Take A Mom's Word For It

Sunday, May 30, 2010

First Movie Experience

Well, my hubby and I took our 5 year olds (Miss A & Miss H) to their very FIRST movie experience today... Shrek Forever After. I did bring the camera (yes, I'm one of 'those' mothers), but there just wasn't a good time for pictures - sad for me, relief for my hubby! ;)

We were pretty excited when the ticket guy gave us 3D glasses - guess I should have paid more attention to the advertisements, I had had no idea! So, equipped with their popcorn and glasses, they tried to sit and wait for the show to begin but they didn't weigh enough to stop the seats from folding!! You should have seen Miss A's face when her legs came up and nearly hit her in the face!

The movie itself was great! And despite reading that some of the scenes were scary, my girls didn't find them at all that way... whew! Though maybe the true test is seeing if everyone sleeps the night! The overall storyline was a little tricky for their 5 year old minds, but they still thoroughly enjoyed it! There were some moments of great humour where the entire theatre lit up with childhood laughter - it was great!

The only down side really to the whole thing was the cost! It had been so long since I had been that I forgot just how expensive it can be... $48 just to get in! Then of course there were the concession items... jeesh!

If you're considering taking your little ones I say go for it! We all had a great time! Toy Story 3 comes out next month... can't wait!

Be Rest Assured

I've had a super busy weekend, but be rest assured I will 'follow' everyone back who payed me a visit on Friday... thanks for your patience. Sometimes being a Mom just gets busy! ;)

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Off to See Shrek Tomorrow!

My husband and I are taking Miss A and Miss H to the movie theatre tomorrow... for the FIRST time! They're 5, and maybe we've been holing them away for the first 5 years of their lives, but we're ready to take 'that' step now.

We're going to see Shrek the Third - afternoon showing. Little S will be napping so we have some friends coming over to hang out for a couple hours while she sleeps (LOVE that they moved into town - though they may soon start to regret it! haha!).

So wish us luck... there will be plenty of popcorn and treats - at least that's the way I remember it. It's been a LONG time since I've been to see anything at the show!

Teething Bling Winner!!


Congratulations C!! You are the winner of the Pink Calcite Teething Bling from Smart Mom Jewelry!! I will be emailing you shortly. You have 48 hours to respond before I draw a new winner... CONGRATS!! Thanks to Smart Mom for the great giveaway!!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

My Lip Stuff Review & GIVEAWAY!

Lip balm is huge in my house. For as long as I can remember, I have had an appreciation for (read: addiction to) lip balm. I have 3 girls and I just ‘may’ be responsible for their ‘like’ of lip products. You may remember my Wordless Wednesday post a while back of Little S’s secret stash…

I recently received 3 lip balms to review from a company called My Lip Stuff – fantastic name by the way. They offer, get this, OVER 500 flavours of lip balm… are your lips trembling yet?

Here is a quick list of some of the flavours that caught my eye (for better or worse!):

Banana Cream Pie

Coconut Rum

Monkey Farts (?!)

Bacon (?!)

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

PB&J

Vanilla Sugar

Strawberry Daquiri (Mmmm…)

… I could be here nearly all day – you saw where I said they have 500+ flavours right?!

I was sent “Pink Cake”, “Pink Grapefruit & Raspberry”, and my most favourite – “Oreo Cheesecake”. Each of the three we tried have a slightly different ‘feel’ to them than the over-the-counter brands available at your local drugstore. They had more of a ‘moist’, ‘buttery’ feeling which I found to be totally refreshing. I also really liked the super subtle shimmer each balm had – I have never been into lipstick and find most glosses to be too shiny – this was a nice in between.

Oh, and if you’re looking for a truly unique, personalized gift for your wedding guests or your business, the labels are customizable! Picture this… a destination wedding where you give all your guests their own lip balm! They’d be easy to pack AND you can choose the label and flavour!

My Lip Stuff not only offers lip balm, but other bath and body products – all of which are “skin, earth and animal friendly”. I could actually read and pronounce every single ingredient on the label! Their products are never tested on animals, do not contain hash chemicals, petroleum or mineral oil and they have even gone so far as to drive a Hybrid!

Brea from My Lip Stuff has generously offered one of my readers a random 6 pack of lip balm! … your lips will be pimp’d!

BUY IT!
Head on over to My Lip Stuff and order up... your lips will thank you!

WIN IT!

CLOSED

Win a 6 pack of random lip balm flavours! Entry is simple.

Mandatory Entry
The mandatory entry must be completed before all other entries will be counted. Be sure to leave your email address with each entry.

Go to My Lip Stuff, look around and then come back and leave me a comment stating which product and flavour you'd like to try.

Bonus Entries

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom's Word For It through Google Friend Connect (left sidebar).

1 Entry: "Like" Take A Mom's Word For It on Facebook (please leave me you FB name to verify your entry).

1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom's Word For It on Twitter.

1 Entry: Tweet about this giveaway (leave me the link).

3 Entries: Update your Facebook status notifying people of this giveaway (please leave me the link to verify your entry).

3 Entries: Post my button on your blog (let me know where I can find it).

1 Entry for each of my other giveaways you've entered. Tell me which ones please.

5 Entries: Make a purchase from My Lip Stuff (tell me what you bought and when you bought it).

Good Luck! This giveaway is open to Canada & US only.
Giveaway ends on June 11, 2010

Disclosure: I was provided 3 balms for review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Blog Hop Friday!


Welcome to the third edition of Blog Hop Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, Bree Bee's, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms! We invite you and your friends to link up every Friday and join us for a wonderful blog hopping adventure! We're all about making friends and having fun so come join us! Here's how you can join in on the fun;
  • Link up to your blog, using our inlinkz link list, below.
  • Follow the host/hostesses located in the first 6 slots.
  • Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)
  • Add the Blog Hop Friday button to your sidebar.
  • When following a new blog, please remember to leave a little personal comment love.
  • If you get a new follower, please feel free to reciprocate the love.

  • While you're here I would love if you'd enter my current giveaways! They all have pretty LOW entries so your chances of winning are GREAT!

    My New Life As Mom

    This is a new list every week, so please remember to come back and link up, every week!

    Please remember to send a little comment love when you follow someone's blog. The point of this is to gain new followers and new friends, so please take a second to send a personal comment on their latest post, something you like about their site or maybe something you find interesting.

    We understand that not everyone has time to follow and comment on every Blog Hop Friday Participant, just do what you can and are willing to do. We will do the same! Take your time and go at your own pace.

    The link list is only open to add new blogs on Fridays but will be visible all week long.

    So go link up and hoppy blog hopping!

    Wordless Wednesday

    Little S's first experience with the portable DVD player...

    This might be love ;)

    More on Sunscreen and Sunblock...

    In light of the recent sunscreen/sunblock debate I received an email from Badger Balm - one of the companies listed as having "safe" products. Here is an excerpt from that email...

    "Yes, the potential dangers of sunscreen is a new topic that the EWG has been researching since about 2004. It’s a tricky subject, because the EWG is not advocating not using sunscreen – the idea is that consumers choose their sunscreen more carefully, and be hyper-aware of the ingredients as some can degrade in the sun, cause free radical damage, and other potential health concerns.

    Badger is mentioned because we make one of the safest and well-respected sunscreens on the market, using Zinc Oxide (which has been used for centuries in not only sunscreens but diaper rash ointments and other topical applications) in a base of USDA Certified Organic oils, butters, and waxes. We made it because us Badgers were sun-shy – not wanting to slather ourselves with chemicals when we lead healthy, organic lifestyles otherwise. Now we’re getting recognition! It’s cool!

    The EWG’s 2010 Sunscreen Guide can be viewed here: http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/

    And their top ten safest sunscreens here (in which Badger holds the number 1, 2 & 3 position): http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/finding-the-best-sunscreens/?ptype=sunscreen


    Kind Regards,

    Jentri Jollimore

    Marketing Coordinator

    W.S Badger Company, Inc

    PO Box 58, Gilsum, NH 03448

    p. 800.603.6100 x28"


    So there it is - at least from this company.

    Wednesday, May 26, 2010

    Welcome Wednesday


    Thanks for stopping by... I'm out enjoying the super hot weather but will be back to follow up on everyone who stops by.

    Please be sure to check out the 2 current giveaways on the top of my left side bar. They are GREAT prizes, with LOW entries! Good Luck... back to the splash pad for me!

    Tuesday, May 25, 2010

    Sunscreen Vs Sunblock ?!


    It seems like every time I turn around there is some household product causing illness, safety or pollution issues.

    We've made some changes to our family lifestyle in light of "research" and "new developments" that seem to bombard the headlines. We clean with next to no chemicals (- I am totally in L-O-V-E with multi-purpose cloths that only require water!), we no longer microwave anything plastic, we use reusable bags when shopping, we wash in cold water, run the dishwasher at night, we have a membership to Melaleuca.com from which we buy bath products for our girls and everyday items like dishwasher soap and laundry detergent, we received "patch" kits for both our drop side Storkcraft crib AND our Little Tykes push car... blah, blah, blah... how can a busy Mom of 3 possibly keep up?!

    There was a small discussion happening on my Facebook page today about sunscreen. My 3 girls are super fair so it takes very little sun exposure to irritate their skin. I am VERY vigilant about applying sunscreen EVERY time they are outside (unless of course we're just headed to and from the van - everyone has a limit!)... funny how times change. When I was young NO ONE cared about the effects of the sun and a "tanned" body was envied. Today it's another story entirely.

    Apparently there is a distinct difference between "sunscreen" and "sunblock" - I was schooled today (thanks to my FB friends ;) )... am I the only ignorant Mama out there? Sunscreen uses harmful chemicals to "protect" your skin... anyone see irony is this?! Sunblock uses "physical blockers" - and I'm not talking about a tree physically blocking the sun! ;)

    The Environmental Research Group is the activist group claiming that while many sunscreens, "help stop sunburn, they might be doing more harm than good. For one, they do not block out ultraviolet light. Secondly, the ... use of Vitamin A in these products may actually speed up the exposure to those UV rays and increase chances of cancer."

    BUT, there are a number of doctors refuting these findings too... "I think I would take this one with a grain of salt, says Dermatologist Brett Shulman. At this point, there does not seem to be a large number of scientific studies that actually confirm what this group is asserting. If anything, most of the studies are really to the contrary."

    And so, here's another one left in the hands of Moms... I'm choosing to be better safe than sorry. It's pretty simple to switch sun protection and I guess this is one of those cases where you get what you pay for.

    Some product suggestions made by my FB friends... (thanks ladies!)
    • Neutrogena Pure & Free
    • California Baby - I use their sensitive lotion and it's great!
    • Badger
    • Blue Lizard
    I am NOT advocating any of these products - every Mom should do their own research.

    Saturday, May 22, 2010

    Winner... was it you?

    The winner of the Mini Wallet from Bebe Bablet Designs is...

    True Random Number Generator 46Powered by RANDOM.ORG
    (I am having trouble with the random number generator image... I did enter the correct max number, but for some strange reason it says "100"... oh I'll get this figured out!)

    Blogger Taking It One Step At A Time said...

    I am now a follower on Google Friend Connect

    jessmelville@live.ca

    May 13, 2010 4:00 PMSave Now


    CONGRATS! You have 48 hours to respond before I choose another winner... you're going to love your mini wallet!


    Friday, May 21, 2010

    Belly Charms Review & GIVEAWAY!

    I recently had the opportunity to review a stunning product from a stunning company. Belly Charms is a company founded and run by Sonya, a mom of 2 boys who when pregnant, had difficulty finding a pregnancy belly button ring. Belly Charms offers belly button rings in a variety of colors and with the cutest charms you will ever find! I mean, tell me how cute this would be if you were expecting a girl?!
    Belly Charms also offers a large selection of Mother’s Bracelets, diaper bag name tags, flip flops, girls’ bracelets, tile pendants and toe rings… just to name a few! Sonya personally designs and makes every bracelet, anklet and flip flop – talk about a creative Momma!

    I was sent this beautiful Mother’s Bracelet…
    As you may have guessed, each one of my girls’ initials is represented. The Rainforest Jade beads are stunning and a perfect compliment to the silver. Sonya also gave me the option of a lobster or toggle clasp. While I adore the look of the toggle clasp I find the lobster clasp to be more practical for everyday wear… and let me tell you, I have been wearing it everyday since it arrived!

    Now, to be honest, I do not generally wear bracelets of this nature. I have always been more of a bangle-wearing girl. I find I am forever checking and double checking ‘non-bangle’ types of bracelets BUT, this bracelet is different! There is a comfortable weight and presence to it. I don’t feel the need to be forever checking it. And while it is a stunning stand alone piece, I love the way it looks with my 2 white gold bangles! Let me also mention that the silver in the Belly Charms bracelet is the same colour as my white gold bangles which is a great testament to the quality of materials!

    Whenever I make an important purchase I always appreciate good customer service. Sonya provided me with beyond excellent service. Her correspondence was always positive and polite and she was very helpful in assisting me with bracelet sizing. Feel free to check out the testimonials on her site!

    Sonya has generously offered one of my readers a Mother’s Initial Bracelet!! Thanks Belly Charms!

    BUY IT!

    Head over to Belly Charms to order a highly personalized, beautiful bracelet (or belly charm or pair of flip flops!!) – you wont be disappointed! Belly Charms is currently offering FREE shipping on all orders over $20 (US & Canada)!

    WIN IT!

    CLOSED

    Win a Mother’s Initial Bracelet with up to 3 sets of initials.

    Mandatory Entry

    Check out Belly Charms' online store. Look around and then come back here and tell me about your favorite item. PLEASE leave me your email address.

    Bonus Entries

    1 Entry: Follow Belly Charms – The Blog publicly through Google Friend Connect

    1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It publicly through Google Friend Connect (left sidebar)

    1 Entry: “Like” Belly Charms on Facebook and tell Sonya I sent you. Please leave me your FB name to verify the entry.

    1 Entry: “Like” Take A Mom’s Word For It on Facebook. Please leave your FB name to verify the entry.

    3 Entries: Update your Facebook status telling your friends about this great giveaway – they’ll thank you! Please leave me the link to your update so I can verify the entry.

    1 Entry: Follow Belly Charms on Twitter

    1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It on Twitter

    1 Entry for each of my other giveaways you enter. Please let me know which ones you entered.

    5 Entries: Make a purchase from Belly Charms. Tell me what you bought and when you bought it.

    God Luck Everyone! This giveaway is open to Canada and US residents. Giveaway ends on June 4, 2010.

    Disclosure: I was provided a Mothers' initial bracelet for review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are strictly my own.

    Blog Hop Friday




    Welcome to the second edition of Blog Hop Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, Bree Bee's, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms! We invite you and your friends to link up every Friday and join us for a wonderful blog hopping adventure! We're all about making friends and having fun so come join us! Here's how you can join in on the fun;

    • Link up to your blog, using our inlinkz link list, below.

    • Follow the host/hostesses located in the first 6 slots.

    • Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)

    • Add the Blog Hop Friday button to your sidebar.

    • When following a new blog, please remember to leave a little personal comment love.

    • If you get a new follower, please feel free to reciprocate the love.
    While you're here I would love if you'd enter my current giveaways! They all have under 100 entries so your chances of winning are GREAT!


    My New Life As Mom


    This is a new list every week, so please remember to come back and link up, every week!

    Please remember to send a little comment love when you follow someone's blog. The point of this is to gain new followers and new friends, so please take a second to send a personal comment on their latest post, something you like about their site or maybe something you find interesting.

    We understand that not everyone has time to follow and comment on every Blog Hop Friday Participant, just do what you can and are willing to do. We will do the same! Take your time and go at your own pace.

    The link list is only open to add new blogs on Fridays but will be visible all week long.

    So go link up and hoppy blog hopping!

    Wednesday, May 19, 2010

    Welcome Wednesday

    Welcome Wednesday and welcome to you! Thanks for stopping by! While you're here be sure to enter my 2 current giveaways. They both have low entries so your chances of winning are excellent!
    • Mini Wallet from Bebe Bablet Designs
    • Teething Bling from Smart Mom Jewelry

    Tuesday, May 18, 2010

    My Very First Blog Award!

    Yay! I've received my very first blog award from Tracy over at The Daily Mom Diaries. Check it out...
    Thanks so much Tracy... YOU'RE SWEET! ;)

    Here are the rules for the "Sweet Blog" Award:
    • Give this award to 10 sweet and friendly bloggers
    • Make a post about the award including the picture and mention the person who gave it to you
    • Put the award on your blog
    • Let your nominated 10 know you've awarded them by leaving a comment
    And with that, here are the 5 I have nominated... you're all SWEET! :)
    1. Chrissy from Random Thoughts and Musings From The Island
    2. Shari from Shairbearg's Blog
    3. Carrie from Carrie's Rambles
    4. Stephanie from My New Life as Mom
    5. Sonya from Belly Charms - The Blog
    I know, I know, it's supposed to be 10, but... these 5 are *extra* sweet! ;)

    Scent Of A ... Mom

    No, I'm not talking about the smell of curdled milk on your shoulder or the fact that you never had the time to brush your teeth this morning... I'm talking about that smell that bonds a child with her mother.

    Every night that I say goodnight to my oldest girls (they're 5 now), I notice their deep breaths. I hadn't said anything about it to them until tonight. "H", who was holding on a little longer than usual said to me that she just likes the smell of my face, it makes her 'happy'.

    I distinctly remember the smell of my Mom, that small hint of 'happy' air that would escape from between her body and her shirt when I hugged her. Even to this day I recognize that smell when we're close. They say your sense of smell is the strongest when it comes to memory recollection and I'd have to say I agree with "them" (who are these people anyway?!). That smell reminds me of good, happy moments.

    I think I'll be holding on a little longer each night from now on... like I was looking for an excuse ;)

    Wordless Wednesday

    A few pics from our weekend...


    Monday, May 17, 2010

    Upcoming CSN Stores Review

    I was recently contacted by Eileen from CSN Stores about writing a review on a product of my choice from their 200+ websites. Never heard of CSN Stores? I hadn't either until just recently. They have everything from a sofa to diaper bags to cookware to, yes, even kitchen sinks!

    I haven't yet decided what I'd like to review (I've already spent 2 hours just browsing!), but based on the customer service I've received from Eileen I suspect my shopping experience will be great! Have a suggestion for me? I love to hear it! Stay tuned...



    Sunday, May 16, 2010

    Ack!

    It looks like there's a slight mistake on my "Winners" posting... even though the image of the random number generator says the max number is 100 I did in fact enter the correct max number for each draw... not sure why the image didn't copy properly... ahh... the learning curve of a new blogger! ;)

    Saturday, May 15, 2010

    Winners!

    The winner of the $15 Credit from Jenni's Bowtique.....

    True Random Number Generator 28Powered by RANDOM.ORG
    (I had to dis-count 4 at the end. They were submitted after the 14th. Sorry!)
    clenna said...

    #1 I subscribe via email

    clenna at aol dot com

    Yay Clenna!! Your little girls will thank you! :)




    The winner of the Jade Locked Donut Mommy Necklace (shipped by me)....

    drum roll....

    True Random Number Generator 13Powered by RANDOM.ORG



    SHAWNA MYKER said...

    signed up for email newsletter
    'like' on facebook

    shawna brown myker

    Congrats Shawna!! You're the envy of MANY ;)

    I will email the winners shortly. You have 48 hours to respond before I draw a new name.

    Thanks to everyone who entered!! Didn't win? Be sure to enter my other 2 giveaways... a Mini Wallet from Bebe Bablet Designs and Teething Bling from Smart Mom Jewelry.

    Friday, May 14, 2010

    NEW! Blog Hop Friday




    Welcome to the first, ever, edition of Blog Hop Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, Bree Bee's, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms! We invite you and your friends to link up every Friday and join us for a wonderful blog hopping adventure! We're all about making friends and having fun so come join us! Here's how you can join in on the fun;

    • Link up to your blog, using our inlinkz link list, below.

    • Follow the host/hostesses located in the first 6 slots.

    • Follow any other blogs that you feel appropriate! :)

    • Add the Blog Hop Friday button to your sidebar.

    • When following a new blog, please remember to leave a little personal comment love.

    • If you get a new follower, please feel free to reciprocate the love.



    My New Life As Mom


    This is a new list every week, so please remember to come back and link up, every week!

    Please remember to send a little comment love when you follow someone's blog. The point of this is to gain new followers and new friends, so please take a second to send a personal comment on their latest post, something you like about their site or maybe something you find interesting.

    We understand that not everyone has time to follow and comment on every Blog Hop Friday Participant, just do what you can and are willing to do. We will do the same! Take your time and go at your own pace.

    The link list is only open to add new blogs on Fridays but will be visible all week long.

    So go link up and hoppy blog hopping!

    Thursday, May 13, 2010

    Teething Bling Review and GIVEAWAY!

    I recently contacted Smart Mom Jewelry inquiring about posting a review and giveaway. I had known about them for some time, and was curious about their Teething Bling… lucky for us, they agreed!

    Since my youngest is only waiting for her last tooth to come in, I needed to call in reinforcements to be sure Teething Bling was tested to its fullest. My 5 month old niece Harlow, who spent her last visit with me gnawing my fingers, fit the bill. We were sent this gorgeous Moonstone Donut Shaped Pendant.

    This is what Harlow’s Mom had to say:

    “My daughter loves to hold on to it while nursing and often falls asleep while still holding on to it. At this age, as I’m sure many of you can relate, everything goes directly into their mouth. It’s reassuring to know that this product is not only safe for her to chew on, but is perfect for soothing those poor gums. I can’t think of any other accessory that not only looks great on, but is also highly practical.”

    Teething Bling by Smart Mom Jewelry is an innovative, award winning, family friendly product. Each piece in their Teething Bling line (as stated on their website) uses the highest quality phthalate-free, federally approved silicone – the same material used in many popular teething products! All necklaces are laced on a silky black cord and have a break-away clasp for additional safety.

    Smart Mom Jewelry carries a variety of donut shaped pendants in solids and prints. They also have matching bangles – sold separately from the pendants or as gift sets. They recently extended their product line to include key chains and Tween Bling. What’s more, all products are reasonably priced which is important when negotiating a family budget or purchasing a shower gift.

    Teething Bling has appeared in a number of top publishings and when you check out their site you’ll notice A LOT of celebrities donning their Bling!

    BUY IT!

    Head over to Smart Mom Jewelry and make a purchase! They currently have a 50% off sale for the month of May on their CORAL pendants and bangles – don’t miss it!

    WIN IT!

    Amy from Smart Mom Jewelry has generously offered one of my readers a Teething Bling pendant in a BRAND NEW COLOR – Pink Calcite! Isn’t it gorgeous?!

    Mandatory Entry

    Visit Smart Mom Jewelry and browse through their products. Return here and leave me a omment stating the name of the product you like best and the color! Be sure to leave me your email address so I can notify you if you win.

    Bonus Entries

    1 Entry: Sign up for Smart Mom Jewelry’s newsletter HERE. (it's located on the left sidebar)

    1 Entry: Become a follower of Take A Mom’s Word For It through Google Friend Connect (left sidebar).

    1 Entry: “Like” Take A Mom’s Word For It on Facebook. Please leave me your FB name to verify.

    2 Entries: Update your Facebook status telling everyone about this giveaway. Please leave me the link.

    1 Entry: Follow Take A Mom’s Word For It on Twitter.

    1 Entry: Enter my other giveaways. 1 entry for each giveaway entered. Tell me which ones.

    5 Entries: Make a purchase at Smart Mom Jewelry. Let me know what you bought and the date it was purchased.


    Giveaway Ends May 28, 2010

    Open to Canada and US residents only

    Good Luck Everyone!

    Disclosure: I received a Moonstone Pendant for review. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are mine and my “tester’s mom”.