeover, and there are also runner up and daily prizes! To enter this promotion visit The Food Network of for more details, click here. This contest will end on October 19, 2009, so there is plenty of time left to enter.

Want to know more about the Kia Forte, here is some information from their press release:

“There have been many firsts throughout time. Like the invention of the engine, the first vehicle to be incredibly safe, the first vehicle to be incredibly powerful. There have been many designers that mastered their craft. There have been plenty of technological innovations such as satellite radio, MP3 devices and Bluetooth. As an automotive company, we weren’t the first at any of these. But when it comes to putting all of this into a compact car, we are pioneers. The Forte. The first of its kind.”

For all up to date info about the Kia Forte, be sure to become their fan on Facebook.

And, just incase you don't win the big Food Network giveaway, I have a $30 gift card to Crate and Barrel for one lucky reader. All you have to do is follow the rules below.

How to Enter:

1) Visit Kia and tell me your favorite color available for the Forte.

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate entry for each)

2) Subscribe to my blog.

3) Favorite me in technorati.

4) Follow me on twitter (whatmommiesneed) and tweet about this giveaway.

5) Blog about this giveaway and link back here to http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/

6) Put my button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on October 5th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. residents only.
You Must Leave a Valid E-mail Address to be eligible.